<Choi Mansion>

"Why am I supposed to live here for this?" Jeonghan grunted as he sat in front of Sunwoo, "With all these restrictions too?"

"Dr. Yoon, this is not my order-"

"Stop playing with me, Mr. Choi." Jeonghan stated, "Both of us know who's behind this."

Sunwoo inhaled a deep breath, "Alright. This order was sanctioned because of me. Anything else?"

"Mr. Choi, this is not a joke." Jeonghan retorted.

"I know Dr. Yoon, this is not a joke and that's why I warned you to do your job and stay out of the rest." Sunwoo stood up as he circled around him, "But you had to poke your nose into my business.

I know how to silence people, Dr. Yoon, in a lot of ways."

Jeonghan clenched his fists on his lap, "This is wrong."

"I know." Sunwoo laughed, "And do you know what's even worse? Stand up and come with me."

Jeonghan frowned as he followed the older into a huge room with an immense screen fixated on the wall.

Sunwoo turned on a button to which the screen glowed in several parts.

Jeonghan gasped at the screen as Sunwoo turned towards him, "Recognised them?"

Jeonghan gulped visibly as he looked at the screen.

"Dr. Lee is working in his cabin and so is Mr. Hong. Well, can you recognise that house? Yeah, your parents' house, they're currently inside so yeah, just the entrance.

But oh damn, did I forget to mention. They just got back home after buying loads of groceries.

And that- yeah. Dr. Lee's mother is currently in a mall with her friends while his father is at home.

And I bet you don't know that Mr. Hong's family is residing in LA. How's the surprise, Dr. Yoon?"

"Why are you doing all this, Mr. Choi?" Jeonghan turned to him, "You're trying to threaten me?"

"Well, that's for you to figure out." Sunwoo chuckled, "You can go on and report this as well. Trust me, nothing will happen.

This place is no better than a black hole, Dr. Yoon. Nothing can go out of here. Not a single thing."

"And why is that so?" Jeonghan raised a brow, "What's that you're hiding huh? Is it true that Mr. Choi Seungcheol didn't kill his parents?"

"He did." Sunwoo replied.

"He didn't." Jeonghan retorted.

"And what if I tell you." Sunwoo whispered, "That his parents are not dead."

"WHAT?" Jeonghan gasped almost immediately, "But their bodies were-"

"Shh, Dr. Yoon." Sunwoo grinned, "Bodies were found because people were killed but not his parents."

"What are you trying to imply?" Jeonghan scrunched his brows.

"Why would I tell you?" Sunwoo laughed, "Anyways, you can write another report, gift it to whosoever you wish blah blah.

But as usual, nothing will happen apart from Seungcheol getting punished for your mistakes. Got it, Dr. Yoon?

And yeah if you don't believe me, if you think I'm just giving you hollow threats then you're free to test it."

"This is not done, Mr. Choi!!" Jeonghan's voice raised.

"And I don't care about that." Sunwoo remained calm, "Stay awake tonight, Dr. Yoon. You'll have a surprise awaiting for you before you make your mind to cause more trouble to us."

Sunwoo inhaled a deep breath, "I just want Seungcheol to be an obedient pet of mine. And for that, I need you to train and treat him in that way. Goodbye."

As Sunwoo was leaving, Jeonghan called from behind, "Why are you doing all this Mr. Choi? For property? Money? Power? You're going to this extent?"

Sunwoo turned around with a chuckle, "If that's what you wanna believe, well and good. Focus on your therapy bullshit. I want Seungcheol totally healthy. He shouldn't be violent by even an ounce."

He slammed the door shut and left.

Jeonghan's heartbeat raced as he tried to figure out whatever he had just heard. It was all too much to take at once.

Seungcheol's parents were alive?

But someone did die, right?

Who died?

And then, Seungcheol's parents?

Wait- What if Sunwoo lied to mess with his brain, that's it?

What will happen if Jeonghan reports it all again?

And what surprise was awaiting him?

"Arghh!" Jeonghan collapsed on a nearby chair, "Nothing had ever messed with my mind like this one."

Jeonghan inhaled a deep breath as he walked out of the room and reached Seokmin's room which was open.

