CEO | JAEYONG

1

IT was winter time, and that's when everyone hustles about the town of Seoul to get Christmas decorations, presents, and food. People spend hundreds of dollars on everything everyday, and go home to there families to celebrate. People travel across country just to see relatives, and stay at places as they celebrate. The months are filled with smiles, laughs, jokes and hugs.

Lee Taeyong was no different, except he never got to spend time with his family. His parents never wanted to see him again, and no relatives he knew of wanted him coming close. It was the same every year ever since he left to pursue his dreams. He didn't mind though, as he spent Christmas with the one he loved most.

So here he was, walking the icy streets of Seoul as snow falls gently. Holding hands with the one he loved most.

"Daddy! Daddy! Look there! It's a Christmas tree!" A small child grabs at Taeyongs hands with his small ones, looking at the large Christmas tree on display across the street.

"Yes Jisung it is, come along now." Taeyong says with a small smile, leading his child past the Christmas tree into a small corner store.

Taeyong was a single parent, left with a child at as his boyfriend left him. It was expected, but when it came he wasn't ready. Those past years were tough, as Jisung was only a toddler, yet he witnessed so much. Taeyong never wanted a life like he gave Jisung, and when his boyfriend left he gave into temptation and started drinking. He stopped though as Jisung grew older, getting a job as the boy turned 5. He tries his very best now to keep him and his son above water, just above the surface.

They enter the store, and Jisung immediately goes to the present section. Taeyong lets him, and goes over to the food isle. There, he looks at all the meat on display.

'So expensive.' Taeyong thinks as he looks at the prices.

He decides to get a turkey, and walks over to where Jisung is. Stopping in his tracks as he watches his son play with a toy train. Jisung takes notice of Taeyong, and looks over with a smile.

"Daddy look!" Jisung says with a smile, and holds the toy train in the air.

"I see it. Lets get going love." Taeyong whispers.

"Ok daddy." Jisung says, putting the train away.

Going up to counter, Taeyong takes out his money. It's very few in his hand, and he quickly counts to make sure he has enough.

"Daddy, can I?" Taeyong looks down, seeing a piece of candy in his sons hand.

Taeyong looks at the money he has, and presses his lips in a straight line.

"Not today doll." Taeyong whispers, pinching the child's cheek softly.

"Do you think Santa will buy it for me?" Jisung asks softly.

Taeyong looks down again, this time into his sons large eyes. He then displays a sad smile.

"Of course love." Taeyong lies.

"Yay!" Jisung says, and Taeyong takes the bag with the turkey.

Walking out of the store, he takes Jisungs hand in his. He feels guilty for lying to Jisung, he just spent the last of his money on food for Christmas. He couldn't even buy his son a present, not even a candy bar.