Author's POV
Ashley (Halsey) arrived 2 days ago and has been staying with the girls at Bridget's house. She was heartbroken seeing Catherine for the first time. The bruises that are healing, are still noticeable. What's more concerning to Ashley is Catherine's voice. Ashley had talked to her on the phone a few times, but in person it's really different. Catherine says it's just that she overused it in meetings the last days.
Ashley spoke with Bridget alone to tell her that she saw Catherine coming out of the shower last night, and there is no way she'll be able to hide everything... Her back is completely marked up. The girls are really worried that Cath still hasn't told Hoseok anything. They think she's pretending like nothing happened, and they are worried for the inevitable crash.
The decision was made between the 2 friends to tell Namjoon. Ashley believes that he won't tell Hoseok if they ask him not to. But they know that someone in Korea needs to know what she's been through. It's either this, or Bridget will go with her. The problem there is that Bridget's passport is expired, and it probably won't get fixed in time. She's started the process though, just in case she needs to go after Catherine. Ashley has a bunch of concert dates coming up, so she can't go, or she would gladly.
So while Catherine is at a Dr's appt, Ashley calls Namjoon. It's the middle of the night in Korea, and they feel bad, but it's their only opportunity.
*otp*
"여보세요"
"Joon. It's Ashley. Sorry to wake you."
"Oh... Hi... What's happening?"
"I'm here with Bridget, Catherine's friend, and we need to tell you something."
"Ok. Listening"
"The night of their graduation, Catherine was assaulted by her ex. She was hurt really badly."
"What? How is she now?"
"Healing. But she hasn't told Hobi, and doesn't want to. She really won't be able to hide it though... We just wanted someone there to know what is going on. Please don't tell Hoseok though."
"Why doesn't she want to tell him?"
"Hi. This is Bridget. I will try to answer that... She thinks he will not love her anymore. Or he will look at her differently... She's afraid that he'll think she's... dirty."
"Oh... That... I don't know what to say. It's that bad?"
"It was THAT bad. Tell me now if you think he won't be able to handle it. I'll keep her here if he's going to look at her like damaged goods."
"No no no... You misunderstand..
I just woke up so I am slow. He loves her. No matter what has happened, he will still love her. I promise that."
"I... I know he will still love her. She's just really damaged Namjoon... I am worried that something will happen... I can't go there with her because my passport is expired, or I would... Just please... Promise me you'll keep an eye on her. Make sure she's eating..."
"I will... But I'm going to tell Yoongi this information also. In case I'm not around. He will know what to do. He was the one that knew Catherine was in trouble when she tried to hurt herself."
"Ok. But I've already violated a serious friend rule by telling you. She won't forgive me if you guys tell Hoseok."
"We won't tell him unless it becomes impossible to keep it from him. But I'll let you know immediately if that happens."
"Alright. Thank you."
"Can I ask... Is this why her voice is different? And why she won't video call?"
Bridget let's me continue to talk, as she starts to feel guilty for telling him. "Yes Joon. Her vocal chords are bruised. She also has alot of injuries that were noticeable at first. She's healing though. You'll know when you see her though. Please be careful with her. She's fragile."
"Ok. Who should I call if we feel like she needs more help than we can give?"
"Call me. I'll also text you Bridget's number in case I'm not reachable."
"Got it. Hoseok is very excited to see her. He's got alot of plans. We'll keep an eye on the situation and let you know how things are going."
"Thanks Joon! Go back to sleep."
Namjoon's POV
I can't believe this. My gut told me that something was wrong, but I never thought THIS would be the problem. Hoseok is so in love with this girl. She's clearly been through a lot in her life though. Now her ex hurt her? That's so unfair.
I need to tell Yoongi this information. He'll know what to watch for. He's better with alot if this stuff than I am. They said we'll notice she's been injured... So how can she think Hobi won't notice?
Jungkook's POV
I was passing Yoongi hyung's room and heard RapMon hyung telling him something about Catherine. I couldn't hear well enough, but it sounds like maybe she is hurt. They're talking about how they need to keep an eye on her while she's here. I wonder what's wrong... I knew there was more to her weird behavior. Why isn't she talking to her boyfriend?
Bridget's POV
I can't believe I broke my promise. I guess I didn't really promise not to tell other members, just Hoseok... But I know she won't see it that way. She's been doing alright, especially since Jacob is in jail until his trial. His parents refused to bail him out. They are just as disgusted as everyone else with what he did. It's almost Christmas though, and I worry that his mother will get soft... If he's released, Catherine will be a mess.
Cath was irritated with me when Ashley showed up. I didn't warn her on purpose. I wanted her to get to see the reaction she can expect from others who don't see her every day. After a few hours, Catherine relaxed though and was able to talk with Ashley about what happened. There were tears, and some yelling... But Ashley is a great friend to Cath, and helped her alot.
We're getting ready to go out for dinner once Catherine gets back from the Dr. I think Cath has lost about 15 pounds that she couldn't really afford to, so I hope she'll start taking care of herself more. She received a package full of turtlenecks and high neck shirts today. I tried not to laugh though. She's always been a fashionable dresser, so this is completely different. I understand her need to cover herself for now though. Hopefully she'll gain her confidence back soon.
Catherine's POV
I was pretty pissed at B for letting Ashley visit. I was not ready to let people see me. Who am I trying to fool though... I'm going to be seeing Hobi soon, so I need to get used to getting outside my bubble again. Ashley is amazing to have around. She doesn't make me feel damaged. Bridget doesn't either, but she looks at me like I could break any second. She's been with me through everything, so maybe that's why she looks at me the way she does now.
We arrive at the restaurant and I'm actually hungry. I have lost weight, but I haven't been hungry. Or, I lose my appetite once I start eating. One thing I'm looking forward to, is getting some bulgogi when I'm in Korea. I'll eat it 3 meals a day it's that good. Ashley has convinced me to FaceTime Hoseok from her phone tonight. She thinks letting him see me is good for both of us.
Hoseok's POV
*FaceTime request*
Who is this? It's a be US #... Maybe Catherine!!!
"Hi!!"
"Hey"
"I miss you!"
"I miss you too Hobi."
"You skinny Cafferine... You are ok?"
"I'm alright. I wasn't feeling great, but I'm better. Don't worry."
"How not worrying..."
"I'm sorry. I do feel much better though."
"You voice still not good?"
"I know. The Dr said it is going to be fine. I just need to rest it more than I have been."
"What happen?"
"uuuhhh... It's nothing. I promise I'm ok."
".......What hiding?"
"...... You know what I can't wait for? I can't wait for some bulgogi! Will we be eating that when I'm there?"
"Yes. All you want."
"Yay!! How is the weather there? Warm or cold?"
"It cold. You bring sweaters."
"I've been living in sweaters and other cozy clothes. So I'll be all set then."
"I excited to see you soon! I love you Cafferine."
"I love you Hobi. I'll be there soon."
"Ok. Bye!"
"Bye!"
She is still beautiful, but she looks so thin. There is also something in her eyes I can't understand. She barely met mine, and it almost looked like she has a black eye. But maybe it was her makeup. It was the end of the night for her, so it may just be smudged. She's never used alot of makeup though... Aish... So many questions... I guess when she gets here I'll know more.
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I know... Boring chapter. Pure filler. Thanks for reading though. Things are going to get interesting soon.
Love you all!!
STAY SAFE!!
STAY HEALTHY!!
WEAR A MASK!!
**MASKS ARE SEXY!!**