Try Again | NCT Yuta

017

I tried to pull myself together enough for Yuta and I to move from the floor. He seemed to be almost relieved with the choice as he happily helped me onto my feet.

A solemn expression mirrored both of our faces as we now stood with our hands intertwined before us. No words needed to be shared as I stepped forwards, resting my forehead against his chest.

We stood like this for several moments, waiting for me to gain the strength needed to go out and face Jungwoo. He is my brother and I love him to pieces, but I hate him seeing me like this. He has enough of his own issues to worry about.

He was just stabbed. And now he has returned to the location where it all happened. He has to be going through a lot right now. My problems wouldn't be helping at all.

"I can go out if you'd like," Yuta voices suddenly. "If you need some time, I could go and check on him for you."

My heart softens at the offer, forever the gentleman.

"It's fine. Besides, I don't think I can be alone right now," I admit, placing all of vulnerabilities on show to him. This isn't the first time he has seen me in a state such as this one. It definitely isn't the first time that I've been a mess.

He lets go of my hands as he repositions his own to be caressing my cheeks. Gently, he raises my head upward from his chest in order to comfortingly press his lips to my forehead.

I smile tightly, savouring the gesture before beginning the movement out into the hallway. We make our way out to the lounge room where I expect my brother to be.

Yet, my heart comes to a crashing stop as I catch a glimpse of who seems to be accompanying Jungwoo on the couch. Our mother sits and she dares to have a smile on her features as she is joking around with my brother.

"What's going on?" I call out, announcing my presence in the process.

Yuta steps up beside me, his hand brushing the back of me as he reminds me of his own presence. I can sense him tensing as he seems to be attempting to judge the severity of this situation.

Both Jungwoo and Mom take a stand as they hear me. He gazes at me with an apologetic look whilst she looks at me with one that I could almost assume to be filled with guilt.

"Hyeji ah," She calls my name in a soothing tone. "I was wondering if we could talk."

I don't even hesitate in shaking my head, consequently refusing her request. After all the cruel things she has sprouted about not only myself but my boyfriend, she expects me to merely sit down for a lovely chat?

"Only five minutes," It's Jungwoo who speaks up this time, causing for my eyes to widen in shock as I can't help but feel slightly betrayed with the rate he seems to be working on her side. "Just trust me, please?"

I gaze toward Yuta who returns my stare with one that reveals it is up to me as to what I want to do. Out of all people, he certainly won't mind what choice I make in this moment.

"Five minutes," I state, voice laced with venom.

Saying nothing else, I turn on my heel and begin the walk back towards my room, knowing she'll be following. I take a seat on my bed as she hovers in my doorway. She looks at me with sorrow in her expression, moving to close the door behind her.

"I heard about your miscarriage and I'm just so sorry, Hyeji. That's truly horrible and you shouldn't have had to experience that."

"Don't bother trying to care for me now. You haven't for the past 20 years, why start now?" I snap at her. She doesn't even flinch or show any sign of hurt, as though she had built up quite the tolerance for this kind of treatment from me, her own daughter.