A Single Word - Chapter Twelve
Title: A Single Word - Chapter Twelve
Pairing: JongKey/Keyhyun.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Angst, bullying, mentions of abuse.
Summary: The night a strange new person enters his life, everything changes for Key.
Word Count: 2863
Notes: A very late update. I hope everyone enjoys it despite me taking so long to get it out. *kicks life* This was originally going to be where it ended, but I have more I can do with this fic, and of course it would be nice to get to a place where Jongkey can get a little action ^.~ Let me know what you think. This is like the end of the first part. Should I keep going?
Spots For: hurryupthecakes, ezri_sun, ryotanfan29, and nurmee I don't know if any of you still want your spots, but they're here for you~ ^.^
01| 02| 03| 04| 05| 06| 07| 08| 09| 10| 11
A strange sort of haziness seemed to overtake Jonghyun's vision as he moved towards the house, almost like tunnel vision. He felt panicked and his mind screamed that maybe he should turn back, maybe this wasn't worth the risk, but his heart told him he needed to do it. His emotions controlled him. There was one thing that had made him strong throughout everything that had happened, one of the few memories that he had held onto no matter what. Now that everything seemed to be falling apart, he felt like he needed that security again.
The door was locked, and Jonghyun struggled with it for a minute before searching his mind for a solution. What could he do to get in now? Just like when he'd been locked in, every exit or entrance was sealed off but the front door. He'd have to find a way through there. Thinking about some movies he'd watched before, Jonghyun started to search around the front door, lifting the rug, checking above the door. He bit his lip and looked around, feeling a strange sort of guilt at breaking in and an obvious fear of being caught.
Then he noticed a wilted plant in a pot not too far from the door. He slowly walked over and lifted it, grunting at the weight, and ending up pushing it to the side more than lifting it away. Nothing. He frowned and stuck his hand into the brown leaves. They crunched around his fingers as he searched out the edge of the pot, feeling under the rim. He slid his hand over, over until it bumped against something. His chest tightened with excitement. Could it really have been there? Digging his fingernails under the object, he pulled it out. He quickly pulled the piece of tape off and stared at the key in wonder.
"I must be lucky with these things," he commented softly to himself before turning quickly back to the door. The key fit despite Jonghyun's slight disbelief that it would actually work. The click of the lock made his heart jump, and he didn't know whether to feel more scared or excited that he was finally the one opening this door, that he finally had the power to come and go. Really, it was a bit of both. He felt liberated to have that power, but stepping back into that house scared him into stillness as the door swung open. He bit down hard on his bottom lip because it seemed to be the only way he could move his body for a long moment. He willed his body to move over and over before he actually took the first step in. He was kind of afraid of the door swinging back shut behind him, and he quickly pulled a chair over to block the doorway. Stepping back from it, he turned around and took in everything.
Not much had changed since he was taken that night, meaning his 'uncle' hadn't returned since then. At least, if he had, he hadn't touched anything. There were still signs of the struggle it had been to get him out of the house. It was odd how, as much as he wanted to be free, when he saw the two men coming for him he completely freaked out. But really, he wasn't all that free now. He was bound by his debt now, a debt he could never pay off, a debt he was just sinking further into as he ruined people's lives. Jonghyun still hadn't decided whether or not he wanted to go back. He could survive on his own. Maybe. But even trying would be better than getting in the way.
Suddenly feeling like he didn't want to be there anymore, Jonghyun quickly moved toward his old bed in the corner, hands searching out the one thing he had come for, the one possession he had managed to keep after his uncle had done what he did, after he'd forced Jonghyun to run away with him. Yanking back the pillow, Jonghyun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the necklace there. He felt his eyes tear up a little as his hands closed around it. For once, he wasn't afraid of anyone taking it away from him.
Hands almost shaking, he lifted it to his neck, letting the small silver key fall against his chest as he hooked it together at the back of his neck. Afraid to smile yet, Jonghyun put the pillow back down and rushed to the door, sliding the chair back and quickly closing it. His hands shook even harder than before as he tried to lock it back. He dropped the key and cursed softly, picking it up to try again. Once it was locked he stared at the key for a moment, not sure what to do with it. Eventually he decided to keep it. He wanted to keep that power to open this door. He didn't want to give it back to anyone else.