He knocked at the door to gain Seokmin's attention who was working on his laptop.

"Oh, Dr. Yoon." Seokmin stood up, "Please come in."

"No, no." Jeonghan nodded, "Uh Mr. Lee, I needed your little help."

"Yeah, sure. What is it?" Seokmin asked.

"Can you accompany me out?" Jeonghan asked.

"Yeah let's go." Seokmin nodded as Jeonghan led him to the room where Sunwoo had just taken him.

"This screen-" Jeonghan pointed at it, "What is it used for, in general?"

"Watching movies and stuff." Seokmin shrugged.

"Can you turn it on?" Jeonghan asked.

"Sure." Seokmin turned on the screen with the same button which Sunwoo had used earlier.

But instead of those camera footages, it displayed a general home screen.

Jeonghan wasn't quite surprised but he was lowkey hoping that he would be able to show the reality to Seokmin, at least.

"Do you want to watch something, Dr. Yoon?" Seokmin asked.

"Uh- no." Jeonghan grinned, "I was just curious."

"Oh okay." Seokmin turned the screen off, "I heard you've got orders to shift here?"

"Yeah." Jeonghan nodded.

"You can call me if you need any help." Seokmin suggested, "Whenever."

"Thankyou." Jeonghan smiled as the younger left.

The entire day went with Jeonghan settling at the Choi Mansion. At least he had legal protection but he didn't trust it either.

Sunwoo could clearly do anything to violate all the laws and get away with it. Jeonghan knew it, by now.

He didn't know what steps to take next. He didn't want to rush things and ruin them so he had decided to wait and analyse everything for a while and then talk.

It was late at night as Jeonghan was sitting on his bed. Sleep didn't visit him, obviously, so he was busy working on this case.

It was when he heard a shrilling scream as he flinched. He immediately got out of the bed and rushed towards the door.

But as he tried to open it, he realised that it was locked from outside.

"Help! Open the door! Anyone?" Jeonghan banged at the door.

But instead of the door getting opened, he heard those screams getting instensified with each passing moment.

He didn't want to believe his inner voice but those screams definitely belonged to Seungcheol.

Jeonghan's heart pounded in his chest as he continued to bang on the door, desperately trying to get someone's attention outside.

The screams grew louder and more anguished with each passing moment, and Jeonghan's breath hitched as he realized that those screams were indeed Seungcheol's.

He felt powerless and terrified, not knowing what was happening on the other side of the door.

After what felt like an eternity, the door opened, revealing Sunwoo standing there with a smirk.

"MR. CHOI, WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" Jeonghan screamed.

"Calm down doctor." Sunwoo grinned, "Someone just go punished for misbehaving like a wild beast he is."

"You-"

"And some part of the fault is held by his therapist as well." Sunwoo added, "Who tried to do pity things like reporting and shit."

"You aren't serious, are you?" Jeonghan's hands trembled.

"I'm too old for making jokes, Dr. Yoon." Sunwoo stated, "I just wanted to let you know that you are supposed to do your job. Anything more than that would lead to these kind of consequences or even worse."

He glared at him for one last time.

Jeonghan didn't waste any time as he rushed to Seungcheol's room. He pushed the door opened as he was met with darkness.

He could roughly locate Seungcheol in the room. He was sitting on the floor, his right wrist handcuffed as usual.

He turned on the light as he gasped loudly, both of his palms landing over his mouth as he instinctively took two steps back.

Before he could even realise, tears started falling from his eyes as he saw Seungcheol drowned with his own blood.

Cuts, bruises, wounds and brutal marks were the only thing he had held. The only good news being the fact that he was still breathing.

But amidst all this, soon enough, Seungcheol's lips curved into a very small mocking grin.

Jeonghan frowned. What the hell was this audacity?

Jeonghan couldn't help but be surprised, "You- you're smiling? After all this-?"

"Scared? Dr. Yoon?" Seungcheol mamaged to mumble out. His voice was hoarse and barely audible.

Jeonghan's heart ached even more as he heard Seungcheol's hoarse voice. The older looked so fragile and vulnerable, yet still found the strength to mock.

