Chapter Text
The moment Wonwoo was born, he was destined for a different kind of life, not one that he expected or wanted.
From the day he could remember things, he never had a father. He could vaguely remember his 10 year old sister covering his ears and hiding him whenever his mother was home. Simply because his mother was crazy.
In every sense, Wonwoo knew from a young age that his mother brought random men home and they only left the next day. When she was unable to bring any home, she would lash it out on Wonwoo.
Slapping him
Burning him
Choking him
Wonwoo thought this was normal. He didn’t know,
it wasn’t normal to be slapped for no reason.
It wasn’t normal to be a punching bag
When 5 year old Wonwoo brought home a cat loitering outside his block, he never expected his mother to kill it.
His mother found satisfaction in killing the cat.
His mother enjoyed ripping out the guts.
It became a routine.
His mother would bring home stray animals and kill them, sometimes forcing Wonwoo into it.
When Wonwoo refused, it was the same old thing.
Slapped, Burned, Choked.
It was until Wonwoo was 11, that he realised it wasn’t normal.
No child was slapped because they refused to kill a cat.
Wonwoo was stuck.
He couldn’t leave.
His sister had enrolled him into a school which he managed to continue studying thanks to his scholarship.
But all changed when Wonwoo was 12.
“Please take me too” Wonwoo begged as his sister’s eyes turned cold as she shook her head while vigorously packing her bag.
“No, you are a burden” she said firmly before leaving him alone.
No, wonwoo was a burden.
That night, his mother came home and noticed his sister’s absence.
“That slut probably sold her body to someone, she is no different from me” she said before snorting a joint.
Wonwoo didn’t dare to say anything.
All changed when he was 16.
Wonwoo fell in love.
With his junior.
Kim Mingyu.
The oh-so-cheerful Kim Mingyu.
The popular boy Kim Mingyu.
The Kim Mingyu who was unreachable.
Kim Mingyu, who would claim that Wonwoo was his favourite hyung.
“Get the fuck out” Wonwoo’s mother shrieked after smashing a glass against his head. Thank god he managed to lighten the impact.
Allowing the blood to drip down, Wonwoo trudged down the streets, ignoring the stares and looks of confusion.
“Wonwoo hyung?” A familiar voice called out as Wonwoo froze.
Oh fuck, he wasn’t supposed to see me like that.
Regaining his senses, Wonwoo broke out into a sprint and ran , only to be held back in seconds.
“Oh my god! Why are you bleeding?” Mingyu asked in pure shock as he held Wonwoo’s hand causing the male to wince and blood to seep through his sweater.
Clearly the old injuries didn’t heal properly.
Frowning, Mingyu gently held onto the male and dragged him to the convenience store and began helping him apply medication.
It was kinda awkward.
Wonwoo bit his lips as Mingyu carefully placed a plaster on his forehead and then moved on to lift up his sleeve.
“It’s ok” Wonwoo assured as Mingyu glared at him, the older resigning to his fate and allowing Mingyu to roll up his sleeve.
“Hyung, what happened?” Mingyu asked seriously as he inspected all the scars, old and new.
Wonwoo just shook his head as he allowed Mingyu to apply the ointment on his wound.
“I’m following you home” Mingyu said firmly as he cleared up the trash, Wonwoo praying that his joke for a mother was not at home.
Welp, it didn’t work.
“Who are you?” Wonwoo’s mother asked as she smoked, Mingyu instinctively hiding Wonwoo behind him as his mother came closer.
“6000 dollars” Wonwoo’s mother said as Wonwoo walked past Mingyu.
“Stop it, Mingyu , you can go-”
“Shut up!” Wonwoo’s mother said as she slapped Wonwoo, before turning back to Mingyu.
“6000 dollars” Wonwoo’s mother repeated as Wonwoo tried to stand in front of Mingyu .
“If you don’t want to buy my son ,then leave”
“What do you mean” Mingyu interrupted as Wonwoo panicked.
“Nothing, Mingyu, leave” Wonwoo tried to push Mingyu out as Wonwoo’s mother screamed.
Oh Fuck.
“Get out!” Wonwoo said desperately as he saw his mother reaching for the ceramic vase.
“Its always bitches like you all” Wonwoo’s mother screamed as she threw the vase.
Wonwoo saw Mingyu’s eyes widen as the younger’s hand wrapped around his waist and turned him around, causing the vase to hit him instead.
Wincing, Mingyu opened his eyes as he reached out for his wallet.
“6000 dollars right” Mingyu said as Wonwoo’s mother played with the ceramic shreds.
“8000”
``Fine” Mingyu said.
“Wonwoo hyung, pack your bag” Mingyu said as Wonwoo shook his head.
“Pack your bag” Mingyu repeated as he held Wonwoo’s hand comfortingly.
“Here is 8000 dollars, but he leaves with me,” Mingyu said firmly as Wonwoo’s mother’s eyes lit up at the sight of the thick wad of cash.
“Take that burden with you for all you want,” Wonwoo’s mother said as she bit onto her cigarette and began counting the money.
“Let’s go” Mingyu smiled softly as he held onto Wonwoo’s hand and walked with him.
“Your back” Wonwoo said softly as Mingyu shook his head.
“It’s ok, my driver is here “ Mingyu rubbed Wonwoo’s knuckles and assured him that the family doctor would clean up the wounds.
…
“Oh dear! You must be wonwoo” Mingyu’s mother said as she looked at Wonwoo, heart hurting at the injuries on his forehead,
“After Doctor Ko is done with Mingyu, ask him to clean up this boy’s wound” Mingyu’s mother said as the servant nodded.
“I’m sorry for whatever had happened to you, but I hope you see this as a new beginning- where this is your home. After all, I have heard alot about you” Mrs Kim winked as Wonwoo blushed.
“Thank you, sorry for being a burden”
“No, you’re not - as long as you help Mingyu in his studies and make sure he actually does work” Mrs Kim said as Wonwoo nodded.
You’re not.
You’re not a burden.
Wonwoo is not a burden