*WARNING: ADULT / VIOLENT CONTENT*
Baekhyun
Slam! His punch connects to my face with the force of a brick falling from the ceiling. It forces me down to the ground as I cough out blood. I look at Boos who is smiling and laughing while Chi Won stands next to him, his face completely expressionless like stone.
‘You *.’ I say to Chi Won who just shrugs. All through the month of January, Chi Won kept dragging me to places, leading me to temptation and every time I fell, unable to help my gambling addiction.
Now, here I am, on my knees in front of Boss again. I’m not even sure how I ended up here. One moment I was with Chi Won, the next I got dragged here. ‘*? Oh damn right he is and a good one too. I was surprised that it took so long to get you to break.’ Boss says.
‘So this was your plan all along? When you approached me and pretended to be my friend?’ I ask, looking at Chi Won.
‘Yep. You’re a pain in the ass… hyung.’ He says, his last word dripping with acid. I chuckle, unable to believe what is happening. The guy I trusted ended up being nothing but one of Boss’ minions, sent to trick me and I, like a fool fell for it. I should have told Noona the very first time I broke our promise. She would have helped me but now, now I’m in too deep.
‘Last night, I dropped a little something in your drink, got you drunk pretty quickly and you lost control. You kept playing and playing and losing and losing. You lost a lot of money Baekhyun and I brought you here to Boss. He lent you the money and we went to pay it but now, oh now you owe Boss over twenty-five million won.’ Chi Won explains. I gulp as I hear the amount. I won’t be able to get out of this debt.
‘Why? Why are you doing this? I paid my debt last time, every penny.’ I say, turning to Boss who snickers.
‘Your sister thinks she can humiliate me and get away with it. I’m still not done with her. I want both of you to suffer.’ He says. What? Why is he mentioning Yoona?
‘No, no leave noona out of this.’ I yell as I go to stand up but someone kicks me back to the floor. I groan in pain as I look at Boss.
‘I want you to give me her number so I can call her myself.’ He says with a snicker and I shake my head. ‘No? Are you sure about that?’ He asks and I don’t respond. ‘Okay, get him up.’ He says to two of his men. They pick me up and drag me to the table. One of them extends my hand onto the desk as Boss picks up a hammer.
‘No, no…’ I say as I try to struggle but they hold me firmly. Boss smirks as he twirls the hammer in his hand before it comes crashing down on my little finger. ‘AHHH.’ I scream in pain as I feel it break. My hand shakes as does my body as my tears just fly out.
‘Give me your sister’s number and I will stop.’ He says and I look at him.
‘No. Go * yourself.’ I say. I refuse to drag my sister into my mess. The last time I did, he slapped her and I know he has something worse planned. I can’t let her get mixed into this because of me. Boss swings his hammer again, breaking another finger and I can’t help but scream in agony. He does it again, breaking a third finger.
‘I’ll ask you again, your sister’s number.’ He says as he lowers himself to be at my level. I can’t help but spit in his face. Bad decision I know but it feels good. He laughs as he wipes his face with his handkerchief before his face turns living. He swings the hammer one more time as he breaks my palm. I scream in pain. They let me go and I fall to the ground and I see him approach his safe as he pulls out his gun and points it to my head.
‘I’m actually impressed by you Baekhyun. I thought you’d break after just showing you the hammer but you kept fighting back. You must really love your noona huh?’ He says. ‘Find his phone.’ He orders to Chi Won who smirks as he comes next to me and takes out my phone.
‘You’re a *ing * Chi Won.’ I say but he just shrugs.
‘I’m a survivor Baekhyun. I was given an opportunity and I wasn’t going to blow it.’ He says handing my phone to Boss.
‘Your password or I start blowing holes in you and trust me, that will hurt more than breaking your fingers.’ He says. I feel my confidence melt away as I know he will do it. I don’t want to die. I don’t want anymore pain. I’m sorry noona but I’m scared.
‘It’s….BY2242ss.’ I say with a gulp. He smirks as he unlocks the phone and scrolls through the contact list.
