#sufferinginsilence

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

Someone said “Just because I carry it well doesn’t mean it’s not heavy” I felt that

[eddievillanueva]

“HELP” 3/29/23 - #help #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #neurodivergent #mentalhelp #medication #perscription #accommodation #accommodations #sufferinginsilence #suffering #dontsufferinsilence #ask #getthehelpyouneed #saysomething #askafriend #beafriend #withalittlehelpfrommyfriends #drawing #sketchbook #drawingoftheday #photooftheday #sketchoftheday #artistofinstagram #collage #art #radicalhonesty #behonest #letitout https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYcz9MLueO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hirzaeth0kxm]

Brand new city by mitski was written for rin nohara

you can’t convince me otherwise

[jockpoetry]

our #SufferingInSilence #AutoImmuneDisease #Queen

[thephidang]

There isn't a minimum when it comes to pain and suffering. 

You don't have to hit a certain amount or for for it to feel a certain way to qualify for something.

How you feel is completely valid no matter what anyone else says or some text book definition.

You don't have to keep it to yourself and go through your experience alone.

You don't have to outwardly show signs of distress to seek help.

You don't have to feel bad comparing your experience to another.

You aren't weak for feeling this way and people don't think less of you.

You are a human being.

You're understandably allowed to seek a way to move through it all.

You are loved beautiful soul.

Phi Dang (@thephidang)

[poetrythreesixfive]

Creep

I first noticed it when I was nineteen

and working in a supermarket, the guy

behind the register slaving away

for the privilege to pay and to stay

in college for one more day.

She came through my line, a mother

maybe early thirties, a girl in the cart-seat,

maybe five years old, cute as a bug,

eyeing the colorful candy so accidentally

placed by the register where people wait.

But as they approached, mom, hunched over,

started pointing at me, chanting in a wicked

tone to her child: “He’s gonna get you,

he’s gonna get you, the man is gonna get you…”

The terrifying part was that she wasn’t kidding.

It had to be a joke, but no. Her innocent

girl fixed me with wide eyes, and where

a moment ago rested contentment there

now grew apprehension, so I asked her,

What the hell are you doing?

“I’m training her,” she said.

For what? I had to know.

“That men are dangerous.”

That’s the sickest thing I’ve ever heard,

I replied, not caring if I lost my job,

because let’s be honest, the customer,

clearly, is not always right.

And today we wonder why there is

a generation of young women who

regard all men as creeps, why every

hello is interpreted as a proposition,

why every passing-by produces an

instinctive pulling down of the shirt,

why eye-contact is verboten, unless

they need something, like the woman

in the market yesterday who I kindly

helped by grabbing a box from high

up on a shelf, who five minutes later,

passing her in the checkout line would

not even look at me, and I didn’t even

say a word because I know how it goes

these days. I’m a man, so I’m a creep.

And god forbid if I protest too much.

[ivydoomkitty]

It's important to choose our words wisely and be empathetic toward others. We don't know the trials and demons that others face. Someone could be having a really bad day, and your words can make a difference. I've never believed in Confucianism where "Do Unto Others As They Would Do Unto You" is said. It's too negative. To me it says I wont hurt you because I dont want you to hurt me. I prefer "Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated." I view it as a positive in which you want to be treated kindly, therefore you should treat others kindly. So, treat others kindly, with love, empathy, and compassion. A smile, a compliment, can make all the difference for someone suffering in silence. Do wellness checks. Make sure your friends and family are ok. If someone is reaching out to talk to you, listen. Just listen. Be there for them. Please pay it forward. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 #sufferinginsilence #loveoneanother #bekind #payitforward #love #family #friends https://www.instagram.com/p/B81xbv2n9a0/?igshid=gqrkivafo9gv

[moonprincemulti]

Suffering In Silence - Chapter 4

- 12 Oct 2020

- fourth chapter of a series (SIS)

