Warnings: Hate comments, mentions of death threats
Pushing the door of Chan's studio open, you pad softly into the room, your eyes landing on the figure sliding down his chair. Hat off on the table next to him, Chan's bare face is red as he rubs his cold hands over his cheeks, the soft curls of his dark hair standing up on edge. Open on his laptop is a social media tab, cruel words glaring up at him as he scrolls further and further down the page.
Sighing, you pull up one of the soft armchairs and sit beside him. Gently prying his hands away from his face, you look at your boyfriend with round, worried eyes.
"I told you to stop looking at those," you whisper, running your thumbs over the backs of his hands. "You're only going to feel worse."
Dropping his head, Chan's breathing is uneven as he stares at your entwined hands through teary eyes. "They want me dead, Y/N. Everyone."
Biting your lip, you pull him closer to you, his knees brushing yours as his chair rotates on its wheels. "Not everyone. There are still so many people out there who love you, and who support you."
Chan sniffs, a tear rolling off of the end of his nose and splattering on his Jeans, turning the faded black fabric darker. Breath hitching, you tug at Chan's hand and let him crawl into your lap, his body trembling in your tender grip.
"I don't understand ... am I really that bad?" Chan asks, his voice jagged. "I tried so hard ... I'm trying to make people happy. But what's the use? They don't see that. It's ... not fair."
"Hey, hey baby, listen to me," reaching out, you cup his cheek slowly, his skin smooth and wet against your palm. His shoulders shake as sobs force their way out of him, despite his best efforts to stay composed. Your heart shatters at the sight of him like this, and you kiss the top of his forehead, your own eyes stinging with the threat of tears. "Listen to me. You're right, it isn't fair. These people who are hating on you, they don't know the real you. Their heads are so far up their asses that they can't see past the tiny mistakes people make. You haven't done anything wrong. But you've apologised to the people who are unhappy, because you care about their feelings more than your own. You are not a bad person. At all. There are so many people out there who depend on you, and who look to you for safety and happiness in their darkest times ... I don't think there's anyone else out there who provides so much comfort to thousands of people."
Chan lets out a strangled cry as he crashes his body into yours, his face burying into your neck. His breath is hot, feverish, and you try to stay calm as your mind flicks to the thought of these strangers carelessly flinging abusive words around the internet. You rub your hands over your boyfriend's back, his spine hard under your touch and you sigh again, mentally making a note to cook a full three course meal for him later.
"I don't know what to do," Chan mumbles, his lips brushing against your skin. "I ... it hurts, Y/N."
Swallowing, you hug him tighter. "I know baby. I know it hurts. I know. But you need to realise that l these rumours that are being spread about you, they aren't true. You know you're not a bad person. You know that you try to help people and you love everyone no matter what they look like or where they come from. That's the most important thing. As long as you know that inside, you don't need anyone else's validation."
Choking, Chan's bony hands bundle up in your t-shirt. "I love you. I love you so much," he whispers, tears trickling down your shoulders. "And I'm sorry. That you have to go through this."
Stroking his hair, you shake your head lightly. "Don't apologise baby. It's alright. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now."
Looking up, Chan blinks at you, a watery smile spreading across his face. His nose is red, his cheeks flushed and you tut, kissing his lips softly. "I love you so much," you tell him, searching his warm eyes. "You're a hero, okay? Don't forget that."