Jeonghan took a step closer, his voice shaky, "I'm not scared. I'm- I'm worried about you."

"Don't be." Seungcheol sighed, "Even I'm not worried for myself anymore."

Jeonghan's eyes widened at Seungcheol's words. The older's nonchalant attitude was both frustrating and worrying.

He knelt down in front of Seungcheol, his hands hovering over the older's battered form as if hesitating to touch, "How can you say that? Look at yourself!"

Seungcheol finally looked into his eyes and all of his facade crumbled with that one look.

The unbotheredness, the mockery, his fake statements, all of them were nothing in front of his teary blank eyes.

Jeonghan's heart shattered when he met Seungcheol's eyes. All the layers of indifference and arrogance disappeared, leaving him with a vulnerable and broken man.

Tears welled up in Jeonghan's eyes as he saw the pain and anguish in the older's gaze. He reached out gently, his voice softer than ever, "Seungcheol-"

Even though Jeonghan didn't realise bit Seungcheol clearly heard how the younger had addressed him informally.

Seungcheol averted his gaze as he tried to steady his breaths, "Please leave, Dr. Yoon."

Jeonghan paused, his hand hovering in the air as he processed Seungcheol's request. He knew the older was trying to push him away, but he couldn't just leave him in this state.

He tried to keep his voice steady, "No, I can't just leave you like this. You're injured, you need help."

"I don't need any help, Dr. Yoon." Seungcheol grunted, "Please go."

Jeonghan couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was as if Seungcheol was determined to keep him away, refusing any kind of help.

He stubbornly shook his head, his voice firmer now, "No, I won't go. You can't just tell someone to leave when you're in this condition. I'm not going anywhere until I know you're okay."

"I'll never be okay. Do you get that?" Seungcheol faced him again, "You'll treat me today, this will happen again tomorrow. Nothing's new for me, Dr. Yoon.

You're scared and worried because you barely knew this. As time will pass, you'll get used to this as well."

Jeonghan's heart ached at Seungcheol's words. The older's resignation and acceptance of his situation frustrated him.

He clenched his fists, his voice determined, "No, I won't get used to seeing you like this. I won't accept this as normal."

"I don't have energy to argue with you right now." Seungcheol sighed as he closed his eyes shut, "Talk in the morning."

"I- I'm sorry." Jeonghan looked down, "All of this happened because I reported-"

"Don't worry about that. It's not like they wouldn't have done this even if you weren't in the picture." Seungcheol muttered.

"All I can say is that-" Seungcheol paused to look at the younger, "Don't think like you can fix anything here with your usual ways. Please just do your job or whatsoever, that's it."

Jeonghan felt a mix of guilt and helplessness as he listened to Seungcheol. The fact that this still would have happened regardless of his presence or not hit him harder than he expected.

He took a deep breath and tried to compose himself, "I will do my job, but I can't just pretend like nothing's wrong. I care about you, Seungcheol."

Seungcheol looked up with a frown, "Do you realise that you're calling me informally, Dr. Yoon?"

Jeonghan hadn't realized it until Seungcheol pointed it out. The change in his address was something that happened subconsciously in his worry and concern.

He paused, slightly taken aback, "I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine." Seungcheol scoffed.

"Let me treat all this." Jeonghan insisted, "Please."

Seungcheol sighed heavily, "I hate how stubborn you are. Fine."

Jeonghan felt a small sense of relief when Seungcheol agreed. Despite the older's reluctance, he was willing to let Jeonghan help him.

He carefully helped Seungcheol to the bed, sitting him down gently. His hands gently started to examine his wounds, his touch light and cautious.

Jeonghan's heart ached as he examined Seungcheol's wounds. There were many cuts, bruises, and wounds all over his body. It was clear that he had endured a brutal beating.

He tried to remain calm as he found the first aid kit and began to carefully clean and dress the older's wounds, his hands nimble and gentle.

As he was done, Jeonghan spoke up, "Get up for a moment, I'll change the sheet."

"Don't bother, you've done enough." Seungcheol muttered.

