What They Don't See (PJM)

0.8

With Jimin standing in front of me, anticipating my response, the feeling of emptiness slowly faded away, leaving me speechless behind with teary eyes, unable to move or speak. He wanted to be my friend? No. If he knew what kind of sick twisted life I was living he would keep his distance. I didn't want his perfect life to be infected and damaged by my imperfect one. He deserved better.

Feverishly, my head shook from side to side as my jittery and shaky hands found their way to my face, covering the ugly scenario. Jimin took one step forward, determined and ready to say whatever he wanted to say in order for me to stop my obvious rejection and accept his offer being his friend but stopped abruptly when he saw me step away without hesitation like he was a merciless criminal. A glint of guilt and sadness flashed through his eyes before being replaced quickly by anger. I could see how the frustration in him was growing as he ruffled his hair desperately with his hands. He couldn't understand the situation, I didn't blame him though but it was for the better.

"We can't Jimin." It was barely a whisper. "We can't be friends." I spoke up a little more determined. The words burned and stung through my throat. Incapable of looking him directly in the eyes, my gaze flickered downwards. I was feeling so small and worst of all weak and exposed. Slowly, Jimin was peeling me like an onion, layer after layer, until there was nothing left but me.

His lips formed a straight line when he determinedly tried to look for signs, an explanation for my retraction.

"Why Minjae? Don't you get tired of lying to yourself all the time?" He scoffed with a short sad smile. I could feel his judgmental burning glare and even though I was avoiding his eyes, it was the worst feeling in the world being looked at like this.

I was about to speak up, starting my speech of defense but was interrupted when a voice from behind changed our focus from each other. My eyes widened when I saw my little brother held tightly by one of the teachers from his institution and it was far from kind and happy facial features I was met by. I had a feeling what this was about and it wasn't pretty.

"We can't let this continue Minjae. Nobody came to pick up Minhyuk after school. Again!" Minhyuk was blanc, unaware of what to do with himself as the short haired middle-aged woman had a firm but gentle grip around his hoodie when she raised her voice.

"We'll have to call the authorities, I'm sorry." No. No. No. This wasn't happening. They couldn't take Minhyuk away from me, he was the only sun in my life and without him I would be ruined for good, shattered into million of broken pieces which could never be fixed. Suddenly, my feet were taking me closer to the woman and Minhyuk, tears streaming down my face. I was a trembling, crying mess.

"No, please. Don't do this. It won't happen again. I promise." I pleaded, begged her with all the powers I possessed.The woman just shook her head with an unreadable expression on her face. Clearly, a great big fat rejection.

"No, Minjae." She gave me a short sad smile as her grip tightened around Minhyuk. My Minhyuk. My arms should be around him, securing him the way she did. Not her. No one but me.

"I'm sorry Minjae, but it's for Minhyuk's own good. A boy in his age shouldn't be experience the things he does now. Nor should you." She spat.

The tears were burning as they kept falling and if I was able to do so I would've stopped it because now, Minhyuk was crying too, affected emotionally by the entire situation. She didn't have to clarify how bad a sister I was, I already knew. I forgot everything about Jimin who was observing the situation with empathy written all over his face. He had witnessed my weakness and it was unforgivable. I had exposed myself, worst way possible but I couldn't act cool, not now.

"Just let him go please." My voice was groggy, my sight blurred from the previous fallen tears. My arms were heavy and exhausted when I reached out for Minhyuk. The woman was hesitant at first but finally decided to let go much to my delight. Minhyuk ran into my opened arms, instantly captured by my tight embrace and he was staying there. The tears came back, this time with even more pressure as I sobbed into his soft hair.