The next morning, Taemin made his way back home. It wasn’t easy, seeing as he hurt all over.

                Jongin made several protests saying he’d much rather stay and tend to him but Taemin insisted he’d go to school, after all, he needed someone to bring him the work he’d be missing.

                “Hyung, I can’t leave you like this! You can barely get up with assistance! What are you going to do if you need something?”

                The elder shook his head, receiving excruciating pain from the gesture.

                “Taemin, I can’t leave you here alone…”

                “Would you feel better if I called Ruki and asked him to come?”

                Jongin nodded, “I’d feel better if he did come.”

                “Do you mind, um… do you mind making the call? Or can you just dial the number and put it on speaker? It- I’d rather not move my arms…” He chuckled awkwardly.

                “Sure, give me a second.”

                Once the younger boy found the number, he called it, letting it ring over the speakers.

                “Tae-chan?~ This is you calling, right?” A voice picked up almost immediately

                Taemin laughed at the answer, “Yes, it’s me. Ruki, are you free today?”

                “Yes I am! Do you want to see me? I want to see you! Let’s go to the karaoke place downtown!”

                “Actually, Ruki-”

                “Actually,” Jongin interrupted, “Ruki, Taemin’s hurt. I was wondering if you could come by and look after him while I’m at school.”

                “My Tae-chan is hurt?! How did this happen?! Of course I’ll do it! Anything for my Darling! I’ll be there in a few minutes or as soon as I can! Bye, bye!”

                The conversation was cut short when the boy on the other end abruptly hung up.

                “See? It’ll all work out. You can go to school.” Taemin assured.

                “I guess.”

                “Hey Jongin, I’m sorry I can’t make you lunch.”

                The younger boy was touched, kneeling down next to the bed. He looked at Taemin’s purple eyes and swollen lips, the way his fingers looked wrapped up in gauze. “Taemin, you don’t have to do anything. I’m not a kid, I can do it myself. You just like to spoil me too much… you know, I really love you.” He leaned closer, placing a soft kiss on the boy’s chin. “I love you, Taemin. I love you, I love you, I love you.”

                Taemin smiled, nuzzling into Jongin’s dark, hair. They remained like that for a while until the doorbell rang, signalling Ruki’s arrival.

                “Jongin, please spare him the details.”  

                “I will. I’ll go let him in now.”

                Before Jongin could even get up, the lock turned and the door flew open, Ruki running in, rushing to Taemin’s side. He was still in his pajamas.

                “Oh my God, Tae-chan! Look at you! I- I-…” He looked the boy over, rubbing his eyes. “Am I really not dreaming?! What happened?! Look at you… you’re… this is so sad…”

                Noticing that Ruki was considering a hug, Jongin stopped him prematurely. “Don’t. It’ll only end up hurting him.”

                “Ruki, don’t worry about it at all, okay? I just came back from the hospital not too long ago. Everything that could have gone wrong was checked and double checked.”

                “But what-”

                “I got into a fight. But it’s okay, I’m fine. And if anything goes wrong, you’re here, right? You’ll take care of me?”

                “Yeah! I will!”

                Hearing this, Jongin felt at ease. He got ready for school and made a makeshift lunch for himself. It was horrible in comparison to the ones Taemin makes him. He sighed.

                Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he waved towards the pair. “Bye. I’ll see you after school.”

                “Bye!” They boys said.

                Ruki watched the door until it shut, turning towards Taemin. “Tae-chan, what really happened?” He asked once more. “I told you, I got into a fight.”

                The elder’s hand went to his neck, his finger dragging over some purple marks. “Just a fight? These look like hickeys. Did… did Minho do this to you?”

                “No!” Taemin shouted, “No, no, no! Minho would never lay a finger on me like that! I swear it wasn’t Minho.”

                “Okay, I understand.” Ruki whispered, slowly moving Taemin’s arms off his chest before pulling the covers down. He took the bottom of Taemin’s loose shirt, rolling it up completely, revealing his bandaged ribs and upper chest. “Wow…” The younger boy heard him say, watching him pull his pants down just past his hips. “Whoever this was, they really got you all over the place, huh? You’re just one, big walking bruise.” Taemin nodded.

                Readjusting the injured boy’s clothes, Ruki looked back up, meeting his eyes. “So what did the doctor say to do?”

                “He said I should just refrain from moving whenever possible and ice swollen areas, and some other typical stuff.”

