[UNBREAKABLE BONDS] (Yeonjun X Beomgyu)

Chapter 30: Locked Emotions

The rain poured relentlessly as Yeonjun sprinted through the dark streets, his voice hoarse from shouting,
Yj: Beomie! Beomie! where are you!?
His desperation echoed in the emptiness of the night, the guilt of his actions pushing him to search for his brother tirelessly.

On the other side of town, Beomgyu wandered aimlessly, his soaked clothes clinging to his shivering frame. His thoughts swirled with questions that had no answers. Why? Why is the world against me? All I ever wanted was someone to care. He walked until he reached the very edge of the town, the bustling city lights replaced by eerie silence.

He stumbled upon a small, abandoned shelter tucked away in a corner. The place was cold, dusty, and uninviting, but Beomgyu didn’t care. Exhausted, he sat on the damp floor, his trembling hands rummaging through his bag for the warm clothes he had hastily packed. He changed into them, curled up in a corner, and drifted into a restless sleep, his body succumbing to the cold and rain.

Meanwhile, Yeonjun ran for what felt like hours, his legs aching and his breath shallow. He was about to give up when something shiny caught his eye—a faint trail of glitter glinting under the streetlights. Recognizing it as something from Beomgyu’s belongings, he followed the trail, hope sparking in his chest.

The path led him to the edge of town, where he spotted a small, decrepit shelter. Yeonjun cautiously stepped inside, shining his flashlight around the dim space. His foot caught on something, and he stumbled. Lowering the flashlight, his heart sank. It was Beomgyu.

Yj: Beomie!
Yeonjun exclaimed, kneeling beside him. Beomgyu’s face was pale, his body trembling with fever. Yeonjun placed a hand on his forehead and recoiled—it was burning. Panic surged through him as he gently shook Beomgyu awake.

Yj: Beomie wake up please!
Yeonjun whispered, his voice cracking. Beomgyu’s eyelids fluttered open, and for a brief moment, their eyes met.
Bg: Huh?
Beomgyu croaked weakly, his confusion evident. Before he could protest, Yeonjun scooped him up, holding him close as he carried him out into the rain.

The journey back felt endless. By the time they reached the Choi family home, dawn was breaking. Mrs. Choi ran to the door the moment she saw Yeonjun carrying Beomgyu. Tears streamed down her face as she hugged Beomgyu tightly, sobbing,
Mrs.Choi: Oh my baby bear I was so worried.

Mr. Choi wasted no time, calling for bodyguards to take Beomgyu upstairs and summoning a doctor. Yeonjun watched silently, his legs trembling with exhaustion. He felt the weight of his guilt more than ever as he saw his mother crying over Beomgyu.

The doctor arrived shortly after, diagnosing Beomgyu with a severe cold and fever from exposure to the rain. Soobin, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, stayed by Beomgyu’s side all day, holding his hand and watching over him like a guardian angel.

The next morning, Mr. and Mrs. Choi called Yeonjun into their office. Mr. Choi’s voice was stern but calm. Mr.Choi: Yeonjun you did well finding Beomgyu but you own him an apology for all things you've done to him. This rift between you two needs to end.

Yeonjun hesitated. Apologizing felt foreign to him, especially to Beomgyu. Yet, deep down, he knew it was necessary. Returning to his room, he sat in silence, grappling with conflicting emotions. Why do I feel like this? I’ve always hated him, but now… why does it hurt to see him like this?

Resolving to face his guilt, Yeonjun walked to Beomgyu’s room. Beomgyu was awake, staring at the ceiling. The moment their eyes met, Beomgyu turned away, refusing to acknowledge Yeonjun.