Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
The days had turned into weeks, and things between Hanbin and Hao had only grown deeper. The easy closeness they shared had become a part of their daily lives. But today, as they lounged on Hao's couch, laughing over an inside joke, Hanbin's smile faded for a moment, a flicker of thought passing across his face.
"What's up?" Hao asked, noticing the change in Hanbin's expression. He nudged him lightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "You're not usually this quiet, hyung."
Hanbin chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Guess I've been thinking about something..." He paused, meeting Hao's gaze, his expression soft but a little uncertain. "When do I get to meet your parents?"
Hao's breath caught. He'd seen this coming. Ever since Hanbin had introduced him to his own parents, who'd welcomed him with warmth and excitement, he'd known this conversation was inevitable. But even knowing that, it was different hearing it out loud.
"I... I don't know," Hao murmured, his fingers tightening slightly around the fabric of his shirt. "I want you to meet them, I really do. But..."
Hanbin watched him carefully, his gaze filled with patience and understanding. "But?"
Hao took a breath, looking down as he tried to gather his thoughts. "My parents... they don't know that I'm... well, that I'm gay," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "And they don't know about us. I'm scared of how they'll react."
Hanbin's expression softened, and he reached out, taking Hao's hand in his own. "Hey," he said gently. "It's okay. You don't have to rush anything. We can take this as slow as you need."
Hao looked up, grateful but still conflicted. "It's just... I want them to meet you. And I want them to know how much you mean to me. But I can't shake this fear that they... won't accept us. Or that they'll see you differently because of it."
Hanbin squeezed his hand, his thumb brushing soothing circles over Hao's skin. "I get it," he said softly. "It's hard to open up about things like this, especially with people you care about. But just so you know... I'll be here, no matter what. Even if it takes time."
Hao's shoulders relaxed, a small smile breaking through his uncertainty. "Thank you, Hanbin. That means a lot."
Hanbin grinned, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Hao's forehead. "You're worth it," he murmured, his voice warm and reassuring. "And whenever you're ready, I'll be right there with you. We can face it together."