‘Ah here she is. Let’s hope she answers. I don’t like to wait.’ He says as he presses the call button.
Hoseok
‘Ahh this choreography is exhausting.’ Jin says, referring to Dionysus, as we all slump down on the ground. The studio is full of heavy breathing as we try to catch our breath.
‘You really outdid yourself with this one noona.’ Taehyung comments, his hand on his chest.
‘It’s payback for Boy with Luv but I can already imagine ARMY going crazy over this.’ Yoongi says.
‘Yeah I have a feeling Dionysus is going to be a fan favourite.’ Namjoon says and I smile and nod.
‘I think so too. I loved it from the first time I listened to it. All the songs are good and I feel lucky that I get to hear them before everyone else.’ She says smiling. I look at her and sigh. How did I end up with such an amazing and talented person as my girlfriend? She sees me looking at her and she clears her throat and turns to Jimin and Yoongi. ‘Have your girls listened to the songs yet?’ She asks.
‘No, not yet. If we do that, Bang will have our heads.’ Jimin says laughing. ‘I managed to convince Minji to record her and Yun’s reaction to the album and show it to us though.’ He says.
‘Ah that’s nice. Exam season should be over now right?’ She asks and Jimin nods.
‘It’s so complicated. I went over to see her last time to help her study. I got the chills but I know she did well. She knew everything as if her mind is a computer or something.’ He says.
‘Well Minji is definitely smart and I’m not just talking school smart. I mean when the news broke out about you two, she was the first to think of a solution.’ I say.
‘Yeah you’re definitely right about that. Last time, when the two of us ended up with the cold, we were playing a strategy game and she kept winning.’ Jungkook says. ‘Namjoon would definitely enjoy playing with her.’ He adds and I see Namjoon smile.
‘I still can’t believe what happened. I mean, the accident. I still get shivers whenever I think about it.’ Taehyung says as he actually shivers. Jungkook just smiles.
‘She didn’t hesitate to jump after me, even if it meant risking her life.’ He says in a quiet voice. Suddenly, Yoona’s phone starts ringing and she stands up and takes her phone.
‘Hey Baekhyun…’ She responds with a smile as she goes to go and talk outside. I watch her leave and then I lay down on the floor before she suddenly runs back in. She has a worried expression on her face as she goes to grab her keys and starts to run.
‘Yoona wait!’ I call out as I jump up and go run after but she is literally sprinting. It’s hard to keep up with her and I know something is horribly wrong. She pushes open the door of the building and rushes into her car as she speeds down the street just as I reach the door.
One moment I see her, the next she’s gone. ‘Dammit Yoona.’ I say as I jog back inside to the dance studio where all the others are waiting anxiously. ‘I couldn’t catch her. Something is definitely wrong. She took off speeding way beyond the limit.’ I say as I run my hand through my hair.
‘Her brother called her… what if, what if something happened to their mother? Maybe a medical emergency and in the shock of it she just left.’ Taehyung suggests.
‘It does make sense. Okay look, I’ll inform Bang. Hyung, how about you, Jimin and Yoongi go check her home and check with her mother and the rest of you go check with the hospital.’ Namjoon says and I nod. I look at Yoongi and Jimin who are ready to join me as we grab our stuff and get ready to leave.
We get into the car and Yoongi offers to drive for me, knowing I am too worried. I take my phone and try to call her but there’s no response. ‘She’s not answering my calls.’ I say with a frown. ‘What if she got into an accident? She was really speeding.’ I say, starting to get really worried.
‘Hyung I know you’re scared and worried, I understand but she might not be responding because she might still be driving.’ Jimin says and I nod.
‘Chim is right. When we arrive, don’t bombard her mother. She might not know anything and it’s useless to worry her without knowing what the hell is going on ourselves.’ Yoongi says.
‘I just don’t get why she didn’t tell me anything.’ I say and Yoongi sighs.
