Trapped (BTS AU)

12

Hoseok's POV

The police officers come to ask me questions about Taehyung. It's pretty pointless really since I have broken toes and haven't been to school for a month. I think it's obvious I had nothing to do with it. Regardless of that, they still question me.

"Hoseok, can you tell me what your relationship with Taehyung is like?" One of the officers asks me. He is young, possibly in his twenties and he has a kind face. A big contrast to his partner, who is tight-lipped and scowling. Perhaps that is why he is writing the notes and not speaking.

"Well." I fiddle with my fingers. Dad sits beside me. I wonder can I tell the truth, even though it could anger him? I sigh. I was always taught to tell the truth. I think lying to dad again would be a terrible idea. "He...we used to be friends, a while ago. But...thing's changed, and he started to hate me. I don't know why."

"Did he bully you, Hoseok? I'm sorry I must ask because your friend Jimin told us that Taehyung bullied you."

I swallow and avert my eyes. I feel embarrassed and ashamed. Like they are seeing me as a weak victim.

"It's okay, Hoseok," Dad tells me. "Don't be afraid."

I look at him, to check if he is okay with it or angry. I cannot tell, he is expressionless. But he takes my hand, and that reassures me enough. "Yes, he did bully me."

The kindly officer smiles at me, sympathetically. "I imagine this is difficult for you. We just have to get as much information that we can."

"I understand." I nod.

"Did you know any of the other victims?"

"Yes."

"What were they to you? Did you know them well?"

I nod again. "They...they all bullied me."

The officers share a concerned glance. The silent one writes something down.

"Thank you, Hoseok." The officer says.

"Do you think that's why they were attacked...and killed?" I blurt out, surprising even myself.

"Uh." The officer looks taken aback by my outburst. "It could be but might be nothing. Still, we will look into it."

"Do you think I'm in danger?"

"Hoseok." Dad hushes me. "Don't panic yourself." He looks to the officers. "He has been having nightmares about this. He is scared by it all."

"That's understandable."

"What if they attacked just by chance?" I Bleat. "What if it was just coincidence that they were bullies? They might target my friends or me!"

The officer smiles at me. "Please don't worry yourself Hoseok. You are safe indoors with your father. we have asked all that we can for now, but if you think of anything, please, give me a call."

"Okay."

Dad shows the policemen out; then he sits down with me again. "Hoseok...why didn't you tell me about the bullies? And Taehyung, he was your best friend. How did that change?"

"I don't know. I...was worried that if I told you about it...you would take me out of school and be angry with me."

"Hoseok!" Dad tuts. And I see genuine sadness in his eyes. He pulls me into a hug. "I love you so much, Hoseok. I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

"Just....everything you've been through." I feel the sting of tears, and I try to blink them away, but, they are determined. "If you need to cry, just let it go. It's okay."

My lip trembles, I bury my head in dad's chest, and I let the tears go. Soaking dad's shirt but he doesn't seem to mind. He takes some tissue from the coffee table and hands it to me. This is the closest I've ever felt to him. We are like a normal father and son, and not all of my tears are sad ones. Then the phone rings and I roll my eyes.

"Sorry son." Dad eases me away. He goes to the kitchen to answer the call.

How typical! The one time I get to truly bond with dad and feel normal, someone interrupts it.

"Yoongi, are you alright?" I hear dad say. "Of course you can stay with us any time, you know that. Yes, I'll be right there to pick you up. I know, but you shouldn't go out alone. I'll see you soon."

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Yoongi wants to stay with us for a few days. Get ready. We need to pick him up."

"But." I sigh. "Can't I just stay here?"

"On your own?" Dad looks at me as if I just asked the most stupid question. "No. You're coming with me."

Arguing would be pointless, I see. Since I have stupid broken toes, getting ready doesn't take too long. I only have to put on one shoe and a jacket. Job done. I wonder if I can leave my crutches here, they are so irritating. Dad holds them out to me. I look at them in disgust and pout.

Dad sighs and shrugs. "I guess I will just have to carry you then."

"What? No, I'll use them!"

Dad grins mischievously. "Good choice."

Still sulking, I hobble to the car with my infernal crutches. I throw myself into the back of the vehicle. Yoongi always likes to sit up front, he says he is the oldest, so he should always sit there. I never argue it, I know better than to fight with Yoongi. He always wins.

We arrive at Yoongi's house. He is already waiting for us outside with his bag. I glance at him and turn away, then immediately swing my gaze back over him. He has a nasty cut on his lip and a painful-looking black eye. Dad jumps out of the car to help Yoongi with his bag. I see them share a few words. I guess dad is asking him what happened, Yoongi just shrugs, and they get into the car. Dad starts the engine, and we set off for home.

"Yoongi," I say. "What happened?"

He grunts. "Nothing Hoseok."

I frown but don't ask again. my mind is reeling with all sorts of questions. Was he in a fight? Was he attacked? Or was he in an accident? Who in their right mind would dare to hurt Yoongi? If he doesn't tell me, I hope he can at least open up to dad about it. But Yoongi is very stubborn his silence can last months. He will only speak when he is ready, and you can't push him to talk. I don't think even think someone like a torturer could make him talk.