After sliding the key into his pocket Jonghyun turned from the door and raced down the driveway to the road, crossing it and jumping back into the line of trees. He took several deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. Just as he felt like he'd calmed down a little, a hand gripped his shoulder and his heart nearly jumped into his throat. Whipping around, Jonghyun felt his eyes lock with the dark, cold brown ones he'd learned to fear for so many years. His entire body froze in fear as the man clasped onto his arms, squeezing, eyes darting around.
"Y-you! What's happening? You did this to me. Now look!"
Jonghyun shook his head frantically, trying to step back, but the man held onto him. His cheeks were sunken in. His hair and clothes were disheveled and dirty. He looked worse than Jonghyun had ever seen him. He was down right scary, like the monster Jonghyun had come to see him as was reflected on the outside as well as the inside. Like what he'd been able to see in the man's cold, crazy eyes was now obvious in every part of his being.
"Are they looking for me? Tell me! What did you tell them?"
"N-nothing," Jonghyun finally sputtered, trying to push him off.
"Liar! You good for nothing…" then his fist connected with Jonghyun's jaw, knocking him back slightly. He raised his hand to it and winced. It had been a long time since anyone had hit him like that. "You've had it good now, huh? They're putting all the blame on me. This is your fault. I was protecting you. This is how you repay me!?" his voice rose to almost a shriek and he moved in again.
In a panic, Jonghyun swung his arms out at the man. He watched in shock as one hand connected with his chest, the other smacking across his cheek, pushing the man back quite easily. He fell to the ground with a strangled cry and Jonghyun stared at him for a moment. It was so strange seeing that the tables had turned. Now, after being taken care of and fed properly, he was the stronger one, the older man now weaker. As soon as he started to struggle back up though, Jonghyun seemed to regain his sense. Turning on his heels, he ran. Ran until his legs ached. Out of the trees, down the road. He passed houses, got further into the city, never once stopping until he was wheezing for breath. Even then he didn't feel safe, and moments later he started moving again.
Several hours after Jonghyun disappeared, after many short phone conversations that started to feel very repetitive to Key, they still hadn't found him. Key's mother came home to make some dinner, but Key didn't feel like he had an appetite. His friends had gone home after it started to get dark, and Key couldn't blame them. After forcing down a couple of bites and shuffling the rest around on his plate, Key gave up trying to eat and went back to his room. His father was still out looking, and his mother told him to stay in and try to get some sleep that night. Key knew that he wouldn’t.
Because he was tired of pacing, Key sat at his desk, twirling a little plush toy around in his hands. He chewed worriedly on his lips until they were raw and achy feeling so that he forced himself to stop. The little plush doll only did so much to relieve his stress, and then his feet started to go, tapping on the floor in a quick, repetitive manner until he couldn't stand it anymore. Slamming his fists down against his desk, Key stood up and left the toy laying there, once again beginning his pacing around the room. Jonghyun could be anywhere. He could be hurt. What if that person had found him again? What if he was locked up again? His gut wrenched painfully and he felt like throwing up.
Instead of heading to the bathroom though, Key opened his window and breathed in the cool, night air. He didn't stop there though, moving to his closet, he grabbed a pair of shoes that he could wear out that weren't by the front door. He always kept a pair in his room in case he was sneaking out. It was too risky to go into the living room and grab them.
Pulling a jacket snugly around his shoulders, Key crawled out of his window and shut it before turning and walking off into the night. He didn't look back.
It was dark, and a little bit chilly as the wind bit at his cheeks. The temperature wasn't really that low, but the wind along with his heightened anxiety made Key shiver. Stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets, Key huddled in on himself slightly, walking into the cool wind. He'd been looking for a while now. He'd passed the school, searched around outside it, gone further into the city, eyes always darting into alleys as he softly called out Jonghyun's name. He felt worried, anxious, and it only got worse the more time that went by. Eventually, Key felt his phone vibrate against his hand. Pulling it out, he saw the number from home flashing across the screen. He didn't answer.
During the next passing hour, he wondered several times if he should go back home and wait until morning, but he couldn't ever get himself to turn back. Just one more block, one more alley, one more corner that might hold Jonghyun waiting for him, those big brown eyes looking up at him like a lost puppy. Key just wanted to take his puppy home.
Sighing, Key ran a hand through his hair and shivered, looking around with narrowed eyes as he squinted into the dark. The city was mostly deserted where he was, but every now and then he'd see another person. He would immediately look at them close enough to see whether or not it was Jonghyun, but it never was. Then he'd feel nervous because there was a crazy man loose, and possibly still in the area.
