Chapter 48 - Sharing The News

When Subin received a video call request from Yul, he was expecting only Yul and not someone sitting beside him on the couch, wearing a baggy shirt that couldn't manage to hide the hickey on the base of his neck.

Subin let out a loud scream before he started laughing and the couple on the other side had to wait for it to subside. It may be a regular thing for Yul but Zeng had to sit there awkwardly, looking at the madness like a lost soul.

"Are you done?" Yul asked, his voice annoyed, his face stoic.

Subin put a hand on his chest to calm his breathing, "Yes, I am done. Now come on, hit me with the news." He demanded.

Zeng and Yul shared a look at the end of which Yul intertwined their fingers and raised their hands for Subin to see. "We are officially dating," he said, smiling lightly, while Zeng blushed to the tip of his ears.

Subin let out another high pitched scream and some Korean gibberish was heard on his side, which was his mother yelling at him to keep his voice down.

Subin muttered an apology and focused his attention back on the couple.

Zaria's reaction wasn't any different. Zeng had preferred to meet her in person to tell the news, which was quite a feat considering how busy Zaria's schedule was as a paediatrician. She had been surprised and then just went crazy.

However, the most difficult ones to disclose the news to would be the parents. Zeng knew for sure that his parents would not mind it. They would definitely check how their son's boyfriend is in person because no matter how old their son gets, he would always be the tiny, frail kid to them.

"I think we should talk to our parents," Zeng said to Yul who was busy on his phone.

"Sure," Yul replied. Zeng thought he wasn't paying attention because the game was addicting as hell and so he snatched the phone away, making Yul glare at him which didn't last long because Zeng was frowning. The young police officer sighed, entirely facing him to convey that he was listening.

"My parents want to meet you," Zeng said.

Yul raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Really?"

"I have hinted about you," Zeng replied, appearing a bit peeved, looking at Yul's expression. Yul pondered for a while, then gave a firm nod.

"Sure! When are we going to meet them?"

Zeng was positively shocked. He didn't imagine an affirmative response this early. He thought Yul would be as nervous as him when it came to meeting the other's parents. "You are ready just like that? Don't you feel, like, scared or nervous?" He genuinely asked.

Yul shrugged, "Nervous? Yes, a bit. Scared? Absolutely not. You have already told me enough about your family to not be scared of them."

Sometimes Zeng wished he had guts like Yul. "Your optimism is scary." He commented and Yul took that as a compliment. He wrapped his arms around Zeng, moving him back and forth, "Don't worry. I can say from experience that elders like me a lot. I am sure your parents will have no problem with me. I will make sure to let them know that I love their son and would do anything to keep you happy, always."

Zeng snorted at the big words and pinched his nose, "That's quite a lot coming from someone who's about twenty-one."

"I am not a kid," Yul glared, once again emphasising his cheeks which did give him a childish look.

"I never said that," Zeng kissed his cheek in apology. "I am sorry," he said softly and Yul melted, snuggling closer that they fell back on the couch, with Zeng resting his head on Yul's chest.

"What about you?"He asked, unsure of what to think or do. He knew that Yul's parents were good people but that did not mean they had to like him. He was sceptical if they would accept him as not just as a friend to their son but as a partner. "Did you tell your parents?"

"Not yet," Yul said, sensing his nervousness, "I don't like to discuss such things over the phone. I will tell them when I go home."

Zeng went silent. Yul tilted up his chin to see that his face had grown sad.

"What happened, Zeng ge?" Yul said, taking him in his arms. "You are having that look on your face that says the world is ending." His attempt to lighten the mood was futile as Zeng gave him a glare. He hit Yul's chest before putting his head on it listening to the steady heartbeats that calmed him down. "You must be prepared for the worst, Yul."

"What is the worst?" Yul stroked his hair, soothingly.

"They won't like your preference and will disown you," Zeng went straight to the point.

"Wow," Yul snorted, "That's extreme. My parents will never do that."

Zeng looked serious, "It does happen, Yul. Your parents are educated and you are their only son. Maybe they'll accept you. My parents did. But not all of us are that fortunate. You may not have seen them so you won't understand how difficult it is for some people."

Yul stroked his hair again. "Is it one of your friends?"

Zeng nodded, "Meng Zaria. Her parents still refuse to see her face even after all these years. They practically disowned her for loving someone of the same gender. Even now, they refuse to accept that they have another daughter."

Yul traced his thumb back and forth over Zeng's knuckles, who put his head in his shoulder. "She's such a strong woman, Yul. I don't know what I would have done if it were me. I don't want anyone to go through that."

Yul sighed, "If my parents love me, they should love me for who I am. And if the worst comes to worst, I'll have to just accept the consequences. If they want me gone, I'll walk away. I can survive on my own now." He didn't know if he meant that but he said it anyway, even if that sounded bitter on his tongue.

Zeng let out a distressed groan, "That's not what I mean, Yul. It's just not about dependence. They are your parents. You love them and they love you more than anything in the world. I don't want you to receive any less love from them just because you love me. It will break you, Yul and I would feel responsible for it all."

Yul wrapped his arms around Zeng and held him more securely to his chest, "Don't worry Zeng ge! My parents will love you once they get to know you. And fear not, your boyfriend is super strong. There is nothing that could break him."

"Oh yeah?" Zeng challenged.

"Um-hm," Yul nodded, firmly. Then nuzzled his nose, making Zeng giggle, his laughter a melody to the ears and an equally potent aphrodisiac.

Yul had stopped smiling now and looked at Zeng with a hungry gaze. Zeng saw it and gulped, feeling the prominent change in the atmosphere.

He inched closer to kiss Yul who moved his head back. "If you do this, I won't be able to stop." The officer warned.

Zeng bit his lip, "Then don't stop."

Yul smirked, "Yes sir.." And switch their positions to pin him down.