twenty-three || another family love

ʚ♡ɞ

Taehyun groaned loudly when he heard his alarm blasting, slowly sitting up from his bed, the male slammed his clock shut and looked over at the curtains, seeing how bright and early it still was.

Seriously? I just had to wake up at 9 am on a goddamn Saturday??

Huffing heavily, he fell back onto his bed and laid there staring at the ceiling. He honestly could just fall asleep right now and—

OH SHIT BEOMGYU

The male shot up from his bed and grabbed his phone, unplugging it from the charger and immediately tapping his phone until it turned on, showing multiple notifications from Beomgyu and Huening Kai along with the little group chats he was in with the art club along with a group chat with him, Beomgyu, Yeonjun, Soobin, and Huening Kai in it.

It was named "TXT", he doesn't know why, he just thought it meant "texting" or something since none of them knew what group chat name to put.

"Beom..." He mumbled under his breath softly, opening up their messages to see what the male sent him.

Ever since he saw the bruise on the males face on Thursday, which was two days ago, he just felt worried about him ever since. He genuinely wanted to ask him what happened during the incident but of course, Beomgyu being Beomgyu, kept silent to himself to not worry anyone.

It worried Taehyun hella though, he wasn't even mad that he couldn't go confront his mother with him, he was just upset that he wasn't there to protect him.

He was just glad that the next day, Beomgyu arrived to school with a phone, apparently his mother was fine giving him his phone back but refused to talk to him.

it just bothered him so much, how could anyone, especially parents, treat their own child that way...?

« Beomgyu ♡ »

hey taehyun!! i wanted to just thank you so much for helping me out with talking to my mother, like convincing me, I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to her with you I just snapped.

I hope I didn't scare you a lot when you saw the bruise on my face, I swear she only hit me once.

but this whole week she's been giving me the silent treatment so I guess that's better than being hurt :,)

I'll tell you more about how it went later, since yk i've been avoiding talking about it

I hope I didn't wake you up, I know a few days passed but I just wanted to let you know...

i'm grateful for you.

don't worry, gyu
i'm happy I could help you, let me know if you need anything, alright?
read 9:57 AM

Taehyun figured that the male had also woken up too since the messages were sent at 3 am last night, he wondered what the fuck Beomgyu was doing to be up all night like that.

After waiting for a few seconds for any texts back, only to get none, he figured Beomgyu might've fallen back asleep. So eventually he turned his phone off and got out of bed, heading over to the bathroom to wash up for the day, thanking every goddamn thing that it was Saturday and he didn't have to go out anywhere.

Maybe it's a good thing that I'm not seeing anyone today, especially Beomgyu. Taehyun thought, clenching his fists as his heart betrayed him, just the thought of the male made him overwhelmed.

Unlike most others who sworn to never fall in love with someone they never expected to like, he's accepted it. There were no reasons why he shouldn't like Beomgyu, it just took him a while to finally realize it.

Other than beauty, Beomgyu was beautiful both inside and outside, but what he admired the most about the male was his sincerity and generosity. Even though his big heart was his main weakness, it was still something he admired. The way the male would easily accept people into his life, he can easily communicate and connect with others and even get them to like him first try, it's his kindness he admired.

However, his tenderness, his care, and his worries is what made Taehyun fall more the more he thought about all of it. Beomgyu cared for others like no other, putting others first before himself... but it was selfish.

"Taehyun! Breakfast is ready, just come downstairs when you're ready!"

The pink head shook his head slightly, his eyes widening when he realized that he wasn't even brushing his teeth properly at all, only brushing the left side of his mouth.

"Uh—" He spat out the toothpaste foam. "I'll be there soon, thanks dad."

"No problem! By the way Huening Kai is here so hurry on up before he eats all of the pancakes!"