Jeonghan paused for a moment, looking at Seungcheol. The older's stubborn nature was still there, but Jeonghan wasn't going to back down.

He shook his head, his voice firm, "No, I'm changing the sheets. You're not sleeping on blood-stained sheets."

Seungcheol scoffed as he stood up. Jeonghan quickly changed the sheets and made the older lay on it comfortably.

Jeonghan was about to leave when an unknow pull asked him to stay there, "If you don't mind- Can I stay here for a while?"

Seungcheol's eyebrows raised in surprise as Jeonghan asked to stay for a while. The older hadn't expected the younger to want to linger in his room after everything that had happened.

He hesitated for a moment but then shrugged, his voice hoarse, "Do whatever you want."

Jeonghan slowly sat on the bed beside the older, "Why are you pretending to be unbothered by all this? You can be real in front of me at least."

Seungcheol was caught off guard by Jeonghan's direct question. He had been trying hard to maintain his indifferent attitude, but with Jeonghan sitting beside him, it was becoming more difficult to keep up the act.

After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his voice softer than before, "It's easier to be unbothered. It hurts less."

Jeonghan gulped hard at the reply, "But I want you to talk to me." He kept his hands over the older's palms without realising, "I swear I'll ease your pain."

Seungcheol looked at Jeonghan's hands on top of his, a mixture of surprise and confusion on his face. The younger's words touched a nerve he didn't think he still had.

He tried to keep his tone nonchalant, "Ease my pain? You a magician or something?"

"Whatever you wanna assume." Jeonghan mumbled, "I don't even know why I didn't run away from all this. I don't understand what's keeping me here even after so many unusual things happened to me.

I just want to stay. To- to help you with your justice. I- I know you're not guilty. Till now I just had an intuition but after today's conversation with Mr. Choi Sunwoo, there's no space for any doubt."

Seungcheol's eyes widened at Jeonghan's words. The younger's loyalty and conviction surprised him. It was as if Jeonghan had decided to stay and fight this battle with him, regardless of the danger or difficulty.

He tried to respond with sarcasm, but his voice was weaker than before, "You just want to stay, huh? Even after witnessing my bloodied mess? Why- why would you want that?"

"I don't know." Jeonghan whispered.

Seungcheol studied Jeonghan's face for a moment, searching for any sign of insincerity. But all he saw was genuine concern and a determination he couldn't understand.

He cleared his throat, his voice rough, "You're a strange therapist, Dr. Yoon."

"Maybe only strange ones can help you out, Mr. Choi." Jeonghan nodded.

Seungcheol let out a low chuckle, "Seungcheol sounded better."

Jeonghan paused for a moment, "That's not the point right now."

Seungcheol smiled slightly at Jeonghan's response. The younger's stubbornness and determination amused him.

He shifted his position on the bed slightly, wincing as he did so. The pain reminded him of his beaten and bruised body.

He looked at Jeonghan, his voice growing serious, "You want me to be real with you? Fine. This hurt. A lot."

Jeonghan was taken aback at the sudden bluntness but he quickly calmed himself, "I know that."

Seungcheol's eyes locked onto Jeonghan, his voice barely above a whisper, "It's not just the physical pain, you know that, right? It's the mental toll it takes."

He paused for a moment, his gaze becoming distant, "Being treated like an animal- like a monster- it hurts more than any punch or kick."

Jeonghan felt his throat going dry as his lips quivered. He just nodded while staring at the older.

Seungcheol's gaze softened as he noticed Jeonghan's reaction. The younger's concern and empathetic response touched him on a level he hadn't expected.

He didn't want to admit it, but there was something about Jeonghan that made him want to open up, to let some of the walls down.

He looked away, his voice quieter now, "It's- it's been a long time since anyone has cared about me like this."

Jeonghan bit his lower lip in nervousness at the sudden urge that was building inside him, to console the older.

He slowly leaned in, wrapping his arms around the older as he embraced him, "You deserve to be cared for. Specially after all this which is happening to you."

Seungcheol stiffened at first as Jeonghan leaned in and embraced him. The physical contact was unexpected and unfamiliar.

