Wave

Chapter 2

“Are you sure your parents don’t mind? I feel like I’m intruding.”

“We set this date almost a month ago. It’ll be fine, Seong Hwa. And they won’t even be here…They don’t exactly like me practicing when they’re here anyway.”

“I thought you said they didn’t mind.”

“They know about my powers. That’s different than them minding…They mind a lot, actually.” He stopped in front of the door. “...They’re trying their best, but with everything in the news…” He sighed. “Just don’t worry about it. I’ve got everything under control.” He opened the door, toeing off his shoes before speaking again. “Mom, Dad, I’m back with a friend.”

He wasn’t surprised to find his parents already ready to go. His mom gave him a smile before looking at Seong Hwa. “You must be the friend. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” He gave a little bow as he smiled. “Park Seong Hwa. Thank you for allowing me to come.”

“Hong Joong doesn’t have friends over often, so it’s always nice when he decides to bring someone over.” She then moved toward the front door to grab her shoes. “If the two of you get hungry, there should be some leftovers in the fridge. I’m not sure what time we’ll be back, my love, but I’ll text you when we’re on our way back home.”

“Mom, I’m seventeen. I’ll be fine.” He playfully rolled his eyes before shooing them away. “Enjoy your date night. We’ll be fine.”

Hong Joong didn’t miss the look his father sent Seong Hwa before he shut the door without a word.

The silence that followed told Hong Joong that his friend probably saw it too.

He awkwardly cleared his throat. “My room’s kind of small so we can hang out in the living room to work on some stuff. If you need anything, just let me know, ‘kay?”

“...Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Your dad didn’t seem too happy about me being here.”

“Don’t worry about him. He didn’t take it too well when he found out I was Gifted. But this isn’t about me.” He went into the kitchen, grabbing a few things before gesturing for the older ravenette to sit. “This is about you.” He set down a fork, a spoon, and a knife. “How much do you know about your powers?”

“Honestly, not much. I just know that I can manipulate metal. I don’t really know much other than that.”

“So that’s step number one.” He handed Seonghwa the spoon. “I’ve seen you do it, but can you bend this spoon and then put it back?”

“Bend it? Yes.” He hesitantly took the spoon. “Put it back…I hope your parents don’t know how many spoons you’re supposed to have.” Hearing Hong Joong’s laugh eased him slightly before he took a deep breath. He felt the spoon bend under his hand, and if the younger boy’s low whistle meant anything, he was doing pretty well.

He put the bent spoon back on the table after a couple of seconds.

“...Now put it back without touching it.”

“What?”

“Fix the spoon without touching it.”

“But I have to touch it to fix it.”

“You think you do.”

Seong Hwa looked at Hong Joong like he’d grown a second head. “...I think I do?”

“If your power is anything like mine, you shouldn’t have to physically touch something to manipulate it.”

“I didn’t know that…”