Trigger warning: Sexual Assault
Ch.42
Taehyung's P.O.V.
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Seokjin got really mad that Jimin gave up on finding him. It was really funny to hear him whine at the blonde. Then he ended up getting mad at me for laughing! I couldn't help it when his voice sounds like that. We both ended up getting scolded, but who was the real child in the situation? That's what I wanted to say but I decided to let Seokjin get his way. That's when he made us actually dig for the drugs and sure enough, they were still there. How dare he make us work as revenge? Hyung could be so mean! Once he was satisfied, he said to put the shovels in the back and now we could ride back home. We weren't supposed to do what Namjoon asked us!
Whatever. It's too late. With a big pout, I enter the truck with Jimin. He instantly fell asleep while Seokjin started driving out of the area. We didn't talk since we could both be pretty loud. We let Jimin rest so I decided to sleep too. But why was it so hard? After shoveling for half an hour, you'd think you'd be tired. I was still energized from all the playing. Then even the question from Jimin was poking at my brain. Did Namjoon really ask him that? Why would he? It didn't make sense to me. The thought of the gang ending was horrifying. I got the warehouse for them and I had no idea what I would do without any of the members. They're so important to me.
Out of the first years, it's obvious that the gang means more to me. I latch onto things for memories just like Namjoon does who I admire so much. Yoongi does the same of not wanting things to change. We all don't want people to leave because this is our family. One where blood doesn't really matter. In the end, we bleed the same color. I'm so grateful that the gang exists. Especially to Hoseok and Namjoon who found me and saved me. That's why they're so special to me and why the gang jokes that I'm their child. I had just finished middle school and I was going to start high school once summer ended. Things weren't looking so bright for me. My home life wasn't the best and still isn't, but it was worse then. That's around the time that Mom passed away and her husband began to change.
We used to be a happy family. Then she got sick all of a sudden and we obviously couldn't afford all the hospital bills. Though she left four young children, her widow took it the worst. My eldest sister was going to help take care of me and my two younger brothers. We were a big family. My two younger brothers were so young and needed a strong parent in their lives. The man called my father only locked himself in his room, forgetting that he had four kids to take care of. Even if my sister was going to help, she was still a kid herself. I don't see Yeona that often anymore. She lives with our aunt now after the incident and goes to an all girl's high school. My brother's and I live with our grandparents since that piece of sh*t lost the right to raise his children. I don't know where he is anymore, and I don't care. If he's dead then the world is a better place.
*~*
Gisu and Hojun were taking naps on the floor after crying for the longest time. They miss Mom and so did I. She was always so kind and filled with so much warmth. She really made this family shine, so it hurt to know she was gone. She won't come back no matter how hard I cry. Dad refused to act tough and hasn't left his room in weeks. I understood in the beginning. He needed time to recover from losing the love of his life, but he hasn't gotten better. Gisu is in fourth grade and Hojun is in kindergarten. They're young and need their father. Yeona is in her second year of high school and I'm in my last year of middle school as a ninth grader. We weren't that young anymore. We could actually take care of ourselves a bit, but we were still kids.
Yeona was pacing around the living room as I crushed a cockroach under my feet. Those ugly things were everywhere. I didn't want them getting anywhere near Gisu and Hojun who slept on a dirty quilt on the ground. We didn't live in the best conditions. It was livable though, so I couldn't complain. I had stopped crying over Mom an hour ago. Yeona refused to show any tears. She only cried during the funeral. Now she tries to act brave. She was trying to be a dependable big sister, but I didn't want her to bottle it all up inside. We were all outside of Dad's room which was the only room in the house. It used to be shared by him, Mom, and my younger brothers. Yeona and I would sleep on the floor outside. Things have changed now that he refuses to let anyone in the room.
"I'm gonna try again." Yeona tightened her fists, stopping in front of the door.
"He's going to yell." I frowned. The younger boys were finally sleeping.
"But he has to come out eventually." Yeona crossed her arms.
"...he has," I admitted. It caught her attention and she turned to me with a grin. As if it were improvement.
"Really!?" She rushed over to me.
"He leaves the house when we're gone at school." I sigh and point towards the trash can. There's a ripped open beer box. "He's drinking his problems away."
"I thought that was old..." Yeona furrowed her brows.
"What are we gonna do? He doesn't go to work anymore and then weâ" I began to panic as she rested her hand on my shoulder. She gave it a squeeze with a smile on her face. Unlike my siblings, I was the only one who got the same smile as Mom. I returned her a grin and she looked happier.
"Don't worry. I'm gonna get a job and we're going to figure this out." She nodded her head.
"Good. Because I'm getting hungry." I chuckled to see her roll her eyes.
"Take this more seriously, Taehyung!"
"I am, Noona! We barely have food in the fridge. How are we gonna feed the twins, including us?" I motioned my hand to my brothers. They weren't actually twins and had an age gap of four years but looked really similar. We just called them the twins for no real reason other than being the two youngest.
"I-I'll get on that. It's good that we get food at school." Yeona stood up from the couch, returning to Dad's door.
"It'd be nice to eat more than one meal a day," I mumbled. She didn't respond to me, but I knew she heard. She wouldn't ignore me. I wanted to be helpful too, but I didn't know how. I felt like I just stressed her out more than anything else. It's hard to think positive like her.
Life has been cruel to my family. I think that's fair to say. We were poor and always have been. Mom used to sell fruits at the corner meanwhile Dad sold rice pops in the streets. He'd be the guy yelling the price at cars and walking in the middle of traffic to catch their attention. Yeona and I would help out on the weekends, but we haven't done that since Mom's death. Not to mention the fact that Dad refuses to come out of his room. Money hasn't been coming in to this shed we live in. We still have to pay bills and other basic life necessities! How could I help and not complain? Yeona was trying her hardest while I sat here with a frown. I wanted to be like Yeona and Mom. They were always happy, funny, and looking on the bright side. Someone Gisu and Hojun can look up to as a role model.