Huening is here? Taehyun tilted his head, not expected his best friend to be here so early, but he shouldn't be shocked since they've been attached at the hip for a long time now and the male loved coming over when he knew his father would make breakfast. He wonders if his own family cares if he leaves or not, poor Lea and Bahiyyih.

Even if Taehyun did like Beomgyu, he knew that nothing would happen.

Maybe he can savor the bit of happiness and calm his racing heart down around the male the more they pretend to date, but then at the end of the day he has to remind himself.

Once Yeonjun and Soobin become official, him and Beomgyu will break up right away.

He didn't want to think so deep about it, even if it hurts his heart, it's just a simple crush that may pass by later on.

After taking his sweet time in the bathroom, the male dried his face and applied some lotion before walking out of the bathroom, not bothering to change out of his pajamas. Instead, he went straight down to the dining room where he saw his mother, father, and best friend all talking happily, none of them touching the delicious looking food on the table as they were waiting for Taehyun.

"Oh there you are buddy!" Taehyun's father smiled widely. "Come sit down, we were just talking about your exams with Huening Kai."

Taehyun nodded slowly and sat next to his best friend, Huening Kai immediately giving Taehyun his blueberry pancakes while Taehyun gave the male his chocolate chip ones, a little habit they both did ever since they were little.

"Dear, I don't understand why you don't just give them four of their favorite flavors instead of letting them switch each time." His mother spoke up, scooping up a bite of the pomegranate she had cut up earlier.

"It's sweet to watch them trade pancakes!" His father smiled mischievously, he knew Taehyun loved blueberry pancakes and Huening Kai loved chocolate ones, but a little devil he is he loved to give them the opposite more than he should.

"Anyways, Taehyun how were your exams dear?"

"They were good, I didn't do well on English though." Taehyun mumbled truthfully, taking a small bite out of his pancake as Huening Kai sipped his grape juice besides him loudly.

"English is a hard subject," His mother spoke reassuringly. "It's okay if you failed now, just don't give up so soon, try your best! You'll do great next time, my artist."

"Thanks mom..." Taehyun mumbled softly, grateful his mother comforted him, yet he couldn't help but think about if Beomgyu really was okay or not... maybe he should relay the same words to him when he sees him again. "I appreciate it."

"So what have you two been doing during school? How's the art club?" His father began asking a million questions, he's always curious about everything. "I assume the Crystalline Showcase will begin next month, have you started anything yet?"

Taehyun sighed softly and shook his head.

The Crystalline Showcase is a showcase where artists from all of the school districts come together, showcasing an artwork that excels any of their projects. It was a competition in short, something that Taehyun had dreamed to win ever since he became old enough to enter in competitions.

He had always thought that if he were to win in every other competition, he would have a higher chance to get first place in the competition. Unfortunately, he hasn't even gotten close to winning. It was frustrating.

"Taehyun's been busy painting his boyfriend lately, I'm unsure if he's prepared yet." Huening Kai teased the male.

which made the whole table freeze at what he just said.

Taehyun slowly... and he means SLOWLY, turned to look at Huening Kai with the most horrified expression he has ever made, causing the male to glance over at him and over at his parents who stared at him with wide eyes.

"Hueningie dear, Repeat...that...?" Taehyun's mother asked calmly, causing both Taehyun and Huening Kai to flush in fear.

"Uhhh say what? I-I didn't say anything—"

"— did you say boyfriend?!" His father butted in.

"N-No! I said best friend! Who said boy—"

"Kang Taehyun you have a boyfriend?!" His father nearly shouted in pure excitement staring at his son who wanted to just dig his grave.

"Uh..."

"Was it that really pretty boy? I knew I saw you holding hands with someone!—"

"Beomgyu?" Taehyun mumbled under his breath, accidentally letting his "boyfriends" name slip out of his mouth.

"SO IT IS HIM!! I knew it! He looked too cute to only be just your friend!"

"What is that even supposed to mean?!"

"I-I think we should finish up for breakfast!" Huening Kai chuckled awkwardly, seeing how Taehyun had the pure emotion of murder in his eyes.

