𝐬𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐨𝐲 ; 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐦𝐢𝐧

𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

Renjun sat in his room, staring at the acceptance letter from NCT University. The joy and hope he had felt earlier in the day were now overshadowed by a familiar sense of dread. His father was due back from a work trip, and those returns were rarely good news.

The front door creaked open, and Renjun's heart sank. He heard heavy footsteps and the unmistakable sound of his father's gruff voice. "I'm home," his father called out, though it lacked any warmth or joy.

Renjun's mother, Mei, hurried to greet him. "Welcome back, dear. How was your trip?"

"It was fine," his father replied curtly. "Where's the boy?"

Renjun took a deep breath and stepped out of his room. "I'm here, Dad," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

His father's eyes narrowed as he looked Renjun up and down. "What have you been doing while I was gone? Slacking off, I bet."

Renjun shook his head. "No, Dad. I've been studying hard. I even got accepted to NCT University."

For a moment, there was a flicker of something in his father's eyes, but it quickly turned into a scowl. "University, huh? And how do you plan on paying for it? You think money grows on trees?"

"I... I got a scholarship," Renjun replied, trying to stay calm. "It's a full ride. Everything is covered."

His father scoffed. "And what about the rest? Living expenses, books, all the other costs? You think you're so smart, but you're just a burden."

Mei stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. "He's our son, and he's worked hard for this. We should be proud of him."

Renjun's father turned on her, anger flashing in his eyes. "Don't you tell me what I should be proud of. You always coddle him, and that's why he's so weak."

Renjun felt a surge of protectiveness for his mother. "Dad, don't talk to her like that. She's only trying to help."

The slap came out of nowhere, hard and fast, leaving Renjun reeling. His cheek stung, and he tasted blood. Mei gasped and rushed to his side. "Stop it! Don't hurt him!"

His father sneered. "This is what happens when you don't show respect. Both of you, get out of my sight."

Mei helped Renjun to his feet, her eyes filled with tears. They retreated to Renjun's room, closing the door behind them. Mei hugged her son tightly. "I'm so sorry, Junnie. I wish things were different."

Renjun swallowed hard, trying to keep his own tears at bay. "It's not your fault, Mom. We'll get through this. I promise."

They sat together in silence for a while, finding solace in each other's presence. Eventually, Mei spoke softly. "You need to focus on your future, Renjun. Go to university, make a life for yourself. I'll be fine."

Renjun shook his head. "I can't leave you here with him."

"You have to," she insisted. "It's the only way you'll be able to help us both in the long run. Just promise me you'll do your best."

"I promise," Renjun said, his voice resolute. "I'll make you proud."

The next few days were tense, with Renjun and his mother walking on eggshells around his father. But Renjun clung to his mother's words and his dream of a better future. He poured himself into his studies, determined to make the most of his opportunity at NCT University.

One afternoon, as he was studying at the library, he saw Jaemin and Jeno walking towards him. They had become fast friends since that day in the bathroom, and their presence was a welcome distraction.

"Hey, Renjun," Jaemin greeted with a smile. "Mind if we join you?"

Renjun smiled back. "Not at all. I could use the company."

They sat down, and Jeno placed a coffee in front of Renjun. "Thought you might need this."

"Thanks," Renjun said, touched by the gesture.

They chatted for a while, and Renjun felt a sense of normalcy returning. With friends like Jaemin and Jeno by his side and his mother's unwavering support, he felt stronger and more determined than ever to build a better future for himself and his mother.

Later that evening, Renjun returned home to find his father passed out on the couch, an empty bottle by his side. Mei was in the kitchen, quietly cleaning up.

"Mom, why do you put up with this?" Renjun asked, his voice filled with frustration.

Mei looked at him with tired eyes. "It's complicated, Junnie. But don't worry about me. Just focus on your studies and getting out of here. That's the best way you can help."

Renjun nodded, though it didn't make him feel any better. He knew he couldn't change the situation overnight, but he could work towards a future where he could protect his mother and give them both a chance at happiness.

As he lay in bed that night, Renjun clung to his dreams and the promise he made to his mother. No matter how hard things got, he wouldn't give up. He would fight for a better life, for both of them.