Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When Minho wakes up in the morning, he normally feels good, refreshed even. He loves waking up next to Jisung every morning and staring at him as the sun softly shines on his face.

Maybe it was the fact Jisung was already out of bed that made him feel less refreshed or maybe it was the fact he went to sleep really late the night before. Maybe he was getting nervous about the day knowing they were to meet a new choreographer today who’s going to be assisting their main choreographer.

The group has had their fair share of various choreographers, some of them good but many were degrading. The thing was, Minho didn’t know those choreographers were saying horrible things to his members until Jeongin came crying to him one night. Minho was understandably enraged. He took it upon himself to go to their managers to fire each and every choreographer who’s ever hurt his members.

Maybe this is why Minho was nervous. It’s already a stressful time, he doesn’t want anyone to be hurt by another douchebag. 

Minho sat up from the bed and stretched out before actually getting up and getting himself ready for the day. Once he finished, he glanced at the time. 10:36am. He walked out of the bedroom where he found Jisung already sitting in the kitchen, looking like he was waiting for Minho to cook.

“Morning, jagi.” Minho kissed the back of Jisung’s neck as he hugged him from behind.

“Hi baby.” Jisung smiled. “You okay?” 

“Yeah.” Minho snuggled closer into Jisung. “Just missed you when I woke up.”

Jisung chuckled. “Sorry baby. Channie hyung called me saying he wanted to see if I had a copy of a track that he somehow lost in his files.” 

“Him, losing a track? That’s very odd of him.” Minho laughed lightly as he pulled away from Jisung.

“I know right. He said he’s already at the company. We’ll have to go a bit earlier than we’re supposed to so I can give him my drive to copy the file.” 

“Okay. What do you want to eat?” Minho asked as he opened the fridge.

“We can just do eggs. Something quick.” Jisung smiled at Minho.

“Do you know if anyone else is awake?” Minho asked as he took out the eggs.

“No, they’re not getting up until eleven.” Jisung answered.

Minho hummed in response as he got to work. Within the next ten minutes he finished and they quickly ate before leaving the apartment.

They walked with their arms looped together and were humming along to some of their discography. They got into the building and went their separate ways, Jisung to the recording studio and Minho to the practice room.

“Ah, Minho! You’re here early. Great timing actually, I wanted you to meet the new choreographer before the rest of your group does since I know it’s a bit hard for them with their fears and all.” The main choreographer, Junwon, said, empathy evident in his voice.

“Oh, yeah, sure. That’s great actually. Is he already here?” Minho asked as he set his dance bag down.

“He should be coming in here any minute now.” Junwon smiled.

The two conversed, waiting for the new choreographer. Soon enough, he walked into the practice room. 

“Alright! Minho, this is Minjun. Minjun, this is Minho, Stray Kids’s dance leader.” Junwon announced.

“Hi, Minho-ssi. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Minjun greeted, holding his hand out for a handshake.

Something seems off about you. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” Minho smiled and shook hands with the other man.

“I must ask, how long do your practices last for?” Minjun asked almost shyly.

“Typically the choreographers spend about two hours with us in the studio and then just us as a group practices for another hour.” Minho answered, slightly weary.

“Ah, I see. Well, I’m extremely excited to be working with you all.” Minjun slightly bowed his head.

Maybe it won’t be too bad. 

———————————————

Practice started off as usual; everyone helping each other stretch, messing around a bit, and having fun. Within the next few minutes, Minjun began introducing himself.

“Hello everyone! My name is Minjun and I’m excited to be working with you all.” Minjun bowed his head.

“Welcome to the team!” Chan greeted with a big smile on his face.

Minho sees straight through the smile. Channie doesn’t seem to trust him either. 

“You kids ready to get to work?” Junwon smiled, earning multiple hums from the members.

For the next two hours they practiced for an upcoming show that they would be performing at in the U.S. They made improvements and changes here and there. To Minho, it was great seeing everyone working so hard and still having so much fun. He wishes he didn’t feel Minjun’s eyes on him the entire time.

Once Minjun and Junwon left, the group decided to take a break to calm their breathing.

“So, what do you guys think of the new choreographer?” Minho asked, hoping his uneasiness wasn’t him going crazy.

“He seems pretty okay. I think he just stares too hard.” Changbin snorted.

“He seems cool. I mean y’know, he doesn’t give a mean vibe in my opinion.” Jeongin gave a shy smile.

“I think he just needs to adjust to working with our group. Nothing special.” Hyunjin shrugged.

“I second that.” Felix agreed.

“I triple that.” Jisung said with a smile that made everyone laugh.

“He seems average.” Seungmin nodded.

“I guess we’ll just have to see.” Chan gave a tight lipped smile. “What about you, Minho-ya? What do you think of him?”

“Uh, I guess he’s okay.” Minho settled for the simple answer. How was he supposed to explain why he felt off about Minjun when he didn’t have anything to prove that he’s bad?

“I’m going to use the restroom real quick.” Minho said as he picked himself up from the floor. 

“Okay, but be quick. The show is only two weeks away and we need to be prepared.” Chan called out quickly.

“Yes, hyung, I’ll be quick, promise.” Minho said, faux annoyance in his voice.

Chan only smiled before Minho walked out of the room. The closest restroom to this specific practice room was all the way on the other end of the hallway, which is really a true annoyance to Minho. 

When he entered the restroom he gagged at what he saw. Minjun was jerking off in the bathroom. Not in a stall or anything. Just standing in the middle of the restroom with his pants down.

“Oh my god.” Minho muttered before immediately turning around and trying to exit the restroom before he felt a hand grab his wrist.

“Don’t tell anybody, Minho.” Minjun held Minho’s body close to his own.

“I wasn’t planning on it. I’ll just go back to practice.” Minho tried to free his arm from Minjun’s grip but the hand only held him harder.

“I actually have a different idea now that you’re here.” Minjun smirked and quickly manuvered to lock the restroom door.

“Wha-” Minho had no time to react before Minjun’s lips were on his.

Minho pushed Minjun back, hard. “What the hell? I don’t care if you’re jerking off in here but don’t drag me into it. That’s weird.” 

“You little shit.” Minjun grunted, voice laced with malice.

Minho had barely moved an inch before Minjun pushed him back and pinned him to the wall, his hands being held above him. 

“You know I’m stronger than you. You know that I can manhandle you. That must be what you want right? Since you want to put up a fight.” Minjun smirked, malice laced in his voice.

“W-what I want is for you to leave me alone.” Minho stuttered.

Minjun took a pill out from his jacket pocket and placed it to Minho’s lips. “Open for me, baby.”

Minho shook his head, trying to get the pill away from his lips.

“I said open and if you don’t listen to me I won’t hesitate to make my move on I.N. You’re both very cute.” Minjun’s smile made Minho’s blood boil.

“Don’t you fucking touch hi-” Before Minho could realize his mistake, the pill was shoved into his mouth, almost immediately going down his throat.

Minjun placed his lips back on Minho’s and pressed his body against the latter’s. Minho tried to use his knees but that was out of the question in his position. 

Chan-hyung, please come find me.

———————————

“Hyung, it’s been twenty minutes now, where is Minho-hyung?” Changbin asked as he walked up to Chan who was sitting in the corner.

“It’s been twenty minutes already?” Chan looked almost alarmed.

“Yeah, hyung. Are you okay?” Changbin looked confused.

“No, it’s just I was so distracted talking to Hannah. Something happened to Berry and I was just super focused on finding out what’s going on. I’ll go find him.” Chan got up from the floor quickly and opened the door.

Before he could exit, Minho walked back in seemingly a bit out of character.

“Sorry, I ended up talking to somebody.” Minho grunted as he walked to his dance bag.

He dug into his bag to make sure he had his extra pair of sweatpants and hoodie in there so he could change as soon as practice was over. He looked back at his members.

“Ready to continue?” Minho asked with a forced smile.

“Yeah, but can we cut it down to just a half hour today? I promised my little brother I’d call him around four today. I don’t want to disappoint him, he’s got a new project to show me.” Jeongin asked, sheepishly.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I was thinking of cutting it short anyway.” Minho nodded.

Minho went to start up the music track before taking his position amongst the other members. They started practicing, Minho trying to focus on taking mental notes of what needs to be tweaked.

It was going fine for about fifteen minutes until Minho’s vision blurred and he fell on his ankle.

“Fuck.” Minho muttered as he grasped his ankle.

“Are you okay, baby?” Jisung was at his side immediately.

“Y-yeah just give me a second.” Minho tried to assure that he was fine despite the after effects of the drug affecting him.

“Let’s just call off practice now, okay? Maybe we can order some takeout when we get home.” Chan suggested as he held out a hand to help Minho up.

Minho accepted the help and pulled himself up. “Yeah, hyung, that’s fine. My ankle doesn’t hurt too much. I’ll be fine, I just need to walk it out.”

“You sure hyung?” Felix asked, the concern written all over his face.

Minho only nodded before walking towards his dance bag. “Let me just change really quick.”

“Let me come with you, my shirt is drenched.” Hyunjin said, heading towards his own bag.

The two dancers walked out of the room and went to the restroom. Upon entering, Minjun was there, washing his hands. Minho tensed before he quickly ran into a stall. He waited to hear the restroom door shut before he tried to change his pants. 

Minjun was the whole reason why he needed to change his pants in the first place. He can feel all the dry blood and semen and it makes him feel sick. He fights back his tears and quickly changes. He walked out of the stall and waited for Hyunjin to come out, 

Once Hyunjin came out, the two quickly rushed back to the practice room where everyone else was gathering their stuff to leave.

“You all ready?” Chan asked as he looked around the room.

Everyone let out a chorus of agreements. Chan smiled and ushered them all out of the room. 

Their walk to their dorm was no more than ten minutes. Everyone was chatting and laughing but Minho couldn’t bring himself to do the same. He felt the ache in his thighs. He wanted to go home. He wanted to go lay in his parents’ house and play with the cats. He wanted to be in his mom’s arms and cry and have her tell him that everything’s going to be okay. But right now, he needs to stay strong for his group. They’re under too much stress for him to worry them with this. It’s almost unnecessary to tell them. It’s not like he can. Minjun’s words played in his mind.

“If you tell the company about this, I won’t hesitate to get I.N. If you try to report me to the police I will find you again one day. Do not test me and be a good boy.” 

So, a good boy he will be. Really, he knew it was a threat he could handle but he doesn’t want to risk his maknae getting hurt. 

All eight members walked into their shared dorm. Minho made a beeline to his bedroom to grab clothes and went straight to the bathroom.  All he wanted to do is get the uncomfortable feeling off of his body. 

When he took off his shirt, he thought he would throw up. The sight of his torso being all bruised with hand prints made him want to hurl. He quickly tore his eyes away from the mirror and continued his task. He put the water on to warm up before he removed the rest of his clothes and stepped in. 

He scrubbed soap all over his body and scratched everywhere. He scratched until his skin was blaring red. Despite this, the feeling of the man who hurt him was still there. He just wanted it gone. He needs to be okay. He has people who he needs to take care of and he can’t let someone control him. 

But everything hurts. 

Chapter Text

When Minho left the bathroom, he headed back to his room. Truth be told, he was exhausted. All he wanted to do was go to sleep. He knows that whatever Chan ordered for them to eat would be here soon and he is hungry but he feels so tired. 

As he laid on his bed, he tried to find a comfortable position but it was useless. The pain from his waist down was too much. He tossed and turned gently before he got up and left his room and went to the kitchen to get painkillers from the medicine cabinet.

“Oh, hyung, are you feeling okay? Is it your ankle?” Felix chirped as he saw Minho taking out two pills.

“I just have some muscle pains, that’s all.” Minho tried to give a small smile, although he’s scared it looked more like a grimace.

“Okay, hyung. Just let us know if you’re hurting badly, we’ll help you.” Felix smiled brightly.

Minho was able to genuinely smile at the boy. “I will Yongbokkie.” 

Then it hit him. The irony of the situation. “Just let us know if you’re hurting badly, we’ll help you.” Yet, he feels he can’t be helped. His smile faltered as Felix walked away.

He grabbed a bottle of water and took the medicine before he wandered back to his room. 

In the living room, the rest of the members huddled in a circle. 

“Is it just me or did Minho-hyung’s entire mood shift after he came back to the practice room? I mean, he looks like he’s in a lot of pain.” Changbin asked.

“He just got painkillers from the kitchen. He said he had some muscle pains but that doesn’t really make sense. Well it does but he normally only gets muscle pain when he’s learning new choreo or if he overdoes it. We were dancing to songs we’ve known the choreo for, for weeks now. He also wasn’t pushing himself today. It just doesn’t really add up to me.” Felix said, his worry lacing his voice.

“I mean, let’s not jump the gun. Maybe he did really have some muscle pains. Maybe I can go check on him after the food arrives.” Chan tried to reason.

“Hyung, you don’t think anything bad happened to him, right? I mean with the choreographer.” Jeongin asked in a quiet voice.

Chan knew Jeongin had the most trauma out of all of them when it came to their past abusive choreographers. He understood the worry he felt.

“I don’t think anything happened Innie but I will go ask and try to find out if something happened.” Chan tried to smile at the younger although his heart was breaking seeing his youngest kid being so scared.

Then, there was a knock on the door. Chan got up to look out the peephole and sure enough, it was their food. He opened the door and grabbed the bag off of the floor where it was left before walking to the kitchen and setting the bag on the table. 

“Can one of you unpack the bag? I’m going to go get Minho.” Chan looked back to the living room.

“I’ve got it, hyung.” Hyunjin said as he got up from the couch.

Chan smiled at him before walking down to Minho’s room. He knocked on the door lightly. Once he heard the faint “come in”, he opened the door and saw Minho sprawled across his bed.

“Food’s here but I, uh, I wanted to talk to you first.” Chan said as he sat on the foot of the bed.

Minho panicked for a moment before he sat up. 

“What about, hyung?” Minho asked, his jaw tensing as the pain flared in his thighs.

Chan sighed. “We noticed that you seemed off when you came back into the practice room and we just wanted to make sure you were okay. Also, Lixie said you had some muscle pains.” 

“Yeah, I’m fine hyung. Nothing happened.” Minho said, trying to sound as believable as possible but Chan didn’t seem to buy it. Minho sighed. “What do you think happened, hyung? I can see your brain gears turning.” 

Chan chuckled before his smile fell. “Well…Innie was worried that the new choreographer might’ve done something to you.” 

Minho stiffened. “N-no. He didn’t do anything. I haven’t seen him since he left the practice room.” 

“Are you telling me the truth, Minho-ya?” Chan asked in his stern ‘worried dad’ voice.

“Yes, hyung.” Minho said, trying to relax his body.

“Okay but if he ever does something, you would tell me, right?” Chan looked skeptical.

“Of course, hyung.” Minho tried to convince Chan.

“Alright. Come, let’s go eat.” Chan sighed as he picked himself up from the bed.

Minho got up and followed Chan to the kitchen. He watched as everyone was gathered at the kitchen table serving themselves a portion of food. He went to the open seat next to Jisung. 

“Hey, baby.” Jisung smiled.

“Hi.” Minho smiled before giving Jisung a quick peck on the lips.

In that kiss, everything faded away just for a second. 

“Love you, Sungie.” Minho genuinely smiled.

“Love you too.” Jisung smiled even wider.

Minho shook his head and laughed as he plated his food.

Right now, he can let go for a moment. He’s here and he’s safe with his family. Does he still feel really bad? Yes, but he’s with the people he loves the most. Even though he can’t tell them what happened, he can at least be comforted with the presence of his members.

Minho sat down in the seat and he immediately tensed and winced, causing everyone to look at him.

“Are you okay, baby?” Jisung asked, worry shining in his eyes.

“Y-yeah. I just have some muscle pain in my back, that’s all.” Minho said and gently massaged his lower back to help sell the lie. 

“Be careful, hyung.” Seungmin said, his eyes trained on Minho’s.

Minho nodded as he broke from Seungmin’s gaze and stared at his food instead. He sighed before picking up his chopsticks and started picking up the noodles in front of him. As he took a bite, he realized how hungry he really was. All he had that morning was some eggs and now he was really hungry as it was now 3:30pm. He might have to skip dinner if he eats too much.

He ate quickly almost as if his entire life depended on it. All the members looked at him in amusement.

“Damn, I thought I was hungry.” Changbin laughed.

Minho looked up from the table and looked at his members’ faces and smiled.

“I’m super hungry right now, not sure why but it’s whatever.” Minho chuckled before finishing his plate.

Everyone smiled, feeling a bit relieved that Minho doesn’t seem as upset as he did earlier. 

Only if they knew. 

——————————

Later that night Minho laid back in his bed, again uncomfortable. He did in fact eat dinner despite how much he ate for lunch. 

Maybe if I get fat then he’ll leave me alone- no wait- then he’ll hurt Innie. Fucking bastard. 

Minho took a shuddering breath before turning to the nightstand and checking his phone. The first thing he saw was a message from Jisung from 10:42. It’s now 12:27am. 

“ I might end up falling asleep in Channie-hyung’s room. We’re working on new lyrics so if I don’t come to bed I’m probably asleep here. Love you, baby.” 

Minho slightly smiled at the text before responding. 

“Sorry I didn’t see this, Sungie. If you’re sleeping, sweet dreams. Love you too.”

He closed out his messages and stared at his call log for a good few minutes before pressing on his mom’s contact. His members are under a lot of stress right now, maybe his mom could make things better. Three rings later and his mom was speaking.

“Baby, are you okay? It’s late, why are you up?” His mom’s voice was filled with such softness it made Minho miss her even more.

“I’m okay, eomma. I just needed you.” Minho paused and took a breath. “Some stuff happened and I…I just want to come home.” 

“What happened, baby?” His mom’s voice was filled with a lot more worry now.

“I can’t really say it right now but um…will you and appa be free this weekend? I want to see if I can work something out and come home.” Minho’s voice filled with emotion.

“We’ll be free anytime for you. Stay strong for eomma, okay baby? I’m always going to be a call away.” His mom’s voice was so careful it made Minho’s tears fall.

“Eomma, I just don’t know what to do.  I love you so much and I want to be strong but I don’t know what to do right now. I just want to come home.” Minho tried to keep his cries quiet.

“I know, baby. Soon you’ll be able to come home and I’ll be right here waiting for you. I love you so much, my baby. You’ve grown up so wonderfully and I’m so proud of you. I’m happy to know that you still need your eomma.” His mom chuckles a bit.

Minho smiled a little as tears still streamed down his face. “I knew that being an idol would be hard, eomma, but I never thought I would have to go through what I did today and I...I want to try and tell you about it but I’m scared.” He sniffled. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone.” 

“Why not, baby? Were you being threatened into not saying anything? Did somebody hurt you?” Minho could hear the anger starting to brew in her voice.

“Yes. I’m so scared, eomma.” Minho choked. “He said he’ll hurt Innie if I tried to tell anyone in the company. I need help eomma but I don’t know what to do. He said if I get the police involved he’ll find me again.” 

“I need you to hold on for now, okay? When you come home this weekend, we’re going to figure everything out, okay? Just three days and you’ll be home. I need you to stay strong.” His mom’s voice was filled with anger yet it was still calm.

“I will eomma. I need to let Chan-hyung know that I’m planning on coming home.” Minho wiped his tears as he began to calm down. 

“Get some rest, baby. Call eomma in the morning, okay? I love you. Please be safe.” 

“I love you too, eomma. Goodnight.” 

“Goodnight.” 

Minho hung up the phone, feeling a bit better. He felt a small sense of hope that maybe, he won’t have to deal with this. His body may hurt and he may not ever forget what happened but if he can get Minjun out of the company and out of his life, then maybe he’ll be okay. 

Having his mom talking to him like he was a little boy again made him less scared. Really, he’s a mama’s boy. He rested his phone back on the nightstand and shifted to try and be as comfortable as possible. 

Once he was finally comfortable, he heard the door open. His back was to the door and he didn’t want to move so he waited for whoever it was to speak.

“Minho, are you awake?” He heard Chan’s voice.

“Yeah.” 

“I just wanted to see if you’re okay. Y’know with the muscle pain and ankle.” Chan sounded almost hesitant, as if there’s something else he wanted to say. 

“Yeah, I’m feeling better. Is everything okay? It’s like 12:40 or something, you would’ve just waited until morning to ask me if I was okay.” Minho felt like he’s about to be interrogated.

“Minho…I heard you talking to your mom. I need you to tell me what happened. I need to be able to protect you and everyone else, Min.” Chan walked up to the bed and sat in the space behind Minho where Jisung would’ve been.

“How’d you even hear me?” Minho whispered.

“I was about to come in but I heard you on the phone and I heard what you said. Can you please tell me what happened?”

“Hyung, if you were listening, you know I can’t. My mom said she’ll be able to figure it out.” Minho’s body tensed.

“I heard why you can’t but, Minho, you cannot let that threat stop you. If we report it to the police we can get a restraining order. We’ll protect Innie and everyone else no matter what. Yes, you can go home this weekend but I want to be able to come with you. I don’t want you to be alone in this.” Chan placed his hand on Minho’s shoulder.

“What about the kids? Who’s gonna watch them?” Minho’s voice shook.

“I…okay fine. I’ll stay but I’m going to send Jisung with you-“

“No, hyung. I don’t want him to know until the whole situation is resolved.” 

“Okay then, why don’t you take Innie with you? That way you’ll know he’s safe with you.” 

Minho stilled, thinking about the option. Chan’s right. He’d feel a lot more comfortable if he knew Jeongin was safe. 

“Okay. I want to sleep now, hyung.” 

“Okay, Minho-ya. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” 

Chan got up from the bed and walked out of the room. Minho let out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding. After a few minutes of staring at the wall, his eyes began to grow heavy.

Please just let tomorrow be a better day, please.

Chapter Text

When Minho woke up and tried to stretch, he felt the ache all over his body. From the bruises on his torso to the pain in his entire lower half of his body. He groaned as he tried to find the will for his body to get up. It took him a couple minutes but he did it. He picked up his phone and checked the time. 9:46am. 

As he looked through his notifications, he noticed Junwon had messaged him. 

Can danceracha stay after practice for just a few minutes? I want you boys to critique a new choreography for the next comeback, just to be prepared in the long run. 

Minho typed back an ‘okay’ before placing his phone back down on the nightstand. He sighed deeply before he walked to the bathroom.

He brushed his teeth and took a shower, trying to avoid looking into the mirror as he undressed. 

As the hot water hit his skin, everything seemed to weigh down. The hands that were on his skin. The unspeakable things that were done to his body. The hatred he felt not only towards Minjun but also to himself for not fighting harder. The fact that Chan overheard him on the phone and knows something’s up now. He’s scared for his youngest member’s safety. He’s scared of the next steps. 

He wishes it would be easy to get him out of the company. Maybe it is but how could he know that? Jeongin’s safety is jeopardized and he doesn’t know what’ll happen if he makes a plan with his mom to get Minjun fired. He’s scared as hell and he rather him being hurt than the youngest kid on their team.

