Junhyung’s POV

When I arrived at his school, I was already ten minutes late. I parked my car at the side and ran into his school. Haneul told me that Tae Hyun would always be waiting at the playground in his school. There were so many playgrounds in his school. I passed by three already but I still don’t see him!

What kind of kindergarten is so big and complicating? I don’t remember my school being like this.

“Where are you?” I mumbled to myself as I walked around.

The pain in my stomach was not showing me any mercy at all. It tortured me at every step I took. I found it hard to even breathe properly. To add to that, my back started aching.

I was about to head to the main office to ask for help when I heard some voices coming from behind. I followed the voices and found another playground. There was a group of kids behind, the slide blocking my full view.

“YOU’RE UGLY THAT’S WHY YOUR PARENTS LEFT YOU!” I heard a boy shout, followed by laughter.

“DISGUSTING FREAK! CRYBABY!” Another said.

From the bottom, I saw someone fall to the ground. What are children learning in school these days!? Bullying at such a young age!? I headed towards them and grabbed one of the boy who was about to kick the kid on the ground.

“YAH! WHAT DO YOU THINK… Tae Hyunie?!” I looked at the boy on the ground.

It was Tae Hyun. He had a cut on his knee and he was crying.

“DID YOU DO THIS TO HIM!?” I yelled at the boy I was grabbing onto.

He looked scared, but was trying hard to stay calm.

“SO!?” He answered back at me.

“SO!? Did you just tell me ‘SO’!? Wah~~ What do you exactly learn in school? What do you parents teach you exactly?” I said.

“Let go of me!” He struggled. His ‘gang’ stood frozen.

I tightened my grip on his arms.

“How old are you? Five? Six? What are you doing bullying someone else?” I said.

“He deserves it!” He yelled.

“What? He deserves it? Do you even know the meaning behind what you just said? How did Tae Hyunie deserve the bullying from you and your gang?” I asked.

“He doesn’t have parents! He is a freak! He deserves it!” The kid shouted into my face.

“IT IS NOT HIS FAULT HE DOESN’T HAVE PARENTS! HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT!? WHO TAUGHT YOU SUCH CRAP!? JUST BECAUSE HE DOESN’T HAVE PARENTS DOESN’T MAKE HIM ANY DIFFERENT FROM YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS! HE HAS A FAMILY TOO!” I shouted at him.

I was fuming. What are kids becoming to?

The volume of my voice must have shocked the boy because he started sobbing.

“I’M GOING TO TELL MY MOM!!” He cried.

“Please do! Do it now! I am waiting! I want to ask your mother what kind of parenting did she give you. Go ahead, tell me where is your mother, I’ll take you there.” I said.

He kept struggling. His friends had ran away already. How loyal of them~

“STOP MOVING!” I shouted at him.

I did not want to use any more strength on him. I have no desire to hurt him or leave bruises on his arms, I just wanted to let him know what he is doing is wrong.

He stopped moving, but never stopped crying.

“Tae Hyun does not have parents, but it is not his fault! He did not choose to be this way! You can choose not to be his friend because of this reason, it does not make sense but it is your choice after all. But you cannot use this reason to bully him or mock at him. It is mean and wrong! You are fortunate to have parents so you should appreciate that fact.” I said.

“He does not have parents but that does not make him a freak. Neither was it the reason he is ugly that his parents left him! He is very handsome and cute okay?! You are too, so don’t be such a meanie. Tae Hyun has a family, there are people who loves Tae Hyun too. And not only do you hurt Tae Hyun when you bully him, you hurt people who loves him too. Do you have any idea how much people you are hurting?!” I raised my voice a little.

He shook his head and cried harder.

“I am letting you go this time, but I am warning you, if I see you bully him again, I’ll not let you go. I’ll take you to your parents, your teacher, and your principal, whoever I can find. Remember my face because I will remember yours. I love Tae Hyun. He is like my younger brother, or even better still, my son. I would not allow anyone to bully him do you understand that? If I have to go into your classroom and drag you out, I will do it.” I said.

He nodded slightly.

He was shaking so badly I think if I continued to yell at him, he would pee in his pants. I let go of him but caught him back just as he was about to run away.

“Apologize to him. Aren’t that what schools teach you? Say sorry when you do something wrong.” I said.

