Haircut
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"Uh... Dad?"
Mango raised an eyebrow, staring at the door. Gold sounded unusually quiet and hesitant, knocking on the door of adult's room. He put down the test he was checking and turned in his computer chair
"Yes?" Mango answered after a moment, "Is everything okay, kiddo?"
"Promise you won't be mad?" These words made Mango tense a little bit. Usually they meant Gold got in troubles. Not like he was causing a lot of headache, no. Boy was pretty kind and responsible, as Mango tried to teach him. But he still was a 10-year-old, causing the mischief from time to time.
"Promise. Now, come in and tell me what happened" Mango knew that he won't get mad at Gold. Maybe a little, but so far he didn't manage to make his father loose temper. Gold slowly opened the door and peeked inside. Mango smiled reassuringly, but as kid entered fully, his face changed into surprise and even shock
Mango took of his glasses for a moment to rub hia eyes, and put them on, blinking dumbfounded at his son.
"What... What happened with your hair?" Adult spoke, trying to hide his confusion. Gold, instead of reaching the shoulder blades curls he had just this morning, had short haircut, left side longer than right. It wasn't as bad as it could be, but Mango still was left in disbelief. Why on the earth would Gold cut his hair like that, out of blue.
"I... I cut them" Gold looked away, staring at the floor.
Mango sighed. "I see it, kiddo. Why?" He approached, trying to not sound angry. Orange stickfigure couldn't deny that he loved his son's hair, and such a drastic change was unexpected. He slightly crouched, getting on Gold's eye level.
"I wanted shorter hair" Boy admitted, hiding his hands behind his back, as if he has made unforgivable sin.
"You could've asked me to get you to the hairdresser, you know?" Mango chuckled, brushing the hair strand away from Gold's face. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I thought you wouldn't like me cutting my hair" Gold said with a bit cautious tone. Mango sighed again. Was it because he often told kid that he likes how his hair looks?
"What makes you think so? I may liked your longer hair, but it's up to you to decide how to look." Adult started, making sure kid was listening to him carefully. "You're old enough to have preferences, and I'm here to support you, give advice, but not to make all decisions for you"
Boy looked at his father, relaxing gradually. Relieved that Mango is not angry or disappointed, Gold breathed out, at which Mango nodded, satisfied that kid heard him.
"And for how long you planned this style change, Mr. Surprise?" Mango tease lightheartedly, chuckling at Gold's immediate pout.
"A few days" Gold huffed, turning his head away and crossing his arms on his chest. Mango only kindly laughed, shaking his head and straightening up.
"Come on kid, I'm just joking. No need to pout." He softened, ruffling boy's hair. Gold huffed again, but didn't stop his father. "We can get this fixed tomorrow after the festival, how does that sound?"
"But I will look strange at the photos" Gold protested, shaking his head.
"Well, I would say 'unique' instead." Mango reassured, "I can correct some strands that are too long, but your hair looks fine, trust me."
Gold nodded and quickly brought the scissors, sitting on the chair and letting adult fix his haircut. Mango only carefully cut some tips, but kept the main form as Gold made it. Boy ended up liking it and agreeing that he can survive like that for another day, till they get to the hair salon.
... Unfortunately, they didn't make it there the next day, nor any other.