Key was just thinking about giving up and turning for home, his feet were cold and starting to ache, when he saw the park a little ways down the road. Biting his lip, Key remembered how Jonghyun had acted when they were there, and immediately moved closer.
There was something really creepy about the park at night. Key wasn't sure if it was because he was afraid of that man being around or because it was just creepy in general, but each step he took closer made another chill run down his spine. There was no obvious sign of life. The swings were still and no human figures were in sight. There was only dim lighting from the moon and a street lamp several feet away. Stepping further into the dimness, Key felt like his feet were made of lead, but he also felt like he couldn't stop moving. He had to find Jonghyun before something happened.
When he was at the swings, Key ran his hand along one of the chains holding up the seat. A deep sigh passed from between his lips. There was no one in sight. He felt a strong sense of helplessness suddenly. He should have protected the other boy better. He was about to turn away when he notice the small bridge just a little ways down the road from the park. He knew he couldn't keep checking new places and that he would eventually have to turn back soon, but he'd been so sure that Jonghyun could be at the park that he thought just maybe he had been and that he was still nearby.
Nodding his head firmly, Key moved forward. His steps were quicker this time, more determined. This was the last place he would check, the last possibility before the night ended. Getting to the bridge, Key looked down it before heading off the road, down the hill towards the small river. There was an almost cavern-like enclosing under the bridge. Key remembered noticing it before, how dark and remote it was. He'd never really wanted to go in it though. It was likely infested with bugs and other creepy things that liked the darkness, the shade that the bridge kept safe from the sun at all times.
As he stepped closer and heard the sound of a slight shuffle, thoughts of creepy bugs were the farthest thing from his mind. "Jonghyun?" the name left his lips before he could even think if it was a good idea to address someone who was hiding in the dark. There was no response. The sudden fear of it being the man the police were looking for made Key freeze in his movements. He could see a sort of shadowy figure hunched over on the ground, almost in the shape of a ball the way he was curled into himself. "Is that you?" he asked, voice a little weaker and uncertain.
The next sound he heard was a sniffle and Key felt himself react immediately to it, moving close and wrapping his arms around the trembling boy's frame.
"Oh my god. It's really you? Are you okay?" the questions tumbled from his lips quickly, but all Jonghyun did was shake harder with the strain of trying to hold in his crying. "It's okay," he added slowly, voice soft and soothing. "You're going to be okay. I'm here now. We can go home."
Jonghyun choked on a sob, pulling away from Key and scooting back further into the darkness. "N-no."
Hands dropping to the ground, Key felt confused and suddenly very nervous. "What's wrong, Jonghyun? What happened?"
"I'm…sorry," he curled into himself tighter.
"You don't need to be sorry. Jonghyun," he spoke softly, just wanting the other to open up to him a little more.
There was a long moment of silence before Jonghyun spoke again. "I'm ruining your life. I'm sorry."
"Ruining my life?" Key repeated, feeling both confused and shocked. "Is that what you heard?" Key bit his lip in frustrated guilt. It was his fault Jonghyun felt like that. Because of the way he'd been acting, of course he was feeling like a burden. "You're not ruining anyone's life, Jonghyun. You're amazing. If anything, you're a blessing for me. I've never met anyone like you before. Not just because of what happened to you, but who you are. I feel close to you, like…like you're a part of my family that had been missing up until now."
At the word family, Jonghyun raised his head, looking at Key. The moonlight just peeked through the holes in the bridge enough to light his face a little, showing his red, swollen eyes. "Family?"
"Yeah, home doesn't feel right without you there now. We're totally lost. We need you, just like you need us. So, please forgive me and come home. I'll take care of you better this time, I promise." Key scooted closer as he spoke, resting a hand on Jonghyun's arm. Looking into his eyes firmly, but with a certain softness, he tried to both reassure and comfort him.
"Promise?" Jonghyun repeated quietly.
"I promise."
There was a small, uncertain nod from Jonghyun and Key immediately broke out into a smile. "Thank god," he whispered almost under his breath. "Let's go. The wind tonight is chilly and it's kind of creepy here at night."
Nodding again, Jonghyun uncrossed his arms over his legs, following Key to his feet. He quickly wiped at his face to try and get rid of the evidence that he had been crying. Then they started walking, Key moving slow enough to make sure Jonghyun was coming with him. The walk back home was mostly quiet, but Key stayed close to Jonghyun the entire time. He was determined not to let anything else happen to him. It was weird, but Jonghyun really did feel important to him. He'd never expected that to happen.
