Chapter 3: (Seokjin's pov)

As I stepped out of the postbox, a sense of relief washed over me. The act of sending the letter felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, a small step towards breaking free from the chains of loneliness that bound me.

Feeling a bit hungry, I decided to make a detour to the grocery store. Despite the chilly weather, the bustling streets felt oddly comforting as I navigated my way through the crowd, my mask providing a shield of anonymity.

For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of normalcy as I browsed the aisles, selecting items for my pantry. People moved around me without casting judgmental glances, and it was a refreshing change from the usual stares and whispers. Was it because of the mask ? How is this possible? Is my curse lifted already ? Or I'm just dreaming ?

As I made my way to the checkout counter, I spotted two familiar faces by the corner of the store. It was my cousin, Kim Namjoon, and his friend, Jung Hoseok. He was my other cousin too, They were engrossed in conversation, oblivious to my presence as I observed them from afar.

Part of me longed to approach them, to reconnect with family after so many years of isolation. But I hesitated, knowing all too well the rejection that awaited me if they were to recognize me.

Watching my cousins from a distance in the grocery store, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing deep within me. It had been a decade since we last spoke, and the weight of our severed connection felt heavier than ever. Despite my yearning to approach them, I remained rooted in place, hidden behind my mask, invisible to their eyes.

The knowledge that they couldn't recognize me, coupled with the awareness of the disdain they likely held for me due to my curse, filled me with a profound sense of sadness. These were my own flesh and blood, yet they were as distant to me as strangers, their indifference serving as a painful reminder of the loneliness that plagued me. Even within the confines of my own family, I remained an outcast, forever barred from the warmth of their embrace by the cruel hand of fate.

Eavesdropping on their conversation, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I heard their words.

Namjoon: Did you hear about SeokJin?

Hoseok: Yeah, I heard he's still holed up in that old castle of his, like some kind of hermit.

Namjoon: It's such a shame. He used to be so outgoing, always the life of the party. I wonder what happened to him.

Hoseok: Who knows? And who cares? Maybe he just got tired of dealing with people. I heard he's become quite the recluse. I don't know, I don't like to see his face or talk to him.

Namjoon: I know right ? I don't know why he disgusts us so much, It's a shame, really. He was always so talented. I wish he would come out of hiding and share his art with the world again after his father's death but-

Hoseok: but Suddenly he was so weird, everytime he passes beside me i hated him for no reason and i still do I don't know why.

Namjoon: yes that's what I was about to say, he is just so disgusting eww.

Hoseok: Namjoon just don't make me remember him again, I mean damn dude weren't we chilling why brought him in between?

Namjoon: You're saying it right, hoseok.

Hoseok: I know right ?

As I listened to their conversation, each word felt like a dagger to my heart, slicing through the fragile hope that had blossomed within me. The casual disdain with which they spoke of me, their own flesh and blood, left me feeling hollow and insignificant.

Their words echoed in my mind, a cruel reminder of the rejection and disgust that had become synonymous with my existence. Despite their once-close bond with me, they now viewed me as nothing more than a pathetic recluse, unworthy of their time or consideration.

Namjoon: You know, it's not just his reclusive behavior that bothers me. It's the way he carries himself, like he's better than everyone else.

Hoseok: Yeah, I noticed that too. He always had this arrogant air about him, like he thought he was God's gift to humanity.

Namjoon: Exactly! And let's not forget about his appearance. It's as if he's cursed I mean, have you seen him lately? He's like something out of a horror movie.

Hoseok: Ugh, don't even get me started on that. Every time I see him, I feel like I'm going to be sick. How can someone live with themselves looking like that?

Namjoon: It's beyond me. And the fact that he still has the audacity to show his face in public, it's just... disgusting.

Hoseok: I know, right? He's probably just doing it for attention, trying to make people feel sorry for him.

Namjoon: Well, he can take his pity party somewhere else. I don't want to be anywhere near him or his cursed self.

Hoseok: Damn right. He's a disgrace to the family name, and I wish he would just disappear already.

Namjoon: Couldn't agree more. I don't know what my parents ever saw in him. He's nothing but a burden and an embarrassment.

Hoseok: Seriously, it's like he's cursed or something. Every time he's around, it feels like bad luck follows him wherever he goes.

Namjoon: I wouldn't be surprised if he's the reason for all the misfortune in our lives. I mean, who else could it be?

Hoseok: Yeah, well, I hope he rots in that old castle of his, far away from decent people like us.

Namjoon: Amen to that. May he never darken our doorstep again.

Every mention of my name, every disparaging remark, served as a painful confirmation of the isolation I had come to accept as my fate. It was as if they were speaking directly to the wounds that had long festered within me, reopening them with callous indifference.

As I stood there, hidden behind my mask, I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal wash over me. I was behind a shelf but i couldn't stop my tears that were threatening to fall, These were supposed to be my family, my blood, and yet they spoke of me as if I were a stranger, a mere afterthought in their lives.

Namjoon: But seriously, it's like he vanished off the face of the earth. Have you heard from him at all?

Hoseok: Not a word. He's probably too busy wallowing in self-pity to reach out to anyone.

But amidst the pain and disappointment, there was also a flicker of defiance within me. I refused to let their words define me, to allow their shallow judgments to dictate my worth. For beneath the mask, beneath the curse that had branded me an outcast, there still beat the heart of a man longing for connection, for understanding, for acceptance.

As Namjoon and Hoseok continued their conversation, their disdain for me only seemed to grow stronger with each passing word. I wanted to go slap them but i didn't wanted to reveal to everyone who I was.

Namjoon: You know what's even worse? I heard he's been trying to reach out to people lately. Can you believe the nerve of this guy?

