As Yoongi drove to the office, his thoughts drifted back to me. He was usually so composed, but today, something was different. He replayed my reaction when he'd mentioned punishment—scared, almost vulnerable. I didn't mean to frighten her, he thought. Just a reminder…a warning.
A flicker of worry crossed his face. He hated that I'd been in danger. He was caught between frustration and fear. He clenched his jaw. When I get home, she'll understand.This isn't about control—it's about protecting her.
At the office, Yoongi went through his routine, but his mind kept slipping back to me. How close she came… The worry deepened. I won't let this go.
Back home, I paced the room. The thought of going to college felt overwhelming. I wasn't ready to go out alone.
I typed a message to him. "Can I please stay at home today? I don't want to go to college." I hesitated. Yoongi would be more frustrated if I just skipped.
Yoongi was in a meeting when his phone vibrated. He discretely checked the notification. Her name… A pang of concern.
"No, you need to go to college. You can't stay at home all the time. But if you're nervous, I'll call Hoseok, and he'll pick you up and walk you to class, okay?" he typed.
His phone buzzed again.
"Do I have to go to college? Can't I please stay at home?"
Yoongi's brow furrowed. He knew I sometimes got anxious about going alone. But she needs to keep up with her studies. His thumb hovered over the send button. She'd be so relieved if I said yes, he thought. But then what? She'd just try it again. He remembered the last time he'd given in…and how much he'd regretted it.
"Yes, you need to go," he replied. "You've been skipping classes too many times already. Hoseok is on his way to pick you up. No further discussion."
"Okay 😞" the reply came.
"Don't pout, Baby," he texted back. "I know you don't enjoy college, but it's important. Hoseok will keep an eye on you. Be a good girl."
Yoongi sighed, running a hand through his hair. There was a strange pull in his chest as he thought about me heading to class alone, feeling reluctant and probably a little downhearted. Part of him wondered if he should've let it go, let me skip this one time, but he shook his head, trying to push the thought away.
I clutched my phone. Last night…the man's grin…his voice…How can Yoongi expect me to go out there? I typed one more message. "Please, Yoongi? Just this once? I'll catch up. Please let me stay home today?"
Yoongi read the message, his thumb hovering over the call button. Her voice…that little tremor…Should I assure her that everything will be fine? No, not now!If I give in too easily…she'll never learn. No, she needs to learn. He stared at the message determined to stay firm even as his heart ached.
"You know I would if I could, but you need to go, Baby," he typed. "Hoseok is almost there. Be brave for me, okay? I'll be proud of you."
I read his words, I felt the sting of disappointment mixed with a reluctant acceptance. Sighing softly, I got up from the bed, changed, packed my bag, and headed to the door, already knowing Hoseok Oppa would be there soon.
Hoseok arrived, his smile lighting up his face. "Hey, Kiddo! Yoongi called. Told me to make sure you're okay. Ready to go?"
"Yes, Oppa," I mumbled, pouting.
He chuckled. "Aw, why the pouty face?" He ruffled my hair. "C'mon. Let's get you to college. You've got this."
I followed him quietly. Not just dreading college…dreading facing the world…Yoongi won't let me hide forever. Hoseok's presence made the world feel a little less heavy.
"Oppa…" I started.
"Hm?" he replied.
"Why is Yoongi always like this? Scolding me…spanking me…It's not fair."
Hoseok rubbed the back of his neck. "Yoongi…he's just…really protective. Maybe too much. He cares about you. In his own…unique way. It might seem strict—okay, really strict—but it's because he's so worried. You're family to him. He doesn't want anything bad to happen to you."
I frowned. "It still feels unfair."
"I know," Hoseok admitted. He crouched slightly. "I get it. Yeah, it can feel overwhelming, but trust me, he loves you more than you realise. He just doesn't always know how to show it. I've called him out on it. But you mean everything to him. And that…that makes him scared sometimes. Scared that one mistake…could take you away from him."
I stayed quiet.
Hoseok stood up straight and grinned. "Alright, enough of the heavy talk. Wanna hear something funny?"
"What?"
"Did I ever tell you about the time Yoongi tripped over his own feet while trying to act cool?"
I blinked, then laughed.
"Yup," Hoseok said, grinning. "Mr. Cool and Composed himself, flat on his face during dance practice. Funniest thing ever. He turned redder than a tomato."
I couldn't stop laughing.
Hoseok grinned. "See? That's more like it!"
I rolled my eyes. "I can't believe you told me that! Yoongi would kill you."
"Pfft, let him try," Hoseok said. "He may be scary, but I've got my own moves." He demonstrated an exaggerated karate chop.
"You know," he said, his tone softening, "Yoongi might seem tough, but deep down, he's just a softie. You'll be fine, Kiddo. Just take things one step at a time."
At the college gates, Hoseok leaned in. "Oh, and if anyone gives you trouble, just let me know. I'll show them my best moves."
"Thanks, Oppa," I said, smiling.
"Anytime, Kiddo. You're stronger than you think. Now go in there and show the world what you're made of."
I stood at the gates, my heart pounding. I glanced back at Hoseok, who gave me a nod. "You've got this," he mouthed. I took a deep breath and stepped forward.
I nodded, walking through the gates. Hoseok's words stayed with me.