Chapter Text
“You ungrateful piece of shit” Jongdae ducked as the book hit the wall behind him. Jongdae ran down the stairs before his mother had another chance to throw something at him.
Jongdae dashed out onto the street and signed in relief when he saw no one was following him.
“What are you up to today Jongdae?” Jongdae whipped his head when he heard his name.
“Hey Lay. Nothing yet. Gonna see if I can scrounge up any food. Nothing left at home.” Jongdae shrugged as he walked towards the main road where there were food stalls set up everywhere.
“Mom getting angry again.” Lay motioned at the dark bruises on Jongdaes arms.
“Oh its nothing. Same thing different day.” Jongdae followed his nose around the various food carts trying to find a good target.
“Its not nothing. You don’t need to put up with that.” Lay raced after Jongdae as he moves swiftly between the crowds of people.
“I know and I'm not. I'm getting out of here.” Jongdae noticed the fruit stand he was next to was busy and when the owner turned away to help someone Jongdae snatched two apples and put them in his pockets.
“Here.” Jongdae passed one to Lay as they continued walking.
“What do you mean you’re getting out?” Lay questioned as he took a bite of his apple.
“I can’t live here anymore. My parents are right. I am an ungrateful person. I'm almost 20, I have no job, I provide nothing for my family, and I'm just wasting space.” Jongdae sighed as he tossed his apple core into the street.
“You know that isn’t true right. You’re not a waste of space.” Lay looked at his friend sadly.
“it’s okay. I'm used to it. Don’t feel bad. I know there is much more than this neighborhood, than this life. I want to see more. Maybe even find my soulmate.” Jongdae smiled brightly.
“Oh don’t start with the soulmate crap again. You know no one ever finds their soulmates.” Lay rolled his eyes.
“I will.” Jongdae smiled again as Lay just shook his head, reminding him of the dumb conversations they had as children.
--
“And where have you been all day? Not at a job, not bringing any food home. So nothing helpful.” Jongdaes mother scoffed when her oldest son walked in.
Jongdae rolled his eyes before walking towards his bedroom.
“Hey! Your mother was talking to you.” Jongdaes father slammed Jongdae against the wall his breath smelling of booze as he yelled into his face.
Jongdae pushed his father away angrily before running into his room.
Jongdae grabbed the bag he’s had set in the back of his closet for months before sneaking out of his window and down the fire escape. He could hear his parents yelling after him, but he didn’t care anymore. He was getting out of there.
Jongdae grabbed the note he had written many times before and when he found his best friends window, he slipped the note through the crack so he knew Lay would see it when he woke up.
I'm off to find my other half. Wish me luck!
- Jongdae
Jongdae smiled as he slid down the fire escape adjusting his bag over his shoulder before heading down the dark road. Off to start his new life somewhere he was wanted.
--
Jongdae adjusted his bag under his head as he laid behind a brick building. Luckily it was a warm night and Jongdae rested his eyes as he began thinking of what his next move should be.
Jongdaes fingers grazed the name etched on his hip, a name he has memorized since the first day it appeared on his skin. He didn’t care where he ended up after this, only that he finds the owner of that name.
“Minseok.” Jongdae whispered as he fell asleep.