He stayed late at school, visiting the music room and passing Hyungwon on his way to the sound booth.

"Yoongi?" Hyungwon furrowed his eyebrows.

"Yes?"

"Oh, wow, your hair looks really cool. I wasn't sure it was you at first." He picked up his bag from the floor. "It suits you."

Yoongi felt himself blushing slightly. "Thanks."

Hyungwon slipped out the door, calling to someone in the hallway, leaving Yoongi with the music room to himself. He messed around with the controls for a bit, playing with old sounds left over from old tracks or public files. It was really calming. He saved his work onto a flash drive for later and grabbed his bag.

He was all too aware of the envelopes in his backpack. It felt heavier on his back and his heart caught in his throat on his way out of the school. He felt sweat on his neck and his pulse roared in his ears until he was a few blocks away, safely on the bus. He clutched his bag to his chest, leaning his head back against the cool window. Moonbyul called to let him know she and Hyejin wouldn't be home until later, but promised to bring home dinner.

He thanked her and let her know he'd be fine until then.

It felt like getting away with murder or a mission from a spy movie. Collecting intel, securing it, and sorting it to gain an advantage on his opponent.

He let out a breath of relief when he slipped his shoes off at the door. It seemed so much brighter here, safer and warmer. He peeked into the kitchen to see if there was any coffee left in the pot, and he warmed what was left in a mug, adding just a little milk because there wasn't much left. He picked out the folders and set them on his desk. He stared at them. And stared. And stared.

"chicken," he pouted, what was the point of all that trouble and panic if he couldn't even see what was in there?

He set aside the year book and piled the clipped photos on top. One envelope had piles of letters, some open and worn and others were still in sealed envelopes. The names were blotted out on the envelopes in angry black ink. The last envelope had some sort of legal papers. Adoption papers for a Lee Jooheon to the Min family. Yoongi swallowed. Lee.

He picked up one of the letters addressed to "JooHoney."

Dear JooHoney,

i know its probably an adjustment in a whole new city. is it quieter than seoul? what's your new school like? we all miss you here, me the most, obviously so. did you get my last letter? i sent it so it would be there when you arrived. i hope you did. dont forget our friends, they'll be sad. once we get to college itll be okay. ill make sure you dont study too hard and youll make sure i pass. :) we're always a great team.

... i wasn't sure if you wanted to talk about it, but i felt some black the other day. were you in a fight? i was really worried. i still am. make sure youre taking care of yourself until we're together again.

always orange,

minhyuk<3

ps. ill send you something sweet next time so look forward to it

I blinked a few times. Minhyuk. Orange. Was that their soulmate color? Probably. In history, lovers used their soulmate colors in greetings and goodbyes pretty regularly, but that hasn't been common for over a century. Maybe it was their cute little thing.

But dad? Having a thing like that? It seemed so improbable.

It didn't take long to realize the letters were in order from oldest to newest. The last sealed envelope was from four months ago. He would've still been living with his dad at the time. If he were to open it and then return all of this it would be super obvious. After looking up some stuff online about melting the glue shit on the sticking tab thing, he boiled some water and waved the envelope over the steam until it bubbled. He pulled the paper up with a butterknife and pulled out the paper.

Dear Joohoney,

This might be my last letter for awhile. I've been sending these since the day you told me your new address. I've sent them as often as I could. And I recieved nothing in return. I trust you won't be too affected by the lack of letters, in fact, I'm sure you're rejoicing. You think I've given up on you.

That's where you're wrong. I've been in touch with your ex. She keeps me up to date on some things. What you tell her of your son. How you're doing in general. I'll still keep in touch with her. She's become a good friend of mine.

I'm taking a break because my nephew, Hyolin's son Seokjin, has met his soulmate. I won't have this cloud of despair hang over me while I celebrate their future. His soulmate's name is Namjoon. From what noona tells me, Namjoon is very smart and even more caring. She's proud of them. Hopefully one day, we can share in this joy for your own son.

Always orange,

Minhyuk.

Please Jooheon, remember I'll always be here for you.

Yoongi swallowed, folding up the letter and piling all of the papers and clippings together. He grabbed a shoe box from his closet and dumped everything inside. He felt sick as he replaced the lid and slid the box beneath his bed.

This was too much to think about.