Jeno looks around the living room seeing his grandparents watching the television, very engrossed in whatever show it was playing while his grandma is knitting at the same time.

Initially he didn't want to bring this up in front of his grandparents, but there's this sudden boost of confidence to do it anyway.

He wants to see their reaction, and if it goes badly he can try to think of another solution.

His mom is on a nightshift, leaving him and his grandparents alone in their warm house.

Even though if he tries to lie and say it is for a school thing, they would always do anything to pry and make sure he is telling the truth.

There's a higher chance of him not being allowed to go out late at night even if it's that kind of situation and it is actually school related.

Regardless, Jeno wouldn't be able to step foot out of that main door. If anything, it is better to tell them the truth than to lie as much as he hates to admit.

Lying to them would make his consequences worst. And he really doesn't want that to happen.

His mom knows his plans, obviously. She trusts him, and especially Jaemin to watch over her son. Wishing him good luck on both the night and talking to his grandparents.

She, of course advised him not to take things too far, especially without her there. If his grandparents won't let him go out, then he should just give up instead of yelling or aggressively arguing back.

Clearing his throat, his grandma nudges her husband to turn the volume down. Lifting a curious brow at their grandson.

"Yes, honey?" Jeno slightly cringes at the sweetness of her voice.

He loves them, but not as much as he did when he was an oblivious and blinded kid.

Now he sees it, sees how wrong they can be at times to the point it scares him.

"I uh... I just wanted to say I'm heading out tonight."

"Where?" His grandpa immediately asks in return.

"It's... It's my friend's birthday party–"

"Definitely not." His grandma cuts him off, still knitting with ease. "You are not leaving this house tonight. Especially to a party."

"But it's important, it's his special day." Jeno couldn't help but try to argue back. He wants to reason it thoroughly and hopes they can at least understand a bit.

"You guys can celebrate tomorrow or another day, when the sun is out or even here, you can invite your friend here, sweetie."

"I don't want to." Jeno bites his lower lip when his grandparents snap their heads at his way. "This is my first party that I was invited to, and I really want to go."

That was a lie, he has been invited to a ton of parties even before he and his friends met. But of course, he had to reject for the sake of his image and his grandparents.

It's a little weird to lie like this to them, but what can he do? Be all nice and obedient to no end? Even what they're saying and doing is just hurtful?

He's tired. Very tired of their treatment.

"Well, I'm sorry to break it to you, Jeno. But you're not going to that party full of gangsters, drug addicts and sinners." His grandpa says sternly.

"You don't know that," he bites back to defend whoever gets insulted or talked about like that from his grandparents.

"You don't know their reasons, Pop. Or anything else behind it other than those titles. Don't assume too quickly."

Glaring, his grandpa was about to say something but his grandma spoke up first. "Is that boy going to be there?"

"Who?" Jeno raises a brow, a little confused on who his grandma is referring to. She could be talking about anyone she saw him with.

But then he almost smiles when his grandma replies with, "that boy with the pink hair. Is that his natural hair color by the way?"

"Yes and no." Jeno's lips twitch, "yes he will be there, and that is not his natural hair color."

"Goodness gracious," his grandma clicks her tongue. "Such a shame, hopefully you won't be close to him Jeno. People like him..." She doesn't finish her words but Jeno already knows what she's trying to say.

His grandpa on the other hand was still mad at him from a minute ago. Glare hardening as he exhales loudly, "go to your room, Jeno."

Jeno's jaw drop as he says, "why are you guys so against this– or even me! Mom already gave me permission, I just thought you guys should know too."

"Don't make me repeat myself, Jeno." Is what his grandpa says instead of answering his questions.

Scoffing, he stands up and runs up to his room with heavy steps, slamming the door shut that has his grandma mutter, "kids nowadays."

𑁍

At first, Jeno didn't know what to do until he realizes, he can literally call his friends.

He tried calling Donghyuck first, but he didn't answer. So he assumes the tanned male was already there accompanying his boyfriend.

Yangyang's phone kept ringing, then Mark was out of reach. Thinking Yangyang probably misplaced his phone again, he calls the last person he can rely on.

"Hey baby." He smiles at Jaemin's warm voice greeting him like honey.

"Hi, Jaem. Uhm I need to ask you something..." Glancing at himself in the mirror, he wonders if he should change his clothes.

He's just wearing some skinny jeans and a comfortable shirt, finally wearing his high cut converse shoes his mom bought him a few months ago.

"Oh? Is it a favor?"

"Something like that." He chuckles quietly.

He can sense Jaemin grinning from the other line, "I need you to pick me up... And don't be too obvious, my mom is out and my grandparents got mad because I argued with them when I told them I'm heading out."

"So like... Can you sneak to my bedroom window and help me escape? I really wanna go out, Jaem."

"Damn, that's a lot of shit happening, doll. Sorry to hear that," Jaemin says firstly, "but of course I'll help you."

"Thank you, baby." Jeno shyly mumbles, hearing Jaemin cackling afterwards. "Shut up, it's not funny!"

"Of course it's not, Acorn. You're so cute," Jaemin snickers before clearing his throat. "All right, I'm heading over now. Get ready okay?"

"Just throw a pebble or something when you get here."

"Fuck, I love it when you want us to do romantic shit, baby." Jaemin makes a noise that has Jeno gulping, blush blooming on his cheeks.

"Jaemin." Jeno attempts to sound serious and intimidating despite how giddy he's feeling.

"Right, on my way, Princess!"

𑁍

Thoughts??

Thank you to everyone greeting me on my birthday!! 🤍