‘Sometimes when people get a surprise or are worried they just act without thinking. She might not even be thinking straight right now.’ Yoongi says again. We finally arrive at her home and we get out of the car. I knock on the door and force a smile to hide my worry. Yoona’s mother opens the door and smiles when she sees me.
‘Ahh Hoseok honey.’ She says as she hugs me. ‘What brings you here?’ She asks.
‘I um… we were on break and we went to go and buy some things and were passing from this neighbourhood. I thought I could drop and say hello since I haven’t been able to come and visit.’ I say.
‘Ah you’re such a good boy. It’s no wonder Yoona loves you so much and Baekhyun looks up to you.’ She says with a proud smile on her face.
‘Mentioning Baekhyun, how is he? I haven’t talked to him much lately.’ I say.
‘Coming to think of it, he has been out since early this morning. He said some friend had some emergency.’ She says and I nod.
‘Ah okay. I’ll try to come as soon as I can to see you properly Eomma.’ I say and she nods.
‘Wait before you go.’ She says as he goes inside. I look at Jimin and Yoongi as we exchange a look.
‘Maybe he called her to help his friend.’ Jimin says and I nod just as Yoona’s mother comes back with a bag with containers.
‘I know you’re really busy but I made a lot of food so here, take some with you to share with the others.’ She says as she shoves the boxes into my arms.
‘Thank you Eomma.’ I say as I kiss her cheek. We return back to the car and begin to drive back to BigHit. I try to call her again but she still doesn’t respond. ‘Come on Yoona… just pick up the damned phone.’ I say.
Yoona
I speed towards the Casino, the imagine of my brother on his knees, a gun to his head still playing in my brain. I should have told Hoseok or the others or called the cops but he warned me on the phone – if I appear with anyone else, my brother is as good as dead.
I can still Hoseok shouting my name as he tried to follow me. I pretended that I didn’t hear him. If I told him, he wouldn’t let me go. ‘Aish what mess did you get into again Baekhyun?’ I ask myself as I accelerate until I finally reach the Casino.
I jump out of the car and rush inside, pushing open the door and running straight to where I know his office is. It’s like they have been expecting me because they don’t stop me. I run inside and let out a loud short scream as I see my brother in the corner. His lip is busted, his cheek and jaw bruised, one eye swollen, the other bruised. His hand is holding his other one which looks bruised and… broken in all sorts of way. I look up at Boos and someone who is standing next to him – someone who looks familiar until it hits me – Baekhyun’s work friend.
‘You *s! What did you do to him?’ I scream at Boss who looks at me and laughs.
‘Poor Baekhyun couldn’t keep himself from gambling and playing. He lost quite a bit of money and now he owes me twenty-five million won.’ He says. I gasp as I look at my brother. He looks away from me, unable to look me in the eye. Twenty-five million won? How am I supposed to pay that now? ‘Now I know he cannot pay that money but perhaps you can help him out again. Poor boy didn’t even want to give me your number which is why I had to take drastic measures and break his fingers, one by one.’ He says. I feel my stomach churn, like I want to throw up. It feels as if someone just stabbed me in the back.
‘You *. You complete and utter *.’ I scream as I go next to my brother. He looks at me, his eyes looking glossy.
‘I’m sorry noona… I’m so sorry noona.’ He says. I cover my mouth to try and hide my sobs. ‘I tried… I really tried.’ He cries.
‘Shh it’s okay Baekhyun.’ I say. I stand up and look at Boss. ‘I’ll find a way to pay the money but please, don’t hurt my brother.’ I say.
‘You’re going to pay twenty-five million won?’ He asks with a scoff. ‘Hmm I like to see you try but on a few conditions. You only have till the end of this month, otherwise, the amount will double and triple.’ He says and I gulp. ‘Secondly, you’ll deliver the money yourself. I want you to deliver the money – from your hand to mine.’ He says with a smirk.
‘ No… please…’ Baekhyun says as he starts to cough. I look at him and see how hurt he is and I sigh.
‘Fine, fine. I’ll give you the money myself. Anything else?’ I ask. Boss stands up from his seat and walks next to me. He’s taller than me so he bends down so he is close to my face.
