Chapter Text
This was not how he had planned things at all.
He did not expect that in this last month the person he loathed since he knew of his existence would integrate into his life week by week.
But one way or another, Jihoon had become a constant presence in his life. Or well, at least in Seungkwan's life.
The young man came every Friday to take care of the little one, and since Seungcheol was an idiot and public transport was not the best option at that time of the day when he ended his 'shift', Jeonghan would take him home in his car or let him have the guest room.
There was still something weird between them, that invisible barrier that did not allow them to have a real conversation beyond certain comments here and there.
He was awkward at times, but he was surprised that at least he no longer felt rejection towards Jihoon.
He couldn't, not when one night he arrived early and found him snuggled up with Seungkwan on the couch, trying to calm the boy who had had a nightmare.
It could be said that his heart softened a little.
How to hate someone who the sun of his life was son fond of?
Damn that sensitive soul of him.
Today was Friday again, and he kept wondering why he didn't just allow himself to accept Lee Jihoon's existence as a normal person before he arrived.
"Dad," called his eldest son, who hadn't had school today, approaching with a hesitant smile, "You know? Today you are more handsome than usual, did you do something with your hair? It looks nice"
He raised an eyebrow at the compliment, crossing his arms.
“What do you want?” he asked bluntly, pursing his lips at his son's surprised grin.
"It's not that I want something… Well, yes, but…" Hansol began to stammer, taking a breath "Can I go to Chan's house? The guys will go and..."
"No," he denied in one go, rolling his eyes at his son's groan. "You know I won't be home tonight, and there won't be anyone to pick you up."
"I'm fifteen now, I can take care of myself!"
"You're a child" He finished, ignoring the complaints with a heavy sigh "Hansol, no, and that's it"
His eldest son almost never threw tantrums, even when he was little, but the rare time he did, he always stormed off.
Just like now, that he left slamming the door to his room.
He sighed again, massaging his temple.
It's not that he wanted to deprive his son of going out with friends, but he would be late from work, and he wouldn't allow him to come home alone at night, because it was dangerous.
So Hansol should obey him and that would be it.
Later he would make it up to him, but he couldn't let him go to his friend's house today.
*******
Hansol was upset.
He understood his father's reasoning, but he was annoyed that in the end they hadn't let him attend the outing at Chan's house.
With no classes, his friends had planned to play video games all afternoon, and he wanted to go, but he couldn't.
"Not that it was that far," he complained, talking to himself in his room, pacing while he stomped up and down in frustration. "And granparents sure let him out whenever he wanted at my age, I know."
A light knock on his door made him turn abruptly to it.
"Now what do you want?!"
He widened his eyes, being reflected by who was on the other side of the hall.
He thought it would be his dad who was coming, but it turned out to be his brother's new babysitter, or as he used to say, his "dad's boyfriend."
In quotes because Choi Seingcheol was never a real father to him, in his life there was only Jeonghan and Seungkwan.
He sincerely cared the least about Mr. Lee's existence, but it bothered him deep inside to know that he does have the attention of his father, and he doesn't.
But that wasn't the point, the point is that he just yelled at someone's face who really hasn't done anything, and even though he's upset, Hansol isn't insensitively disrespectful.
“I…excuse me, Jihoon-ssi,” he hurriedly said, bowing slightly, “I didn't want to yell at you."
"It's alright..." assured the eldest, scratching the back of his neck. "I just came to ask you if you wanted tteokbokki."
He nodded, flattening his lips.
"Yes, thanks..."
He felt slightly embarrassed by the look of the other, who was watching him with concern.
“Hansol, I don't intend to be nosy, but… Is everything okay?"
He nodded again.
"All good, just…" he stammered, gesturing with his hand, "…I had a bad day, that's all."
Jihoon was the one who nodded this time, and he followed him to the kitchen, where he would start preparing dinner.
Since Jihoon has a "steady" job as Seungkwan's babysitter, he's been eating homemade food every weekend, and honestly, he's enjoying it way too much.
His dad didn't have enough time to cook all the time, and if he's being honest, he doesn't like how he cooks the rice.
So even if he didn't like Jihoon at all, he had to admit that the man wasn't a bad person either, even if Hansol treated him a bit cold from time to time.
He cooked delicious food for them, played with Seungkwan, even tried to stay out of his way so as not to bother him.
Jihoon knows that he doesn't like him.
Which now makes him feel a little bad.
The eldest didn't deserve his treatment, not when he was so nice to his brother and him. He has his reasons for not liking him, yes, but he's starting to notice that it's still something against Seungcheol, not Jihoon.
He steeled himself, he would try to be a better person too.
"So..." he muttered in the middle of dinner, and the other two turned to him in surprise, since he almost never spoke in those days. "How long have you known my dad?"
He thought he sensed a certain tension in the other, but he could have imagined it.
"Ah, for about two or three years," answered the eldest, lowering his gaze. "We had friends in common."
He nodded, stirring his food.
Great, he didn't know what else to talk about.
He scanned the place, looking for something to talk about until he came across a distinctive case.
"Is that a guitar?" He asked, pointing to the object, to which he noticed a slight smile from the other "Is it yours?"