"Nope! Taehyun dear..."

Kill me now please

"Invite your boyfriend over today!"

WHAT?!?!

ʚ♡ɞ

"T-Taehyun, you know I didn't mean it! I thought you told—"

"—AGHHHHHH —"

"— I'm sorry!" Huening Kai pouted, watching his best friend repeatedly hit his head on his desk. "I didn't mean to—"

"I don't care that you told them! I only care about how they want Beomgyu to come over!" Taehyun cried out, not caring if his paint bottles that were once neatly lined up were now rolling onto the floor.

He wanted a day to be alone, figure out his feelings (even tho he was damn sure he fell for Beomgyu. Hard.) for the male, but now it was like fate was NOT on his side so now he has to invite the one person he semi wanted to avoid.

"I-I don't get why you're so upset," Poor innocent Huening Kai, sitting next to his best friend in tears watching him groan loudly like a zombie. "H-He's your boyfriend! Shouldn't you be happy to let him come over?—"

"He's never met my parents properly! He met my dad one time and that one time was him just praising him on befriending a bozo like me—"

"You're not a bozo!"

"I can't!" Taehyun cried out, knocking his cup of paint brushes over, not caring about them clattering on the ground. "They're gonna... UGAGAHSHDJFHFJDID-"

Huening Kai didn't know what to do but pout slightly, looking down at the paint supplies that fell all over the floor, the male got up from his spot and began picking them up for Taehyun who was too busy sobbing... not really sobbing ... but just complaining very loudly!

"It's a good opportunity though! Properly introduce him and see if they approve of your relationship!"

The thing is the relationship isn't even real! Goddamnit, acting in front of the whole school and our class is one thing, but having to pretend we're actually in love to my own parents is crazier. I can't do this.

"Why don't you just uhm, text him and get it over with...?" Huening Kai awkwardly recommended, passing the male his phone. "He won't be angry I think."

Taehyun huffed loudly and nodded, sitting up properly, the male grabbed his phone and instead of just purely texting Beomgyu, he decided to just call him so he could hear the panic in his voice and maybe say no so they both can be saved!

"I don't know," Taehyun hesitated. "It hasn't even been a full week since the conversation with his mother, what if he's overwhelmed?"

"I'm pretty sure he'd give up anything to get out of that house."

He was right, even though Beomgyu wouldn't verbally say it, he knew the male felt suffocated in that house.

Taking a deep breath to calm down the butterflies and nerves in his stomach, the male pressed the call button on Beomgyu's contact and waited for a few minutes.

"Taehyun! What's up?"

The pinkette felt his heart race rapidly seeing the familiar smiley face on his screen, yet he could see the faint coloring of that disgusting bruise he hated so much.

"What are you up to, Gyu?" Taehyun obviously was trying to stall asking the male the main question, glancing over to the side and seeing Huening Kai trying to rush him. "You busy today?"

"Nope! I planned on staying in my room and sleeping all day since I have nothing to do and my mother is ignoring me!" Beomgyu smiled widely, as if what he had just said didn't spark any concerns and worries for Taehyun.

"Well," Taehyun licked his lips hesitantly. "I...uh... you... uhm..."

"Are you alright?"

"Let's just say, Huening Kai," Taehyun glared at his best friend who looked at him offendedly for throwing him under the bus. "He told my parents that we're dating, now they want to properly meet you again."

"What?!" Beomgyu gasped loudly, shocked at what he had just heard. "But we're not even—"

"SO I THINK YOU SHOULD COME OVER LATER." Taehyun immediately said loudly, covering what Beomgyu had just said so Huening Kai wouldn't hear it.

"H-Huh?! I mean uhm I-I think I can what time should I come over?"

"Six or seven," Taehyun breathed out softly, ignoring the confused/judgmental store Hyuka was giving him. "That'll be a good time, my mother wants you do have dinner with us too."

