I was strolling with Seungkwan, hand in hand, in the mall scanning each shop. My eyes came across 12 specks that followed us, watching each and every movement of ours.
"I shouldn't have let them come along with us," I sighed as Seungkwan chuckled.
"They are keeping their distance, though" he reasoned and I nodded giggling. We continued our window shopping, stopping here and there to check out the tons and tons of products being promoted to us.
"(y/n), wait here, I will be right back. I need to use the toilet," Seungkwan rushed through his words. I nodded, giving him a 'OK' sign. I laughed seeing his comic speed-walking towards the men's restroom.
I took out my phone to pass time when I heard, "(Y/N)!". I looked up to see an all-too-familiar face walking towards me. Fear gripped my heart as I froze on the spot, watching my own doom marching towards me. My eyes widened in shock as the traumatising memories of me being abused every single night came flooding back.
"Who was that man holding your hand?" my ex-boyfriend commanded me, demanding an answer.
"My boyfriend, I have moved on and so should you" I answered emotionlessly, despite the feeling of heart at my throat.
"I don't care whatever you say, I WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR BOYFRIEND" he commanded once again, intimidating me.
"But I don't want to be your little toy to play with, however you want" I replied coldly and took my leave. A hard grip on my right wrist stopped me and turned me back, pain soaring through my left arm.
"Come with me," he instructed and started dragging me the other way.
"No" I stood my ground, not even moving my muscle. I was NOT going to be his slave anymore.
"NOW" he growled, fury burning through his eyes. I shook my head, staring back at him, challenging him. He gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw.
"Don't make me do it. Come" he said, frustration and anger in his voice.
"NO" I replied trying to struggle out of his iron-grip, I was not going to let him have his way. WRONG REPLY.
He slapped me right on the spot, in a public space, with millions of eyes darting here and there. My cheek stung, as I stood frozen on the ground.
"(Y/N)!" I heard Seungkwan's voice but I did not look up, I couldn't. The pain from my cheek and the suffocation in my throat blocked my mind. I saw Seungkwan running towards me as the man in front of me smirked at him. In a second, I heard a groan of pain. I looked up terrified to see my ex rolling on the floor, covering his face while Seungkwan was being held back by the others.
"Don't you dare treat my girlfriend, or any other woman in this way. I won't spare if I ever see you again," he shouted at the guy on the floor. By then, a tear had made its way down my cheeks, my lower lip quivering. I felt weak as my trauma came rushing back, taking over my whole body. I started shivering, biting myself to fight against my past. I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, slightly rubbing them.
"Let's go home," a comforting voice spoke out to me. I nodded eyes still on the ground, mustering all the little energy I had left in me to move myself.
In the car, I was wrapped in Seungkwan's arms as he tried his best to comfort me. I was crying on his shoulders, his hands rubbing back. The pain slowly faded away as I thought about Seungkwan standing up for me. I felt thankful to have him protect me and stay by my side. His protective side shone out today, unexpectedly brave and bold, making him seem like a merciless animal. And I smiled unknowingly, because it felt so good to have a boyfriend who you could rely on, regardless of situation. My sobs came down to occasional sniffles as I buried my face into the crook of his neck, knowing that I would always be safe.
