Love In The Spotlight~ YEONBIN FF

9. Family Ties

Yeonjun returned to his apartment, exhausted but fulfilled after a long day of schedules. He expressed gratitude to his manager, Hajun, for his tireless efforts.

As Yeonjun opened the door, his eyes widened in surprise. A brand-new piano dominated the living room, its sleek design gleaming under the soft lighting. He had been longing to purchase it for months.

"Surprise!" his parents shouted in unison, emerging from their hiding spot.

Yeonjun's eyes welled up with tears as he rushed into their open arms. His mother's warm embrace and gentle kiss on his head brought comfort.

"Our baby is doing so well. We're beyond proud of you, Jjunie," she whispered, using his affectionate nickname.

His father's broad smile matched his own. "Do you like the gift, son?"

Yeonjun's parents had always been his rock, supporting his dreams unconditionally. Though they lived apart due to work, they visited whenever possible. Yeonjun cherished these moments, having been away from them since age 14 when he left for Seoul to pursue his passion.

After changing into cozy clothes, they gathered around the dinner table. His mother had prepared an array of mouth-watering dishes: Galbi-jjim (braised short ribs), Bulgogi (marinated beef) and Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles).

"Eomma, I'll gain weight if I eat so much," Yeonjun teased, smiling.

His mother chuckled, spooning rice onto his plate. "You'll still be the prettiest, no matter what."

As they savored the homemade feast, Yeonjun broached the topic of his upcoming project. "Are you okay with me doing a BL drama?"

His father's expression remained calm and supportive. "A drama is a drama, son. As long as you're not overworking yourself, you can take on anything."

Yeonjun felt grateful for his parents' unwavering acceptance. They had never once hindered his aspirations, always encouraging him to chase his dreams.

He silently thanked God for blessing him with the most supportive parents in the world.

Later that evening, as they shared stories and laughter, Yeonjun realized that this surprise visit and thoughtful gift were exactly what he needed - a reminder of love and support from those who mattered most.

As Yeonjun settled into bed, his thoughts drifted back to Soobin, his mind replaying their earlier interactions. He recalled Soobin's impressive height, broad shoulders, and the captivating dimple that appeared when he smiled.

Yeonjun's imagination ran wild as he envisioned Soobin as Doyoon, bringing the character to life. One scene in particular, where Doyoon wraps his arm around Juwon's waist and kisses his neck, left Yeonjun's cheeks flushing.

Initially, Yeonjun chose this script to assert his independence from his company, Talent Hunters. However, to his surprise, the CEO responded with a grand gesture - a stunning, expensive bouquet of flowers - congratulating him on the upcoming drama.

Now, Yeonjun felt a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a sense of responsibility. Would he do justice to his role? Would he convincingly portray Juwon's complex emotions?

As his thoughts swirled, Yeonjun's heart swelled with gratitude for his parents' unwavering support. Their surprise visit and thoughtful gift had filled him with warmth.

With a contented sigh, Yeonjun let his eyelids close, allowing the comforting memories and anticipation for the drama to lull him into a peaceful sleep.

Sunday morning dawned, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. Soobin's anxiety simmered, like a pot about to boil, as he contemplated breaking the news to his parents. The impending poster shoot for the drama tomorrow added urgency.

Just as he mustered the courage to speak, loud voices erupted from his parents' room, shattering the morning calm. Concern etched on his face, Soobin rushed toward the commotion.

Inside, he found his parents locked in a heated argument. His father's hands trembled as he clutched a sleek watch. "This isn't for show; Soobin needs it. He can't wear that worn-out watch forever! It's embarrassing."

His mother's face reddened, her voice rising. "You think I don't care? Buying groceries for our shop is more pressing than indulging Soobin's vanity! We can't afford luxuries."

Noticing Soobin's presence, his father gestured for his mother to stop, the tension palpable. "Ah, Soobin-ah, let's have breakfast, son."

Soobin realized that quitting the drama wasn't an option, not with their struggling financial situation. Taking a deep breath, he announced, "I'm the main lead in an upcoming BL drama with Choi Yeonjun."

His father's eyes widened in surprise. "Choi Yeonjun, the famous celebrity?"

Soobin nodded, his heart pounding. "Yes, Appa."

His father beamed, embracing him warmly. "Congratulations, son! We're proud of you."

However, his mother's expression darkened, worry etched on her face. "What's a BL drama?"

Soobin explained, choosing his words carefully. "A love story between two men."

Alarmed, his mother protested, her voice laced with concern. "Soobin, you can't do this! What will people say? They'll judge me, question you... Our reputation will suffer."

His father intervened, placing a calming hand on his mother's shoulder. "It's just acting; he's not actually in love with a man. It's fiction."

But his mother persisted, her voice firm. "We're poor, but that doesn't mean we'll compromise our values. This goes against nature and morality. We can't afford to lose face in our community."

Frustrated and tired, Soobin stood firm, his voice steady. "I won't back out, and I won't return home until I make a name for myself. If you're ashamed, tell people you've disowned me."

The room fell silent, the air thick with tension.

Grabbing a bag, Soobin packed his belongings, his hands shaking. He left, unable to bear the weight of his parents' disapproval.

As he walked away, Soobin steeled himself for the challenges ahead, determined to forge his own path.

With the limited savings he had managed to scrape together, Soobin settled for a humble, one-night stay at a budget-friendly motel. The modest room, with its plain furnishings and faint scent of disinfectant, would have to suffice until he secured better accommodations.

Determined to upgrade his living situation, Soobin vowed to use his upcoming payment from the drama company to find a more suitable and permanent place to call home. He envisioned a cozy studio or a shared apartment with a warm atmosphere, where he could relax and focus on his budding acting career.