Beomgyu went away from the camera, most likely to check his calendar and schedule, after being gone for two minutes the male came back with a wide smile.

"I think I can come over, I don't have anything tomorrow or today."

Taehyun nodded his head, he really wished the male actually had something today so it could save him from the embarrassment his father is bubbling up, but he felt happy he could see the male again.

"I...I'll see you later."

"Bye Tyun!" Beomgyu waved happily, the new nickname slipping before the call cut.

Taehyun placed his phone down, comprehending what the fuck had just happened, the male started to feel his heartbeat increase and his whole entire face flush red.

tyun... tyun... tyun..

"You're really red—"

"Shut up."

ʚ♡ɞ

There were only five minutes until Beomgyu would arrive at his house, and Taehyun felt more nervous than ever.

It was such a dumb idea, they aren't even dating, goddamnit Huening Kai just had to say something to his parents! That just puts so much more pressure on the both of them to keep up the act around everyone, even though Taehyun's feelings for the male were real the relationship between them was more than fake.

The male sighed softly and glanced down at his phone, he had decided to wait outside for the male instead of allowing one of his parents to open the door and terrorize him.

After waiting a few more minutes, Beomgyu had eventually arrived to his house just in time wearing the most comfortable looking pink sweater paired with some jeans ever, he was glad the male decided to come in something comfy rather than make himself uncomfortable with looking proper.

"I'm really sorry," Taehyun immediately apologized when Beomgyu stood in front of him. "If I had knew Huening Kai would say something... I would've stopped this sooner."

"It's fine, don't worry." Beomgyu smiled happily, as if meeting his fake boyfriends parents weren't a big deal. "It makes this whole thing more believable right?"

It'll hurt me more.

"Yeah, more believable," Taehyun shrugged knowing that this will be a one time thing. "I just don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"No! It's fine I swear," Beomgyu reassured him. "Meeting your father was nice, even it was for like two minutes, I feel like a proper introduction will make things more better! He seems like a nice guy."

Sometimes Taehyun wishes that Beomgyu wasn't such a nice and understanding person.

"Alright, but if it gets... overwhelming let me know okay?"

"Of course!"

Taehyun glanced back at the male one more time, without any hesitation he extended his hand out and intertwined it with Beomgyu's. Maybe he did that to comfort the male, but to him, just the feeling of Beomgyu's hand was enough to make his nerves go away.

"You're more nervous than me," Beomgyu teased the pinkette, bumping into him lightly. "It's like you're meeting your own parents for the first time."

Taehyun rolled his eyes and opened the door, he expected that the two of them would have at least a minute more alone together but instead he was greeted with his mom and dad both standing in front of the door with wide excited smiles on their faces.

"What are—"

"YOU MUST BE BEOMGYU!" His mother squealed excitedly, immediately yanking Beomgyu from his hold. "Oh my gosh you're adorable, such a beauty!"

"H-Hello Mrs. K-Kang—"

"No! No formalities, call me mom! If you're the person who made my iceberg of a son so warm, I respect you so much!" His mother smiled widely, dragging Beomgyu to the kitchen without a second thought.

Taehyun stood there with his jaw dropped, not even one second into the damn house and his boyfriend already got kidnapped by his mom.

"Dad—"

"He's beautiful. Keep him, or I'll disown you."

"What?!" Taehyun gasped in shock, watching his father walk away into the kitchen. Just what the fuck was happening, did Beomgyu have a hidden charm that swooned people so easily? Maybe he's a victim to that too. "Oh my god."

Shortly following after his father, the male walked into the kitchen and saw his mother introducing the male to all of the meals they'll be having for dinner today.

At least Beomgyu seemed comfortable, he didn't see any discomfort in the males expression.

"I hope you don't mind strawberry cream cakes for dessert tonight, honey bear!" Taehyun's mother smiled brightly, her hold on Beomgyu not lessening even for a second.

