Xeons

**Synopsis:**

In the midst of the dazzling city of Seoul, a boy is born into a loving and well-off family. Growing up in a warm home filled with affection, he enjoys a perfect childhood surrounded by his parents. His small world is filled with laughter, hugs, and everyday adventures that fill his days with happiness.

However, behind the peace of his life, an unexpected future awaits. Though still too young to understand the world beyond his home, his life is about to change. His courage and determination will be tested, and he will come to realize that not everything in the world is as blissful as the life he knows at home.

This beautiful childhood is just the beginning of a long journey that will shape him into a stronger person, with all the twists and turns he will have to face. This is the story of a boy who will not only learn about love and happiness, but also about struggle and loss, leading him into a world much larger than he ever imagined.

*English is not my first language.*  
*I am a beginner writer, so I apologize if there are any mistakes, and I would appreciate any suggestions.*
*I'm sorry if my writing is too bad.*

Lookism: Unchained Fate

Joon-hyuk sat on the edge of Mi-jin's bed, staring at the floor. His body felt heavy, his thoughts an unbearable mess. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind over and over—his hands stained with blood, the lifeless eyes staring back at him, the voice of the other him echoing in his head.

The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustling from Mi-jin, who sat beside him, legs crossed, her hands fidgeting in her lap. She had been watching him for a while now, concern etched onto her face. The usual brightness in her eyes was dimmed, replaced by something uncertain, something worried.

"You should eat something," Mi-jin finally said, breaking the silence.

Joon-hyuk didn't respond. He barely even heard her. His fingers twitched, still feeling the ghostly sensation of the blood that had once covered them.

Mi-jin sighed, nudging his arm gently. "Joon-hyuk, please."

Still, nothing. He was lost in his own world, drowning in the weight of what he had done. His mind screamed at him—

Before Mi-jin could say anything else, the door swung open, and Lee Zin stomped in, his usual scowl fixed in place. He stopped in front of Joon-hyuk, arms crossed.

"You're seriously just gonna sit there like a zombie?" Lee Zin scoffed. "Pathetic."

Mi-jin glared at him. "Lee Zin, stop it."

"What? Someone's gotta say it." He took a step closer, his tone sharp. "Listen, I don't care what's going on in your head right now, but you disappearing like that pissed everyone off. You made Mi-jin cry, you know that?"

Joon-hyuk flinched slightly at that. He didn't mean to cause trouble for them. But at the same time… did it really matter? Could someone like him even deserve their concern?

"Lee Zin, enough," Seong Yohan spoke softly as he entered the room, his eyes scanning Joon-hyuk's face carefully. He was quieter than usual, but his concern was obvious. He took a seat in the chair across from the bed, hands clasped together. "We're just glad you're back."

Lee Zin huffed but didn't push further. He leaned against the wall, his arms still crossed, clearly holding back more words he wanted to say.

Joon-hyuk swallowed thickly. He knew he should say something, but the words wouldn't come out. It was like he had forgotten how to speak. Like the weight inside him was pressing down on his throat, keeping him silent.

Mi-jin reached for his hand. "Joon-hyuk, please say something. We're worried about you."

He stared at her small hand on top of his. It was warm—too warm. He didn't deserve that warmth.

Finally, after what felt like forever, he managed to whisper, "I'm sorry."

Mi-jin squeezed his hand. "It's okay."

"No." His voice was hoarse, rough. "It's not okay."

Lee Zin clicked his tongue. "Then do something about it."

Yohan shot him a warning look, but Joon-hyuk found himself agreeing. Do something? What could he possibly do? He had already crossed a line that couldn't be undone. The blood on his hands might have been washed away, but the stain would never leave him.

"I don't know what to do," he admitted quietly. "I don't… I don't think I can go back to normal."

The words were raw, painful. The truth he had been afraid to acknowledge.

Silence followed. Then, Mi-jin said, "Then we'll figure it out together."

Joon-hyuk looked up at her, searching her face for any sign of doubt, but there was none. She was serious.

Yohan nodded. "You're not alone, Joon-hyuk."

Lee Zin didn't say anything for a long moment. Then, with a huff, he looked away. "Just don't do anything stupid again."

Joon-hyuk didn't know what to say. He wasn't sure if he deserved their support, but for now, for this moment, he let himself believe in it.

Because if he didn't, he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold himself together.

11. Fragile Bonds and Lingering Shadows