Yeona knocked on Dad's door, pleading him to come out. Nothing. She tried again only to get a shout to leave him alone. His words were slurred. Tapping my heel repeatedly on the floor, I hoped that this rough patch that has been my life gets better. I don't know what anyone in my family did to deserve this. We've all been good for the most part. Despite growing up in a dangerous town, I've never became part of that culture. Stealing, drugs, and gangs weren't my thing. Yeona thought the same and I wanted the twins to follow the right path in life. Criminal activity never interested me and I wasn't going to turn to it now. It felt like life wanted me to make a mistake. How worse can our situation get? Dad's already becoming an alcoholic like other parents.
I gave up on him at that moment. Yeona didn't though. She let the twins sleep as she went back to pacing around the living room. She was going to be persistent and make Dad realize that he has to get a grip. We're all hurting equally together. One of the twins snored as I crushed another cockroach. This place is a dump. Falling down on the small couch that I was sitting on, I told Yeona to just go to sleep. She shook her head as I yawned. I admire her a lot. She reminds me a lot of Mom.
More time passed. It's been two more weeks which means Mom's been gone for more than a month now. Dad hasn't gotten better. He's only boughten twice the amount of beer. Does he think I won't find the beer boxes? I wondered if he felt any shame for the excuse of man he's become. I didn't want to call him Dad anymore, but all my siblings still lovingly called him 'Appa!'. Yeona believed he was getting better since he sits in the living room. He's left one room. She congratulated him happily while I stayed quiet. I'll congratulate him when he leaves the house, goes back to work, and stops drinking. It's okay to drink beer every once and a while, but he over does it.
The twins told me that they hate how his breath smells. He's become scary to them. No longer this friendly father with a belly. To them, he shouted at them for being too loud. Anytime they stepped in front of the screen. He ordered Yeona around like a maid to clean up his messes. Then he hated me most of all for disobeying him. We used to be close, but not anymore. Today was the last day of school and I was no longer a ninth grader. I'm going to be a first year in high school! That thought was exciting, but I did wish that Dad came to the ceremony. Yeona came with the twins and was so happy for me. The twins were happy that school was out and since they were sleeping over with friends after this. Yeona gave me one last hug before she left.
She was going to drop off the twins with their friends and head home. More attempts to make Dad human again. Hopefully they work. I may be frustrated with him, but I wanted to have hope that he would change. For his children. Family is so important to me so I want him to understand. I told Yeona I was going to catch up with friends and come home later. That was a lie though. I didn't want to go home and my friends were all eating out with their parents. They were nice enough to invite me, but it was out of pity. They didn't know how to treat me anymore. Ever since Mom died, they've become hyper sensitive around me. It's annoying since I just want to play. Live like a normal boy! But it's hard to do that when you don't know how to be normal.
Plus, I was really hungry. I could eat a whole cow! The sad thing was that I had no money on me. There was no food at home either. That's why I was wandering the streets, giving street vendor my best puppy eyes. They wouldn't even give me one fish cake! Do you know how much that sucks? My stomach was rumbling loudly. No matter how much I begged, they shooed me away. I knew that they had to make money but I haven't eaten a good meal in three days. All my food has been given to the twins in hopes that they don't starve. In return, I suffer. I save the food I get from lunch at school and give it to the twins. Everything is for them.
As I walked around the town, I could feel myself stumbling. My stomach hurt so much. It was screaming for food. There was nothing I could feed it with. Clutching my stomach, I fell on the ground and tried to ignore the light headed feeling I was getting. That can't be good, but I can't pass out in the streets. It's already night time. Pushing myself up, I try to ignore how shaky my hand is getting. Starving myself is a bad idea, but I didn't think it would be this bad. I've lost a lot of energy these past few days. Since we were low on food, we had to ration the amount we ate. Less food has been going in me the day Mom died. Now I'm out begging on the streets and haven't eaten in days. My pathetic life has seriously come to this. I wanted Yeona to come give me food. I wanted my real Dad back.
But I didn't go home at all. I found myself at a gas station and blinked at the bright lights coming from inside. Walking past the cars, I entered the warm air of the store and looked around. Everything inside here was so clean. The tiles were white and sparkling. Items were stacked neatly on their racks. That's when I realized how much food was here. Not a single cent was in my pockets. The price tags were taunting me as I stared at the food above them. They shouldn't cost that much! I hated the world at this moment. I've never done anything wrong so why were all these things going bad in my life? There are worse people out in this world. Heck, this town is full of them but the universe has it out for me instead. Why!? No, I couldn't take this anymore. I'm getting revenge on the universe and taking what it owes me. There were only two other people in the entire place besides the cashier. Glaring at the tired man behind the counter, I glanced back at the bag of chips in front of me. I deserve to eat. I deserve this.
Grabbing a hold of the bag, I stared at it for a long time. My grip tightened on the chips. They were cracked as I felt defeated. Would it be bad if I began to cry right here? I was just so hungry. My whole body was aching. Can't I get a break? I set the bag down as my stomach rumbled loudly. That's embarrassing. Turning away from the racks, I prepared myself to go home on yet another empty stomach. Taking a step closer to the door, I heard someone trying to catch my attention. Raising a brow, I thought it was the cashier, but his eyes were closed. He was sleeping on the job. I looked around the store to find two guys hiding behind a rack. One specifically was trying to catch my attention. I pointed to myself in confusion and he motioned me over. I didn't steal so he can't be mad at me for that.
"Are you hungry?" He asked.
