Present Day
22-Years-Old

Watching Jungkook became a constant for Aera as Yoongi had his second and third dates with Sunhee. Both situations were becoming serious quite quickly.

Aera slowly began bringing things to Jungkook's apartment for him. Her first time back, she brought a pillow and a small teddy bear. The look on his face when she'd handed him the teddy bear made her heart burst. The next time she watched him, she brought him some blocks and a toy truck. Then shampoo and soap just for him, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Aera gave him baths fairly often, as she knew he wouldn't get one if she didn't give him one. It also became obvious that Jungkook had never brushed his teeth before. Aera took to teaching him, and he picked up on it quite quickly. Whether he kept up with it when she wasn't around, she wasn't sure. But she made sure to always have him do it when she watched him.

Yoongi had taken Sunhee out to the movies on their second date, and to mini golf on their third. They were getting along so well, it felt like they'd known each other for years. Things were progressing fast, and they'd already decided to be exclusive. He hadn't yet been able to introduce Aera and Sunhee, as Aera had been with Jungkook on the days Yoongi saw Sunhee. But he was bound and determined to get them together soon. He just knew they'd get along.

"That's it," Yoongi declared one day when Aera got home from watching Jungkook. "You're meeting Sunhee tomorrow. It's decided."

Aera grinned. "Okay, I promise I'll be there. You know I can't wait to meet her, Yoongs! I'm sorry I've been so busy lately. I just – "

"I understand," Yoongi insisted. "I think what you're doing for Jungkook is great, A."

Aera smiled again. "I've really fallen in love with that kid."

"I can tell."

-

The next day, Aera and Yoongi had plans to meet Sunhee at the park. As they waited for her, they sat beside each other on a bench and did their favorite thing of people watching.

They were so caught up in laughing together, that neither of them noticed Sunhee walk up to them. Once they'd calmed down, Yoongi jumped up and wrapped his arms around Sunhee.

"You're here!" he said excitedly, pecking her lips.

She laughed. "You two seem to be having a good time."

"Hi!" Aera said, jumping up herself. "I'm Aera! It's so nice to finally meet you!"

"Hi!" Sunhee replied, flashing her signature grin. "I've heard so much about you!"

"Likewise!"

"So," Sunhee said, turning to Yoongi. "What are we doing today?"

Yoongi shrugged. "I thought maybe we could just get lunch and talk, so you two could get to know each other."

Sunhee looked at Aera. "You know of any good restaurants around here?"

Aera smiled. "When Yoongs and I come to the park, we usually just get some food from a food stall and eat on a bench. I'm sure he's told you we people watch?"

Sunhee glanced at Yoongi. "No, he didn't. So, what does that mean?"

"Oh, it's so much fun! I'll show you what we do!"

Aera then hooked her arm around Sunhee's and began leading her away from Yoongi. Sunhee looked over her shoulder and smiled at Yoongi. He smiled back and quickly trailed behind them.

"Here's my favorite place," Aera said, pulling Sunhee over to a food stall featuring kimchi fried rice as one of its main attractions. "Yoongs likes that one." She pointed across the street. "But trust me, this one's better!"

"Hey!" Yoongi objected. "I – "

"I'll try this one," Sunhee interrupted, smiling teasingly at Yoongi. Aera giggled at the look on his face.

"You won't regret it!"

Sunhee and Aera grinned at each other as Yoongi stalked off across the street. They each ordered some lunch, then headed back to the bench Aera and Yoongi had been sitting on.

Yoongi joined them shortly, sitting in the empty seat next to Sunhee. He was quiet as Aera quickly took control of the conversation. And in spite of himself, he smiled. He hoped Sunhee was having as good of a time as he could tell Aera was.

"So, we look around and find someone who looks interesting. Let's say, that guy in the blue jacket." Aera nodded her head discreetly. "Then, we come up with a life story for him. He's obviously a tourist, so we could come up with literally anything! Foreigners are the best ones to watch!"

