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"I had no other option,"
Chris's words reverberated through the music room. In that moment, the world seemed to fall into silence, and the only audible sounds were their quiet breaths. Chris hesitated before continuing, "I...I had to step into my father's business."
He let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes briefly.
How long do I have to keep lying...?
In the ruthless world of the Mafia, Chris had built a reputation for his honesty and straightforwardness, but now, he found himself doing things he shouldn't, all because his heart couldn't resist being vulnerable in front of Jeongin.
How much of this is true?
Jeongin's mind raced as he gazed at Chris, his attention fixated on the older man's countenance and the way he seemed to struggle with his own words.
After a few lingering seconds, Jeongin spoke, his voice soft and filled with understanding, "It's... it's alright. I guess I shouldn't have asked that question. I'm sorry... You don't have to share anything you don't want to."
Chan opened his eyes, and in that instant, his gaze locked onto Jeongin's. His heart momentarily ceased its rhythmic beat. Did Jeongin's heart feel that too? He sensed it, as he observed the subtle blush that graced Jeongin's cheeks. Yet, he didn't avert his eyes.
"Thank you for understanding," he murmured sincerely, "I will tell you everything... when the time comes." But am I truly courageous enough? I'm just a... coward.
That marked the final conversation they shared that evening. The next day was a significant one for Jeongin, his first day at the cafe as a barista. Anxiety gnawed at him relentlessly. He couldn't help but reflect on how different things were compared to when he was just fifteen, when life felt much more ordinary, if not better.
Jeongin lay in bed, the minutes ticking away mercilessly. Sleep eluded him as he twisted and turned, his breath heavy with anxiety. Only a few hours left, he thought, what if they don't like my work? It's been a month since I've done this... What if... what if I mess up? Chan hyung will be so disappointed...
Jeongin's eyes darted to the ticking clock on the wall, its hands creeping ever closer to two in the morning. He sat up on the bed, the soft, oversized blanket cocooning him up to his waist.
I don't want to disappoint anyone... I don't want to let him down...
Jeongin cautiously stepped out of his bed, hoping that what he was about to do wasn't a mistake. As he opened the door to his room, he realized he was still quite unfamiliar with the layout of the mansion, which brought forth a groan of frustration.
His thoughts drifted back to the days when he possessed a bit more confidence, when he interacted with customers and diligently performed his work, despite how exhausting it could be for the young boy.
