fluid: haobin

21

(flashback)

"i think that's the last of it," mr. han looks around the studio, trying to see if he missed a spot. "anywhere else or are we done?"

"that's all, i'm pretty sure," hao smiles at the man. "thank you mr. han, it's really great having an extra hand help with all this."

"don't mention it. you and the teachers are doing so much to help yujin. how is he doing in class?"

"always the bright student. he may not talk much but i can tell he has so much passion for dance. truly one of a kind. and also, he has the other hyungs who help to bring out his personality so he's definitely in good hands."

the studio becomes quiet as the two focus on putting their equipment away.

"hao, i think this might be the last week i help you," the father says while looking down. "i was able to find a job at a hotel as a chef and i start in 2 weeks."

"congratulations mr. han! i'm so happy all the job searching paid off!" the manager applauds the older, who laughs at the gesture in a cheerful manner. "and don't worry, these past few weeks have been so much better with you around!"

"hao, i just have one request."

"what is it?"

"yujin is a smart kid, and i know this isn't going to stay a secret for long. if he ever comes and asks about it, can you only tell him that i did this in exchange for the waived fees? i'll explain everything else to him, just only tell him that much."

(end of flashback)

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.

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"yujin! you came just in time! dinner's ready, and i made kalguksu so go and wash your hands!" his mom greets him from the kitchen.

"hyung, you're home!" his little brother calls from the living room, where he was reading a manga. "dad was asking when you'd be home cause he was getting hungry."

"aish, don't say that," mr. han emerges from the kitchen holding a steaming pot. he then turns to his oldest son with a smile. "go wash up yujin-ah and come down so we can all eat."

seeing his father after discovering the secret made the male's heart clench.

"dad, can i talk with you and mom really quickly?" he asks, giving a look to his brother, who immediately got the sign and went up to his room.

"uhm, of course," his dad answers and goes to get his wife. the three gather at the dining table, with yujin staring at his parents.

"dad, i don't know how long you intended to keep this a secret, but i know that you are working at the studio," he starts while looking down at his hands on his lap. "and i met up with hao hyung today."

a silent moment of tension builds up between the three. after a while, mr. han starts to talk.

"i told zhang hao to keep it a secret. he and taerae both offered to pay for your lessons and other fees and because i needed a job, i did it as a way of paying them back. i kept it a secret because i know how you would react. you would tell me to stop, that you were fine, and if it meant i had better opportunities elsewhere, then you would stop dancing to be less of a "burden"."

"you still should've told me about all this!" yujin argues back. "fine, maybe i would've had a reaction like that but i don't think going behind my back with this was the best decision either."