- abused changbin x protective seungmin

- top seungmin x bottom changbin

- trigger!warning; panick attack, secret being discovered

- creds to @monscastle​ for the edit

Seungmin's mother immediately tended to the two boys as they stepped inside. Taking off their coats and shoes, handing them some heatpacks as she guided them to the livingroom. "Come come, I made some soup and I put some comfy blankets on the couch. We can play games or watch a movie together." Seungmin smiled and hummed. Changbin was hesitant, watching Seungmin and his mother before following them to the livingroom. He didn't know this type of love anymore, and he honestly felt guilty for Seungmin's mother. She didn't have to cook for him or make him comfortable, he was just a guest, right? Seungmin hummed as he took in the scent of his mom's soup that was simmering on the stove. "Mom, is it okay if we change into something more comfortable first? I don't want to stay in my uniform.." Seungmin said, looking at Changbin. "I'll lend you some of my clothes.. they might be a bit big but, that makes it more cozy, right?" Seungmin's mother nodded and smiled. "You boys go to your room and get changed. I'll put the soup in some bowls. You aren't allergic to anything, right? What was your name again?" Changbin gulped and shook his head. "No, I'm not allergic. Uhm.. my name is Seo Changbin." "Aah, Changbin. Seungmin told me about you before." Changbin's heart skipped a beat. Seungmin talked about him? What did he tell his mom? What was Seungmin telling others? Seungmin smiled and patted Changbin's shoulder. "Come on, I'll show you my room."