Once he finished washing off his body, he dried off, put on some clothes for the day and exited the bathroom. 

He went back to his bedroom to fix and style his hair. He silently prepared himself for the day knowing he might have to face Minjun again.

He took a deep breath and sighed before exiting the room. When he walked into the kitchen, Jeongin and Hyunjin were sitting on the stools eating cereal.

“Morning, hyung.” Hyunjin greeted with a smile.

“Morning, you two. You guys slept okay?” Minho responded as he walked over to the fridge.

“Yeah. I don’t want to go to practice today though.” Hyunjin whined, earning a chuckle from Minho.

“Uh, hyung, I actually wanted to talk to you about something.” Jeongin said in a timid voice.

Minho immediately whipped his body around. “What is it?”

“Can we go talk in the living room?” Jeongin requested.

Minho nodded and prompted Jeongin to follow him to the living room. The two sat on the couch before Jeongin spoke.

“So, um, you know that I get really anxious with new choreographers but I have a really bad feeling about this one and I’m honestly really scared. I had a bad dream last night about it and in it he hurt you really badly and took you away from us.” Jeongin pouted, eyes trained on his hands.

“Oh, Innie.” Minho sighed sympathetically. “You don’t have to be afraid, okay? Hyung’s always going to be here to protect you. Come.” Minho opened his arms to let Jeongin fall into them.

Although both of them weren’t too touchy, both of them craved the comfort of the embrace.

“I was actually meaning to ask you, Innie, would you like to come with me back home to Gimpo this weekend?” Minho asked in a hopeful voice.

“I can’t actually. I was planning to go home. My mom wants to spend some time together.” Jeongin said, although with a bit of sadness. “I wish I could come with you though. I probably would be less worried about work.”

“It’s okay. I’ll see if Jisung wants to come.” Minho chuckled.

Jeongin pulled away from Minho’s arms before standing up from the couch. He started walking back to the kitchen before turning his head.

“Let’s eat, hyung.” Jeongin smiled.

Minho smiled back. “Okay.”

Minho got up from the couch and followed Jeongin into the kitchen. He prepared himself his own bowl of cereal.

“Hyung, do we have to stay late today? Like danceracha?” Hyunjin asked.

“Yeah, but we don’t have to stay long. Junwon just wanted us to critique a new choreo for the next comeback.” Minho responded before taking a bite of his cereal.

“Oh, that’s it?” Hyunjin looked confused.

“Yeah. It seemed random to me too but it’s what he texted me earlier.” Minho shrugged.

He continued eating his cereal as the other members started piling into the kitchen. 

Suddenly he felt arms wrap around his waist and he panicked. He choked on the cereal and was rapidly trying to fight the hands off of him. 

“Jagi, it’s me. Is something wrong?” Jisung said, panicked and confused as he pulled his hands away.

All the members stared at Minho as he tried to gain his composure. He turned around to face Jisung who looked like he was ready to cry. He opened his arms and let Jisung embrace him.

“Sorry, jagi, you just startled me, that’s all. I was lost in my head.” Minho said truthfully.

That’s because it was the truth. He was scared and he was caught off guard when Jisung’s hands were suddenly on him. Now, he feels bad because that’s his little baby.

“You sure, hyung? That seemed like more than you being startled.” Seungmin asked, wearily.

And then there was Seungmin who’s been staring at Minho like a hawk since yesterday. It made him feel uneasy, yet hopeful, and like he knows something. Maybe Seungmin could help him get out of this.

“Yeah.” Minho hummed simply. 

Minho pulled away from Jisung to give him a kiss. “You wanna come with me to my parents’ house this weekend?” 

“Yeah, of course.” Jisung smiled.

“You slept well?” Minho asked as he turned back around to finish his cereal.

“Yeah.” Jisung hummed.

“Actually, Sungie was knocked out on my floor in the most peculiar way possible and wouldn’t let me move him onto my mattress.” Chan laughed.

“In my defense, the floor was very comfortable!” Jisung defended.

“He’s not wrong.” Changbin laughed.

Minho shook his head and chuckled. “What will we ever do with you?”

“You love me.” Jisung teased.

“Of course.” Minho wrapped his arm around Jisung’s waist.

“Get a room.” Jeongin muttered, earning a laugh from everyone.

“Alright, let’s eat up and get going for the day.” Chan said as he pulled out containers from the fridge.

—————————

As the group walked towards the company, he walked behind everyone as he normally did but much slower. He dreaded the thought of having to go into the building and potentially get abused again. 

The sun was shining, melting away some of the snow on the streets and it’s slightly warmer than it had been in the recent days. He felt comfort as he stomped on the slush on the ground. It felt as if he was stomping on what he wished would go away. He imagines that Minjun is the slush on the ground being stomped on. It makes him feel satisfied yet scared at the same time.

The group walked into the company building and immediately headed to the practice room. Minho felt a sense of alarm as soon as he set foot into the room. It was only their group in there today, no choreographers. Only danceracha were supposed to stay longer for Junwon and that’s it. So why was he suddenly on high alert?

Trying to ease his worry, he looked at his members and made sure they were all accounted for.

1,2,3,4,5,6…Where’s Innie?

Minho immediately felt the panic rising in his chest. Changbin was the closest person next to him. 

“Changbin, where did Innie go?” Minho kept his voice leveled.

“He went to the restroom.” Changbin answered simply.

Minho nodded before running out of the room and making a beeline to the restrooms. 

When Minho was young, his mother had told him to always trust his gut. Intuition was a powerful gift and it would often keep you and your loved ones out of trouble. He’s always been told to trust himself. So when Minho opened the restroom and saw Jeongin looking terrified and Minjun advancing towards him, he silently praised himself for listening to his mom and trusting his gut. 

“What are you doing?” Minho seethed with rage.

“What, you came back for more, slut?” Minjun smiled.

“I thought you said you’d leave him alone if I did as you said.” Minho said, almost shamefully in front of his dongsaeng. 

“It’s not like it was a promise, Minho-ya.” Minjun grunted, his face turning into one of a mixture of annoyance and rage.

“Just leave him alone, okay? You can use me all you want but just don’t hurt him. You’re fucking disgusting.” Minho’s voice cracked with rage and fear.

Jeongin quickly got closer to Minho and stood behind him, shaking. 

“That’s what you want, slut? You want to be toyed with, right? You want me to fuck you until you get fucking paralyzed? Watch your mouth, bitch. I swear if either of you tell anyone about this, I won’t hesitate to hurt both of you.” Minjun slowly started stepping towards them. 

“Innie, let’s go.” Minho quickly ushered Jeongin out of the restroom, following closely behind.

The two ran down the hall, stopping in front of the practice room.

“Honey, what was he trying to do?” Minho asked, hesitantly.

“Hyung…” Jeongin’s shoulders shook as he began to sob.

“I know, you must be so scared.” Minho pulled Jeongin into his arms and rubbed a hand on his back.

“Hyung, h-he said he wanted to see my body and- and I told him no, that it was inappropriate. I was scared he was going to hurt me or touch me before you came in.” Jeongin cried.

“It’s okay, Innie. Hyung’s here to protect you. No matter what, I’m always going to protect you. Everything’s going to be okay.” Minho whispered.

“Hyung, what did he do to you? He…did he rape you?” Jeongin whispered, almost incoherently.

Hearing the word itself made Minho tear up. In reality, he was raped and he’s a victim. He doesn’t want to admit it. He still wishes none of it was real. Yet, he knew deep down, he’s going to have this engraved in him forever.

Minho could only nod in response as his tears silently fell.

“We need to tell somebody.” Jeongin said, still whispering.

“I’m going home this weekend so my mom can figure it out with me. It’ll be better since you’ll be home with your family at the same time. We won’t be near him.” Minho whispered back.

“But what if he hurts you again? Or what if he hurts me?” Jeongin whimpered.

“I’m never, ever going to let that happen, okay?” Minho promised. “We can talk more about this later, okay?” Minho pulled away and wiped Jeongin’s tears as well as his own. “We need to go in and practice okay? You still have vocal lessons and I have to stay back with Junwon.”

“But, we’ll be separated and I’m scared.” Jeongin admitted.

“Seungmin will be with you. He won’t bother you if someone else is around.” Minho assured.

Jeongin nodded and composed himself before opening the door and walking in, Minho following.

All the members looked in their direction with complete confusion. It’s now that Minho realizes that it seemed odd that he randomly ran out of the room and has been gone for a few minutes.

“Minho, come here.” Chan said, standing in the corner of the room. 

Minho walked over to Chan and looked at him questionably.

“Minho, did something happen?” Chan asked with slight anger.

Minho hung his head down. “Something almost happened to Innie. I promise I’m going to figure it out this weekend. I swear, it’ll work better since we’re both going back to our families..”

“Min, we really need to report this.” Chan frowned.

“Just give me the weekend, please.” Minho almost whispered. 

“I trust you, Minho. I just need you to be able to get justice for whatever happened to you. I still don’t know who hurt you and I doubt Innie’s going to tell me now. You know hyung worries.” Chan placed a hand on Minho’s shoulder.

“I know, hyung. Can we talk about this later so we can start stretching?” Minho lifted his head to meet eyes with Chan.

Chan nodded upon seeing the emotion behind Minho’s eyes. 

————————-

The group spent two hours going over choreography and fixing certain parts. Once they finished, 3racha headed off to the recording studio while vocalracha headed to their vocal lessons. 

Danceracha played around in the practice room, waiting for Junwon to come in. Minho genuinely laughed as Felix fell from Hyunjin’s back.

“Be careful, Yongbok.” Minho said once his laughter subsided.

“Jinnie dropped me though!” Felix pouted.

Hyunjin looked at Felix offended. “You fell! I tried to catch you! Come here!” Hyunjin threw himself into Felix.

“Hey, Minho-hyung should be in this too! Grab him, Jinnie!” Felix laughed.

Before Minho could even bother dodging Hyunjin, he was grabbed into the pile.

“You guys are ridiculous.” Minho laughed, his smile going from ear to ear.

“We love you hyungggggg.” Hyunjin sang.

“You’re pushing it.” Minho patted Hyunjin’s arm.

“But we do love you and we know you love us.” Felix said matter-of-factly.

“You better know it.” Minho said smugly.

The three of them continued laughing, not noticing Junwon and Minjun entering the room. Junwon laughed and took a photo of the boys before clapping to get their attention.

The three boys immediately sat up and subsided their laughter. Minho didn’t even notice Minjun was in the room until he felt his eyes glaring at him. He felt his body tense as he started getting up.

“Are you boys ready? I prepared choreography for the next title track. After the upcoming show maybe we can start practicing it once we’ve tweaked it for the group’s liking.” Junwon said as he got the music set up.

“Sounds great.” Minho forced out through his tense jaw.

Junwon played the music and started dancing. Minho tried his best to pay attention but he couldn’t help feeling uneasy as Minjun continued to stare at him. He was hoping that he wouldn’t have to see him again for the day. He didn’t even know that Minjun was going to be here, although he should’ve expected it. 

Minho felt his stomach churn as he watched Minjun’s gaze turn into one of what seemed to be lust when his eyes went to Hyunjin and Felix. He felt the rage burning through his veins but knew he can’t do anything that would cause a scene right now.

“So, what do you boys think?” Junwon asked, looking at the boys in the mirror.

Minho didn’t realize Junwon finished until he spoke.

“It’s actually really good, especially with the concept of the song.” Felix said before turning to Minho. “Hyung, do you think anything should be tweaked?”

“Uh, I think it’s great overall but I think we should change a few things at the dance break.” Minho said, keeping his voice steady.

“Got you. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind so we can do that after the show. That’s all for today. You guys are free to leave.” Junwon clapped.

As the boys finished gathering their belongings and were about to walk out the studio, Minho heard the voice he was dreading.

“Minho-ssi, can I talk to you for a moment?” Minjun asked in a friendly voice.

Minho had no other choice but to comply. He turned around to face Minjun.

“I want to see you at 3pm. Come back to this practice room. It’s either you come or I hurt one of your members. Don’t test my limits.” Minjun whispered.

Minho could only nod, his throat tightening.

“Good boy.” Minjun smirked.

Minho quickly turned around and caught up with his dongsaengs. It was 2pm, which meant he only had an hour. 

“You guys want to go crash Seungmin and I.N’s vocal lesson?” Minho asked.

“Hell yeah, let’s do it!” Hyunjin smiled.

The three piled into the elevator, smiling and laughing. They made their way to the studio and entered to Seungmin and Jeongin singing a duet. They sat on the couch and watched in awe of their maknaes. Once they finished, the room erupted with clapping.

Hyunjin was the first to get up and attack Jeongin with a hug. “You’re so good, I.N-ah!”

“Hyung, get off of me.” Jeongin whined.

“Noooo, I love youuu.” Hyunjin dragged with a teasing smile.

Jeongin groaned and fought Hyunjin off of him. Minho chuckled at the younger members’ antics.

“Hyungs, will you wait for us to be done with our vocal lessons so we can go home together?” Jeongin asked.

“Of course!” Felix smiled.

“Can we go to the cafe before we head back to the dorms?” Seungmin asked.

“Yes, but you’re paying.” Minho teased.

Seungmin rolled his eyes. “You know you’re going to pay anyway.”

Minho stuck his tongue out causing the rest of them to burst with laughter.

Time seemed to pass quickly to the point where when Minho checked his phone, it was already 2:55. Shit. 

“What time does this end?” Minho turned to Seungmin.

“3:00. Why? You hungry?” Seungmin teased.

“No, I just need to meet somebody. I could probably give you my card so you don’t have to wait and you guys could just go-“ 

“Hyung...” Jeongin pouted. 

“Don’t be ridiculous, hyung. Of course we’ll wait for you!” Hyunjin spoke.

“Okay. I need to go but you guys can wait in the lobby or something.” Minho said as he got up, grabbing his stuff and heading out the door.

He walked slowly towards the practice room, each step feeling more like he was being held down by chains. 

You’re going so nobody gets hurt. Just be good and no one else will get hurt. 

When he entered the practice room, it was empty. He sat down on the sofa and took a deep breath, tears beginning to form in his eyes. 

Just endure it. Everyone would hate you if you let him hurt anyone else.

He placed his head in his hands, sighing in defeat. He knows that if he doesn’t find a way to get rid of Minjun, this will completely be his new reality. He knew that he would be abused over and over again. He knew that if he didn’t get rid of Minjun, he would never feel the joy of being with his found family ever again, and that scares him.

He lifted his head when he heard the door creak open. He internally cringed as soon as he saw Minjun with a sinister smirk on his face.

“What do you want?” Minho asked, voice slightly wavering despite his efforts to keep it strong.

“I think you know what I want.” Minjun smiled.

“Why though. Why me?” Minho’s voice shook, losing all the strength he had to keep his voice steady.

“What, you want me to fuck the other kid?” Minjun laughed. “Look at you, coming back for more, you slut. This is what you want, admit it.”

“No. I don’t want this and you can’t make me want this.” Minho’s voice cracked, unshed tears in his eyes.

“So then why come back to me?” Minjun knew what he was doing.

“I can’t have my members hurt. I swear to god if you hurt them, I’ll kill you.” Minho spewed angrily.

“Really? You? I’m a lot stronger than you. You couldn’t even get away the first time. You wanted it so bad you didn’t even fight back.” Minjun locked the door and walked towards the sofa.

Something about that statement made Minho’s stomach churn. Did he really not fight back? Or was he too weak? He didn’t want any of this. Why is he making it seem like he wanted this?

Minjun towered over him, his face mere centimeters away from his face.

“Cry, you slut. You look so pretty when you cry.” Minjun taunted.

Minho stared at Minjun, who’s eyes were filled with pure lust. It was only a matter of time before Minjun’s lips were on his. 

“Please, stop. I don’t want this.” Minho said as the tears he tried to hold back fell.

It wasn’t long until his screams and cries for help were being muffled.

Please, someone make it stop.

Chapter Text

Seungmin knew something was up. It seemed kind of weird for Minho to be acting the way he was. He knew something must’ve happened, but he couldn’t figure out what. However, nothing would’ve prepared him for what he saw.

He was walking past the practice rooms, on the way to get 3racha from the recording studio when he heard muffled screaming.

The voice sounded familiar. It was his hyung. Immediately, he panicked and tried to open the door but it was locked. His panic continued to flow through his body as he tried to peek through the window and holy shit. 

He was about to bang on the door until he heard Minjun talking.

“Just be a good boy and none of your members will get hurt. I know you remember what I said would happen if you tell anybody.” 

Seungmin’s chest tightened when he heard Minho’s helpless voice. 

“I’ll be good, I promise. Just please, stop. It hurts.”

Now, while this may have seemed stupid, Seungmin banged on the door before running to find Chan. At most, it likely would’ve made Minjun back off. He realized that Minho had been assaulted already, hence his odd behavior. Something churns inside of Seungmin as he tries to create a plan.

He can obviously report it and tell their managers to check the security footage but, would that help Minho at the moment or hurt him more?

Seungmin knocked on the door to the recording studio before entering. 

“Chan-hyung, I need to talk to you.” Seungmin’s voice was filled with unusual seriousness.

Chan immediately picked up on the younger’s mood. He rose from his chair and walked Seungmin out the room.

“What’s wrong?” Chan asked worriedly.

“Hyung, I know what happened to Minho-hyung. We need to report it but I don’t know if it will help him right now.” Seungmin explained.

Chan looked at him, eyes wide. “What happened to him? I heard him on the phone last night and what I gathered was that somebody hurt him and if he tried to tell anyone in the company or tell the police, the person is going to hurt Innie.” 

Seungmin’s face paled. “Hyung, this might have to wait to be reported until the weekend when they’re both away.”

“What? Why? You know who hurt him?” Chan’s tone quickly filled with anger.

“Hyung, if I tell you, please promise me we’ll report it on friday after they’re both home and safe. If we report it now, there’s a chance someone’s going to get hurt.” Seungmin pleaded.

“But Minho’s already hurt. If we don’t tell anyone now, he’ll only continue to hurt.” Chan argued.

“Then what about this, hyung. If you’re able to make this happen, we all just don’t come in tomorrow. Let our weekend rest start early. Once Minho-hyung and Innie are with their parents, then we’ll come here and report it.” Seungmin reasoned.

Chan stayed silent as he thought about it. After a few moments, he finally spoke. 

“We’re in a good place right now in terms of preparations, so it’s most likely possible. I’ll talk to the managers. Now, can you tell me what happened?” 

Seungmin hesitated. “He was raped.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “By the new choreographer.”

Chan completely froze in shock. He stared at Seungmin, not knowing what to say.

“I…Seungmin…I’ll make sure we get the day off tomorrow and get them sent to their families. This needs to be reported as soon as possible- wait. Does this mean he’s been..raped by him already?” Chan trailed off at the realization.

“I think so. It adds up. He said he was feeling muscle pain yesterday but it seemed only apparent when he sat down and you said that he was threatened. Hyung, I heard him tell Minho-hyung that he knows what would happen if he told somebody.” Seungmin pieced together.

“Where is he right now?” Chan looked ready to run and kill.

“He’s in the practice room.” Seungmin responded.

Chan didn’t say anymore before he bolted to the practice room. When he got there, the door was unlocked and inside, Minho was just laying on the sofa, clothing disheveled. 

“Minho..” Chan spoke softly as he approached the couch.

Minho barely turned his head before he tried to sit up, eyes wide. “Hyung? Are you all waiting on me? I’m sorry-“

“Minho, relax. I know what happened and I’m so, so sorry it happened to you. I wish I could take it all away from you, honey.” Chan’s voice cracked as angry tears began to fill his eyes.

Minho paused, his face crumbling. “Hyung…Please. I don’t want anyone else to be hurt.” He rasped out.

Minho felt utterly helpless as Chan helped him sit up properly before he took a seat next to him.

“No one else will get hurt and I will not let you get hurt again either. I want you to go home tomorrow. Same thing with Innie. I’m going to get all of us off tomorrow so we can start the weekend early. I’m not going to let you keep hurting.” Chan promised, his tears falling.

Minho couldn’t even form words as his tears began to fall as well. He couldn’t think properly. Minjun would be gone soon. All he had to do was go home. Minho let himself fall over into Chan’s arms.

He let himself sob, grieve for himself. He grieves for the person he was yesterday. Cries from the pain of knowing he won’t be that same person. 

He was safe in his hyung’s arms. He cries in relief, knowing that his hyung’s there. He’s able to let go now that he knows. He’s going to be okay.

“Let it all out. You’ve been so strong. I’ve got you.” Chan whispered, sweetly.

“Hyung…” Minho sobbed.

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m never going to let you fall alone. Not now, not ever. Hyung’s right here.” Chan said.

To Minho, his voice sounded like fresh, soft snow. The type of snow you would want to play in. The type of snow that was ideal for making a snow angel.

Right now, he’s never been so grateful that a few of the practice rooms haven’t been soundproofed yet. With Minjun being a new-hire, he was completely oblivious to that fact. 

“Hyung, were you the one who knocked on the door?” Minho asked some time after his sobs subsided.

“No, I didn’t. Seungmin actually told me what happened. I guess he knocked but he didn’t tell me if he did.” Chan answered.

Minho’s face paled. He pulled away from Chan and just stared at him.

One of his youngest members had to hear the abuse he faced. Witnessed his screams and cries. One of the people he was closest with. 

He must be fucking traumatized. 

“Min, what’s wrong?” Chan furrowed his brows.

“Is he okay?” Minho asked quietly.

“What? Min, you’re the one who’s hurt-“

“No, hyung. He saw it happen.” Minho tried to elaborate.

“Minho-ya, I promise I’ll make sure he’s okay. I’m going to send you home tomorrow, okay? Same thing with Innie. We’re going to report it and make sure you guys are safe, okay?” Chan rubbed Minho’s back.

Minho only hummed before he fell back into Chan. “I told the kids I’m buying them food. Maybe we should go. They’re waiting.” 

“Is that what you really want? We could just go home and I’ll cook.” Chan offered.

“No, I want to go out with them. They want to go to the cafe.” Minho picked himself off the couch.

“Okay, let’s go. I’ll grab your bag.” Chan smiled.

Minho followed Chan to the recording studio where they grabbed Changbin, Jisung, and Seungmin.

“Hyung, are you okay?” Seungmin whispered.

Minho slung his arm over Seungmin’s shoulders. “You’re literally saving me right now. Are you okay? Chan told me you saw what happened.” 

Seungmin was silent for a moment before he whispered, “Hyung, I was scared to do anything. I didn’t know what to do so I just banged on the door and ran. I’m sorry.”

“You banging on the door helped me so much, Minnie. Don’t be sorry. That was very brave of you.”

“You’re literally hurt and you’re the one comforting me. What is wrong with you?” 

“I’m your mother.” Minho joked, earning a small laugh from Seungmin.

“What are you guys laughing about back there?” Jisung asked from in front of them.

