Chapter Text
His dark hair felt overwhelmingly too shiny under the dim lighting. Usually Haechan would admire his silk-like shine and giddily remember the compliments he would receive over his boyfriend’s hair. He's got such lovely hair. What shampoo does your boyfriend use? It must be so soft. It was soft . Haechan would smile and hold his face against it as they would hold each other close and whisper loving words to each other; when they would promise each other forever.
Haechan’s stomach twists as he sickly remembers forever, his eyes closing shut while he lets out a whimper. He blinks up at his alleged forever, who had a handful of his hair tightly gripped into the hands that used to gently caress his face, his hands, his waist… Haechan attempts to swallow the uncomfortable lump in his throat and a knock on the door resonates throughout the hollow apartment. He gasps as his boyfriend glances at the door and frown deepens. He had plans with Jaemin, Jisung and Renjun today. More knocking sounds at the door accompanied by a “ Lee Haechan, you better not be getting my shirt dirty in there! ” and giggles from Renjun, while Jisung whined “ Ah, hyung..” .
Jaemin’s shirt.
Jaemin’s shirt that is catching his dripping blood. Jaemin’s shirt that has been wrinkled from the tight bunching and pushing and pulling. Jaemin’s shirt that had started this argument. But it wasn’t really Jaemin’s shirt that was the problem. More voices follow this time and Haechan’s eyes open wider.
“ Maybe he’s not here, guys? ”
“ Yeah, what if he decided to meet us there? Did he text or something? ”
Haechan's eyes filled with new tears as horror overtook his body. He got down on his knees, wincing at the pain that came from his head. He brought his hands together and cried out a thick “please.” He had nothing else to say. Strong, independent Lee Donghyuck had been brought to his knees and made to beg. The defiant, brave Lee Donghyuck has been reduced to shivers and terror, and is pleading with a man. This only seems to madden Jeonghun, his boyfriend, further.
“Shut up!” He yells. Haechan doesn’t know who he’s talking to this time – him or the boys behind the door. He flinches nonetheless.
“ Jeonghun-hyung? Is that you? ”
“ Hey, man, I know Jaemin’s loud and all, but that’s kinda mean..”
“ Shut up, Huang Injun. ”
More knocking.
“Please,” Haechan tries again. His tears flowed freely. He doesn’t particularly know what he’s asking for, but he chants it like a mantra. “Please, stop. I’m sorry.” is all he can say. Jeonghun seems to snap out of his anger as fear seems to take over his features. His grip on Haechan’s hair loosens, but his hand remains firmly placed in his hair to maintain dominance; not that Haechan would be able to flip the scenario. What once made Haechan feel safe — Jeonghun’s broader shoulders, bigger arms, taller frame — now reminded him of how much weaker and smaller he is compared to Jeonghun, how easy it is for him to ruin him.
“Hey, Chan-i, we’re getting worried out here..”
Haechan doesn't need to look up to know that Jeonghun’s panicking now, that he’s come back to reality, realising his reality.
“Hyuck,” he says choking, “Hyuck, I’m so sorry.” He lets go of Haechan’s hair and steps back as if it's burnt him. Haechan can only whimper in response as his body gives out. Jeonghun gasps and rushes to grab his limp body off the floor. He pulls Haechan up, more gently this time which pains Haechan more than any of the cuts and bruises which now burn his skin. He leans Haechan against the wall and makes sure he’s balancing before backing up. With one last glance, he shakes his head and makes his way to climb out the window that leads to the apartment's fire escape.
Haechan watches as his head finally disappears and has half the mind to open the door for his friends. He second guesses it and decides to text them for a rain check, not wanting them to see him in this state. The door slams open as soon as Haechan reaches the coffee table where his phone was. Renjun, Jaemin and Jisung burst in looking around frantically until their eyes finally land on Haechan.
A loud gasp leaves Renjun’s mouth as Jaemin drops the food he’d been and Jisung all but screams. Haechan feels new tears begin to well up in his eyes. Tired of pretending to be strong, he lets the tears fall freely. A man, who Haechan can faintly register as Jaemin’s new boyfriend, and another that he could not recognise make their way into the apartment after hearing Jisung’s scream. The last thing Haechan remembers before falling into the arms of Jaemin is Renjun running to the open window and shouting out in anger.