𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲 | 𝗧𝗮𝗲𝗪𝗼𝗼 𝗩𝗲𝗿.𝟭

3

Tae-Hyung felt a tight knot in his stomach as he adjusted the flowy pink dress that gently swayed with his every movement. His fingers tugged at the fabric nervously, but he couldn’t settle the unease bubbling inside him. Today was the day he was meeting Eun-Woo’s parents, and despite having spent nearly 16 years of his life in the Cha family mansion, being adopted by them as an orphan, this felt different. The familiarity of the house couldn’t ease the tension, not when his heart was weighed down with guilt.

It was a beautiful mansion, filled with warm colors and soft lighting, a place where Tae-Hyung had found comfort after the loss of his parents. The Cha family had always treated him with kindness, and yet today, Tae-Hyung felt like he was betraying that kindness. His secret relationship with Eun-Woo felt like a betrayal to the family who had raised him, even though they didn't know the truth. They assumed that he and Eun-Woo were simply sharing an apartment to focus on their studies together.

The truth was far more complicated.

"Baby, stop worrying," Eun-Woo’s voice cut through Tae-Hyung’s thoughts. Eun-Woo, with his soft, warm smile, was standing beside him, gently guiding him toward the door. Eun-Woo’s presence always seemed to ease the tightness in his chest. His dark eyes, so full of care and understanding, locked with Tae-Hyung’s, sending a quiet wave of reassurance. Eun-Woo always knew how to calm his nerves, but today it seemed impossible.

Tae-Hyung squeezed Eun-Woo’s hand tighter. What if they find out? Tae-Hyung thought to himself. What if everything went terribly because of me?

Eun-Woo’s reassuring smile never faltered, and he gave Tae-Hyung a soft, encouraging glance before they stepped into the house together. The moment they entered, the warmth of the house enveloped them, but Tae-Hyung’s heart pounded in his chest. Eun-Woo’s parents were already waiting in the living room, their welcoming smiles making Tae-Hyung feel even more anxious.

Eun-Woo’s mother, a graceful woman with gentle features, greeted them first. “Tae-Hyung, it’s so good to see you again. How’s school going?” Her voice was smooth, filled with genuine concern, but to Tae-Hyung, it felt like a trickle of ice water down his spine. He was never quite sure how to speak with Eun-Woo’s parents. They had been kind to him over the years, but the weight of their expectations felt heavy today.

Eun-Woo’s father, a tall man with a stern but kind face, followed suit. “You’ve been doing well in your studies, haven’t you, Tae-Hyung? You’ve always been such a hard worker.”

Tae-Hyung forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. His fingers curled into the fabric of his dress, as if he could anchor himself to the moment and make the world stop spinning. “Yes, I’ve been keeping up with my assignments. Everything is going well,” he managed to say, his voice faltering slightly.

Eun-Woo noticed the tension in Tae-Hyung’s posture, the way his shoulders were tight and his hands shook ever so slightly. Without a word, he stepped in, shifting the conversation away from Tae-Hyung’s academic life.

Tae-Hyung grateful for the change in topic. His eyes flickered toward Eun-Woo, finding a brief moment of comfort in his boyfriend’s gaze.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, and in walked Woo-Seok. His bright smile was immediately infectious, and Tae-Hyung couldn’t help but feel a slight pang in his chest. Woo-Seok was tall, with broad shoulders and striking features. His hair, dark and thick, fell messily around his forehead, and his eyes gleamed with a playful light. He was everything a person would want in their ideal type but for Tae-Hyung, it’s only Eun-Woo.

Woo-Seok bumped fists with Eun-Woo before turning to Tae-Hyung with a grin. “Hey, baby,” he said, his tone teasing yet affectionate. Before Tae-Hyung could react, Woo-Seok pulled him into a tight hug, one that enveloped him fully.

Tae-Hyung’s body stiffened, his heart racing. He could feel Woo-Seok’s warmth against him, the familiar scent of his cologne invading his senses. His hands hovered awkwardly at his sides as he hesitated to return the embrace.

“I miss you, baby,” Woo-Seok whispered, his voice filled with affection. It had been a while since they’d spent time together, given his busy schedule.

Tae-Hyung glanced up at Eun-Woo, whose eyes were filled with unshed tears. The raw emotion in Eun-Woo’s gaze twisted at Tae-Hyung’s heart, and he wanted to scream at himself.

Woo-Seok pulled away with a grin, oblivious to the two breaking heart. “Come on, let’s talk in my room, Tae-Hyung. We haven’t caught up in so long. I’ve missed you, baby,” he said, giving Tae-Hyung a bright smile before placing a hand gently on his back, guiding him away from the living room.

Tae-Hyung’s feet felt as if they were made of lead. His heart weighed heavier with each step, knowing full well what was happening inside him. He glanced back once, heart aching seeing Eun-Woo’s face full of sadness.

Tae-Hyung turned away, his chest aching as he followed Woo-Seok toward his bedroom, the weight of the pain growing heavier with every passing moment.