The Model And The Monstrosity

The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table where everyone gathered, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a sense of normalcy.

Yet, amidst the clinking of cutlery and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Dino felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.

He longed to visit the café, to reconnect with his old friends, but the memory of his recent encounter loomed over him like a dark cloud. The thought of going alone sent shivers down his spine.With a hesitant heart, he turned to Scoups. 

"Coups hyung, will you come with me today?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dino knew that Scoups had a duty to protect Jeonghan, who was his priority, but he clung to the hope that the demon would understand his need for companionship.

Scoups, however, was quick to respond, his tone dismissive.

 "Why should I come with you? Jeonghan is free today, and my main focus is him, not you." The words stung, but Dino tried to mask his disappointment.

"Yah! You have to protect him too. Don't leave my kid alone," Jeonghan interjected, sensing the tension in the air. His voice was firm, but there was a hint of concern for Dino's well-being.

"I don't want to. I'm busy," Scoups replied, turning away and retreating to his room, leaving Dino feeling more isolated than ever. The weight of solitude pressed down on him, and he mumbled to himself.

"I guess I have to go alone."

Just then, Joshua chimed in, "Dino, do you want one of us to come with you?"

His offer was genuine, but Dino felt a pang of reluctance. He was now somewhat comfortable with Scoups, and the thought of being accompanied by someone else didn't sit right with him.

Seungkwan, noticing the worry etched on Dino's face, added.

 "Dino, you have other bodyguards with you, and you're meeting your friends in the VIP room, so don't worry. She won't come." His voice was laced with concern, but Dino could only nod, feeling the weight of his decision to face the café alone.

Dino's heart raced as he stood at the edge of the gathering, a whirlwind of laughter and nostalgia swirling around him. The reunion had been a balm for his soul, a chance to reconnect with friends who had shared his childhood joys and sorrows. They reminisced about carefree days, shared stories that echoed with laughter, and captured moments in photographs that would forever hold the essence of their bond. For a fleeting moment, Dino felt a warmth envelop him, a sense of belonging that he had longed for. But just as quickly, that warmth began to dissipate, replaced by a chilling dread that crept into his chest.

He had hoped against hope that he would escape the shadows of his past, that he could enjoy this day without the specter of his stepmother looming over him. But fate had other plans. The moment he heard that voice—smooth yet laced with an unsettling authority—his stomach twisted into knots.

"I think you are having fun," she said, her tone dripping with a familiarity that made him want to shrink away. He couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze, the memories of childhood trauma flooding back, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"Oh, Dino's mom! It's so nice to meet you!" one of his friends exclaimed, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within him. The words felt like a cruel twist of fate, a reminder of the very presence he had hoped to avoid.

"Yeah, are you guys finished with the party? My son said he would meet after the reunion. I didn't know the time, so I just came here on a whim," she replied, her voice cutting through the laughter like a knife.