George: we're meeting my dad.
(William's breath hitched. Shock written all over his face. He slowly turned his head towards George)
William: what?
(He asked again, wondering what he heard was right or not)
George: we're going to meet my father, your soon to be father in law.
(George said with a smile on his face. Oh he looked like an idiot to William right now. When he saw William's shocked face, he raised an eyebrow)
George: what's wrong? You're not happy?
William: no it's not like that. I would be very happy to meet him. But i'm a bit scared. You know, because our first encounter wasn't that great.
(He said in an awkward tone, remembering what happened when he met George's dad for the first time. George let out a small laugh)
George: don't worry, he knows you now. So, don't be scared. It's not like i'm gonna leave you alone with him.
--
William's p.o.v
"Traitor"
"when i catch you George"
"He said he would be with me. Now i'm sitting here like a statue. I don't know what to say to Mr. Chen and he's also not saying anything. Where is George?"
Mr. Chen: so, you actually believed him when he said he'll be with you?
"How does he--"
Mr. Chen: you should see yourself in the mirror right now. Your expressions are obvious. Also, this meet up was planned. That weirdo knows about each and every class that you take and their timings as well. Don't think of him as a stalker though. So, he told me about bringing you here like a week ago.
William: uh- i--
Mr. Chen: i know you're scared because of that day. I wasn't that nice to you. I'm sorry about that.
William: oh no! You shouldn't apologise. Mr. Chen, it's not your fault. Also, i'm-- not scared.
"I said that while stuttering. Damn me! Mr. Chen is side eyeing me"
Mr. Chen: yeah! You're not.
"He said in sarcastic tone. I lowered my head in embarrassment. He let out a chuckle"
Mr. Chen: look, i'm not that scary as i look. So, chill. I'm not gonna eat you alive. You can openly talk to me. George won't be here with you today. He'll be here once i tell him to. So, do you have any complains about him? Does he annoy you? Do you want me to scold him for something?
William: what? No! I don't have any complains regarding George. He's the best, as a friend, as a partner. He's always patient with me. I confessed to him last night. The past me would have been so scared to trust someone again, to love someone again. Because the person i liked in the past just used me, my feelings were nothing for him. He just wanted to date my friend and--
"I can't believe I told Mr. Chen my whole story. I met him like this for the first time but I'm already opening up. He listened to everything. I was crying, tears dripping down my face like there's no tomorrow. He listened to each and every word, wiped my tears away, hugged me and comforted me. Just like my dad, he also told me jokes to make my mood better, taught me that not everyone is the same"
William: (sniffles) George's been patient with me. He loved me even when i tried to push him away. Even though i told him that i wouldn't be able to love him back, he still loved me. How can i have any complain about him?
Mr. Chen: (chuckles) ok son! I believe you. You love him and he loves you. Stop crying or you're gonna flood my house.
"I broke the hug. I wiped the tears that were about to fall. My eyes were swollen and my nose was red. I looked pathetic. But Mr. Chen didn't even judge me. He smiled and patted my shoulder assuring me"
Mr. Chen: i'm very happy that you opened up with me. From now on, i'm not just Mr. Chen for you. And i'm not asking i'm telling you, call me dad from now on. Ba, father, pops, anything that you like. George usually calls me ba. Come, let's do something to lighten your mood. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you know how to paint?
William: i like to play my guitar or read books in my free time. I don't know much about painting, just a bit.
"I said that with an awkward smile. But Mr. Chen wasn't bothered at all. I don't even know what i'm thinking. He wouldn't say anything. I have to be calm"
Mr. Chen: oh that's nice. Then i'll teach you how to do painting. Follow me!
"Mr. Chen took me to his room. He took out all the things he needed and we began to paint."