Chapter Text
"Byun Sejoo! How many times do I have to tell you that you need to eat breakfast before running off to school?" Baekhyun shouts at his son, concern written all over his face as he watches the boy run around their house like a wild goose. The boy is late once again, trying to do 10 things at the same time in an attempt to get to school before 7. He has an apple stuffed in his mouth looking like a very cute pig ready for roasting while he shrugs his backpack on, his shoes halfway laced. He hasn’t even managed to comb through his messy ebony hair.
"I'll just eat when I arrive at school. Love you!" The cheeky boy shouts back at his dad, waving goodbye before blowing a flying kiss to his father. He dashes outside their house in the blink of an eye. Baekhyun didn't even get a chance to say goodbye, but smiles widely in spite of himself at the kiss he got from his son. Oh how he wished he would never grow up, he wistfully thinks to himself before looking at the breakfast he had prepared for the two of them. Guess he’ll have his breakfast for lunch as well.
His name is Byun Sejoo. 13 years old. Tall, fair skin, expressive almond shaped eyes, adorably large ears with a gregarious personality and an even bigger heart.
He's been living at the countryside all his life, never leaving unless absolutely necessary. His dad never liked the hustle and bustle of the city - said that the sound of the cars honking 24/7 was just a headache. Nothing can ever compare to the sound of the ocean waves he said, and of the old ahjummas gossiping so early in the morning as you pass by. So they stayed, and lived simply, enjoying what the country side could offer. They were happy - or at least, Baekhyun is. Sejoo simply wanted more. He dreamed of becoming more than just a boy in a countryside with a mediocre talent, living from day to day. He wanted the best in life, and not for himself - he wanted everything for his Dad.
Sejoo pedals his trusty old bike to school while enjoying the greetings of the doting ahjummas who smile at the sight of the boy. They have all seen him grow from a tiny wee baby until he knew how to walk, run, bike, and occasionally escape from his furious father, all the while laughing in glee. His eyes look like they have that natural mischief in them, but they also have a warmth of kindness in them as well. His pretty brown eyes disappear as he waves back at the elderly with a smile, shouting "good morning!" cheerily as he pedals faster. School's about to start and he would not have the grumpy old geezer they call principal punish him again for being late. He cannot afford to be stuck in school this weekend. His Uncle Sehun already made plans and they only got one shot at doing it.
Sejoo's heart almost stops when he sees the old man standing in front of the school gates menacingly. He had that sick smile on his face, and it made the young boy's blood boil in anger. The school's clock showed he still had a minute to go and damn it if he lets that prune like man get in the middle of him and entering that school in time.
He pushes himself to go faster like his life depended on it. It's like time slowed down for him and his surroundings blurred. All he could focus on is the goal right in front of him. Slowly, the iron gates start to close. He still has a few good meters in front of him, so he surges forward, willing his legs to race like never before. He wanted to wipe that arrogant smirk right off his face - he refuses to let that geezer win. He will go on that weekend trip with his Uncle Sehun!
With a deep breath and renewed vigor, he pedals faster, watching the gates slowly close. He smirks when he saw the moment of realization on the old man's face that he would make it. Sejoo loved the look of panic the principal’s face that quickly replaced the smug look he had just a few moments prior. It was his turn to smile in glee when the old man scrambles to move out of his place in fear that Sejoo would run him over with that rusty old bike of his.
7 am. The school bell rings loudly, signalling the start of the school day.
"Good morning Mr. Kim! Such a lovely school day isn't it?" Sejoo greets the frowning man. But before he could get a scolding, he heads straight to the bicycle parking, leaving behind a seething man-baby in his trail. He may be in time for the school's gates, but his first subject teacher Mr. Choi has a nasty temper when it comes to tardiness as well.
"Sejoo-yah!" Junyoung greets the boy enthusiastically, high fiving when his best friend sat in his seat in time for class. Or more like, Mr. Choi is five minutes late so Sejoo just arrived in time before him. "Close call dude, what happened?"
"The usual. I was busy practicing until late last night. So Dad woke me up, but I didn't even hear him!" Sejoo grumbles before pulling his books out of his bag.
"How's the practice though? Are you ready? That competition's going to be tough," Junyoung asks. He'd been a fan of his friend's singing ever since they were kids, but he knew that anything could happen on a competition of this scale.
