BTS OneShot Collection

The Ugly Tree (YoonSeok) ANGST

Everyone knew about it. No one liked it. It was an eye-sore, as most would call it. How long had it been there? Many people couldn't remember. Fifteen years? Twenty? Why was it even there? Shouldn't such an ugly thing be cut down and replaced with something more appealing?

Walking along the sidewalk on an average evening, an ordinary man was simply on his way home after a busy day at work. Despite how tired he was, he still looked very professional in his black suit and tie, briefcase in his hand. This man was Min Yoongi, a hard-working businessman in one of Seoul's largest companies. He was so dedicated to his job and family, in fact, that he failed to have much of a social life.

While other men his age would take a calm evening like this and turn it into a trip to the bar with friends, Yoongi was looking forward to going home and having a nice dinner with his wife, if she was still awake at this time. She might have already gone to bed, considering how late it was.

On his way home, Yoongi would always pass a path that led to a more deserted spot. Many people passed there daily, but no one stuck around. It was the home of the ugly tree, as it was known. Truly ugly, that thing was a monstrosity, large and twisted. Yoongi often found himself wanting to get closer to the bizarre tree, perhaps out of curiosity of its ugliness.

Giving in to his curiosity for once, Yoongi made his way along the path to reach the ugly tree. His wife wouldn't get upset with him for being just a little later than usual today, would she? As he approached the ugly tree, Yoongi was certainly in awe of its size. Such a giant tree. Its size and displeasing sight would lead anyone unfamiliar with it to believe that it had been planted a hundred years ago.

Yoongi reached out his empty hand and lightly touched the bark of the ugly tree, feeling how dry it was. With a sigh, he wondered if the tree was even still alive. It almost made him sad. This tree was ugly and deformed, not like other trees. It was planted in this spot on its own, no other trees around it. Now here he was, feeling like a sappy fool because he felt sorry for a tree. His thoughts were torn away from the tree though when he heard the giggle of a child. Glancing around, Yoongi didn't see anyone, but he heard the giggle again, prompting his gaze to be lifted.

Up in the thick, twisted branches of the tree was a child, possibly around the age of nine or ten."Hi, Mister!" the child greeted cheerfully.

Looking up at the boy, Yoongi was a little taken aback. What was a child doing out at this time? It was late and dark, save for the streetlights."Hello." he greeted the child in return."What are you doing out here so late? Won't your parents worry?"

The child simply grinned."Nah. They know where I am." Climbing to a different branch, the boy looked down at the businessman and seemed to grow so happy."I'm Hoseok." he introduced himself.

"My name's Yoongi." Keeping his gaze locked on the child, Yoongi felt a little uneasy."Don't you know that you shouldn't give out your name to strangers?" Had the boy's parents not taught him that?

"But we're not strangers anymore now, Mr. Yoongi." Hoseok seated himself on a thick branch and started swinging his legs carelessly."Besides, no one ever talks to me. Everyone ignores me when I say hi to them. But you're talking to me!"

Yoongi cocked his head a little to the side as he kept his gaze on the child."What about your friends? I'm sure they talk to you plenty."

Hoseok shook his head."Nope. I don't have any friends." That didn't seem to sadden him though."But that's okay! You can be my friend, Mr. Yoongi! You'll be my friend, won't you?!"

"Sure." Yoongi saw no harm in telling Hoseok that he would be his friend. He knew how lonely it could be to have no friends, as he had gone through that as a kid as well."You really should go home though. It's late. I need to head home as well."