You Are Loved ◦ JungHope

Part 17

"Alright class that's it for today, good work everyone!" Hoseok called back through heavy breathes to the kids behind him, who all complained villagently at the news.

Especially two of the kids who were running up to him, one little girl clinging to his leg and the other smaller boy begging to show Hsoeok how he'd improved the choreography one last time.

Needless to say, Hoseok adored every second of it.

"Alright now Jiwoo, Jokwon, you'll see him again next week. Why don't you say your goodbyes to your Hoseokie hyung." A mother came up to the two as the class was dissipating.

Hoseok crouched down to their level, opening his arms for hugs when the two jumped right in. Hoseok giggled brightly, "I'll see the two of you next week alright? Make sure you keep practicing." After the two nodded, agreeing quickly, they returned to their mothers sides to hold her hands.

"I can't thank you enough for everything you do for these kids. Especially my two little rascals." The mother smiled, she had a warmth about her.

Hosoek shook his head, smiling down at the two and offering a small wink. "It's my pleasure."

"Oh, by the way. I believe there's a man outside waiting for you..." The woman trailed off.

Hoseok's expression lit up. "That must be Jungkookie! Wow he's early, could you tell him that he can come in on your way out?"

"Of course, See you next week!" The mother chirped as the two children waved excitedly.

Hoseok chuckled at the sight, waving before turning back to the now empty studio and heading to unplug his phone from the stereo. When he heard the door open and shut again, he called back, "Just give me a second to clean up here and we can head out. You're early by the way what..." Hoseok trailed off as he turned around, expecting to see his bright eyed boy with a bunny like smile but instead all Hosoek saw was the man who had once taken everything away from him.

"What are you doing here Sangchul." Hoseok spoke firmly, feeling his feet stuck in place. Before, he would have coward in fear, rushed to apologize and give everything he had willingly. But not anymore.

Sanchul walked further into the studio until he was standing across from Hoseok, a hand coming up to run through his own hair. "Well look at you. You haven't changed a bit."

"Why are you here."

The man's brows quirked up. "Really? That's how you're going to greet me after a year of not seeing one another? You're going to disrespect me and everything-"

"Leave." Hoseok bit out with venom in his voice.

Something changed in Sangchul's eyes then, the air freezing over as if the smallest of movements would shatter the thin layer of ice. "Hoseok..."

"I said, leave." Hoseok spoke again, his eyes determined, unmoving.

Sangchul narrowed his eyes. "You want to be this way? Fine. But I came all the way over here to tell you this. I'm sorry."

Hoseok's eyes grew wide. "Wha...what?"

"I'm sorry Hoseok." There was something sincere in Sangchul's expression. "I'm sorry for hurting you, for not being there when you needed me and for letting things get as bad as they did. Not everything was your fault, and I'm sorry."

Hoseok was caught off guard, an array of emotions washing atop of glittering stars. "You're...you're sorry? You're apologizing? You...you mean it?"

Sanghcul took a step closer, reaching for Hoseok's hand, but the boy was quick to cross his arms instead. Yet he didn't step back, and Sanghcul nodded. "Yes, I do. And I'm sorry I left you to fend for yourself with that kid back then. I can't even imagine the things that he must have forced you to do-"