Hello, Neighbor

Chapter Seven.

Jeongin sits on Chris's couch, staring at the clock.

He is afraid to move or speak.

He is afraid Chris will suddenly lunge at him.

He is-

"Baby," Chris sets his hand on the boy's knee. Jeongin flinches. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Jeongin gradually locks eyes with him, "I’m," He stammers, "I'm okay- Nothing's wrong."

The way the man is looking at him is terrifying. It seems as if He is about to eat him up.

"Jeongin, Jeongin, Jeongin…" Chris tuts, shaking his head. He slowly trails his hand up to the ravenette's chest, pushing him against the cushions. He hovers over him, licking over his lips. Jeongin is stunned, trembling. "Why?" He breathes, leaning down and ghosting his cheek.

The boy closes his eyes, setting his shaking hand on the man's shoulder, "I feel sick," He mumbles, "I should go-"

"Nonsense," Chris cups Jeongin's cheeks, pressing their lips together. Jeongin is like a stone statue, not moving an inch. However, the man tries for a good minute before he pulls away, sighing. "Jeongin, tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong."

Chris narrows his eyes, "You're lying." He grunts, grazing his fingertips over Jeongin's forearm before grabbing his wrists, pushing them against the couch above his head. "Tell me, Jeongin."

Jeongin shakes his head, beginning to become frantic, "Nothing's wrong!"

"Jeongin."

"No-"

"Tell me."

"I saw it, okay!" 

Chris's grip grows weaker for a moment, and Jeongin knows He is thinking. He shows no emotions. He merely stares at the boy underneath him. "You saw… what?" He whispers.

"The-" Jeongin winces once Chris's grip tightens once more, "The blood. I saw the blood."

Something flashes behind the man's eyes.

Something horrible.

"I'm sorry…" Chris shakes his head, "I didn't want this to happen so soon."

His grip grows firmer, and Jeongin squirms, crying out in agony. "Chris, you're acting weird-"

"I really, really like you," The blond licks over his lips, sucking in a deep breath, "I don't want to lose you yet. Please, understand, Jeongin."

"You're scaring me," The boy whimpers, kicking around, "Let go!"

Chris opens his mouth to speak, yet a groan comes out. Jeongin kicks him in the abdomen, prompting him to lose his grip on the boy.

Jeongin rolls onto the ground, scampering to his feet. He trips once Chris grabs his ankle, dragging him down. The wooden floor is rough, and slivers get stuck in his palm, trying to crawl away.

"Jeongin!"

He finally escapes his grasp once He tugs his foot out of his hands, rising to his feet and running toward the front door.

Chris follows after him, pushing himself between the door and Jeongin, blocking the path. "I can't lose you, Jeongin." He shakes his head frantically, reaching for the boy.

Jeongin steps back, turning around and running for the stairs. He doesn't look back, throwing down a box and overhearing Chris groan, running up the rest of the stairs.