“Nothing Sungie, just that your hair looks like a bird's nest.” Minho smiled.

“What?” Jisung exclaimed as he rapidly brushed his fingers through his hair.

Minho walked faster to be next to Jisung and slung his other arm around him. “You’re so cute, jagi.” 

“Mmm, I think you’re cuter.” Jisung smiled as his cheeks flushed.

Seungmin pulled away from Minho and walked closer to Chan and Changbin. “You two are disgusting.”

Minho and Jisung only laughed before sharing a quick kiss.

———————

The group made their way out of the building and walked to the cafe that was along the way to the dorms. They took the table that was in the back corner of the building tucked away from the rest of the seats. It provided Minho with a sense of normalcy. They’ve always sat here from early on in their careers. They would come after a long day when they needed to relax and cool off.

Minho took his seat next to Jisung and held his hand tight. Chan went to place their orders and pay for it while the rest settled down. 

“So, what have you guys been cooking up in the studio?” Hyunjin asked Jisung and Changbin.

“Today we made a few guides for the next album. I wrote four songs this week, Changbin wrote, like, six.” Jisung answered, smiling.

Minho copied his smile. He loved when Jisung sounded so excited when it came to talking about music. He leaned into Jisung’s shoulder and zoned out as the rest of the group continued conversing.

Chan didn’t take long to return to the table and sit next to Minho. 

“Alright guys, I talked to the manager as we walked here and they’re letting us start our weekend off early. You guys can go home starting tomorrow or do whatever you have to do. However, I will ask that you all stay within the dorms unless you’re going home.” Chan explained.

“But, why do we have to stay in the dorms?” Felix asked.

“I will explain tomorrow. So, as far as I know, Minho and Jisung are going together and Innie’s going to his parents, correct?” Chan asked.

The three mentioned nodded their heads in confirmation. 

“Okay, great. I promise I’ll explain everything tomorrow.” Chan said as the waiter came to the table with their drinks.

Jeongin pulled out his phone to text Minho from across the table.

Is this because of the choreographer? Channie-hyung found out?

Minho looked up at Jeongin who was staring right back at him with hopeful eyes.

Yes, Innie. Seungmin found out and told Channie. Everything’s going to be okay, I promise. We just need to go home tomorrow and they’re going to report everything to management. 

Jeongin had a small smile plastered on his face as he read the message. Minho turned off his phone and pocketed it before taking a sip of his drink.

“What time are we going to your parents tomorrow, hyung?” Jisung turned to Minho.

“It depends. I’ll call my dad and see if he can pick us up. If not, we can leave with the train, maybe around ten.” Minho answered.

“I’ll bring Soonie, Doognie, Dori, the new presents I bought them.” Jisung said, cutely.

“You got them presents?” Minho asked with a bit of shock.

It wasn’t unusual for Jisung to buy stuff for Minho’s cats but he’s never done it without telling him.

“Yeah. I didn’t tell you because it’s a surprise for you as well.” Jisung smiled.

Minho stared dumbly before smiling back and leaning into Jisung’s shoulder. He wished that he could kiss him but, being in public means he needs to be mindful. 

Their lunch came quickly, the entire group immediately wasting no time to start devouring it. None of them had a snack or anything after dance practice so it was only normal for them to be so hungry. It only took them about twenty minutes until all their plates were empty. 

“I’m ready to go shower and have an early night.” Changbin said as he rubbed his stomach. 

“You’re literally going to stay up late dude.” Hyunjin side-eyed him.

“How would you know?” Changbin poked back.

“Hyung, you never sleep early no matter how much food you have.” Jeongin laughed.

“Alright, why are you two just ganging up on me.” Changbin whined.

“You’re just an easy target.” Seungmin smiled.

“Jinnie! Do you see what you started?” Changbin whined louder.

Chan shook his head laughing. “Let’s get home, you guys.”

The eight men rose from their seats and stacked their plates before leaving the cafe, thanking the staff. Minho felt so much lighter as he walked. It was going to be over. He wouldn’t have to live with this. Now he knows it’s only happened for a day but he’s grateful that it was only that knowing that many people go through worse. Still, he felt like he was being carried to safety. 

The walk took no more than a few minutes. They all took their turns showering before meeting back into the living room for a game night, declared by Hyunjin.

“Let’s play Mario Kart!” Hyunjin jumped as soon as everyone was on the couch.

Everyone laughed at his excitement and cuteness before deciding on which four would play first. After rock, paper, scissors, it was decided that Chan, Hyunjin, Felix, and Jeongin would play first.

“I’ll be back in a second. I’m going to call my dad.” Minho said before getting up from the couch.

He walked into the kitchen and clicked on his dad’s contact. As the phone rang he opened the fridge. He spotted the blackberries towards the back of one of the shelves. He took it out and started eating a few.

“Minho?” His dad’s voice was heard through the phone.

“Hi, appa. I was wondering if you would be able to pick up me and Jisung tomorrow morning to come home. We got off a day earlier.” Minho asked, still shoving blackberries into his mouth.

“Yes, of course. I can come around ten. Your mother was telling me what happened. Is that why you got an extra day off? You were able to tell somebody?” Minho’s dad sped out, the worry in his voice clear as day.

“Yeah. Seungmin found out and told Chan-hyung. I can explain everything tomorrow.” Minho sighed.

“Okay, Minho. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.” His dad said fondly.

“Love you too.” Minho said before hanging up.

“What did he say?” Jisung asked from behind Minho, causing the latter to jump.

“Jeez, Sung. How long have you been here? My dad said he’ll come for us at ten.” Minho let out a breath. 

“I just came to get Hyunjin a bottle of water. Also, baby, there’s no more blackberries in that container. You’re literally trying to grab air right now.” Jisung said with a concerned smile.

Minho looked down at the counter where the container was laid. His hand was quite literally grabbing air. He hadn’t realized he’d eaten them out. 

“Oh.” Was all that came out of his mouth before he threw out the container.

“Baby, are you okay? You’ve been acting off all day.” Jisung asked, hugging Minho.

“I’ll tell you everything tomorrow, I promise. It’s a bit complicated but I need to explain everything to my mom too.” Minho hugged Jisung back tight.

“Okay.” Jisung said but still stayed attached to Minho.

The two stood there in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, just cherishing each other’s warmth. Minho felt incredibly guilty. One of the people he’s needed the most is the person he hasn’t told anything to. Minho tilted Jisung’s head up and kissed him. 

Jisung melted into it, raising his arms to wrap them around Minho’s neck. 

“Why is it always in the communal areas?” Hyunjin gagged as he walked into the kitchen.

Minho smiled before pulling away from Jisung. “You’ve seen worse.” 

“Oh shut up. It’s you guys’s turn to play.” Hyunjin said, cheeks turning red as he grabbed a bottle of water.

Minho and Jisung laughed before walking back to the living room. They sat back on the couch and picked up the controllers.

“You guys ready?” Seungmin smirked.

“Don’t get all cocky yet. You know I’m like a god at Mario Kart.” Jisung challenged.

“Oh, you’re so on.” Seungmin laughed before starting the game.

The four played the game, Changbin ultimately winning first place. Jisung and Seungmin stared at each other dumbfounded.

“You guys are losers!” Changbin teased, sticking out his tongue.

“Well at least Seungmin got last place! He’s the real loser!” Jisung laughed at Seungmin.

“You were all targeting me with the power-ups! You guys put bananas everywhere!” Seungmin yelled with faux offense.

“No, you just suck.” Minho laughed.

“Oh shut up! You literally cheated! There’s no way you got second!” Seungmin accused.

“You can’t even cheat in Mario Kart!” Minho laughed louder.

Chan smiled from the corner, happy to see Minho still being able to laugh and have fun with the members. He knew that Minho was going to have a long recovery, especially with the way he keeps everything in. What Chan didn’t know was the turmoil going on in Minho’s head.

Minho knew he never wanted any of what happened. He wished it never happened but the weight of Minjun’s words stayed on his mind. 

“You know you want this. You’re not even fighting back. I wonder how your boyfriend would feel about that. He’d probably leave your sorry ass.” 

He felt dirty. He cheated on Jisung, the love of his life. It felt so wrong to kiss him after what happened. He didn’t want it, so why didn’t he fight? He felt so guilty. He’s scared that Jisung’s going to leave him.

He quickly picked himself off from the couch and went to the bathroom, feeling his chest starting to tighten. He closed the door behind him and slid down to the floor, dropping his head between his knees. 

He found it weird how he could go from having fun with everyone to the state he’s in now. He felt like he keeps being pulled back by chains no matter what he does. He’ll think he’s free for a moment but then he’s being pulled back by the shackles.

Tears silently fell down his face. He took a deep breath, not that it helped anything. He felt worthless. Like a tiny object that’s meant to be thrown out. He feels like he’s lost his purpose. He knows who he is. He’s his group’s dance leader. He’s Chan’s second in command. 

But what was his purpose now?

He’s broken.

A soft sob escaped his throat. He heard a knock on the door but didn’t move. 

“Min, it’s me. Can I come in? Let’s talk?” Minho heard Chan’s voice from the other side of the door.

Minho hesitated for a moment before he moved away from the door and sat in front of the bathtub instead, allowing Chan to enter.

Chan locked the door before sitting down next to Minho. 

“What’s wrong, Min?” Chan asked, softly.

“I…” Minho choked. “I cheated. I’m disgusting. I can’t be happy for more than a few minutes. I don’t want Jisung to leave me.” 

“Oh, Min, honey. You’re not disgusting and you did not cheat on Jisung. You didn’t want it. He forced you into it and that’s not your fault.” 

“But hyung, I didn’t fight back enough. Doesn’t that mean I allowed it to happen?” 

Chan shifted to place himself in front of Minho on his knees. 

“No, Minho. You didn’t want it to happen. You screamed for him to stop. You tried to fight back. I promise you that you haven’t cheated.” 

More tears left Minho’s eyes. “He told me I wanted it..”

“Do not let his words get to your head. You didn’t want it and you know you didn’t. You went back because you were scared of what would happen if you didn’t. You’re going to be safe now, okay?” 

Minho let out a sob, triggering more to follow, Chan opened his arms and let Minho fall into his chest.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough, hyung.” Minho’s voice cracked.

“There’s absolutely nothing to be sorry for. Do you want to go lay down?” Chan rubbed Minho’s back.

Minho nodded into Chan’s chest. Chan helped him up from the ground and held his hand as he guided him to his room. He laid down on the mattress and winced at the growing pain from his torso down.

“Should I get you some pain meds and water?” Chan asked.

Minho only nodded before turning onto his side. Chan left the room, leaving the door halfway open. Minho felt guilty for having Chan taking care of him. He’s capable of going out there himself and getting what he needs yet he let Chan go do it. He’s only getting more and more useless. 

“Hey, baby?” Jisung knocked on the door as he stuck his head in. “Is everything alright? I heard you crying.” Jisung approached the bed and caressed Minho’s cheek.

“I’m sorry..” Minho’s lip quivered.

“For what, jagi?” Jisung’s expression deepened into more worry.

“I’m so sorry..” Minho didn’t know what else to say.

“Minho, stop apologizing. There’s nothing for you to apologize for.” Chan said as he re-entered the room with two pills and a bottle of water.

Minho remained silent as he accepted the pills and drank them down with the water. 

“Hyung, I’m scared.” Minho whispered.

“Of what?” Chan furrowed his brows.

“I want to tell Sungie but I’m scared.” Minho sniffled.

“Tell me what? Is it what you said you’ll tell me tomorrow?” Jisung asked.

Minho nodded before looking back at Chan. “Can you tell him? Take him outside the room and tell him?” 

“Of course. Come, Ji.” Chan looked at Jisung expectantly. 

Jisung left a kiss on Minho’s forehead before following Chan out of the room. They entered Chan’s room and sat on the bed. 

“Hyung, what happened to him? Why won’t he tell me what’s going on?” Jisung pouted.

“There’s no easy way to say it Jisung.” Chan sighed. “He feels guilty because in his mind he thinks he cheated on you but in reality he was…raped.” 

Jisung’s breath caught in his chest as his face paled. “What? By who?”

“Minjun, the new choreographer. It started yesterday, Sungie. Today, Seungmin was coming to get us so we could go to the cafe and he walked past the practice room and saw it happen.” Chan explained. He took a deep breath before continuing. “Minjun threatened Minho if he told anyone that Innie or someone else would get hurt. That’s why I’m going to make sure they go home tomorrow and keep everyone else here so me and Seungmin can go report it.” 

“I get it, hyung, but why the hell does he think he cheated on me? He was abused.” Jisung’s expression saddened.

“He’s vulnerable right now. Minjun put a lot of shit in his head and he believes some of it. Minjun made him think that he wanted it.” Chan’s eyes lowered with anger.

“Is that all you need to tell me for now? I want to go be with him.” Jisung fiddled with his fingers.

“Yeah, go, Sung. I’ll join the others back in the living room.” Chan said as he stood up from the bed.

Jisung followed and walked out the room, running straight back to his and Minho’s. When he walked in he felt his heart shatter as he saw the tears rolling down the elder’s face.

“Oh, baby.” Jisung whispered as he sat next to Minho. “It’s okay, I promise you it’s all okay.” He placed his hand on Minho’s head.

“I’m sorry. I d-didn’t mean to cheat on you. Please don’t leave me.” Minho sobbed.

“No, baby, I’m never going to leave you. You didn’t do anything wrong and you most definitely didn’t cheat on me. Don’t let that asshole put shit into your head.” Jisung shifted so he could lay down beside Minho.

“You won’t leave me?” Minho’s lip quivered.

“No, not now, not ever. I love you beyond words.” Jisung caressed Minho’s cheek. “Please never doubt my love for you. I know you’ll need to heal and I’m going to be here every step of the way.” 

Minho’s tears continued to fall as he sobbed. He stared at Jisung who still looked at him lovingly; like he’s not disgusting, as if he’s not broken.

“I love you Sung. I’m sorry I’m not myself right now.” Minho sniffled.

“Don’t apologize, my love. You need to stop apologizing. Nothing is your fault, okay? I’m going to be here for you. We all will. We’re all going to be here even after you get back up on your feet.” Jisung said as tears brimmed his own eyes.

Minho pulled Jisung into his arms and buried his head in his chest. They stayed like that, Jisung rubbing Minho’s back until the latter fell asleep.

“Sleep well, baby. We’ll be okay.” Jisung said as he closed his eyes, eventually dozing off.

————————-

Once Chan knew that Jisung had Minho handled, he went back to the living room where the rest of the members shared worried looks.

“Hyung, what happened?” Jeongin asked.

“He’s…vulnerable.” Chan said hesitantly.

“He never cries like that. Did something happen to him? He was fine earlier when we were playing around at the company.” Hyunjin spoke, mostly confused.

“I don’t want to explain it myself unless Minho tells me to. Just please be mindful but normal around him.” Chan explained.

“Will you tell us tomorrow?” Felix asked, worry lacing his voice.

“If he wants me to.” Chan sighed. “Let’s all go and get some rest, yeah?” 

The rest of the members mumbled in both agreement and confusion before wandering to their rooms. Chan made sure the door was locked before he shut off the lights.

Tomorrow won’t be any easier.

Chapter Text

Minho woke up with a pretty bad headache from all the crying and he felt heavier than ever. He felt Jisung’s arms around him yet they didn’t feel real. He turned his head to face Jisung’s seemingly sleeping figure.

“Why are you staring at me?” Jisung asked as he opened his eyes.

“Why are you pretending to be asleep?” Minho chuckled.

“I didn’t wanna get up. We have about two hours until ten by the way. We should start packing.” Jisung hugged Minho tighter.

Minho hummed and squeezed Jisung back. The two laid there, neither of them wanting to get up. Minho loved being able to hold his baby, the love of his life in his arms. He loved knowing that Jisung was his.

“I love you.” Minho whispered.

“I love you too, my love.” Jisung whispered back, pressing a feather light kiss on Minho’s jaw.

Minho sighed contently, feeling his body relax as if some of the pain was floating away. He’s going to be okay. 

After a few more minutes of cuddling, Minho finally let go of Jisung and tried to sit up. The sore ache from his thighs to his torso made him curl into himself as he let out a pained whimper.

Jisung frowned at the older man. “Careful, baby. Let me help you up.” 

Minho nodded as Jisung hopped up from the bed and grabbed the former’s hands.

“I feel like shit.” Minho said blatantly as he tried to stretch his back.

Jisung had to hold back his laughter. “I’m going to go get the gift for the cats. Will you be okay to be by yourself for a few minutes while I get it?” Jisung took a step back from his boyfriend.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’ll just take a shower.” Minho sighed.

“Okay, just call for me if anything.” Jisung gave Minho a soft smile, which the latter returned.

Jisung walked out of the room, leaving Minho to take a huge deep breath before getting lost in his thoughts. He grabbed a pair of clothes and a towel before making his way to the bathroom. 

He feels like he’s not in control of his own life. He feels trapped, cornered. It upsets him how he’ll think he’s fine and then five seconds later, his mind is a dumpster fire again. 

He hopped into the shower, turning the water to be just warm enough for his aching body. Really, all he wanted to do was turn it to be cold and just freeze. If he was freezing, he’d be numb and wouldn’t have to feel anything.

He fought against that idea. After all, he was going to his parents’ house and he still had to pack. He quickly washed his body and avoided the mirror as he got himself dressed. He walked out of the bathroom feeling a bit more comfortable.

His clothing was loose but not too loose. He had baggy pants and a nice light pink cardigan over a white long-sleeve shirt. It’s the cardigan Jisung bought him the day. after they released Want So Bad. It provided him with a sense of comfort.

He walked back into the bedroom where Jisung was shoving his clothes into a bag. Jisung already set out some clothes for Minho to pack as well. Minho’s heart swelled at the gesture. 

Jisung looked up at Minho from where he was sitting on the floor in awe. “Looking cute, baby.” 

Minho chuckled as he noticed that Jisung was wearing the green version of the cardigan. “Look at us matching.”

Jisung smiled back before turning back to shoving things into his bag. Minho shook his head before grabbing his own bag and filling it. They finished packing rather quickly and put their stuff by the front door before heading to the kitchen. 

Minho took out the box of pancake mix from the cabinet, ready to make everyone breakfast. It was always normal for him to do this on their weekend breaks. Everyone slept in and Minho would get started on breakfast. Like a content cycle.

Minho let a small smile settle on his face as he prepared the mix. He felt a slight bit more normal than he had the previous few days. He didn’t know if he actually felt like he was getting better or if he was just telling himself that. Telling himself it’ll be fine. 

He knows that in reality, he’s still an idol. He had an image to uphold. He needs to pull himself together. The event in the U.S wasn’t very far. He needed to be okay for then. He needed to give STAYs the performance they deserved.

His small smile faltered at the thought. He knew it wasn’t healthy to be thinking the way he was, but he couldn’t stop. It’s like there was no off switch for his mind now. Every single second there’s something playing in his mind like a never-ending movie. It feels as though he’s drowning, trying to stay afloat in stormy waters.

He stops stirring the pancake batter and turns to look at Jisung. His safe haven. His home. His alien. The person he loves the most. The younger boy in front of him looked back at him fondly. He looked back at him like normal. 

“Hi, baby. Am I that cute you can’t take your eyes off of me?” Jisung smirked, playfully.

Minho smiled before he wrapped his arms around the boy. He peppered kisses on Jisung’s cheeks, earning giggles from him.

“I love you, my little baby.” Minho muttered.

“I love you too, my big baby.” Jisung smiled widely.

“Gross.” Hyunjin gagged as he walked into the kitchen. 

“Hi, Jinnie. Wanna help me?” Minho gave the younger one a small smile as he pulled away from Jisung.

To Minho it was clear that Hyunjin was confused as to why he was offering for the latter to help him in the kitchen. Nonetheless, a smile found it’s way on Hyunjin’s face. The younger quickly maneuvered his way around the table to the counter to mix the pancake mix while Minho took out the pan and spatula along with butter from the fridge.

“Can we put blueberries in it?” Hyunjin asked with a cat-like smile.

Minho smiled back. “Sure, Jinnie.” He walked back to the fridge and grabbed a container of blueberries. “How much?”

“Hmm, like half of the container.” Hyunjin replied.

Minho nodded as he dumped half of the blueberries into the batter for Hyunjin to continue mixing. The two spent the next half hour cooking the pancakes with Jisung yelling out jokes here and there. Eventually all the members came out of their rooms and took their seats at the table as Minho plated each of them their food.

He decorated each pancake the way each of the members liked it; a smiley face made out of whipped cream with chocolate chips and strawberry bits for Changbin, Jeongin, and Hyunjin, a circle of whipped cream on the edge of the pancake adorned with chocolate chips for Chan, two swirls of whipped cream with blueberries for Seungmin, and cats made of whipped cream with chocolate drizzle for whiskers for Jisung, Felix and himself - although he always ends up putting fruit on his.

Minho watched the smiles on all the members’ faces and felt his heart swell. Everything just felt normal and he wanted it to stay that way. He took his own seat beside Jisung and began to eat. 

Minho let himself bask in the chatter of his members, occasionally throwing in meaningless insults.

“What are you guys leaving, Minho-ya?” Chan asked as he finished his plate.

Minho picked up his phone to check the time before feeling his stomach drop. His face went pale as his eyes went wide. 

There was a message from an unknown number with a photo attached. 

Come to the studio today. I don’t care that you’re not working. If you don’t, this photo may or may not find it’s way around the media and don’t forget what I’ve been saying. He isn’t safe either. You know you want this. You better be here soon.

His breath quickened as he hesitated to click on the photo. 

“Minho?” Chan tilted his head. “What happened?” 

But Minho couldn’t hear him. 

He clicked on the photo and gasped. The photo showed him from the waist up, edited to make it seem like his eyes were rolling back, as if he was enjoying this. He let his tears fall as he tried to gasp for air.

“Baby, calm down. Let me take your phone, okay?” Jisung hesitated to place his hand on Minho’s arms before he took the elder’s phone.

Minho jerked his head trying to nod as he tried to grasp Jisung’s hand.

The rest of the members looked horrified and scared. Chan got up from his seat and took the phone from Jisung. He read the message and felt his heart drop.

“Oh, Minho-ya. That photo won’t go anywhere, I promise you.” Chan said as he took out his own phone and took a photo of the chat. 

Minho choked out a sob. “What— what am I supposed to do? He’s going to hurt him.” 

“Hyung?” Jeongin muttered as he stared at Minho. “You can’t let him control you. I trust that Chan-hyung can handle this. We need to leave. He can’t do anything if we leave.”

Minho stared back at Jeongin, trying to calm his breathing. “How are you getting there? Train?” 

Jeongin nodded.

“You need to leave now. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Minho pushed back the chair and stood up.

“When are you leaving?” Jeongin’s bottom lip quivered.

“In twenty minutes.” Minho walked around the table, pulled out Jeongin’s chair and wrapped his arms around the younger boy.

“I want to go with you. I don’t want to go home alone. I’m scared.” Jeongin admitted as he let a few tears fall.