“Sor.. Sor.. Sorry..” He mumbled before struggling out of my grip and running away.

I sighed and turned to Tae Hyun. He was still on the ground.

“Are you alright?” I asked as I squat down to help him up.

But to my surprise, he slapped my hand away and pushed me. Just like Ji Eun, they both are strong kids.

“WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?” He shouted into my face.

“Wh.. What?” I asked.

“WHY WERE YOU SUCH A BUSYBODY!?” He yelled.

Me? Busybody? That is hurting.

“I…” I mumbled, looking at him.

“HE WOULD ONLY HATE ME MORE! AFTER THIS, I WOULD NOT HAVE ANYMORE FRIENDS AND IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!!” He shouted.

He pounced onto me, punching me in my chest with his little fist, his tears dripped all over me. I was in a state of shock. I never expected him to react this way. When I snapped out of my thoughts, I grabbed his hands tight. He kept struggling and crying, but I never let go.

“LISTEN TO ME!” I yelled.

“NO!!! GO AWAY!!!!” He kept stepping on my stomach. As if the cramp wasn’t enough torture.

“PLEASE! Just listen to me!!” I pleaded.

“NO!!!!” He jumped on my stomach. For a moment I thought I was going to get killed by him.

“TAE HYUN!!! STOP IT!!!” I yelled, grabbing him tight. I pushed myself up and carried him by force. He punched and bit me but I did not let him go.

I took him to the car and forced him into the backseat. I strapped him down and got into the driver’s seat. He kept yelling and kicking as I drove. I was afraid he would hurt himself, but I wasn’t going to back down just yet.

“LET ME GO!!!!!!” He yelled till his voice strained.

I parked the car under the bridge of the Han River. I got out and unbuckled him. He took the chance to kick me. I carried him up and put him on top of the car.

“Don’t struggle, you’re going to fall and hurt yourself.” I warned him.

“I DON’T CARE!!!!” He kept kicking, attempting to jump off.

“BUT I CARE!” I yelled at him, grabbing him tight. One, to stop him from moving, and two, to prevent him from falling.

“NO ONE CARES ANYWAY!!” He yelled into my face.

“What did you say? No one cares!? Say that again!” I raised my voice at him.

“NO ONE CARES!! ALL OF YOU ARE LIARS!!! MOM SAID SHE’LL BE BACK IN FIVE MINUTES!! BUT SHE NEVER CAME!! SHE NEVER!!!” He smacked me in my face as he cried.

How can I blame him for reacting like this? I let him yell, cry and hit me until he got tired.

“Feeling better?” I asked.

He did not answer but I could tell from his face he had let it all out.

“If you’re done, can you listen to what I have to say now?” I asked.

No response.

“I take that as a yes.” I said.

“Don’t ever say no one cares for you, because if no one cares, you wouldn’t be here right now. You would still be at the airport.” I said, wiping away his tears.

“I know it’s tough. Everyone wants their parents. Even at my age, I still want my parents. I still call out for my Umma.” I said.

“But you can, and I can’t!” He started yelling all over again.

“You’ll never, never, never understand!!!” He screamed.

“What makes you think so?” I asked.

“You have parents!!!” He shouted.

“I do, but I had been abandoned before.” I said.

He stopped and looked at me.

“I am not making this up. I had been abandoned before. So I know how it feels like to not have parents. But Tae Hyunie, you have Ji Eun, Haneul, Jace, Ahjumma and everyone else at the orphanage. How does that make you wanted by no one? How is it no one cares for you?” I said.

“But I want my Umma.” He cried.

“I know you want your Umma.” I said, hugging him tight.

“Is it because I am bad, that’s why she left?” He cried.

“I don’t know why she left, but it is definitely not because you are bad. You’re such a sweet boy. Don’t ever think that way.” I said.

“We may never be able to replace your parents, but Tae Hyun, we love you. We all do. Especially Jace and Haneul. How hurt would they be if they heard you say no cares about you?” I said, making him look at me.

He looked down, sniffing softly.

“Maybe your parents would come back, maybe they would not, but that does not make you any different. You’re still Tae Hyun, that lovable boy. It is not your fault that they left so you should not be living under that thought. You’re six years old this year, right? You should be happy and playing around, not sulking and thinking everything is your fault. It hurts us so much to see you sad, do you know?” I asked.