"I don't mind at all Mrs K— I-I mean mom!" Beomgyu smiled warmly, turning his head to see Taehyun standing there watching them with a fond smile.

"If it's okay, may I go set up the table with Taehyun?"

"Of course! You don't need to ask, it's okay, now hurry along or the food will get cold."

Beomgyu thanked her softly and turned around walking towards Taehyun, he couldn't help but feel so overwhelmed by happiness. He felt comfortable, a comfort that he has never felt before in his own home.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know she would grab you like that—"

"Did we switch personalities or something," Beomgyu raised his eyebrow towards Taehyun who immediately silenced himself. "Didn't you tell me to never apologize for things that don't matter? You're doing the same thing right now, Tyun."

Taehyun pursed his lips and looked away awkwardly, it was abnormal for him to act so insecure about his family but he couldn't help but feel so shy and insecure with Beomgyu around, probably because he has a fucking crush on him.

"I told you it's fine," Beomgyu patted the males hair, smiling at him. "I swear I'm comfortable, now should we go help set up the table or stand here like idiots?"

Taehyun sighed softly and nodded his head, wrapping his hand around the males wrist he lead him to the dining room.

After ten minutes of setting up the table then twenty extra minutes of waiting for Taehyun's mother to set up the meals, it was finally time for them to sit down and properly meet each other while feasting on the delicious meal his mother somehow prepped in just nine hours.

"By the way!" Taehyun's mother spoke up, placing down the final plate down. "That bruise on your cheek, does it hurt? Do you need cream?"

Beomgyu stayed silent for a few seconds, anxiety clouding his mind as he glanced towards Taehyun, he didn't want to say anything about it, especially in front of the males parents.

"I'm fine, don't worry, thank you for the offer."

Taehyun's mother nodded and sat down, the four of them sitting in silence awkwardly until Taehyun's father finally broke it.

"So Beomgyu! Tell me, how did you meet Taehyun?" His father asked him, smiling cheekily at the ravenette who sat there slightly shy.

Taehyun paused his movement and glanced at Beomgyu, how they met was an awkward interaction, bumping into each other in the hallways then got told off by Yeonjun that wasn't a very pleasant first greetings.

"We met by bumping into each other in the hallways," Beomgyu smiled softly, which made Taehyun's eyes widen, was he about to tell the truth? "After we did, I couldn't stop thinking about him, so when we had club showcases... and found him in the art club, I guess us becoming closer is what made me fall for him."

Taehyun stared at Beomgyu, not a single word could form in his brain after what the male had just said. He knew that the male had just lied on the spot, but he told the truth at the same time, he knew that Beomgyu didn't fall in love with him, he doesn't have any romantic feelings for him.

Yet he couldn't help but feel his heart explode like a thousand fireworks, the feeling of a swarm of butterflies released in his stomach, his whole body becoming tingly and weak.

"How sweet, that's so adorable, you must be magical if someone as amazing as you made their way into Taehyun's heart." His mother cooed, admiring Beomgyu.

"Thank you, m-mom," Beomgyu smiled, still getting used to the new name. "But I wasn't the one who asked him out, it was actually Taehyun who did."

"Taehyun?" His mother gasped in shock, she had always known her son to be quiet and secluded, not bold like that. "I see he captured your heart! Asking him out first? You confident boy!"

Taehyun rolled his eyes and looked away in embarrassment, stabbing at his food slightly, he just wanted to get up and grab Beomgyu then make a run for it.

"Say, how's school for you Beomgyu?"

Beomgyu sat there for a few seconds, the slight feeling of dread washed over him when he thought about it.

"It's okay, i'm doing well on grades and social life, b-but I'm not good at English at all, I nearly failed my exam because of that." He admitted softly, a wave of disappointment washed through him.

Why did he say that?

He ruined the vibe.