“It’s okay. You can come home with me.” Minho’s hold on Jeongin tightened. “I’m going to keep you safe, I swear.” 

“What’s going on?” Hyunjin asked hesitantly.

Minho’s eyes darted between Jisung, Chan, and Seungmin. He nodded before pulling Jeongin from the chair and walking towards his room. 

Chan sighed before he started speaking. “Listen, don’t freak out, okay?”

“Hyung, what’s going on? Why has Minho-hyung been crying and how is Innie in danger?” Changbin asked, voice filled with worry.

“I’m going to say this flat-out, there’s no point in sugar-coating this.” Chan took a deep breath. “Minho was raped by the new choreographer. He threatened him, saying if he told anyone and tried to get him in trouble, he would hurt I.N. Seungmin heard what happened to Minho yesterday and we came up with a plan. We got today off so Minho and Innie could get home and then me and Seungmin would go report it.” 

Hyunjin, Felix, and Changbin stared at Chan, their faces pale. 

“So, what happened now?” Felix quietly asked. “What was on his phone?”

“He…He sent him a message telling him to go to the company today and attached a photo saying that if he didn’t go, the photo will be out to the media. It was edited but it was taken while he was being assaulted.” Chan lowered his head as he spoke, feeling the rage seeping through his veins.

“Are you fucking serious?” Seungmin cursed, the chair screeching as he stood up. “He’s fucking sick. How could he not feel shame for what he did to Lee Know-hyung.” His fists clenched at his sides.

“I swear if I ever see that bitch, I’m going to fucking kill him.” Changbin grunted through his teeth, his head hanging low.

“I’m gonna change the plan. I’m going to have a manager come here so we can come up with a plan to make sure this photo goes nowhere.” Chan nodded to himself as he started typing away on his phone.

“He’ll be okay, right?” Felix asked as his lip quivered, being as emotional as ever.

“He’ll be alright, it’ll just take some time.” Chan sighed.

Jisung sat silently as if he was frozen. He felt anger coldly pricking at his arms. He felt the pain of knowing what his boyfriend, his best friend went through. 

“Ji?” Felix called from the opposite side of the table. 

“Hm?” Jisung hummed although he didn’t move an inch.

“Are you okay?” Felix asked carefully. 

The other three turned their heads towards the young rapper who still sat with an empty expression. 

“Sung, what’s wrong?” Chan asked as he tucked his phone away. 

“I’m fine. Just angry.” Jisung answered simply before rising from his seat and heading towards his bedroom.

“Everything’s going to be fine, right hyung?” Hyunjin asked quietly,

“Of course. Minho’s going to need time though. We’ll be here for him.” Chan tried to reassure the younger. 

A knock on the door had Changbin running to open it, feeling like he needed something to do with himself. He bowed his head as he greeted Minho’s dad. 

“Hi Mr. Lee.” Changbin threw on a smile.

“Hello, Changbin. How have you been?” Minho’s dad asked with a bright smile.

“Good, good. Y’know, always up in the studio.” Changbin said, the conversation easing casually.

Changbin moved to the side to allow Minho’s dad into the apartment. 

“Is Minho and Jisung ready?” Minho’s dad asked as he slid off his shoes.

“They should be.” Changbin mumbled. “Minho-hyung! Your dad’s here!” 

“Coming!” Minho called from the room.

The bedroom door opened as Minho came out with his bag, Jisung and Jeongin trailing behind.

“Appa, let’s bring Innie with us.” Minho smiled.

Minho’s dad nodded, which prompted Jeongin to grab his own bag from his room. He came back to the living room, ready to leave.

“Channie-hyung.” Minho turned to Chan. 

“Yeah?” Chan hummed as he looked up from his phone.

Minho simply walked up to the older man and hugged him, squeezing him tight. “Promise me that no one will get hurt.” 

“I promise Minho-ya.” Chan rubbed his back.

Minho nodded before parting from his hyung. Chan gave Jeongin and Jisung a hug as well before the four left the apartment. Minho sat in the passenger seat while the other two sat in the back.

“So, Minho, how are you today?” Minho’s dad asked, trying to be as cautious of the situation as possible.

Minho sighed through his nose before speaking. “It feels like it’s never going to end.” 

“Why’s that?” His dad glanced at Minho before turning back to the road.

“He has a photo for blackmail. I trust Channie to make sure it doesn’t spread but I can’t help but be scared.” Minho stared out the window. “We can talk more about this later with eomma.” 

“Sure. Jisung, Jeongin, how have you two been?” Minho’s dad looked in the rear-view mirror. 

“We’ve been okay. Y’know how the job can get stressful at times but other than that, it’s been good.” Jeongin answered. 

“Ah, I see.” Minho’s dad hummed.

The rest of the ride was silent aside from the music playing over the radio until Minho’s phone started ringing. He looked at the caller ID and instantly froze. 

“Hyung, what’s wrong?” Jisung asked as his eyes scanned Minho’s stiff posture.

“He’s calling me.” Minho said almost breathlessly. 

Shakily, he accepted the call and placed the phone to his ear. “H-hello?”

“Where are you? I told you to come to the studio. It’s like you want everyone to see that photo.” Minjun screamed into the phone. 

Think Minho, think. 

“I’m coming soon, I’m sorry. I was making breakfast for my members. I’m getting ready now.
Minho said, trying to make his lie as believable as possible as tears silently rolled down his face.

“You better be here in an hour or else everyone will know what you look like on my dick.” Minjun seethed before hanging up.

Minho pulled the phone down from his ear before finding Chan’s contact and putting it back to his ear. Chan answered on the first ring. 

“Minho-ya, is everything okay?” Chan’s concern was very evident in his voice.

“We only have an hour. He called me and said if I’m not there in an hour, the photo will be everywhere.” Minho sniffled.

“It’ll be okay, Minho. I have one of our managers here in the dorm with us and another is at the company. We have a plan and we’re going to act on it now, I promise. You’re going to be okay.” Chan reassured. “Are you almost home?”

“Yeah, maybe about ten minutes away.” Minho responded.

“Okay. Text me when you’re home. I love you Minho-ya.” Chan said softly.

“Love you too, hyung.” Minho muttered.

Minho heard Chan chuckle before hanging up the phone. He took a deep breath as he put his phone on his lap. His tears continued to fall silently, as if a faucet was broken and all the water was leaking. 

“I’m sorry, Minho.” His dad moved his hand over to rest on Minho’s shoulder.

Minho didn’t say anything in response but leaned into the touch. He stated that way until the car pulled into his family home’s driveway.

“Ready, hyung?” Jisung asked.

Minho hummed as he opened the car door. He walked to the trunk to retrieve his bag as well as Jisung and Jeongin’s. The two grabbed their bags from the elder and followed him into the house. Minho’s mom emerged from the kitchen as they took off their shoes and dropped their bags to the side.

“Oh, Minho, my baby.” His mom instantly wrapped her arms around her son, relieved to see him. 

Minho only hugged her back, leaning into the embrace as he felt tears pricking at his eyes. 

“It’s okay, baby. Eomma’s here. Everything’s going to be okay.” His mom cooed, swaying Minho in the embrace.

That broke a sob out of Minho. Jisung and Jeongin stood awkwardly, feeling like they’ve been seeing a new side of their hyung. Sure, they’ve seen him crying before but it’s never often, much less loud sobs. Last night and this morning was the most they’ve ever seen him cry. Of course Jisung and him have shared vulnerable moments but it was never something like this. He was at a complete loss.

“Do you want to talk now or later? I only prepped some vegetables.” His mom rubbed his back.

“Might as well get it over witih now.” Minho pulled away to wipe his face.

Minho’s mom guided him to sit on the couch and gestured to Jisung and Jeongin to join them. His dad sat in a loveseat across from the couch.

“Go ahead whenever you’re ready, baby.” His mom said as she held his hand. 

Minho shaikily exhaled before speaking. “Two days ago we got a new assistant choreographer and he was…touching himself in the restroom when I walked in. I tried to leave but he grabbed me and he…” He trailed off as tears flooded down his cheeks. 

Minho’s mom visibly tensed but kept her face schooled. “Baby, did he assault you?” 

Minho could only nod as he choked on a sob. His mom quickly scooped him into her arms and rubbed his back.

“Can you tell me what happened after?” His mom asked gently.

He nodded as he took a deep breath. “He, um, he drugged me. It wasn’t that strong but he told me if I didn’t listen, he’d hurt Innie. I called you that night. Yesterday, um he did it again and Seungmin saw and told Channie-hyung. He texted me this morning saying if I didn’t go to the studio then he would post a photo of me. Chan-hyung said he has a plan with the managers but I’m scared.” He rambled, his voice breaking every so often.

Jisung placed a hand on Minho’s shoulder in silent support as he felt tears pooling in his own eyes. Minho’s mom only held her son tighter, as if he would disappear if she didn’t hold onto him.

“I’m so sorry baby. You went through so much.” His mom’s voice cracked as tears rolled down her own face. “Eomma’s here now. You’re going to be safe.” 

“Eomma, I’m still terrified. I don’t know if Channie’s plan even worked or not and everything hurts so bad.” Minho cried.

“Maybe you should see a doctor, just in case.” His dad spoke.

Minho rapidly shook his head. “I know I should but there’s no private hospital around here. I don’t want to get recognized.” 

“At least visit one when you go back to Seoul.” His mom begged.

Minho nodded his head into her shoulder. His mom continued to hold him as he cried. 

“Hyung?” Jeongin’s small voice was barely audible over Minho’s cries but Minho’s head shot up quickly. Jeongin passed him his phone with messages being displayed from an unknown number. “Hyung, I’m scared.”

Minho read over the thread of messages, rage quickly taking the place of his crying. 

Where are you?

I know you’re not in your dorms anymore.

You’re a good boy, tell me where you are.

You’re making me lose my job. You need to be punished.

Your stupid managers confiscated my phone but I always have a backup. Just ask your precious hyung how many times I told him not to test me.

When I find you, you’ll realize it was all your hyung’s fault. He wanted you to get hurt. He wanted to disobey me. 

I will find you.

Minho gripped his own phone right before opening it and pressing on Chan’s contact. 

“Minho?” Chan’s voice sounded confused yet relieved at the same time.

“It’s literally been only twenty minutes, how did the plan go? Where is he?” Minho’s voice shook with anger.

“They confiscated his phone and from what I was told they’re taking him to the police station.” Chan answered. “Did something happen? You sound angry.”

“He texted Innie. Hyung, how the fuck is he being brought to the police station yet still has a phone to message from?” Minho tried to keep his voice from being loud. “Hyung, he’s scaring Innie. I’ll send you pictures of the messages, one sec.” 

Minho pulled the phone from his ear and quickly took photos of the messages on Jeongin’s phone before sending them and putting the phone back to his ear.

“Did you get it?” Minho asked.

“Yes, I’m looking it over right now.” Chan said, focused on the messages.

Minho’s hand was balled into a fist, mounted to his knee. He wasn’t only angry and frustrated, he’s scared as shit. He knows that it’s not only him who’s being targeted and it makes him so angry. 

“I’m going to the damn company myself. This is not okay and someone clearly isn’t doing their job.” Chan grunted.

Minho heard their manager in the background screaming after Chan, telling him to not go. 

“Hyung, let me speak to the manager.” Minho requested calmly.

Chan sighed. “Okay. It’s Soo-hyung.” 

“Minho?” Soo spoke.

“Listen, tell me what’s going on. There’s no way you have this handled if I.N is getting messages and being threatened. Not only was I raped in our own company building, I.N was almost assaulted there. Our safety is always being compromised. How many choreographers have we fired because they’ve abused my members? Fucking thirteen and Minjun just adds to the list. How long is it going to take for you all to get your shit together and find a solution to protect us? You’re all responsible for our safety yet somehow our own building has been the place where we felt the most unsafe on multiple occasions. So tell me, where the fuck is Minjun?” Minho’s voice continued to get louder as he spoke, rage burning through his body, being leveled by his fear.

“M-Minho-ssi, I’m at a loss for words. We do our best to protect you all. I swear that Chol told me that he took Minjun’s phone and called the police after reviewing the cameras in the practice room.” Soo spoke, somewhat hesitant.

“Alright then, I’ll get in contact with him.” Minho’s voice was scarily low.

The cats came trickling down the stairs and hopped onto the couch, confused as to why they haven’t gotten attention yet.

“Hey, Minho, it’s Channie again. I’m going to the company, I don’t care what anyone says. My top priority is for you and our members to be safe.” Minho could hear the frustration in Chan’s voice.

“Channie, this isn’t fair. This shouldn’t be your responsibility alone.” Minho was equally as frustrated.

“I know, Minho-ya but I refuse to rest until I know everyone is safe.” Chan said, the door shutting in the background.

“And what about yourself? I’m not there to make sure you’re okay, hyung.” Minho pouted even though he knew Chan couldn’t see him.

“I’ve got this, Minho-ya. If anything happens, you’ll be the first one I call, okay?” Chan said softly.

“Okay, hyung.” Minho breathed out.

“I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Chan rushed out, as if he was running.

“Mhm, bye hyung. Be safe.”  Minho hummed.

“I will. You be safe too. Bye, love you.” Chan said before hanging up the phone. 

Minho placed his phone down before looking at Jeongin. 

“Innie, come.” Minho opened his arms.

Jeongin stood up from the couch from the other side of Jisung and sat in Minho lap and curled up in him.

“Channie’s going to handle it. He’s going to the company right now. It’s going to be fine. He can’t hurt you. He won’t hurt you, okay?” Minho hugged the younger boy tight.

At the end of the day. Jeongin was always going to be the group’s baby, his baby. Their entire group pretty much raised Jeongin over the years since they all were trainees. Minho and Chan always took him out for food, helped out with homework, congratulated him on any sort of achievements when he was in and out of school. That was their baby and he was not going to let someone so disgusting install fear into their baby.  

“What about you? Why does he say this is your fault? He was caught.” Jeongin cried.

“Honey, I didn’t tell you this in detail earlier.” Minho sighed. “Remember when I found you in the bathroom?” Jeongin nodded. “Remember that I said something like how I thought if I did what he said he’d leave you alone?” Jeongin nodded again. Minho took a deep breath. “He told me if anyone ever found out, he would hurt you. I didn’t want that for you. When Seungminnie found out, he told Channie what happened which is why he had us go home. I should’ve seen this coming, I’m sorry, aegi-ya.” 

“But it’s not your fault, hyung. We all know he kept feeding shit into your head. Nothing is your fault, hyung. Can you accept that? Accept that none of this is your fault?” Jeongin cried frustratedly.

Minho’s grip tightened around Jeongin as he stayed silent. No, he couldn’t accept that none of this was his fault because he knew it was his fault from the beginning. If he never left the practice room that day, none of this would’ve ever happened. If he had fought back harder, maybe the situation would’ve been resolved. He felt guilty. Everyone he loves has been affected by something that happened because he walked into the bathroom that day. 

“Baby, you do know it’s not your fault, right?” Jisung rubbed Minho’s shoulder.

Minho only turned his head to him with sad eyes. He didn’t know how to explain the guilt he felt. 

“Baby…” Jisung trailed off.

“How would it be your fault, baby?” His mom asked.

Minho sniffled. “If I never left the practice room, this wouldn’t have started.” 

“But Minho, if he cornered Jeongin in the bathroom too, then wouldn’t this have been inevitable?” His dad reasoned.

Minho tensed, feeling as though a brick had been thrown at him. His dad was right. He knew his dad was right but he still couldn’t get rid of the guilt. Maybe if he said from the start they didn’t need a new assistant choreographer it wouldn’t happen at all.

Minho, you need to shut the fuck up. 

Minho groaned at himself mentally.

“Eomma, can I help you cook?” Minho lifted his hand to his drink to wipe away the remnants of his tears.

“Of course, baby.” His mom smiled softly.

“Can I help too?” Jeongin asked timidly.

“Of course. Come on, boys.” Minho’s mom smiled as she picked herself off the couch, the boys following.

That left Jisung and Minho’s dad in the living room with Dori who decided he didn’t want to follow Soonie and Doongie to the kitchen with their butler. Jisung instinctively petted the cat’s back as the small body moved closer to him.

“So, Jisung, how are you holding up?” Minho’s dad asked to break the silence.

Jisung hummed before answering. “I’m really worried.” 

“That makes two of us.” The older man chuckled sadly. 

“Yeah, he hasn’t cried like this ever in front of anyone. I can’t imagine how much he’s going through right now, especially whatever battles he’s fighting in his mind.” Jisung said as he continued petting Dori absentmindedly.

“Right now, the most we can do is be there for him. I love that you guys are so successful and so happy doing your job but I really wish it was safer. The airport mobs, the choreographers, the protesters, your company hasn’t done anything about it to protect you guys. I know they can’t just stop negativity, y’know, that’s inevitable, but you all deserve so much more.” Minho’s dad’s voice was filled with anger and sadness.

“I agree. I don’t think our company does enough to protect us whatsoever. What happened to Min is just disgusting and more proof that our company doesn’t do enough to ensure our safety isn’t compromised.” Jisung sighed.

“Are you happy with your company?”

“Not at all. I know everything started with the company, otherwise 3racha would’ve never been born thus no Stray Kids, but we’re always being put under unnecessary pressure and our safety is always an issue. It hurts knowing that our workplace is one of the places where we feel unsafe. Our jobs belong to the company and that building yet there’s always some type of anxiety we all have everyday just stepping in there. We have our schedules but there’s always something. If it’s not an extra hour of dance practice, it’s an extra hour of vocal lessons. Don’t even get me started on the stress they put on 3racha as the producers. We have three albums prepared for future use yet they still have us working nonstop.” Jisung ranted, his voice becoming more frustrated as spoke.

“It’s not fair to you guys at all. You all deserve so much better. The most important thing is you’ve got each other.” Minho’s dad paused. “Y’know, Jisung, when you guys started back during the survival show and Minho came home a few nights after he first met you, I just knew that you were the one for him. He talked about you like an angel, like you opened up new gates for him. I’m just so happy you got him to come out of his shell. Before you, he kept everything to himself except for dance. He has been in love with you since the day he met you.” He smiled as he reminisced the way Minho came home, all love struck and told him and his mother about Jisung.

Jisung chuckled. “The moment I saw him, I was jealous. He looked so perfect and put together meanwhile I was a wreck. I just knew then that we were soulmates.” 

“Minho’s strong. He’ll get through this, I know it. I’m just so happy you’re the one for him, that he has someone to rely on and love.” The older man smiled softly.

“Jisungie!” Minho shouted from the kitchen.

“Coming!” Jisung shouted back as he stopped petting Dori and picked himself up from the couch.

Minho’s dad chuckled as Jisung quickly made his way to the kitchen to see what Minho wanted, knowing that his son just wanted to bother his boyfriend.

——————————

Lunch was finished by 1:30pm, the five indulging in it at the dining table. They ate in a comfortable silence, nothing awkward. Just peace and normality. Minho loved it. 

The rest of the meal continued in the comfortable silence, the occasional sigh here and there with the clinking of the utensils on the dishes.

“Hey, Sungie, what were the gifts you had for the cats?” Minho asked as he gathered his and Jisung’s dishes to put in the sink.

Jisung's face brightened. “I almost forgot about that!” He strideded over to his bag and pulled out a plastic bag. He puckered his lips and made kissy sounds to get all three of the cats’ attention. The small bodies pattered across the floor as they made their way to Jisung. “Look what I brought for you!” 

Minho, his parents and Jeongin watched as Jisung sat on the floor and pulled out cat treats from the bag followed by three plushies all of them being of Minho.

“Sung, you put my face on toys for my cats?” Minho laughed.

“Duh, it was about time. I should’ve done it years ago.” Jisung said proudly as the cats immediately started playing with the plushsies. “This is for you. I got it when I did that solo shoot in Japan.” He walked to Minho and placed a keychain in his hand.

Minho examined it with a soft smile. It had five charms on it in total. Three, one for each cat, an orange glasses charm and the last was a pink ribbon bow that said “지킬게 아파도 돼“ (I’ll protect you, it’s okay to hurt). 

“Oh, baby, thank you.” Minho’s smile grew wider as he spoke, pulling Jisung into his arms.

Jisung giggled in his boyfriend’s hold. “Anything for you, my love.” 

Minho’s parents watched with proud smiles while Jeongin fake gagged. 

“You two really need to get a room. I see too much of this everyday.” Jeongin fauxly complained.

Everyone, including Jeongin himself, laughed out loud at the remark. Minho felt at peace.

I’m going to be okay.  

Chapter Text

Minho felt the happiest he’s been for the past few days as he, Jisung, Jeongin and his parents played some board games. He still had worry nagging at the back of his mind but he could ignore it long enough to just enjoy his time in the moment. As the hours went on, however, he grew more and more anxious waiting for Chan to call back with an update. It felt like an eternity and he started getting worried about his hyung. He was getting worried about the rest of his members. He still felt a bit guilty for the way his members were worried about him.

It was close to 9pm and Chan still didn’t provide him or Jisung or Jeongin with any updates and neither did any of the other members, saying they don’t know what’s going on. The three boys sat on the floor in Minho’s childhood bedroom, all dressed in fresh pajamas, awaiting for a response from Chan. 

“Nothing could’ve happened to him, right?” Jeongin asked, linking his arm with Minho’s.

“I doubt it. Channie’s never been the type of person to let someone overrule him when he’s angry.” Jisung pointed out.

Minho only frowned as he stared back at his phone and the texts left on delivered all day. 

“Fuck it. I’m calling.” Minho mumbled as he clicked the call button on Chan’s contact and held the phone to his ear.

The phone rang four times before there was a sound on the other end. 

“Channie-hyung?” Minho spoke.

“Minho, I’ve got you. Everything’s going to be fine.” Chan sounded like he was exhausted.

“Are you alright?” Minho picked at his lips.

“I’m alright. It’s just been a lot of fighting back and forth. No- Felix-“ Chan’s voice was cut off as someone - presumably Felix - took the phone from him.

“Minho-hyung, Chan-hyung is in the hospital. He fought Minjun and he got hurt. It’s not too bad but he can’t over-exert himself otherwise he’ll tear his stitches-“

“STITCHES?” Minho yelled bewildered, causing Jisung and Jeongin to look at him worriedly. “What the hell was he doing? Where are the stitches? How did that happen?” 

“Well uh, I don’t know if I’m supposed to say it-”

“Just tell me Yongbok.” Minho’s tone was dead serious yet filled with the accumulated worry.

“Minjun grabbed a sharp object, I’m not sure what but it most definitely wasn’t a knife since they fought at the company, and he stabbed his thigh and dragged it down to his knee.” Felix winced as he recalled the injury. “I would’ve told you earlier but I just got to the hospital and found out.”

“What the fuck? Let me talk to Bang Chan, now.” Minho probably sounded angry but everyone in his presence knew he was worried sick. 

Minho heard Felix hum on the other end of the line and the shuffling that followed. 