"It's going fine I guess. I practiced hard for it, and even Mr. Lee told me I sounded nice. I just have to charm them off their pants!" Sejoo confidently says.
"Yeah well, you better! Or else your Dad is going to skin you alive when you get back home," his best friend warns him, taking delight at the sudden look of fear on Sejoo's face. He laughs when the boy buries his face against his crossed arms on top of his desk. There's a muffled protest heard and he ruffles the curls on top of his head in consolation. "Nah dude. Your Dad loves you too much to skin you alive. He'd probably inject you with anesthesia first!" He jokes and dodges a rogue arm flinging out to hit him.
"You're making things worse. I'm nervous as it is to lie about something as big as this to him," Sejoo sighs, sitting upright once again, his distressed face on full display. He’s scared to think of how his Dad would react, but how could he let this once in a lifetime chance go? He’s fed up of living in the shadows, of being some dirty secret when they could have so much more.
"Yeah well, we both know he will not allow you to join the contest otherwise. Cheer up Sejoo! I doubt he could stop you if you already manage to pass the first round right?" Junyoung encouragingly says.
"I guess," Sejoo doubts his own answer, but the classroom door opens with their teacher coming in. Now's not the time to get nervous, he steels himself. Classes first - he could get nervous about his audition later.
Surprisingly, the school day passes by much quicker than he expected. His classes went on smoothly and before he knew it, he's bidding his best friend goodbye at the school gates before they part ways. Junyoung gave him a rabbit's foot keychain to wish him good luck on his auditions tomorrow, agesture that made him teary eyed and prompted the other boy to tease him endlessly.
"Just don't forget me when you get popular Mr. Future-Superstar-Singer, yeah?" Junyoung tells him with the widest smile on his face.
"I wouldn't dream of it. Dad says…"
"FAME IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!" both boys say at the same time. They laugh at the joke, before Junyoung turns to his best friend, his face softening.
"Do your best tomorrow Sejoo. Show that guy he missed out on meeting you," Junyoung says before waving goodbye once again and pedalling his own bike away.
Saturday.
"Sejoo? Honey? Are you awake already?" Baekhyun cries from the kitchen of their humble home.
Sejoo yawns and stretches lightly, squinting at the morning light passing through his windows. It's 7am as his bedside alarm clock shows. He huffs as he lies back on his bed, savoring the feel of the cold sheets against his skin. He fell asleep late last night, practicing quietly and making sure he had packed all his necessities in his backpack. He even triple checked everything to make sure his audition would go smoothly. Talk about paranoid.
"Sejoo! Darling! Come on let's eat! Your food is getting cold!" Baekhyun calls out once again, prompting the child to finally get out of bed to start his very long day ahead. His Uncle Sehun should be there in 30 minutes as scheduled under the pretense of asking Sejoo for help around his shop.
"Something smells good Dad," Sejoo greets Baekhyun with a tight hug around his waist, his face buried against his Dad's back. He's feeling extra clingy today, probably from the guilt that he'd be lying about something so big to him.
Baekhyun smiles at the affection he's receiving from his son. Sejoo is a naturally bubbly kid, very bold in showing his affection too. He's not like kids his age who are grossed out by showing affection to their parents. The boy is not shy to hold his Dad's hand while walking around the streets. For fun, he leaves loud smooches on Baekhyun’s cheeks too just to annoy his father.
"Must be the new body cream I bought," Baekhyun teases the kid while turning his body to give his son's temple a kiss.
Sejoo makes a face and bites his Dad slightly. "You still smell like strawberries Dad, I was talking about the waffles."
“You look like you lack sleep young man,” Baekhyun notices, his mother duck instincts kicking into full gear upon seeing the dark circles under his son’s eyes. “Have you been sleeping well? Are you cramming school stuff again? Any problems at school?” He fires off all at once.
“Dad, you’re being paranoid again,” Sejoo laughs at his father, holding the hand that’s gently caressing his face. “I’m sleeping well Dad, I just got excited last night and watched Youtube until late,” he gave as an excuse.
“As long as you’re not doing this every night baby, okay?” Baekhyun says.
“Yes Dad,” he reassures his worrying father. “By the way, I’ll be out with Uncle Sehun today. He said he needed an extra set of hands at his shop so I volunteered,” Sejoo says, avoiding eye contact with Baekhyun who had just started serving their breakfast at the table.
