Aftermath

Part 2

Taehyun's drive for perfection nearly cost him his life. Ever since becoming an idol under BigHit Entertainment, and the pressure to live up to their Sunbaenims, BTS, Taehyun pushed himself harder and harder each day, finding it more and more difficult to live with each of his flaws. One day, he had just had enough of the mental pain and wanted to distract himself.

He knew that his leader, Soobin, often kept spare razors in the cupboard above the mirror, so Taehyun decided that he was going to take one out and just cut. He sliced his skinny thighs, sighing into the pain. He didn't feel anything, even the first time: he was simply too numb.

He kept the pattern up, day after day, since every day wreaked havoc on his brain. He never ventured further than his thighs, stomach, and hips—the outfits that their stylists put them in would reveal too much if he reached his wrists and arms. He kept his secret from the others, and that was enough to keep him afloat.

That was until the oldest member, Yeonjun, noticed the scars on Taehyun's stomach. The younger boy was lying with his head in Yeonjun's lap, playing a mobile game. Both boys were wearing grey sweatpants and a grey hoodie, matching the weather outside, and soon to match the atmosphere in the room.

Taehyun had stretched his arms and legs in opposite directions, causing his hoodie to pull up and his pants to slink down to his hips. Yeonjun had glanced down to admire one of his maknaes when he saw the ugly lines scattering his stomach and hips.

"Taehyunnie?"

"Yes, hyung?" But Yeonjun didn't respond, he picked up the tiny boy and threw him onto the couch.

"Hyung?" Taehyun's voice was strained coming out: he was scared. Yeonjun didn't respond again, simply pulling down the younger's pants to reveal the ugly scars on his thighs and hips.

"Yeonjun hyung, please stop," Taehyun whimpered out. Tears began to form in the younger's eyes. But Yeonjun didn't stop, he pulled up the boy's sweatshirt to reveal another littering of scars on the boy's tiny waist.

"Please. Please, stop," Taehyun whispered into his palms, covering his streaming eyes from the older boy leaning over him.

"Taehyun. Why?" Yeonjun finally managed. The older reached down to tear Taehyun's hands from his face, revealing his big, doe-like eyes.

"..."

"I'm getting Soobin-sshi." Yeonjun pushed himself off the boy, who was still slightly undressed, when he felt thin fingers grab his wrist.

"No, please don't. I'm better now. Those are from a long time ago," Taehyun tried. Yeonjun just looked at him, conflicted. He wanted to believe the small boy in front of him, he really did, but something didn't sit right.

"Fine, but, Taehyun, talk to me, please?" Taehyun nodded, redressing himself as Yeonjun left the room, head down.