                The elder nodded, getting up to the fridge where he pulled out an ice cube tray, popping some into a few Ziploc bags and coming back to Taemin. “Put this one on your lips and hold these to your eyes. We want this to go away first. After all, you have a very pretty face and it’s such a shame that these are covering it up. Hey, do you want me to turn on the radio? Which music station do you listen to? I’ll turn it on for you.”

                “Actually, do you have your phone?” Taemin asked.

                “Yeah.”

                “Can you play some of the songs you’ve sang? I really like them and I want to hear some again. I think they’re better than the songs on the radio these days anyways. You’re really talented.”

                Ruki found himself blushing, his hand falling over his heart, feeling the fast beat in his palm. “They’re really not that good… I mean, you’re giving me too much credit…”

                “I’m definitely not. If you don’t want to then at least sing to me.”

                “No, I…”

                “Please?” Taemin said in such a sweet voice the Ruki would have felt horrible if he answered anything other than ‘Okay…’

                He sat there for a few seconds, contemplating which song to sing, feeling Taemin’s eyes on him, filled with anticipation.

                Finally deciding on one, he spent the next few seconds trying to round up enough courage. Singing to strangers was an entirely different story compared to singing to someone he was close with and cared about.

                Counting himself in with the rhythmic tapping of his foot, he began. In the beginning, he was a bit embarrassed, but he found himself finding confidence in the way Taemin would childishly smile each time he hit a high note. Unfortunately, he lost a bit of it when he stuttered, feeling the younger boy’s hand land on top of his. He kept going through the flustered feelings, trying to not forget the words.

                When he finished, his heart melted, seeing the younger boy clapping, although it made no sound due to the caution. “That was really, really good. I liked it a lot. You’re so good at this Ruki!”

                The elder’s face was red, a pout forming with his lips. “Stop it, Tae-chan! You’re making me really happy but I can’t even hug you! It’s not fair!” Taemin’s giggle made him even more upset, shaking his head. “Stop being so cute! I can’t handle it!”

                Taemin smiled, rolling over to the side. “I’m not cute… I’m really ugly. No one would see me as cute right now. Not even Minho.” He went on, his smile fading as he buried his face into a pillow, closing his eyes.

                “Hey! You stop right there! You’re the cutest being to ever walk this planet, you got that? You could have your face completely torn off and that still wouldn’t change a thing. And Minho, he’d love you no matter how you look. If you don’t believe me, then I’ll call him right now and ask!”

                “Don’t! Don’t call him!”

                Ruki was silenced, eyes glued to the boy. “Why not?”

                “He doesn’t know anything and I don’t want him to. I have my reasons, okay? So please just don’t.”

                Shaking his head, Ruki sighed, putting his cellphone away. “Fine, I won’t.”

                “Thank you. Ruki, I’m going to rest. You can watch anything you want on the television and you can play any of the games if you want to do that too. Help yourself to some food or- basically, the house is yours. Use it however you want. And thanks for coming.”

                “Okay…”

                Taemin didn’t sleep, but he did lay there with his eyes closed for a couple of hours. Maybe he did doze off occasionally. He must have at least once because he was pulled out of something similar to sleep by Ruki and greeted by delicious scents.

                “Tae-chan~ I really didn’t want to wake you up but it’s way past lunch and you haven’t eaten at all yet. I made a lot of easy to eat things like soups so you wouldn’t have to chew. I made a few fruit smoothies as well. Do you think you’d be able to sit up so I can feed you?”

                He yawned, nodding. Ruki pulled him in as gently and painlessly as he possibly could, propping him up against the wall. Taemin noticed that Ruki had opened the window, a warm breeze flowing into the house. The older boy crawled up beside him with a tray in his lap, several dishes on it.

                “This all looks like baby food.” Taemin laughed, seeing all the mashed up meals. “Well I hoped it would. I didn’t want you to have to chew anything.” He scooped up something orange into the spoon, raising it to Taemin’s accepting mouth. “Your lips have gotten a lot smaller. I guess it’s since you slept with that ice pack up against them. You have about a week until your black eye goes away, but who knows, maybe if you treat it well, it’ll go away sooner.”

                Taemin nodded, staying generally quiet as he was fed. Once he finished the food, he was handed a thick, cold smoothie in a large cup, being told to drink it all. Taking a few sips, his taste buds thanked him. “Wow, this is really good! What’s in it?” He asked. “A little bit of everything. It’s my secret smoothie recipe, you know. I can’t go around telling everyone. But I’ll make it for you every single time you ask if that’s what you want, hai?” Taemin nodded, drinking it up. Hearing his phone buzz across the room, Ruki skipped over, getting it for him. “I think you got a text.” The elder said, handing it over. “I think I did, too.” Checking his phone, he saw he had one unread message from Minho.

