Loving You Forever Can't Be Wrong | C.S.C x Y.J.H

nine

Seungcheol's temples throb as he goes over the expenses done since last week. Originally, the beddings were supposed to be on rent but seeing how uncertain this situation is and there are so many of them, he had to buy them all. The usage of water is free but after a certain level of consumption, one has to pay some amount and with twelve more people, they had exceeded that amount within two-three days only. The fixing of the roof cost him a lot. The roofer had told him beforehand if he wants the fixing to be sturdy and permanent, it would cost him extra. Of course he wanted that, he doesn't want a repeat of what happened. But he also knows roofer asked for more than what it actually costs, Seungcheol couldn't say no, since the weather has impacted the economic conditions and everybody needs to feed themselves and their families. Feed. Food alone is costing him a lot. One and a half month worth grocery has already been spent in a week. Also, inflation goes crazy at times like this.

His savings which, as a principle of his, were supposed to be untouched until some extremeties have already started to be in use.

"Appa."

"Yes, champ", He hopes he isn't smiling all awkward and tensed.

"Picnic, school is taking us picnic. I need money."

Seungcheol feels his chest tighten, "Um Sunjae-ya, can you not go this time?"

"Why? We are having money problems?", The question doesn't surprise him at all but it hurts a lot. What if he says yes? The worst wouldn't be if Sunjae doesn't understand. The worst would be if he does which he will, because it's no secret. But Sunjae shouldn't know in the first place. A nine year old shouldn't be aware of such issues. There was a time when he was going to give his child the whole world, when he was sure he would give his child things before a word is uttered. But here he is, refusing his child's expressed want, that too a measly one.

Seungcheol couldn't even become a good father.

Have you ever not failed anybody in your life?

"No, no, I was just saying because Seventeen is here."

Sunjae seems to think with a saddened expression, probably torn between the choices and it hurts Seungcheol that he has his son entangled when it's him who's lacking, "Um but it's just for few hours. It's okay, you go, here", His pockets are empty, the realisation renders him cold. The money, of course, comes out of the savings. It's okay, he will just have to work extra hours. Yes.

Sunjae giggles, soothing some of Seungcheol's ache, "Where are they taking you?"

"Namdam lake", Wait, what? In this weather? That place is anything but safe.

"Appa lied, we are having money problems. Give it back to me."

"But you just said-"

"Appa lied. You aren't going anywhere."

His kid trudges over and hands the money back to Seungcheol, "Do you know how dangerous that area is, in this weather?"

"Yah! Choi Seungcheol, were you lying or are you lying?", It's so strange how all his life he had issues with people, especially close ones, calling him by his name only to end up loving it when his own son does.

"That's for me to know, Choi Sunjae", And not for you to find out.

But he should've known better because Sunjae's class teacher showed up at his door that very day.

*****

She is quite young, the woman Sunjae introduces as his class teacher.

And she has a crush on Sunjae's appa, it's written all over her face, bold with the red on her cheeks. How unprofessional, Jeonghan thinks.

"Seungcheol-sshi", She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. Just get to the point, woman!, "Sunjae says you aren't sending him to picnic".