Chapter 8: Burden

[Hoya POV]

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out. Mom. I walked out of the back door and sat on the steps in the backyard.

"Hello, mom?"

"Ah, hello, HoWon."

The way she said my name always sounded so strange. So distant.

"Are you eating well?" She said, her voice shaking a bit.

"Yes, I am."

"That's.. That's good. Ms. Lee is treating you well, right?"

"Yup."

"And have you looked into a dance studio you liked yet?"

"I found a few close to home."

"Okay, just tell me so I can send money over to your card account... HoWon..."

"..Yes, mom?"

"I love you, you know that right?"

The words hit me like a dagger. My heart raced for a split second, but I shook myself back to my senses. I couldn't fall for another lie.

"...HoWon?"

"Why did you call me? Something happened again, right?"

"... Just a few things happened, but I'm alright now."

"You're safe?"

"Yes, of course. HoWon... Please don't worry about me too much. I just wanted to call you to check up on how you're doing. You know I care about you, right?

I couldn't respond to that either. My heart felt heavier.

"...Howon?"

"Goodnight, mom."

"... Alright, son. Good night. And don't forget to take your vitamins."

I hung up and let out a big sigh. I put my hands to my face. Then, I heard a small mew.

"Ah, Seok-ah, I didn't even notice you on the steps. Did I disturb your sleep?"

L waved his tail in agitation.

"Sorry, I meant L. It just feels so strange that I've always called you Seok only to find out that your name is actually L."

L came closer and mewed again.

"Me? Sounding stressed? Mmm.. Well, you got me there."

Mew.

"It was my mom on the phone," I sighed, "You remember her, right?"

Mew, mew...

"Vaguely? You met her at least twice, L."<