= The Man In the Mirror = {[Nomin]}

• Chapter 37 •

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Jeno inhales through his nose deeply, hesitating in front of the looming, burgundy colored door.

The designs in the window were all still the same, looking almost too mystical to lead into such an average house.

If Jeno said his legs weren't shaking and blood wasn't running cold, then he'd be the biggest liar within a three mile radius. It was driving him insane, trying to encourage himself already in front of the door of his old home.

It was stupid, the amount of times he's entered and exited this door usually meant nothing to him, but this time it meant so much more.

Holding his breath and squeezing his eyes shut, Jeno softly pounded on the wooden door.

He waited a few moments, not hearing or seeing anyone, so he figured the knock wasn't loud enough. Raising his fist again, the dark haired man was startled when he saw the knob twist, the door letting out a huff of suctioned air that was finally released.

Jeno took a step back, feeling his blood race at an alarming speed.

A woman peered through the door, someone he hadn't seen for years on end. And the instant Jeno saw the face of his mother, suddenly all his fear was replaced with a burning guilt. His mother's eyes widened to the size of plates upon seeing her son, almost becoming breathless at the mere sight of him.

"Hey, mom," Jeno said and had his lips pressed together.

The woman hesitated no longer and launched herself at Jeno, caressing the back of his head and saying absolutely nothing. Jeno felt the warm embrace and hugged back, relieved to finally be in his mother's arms once again.

"Honey? Who is..."

Jeno opened his eyes and saw the man standing in the doorway, dropping what looked like a donut onto the ground.

"Jeno..."

Jeno smiled and released from the hug his mom was giving him, then walking over and hugging his father.

"I-I'm so grateful to see you, son... I honestly thought you'd never reach out to us again," his dad said pained, trying to stifle back his tears since he was the man of the family.

"I am so, so sorry about that. I never should've distanced myself, I never should've-" Jeno was saying breathlessly, but his dad interrupted him.

"Slow down, Jeno. Here, come inside," his dad gave him a concerned smile and led him and his mom into the small living room where they sat.

Jeno inhales sharply through his nose, then exhaling through his mouth.

"... I really missed you," Jeno said and stared at his lap. All he could feel at the moment was remorse in abandoning his parents, having in mind that it would be forever. How could he do such a thing?