"The test results are in," Mrs. Bright said flatly, slamming the sheets on the table as she watched each of them in the classroom.

"You all did terribly, and I'm not happy with any of you."

She sighed, her frustration visible in her voice, and barked at the students as they approached her to collect their answer sheets.

His heart was pounding furiously as he awaited his turn to be insulted. He tried to relax as he watched Jenny mouth something at him from the front bench she was sitting on.

As he heard his name called, he became agitated. He pushed back his chair and rose from his desk, taking steady steps towards the teacher, who had her gaze fixed on the sheets in front of her, inspecting them.

"You could have done much better. 69 percent " She studied him through the rim of her reading glasses, stretching out the paper towards him.

I passed it. Eomma, on the other hand, is not going to be pleased.

He sat there, clutching the sheets in his hand, staring into it, the numbers swirling around him, the voices inside his head taking over once again.

You're so pathetic and worthless.

...

He caved in his hideout on the abandoned floor, slamming the door shut behind him. It was very quiet. He shuts his eyes and feels a deep heaviness in his stomach. His hands are shaking uncontrollably now, a metallic taste forming on his tastebuds as he bites his lips in an attempt to control his sobs.

Unwanted.

Pretty useless.

Ragged breaths rip from his lips, tears stream down his cheeks. They made their way down his smooth skin.

His mind is clouded with negative thoughts as he curls himself and cries harder than he has in years. He wishes to be relieved of the internal pain. Seokjin can't help himself when his fists slam into his thighs, punching with all his might.

Loud smacks reverberate throughout the room, drowning out his sobs. With each punch, his legs ache, but the pain feels good. Almost liberating. It takes his mind off the emotional pain he's carrying.

No one here needs you, and no one wants you. You should leave.

He doesn't hear the creak of the door opening, or the soft socked footsteps approaching him. However, he feels a cool hand against his clenched fist, fingers curling around it.

"Stop."Says a broken voice. He's heard that voice before. It's one he hears on a daily basis. He doesn't open his eyes and struggles against her grip, attempting to push her away. He's simply exhausted. Done with the agony of not feeling good enough.

"Please, Jin. Stop, please."

Jenny pulls Seokjin's frame into a bone-crushing hug, putting an end to his fight against her. One of her hands was on his head, the other around his waist. And Seokjin completely crumbles.

" I'm sorry, Jen. I'm sorry." He sobs loudly, muffling his sobs against her neck. "All I do is muck things up. I don't belong here. I don't belong here, and no one wants me here. Namjoon, too."

She tightens her grip on him, drawing soothing patterns around his back. "We need and want you, Jin. I promise you."

Seokjin's breathing hasn't even slowed. He's still shaky. He's still crying.

"Jin, can you do something for me? Can you look at me please?" Seokjin shakes his head against her neck.

"Please, Jin. Just look at me."

Seokjin finally raises his head, his red, puffy eyes fixed on her, and gasps lightly. Tears stream down her cheeks, her eyes are glistening and wet.

"Jenny, why are you crying?"

"Just look at me," she says, raising both hands to cup Seokjin's face between them. "Take a deep breath in, count to five, and exhale."

"But-"

"But-"

"Jin, please. Just try." Jenny pleads.

Seokjin takes a breath, counts to five, and exhales.

"Good. Can you now look around the room for me? Tell me one thing you can see, one thing you can touch, one thing you can smell, and one thing you can taste."

Seokjin scans the room, taking in everything that catches his eye.

"I can see the door."

"Good, that was very good," Jenny says softly, "now, what can you touch?"

"Um, I can- I can touch the floor," Seokjin says again, looking around the room. Seokjin feels a tad lighter.

"Well done, Jin. You're doing fantastic." Her thumb wipes away stray tears from his face. "Now hear?"

Seokjin scans the room once more, just in case. "I can hear you." He says this as he stares her down. Her cheeks flush slightly pink, and Seokjin can feel himself relax, his chest steady.

"Good, good," she says, clearing her throat. "Now, uh, now—"

"I can smell my cologne."

"Taste?"

Seokjin takes a deep breath. "My tears."

Jenny flashes him a wet grin. Neither of them says anything as she gently intertwines their hands and allows Seokjin to simply breathe.

Seokjin's hands are still trembling, but his breathing has become more steady. His mind isn't as much of a haunting ground for his insecurity as it once was.

"Would you mind doing me another favour, Jin?" She inquires.

Seokjin nods, his gaze drawn to Jenny through his lashes. She has always been stunning. The sad smile she gives Seokjin as she gathers the courage to ask whatever she needs to ask, the dust of pink still lingering on her skin, the tracks of dry tears on her cheeks. From a distance, the dainty mole on her lip is unnoticeable, but he's close enough to see it up close. And it's just. She's perfect. So, so beautiful.

"Can you tell me when this will happen again? When you notice it beginning to build? I just want to help you, Jin. I don't like seeing you hurt yourself."

Seokjin licks his lip, wincing when it stings. "I'll try Jen. Ok? Just be patient with me. Please. I'm making an effort."

"I know, Jin. I know you are. You're so brave. You're so brave. Please keep this in mind. I'm so proud of you."