ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛᴇᴅ

【30】

yunho doesn't remember the last time his dad was home for more than a few weeks.

business trips have always been a constant in his life—his dad flying off to another country, another meeting, another deal that needed closing. it used to excite him when he was a kid, waiting for whatever souvenir or story his dad would bring back. now, it just feels like a reminder of how little time they actually spend together.

this time, he's coming back from taiwan. five months away. and now, he's back.

when yunho walks through the front door after school, the house feels different. not just because of the extra luggage by the staircase or the faint smell of his dad's cologne lingering in the air, but because of the presence. the weight of expectations settling over everything again.

he barely has time to put his bag down before his mom calls out from the kitchen.

"yunho, your dad's in the office. he wants to see you."

yunho exhales, already knowing what's coming.

he makes his way down the hall, knocking lightly before stepping inside.

his dad is exactly as he remembers—polished, composed, the picture of success in his tailored suit. he barely looks up from his laptop when yunho enters.

"you're home late," his dad says.

yunho checks the time. 4:30. "i had student council stuff."

his dad hums, finally closing his laptop. "good. i expect you to take that seriously."

yunho doesn't respond.

his dad studies him for a moment before gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. "sit."

yunho sits.

"how's school?"

"fine."

"grades?"

"good."

his dad nods approvingly. "and your position? you're still president?"

yunho resists the urge to roll his eyes. "yeah, dad. still president."

"good. that'll look great on your applications."

there it is. the real reason for this conversation.

yunho shifts in his seat, already tired. "i haven't even decided where i want to apply yet."

his dad raises a brow. "what's there to decide? you'll apply to the top universities. somewhere with a strong business program."

yunho clenches his jaw. "what if i don't want to do business?"

his dad exhales sharply, leaning back in his chair. "yunho. we've been over this."

"yeah," yunho mutters. "we have."

"then you should understand by now. this isn't just about you—it's about the future. your future. our family's future."