Sun & Moon

TWO

At home, the first thing Doyoung did was sit down on the edge of his bed. His shoulders were slumped, and strands of hair covered his eyes. But he didn't bother to move it. He stared at the white wall in front of him. Something was bothering him; he felt hopeless and tired, but at the same time, he felt fine. His eyes were heavy, but he felt awake.

Doyoung ignored the feeling and pushed all empty thoughts to the back of his mind. With an exhausted sigh, he got up from his bed and went to his desk where his father's old project files were sitting. He rubbed his eyes once and opened the first file: a resort project from last year. He continued reviewing and revising old projects as if they were urgently current for five hours.

It wasn't until he heard the gentle shut of the front door that Doyoung put down the files. He quickly got up and walked to the living room where his father was taking off his coat.

"Dad. You're here," Doyoung said lightly. He kept his eyes near the floor while purposely lacing his voice with gentle respect.

His father gave a soft grunt in response as he laid his coat on the sofa. "How was your graduation?" he asked, sitting on the couch while loosening his tie.

Doyoung bit his lip before replying, "It was good."

All his father gave in response was a nod. Doyoung stood there awkwardly for a few moments, continuously glancing between his father and the ground, before he finally got a response. "In a few years..." his father trailed off before finishing the thought. He took off his cufflinks before continuing. "You'll be in my place."

Doyoung gulped but did not respond right away. "I finished reviewing the files today," he said instead.

His father only nodded, deep in thought. "Good job," he said slowly. He stood up from the couch. "Get some rest." He patted Doyoung's shoulder before going to his own room. Doyoung gave out an exhale before slumping down on the couch himself.

"Good job. Get some rest."

The only words Doyoung wanted to hear were, "Happy 19th birthday, son."

Doyoung gave out a bitter sigh and smiled to himself. It was alright. He was used to this loneliness, after all.