Seungmin smiled as Changbin walked into his bedroom. He walked to his closet, picking out some comfy clothes they could change into. "I have this for you.." Seungmin bit his lip, searching for the right things. Changbin was too anxious to look around, his mind going crazy. Love from a mother, putting on someone else clothes, his father being mad at him for not coming home.. It was all piling up and Changbin had a hard time controlling his emotions. Seungmin turned around, seeing Changbin in distress, wondering what was wrong. "Hey.. Changbin.. What's wrong? Are you afraid?" Changbin turned around, walking out of Seungmin's bedroom. He had spotted the bathroom a few steps down the hall, and he knew he could lock himself in there for a while until he had calmed down. Seungmin's eyes widened and he quickly walked after the smaller male, but was too late. The bathroom door was already locked. "Changbin? Changbin please.. Let me in. Tell me what's wrong... Did my mom do anything? Did I do anything?" Seungmin bit his lip, putting his ear to the door to try and hear what Changbin was doing. Seungmin heard Changbin breathing heavily, some soft sniffles and panicked whines reaching his ears. He got worried, trying to see if he could unlock the door from the outside. "Changbin please.. I want to help you.. I can't help you if the door is locked.." Seungmin sighed and wondered if he should get his mom, or if that would only worsen the situation. "Changbin I.. I really want to help you. I can help if you're having a panick attack. I helped you before, remember?" Seungmin still got no response, the sobs and whines getting louder. He jiggled the doorknob, knowing it had a weak spot. The door swung open after a while, as Seungmin had managed to unlock it from the outside. He froze as he saw Changbin on the floor, sobbing and heavily breathing, clearly having a panick attack. He knelt down next to the smaller male, carefully placing his hand on Changbin's shoulder. "Hey hey, shh, I'm here. It's okay. Nobody is going to hurt you here." Seungmin stroked some hair out of Changbin's face, as he was too deep in panick mode to give any reaction. "I'm going to help you sit up and hug you, okay?" Seungmin said softly, gently lifting Changbin so he was sitting up, pulling him into a hug. He rubbed Changbin's back, letting him cry against his shoulder. He felt bad for the smaller, and he wished to know why Changbin was like this. He had to know why Changbin was so heavily panicked. "It's okay. Let it all out... it'll be over soon." Changbin calmed down after a while, leaning against Seungmin as he was exhausted. He didn't have much energy to start with, and having a heavy panick attack sucked all the life out of him. Even though he felt vulnerable because Seungmin had managed to unlock the door, he was also grateful that the taller had barged in like that. He relaxed as it started dawning on him that he was safe in this house. He was safe. His dad wouldn't find him here and Seungmin and his mother would take care of him. They wouldn't judge him, they wouldn't hurt him. Changbin let out a deep sigh, and Seungmin felt him relax in his arms. He smiled, and he knew that Changbin trusted him fully now. They didn't need words at this moment, as their body language explained everything. |××××××××××|××××××××××| When Changbin had regained some strength, Seungmin helped him stand up and walk back to Seungmin's room. Seungmin let the smaller sit on his bed, handing him the clothes once more. "Here you go. I hope you'll be comfortable in this." Seungmin smiled gently, Changbin nodding slightly and putting the clothes besides him. Seungmin then grabbed some clothes for himself, beginning to change into them. He didn't really mind changing in front of another male, as they shared the same dressing rooms at school with the rest of their class. But Seungmin now realized, that he had never seen Changbin change. As he pulled a sweater over his head, he glanced at Changbin, seeing him just sitting there. "Changbin? Is something wrong?" Changbin looked up, with a slight hint of panick in his eyes. Seungmin noticed it immediately, biting his lip. "Just.. what is making you so anxious? I swear, nothing is going to happen to you here." Seungmin furrowed his eyebrows, now actually noticing how traumatized Changbin was. Again, this made him even curiouser about what the reason behind that trauma was. "I just.. my body isn't pretty.." Changbin said softly, looking down. Seungmin sighed and walked closer, kneeling down in front of Changbin. "So? I don't mind. Every body is different." Changbin shook his head, Seungmin slowly figuring out there was more behind it than just 'being ugly'. "Do you want to show me? I won't judge. I promise." "Show you? No.. no.." Changbin kept shaking his head. Seungmin took a deep breath and got up. "Alright, alright. I'll turn around. I won't look." Seungmin turned around, putting his hands up. "I can't see any of you." Changbin stood up and then began changing. He took off his school uniform, his damaged body being revealed. Changbin changed pretty quickly, but he hadn't noticed the mirror in Seungmin's room. The taller could just see a part of Changbin's side and his chest through the mirror, spotting bruises and red marks all over it. Seungmin was shocked to see what Changbin looked like, gasping softly. Changbin froze for a second but then quickly pulled his shirt down, covering up most of it. "What? Why did you gasp?" Changbin asked, turning his head to see if Seungmin had turned around. "I- uhm.." Changbin looked at Seungmin. "You uh.. what?" Changbin quickly pulled on the hoodie as well, and as he looked around the room, he spotted the mirror. Changbin looked at Seungmin through the mirror, Seungmin letting his hands down. "Changbin I-" "You cheated. You said you wouldn't look." Changbin felt panick and anger rise inside of him again. Seungmin quickly turned around. "No no- I'm sorry okay? But.. who made those? Why are they there?" Changbin averted his eyes. "None of your business. I should've known I couldn't trust you." Seungmin's eyes widened, walking to Changbin, who tried to avoid Seungmin. "Stay back! Why do you even want to know?!" Seungmin sighed and grabbed Changbin's wrist, pulling him close. "Because