"I'm...very hungry." I frowned. The male talking to me had a friendly smile and orange hair. He seemed to be very outgoing while his taller friend with silver hair silently watched me with sympathy.
"How long has it been since you've eaten?" He put his hand in his back pocket. Was he going to take out his wallet? I didn't want to owe anyone money. I can't afford that.
"What are you doing?" I stepped back in fear. His friend took that chance to step in.
"I'm Kim Namjoon. This is my friend Jung Hoseok who heard your stomach," Namjoon stated while Hoseok waited for me to answer his question.
"I'm Kim Taehyung...it's been three days..." I wrapped my arms around my stomach. Hoseok's eyes widened as he worriedly stared at Namjoon. It was nothing to be proud of. I wanted to explain that I was doing it for my brother's, but I didn't want to tell complete stranger's my life story. Hoseok whispered something and Namjoon nodded. They stood up with straight backs, making me feel tiny compared to them.
"Listen, we're going to teach you something. Don't abuse it," Hoseok whispered as he looked over at the cashier.
They already had a plan for me. It made me extremely nervous. Who were these guys and were they going to help me? Why? Is life finally giving me a break with these guys? Namjoon took a hold of my shoulders while Hoseok came slightly closer to that guy. He was still sleeping, but if he woke up then Hoseok would be the first thing he would focus on. Hoseok planted himself as the distraction while Namjoon began to lead me. He grabbed random bags of chips without making the bags crinkle too loudly. He shoved them in my hands and grabbed more food.
"You're lucky the guy is sleeping, but this is reference for the future. Normally, don't grab this much unless you have a backpack to make it look normal. After school is the perfect time to make it look natural," Namjoon said in a hushed tone. "Make sure the zipper is closed when you enter the store and exit. That corner near the energy drinks and crackers has the least amount of cameras. More cameras are aimed towards the alcohol, but I'm guessing you don't drink. Hoseok will handle the ones watching us right now."
"We're being watched?" I looked up at the ceiling in panic.
"Don't focus on that. Make sure to wear a hat or mask. Something to block your face so they can't get a good look." Namjoon started pushing me towards the front. "Never look at the cameras but know where they are. Never steal the same place twice without a time gap."
"O-Okay." I nodded my head, making sure the food didn't fall out of my hands.
"And always be prepared to run." Namjoon shoved me out the door.
"What!?" I looked at him over my shoulder as I stepped out the store. The shop alerted the cashier guy that I had just walked out with some items. He woke up and spotted Hoseok pretending to shove something in his jacket. Immediately, the cashier grew upset with him instead of us.
Namjoon ran out with me, yelling at me to keep going. I haven't run this fast in my life before. I started to laugh at how crazy the situation was. The grin on my face didn't take energy to create. For the first time in a long time, I felt a positive feeling but from doing something negative. Namjoon and I slowed down once we reached a park. He told me to sit down on a bench and to relax. The adrenaline was still pumping inside me. Did I actually just do that? Criminal activity has finally gotten to me in this town. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Plus, Namjoon and Hoseok didn't look like the typical thugs. They looked quite friendly. They even helped me out at my worst. Sure, they taught me how to steal but still.
Ripping open a bag, I started to shove a handful in my mouth. Finally having food in my mouth made me so happy. I missed this a lot. I didn't even notice myself crying as I went on to the next bag. Though I committed a crime, I felt so thankful towards Namjoon and Hoseok. It was a crazy feeling. It felt like someone actually cared about me that weren't my siblings. They didn't look that much older than me, but they felt like adults. Why did they care about me? Namjoon set the bags down and ran a hand through his silver hair. That color is so cool. It made me want to get it just like that. I wanted to copy them since they were like my heroes now. He was on the phone with Hoseok who managed to handle the tapes and cashier guy. I was told not to worry too much on how he did it which was fine by me. Just having food was amazing.
Eventually, Hoseok came running over to us. He was panting loudly meanwhile Namjoon watched me stuff my face. The tears had dried up after the silver hair ruffled up my own hair. Dying my hair sounded like such a fun idea. How come I never thought about it before? Looking up to the guys with big eyes, they smiled at me as I finished another bag. It was my fifth bag and I was on to my sixth. Before I could open the next bag, they began to talk to me. Instantly, I straightened my back and listened to every word coming from them. They probably didn't expect me to suddenly worship them, but I was so grateful. It was hard to explain the feeling. The only thing really bugging me was the fact that I had stolen. Do they still feel guilt?
"Are you feeling better?" Namjoon stepped closer to me, throwing all the finished bags in a trash can.
"I know it's not healthy food, but its something." Hoseok shrugged.
"I'm feeling much better!" I grinned. "Thank you so much...I'm so grateful, though I do feel bad."
"For stealing?" Namjoon sat down next to me. "I understand. I'm guessing you've never done anything like that before. I'd say be smart with it if you choose to do it another time."
"Listen to this guy. He's really smart!" Hoseok gave me a thumbs up. I stared at Namjoon with a lot of admiration and the same with Hoseok.
"Why did you guys help me?" I held the chips closer to my chest. "And isn't stealing wrong?"
"I know how it feels to be suffering from money loss," Namjoon stated. "Plus, I'd imagine you'd prefer stealing over us giving you money like a hand out."
"Sometimes my parents forget to feed me." Hoseok shoved his hands in his pockets. "But hey, I saw a kid that needed help. It's hard to ignore that."
"What grade are you in?" Namjoon zipped up my jacket so I wouldn't be too cold.
"I just finished ninth grade today. Summer!" I threw my fist in the air with a lot of excitement. Hoseok turned to Namjoon who sighed with a lot of sadness in his eyes. I didn't want them to feel too bad for me. After all, they made me feel so happy right now.