Pairing: JongKey/Keyhyun.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Angst, bullying, mentions of abuse.
Summary: The night a strange new person enters his life, everything changes for Key.
Word Count: 2863
Notes: A very late update. I hope everyone enjoys it despite me taking so long to get it out. *kicks life* This was originally going to be where it ended, but I have more I can do with this fic, and of course it would be nice to get to a place where Jongkey can get a little action ^.~ Let me know what you think. This is like the end of the first part. Should I keep going?
Spots For: hurryupthecakes, ezri_sun, ryotanfan29, and nurmee I don't know if any of you still want your spots, but they're here for you~ ^.^
01| 02| 03| 04| 05| 06| 07| 08| 09| 10| 11
A strange sort of haziness seemed to overtake Jonghyun's vision as he moved towards the house, almost like tunnel vision. He felt panicked and his mind screamed that maybe he should turn back, maybe this wasn't worth the risk, but his heart told him he needed to do it. His emotions controlled him. There was one thing that had made him strong throughout everything that had happened, one of the few memories that he had held onto no matter what. Now that everything seemed to be falling apart, he felt like he needed that security again.
The door was locked, and Jonghyun struggled with it for a minute before searching his mind for a solution. What could he do to get in now? Just like when he'd been locked in, every exit or entrance was sealed off but the front door. He'd have to find a way through there. Thinking about some movies he'd watched before, Jonghyun started to search around the front door, lifting the rug, checking above the door. He bit his lip and looked around, feeling a strange sort of guilt at breaking in and an obvious fear of being caught.
Then he noticed a wilted plant in a pot not too far from the door. He slowly walked over and lifted it, grunting at the weight, and ending up pushing it to the side more than lifting it away. Nothing. He frowned and stuck his hand into the brown leaves. They crunched around his fingers as he searched out the edge of the pot, feeling under the rim. He slid his hand over, over until it bumped against something. His chest tightened with excitement. Could it really have been there? Digging his fingernails under the object, he pulled it out. He quickly pulled the piece of tape off and stared at the key in wonder.
"I must be lucky with these things," he commented softly to himself before turning quickly back to the door. The key fit despite Jonghyun's slight disbelief that it would actually work. The click of the lock made his heart jump, and he didn't know whether to feel more scared or excited that he was finally the one opening this door, that he finally had the power to come and go. Really, it was a bit of both. He felt liberated to have that power, but stepping back into that house scared him into stillness as the door swung open. He bit down hard on his bottom lip because it seemed to be the only way he could move his body for a long moment. He willed his body to move over and over before he actually took the first step in. He was kind of afraid of the door swinging back shut behind him, and he quickly pulled a chair over to block the doorway. Stepping back from it, he turned around and took in everything.
Not much had changed since he was taken that night, meaning his 'uncle' hadn't returned since then. At least, if he had, he hadn't touched anything. There were still signs of the struggle it had been to get him out of the house. It was odd how, as much as he wanted to be free, when he saw the two men coming for him he completely freaked out. But really, he wasn't all that free now. He was bound by his debt now, a debt he could never pay off, a debt he was just sinking further into as he ruined people's lives. Jonghyun still hadn't decided whether or not he wanted to go back. He could survive on his own. Maybe. But even trying would be better than getting in the way.
Suddenly feeling like he didn't want to be there anymore, Jonghyun quickly moved toward his old bed in the corner, hands searching out the one thing he had come for, the one possession he had managed to keep after his uncle had done what he did, after he'd forced Jonghyun to run away with him. Yanking back the pillow, Jonghyun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the necklace there. He felt his eyes tear up a little as his hands closed around it. For once, he wasn't afraid of anyone taking it away from him.
Hands almost shaking, he lifted it to his neck, letting the small silver key fall against his chest as he hooked it together at the back of his neck. Afraid to smile yet, Jonghyun put the pillow back down and rushed to the door, sliding the chair back and quickly closing it. His hands shook even harder than before as he tried to lock it back. He dropped the key and cursed softly, picking it up to try again. Once it was locked he stared at the key for a moment, not sure what to do with it. Eventually he decided to keep it. He wanted to keep that power to open this door. He didn't want to give it back to anyone else.
