MinJoon paled and nervously smoothed his hair. Sam backed away from the door, lurking awkwardly in the kitchen. Sam heard the door open and a mans voice greeted MinJoon.

“Good to see you father, come in.” Said MinJoon, and walked into the kitchen with a fat middle aged man.

“Who is this?” Barked the man, gesturing to Sam.

“This is my roommate, Sam. He helped make dinner.” MinJoon patted Sam on the shoulder, but didn’t even look at him. He was acting different in front of bumsoo. He walked differently, and lowered his voice. Bumsoo hardly acknowledged Sam, and instead sat down at the table and helped himself to the meal. Sam thought it was odd that it was MinJoon’s 21st birthday and he was hosting. Sam and MinJoon sat down as well, and began to eat the good food Sam had prepared.

“So,” Said bumsoo, “hows Kimberly?” MinJoon froze for a second, and Sam frowned.

Kimberly? Who is Kimberly?

“Ah, yes she is well...” MinJoon didn’t meet his fathers eyes.

“Why didn’t you invite her to dinner? I’d imagine you’d have some fun things planned with your girlfriend tonight.” Bumsoo said through a mouthful of food.

Sam choked and coughed. Girlfriend? MinJoon had a girlfriend this whole time?.

“E-ex-ex-c-cuse m-m-me-“ Sam stuttered, suddenly pushing his chair back and fleeing the room. He went to the bathroom and shut the door. He heard bumsoo ask what was wrong with the ‘retard.’ MinJoon didn’t reply, and Sam heard footsteps outside the door. There was a gently knock.

“Sam?” Called MinJoon quietly, “are you ok?” Sam didn’t answer. He was shocked and hurt. He wanted to call a Uber and go home. He heard MinJoon retreat back to the kitchen, and he pushed his ear to the door to listen.

“My roommate isn’t feeling well,” MinJoons voice was tight, “I’m so sorry but-“

“Are you going to tell me to leave??” Bumsoo a voices shook. “Your ungratful! Your a greedy pig! It’s your birthday you idiot! You don’t even have a job! Your whole life is built in my money!” Shouted the man. MinJoon feebly interrupted.

“Father, I got a roommate like you wanted!”

“I don’t care about your roommate! The roommate was just to prove your not gay!” Bumsoo shouted.

“But I’m not! I have a girlfriend!” Pleaded MinJoon.

“Yeah? How come I’ve never met her? I never see pictures?”

“Father please! I told you it’s a long distant relationship! So she can’t share my money, remember?” MinJoons voice was weak. There was silence for a moment.

“Fine. Make sure you don’t give any money to your roommate either.” Sniffed Bumsoo. There was stomping footsteps and the door slammed. Sam leaned against the tightly locked door, feeling shaken. He heard MinJoon shuffle to the door and knock weakly. Sam slowly opened the door a crack and looked up at MinJoon. The taller boys eyes were damp and he apologized to Sam.

“I’m so sorry.” He whispered. “And I don’t have a girlfriend, I was lying to my dad.” MinJoon dank to the floor and leaned against the wall.

“Sam...my dad doesn’t know I’m gay. He’ll kill me when he finds out.” Whispered MinJoon, hiding his face in his hands. Sam had gathered this from the conversation. Obviously, MinJoon never had a girlfriend in his life. Sam sat down next to MinJoon.

“I’m sorry MinJoon. About your dad.” He murmured. MinJoon tried to smile at sam, but couldn’t. He just shook his head. They sat next to each other silently for awhile. MinJoon hiding his face and sniffling very quietly. After awhile MinJoon took a deep breath and stood up.

“I’m fine,” he said, helping Sam to his feet. “Let’s go eat.”

They sat next to each other and ate quietly.

Sam glanced at MinJoon’s face between bites, worried for him. MinJoon’s face was dark and expressionless.

“MinJoon?” Said Sam quietly, laying down his fork.

“Yeah?” MinJoons face brightened a bit as he met Sams eyes.

“I decided...” Sam began shyly, “I want to date you.”

MinJoon’s eyes widened and he almost dropped his fork.

“Really?” He asked sincerely, his eyes clinging to Sams with hope and love.

“Yes. I really like you. I want to be...your boyfriend.” Sam blushed and smiled. MinJoon’s face glowed.

“Can i hug you?” He asked, shuffling over to Sam. Sam nodded and excepted MinJoon’s embrace.

“Sam...thank you.” Murmured MinJoon, “thank you for taking a chance on me.”

As they finished dinner MinJoon talked about their first date. He told Sam he’d take the boy anywhere to do anything. He suggested restaurants, arcades, movies, hiking, horseback riding, and finally mentioned the beach.

“That would be nice.” Remarked Sam thoughtfully. He hadn’t been to many beaches before, and the wether was really nice that week.

“When do you want to go?” Asked MinJoon.

“Anytime. Maybe even tomorrow?” Suggested Sam. He wanted to cheer up MinJoon.

“Really?” MinJoon could hardly contain his excitement. “Should I ask your parents first? Are you sure?”