Love in the Shadows || Vsoo

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"Adrian, Stop!" Jisoo exclaimed at the top of her lungs. "Mom, could you please refrain from controlling my life? I am already six years old!"

"Being six years old doesn't imply that you are sufficiently grown to confront or beat a sixteen-year-old."

Adrian stomped his foot and rushed towards his room. "Then why can't I attend school like everyone else? Why am I never permitted to leave this house? Just because you live a lonely life doesn't mean I have to as well!" He shouted before slamming his bedroom door shut.

Jisoo ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. She knelt down, her face filled with worry. "It's because I don't want him to find you." 

Standing up, she made her way to the living room and proceeded to order his favorite food. "I still have some files left to review," 

She said, closing her eyes in frustration. "But first, I have to handle him," she added determinedly. 

She cautiously peeked inside his room. To her surprise, she found him engrossed in painting. 

She knew that painting was his coping mechanism, a habit he turned to whenever he felt overwhelmed by emotions.

She walked inside her office and proceed with her work.  A while ago, Adrian had sneaked out, and a group of sixteen-year-olds had taunted him, calling him a "kid." 

Being short-tempered, Adrian had reacted violently, putting them in serious danger. Jisoo, unaware of the incident, was at her office when she received a call from the parents of the injured teenagers, informing her that their children were now in the hospital.

Jisoo immediately rushed back home and took charge of the situation. Now, Adrian was angry with her because he felt that she never gave him enough time and never allowed him to meet new people.

Lost in her work, Jisoo heard the doorbell and hurriedly went to answer it, taking care of the food order.

Jisoo prepared a tray filled with all of his favorite foods and gently knocked on his door. "Adrian?" She called out. 

"The door isn't locked," Adrian called out softly. She walked into the room and placed the tray on the nearby table. 

Then, she approached him from behind and tenderly embraced him in a hug. "I'm sorry," she whispered, planting a gentle kiss on his cheeks.

She pulled away slightly from the hug and gestured towards the tray of his favorite foods on the table. "Look what I got you" she said with a soft smile.

"Strawberry cake!" he exclaimed with excitement, his eyes widening at the thought of the delicious treat.

He immediately hugged her back tightly and eagerly began indulging in the cake, savoring each bite.

"You want some?" he asked, extending a piece of cake towards her. "No, you can have it," she replied, admiring her child fondly.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and looked deeply into his eyes. "Adrian, you know that you're special, right?" 

He nodded in response. "You don't belong in this cruel world of humans," she whispered softly. "Then where do I belong?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity and longing.

"Somewhere secret. I'll tell you once you turn 18," she replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone. He whined.

"I know you believe you're already smarter and stronger than an 18-year-old, but there are certain things that come with age and experience. Trust me, it will be worth the wait."

"What about you? Where do you belong?" He asked.  A warm smile graced her lips as she replied, "I belong right here, by your side. My place is with you, supporting you and guiding you through this journey called life."

He smiled affectionately and gently kissed her nose, expressing his love and gratitude. "I am sorry for shouting at you earlier" He said.

"It's okay, Adrian. I understand that you were upset," she reassured him, stroking his cheek. "I appreciate your apology, and I want you to know that I'm always here for you, no matter what."

"Finish your cake, and then we can go to sleep," she suggested, a tender tone in her voice. He nodded in response.

"What about father where is he?" A hint of sadness crossed Jisoo's face. Jisoo's voice turned stern and filled with a mix of pain and protectiveness. 

"Adrian, I told you before, don't talk about your father," she said firmly. Adrian looked at her with confusion and asked.

 "Why? Was he a bad person?" Jisoo sighed, her eyes filled with sadness. "I don't know, Ad. All I know is that you should never mention him again." she said, emphasizing the need to avoid the topic for reasons known only to her.

After tucking him in and ensuring he was fast asleep, Jisoo took a bath, the warm water soothing her tired body. 

As the water enveloped her, memories of moments shared with his father flooded her mind, evoking both joy and sorrow. 

She allowed herself to reminisce, cherishing those bittersweet memories in the solitude of the bathroom.

Jisoo stepped out of the bath, wrapped herself in a towel, and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes held a mixture of determination and love. 

"No, Adrian," she whispered, speaking to her own reflection. "I will never leave you like your father did. I will always be here for you, through thick and thin." 

With renewed strength, she reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to her child, knowing that their bond was unbreakable.

Jisoo dried herself off and put on comfortable clothes. She prepared a bowl of ramen for herself, savoring the warm and comforting flavors. 

With a renewed sense of focus, she returned to her work, determined to fulfill her responsibilities while keeping a watchful eye on her child.