‘One last condition – if you tell anyone about what happened today or our little deal, I’ll kill your mother and your boyfriend.’ He says and I gasp loudly. It feels like someone just punched me in the gut as I begin to shake my head. ‘His name is Jung Hoseok right? You know how to choose them, I’ll give you that but an idol like him cannot protect you from someone like me and I will kill him and everybody will just think it’s an accident.’ He says with a shrug.
‘You’re a monster.’ I say. He laughs as he places his lips against mine. I close my eyes and ball my hands into fists to stop myself from slapping him. That will only aggravate the situation for me and my brother.
‘No… stop.’ Baekhyun says as he tries to stand up. He pushes Boss away who just smiles. He looks at his men and nods. Chi-Won comes right from behind as he holds me by the arm just as the other two start to kick at Baekhyun.
‘NO!!! NO!!! STOP…STOP… PLEASE…. PLEASE… NO BAEKHYUN!’ I scream at the top of my lungs. I hear Baekhyun crying out in pain as he tries to protect his face and hands. Boss claps his hands and they stop and Chi-Won lets go of. My body trembles, my feet feel heavy and my knees buckle as I fall down to the ground, next to my brother. ‘Baek?’ I ask, my voice quivering.
‘I’m… I’m okay… Noona.’ He says and I hear Boss snickering. I feel my heart crushing against my chest. I feel so hopeless, so helpless against this monster.
‘Take them out and don’t forget our deal.’ He says. I don’t say anything as I go to help Baekhyun up. He cannot even stand properly as the two guys carry him outside. We’re thrown out from the backdoor of the Casino and that’s when I start to sob loudly.
‘Stop… crying… noona.’ He says as he tries to reach for my face. I look at him and cry even more.
‘You *. You stupid *. How could you do this? You let them fool you and beat you. Why did you have to try and protect me?’ I yell as I reach for my phone. I see twelve missed calls from Hoseok and I sigh. I’ll have to deal with him later as I focus on calling the ambulance.
We arrive at hospital and I watch them lead him inside. I sit down on the chair when suddenly I hear running footsteps. I look up and see Jungkook, Taehyung and Jin there. ‘Noona!! What’s wrong?’ Taehyung asks as he kneels down in front of me.
‘We were just about to leave. Everyone is so worried bout you.’ Jin says while Jungkook is on his phone, probably calling the others.
‘Noona… why do you have blood on your clothes? Are you hurt?’ Taehyung says suddenly as he touches my arm. I flinch and he looks at me. ‘Did…did someone touch you?’ He asks and I shake my head.
'I’m…I’m okay but someone beat up my little brother. It’s his blood, not mine.’ I say, my voice trembling. Jin automatically wraps his arms around me as I begin to sob.
‘It’s okay Yoona. We’re here for you.’ He says as he rubs my back. Taehyung remains kneeling down in front of me, his hand on my knee. Jungkook sits down beside me and reaches for my hand.
‘Yoona!!’ I hear Hoseok after only a few minutes. I stand up and run into his arms. He hugs me tightly and I hold onto his chest. ‘Yoona, jagi, what happened?’ He asks but I shake my head.
‘I… I don’t know… he called me… saying he was hurt and I found him beat up badly.’ I say, lying through my teeth. It’s the only way I can protect my brother, my mother and him.
‘Aish! We’ll figure something out, okay?’ He says but I don’t say anything. The doctor comes out and I let go of Hoseok and look at him.
‘You’re his sister, right?’ He asks and I nod. ‘Well he was beaten up pretty badly. His fingers on his right hand were broken one by one and his palm was also broken. Three of his ribs are fractured, his nose is broken and we think there is damage to his kidneys. We still need to run more tests, including a CT scan.’ He informs me.
‘Is he going to be okay?’ Hoseok asks and the doctor nods and I let out a deep breath of relief. ‘Thank you.’ He says as he shakes his hand with him. I watch the doctor leave and I fall to my knees, head against the floor. ‘Yoona…’ Hoseok’s voice says as he kneels down and brings me to his arms.
