Hybrids and Humans: A BTS Story (AU)

Part 23

TW: This chapter brings up physical and verbal abuse not to mention self-harm and attempted suicide; please don't read it if you're uncomfortable with any of those topics; I'll try to summarize main points in the next chapter so that you don't miss anything important if you skip this part

also I'm typing this on my phone for the first time in a while so it might take some adjustments especially now that dark mode is set

flashback:

"Someone's in the kitchen", Kookie said.

I didn't hear it at first, but then I heard footsteps and small sobs. I decided to go and investigate, bringing the small child with me.

Present Time:

With Kookie following behind, I slowly went into the kitchen following the sounds I heard. I figured it was one of the hybrids; an intruder wouldn't be making this much noise, intentionally or not.

Once I reached the kitchen, I didn't see anyone at first. Then suddenly, I heard more sobs, slightly louder than before. I reached out for the light switch. Once I found it and turned the lights on, I finally saw what had been making the noise.

It was Jin. He was leaning against the kitchen counter, hands behind his back, trying his best to stop crying now that he had been found.

"Jin? What's wrong?", I asked, walking towards him a bit.

He still couldn't look me in the eyes. He only shook his head, muttering something I couldn't understand. When I repeated the question, he just started sobbing again.

"Jin...whats wrong?", Kookie asked from behind me. The younger boy walked over to Jin. "Was it because of...what happened?

He said nothing, which only confirmed Kookie's suspicions. He pulled at Jin's left arm, which he had been trying desperately to hide. Kookie managed to pull his arm enough, however, for me to see the blade in his hand and the bruises on his arms.

"Jin, why do you have that?", I calmly asked. I don't need to ask to know that the bruises are from my stepfather.

He finally spoke. "No reason. I just wanted to make some toast for everyone tomorrow. I'm fine."

"I don't think people usually use blades to spread butter. Or cook toast at one in the morning", a voice said next to me.

I turned my head to find a tired-looking Chaeryeong standing next to me. She too walked over to Jin, gently grabbing his arm. "May I?"

At first, Jin hesitated to show her, but Chaeryeong was persistent, and soon he caved in and showed her the blade and bruises.

"Were you thinking about it because of...what happened?", she asked him after a few seconds.

Jin hesitated to answer the question at first. He was probably scared of what would happen if anyone found out what he was thinking, or of what could happen if he found out that he told them.

"Jinnie...it's okay. You can tell us", Kookie reassured him.

Taking a deep breath, Jin finally told us. "I...thought about it..."

My eyes widened, and I opened my mouth to say something, but shut it again.

"You two, go back to your rooms. I want to talk with Jin alone", I said to Kookie and Chaeryeong.

Kookie went off to his room without another word. Chaeryeong, however, resisted. "I want to stay. I can help him."

I was about to protest but then I remember: Chaeryeong had been through something like this before. Surely, she would know a thing or two about learning to move on, even at her young age of ten. With that, I said, "Fine, but only if Jin doesn't mind."