“Yeah? Well, as long as you don’t cause trouble alright?” Baekhyun shrugs.
“You know that I am even better than you at fixing cars Dad. I don’t think I’ll be causing trouble for Uncle Sehun at this point,” Sejoo huffs, making his father laugh.
“Don’t be an arrogant brat Sejoo. Just because you’re better than me at fixing cars, doesn’t mean you cannot cause trouble. You’re worse when paired with Sehun! Every time he’s with you, it’s like he becomes even more childish than usual!” Baekhyun complains about his long time friend.
“That is why he’s my best friend Dad,” Sejoo says.
“Hey! I thought I was your best friend?” Baekhyun protests with an adorable pout. If he thinks Sehun is childish, Sejoo thinks his father should look at the mirror whenever he pouts, because he doesn’t look a day older than eighteen.
“I thought so too, until I figured I couldn’t talk about cars and Star Wars with you,” Sejoo teases him with a handsome smile.
“I don’t even know where you get these things from Sejoo, I never raised you to be a nerd,” Baekhyun fires back before letting out a loud sigh, laughing loudly after seeing his son’s deeply offended face.
Sejoo lets him win this round, lets him have the last word. Because the words on the tip of his tongue would seriously cause him trouble and he knew better than to upset his father before he even had the chance to audition. He liked seeing his father’s happy face before he leaves anyway. The image of his bright smile and sound of laughter would serve well as a good luck charm for him.
I know it comes from my other Appa, Dad. I know he loves fixing cars and Star Wars - especially Yoda. I know he loves acting, composing, singing - I know him more than you think I do.
Sehun arrives on time, asking Baekhyun if it’s alright to bring his child along to the shop. Sejoo is proud his uncle managed to ask his father without spilling anything after his dad threw a very doubtful glare instead of answering. The pursed lips and sky high arch of his brows would usually be the downfall of his mischievous uncle. He had been on the receiving end of that glare for far too many times, he half expected the adult to confess everything even before they managed to leave the house. Thankfully, his uncle stuck to their practiced dialogue and his dad bought it.
Sejoo appears a few minutes later, dressed up in his usual gear when he does actually help in Sehun’s automobile shop. His stained overalls and black shirt were the perfect cover up for the biggest lie of his life yet. His actual clothes for the audition are already in Sehun’s car, along with his guitar, a gift he got from an old musician living down their street. He always stopped by after classes to listen to the old man playing on his guitar, receiving lessons from him on lazy afternoons too. The man adored his young fan so much he gave his guitar to him after moving out. It surprised Baekhyun to see his son carrying the big instrument home, more so when Sejoo played a few songs for him which he already learned. The father’s heart ached at the sight of his kid on the guitar, reminding him so much of someone. But Sejoo was happy, and he could at least live with the music in their house.
“You ready?” Sehun asks Sejoo upon noticing him approaching them at the living room. Somehow, the younger boy knew he was asking about something much deeper. Are you ready for the real thing? He seems to ask. Are you sure about this?
But Sejoo had been ready for this ever since he found out about the truth. He had been ready since he decided to join the audition.
“Yeah,” Sejoo answers with a firm nod. “We should probably go now Uncle. We wouldn’t want the work to pile up at the shop while you spend hours gossiping with Dad,” Sejoo snickers at the affronted look and sneaks in a quick kiss to his father’s cheeks before dashing out the door. A quick kiss for another good luck before he faces fate.
“Yah! Byun Sejoo be careful okay?” He hears his father shout from behind him. Sehun had immediately followed the younger boy outside the small home. Sejoo waves back to his Dad whose back is now stuck on their doorway while watching the two climb inside Sehun’s car. He looks so handsome and young that people actually mistake them for brothers instead of father and child. It makes his father shy, but Sejoo is proud and beams whenever he hears this from strangers. That’s how much he admires his young Dad.
“Don’t worry about me Dad!” Sejoo shouts from his seat inside the car. “Go to work safely okay? Bye!” He waves back to his Dad enthusiastically until the car turns at the corner and the house is effectively out of sight.
Sejoo lets out a huge sigh once he settled in his seat. He saw his uncle sparing him a short glance in concern, but drove nonetheless. This is it. He’s on his way to his dream, probably breaking his sweet Dad’s heart along the way, but it’s progress. No matter what happens today, he will be happy that he did it. He will get to share his talent with the world, at the same time showing that arrogant man what he had lost.