“Minho?” Chan spoke as soon as the phone was back in his possession. 

“Chan what the fuck is wrong with you? Why would you fight him? You knew he was trouble.” Minho’s voice faltered at the end.

“I know, Minho, but he irked me so badly and I’m not proud of it but I will fight for you over and over again. You’re important to me, Minho, I swear I’d do it all over again-”

“No, hyung. You can’t do that again. Don’t you know how worried I was all day? You weren’t answering any of our messages and neither was the rest of the kids because they didn’t know anything. Hyung, you scared the shit out of me.” Minho’s voice became watery, the worry tackling him. 

Chan stayed silent for a moment before he responded. “I’m sorry, Minho-ya. I know I worried you so much. You’re going through so much, especially emotionally, and I made it worse. I’m so sorry, honey.”

“I’ll come back to Seoul tomorrow. I don’t care. You’re hurt, hyung. He hurt you. What even happened to him?”

Jeongin and Jisung looked at Minho with pleading eyes, begging to listen in but Minho only shook his head and put up a finger to singal “I’ll tell you in a moment”. 

“He’s actually being detained now and will be taken to court for two counts of rape, one count of attempted sexual assault, and one count of attempted murder.” Chan explained.

“Hold on, he tried to murder you?” Minho choked over his words. 

Chan sighed on the other line. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you.” 

“Hyung, what the fuck did he do.” Angry tears left Minho’s eyes as he spoke. 

“He not only stabbed me but was choking me until I fell unconscious.” Chan whispered, as if there was someone else in the room who he didn’t want to know this information. 

“You can’t be fucking serious right now.” Minho’s voice held no other emotion than pure anger.

He could feel the way the palms of his hands burned with static, the way his lungs felt like they were catching on fire. His throat was instantly dry and he felt the sweat dripping down his neck. The shallow breath he took set fuel to the fire burning inside his body. 

“I swear to god, I’m going to kill him.” Minho’s body shook as he spoke. “I FUCKING HATE HIM!” His yells could probably be heard throughout the entire house judging by the way he instantly heard footsteps running towards the bedroom. 

His anger instantly faltered as was replaced with fear and grief. A loud sob ripped from his throat. He felt like he was suddenly drowning underwater, as if someone’s throwing water on him, putting out a fire they don’t already know is out. He saw his parents walk into the room and drop on the floor in front of him. Jisung and Jeongin were on either side of him, staring at him worriedly. Chan was silent on the phone aside from the faint crying sounds.

“Minho?” His dad whispered.

“I can’t do this.” Minho croaked.

“Minho, it’s going to be okay. Hyung’s going to be okay and you’re going to be okay.” Chan tried to reassure.

“None of this is okay, though.” Minho gasped. “He tried to kill you. Do you understand what would’ve happened if he actually killed you? He tried to take you away from our members, from me. Do you realize that if I found out he killed you I would’ve killed myself?” 

“Minho, listen to me. I’m here. I’m alive. I’m always going to be by your side even if I have to fight the devil himself. I’m never leaving you guys, I promise.” Chan cooed sadly.

“I need to see you tomorrow. I’m sorry I’m the reason you ended up like this.” Minho’s sobs died down into sniffles.

“Stop blaming yourself, Minho. Nothing is your fault. You never asked for any of this to happen. Remember the time you told me everything happens for a reason even if it may not make sense now? You need to listen to your own words.” Chan said, wishing he could be there personally with Minho.

Minho only sniffled as he took a deep breath. He knew Chan was right and he loved him dearly but he’s tired of hearing that it’s not his fault and that everything will be okay. Nothing is okay and he can’t help but feel guilty for everything. Everytime he thinks it’s going to be okay it only gets worse.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.” Minho said before ending the call. 

He threw his phone onto his bed and curled into himself, letting his tears fall silently. His hands tightly grasped his pajama pants as his knuckles turned white. 

“Baby, do you want to tell us what happened?” Jisung asked patiently.

Minho turned his head to Jisung before nodding. He opened his mouth trying to find where to start but no words came out of him.

“It’s okay. Take your time.” Minho’s mom assured.

Minho nodded before taking a deep breath. “He tried to kill Channie.” He whispered.

“We gathered that much, hyung. Is there more you can tell us?” Jeongin spoke gently, unsure how to handle his hyung at the moment.

“He’s finally being detained and has charges against him. I don’t know what any of the next steps are.” Minho’s grip on his pants became unbelievably tighter.

“Is there anything we can do for you, baby?” His mom asked in such a soft, gentle voice as if Minho was fragile.

“I need to see Chan tomorrow.” Minho muttered.

“That’s no problem. Do you want to just go back to your dorm tomorrow or come back after visiting him?” His dad asked.

“Might as well just go back to the dorms. If we have to deal with this on top of the event coming up, it’ll get things moving quicker.” Minho decided. “I’m sorry.”

A tense silence took over the room. Minho curled into himself even further as he felt everyone looking at him with sad eyes. 

“There’s nothing for you to apologize for, hyung.” Jeongin wrapped his arms around Minho, shoulders trembling.

Minho stayed silent but rested his hands on Jeongin’s arms in acknowledgement. Jeongin let his tears fall as he quietly sobbed into Minho’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong, honey?” Minho asked, keeping his voice a mere whisper.

“I’m angry and scared and I just…” Jeongin trailed off as he sucked in his breath.

“What is it?” Minho rubbed Jeongin’s arms.

“I just want everything to be normal. We’re going to see STAY in a few weeks but it feels like everything’s wrong. I don’t know how to explain it.” 

“I get it, Innie. Seeing STAY in the States will be amazing but I guess we’re just scared.” Minho coaxed the younger who began to sob. “Why don’t we get some rest.” 

Jeongin nodded into Minho’s shoulder before letting go. He wiped the tears off his cheeks and took a deep breath. Minho stood up from the floor and went to lay down on his bed, gesturing for the younger members to join.

“Do you boys need anything before you go to sleep?” Minho’s dad asked.

“I think we’re good.” Jisung gave a sad smile.

“Alright, just call if anything. Let me know what time you boys want to leave tomorrow.” Minho’s dad smiled back at Jisung before exiting the room with his wife.

Jisung and Jeongin climbed onto the bed of either side of Minho. They both cuddled close into the older’s arms. While they started falling asleep, Minho could only stare at the ceiling, thinking.

He loves his job. He wants to do his job. He needs to do his job but he's scared. He’s scared to even step into the company, to even walk anywhere around it. He’s honestly scared to see Chan. His only hyung got hurt for him and it broke his heart. He’ll always appreciate the fact that Chan went out of his way to protect him but it still makes him feel guilty that his hyung had to protect him in the first place. 

What happened was inevitable. He knew that. He knew that if it wasn’t him it would’ve been one of his members. He’s honestly glad it was him and not his precious members, his family. At the same time though, he knows Jeongin was still cornered and had fear installed into him and fuels him with rage. 

He feels like he’s slipping away from his own body. There’s a funny feeling in his chest that he can’t quite describe. It almost feels empty yet at the same time there’s something clawing at him. It feels so heavy as if it’s weighing on his lungs. He feels like he’s tied down to a weight. His heart feels so heavy. Tears silently roll down his face as he closes his eyes, begging his mind to calm and let him sleep. 

——————————

The next morning, Minho was awoken by the two younger boys clinging onto him on each arm. He craned his head to look at them and saw them looking back at him with big eyes. He gave a soft smile before laying his head back on the pillow.

“Good morning.” Minho said.

“Hi, hyung.” Minho could hear the smile in Jeongin’s voice. 

“Hi.” Minho chuckled. “Why are you two clinging?” 

“Wellll, your dad said to wake you up but we wanted to go back to sleep with you but then we thought that we should wake you up by squeezing you.” Jisung said cheerfully.

“Well I’m up now, my love. Did you guys use the bathroom yet?” Minho asked as he tried to sit up.

“We did. We just need to change our clothes.” Jeongin tried to snuggle into Minho’s chest, pushing the older back down.

Minho huffed out a laugh as he manuvered his hand to tickle the youngest’s stomach. “What are you doing aegi-ya?” 

“I wanna cuddle you foreverrrrrrrr!” Jeongin dragged as he squealed when Minho lightly pinched his belly.

Jisung took the opportunity to get up and join in on tickling the younger.

“Ah- hyungs stop!” Jeongin laughed as he tried to fight their hands away.

“You’ve awakened me, now bear the consequences.” Minho’s smile was very evident in his voice. 

Hearing the pure joy in his voice made Jisung and Jeongin happier as well, feuling the playful activity taking place.

“Okay! Okay!” Jeongin giggled, seizing the tickle attack.

“Alright, let me get up now so we can go.” Minho patted the younger members.

They got up from the bed and watched as their hyung stretched before getting up himself. He pulled the younger two into his arms before sighing in content. “Everything is going to be okay now, I promise. Everyone’s going to be safe.”

He couldn’t have been more wrong.

Chapter Text

The three boys packed back up their belongings and finished getting ready before meeting Minho’s dad in the kitchen. 

“Morning boys, we’ll eat and then head out, sound good?” Minho’s dad smiled as he placed down the plates of food for the boys.

“Thanks, appa.” Minho smiled as the other two nodded along.

The four of them ate their breakfast in a comfortable silence. It was peaceful to Minho. It was a moment to just relax in the comfortable atmosphere of the people who he loved the most. Within the next twenty minutes, they finished up their plates and washed them before heading out the door. 

As they entered the car, Minho felt his nervousness coming back. He was about to go see his hyung who neared death for him. His hyung almost died and he’s hurt in the hospital with a laceration on his leg and possible bruises around his throat. He let out a shuddered breath as he fastened his seatbelt. 

“Are you okay, hyung?” Jeongin asked as soon as he felt the change in the atmosphere.

Minho put a small smile on his face and turned his head to the back to look at his maknae. “I’m fine. How about we play our songs?” 

Jeongin’s face lit up as he rapidly nodded. Minho passed his phone to the younger two in the backseats who started giggling as they scrolled through their discography. The first song he chose was Gods Menu in which Minho’s dad sang along earning laughs out of the three boys. The next song that played was Walking On Water. Jisung kept shouting “wa-oh wa-oh” making Jeongin burst out into a laughing fit. 

The rest of the car ride back to Seoul was filled with the fun energy, putting Minho’s nervousness at ease until they reached the dorms where they would drop their stuff off and then head to the hospital. 

Entering the hospital felt creepy with the blank white walls and the smell of sterilization. Minho walked up to the front desk with Jisung and Jeongin following and greeted the man sitting behind the desk.

“Good morning. We’re looking for Christopher Chan Bang.” Minho stated.

“What’s your name and relation to the patient?” The man asked as he typed into the laptop.

“Lee Minho. The two behind me are Han Jisung and Yang Jeongin. We’re his bandmates. We should be listed under family contacts for his medical ID. My father is also joining us.” Minho explained.

“Alright. He’s in room 132. It’s just down this hall on the right.” The man smiled as he gestured down the hallway. 

“Thank you.” The boys bowed their heads before heading down the hallway.

Minho’s nervousness was felt heavily now between all four of them. He was terrified to see his hyung but he was also upset that this was his fault. He didn’t care what anyone said. If he kept his mouth shut, Chan wouldn’t be in the hospital. He wouldn’t have known. He took a deep breath before entering the room.

“Chan-hyung?” Minho said as he walked closer to the bed.

“Hey, Minho. Ji, Innie. How are you guys?” Chan asked with a small smile on his face. 

“We’re fine, hyung. You’re not.” Jeongin pouted. 

“I will be fine. So, how are Soonie, Doongie, Dori?” Chan tried to change the topic from his health.

“They’re fine, hyung.” Minho muttered as he looked down at his feet rather than at Chan.

Jisung held his hand and squeezed it. Minho pulled Jisung closer to him and wrapped an arm around him. 

“Minho?” Chan called his name. “Sung, Innie, do you two mind waiting outside for now so I can talk to Minho? Hyunjin and Changbin should be out there soon.” 

The younger two nodded. Jisung left a kiss on Minho’s cheek before exiting the room with Jeongin. Minho walked up to the chair that was next to the bed but refused to sit down. 

“Chan-hyung…” Minho’s voice watered. “Channie, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize Mi-“

“But-“

“No, Minho. How many times do I need to tell you it’s not your fault.” 

Minho stayed silent as a few tears strolled down his face. He felt guilty but he didn’t want to argue with his hyung who’s probably tired. 

“Do you want to talk about the next steps now?” Chan offered.

Minho could only nod. 

“Okay. You’re going to write some statements. They already have camera footage from the practice room but for court, you’ll need the statement. I’m going to be with you during the court procedures with my own statement. Innie’s going to have to have one too. We haven’t gotten any court date yet but as far as I know, he’s still detained.” Chan explained.

“Are you one hundred percent sure he’s detained and can’t hurt us anymore?” Minho asked, the fear and worry evident in his voice. 

Chan stayed silent for a moment before finding an answer. “I’ll be honest with you, I’m scared he got out. He’s smart, I’ll tell you that but he’s also a complete idiot.” 

Just then they heard Jisung screaming in the hallway “NO! STOP! DON’T!”

Minho’s eyes widened before he ran out the room. When he got out he saw Jisung running to the end of the hallway only to get kicked into the wall by a black figure before it ran off at the speed of light.

“SUNGIE!” Minho shrieked as he ran to Jisung and got on his knees next to him. “Baby, who was that?”

A scream ripped from Jisung's throat before resuming to loud sobbing. 

“Baby?” Minho’s heart sank knowing something was seriously wrong.

“H-He-“ Jisung coughed as he choked on a sob. 

“I- Baby, what’s going on?”

“HE TOOK INNIE.” Jisung wailed.

And with those words, it was like Minho’s world suddenly stopped. 

He took Innie. 

He

Took

Innie

His breath started quickening as he pulled Jisung into his chest. “Who is he?”

“M-Minjun.” Jisung sobbed as he hid his face into Minho’s chest.

Minho could hear the way his heart shattered. The tiny little fragments pierced his lungs, making it hard to breathe. His body felt like it was on fire yet his skin was cold. He didn’t even notice the nurse and Hyunjin appearing next to them until Hyunjin spoke.

“Hyung, Jisung? What’s wrong?” Hyunjin asked, panicking.

Minho looked up at Hyunjin’s fearful expression and crumbled even further. His body wracked with sobs as he held Jisung tighter. 

“What’s going on? What happened?” Hyunjin got on his knees next to the two sobbing members.

“J-Jinnie.” Jisung choked.

“What is it?” Hyunjin’s voice started watering. 

“Minjun took Jeongin.” Minho croaked. 

“What?” Hyunjin’s face changed to one of shock. “He’s gone?”

Minho suddenly let go of Jisung and stood up on his feet before running down the hallway in an attempt to find his dongsaeng. He didn’t care about the way he heard Jisung and Hyunjin and probably the nurse calling after him. His focus right now is to find Jeongin before something worse happens. Tears ran down his face and his eyes burned but he kept running. Then he spotted the black figure as it ran out the door, dragging Jeongin behind him. He knew better than to startle Minjun right now so he just kept running until they stopped at a car. 

Minho was finally close enough to grab Jeongin but when he reached out, Minjun pulled Jeongin closer to him and laughed. 

“Honestly, Minho, you must be stupid.” Minjun laughed as his grip on Jeongin’s wrist got tighter. 

“Let him go.” Minho’s voice was cold.

Minjun smiled as he opened the car door and shoved Jeongin in before locking the car.

“What do you want, Minjun? Just tell me what you want and let him go.” Minho begged as he saw Jeongin crying and banging on the car window.

“It’s not that easy, Minho. See, they thought they could keep me away but I told you what would happen if you told anyone and got the police involved and you didn’t want to listen. Really, this is all your fault.” Minjun took a few steps toward Minho. “If you had listened, this wouldn’t have happened but we’re here now. Have fun trying to find us.” Minjun smiled before throwing a quick punch to Minho’s face. As Minho stumbled, Minjun took the opportunity to hop into the car and speed off. 

Minho held his face as his vision became normal again. He looked in front of him to see the car no longer there. 

“No…NO!” Minho fell to his knees and sobbed. “INNIE! JEONGIN!” He tried to stand but tripped and fell back down. “FUCK! Fuck…Innie, I’m sorry.” Minho just sat on the smooth gravel and cried loudly. 

His dad came running from the other side of the hospital and got on the gravel with him. 

“What’s wrong?” His dad said, out of breath from running.

“He took Jeongin. I couldn’t stop him. I tried but it’s my fault he got taken. I should've gotten him back.” Minho sobbed.

His dad pulled him into his arms and held him as he cried. “I know I’m not as good at comforting you as your mom is but, we’re going to get him back, that’s a promise. He’s going to come home safe.” He rubbed his son’s back as his body shook. “Let’s get back inside okay? The rest of your members got here.” 

Minho nodded into his dad’s shoulder. He held onto him as they got up from the pavement. His dad kept an arm wrapped around him as they walked back into the hospital. When they arrived back to Chan’s room, Hyunjin and Jisung were still sobbing but were surrounded by the rest of the group in front of the room. 

“Do you want to go speak to Chan and let him know what’s happening? As far as I know none of your members have gone in yet.” Minho’s dad offered.

Minho only nodded before opening the door and rushing to Chan’s bedside.

“Minho, what’s going on out there? Why are you crying? Did something bad happen to Jisung?” Chan rambled out, the worry clearly evident.

“Hyung…Jeongin was taken. He got kidnapped by Minjun. Hyung, you’re going to be so mad at me.” Minho’s voice cracked as his bottom lip quivered.

“He got out…” Chan’s voice went quiet as he looked down before quickly looking back at Minho. “Why would I be mad at you? Minho, we’ve been over this-”

“Hyung, I was right there. I could’ve gotten him and made sure he was safe but I wasn’t fast enough to grab him. I was too weak to even try to fight back. Hyung, he was banging on the car window and screaming and crying. My baby is out there and who knows what the fuck Minjun is going to do to him all because of me.” There was so much raw emotion coming out of Minho that Chan really didn’t know how to deal with it. 

He hasn’t seen Minho this emotional since he got eliminated from the survival show. Chan is feeling his own field of emotions he hasn’t felt since Minho and Felix were eliminated. When he thought he lost them…and right now, Jeongin was lost. A few tears rolled down his cheeks. 

“Minho, I’m not going to blame you at all. Minjun clearly had this all planned out. It’s not your fault and I know you feel the guilt of it. I know you feel like you could’ve done stuff different to make sure that this didn’t happen but it happened. Now, we need to figure out how to get him back.” Chan said, trying to keep his own voice steady.

“I’m scared.” Minho admitted as he tried to take a deep breath. “He knows what he’s doing. It was a real threat when he told me not to tell anyone.”

“It’s going to be okay, honey. Come here and hold my hand.” Chan held his hand out, prompting Minho to grasp it as he sat in the chair beside the bed. Chan squeezed the younger’s hand. “You’ve been so brave. I’m going to get out of here soon as long as these stitches heal quickly and I don’t tear anything. We’re going to figure this out together. He’s already been charged and now that he’s run away, the police are going to lock down on this.” 

“But, Chan, he already managed to escape the police. Who knows what he’s going to do to Innie. What if he traffics him? What the fuck are we going to do if he’s getting sold and sent off to another country and have to go through torture?” Minho’s chest heaved.

“The worst thing to do is assume right now. This is dangerous. The military can get involved in this if it’s needed. We’re not going to let him get human trafficked.” Chan tried to reassure.

The door opened and the two turned their heads to see Hyunjin who seemed a bit more calm now but still had tears running down his face. 

“Hyungs, there’s police officers who want to talk to you guys.” Hyunjin said as he was wringing his hands together.

“Let them in.” Chan nodded.

Hyunjin opened the door and bowed his head as the two officers walked in. He stayed standing by the door, not wanting to leave. 

“Good afternoon, gentlemen. For starters, we are extremely ashamed and sorry that Minjun had escaped our hold.” The two officers bowed. “I’m officer Kim and this is officer Dae. We want to ask for the full story accounts from you two. We already spoke to your friends outside and learned Yang Jeongin was kidnapped. We have a team out who is on standby but we need to know how he was taken in order to start looking. Was there a car?” 

“It was a red car. There was no license plate on it. Jeongin was in the backseat of the car. He drove from the parking lot. Minjun punched me and drove off while my vision was obscured so I don’t know where he drove off to.” Minho said, trying to wipe tears away from his face. 

Officer Dae was writing in his notepad as officer Kim picked up her walkie-talkie. “We have a lead. Red car with no license plate. They most likely went south-bound. Victim says they left through the parking lot.” She placed the device back onto her belt. “We do have our body cameras recording and we are taking notes. Please tell the whole truth and only the truth. I want to start with Lee Minho. Can you tell me what happened from the beginning?” 

Minho turned his head to look at Chan who looked back at him with soft eyes before nodding. He squeezed the younger’s hand in reassurance, prompting him to speak.

“I think four days ago now, Minjun was introduced as an assistant choreographer. He was touching himself in the restroom when I walked in.” Minho took a breath as fresh tears started rolling down his face. “I tried to walk out but he grabbed me and drugged me just enough to make my limbs weak and then he…raped me.” Minho winced as he said the word. He didn’t want to say it. He didn’t want to talk about this anymore. Still, he took a shuddering breath before he continued speaking knowing this may be the only way to get Jeongin back. “He threatened me. He said if I told anyone Jeongin would get hurt. The next day when we all got to the company Jeongin went to the bathroom. I was scared so I went to check on him and when I walked in, Jeongin was against the wall scared and Minjun was approaching him. I got him out and he said how Minjun wanted to see his body. A few hours after that, me and two members finished monitoring choreography. As we were leaving Minjun told me to meet him again in the same practice room at three o’clock or else one of my members would get hurt. He did it to me again. Seungmin heard me screaming and knocked on the door. Minjun ran after that. Chan-hyung came in and comforted me.” 

“Okay. Were there any more threats made the second time?” Officer Kim asked.

“No. He only repeated what he said the first time.” Minho shifted in his seat uncomfortably. 

“What happened after this?” 

“Yesterday, he sent me a message with a picture saying that if I didn’t show up to the company that he would release the picture and indicated he would hurt Jeongin.” 

“Do you still have the messages and screenshots?” 

Minho nodded his head as he took his phone out of his pocket. He went through his photos for the screenshot of the text before turning it to the officer. She took a photo of the screenshot herself before speaking again. “You’re going to have to use this in court. Hold onto this screenshot and when we start court procedures you need to print this out and give it to your lawyer so whoever it may be can put together your evidence. In cases like these, people try to twist the narrative so if you don’t have your evidence and witnesses, everything can be dismissed without further investigation.”

Minho nodded along. He knew that the officers would say something like this. He knew this meant he’s going to have to keep speaking about this until it’s over. He doesn’t want to but his baby just got kidnapped, what else is he supposed to do? “After that, he texted Jeongin. I have a picture of it.” Minho scrolled through his messages with Chan for the image. He turned the phone so officer Kim could take another photo. 

