RACERS to RINGS

Chapter 18: Reflections in the Dark

Hoseok POV

The first thing I noticed was the darkness that surrounded me. Blinking against the dim light coming from a lone lamp, I took in my unfamiliar surroundings. My eyes slowly adjusted, and my heartbeat quickened as I realized I wasn’t in my own room. I glanced around, still processing, until my eyes landed on a shadowy figure seated nearby.

I squinted, and then it hit me it was Yoongi, sitting at his desk with his laptop open, his eyes illuminated softly by the screen’s glow. I must’ve made some noise because he turned his head toward me, catching my wide-eyed look as I shot up from the bed.

A whirlwind of memories hit me: Father’s angry outburst, Yoongi stepping in, the yelling, and…me crying, practically collapsing into Yoongi’s arms. I felt my face heat up instantly. Embarrassment surged through me, wrapping itself around my chest as if it wanted to suffocate me. I could only imagine what Yoongi thought of me now a grown man breaking down like a child, sobbing into his shoulder. I couldn’t even look him in the eyes.

While I tried to steady myself and gather my thoughts, I heard the quiet sound of a chair moving, and soon Yoongi was at the edge of the bed. He sat carefully, close enough that I could feel his presence, though he didn’t crowd me. For a moment, there was only silence, as if he was giving me the space to speak first.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently, his voice barely above a whisper. The concern in his tone made me glance at him despite myself. I was caught off guard by how sincere he sounded, how his eyes, softened in the dim light, were full of genuine worry.

I swallowed hard, feeling both grateful and self-conscious. He’s probably seen me at my weakest now, and here I was in his room. Trying to find something to say, I muttered, “I didn’t mean to… I mean, I don’t usually…” I trailed off, unsure how to explain the mess of emotions I’d been feeling.

Yoongi just shook his head slightly. "You don’t need to explain, Hobi," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Everyone’s got moments like that, especially after... situations like today."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me, though the embarrassment still lingered. “I—I’m in your room?” I managed, barely above a whisper, feeling my cheeks heat up again.

“Yeah,” he replied simply, giving me a slight smile. “I didn’t want to leave you alone. Figured it’d be better if you had someone here.”

Hearing that made something inside me soften. I hadn’t realized how much I needed someone there with me until now. I swallowed, nodding slightly as the tension slowly eased from my shoulders.

Then Yoongi shifted slightly, his hand coming up to gently pat my shoulder in a comforting way. “You don’t have to feel bad about anything, okay?” he added, almost as if he could read my mind. “You’re not weird, and you’re definitely not a crybaby.”

A small laugh escaped me before I could stop it, though it sounded more like a breath. “I… thanks,” I murmured, glancing away and hoping he couldn’t see how much that reassurance actually meant.

We sat there quietly for a while, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel myself relaxing, feeling safe in Yoongi’s presence. The weight of the day was still there, but it didn’t feel as heavy somehow.

Yoongi eventually shifted to leave, probably thinking I needed some space, but without fully thinking, I reached out and lightly grabbed his wrist. “Could you… just stay a bit longer?” The words came out without hesitation, surprising even me.

He didn’t hesitate, just nodded with that small, knowing smile and sat back down. And, for once, I felt like maybe—just maybe—I didn’t have to carry everything alone.