𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄 ─ # hyunchan [hiatus]

..: ch. two (tw)

— May 1st. 9:24 AM.

"My deepest condolences, Hyunjin-ah. Your mother was a great woman." Even the deepest condolences wouldn't return his mother back; he saw them as empty words everyone said so they'd seem more likable in Hyunjin's eyes.

"..thank you." He gave a small nod and quick mumble to everyone who talked to him. It was becoming a routine. However, his eyes and mind were completely focused on two different things— his mother's coffin and his father.

At this point, he'd rather be put into adoption and have completely new parents than return to that man. Man.. he's not even close to being one. He's a monster.

There was a reason why Hyunjin's mother packed all of her and Hyunjin's stuff into one small bag and ran away before her husband returned.

Well, maybe not just one reason. Where do I even start? Alcoholism, sometimes drugs, domestic abuse— in short, a complete asshole.

Hyunjin woke up from his deep sleep due to some loud screams coming out outside of his bedroom. Did daddy come home?

The small boy dashed out of his bed and went to the door. He was forbidden to leave his room after his nighttime. Let's say his mother knew exactly what she was doing with that specific rule.

"It won't happen again, Hajun— I just.. I was too tired and must've fallen asleep when I was with Hyunjin. I'm sorry, please don't hit me!" The bear Hyunjin held in his hand fell to the ground when the child's wide eyes peeked into the small gap between the door.

"Sorry? Fuck your sorry! I told you to keep an eye on that shit and you still managed to screw up as always. Why are you even my wife, huh? You're just a piece of shit anyway." A slap echoed through the hallway, making Hyunjin flinch. Then another, and another one.

"So.. kiddo..?"

Right after the funeral ended, his father was already waiting outside in his old, almost fully covered in rust and filth, car. Hyunjin got into the backseat, not really in the mood to talk to anyone; especially him. But it's been a while now, and the awkward silence between them began to get even louder which forced Hyunjin's father to be the one to break the ice.

"How.. are you? I haven't seen you in ages. You're all grown up." Hyunjin refused to meet his father's eyes in the rearview mirror and instead, he continued staring emptily out of the window.

Sunflower field..
So beautiful.

His mother's favorite flower.

A stray tear escaped his eye and ran down his cheek. Once he realized it, he immediately wiped it away and decided to indulge in the conversation.

"Fine. I was studying art school in Incheon."

Hyunjin's reply was quick, short, and nothing complicated. It was more of a courtesy than actual interest in the conversation.

Paintings. Destroyed paintings were scattered all over the floor in the living room.

Hyunjin's mother was sitting in the middle, panting loudly as she kept looking around and destroying everything she could. She was full of anger, full of hate.. but most importantly, full of regret.

"Mom?"

"H—Hyunjin.." She looked at him with a scared expression and eyes glistering with tears. Her little son was horrified.

"Ah, I'd never expect that your mother would let you go there. Haha.." As much as he hated to admit, Hyunjin's father used to be an artist. A hella good one too. Unfortunately for many, the world of art is a tough one and only the strongest can survive.

Which..
he did not.

"Yeah. I've begged her hard." He didn't find anything amusing or funny about his situation. It was hard to convince his mother to let him attend and even harder to convince her for college with the same degree.

His mother rubbed her temples, massaging them to get rid of the tension; she felt as if her head was being ripped in half. "I said no, Hyunjin. End of the discussion."

"That's not fair— everyone chose whatever they wanted. I don't wanna study business school!" Hyunjin retorted, obviously already having his mind set on going to an art school and pursuing what he truly wanted.

"Oh, so you wanna end up like your father?" That argument again. Ugh, can't she come up with something better?

"I'm not him, mother. I'm my own person!" Each one of their fights on this topic ended in both of them being frustrated with the other. This went on for weeks.

But in the end, as every mother— she softened and let her son chase his dreams.

"Well, you're my son after all. I've already signed you into the art school in Seoul." Hyunjin's father glanced into the rearview mirror again before he turned his look back at the road.

"Hyunjinnie.. you're such a great artist. I bet you must've gotten it after your father." His kindergarten teacher patted his head as she watched the boy's drawing with awe.

No, Hyunjin is nothing like him.

Nothing.

_______
can't believe it's thursday again :d

since i kinda consider this a breaking point where the book is going to be much more heavier, i will always mark a chapter with "(tw)" if it contains mature topics. hyunjinnie is unfortunately going to suffer a lot, so feel free to click off the book if it's not for you.

trigger warnings will be always listed at the bottom of a chapter because i have mentioned it from the beginning that it will be heavy.

(tw - mentions of domestic abuse)

— nvxlli [07/25/24]