‘I … I need to see him.’ I say and he nods. We start walking but I stop and turn to the others. ‘Thank you… for coming and being here with me.’ I say.
‘Of course Yoona. We told you, we’re a family and if there’s a problem, we can solve it together.’ Yoongi says. I feel my throat tighten. I want to tell all of you the truth but I’m too scared. I let Hoseok lead me to my brother’s room. I feel tears as I see him on the bed fast asleep.
‘Namdongsaeng.’ I say as I approach him. I take his hand in mine as I squeeze it. His face is all bruised and swollen and his hand in a cast. ‘I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you.’ I say.
‘Hey it’s not your fault Yoona.’ Hoseok says. I look at him as I remember Boss’ words. If tell anyone the truth, he’ll kill him. I have to protect him and in order to fully protect him, I need to let him go, even if it breaks my heart.
‘Hoseok we need to talk.’ I say as I stand up and look at him. ‘I love you.’ I begin and I see him tilt his head. He knows that something is up. ‘I do, I really do but loving you, being with you has me distracted. I didn’t even have time for my brother and I didn’t notice that something was up.’ I say.
‘What exactly is it that you’re trying to say?’ He asks. I can see he’s trying to remain calm but I also see the fear in his eyes – it’s written all over his face. ‘Yoona – be clear with me.’ He says.
‘I think it’s better if we break up. Work already takes all my time and I can’t neglect my family, not even for you.’ I say.
‘Yoona! Please don’t do this. You’re just upset about what happened tonight and I don’t blame you but you’re not thinking clearly right now. Rest and think about it – our relationship is not the reason why this happened.’ Hoseok says. I feel my heart breaking but this is the only way I can protect him. Somehow, Boss found out about us – he can find out that I broke up with him and leave him alone.
‘Hoseok, I made my decision. I ask that you respect it.’ I say, trying to get rid of the tremor in my voice and sound firm. I see his eyes getting teary and I look away.
‘No, no. Do you really expect me to let you go just like that?’ He asks and I close my eyes, trying to fight the tears. ‘I can’t. I won’t.’ He says but I don’t say anything. ‘You said you loved me and you know how much I love you. I’ve loved you for years and it took all my courage to tell you. You can’t do this to me.’ He says.
‘If you really love me, you’ll let me go.’ I say, sounding cold when in reality my heart is breaking into pieces. He stares at me as I see an angry look on his face.
‘That’s not fair.’ He says.
‘Just do as I tell you. Please. Being with you will be a reminder that I am a horrible sister so stop being selfish.’ I say as I look at Baekhyun.
‘Why are you trying to hurt me?’ He asks. ‘Did I hurt you in some way that I don’t know?’ He asks and I shake my head as I keep giving him my back. I feel the tears go down my cheeks. He comes next to me and wraps his arms around from behind. ‘Then why? Why are you doing this to me?’ He asks.
‘Just leave Hoseok. We can talk later. I want to be with my brother right now.’ I say, refusing to look at him as I push him off of me.
‘Fine. I’ll leave.’ He says as he strides away. He closes the door with a loud bang and I fall onto my knees as I exhale loudly. I begin to sob as I punch my fist against the carpet. I grab the cushion from the sofa and scream into it, trying to muffle my noise.
‘No-noona.’ Baekhyun calls. I quickly stand up and remove my tears as I approach him. ‘I’m so sorry.’ He says as his own tears slide down.
‘Shh it’s okay. What happened Baek? I thought you stopped.’ I say as I sit down next to him.
‘For a while I did but Boss sent Chi-Won. He was never my friend, it was just pretense noona. I trusted him and we started hanging out and he kept taking me to these places and I couldn’t resist. I played but I kept it to a minimum. I was really careful but he said that he spiked my drink to make me get drunk. I must have played a lot and burrowed money from Boss without even being aware. I don’t even know if I really do owe him the money or not.’ He admits.
‘Oh namdonsaeng.’ I say as I squeeze his hand.