Unknown boy // ATEEZ seonghwa ✓

IX

Saturday evening comes around and I meet up with Eunji and one of her friends, Jisoo and together, we go to the park where everyone is. We were told to meet them at Hangang Park. I don't really know who's there other than Hyunjin but I just followed the girls. Anything to leave the house.

"Jisoo! Over here!" We turn our heads towards a male voice and see a small group of guys sitting on the grass. We make our way towards them and only then I recognize some faces.

"Oh, Yunho, Hongjoong hi." I smile at them in surprise but pause when I see Seonghwa. Hongjoong instantly stands up and hugs me. "Hey Soljoo! Didn't expect you to come here but I am not disappointed." He winks at me before guiding me next to him which is next to Eunji. I didn't recognize the rest of the boys except for Hyunjin. They introduced themselves as Han Jisung and Lee Juyeon.

For a while, I would listen to the conversations and occasionally say something but I would mainly think about my fight with Seonghwa. I'm still mad at him and I'm sure he's disappointed in me too. I just didn't want him to know about my situation at home.

"You two are so pretty. Damn, I just don't understand how you're still single." I hear Juyeon say which knocks me out of my thoughts. I look up only to see him looking at Eunji and Jisoo. I raise my eyebrows and quickly look down in embarassment, hoping that no one saw me.

What was I expecting? Sure, I'm kind and a fun person to be with but looks? They're not what some people call impressive.

I shake my head to get rid of the thoughts and stand up, excusing myself, saying that I'll go get food. I make my way towards a part of the park that's filled with food trucks.

What I didn't notice was that someone saw everything.

"I'll be right back, I'm going to the toilet." No one really paid attention, just waved him off, not really caring about what he needed to do.

I stop in front of a crepe truck and buy one. I'm not that hungry, but sweet food makes me feel better. I walk around the food trucks while eating my food.

After throwing out the paper, I turn around only to come face to face, or more like face to chest with Seonghwa. I roll my eyes and start walking away, but he grabs my arm, preventing me to do so.

"You shouldn't let that comment affect you" My eyes widen. I thought that no one saw my reaction.

"It didn't. Now please, I'd really appreciate it if you let go of my arm." I rip my arm away from his grip once again start walking away from me.

"We need to talk." He says which makes me stop.

"No, we- actually, yes we do." This time I grab his arm and drag him toward a nearby bench.

"I'm sorry for getting mad at you, I was just worried." I scoff at his words. "There is no need for you to be worried, I can deal with my problems on my own, Park Seonghwa. It's my business and I don't see how it should be yours too."

He runs his hands through his hair and down his face, visibly frustrated. "I understand that you don't want me to know about what goes on at home, but you know what? Thank god I found out! Thank god..." There is a silence between the two of us with only the distant buzz of children laughing and chatter around us "I- I can be the one who helps you, Soljoo. What would've happened if I didn't find out and-"

"Stop." I stand up only for him to do the same and hover over me. "Just forget about what you saw."

"And what? Let you die? I could never do that." He grabs my shoulders before quickly letting go as if he's scared to hurt me, "I don't want us to have the same argument as yesterday, but I just want you to know that holding everything in won't help you. At all." I simply roll my eyes at his words even though what he's saying is true.

"You need help. And you know what? You can use me as a way to let it all out! Talk about it to San or your friend Eunji, or even better, seek professional help."Before I can open my mouth to say something, my phone buzzes and I look down to see that I received a message from Eunji.

Eunji
Can you pls get me food??

I lock my phone and shove it in my pocket before looking up at Seoghwa who is taking off his jacket. He comes closer and wraps it around me, forcing my arms into the sleeves. He then zips it up before muttering "How can you wear a simple T-shirt in this cold weather? Are you doing it on purpose?" I stand there, frozen as he just goes to buy food for the rest, after seeing my message.

After getting everything, we walk back, the tension is awkward, none of us saying anything. As we arrive back to the group, Eunji stands up and grabs the food, sitting back down. Meanwhile, Seonghwa takes out his pack of cigarettes before grabbing one and lighting it up. I huff and snatch the pack from him, doing the same.

The rest of the night felt weird for me but I guess I was the only one feeling that way as everyone else was laughing and talking. Even Seonghwa was talking to his friends, laughing.

My phone buzzes again and this time, excitement fills me as I hurry to take it out, hoping to see the username of the boy, only to see four letters.

Daddy 💕
Come home now. How dare you leave the house grounded.

My heart stops, my eyes widen in fear. I quickly stand up and tell everyone that I need to leave.

"I'll bring you home," Eunji suggests but I quickly decline her, constantly looking down at the screen. After making sure I have everything, I turn around and start running home.

I open the door, slowly, scared of what's inside, waiting for me.
Not seeing anyone, I quietly walk to my room.

"Where were you?" I stop what I'm doing and stand straight. "I was out with some friends."

"And you didn't tell me? Come in." My heartbeat increases by the second. "No, daddy, please." I start putting my hands together, begging him.

"I. Said. Come in." I take a deep breath and slowly walk into his office. I see him bend down and take something out. No. No. No.

He stands up and walks around his desk. "Bend over."

"No, daddy! I'm sorry! Please don't hit me!" I fall on the floor at the impact of his hit. Tears stream down my face. I stand back up and lean against his desk, shaking. Knowing all too well, about what's to happen, I take a deep breath and close my eyes, clenching my fists.

1.
I groan in pain.

2.
Once again.

3.
And again.

4...

20.
My body is limp, my eyes containing no emotion.

He put the leather stick down and caresses my hair.

"I'm sorry, Soljoo. But you had to be punished."

I nod and whisper a small 'I understand.' I leave the room and walk towards my own, locking the door once I'm inside. I walk towards my bed and fall on it.

In the end, I cry myself to sleep like any other day.