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Jake was more than surprised when he saw the man. He was at a loss for words. Where was he this whole time?
...
It was Monday, the same Monday Jake and Sunghoon had their little date. Jake's father, Sim Daehyun sat on the couch waiting for his son to arrive home. He waited and waited, and waited some more, but his son never came home. Any normal parent would be worried but not this one. He was actually relieved. Though, he was a bit upset about not being able to torment the boy.
He packed up a bag and left the house. He got in his car and started driving even though he was obviously under the influence. Since it was late at night, 1:03 am to be specific, there were barely any people on the road.
The man parked in front of a building that had a sign reading, 'Cardinal Casino' in big bright red text. He got out and walked into the building.
When he got in he went straight to the slots. He had brought $1,250 and wasn't scared to spend it. He ended up gambling it all away within two nights.
And he earned nothing.
But he didn't care. He didn't need the money anyway. He thought of the casino as an arcade. He didn't even pay the bills, why would he care if he lost the money or not? He had no idea on how the bills were paid but he didn't care. He wouldn't be too happy if he found out how they were being paid though.
...
He woke up, his head throbbing with pain. He cursed under his breath before getting up and changing clothes. This was his third and last day at the casino. There was no reason to stay if he had gotten rid of all of his money.
He walked out of the room holding onto his head. He then left the building and got in his car. He drove to a corner store and entered.
"Hello, welcome," The woman at the counter said with a sweet smile. Daehyun didn't acknowledge her and continued to walk. It seemed as if the two were the only ones there.
He walked to the drinks and shoved two beers into his jacket. The woman at the counter saw this and began to start watching him, her hand hovering over her phone in case she had to call the police. It didn't help that the man already looked sketchy, to begin with.
The father walked to the chips aisle and grabbed a few not caring to hide them. The small woman had no chance against him.
He then headed to the door when she called out for him. "Excuse me, sir! You have to pay for those," She said causing him to stop in his steps. "Or else?" He asked with a slick smile.
"I'll call the police," The woman said. He ignored her and continued walking to the door. The woman picked up her phone to call the police before getting punched hard in the wrist. "Aah!" She squeaked in pain. Her wrist was without a doubt broken.
"You won't call the police," Mr. Sim said in a viciously harsh tone. "I-I'm sorry sir. I won't call them I promise," She said, his fist still crushing her bones. "I don't trust you," He said moving his fist left and right causing her to wail.
"Shut the fuck up!" He said raising his voice. "P-please, I won't tell," She begged. The man removed his hand and stepped back. "Th-thank you, sir, I won't tell a soul," She said with a relieved smile that was also filled with fear and pain. "Yeah, because you're about to be one," Daehyun said before grabbing her by the hair over the counter.
She squirmed, kicked, shouted, everything she could do. But she couldn't get the man off of her. Daehyun beat her until she didn't fight back. She had given up. She knew this was the end. This was how she'd die.
And she did.
He had beaten her to death. Blood was scattered on the floor and his hands. He got up and quickly went to the bathroom. He cleaned himself up before getting into his vehicle and driving to a motel not too far away. He set camp and later that night went to a bar.
There weren't many people there when he arrived but soon more people came. "I don't think you should drink much more," A man said as he sat next to Daehyun. "Why don't you mind your own fucking business?" Daehyun said not looking at the man. "Why so grumpy?" The man asked. Daehyun didn't respond. "I'm Na Juwon, you?" The man introduced himself.
"Sim Daehyun," He muttered. "Nice to meet you Daehyun. May I ask why you're here?" Juwon said. "I don't have anything else to do," Daehyun answered. "Do you not have anything hobbies? What about kids? Where's your wife... or husband? I don't discriminate," Juwon asked. "I do not like men. If you're a man and like men then you're disgusting and deserve to rot," Daehyun said shocking Juwon. "Oh... sorry? Uhm, what about the other questions?" Juwon said trying to change the subject.
"I don't have any interests and I hate both my past lover and son," Daehyun answered. "Why do you hate them?" Juwon asked. "My wife was selfish, rude, and deadbeat. My son reminds me of her. Looks just like her too. He can't do anything right either. Always out with friends never checks in on me, it's annoying," Daehyun said, now facing the kind man.
"How old is your son?" Juwon asked. "Seventeen," Daehyun replied. "Seems like he's about to graduate. I understand the struggle with teens. I have two back at home. They're a handful," Juwon said with a soft chuckle. "What about your wife? Does she help?" Juwon asked.
"She's gone. She left us a long time ago. She just up and left. Can you believe it?" Daehyun said shaking his head. "Wow, that must suck. I'm sorry," Juwon said, pity visible in his voice.
"I have to get going. Maybe take a break from the drinks. You look very exhausted and kinda sick," Juwon said. "I'll try," Daehyun sighed. "Here's my number. Call me whenever," Juwon said as he scribbled on a napkin. "Bye," Juwon said as he walked away. "Bye," Daehyun replied.
That was the first time he had had a conversation in years.
Daehyun stayed at the bar for a while before heading to the motel and stayed there until Monday evening. He then left and went back home. Around four hours later he heard someone open the door. "Why hello there son," Daehyun said with a smirk.
"W-where were y-you?" Jake managed to choke out. "Oh, did you miss your old man?" Daehyun asked with an evil smile. "N-n," Jake started. "'N-n' Yes or no? Spit it out," He said mocking his son.
Jake knew no matter what he said he'd regret it so he answered, "No," Jake simply said. "Oh! You didn't miss me?!" Daehyun asked. It was obvious he was drunk again. "Well, guess what you piece of shit. I didn't miss your ass either!" Daehyun said as he backed his son into a corner.
"Is it because I scare you? I think you should man up and deal with what I do to you. Act your age for a second! Don't be a disappointment! Make me happy! Do something!" He shouted, slapping the boy after every sentence. "I-I've tr-tried," Jake said in between sobs. "Like I'd believe that! I've been miserable ever since you were born! Please tell me it's not your fault I do this!" He continued to shout.
"I-I'm sorry," Jake cried. "DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE SORRY! I DON'T CARE! GIVE ME BACK THE TIME I HAD BEFORE YOU EXISTED! MAKE ME HAPPY AGAIN! GIVE ME BACK THOSE SEVENTEEN YEARS! I WANT IT NOW!" Daehyun yelled his hot breath and spit touching Jake's face.
Jake couldn't say anything back to what his father said. "I FUCKING HATE YOU!" Daehyun roared before punching the boy. Jake yelped in pain before sinking to the floor. "I HATE YOUR FACE!" He yelled punching Jake again. "I HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU!" He yelled before punching him again. "I HATE YOU, HATE YOU, HATE YOU!" He yelled as he punched him over and over again.
Jake couldn't do anything but take it. He was completely defenseless. It wasn't his first time being hit like this but the punches felt way more personal. It felt like they came from the heart. It felt like he meant what he said.
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After an hour of beating the boy, Daehyun got tired and backed away from him. "Go, get away from me," He said. Jake tried to get up but his legs were too weak. With the help of a chair nearby he was able to crouch and got out of the room as quickly as he could.
When he arrived at his bedroom he locked the door and sat on the floor. He was exhausted. He got his phone off of the bed and saw 27 missed calls and 47 missed messages from Soobin. His fingers shook as he typed on the phone. He told the older his dad was back and that he was busy which is why he didn't answer earlier. Soobin understood and left him alone.
Jake sighed and got in bed. Before falling asleep almost instantly.
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a/n note!!: sorry if this chapter is a bit too dark. i got a bit lazy towards the end so I apologize if some things are off. i'm gonna go to bed now. love you guys!!
- May 🌷
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