Chapter Text
Even though he’s the one that told Sunghoon to be patient, Seokjin finds he simply cannot wait to propose. Now that the idea has popped into his head it festers, beginning to be tended to. He makes a plan, quickly realizing he’ll need Yoongi and Jimin’s assistance. This only further justifies the necessity of doing it soon — Jimin cannot keep a secret from Taehyung to save his life.
On Tuesday, after Taehyung goes to the bakery, Seokjin visits a jeweler and buys a ring. He picks a silver ring two-toned with two bands of gold on the top and bottom. Between the golden bands, a subtle paisley pattern is etched on the ring’s surface. The delicate carvings seem far more befitting for Taehyung, an intricate artist in his own right, than a gemstone. He prays his instinct is correct.
Seokjin tucks the ring box into the back of the pantry, behind the coffee tin that Taehyung never touches. On Wednesday, he calls Yoongi and Jimin. Jimin cries — as expected — and offers Seokjin whatever help he requires. Seokjin explains his plan and they agree to take on their designated duties.
Yoongi leaves Jimin on the phone alone with Seokjin to settle a fight between Jake and Jay. “I’m worried this is happening too fast. I mean I only alluded to it Monday. But I also feel like I can’t wait a day longer,” the elder continues. Feeling bold, Seokjin asks Jimin, “When Yoongi proposed to you, Jimin-ah, how did you know you were ready to say yes?”
Seokjin can hear the smile in Jimin’s voice as he replies, “Yoongi never does anything unless he’s certain, hyung. And if he was sure, I was sure, too.”
Seokjin hums, understanding. A brief silence passes between them until Seokjin says, “I never thanked you for begging him to move here. Thank you, Jimin-ah.”
Jimin’s silvery laugh fills the receiver. “You’ve thanked me by making him happy, hyung. Before he met you, I had never seen him so happy. Or you, for that matter.”
Jimin, unfortunately, misses the smile on Seokjin’s face, spread so wide it hurts his cheeks. “Yeah,” Seokjin breathes. “I really love him.”
“I know, hyung.”
On Thursday, Seokjin carefully explains the plan to Sunghoon. He leaves out details — the less the kid knows, the better — but Sunghoon is ecstatic regardless. Sunghoon asks if he can give Taehyung a present, too. Seokjin, of course, says yes.
On Friday, after the couple drops Sunghoon off at school, Seokjin kisses Taehyung goodbye then goes for a haircut. Sunghoon tells him how handsome he looks when he picks him up later, as do Yoongi and Jimin when he takes Sunghoon to their apartment. Sunghoon sprints inside to play with Jay and Jake, sharing none of his father’s nerves for the evening.
When Seokjin passes Yoongi Sunghoon’s bag with shaky hands, his friend pats him on the arm. “Relax, hyung.” Seokjin shoots him an incredulous look. “Everything is going to be fine.” The elder lets out a shuddering breath he didn’t even realize he was holding. “As long as you don’t throw up.”
For that comment, Seokjin tugs Yoongi’s ear before leaving.
By the time Taehyung gets home from the bakery, Seokjin has already showered and dressed for the evening. He slicked his hair back, exposing his forehead like the younger loves, and wears a light gray suit. Checking himself out in the mirror, he admits to himself that he looks good. Like husband material, I hope, he thinks.
He waits on the couch for Taehyung’s arrival. The second the younger walks through the door, his expression lights up. “Well, hello there, handsome,” he says with a warm smile. Seokjin stands to greet him, enveloping Taehyung in a hug and giving him a brief, but tender, kiss.
“Hi,” Seokjin replies. “How was your day?”
“It was fine.” Taehyung eyes Seokjin’s suit, playfully tugging on a lapel. “What are you all dressed up for?”
“You,” Seokjin answers simply. He smacks another kiss on Taehyung’s lips then starts to push the younger away, much to his chagrin. “Now it’s your turn. We need to leave in thirty minutes.”