Hoseok: No way. Like anyone in their right mind would want to associate with him. He's probably just looking for someone to pity him.

Namjoon: I heard it from one of my friends that was passing by the cafe today.

As they continued to belittle me, their words like daggers piercing my heart, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loneliness and despair. It was as if no matter where I turned, rejection and scorn awaited me.

Just then, Jackson, another friend of theirs, joined the conversation, his voice dripping with disdain.

Jackson: What are you guys talking about?

Namjoon: Oh, just about Seokjin and his pathetic attempts to worm his way back into society.

Hoseok: Yeah, can you believe he had the audacity to show his face in public again?

Jackson: Ugh, don't remind me. Every time I see him, I feel like I need to take a shower.

Namjoon: Tell me about it. He's like a walking curse, infecting everything he touches with his presence.

Hoseok: I don't know why he even bothers. He should just disappear already and save us all the trouble.

Their words struck me like a physical blow, each insult driving deeper into my wounded soul. It was as if they reveled in my suffering, finding pleasure in tearing me down.

But amidst the pain, a flicker of defiance ignited within me. No matter how hard they tried to crush my spirit, I refused to let them win. I may be cursed, but I would not allow their hatred to define me. With each hateful word they uttered, I grew stronger, more determined to prove them wrong. For deep within me, I knew that beneath the cursed exterior lay a heart full of resilience and strength, ready to face whatever challenges came my way.

Namjoon: Yeah, well, it's his loss. We have our own lives to live, right?

Hoseok: Exactly. Let's not waste our time worrying about someone who clearly doesn't want to be a part of our lives anymore.

And though I may never find it among my own kin, I would continue to search for it wherever I could, clinging to the hope that someday, someone would see beyond the surface and recognize the person I truly was. Until then, I would remain a solitary figure, navigating the world with a heavy heart and a mask of anonymity.

But Their words struck a chord with me, a reminder of the life I once had before the curse took hold. But now, standing in the grocery store, I couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation. Even my own family viewed me with pity, disdain and they hated me.

As Namjoon and Hoseok continued their conversation, I knew it was time for me to leave. I couldn't bear the thought of facing their judgment, of being rejected by those who were supposed to accept me unconditionally. They treated me like this I was getting out of my mind and I was not feeling good.

As I reached the cash counter, a sudden collision sent me off balance, causing me to stumble slightly. Before I could regain my footing, a soft weight collided with me, and instinctively, I reached out to steady the person. In that brief moment, our eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. Her hazel eyes widened in surprise, mirroring my own astonishment at the unexpected encounter.

The world around us faded into the background as we stood there, locked in a silent exchange, the chaotic noise of the grocery store melting away into nothingness. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together in that fleeting moment of connection, two strangers united by a chance collision. Looking up, I saw the same girl from the cafe, her hazel eyes flickering with guilt as she quickly bowed in apology.

Girl: Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there.

Seokjin: It's alright. No harm done.

Despite the rush of customers around us, she seemed genuinely apologetic, her hurried demeanor indicating that she was in a hurry. I decided to let her go ahead of me at the counter.

Seokjin: Please, go ahead.

Girl: Are you sure? Thank you so much!

With a grateful smile, she hurried to the counter to complete her purchase. Meanwhile, the cashier greeted me warmly as I approached.

Cashier: Good evening! How can I help you today?

Seokjin: Just these items, please.

As the cashier scanned my items, she struck up a friendly conversation, completely devoid of the judgment and disdain I was so accustomed to.

Cashier: How's your day been so far?

Seokjin: It's been alright, thank you.

Cashier: That's good to hear. Oh, and I love your mask! It's so stylish.

Seokjin: Thank you. I appreciate it.

Her kind words caught me off guard, a stark contrast to the usual treatment I received in public spaces. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to me.

As I completed my purchase and bid farewell to the cashier, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps not everyone viewed me with disdain. Maybe, just maybe, there were people out there who saw me for who I truly was.

As I trudged back home, their hurtful words echoed in my mind like a relentless drumbeat. Each step felt heavier than the last as I replayed their conversation over and over again, the bitterness of their disdain seeping into my bones.

Upon entering my castle, I collapsed onto the cold, hard floor in front of the stairs, my body wracked with sobs. The weight of their cruelty bore down on me like an anchor, dragging me deeper into the abyss of despair.

Seokjin: Why... Why do they despise me so? What have I done to deserve such scorn?

My voice trembled with anguish, the words barely a whisper as tears streamed down my cheeks unchecked. The pain of their rejection cut deep, leaving behind a raw wound that seemed impossible to heal.

Seokjin: Why? Why do they hate me so much? What did I ever do to deserve this?

In the solitude of my home, the silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of my own ragged breathing and the occasional creak of the old floorboards beneath me. It was a stark reminder of the isolation that had become my constant companion.

Seokjin: Please... I just want to be seen, to be accepted for who I am.

Alone in the dimly lit foyer, I sank to the cold, hard floor, my back against the stairs. Tears streamed down my cheeks unchecked, the weight of their rejection pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket.

Seokjin: Why can't they see me for who I am? Why must they judge me based on appearances alone?

But there was no one there to answer my desperate plea. I was alone, trapped in a prison of my own making, condemned to a life of loneliness and rejection.

Seokjin: What did I do to deserve this? Am I truly destined to spend the rest of my days alone, shunned by those who should love me unconditionally?

As I lay there, lost in the darkness of my despair, a faint sound broke through the silence, drawing my attention. My words echoed off the stone walls of my castle, but there was no one there to answer. The silence that greeted me was deafening, a stark reminder of the isolation that had become my constant companion.

Seokjin: Why won't they see me for who I am? Why do they only see the curse?