"I said there are face cloths in the bottom drawer of the vanity, not under the sink," Soobin's voice carried a hint of frustration as he called out to Beomgyu, who was noisily searching through the bathroom cabinets.

Beomgyu's irritated response echoed back, "I still can't find them!" He frowned at his reflection in the mirror, frustration evident in his furrowed brows. The sound of approaching footsteps alerted him to Soobin's presence.

"You got clothes on?" Soobin inquired cautiously, his hand resting on the door handle.

Caught off guard, Beomgyu hesitated for a moment, realizing he had yet to retrieve a shirt and stood there in just pants and a tank top. "Yes," he replied, his voice masking his unease.

Soobin entered the room, heading straight for the vanity, where he forcefully pulled open the bottom drawer. His disappointment was palpable when he found no face cloths. "Oh," he said quietly. "They must all be in the wash or hanging up to dry."

Beomgyu sighed audibly, watching Soobin stand up with a sigh of resignation. "Sorry," he mumbled, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to help.

Soobin's eyes then travelled up to Beomgyu's face and down to his exposed arms and collar. Scars crisscrossed his skin, snaking out from beneath the tank top like a roadmap of pain and suffering.

"What?" Beomgyu asked, noticing the sudden look of sympathy and pity on Soobin's face. Soobin quickly averted his gaze, focusing on the tiled floor instead. His voice came out softly, laden with concern, "Are... do... do you have any open wounds, Beomgyu?"

It dawned on Beomgyu what Soobin was thinking, and he instinctively crossed his arms, shielding his damaged body. "No," he replied, his voice trembling slightly.

The look on his face betrayed his words. His eyes welled up with shame and pain, and his voice quivered, vulnerable and exposed.

"Alright then," Soobin eventually spoke, his tone gentle as he recognized Beomgyu's reluctance to open up. "Just quickly get dressed, eomma will be waiting for us."

The house loomed tall over the blonde male, he hadn't been back here for almost six years. His father's house was much larger than his petty apartment, but Soobin would always prefer his own home over whatever his father had claimed his mansion to be. It certainly was not a home, let alone a family home.

He reached out a rapped on the large double doors, with a reluctant and uneasy feeling swirling in his chest. Why did it have to be Songmin's dad and why did they have to meet here?

Footsteps rushed up to the door, so taking a step back Soobin braced himself to meet his mother. But, it was a male face that answered, checking first before welcoming the pair with open arms.

"You must be Soobin," he exclaimed, wanting to hug the said boy. Soobin, a bit startled, stepped back again. The man, presumably his mother's new fiance, opted to shake his hand instead.

Soobin accepted the gesture with an awkward smile, "Yep, nice to meet you."

The man grinned widely. "Likewise, I'm Euntae, and this is..." he gestured to Beomgyu.

"Oh, I'm Beomgyu," the boy chirped, shaking Euntae's hand enthusiastically.

"Ah, Beomgyu and Soobin, Songmin and Hyejin told me about you," he said absent-mindedly.

Soobin had to stop himself from grimacing when he heard his ex's name.

"Yeah," Beomgyu turned to Soobin with a grin, slowly but firmly intertwining their fingers, he gave him a small yank, pulling them closer together, "he's my boyfriend."

It sounded almost a threat but they were just keeping up appearances. Still, Soobin felt his heart skip a beat as Beomgyu declared such a relationship so confidently. He squeezed Beomgyu's hand in response, grateful for the support and reassurance. Euntae's warm smile remained, though there was a momentary pause as he processed the unexpected revelation.

Without another word he led the pair into the house, to the living room where Soobin's mother, Songmin and another male whom Soobin presumed to be Taehyun. A blonde boy with a strong build and a kind smile, a stark departure from his brother-someone with auburn hair who adorned a rotten expression most of the time. Most of the time indeed, as now he wore a smile, with a spiteful twinkle in his eye. He had damage he intended to do, and not just to Soobin, but to Beomgyu as well.

"Hi Soobin," he spoke condescendingly, "I'm sorry I forgot your new toy... boyfriend's name. We only met briefly."

Beomgyu cleared his throat.

"I wish it fucking stayed that way," he whispered in a sing-song voice.

Soobin stifled a laugh, impressed by Beomgyu's sour response.