The ride to the train station didn’t take long - traffic wasn’t really a problem when living in the countryside. Before he knew it, they were parking the car already. It’s 9 in the morning and they arrived just in time for their train ride to Seoul. This is not the first time he would be riding the express train going to the capital. But the last one he took was years ago for his birthday celebration, one that he begged his Dad for weeks to be spent in Seoul. His Dad would not have budged if not for Sejoo running away and spending his day in Sehun and Luhan’s abode. Sejoo was too young to understand why his Dad didn’t want to go to Seoul and all he knew was that his wish was being rejected. He had been a good boy all his life! This was the first time he asked for something and his Dad didn’t even think about it, outright rejecting his idea. Taking pity on their favorite kid in the world, the two other adults placated the young child and convinced Baekhyun that it should be alright to spend a day or two in the city. They even volunteered themselves to go along with the small family, saying it’s been a while since they also stepped foot in the place.
The announcement over the speakers bring Sejoo back to the present and his current surroundings. Sehun had led them to the right train and they boarded without a hitch. It’s different from the way he remembers it, but it’s comfortable - he even got to take the window seat. Bags and guitar carefully stowed away with only his phone in hand, the thirteen year old observes his Uncle Sehun as he updates his husband of their current location. That yes, he managed to bring them on time to the station and they’re on their way to Seoul as planned. Whipped, Sejoo thought of what his Dad always used to say to describe the couple. It’s cute though. He wished his Dad could find love like that.
They leave in 5 minutes, the lady kindly announces over the PA and an excited shiver runs down Sejoo’s spine. The city’s about an hour ride away and Sehun gently reminded him to spend his time sleeping instead. He’d just wake him up when they’re about to arrive, with enough time for him to change his clothes.
There’s a quiet rumble under their feet and the train leaves the station smoothly. Sejoo tries to sleep, head resting against the window as he watches trees and small houses fly by. He wants to close his eyes except that everything he sees outside the window intrigues him. His fascination makes Sehun smile, ruffling the boy’s messy locks before reminding him to get more sleep while he can. He doubts the boy would be able to rest once they’re in the audition venue.
A little after starting through their journey, the boy does fall asleep, the fatigue of staying up late for practice finally catching up to him. Despite the boy acting all brave and grown up with his decision to audition today, he was still just a kid, and a very adorable one at that. The poor thing’s body finally gave up, and the cool window glass lulls him to sleep.
Sehun spends the time calling an old friend to remind him of the favor he had asked for today. Junmyeon was all too happy to arrange for their transportation once they arrive in Seoul. Is the boy worth the trouble of contacting an old lover? Yes, Sehun thinks so. The boy had been nothing but a ray of light in their simple lives in the country. Besides, Junmyeon is now happily married like he is. Luhan even happened to be friends with his husband.
More interesting is that Junmyeon has connections to the show that Sejoo wanted to audition to. The man managed to pull some strings and arrange for the boy to be included in the list of applicants for the show. It really wasn’t that hard to do either - Sehun had simply sent him a video of the boy singing for his Dad’s birthday with a song he made on his own. It’s a simple tune for a young boy, but remarkable nonetheless for a boy his age. He is a natural talent, Junmyeon said, and the management would gladly have him on the show for auditions.
A few minutes before they arrived at the Seoul station, Sehun wakes up the boy, those almond shaped eyes blinking in confusion for a minute.
“Time for you to change clothes, buddy,” Sehun says, handing over the neatly packed clothes that his husband prepared. Sejoo just nods obediently and heads towards the comfort rooms.
Thankfully, the restroom is more spacious than he expected, making the process of changing clothes easy for him. His Uncle Luhan picked a lovely yellow button up for him, paired with some black jeans. Sehun laughed when he saw the outfit while they were shopping but his husband just elbowed his ribs to get him to shut up. Sejoo thought he looked ridiculous then, but Luhan assured the boy he looked really nice, that he even reminded him of a singer. The outfit alone makes him look like a star. Now looking at his reflection, he can’t help but feel like his Uncle Luhan had made a good point.
