“You’re paying a high price for a futile dream, Donghae. It’s time for you to wake up.”

“I wish I could – Out of this nightmare.”

I looked at my dad who to my surprise actually returned my gaze. His stare was empty, but when he spoke, I felt the raw bitterness of it.

“Welcome to reality.”

I bit down my tongue and left the table. I tasted blood by the time I made it into my room and threw myself on my bed. I fought the cries of my stomach as hunger hollowed me out. The weight of another starving night was painful, but all I could do was endure. Reaching over to turn on the lamp, my eyes burned, but I forced myself to look at the blinding light, letting it dry up all my unshed tears.

Hyukjae's POV –

“We’re so happy you came today!” My mom uttered in joy. “We’re all going to work hard today, aren’t we sweetie?”

“That’s right, Honey!” My dad joins. “You’re 17, Hyukjae. Adulthood is just a few months away! Soon you’ll be working full-time here like Appa. No need for college, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about being a business man and how to take care of the company!”

I stayed in between my parents’ embrace, silent and warm. My smile stayed raised as high as the sun, but my heart sank as low as the titanic.

Hello everyone! This is my second Eunhae fanfic! But there will also be some side couples, so don't worry. I won't post chapters at specific times so it'll be random. This story will also be in both Hyukjae and Donghae's point of views. Not all of the members from each group will be in the fanfic, just the ones I need in order to write it. But I will try to include as many as I can. School is going to be how it is in America (K-5, 6-8, 9-12).Thank you~