Racing To You [Liu Yuxin x Reader]

20. Introducing, Disaster

Y/N's POV

I tried to eat and finish my food as fast as I can while still looking decent. Time is racing too fast and at this point, if I don't move fast, I would definitely be late for school. Minsu has already left minutes ago. And for once, he's earlier than me.

Dad is sitting at the head of the table, reading the morning newspaper and a streaming cup of black coffee is placed in front of him. Mom is sitting beside him, and lastly, Kong Xue'er. She's the reason why we're running late.

She spent nearly an hour and a half at the bathroom. Worse thing is that she managed to go first, forcing me to wait for so long. Then, she spent another 30 minutes doing her hair and makeup. I wouldn't have waited for her but dad requested, or more like stated that I should, so we can go to school together. I couldn't disagree or decline as he spoke of finality.

"So, Y/N..." Dad called out, making me choke on my waffles. I don't like that tone at all.

Although in my defense, dad is usually monotonous. There's something different this time. I don't really know what to expect from him. He isn't really one to show his feelings. He's most definitely not affectionate with Minsu and I. He gives what you call, tough love.

"Yes, dad?" I asked, almost hesitant.
"How's school going?" He asked, making me let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"It's going great, dad. It's fun... Yeah." I answered now relieved enough to continue eating.
"By going great, do you mean that you're finally rank 1?" He queried, making me pause once again. I swallowed and slowly shook my head.

"Well, no but I'm trying-"
"If you are not the rank 1, then you are obviously not trying, Lee Y/N." He cut me off, his voice firm.

I bit my lips as he put the newspaper down on the table, making his face visible. His black, beady eyes are staring me down, narrowed into slits and making me want to just sink in my chair. I didn't say anything, by now slightly used to his pressuring tendencies. I then looked at mom, lost and silently asking for help.

"Honey, Y/N is studying very hard and she even has a high average, just points away from the rank 1. What's important is that she's learning." Mom said, reaching out to hold dad's hand.
"Hua, companies don't go for second best. Until she's not at the top, she'll always be the second option." Dad said sternly.

"Ugh, don't worry d-dad. I'll be trying extra hard to make you proud." I spoke up, internally whacking myself for stuttering. I managed to pull off a smile. He turned to me, pulling his hand away from mom's hold.

"You ought to. I don't want disappointments, Lee Y/N." He reminded, making me just nod as I felt as if my throat slightly closed up.

I am lying if I say that I'm not in the slightest bit disheartened at his reactions and words. He's been like that since we're kids, but it's just something I can't fully get used to. I think no one would really be able to. He wants us to always be the best and make him proud. Even if he is like that, I know that he just wants what's best for us.

Finally finishing up, I stood up and put my plate on the sink and washed my hands. I looked at Kong Xue'er and thank heavens that she's already finished. By now, we really won't be in time if we don't rush. This would be the first time in a long while that I'm actually going to be late. And it's because of this spoiled brat. I think the last time that I was late was back in middle school.

"You done? We need to go." I spoke as I picked up my bag to go to the living room.
"We need to hurry to catch the bus." I added.

"Aren't you gonna drive us?" Kong Xue'er asked, raising a brow at my dad.
"Xue'er, we didn't take a car." Dad answered, surprising me as he looks almost apologetic.
"Ugh, whatever!" Kong Xue'er snapped before standing up from her chair and stomping past me.