he was perfect ;; jeongcheol (svt)

four

I returned home after four years. To say I was excited was an understatement. I got off the bus and rushed into my home. When I burst through the front door I expected several greetings and attacking hugs. But instead, all I received was a depressing silence.

No one was in the foyer waiting to greet me and no one was in the kitchen, even though that was where my mum practically lived.

I walked into the lounge and finally I saw everyone. My mum, my dad, Jeonghan and a man whom I didn't know. He looked a lot like Jeonghan so guessed it was his dad. I cleared my throat and everyone shot their heads towards my direction.

No one looked happy to see me. My mum smiled sadly and walked over to give me a brief welcoming hug.

"How was the trip home, baby?" She asked sweetly and I just grinned, though it was minute as I couldn't find it in me to smile when everyone else looked so unhappy.

"It was fine," I answered bluntly before averting my attention towards Jeonghan, "hi Jeonghannie!"

Jeonghan smiled at me but I could clearly see it wasn't a genuine one. I was tired of being in the dark so I quickly asked everyone what the hell was wrong.

That was when Jeonghan shifted uncomfortably and his dad threw his head in his hands. I heard faint sobbing coming from the grown man.

"Did I-" I started but was cut off by my dad.

"Jeonghan's mother...committed suicide."

I noticed Jeonghan gulp as his bottom lip quivered. I couldn't stand there and watch him struggle, so I brushed past his crying father and plopped down next to Jeonghan.

"Talk to me."

"It's all my fault," Jeonghan replied almost immediately, "I yelled at her and told her she was a sad excuse for a mother, she killed herself because of me..."

Jeonghan's voice cracked and he grabbed hold of my shirt, heaving and shedding tears into my chest. I wrapped my arms around him and hushed him multiple times.

That's when his father abruptly stood up from his seat and glared at me.

"Don't comfort that demon!" He hissed, yanking Jeonghan's hair harshly, "good for nothing idiot!"

"Hey!" I shouted and slapped his hand away.

"Mr Yoon, I understand you're grieving but please, don't take your anger out on your son!" My mum stepped in, raising her voice.

Jeonghan's father glared at us one last time before storming out of our house. My mum told me to let Jeonghan rest so I took him up to my room and tucked him in my bed.

As I watched him drift off to sleep, I realized why Jeonghan had been putting off everyone's compliments when we were in high school. Nobody understood him. Everyone, including me, saw perfection on the outside and instantly thought he was perfect in all aspects in life.

But in reality, Jeonghan's life was anything but perfect.