After sliding the key into his pocket Jonghyun turned from the door and raced down the driveway to the road, crossing it and jumping back into the line of trees. He took several deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. Just as he felt like he'd calmed down a little, a hand gripped his shoulder and his heart nearly jumped into his throat. Whipping around, Jonghyun felt his eyes lock with the dark, cold brown ones he'd learned to fear for so many years. His entire body froze in fear as the man clasped onto his arms, squeezing, eyes darting around.
"Y-you! What's happening? You did this to me. Now look!"
Jonghyun shook his head frantically, trying to step back, but the man held onto him. His cheeks were sunken in. His hair and clothes were disheveled and dirty. He looked worse than Jonghyun had ever seen him. He was down right scary, like the monster Jonghyun had come to see him as was reflected on the outside as well as the inside. Like what he'd been able to see in the man's cold, crazy eyes was now obvious in every part of his being.
"Are they looking for me? Tell me! What did you tell them?"
"N-nothing," Jonghyun finally sputtered, trying to push him off.
"Liar! You good for nothing…" then his fist connected with Jonghyun's jaw, knocking him back slightly. He raised his hand to it and winced. It had been a long time since anyone had hit him like that. "You've had it good now, huh? They're putting all the blame on me. This is your fault. I was protecting you. This is how you repay me!?" his voice rose to almost a shriek and he moved in again.
In a panic, Jonghyun swung his arms out at the man. He watched in shock as one hand connected with his chest, the other smacking across his cheek, pushing the man back quite easily. He fell to the ground with a strangled cry and Jonghyun stared at him for a moment. It was so strange seeing that the tables had turned. Now, after being taken care of and fed properly, he was the stronger one, the older man now weaker. As soon as he started to struggle back up though, Jonghyun seemed to regain his sense. Turning on his heels, he ran. Ran until his legs ached. Out of the trees, down the road. He passed houses, got further into the city, never once stopping until he was wheezing for breath. Even then he didn't feel safe, and moments later he started moving again.
Several hours after Jonghyun disappeared, after many short phone conversations that started to feel very repetitive to Key, they still hadn't found him. Key's mother came home to make some dinner, but Key didn't feel like he had an appetite. His friends had gone home after it started to get dark, and Key couldn't blame them. After forcing down a couple of bites and shuffling the rest around on his plate, Key gave up trying to eat and went back to his room. His father was still out looking, and his mother told him to stay in and try to get some sleep that night. Key knew that he wouldn’t.
Because he was tired of pacing, Key sat at his desk, twirling a little plush toy around in his hands. He chewed worriedly on his lips until they were raw and achy feeling so that he forced himself to stop. The little plush doll only did so much to relieve his stress, and then his feet started to go, tapping on the floor in a quick, repetitive manner until he couldn't stand it anymore. Slamming his fists down against his desk, Key stood up and left the toy laying there, once again beginning his pacing around the room. Jonghyun could be anywhere. He could be hurt. What if that person had found him again? What if he was locked up again? His gut wrenched painfully and he felt like throwing up.
Instead of heading to the bathroom though, Key opened his window and breathed in the cool, night air. He didn't stop there though, moving to his closet, he grabbed a pair of shoes that he could wear out that weren't by the front door. He always kept a pair in his room in case he was sneaking out. It was too risky to go into the living room and grab them.
Pulling a jacket snugly around his shoulders, Key crawled out of his window and shut it before turning and walking off into the night. He didn't look back.
It was dark, and a little bit chilly as the wind bit at his cheeks. The temperature wasn't really that low, but the wind along with his heightened anxiety made Key shiver. Stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets, Key huddled in on himself slightly, walking into the cool wind. He'd been looking for a while now. He'd passed the school, searched around outside it, gone further into the city, eyes always darting into alleys as he softly called out Jonghyun's name. He felt worried, anxious, and it only got worse the more time that went by. Eventually, Key felt his phone vibrate against his hand. Pulling it out, he saw the number from home flashing across the screen. He didn't answer.
During the next passing hour, he wondered several times if he should go back home and wait until morning, but he couldn't ever get himself to turn back. Just one more block, one more alley, one more corner that might hold Jonghyun waiting for him, those big brown eyes looking up at him like a lost puppy. Key just wanted to take his puppy home.
Sighing, Key ran a hand through his hair and shivered, looking around with narrowed eyes as he squinted into the dark. The city was mostly deserted where he was, but every now and then he'd see another person. He would immediately look at them close enough to see whether or not it was Jonghyun, but it never was. Then he'd feel nervous because there was a crazy man loose, and possibly still in the area.