"Beomgyu is fine," he answered Songmin eventually.

"Hey boys," a familiar voice called out from the kitchen.

"Eomma," Soobin called back, taking Beomgyu's hand in his and pulling him towards the other room.

The trio returned, each holding something contributing to dinner. Hyejin showed them where to place everything in the dining room and told them to take a seat.

"You boys," she called out to those left in the lounge, "dinner's ready!"

Taehyun and Euntae came quickly whereas Songmin dragged his feet a bit. They sat down around the oak table and waited quietly till they felt it was the right time to eat. Hyejin smiled happily, telling everyone with her eyes to dig in. After Euntae had dished himself and Hyejin up, Soobin set about doing the same for Beomgyu and himself. The various side dishes made their way around the table, and then everyone began to eat their meal in uncomfortable silence.

A soft feminine voice spoke up, "Wouldn't you boys like something to drink?"

Taehyun glanced up from his food, hurriedly trying to finish his mouthful. "Sure, thanks."

Euntae laughed, "You can get the drinks boy. Don't make Hyejin do it."

Taehyun nodded, "Does anyone else want a glass of something?"

"Yes Taehyun-ah," Songmin smugly smiled.

"Yes thank you," Soobin replied, "would you like one too Beom?"

Beomgyu grinned brightly.

"All right," Taehyun exited the room.

The evening progressed awkwardly. Euntae did nothing but cater to his fiance's every need the entire time. It wouldn't have been weird if he wasn't so eager to impress all the time, at least that's how it seemed to Soobin.

Taehyun kept to himself, his eyes glued to his phone keeping him from engaging in any conversation and on top of that, he was absolutely useless at carrying one on despite how much Soobin tried.

Beomgyu couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water as he watched these awkward interactions play out. He alone was already completely unaware of the complexities surrounding Soobin's family dynamics and his past relationship with Songmin. And now, he was forced to engage with these odd people.

Songmin, being the confident and somewhat arrogant jerk he was, couldn't resist making snide comments and subtle jabs at Soobin, seemingly relishing in the discomfort of the situation.

"Oh Bin," Songmin remarked with an exaggerated sweetness, "you always did have a taste for the exotic, didn't you?" He cast a pointed glance at Beomgyu, who was oblivious to the implications.

"You already pointed that out," Soobin said through gritted teeth, shooting the older a furrowed glare.

Songmin's father noticed, "C'mon boys, no need to be like that."

As Songmin made his initial snide comment about Soobin's "tastes," Beomgyu blinked, his eyes betraying a haunting lack of comprehension. "Tastes?" he repeated, his voice carrying a note of confusion.

Soobin, sitting next to him, offered a reassuring smile and gently whispered an explanation, "It's... a figure of speech, Beomgyu. Don't worry about it."

Soobin's mother cleared her throat, attempting to steer the conversation in a less contentious direction. "Speaking of trying new things, Beomgyu, have you travelled much?"

Beomgyu cocked his head to the side, glancing at Soobin, the look in his eyes asking for help. Soobin shook his head ever so slightly in response.

"No, I've never actually left... here," Beomgyu smiled at Hyejin, hoping she couldn't see through it.

"A homebody I see," she observed.

Beomgyu nodded with a weird smile. Yes, a homebody... whatever that's supposed to be.

Soobin slid his hand under the table and patted Beomgyu's thigh softly, giving him a comforting glance. "You're doing well," he mouthed, turning the boy's smile genuine before he went to help out in the kitchen.

"I'm just gonna go to the bathroom before we leave," Beomgyu said, standing up from his seat at the table and dusting down his pants.

Hyejin smiled up at him and nodded.

"Soobin?" He called out.

No reply.

The sound of clambering dishes and rushing water met his ears, meaning Soobin more than likely had not heard him over the noise he was creating while washing the dishes.

"It's alright," Hyejin said softly, "Songmin-ah can you please show our guest the bathroom?"

A sinister grin crossed Songmin's face, whilst Beomgyu's expression fell dull, unamused that he'd have to interact with as nasty a person as Songmin once again.

"Go on," Hyejin ushered Songmin and Beomgyu towards the door.

