Taeyong wasn't able to talk to his mother after that. His mother just stared at him before he ran into his bedroom and threw himself on his bed. His own parent looked like she was judging her own son. Probably everyone around him judges him, even if he does good things.

His friends and his own parents are probably thinking that he's crazy. Then he might be crazy for helping people. They don't understand Taeyong that well. Though people do generally describe him as kind, his friends will probably describe him as selfless, and his family might describe him as a person who has a big heart.

The boy just thought he was well-loved that he wants someone to feel like that as well.

Right now, he's staring at his ceiling, admitting that he doesn't really know Jaehyun but something just tells him to be there for him. That guy probably just needs someone who can empathize. Taeyong wondered if Jaehyun thinks differently of himself. Jaehyun looked like a strong guy, inside and out. The memory of seeing him cry was still stuck in his mind.

It is said that Jaehyun has experienced a traumatizing event since childhood, which formed his fear and avoidance of people when he grew up later on. Just like the core of an onion, the older it grows, the thicker the outer skins get. If there is anyone who tries to approach and dig deep into the inner world, 'irritating fumes' will be released to stop them. (translated from the Viet. ver)

But no matter how thick, harsh and unapproachable that crust is. Deep inside, Jaehyun is still just a soul carrying the same old wounds. A soul that craves for understanding more than anyone. (translated from the Viet. ver)

What was he thinking?

The next day, Taeyong wore his casual wear to school. He already checked if he has everything in his bag before he went downstairs and goes straight into the dining room. He wanted to bribe his sister to drive him to school today. He didn't want to be in an awkward, quiet atmosphere with his mother anyway.

But he had to eat breakfast with her. So, that's great.

"Good morning, Yong," his sister greeted.

He should ask her after breakfast.

Taeyong smiled at her and nodded as he sat down on his chair. He didn't bother looking up front, his mother was seated infront of him. The boy didn't want to change seats with his sister, it would be obvious that he's upset. But he knows his mother knows that he is anyway.

"Good morning, Yongie."

His mother softly greeted. Taeyong didn't look back but he could hear her smiling from it. She didn't really expect him to greet back but she does know that Taeyong can't be upset for a long time. A few seconds, they heard fast footsteps and looked by the door to see their father in a hurry.

"I'm sorry, I won't be able to have breakfast. I'm running late for the meeting," he uttered.

Their mother nodded, "It's alright. We'll see you later dinner, okay?"

"Yes, doctor Lee. I'll see you later, kids," he said, ruffling both of his grown-ups' heads before he exited their home.

Then his sister hummed, "Oh, I also have to go--"

"Where are you going?" Taeyong suddenly asked which made his sister to feel confused.

"Why?"

"...N-Nothing?"

Then she shrugged, "I'll be with my friends. I'll come home before dinner, mom."

"Okay, okay. Have a safe trip then," their mother uttered.

"Bye, little bro. Have fun in class," his older sister said before she went out, leaving Taeyong with his mother.

The boy started thinking if he should just go ahead. He'll just go and take a taxi instead. His sister just knew that him and their mother has some beef so she went out and did it on purpose. Taeyong just sighed and decided to go before she talks, but it was too late, he guessed.

"Taeyong, you can't stay upset forever just because I told you--"

"To stay away from Jaehyun. Yeah, I get it now."

His mother is a psychologist. Why does it look like she knows less?

She hummed and had a small smile on her face while looking at her sulking son, "It isn't your responsibility to take care of him, right?"

"Yeah..."

Then it took her a few seconds before she spoke. The quiet atmosphere was killing Taeyong.

"Will you promise me to look after yourself while you look after Jaehyun for me?"

Taeyong's eyes widened then looked at his mother. She looked serious but Taeyong doesn't want to jump into the conclusion that his mother is letting him befriend the guy.

"Wait, what?"

She softly chuckled, "His aunt needs to go for work so Jaehyun has no one to be with in person, and she actually agreed on the idea of you looking after his nephew. Also, she remembered you handing out some cookies for Jaehyun."

"Is...Is this a trap? Mom, I swear..."

"You don't want to?"

Taeyong's lips became a wide smile, "Really?"

"Will you promise?"

"Yes! I will!"

"Jaehyun, I'm going."

The first time Jaehyun heard those words had him in a serious breakdown. The thought of someone leaving him makes him want to die. He never wants to be left out, because of the thought of his mother coming back. He was scared of his mother after what happened.

Jaehyun just grew up getting used to it. His aunt goes to different places just for a good pay, and the man couldn't even do anything. He felt like a burden. Sometimes, he asks himself if his aunt thinks he's also a burden.

But it was the opposite. His aunt never let him feel he is a big hindrance to her. She took care of him, when she should be in a family right now. She treated Jaehyun like her own child and Jaehyun started to consider their house as his home, a safe place.

But he's still upset whenever he's left behind.

"Doctor Lee called just now and someone is willing to look after you," she uttered.

"I don't need a babysitter," Jaehyun said.

His aunt smiled softly, "Be nice, and he's not a babysitter. Treat him as someone you can lean on to, okay?"

"You just had to bother someone and tell them to take me as their responsibili--"

"No, he volunteered."

Jaehyun didn't reply as he was left speechless to hear someone wanting, volunteered, to be with him. Although it doesn't really say much to a normal person but to someone like Jaehyun, it meant so much to them. But Jaehyun doesn't know how to appreciate someone, apparently.

All he's good at is to push people away.

"Let's go. You'll be able to meet him. He's in the same university as you," his aunt said.

Both of them walked out of their apartment and went into their car. Jaehyun sat on the passenger seat while his aunt drove him to the university. He wasn't excited, in all honesty, he doesn't even know what to feel about a stranger probably getting paid just to be with him. He was very much aware of his condition but the only person he could trust is his aunt.

He unfortunately gets in trouble when it comes to trusting people. He wants to feel like he's home.

He hasn't felt that, until now.

"Come on. We'll meet him, together," his aunt uttered, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Jaehyun nodded and stepped out of their vehicle, but his peaceful life got disturbed by someone he met the other day.

"Jaehyunnie!"

The boy came running towards them with a lady walking behind, following him. Suddenly, Jaehyun's hand was pulled and held by the boy with a big smile on his face.

"T-Taeyong, he doesn't like--"

"See? I told you I was tasked to take care of you!" Taeyong uttered, cutting off his mother's words.

Jaehyun has his eyes looking right back at the boy, almost panicking about how close Taeyong's face was. But he couldn't deny how much he was able to stare at the boy because of his smile.

His smile looked really genuine just because he saw Jaehyun.

No one has ever looked happy seeing him.

A/N: please tell me if my chapters are  c r i n g e

(fortunately) i never had any panic/anxiety attacks, depression or was diagnosed with a mental illness,, and i usually write with experience (except smut) so it would be really nice if i got some feedback :") either i offended anyone or i'm doing something SO wrong that it's bothering or anything

also, sending virtual hugs to everyone who's having a hard time mentally :) even if it's hard, try to reach out to people, even to me <3 you truly matter!!

Love lots ♥