"Yoongi's right. They keep getting younger." Namjoon scoffed, looking up to the stars.
I continued to eat the food we stole together. They watched me eat and made sure I was safe. While I stuffed my face, they had their own conversation. Yoongi kept getting mentioned. Hoseok was wondering if he was here and Namjoon told him that he was handling business with Seokjin. Who's Yoongi and Seokjin? Suddenly, I felt very interested in their lives. Eventually, they told me about themselves. They were going to become second years at SuChin and the other two boys were going to become third years. I hadn't met these boys named Yoongi and Seokjin, but I was very tempted to. At that moment, Hoseok gave me a bit of money and wrote down a phone number. It was for emergencies only he said.
My cheeks were stuffed like a chipmunk's as I looked at them. It took me a while to realize that they were actually going to be my superheroes. They were my 911. My chest pounded as I held the items tightly. Once I finished my food, I thanked them endlessly for helping me out. I never knew people could have such big hearts like they did in this town. Especially thugs, the type of people I used to hate. That's when it occurred to me that they had their own reasons for entering that type of life style. I confessed some of the things going on in my life. From my mother's death to my dad's change in personality. They said I was a brave brother for the twins and I cried again. It was nice to be praised like this and it made me feel so bad for being negative around Yeona. If she believed in Dad then I'm going to believe too!
Waving goodbye to them, I hurried off in the direction of my home. I'm going to give Yeona the biggest hug. We're going to change Dad together! It's going to be great. We're going to be a family again and the twin's will have nothing to worry about. I felt almost relieved that they were sleeping at their friend's house tonight. I didn't want them seeing me grossly sobbing on Yeona as I tell her how supportive I'm going to be from now on. Imaging all the scenarios in my head, I couldn't help but laugh. I'm finally returning to my silly old self. Today, I don't hate my life anymore. That's a start for a new beginning! As I arrived on the street of my house, I felt something was wrong in the air.
This feeling never came over me. It felt like I was drowning in it. Why was it so hard to breathe? It was night already, but I had no idea what time it was. Ever since I began starving myself, time always flew by or took centuries. There was no in between. My house was the last one on the street. It was basically a small shed with only three rooms in total. One being a bathroom, bedroom, and then the kitchen and living room were in the same space with the dining room. The place was incredibly tiny. Just standing in the bathroom, you can touch each wall by standing in the center. I grabbed the knob of the front door with a lot of anxiety in my body. Why the heck did I feel like this? What's happened that's so wrong?
Opening the front door, my eyes scanned the house with worry. Within seconds, I spotted Yeona on the ground. She was crying softly on the quilt we let the twins sleep on. She was holding her body, but I noticed her clothes were ripped. Her hair appeard messy and she had a few bright red marks on her skin. They looked like rough hand marks. Then I spotted blood on her running down her thigh and I hoped that it was period blood. That's what I needed it to be, but I knew it wasn't. I didn't think about closing the door, I went down on the floor with her. She screamed as soon as I grabbed her. I told her it was just her younger brother, Taehyung. It was me. No one to be afraid of.
"Calm down. Breathe. It's me, Taehyung." I rubbed her back as she tried to breathe regularly. "What's wrong? What happened?"
"T-T-Taehyung..." She sobbed, bringing her head into my chest. I didn't like seeing her like this. My older sister is a strong woman.
"What happened, Noona? You can tell me." I tried my best to not sound threatening.
"...Appa...he..." Yeona's lip quivered violently as she recalled what happened. It was so painful that I hated myself for making her remember. "He forced me into his r-room...and..."
Hatred was a pathetic word. It was weak with this type of emotion I felt. I gritted my teeth as Yeona told me how he had forced unspeakable things on her. He did that and then threw her out here. This happened because I left her alone. Because he's an alcoholic who stopped being a human the moment Mom died. Mom would be furious to know she had married and had kids with someone so disgraceful. Setting Yeona down on the ground, I got up onto my feet. Good thing the twins weren't here. My chest burned, and my expressions darkened as I went up to his door. Does he think he can hide behind that any longer? He's dead. That man is no longer my father or anyone's. From now on, I'm officially an orphan. I slammed my fist on the door.
"OPEN UP, YOU F*CK!" I screamed as Yeona curled up even smaller. Footsteps could be heard on the other side. Soon the door opened as he gave me a dirty look.
"What did you call me?" He stared down at me. No more.
"How could you!?" I punched my fist as hard as I could at his face. My knuckles hurt so badly, but I couldn't care less. This pain must be nothing compared to what Yeona must be feeling. I let her down and myself as well. No, this vile human is what let us down. For much longer. He stumbled back in shock. He growled loudly as he grabbed my shirt.
"I raised you!" He shouted.
"Die!" I dug my knee into his stomach. He gasped sharply as I looked around for a weapon to handle him off with. He was a much bigger guy than me. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything fast enough. "Noona, run! Go to a friend's house!"
"But Taehyung..." She held herself as she sat up.
"You're not safe here anymore. Please, RUN," I shouted. She stumbled up onto her two feet and left as fast as she could after apologizing. She had nothing to be sorry about.
The thing in front of me was just like a cockroach. Digusting and needed to be crushed to not disturb my family any longer. The giant roach got his breath back, glaring at me as if I were in in the wrong. He couldn't be mad at me for not being respectful. This is insane. This was all happening so fast and I'm ready to take him head on. Suddenly, the roach threw himself in my direction. He grabbed onto me and slammed me against the wall. He rose me high up, insults flying out of his mouth before he threw me down to the floor. All the air in my lungs were knocked out. I couldn't lose just yet! I got up and kicked him back to give me some space.
