Toy Boy | Chanlix

Family

The sun was setting as Chan and Seungmin walked side by side, their steps in sync as they approached the art gallery in town. The cool evening breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the soft hum of the city with it. The streets were alive with people heading home from work or out for the night, but to Chan, the world felt quiet, intimate, like it was just him and Seungmin in their own little bubble.

He glanced at Seungmin, who was staring up at the grand entrance of the gallery with a look of quiet awe. There was something peaceful about Seungmin, a calmness that Chan found himself drawn to more and more each day.

"You ever been to an art gallery before?" Chan asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Seungmin shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, this is my first time. I'm kind of excited."

Chan smiled back, feeling a warm flutter in his chest. "I think you'll like it. It's one of my favorite places to unwind."

They entered the gallery, and Chan led the way through the maze of paintings, sculptures, and installations. The soft lighting cast a warm glow on the art, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence. The gallery wasn't too crowded, allowing them to take their time as they wandered from piece to piece.

Seungmin paused in front of a large abstract painting, his head tilted slightly as he studied the chaotic swirls of color and texture. "It's beautiful, but I can't really tell what it's supposed to be."

Chan chuckled, coming to stand beside him. "That's the thing about abstract art. It doesn't have to be anything specific. It's more about how it makes you feel."

Seungmin nodded thoughtfully, his gaze still fixed on the painting. "It's kind of like life, isn't it? Sometimes things don't make sense, but it's the feelings they evoke that matter."

Chan blinked, surprised by the depth of Seungmin's observation. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

They continued exploring the gallery, moving from one exhibit to the next. As they walked, they talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing effortlessly between them. Chan found himself learning new things about Seungmin—his love for baseball, his dream of becoming a sports journalist, his hidden talent for sketching. It was easy, comfortable, and Chan couldn't remember the last time he had felt so at peace.

Eventually, they made their way to a small coffee shop nearby, where they settled into a cozy corner with steaming mugs of coffee in hand. The shop was warm and inviting, with soft jazz playing in the background and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

"This place is nice," Seungmin remarked, taking a sip of his drink. "Thanks for bringing me here."

"Anytime," Chan replied, his fingers wrapped around his mug. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

Seungmin smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made Chan's heart skip a beat. "I am. It's nice to just... be. No pressure, no worries. Just us."

Chan nodded, feeling a sense of contentment settle over him. For once, he wasn't thinking about Felix, or the unknown number, or the chaos that seemed to follow him everywhere. It was just him and Seungmin, enjoying each other's company.

But the peaceful moment was shattered when Chan's phone buzzed on the table. He frowned, glancing at the screen to see his sister's name flashing across it. A sense of unease settled in his stomach as he answered the call.

"Hey, what's up?" Chan asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Chan... it's Dad," his sister's voice trembled on the other end. "He's... he's lost it again. I'm scared."