He bit his lower lip. I leaned against the car to ease my aching back, but I was still holding onto him.

“Why did you not fight back just now?” I asked.

“Because what he said is true.” He mumbled.

“It is not!” I got a little agitated.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” I apologized.

“You’re not a freak. Neither did your parents leave because you’re ugly or you’re bad. None of that is true. You’re a man, aren’t you? How can you let them bully you? Do you really think the way they described you?” I asked.

It took him awhile to answer. He shook his head.

“That’s right! It’s not you that they are describing! Then why are you so scared of them? Why did you ask me to just let them bully you?” I asked.

“I…” He mumbled.

“Because you’re afraid they would harm you even more?” I asked.

He nodded slightly.
“Tae Hyunie, listen. I can always come to school to pick you up, threaten these bullies for you, but at the end of the day, you still have to learn to defend yourself. If you don’t even trust that you deserve not to be bullied, then how is it possible for the bullies to think they shouldn’t bully you?” I said.

He looked at me, a little confused. Right, he’s only six. I forgot.

“I mean, if you want them to stop bullying you, you have to first convince yourself that you’re worth it. You have to stand up for yourself, you have to fight for yourself. When I say fight, I don’t mean to use your fist. I mean to use words.” I said.

“Words?” He asked.

“Yea, words. Tell them! Tell them you’re not like that! Tell them you don’t deserve to be bullied just because you don’t have the same family background as they do. For someone to love you, you first have to love yourself. If you want others to defend you, you have to defend yourself.” I said.

“Do you understand?” I asked.

“I.. I think..” He mumbled cutely.

“In short, don’t let them bully you. Make them know they are wrong. Make them know that you are not different from them.” I said.

"And only when you're strong, you can defend Ji Eun if she gets bullied." I continued.

He nodded.

I carried him down and let him sit on the passenger’s seat while I dress the cut on his knee.

“It’s going to hurt a bit, but bear with it, okay?” I said.

He nodded. He winced a little but did not kick up a fuss.

“You said… Everyone loves me.. Even.. You?” He asked suddenly.

“Do I look like I don’t love you?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“Then?” I smiled, poking his cheek.

“I’m sorry.” He said.

“Don’t be.” I said, holding his hand.

We sat on the ground, staring at the water. I let him sit on my lap, holding him close to me.

“You said your parents left you?” He asked.

“Uh huh.” I rested my chin on his head.

He still has that baby smell lingering on him.

“Why?” He asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe because I am different.” I said.

“How are you different?” He asked, looking at me.

“You’re a curious one, aren’t you?” I poked his nose.

He chuckled. This is the first time I actually hear him laugh.

“If I tell you, would you promise not to tell anyone?” I asked.

“It’s a secret?” He asked.

“Yea. It’s our secret, okay?” I asked.

He nodded.

I told him my story, leaving out the part about my period because he is too young to understand. I don’t wish for him to grow up thinking he would have a period too and then freak out thinking he is abnormal when he does not get it.

“You cried?” He asked.

“Of course I did. I was scared and angry, like you.” I poked his cheek.

“But your mom came back.” He mumbled.

“And so will yours.” I said.

“What if she doesn’t?” He asked.

“Then we’re here for you, no matter what.” I hugged him tight.

“Are you serious about being my hyung, or appa?” He asked.

“I’ll not snatch Jace’s spot as your appa.” I laughed.

“But I like you.” He said.

“You what?” I asked.

“I like you.” He said, blushing a litte.

It’s not as if he is confessing to a girl. How cute, this little boy. But honestly, I felt so warm inside too.

“Tell you what, I’ll be your hyung and appa, whichever you feel like calling me that day.” I said.

“Really?” He asked.

“Do I look like a liar?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“So what am I today?” I asked.

“Erm… Hyung!” He smiled.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because you stood up for me just now. You were brave so you’re JJANG!” He showed me two thumbs up, punching me in my nose by accident.

“Ouh sorry!” He apologized, rubbing my nose.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Hahaha~” I said.

“Remember that everyone loves you, okay? Especially Jace and Haneul.” I said.

“And you?” He asked.

“Of course.” I gave him a kiss on his cheek.

We sat for a while more before I remembered I have not texted Haneul yet. I searched for my phone but it wasn’t in my pocket.