He would hear me tonight. Every frustration pent inside me that I kept quiet for my real family. Mom, Yeona, and the twins. I shouted at how disgusted I was at him for violating Yeona in a way that he can never take back. It was so infuriating. Prison could never make me feel better for what he has done. I kicked the roach one more time, making him fall back into the kitchen. He was panting heavily and looked around for something. A smirk landed itself on my face to have him down like this. Justice for Yeona! I may be small, but anything for my true family. That's when the roach got up on his two feet with something in his hands. A glass beer bottle. My eyes widened as he slammed it down on my head.
What happened? One moment I was standing tall against the roach and now I was on the floor. Glass was shattered onto the ground as he dusted off his hands. Swallowing hard, it was hard to think with the throbbing pain my head felt. It took everything in me not to drift off into unconsciousness. Blood was dripping down my face. Tiny fragments of glass were stuck in my hair. I felt weak and hated it. The roach kicked me over to place his heavy boot on my throat. This was going to be the first and last time he hurt me like this. I was going to make sure of that. In the end, I was happy the Yeona had run off. Gisu and Hojun must be having fun with their friends. I want them to watch movies and eat all the candy they want. Let them have fun tonight.
"Little rat," He muttered as I struggled to breathe. He applied more pressure as I pounded furiously at his foot. He laughed as my movements grew weaker. To think life was actually being kind to me today.
Is this seriously where it's going to end for me? Hell no. I won't let it! I'm going to keep fighting! I gripped the bottom of his shoe and forced the drunk back. He stumbled on his feet right away as I got up. Glass fell out of my hair as I shook my head. I got out the door and ran as best as I could. I slipped on mud, getting it all over myself but that wasn't going to stop me from running. This time, I knew where I was going. The closest pay phone was two streets down. Wherever Yeona is, she's safer than she'll ever be. I shoved the coins Hoseok gave me into the slot with no patience. Taking out the ripped piece of paper, I dialed the exact number and bit my lip as I heard it ring. Please, pick up. Be my heroes. I kept looking over my shoulder in paranoia that the roach would come crawling towards me. I'm not going back.
"Hello?" A voice picked up. I was too much in a hurry to tell who it belonged too.
"Namjoon hyung! Hoseok hyung! P-Please help. It's an emergency." I frowned.
"Taehyung? It's Namjoon. Where are you?" He asked with a calm tone. Other voices spoke in the background.
Bringing two fingers to my forehead, I told him the address. He told me that he'd be there soon. They were going to save me yet again. I brought my fingers down to see them doused in blood. The color was so dark and thick that you couldn't see my original skin color. Immediately, I felt myself grow faint. My legs couldn't hold my weight anymore as I crashed onto the ground. Things were growing fuzzy as I tried to regulate my breathing. That was a lot to see. How bad would it look to the guys? Namjoon kept speaking to me through the phone but I wasn't replying. I sat like a doll on the sidewalk as he spoke. He didn't know what my emergency was, but they were coming anyway. Without hesitation. They don't even know me that well.
They came without question. A black truck eventually came rolling by. Namjoon opened the door with shock on his face. Hoseok covered his mouth to see me bloody and muddy. The man driving the truck was very handsome. That was my last thought as Namjoon picked me up. I let my guard down and let everything go black. I don't know what happened at that point. My best guess was that they put me in the car and drove me to a place where they could actually help me. It wasn't a hospital. When I finally woke up, they were pulling me out of the truck into a house. I was so confused. I could tell Namjoon and Hoseok were the ones bringing me inside. The driver locked the car, following after with a lot of worry on his face. Again, they barely knew me. What made them so sympathetic?
Namjoon and Hoseok brought me into a small room. Another guy was already standing inside with cold eyes. He had white hair which was another cool color. They set me down on the floor as the handsome driver came by with a first aid kit. The guy who originally looked at me with cold eyes stopped. He paused as my eyes slowly looked over to him. Something flashed in his eyes as blood dribbled down my chin. Did I remind him of something? He fell onto his knees and immediately began barking orders. Hoseok removed the glass from my hair meanwhile Namjoon removed my dirty clothes. The broad shoulder male gave the white hair all the medical supplies he demanded. I was cleaned up by them. Blood was washed off my skin as well as the mud.
"Thank you..." My voice shook as I spoke. They all stared at me with a lot of care. Even the one with white hair for some reason.
"I didn't think you would use the number so quick..." Hoseok tried to laugh but didn't know what to say.
"The brunette driver is Seokjin and the white hair is Yoongi." Namjoon pointed out. "We're at my house. I just wanted to let you know so you don't panic. We're not strangers."
"...I'm Kim Taehyung. I stopped being a ninth grader today," I said to see the white hair pinch his nose. He looked like he had enough of the sad facts.
"Jesus." He looked stressed.
"You're pretty young." Seokjin frowned.
"Don't worry about me, Hyung. I'm much better now." I smiled at them, the classic boxy one. All of them seemed to enjoy my charms. Mom always said I had a unique charm.
"May I ask what happened?" Namjoon was careful. I didn't mind telling him. The only thing I was vague about was what went down with my sister. That's not something for me to tell people about.
"I took a stand against my so-called father for treating my sister in a disgusting manner." I glared at the ceiling. "I punched him. I was winning until he hit me with a beer bottle. He also stepped on my throat...but I made it out and called you guys right away."
"You can't go back." Namjoon grabbed a hold of my hand.
"I wasn't planning to." I sighed. "I'll live on the streets if I have to."
"Can we keep him?" Hoseok clasped his hands together, staring at Namjoon. Seokjin chuckled as Namjoon started to think.
"Are you adopting him?" Yoongi raised a brow. He scoffed, acting tough until our eyes connected once more. He became soft hearted and patted my leg. I wondered what was causing him to become gentle. All of them were treating me kindly for some reason.