“Anything else after this or do we end up at today in the timeline with what just happened ?” 

“I found out last night Chan got hurt so I rushed over here this morning. I was talking to him and Jisung and Jeongin were just outside the room. We heard Jisung screaming so I ran out to see what happened and I saw him get kicked by somebody. He told me Jeongin was taken by Minjun. I chased after them and I tried to grab Jeongin back but I wasn’t quick enough and then…he got shoved into the car and he was s-screaming for me. Minjun said it was my fault because I didn't listen to his threats.” Minho’s face was flooded with tears by now.

Retelling everything was one thing. Knowing that his baby is scared and knowing that he failed Jeongin, it just makes him want to die. He wishes that he was taken instead. 

“Thank you for telling us everything, I know it’s really hard to have to retell everything you went through.” Office Kim gave Minho a soft smile before turning to Chan. “Can you explain what happened yesterday at your company?”

Chan sighed before he spoke. “When Minho texted me that Minjun was texting Jeongin after I was told that Minjun was already detained, I went to the company myself to see what was going on. When I got there, Minjun was camping out in the recording studio we normally use. I told him that he needed to leave but he didn’t like that.” 

Minho turned his full attention to Chan. He still didn’t know what exactly happened to his hyung.

“I’m still not exactly sure what he picked up off the table but I think it was part of something that I meant to fix a while ago. It was like a metal piece with a screw sticking out of it. He lunged at me and I tried to block him but he ended up cutting my leg from my thigh to my knee. He dug it deep enough that I needed stitches. I screamed and pushed him off of me but he pushed me into the wall and started choking me. I almost fell unconscious but one of our managers came into the room and had security detain him.” Chan explained his story calmly.

“Is this all?” Officer Kim asked as she looked over to officer Dae who was finishing up the notes he was writing.

“Yes, officer.” Chan slightly bowed his head.

“Alright then, thank you gentlemen. We’ll be working hard on this case. We will not allow anyone else to get hurt. Again, we apologize for everything that happened.” Officer Kim bowed her head.

“We really appreciate it. Thank you.” Chan smiled.

The officers left the room shortly after, leaving Hyunjin staring at Minho and Chan with tears rolling down his face. Minho completely forgot that he was even standing there at the door. 

“Jinnie, come here.” Minho waved his hand over.

Hyunjin nodded as he started approaching Minho. He took the liberty to sit in Minho’s lap and wrap his arms around his hyung. 

“Hyungs, I’m scared.” Hyunjin cried into Minho’s shoulder.

“I know, honey. We all are. Everything is going to be okay, I promise.” Chan spoke, squeezing Minho’s hand as a tear silently left his eye.

“How is anything going to be okay?” Hyunjin looked up from Minho’s shoulder, seemingly aggressive. “Innie just got kidnapped! Who knows what’s happening to him right now? He could already be hurt!” 

“Jinnie, I understand. We’re all equally as scared right now. I can only hope and pray right now that he’s okay. I promise though, we’re going to get him back.” Minho tried to comfort. He cringed when he saw the way Hyunjin looked at him, almost as if he was disgusted.

Hyunjin quickly jumped up from Minho’s lap and stepped back. “Y-you…You fucking promised Innie that you would protect him.” Hyunjin took a ragged breath. “YOU DIDN’T PROTECT HIM AND NOW HE’S GONE! I HATE YOU!” 

Then, just like that, Hyunjin left the room, slamming the door closed.

And just like that,

Minho felt his heart shatter all over again.

Chapter Text

“Minho, I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that. He’s just terrified right now. He loves you, you’re his hyung.” Chan squeezed Minho’s hand.

Minho heard him but didn’t respond. Instead, he stared at the door. He stared out the window of it, looking at the way Hyunjin looked like he was arguing with someone. He could see Seungmin standing up with tears rolling down his face. He could see him saying something to Hyunjin which only seemed to make the latter more upset. He saw how Changbin needed to hold him back. He saw the way Changbin dragged Hyunjin away from everyone.

Minho gets it. Of course he’s angry and scared. Hyunjin loves Jeongin to the moon and back. He himself loves Jeongin the same way. He doesn’t blame Hyunjin for saying what he said but it still hurts nonetheless. Still, he hates himself too.

“Min?” Chan’s voice cracked. 

Minho finally turned his head away from the door to look at his hyung. 

“Minho, it’s not your fault, okay?” Chan’s tears flowed freely.

Minho turned his head away and looked down at his lap. “Hyunjin’s right though. I did promise to protect him but he ended up getting kidnapped. I’m such a bad hyung...” 

“No, Minho.” Chan squeezed Minho’s hand tight before releasing it.

“He hates me and I don’t blame him. I hate myself too.” 

“He didn’t mean it. We both know him. Honey, he loves you so much. We both know he doesn’t know how to handle his emotions when they’re this scaled up.” 

“It’s okay. I know. He has every right to be angry at me though. I broke a promise.” 

“Min, you know I love you, right?”

“Do you?” 

Minho heard the choked cry Chan let out but couldn’t bring himself to look back at his hyung. Not when he felt like he was hurting everyone. He could’ve done so much more to try and keep them safe. He failed them as their hyung.

“Of course I love you. You’re the person I go to when everything gets too much. Honey, I need you. The kids need you. We’re going to get Innie back and we’re going to be okay again. It’ll take time but we’ll all be together. I need you to know that we love you and need you. We’d be nothing without you. We were miserable when you were eliminated during the survival show, imagine how it would be if we lost you now. I just don’t want you to shut us out and think that this is all your fault.” Chan ranted as tears steadily streamed down his cheeks.

Minho sniffled as he listened to Chan’s words. He kept sniffling until a sob came out. He didn’t know how he could still cry considering how much he has over the past couple days. 

“I’m sorry Channie. I just feel like if I had even just done one thing differently, it wouldn’t have gotten to this point. I’m terrified. I know Jinnie didn’t mean it but it still hurts. It hurts knowing Jeongin is out there and I couldn’t get to him in time. It hurts that you’re here in this stupid hospital. It hurts that it feels like I’ve burdened everyone with this.” Minho used his other hand to rest his face in it as he cried. “I just don’t want to be left alone. I don’t want to mess up anymore.” 

“We’re not leaving you alone, Minho. We’re right here. I can’t change your mindset right now but we can change how we go forward, yeah?” 

Minho finally looked at his tear soaked hyung and let out another sob. “What are we going to do?” 

Chan stayed silent, thinking for a moment until he found something to say. “We’re going to wait for what the police say. We can’t go out on our own trying to find him right now. He’s dangerous. Why don’t you bring everyone in here? Our babies need comfort too.” 

Minho nodded in agreement as he rose from the chair. He hesitantly let go of Chan’s hand before making his way to the door. When he opened it, he was met with the sight of all his dongsaengs crying in the chairs minus Changbin and Hyunjin who were talking in the corner.

“Do you guys want to come inside?” Minho said over the sobs echoing the hallway.

Pretty much immediately, the boys scrambled to stand up and stood in front of the door. Minho stepped back into the room holding the door open so the younger members could make their way in. Changbin dragged Hyunjin in with him. He could tell the younger one felt guilty for what he said just moments ago. 

The boys surrounded Chan immediately, leaving Minho standing at the door. He watched as they all worried over Chan, asking him questions and holding his hands. It almost felt as if they were all angry at Minho. It was like he was watching through a thin pane of glass. That was until Jisung left Chan’s bedside and walked over to him.

“Baby, what happened with Hyunjin?” Jisung whispered as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s body. 

“Nothing. He’s just emotional right now. It’s fine.” Minho whispered back, wrapping his arms around Jisung.

Jisung looked up at Minho and for a moment, it was like time stopped. There was no blame, hate, or anger in Jisung’s eyes. There was no judgment. There was only pure love and worry. They stood in the bliss of that moment. Minho wished it would last forever.

“Him saying that he hates you isn’t fine though.” 

Minho only shrugged, feeling the atmosphere break. “What happened out there? I saw Changbin dragging him away.” 

“Hyunjin got mad at Seungmin when he told him it wasn’t okay for him to say things like that. He told him that he didn’t know what happened with Innie and to fuck off. I think Changbin calmed him down a bit.” 

Minho took his gaze off of Jisung to look at Hyunjin. He was hugging Felix tightly as tears rolled down his face. 

“He didn’t mean any of it. He’s scared.” Minho said as he put his gaze back on Jisung.

“Are you okay, baby?” 

“Yeah.” Minho hummed.

“Baby, that hurt you. You know it did. You don’t have to pretend.” 

“I talked to Channie already. It’s okay. It hurt but it’s okay.” 

“Minho-hyung?” Felix called, craning his head to look at Minho while still holding Hyunjin.

“Yes, Yongbokkie?” Minho slightly loosened his hold on Jisung. 

“Can you come here please?”

Minho let go of Jisung and walked towards Felix who’s grip on Hyunjin tightened.

“Hyunjin, tell him what you told me.” Felix whispered.

“No.” Hyunjin muttered.

“Come on, Jinnie, we’re adults. Stop acting like a little kid.” Felix said uncharacteristically frustrated.

“No. I’m not saying it. I don’t even want to talk to him.” Hyunjin sounded like he was getting even more upset.

“What is your problem right now Jinnie? We’re supposed to be together right now and figure out what's best and what our next steps are. Stop throwing a tantrum. This isn’t helping anyone.” Felix’s voice went deep as his anger and worry took over.

“I already told you Felix, I hate him. Jeongin’s gone because of him.” Hyunjin said bitterly.

“Hyunjin, stop you don’t mean that.” Chan said strictly.

“What do you even know? Innie just got fucking kidnapped and its his fucking fault. He should’ve saved him.” Hyunjin’s voice grew even colder.

“You need to stop Hyunjin. We know you're worried but that’s no reason to blame this on Minho-hyung.” Seungmin spoke as more tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Do you guys realize what happened though? Are you guys even listening? Innie’s gone. GONE!” Hyunjin raised his voice. “WE DON’T KNOW WHERE HE IS AND WE DON’T KNOW IF HE’LL END UP DEAD!”

“That’s enough, let’s go outside.” Changbin said, grabbing Hyunjin’s arm.

“NO! MINHO NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT HE DID!” Hyunjin shook his arm out of Changbin’s hold.

“Seriously, Hyunjin, that’s enough. Go outside. Right. Now.” Chan’s voice was stern and quite honestly frightening. 

Hyunjin immediately went silent and turned his gaze to the floor. 

“Hyunjin, it’s either you apologize right now or you’re staying out of the room for a bit. Choose right now.” Chan’s voice remained in his stern demeanor.

Minho felt so out of place. Hyunjin was confirming his own thoughts of guilt but at the same time he knew Hyunjin was very emotional. There were suddenly no more tears rolling down his face. His eyes were dry. All he could do was stare at Hyunjin.

Hyunjin grunted. “Whatever. I’m going to find Innie myself then.”

Minho’s brain snapped.

“No you’re not.”

“Well someone has to do it!”

“No, Hyunjin. We don’t need you to get hurt too.” Minho reasoned.

“I would rather myself get hurt than Innie.” Hyunjin snarled.

“I would too, I understand-“

“NO YOU DON’T MINHO! DON’T YOU SEE EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED?” Hyunjin’s voice was loud, starling everyone in the room.

Suddenly, something worse snapped in Minho’s body. He felt his anger rising. He felt the guilt rising. 

“Are you fucking serious right now?” Minho’s voice turned cold.

“Do I look like I’m fucking joking?” Hyunjin retorted.

“I don’t understand?”

“No, you don’t!”

“Are you kidding me? Do you even know what I fucking went through to fucking protect Jeongin?” 

“Baby, calm down. Come on. This argument isn’t worth it.” Jisung pleaded as he held onto Minho’s arm.

“Well clearly it wasn’t enough!” Hyunjin said in the midst of tension.

“WERE YOU RAPED TO PROTECT YOUR MEMBERS?” 

The room went completely silent in the reality of the situation. Hyunjin stared at Minho in shock at how loud his voice was until his face turned again.

“Get over it.” Hyunjin said coldly before storming out the room.

Minho stood there, angry and hurt. He wanted to hold onto saying that Hyunjin was just emotional but was he? Did he actually mean what he said? Does he really think that this isn’t a big deal? Get over it?

Was I being dramatic this entire time? 

“-ho”

Does Hyunjin really hate me?

“-inho”

I must’ve deserved this. I’ve hurt everyone.

“MINHO!”

Minho snapped his gaze to Chan who had his hand outstretched. He walked to the bedside but didn’t take his hyung’s hand. Jisung followed, keeping a hand wrapped around his arm.

“Minho, don’t listen to Hyunjin, okay? He’s not thinking right at the moment but that doesn’t justify anything he says.” Chan tried to comfort even though he knew it wouldn’t do much.

Minho shrugged as he put his hands in his pockets. He’s never argued with his members like this before. He felt ashamed for getting angry the way he did. 

“Hyung, Hyunjin’s being an ass. He doesn’t know what he’s saying.” Felix tried.

Minho sighed. “He’s angry. People say what they think when they’re angry.”

“He didn’t mean any of it. He’s not in the right headspace.” Felix added almost pleadingly.

“I think I should go back to the dorms. You guys should be fine.” Minho muttered as he started walking towards the door.

“I’ll come with you.” Jisung rushed out.

“Hannie, it’s okay. Stay with Channie-hyung. We don’t want the old man to be lonely in the hospital.” Minho gave a small joking smile although it was strained.

He quickly made his way out of the room despite his members’ protests. As soon as he was out, he went straight to his dad who was standing by the hospital exit. 

“Appa, take me to the dorms please.” Minho’s voice seemed hoarse now that his adrenaline from his anger died down.

“What’s wrong?” His dad asked as he motioned for the two to walk out the hospital.

“Nothing. Just take me please.” Minho didn’t want to talk anymore.

His dad nodded as he picked up the mood. They walked to the car in awkward silence, the only sound being their shoes against the concrete. It was odd to Minho. He didn’t understand anything right now. He didn’t understand what he did wrong. He didn’t understand why he had to hurt his members. It wasn’t fair to his members or his family. He’s been burdening everyone. 

Everyone must’ve been tired of him by now. The amount of times he’s cried, screamed, went silent, spoke too much. They all probably hate him by now and are just trying to act nice. He sat silently in the car, staring out the window. 

He hated everything right now. It’s like his world stopped spinning while everyone else was moving fast-paced. He felt like he didn’t belong anymore. He hurt everyone. He didn’t deserve to even be alive anymore. He wishes Minjun took him instead and maybe killed him. 

The ride was quicker than Minho realized until the car stopped in front of the dorms. He thanked his dad before practically dragging himself out of the car and into the building. He sluggishly walked up the steps, feeling like there was a brick on his shoulders weighing him down. 

He made his way to the front door and entered the passcode. He was welcomed with the cold quietness of the empty space. He grabbed his bag that he left by the shoe rack, as well as Jisung’s, and headed to their room.

The quietness sounded like a blanket muffling the world outside.Time is only going slower and he feels absolutely horrible. As he unpacks his bag, he finds the keychain Jisung got him with the lyrics to Volcano on it. He put it on the table beside the bed, he can find somewhere to put it later.

He continued to unpack his things, put away the clean clothes and put the dirty clothes in a laundry basket. He unpacked Jisung’s things as well. He repeated the same process with the clothes until he froze. In one of the folded shirts there was a note peaking out that said “Love, Minjun”. 

He hesitantly opened the piece of paper and read it over. It read, “Minho, if you’re reading this, you’re probably realizing I’ve been in your dorm. I want you to be aware that if you tell anyone, your precious I.N may go missing. If you find this letter before then I hope that you make the right choice. If you find this after, come alone to this address in Busan. Make the right choice.”

Minho sat on the floor as he re-read the letter twice before setting it down. He had to make a decision. He knows he shouldn’t go alone but he doesn’t want to burden his members anymore. He has a hope that he can hold onto right now though. There’s a chance he could save Jeongin. 

The more he thought about it, the smarter his plan got. He could let the police know but request that he goes alone and the police only come in when he has Jeongin back in his arms. Minjun clearly has it planned out so if the police are undercover it could work. The address he  attached to the letter was a cabin located right next to a public park. But then again, what if this is all a ploy? What if he’s purposely trying to get Minho out of Seoul? 

Suddenly, his plan didn’t feel smart at all anymore. The chances of this entire thing being a scheme to get Minho on the other side of the country to either hurt him or his members were too high. This entire thing is confusing. Why would Minjun be so obvious about his whereabouts without some ulterior motive. Now, he doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do.

Somehow, Minjun has access to their dorm which is a dangerous issue within itself. He has some crazy plan which means Minho can’t go across the country by himself without something happening. If he goes, there’s a chance that Minjun’s not actually going to be there and if his members come home, they could get hurt. 

Then again, he’s gone against everything Minjun’s already said and now Jeongin’s kidnapped. If he listened this time, there’s a chance that he could fix everything. 

He knows what he has to do. He took a piece of paper and a pen and started writing. 

Jisung, if anything happens, just know that I love you and everyone else. Make sure Soonie, Doongie, Dori don’t miss me too much just in case. I need to do this. 

He placed the note on the bed before pocketing his phone and exited the room. As he walked past the kitchen he felt a pang of guilt. He should at least cook them something so they won’t be as hungry while he’s gone. 

He grabbed the ingredients out of the fridge and quickly got to work. The only thought in his mind right now is Jeongin. If he’s right, Minjun won’t do anything if he just goes. He still needs a backup plan though, just in case. He already left a note for Jisung, maybe he should leave the original note. 

Yeah, look at you using your brain. 

After about 45 minutes of cooking, he portioned them into containers, one for each member. He took the remaining portion to eat as his lunch before he left. If he goes by train, he’ll be there in about two and a half hours. There’s a good chance Jeongin will be there by then if he leaves soon. He probably has a few hours until his members come home.

It’s settled then. All he needs to do is eat and then grab his wallet and phone and leave. It’s simple. 

Simple was never the right word..

Chapter Text

When all the members left the hospital, minus Chan, and returned to the dorms, they were a bit surprised at the containers of food left on the table. Clearly Minho cooked for them but he normally always left it in the pot and only packed away leftovers after everyone ate. It was just odd.

“Jisungie, go check on Minho.” Changbin said wearily.

Jisung nodded and walked towards their bedroom. His body was telling him something was wrong. His hand hovered over the doorknob for a moment before he decided to knock. When there was no response, he quietly opened the door to find the room empty.

Now, Jisung was confused. Where could Minho be? The containers left of the table were quite cooled now which means it’s been a while since he cooked. It would make sense since it’s 5pm and he left the hospital at 12pm. He would’ve thought that Minho decided to take a nap or something.

Then he saw the two papers on the bed. He grabbed the one that said his name on it. As he read it over, his confusion grew. What did he mean by “if anything happens” and “I need to do this”? He picked up the second note and he felt his blood run cold.

He ran out into the living room. “BINNIE!”

Changbin whipped around with concern from the alarm in Jisung’s voice.

“What’s wrong? Is he okay?” Changbin asked, the worry evident.

“He’s not here. He’s gone.” Tears started brimming Jisung’s eyes. “I’m scared something happened to him already.”

“What do you mean?” Seungmin asked almost with anger in his voice.

“Look.” Jisung placed the notes onto the table for his members to read.

As each of the members took time to read over the notes, their faces grew somber. Suddenly, Hyunjin let out a strained wail.

“I want them to come home. I don’t hate Minho-hyung. What if he’s really gone now.” Hyunjin’s cries silenced the room.

“We know you didn’t mean it, Jinnie. Everything is going to be okay. We’re going to get both of them back. Let’s not have any negative thoughts.” Felix said despite the tears flowing from his eyes.

“I’m going to call Channie-hyung. I don’t know what to do.” Jisung’s tears slowly fell from his eyes, as if everything hadn't made sense to his brain yet.

He called Chan and placed the phone to his ear. He could hear his heart beating faster.

“Sungie?” Chan’s voice was heard.

“Hyung, Minho left. Minjun left him a note and told him to go to Busan if he wants Innie back.” Jisung felt like the words coming out of his mouth weren’t real.

“Okay, Jisung, calm down. Can you put me on speaker if I’m not already?” Chan’s voice was steady compared to Jisung’s.

Jisung pulled the phone away from his ear and put it on speaker. “You’re on speaker now.”

“Thanks, Sung. Okay, listen, I know this is scary and we want them home but I don’t want you guys following Minho. I need one of you to take a photo of the note so we can show the officers immediately. Matter of fact, one of you send me a photo right now so I can call in the officers before they leave.”

“I’ve got it.” Hyunjin said, opening his camera app. The swoosh sound a few seconds later indicated that the photo was sent to Chan.

“Thank you, Jinnie.” Chan said.

Through the phone the members could hear shuffling and the door opening.

“Hello, again, officer Kim. My members went home and found a note that Minjun left. He went into our dorms and left a note for Minho. It had an address in Busan with it so we think Minho went there. His location is paused so we don’t know exactly where he is anymore.” Chan’s voice was a bit faint as he held the phone out to the officer. “My members are on the phone as well.”

“Let me take a picture of this and we’ll send our team that way. We’re going to get your friends back no matter what.” Officer Kim’s voice was heard along with the sound of a camera shutter.

“Thank you for working with us, officer Kim. Please provide us with any updates as soon as possible.” Chan said.

“Of course. We’ll let you know of anything as soon as possible.” The sound of the door shutting could be heard after the words were said.

“So, we just have to wait now?” Felix asked.

“Yeah. There’s not much we can do. We need to trust that the officers have this handled.” Chan sighed.

“So we’re just supposed to sit here and wait?” Hyunjin’s voice was filled with emotion.

“That’s all we can do right now, honey.” Chan tried to comfort.

“But what if something bad happens? What if the police can’t find them? Or worse, what if they end up dead? Minjun is fucking crazy. Who knows what he’s going to do next!” Hyunjin’s anger and worry boiled over and he burst into sobs. “It’s not fair. I just want them back home.”

“We all want them home, Jinnie. Take it easy. Let’s have some food and calm down, okay? We’re going to figure this out.” Changbin grabbed Hyunjin’s hand and guided him to the kitchen table.

“I’ll call you guys back if there’s any updates. Go eat and rest.” Chan spoke.

“Alright, hyung. We’ll talk later. Love you.” Jisung responded.

“Love you too.” With that, Chan hung up.

Fear couldn’t even begin to describe what Jisung was feeling. He’s terrified of what’s going to happen. He wants Minho and Jeongin to be safe. Minho planned this carefully. He left the note behind so Jisung could find it. He wanted him to send the police out for him a few hours after he left. That way it would give him time to figure it out on his own and then if shit hits the fan, law enforcement will be there.

Jisung exhaled as he took his seat at the dinner table. He blankly stared at the empty seats where Chan, Minho, and Jeongin would sit. The dorm felt too quiet and there was too much anxiety and tension in the air.

