JUNGKOOK POV

The next day, Jungkook found himself unable to stop thinking about how much he wanted to see Taehyung. He searched the halls high and low for him, with no luck. With a sigh, he turned to Yoongi, who seemed to be distracted himself.

"Yoongi hyung, have you seen Taehyung today?"

Yoongi shrugged. "Maybe he finally learned to take a different route to class so you wouldn't beat his ass like you usually do."

Sehun chuckled at that. "I'm sure we'll see him later today. He's probably making out with that Jimin kid. Let's go, class is about to start."

Jungkook walked in to history and took his seat. The bell rang and the teacher started teaching class, but Jungkook glanced at Taehyung's desk only to find that the older wasn't there. Where the hell is he?

TAEHYUNG POV

Taehyung lay on his bed clutching his stomach. After crying in the alleyway yesterday, Taehyung refused to go home until his eyes were no longer puffy. If his dad saw that he had been crying, he would've been sorry. He knew he couldn't go home with signs of any weakness. But of course this caused Taehyung to be out past his ten pm curfew. He had walked into his house. He heard snoring from the living room and tried to sneak past his dad to get to his bedroom. He was in the doorway of his room when his dad spoke up, turning on the lamp next to him.

"Where the fuck were you and why are you late?"

Taehyung took a step back. "I-I was out w-working on a school project with my partner. I-I swear." Why do I always stutter? It just makes me look weak.

"Who the hell would want to work with you? You don't mean anything to anyone. Now, you know the rules. If you miss curfew, what happens?"

"One kick per ten minutes," Taehyung said softly.

"And how many minutes late were you?"

"45 minutes, sir."

"Exactly. That's five kicks. On your knees."

Taehyung shook as he got on his knees. He could feel the tears coming but he was all dried up from his sobfest earlier. Plus, crying would just lead to more punishment.

"One," his father counted as he swung his leg, hitting Taehyung in the stomach. The younger winced in pain, but he wasn't allowed to whine out loud. He had to take the pain "like a man", as his father would say.

"Two." Taehyung had to hold himself back from groaning in pain. This went on for three more kicks. Taehyung was using all of his strength to stay upright. "Now, son, hopefully you'll remember the rules next time."

Taehyung stood up, his legs shaking, barely able to hold himself up. The pain in his stomach made him want to curl up into a ball and cry. His father took a step closer to him. Taehyung could smell the alcohol on him. He reeked of it all the time.

"Go to your room and stay there until I tell you to come out."

Ten hours later and his father still hadn't let Taehyung out of his room. He knew he missed school. He shouldn't have lost his control yesterday. If he hadn't started crying, he wouldn't be in so much pain.

Ding!

Taehyung's phone beeped, causing the boy to flinch in surprise. People rarely texted him. He would receive an occasional text from Jin, Namjoon, Jimin, or Hoseok, but even they were inconsistent. He checked his phone.

Jungkook: Taehyung, we need to work on the project. Meet me at the cafè again at 4 pm.

   Taehyung: I can't.

Taehyung's hands were shaking.

Jungkook: What? Why? I noticed you weren't in class today. Where are you? How were we supposed to finish the damn project if your gay ass can't even come to class?

     Taehyung: I'm not feeling well. I should hopefully be back at school tomorrow, we can work on it then.

Jungkook: Whatever, Taehyung. This is your grade too, but if I don't pass this class because you don't want to get your dick out of some guy's ass, then I will hurt you, got it?

                 Taehyung: I'll see you tomorrow.

He threw his phone to the ground before rolling over and closing his eyes. He wasn't able to sleep much last night because his stomach was in so much pain. He was almost asleep when his bedroom door opened.

"Taehyung, you can come out now. And if you dare be late again, you know what will happen."

Taehyung nodded and watched as his father walked off. He needed to get out of the house. He picked his phone up off the ground, groaning in pain.

Taehyung: Actually, I can meet you at the cafè at 4 PM.

      Jungkook: Good choice.

Taehyung checked the time. 3:17 PM. He got out of bed, his legs still feeling shaky. He didn't get to eat dinner yesterday because he wasn't allowed. He walked to his closet and threw on some skinny jeans and a red hoodie. After combing his hair, he exited his room. His dad was already passed out on the couch. Of course, he thought.

He took his time walking to the cafè, occasionally leaning against a wall for support. His legs were wobbly, his eyes frequently begging to close and bring him the sleep he so desired.

Finally, he walked through the doors at 4:05 and saw Jungkook at the same table as yesterday. He slowly walked over and sat down, wincing at the pain in his stomach, despite his best efforts to hide it.

"Dude you look awful." Jungkook stated, laughing.

"Let's just work on the project, okay?"

Jungkook shrugged. "Not in the mood for sassing me today? Alright. Let's get to work."

About thirty minutes later, Taehyung's stomach started hurting even more than before. He tried to concentrate on what Jungkook was saying, but the pain was too much. He could feel sweat forming on his forehead. His head was pounding. His breaths grew shorter, making spots appear on the edges of his vision.

"Taehyung? Are you even listening to me?" Jungkook waved a hand in front of Taehyung trying to get his attention.

"Uh y-yes, I just need to go to the bathroom. I'll be back." Taehyung stood up but his vision immediately became blurry. He saw three Jungkook's, and he saw a flash of more than one Jin behind the counter before he completely blacked out.

{edited}