𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯

[❁] twenty-one

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originalchoisan people can be so unbelievably ignorant...

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sexyjwooyoung I agree... what happened? 😬

babysannie I'm sorry you have to go through this, I wish I could help you :(

parkeunhoo54 may I punch whoever this is directed at?

sexyjwooyoung why does everyone here seem to know what you're talki|
sexyjwooyoung why does everyone her|

sexyjwooyoung you'll tell me when you're ready...
| originalchoisan I will

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San was fuming. His clenched fist was hidden under the meeting table but honestly, he a hard time preventing himself from slamming it on the tabletop. He should be used to this by now, he shouldn't let himself be affected by other people's arrogant ignorance. After all, he had dealt with it as long as he could remember and would probably have to continue doing so for the rest of his life. But still, sometimes the prejudice and sheer superficiality of the world threatened to overwhelm him.

What possessed people to look down on him only because they found out he didn't speak? One second they were admiring him for the unique way of executing his dance moves and the next moment they were eyeing him in suspicion as if he was some kind of strange, despicable creature intruding their precious everyday life.

Almost just as bad were the fake pity smiles he received on daily basis. He knew they weren't meant in any bad way but it bothered him to be viewed as someone who needed to be pitied. It made him feel just a little more pathetic and smaller than he already thought himself to be anyway.

In all fairness, he was one of the lucky ones. Not everyone who was suffering from selective mutism was able to live as comfortably and ordinarily as he did. He had a solid job and was able to live his dream of being a dancer and model, opportunities which even ordinary - non-disabled - people often didn't have the chance to pursue, all thanks to his brother and his manager. Jongho had helped him to take decent photos and to set up his Instagram account and his manager was eventually the one who had discovered him and supported him on his way into the world of fierce competition.

Truly, there was no reason for him to complain. He knew how lucky he was. It didn't matter to him how challenging the long dance practices got or how exhausted he was when he fell into bed in the evening, he would never give up because he wanted to rightfully earn his spot in this world. He wanted to deserve the respect and support he received from not only them but also from all the people out there who were backing him up via Instagram.

Originally, this meeting should have been the usual schedule check between him and his manager, but as it turned out, plans could change.

For about fifteen minutes a man called Bae Moonsik, who - allegedly - was a reputable photographer in South Korea, had been talking to San's manager. Only his manager. Although Mr Won had tried his best to include San into their conversation on numerous occasions, Bae Moonsik completely ignored the young dancer's attempt of answering on his tablet and continued to babble about his fabulous project.

Eventually, San gave up, utterly annoyed by the middle-aged man sitting across from him.

Fuelled by his burning irritation he fought the urge to get up and spit his opinion right into this arrogant prick's face. It was like a tickling beneath his skin rising up with firm determination until it stuck in his throat, slowly starting to suffocate him.

He desperately wanted to open his mouth but his body refused to follow his command. Caught up in his internal struggle, his breathing became slightly more shallow and a familiar feeling of panic started to creep through his veins.

Deep breaths, San. Don't force yourself to speak, let it go, it's alright. San squeezed his eyes shut and slowly inhaled while trying to stop his upcoming panic attack.

Exhale. He reluctantly pushed his urge to speak up into the background. Inhale. Slightly calmer, San carefully cleared himself from all negative thoughts. Exhale. His heart was beating in a steady rhythm again, pulling him back into reality where his manager was looking at him in concern.

"Mr Bae, San here would be the perfect fit for your project," Mr Won cut to the chase, interrupting another wave of random explanations from the photographer without blinking twice. San had the feeling his manager was just as close to exploding as he was himself, but Mr Won had simply a better handle on keeping up his poker face.

In an instant, Bae Moonsik's boasting smile had faded into a forced grimace. "I don't think it would be possible for me - and for everyone else on set - to work with someone like him."

San's fingernails dug painfully deep into the palm of his hand while he tried to fight the the tingling in his hand which urged him to properly punch the man in front of him. Mr Won stiffened in his seat, now with an open scowl in his face.

"San has worked on photo shoots with multiple people numerous times before and I have not once heard someone complain about his capabilities. He is a talented model who knows how to adjust his demeanour in front of the camera to the varying expectations of different photographers. They are always positively impressed, I have not once heard anything different."

San's anger was slightly calmed by the genuine appreciation he felt for his manager at this moment. This was by far not the first time something like this was happening but Mr Won's dedication to his defence never ceased to astonish him.

"Imagine all the complications that come with a mute person. Alone the extra time of communication would be a nightmare. I can't afford to have him on the project." Mr Bae still hadn't looked at San even once. And San felt that slowly but surely, Mr Won was loosing his patience.

"Mr Bae, I think it is best if we discuss the rest on your way out of the building." Mr Won stood up and straightened his posture in order to control his temper. His tone made it very clear to the frowning Mr Bae that there was so room for discussion.

Then Mr Won turned to his protégé, the stern look on his face slightly softening. "San, if you would be so kind and wait a moment for me to return?"

Without hestitation San nodded in confirmation, a wave of relief rushing through him. Truthfully, he wasn't sure for how much longer he could have endured this. Open discrimination was still and would always be emotionally hard on him.

Mr Won politely pulled the door open for his guest then, with a last encouraging look towards San, he followed after a rather bitter looking Bae Moonsik.

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A/N
Hey everyone :D I want to thank you so much for supporting my story! You comment such kind things and I just want to say that I am so grateful for every single one of you out there. You are so sweet to me and you regularly make me smile. Thank you.