Beneath the Surface

Part 23

Warning : Bullying, Self harm and PTSD ⚠️

Yok didn't move. He just watched Longtai, heart hammering against his ribs. He had never seen him like this before-so small, so shaken. It scared him.

Longtai's lips parted like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out. His fingers clutched at the fabric of his sleeves, knuckles white.

Yok exhaled, grounding himself. Don't overwhelm him.

He reached out, slow and careful, fingers brushing against Longtai's wrist. "I'm here," he murmured.

Longtai sucked in a sharp breath at the touch. For a moment, he didn't react. But then, ever so slightly, he tilted his wrist toward Yok's palm-silent permission to hold him.

So Yok did.

His grip was firm but gentle, thumb brushing against Longtai's skin in slow, steady strokes. "What happened?"

Longtai squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head. "Don't ask." His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

Yok swallowed the rising frustration. Whoever had done this to him-whoever had made Longtai feel like this-he wanted to find them and make them regret it.

But right now, none of that mattered.

What mattered was him.

What mattered was Longtai. What mattered was holding him, being there for him in this moment of brokenness.

Yok had to remind himself of that, to push away the fierce desire for justice and focus on what was in front of him-on the man who needed him more than ever.

Longtai sucked in a shaky breath, his body still trembling. "Don't leave," he whispered.

Yok froze.

His chest ached at how fragile Longtai sounded. How scared.

"I won't." Yok's voice was steady, certain. "I'm not going anywhere."

Longtai looked at him then, eyes searching, as if trying to see if he really meant it.

Yok only squeezed his hand tighter.

And finally-finally-Longtai exhaled, his body slumping forward. Before Yok could react, Longtai pressed his forehead against his shoulder, his whole frame trembling.

Yok stiffened for a second before melting into it, wrapping his arms around Longtai's shaking form. His heartbeat thudded against his chest, but he didn't let go. He just held him, grounding him, letting him feel that he wasn't alone.

"I've got you," Yok whispered, his fingers threading into Longtai's soft hair. "I promise."

Longtai didn't answer, but the way he gripped onto Yok's shirt-desperate, afraid, but trusting-was enough.

Longtai had stopped shaking, his breathing more even now, but his fingers still curled tightly around the hem of his shirt, like he was trying to ground himself.

The silence between them was thick, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Yok sat beside Longtai, close but not crowding him, his arms resting on his knees as he let the quiet settle.

Yok glanced at him before speaking, keeping his voice soft. "How are you feeling now?"

Longtai exhaled slowly. "Better," he murmured. Then, hesitating for a moment, he added, "I'm sorry."

Yok frowned, turning to him. "For what?"

"For..." Longtai struggled for words, his eyes flickering to the side. "For being like this."