                ‘Where are you?’ it read.

                Looking at the time, Taemin noticed school was over. Minho must be waiting by the gate thinking that Taemin was still inside.

                ‘I’m sorry, hyung. I still didn’t feel better
                today so I didn’t go to school.
                You can go straight home.’

                He typed, receiving a reply seconds later.

                ‘Oh okay, that’s fine.
                I’ll just stop by your house.
                Is there anything you want me to get
                from the convenience store or something?’

                ‘No Hyung! Don’t come, please! I’m
                really sick and I don’t want to get you sick.
                I’ll be fine by myself, really.
                Please, there’s nothing to worry about,
                just go home.’

                ‘Even if you’re really sick, I don’t care
                if I catch it.
                You’re worth it <3
                Besides, I haven’t seen you in a few days.
                I miss you.
                I want to see you.’

                ‘Hyung, no, please don’t.
                I’ll feel really horrible if you come over.
                Just give me a few days to get over this
                cold and you can come over as often as
                you like.’

                ‘You really don’t want me to come over?
                Even though I’m going crazy here?
                Well, fine.
                Since you asked so nicely, I’ll give you a
                couple of days.
                But just a couple.
                I’ll start having withdrawals if I don’t see
                you soon!
                So I shouldn’t go to your school
                tomorrow?’

                ‘No, I’ll just tell you when I plan on
                going back to school.
                Anyways, you head home, okay?
                I love you.’

                ‘Alright.
                I love you too, Tae.
                See you.’

                Taemin finished reading the last message when he noticed Jongin had walked in, dropping his bag on the couch. “Hey hyung. How are you feeling?”

                “I’m feeling better thanks Ruki. He took care of me a lot today.” Taemin answered, smiling as he continued to drink his smoothie.

                “Your lips look a lot better.” Jongin commented, stepping closer to get a better look at them.

                “That’s what I said too.” Ruki admitted. He patted Taemin’s head softly, getting up from beside him. “Well I guess I should go now that Jongin is here.”

                “Ruki, you can stay if you want.” They both offered, receiving a shaking of the head as an answer. “No, I really should go home although that sounds great. I kind of ran out the door in my pajamas hearing that something happened to you and I left everything in a mess. I need to go clean up. Besides, you have Jongin to watch after you now so you’ll be fine. If you need me to come tomorrow I can do that too. I’ll just prepare myself more.” He laughed.

                “Alright, well thanks again Ruki.”

                He bowed, heading out the door.

                Jongin shuffled through his bag, pulling out a few sheets and placing them on the table. “This is your homework for today, hyung. It’s not a lot luckily.”

                “Thank you, Kai.” He said with a smile.

                He spent the rest of the day resting, but that didn’t mean Jongin didn’t keep him entertained.

                It was probably taking his night time medication and painkillers that finally wore him out.

                Finding himself falling asleep, the last thing he clearly remembered was the sunset.

                Seeing him laying cozily in the sheets, Jongin decided he would sleep on the couch tonight in order to avoid rolling onto the boy’s arm unintentionally. He fixed the cover, tucking Taemin in, going off to get something to eat.

                Taemin was incredibly comfortable the next time he awoke. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by pitch blackness, though.

                Out of nowhere, he felt threatened. His head swung this way and that, eyes trying to distinguish anything.

                He was so afraid. His hands started shaking and he felt tears rolling down his cheeks. Suddenly, while looking around, he remembered an evil smile. He remembered a hand grabbing his neck and he remembered his back being slammed against a wall.

                “No…” He managed, sitting up, disregarding the piercing and stabbing pains.

                Hearing the floor creak somewhere he sobbed, grabbing around the area next to him in search of his housemate.

                “Jongin?” He whispered, his hand moving through the sheets as it felt around for Jongin.

                Noticing he was missing, Taemin burst out into tears, backing up into the bed’s headboard.

                Everywhere he looked, it seemed as if the figure of a tall, well-built boy was nearing him, lips turned upwards and hand in a fist.

                “No! Go away!” He cried, holding the sheets close for protection. “Jongin!” Taemin screamed through the tears, his body being wracked by the sobs, “Jongin! Jongin, help me!”