"Namjoon won't be the maknae and leader anymore!" Seokjin clapped his hands. Namjoon rolled his eyes as Hoseok agreed that it was weird.
"Taehyung, would you like to join our gang?" Namjoon asked as my eyes widened.
These guys were in a gang!? That didn't make sense at all. The only really scary one here was Yoongi. Even so, they weren't the exact image of a gang that I had pictured. I told myself before that I would never join a gang. Then again, I said the same about stealing. Namjoon and Hoseok have helped me out a lot in one day. How could I ever repay them? Now Yoongi and Seokjin were becoming helpful too. I'm grateful. Why do words suck so badly!? They can never explain the emotions I feel inside. Tears welled up as I threw my hands up. Namjoon was stunned before knowing what I wanted. He embraced me and soon Hoseok joined in on the hug. This was how I joined the gang.
Turns out, the life that I was avoiding was perfect for me. Just that night taught me a valuable lesson about love. About being human. They were connected and inseparable. Namjoon let me stay at his house and told his mom a little lie. She was understanding either way. She reminded me of my mom which made me miss her a lot. It made me so proud to share the same surname as Namjoon. I was so proud of him! The rest of the boys called it a night and left. Apparently, Yoongi lives at the park Namjoon and I ran to after stealing. Hoseok and Seokjin still live with their parents, but they weren't the best environments for me to stay at. I didn't mind staying with Namjoon since I already trusted him with my life. He made sure to comfort me, so I could sleep peacefully despite being so worried about Yeona.
The next day, Namjoon took me to pick up the twins. They were happy to see me and had no idea what happened last night. Gisu did manage to notice the bandages wrapped around my head. Whoops. At the same time, that's when Yeona came by all cleaned up. She was with our grandparents who were extremely worried. We all reunited, hugging everyone tightly. Yeona ran to our grandparents who were the only other family we had in this town. She told them everything that happened. They disowned their son-in-law and promised to send Yeona to a different town to live with her aunt. I told them that I would stay in this town with the twins. They didn't like the idea at first, but soon accepted it. Namjoon helped me process a lot of my emotions into words which won them over.
I hugged Yeona tightly and apologized profusely to her, but she told me not to say sorry. The twins were sad to see her go when the time came. The meaning of family then changed for me at this time. While this change in my life occurred, the gang was there for me. Namjoon and Hoseok constantly showered me in affection. They fed me well even though my grandparents did the same. Yoongi took me around the town and taught me a lot of things. He made me feel like a real thug. Lots of people were terrified of us. Some wanted to pick fights with Yoongi, but all he had to do was say one word and then they would piss their pants. It was hilarious! Then Seokjin would drive me everywhere! They were all so cool and I loved them so much. My heart grew because of them.
Though I could never repay Namjoon and Hoseok for changing my life, I did my best. We couldn't continue doing our business at the park at midnight or Namjoon's cramped house whenever his mom was out. That's why I was on a mission to find a place for us. A place for the gang to be themselves no matter what time of day! I went looking everywhere for a location that was abandoned. It was so hard though since most places were already littered with gangs. But my prayers were then answered when I found this giant warehouse at the edge of town. I found it when I was walking along a rail road. Immediately, I fell in love at first sight with the place. I went crazy over it and just had to tell the gang about it. So that's what I was doing now. We bought a bunch of hair dye, but I was going to make a change of plans.
"We're not going to Namjoon hyung's house!" I raised my hand, jumping in front of them all.
"What the hell do you mean?" Yoongi cocked up a brow.
"Do you have to sound so crabby?" Seokjin frowned.
"Namjoon loves crabs!" Hoseok cheered.
"Mind explaining?" Namjoon ignored the rest of the boys.
"Follow me," I said with an evil grin. My plans were more than innocent though.
They followed me and Yoongi was reluctant to do so. We had so much fun walking over to the warehouse. All of us talked like we were brothers. As if we've known each other for our entire lives. Blood didn't mean a thing when it came to us. Namjoon told me that as long as we bleed the same color, that was enough to consider ourselves real family. It's a feeling. Not actual blood. The hyungs were confused when I threw my hands in the air a second time. I stood in front of the warehouse that might have looked intimidating at first. It looked like something out of a horror movie, but who doesn't love horror movies? Hoseok and Seokjin were nervous to enter. I insisted it was safe and then they all came inside the empty place in confusion.
"Ta dah! This our new gang hide out!" I bounced around. "Now we're like an actual gang! I always wanted to thank you, Namjoon and Hoseok. This is my way even though I can never repay it. I'm also thankful for meeting Yoongi and Seokjin!"
"A new place?" Yoongi took a look around, slowly smirking. "I like it."
"Woah, this whole place is just for us?" Seokjin began to explore.
"Amazing!" Hoseok stared up at the ceiling in awe. "Can you believe this, Namjoon!?"
"Taehyung...you didn't have to." Namjoon gave me his dimple grin that made this all worth it. "Thank you so much. I'm actually at a loss for words."
"Good because we have hair dying to do!" I held up the bags in excitement.
Hoseok and Yoongi did all the hair dying for us. The color I was getting to get rid of my black hair was silver. I was going to be just like Namjoon! Sadly, he was changing his hair color to purple now. Still, I knew he would pull it off. Seokjin was changing his brown hair to pink to test out the waters. He's never dyed his hair just like me. It felt so cool. Hoseok was dying his hair bright red meanwhile Yoongi was getting his hair dyed black with green streaks. It was an interesting style. We all stood outside with a hose and then enjoyed the hot sun to dry ourselves. Hoseok really enjoyed helping us dye our hair. He said it was really fun, but it looked so bothersome. I preferred it getting done for me. We all watched the sun set with grins on our faces.
