As You Can See|tk

20| scars

Jungkook—

It's been months since the last time I saw my father. My mother had been moved into the ICU and has therapy sessions every Thursday to help forget about her trauma. I, on the other hand, have been going crazy wondering whether my father will be put to justice or not. Taehyung had reassured me that his parents had hired a private investigator, and that they were still on the case, but how much longer should it take to put the old geezer in prison?

The proof is all there. My mother's scars. My wounds. There were plenty of witnesses at that time, as well. What was holding up the process? Why can't the world be fair?

I groaned, irritated, sliding my fingers into my hair. "What's up, Kook?" Jimin asked, from across the lunch table, bumping his soda can against the top of my head. I sighed and straightened up in my seat. I noticed the concerned frown on Taehyung's face, and ran a hand through his hair, letting him know that I was fine. "It's okay, angel. Don't worry about it," I murmured into his ear. Hoseok, who was sitting next to me, gagged.

"Ew. Soft Jungkook is not something I can get used to. It gives me shivers just imagining him act all sappy. Brrr." I sent a glare at the elder, and raised my middle finger. "Hyung. Shut up." The redhead gasped, dramatically, "how dare you insult me like that! Take it back, you little shit!" Rolling my eyes, I leaned my elbow on the table, and rested my cheek inside my palm. "Nope. I don't feel like it," I teased, sticking my tongue out, just for good measure. The other male gave me a cold glare, "I swear Jeon Jungkook, I will dropkick you so hard there will be an earthquake in the United States."

My eyes flickered towards the blonde, sitting across from me, who had been silent the entire time. "What? Why do you keep looking at me like that?" I demanded, continuing to run my fingers through Taehyung's hair, absentmindedly. Jimin only shot me a knowing look. "How long have I been your best friend, Kook? I can tell something's bothering you just by looking at you." I clicked my tongue, guiding Taehyung's head towards my shoulder. "I'm fine, but thanks for worrying."

Yoongi lifted his eyes from the depths of his hoodie-clad arms, and stared at me, without blinking. "You know, now that you mention it, Jungkook does look like there's been something on his mind," the male finally spoke. I sighed, exasperated that all of my friends had ganged up on me. "Fine, fine. Something's been bothering me, but it's really no big deal." Hoseok rolled his eyes, as he swiped Jimin's soda can, and took a sip from it. "Hey! That's mine, you overgrown imp!" The blonde cried, grabbing his can away from the other.

Hoseok only dismissed the whole ordeal, with a blink, before returning his attention back to me. "So what is it, Kook? What's got you so tied up? Anyone can tell that you're not alright. I bet even Taehyung sensed something." I glanced down at the elder, who had his head tilted upwards, so that it seemed like he was looking at me, even though his eyes were closed. The silver-haired male smiled softly, "I could feel how tense you were, earlier. You loosened up now, since you were just joking around, but I was wondering what you were thinking about to make you so stiff."

Sighing, defeated, and patted the elder's head, before speaking. "Yeah, yeah. There's something that has been bothering me, but I didn't want to bring it up, because it might burden Taehyung." Jimin raised an eyebrow, and frowned. "What would burden Taehyung? You know he's capable enough for you not to treat him like a kid." I nodded, "I know, I know. I just didn't want to make him feel like he's responsible for this."

The aforementioned smacked my chest, a bemused expression on his face. "I can handle feeling burdened, Jungkook. Just tell us what's wrong, already." I groaned, dragging a hand across my face. "Fine. I was just thinking about my father. It's been months, but that bastard's still not locked up yet. I just don't understand why he's still walking around free, like that. There were witnesses that day, my mother has the scars to prove it. Hell, she's still doing therapy. I had wounds, as well. There was enough proof, so I don't understand why he's still running his business as normal. I don't understand why he's still respected. It's just not fair."

Taehyung's comforting hand rubbed up and down my back, as silence met my words. This was why I didn't want to say anything. I probably just looked like a spoiled brat complaining to his mommy. I didn't want to burden anyone with my problems. I wanted to trust the Kim's private investigator, and just live on with my life, and have time deal with my father. But, why is time taking so long to give justice?

"Hey, can I say something, Kookie?" The silver-haired boy asked, from beside me. I blew out a long sigh, before kissing his temple. "Go ahead, angel." A small smile lit up on the elder's beautiful face, causing my heart to melt at his radiance. "Well, the reason why our private investigator is having such a hard time, is because he's acting as your father's new secretary, so he can get Mr. Jeon to somehow admit to his actions. It'll be better evidence to show in court. But, not only that, your father has also hired a lawyer to protect him, so that's why we need a recording of Mr. Jeon admitting to the abuse."

I nodded slowly, slightly feeling better knowing that there were people who are still trying to help with the case. I smiled, and leaned my forehead against Taehyung's shoulder. "Sorry, Tae. I was just acting like a little kid. Don't mind me. Next time, I'll just ask you for an update." The elder ruffled my hair, with his hand, and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I don't blame you, Kookie. I should've told you all of this sooner, rather than keeping it to myself. I just thought it might stress you out, and you wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything. It's my fault."

The clearing of a throat halted my actions of kissing Taehyung, making me tilt my head to glare at Jimin. "Fucking cockblocker," I grumbled. The elder only rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, I was just saving Tae from turning into a toad, like you." I scoffed, offended. "Excuse me, if I was ever a toad, I would be the most good-looking one!" Hoseok snorted, "please, you're only slightly better than my big toe." Before I could untangle myself from Taehyung's hold to strangle the redhead, a shadow fell over me, causing me to stop my actions.

Curious, I turned my head to see who it was to only glare at the newcomer, when my eyes landed on him. "What do want?" I asked, Jaehyun, gruffly. The other male rubbed his arm, self-consciously. "I just wanted to talk to Taehyung, for a second." I scoffed, "so that way you can take advantage of him, again? Not a fucking chance, buddy." Taehyung tensed beside me, but he didn't bother to turn around to face his childhood friend. "I don't want to talk to you Jaehyun. If you're really sorry, just leave me and Jungkook alone, alright?" I smirked at the brunette, and nodded at my boyfriend. "You heard him. Scram."

I turned my head to press a kiss to Taehyung's jaw.

"I love you, angel."

"EWWW! PDA you fuckers!"

"Jimin, shut the fuck up!"

—

Late Merry Christmas, everyone! And happy holidays!

-Author-nim