Fear

Jin's POV

Fear bind us.

"Ding dong, your fan letter has arrived" Jiminie said cutely and gave me a bulk of fan letters.

We're currently getting ready for our jacket photoshoot for the next album.

Our company cameraman is filming him while he deliver the fan letters to the members since it is his turn to get the letters from our company's mailbox and gave it to us.

"Thank you Jiminie" I said and I started opening the letters.

Most of the letters has handmade design which I know our fans took time to create that's why a simple black envelop caught my eye.

When I opened it, there's a picture and a note inside.

Did you still remember this my Little Prince?

Fear gripped my heart after I read the note. I looked at the picture, it is the cover of my favorite book when I was a kid. Little Prince.

I still remember how much I cried when He burned it.

"Hyung, are you okay?" Jimin asked. I didn't notice that they are still filming.

I tried hard to smile in front of the camera. "Y-yes, I'm fine Jiminie. I'm just overwhelmed by the number of letters I received"

"You're so well loved by our fans Hyung"

I nodded. "Thank you everyone"

Jiminie squeezed my hand. I know he noticed how my face paled but because we're in front of the camera, he can't ask me questions.

After Jiminie left, I opened the envelop again and look at the picture. Memories started to rush inside my head.

--

"Why don't you just throw that old book away Little Prince?"

'He' asked one morning while we're eating breakfast, sounding annoyed.

My father gave me a book titled 'Little Prince' as a gift for my seventh birthday. I cherished that book even though I have read it for a thousandth times.

It is also the reason why 'He' was calling me Little Prince.

My parents were away for a business trip so we're left alone with the butler and maids.

I tore my gaze from the book I'm reading to look at 'Him'

"You know how much I treasure this book, why would I throw it away?"

"You're wasting your time reading the same story from that thrash and you won't even look at me"

"My book is not a thrash" I defended, hugging my book close to my chest.

"Not for too long Prince" 'He' said and walked out.

The next day, I found all of my books burning in our backyard so I confronted 'Him'.

"Why did you burn my books?"

'He' calmly set his gaze on me while his eyes are full of menace.

"You don't need those damn books, Prince. All you will ever need is me"

From that day, I started to fear 'Him'.

Everything that I value, 'He' will ruin it. 'He' enjoyed seeing my pain that I started to think I don't deserve to be happy.

There was a time when 'He' secretly pushed my classmate in the staircase just because he approached me during the class. I started to avoid getting close to anyone.

I felt lonely but I don't want to see anyone getting hurt because of me again.

Until one day, I found a stray puppy on my way home. It was raining hard and I'm waiting for our driver to arrive in a waiting shed near my school.

The puppy was alone and crying. It seemed like his owner had abandoned him in the middle of the rain. His tiny body was shivering from the cold.

I couldn't help but take the puppy home. I was able to sneak the puppy in my room without Him knowing.

I named the puppy, Arreum. Arreum made my life beautiful. The days I spent with Arreum are the happiest memory of my childhood.

He's the most gently dog I've ever met. He didn't bark because I warned him not to. When I'm crying, he will whine as if saying that I'm not alone.

Because of Arreum, I no longer felt lonely.

But as what I feared the most, happiness were always shortlived.

"Arreumie, Appa is here" I called.

'He' shouldn't be home yet because he have a class so it is safe for Arreum to come out of my room. My room is the only place 'He' is not allowed to go.

When I opened my room, I saw 'Him' sitting on my bed. Arreum's lifeless body were lying in front of 'Him'.

He poisoned Arreum.

I felt like my heart stopped beating for a moment.

"W-what did you do to Arreum?" My voice shook with both pain and anger.

It is my fault. If only I'm not selfish, Arreum might have found another family that can protect him.

My mind blacked out and I didn't even felt my body move. I attacked and punch 'Him' in places that I know will hurt. I didn't gain my black belt in judo for nothing.

That's how my parents found out how 'He' tormented me mentally while they're away.

I was never the same after that day. Arreum died because of me and I almost killed Him which made me afraid of myself.

I lived in fear for years. I drowned myself from guilt and self hatred.

And then Taehyung came into my life. I lost him but I'm glad he came back.

Like Arreum, Taehyung made my life beautiful.

--"Jin!"

When I turned to check who's calling my name, I saw Ken walking towards me.

It's too late to pretend that I didn't notice him so I waved at him awkwardly.

I still didn't get why Ken is trying too hard to befriend me.

"Are you done with pre-recording Jin?" he asked.

"Yes" I answered even though it is pretty obvious.

My members are still doing interviews so I decided to watch other performances from the backstage.

"This is the last day of our broadcast so I won't be able to see you often"

Ken looked sad but I just shrugged it off.

He kept on talking and I tried hard to respond even though my mind wandering elsewhere. To Taehyungie.

Tae started to be distant again. Not that he's avoiding me. He's actually not letting me leave his side unless we need to, but he often get lost in his thoughts.

Everytime I asked him what's bothering him, he will show me his forced smile again.

I hate it but I can't force Tae to tell me things he surely didn't want to share with me.

Also, I'm not in the position to help Tae right now since I'm battling my own demons.

The letters kept coming, reminding me of the past that I thought I already forgotten. Digging the guilt and fear that bound me for the longest time.

I know that it's from Him. I clearly got the message he wanted to convey. He's back and he'll definitely ruin everything for me.

"I know you. You're the blonde guy from the bar"

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Hoseok's voice. He's looking at Ken with amusement while Namjoon's face, who's standing beside Hoseok, darkened.

"He's our Sunbae from another group" I introduced them.

Ken smiled at Hoseok. "I'm glad you two have settled everything"

Hoseok blushed. "Yep"

"It is still not good to meddle on other people's business" Namjoon spat and pulled Hoseok closer.

"All is well now Namjoon-ah" Hoseok poked Namjoon's dimples which made the latter's face soften. He's clearly whipped.

Ken just raised his hands as if surrendering and turned his attention back to me.

"I need to go now, Jin. See you around"

"Okay"

After Ken left, Taehyungie appeared with Yoongi, Jimin and Jungkook.

"Let's go home?" Taehyung asked and reached out for my hand.

I intertwined our fingers and I suddenly felt better.