Puppetry - P.JM. [ON-HOLD]

Eight

Jeans were placed back down on my legs, not a hint of fluffy comfort in sight. I was left with the ink-stained denim, the knees wearing out from how old they were. My work boots were heavy on my feet, but I tried to ignore them, elbowing the bag on my back.

I grabbed onto the doorknob, getting ready to see the sunlight again. My head throbbed horribly, my stomach empty of anything. I could feel it eating away at my stomach lining, the horrible acid wanting to break free from my throat. I promised myself I would get some bread and vegetables on the way home. I needed to feed myself for once.

As my hand went to turn the doorknob, there was a stern, deep voice from behind me. I winced at it. "Where are you going?"

I sucked in a breath, turning my head around. The orange sunlight from outside was settling, casting ghostly shadows through the foyer, but lighting up and giving the plants light, their green leaves shining from their watering just minutes before. 

Taehyung stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at me with blank, brown eyes. His red hair was wet from a shower, formal black pants on his lower half. He didn't wear a top, exposing his arms that had the skeletal system running down them. The neuron tattoo on his neck stood out, the black ink popping off his lighter skin.

"I need to get back to my apartment," I said, feeling a bit shrunken under his glare. I swallowed, keeping down my stomach acid. "I need to go to work tomorrow. I also need to answer calls and do paper work. Thank you for letting me stay here, but I need to really go, Taehyung. I'm sorry."

Taehyung stared down at me for a moment. I could see his hand grip tighter against the metal railing, his knuckles turning white. He knew he couldn't win this battle. I was already prepared to leave, to leave his mansion for however long was needed--or wanted.

"Radio me when you get home," he said, his voice coming out flat. "You need to get there safely."

I bit on my lip, looking at the doorknob. I knew I needed to make a beeline for my apartment. I knew it was a main priority, but I also needed the food. I was going to run to the market then back home. An easy five minute walk between, faster when running. It could be done.

But, according to the past, that didn't happen when needed.

"I'm fine," I spoke out, my voice ringing through the foyer, echoing along the sides. The smell of dirt encased me, crickets chirping outside. "I'll get there."

"Y/N, radio me."

I felt a hint of anger rise within me, but I held it back. I gave a sharp nod, not looking up at the top of the stairs. I was afraid if I did that I wouldn't be able to leave. I needed to get out of this place. I needed to do my own thing.

"Hey, I love you."

I swallowed, feeling a hint of tears well up behind my eyes, burning them already, but I tried pushing them away the best I could. "I love you, too."

"Please get home safely."

I didn't give Taehyung another look. I opened up the door, feeling a tug in my gut, fear coming into my body. I wanted to push it away. I wanted to feel safe, to be okay. There was no being safe anymore in the world for me. I was left to suffer in my own path, to suffer in my job and my interactions and my everyday life. I knew Taehyung was trying to protect me. He always had been. I couldn't be protected anymore. Even if I did marry him, none of that hassle would matter from how people still saw me.

I stepped out into the world, tears very much welling up in my eyes.

~~~~~