His Protector (Taekook)
Escape
Jungkook looks into the mirror.
He feels numb as he looks upon the pitiful reflection of himself.
His face is full of cuts and bruises.
His left eye is swollen shut, an ugly shade of purple and yellow.
His lip is busted and swollen.
He wants to cry, but what would be the use?
He's cried all he can cry.
He cried as he begged his fiancé, Yudok, not to do this to him but all it got Jungkook was more brutality.
Crying wouldn't help him escape this nightmare; taking an action would.
Jungkook tiptoes back into the bedroom and gathers together some clothing and all the things that meant a lot to him, things he couldn't bear to part with.
He looks at the form of his fiancé, his terrorizer, in their bed sleeping like a baby, sleeping as if he didn't just beat Jungkook within an inch of his life.
Jungkook could choose to retaliate while he is at his most vulnerable, but he just wants to leave, to be as far away from the man as possible.
Jungkook rifles through Yudok's pants pocket and takes his wallet and car keys.
He then sneaks out the door and makes his way to the bedroom at the end of the hall-- Taehyung's room.
To Jungkook's surprise, the tiger cub hybrid is not asleep despite how late it is.
Jungkook can make out his form sitting on the bed, hugging his knees and shivering.
Taehyung
Jungkookie hyung?
The little tiger hybrid calls out, holding back a cry as Jungkook approaches him.
Jungkook
Yes, baby, it's me.
When Jungkook is close enough, Taehyung puts his arms around him and squeezes tight.
Although it hurts Jungkook, he would never push the hybrid away.
Taehyung
I was so scared, hyung.
Taehyung
I thought you would die.
He whispers while choking on a sob. It breaks Jungkook's heart to see Taehyung so distraught.
He shouldn't have to witness something like that.
Jungkook smooths his hands over the little hybrid's back to calm him.
Jungkook
Everything will be fine.
Jungkook pulls back and wipes the tiny hybrid's tears away.
Jungkook
I have to leave from here, cub.
Jungkook
Do you want to come with me?
Taehyung shakes his head frantically.
Jungkook
You have to pack your things.
Jungkook
Only take what's the most important, things you can't live without.
Taehyung hurries from the bed and packs his things with Jungkook's help.
After they are done, Jungkook takes Taehyung's hand and they leave out the door.
Jungkook gets into the driver seat of Yudok's car, as Taehyung gets into the passenger seat.
Taehyung puts on his seatbelt as Jungkook starts the car.
Then they're backing out of the driveway and heading down the street with the hellhole they called home, as well as Yudok, now behind them.
A Call
The sun peaks over the horizon as the car speeds down the the road.
Jungkook glances over at the little tiger hybrid who is fast asleep in the passenger seat.
A genuine smile graces Jungkook's lips.
He feels free; light, excited to start a new life with Taehyung far away from the tyranny of Yudok.
He doesn't even know where he's going, but he remains optimistic.
Jungkook's stomach suddenly growls. There's no fast food restaurants open this early but fortunately for him, he sees a sign for a convenience store a few miles up the road.
He drives there and parks.
Jungkook
Wake up, little one.
Jungkook says softly as he shakes the little tiger hybrid's shoulder.
Taehyung slowly opens his eyes and looks around.
Jungkook
Come on, let's go inside.
Jungkook
You can use the restroom, and I'll buy us some food.
Jungkook and Taehyung walk into the store hand in hand.
Taehyung hurriedly lets go and scurries off towards the restroom.
Jungkook picks up a few sandwiches, drinks, and their favorite snacks and goes up to the counter to pay.
The store clerk looks at Jungkook with a look between astonishment and pity as he rings him up.
Then Jungkook suddenly remembers how badly he had been beaten.
No wonder the man is looking at him that way.
Taehyung emerges from the restroom as Jungkook finishes paying for the items.
He hands the bag to the hybrid.
Jungkook
Take this to the car.
Jungkook
I'll be right out in a moment.
Taehyung grabs the bag and goes outside. Jungkook watches until he is inside the car.
He then turns to the store clerk.
Jungkook
Sir, may I use your phone please?
Jungkook's smartphone had been destroyed long ago during one of Yudok's fits of jealousy and since then Jungkook wasn't allowed to get another one.
He essentially became isolated from all his family and friends, anyone who wasn't Yudok.
The older man nods before leading Jungkook to the office area in the back where the phone is.
Jungkook bows slightly even though it hurts.
The man shakes his head before leaving Jungkook alone to make his call.
Jungkook picks up the phone from its cradle and dials one of the few numbers that he knows by heart.
Just when it seems like no one would answer, a drowsy voice comes from the other line.
Kindness
Jungkook
Hey, hyung. It's me.
Hoseok
Is that really you?
Hoseok
Where have you been?!
Hoseok
I haven't spoken to you in ages!
Hoseok
I've literally been worried sick.
Jungkook
I'm sorry, hyung.
Jungkook
Yudok kept me isolated.
Hoseok
I had a feeling that he was no good.
Hoseok
I should've never let him take you away.
Jungkook
It's not your fault, hyung.
Jungkook
You couldn't have known.
Jungkook
What matters now is that I've gotten away from him.
Jungkook
I'm at a convenience store outside Icheon.
Jungkook
I was wondering if you would let us crash at your place for a little while.
Jungkook
He's... my hybrid.
Jungkook conveniently leaves out the fact that Taehyung is Yudok's hybrid whom he had taken with him.
The details don't matter.
Hoseok
You know that you're always welcome here.
Hoseok
My home is your home.
Jungkook
Thank you, hyung.
Jungkook could feel the tears welling up in his eyes.
Jungkook's stomach growls again.
Jungkook
Well, hyung, I have to go now.
Jungkook
I'll see you in a few hours.
Hoseok
Okay, Jungkook, I'll be waiting.
Jungkook hangs up and leaves the office. He makes his way back into the store area.
Jungkook
Thank you again, sir.
Store Clerk
Don't mention it.
Jungkook pulls out a few more bills.
Jungkook
I'd like to get some gas too, sir.
The man shakes his head, not accepting the money.
Store Clerk
Just go ahead and fill up your tank.
Tears well up in Jungkook's eyes again at the second display of kindness he has been shown today.
Jungkook is heading out the store when the store clerk calls out to him.
Store Clerk
Here, grab a few more sandwiches for the road.
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