“Thirty minutes? Where are we going?” Taehyung finally gives a cursory peek around the apartment, noting Sunghoon’s absence. “Where’s Sunghoon-ah?”
“Yoongi and Jimin took him.” Using some force, Seokjin turns Taehyung towards the bedroom and pats his butt. “Now go get ready. No more questions until you’re dressed.”
Seokjin told Taehyung thirty minutes knowing they really had forty-five. Forty minutes later, Taehyung rushes out of the bedroom spilling apologies. Seokjin waves them off. He looks like a dream, opting for a silk suit of burnt sienna and a floral scarf tied at his neck. Even fresh out of the shower, the ends of his curly hair still damp, he appears to glow. Seokjin holds him again, whispering compliments in his ear that makes Taehyung’s cheeks turn pink.
“Ready?” The elder asks. When Taehyung nods, Seokjin extends an elbow to Taehyung the old-fashioned way. Taehyung takes it with an endeared chuckle. Still, he squeezes Seokjin’s bicep before they step out into the cool of the night.
Seokjin takes Taehyung to his favorite restaurant. They are a bit overdressed for the environment, which Taehyung points out, but Seokjin just tells him that it’s more special to be the best-looking pair in a room. Judging by the glances from other tables as the two laugh and talk, stuck in their own little world, Seokjin was not wrong. Seokjin tells Taehyung he must save room for dessert.
Enticed, Taehyung asks, “Are you the dessert?” Seokjin playfully slaps his hand.
“Only if you’re good, Voo-ah,” he quips back. Taehyung sips his wine with a smug grin, not commenting.
Towards the end of the meal, Taehyung asks what time they have to pick up Sunghoon. “We don’t,” Seokjin explains. “He’s having a sleepover with Jake and Jay.”
Taehyung’s smile, which has not left his face all night, grows even wider. “Really? So I have you all to myself all night?” Taehyung bumps his foot against Seokjin’s. “Are you sure we have to have dessert?”
Trying not to sound suspiciously adamant, Seokjin nods. “You’ll love dessert, Voo,” he assures him with a smirk, “I promise.”
Seokjin pays for the meal — grabbing at the check with lightning speed before Taehyung can stubbornly intercept it — and they leave the restaurant arm in arm once more. As soon as they’re on the street, Taehyung’s interrogation continues. “Where is this dessert you’ve promised me? It better be amazing, hyung. I’m a harsh critic.”
Laughing, Seokjin begins to tug Taehyung down the street. “You certainly are,” he concedes. “Luckily for you, this spot has the best desserts in Brooklyn.”
Taehyung raises his eyebrows, impressed. “If you say so, hyung. You better not lead me astray,” he playfully warns. Seokjin lifts the hand tucked next to his elbow to his lips.
“Never, my love,” he promises.
It takes a surprisingly long time for Taehyung to recognize their path. Then again, the younger has never been the best at directions. “This is the bakery’s block,” Taehyung finally points out. “Where are we going?”
Seokjin smiles coyly at him. “I told you, the best dessert in Brooklyn,” he repeats right at the entrance to Serendipity.
Taehyung laughs at him, shaking his head. “Hyung, it’s closed now, you know that.”
“Hmm,” Seokjin hums. He lets go of Taehyung to stride to the door. Grasping the handle, he tugs and, as he expected, the door opens up. “Is it?”
Confused, yet delighted, Taehyung shoots Seokjin a confused look. Seokjin wordlessly gestures for the younger to step inside. Taehyung does so without argument and the elder follows him inside, this time actually bolting the door behind them.
The bakery is shrouded in darkness except for the red glow of the emergency exit sign. “Hyung,” Taehyung tuts, “what are we — “
The introduction of light to the space interrupts Taehyung’s question. Instead of the normal fluorescents, however, pink and white Christmas lights paint the room in a happy, rosy glow. Taehyung gasps, jumping closer to Seokjin in his surprise. He’s equally frightened by the sudden change in lights and the unexpected appearance of Jimin, Yoongi, and Sunghoon behind the counter.