Taehyun's parents are going to hate him because he didn't pass the most easiest subject—

"That's okay! Everyone fails at something in life, but that doesn't mean you should give up!" Taehyun's mother spoke up, beaming brightly as she patted Beomgyu's hand.

"Mhm, we're proud of you for trying." Taehyun's father butted in.

In that moment, the clinging distress of anxiety and disappointment faded away, it was like a field of flowers began to bloom around him, comforting him ever so gently which made all of his bad thoughts fade away.

All of his life, his mother would yell at him for failing his classes, but instead of her yelling in his face were two people who supported him and spoke to him calmly.

It made him tear up.

"Beomgyu hyung," Taehyun called out, gently grabbing onto the males hand who flinched slightly. "Are you okay? You're tearing up."

Beomgyu shook his head slightly, coming back to reality as he looked at the others who looked at him with concern. "I-I'm fine! Sorry! I just had something in my eye, what were we talking about?"

He was glad that neither of Taehyun's parents tried pushing the reason of his reaction further.

Glancing over at his side, he made eye contact with Taehyun who smiled gently.

"I'm proud of you." He saw Taehyun mouthed, causing a sense of relief and euphoria in him.

Even if it was a family that wasn't his own, for once in his life he finally felt like he belonged.

ʚ♡ɞ

"Your father is hilarious, trust me, I genuinely couldn't stop laughing by his horrible humor." Beomgyu chuckled softly, covering his mouth as he laughed under his breath.

"Please, I don't know what was up with him, his jokes were worse than usual." Taehyun chuckled softly, shaking his head as he recalled the horrible jokes his father was making.

"Your mother is sweet, like candy, I felt so comfortable being around her like she was my own mother." Beomgyu spoke gently, smiling brightly as he remembered the warmth and care Taehyun's mother showed him.

Taehyun stopped in his tracks and looked over at Beomgyu who did the same, it had been about thirty minutes since the dinner ended, and Taehyun being Taehyun offered to walk Beomgyu over to the bus stop which wasn't far from his house.

It gave him a good opportunity to talk to the male about everything.

"I'm just glad you felt comfortable," Taehyun said, hesitantly extending his hand out. "I was worried it'd be overwhelming for you."

"Thank you for caring."

Taehyun stayed silent for a few seconds, his hand lifting up slowly before he gently caressed Beomgyu's face, his hand hesitantly stopping near the faint bruise on the males cheek.

"Will you tell me what happened now...?" Taehyun asked gently, worry creeping into his tone as he looked back up at Beomgyu who leaned into his touch.

"I..." Beomgyu hesitated, like he didn't want to say it. "I talked to my mother, like you said."

"She started saying things about Yeonjun, I got so angry that...I...flipped all of the tables."

Taehyun waited a few seconds to understand what he meant, seeing no other reaction Taehyun backed up and chuckled softly. "Don't tell me you actually flipped the tables in your house?"

"Only the coffee table," Beomgyu smiled slightly, happy that what he said didn't kill the mood. "But after that, I started yelling at her, screaming at her about how unfair everything was until..."

"Until she punched me."

Taehyun's eyes widened after hearing that, without a second thought, the male grabbed onto Beomgyu's wrist and pulled him into a tight hug, a shaky breath huffing out from the intense pressure on his chest.

"Taehyun?—"

"You're so strong, Beomgyu, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." Taehyun mumbled slightly, his hand snaking around the males wrist as his other hand ran through his hair. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."

Beomgyu stood there dumbfounded before returning the hug, his body automatically melting in the males hold as he felt his muscles relax.

"It's okay, at least I'm okay now, she's just giving me the silent treatment but I swear everything is okay."

Taehyun nodded his head silently, standing there as he felt so comfortable with Beomgyu in his embrace. He felt so guilty that he wasn't there for the male, but after today, seeing him happy and smiling after what had happened to him.

He couldn't help but admire how strong Beomgyu was.

Which is maybe why he felt himself fall deeper for him.

ʚ♡ɞ