An announcement over the PA startles Sejoo and he glances one last time over his reflection before grabbing his discarded clothes and stuffing it in his other bag. Sehun whistles when he sees the kid approaching their seat, and gives him two thumbs up before ruffling the unruly hair even more in adoration. Sejoo laughs as he fights off the hand messing up his hair even more. Another announcement is made that they are approaching Seoul station in just a few minutes and that passengers taking off in this station should get prepared for departure. There is a flurry of movement around them, people starting to check their surroundings for belongings they may have left out during the trip. Sejoo just stretches out his limbs and checks his phone for the time. 9:55 in the morning. Great. Everything is going as scheduled.
Sehun grabs the rest of their bags and checks if they have everything. Sejoo nods in affirmation and looks outside the window again. Undoubtedly, the scenery outside had changed greatly. Gone were the trees and stretches of lands to be replaced by tall buildings packed so close together.
As soon as they step out of the station, they were greeted by a handsome young man that Sejoo didn’t know. Sehun introduced him as Junmyeon, an old friend. The guy must be important Sejoo thought, as he looked expensive, with his hair pushed up away from his face and his whole outfit looking like he came straight from an advertisement. He bowed politely to the guy and introduced himself as his Dad always taught him to do.
Junmyeon got startled when he saw Sejoo up close as they shook hands. He even sent an inquisitive gaze towards Sehun who just shrugged and asked where the older man’s car is. It’s obvious his friend had a lot of explaining to do.
During the car ride, Sejoo learns that Junmyeon owns the company producing the show Korea’s Got Talent and that he’s actually looking forward to see how far he would come in the competition. The kid’s ears burn red at the tips as the man complimented his singing skills, saying shy thank yous in return.
“You remind me so much of a friend of mine Sejoo, it’s funny really,” Junmyeon comments finally, his curiosity getting the better of him. Eyes carefully studying the boy in front of him sipping on the banana milk he had offered earlier. From the eyes, nose and definitely the ears, he could guess who the father is, but he just wanted confirmation.
“He’s Chanyeol’s kid,” Sehun answers him. Junmyeon’s eyebrow flew up at the news, his face stuck in a funny shocked expression. How could he never have known about this?
“It’s a long story and it’s not my story to tell,” the younger guy says, rolling his shoulders lazily like he had not just dropped a bomb of information on his friend.
Sejoo quietly sips his banana milk during this time, stealing glances at the man in front of him observing his reaction. Would this new information kick him out from the competition? He’s far more concerned about this than exposing who his father is. Coming into terms after finding out this secret had been a rough journey for him. He wants to come out on top of the competition with his skills, and not who his father is. He’s not going to play his game that way.
“Wow, I mean - I guessed from the ears but wow,” is all that Junmyeon manages to stutter. He takes another look at the kid, laughing at how funny fate works in this world. The kid is almost an exact carbon copy of the singer. From the hair, face and even the tall and skinny physique. His current outfit does not help at all. It’s almost like looking at a Chanyeol from years ago.
“Does Chanyeol know?” Junmyeon asks Sehun.
“It’s complicated,” Sehun just shrugs. To be honest, if Baekhyun had his way, Chanyeol will never ever have Sejoo within a ten mile radius. The other father was resolute that he never wants the singer to be in their lives again. But the kid had dreams and Sehun wanted to support him. Is there any other way to achieve this? Probably, but Sehun saw just how much the boy wanted this, so he agreed. They’ll all just have to face Baekhyun’s wrath together later. Maybe he could just shove Chanyeol in front of the fuming man as sacrifice and they would be saved. That does not sound like a bad idea at all.
“Are you excited to meet your father?” Junmyeon turns to Sejoo who turned even more quiet at the conversation. He’s answered by a mere shrug of shoulders and a deep sigh.
To be honest, Sejoo isn’t sure if he’s excited to finally meet his father or just excited to show to his face how well his Dad raised him all by himself. Will Chanyeol be able to recognize him? He was just a small baby when he left, so chances are slim that he will. He just hopes that he can show the man a flawless audition and that he could be a better man than him.
The remainder of the car ride stays quiet after that. Only the soft music playing could be heard, a song recently released by Chanyeol funnily enough. The driver later says that they are arriving at their destination. From outside, you can already see the lines of hopeful people all wanting to join the competition. Cameras are stationed outside to capture the crowd’s excitement over the event. There are groups practicing around too, people dancing and showing off a taste of what they can do.
