The days following the fundraiser had been filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, Min Ho felt a sense of pride and accomplishment for not backing down, for standing beside Chanyeol despite the stares and whispers. But on the other hand, the realization that his father still refused to acknowledge him gnawed at his heart. It felt like a shadow that followed him wherever he went.
Chanyeol had been his rock, his unwavering support, and yet Min Ho knew that this was something he had to face alone. He couldn't keep running from his past, from the family who had been there for him in ways that both supported and suffocated him. He couldn't allow himself to be torn between two worlds forever.
One evening, after a long day of work, Min Ho sat at the kitchen table, his phone in front of him. He stared at the screen, the number of his father's assistant flashing in front of him. It had been a while since he'd last heard from his father, and the tension that filled the room was almost palpable. Min Ho's heart pounded in his chest as he took a deep breath and dialed the number.
"Mr. Lee's office," the voice on the other end answered.
"It's Min Ho," he said quietly, his voice trembling slightly. "I'd like to speak to my father, please."
There was a brief pause before the assistant replied. "Mr. Lee is unavailable right now. Would you like to leave a message?"
Min Ho's grip tightened around the phone, the sting of rejection sharp and familiar. "No. I'll call back later," he said, his voice steady despite the pain rising in his chest. He hung up before the assistant could say another word.
He sat in silence for a moment, staring at the phone as if it were a lifeline and a burden all at once. He wanted to reach out, to tell his father that he was still his son, but every attempt felt futile. The walls between them were too high, too thick. He didn't know how to tear them down.
As he sat lost in thought, Chanyeol walked into the room, his eyes searching Min Ho's face. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice soft but concerned.
Min Ho looked up, his eyes meeting Chanyeol's. He hadn't realized how much time had passed. "I tried calling my dad again," he admitted. "But I can't even get through to him. I don't know what to do anymore, Chanyeol. I feel like I've lost him for good."
Chanyeol sat down beside him, reaching for his hand. "I know this isn't easy for you. But I want you to remember something—whatever happens with your father, I'm here. We don't have to do this alone."
Min Ho nodded, grateful for Chanyeol's unwavering support. But deep down, he knew he had to try. For himself. For his own peace of mind. "I need to face him. I can't keep running away from this."
Chanyeol squeezed his hand gently, offering a small, encouraging smile. "Then let's do it together. I'll be right by your side. You don't have to face this alone."
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The next morning, Min Ho found himself standing outside his father's office building, his heart racing. Chanyeol had insisted on coming with him, and despite the anxiety gnawing at his stomach, Min Ho was thankful for his presence. They were parked in the lot across from the building, the glass walls of the office towering above them.
"Ready?" Chanyeol asked softly, his hand resting on Min Ho's arm.
Min Ho took a deep breath and nodded. "I have to do this."
They walked into the building together, the security guard nodding politely as they passed. Min Ho's steps felt heavy, his mind swirling with thoughts of what he would say, what he hoped to accomplish. Would his father listen? Would he even care? He wasn't sure, but he had to try.
When they reached the office, Min Ho felt a wave of hesitation flood over him. He was about to face the man who had always held such high expectations for him. The man who had made him feel like he was never enough.
"Mr. Lee, can I help you?" the receptionist asked with a polite smile, though her eyes held a hint of curiosity.
"I'm here to see my father," Min Ho said, his voice steady despite the nervousness threatening to overtake him.
The receptionist's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't ask any further questions. "I'll let him know you're here. Please wait for a moment."
Min Ho and Chanyeol took a seat in the lobby, the minutes stretching endlessly. Every second that passed made Min Ho feel more and more like he was about to relive some of his worst memories. He wanted to take Chanyeol's hand, to hold on to the strength Chanyeol always gave him, but he knew this was something he had to face on his own.
Finally, the door opened, and Min Ho's father stepped into the lobby. He was the same man Min Ho had always known—sharp, commanding, and distant. His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Min Ho, and for a moment, Min Ho wondered if he was imagining the coolness in his gaze.
"You came," Mr. Lee said, his tone flat.
"I did," Min Ho replied, standing up from his seat. His voice shook slightly, but he refused to let it break. He needed to be strong. "I need to talk to you, Father."
There was a long silence before Mr. Lee finally nodded and gestured for Min Ho to follow him into his office. The air between them was thick with unresolved emotions as Min Ho and Chanyeol followed him inside.
Once the door was closed, Min Ho didn't waste any time. "I can't keep doing this, Father. I can't keep living my life trying to be someone I'm not, trying to make you happy. I've lost so much in the process, and I don't want to lose myself too."
Mr. Lee stared at him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You're still my son, Min Ho," he said, his voice softer than it had been in years. "But your choices… they're not what I wanted for you. I don't understand why you would choose this path."
Min Ho's chest tightened as the familiar pain surged again. "I didn't choose this to hurt you. I chose it because it's who I am. And I can't keep pretending to be someone I'm not. I'm not asking for your approval, but I want you to understand that this is my life. And I need to live it on my own terms."
There was a long pause, and for a moment, Min Ho wasn't sure if his father would say anything more. But then Mr. Lee finally spoke.
"I may never understand your choices, Min Ho," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "But I can see that you've made up your mind. I can't change that. All I can do is… accept it."
Min Ho felt a weight lift off his chest, but it was bittersweet. He had gotten the acceptance he'd longed for, but it had come at such a high cost.
"I'm not asking you to accept everything, Father. But I need you to understand that I'm not going anywhere. I'm with Chanyeol. And that's the truth. I'm not running away from it anymore."
For the first time in years, Min Ho felt like he could finally breathe.
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