Changbin took the time to heat up the food as everyone else sat in the cold silence. The melting snow outside felt like a representation of their group right now; slowing melting away. He didn’t
mean that in a bad way but it felt like they were losing members left and right.

Meanwhile Hyunjin felt immensely guilty for what he had said earlier. He hurt his hyung horribly and now he knew there was no going back. He messed up big time and now he doesn’t know how to fix it.

Felix felt like everything was happening so quickly. He only found out what happened yesterday and suddenly everything has gone to shit. There’s so much tension and now they have members missing. Everyone’s emotions were heightened and it made everyone sensitive at the moment. One wrong thing to be said could ultimately affect their group dynamic.

And Seungmin, poor Seungmin. He sat with tears silently rolling down his face. He couldn’t believe everything that happened. Just a couple days ago, the group was amazing. They were having fun and preparing for the show coming up. Now, everyone was a mess. His favorite hyung had his life turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Chan is in the hospital from the attack. Jeongin got kidnapped. Hyunjin’s words left an open wound on everyone. Changbin is carrying them right now. Jisung’s broken and Felix never handles strong emotions well. They all could only collectively pray that they would come back home safe.

Changbin finished reheating all the food and set a container in front of each member.

“Eat up, guys. We’re all going to need the energy sooner or later.” Changbin said although he made no move to touch his own food.

Everyone else could only stare at their containers. None of them felt hungry. No one moved to grab their fork until Seungmin picked up his. He took a small bite of the food his hyung made and it opened up his hunger. The rest of the members followed and ate their food in silence.

———————

Jeongin couldn’t stop crying. The moment he felt someone grab him and start dragging him he couldn’t think properly. When he heard Minjun’s voice, a cry broke from his throat. When Jisung screamed and ran trying to get him but got kicked, he let out another cry. When Minho chased them to the parking lot just to get hurt while he was shoved into the car, he cried and screamed and banged on the car door.

As Minjun drove off he sobbed and screamed, begging to be let go. He wanted to be back in his hyung’s arms. His cries only enticed Minjun to continue driving. After a few hours, he looked out the window and realized they were in Busan. He could only cry harder as he now knows there’s a hard chance of anyone finding him.

“If your precious hyung finds my letter, he should be meeting up with us soon.” Minjun said with a smirk on his face as he eyed Jeongin through the rear-view mirror.

“What?” Jeongin asked, confused through his cries.

“I left Minho a note. Clearly he hasn't found it yet but if he does, he’ll be meeting us, if not he might already be there if he took the train.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because, I.N, I just need Minho in my life. I love the way he cries, screams, and begs. His body is so warm and admirable. I love it when he screams my name. And most of all, I love it when he screams in fear of what’s going to happen to you.”

Jeongin felt disgusted by the words coming out of the older man’s mouth. He’s such a creep and inhuman and the way he talks about his hyung is terrifying.

“Why are you such a creep? Why can’t you just leave us alone?”

To Jeongin’s words, Minjun violently swerved the car, making the younger man hit his head against the car window.

“Watch your mouth boy.” Minjun said coldly, the smirk dropping from his face.

Jeongin could only cry terrified and in pain. He wanted to be back home with all of his hyungs. He wanted to be in their arms and watch movies together and make fun of each other like they always have. He wanted this all to be over and for everything to go back to how it used to.

His cries were the only noise in the vehicle, not calming down whatsoever until the car pulled into a pretty full parking lot. He wiped the tears clouding his eyes to look at his surroundings. He saw a tall white building with gold accents on it. It looked like a really nice hotel or something.

“Listen, pretty boy, I already have my room booked. We’re going straight up to it so clean your face.” Minjun said before getting out of the car and opening the back door for Jeongin.

He did as he was told in fear of what would happen if he didn’t. He composed himself as best as he could as he got out of the car. He followed behind Minjun who was walking pretty fast. As they walked to the entrance of the building, Jeongin could see Minho walking towards the entrance from the other side.

“Minho-hyung!” Jeongin called out and ran past Minjun, straight into his hyung’s arms.

“Oh fuck, Jeongin.” A sob ripped from Minho’s throat. “My baby. I’m sorry. Hyung’s so sorry.”

“Hyung, I want to go home.” Jeongin cried into Minho’s shoulder.

“You boys aren’t going home quite yet. Come on, let’s get inside so we can get to our room.” Minjun smirked as he wrapped an arm around Minho’s shoulders.

“No, please. Just let him go home. I don’t care what you do to me, just please let him go.” Minho begged.

“Come on, boys. Let’s go.” Minjun’s face hardened as he practically dragged the two members into the building.

Tears rolled down their faces as Minjun pulled them into the elevator. The people around them looked confused and Minho feared that some people recognized them. They stopped at the 18th floor and walked down the long hallway to the suite.
Minho kept a hold on Jeongin’s hand and held it tight. He wanted to run and take Jeongin with him but he knew better. Minjun had almost every situation thought of and knew how to combat it.

Minjun opened the door and led the boys inside. The entire suite smelled of cigarettes and alcohol and it made Jeongin cringe. He always hated the smell of cigarettes and heavy alcohol.

“Both of you take a seat. I’ll make some food. You guys must be hungry after all.” Minjun smiled softly, as if he actually cared before walking off to the stove.

Minho felt his stomach turn and more tears brimmed his eyes as Minjun stared at them, signaling to sit on the couch. He turned to Jeongin who was shaking as more tears fell out of his eyes. Minho squeezed his hand, a silent promise that he’s going to get them out of there. He turned his head towards Minjun who had a pot of soup going.

Jeongin maneuvered his body so he could hug his hyung. Minho held him tightly in the embrace, a few more tears escaping his eyes.

“I’m so sorry, baby.” Minho whispered.

“I’m sorry too, hyung. I should’ve paid more attention at the hospital.” Jeongin whispered back.

“No, don’t blame yourself, okay? Hyung is so sorry I could get you back when I was right there. I should’ve fought harder for you. I was supposed to keep you safe.”

“Hyung, I don’t blame you whatsoever. You already went through so much and did what you could.”

“Hyunjin is really mad at me now. I’m mad at myself. We just wanted you back home with us but I caused so much, Innie. If I had just listened to Minjun since the beginning, we wouldn’t be here right now.”

“That’s exactly right, Minho. If you had listened to me from the start, none of this would’ve happened.” Minjun said as he placed two bowls down on the table.

Minho wasn’t dumb, obviously there was something in the soup. You can’t boil good soup in a matter of 3 minutes.

“Eat up.” Minjun smiled.

“No.” Jeongin defied.

“I said eat.” Minjun’s smile fell.

“And I said no.” Tears continued to fall down Jeongin’s cheeks.

“Don’t test me boy. Minho knows what will happen.”

“Stop it.” Minho’s voice shook slightly. “Leave him alone and just keep me damn it.”

“You two piss me off.” Minjun grunted.

Before either of them could realize it, a needle was borne into each of their arms. Whatever the substance was, it must’ve been strong. Minho felt his vision blurring and he felt lightheaded. Next thing he knew Jeongin was being dragged off the couch half conscious. He tried to scream but no sound escaped his throat.

Minho knew now that they’re here, there may be no escape. Before he could even feel Minjun’s hands grabbing him, all he saw was black.

Innie…

Chapter Text

The members were anxiously waiting around in the dorms. 10 hours have passed and there still haven’t been any updates from the police officers. They’ve been on and off the phone with Chan who was equally as worried, if not more. Jisung had gone to the bedroom and sat on the bed hoping that this was all just a nightmare even though he knew it was real. He just wanted to pretend like nothing happened and that Minho and Jeongin just went on a walk and would be back soon while Chan is working on a track at the company. 

He just wanted to pretend like everything was okay. He wanted to pretend that everyone was safe. The tears never stopped leaving his eyes. The dorm felt so empty without the presence of the three members being there with the rest of them. No one was happy, everyone was scared. The air was still full of tension. 

Hyunjin still felt immensely guilty for what he said at the hospital. He’s been crying to Changbin for the last 3 hours about how sorry he is and how much he regrets everything. Jisung understood Jinnie’s feelings. Even though it wasn’t okay for him to say what he said, he understood the tensions were high and not easy to manage. 

Jisung could only pray that his family would make it home safe. He wants to call Minho stupid for even going out all the way to Busan but he knows he would’ve done the same thing if he was in his shoes. He misses his boyfriend. He just wants to lay with him and cuddle. He misses his baby. He knows Jeongin must be terrified. 

Jeongin has always been and always will be their baby and everyone in the group agrees. For him to be out there scared and not even knowing if Minho found him is just terrifying. Their baby is out there and Minho might be lost. Just the thought of the two being separated and terrified makes Jisung cry again.

Jisung stared out the window. The sky was it’s midnight blue color and the moon shone brightly. The world felt so much quieter in the middle of the night. It really reminded him of Cover Me. Although the lyrics don’t apply to the situation at the moment, he can’t help but embody the lyrics. He did feel lonely. He knows that everyone is just as worried as he is but to him, it feels different. His boyfriend could be lost. Their maknae could be hurt. Chan, his first friend when he came to the company, is hurting in the hospital. 

For the first time in a while, it felt like he had no one to understand him fully. Of course everyone’s emotions were heightened at the moment but Jisung just wanted to be selfish for a minute, just to feel out his own emotions. That’s why he spent the last 4 hours, sitting on the bed either dissasociating or crying. He didn’t want to face the reality of the situation, he couldn’t because he knows nothing is ever going to be the same after this.

He wants to hold onto the hope that they’re going to come back home safe but that little dark part in his mind also holds onto the negative outcomes of the situation. He’s scared he’s never going to see them again. He’s scared that they might end up completely missing with no trace or, even worse, dead. He really didn’t want to think that way but the fear of it becoming reality overpowered his positive thoughts.

He really should get up and get some water. He stood up from the bed and exited the room to where the rest of the members sat anxiously on the couch. He walked past them and went straight to the kitchen to grab a cup. He filled it up with cold water as if it would help cool his thoughts. 

“Jisungie?” Felix called out from his seat.

Jisung turned around and looked at his sunshine twin’s tired face. “Hm?”

“Do you want to come sit with us?” Felix asked, tears glossing over his eyes again.

“Sure.” Jisung walked to the couch and sat next to Felix who scooted over to make space.

“Did you guys get any update yet?” Jisung asked quietly.

“Not yet.” Changbin sighed.

“I’m scared, you guys. What if we never see them again?” Hyunjin’s voice was hoarse from crying.

“Let’s not think like that. We’re going to get them back.” Changbin tried to assure, although his voice wasn’t confident.

“Honestly, I can’t help but think the same thing. Minjun is crazy. I can’t help being scared that they may be gone forever.” Seungmin almost whispered as tears continued slowly streaming down his cheeks.

“Me too. I want to stay positive but I’m terrified.” Jisung admitted.

“Same. I just can’t help but think about the negative.” Felix added.

Changbin sighed once more. “Well, if we’re all being honest, I’m feeling the same way.” 

“I just don’t know what to do right now.” Jisung stared at the carpet.

“Unfortunately all we can do as of right now is just wait. There’s not really much we can do. I want to follow the address but I also don’t want to do anything without Channie.” Changbin choked over his words as more tears filled his eyes.

As silence took over the room again, the air felt heavy. The tension returned almost ten times worse now that they’ve actually talked about how they’re really feeling. Suddenly, Changbin’s phone started ringing. He flipped his phone over and saw Chan’s name and clicked accept immediately.

“Hello?” Changbin rushed out.

“Hey, am I on speaker?” Chan’s voice sounded exhausted but relieved.

“Yeah, hyung. What’s up?” Changbin responded.

“Well, the police found where they are. They did a search and found them but they’re in bad condition.” Chan’s voice wavered. “They believe that Minjun figured out the police were out for them and found them. They couldn’t find him. He left them in the hotel room and…”

“And what, hyung?” Jisung’s voice was watery.

“He…he left Innie bleeding and Minho tied n-naked.” Chan couldn’t contain his sobs.

The dorm was suddenly filled with the wails of the members. 

“Channie-hyung, how bad were they?” Hyunjin asked through his tears.

“Innie was stabbed twice in the stomach and has bruises everywhere. Minho…gosh…Minho has bruises and cuts and he had an electric shock fucking dog collar on him.” 

Multiple cries and gasps blanketed the room. 

“W-where are they?” Jisung cried.

“They’re in a hospital in Busan. I haven’t gotten updates on their conditions. I was told that once they’re in better condition they’ll be moved to the hospital room next to me.” 

“I don’t think I can rest until I know they’re okay.” Felix whispered.

“I don’t think any of us can Lixie.” Jisung said as he wiped the tears from his cheeks.

“I’ll call you guys back when I have another update. Please take care of yourselves. I love you.” 

“We will hyung, love you too.” Changbin said before ending the call.

As soon as the call ended, Seungmin broke. Sobs ripped from his throat as his figure started shaking. Changbin quickly scooped him up into his arms.

“It’s okay, aegi, let it out.” Changbin comforted as he ran a hand through the younger’s hair.

Eventually, all five of the members cuddled close on the couch. They remained wide awake but comfortable. They were a little less worried now that Minho and Jeongin were found but still at unease not knowing their conditions. After a while of sitting in silence, they turned on the TV and let a Disney movie play.

———————————

Minho didn’t remember what happened, not at first. He felt dizzy when he woke up. His eyes opened slowly as he adjusted to the bright light above him. Once his eyes finally adjusted, he realized he was in a hospital room. But why?

He tried turning his head but it hurt. His neck hurt badly and he could feel bandages wrapped around it. He suddenly felt the pain radiating through his body. He felt the IV in his hand. He felt the pain in his head, neck, back, torso, legs, literally everything. But he still couldn’t understand why.

He heard the door open and footsteps padding against the floor. 

“Ah, I see you’re awake. Can you tell me what happened to you?” The person said. Minho assumed it was a doctor.

When he tried to speak, nothing came out except for a small screech. This made him panic more from the pain.

“Try clearing your throat. It’s still going to hurt when you speak but I need to know if you remember what happened.” The doctor instructed.

Minho cleared his throat and coughed before he tried speaking again. “I donf’t know.” His voice was raspy but legible.

“What’s the last thing you remember?” The doctor prodded.

“Uh…I…” Something clicked in his brain and he suddenly remembered everything. Him and his baby were tied up and drugged and he watched as Innie… “Where is Jeongin?”

“Your friend is still being checked out. Do you remember what happened now?” The doctor asked as he started writing down his vitals.

“I do…he was bleeding. He was stabbed. Is he okay? Is he going to-“ 

“He’s going to be okay. The other doctors are stitching the wounds as we speak.” The doctor tried to calm Minho down.

“When is he going to be done? I need to see him.” Minho's eyes became glossy as he spoke.

“We can move him into this room with you once they’re done.” The doctor answered. “You can call me doctor Baek, sorry for not introducing myself prior.” 

“Are they going to be done with him soon?” A few tears slid from the corners of his eyes. 

“Hopefully they will. Would you like me to adjust the bed so you can sit up?” Doctor Baek asked.

“Yes, please.” Minho croaked.

Doctor Baek adjusted the bed so that Minho was slightly sat up. At first, Minho felt the soreness of his muscles and held back a cry until it subdued.

“Feel okay?” Doctor Baek asked as he stepped away from the bed.

“Yeah, fine.” Minho grumbled.

“I know you probably don’t want to use your voice too much since it hurts but I need to bring in the police officers so they can ask you what happened, is that okay?” Doctor Baek looked at Minho with sympathetic eyes.

“Can I have a drink of water first?”

“Yes, of course.” 

Doctor Baek took the bottle of water left on the bedside table and opened it for Minho. Minho gratefully took the bottle and drank small sips, cooling his throat a bit. 

“I’m going to bring in the officers, okay?” 

Minho only slightly nodded in response as he capped the bottle and held it on his lap. Doctor Baek exited the room and a few seconds later officer Kim was there.

“Minho-ssi, how are you doing? I know you went through a lot.” Officer Kim sat in the chair next to the bed.

“I’m okay I guess.” Minho mumbled.

“Okay, can you tell me what happened to the best of your ability? This conversation is being recorded.” Officer Kim prompted Minho to start.

“When I got home from the hospital after seeing Chan, I found a note folded into Jisung’s clothes in our room. I took it out and it said something about if I didn’t listen and he already took Jeongin to come to an address and when I got there it was a hotel.” Minho coughed as he felt his throat closing up.

“Take your time, drink more water. You don’t have to rush it all out all at one time.” Officer Kim assured.

Minho nodded as he drank more small sips of water. He began speaking again as he set the bottle back in his lap.

“Jeongin saw me as I was talking towards the entrance. He ran into my arms, crying. Minjun dragged us inside and took us to a room.” Minho sniffled. “He drugged us and I blacked out but when I woke up I was tied up and n-naked and Innie…” A sob escaped his throat.

“It’s okay, take your time.” Officer Kim assured again.

Minho took a rigid deep breath before continuing. “He kept punching and kicking him and grabbed at him inappropriately and then he…he stabbed him in the stomach.” Tears heavily flowed down his cheeks as he took another deep breath. “I was crying and screaming at Minjun to stop and he said I was being too loud and he shocked me with that stupid collar. I don’t know how many times but I blacked out after that.” He took another drink of water as he finished.

“Thank you for explaining what happened, I know your throat must hurt. However, I must ask. You said when he tied you up, you were naked. Did he rape you again?” Officer Kim asked. 

Minho’s silence as he tried to hold back another sob gave officer Kim his answer. 

“I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this. As soon as both of you are well enough to move, we’re going to get you back in Seoul with Chan in the hospital.” Officer Kim said.

Minho nodded. It was then that he realized it was just officer Kim interviewing him, no officer Dae. He was a little confused considering that he was part of the case since yesterday. 

He built up the courage to ask about his whereabouts right before officer Kim walked out the door. “Where’s officer Dae? Isn’t he on the case?” 

Officer Kim sighed as she turned around. “I didn’t want to say it and overwhelm you. He had to be detained because it turned out that he was helping Minjun.”

Minho’s head spun as he processed the words. “I..I don’t understand.”

“He was giving Minjun everything you had told us yesterday and when we were informed that you followed the address left in the note, Dae told Minjun we were out for him. Minjun got away because of him.” Officer Kim’s frustration and anger was evident in the way she held herself yet her voice remained calm.

“Why..” Minho trailed off until he remembered what Minjun said the first day. “Minjun said if I went to the police, he’d have his ways. This is also my fault…” 

“No, it’s not your fault.” Officer Kim spoke so gently it made Minho let out a sob. “Can I give you a hug?” 

Minho nodded as he tried to wipe the tears streaming down his cheeks. Officer Kim approached the bed and bent down to wrap her arms around Minho although Minho made no move to hug back.

“I’m so sorry you have to go through all this. My son went through something similar but your situation is so much worse and I’m just so sorry that this happened to you. You’re so strong.” Officer Kim’s shoulder’s shook as a few tears streamed down her cheeks. She stood back up and wiped at her cheeks. “No one should have to go through this. When I handle this nature of cases, a lot of the victim’s killed themselves. You’re just so strong. My son committed suicide a few days after.”

“I’ve thought about it.” Minho admitted. “I just can’t leave my members though.”

“You have such a strong resolution. I really hope you keep this strength.” Officer Kim started walking closer to the door. “Why don’t you get some rest? We can chat more later if you would like to.” 

Minho nodded before officer Kim left the room. He finally took an actual look around the room. The room was actually pretty big. He noticed his phone on the table next to him and grabbed it. He immediately called Chan. After a single ring, Chan was on the line.

“Minho?” Chan’s voice sounded apprehensive.

“Channie-hyung.”  Minho breathed out.

“Oh my god, Minho. Are you okay? How are you feeling?” Chan rushed out.

“I’m okay hyung.” Minho’s voice got watery. “Hyung…”

“What’s wrong, honey?” 

“Hyung…I thought I would never see you guys and I thought I was about to watch Innie die…I thought I was going to die.” 

“Minho…fuck Minho. You’re here and alive. Innie’s going to be okay. Thank God. You’re okay.”

“Hyung, I’m still terrified.” 

“It’s okay. You’re allowed to feel terrified. It’s not going to go away just like that.”

“Would you still love me even if I’m fucked up?”

“I’m always going to love you, Min. What made you think this?”

“It’s just that I feel like I’m such a burden to you right now.”

“Min, you’re not a burden to me at all. Your voice sounds really hoarse. I think you should get some rest.”

“Okay, hyung. I love you a lot.” 

“I love you too, Minho. So much more than you could ever know. Get some rest, bye.”

“Bye.”

Now that their short conversation was over, Minho was back in the silence, trapped in his thoughts. Tears streamed slowly down his cheeks. He never thought his life would ever come to this. 7 years ago when they were just mere teenagers with a dream to debut, they were so happy and so excited to run head on into this new chapter. As the years passed though, they learned it was never going to be easy. Minho just imagined that it wouldn’t have been this hard. Here, he sat in a hospital after going through so many traumatic events in the span of a few days. 

Just as he was about to place his phone back on the table, it started ringing. When he looked at the caller id, he was a little startled to see Junwon calling him. He answered immediately.

“Hello?” Minho started.

“Minho-ssi? Are you okay? I only just heard what happened. I wasn’t there when he got detained. I can’t believe this happened. What about Jeongin-ssi?” 

“Calm down. We’re in the hospital in Busan right now. Junwon-ssi, before he became the assistant choreographer, did anyone ever give you a background report on him? I’m just curious if he’s done this before. He’s been very meticulous with his plans.” Minho had another sip of water as he finished.

“No, actually. They didn’t give me the physical copy of his resume or background check. I was only told he was in the clear. I’m so sorry, I should’ve made sure-“

“It’s fine, Junwon-ssi. What’s happened has happened. We can’t go back.” Minho coughed.

“Are you alright? What’s wrong with your throat?” The concern in Junwon’s voice grew. 

“A lot happened, too much to explain.” 

“A-alright. Please let me know when you’re back in Seoul so I can come see you. Go get some rest kid. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay. Bye.” 

Minho looked at the time as the call ended. 5:36pm. How long was he out for? How long has Jeongin been in the care of the doctors? Time suddenly felt so slow all over again and he felt everything. He could feel the scratchy feeling in his throat from speaking too much, and feel the way his body burned. He felt like he needed to get out but he had no energy. He felt his exhaustion pulling him back to sleep but he needed to stay up for his baby.

Eventually though, he couldn’t escape it anymore. After what felt like hours of fighting sleep, although it was probably five minutes, he felt himself drifting off.

I’m right here when you’re done Innie. I’m waiting .

Chapter Text

When Jeongin woke up, he didn’t really feel anything. He did, however, remember everything. The way his hyung screamed as he was assaulted in front of him, the way he screamed when he himself was being stabbed and kicked and punched. He remembered the way he screamed when Minho started begging in such a way it made it seem like he was just a young kid.

When he finally opened his eyes, he realized he was probably loaded with drugs. He turned his head and saw his hyung sleeping, although it seemed like he was starting to wake up. He let out a deep sigh as all he could feel at the moment was exhaustion. 

