Almost blind | Haobin

22| childish stickers |22

Hao and Yujin managed to step out of the car as they arrived in front of the courthouse. The building loomed before them, a grand structure of stone and glass, its elegant facade glowing under the afternoon sun. The air buzzed with voices-lawyers, reporters, and bystanders moving like restless waves, each caught up in their own purpose.

They walked side by side from the parking lot until they reached the wide stone stairs leading up to the entrance. Just as Hao hesitated at the bottom step, Yujin reached for his hand without warning, his fingers curling around Hao's in a gentle but firm grasp.

"Here," Yujin murmured, his voice low and unreadable.

Hao flinched at the unexpected touch. "It's alright, Yujin," he said quickly, his pulse spiking with a flicker of panic. He tried to pull away instinctively, but in a heartbeat, Yujin's grip tightened-not painfully at first, just enough to keep him still.

"Just stay still," Yujin said, his tone shifting into something colder, something unyielding. There was no room for argument.

Hao's breath hitched. His wide eyes searched Yujin's face, but the boy's expression remained unreadable. It was strange seeing him like this, almost unsettling. Yet, despite himself, warmth crept into his cheeks, a flush of confusion, frustration-or something else he didn't quite understand.

The moment shattered when they reached the courthouse doors. Standing there, near the entrance, was Gyuvin. Unlike his usual calm demeanor, he looked tense, his arms crossed, his jaw set in something close to frustration.

"Gyuvin!" Hao called, lifting a hand in greeting.

Gyuvin's head snapped up, and as soon as he spotted them, he strode toward them with purpose

"Where's my dad?" Hao asked immediately, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of the familiar black-haired man. But there was no one.

"He's not here," Gyuvin said, exhaling sharply. "He thought it'd be better not to come-didn't want to make things uncomfortable. He didn't want to see Matthew and Hanbin like this."

Hao's stomach twisted. He swallowed hard, nodding as he processed the words. "I see..."

"And how was the hearing, sir?" Yujin interjected, his voice unusually formal, though his hand remained wrapped around Hao's like a silent reminder.

Gyuvin ran a hand through his brown hair, shaking his head slightly. "It went smoothly. We already discussed most of it with Matthew before stepping into court, so there weren't any surprises." He exhaled, then turned his gaze to Hao. "But Hanbin... he's going to be in my care in the end."

Hao stiffened.

"He hasn't spoken to me about it yet, but from what Matthew said, he'll be moving in with us this week."

A cold wave washed over Hao's body, seeping into his bones. The thought of Hanbin living with them-of him being in their home, in their space-sent a sharp chill through his veins.

"I see..." he managed, his voice quieter now.

"I'm just worried about how things will turn out," Gyuvin admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't want you and Ricky to feel uncomfortable."

"Gyuvin," Hao sighed, offering a small, reassuring smile. "I told you, it's fine. My dad's fine with it too. He said he'd try his best to get along with Hanbin."

Gyuvin let out a breath but didn't look convinced. "Yeah... I know. But Hanbin isn't going to make it easy."

And that was the truth. Hanbin was many things, but easy was not one of them-especially not when it came to Hao or Ricky.