Haein wakes up to the sound of his alarm going off. He rolls over, trying to ignore it, but the noise just keeps getting louder. finally, he gives in and sit up, rubbing his eyes. He heard footsteps. And then a knock. It was his dad. Haein's dad stood in the doorway, a stern look on his face. "Haein," he said gruffly. "I have something to tell you."
Haein sat up in bed, bracing himself for bad news. "What is it, Dad?" Haein asked warily. "I've just got a call from your agent," his dad continued. "You've been offered a role in a new movie. It's a big opportunity, and I think it would be a great way to continue your acting career." Haein sighs. "Im 16 now dad.. Do i have to keep on acting?"
Haein says generally questioning it. It feels weird. Having to act. It just isnt in his heart. He wishes he could live a normal life. His dad looked at him sharply. "Haein, you know how much effort and money we've put into your acting career," he said sternly. "You can't throw all that away just because you're feeling a little bored. Acting is what you do. And you're good at it. Don't waste that talent."
"Dad...Im not you! I dont do acting because i love it! I didnt get famous over something i love... Im doing it because you and mom want this!!"
Haein sighs. He hopes his dad undestands. But ofcourse he doesnt. He just wants him to keep acting. Since thats his fathers dream for him. His dad's face hardened at his words. "Don't you dare talk to me like that," he said, his voice low and warning. "We've sacrificed so much for your acting career. You wouldn't be where you are today without us. And you're not going to just throw all that away because you think being a normal life would be 'better.' You're an actor, Haein. That's what you're good at. And that's what you're going to continue to do." Haein felt so much frustration. His dad just didn't understand. He didn't want to act. He wanted to be a normal boy. To go to school. Make actual friends and all that. But his dad was never going to listen to him. He was too set in his ways, too determined to control Haein's career. "You're still young," his dad said, his tone slightly softer. "You don't know what's best for you. You think you do, but you don't. Trust me, acting is what you're meant to do. It's what you're good at. You have a talent for it. And I know you can make it even bigger than you already are. So stop this childish nonsense and accept the movie role." "Fine.. but what kind of role is it?"
Haein waits for his dad to explain."It's an adaptation of a historical boys love novel," his dad said, his voice taking on a hint of excitement. "And you've been offered the lead role as the main character."
Haein's eyes widened in surprise. He had never considered playing a role like this before. He knew BL was a pretty popular genre but never did he think he'd be offered this kind of role. Haein cant say he wasnt shocked when he heard this."The role has a lot of emotional intensity," his dad continued, clearly trying to sell him on the idea. "And it's a great opportunity to show off your acting range. This could be a breakout role for you, Haein. It could propel your career to new heights." "Fine... ill do it. Just because you seem to really want me to do it."
Haein says obediently. He feels like a puppet. Doing the career his dad wants for him. And not what he wants to do. He hates himself for not being able to stand up against his dad. "Good," his dad said, satisfied. "I knew you'd make the right decision. You're going to do great in this role, Haein. I'm proud of you."
But Haein couldn't shake the feeling of frustration and helplessness coursing through him. He knew he had just given in to his dad's demands again, and he hated it.