                He was terrified. It felt like an arm could reach out at any moment without him knowing, knocking him into unconsciousness. “Jongin, save me!” Stammering, he felt so alone.

                “Taemin..?” He heard somewhere, “Taemin, is everything okay?”

                “Jongin, please save me! He’s going to get me! Please save me, Jongin!”

                There was a lot of commotion coming from a few meters away that sounded like someone hitting the floor and then running. Seconds later, the lights came on, revealing an empty room aside from him and the younger boy.

                Jongin ran over, sitting down next to Taemin, the blonde scrambling into his lap. His hold was tight, clinging to Jongin as if letting go could mean death.

                “Jongin, I’m so scared! He’s going to… he’s going to come get me! Jongin…”

                He had a very good idea of who Taemin was talking about, holding the boy close. “Taemin, shh, it’s okay now. I’m here. Nobody is going to do anything to you. Look, it’s just you and me. There’s no one else here. He’s not going to touch you ever again, okay? I’m here now.”

                Taemin’s hold still didn’t loosen as he kept crying. “I don’t want him to look at me. I don’t want to see him… he’ll kill me…”

                “Hyung, no one is going to do anything to you, okay? I’m right here. I’ll protect you from everything. Here, focus on me, okay. Look into my eyes, right here. Right here, Taemin.” He requested, lifting the older boy’s head up by his chin, forcing their gazes to cross paths. “See? I’m right here. You don’t have to worry.” Attempting to reach over for a tissue, he was stopped, Taemin shaking his head. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere, I just want you to wipe your eyes.”

                “Please don’t leave me…”

                “I won’t leave you. Does it hurt when I put my hand here?” He asked, wrapping his arm around the boy’s back, trying to give him something to lean on.

                “Don’t leave me…” Was the only answer he seemed to be getting.

                Tilting his head, he leaned in and kissed Taemin, whispering an ‘I’ll never leave you’ against his lips.

                They sat in silence for a few minutes, sharing a tight embrace while Jongin hummed a soft tune.

                It frightened him a bit how scared Taemin seemed to be of something, or rather someone, that wasn’t there.

                “How about we try going back to sleep?”

                “No, he’ll-”

                “We can keep the lights on and I’ll be right next to you the whole time, okay?”

                “… Okay…”

                Nodding, Jongin slowly laid him down, kissing the top of his head before taking his place next to him. He pulled the covers over both of them, pulling Taemin closer, shielding the boy from the edge of the bed.

Holding each other’s hands, they both gave into the early hours of the morning.

After that event, Taemin seemed to have his spirits down a majority of the time. He’d rarely smile, speaking less frequently. When he thought Jongin wasn’t looking, the younger boy would catch him staring at his bruises and then wiping his eyes, sniffling.

Taemin couldn’t help but remembering how much control Seunghyun and the other four had over him and he couldn’t help but notice how much of it they still have.

He found himself unwillingly slipping back into his memories, losing interest in speaking.

Seeing his cuts and bruises as a reminder of the past, he wanted to make them go away. Scratching at a scab, he ended up breaking some off, watching a tiny stream of blood trickle down his knuckle.

As the days passed, he felt the urges to do that grow stronger, leaving Jongin anxious as he watched the boy constantly, making sure he wasn’t picking at his skin.

“Hyung, they’re never going to heal if you keep doing this! They’ll only end up scarring you.”

“Jongin, I think it’s already scarred me… I hate it. Why can’t I be done with this already? I thought I was done with this already… Jongin?”

“Yeah?”

“I miss Minho.”

“Then why don’t you go see him? Why don’t you invite him here?”

“Because I don’t want him to see me like this. He can’t know this happened. I don’t want him to dislike me because of this.”

“Why would he do that? How could anyone hate you for getting beat up?”

“I don’t know… maybe he’ll think it’ll be easier to be with someone who doesn’t have these kinds of problem…”

“Taemin, you’re being irrational. Just eat and stop thinking such dumb things, okay?”

“Fine…”

He looked at his phone which was displaying his conversation history with Minho.

It saddened him that the last week consisted of ‘I want to see you’ and ‘no you can’t’, that the messages were a repeat of ‘I miss you, I want to be with you’ and ‘not today, okay?’

He hadn’t seen Minho in just over a week now. It was such a short time but it felt like ages.

Loneliness was difficult to deal with and his injuries served as a cold reminder of that.

Skimming over his calendar, he counted how many more days would pass until he could comfortably be in Minho’s arms once more.

Too many.