Excitement buzzed through the apartment as Suho’s first day of elementary school finally arrived.
Suho practically bounced in place while Haeun carefully picked out his clothes for the day.
Since the school didn’t require uniforms, Haeun dressed him in a neatly pressed, light blue button-up and dark jeans it was casual but still presentable.
"Looking sharp," Haeun said, smoothing out the fabric. "You’re going to charm all your teachers."
Suho grinned. "Do you think they’ll like me?"
"Of course," Haeun reassured, kneeling to adjust Suho’s sneakers. "You’re smart, kind, and way too cute. Just be yourself."
From the kitchen, the sound of sizzling eggs filled the air as Yeongsoo worked on breakfast. "Suho, come eat before your food gets cold!" he called over his shoulder.
"Coming!" Suho ran off, his excitement making him nearly trip over his own feet.
Haeun chuckled as he stood up, stretching. He needed to get ready too since he planned to stop by the company after dropping Suho off. Heading to his room, he picked out a breezy but stylish outfit—something comfortable that wouldn’t put any strain on his stomach. A loose linen shirt tucked into tailored pants, paired with soft sneakers, was the perfect balance between looking good and feeling at ease.
By the time he returned to the dining area, Suho was happily munching on his food, while Yeongsoo set down a fresh plate for Haeun.
"Eat up," Yeongsoo said, handing him a fork. "You’re going to need energy if you’re planning to drop by the company after this."
Haeun hummed in agreement as he took a bite. "It’s just a quick check-in. I want to make sure everything’s running smoothly... and see my brother."
Yeongsoo shot him a knowing look but didn’t comment, instead ruffling Suho’s hair. "Excited for school?"
Suho nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! But also nervous..." He played with his spoon. "What if I don’t make friends?"
"You will," Yeongsoo said without hesitation. "Just be yourself, and people will naturally want to be around you."
"And if anyone gives you trouble," Haeun added with a playful smirk, "just tell them your family is scary."
Suho giggled. "Okay!"
After breakfast, they all got ready to head out. Suho double-checked his backpack, making sure he had everything—his notebooks, pencil case, and the small lunchbox Yeongsoo had packed earlier.
"Alright, let’s go," Yeongsoo announced, grabbing the car keys.
Suho was practically bouncing on his feet as he followed them to the car. But as they drove toward the school, his excitement slowly faded. By the time they arrived, he was quiet, staring out the window at the busy school entrance.
The school grounds were buzzing with children and parents. Some kids were clinging to their parents, while others excitedly chatted with friends. Teachers stood near the gates, directing students inside.
Haeun glanced back at Suho and immediately noticed how his hands were gripping the straps of his backpack tightly.
He crouched beside him after stepping out of the car, gently fixing the collar of Suho’s shirt. "Hey," he said softly, "feeling nervous?"
Suho hesitated before nodding.
"That’s okay," Haeun reassured him with a small smile. "It’s a new place, but you’ll get used to it. You’re going to learn a lot of cool things and meet new friends."
Yeongsoo placed a steady hand on Suho’s head. "And if anything happens, we’re just a phone call away."
Suho swallowed, still looking unsure.
Haeun thought for a moment before leaning in and whispering, "You know... I was nervous on my first day of school too. But you know what helped?"
Suho looked up at him. "What?"
"I pretended I was the main character in a superhero story," Haeun said with a playful grin. "Like, the first episode where the hero is just starting out."
Suho blinked. "...Like a cool origin story?"
"Exactly."
That seemed to help. Suho’s grip on his backpack loosened a little, and he took a deep breath.
"Okay," he said. "I can do that."
Haeun smiled, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead. "That’s my superstar."
The school bell rang, signaling that it was time for students to start heading in. A teacher nearby spotted them and approached with a warm smile.
"Suho, right?" she asked kindly. "Welcome! I’ll be your homeroom teacher."
Suho glanced at Haeun and Yeongsoo one last time before nodding and taking the teacher’s outstretched hand.
As he walked toward the school doors, he paused and turned back, waving hesitantly.
Haeun waved back, grinning. "Go be a hero, okay?"
Suho nodded firmly before turning and stepping inside.
Haeun exhaled, finally relaxing.
Yeongsoo smirked. "You were more nervous than him."
"Was not."
"You literally laid out five different outfits for him last night."
"That’s just called being prepared."
Yeongsoo chuckled, wrapping an arm around Haeun’s waist as they walked back to the car. "Alright, CEO Haeun, off to the company?"
"Yeah," Haeun said, adjusting his bag. "I just want to check on things... and my brother."
Yeongsoo shot him a knowing look. "And by ’check on things,’ you mean micromanage the entire company for an hour?"
Haeun scoffed. "Excuse me, I do not micromanage—"
Yeongsoo arched a brow.
Haeun sighed. "Fine. Maybe a little. But I’ll be quick!"
****************
Suho swung his legs under his desk, looking around the bright classroom with wide eyes. His new school was bigger than he had expected, and there were so many kids—some laughing loudly, others chatting in small groups.
He tightened his grip on the straps of his backpack. It was his first day, and even though Haeun had told him he’d do great, he still felt a little nervous.
The teacher clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention. "Alright, class! Let’s all introduce ourselves."
One by one, the kids stood up and said their names. Suho listened carefully, but there were too many names to remember. Then, suddenly, it was his turn.
He hesitated for a moment before standing up. "I’m Cheon Suho."
The teacher smiled encouragingly. "Welcome, Suho! I hope you make lots of friends here."
Suho nodded quickly and sat down again, his ears burning. Friends...
He glanced around the room, but no one really looked his way. That was okay. Haeun and Yeongsoo had told him it was normal to be shy at first. He just had to take things one step at a time.
As the lesson started, Suho tried his best to focus. He wanted to do well. He wanted to make both Haeun and Yeongsoo proud.