Yoongi watched as they made up a story for "blue jacket guy", then dissolved into a fit of giggles. They then moved on to someone else, and basically ignored him for the rest of the afternoon. He didn't mind, though. Seeing his two favorite people enjoy each other's company was more wonderful than he'd even thought it would be.

By the time they left to head back to Yoongi and Aera's apartment, the two girls were acting like best friends. They even exchanged numbers and talked about going out just the two of them. Yoongi was over the moon.

Once they reached the apartment, Aera excused herself as she had plans to head over to Jungkook's apartment. This left Yoongi and Sunhee alone, which Yoongi was not going to complain about.

"So," he said after Aera had left. "You two seemed to get along well!"

"Yeah, she's great!" Sunhee said with a smile. "I mean, she's a little much, but I like her!"

Yoongi's brow furrowed. "A little much?"

"Well, I just mean she's a little excitable. But it's cute."

Yoongi just looked at her, unsure what exactly she meant. "Is... Is that a bad thing?"

"No!" Sunhee said quickly. "I mean, not necessarily. She's really, sweet, Yoongi. I liked her, I promise!"

"Okay," Yoongi said, though his voice was unsure. He watched Sunhee carefully, but nothing about her current demeanor seemed to suggest she was lying. "Well, I'm glad you two got along."

Sunhee smiled. "Me, too!"

Now it was Yoongi's turn to smile. "Thank you," he said.

"For what?"

"For being willing to meet her and give her a chance as a friend."

"Of course! I know it's important to you, and I'm glad it went well."

"So," Yoongi said, walking toward Sunhee and pulling her to him. "What should we do now?"

"Hmm," Sunhee replied, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I don't know. Did you have anything in mind?"

Yoongi leaned down and kissed her deeply. "Nothing in particular," he said, then kissed her again.

"Maybe we should just stay in tonight, then, since we have the apartment to ourselves anyway."

"Now that sounds like a great idea."

-

"Hey, Jungkookie," Aera said as she laid another block on top of his. "How have things been going with your aunt and uncle?"

Jungkook, who had been busying himself with the tower they were making, stopped short and looked up at Aera with wide eyes.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" she asked carefully. Jungkook shook his head. "Did something happen?"

He looked away and covered one of his shoulders with his hand as she carefully moved closer to him. "Jungkookie?"

Aera saw a single teardrop roll off of his chin. She then reached out, gently took a hold of his chin, and turned his head to look at her.

"What happened?"

His eyes looked fearful. Aera looked down at his hand grasping his shoulder. She reached out toward it, and he began frantically shaking his head.

"Jungkook, please let me – "

"NO!"

Aera snatched her hand back in surprise. She stared at Jungkook. This was the first time he'd ever spoken to her.

"W-Why?" Aera asked, still slightly in shock. "Why can't I see it?"

But Jungkook simply went back to shaking his head. "Please, Jungkookie. It's important."

Finally, after what felt like ages, Jungkook let his hand fall away from his shoulder. He looked away from Aera again as she lifted his sleeve to see his shoulder.

And there, on the back of it, was a large, angry red, black and purple bruise. Aera stared at it, horrified.

"How did you get this?" she asked. Jungkook shook his head. "Please, Jungkookie, you have to tell me. Did your uncle do this?"

Tears began streaming down Jungkook's cheeks. Aera felt a lump form in her throat. "I know you don't like to talk, baby, but you have to tell me."

Jungkook's lip began trembling. "O-Ou-Outside."

Aera stared at him. "What about outside?"

But Jungkook fell silent again and refused to meet her eyes anymore.

"Did – Did you try to go outside?"

Jungkook sniffled.

"Did your uncle catch you trying to go outside?"

Silence.

"Oh, Jungkookie." Aera sat back on the floor where she was kneeling. She then pulled Jungkook into her lap. "I'm so sorry, baby."

They sat like that for quite awhile until Jungkook finally began reaching for the blocks again. Aera smiled a sad smile as she sat him down and began watching him play again. She had a very difficult decision to make.