"Wow! My hair turned out great!" Seokjin looked at his pocket mirror.
"Did it really though?" Yoongi laughed to get glared at.
"Who do you think you are?" Seokjin remarked, making Yoongi shut up. The only one who could get Yoongi to do that was the eldest member. Hoseok laughed, patting Seokjin's shoulder.
"You tell him! Tell him important you are! You're the Prince of SuChin!" Hoseok cheered.
"I think that title for me died the moment I started hanging out with you guys." Seokjin cracked up. Those two would always laugh together.
"He's calling you ugly." Yoongi sighed.
"Are you sure he's not saying that about you?" Hoseok retorted.
"I have my charms!" Yoongi scoffed.
"Like your singing?" Hoseok grinned as Yoongi screeched. "Let's make it a duet! EEEHEHEEHEHE!!!" Even though they had different personalities, they got along really well. They could always make everyone laugh together. But Hoseok was closer to the male who now wore gorgeous purple hair.
"My ears!" Namjoon covered them. "How could you guys make me deaf?"
"They're so insensitive." Seokjin crossed his arms.
"Oh, I love my hyungs!" I stared at all of them with adoration. They all paused to look at me before chuckling. "I'm so sad that school starts again tomorrow. I'm going to be a first year, but I'd really like to hang out with just you guys."
"Aw, come on." Namjoon ruffled my new silver hair. "You should make friends your own age."
"Yeah, it doesn't hurt." Hoseok nodded his head. "Plus, I'm sure you'll get a lot of friends with your personality."
"Choose them wisely," Yoongi said.
"If they're good enough then you can bring them to the warehouse." Seokjin grinned, turning to Namjoon. "Right?"
"Really!?" I jumped at the thought of making friends. The idea didn't sound so bad now. If they joined the gang then they would see how amazing it is. I'll never quit being in the gang! This is my life.
"Why not? The more the merrier." Namjoon shrugged as I quickly hugged him. He's the best in the entire world. No one could ever replace him. He's the best leader and hyung. I owe him and the others my life.
*~*
My smile was faint as I stared out the window. Seokjin had dropped Jimin off at his house. He let me stay inside while he carried the sleeping boy inside. Hopefully Jimin sleeps well! He's such a great friend. Hyung came back inside the car and smiled at me once he saw me grinning. I couldn't help it. Just being around them makes me so happy. It's hard to be angry at them. That's why I hardly ever was. Even when I got arrested due to Namjoon's recklessness. I appreciated Hoseok caring so much for me and that was more than anything I could ask for. It made me happy to know he felt the same way and I knew deep down inside that Namjoon felt the same. His heart was in the right place, he just went about it wrong. That's what I learned from my Mom and Yeona. To look on the bright side and to be forgiving, but only to those who deserve it like Seokjin taught me.
Seokjin made a lot of stupid Dad jokes as he drove me to my grandparent's house. I was really close with them since I was considered the eldest child. The twins have grown up slightly and understood what happened. They're maturing a little earlier than I wanted them to, but they're still enjoying life. It's safe where we're growing up now. I helped my grandparents with chores and with paying certain things. They didn't ask too many questions about my 'job'. That made things easier for me. Gisu and Hojun are still in primary school while Yeona will be graduating soon. She's grown into a stronger woman who goes to a support group every week. I'm extremely proud of her and so is my aunt. We visit anytime we have vacation breaks. Seokjin parked in front of my house with a grin.
"We're finally here, kid." He turned back to me.
"Turn up!" I shouted to hear his iconic laugh. I made sure to mimic it only to get told to get out of the car. Hyung being mean! I just wanted to become like you!
Sticking out my tongue at him, I made sure to keep it out until he drove away. Let him get a good look at it in the rear view mirror. At least I wasn't as disrespectful as Jungkookie. That little rascal needed to learn the definition of manners. Somehow, Seokjin hyung still dotes on the fool. They're pretty close which was nice. It means Jungkook has gotten out of his introvert box. It used to be really bad, but Jimin and I helped him. Turning around, I entered my house to see the twins watching TV. I know my grandparents were already in bed, so I shook my head.
"Gisu! Hojun! You guys have to go to bed since it's a school night." I put my hands on my hips while puffing out my lips.
"But you stay out late..." Hojun whined. He was now a first grader.
"He's not lying." Gisu crossed his arms. This kid! He was a fifth grader now.
"Well, go to bed right now then," I said as Hojun refused. "Why are you acting like that? Don't you remember our promise?"
"Oh! Right!" Gisu nodded his head.
He turned off the TV to earn a gasp from the youngest. Hojun tried stealing the control back, but Gisu made sure to remind him why the promise was so important. Despite being a thug myself, I'd rather they not learn that from me. I want them to be good citizens. Not earn a criminal record like their old hyung. My grandparents gave me quite the ear full once they found out. Luckily, Gisu and Hojun weren't present. They didn't need to hear that about me. I still wanted to be an admirable hyung to them just like Namjoon and Hoseok. They've only met a couple times, but my younger brothers really like them too. It's because we're family! Yeona has only met Namjoon once but told him to take care of me. That means a lot.
"Candy every Friday if we go to bed early!" Gisu smacked Hojun.
"Hey, no fighting or else tickle monster!" I brought my hands up as they ran away from me giggling. "You two better have your teeth brushed!"
"We know! Or else no staying up until ten on the weekends." Hojun rolled his eyes as he entered his room.
"Sorry about him, Hyung. He thinks he's all that." Gisu sighed, acting like he was some adult. I shook my head at the sight and chuckled. They warmed my heart just like the gang.
"Tell him he needs to get it together if he wants allowance." I winked at Gisu as I went in my room. He gave a salute to handle the problem. They're too cute.
