Responsibility | Jihancheol FF | Seventeen FF

37

The sun had barely begun to rise, casting an orange glow across the sky as Joshua held his son’s small hand tightly, guiding him toward the entrance building. It was a momentous day: Jeongin’s first day of school.

Excitement buzzed in the air, but Joshua felt a tension brewing deep within him—one that had less to do with the day and more with the presence of a certain someone.

As they neared the entrance, Joshua took a moment to kneel down to Jeongin’s level. His brown eyes sparkled with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension. A little memory of Seungcheol flashes through his mind.

“Remember, buddy,” Joshua said, a gentle smile plastered across his face, “just be yourself. Everyone likes when you share your toys and ask questions.”

Jeongin nodded, his expression earnest, but there was a hint of worry behind those bright eyes. “What if they don’t like me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course they will!” Joshua reassured him. “You have a big heart, and people like that. Just be brave.”

As he finished his encouragement, a familiar voice called out from behind them, slicing through the tender moment like a knife. “Joshua! Wait!”

His mother, rushed up to them, her blonde hair catching the morning light. She looked almost younger than her age, but there was a weariness in her eyes that told a different story.

“Jeongin!” she exclaimed, kneeling to his height. “I’m so proud of you today! You’re going to do great in school, honey.” She planted a quick kiss on his cheek, her affection wrapping around him like a warm blanket.

Jeongin smiled shyly, fidgeting with the backpack adorned with cartoon characters. “Thanks, Grandma,” he said, though it didn’t quite go in liking of Joshua

“Joshua,” she said, rising to her full height and directing her attention toward her son, “I brought him a little lunchbox. It has his favorite snacks—”

“No, Mom,” Joshua interrupted, his voice sharper than he intended. The tension was palpable. “We agreed that we’d handle Jeongin's lunches ourselves. It’s his first day, and I want him to feel like it's our special thing. Just like it was for me as a kid.” The memories tangled with the edges of his words.

Mrs.Hong frowned, taken aback, but a flicker of sadness crossed her face that Joshua couldn’t ignore. “I only wanted to help,” she said softly. “It’s hard for a grandma to step back when she wants to be part of his life.”

Joshua’s chest tightened. He remembered the  arguments they had recently, the sharp exchanges that had turned into silences thicker than fog.

“Maybe it’s not about you, Mom,” Joshua replied, forcing gentleness into his voice. “It’s about wanting. I want to do this for him.” The words hung heavily in the air, feeling like a bridge that was crumbling under the weight of unsaid experiences.

Jeongin tugged on Joshua’s sleeve, sensing the thickening tension between them. “Can I share my tiffin Dad? I like snacks!”

Joshua softened, remembering that the day wasn't just about him and his mom. It was about Jeongin, who deserved to feel excitement, free from the undercurrents swirling around him. “Okay,you should by the way,new friends new food!” Joshua finally caved, glancing at his mother.

“Alright, then,” Joshua said, his heart lifting slightly, though he still felt the need to maintain some boundaries. “Now, let’s get Jeongin off to school.”

"Where is seokmin?" She asked. 'oh shoot!' Joshua thought,He didn't think that his mother will actually visit this early,what should he do now?

A car honked behind them which grabbed there attention,"Get in already otherwise we will be late!" It was seokmin,on driver seat,Bright smile glowing extra nicely on his sun kissed skin.

'Thank you!You ran to me like God!' Joshua thought in mind,as Jeongin already ran to car.

"MinMin!" The little guy peeked through car window.

"Hey little flower" Seokmin unlocked passenger seat door,"Go sit in front" Joshua's mother said as he grabbed the back door knob.

He gave awkward smile probably to himself as slide into front seat as Jeongin sat on his lap.

Mrs.Hong slide into back sit,as out of nowhere Jaden were besides her,Joshua widened his eyes and glanced at Seokmin who were reflecting his expression.

They tried there best to be normal couple,Thanks to Jeongin,his constant chattering actually occupied all the attention.

As they made their way through the gates, Jeongin between them, Joshua couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe today was about more than just the first day of school—it was an opportunity for unspoken forgiveness, for healing a rift that should have never been there in the first place.

'should he should give chance to his mother?After all she stand against his father to came here,does it worth?'

“Dad, can I share my colors with my new friends?” Jeongin chirped, his face lighting up with the thought of new people.

“Of course!” Seokmin  laughed, "Not only colors,share your tiffin also,be the best buddy of your class,make as many friends as you can"He crouched down to Jeongin's level patting his head.

As they approached the school ground, Joshua glanced at his mother and then at his son. The future was uncertain, He don't know a shit about how to deal with things!

Jeongin bid good bye to them as his homeroom teacher collected him from them,Four of them make there exit as they bid the good bye with Jeongin who is now on ground looking at other children.

-
"Hey little cherry!" Seungcheol exclaimed as he approached where all students were chatting.

"Uncle cheollie!" Jeongin run towards him,Seungcheol crouched down and held him in his embarance,his eyes teared up,his son in school uniform,about to start school, IT'S SO OVERWHELMING!

"Are you ready for today?" He asked as he detached them.

" Yes!" Jeongin said confidently.

" Then let's start your first day with sweet!" Seungcheol took out a chocolate bar and hand it to Child whose eyes sparkled with Joy.

He rapidly tored it open and break the bar into two pieces,handing one to Seungcheol.

"No no, it's all for you" Seungcheol pushed his hand back.

"Nope. Dad said sharing is caring!" He again held out his hand,out of emotions Seungcheol opened his mouth and Jeongin feed him that piece,tears are about to spill from his eyes which he controlling at best possible.

"Enjoy your day and make so many new friends!" He said patting Jeongin's head.

"I. Wioll" Jeongin said as his mouth is occupied in chewing the chocolate bar.