"Lu Haaan."

My lover moans my name to my lips as I expertly works mine on his. No one, I repeat, no one, could ever resist my seduction. A victorious smirk creeps into my lips before I continue with my ministration on the handsome yet cute, round-cheeked guy seated on my office table. I slowly rise from my seat and place my hands on either sides of him, trapping him on the table.

I was already halfway pushing him down on the table with my weight when my door is unceremoniously blasted open.

"LU HAAAAAN!!"

I pay no heed to the familiar intruder and keep on kissing my lover while he squirms uncomfortably under me since he knows exactly who is barging upon us.

"Xiu Min, you are FIRED! And for God sake, this is a public place, LU HAN!"

My father roars furiously as he slams my precious table with both of his palms. We broke away hesitantly (well, I'm the one who is reluctant while Xiu Min is terrified by my father) and I cross my arms in front of my chest in clear annoyance.

"Technically, this is a private place, Dad. This is my office. And how could you fire him? Xiu Min is my new secretary!" I snarl at the middle aged man. There he is, standing proudly in his 165 cm glory, with belly protruding from his alcohol consumption and lips darkened from his excessive smoking.

"Well, technically, I am your boss!" He yells back; his arrogant face is reddened by anger.

"I am doing more than fine at my job, so stop intruding my privacy, Dad!"

I am not bluffing at all, I swear. Since I graduated from college with flying color, I have always diligently helped my father in the company and my brilliant works have earnt me an early promotion into the position I am currently placed. I am the type who works hard, seriously. It's just that sometimes I need a break, and it is in the form of a boyfriend.

"I have to, because you keep on making out with men! You need a heir!"

"Didn't I tell you that I am gay?! Yes, Dad, face it! Your son has no interest in women whatsoever!"

My father winces at the word 'gay', but honestly, I don't pity him. I've already tried explaining to him in kinder ways--like when I took him on a cruise or fancy dinners to lighten his mood--but he wouldn't listen. And what is with the talk about heir? I'm only 27, for Godsake! He hasn't even let me inherit the company and now he is talking about my future successor?

He suddenly pauses; his expression changes into a pained one as he clutches his left chest.

"Oh, my Goodness, Lu Han," he whispers as he slowly moves back in an attempt to find a support. I immediately get out of my table and rush toward him. I help him sits on one of the chair with the assistance of Xiu Min. Although we don't agree on many things, I'm still his son.

"Dad, are you alright?"

Stupid, unnecessary question, I know, but it comes out as a reflex. He fishes out his medication from his front pocket and quickly put a pill under his tongue. Without saying any word, he nods weakly while managing his breath. After some moments, his tense stance relaxes and so do mine.

"Lu Han, my son," he speaks softly with his clammy hands gripping my arms, catching my attention, "I have a proposition to you." When I raise my eyebrows in suspicion--I've heard him said the same thing time and time again--he curtly cut me before I can open my mouth, "I promise you this is the last time. If you can manage to finish this challenge, I'll stop bothering you about this... 'uality' of yours." He shivers at the word that he can't even speak of. "But if you fail, please marry a woman of my choice, just like how your cousins are."

I hold the urge to scoff and roll my eyes at his proposal. Since I admitted that I am gay, he has been giving me 'challenges' to do, with the same promised prize: his acceptance of my ual preference. However, the sly old fox has always been cheating on me whenever I am about to win. Not to mention that his challenges are getting more and more absurd as time goes by.

But looking at his frail, aged features staring hopefully at me and feeling his shaky, weakened grip on my arms, I don't have the heart to reject him. Again.

"Fine. Bring it on, old man."

Characters:

Lu Han   /   Xi Lulu (27)

"Bring it on, old man."

Kim Jihye (19)

"My name is Kim Jihye. What's yours?"

Kai/Kim Jongin (21)

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