“Well, Sejoo, I’m not supposed to play favorites, but know I’m rooting for you okay?” Junmyeon says, surprising the kid, giving him a warm smile and a thumbs up. “Break a leg,” he says, before his driver is opening the door for Sejoo, ushering them out of the limo.
Standing in front of the studio building, Sejoo begins to feel the familiar onsluaght of nerves. How could one mere child make a difference in a competition this huge? He could already feel the stare of adults as their gracious host’s driver led him and his uncle to the very front of the line, bypassing even the registration table. He saw him talk to an elegant lady standing at the back who then motioned for them to come closer. She gave Sejoo a once over before smiling sweetly to the elderly man.
“I’ll take good care of them, don’t worry,” She says and gestures for them to follow her inside the building. Sejoo barely manages to bow out of respect to the elderly man who kindly escorted them out before he scrambles to follow his uncle and their new guide.
It’s a maze inside, and he wonders if his uncle would be able to navigate them inside this building without getting lost once or twice. The whole structure is huge with a modern and clean style to it, and he could hear their guide sharing some information about the building, but he’s too busy looking around to pay much attention to it. They step inside one of the elevators before she takes them into another corridor. Sejoo could finally see the huge Korea’s Got Talent poster outside telling him they’ve finally arrived at the audition.
“The audition is already ongoing now. You actually arrived just in time. I’m guessing from the guitar, you don’t need any audio so I’ll just head over to the organizers and tell them you’re here so they can set up a mini interview with you alright?” The lady tells them, smiling at Sejoo. Nodding in confirmation that no audio background help is needed, she leaves the pair in front of a huge open door. They can see just how much work goes into this thing by looking inside. Staff are carrying props, costumes, camera equipment and other things while running around the area.
“Byun Sejoo?” A different person calls out his name this time. The guy was wearing a comms set and carrying a clipboard, a huge laminated ID hung around his neck.
Sejoo raises his hand as though in school and the guy just tells him to follow him for a mini interview. He laughs at the panicked face of the minor and pats his back in encouragement. It’s nothing serious, he explains, just some basic questions about his name, where he came from and anything they can use as clips when they edit the auditions for airing. Still looking nervous, Sehun held his hand all the way to the brightly lit set they have made for the interviews. A lady comes forward to check on his appearance, looking quite satisfied with what she sees. She ends up only applying some clear lip gloss on his slightly dry looking lips. After fluffing his hair a little bit, she guides him to a chair with a single camera set up in front of it.
“So, I just want you to look at the camera and give me a short introduction about yourself okay?” The same guy from before says, before standing beside the camera set up. “Don’t be nervous, be yourself, if not a little bit more sweet? The audience loves kid contestants anyway,” he says before looking at the guy who’s in charge of the camera. “Ready? Okay. In 3, 2, 1!”
Sejoo is still in a daze when the mini interview ends. The guy seemed to like him too much that the mini interview stretched longer, said that the camera loves the way Sejoo registers in front of it, his face made to be seen in front of TVs across the country. It will take some time for him to be called on stage so they were told to proceed to the waiting room where they could sit and watch while waiting for his turn.
The waiting room as it turns out is not as packed with participants as one would expect, each one minding their own business, practicing or watching the ongoing audition for possible threats to their act. A quick glance around the room and it’s obvious that Sejoo is the youngest of the bunch. No one even spares him a glance. Who’s going to think of him as serious competition anyway?
The huge television screen shows that there is a dance act going on. Sejoo looks up and watches in mild interest - he’s more curious to see the judges, to be completely honest, but the camera doesn’t focus on them. He’s familiar with who the panel will be, the only change being Kyungsoo who replaced Yixing for this year. Boa will still be there as the most senior of all judges in the entertainment industry. Next is Jongdae, also known as Chen - his playful demeanor makes him an easy favorite of the auditionees out of all the judges, but his words could still cut like a knife if he’s not impressed with your singing abilities.
Last but not the least is Park Chanyeol - former idol, now a respected music producer, solo artist, and actor. He has the whole nation in the palm of his hand. Fangirls love him for his glorious idol days, the older generation adores him for his dramas, while the new generation is grateful for the chart topping songs he’d been producing for the new blood of idols.
Byun Sejoo only knows him as his biological Dad who left him when he was still a baby to pursue his idol career.