"Mhm, they were repairing it" Jihoon commented, getting up to go get it "Do you want to take a look at it?"
Without saying anything he got up to follow him, unconsciously pouting curiously.
He used to play guitar as a kid, but he quit shortly after his dad left them, and since he hasn't practiced anymore he doesn't remember much.
He expected to find an acoustic guitar, but instead a red electric guitar was what he set his eyes into.
"Oh wow, that's so awesome…" he murmured, looking at the instrument in amazement, "I thought you were a music teacher for children, is this what you teach them?"
"I work at an academy" Explained the older, carefully removing Seungkwan's hand who, out of curiosity, wanted to turn the guitar pegs "So I teach different courses."
"Jihoon hyung makes songs too!" His brother announced out of nowhere, extending both arms with excitement "Just like you, Hyung!"
He was a little embarrassed that his hobby was exposed in this way. What happened to Seungkwan? Why was he being a gossip today?
But something struck him in that.
Does Jihoon make music too?
"Do you compose, Hansol?" The eldest asked with interest, to which he was about to deny "I have some projects on my computer, do you want to see them?"
Let's just say the night took an interesting turn, and he had completely forgotten why he had been upset in the first place.
*******
The least Jeonghan expected to see when he got home from work was Hansol and Jihoon, both of them talking excitedly while they had their computers in front of them, pointing out some little things and colored stripes that he didn't understand at all.
None of them had noticed his presence, clearly very involved in whatever they were discussing, so he just walked past the room, until he reached the hall and then to Seungkwan's room, who was already asleep and wrapped up.
He smiled slightly, approaching to leave a little kiss on his forehead and leave without making much noise.
He arched his back and stretched out his arms, feeling the weariness of the day taking over his body.
When he turned to the living room, Hansol was gone, only Jihoon remained, preparing his belongings to leave.
"Today I prepared tteokbokki" The younger commented, with a slight smile "You know where I keep everything, it's just a matter of heating it up and..."
"Join me."
He was surprised to catch that he had said that out loud, but he pretended that he meant it, acting as natural as possible by bringing his food to the oven, contrary to Jihoon who looked totally puzzled by his request.
"...Okay."
It was awkward, both of them silent as they ate, glancing at each other sideways.
Jeonghan doesn't know why he wanted Jihoon to stay a while longer, or well, he knew but he didn't want to admit that that's the only reason he wanted to talk to him.
"You managed to entertain Hansol," he commented, clearing his throat as he caught sight of those brown eyes from across the table. "When I left he was upset, but I see he was having fun."
"Ah, yes...He likes music" Was all Jihoon said.
"I see that he liked you too" He admitted, surprising his guest for the second time that night, who, although he wanted to hide it, seemed happy "Ah, what did you do to win over my children, Lee Jihoon?"
He clearly meant it as a joke, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere that they had between their hands, not expecting the other to look so alarmed at his comment.
Out of nowhere, Jihoon looked flustered, waving his hands in denial.
"Excuse me if I'm crossing some kind of boundary, Mr. Yoon, I..."
"Hey, I'm just playing," he assured quickly, taking the younger's hands to calm him down. "You haven't done anything wrong. It just amazes me how quickly they liked you...they're not usually like that."
Which was true.
Although his two sons are little angels, most of the time at least, they were very reserved with the rest of the world, had very few friends each.
They were very shy around strangers, so his doubt was valid.
How is it that in such a short time they had both accepted Jihoon into their lives?
"Oh I see..."
"And I already told you not to call me "Mr. Yoon", it makes me feel old" He complained, snorting slightly "I'm only what? Five years older then you?"
"Something like that," the other replied, shrugging his shoulders, already seeming calmer, "I'm sorry, I don't want to sound disrespectful, it's just that... given the circumstances, it's somewhat difficult for me to have a conversation with you."
He tilted his head, feeling totally identified.
Jihoon didn't mean it in a bad way, he understood, it was the truth.
But what was the fun of both of them tiptoeing around each other?
The problem here was external, it had a first and last name.
Or maybe... the problem was him, who pushed Jihoon away from the start as soon as he saw him.
He had literally yelled at his face, what a great first impression.
He shook his head, looking up determinedly.
He had promised himself that first night when he invited Jihoon to stay at his house that he would try to make things right. And this was a good time to start.
"It seems to me that... I didn't get off to the best start with you," he admitted, bowing his head slightly. "I apologize for that."
"No need for an apology" The younger assured, and when he turned around, he was able see a slight smile that appeared on his face "I know that time you were only worried about Seungkwan."
"That doesn't justify how I treated you after, or even before," he interrupted, sighing and letting out a smile as well. "My relationship with Seungcheol... is a mess, but that's no reason for me to have been so cold to you. Especially when you've only been helping me ever since we met... So, I'd like to start over with you"
The moment felt strangely special, as if a big weight had finally been lifted off of him with that apology.
The reward for him?
That calm feeling in his chest as Jihoon smiled more genuinely.
"That sounds great," the younger muttered, his eyes forming little crescents and for some reason that had an effect on his heartbeat.
They fell silent, just looking into each other's eyes.
