"Tannie!! If it isn't my favorite client! How are yo- Tae? Are you okay?"

I forced a nod and a smile. "I'm fine, Jungook. Um... Anyway, let's get the training started!"

Jungkook crossed his arms over his burly chest, an eyebrow quirking up in suspicion. He stared at me intently for a moment, my eyes pleading him to not ask any more questions. After a minute, he sighed, nodding.

"I think we'll have a good day today, don't you agree, Tannie?"

I sat down as I watched them continue their training. Sure, I was supposed to be paying attention. I should've been hearing all of the tips and the advice Jungkook was giving me, but all I could hear was the heartbeat in my ears. I could hear the blood being pumped throughout my body. I could hear the faint screams from my past in the distance, making me shiver.

"P-P-Please... I beg of you... I don't want this."

I could still hear my pathetic pleas in my mind, making me want to cringe.

A slap was all that it took to shut me up.

I should've tried harder. I should've fought harder. Why did I give up so easily God dammit?

I felt something rub against my head, making me blink quickly to bring myself back to reality. I noticed Tannie at my feet, rubbing his head against my leg.

I saw Jungkook jog over. "Sorry, he insisted on seeing you. He would make an excellent emotional support animal to be honest. He clearly can sense your emotional distress."

I scoffed, nodding. "I'm not paying you to talk to me about how he can sense my depressed ass from across the park. I'm paying you to train him in behavior, so why don't you just stick to that?"

I watched as Jungkook took a small step back, nodding shyly. "Oh, uh... Of course. Um, let's go, Yeontan."

I watched as they went near a shaded area of the park, under a large tree. I sighed as I relaxed, resting my head in the palms of my hands as I wept.

Why can I push everyone away that I want to keep in my life, but when it comes time for me to protect myself, I can't? What did I do to deserve this punishment in this world?

•••••

"Yeontan did a great job today! Normally I teach the new motions in person, but I will send you a PDF copy of everything Yeontan is working on instead. He has almost fully accomplished sit and lay down. But, um, anyway, we're done for today." Jungkook spoke quickly, like he was in a hurry. I watched as he bent at the waist in a slight bow before giving me a nervous smile.

"Um, so are we okay for training tomorrow or do we want to reschedule for later in the week?"

I sighed.

He's too nice. Don't push him away, Taehyung. Don't you fucking do it.

I shook my head.

"I will just message you if we need to set up another appointment time." I pulled out my wallet, pulling out a blank check that I had folded up, as well as a pen. I bent down so I had my knee to write on, scribbling out the amount I owed him plus a little extra, signing my name, and folding it in half.

"You are paid in full."

I picked up Yeontan and began to walk off, not even turning around for the small sniffle and the tiny whisper of

"Goodbye, Tae."

•••••

Welp. This story was supposed to be fluffy lmao. I don't even know what fluff is tbh