You Belong With Me | Jeongcheol Fanfic

Chapter 78

As the evening wound down, laughter still lingered in the air as Jeonghan and Seungcheol helped clear the table and pack away leftovers. The nephews, long since exhausted from their evening of excitement, were sprawled on the couch, their little chests rising and falling in sleep. Subin and Hyunjae exchanged a grateful glance as they ushered the boys toward their bedrooms, leaving Jeonghan and his father to share a quiet moment in the now-cozy living room.

Jeonghan was just about to grab his coat when his father called out, "Jeonghan, wait a moment." His tone was gentle, but there was a certain weight behind it. Jeonghan stopped mid-step and turned, eyebrows slightly raised.

"Yeah, Dad?" he asked, noticing the way his father's expression softened, as if he'd been meaning to speak to him all evening.

His father crossed the room slowly, his hands in his pockets, the familiar steadiness of his presence filling the space. "I've been thinking about what you mentioned earlier—about the boutique. Sounds like a big step for you."

Jeonghan nodded, a hint of nervousness creeping into his posture. "It is, Dad. It's something I've been dreaming about for years. Finally feels like the right time, but it's... a lot," he admitted with a small smile. "Seungcheol and I are trying to figure everything out—budgets, plans, the lease—it's all a bit overwhelming."

His father stood in silence for a moment, his gaze steady but filled with something Jeonghan couldn't quite place. Then, with a slow breath, he spoke. "I know how important this is to you, son. I've watched you chase every dream with everything you've got, and I've always admired that about you. Your mother would have been so proud too."

The mention of his mother made Jeonghan's chest tighten slightly, but he nodded, his voice soft. "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot."

"I want to help," his father said, his voice firm yet warm. Jeonghan's eyes widened slightly in surprise as his father continued, "I've been thinking about this since you mentioned the boutique earlier. I'd like to pay for the lease—at least to get you started."

"Dad..." Jeonghan began, his voice trailing off as his mind raced to process the offer. "You don't have to do that. I mean, Seungcheol and I have been saving, and—"

His father raised a hand, cutting him off gently. "Jeonghan, listen to me. I'm not doing this because I think you need my help. I'm doing this because I want to. It's my way of supporting you, the way I know your mom would have wanted to as well. Starting a business isn't easy, and if I can take one thing off your plate, let me do that."

Jeonghan's throat tightened as his father's words settled over him. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. His father wasn't the kind of man who spoke openly about his feelings often, but when he did, it carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. Jeonghan knew this was his father's way of showing love, of being there in the ways that mattered most.

"Are you sure?" Jeonghan finally asked, his voice quieter now. "It's a big commitment."

His father smiled, a small but sincere expression. "I'm sure. Besides, I'm not getting any younger, and I'd rather see my money go toward something meaningful—something that makes you happy. Think of it as an investment, not just in your boutique, but in you."

Jeonghan blinked back the emotion that threatened to surface, nodding slowly. "Thank you, Dad. Really. This means the world to me."

His father reached out, giving Jeonghan's shoulder a firm, reassuring squeeze. "You've always made me proud, son. Now go and make that boutique a reality."

Jeonghan smiled, the warmth of his father's words settling in his chest like a steady flame. As Seungcheol appeared with their coats, sensing the tail end of the conversation but choosing not to interrupt, Jeonghan gave his father one last hug before they left.