I care about you! Now tell me who made them." Changbin shook his head and struggled to get out of the taller's grip. Seungmin grabbed both of Changbin's wrists, keeping him close. "Tell me Changbin, please. I want to help you." "You can't help! It's not of interest for you!" "But it is! You're my friend!" Changbin whined as he was took weak to get out of Seungmin's grip, struggling mentally with opening up. "I won't tell!" "Why not? You can trust me, please tell me who made those bruises.." Changbin felt a tear run down his cheek, whining softly. "Nobody can know." "Tell me, please." "No no, I can't" Seungmin sighed and tried to look Changbin in the eyes. "Yes you can. You can tell me." "No you already know too much!" Changbin tried to get out once more, but Seungmin was persistent. "Tell me, Changbin. I want to help." "You can't help. You can't know. I.. no.." Seungmin sighed deeply. "TELL ME WHO MADE THOSE MARKS ON YOU!" Changbin let out a soft squeal as Seungmin raised his voice, reacting out of pure fear. "MY DAD. My dad.. he made them. My dad made them." Changbin trembled and looked at Seungmin, realizing what he had said. "No.. I.. please.. Don't tell that to anybody." Changbin's fear turned into some kind of desperate trust. "Nobody can know." Seungmin let go of Changbin, shocked by his answer, but also not fully, as he had suspected something similar might be the case. "Your dad? I.. You need to tell someone this.." "NO!" Changbin shook his head. "No I can not ever tell it to anybody! They must not know!" Seungmin looked at Changbin with worry. "Why not? They can help you.." Changbin shook his head once more. "No no they can't. If they know.. he knows and.. he'll.. he'll make more." "He can't know everything Changbin.. He can't follow you around like a ghost." "Please Seungmin, don't tell anybody.." "BOYS? The soup is getting cold! Come downstairs quickly!" Seungmin's mother shouted upstairs, wondering what was taking the two boys so long. Seungmin sighed and turned to the door. "We'll be down in a minute, mom!" Seungmin turned his focus back on Changbin. "Nobody can know Seungmin.. I.. I'm not safe." "You're safe here. Nothing will happen to you here. I promise." Changbin bit his lip. "But he.. my dad.. he knows.. He knows everything.. He has eyes everywhere.." "He doesn't Changbin. It only feels that way. I swear, he won't harm you here." Seungmin pulled Changbin in another hug, hoping to calm him down. "I won't tell it to anybody just yet, okay? I'll keep it a secret for now." Changbin took a deep breath and nodded. "Please.. please keep it secret.." Seungmin nodded and stroked over Changbin's back lightly. Changbin tried to calm down. "But I need to go home.. or he'll.." "You'll stay here tonight. You can't go anywhere with that storm outside." "But-" "No buts. You stay here. You are safe and cared for here. Please Changbin, relax." Seungmin looked at him. "I'll protect you, okay?" Changbin looked back at Seungmin, their eyes meeting for just a second. "Okay.." |××××××××××|××××××××××| Later that night, the three were sitting in the livingroom, watching a movie together. Changbin and Seungmin cuddled up underneath a blanket on the couch, Seungmin's mother in the armchair with her fluffy sweater. Seungmin had one arm wrapped around Changbin, wanting to show the smaller that he would protect him even here. Changbin had eaten two bowls of soup earlier that evening, Seungmin's mother being pleasantly surpirsed the thin boy could eat so much. Seungmin meanwhile wondered how little nutrition Changbin must get at home, with an abusive father. No wonder he looked so vulnerable, so sleep-deprived, so numb to almost anything happy. Seungmin offered Changbin to ask for anything he wanted, happy to provide him with everything he couldn't get at home. Changbin yawned as he watched the tv screen, feeling his focus slowly drift away. He sighed and moved a bit, trying to stay awake. He had to fight against his eyes falling closed, his head beginning to bob slightly. Seungmin noticed it, glancing at Changbin from the corners of his eyes. Changbin started loosing the fight more and more, his body slowly relaxing. His head then bobbed to the side, resting on Seungmin's shoulder. Seungmin smiled, letting the smaller fall asleep like that. It was the first time Changbin had fallen asleep outside of his house without fear. His breathing became regular and steady, his head empty and not a single nightmare being formed. Seungmin was happy to see Changbin looking so peaceful and innocent as he slept. "Sleep well, Changbin." Seungmin whispered softly, his mom looking at them with a smile. When the movie ended, Seungmin moved away from Changbin carefully. He got up, hoping Changbin would stay asleep. He scooped Changbin up, carrying him upstairs. He never thought about how much Changbin would weigh, but he was still a bit shocked at how light Changbin was. He just let it be, placing Changbin down on his bed. He adjusted him a bit, Changbin's shirt rolling up a bit. Seungmin froze as he saw the burn scars on Changbin's back. He pushed up the shirt a bit more, his heart sinking as he saw the now almost healed up burn scars of the two letters that Changbin's dad had burned into his skin. "Oh my god.." Seungmin said softly, letting his fingers go over the damaged skin. "I'm feel so sorry for you.." Seungmin sighed deeply, pulling the shirt back down again. He lied down next to the smaller male, snuggling close to him. Changbin made a soft sound in his sleep, and Seungmin froze slighlty, but luckily he didn't wake him up. Seungmin held Changbin close, feeling the need to protect him grow bigger and bigger with every new detail he discovered. "I'll protect you." Seungmin whispered, placing a small kiss on Changbin's head. He closed his eyes, making sure the blanket was covering them both. The boys slept like that all night, Changbin not having any nightmares or night terrors, just sleeping like a rose. Seungmin did not let go of Changbin the whole night, not even when the smaller had turned himself around. They slept together peacefully, the storm outside, although quite heavy, not able to wake them up. It was good night, and Seungmin hoped loads like these would follow, because Changbin deserved them.

