My Hand And Yours

He's Moving

The first thought that came to mind was that his mother had either called over her friends or she had finally decided that Minhyun was to be married off since a well dressed lady stood at the door.

"Ooh, welcome. Come on in, Nara."

"Thank you, Eun Na," the lady said while walking in. She took a few steps before glancing behind. "Come in."

Minhyun couldn't see who she was talking to from his angle but he definitely wasn't expecting a black haired formal dressing Baekho to walk through the door. He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him for a moment. Even his hair was combed neatly and he had on a tie that was pulled up all the way to the first button. His eyes widened when he saw Minhyun as well but his overall expression remained flat, void of any of the happy male Minhyun had known him for.

"I'm sure you've already been introduced to my son, Dongho."

"Oh yes. He was quite the troublemaker during his stay here."

Dongho...

Minhyun wondered if this was just a man who resembled Baekho instead but then he recalled the moment when they were being separated, the policeman had called him Dongho as well. His mind clicked one and one together. Baekho and Dongho were the same person. Their mothers started walking ahead towards the dining room. Baekho took the chance to brush his hand against Minhyun's but he didn't look nor talk to him. Minhyun pursed his lips, feeling all the emotions he had tried to keep down or destroy bubble up again. They walked quietly behind their mothers before taking a seat beside their respective parent and opposite one another.

The irony for them to have watched Romeo and Juliet together on the last day they saw each other. Minhyun noticed the way Baekho sat was also different. His back was upright unlike his usual casual sitting style. His mannerisms were also more static like. It was almost like Baekho had become him. The good child. The perfect son. He tried not to keep eye contact with Baekho for too long, afraid he might attempt to talk to the other. Their parents chatted away like they've always known each other but Minhyun could tell the words they're saying had venom behind them and it was scary to listen to. A little diss behind every flowery sentence. The food was served and Minhyun felt relieved that he had something else to give his attention too.

"My son will be going to the States to study tomorrow," Nara said with a pretty smile. Minhyun noticed Baekho's surprised look. His hand crumpled the tissue and his lips parted.

"M-" Baekho barely said a word as his mother turned over to look at him with the creepiest smile Minhyun had seen someone give another. Baekho gulped and straightened the tissue, shutting his lips again. It felt weird for Minhyun to see Baekho acting this way. The other had always been upfront and honest about things yet here he was, being suppressed by this lady. It made Minhyun feel like Baekho was under a spell, one he couldn't save the other from.

"Really? My son has already graduated from his studies. His father plans to let him lead his own company soon too." Minhyun caught on what was happening. Their mothers were about to go into a comparing war and make a mess out of the situation yet there was nothing he could do. He felt a kick against his leg from across the table and he looked at Baekho who was frowning a little.

"I see. He must be such an excellent child. Makes me wonder... Why did he ever run away with my useless son?" Minhyun shot a glare at Baekho and kicked his leg aside. Baekho curled his lips inwards. Minhyun noticed his mother was fuming beside him but still kept a smile on her lips.

"I believe its your son who tempted my son to be rebellious. After all, he was the one who fought the police."

"Oh my. But your son could have come home at any time, right? Maybe you never educate him properly for him to want to run away from home." Minhyun wanted this to stop just as badly as Baekho did but neither could say a word. Their mothers were like two tigress ready to pounce onto one another.