WHAT YOUR FATHER SAYS ✓

22

CHAPTER 22
Chopin – Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1 in B flat minor

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"where were you yesterday?"

i stood in front of my father. he had called me to his office and i stood among piles of paper and disorganised furniture. he never has the time to sort out his office. "at the cafe to study, i asked your permission." i did before i left and he nodded.

my anxiety started to disappear when he took in my answer. he seemed so exhausted, unable to meet my eyes as he struggled to hold his pen in his hand. "you did?" he asked.

"yes. i wouldn't have gone if you said no."

"okay." he sighed. "let me know when you leave or else you won't be leaving ever again."

i don't know why i cared but my father seemed so tired of life and although i couldn't relate, i just wanted to do something caring. "are you okay? do you want some coffee?"

"tell your mother to make some for me."

i nodded and left in silence. i didn't bother my mother and made my father's coffee just the way he liked it. strong.

i placed it on his desk and told him that i was leaving for the cafe. once again, the elder man didn't have much of a response. he simply nodded, dismissing me.

me and Hoseok played badminton in his dance studio today. it was a change of space and all that could be heard were our voices bouncing off the echoey walls.

i couldn't help but talk about myself today. Hoseok didn't mind as he listened. i was amazed by how good he had gotten at my sport.

"i'm always stuck at home." i confirmed the obvious. i never got given the opportunity to go to college or educate myself, despite living in a good country. so i am more than capable of teaching myself which is why i do it.

my father thinks girls get corrupted by education. i'm not sure what kind of examples he has witnessed but i don't think that's the case. we have very opposing thoughts but he doesn't know that. he doesn't really know me.

"one day i'll take you everywhere." Hoseok smiled.

i kissed him under the spotlight. i'd love to go anywhere with him, wherever or whenever, i'll be safe in his presence.

we both spotted the rain at the same time, eyes gazing out of the dance studio's windows. "it's raining, you know what that means right?" i hummed, taking his hand boldly as he laughed along the way.

kissing under the porch of the office building had become a tradition. the rain may appear angry every time it harshly falls but it brings happiness for me and Hoseok. is it because having a tradition with someone means to love?