Always By Your Side || MinChan Romance

24.

Twenty Four

"Let's take this to the living room, shall we?" Chan offered smoothly, already moving to usher his parents toward the room before any more questions could be asked. His voice remained calm, but there was a hint of urgency in his actions as he glanced back at Minho.

"Min, sweetie, you can make yourself decent and come join us when you're done," he added gently, giving Minho a reassuring smile that said he had everything under control.

Minho nodded quickly, grateful for the out. "Yeah, I'll just... I'll be quick."

As he disappeared down the hallway, Chan turned back to his parents, trying to read their expressions. His mother looked intrigued, her eyebrows slightly raised, while his father's face was a mixture of confusion and mild disapproval.

"Chan," his father started as soon as they were seated in the living room, "what exactly is going on here? We drop by for a visit, and there's some half-dressed guy in your house? Care to explain?"

Chan exhaled slowly, his hands resting on his knees. "I know it looks a little...unorthodox, but Minho is special to me."

Mrs. Bang studied him carefully, her eyes softening. "Special how, dear? You know you can talk to us."

Chan hesitated for a second, then decided it was time to be honest. "Minho's...my partner. We've been seeing each other for a while now. It's serious."

His father frowned. "Partner? Chan, you're still married—"

"I won't be for much longer," Chan interrupted firmly. "The divorce papers were signed today. This thing with Johan has been over for a long time."

Mrs. Bang leaned forward, her expression filled with concern. "And Minho, he's been with you through all of this?"

"Yes," Chan admitted, his voice softening. "He's been my support. He's more than just someone I'm seeing."

Mrs. Bang glanced at her husband before turning back to Chan. "Well, it's certainly...unexpected. But if you're happy, Chan, we'll try to understand."

Chan nodded, feeling the weight of their scrutiny ease ever so slightly. Now he just had to hope they would be just as understanding when Minho returned.

Minho returned to the living room, looking nervous but polished in a simple, clean outfit. His hands fidgeted slightly at his sides, but his eyes were steady as they took in the scene before him. Chan immediately stood from his seat, a warm, reassuring smile on his face as he offered his hand to Minho.

Without hesitation, Minho took it, and Chan gently pulled him closer, keeping him by his side as he turned back to his parents.

"This is Minho," Chan said, his voice full of quiet pride. "The person I've been talking about."

Mrs. Bang studied Minho for a moment, her eyes kind but inquisitive. "It's nice to meet you, Minho," she said, offering a soft smile. "You certainly caught us by surprise, but I suppose life is full of surprises."

Minho smiled nervously but gratefully. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. and Mrs. Bang. I'm sorry about...earlier," he said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I wasn't expecting visitors."

Mr. Bang remained silent for a moment, his gaze still on Minho, though it had softened. "It's...an unusual situation, but we're trying to understand," he finally said. "Chan seems to care about you a great deal."

Minho's hand tightened slightly in Chan's, and he nodded. "I care about him too. A lot."

Chan squeezed his hand in return, the subtle show of unity not lost on his parents.