The Dad

What is This?

"Where's Jackson?" I asked as Yugyeom sat on the couch beside me.

"He told me not to tell anyone."

""I don't care what he told you, he has my daughter."

"Wait, is that why he ran off like that?"

"So he is hiding?" He sighed.

"Yes."

"Where is he?"  

"You didn't hear it from me, but he's at Mark's."

"Thanks Brownie." I ruffled his hair as I got up and walked to the door. "Oh, and tell your parents they're assholes for assuming your best friend is a dirty street rat."

(-)

"Should I be scared?" I asked Namjoon. We were sitting in the living room while Jin yelling. I didn't exactly know what he was yelling about, but if I had a guess, it was probably about tonight.

"Nah, he couldn't hurt a fly. He just yells. A lot." He crossed his arms over his chest, causing his muscles to bulge. I forced myself to look away and turned my attention back to the screaming man in front of us. Finally, Namjoon said something, causing Jin to throw his hands up and walk out of the room.

"What did you say to him?"

"I asked him what he would do in this situation." I nodded while yawning. "Do you wanna go? It is getting pretty late."

"Yeah, that sounds good." We drive in silence for a few minutes before he broke it. 

"So... tell me about Violet. If that's ok." I smiled, thinking about her. 

"Yeah, she's like, my favorite person. She hates most girly things, but she loves butterflies and lady bugs and heroic princesses like Mulan and Pocahontas and Merida. And her favorite color's green, and she hates pink. And sometimes she seems to think she's my mom."

"She sounds like a handful."

"She is. But I wouldn't trade her for the world."

"Yeah, kids are like that. Why did you choose violet?"

"Because you can't very well name a girl purple." He laughed. It was a deep, comforting sound. 

Stop, I told myself. There's more important things to think about right now.

Finally, we pulled into my driveway. My house seemed so bland compared to his. 

"Thank you, for tonight. It means a lot that you're helping me."

"Of course. I can't just let you do this alone. And I have a question. What was it with that Bambam kid?"

"Oh, we were all friends. Me and Jackson's friend group. Bambam had some trouble at home, his parents were... they were bad people. He usually stayed with me when he needed to get away. But then Jackson left, and I haven't heard from them since."

"That's rough. He seems like a good kid."

"He is. And I really wish he wouldn't have left with Jackson. Violet absolutely adored him..." I turned and looked out the window, biting my nail.

"Hey, we're going to find her." He placed his hand on my knee in a gesture of comfort. It felt like a bolt of electricity shot through my body.

"Uh, I should, um, I should go."

"Uh, yeah. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah. See you." I waved as I made my way up to the porch. I shut my front door behind me, leaning against it and sliding to the floor. My God, what is wrong with me?