Every once in a while the door opens to reveal a staff member to call the name of the next act to audition. To avoid the feeling of being nervous, Sejoo brings out his guitar to play some tunes to calm his nerves. Plugging his earphones into his ears to cancel out the noise surrounding him and the weird energy permeating in the room, he begins to practice his audition piece quietly, humming under his breath, strumming as quietly as possible too.
This method worked well that it actually surprised him when Sehun nudged him to get his attention when the staff calls him for his turn already. Standing up, he obediently follows the staff out the door and through some corridors before arriving backstage. A group of guys check his guitar for a bit, plugging in an auxiliary cord, before instructing him to wait for them to finish setting up the stage for his performance.
A quick touch up on his face, and Sejoo is thrust in front of Key who is in charge of hosting. He greets Sehun warmly with a friendly smile and a handshake before gathering Sejoo in a hug. The camera is on them immediately, capturing every minute of their interaction. Key gushes about how dashing Sejoo looks for his audition, saying how different agencies would call him immediately begging for him to be a trainee no matter what happens during his auditions. Key is lively to talk to, nothing is scripted, but he just makes it so natural to talk to him, asking about Sejoo’s experience in his travel from the countryside all the way to Seoul amongst other things. He is very effective in his dialogue to dispel any nervous energy that Sejoo doesn’t think much about answering him and he relaxes almost instantly.
Upon receiving a go signal from the production team, Key wishes Sejoo a good luck before letting him go alone on stage. The stage is huge and it feels like forever before Sejoo arrives in the middle of it where a mic stand is set up for him. He can see the judges’ table right in front of him and for some reason, he wants to avoid looking at it until the very last minute. He braces himself before flashing a bright smile to the judges and waving to the camera. The audience immediately swoons.
“Hey there you cutie, what’s your name?” Boa asks Sejoo, adoration already in her eyes as she spots the flower-like boy in the middle of the stage. Decades in the industry and she is still a stunner.
“Hi! My name is Byun Sejoo and I am thirteen years old,” he politely answers with another smile, his lucky dimple showing. It’s the smile he uses with the ahjummas back home to get free treats from their stalls - and it works here too, apparently, because he hears the cooing from the audience members at the front. In true showmanship, he turns to look at them, giving them a finger heart and a cheeky smile with a wink. The camera loved it.
“Sejoo! My man! Thirteen years old and you already look like a heartbreaker!” Jongdae comments on his microphone making the audience laugh, his smile saying he’s already amused with the kid and had earned himself a point in his favor.
“He does kind of look like me when I was younger, don’t you think?” Chanyeol intercepts. Sejoo’s focus immediately shifts to him, and for the first time, he gives his father a long hard look in close proximity. He’s handsome, there’s no question about that, and the years had been kind to him. His photos and videos of how good looking he could be are not lying. Chanyeol’s eyes, nose and ears are copies of what Sejoo sees on himself everyday staring at the mirror. But the man looks like he really is full of himself. How the public does not see this side of him is a wonder. How could such a seemingly innocent and charismatic man in society’s eyes be such an asshole in real life, Sejoo asks himself. Such a huge fucking lie.
“Don’t flatter yourself too much Chanyeol. You were not that cute when you were younger,” Kyungsoo immediately shoots down his friend’s claim, making the boy laugh. To be clear, he’s more than happy to put the man in his place. Being friends with him for years does give him that privilege.
“But Sejoo!” Jongdae exclaims, wanting the attention back to him and to the ongoing audition. “You’re at such a young age! Why are you auditioning for Korea’s Got Talent?” he asks, genuinely curious to know why a seemingly lost lamb would want to join a high pressure competition full of wolves like this one.
“Well, I’d like to prove to my Dad that having talent and being a star does not make me a ‘douchebag’ like my other Dad.” The answer just sort of slips out of Sejoo’s lips, the reality of all of this happening in front of him finally crashing down on him. The audience oohs in sudden interest at his shady answer.
“And your other Dad?” It was Chanyeol who asks this time, eyebrow raised in piqued interest.
“Is sitting right in front of me,” he says, eyes now locked with Chanyeol’s, who looked shell shocked at this.
“Hello Chanyeol-ssi,” he greets the male who is now frozen, not forgetting to bow in deeply ingrained manners.
“I know it’s been years, but I just want you to know that my other Dad, Byun Baekhyun had raised me well without your help,” he finally says before the whole room turns into chaos.