The journey back to the city was quiet. The familiar skyline loomed in the distance, a reminder of the world they had momentarily escaped. For the past few days, Chanyeol and Min Ho had found solace in each other's company, away from the ever-present eyes of the media and the constant pressure from their respective worlds. But now, as the city grew closer, Min Ho could feel the weight of his responsibilities—and his unresolved emotions—begin to creep back into his chest.
Chanyeol, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Min Ho's mood. As they neared the city, he reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Min Ho's. "It's okay," he said softly, his voice steady. "We've got this. Whatever comes next, we'll handle it together."
Min Ho nodded, but the lingering uncertainty still gnawed at him. He had hoped that time away from everything would give him clarity, but now that they were heading back to the city, he felt the familiar tension rise again. His father's rejection still hurt, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could stand up to the world that seemed so determined to pull them apart.
As they arrived back at Chanyeol's apartment, the reality of their situation hit Min Ho like a wave. The press were still buzzing, and Chanyeol had a stack of work waiting for him. The weight of it all pressed heavily on Min Ho's shoulders. He had hoped for a smooth return, but things were far from settled.
"Let's take it one step at a time," Chanyeol said, pulling Min Ho into his arms as they stood in the doorway. "We've already come so far. Whatever comes, we'll face it as a team."
Min Ho sighed, leaning into Chanyeol's embrace. "I just… I don't want to keep fighting. But it feels like every time I take a step forward, something holds me back."
Chanyeol kissed the top of his head, his lips soft and warm against Min Ho's skin. "We'll get through this, Min Ho. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here, and I'm not leaving. You've got me—forever."
---
The next few days were a blur of work, media coverage, and private moments of quiet between Chanyeol and Min Ho. The press coverage had intensified again now that they were back, with new headlines speculating on the future of their relationship and the impact it would have on Chanyeol's leadership at the company. Some speculated that Min Ho's position as Chanyeol's assistant would be jeopardized, while others questioned the authenticity of their feelings. The world seemed to be watching, waiting for them to fail.
At work, Min Ho could sense the shift in the office. Some colleagues were supportive, while others eyed him with a mixture of curiosity and judgment. It wasn't as if they were overtly hostile—no, it was the subtle things. The whispers behind his back, the sideways glances. Every move he made felt like it was under scrutiny.
One afternoon, Chanyeol called Min Ho into his office for a meeting. Min Ho entered the room, trying to push aside his nerves, but the moment he sat down, Chanyeol could see the weight in his eyes.
"Everything alright?" Chanyeol asked, his tone gentle yet concerned.
Min Ho gave a small nod. "Yeah. Just… the usual."
Chanyeol leaned back in his chair, studying Min Ho closely. He could see through the façade Min Ho was trying to maintain. "You're not alone in this, you know. I don't care what people say. I'm not going to let them tear us apart."
Min Ho hesitated before speaking. "It's not just about them. It's about my father… He's still not talking to me. I don't know how to move forward when the one person who's supposed to be there for me refuses to understand."
Chanyeol's expression softened, and he stood, walking around the desk to stand beside Min Ho. He placed a hand on Min Ho's shoulder, giving him a comforting squeeze. "You don't have to do this alone. If you want, we can go see him. I'll be there, by your side."
Min Ho shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping him. "I don't think that will help. He's made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with me. And I can't keep living like this, Chanyeol. Like I'm walking on eggshells, trying to please everyone but myself."
Chanyeol paused for a moment, then pulled a chair next to Min Ho's. He sat down beside him, their knees touching. "You're allowed to choose happiness, Min Ho. You've spent so long trying to please others, trying to meet their expectations. But this—" He gestured between them, his eyes soft but firm—"this is your life. You don't have to live it according to anyone else's rules. If your father can't accept who you are, that's his loss, not yours."
Min Ho turned to face Chanyeol, his eyes glistening with emotion. "I want to be strong. I want to stand up for us, for me. But it's so hard."
"I know it is. But I believe in you, Min Ho. And I'll always be here to support you. No matter what happens with your family, you'll always have me."
Min Ho exhaled, the knot in his chest slowly unwinding. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to believe it. He didn't have to do this alone. And maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to keep trying to fix everything or make everyone happy. He could choose to be happy with Chanyeol.
---
The following week, Chanyeol and Min Ho attended a company event—a fundraiser that had been planned months in advance. The media was sure to be there, and they would undoubtedly have a field day with the couple's appearance. Min Ho was nervous, but he knew it was time. Time to stop hiding, time to stop letting fear control their lives. He was tired of being in the shadows.
As they walked into the venue, hand in hand, the whispers started almost immediately. Some people smiled, others stared, and a few exchanged glances that were harder to decipher. But through it all, Chanyeol and Min Ho walked together, their heads held high. They were a team, and nothing—no matter how harsh or judgmental—could tear them apart.
That night, Min Ho found himself standing in front of a crowd, a glass of champagne in hand, surrounded by colleagues, clients, and strangers. He was supposed to be networking, but all he could focus on was Chanyeol standing across the room, talking to a group of investors. His heart swelled with pride. Chanyeol had always been the confident, charismatic leader, but tonight, Min Ho felt like he was standing taller too, no longer burdened by the weight of the world's opinions.
Chanyeol caught his eye from across the room, and the brief, knowing smile they shared was all that mattered. They had come this far. They had faced the world, and while it hadn't been easy, they had emerged stronger—together.