4 months later…

Jongin pushed the front door open and slammed it so hard the Christmas wreath hanging there nearly fell off. Minseok was sitting close to the door doodling in a small notebook. He flinched at the loud sound, and flinched again when he saw Jongin. Jongin let out an annoyed sigh and rolled his eyes.

Chanyeol was sitting at the counter on a bar stool texting someone (probably Baekhyun) but looked up from his phone to glare at Jongin. That's the only emotion he ever showed toward Jongin now. Anger. He was always mad at Jongin for something. And it got on Jongin’s nerves almost as much as Minseok’s flinching.

“What have I done now?” Jongin groaned as he threw his head back and trudged into the kitchen.

“I don't know how many times I have to tell you not to slam the door. It scares Minseok. You know that,” Chanyeol was trying to remain calm. He really hated yelling at Jongin but he knew he had to stick up for little Minseok, because Minseok wouldn't stick up for himself.

“I don't give a damn about Minseok!” Jongin raised his voice.

“JONGIN!” Chanyeol stood up and slammed his hand on the marble counter.

Chanyeol’s deep voice boomed through the house. Minseok’s entire body had tensed, he didn't dare to move or look over at his Hyungs. Since Luhan had died, Minseok had no one who he felt safe around. No one who promised to protect him. The memories of his past were faded and smudged when he had Luhan. But now, those memories were far too clear. Mr. Choi already hit him and the others. Of course it was nothing close to what he had endured when he was younger, but now that Jongin hated him, he knew that his fear of being hurt again was becoming a reality.