[shakoorgalleryphotoart]

Deplorable Disparity Display … humanity asleep #heartlesshumanity #theunseen we walk by #heartlesshumanity #sufferinginsilence #lonelylife #travelogue #socialactivism #deplorabledisparity #shakoorgallery www.shakoorgallery.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-TfqPpBRM/?igshid=13fiq5ec3pi32

[ravik29]

CoronaVirus

[darknessc23]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dark Chrystal ( Chris Marcum) (@chrismarcum16)

I dance cause its my escape from the crazy world around me. To be free from the thousands thoughts that go thru my head. To be honest with myself , truthfully. Song : Lollipop Artist: Lil Wayne • • • • @liltunechi_c5 #lollipop #metal #whosaidthat #whatsnext #performingarts . #chrismarcum #danceacademy #chrismarcumdancing #dotherightthing #do #sufferinginsilence #jesterlife #grassvalley #whosaidthat #emotional #hakunnamatata #hopelessfountainkingdom #grassvalley #godsplan #photographer #performingarts #powderday #powder #whatsnext #whosaidthat #emotional #hakunnamatata #hopelessfountainkingdom #grassvalley #godsplan #chrismarcumrap #chrismarcumphoto #chrismarcum @p2lwaves (at Chicago Park, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhhgr2HB6I_/?igshid=udbx70fpzy2g

[nancysulli7-blog]

Powerful and real

[rebelwithacauze]

They say Eyes are the windows to the soul,Those beautiful pleading,tired eyes of a Syrian child tells us of her pain,anguish and suffering..it tells us of the horror which she had to possibly witness..how much more can her fragile little heart endure?😢💔 #syrian #child #eyes #beautifull #muted #world #suffering #sufferinginsilence #tearsofblood #war #warmongers #alllivesmatter https://www.instagram.com/p/Bub2yAzFkIM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lnshfgxc5akt

[yesimmortalspiritblog]

Poem in caption~~~Throne of Thorns~~~ Before His crucifixion, He was forced to wear the crown of thorns, the very thing He was to experience from the moment He was born. Dearborn, every soul was sworn into agreement prior to the kickoff to experience bereavement. It is a great achievement, genius really, to the breath of life of synthetic kingdoms. Throughout the cosmos is a mixture of compost, the ancient ruins of all life forms. We believe this is the norm, truly, it is self deceiving. Nothing is real in the physical. The body is a suit to mask the true you. We are the star of our own show finding our way out of a cosmic maze to achieve going straight home, as the crow flies. The throne of thorns was the kickoff to all the storms whether small or mighty. In the end, every soul returns to its true self reacquainting with the one and only God Almighty. 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋 Author ~ Lorenza Palomino @godzillionloveandlight Scribble: Nothing is hidden, everything is in plain sight. It is a matter of looking and permitting eyes to see beyond the web of self-deception. By beholding past flesh and bones and the throne of thorns permits eyes to behold the deep beauty in mind, heart and soul. . . . #throneofthorns #crownofthorns #suffering #sufferinginsilence #sufferinggalore #suffer #bereavement #catastrophe #borntosuffer #crucifixión #crownofwhitelilies #whitelilies #quantumleap #fromsuffering #nomoresuffering #stoptheinsanity #agreementtobeborn #agreed💯 #tobeborn #agreedtosuffer #nolongerdeny #comeoutofdenial #poetswisdom #apoetswisdom #aheadoftime #apoetsmind #apoetsmindneversleeps #poetsofwritersofig #poetsofwriters #writersandpoets (at World Wide) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRCLAV6ijzn/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ivydoomkitty]

It's important to choose our words wisely and be empathetic toward others. We don't know the trials and demons that others face. Someone could be having a really bad day, and your words can make a difference. I've never believed in Confucianism where "Do Unto Others As They Would Do Unto You" is said. It's too negative. To me it says I wont hurt you because I dont want you to hurt me. I prefer "Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated." I view it as a positive in which you want to be treated kindly, therefore you should treat others kindly. So, treat others kindly, with love, empathy, and compassion. A smile, a compliment, can make all the difference for someone suffering in silence. Do wellness checks. Make sure your friends and family are ok. If someone is reaching out to talk to you, listen. Just listen. Be there for them. Please pay it forward. #sufferinginsilence #loveoneanother #bekind #payitforward #love #family #friends https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzv_7YqnbYU/?igshid=17va2tlcjkdhj

[moonprincemulti]

Suffering In Silence - Chapter 3

- 4 Oct 2020

- third chapter of a series (SIS)

- abused changbin x protective seungmin

- top seungmin x bottom changbin

- creds to @monscastle​ for the edit

As Changbin sat down at his seat the next morning, Seungmin had already noticed how different the smaller male looked compared to the day before. Seungmin could clearly see the puffiness of Changbin's right eye, even though the make-up covered the discolouration pretty well. Changbin didn't dare to look around, just focusing on his books in front of him.

