"I think Daddy hates me," Jeonghan frowns looking at the ten-year-old child sitting beside him on the swing. The child tightly held a crumpled white paper in his hand, trying to wipe away the tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Why?" Jeonghan asked.
"...
Seungcheol's mind snapped back to reality, his gaze meeting Jeonghan's concerned eyes. It had been a long day since their return to Seoul, and now they found themselves in Jeonghan's cozy kitchen, preparing pancake batter as per Hanuel's request.
'lets make pancakes together! Hansollie says that his papa makes pancakes with him when he is at home!' -The child has requested.
Jeonghan being weak for kid did say yes and since seungcheol was still on his break he agreed too. Hansol is hanuel's friend at school. Seungcheol has met the boy only once, he is the adopted child of a Chinese couple.
The atmosphere was filled with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. Seungcheol couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as he focused on the task at hand. The rhythmic sound of the whisk against the bowl provided a soothing distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts that had consumed him earlier.
"Huh? What did you say?" Seungcheol turns to Jeonghan with a blank face.
Jeonghan furrows his eyebrows, noticing the distant look in Seungcheol's eyes. "I said, you're spacing out. Is everything okay?"Seungcheol blinks a few times, coming back to reality.
"Yeah, sorry. I was just lost in thought." Seungcheol utters avoiding Jeonghan's gaze.
Jeonghan nodded, his expression filled with concern. "Is something bothering you?"
Seungcheol sighed and replied, "Yes, I've been thinking about the current situation with Kwon Soonyoung, my actor friend." Jeonghan's face showed a sudden realization.
"Are you referring to the discovery of his relationship with a man, and how the media and his fans have been reacting?" Jeonghan pinpointed the issue, and Seungcheol nodded in agreement.
"Yes, that's exactly it. I'm worried because I fear that if people were to find out about my seven-year-old child, their reaction might be just as intense, if not worse," Seungcheol admitted, his breath hitching.
This was precisely what he had been afraid of.
"And you are worried your fans would do the same?"
Seungcheol's eyes widen in surprise at Jeonghan's accurate assessment of his thoughts. He nods slowly, feeling a weight lift off his chest as he finally voices his fears out loud.
"Yes, that's exactly it," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared of how people will react when they find out about hanuel. I don't want him to be judged or ridiculed because of my choices."
Jeonghan places a comforting hand on Seungcheol's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I understand your concerns, but you have to remember that you're not alone in this. There are many single parents out there who have faced similar challenges and have come out stronger because of it."
Seungcheol nods, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knows that Jeonghan is right, but the thought of facing the media and his fans with this news still makes him nervous.
"I just don't want to disappoint anyone," he says, his voice laced with worry. "I've worked so hard to get to where I am now, and I don't want this to ruin everything."
Jeonghan smiles reassuringly at him. "You won't disappoint anyone, Seungcheol. If anything, this will only make people admire you more for your strength and resilience."
"And even if some fans do give rash reactions then it will be even more simple and easier" Jeonghan's voice carried a hint of determination as he carefully poured the cocoa powder into the bowl. Seungcheol furrowed his brows, his confusion evident on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked, seeking clarification.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Jeonghan's lips as he continued, his words laced with conviction. "What I'm trying to say is that true fans, the ones who genuinely support you, will accept every part of you. They won't just admire you for your looks or fame, but for your hard work and strength as well. If someone can't accept your whole self, including your child, then they aren't your real fans."
Seungcheol's eyes widened, his understanding slowly dawning. "So you're saying that if someone has a problem with my kid, it's a clear sign that they're only interested in superficial things?"
Jeonghan nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Exactly. Real fans appreciate the person behind the fame, the struggles you've overcome, and the sacrifices you've made. They see you as more than just a face or a name. So, if someone can't accept your child, it's a reflection of their shallow admiration, not your worth as an artist or a person."
Seungcheol felt a weight lift off his shoulders, a newfound sense of clarity washing over him. Jeonghan's words resonated deeply within him, reminding him of the importance of staying true to himself and surrounding himself with genuine supporters.
With a grateful smile, he reached out and placed a hand on Jeonghan's shoulder."Thank you, Jeonghan," Seungcheol said sincerely. "Your words have given me a fresh perspective. I won't let the opinions of those who can't see the bigger picture affect me anymore. I'll focus on the fans who truly appreciate me for who I am."
Jeonghan's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with pride. "That's the spirit, Seungcheol. Remember, your true fans will always be there for you, supporting you through thick and thin. And together, we'll rise above any negativity that comes our way."
As they continued to prepare the cocoa, a renewed sense of confidence filled the room. Seungcheol knew that with Jeonghan by his side, he could face any challenges that lay ahead. And as for the fans who couldn't accept him wholeheartedly, he would no longer let their opinions define his worth.
"Daddy! Is the pancake ready?" Hanuel eagerly snooped around the kitchen with his toys, trying to catch a glimpse of the kitchen counter.
Seungcheol turned towards his son with a warm smile. "Yes, baby, it's almost ready. Come here," he said, leaning down to help Hanuel up onto the counter. Hanuel quickly rushed over to Jeonghan's side, who was carefully pouring the batter onto the hot pan in a perfect circle shape.
"See!" Jeonghan exclaimed, pointing the flat spoon at the pancake. Hanuel's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Woah!" he exclaimed, reaching out towards the pancake. But Jeonghan gently held his hands, preventing him from touching it. "Baby, no. The pancake is hot right now. It will burn your hands," Jeonghan explained, scooping Hanuel up into his arms.
Seungcheol watched as Jeonghan spoke to Hanuel in an animated voice, his eyes turning into crescent moons.
His smile was so beautiful.
Seungcheol had grown tired of hiding Hanuel away from the world, worrying about the reactions of fans and the media. He didn't care anymore if they didn't appreciate or understand. Hanuel deserved to be introduced to the world as Seungcheol's son. The little boy deserved to be seen and loved, just like any other child.
It was time for a change.
Hanuel deserves the whole world and seungcheol is ready to give it to him.
------
-Vaish
The most boring yet important chapter of this book! So many people "fans" needs to understand this, I hope they do ❤️
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