Sunghoon does not waste a single moment to greet them. “Tata!” He shrieks happily, already running around the counter and across the bakery floor to him. Taehyung instantly crouches to scoop the child into a sweeping hung.
“Hey there, little prince,” Taehyung says, confusion evident across his handsome features. “What are you doing here?” Taehyung looks over at Yoongi and Jimin, both smirking at him. “And what are you doing here? Where are Jay and Jake?”
“Babysitter,” Yoongi states plainly.
Taehyung starts to press for an answer but Seokjin interrupts him by placing a hand on his shoulder. When Taehyung peers up at him through his long eyelashes and flopping hair, Seokjin thinks he might keel over. In the low, pink light, Taehyung is the loveliest thing Seokjin has ever seen. A true vision, love personified looking right into his eyes.
Taehyung gapes at him for a moment, opening and closing his mouth while he tries to articulate his question, but it never comes. Seokjin kneels to the ground. With one hand, he cups Taehyung’s cheek; the other gently guides Sunghoon out of Taehyung’s arms and to his side.
Seokjin stares adoringly at Taehyung. He briefly wonders if the silence is awkward for Yoongi and Jimin in their little corner. They cannot see the tenderness held in their gaze or the subtle brush of Seokjin’s thumb across Taehyung’s cheekbone.
“Voo-ah,” Seokjin breathes. Taehyung’s smile knocks the air right out of him. “There’s something Sunghoon-ah and I want to ask you.” Seokjin drops his hand from Taehyung’s face, immediately missing the warmth. Taking Sunghoon by both shoulders, he makes eye contact with his son, checking in on him. Sunghoon’s grin is broad and proud. “Do you remember what we practiced, bokyo?” Seokjin asks. Sunghoon’s nod is confident so Seokjin lets him go and allows the child to turn back to Taehyung.
“Tata,” Sunghoon begins, already sounding shaky despite his previous assuredness. Taehyung reaches out for the child’s hand, quietly encouraging him. “Tata, my appa loves you a lot,” he continues. Taehyung’s small laugh sounds almost pained but his happiness is evident in his sparkling eyes. “And I love you a lot, too! And - and - “ Seokjin rubs his sons back for support, “and appa told me that because you love each other if you wanted you could be my appa, too.” Sunghoon takes a deep breath, gulping down more of his nerves. “And I would really really really like that. And appa would also like it a lot.”
Taehyung’s eyes are already brimming with tears. Even though he’s the one crying, he cups Sunghoon’s face in his hands and strokes the child’s cheeks. “Sunghoonie — “ he starts, choking up before he can say anything else. Seokjin leans over and kisses Sunghoon’s head.
“You did a really good job, Hoonie,” he praises. “My turn now?”
Taehyung drops his hands right as Sunghoon nods, staring wide-eyed at the elder. “Hyung,” he murmurs lowly, already in disbelief when Seokjin withdraws the ring box from his suit’s inner pocket.
Sunghoon tugs on Taehyung’s arm, indicating for him to stand. The younger man laughs at the child’s antics but follows his instructions, leaving only Seokjin on one knee below him. Seokjin swallows, words thick in his throat, then grabs Taehyung’s shaking left hand.
“Taehyung-ah,” he starts, gazing deeply into Taehyung’s dark eyes. “A few days ago I told you that you are the love of my life - that I’ll never want anyone but you for as long as I live. Both of those things are true, but it’s more than that.” Seokjin pauses, gathering himself briefly, and Taehyung squeezes his hand for encouragement. “For a long time, I thought I’d have to do this whole parenting thing alone. I thought it was just always going to be me and Sunghoon, and that was just fine, until I met you. You are the only person I want to raise a child with, Taehyung. I want to see the three of our names together on every Christmas card, invitation, school paperwork, all of it. I want everyone to know that this — “ Seokjin lightly shakes Taehyung’s hand “ — is my partner and this — “ he looks over at Sunghoon lovingly “ — is our son.”