Seungmin sighed softly and turned to Jisung and Chan. "Do you guys see that? His right eye?" Jisung perked up, immediately looking over at Changbin. Jisung stared at the clearly sleep deprived male, trying to see what Seungmin was hinting at. Seungmin nudged Jisung. "Not like that, idiot! Do you want him to know we are looking at him?"

Jisung looked at Seungmin and shrugged. "How else am I supposed to see it?" Chan shook his head, taking small glances at Changbin to see what Seungmin meant. "Yeah I see it. He covered it pretty well but, you can't hide the puffiness." Jisung huffed and crossed his arms. "Where do you think he got it from?"

Seungmin shrugged, biting his lip slightly. "I don't know. He was oddly quiet when we walked to school. Not really answering any of my questions.." Chan looked at his books as he thought about what could've caused Changbin's puffy eye. "You think he could've gotten into a fight?" "Maybe, but with who? He went straight home as far as I know.." Seungmin sighed. "I'll try and ask him later.."

Seungmin looked back at Changbin, his head bobbing every few seconds, trying to stay awake with all his might. Seungmin felt worried for the smaller, having a puffy eye, being sleep deprived, staying quiet during conversations... Seungmin really wanted to know what was making Changbin like this. Changbin made it seem like nothing was going on, but all these hints made Seungmin doubt if that was really the case.

|××××××××××|××××××××××|

Changbin sighed as he walked onto the sports field. He hated gym class, but he hated it even more now that he was tired and in pain. He ignored the happy cheers of his classmates, who were excited to run around on the field. The teacher had told them they were playing rugby today, and Changbin could already see himself totally failing to play along.

The teacher divided the class into teams, nudging Changbin as she saw him close his eyes. "Hey, stay awake. It's not nap time, mister." Changbin bowed slightly and apologized, taking a deep breath. He blinked rapidly, trying to gather all of his energy. He took his position in the field, groaning softly as the teacher blew the whistle loudly to start the game.

The others began running, Changbin staying behind a bit. He watched them run across the field, yelling at eachother. Changbin felt his right eye twitch, his vision going slightly blurry. He jogged to get closer, but their yells made no sense to him.The teacher shook her head. "Changbin get in there!"

Changbin sighed and went even closer to the others, trying to act as if he was playing along. He felt his head began to throb slightly, as the quick movements and loud yells weren't really helping his current state. He tried to reach out for the ball a few times, but was just pushed aside as the others kept playing.

Changbin eventually just stood still, the world around him spinning a bit. Seungmin had noticed it, but was too involved in the game to be able to go to him. He got the ball from a teammate, running off to try and make a goal. The teacher yelled at Changbin, but she got no response from him. She then encouraged the others to get him to play along.

Changbin just stood there, his vision blurry, the world around him spinning more and more. He heard the yells increase in volume, furrowing his eyebrows slightly as he couldn't understand them. He then felt a big blow to the side of his head, stumbling sideways a bit. He groaned out in pain, as the rugby ball had hit the exact same spot that had hit the floor yesterday.

Changbin held his head, the yells growing even louder. Before he could open his eyes to look around, he was tackled, thrown on the ground by one of his classmates. Changbin felt a rush of pain go through his whole body, as the force of the tackle made him hit his back, the burn wounds making him scream out. His classmate looked at him in total shock, Changbin pushing him off out of instinct.

The others were all shocked at what happened, running to them in an attempt to help them. Changbin got up, groaning and cursing in pain. He got to his feet, the teacher trying to get him to stay, but Changbin had to get away. His eyes were starting to get teary, and he didn't want anybody to find out in how much pain he really was.

Changbin pushed everybody away from him, stumbling towards the dressing rooms. The teacher watched him storm off, sighing a bit. "Can anybody go after him?" Seungmin quickly raised his hand. "I'll go after him!" The teacher nodded and let Seungmin go, gathering the others to continue the game. Seungmin ran after Changbin, hoping he could prevent him from locking himself into a bathroom stall.