Beomgyu gave a forced grin and followed Songmin at the heel. He led him down the large and spacious hall. Beomgyu couldn't help but wonder why Soobin's house wasn't as big as this one.

"Here you go," Songmin opened a large white door that revealed a bright, pristine and tiled bathroom that looked the size of the lounge they had been in earlier.

"Thanks," Beomgyu said quietly. He went in and shut the door behind him, giving himself a few moments to take in the space before him. The room smelt of vanilla, familiar. Like Soobin.

It looked almost brand new.

He did what he had to do and flushed the toilet. Once he finished washing his hands, he looked around for a towel. Then came a knock on the door.

"Soobin?" Beomgyu said, eyeing the door handle. "Is that you?"

A quiet hum could be heard, thinking it was who he thought it to be, the boy unlocked the door only to be met with a smirking Songmin.

"You're not Soobin," Beomgyu deadpanned.

"We stating the obvious now?" Songmin pushed his way into the bathroom. "Well, you're not normal. I can't believe Bin thought I wouldn't notice."

"Don't call him that. You know he doesn't like it."

"Oh I'm sorry Beom, I meant to say Soob."

Songmin laughed. Beomgyu seething with anger was amusing to him in some twisted, messed up way.

"You know," Songmin pushed the door shut with his foot before locking it again, "maybe I could find out why you're so special to him."

"Maybe you could fuck off."

"Feisty much," Songmin raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Bitchy much," Beomgyu retorted, folding his arms across his chest. "Get out, before I call Soobin."

The older couldn't help but chuckle. "You really think he loves you. Pathetic, I must say."

"That's a bit much coming from you. You're his ex after all, and yet you're still going after him. That's pathetic."

Beomgyu's face soured, and he spoke those words with malice. He took a step forward and met the latter's gaze. "Now get the fuck out."

Songmin almost took a step back. Beomgyu seemed a little simple, but he definitely had a quick tongue on him. "Hey, hey, hey," he spoke calmly, "just a few minutes. I just wanna... get to know you."

Beomgyu faltered when Songmin edged closer to him. He started backing away, till his back met the shower's glass frame.

"What are you doing?" he stuttered, averting his gaze. "Leave me alone."

Songmin placed his firm hand on the latter's shoulder and shushed him with his finger. "Just imagine I'm Soobin."

"Soobin wouldn't do this."

"Just be quiet. Trust me." Songmin's grip tightened, his other hand making its way to Beomgyu's waist, holding him in place. It was then that his pale and fragile skin became marred by jagged splinters when Songmin's touch had been.

"I'd never fucking trust you," Beomgyu said loudly, "Soob-mmphf!" Songmin shoved a hand over the boys mouth before he could yell another word.

"What did I fucking say?! You freak!"

Beomgyu shook his head vigorously, trying to escape his grasp by tugging at Songmin's arms. He tried to scream, but he barely made a sound. The muffled struggle echoed in the tiled room, but Beomgyu's cries for help were stifled by Songmin's hand. He wished he had the strength to fight back, to resist the cruel invasion of his personal space. But the weight against him was overwhelming, and fear gripped him like a vice.

"Shut up!" The older hissed through gritted teeth, pushing his forearm up against Beomgyu's neck, keeping him backed up to the shower. The latter felt Songmin's hand tightening on his shoulder, the pressure on his neck escalating as it was beginning to crack.

The sounds of breakage meet Songmin's ears. "What the fuck are you?"

Tears cascaded down Beomgyu's face.

"Exotic doesn't even begin to describe it," Songmin said, eyeing the latter's shattered body in a way that made Beomgyu feel dirty.

Black oozed from his broken skin.

It was like the lab all over again. He couldn't run, he couldn't hide. Everyone's hands all over him, and he could do nothing about it. More tears fell as he closed his eyes, unable to bear the humiliation any longer.

He wanted Soobin—not this.

Not this.

a/n: helloooo. sorry this took forever to update. i haven't had the motivation for ages, but today i finally cleaned up the chapter and published it. i had been working on this and cold over my vacation, but now school has started again and things are very hectic.

anyways, how has everyone been?

i'm going to my brother's wedding this weekend, i'm really excited for it :)

i hope you enjoyed this chapter, please vote and comment, i'll try to reply to them.

xo, huru <3