Secret (ChanChang)

Fourteen

Relate.

Be casually connected

Chan's dad has never been more disappointed in his son.

But he can relate with him.

"I was just like you. Wanting to show her off to the world."

——
Chan and Changbin were sitting in the limo, in front of Chan's childhood mansion.

They've been sitting there for who knows how long. Just holding onto each other's hands and waiting for one of them to make a move.

A knock on the window caused them to jump, looking over and seeing the driver standing there.

Chan opens the door.

"Your parents are waiting." He informs them.

Chan takes a deep breath and nods, squeezing Changbins hand and pulling him along as he gets out of the vehicle.

The gravel cracks as they took a step towards the front door. Butlers opening it up for them.

They enter and the doors were shut closed.

"Welcome to my nightmare. I mean home." Chan jokes a little to ease the tension.

It worked as Changbin giggles softly into his free hand.

"Welcome home Chris." His mother greets, using his English name to show her displeasure.

"Mother." Chan says a bit annoyed.

"Chan! Welcome home." His dad greets happily as he sees his only son.

Embracing him in a hug, Chan letting go of Changbins hand.

Departing and Chan automatically introduces the younger.

"Dad, you remember Changbin."

His father nods and shakes the boys hand.

"Come with me, we have much to discuss." His dad says and ushers them to his office.

Chan's mother staying behind as it was no longer her problem. Now being put in the hands of her husband.

Chan and Changbin sat on the couch, opposite side of where Chan's dad sat.

The older of the trio pouring himself a quick drink.

"Chan. I saw the stunt you pulled." He started off.

Chan licks his lip, "I'm sorry. But I had no other choice. I can't keep hiding Changbin."

His dad sticks a hand up, signaling Chan to let him continue.

"I can't say that I'm not disappointed. Because I am. But I understand. I was once in your shoes."

Chan's brows furrowed. As well as Changbins, who has been silent this whole time.

"What do you mean?"

"Your mother didn't come from a rich wealthy family. She received her fame by me, marrying me and helping me with this magazine."

The two couldn't believe it.

"My parents were the same. Wanting me to keep her away from the cruel rich world. Because they believed that it'll go over her head. And in a way, it kinda did."

Chan reached for Changbins hand. Placing it on his thigh.

"She told me she fired you from the magazine. But as you know she was no power over that."

Chan nods his head. Not daring to say a word.

"I'm not going to fire you."

"Why?"

"I was just like you. Wanting to show her off to the world."

Chan purses his lips. Changbin looking over at the other.

"I did the same thing. I let her come into my world. And it was the best thing to have ever happened. Until the power came over her head."

"That won't happen with Changbin."

His dad smiles at the two and takes sip of his drink.

"I believe that. Because you have a fine young man. Welcome to the family, Changbin."

"Thank you."

This was the start of everything.