He couldn’t even believe he’s alive right now. He was so sure he was going to die and never see any of his hyungs or family again. He remembered the searing pain he felt when the knife stabbed him in the stomach and the screams that came from his own mouth rivaling the cries from his hyung. He was so scared he was going to die. He was scared that Minho would die after he did. Speaking of, all he wanted was to be in his hyung’s arms.

“Hyung?” Jeongin said softly, throat sore from screaming.

Minho’s eyes opened although Jeongin could tell he was having trouble turning his head to him.

“Innie? You okay?” Minho’s voice sounded raspy.

“I’m okay. I don’t feel much of anything right now. What about you?” 

Minho’s breath hitched and Jeongin watched the tears fall from his eyes.

“Hyung? What’s wrong?” Jeongin panicked.

“I’m just so g-glad you’re safe.” Minho’s voice was filled with relief through his tears. “We’re going to go home soon, okay? I’m not going to let you go.”

Before Jeongin could respond, a nurse walked into the room. 

“Good afternoon, gentlemen. The doctor estimates that you guys should be able to be transported back to Seoul by tonight.” She smiled at the two.

“Thank god.” Jeongin heard Minho mutter under his breath.

The nurse walked over towards Jeongin’s bedside. The younger swore he heard his hyung growl.

“I just need to check your vitals quickly and then the doctor will come see you in a little bit to make sure everything is in order before you can be sent back.” The nurse explained.

Jeongin could only nod as the only thing he could focus on was Minho straining himself to turn his head. 

“Hyung, don’t hurt yourself.” 

Minho didn’t respond. Instead he glared and watched with wide eyes as the nurse examined the younger. Jeongin didn’t really understand why but it made him scared of the nurse. He diverted his attention from his hyung to the nurse and felt more fear. It wasn’t that she looked scary, he didn’t know what she was doing.

But it’s a hospital, he shouldn’t be scared, right? They’re safe in the hospital. Soon, they’ll be transported back to Seoul. There’s nothing he should be scared about.

Then the nurse lifted up the hospital gown and he screamed.

The nurse jumped back in surprise. “I-I’m sorry. Are you okay?” She stuttered out.

Jeongin couldn’t even make words. It was just like Minjun. All he sees is Minjun. The way he took off his shirt and abused him. He can only see his evil face on the nurse. 

He can’t breathe. He can feel himself gasping for air. He can feel the pain in his chest as his lungs rapidly expand as he tried to catch a breath. All he can hear is Minjun laughing.

Then all of a sudden it stops.

Minjun is gone and all he sees is the nurse in front of his view. He shifts his gaze to try and find Minho but why couldn’t he see him? He looked past the nurse but he couldn't see him. He was right there in his bed. Are his eyes playing tricks on him?

“H-hyung? Where are you?” Jeongin’s voice sounded terrified and small.

“I’m right here, honey. Take a breath. I’m right here.” He heard Minho’s voice but he still can’t see him.

“Hyung, I can’t see you. Where are you?” Jeongin tried to let air into his lungs but he felt restricted.

“Innie, deep breaths. Slow. You’re still panicking. I’m still here on the other bed.” Jeongin could hear the way his hyung’s voice cracked.

Jeongin let out a strained whine as he tried to take a deep breath. 

“I’m right here, Innie. You’re okay.” 

Slowly, Jeongin felt his chest get lighter. His eyes shifted around the room as he tried to focus on Minho. He saw him staring back at him with sad eyes. 

“Hyung.” Jeongin’s lip quivered.

“You’re okay.” Minho reassured.

“Can I take a look at your stitches? I need to lift the gown up.” The nurse asked gently.

Jeongin nodded hesitantly. The nurse gently lifted the gown and slightly lifted the bandages. Everything was normal about it. She placed the bandage back down as well as the gown. Jeongin hid his discomfort well but Minho saw through it all. 

“Okay, all done. Everything looks good for you.” The nurse smiled gently.

She turned around to examine Minho. Jeongin kept his eyes trained on his hyung, he didn’t want anything to happen to him.

“I’m going to lift your gown to take a look at your cuts and bruises, okay?” The nurse stated.

“Okay.” Minho muttered.

Jeongin stared at his hyung as it seemed as if the older one had just turned off. His eyes suddenly seemed cloudy as he stared off. He figured Minho’s just as scared as him but it makes him feel even more scared.

The nurse moved quickly and gently. Jeongin thinks she noticed the way Minho looked too. She finished pretty fast and backed away. Minho looked like he came back when she did.

“Alright, gentlemen. You two look fine. Once the doctor finalizes everything, you’ll be transported to Seoul. Have a good day.” The nurse bowed her head as she left the room.

Silence took over the room. Jeongin wanted to speak but he couldn’t think of how to put his words together. 

“I.N-ah?” Minho called softly.

“Yes, hyung?” 

“I’m not leaving you, okay?” 

“I know.”

“I just needed to make sure I said it.” 

“I love you, hyung.”

“I love you too, Innie.” 

Jeongin felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He was still very tired after all. 

“Hyung, I think I want to go to sleep.” 

Jeongin heard Minho’s soft chuckle as he closed his eyes.

“Get some rest. We’ll be back home soon.” 

And with that, Jeongin drifted off to sleep.

—————————-

The last few hours had felt excruciatingly slow to Minho as Jeongin slept. He’d been constantly turning on and off his phone, not knowing what to do with himself. He turned his neck back forward once he knew Jeongin was completely asleep. It hurt horribly. He stared at the wall in front of him as he got lost in his thoughts. 

He still couldn’t get over the fact that he and his baby survived. He couldn’t find himself to care about anything else than his Innie. He never felt so much fear in his life and for the younger to be breathing and alive next to him just felt like a miracle. 

He was 18, almost 19, when he met Jeongin. The younger was 16. Minho’s going to be 27 this year and Jeongin’s 24. He’s been with him since he was just a kid. Him and the rest of the hyung line practically raised him in this industry. Minho chuckled slightly as he remembered all the nights during their trainee days he spent helping Jeongin perfect choreography. 

It just feels so surreal. Just a few days ago everyone was happy and they were preparing for their upcoming performance in the U.S and then just like that their lives got flipped upside down. They’re safe for right now but Minjun is still out there. The police officer helped him. Who knows who else could be a danger to them? He feels that he can trust Officer Kim, after all she lost her child due to something like this. But who else can he trust anymore? 

Everything felt so odd. He wants to see Chan but he still feels so guilty. All of this happened because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. But also, Seungmin was the one who banged on the door in the first place and told Chan… Minho, no, it’s not his fault. And then Chan was the one who reported it in the first place. Shut up. It’s not his fault either. It’s your fault and your fault only. 

He pressed his palms into his eyes. It was really all his fault. Even at the hospital, he let Jisung and Jeongin out of his sight and allowed Jeongin to be taken. If he had done things differently, they wouldn’t be in the hospital right now. Maybe it’s also the company’s fault for hiring that monster. 

His life is a mess and he doesn’t know if he’ll get the life he loved back.That first day, a piece of him left. In the days that followed, he lost even more pieces of himself. They’ve been scattered everywhere and he doesn’t know how to get them back.

Jeongin stirred as someone knocked on the door. It opened to reveal the doctor. 

“Good evening. We’ve finished the transporting process and you both are ready to be taken back to Seoul.” The doctor said. 

Jeongin opened his eyes and mumbled an “okay” as he tried to wake himself up. 

“Don’t strain yourself, Mr. Yang. Our nurses will get you out into the vehicles as quickly as possible. You both can rest.” The doctor assured. 

The next few hours were a blur for the both of them. They were put into different vehicles, the anxiety of being apart skyrocketed. Minho cried the entire ride to Seoul, worried that something would happen to Jeongin because he couldn’t be there to protect him again. Jeongin was terrified without his hyung. He didn’t know who to trust anymore. The nurse had scared him in the hospital, he doesn’t want to be scared again.

When they arrived at the hospital, they were placed in the same room as Chan, just as planned. Minho burst into tears once more when he saw the worried look in his hyung’s eyes. He hated the way Chan had tears rolling down his face the moment his gaze moved to Jeongin. At large, it felt like his fault. Everyone was in pain and terrified all because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. 

“Oh, Min, Innie. How are you two feeling?” Chan’s voice sounded really raw with emotion. 

“Channie-hyung.” Jeongin’s bottom lip quivered as the nurse rolled his bed on the farther end of Chan, Minho being placed in the middle.

“You guys are back with me, hyung will keep both of you safe.” Chan’s voice cracked in the middle of his sentence. 

“I just want to go home.” Jeongin’s voice was watery.

“I know, aegi-ya. We’re going to go back home soon.” Chan assured.

Minho stayed silent. He was too tired to speak. He felt like a living ghost. He loves Chan and wants nothing more than to be in his arms and him saying that everything’s okay but for some reason, he feels scared. He feels like anyone could hurt them now. Even his precious Jisungie. 

That’s the thought that hurts. How could he be afraid of his own members? That’s ridiculous. His members were family. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Yet…there’s still that horrible anxious feeling pooling in his stomach. 

If he heard correctly, the doctor said all three of them should be discharged in four days. All Minho can hope is that once he’s home, he’ll feel normal again. He hopes he won’t still be afraid. He doesn’t want to be scared of his family. He just wants them all together again, happy and healthy. He wants to perform for STAY soon. He wants to show he’s still capable of his abilities. 

I don’t want to be forgotten. 

Chapter Text

Once the three members were discharged after the four days, Jisung agreed to switch rooms for the time being to allow Jeongin and Minho to sleep in the same room. Everyone understood that the two needed each other the most right now. However, they noticed a significant change in Minho. He was more quiet now and he would often flinch if someone got too close to him or growl when someone got too close to Jeongin. 

They found it a bit odd and a bit scary for some of them. Jisung understood right away though. It was their trauma. Minho was terrified. He remembered how he was at the hospital. He can only imagine what they went through. Jeongin seems like he can only rely on Minho right now and vice versa and it breaks his heart. 

Every day that they’ve been back, Minho only exited the room with Jeongin. Minho seemed very paranoid and everyone could see it definitely wasn’t healthy. To some of them, it almost seemed that Minho was getting over-possessive of the maknae.

It has now been a week since they’ve been home from the hospital. Everyone was sitting in the living room minus Minho and Jeongin. Chan’s leg was doing better, he just had to be mindful of his stitches. He sat on the couch and kept his leg elevated so the rest of the kids opted to sit on the carpet on the floor. 

“What are we going to do?” Seungmin asked, voicing everyone’s thoughts.

“Right now, we try to meet their needs to feel safe. Jisungie and I have yet to go see them. How were they when you guys went in? I know you’ve been saying Minho’s been apprehensive but other than that, how were they acting?” Chan asked.

“They’ve been eating at least.” Changbin muttered sadly.

“Yeah, they won’t talk much. Innie has really been clinging to Minho-hyung’s side.” Felix added.

“Why won’t they talk to us? Why are they scared of us?” Hyunjin asked accusingly.

Hyunjin had so much pent up anger for everything that happened because of Minjun and feels bad that he’s directing towards the victims but he doesn’t know how to stop it. He’s just so angry that they got hurt.

“It’s a trauma response, Hyunjin. They might see us as dangers because of what they went through.” Jisung said calmly.

“But they shouldn’t be scared of us! We’re their family!” Hyunjin raised his voice.

“Jinnie, you need to calm down before you alarm them.” Felix reasoned as he put a hand on the other’s wrist.

“But this is nuts! Why on Earth is it so hard for them to realize it’s us! We aren’t that stupid fucking monster who tortured them!” Tears began to pool in Hyunjin’s eyes as he spoke.

“Jinnie, like I said, it’s a trauma response. We aren’t going to understand what’s going on in their heads. They may know it’s us but their mind may be telling them that everything is a danger. I get it, it’s frustrating but getting upset like this won’t help anyone. They’re going to be okay eventually.” Jisung explained. 

Hyunjin stayed quiet as the tears slid down his cheeks.

“Sungie, you wanna go with me to see them now?” Chan asked.

Jisung nodded and got up from the floor to help Chan off the couch. The two walked down the hallway to the bedroom. Jisung gently knocked on the door before opening it. Inside, Minho was feeding Jeongin, who was cuddled into his side on the mattress, breakfast. Minho looked up and Jisung noticed the bit of light in his eyes as he looked at him.

“Hey guys, is it okay if we come in for a bit?” Jisung asked.

Jeongin looked at Minho as if to ask if they’re safe to be around. Minho stared at Jisung and Chan for a moment before nodding. He fed Jeongin another bite of food.

“So, how have you guys been doing? How are the injuries?” Chan asked. 

Minho opened his mouth before closing it back. It looked like he shrunk back into himself and held another spoonful of food to Jeongin’s mouth.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to speak, jagi. We just want to make sure you’re okay. We’re right here for you guys.” Jisung rubbed his palms against his thighs anxiously.

The two were met with silence. Chan and Jisung looked at each other in silent conversation. They had a mutual agreement that they should leave. As they turned around to leave though, Minho made a noise.

“Stay, please.” Minho’s voice was so quiet but the pain was so clear.

The two turned back around to face the other two. Jeongin had silent tears rolling down his face. Minho just looked completely lost.

“We’re right here, don’t cry.” Chan said as he gently lowered himself to sit on the chair that was next to the mattress.

Minho tried to feed Jeongin another bite of food but the younger pushed it away, signaling he didn’t want anymore. Minho put the plate of food on the bedside table. 

“I’m scared.” Jeongin croaked. “I don’t like this. I don’t want to be scared.” The boy’s body shook in Minho’s hold as he grasped his hyung’s shirt. 

“We’re not going to do anything that would hurt you. We would never want to hurt you.” Chan said calmly and gently.

Minho held Jeongin tighter. All he wanted was to be in his members’ hold but his mind is telling him it’s dangerous, that they’re going to hurt them. He wants to reach out to hold onto his hyung and boyfriend but he’s so fucking terrified. 

“Hyung, can I please hug them?” Jeongin’s voice was so small it broke Chan and Jisung’s hearts.

Minho’s breath hitched. He wants to say yes but what if his baby gets hurt again? What if they’re helping Minjun and are trying to take him away from him again? His mind keeps telling him they’re going to take away Jeongin. 

“D-danger.” Minho whispered. 

“They aren’t dangerous, hyung. It’s our family.” Jeongin’s voice cracked as more tears rolled down his face.

Minho suddenly felt overwhelmed. Of course he knew it was his members, his family but everything is telling him that they’re dangerous right now. He felt the way his body began to shake as he tried to take a deep breath. 

“No..No. Danger. Not safe.” Minho choked out through his panic. “Can’t let you get hurt. Not safe.” Minho began hyperventilating as he tried to catch his breath.

“Min, breathe. We aren’t going to take him or let him get hurt. You’re okay. We’re safe, we promise. It’s just us here right now. Baby, you don’t have to trust us right now, I know your mind is telling you we’re a danger and that’s okay. I just want to help you understand we’re safe and that we aren’t going to hurt you guys.” Jisung explained in a soft voice.

“Hyung, please. I want Chan-hyung.” Jeongin cried. 

Minho let out a sob. He didn’t know what to think anymore. Jisung’s voice soothed him but all he sees is danger. He wants to hold Jisung but his head won’t shut up. His grip on Jeongin tightened even further.

“Hyung, please!” Jeongin cried again.

“N-no. I can’t let you go again.” Minho sobbed. 

Jeongin got fustrated and started fighting against Minho’s hold. 

“Innie, stop.” Minho begged as he tried to keep his grip on Minho.

“No! You’re not helping me, hyung! You’ve been doing this for days!” Jeongin yelled at his hyung.

“I’m trying to keep you safe.” Minho cried as he fought to keep Jeongin in his arms but failed.

Jeongin moved away from Minho, heavy tears flowing down his face. “Stop it. I don’t want that. Why can’t you see we’re safe here?” 

“Because we’re not! We’re not safe anywhere! He’s still out there! He has access to here! How do you think I found you?! He left a stupid letter in one of Jisung’s shirts!” Minho yelled as he hugged his knees.

“What? That’s how you found the note?” Chan’s mouth was agape.

Minho rapidly nodded his head. “Nowhere is safe.” 

Minho’s sobs took over the room. The rest of the members could hear it from the living room couch. Jeongin settled himself into Chan’s arms. Minho freaked.

“No! Stop!” Minho immediately reached out for Jeongin.

“Hyung! I’m okay! It’s just Channie-hyung!” Jeongin tried to reason.

“I don’t want him to take you. Come back to me please.” Minho begged. 

“Hyung, why won’t you see we’re fine? Our members are not the danger!” Jeongin yelled.

“I know but everything is telling me they’re dangerous!” Minho yelled back as another sob ripped from his throat.

“Baby, can I hold you?” Jisung asked timidly.

“I- I don’t know.” Minho stuttered.

Jisung slowly got closer to Minho and placed his hand on the elder’s forearm. “Is this okay?” 

Minho nodded. Having Jisung’s touch helped to ground him. However, he still kept his gaze locked on Jeongin. He didn’t want anything to happen. 

“Hyung, we’re going to protect you guys.” Jisung said softly.

“N-not safe.” Minho felt like he was repeating a mantra.

“What would make you feel safe?” Jisung questioned.

Minho stayed silent. He genuinely didn’t know. He doesn't think they’ll be safe until he sees Minjun taken into prison.

“Jagi, would it help if you just watch as Innie interacts with the rest of us? That way you can see that you can trust us?” Jisung suggested.

Minho really didn’t know. He watched Jeongin as he relaxed in Chan’s arms. That should mean he’s safe right? Minjun could hurt him over and over again if he wanted to but not his baby. He can’t bear seeing fear in the younger's eyes again. After a few moments of silence Minho finally nodded. 

“Okay, let’s go into the living room. Is that okay Innie? Do you want to go see everyone?” Chan asked the boy snuggled into his chest. 

Jeongin nodded rapidly as if it’s all he ever wanted. Minho felt even more guilty now. He caused so many bad things for everyone to the point even Jeongin got fed up with him. Tears continued to pour down his face as Jeongin got up so Chan could get up without straining himself.

“Jagiya, look at me.” Jisung coaxed.

Minho turned his head and made eye contact with the younger. 

“If you’re feeling guilty again, you should know that none of us blame you. No one is mad at you for what happened. We’re all mad at that asshole for what he did. We just want to help you, baby.” Jisung felt tears brimming his own eyes as he spoke.

Minho’s tears seized a bit but his body still shook. 

“C’mon, let’s get you up.” Jisung said as he picked his body up from the floor and held a hand out to Minho.

Minho hesitantly took Jisung’s hand and pulled himself up. The moment he was on his feet, he gripped Jeongin’s hand. Chan and Jisung frowned at each other before opening the bedroom door, prompting the other two to follow. Minho took a deep breath as he trailed out of the room behind the two, holding Jeongin’s hand tight. Everyone in the living room turned their heads to the sound of feet pattering against the floorboards. 

“Hey guys, we’re just gonna hang out here for a bit.” Chan announced as he gestured for Minho and Jeongin to sit on the couch. 

“Hi guys.” Felix smiled, although it didn’t quite meet his eyes. 

“Bokkie-hyung.” Jeongin tried to leave Minho’s grasp only to be slightly pulled back. “Hyung.” Jeongin frowned.

“Please.” Minho’s voice cracked.

“Hyung, no one is going to hurt him.” Jisung gently grasped Minho’s free hand.

“B-but, I don’t want to let him go.” Minho said quietly yet everyone in the room heard.

“Min, it’s okay. Do you at least trust me or Jisung?” Chan asked.

Minho’s body shook as he tried to suppress the tears pooling in his eyes again. Minho tried to shake his head but he felt paralyzed. He tightened his hand on Jisung’s.

“Baby, breathe. Take a deep breath.” Jisung soothed.

Jisung’s voice felt like a calm wave to Minho yet he still felt fear. He didn’t know how to feel anymore. All of his senses were heightened and he felt so conflicted with his feelings. Jisung and Chan’s presence felt safe but he didn't feel safe. 

What if I’m the problem? What if I’m dangerous? 

“Hyung, let me go please.” Jeongin pleaded.

“I-“ Minho tried to catch his breath but it ended up being a sob. 

“Hyung, you’re too paranoid. They aren’t going to take me away.” Jeongin’s voice was full of frustration and sadness.

The rest of the members stayed silent with pained expressions. Seeing Minho being like this hurt all of them deeply. It’s not long you’re taught how to deal with situations like this. They shared looks with each other, longing for one of them to speak up.

“Hyung, they aren’t him. Let me go!” Jeongin’s voice kept getting louder as he spoke.

“I can’t! Please, I.N-ah. I can’t let you go again.” Minho cried.

“But they aren’t going to hurt me!” Jeongin yelled.

“But you were with Jisung when he took you!” Minho yelled back.

“But we’re at home and he’s not here!” Tears flowed steadily down Jeongin’s cheeks.

“But he has access to here! He knows how to get in!” Minho’s grip got tighter on Jeongin’s hand.

“You’re right here, hyung. You’re watching. Everyone is here and no one is going to be caught off guard.” Jeongin lowered his tone as he cried.

“I can’t let you. I can’t trust it.” Minho’s voice sounded so hoarse as he tried to calm down.

Hyunjin tsked. “We’re not going to hurt him. We love him and want to protect him as much as you do. Stop being selfish and understand that we’re here to help you, not harm you.”

Something in Minho’s head turned at Hyunjin’s words. He didn’t know if it made him more upset or gave him a bit more clarity. Maybe he was being selfish. Trembling, Minho hesitantly let go of Jeongin’s hand before Changbin could scold Hyunjin. Jeongin looked at him with relief in his eyes before sitting beside Felix, leaning into him.

“See, hyung, we’re not going to hurt him.” Jisung smiled softly.

Minho could only nod as tears continued to flow down his cheeks. He was still scared as fuck but he doesn’t want Jeongin to hate him, to leave him. He didn’t trust anyone but he didn't want to hurt Jeongin, his baby that already went through so much because of him. There was so much that happened that day going into the night that he wasn’t ready to let out from the deepest parts of his mind. The screams, the cries, the way Jeongin looked at him, begging for his hyung to save him. 

He watched as Jeongin made rounds of hugs with all of his hyungs. He couldn’t help the way he felt like his heart was being squeezed at every moment. He just never wants to see Jeongin scared the way he was that day again. The physical and mental damage was still fresh. He wanted to remind Jeongin to be careful of his stitches but he couldn’t get his throat to work. He supposes he was fine though, considering he showed no discomfort. While he was no longer sobbing, tears still slowly dragged down his face. 

“This is a big step, hyung, you’re doing fine.” Jisung praised gently.

Minho’s breath stuttered at the words. If Jeongin’s fine, that should mean he’s fine too, right? He kept watching as Jeongin smiled, genuinely smiled and looked happy to be with everyone here. Everything would be fine then.

The universe just wants me to suffer.