"What are you doing?"
Faced with the unexpected question, both adults turned towards the entrance to the kitchen, where a five-year-old boy was scratching his eyes, looking confused.
It was only there that Jeonghan noticed that his hands were still holding Jihoon's.
The younger noticed it too, and they both cleared their throats, letting go abruptly.
“Nothing, nothing, Seungkwannie, what are you doing awake?” He was quick to question, standing up to lead the boy back to his room, “Did you have a nightmare, honey?
Seungkwan nodded, making an adorable pout.
He picked him up, turning around so he could escape, I mean, get the little boy out of the kitchen.
"Come on, I'll tuck you in."
"I want Hoonie hyung to come too," the boy pointed out, beckoning for the aforementioned to follow them.
They both laughed lightly, indulging the boy's whims.
As they helped the little boy to sleep, Jeonghan couldn't help but be captivated by Jihoon's singing voice.
He had a beautiful voice, and he is grateful that his son asked to hear it that time.
He didn't sleep all night, well aware of the big smile he kept on his face, feeling an inexplicable happiness, as if he was starting a new chapter, or something.
He did not know that in one of the adjoining rooms, a young man was in the same condition, only much more surprised.
*******
As time passed, the whispered talks at night became an habit for both of them.
Every Friday that Jeonghan came home from work, his children were already asleep, but there was someone waiting for him for dinner, and to talk about his day.
It was still something strange for both of them, he couldn't deny that, but he couldn't do it either with the fact that his expectations of getting home and spending time with Jihoon were bigger than he supposed.
Everything was going well, too well.
He was doing great at his job, his kids loved Jihoon, Seungcheol hadn't bothered them again... all good enough to be real.
But every fantasy comes to an end.
When one night, arriving at his house, although Jihoon was still there, his smile was not.
Concerned, he had asked him what was happening, and he did not expect the news to shock him so much.
"I broke up with Seungcheol this morning," the younger had commented quietly, sniffling a little "I... I'm so tired, Jeonghan, I'm just so tired. Was everything like this when you were together?"
He didn't need to specify, he knew exactly what was going on.
Seungcheol had gotten bored again, and Jihoon couldn't take it.
"It was the best thing you could do, that man can't be fixed" he mumbled, rubbing his back while he felt a great impotence.
Would it be too ironic to give that man what he deserved now? When was it Jihoon who suffered and not him?
He was so lost with his angry thoughts he hardly realizes what would break his balance.
"I'll go back to Busan."
His world stopped suddenly.
"What? To Busan? Why?" He asked confused, coming around the chair where Jihoon was hunched over, crouching in front of him to look him in the face. "Just because of that idiot? What about your job? Your old house?"
"I don't have anything here," Jihoon admitted shakily, his eyes locking with his, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I met Seungchol in Busan, he brought me here. I don't know anyone else, I don't have a house...My salary is not high enough to sustain me in Seoul!"
Jeonghan felt his heart break a little.
Jihoon loved his work at the academy, he told him about it a while ago, and having to leave it because of this…was devastating.
And it sounded selfish, but he was just beginning to forge a friendship with the youner, he didn't want it to end so fast.
And what would happen to Hansol? Who would share his passion?
What about Seungkwan? He would be devastated by the news that Jihoon was leaving.
He had to do something, he had to...
"Stay here" He declared with a firm voice, surprising the other "With your salary as a teacher and babysitter you will be able to save enough to be able to stand on your own in some time... But please, Jihoon, don't go."
Glassy-eyed, the other started to deny the offer, but he shut him up, taking both hands.
"Please..."
"...How can you ask me something like that?"
*******
Jeonghan stood up with a groan.
He really didn't like waking up in the morning, but no way, he had to go to work.
His mood didn't improve until he reached the kitchen, where a delicious smell flooded his senses.
Oh, how he loved homemade breakfast.
"Good morning," he greeted with a smile to those present in the dining room, who smiled back at him.
"Dad, you got up early!" Exclaimed the seven-year-old boy, laughing. "It's a miracle!"
He rolled his eyes, lovingly ruffling Seungkwan's hair, who was still laughing at him.
“Did you fall out of bed?” His eldest son joked, whom he lightly pulled on the cheek, earning a groan, “Dad, it hurts!
"Don't be dramatic," he scolded, it being his turn to laugh at the teen's pout, who was massaging his cheek.
He went to his seat but not before hugging the third person in the room from behind, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Good morning," he whispered, squeezing him lightly. "Everything looks delicious, as usual."
Jihoon laughed, turning slightly so he could kiss him right on the lips.
"I'm glad you like it."
"Ugh, save that for when we're not here" Hansol requested, with a disgusted face, but in his eyes and his tone you could see the love and happiness he felt for both of them.
He winked at his partner, who just went on with his own breakfast, keeping a smile every second.
Sitting in his respective chair, Jeonghan took a moment to simply watch his family, feeling amazed at how time passed, how things changed...
He shook his head, reminding himself that he shouldn't give so much importance to the past now, and that he should focus on his present and future.
He smiled again, knowing that as long as he had these three people by his side, everything would be fine.
*******
Fin.