Toy Boy | Chanlix

Boundaries

The next evening, Chan and Seungmin were huddled in front of the TV in Chan's room, game controllers in hand. The sound of digital gunfire and explosions filled the room as they navigated through a first-person shooter game, the intensity of the gameplay momentarily distracting Chan from the heaviness in his chest.

"Got you!" Seungmin exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face as his character landed the final blow, winning the round.

Chan groaned, leaning back against the wall with a sigh. "You're too good at this, man. I don't even stand a chance."

Seungmin chuckled, setting his controller down. "You just need more practice. I've been playing these kinds of games since I was a kid."

Chan smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He appreciated Seungmin's attempt to lighten the mood, but the weight of everything that had happened recently still hung over him like a dark cloud. He couldn't stop thinking about the message from the unknown number and the stress of dealing with his family.

Seungmin seemed to pick up on his friend's mood. "You okay, Chan? You seem... off."

Chan hesitated, his fingers tightening around the controller. "It's just been a lot, you know? School, the messages, everything with Felix... it's all piling up."

Seungmin nodded slowly, his expression softening. "Yeah, I can imagine. Felix has been... complicated lately, huh?"

"That's one way to put it," Chan muttered, his thoughts drifting to the last conversation he had with Felix. The uncertainty in their relationship, the mixed signals, and the constant push and pull were taking a toll on him. He was tired of not knowing where he stood with Felix, and the unknown messages weren't helping.

They continued to play in silence for a while, the game's action providing a welcome distraction. But as the minutes ticked by, the quiet between them grew heavier, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions.

Eventually, the quiet was shattered by the sound of the front door slamming shut. Chan tensed, recognizing the telltale signs of his father's return. He shot a glance at Seungmin, who paused the game and looked back at him with concern.

"Is he...?" Seungmin started, his voice low.

"Yeah," Chan replied, his voice tight. "He's drunk. Again."

The tension in the room was palpable as they listened to the sounds coming from the living room. Chan's heart pounded in his chest, a familiar dread creeping over him as he waited for the inevitable.

Sure enough, moments later, the door to Chan's room was flung open, and his father staggered in, his face flushed and eyes bloodshot. The stench of alcohol clung to him, making Chan's stomach turn.

"What the hell are you two doing in here?" his father slurred, his gaze flicking between Chan and Seungmin.

"We're just playing a game," Chan replied calmly, trying to keep his voice steady.

His father sneered, swaying slightly as he stepped further into the room. "You're wasting your time with this shit. Why don't you do something useful for once?"

"Dad, just go to bed," Chan said, his patience wearing thin. "You're drunk."

The words had barely left his mouth when his father's hand shot out, striking Chan across the face with a force that sent him stumbling back against the wall. The room spun as pain blossomed across his cheek, but he forced himself to stay upright, his jaw clenched tightly.

Seungmin shot to his feet, eyes wide with shock. "Mr. Bang, please—"

"You stay out of this!" Chan's father snapped, his voice laced with venom. "This is between me and my useless son."