Key was just thinking about giving up and turning for home, his feet were cold and starting to ache, when he saw the park a little ways down the road. Biting his lip, Key remembered how Jonghyun had acted when they were there, and immediately moved closer.
There was something really creepy about the park at night. Key wasn't sure if it was because he was afraid of that man being around or because it was just creepy in general, but each step he took closer made another chill run down his spine. There was no obvious sign of life. The swings were still and no human figures were in sight. There was only dim lighting from the moon and a street lamp several feet away. Stepping further into the dimness, Key felt like his feet were made of lead, but he also felt like he couldn't stop moving. He had to find Jonghyun before something happened.
When he was at the swings, Key ran his hand along one of the chains holding up the seat. A deep sigh passed from between his lips. There was no one in sight. He felt a strong sense of helplessness suddenly. He should have protected the other boy better. He was about to turn away when he notice the small bridge just a little ways down the road from the park. He knew he couldn't keep checking new places and that he would eventually have to turn back soon, but he'd been so sure that Jonghyun could be at the park that he thought just maybe he had been and that he was still nearby.
Nodding his head firmly, Key moved forward. His steps were quicker this time, more determined. This was the last place he would check, the last possibility before the night ended. Getting to the bridge, Key looked down it before heading off the road, down the hill towards the small river. There was an almost cavern-like enclosing under the bridge. Key remembered noticing it before, how dark and remote it was. He'd never really wanted to go in it though. It was likely infested with bugs and other creepy things that liked the darkness, the shade that the bridge kept safe from the sun at all times.
As he stepped closer and heard the sound of a slight shuffle, thoughts of creepy bugs were the farthest thing from his mind. "Jonghyun?" the name left his lips before he could even think if it was a good idea to address someone who was hiding in the dark. There was no response. The sudden fear of it being the man the police were looking for made Key freeze in his movements. He could see a sort of shadowy figure hunched over on the ground, almost in the shape of a ball the way he was curled into himself. "Is that you?" he asked, voice a little weaker and uncertain.
The next sound he heard was a sniffle and Key felt himself react immediately to it, moving close and wrapping his arms around the trembling boy's frame.
"Oh my god. It's really you? Are you okay?" the questions tumbled from his lips quickly, but all Jonghyun did was shake harder with the strain of trying to hold in his crying. "It's okay," he added slowly, voice soft and soothing. "You're going to be okay. I'm here now. We can go home."
Jonghyun choked on a sob, pulling away from Key and scooting back further into the darkness. "N-no."
Hands dropping to the ground, Key felt confused and suddenly very nervous. "What's wrong, Jonghyun? What happened?"
"I'm…sorry," he curled into himself tighter.
"You don't need to be sorry. Jonghyun," he spoke softly, just wanting the other to open up to him a little more.
There was a long moment of silence before Jonghyun spoke again. "I'm ruining your life. I'm sorry."
"Ruining my life?" Key repeated, feeling both confused and shocked. "Is that what you heard?" Key bit his lip in frustrated guilt. It was his fault Jonghyun felt like that. Because of the way he'd been acting, of course he was feeling like a burden. "You're not ruining anyone's life, Jonghyun. You're amazing. If anything, you're a blessing for me. I've never met anyone like you before. Not just because of what happened to you, but who you are. I feel close to you, like…like you're a part of my family that had been missing up until now."
At the word family, Jonghyun raised his head, looking at Key. The moonlight just peeked through the holes in the bridge enough to light his face a little, showing his red, swollen eyes. "Family?"
"Yeah, home doesn't feel right without you there now. We're totally lost. We need you, just like you need us. So, please forgive me and come home. I'll take care of you better this time, I promise." Key scooted closer as he spoke, resting a hand on Jonghyun's arm. Looking into his eyes firmly, but with a certain softness, he tried to both reassure and comfort him.
"Promise?" Jonghyun repeated quietly.
"I promise."
There was a small, uncertain nod from Jonghyun and Key immediately broke out into a smile. "Thank god," he whispered almost under his breath. "Let's go. The wind tonight is chilly and it's kind of creepy here at night."
Nodding again, Jonghyun uncrossed his arms over his legs, following Key to his feet. He quickly wiped at his face to try and get rid of the evidence that he had been crying. Then they started walking, Key moving slow enough to make sure Jonghyun was coming with him. The walk back home was mostly quiet, but Key stayed close to Jonghyun the entire time. He was determined not to let anything else happen to him. It was weird, but Jonghyun really did feel important to him. He'd never expected that to happen.