But as Jeonghan's words sank in, the older closed his eyes and allowed himself to melt into the embrace. The comfort it brought him was something he hadn't felt in a long time.

He couldn't resist the need to lean his aching body on Jeonghan, resting his head against the younger's shoulder.

Jeonghan stroked the older's hair gently as tears welled up in his eyes, "Calm down."

Seungcheol's breathing became uneven as Jeonghan ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't remember the last time someone had been so gentle with him.

The older's body trembled slightly as a wave of emotions washed over him. He buried his face in Jeonghan's shoulder, his voice barely audible, "I- I can't-"

Jeonghan wiped his own tears as he caressed the older's back, "It's okay. You don't need to pretend to be fine when you're not."

Seungcheol let out a shaky sigh as Jeonghan continued to caress his back, his touch so gentle yet soothing. It was almost as if Jeonghan was slowly breaking down the walls he had erected around himself.

He couldn't hold it in anymore. A sob escaped his lips, and the dam broke. He clung onto Jeonghan as the tears started to flow uncontrollably.

"Let it out, you don't need to hold back." Jeonghan continue to rub his back and stroke his hair.

Seungcheol couldn't stop the sobs that were now racking through his body. The emotional release was overwhelming.

He had held everything in for so long, putting up a tough exterior to face his tormentors. But now, in Jeonghan's embrace, he let it all out.

He buried his face further into Jeonghan's shoulder, his voice cracking as he spoke, "It's just- so much. Too much-"

"I know." Jeonghan whispered as he never stopped consoling the older as he tightened his arms around him, "Just don't hold back."

Seungcheol couldn't stop the tears from falling as Jeonghan's words and touch consoled him. It felt so good, so soothing to finally let go of the pain and frustration he had been carrying alone for so long.

His body shook with each sob, his voice raw and hoarse as he managed to speak, "I don't know how much more I can take, Jeonghan- I don't know how much more I can handle-"

"I'll try me best to not let anything come to you anymore." Jeonghan muttered, "Even if it means losing my own pride. I promise."

Seungcheol raised his head slightly to look at Jeonghan's face. The younger's steadfast determination and promise touched him deeply.

He wiped away the tears from his own face and looked at Jeonghan directly, his voice serious, "You don't have to sacrifice anything for me. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

"Don't worry about me or anyone. Worry about yourself." Jeonghan assured, "With all this happening, you have the rights to be selfish."

Seungcheol chuckled weakly as Jeonghan's words sank in. It was ironic, being told to be selfish after enduring so much because of others.

He leaned back against Jeonghan again, his head resting against the younger's chest.

"You know," he mumbled, his voice softer now, "I think this is the longest conversation I've had in months."

"I'm glad." Jeonghan stroked the older's hair again. His body was weak but still bulky as Jeonghan struggled to keep him entirely wrapped within his arms.

Seungcheol's body relaxed against Jeonghan, the exhaustion finally setting in. The older could feel the adrenaline leaving his body, replaced by tiredness and the raw ache of his wounds.

He let out a soft sigh as Jeonghan continued to stroke his hair, the rhythmic motion helping to calm his frayed nerves.

"How are you so good at this?" he mumbled, his voice almost slurred sleepily.

"At what?" Jeonghan asked.

Even in his sleepy state, Seungcheol managed to let out a low chuckle.

"This," he responded, gesturing faintly between them with his hand. "This whole- comforting and soothing thing."

"Did you forget that I'm a psychiatrist?" Jeonghan retorted.

Seungcheol chuckled softly again, nodding slightly. Even in his pain and exhaustion, Jeonghan's sassy responses made him smile.

"Right," he muttered. "The all-healing, all-knowing psychiatrist."

"Sleep." Jeonghan muttered.

Seungcheol's eyes were half-lidded, his body slowly succumbing to sleep. He mumbled something incoherent in reply, his voice thick with tiredness, and his body leaned more heavily against Jeonghan.

As Seungcheol slept, a number of questions lingered in Jeonghan's mind including the ones regarding his meet with Sunwoo.

But this was absolutely not the moment to ask them. He calmed his curiosity and waited for the next morning to start fresh again.

A/n : 3780 words damn-

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo