Side story 1
The man pressed the little boy's shoulders, looking at him directly in the eye. "Ian, listen carefully." He warned, "You absolutely can't mess this up, okay?"
The little boy nodded nervously. "Yes-yes!" he promised, "I won't mess it up, daddy."
The man nodded, and a warning look flashed in his eyes. "I don't think you quite understand the gravity of this situation. That man—" he pointed to a well-dressed man on the other side of the party, talking with someone, "—is an important business partner for dad. You absolutely have to get along with his children, okay? No matter what."
"I-I'll try." Little Ian tilted his head, "I'll try my best, daddy."
The man shook him, his anger getting the best of him. "I don't want you trying! I want results!"
He realized his sudden outburst was wrong and tried to calm himself down. Rubbing his forehead, he sighed and apologized, "I-I'm sorry, kiddo. I just..." He seemed tired at his own self, knowing his spontaneous outbursts and such high expectations for his son weren't right. Before he said anything hurtful to Ian again, he got up and took his hand in his, walking toward the man. He apologized again, "Daddy's sorry... Just try to get along with his kid, okay? You two might even be friends. That'll be awesome, right?" he smiled, "You'll finally have a friend your own age."
His attitude right now was completely unlike before, as if he was a different person entirely. Ian didn't seem surprised by it, as the fear in his gaze didn't subside even after his father apologized. It was so because he knew... his dad might turn into 'him' any moment. And when he does, he isn't going to listen to any of his explanations; he isn't going to remember any of the soft words he spoke right now. All 'that man' can see are Ian's flaws, his shortcomings, and how he isn't a perfect son.
He knew, no matter what, he had to try his best. So, his dad doesn't turn into 'him' again.
"H-hello..." Ian nervously looked at the taller boy. He extended his hand, introducing himself, "I'm Ian- Ian Hall. Nice to meet you."
The other boy smiled warmly and cheerfully shook his hand. "Hi! I'm Ethan, Ethan Felix!"
Ian shifted uncomfortably when Ethan grabbed his hand and playfully enclosed him in a hug. He was confused as the boy, whom he's never met before, continued to act so cheerful and friendly to a stranger.
Ethan's father couldn't help but smile at that. "I see your son's quite polite. Oh, I must admit I'm jealous. My Ethan is always so playful, not thinking about manners at all. I hope Ian doesn't mind, right?"
Ian's father hurriedly shook his head. "No, no. Ian doesn't mind! Of course... of course. Your kid is... quite adventurous, I see."
XXX
"Shhh... the teacher won't find us here." Ethan pressed his finger on Ian's lips, making him swallow all his arguments.
The boys looked about 13, hiding in a small room. Their bodies were pressed close against each other, trying to fit together.
Ethan didn't notice the other boy's reddening cheeks as he looked out of the closet. "...one of the teachers is out there! Be quiet, okay? We'll run when she goes away."
Ian tried to argue, "But-"
Ethan once again pressed a finger on his lips, looking at him directly in the eyes. Their faces were pressed close, lips inches away from one another. "No arguments, Ian. I know you want to do it too."
"But I have to study-"
"Oh, come on. What study, study, study? One day, you're gonna die studying like this. Enjoy yourself a little more, okay?"
Ian couldn't help but smile at that, his gaze tender. Ethan didn't notice that as he continued, "And besides, what's the result of your studying? Look at me; I don't even study half as much as you and still get almost the same grades. Let loose a little, okay?"
Ian's eyes visibly darkened, his expression shifting in an instant. He, who previously looked at Ethan as if he was his most important person in the world, was now gazing at him with a contempt-filled gaze, his expression unfavorable.
Ian suddenly got up, knocking over the brooms and mops. Ethan was surprised. Sure, he knew that Ian didn't approve of this, but even he didn't expect him to get up abruptly like this and leave. "Hey, wait-"
Ian paid him no mind, slamming the door open and leaving Ethan confused.
XXX
"Hello, father." Ian greeted, "It's nice to see you."
The older man in the study looked up at the 15-year-old boy. He grunted in approval and remarked coldly, "You're back. Second place as always, huh?"
Ian knuckled turned white and his nails dug into his skin as he bit his lip, trying hard not to distort his expression. "...I apologize."
"Useless. The only thing you're good at is socializing with the Felix kid. At least do that properly."
Ian bowed his head and agreed, "I understand. Then, I'll be taking my leave now, father."
His father looked back to the book he was reading, not paying him any more mind.
Ian closed the door behind him, heaving a breath of relief. He couldn't help but lean on the wooden door, his legs unsteady.
A woman approached him and asked worriedly, "Sweetie, how'd it go?"
A warm smile covered Ian's face as he replied tiredly, "...not good. I was second this time around too."
The woman, unlike the man, didn't seem disappointed. She patted his head proudly and exclaimed, "That's amazing! You're amazing, sweetie."
She looked at him warmly and hesitated a little before saying, "About before... please don't hate him too much, Ian. He-he's still your father." She sighed, "I swear... it was better a few days ago. His anger issues seem to get worse over time, and you know he doesn't mean it, right?" She continued, troubled, "You know he loves you, right? He just doesn't show it, okay?"
Ian wanted to laugh at that. Loves him? As if. All this man ever wanted from him was the fulfillment of his high expectations, nothing else. After all, would someone who loves their child declare him useless the moment he strays away from the perfect image? That's basically a tool. Useful and nice till it does what you want, useless and rebellious the moment it doesn't.
He clenched his fist and couldn't help but grind his teeth in frustration. Still, so as not to worry his mother, he smiled superficially. "Of course, I know that, Mom."
The woman smiled proudly at the boy she raised. "That's my boy. We'll get through this together... as a family, okay?"
After having done this for so long, he had gotten quite good at this. Flashing her a fake smile yet another time, he reassured, "Of course. Together as a family."