Training had finished and it was getting late, very late. M/N was at the school gate waiting for his driver to pick him up. His parents had already arrived at their house from overseas, so he has to go home early to attend the celebration event their parents had planned. However, there was no way he can get there in time because the sky is already turning a bit dark.
"Ah, fuck." M/N was getting impatient, just when exactly will this driver of his arrive?
"I'm going to be late.." M/N said. He has been waiting at the school gate for over twenty minutes now and his driver was still nowhere to be seen. He didn't want to miss this event because it was going to be a special day for his sister because she's able to finally spend time with her parents; whom she loved dearly.
"M/N? Why are you still here?" A familiar voice was heard from behind. M/N turned his head around to see who it was— and it was Sae. "Oh. It's just you." M/N sighed in relief. "I'm waiting for my driver to pick me up, but it's already been twenty minutes.." M/N replied. "I see. Where do you live?" Sae asked, "Is it somewhere near?" He added.
'Huh? Near?? Is this guy dumb or what? I thought he was a genius or something..' This was what M/N was thinking inside his head.
'If my home was near then I probably wouldn't be waiting for a driver and just walk home..' He thought again.
His personal bubble was broken by Sae who randomly spoke up. He was getting a bit worried because M/N randomly paused and stood silent for awhile. "M/N?? Are you there??" Sae asked waving his hand infront of M/N's face to catch his attention. "Yes yes, sorry." M/N apologized, "I space out a lot, sorry." The younger male added. "That's fine.. no need to apologize." Sae responded with a calm smile.
After a few moments— the sound of a car engine could be heard from a distance, it was M/N's driver. M/N noticed the car and his eyes lit up due to happiness. He sighed before talking again, "I'm off, see you!" M/N waved goodbye to Sae who stood there motionless. M/N rushed towards the direction of the car and waved at it wanting to get the driver's attention. The driver noticed M/N and stopped near the sidewalk so that M/N could enter the car. M/N walked inside the car and it drove off very quickly.
As M/N sat in the car, the anticipation of seeing his parents after three long years mixed with a sense of unease. He had grown accustomed to the freedom and independence he had while they were away. The pressure they placed on him to excel in every aspect of his life often left him feeling suffocated and overwhelmed.
The car sped through the streets, and with each passing minute, M/N's anxiety grew. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that his parents' return would bring a wave of expectations and demands, burying him deeper in their high standards.
The memories of late-night study sessions, grueling extracurricular schedules, and constant evaluations flooded his mind. M/N had excelled in academics and showcased remarkable talents, but deep down, he yearned for a different kind of life—one where he could explore his own passions and dreams without the weight of his parents' expectations on his shoulders.
As the car pulled up to the driveway of their lavish mansion, M/N took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He stepped out of the car and glanced at the grand entrance, where his parents awaited his arrival.
The moment he stepped into the house, his parents engulfed him in a tight embrace. M/N felt conflicted, torn between the familiarity of their touch and the resentment that had built up over the years. Nevertheless, he plastered a smile on his face, masking his true emotions.
The celebration event commenced, filled with laughter, joy, and praise for M/N's achievements. Yet, deep down, he felt like a puppet performing on a stage, desperately trying to fulfill his parents' expectations.
As the evening progressed, M/N managed to slip away from the crowd for a moment of respite. He wandered into the vast garden, the moon casting a gentle glow upon the surroundings. The sound of his footsteps on the cobblestone path echoed in the silence.
Lost in his thoughts, M/N found solace in the serenity of the garden. He yearned for a life where he could pursue his own passions, make his own choices, and find happiness on his terms. The weight of expectations slowly lifted off his shoulders as he envisioned a future where he could be true to himself.
Just then, Sae appeared, walking towards him with a warm smile. "Hey, M/N. Mind if I join you?" he asked, sensing the turmoil within his friend. "Sae?? Why are you here?" M/N asked in confusion. "My mom and dad are actually very good friends of your parents, and they decided to bring me with them.. I saw you leaving the room and I wanted to follow you." Sae explained clearly, "Is it okay to join you?" The older male asked once again.
M/N turned to Sae, relieved by his presence. "Of course, Sae. I could use some company," he replied, grateful for the understanding and support his friend always offered.
They strolled along the garden paths, sharing their dreams, aspirations, and the challenges they faced. Sae listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and reminding M/N of his own worth beyond the expectations of others.
In that quiet garden, M/N realized that he had the power to carve out his own path, to redefine success on his own terms. With Sae's friendship as a guiding light, he vowed to pursue his own dreams and passions, even if they diverged from his parents' expectations.
As the night drew to a close, M/N returned to the celebration, his smile more genuine, his spirit more resilient. The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but armed with newfound determination and the unwavering support of his friend, he was ready to face the challenges and forge his own destiny.
And amidst the glittering lights and applause, M/N whispered a promise to himself—to strive for a life filled with purpose and authenticity, where his happiness was his own achievement.
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