“It’s getting dark, let’s go before Haneul freaks out.” I said, letting him stand up.

The moment I stood up, the pain in my stomach and back shot up at the same time, leaving me breathless and in cold sweat. I bend over to try ease the pain. I must have shocked Tae Hyun because he looked really scared.

“ARE YOU OKAY!?” He shook my arm.

“I’m fine.” I said, assuring him.

“Is it my fault?” He asked, biting his lower lip.

“No, no. Silly, it’s not.” I said.

“But I hurt you just now.” He said, tears flowing down his cheek.

“No, really, it’s not your fault. Maybe I am old.” I tried to humor him.

“I’m sorry! Don’t die!” He hugged me tight.

“I’m not dying!” I laughed.

He suddenly pulled up my shirt and gave me a kiss on my stomach.

“Jace appa and Haneul umma always gives us kisses wherever we are hurting.” He said innocently.

“Does it still hurt? It’s not supposed to hurt anymore!” He asked, kissing me again.

“Are you a magician!?” I asked.

“Huh?” He looked at me.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore!” I said.

“Really?” He asked.

“Yea. Thank you for healing me!” I carried him up.

I buckled him up in the passenger seat before going to the driver’s seat. I looked at my phone, there was 13 missed calls from Haneul and 27 messages with the same text; ‘Where the hell are you? Call me please.’

“Damn.” I mumbled.

Tae Hyun turned to look at me.

“Ahh~ Sorry. I mean, oh no.” I said.

“Why?” He asked.

“Your Haneul umma must have freaked out. Wait huh. Shhh~” I said as I called her.

“WHERE THE ARE YOU!? I DON’T REMEMBER HIS SCHOOL BEING IN JEJU OR BUSAN! WHY IS IT TAKING YOU SO DAMN LONG TO TAKE HIM BACK!? AND WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PHONE FOR!?” She yelled.

“Haneul.. I’m sorry.. I..” She cut me off before I could finish.

“Come back now.” She said, hanging up the phone.

I sighed as I put the phone in the compartment and started the engine.

“Is it serious?” Tae Hyun asked.

“What?” I looked at him.

“Jace appa always sighs like you whenever Haneul umma yell at him. So, is it serious?” He asked.

“What’s your definition of serious?” I asked.

“Erm… Do you think you’ll be scolded badly? Plus, a little violent act?” He asked.

“Oh, I think it’s going to be more than that.” I said.

“Uh oh.” He mumbled, looking down.

“Hahaha! It’s alright!” I pat his head.

The drive back to the orphanage wasn’t a pleasant one. My stomach and back still continued to hurt. To add to that, I felt like puking because of the uneasiness I was feeling. I felt like a teen that got caught for stealing. I rubbed onto my stomach, trying to ease it a little. I looked down when I felt another hand on me.

“Haneul umma always gives us stomach rubs whenever we get tummy aches.” Tae Hyun said as he rubbed my stomach.

“Thank you.” I smiled.

The moment we got back to the orphanage, the atmosphere spelt it all.

“Come, let’s go.” I said, unbuckling the seatbelt for him.

We walked side by side when he suddenly grabbed my hand. I looked at him but he just shrugged his shoulders.

“Where were you two? Why didn’t you answer your phone? Haneul is so worried.” Ahjumma said softly.

“I’m sorry.” I bowed.

“SORRY!? YOU’RE SORRY!?” Haneul shouted from behind.

I turned over and saw Haneul stomping towards me.

“I…” Before I could finish, a hard slap landed on my cheek, leaving me dizzy and nauseous. My right ear started ringing and I could feel cold sweat form on my back.

“UMMA!!!! IT’S NOT HYUNG’S FAULT!!!! IT’S ME!!! WHY DID YOU HIT HIM!? HE IS ALREADY SICK!” I heard Tae Hyun yell. He was hugging my legs protectively.

“This is too much, Haneul ah.” I think it was Ahjumma who said it.

“Yah, Yong Junhyung, are you okay?” Haneul shook me slightly.

I opened my mouth to assure her but for some reason no sound came out. All I felt was pain.

***
When Junhyung saw Tae Hyun getting bullyed: 

What he wanted to do

But he couldn't, so...

Tae Hyun: But I like you

Junhyung: All I felt was pain.