Seungmin walked into the dressing room, seeing Changbin on the floor, curled up against the wall. He could hear him crying softly, his heart breaking at the sight. "Changbin?" Changbin stopped and looked up, quickly looking away as he saw who it was. He wiped away his tears, hiding his face in his knees. "Go away."

"Can I get you anything? Water? An ice pack?" Seungmin walked closer, kneeling down next to him. Changbin just stayed quiet, trying his best to hold in his tears in front of the taller male. Seungmin sighed and placed a hand on Changbin's shoulder, but Changbin pushed it off. "I don't need your help. Go away."

Seungmin sighed and looked down. "I'm just trying to make sure you're alright. You looked bad from the moment we walked to school together.." Seungmin took a deep breath. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" "No, cause it's none of your business. Just go back to class already." Changbin wiped away some more tears, but cursed softly as he looked at his hand.

"Shit.." Seungmin tilted his head. "What? Hey, look at me for a second.." Changbin shook his head. "No, fuck off." "Changbin please.. look at me. I've noticed your puffy eye already, you don't have to hide it from me.." Changbin sniffled and cursed internally. He then gave in, turning his head. His shiner was now clearly visible, as the make-up had been wiped off.

Seungmin gasped softly as he saw it, immediately reaching out to touch it slightly. Changbin hissed and pushed Seungmin's hand away. "Oh.. sorry..." Changbin huffed and looked down. "Whatever.." "You know, the others might think you got it from the ball.. I don't have any make-up to cover it up again.."

Changbin glanced at Seungmin. "You think they'll believe that?" "I think so.." Seungmin sighed and looked down. "I uhm.. I won't ask but.. you gotta take care of it when you come home." Changbin chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah I'll try.." "No I'm serious. It can get worse if you don't-" "I said I'll try! Geez.." Changbin looked away.

Seungmin nodded and offered Changbin a hand. "Shall we go back? I'm sure the teacher won't let you play anymore. Or do you want to go home?" Changbin shook his head. "No no, I can't go home." "Alright.." Seungmin smiled softly. Changbin look at him for a moment before taking his hand.

They got up, slowly making their way back to the field. Changbin didn't speak as they walked. Seungmin looked at the smaller, still worried about him. "If you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me. I'm here for you, okay?" Changbin shrugged, leaving Seungmin a bit disappointed.

"I won't judge you for anything, I swear. You can tell me everything." "I'll decide when I need to speak to you." Changbin said coldly, but deep inside he felt grateful that he could rely on Seungmin. He was relieved a bit, as if he knew he could trust him now. From that moment on, his motto became 'Seungmin will wait for me at the stop sign'.

And Seungmin did. After two more long periods of Changbin not appearing at school, Seungmin made sure to wait for the smaller male every morning. He got more and more curious to what was happening, but he didn't want to push Changbin into spilling his secret. The truth would come out eventually, right?

|××××××××××|××××××××××|

A month or so went by, and Changbin trusted Seungmin more and more. Winter came sooner than people had suspected, and the city was soon covered with a thick layer of snow. Changbin lacked the proper clothes to protect him from the cold, and he had lied to Seungmin about being able to handle the cold air.

Seungmin had acted to believe Changbin, but when he saw Changbin walking towards the stop sign with purple coloured lips one morning, he rolled his eyes. He took off his jacket, placing it over the smaller male's shoulders. "Please, stop lying already." Changbin just looked at Seungmin with an apologetic face.

Seungmin smiled softly and they walked to school together. Seungmin looked at the snowflakes that drifted down. "If it keeps snowing like this, we'll be snowed in." Changbin bit his lip, nuzzling deeper into Seungmin's jacket. He had never really paid any attention to the scent of the taller, but now as the jacket was around his shoulder, he could focus on it.

"We'll be fine. We can't get snowed in. They'll keep the roads and doors free." Changbin said, hoping it would be true. He didn't want to be snowed in, he would be trapped at school with nosy people, and he wasn't ready to be talking to them for hours. Would his father blame him for staying away from him, even if it was the weather that made it impossible?

"Changbin?" "Hm, what?" "I asked you, would you rather have a snowstorm or a heatwave?" Changbin looked at Seungmin, confused by this sudden question. "Huh? What do you mean?" Seungmin shrugged, smiling slightly. "You know, just.. I was curious. A would you rather question is always fun." Seungmin looked at Changbin, seeing him snuggled in the jacket. He smiled, happy that the smaller didn't reject this small way of showing that he cared.

