My Tease

Pandora's box

Jin Pov

"I said I give up." Namjoon tries to reach out to me, but I back away. "You win." I start to pick at my sleeves nervously, letting my mind travel back to my senior year of high school. Everything was going so well. I was earning pretty decent grades. I had more friends than I could count and I was just starting to grow into my features. "I had a friend," I meet Namjoon's eyes. "He was my best friend and I wanted more. I was so confident that if I..." I press my lips together to hold in my emotions. "I thought my case would be different. I had so many friends so everyone would still like me." I feel sick to my stomach, but continue...

My parents and I sit in front of the television watching a drama by the name of Love Cheer. It took me a second to really get hooked on it, but once you're in there's no turning back. On a normal night, I would have sunken deep into the abyss of love. Fascinated by the leads constant crying and plot twist at every turn, but I was beyond nervous to tell my parents my secret. The one secret I held close to me and kept locked away. My plan was to get them in a good mood. I mean what better time than the day before Valentine's day. My mother would be excited for what ever present she was receiving from my dad and he just loves making her happy. 

It's perfect.

Plus, they can't hate their child that is their ultimate love right?

I dip my hand into the popcorn bowl to distract myself. Okay, there's one more reason I want to get their acceptance before Valentine's day. I'm hoping their encouragement will give me enough confidence to confess to my best friend...Daehyun. We've been best friends since middle school and every day since has been a struggle to keep my emotions in check. I just want to tell him so bad. 

The television goes black and snaps me out of my thoughts. My mom stands from the couch and takes the bowl of popcorn. "Jin, you have to go wash up." 

"C-can I talk to you two for a second?" I mumble. They both give me odd looks, but my mother sits back down as I take my place to stand in front of them. I smile reassuringly to comfort them both. "I have something I want to tell you two. I've been dealing with it for a while now..." I trail off.

"Did you get a girl pregnant?" My dad interjects and I am quick to say no. 

"I didn't do that. Trust me." I exhale. "I've had feelings for boys more than girls." I finally say and frown at the awkward silence that follows. My parents both have their mouths hanging wide open as they just look at me. It's like they're seeing me for the first time as I scratch my cheek shyly. "Do you guys understand what I'm trying to say here?" My mothers is the first to respond.

"More as in you still like girls or?" 

"I mean. I'm gay. I don't find women appealing. I like biceps more than boobs." I blurt out and cringe when my father's face turns red. "I mean- ugh...do you still love me?"

My mom stands and pulls me into her arms. I gasp at the impact but find myself hugging her back. I let my head rest on top of hers and just breathe in her comforting scent. I swear she's used the same body wash since I was a toddler and when ever I hug her the fragrance is the first thing that impacts me. Well, that and her iron grip. I glance at my dad who is still stunned on the couch. He seems to notice my eyes on him so he stands to his feet. I avert my eyes and prepare for the worst, but can't help the explosion of tears in my eyes when he joins in on the group hug. 

"Of course we love you," He says. I soak in the feeling a little longer and let my tears of relief fall.

"Thank goodness." Suddenly I pull away, remembering what I still have to do. "Can I go out for a bit?"