Bounded by Secrets

"Unspoken Scars"?

After receiving his medication in a parcel—courtesy of his wealthy father, Mr. Kevin, who could arrange such things in no time—Jack forced himself to take the prescribed dose. The medicine left him feeling drained and barely able to stay conscious. Yet, despite his weakness, Jack found himself restless. His mind was clouded, and an urgent impulse drove him out of bed. Stumbling as he went, he made his way toward Ren’s room, nearly collapsing along the way, steadying himself against the walls to keep going.

When Jack finally reached Ren’s door and knocked, Ren opened it, his eyes widening in shock. “Jack!” he exclaimed, rushing to steady him. “What on earth are you doing? You’re in no condition to be walking around.” He gripped Jack’s shoulders and began guiding him back to his own room.

Once he’d settled Jack onto his bed, Ren’s tone turned harsher. “Are you crazy, Jack? Do you have no sense at all? Can’t you understand your limits? And don’t you feel the pain from those injections?” he demanded.

Jack’s face softened slightly, but he managed a faint, weary smile. “Sometimes they don’t let me sleep, and bearing that pain while I’m training is… probably something no one else could endure. But I’m not human,” he replied, shrugging. “I’m from another planet, remember?”

Ren sighed, his frustration and concern mingling. “Just because you don’t cry in front of everyone, Jack, doesn’t mean you’re not in pain. You don’t have to pretend you don’t feel anything.”

Jack gave a small nod, averting his gaze. “Dad said he’s coming today,” he muttered, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “Please, can you stop him? He’ll just end up scolding me again.”

Ren shook his head, patting Jack’s shoulder gently. “No, Jack. It’s too late for that. Ignoring your mistakes only turns a fault into a bigger one.” He offered Jack a firm but sympathetic look, ruffling his hair. “Get some rest,” he said, before leaving the room, leaving Jack to prepare himself for his father’s impending arrival.

Within the hour, Ren, Kevin, and Ted entered Jack's room with a few guards. Jack sat on his bed, holding a book, but his anxious gaze revealed his unease. Kevin dismissed the guards with a signal, closing the door behind them before turning to Jack.

“Alright, Jack,” Kevin started, his voice steely. “Let’s go over the mess you’ve made. Explain yourself—starting with last month’s project budget.”

Jack fumbled for words, mumbling, “I… I overestimated the costs, sir. The funds didn’t cover everything, so I…”

*SLAP.*

Kevin’s hand connected sharply with Jack’s face. “I don’t need excuses. I need results,” he snapped, each word like a dagger.

Ren sat silently in the corner, watching with a mixture of anger and helplessness. His eyes flickered to his tablet as if trying to focus elsewhere, but he couldn’t ignore the scene. Behind him, Ted was frozen, his face pale as he witnessed his father’s harsh treatment of his older brother.

Kevin’s questioning continued, relentless and cutting. “And the supplier deals—how could you mess that up?”

Jack attempted to explain, “I tried negotiating, but they wouldn’t budge, so I…”

*SLAP.*

The slap echoed in the room, leaving Jack’s cheek red and his gaze downcast. He endured each strike without retaliation, his pride eroding under his father’s relentless assault. Just then, Shinobu entered the room to relay a message but paused, noticing the tension. Ren gestured for him to sit beside him quietly, and Shinobu complied, his eyes widening as he took in the scene before him.