"Well, I guess.. heatwave? Heatwave still means school but snowstorm might mean stuck at home." Changbin said, not really thinking about how that sounded. Seungmin tilted his head, wondering why Changbin had chosen those two reasons. "So.. you like being at school? Is there something at home that you don't like?" Changbin gasped and then quickly shook his head.

"No no, honestly, I don't care. I like being at school.. you know.. I don't mind studying." Seungmin furrowed his eyebrows, not fully trusting the sudden change in Changbin's words. "Right.." Seungmin stopped as they reached the school gates. "Well... let's go study then. If you like it so much.." Changbin just nodded and quickly walked to the entrance, hoping Seungmin would forget about this in an hour or so.

As they sat down in class, every student was chatting about the snow. There were rumours going around about a snowstorm later that day, and everybody was wondering if they would get send home early. Changbin sighed, hoping the snowstorm would be fake, as he really didn't want to go home again. Because if he did, and they got snowed in, he would be stuck at home with his father. He shivered and tried to focus on his books, hoping for the best.

After their first break, the teacher walked into the classroom, clearly a bit worried. He silenced the students, clearing his throat. "The city is warning us about the upcoming snowstorm and uh.. it looks like we have to let you go earlier. They expect the storm to be so heavy in an hour that it is dangerous to go outside." The students errupted in excited and anxious chatter, wondering what would happen.

Changbin sighed deeply, a horrible feeling going through his body. He didn't want this. He had hoped so deeply that this wouldn't happen. The teacher ushered everyone to silence before explaining the action plan. They would call their parents, seeing if they could be picked up or had to walk home. As Seungmin took out his phone, he glanced over at Changbin.

He noticed the smaller not undertaking any action, remembering what he had said earlier that day. 'Stuck at home'. Seungmin took a deep breath, calling his mom to see if she was home. As he called, he kept watching Changbin, wondering if he should offer the male to go home with him. He smiled as his mom told him that he could bring a classmate home, if they were unable to go home by themselves.

Seungmin stood up, shoving his phone back in his pocket as he walked to Changbin. "Hey uh.." Seungmin took a deep breath, Changbin looking up at him. "Can you go home?" Seungmin asked carefully, already knowing the answer, but acting like he didn't know what Changbin was feeling. Changbin sighed and nodded. "Yeah, we can walk home like normal, I'll resume my way home alone."

"Well, if you change your mind, you can go home with me." Seungmin smiled gently, Changbin smiling back at him. "Thanks. But it probably won't be needed." "The offer still stands." Seungmin chuckled. He took a deep breath, seeing some students leave as their parents had come to get them. Seungmin look outside the window, seeing how heavy the snowfall was, the wind being so strong that the snowflakes were falling almost diagonal.

The teacher checked on everybody to see if they were going home, Seungmin telling him that Changbin and he would walk together as Changbin's parents couldn't come and get him. Changbin stayed quiet, his mind racing 100 miles an hour as he didn't want to go home, scared for whatever his father would do to him. Seungmin placed a hand on Changbin's shoulder. "Let's go. We want to be home before the storm hits."

As they walked, Seungmin found it hard to see Changbin shiver from the cold. But taking off his own jacket in this weather... Seungmin sighed and looked at Changbin. "Come here." Seungmin wrapped an arm around Changbin's shoulder, holding him close as they walked. Changbin tensed up slightly, but let Seungmin hold him. He was cold and scared, so he didn't have the energy to tell Seungmin off.

They stopped walking as they reached the crossing where they usually parted ways. They stared at a tree, which had fallen down right onto the street Changbin had to go in, and they could hear some sirens further down the way. Changbin gulped, knowing he could take a different route, but something felt off. As if he shouldn't go home. Seungmin took a deep breath and looked at the smaller, who was leaning against him.

"Let's go to my place, okay? Maybe when they clear the street I can walk you home.." Seungmin said softly, not knowing how Changbin would react. Changbin felt the anxiety rush through his body, shivering even more. He glanced at Seungmin, but he knew he didn't have another choice. Changbin nodded ever so slightly, already regretting his decision the moment they started walking again.