prone to melancholy

Hi sweetheart, of course, you may request a fic. And I'm happy you like them so much. Hope this is what you had in mind. Have a wonderful day. ❤️

Hongjoong

Hongjoong had noticed little things before. The way you apologized for existing. The hesitation before speaking around your family.

But hearing it firsthand was different.

You had invited him to dinner, hoping things would go smoothly.

Instead...

"Why can't you be more like your cousin?"

"You've always been so difficult."

"We expected more from you."

You quietly stared at your plate, not arguing.

Hongjoong couldn't.

"...I think she's doing incredibly well."

The table went silent.

Your parents looked surprised.

"She's one of the kindest, hardest-working people I've ever met. Maybe instead of criticizing her every chance you get...you should tell her you're proud."

After leaving, he wrapped both arms around you.

"You deserved better than that growing up."

And from then on, he'd constantly remind you how proud he was.

Seonghwa

Seonghwa's heart shattered.

Your mother criticized everything.

Your clothes.

Your job.

Your appearance.

Even the meal you'd helped cook.

You simply smiled through it.

Like it was normal.

The second you both got into the car, Seonghwa pulled over.

"You don't have to smile when they're hurting you."

You finally broke down.

He immediately hugged you.

"I'm so sorry."

He stroked your hair while you cried.

"You've spent your whole life trying to earn love that should've been given freely."

After that, he'd become your safe place.

A home you never had.

Yunho

Yunho was normally cheerful.

Until he watched your older sibling mock you for nearly everything you said.

Every joke.

Every opinion.

Every achievement.

Your family laughed along.

You just laughed awkwardly too.

Yunho didn't.

"I thought it was funny the first time."

Everyone looked at him.

"But now it just sounds mean."

Silence.

On the drive home...

"You know none of what they said is true...right?"

You shrugged.

"I've heard it my whole life."

His smile completely disappeared.

"...Not anymore."

He'd spend every day replacing those cruel words with genuine encouragement.

Yeosang

Yeosang stayed quiet throughout the visit.

Watching.

Listening.

Analyzing.

He noticed how everyone interrupted you.

Ignored your opinions.

Asked everyone else questions but barely acknowledged you.

By the end, he'd had enough.

When someone interrupted you again...

"She was talking."

His calm voice froze everyone.

He looked directly at them.

"I'd like to hear what she has to say."

For the rest of the evening, he'd intentionally keep bringing the conversation back to you.

Later...

"You deserve people who actually listen."

And he always would.

San

San was furious.

Not loudly.

Quietly.

Dangerously.

Your father grabbed your wrist too hard while scolding you over something insignificant.

San was beside you instantly.

He gently removed your father's hand.

"Please don't touch her like that."

His voice stayed respectful.

But firm.

The tension was unbearable.

After leaving...

He checked your wrist.

"...Does this happen often?"

When you admitted it wasn't unusual...

San's eyes filled with tears.

"I'm so sorry."

From then on, he'd never let you visit alone again.

Mingi

Mingi couldn't understand it.

How could anyone speak to you like that?

Your family constantly made jokes at your expense.

"You've always been the embarrassing one."

Everyone laughed.

Except Mingi.

He looked confused.

"I don't get it."

"...What?"

"The joke."

Silence.

"She's amazing."

Nobody knew what to say.

Afterward...

"You laughed."

You nodded.

"I always do."

"...You shouldn't have to."

He'd spend the rest of the night making you genuinely laugh instead.

Wooyoung

Wooyoung lasted exactly fifteen minutes.

Fifteen.

Your family dismissed everything you said.

Then your mother criticized your weight.

That was enough.

"Excuse me?"

The room went silent.

"I think she looks beautiful."

Your mother frowned.

Wooyoung smiled politely.

"And even if she didn't, it's not your place to comment."

The atmosphere became awkward.

He didn't care.

Once outside...

He held your hand.

"You don't owe anyone your silence."

He'd happily become the "rude boyfriend" if it meant protecting you.

Jongho

Jongho remained respectful throughout dinner.

Even while your family belittled your accomplishments.

"So you still haven't figured out your life?"

You quietly looked down.

Jongho answered instead.

"Actually..."

He calmly listed everything you'd achieved.

Your career.

Your kindness.

Your perseverance.

Every accomplishment.

"I think she's someone to admire."

Nobody interrupted him.

His confidence made it impossible.

Later...

"I know hearing those comments repeatedly makes them feel true."

He gently squeezed your hand.

"But they're wrong."