His Hidden Legacy~ Vhope

Boundaries.

Authors pov

Morning sunlight filtered into the living room, casting warm rays over Hoseok, who stirred under the blanket. He sat up slowly, disoriented by his unfamiliar surroundings. As he glanced around, the events of the night before came rushing back. His parents' harsh words, the taxi ride, and Namjoon’s comforting presence replayed in his mind, leaving a dull ache in his chest.

The smell of tea wafted through the air as Namjoon walked into the room, holding a steaming mug. His face lit up with a soft smile when he saw Hoseok awake.

“Morning, Hobi,” Namjoon said gently, handing him the mug. “Thought you could use this.”

Hoseok took it with shaky hands, managing a small, “Thank you.” He held the mug close, the warmth soothing his trembling fingers.

Namjoon sat beside him, his brow furrowed in concern. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Hoseok whispered, though his voice wavered. “Still… I don’t know. It’s all too much, Joon. I don’t know what to do.”

Namjoon reached out, placing a steady hand on Hoseok’s knee. “It’s going to be okay,” he said, his voice firm. “We’ll figure it out together. You’re not alone in this, Hoseok.”

Tears welled in Hoseok’s eyes as he nodded, his lip trembling. “I’m so sorry for barging into your life like this,” he said softly. “I don’t want to mess things up for you and Jin.”

The mention of Jin caused a flicker of unease to cross Namjoon’s face, but he quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. “You’re not messing anything up. You’re my best friend, and I’ll always be here for you.”

Their moment was interrupted by Jin entering the room, carrying a tray with breakfast. His eyes immediately landed on Namjoon and Hoseok sitting close together, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

“I see you’re both up,” Jin said, his tone neutral but carrying an unmistakable sharpness. He placed the tray on the coffee table, his movements deliberate. “Eat. You’ll need your strength for whatever plans you have today.”

Hoseok mumbled a thank-you, but Jin didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he turned to Namjoon with a raised brow. “So, what exactly is the plan here? How long is Hoseok staying?”

Namjoon frowned, his voice firm as he replied, “As long as he needs, Jin. He’s been through enough already.”

Jin let out a short, humorless laugh. “Right. Of course. No discussion about it, I see.” He glanced at Hoseok, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, I hope you’re not planning to get too comfortable, Hoseok. People in situations like yours need to figure things out quickly.”

Hoseok shrank back, his grip tightening around the mug. “I-I’ll try to find a place soon,” he stuttered. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

Namjoon’s jaw tightened, and he shot Jin a warning look. “He’s not causing trouble. He just got here, Jin. Cut him some slack.”

“Right,” Jin said with a forced smile, crossing his arms. “I’m just saying, Namjoon, you have a tendency to take on more than you should. We can’t just solve everyone’s problems.”

“That’s enough, Jin,” Namjoon snapped, his voice low but firm. “Hoseok’s not just anyone. He’s family to me.”

Jin’s eyes darkened as he looked between Namjoon and Hoseok. “Family,” he repeated mockingly. “You certainly treat him like more than that.”

Namjoon ignored the jab, turning back to Hoseok. “Eat something, Hobi,” he said gently, grabbing a piece of toast and holding it out. Hoseok hesitated, his cheeks flushing as Namjoon held it close to his lips.

“Joon, I can—” Hoseok began, but Namjoon cut him off.

“Just take a bite,” Namjoon said, his tone playful, trying to lighten the mood.

Jin’s bit his tongue. “Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath before storming out of the room.

Hoseok looked at Namjoon with wide eyes. “I… I didn’t mean to—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Namjoon said, setting the toast down and sighing heavily. “I’ll talk to him.”

Namjoon followed Jin into the kitchen, where Jin was leaning against the counter, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

“What was that about?” Namjoon demanded, his voice low but edged with frustration.

Jin scoffed. “What do you think? You’re sitting there feeding him like he’s a child, touching his knee, comforting him in a way that—”

“That what?” Namjoon interrupted, stepping closer. “That a best friend does? Because that’s all it is, Jin. He’s hurting, and I’m trying to help.”

Jin’s eyes flashed with anger. “It doesn’t look like that, Namjoon. Do you even realize how it feels to watch you treat him like this while I’m standing right there? I’m your boyfriend.”

Namjoon ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. “And I love you, Jin. But this isn’t about us right now. Hoseok needs help, and I’m not going to turn my back on him.”

Jin looked away, his jaw tight. “Fine,” he said after a long pause. “But don’t expect me to just sit back and pretend this doesn’t bother me.”

Namjoon sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I’m sorry, Jin. I’ll try to be more mindful. But please, try to understand where I’m coming from.”

Jin didn’t respond, and Namjoon took that as his cue to leave. As he walked back to the living room, he found Hoseok curled up on the couch, looking small and fragile.

Namjoon sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about Jin,” he said softly. “He’ll come around.”

Hoseok nodded, though doubt lingered in his heart. He only hoped that staying here wouldn’t make things worse for everyone involved.