Going to the bathroom connected to my room, I brushed my teeth and prepared myself to go to sleep. Sort of. I changed into my pajamas and got ready. The only thing I wasn't doing was the actual sleeping part. I couldn't help it because the question was still in my head. This time, I had the answer. If the gang ever ends, then I know I will follow Namjoon until the end whether he likes me around or not! Even if he gets married and goes on his honeymoon at some fancy hotel, I'll be in the next room over! Laughing at the thought, I was mainly joking on how far I'd go. I just didn't like the idea of separating from any of the members. I'll stay with them for as long as I can. That's when my phone began to ring. Jungkook was face calling me.
"I was trying to sleep, Makane," I answered.
"We both know that's a lie, Hyung." Jungkook smirked. Just seeing his face through a screen was enough to make me want to smack him. When will I ever be treated with the respect I constantly demanded from this boy? I've tried doing the little promises I do with the twins with him, but Jungkook plays different. He likes to think he's older than Seokjin. Sometimes it's funny and other times, you want to strangle him.
"So what if it is?" I grinned. "You see me in my silk pajamas? That's right! GUCCI."
"You have issues," Jungkook said flatly. Without hesitation! "You spend a lot of your money."
"Aish, you don't know how responsible I can be." I pouted.
"I raised Seokjin and now I have to deal with you. What am I going to do?" Jungkook complained as I pounded my fist on my mattress.
"Did you call me just to be rude? Because that's on a whole other level of Jeon Jungkook!" I glared, but in a playful way.
This was just how we talked to each other. As long as he was his truthful self with me then I was happy. Too bad (F/n) didn't see this side of him often. She would be so disappointed to know this guy got her first kiss. I was still shocked that he did that. Also that my delicate Jimin started a fight with this muscle freak. Poor (F/n) has a lot of boy drama that she didn't even ask for. Next time, I'll give her a kiss from an actual man. Haha! No, (F/n) and I are just friends. She makes sure that I don't get myself killed when Namjoon and Hoseok aren't around. She has me under control, so I don't die. What a sweetheart (F/n) is. I'm so glad she sits behind me in Mr. Pyo's class! What a blessing she is. Wait. Does that mean Mr. Pyo is God or possibly Fate itself!?
"No, I was just bored." Jungkook shrugged. "Seokjin was driving, Jimin was actually sleeping, Namjoon waâ"
"So you called everyone else before me?" I scoffed.
"Taehyung, you know I didn't call Yoongi. If he is sleeping, I don't want to be the one waking him up." Jungkook shivered.
"Did you call (F/n)?" I smirked to see his face burn bright red. Bingo! He might act like he's this tough muscle guy, but in the end he's just a little bunny. Our maknae!
"N-No...I didn't want to wake her. Don't you see what time it is?" Jungkook huffed as I tried not to curse at him. He might have a crush on (F/n), but I wished he bothered her too.
"Just wait until (F/n) finds out how annoying you are!" I teased to hear him growl.
"That's you!" He got defensive. He doesn't like the idea of (F/n) not liking him. Or losing her to anyone. Especially to Jimin.
Talking to him was fun, but we did have school tomorrow. After everything I did today, I have to say that I've officially gotten tired. Yawning loudly, Jungkook frowned to see me getting tired. Was he struggling to sleep? That's probably his real reason for calling. He hardly ever talks about his real emotions with us. At that moment, I felt like giving it a shot with the question Jimin gave me. I'd like for Jungkook to get emotional and real with me, but he always had so many walls up. He's only let loose less than three times around the gang. I wanted to know what the gang meant to him.
"Hey maknae, what would you do if the gang ended?" I rested my chin on the mattress as he took a few seconds to think. I wanted to believe that he was taking this seriously. It looked like it.
I was the one that introduced Jungkook to the gang. Jimin and him came into the gang together at the same time. There was an obvious difference between them. Though they both appeared as quiet boys in the beginning, I saw as Jungkook grew more confident. He fought with all his might to protect us. He formed tight bonds with the other members since they basically trusted him to keep them alive at all times while trying to keep himself alive too. He had a stressful job, but he took it. That was very cool of Jungkook. He acted like it was nothing. He's saved our butts so many times that he's gotten an ego from it. That or he's always been this little brat.
Jungkook followed me in a path where we had a lot of fun causing trouble. Jimin was more reluctant to join. He didn't want to from the start, but slowly started to embrace it. Jimin liked that he actually had brothers since he's an only child. His family is never around so now he actually has a family. That's the whole point of the gang to me. We're here for each other in ways that others were supposed to be. We also just do illegal activity together. Jungkook and Jimin were nervous on their fist deal like I was, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. Jimin was shaking so bad that it was hilarious. So many memories have been made and its almost been a year. Jungkook better appreciate the gang a lot!
"Hm, would we still be friends though?" His brows knitted together in confusion. "I don't know. We'd all act the same just without the deals."
"You're no fun! Why can't you just spill your heart out to me!?" I faked a loud sob to hear Hojun yelling at me to be quiet. Well! Someone is not getting their allowance this week.
"You're a lot to handle, Hyung." Jungkook shook his head, laughing at the fact that I got yelled at by a kid. It basically happens to me all the time. "I'll see you at school tomorrow. Good night."
"Finally letting me sleep? Okay, nighty night Kookie. Don't let the bed bugs get you into drugs again!" I waved to see him scowl. Was that still a touchy subject?
"I'm very close at swearing at you, but I'm not Yoongi. Aren't you glad I'm not?" Jungkook narrowed his eyes at me in a threatening tone.
"Man, screw off." I ended the call and fell asleep. That boy needs to learn some manners. Ridiculous!