Seokjin uses his free hand to pop open the ring box. The second he sees the silver band, Taehyung brings his fist to his mouth, biting back a sob. “Taehyung,” Seokjin repeats. “I love you with all my heart. Will you — “
Before Seokjin can even finish his question, Taehyung crashes right into him. Seokjin and Taehyung go reeling back in tandem. By the time Seokjin hits the floor, Taehyung’s lips are already on his. Seokjin cups his jaw once more, feeling the wetness of his cheeks and tasting the salty tears on his lips. Their smiles are both so broad that their teeth knock together as they kiss. In the distance, he can hear Sunghoon turning to Yoongi and Jimin to ask if that’s a yes.
Taehyung breaks the kiss with a melodic laugh. “Yes,” he says, knocking his forehead against Taehyung’s.
“Yah,” Seokjin scolds with absolutely no bite or malice. “You didn’t let me finish.”
“You were taking too long,” the younger teases, kissing him once more. Seokjin sits them upright, lips still locked, before once again pausing their affection.
“No, I practiced and everything, I’m going to say it for real,” he happily insists. Both seated, Seokjin leaves his hand on Taehyung’s face, staring lovingly at him as he finally asks, “Marry me?”
Taehyung nods emphatically, soaring forward to connect their lips one more time while Seokjin slips the ring onto his finger. Yoongi and Jimin hoot and holler in the corner — Seokjin is sure he can hear Jimin sniffling — along with Sunghoon right next to them. After a moment, the kiss ends and Taehyung immediately turns to Sunghoon, opening his arms for him.
The child runs right between the couple and quickly gets enveloped in a bone-crushing hug. Sunghoon faces Taehyung and carefully wipes some tears off his cheeks. Taehyung kisses the child’s head before hugging him again. “Sungsung,” he coos, “I love you so much, buddy.”
“Does this mean you’re my appa now?” Sunghoon sweetly queries.
“We’re not married yet, buddy,” Seokjin explains as he fondly strokes his son’s hair. “We still have to have a wedding.”
“But,” Taehyung adds. “If you want, you don’t have to wait. You don’t have to call me Tata anymore.” Seokjin beams at Taehyung and worries his heart might pop like a balloon.
Sunghoon worms his way closer to Taehyung. Seokjin lets him go so he can fully tuck himself into Taehyung’s chest, cheek pressed against Taehyung’s sternum. “The other kids at school call their dads “daddy”,” Sunghoon says. “Can I call you that?”
Taehyung kisses the top of Sunghoon’s hair several times. “Whatever you want, baby.”
Sunghoon tilts his head to stare up at Taehyung, looking nearly as fond as Seokjin does when he does the same thing. “I love you, Daddy,” Sunghoon practices. The pair break out into brilliant smiles at the phrase, solidifying its perfection.
The trio’s little bubble gets popped by Jimin’s inability to quiet his crying, even when muffled by Yoongi’s sweater. Taehyung laughs as he tightly hugs his best friend, who smothers him with affection and fusses over the ring with him. Meanwhile, Yoongi gives Seokjin a firm handshake and side hug while the two watch their partners gush, endeared.
Seokjin eventually tugs Taehyung away from Jimin, already missing the feeling of his fiancé in his arms. “I hate to interrupt the celebration, but it is way past our son’s bedtime,” Seokjin reminds him, pointing at the yawning Sunghoon. “And I’m very ready to have some alone time with my fiancé.”
Blushing, Taehyung agrees, kissing Seokjin as if it were necessary to live. “Okay, Sunghoonie, say goodbye for the night,” Jimin commands. Sunghoon gives both fathers a hug, Taehyung’s featuring an extra squeeze, before following Yoongi and Jimin out the back door. Finally, the couple is alone.
Like magnets, their lips attach again, both passionate and tender. Seokjin’s arm around Taehyung’s waist is tight enough that the younger dips slightly backward when Seokjin tugs him closer. Taehyung threads his hands through the elder’s hair, mussing his tamed locks with abandon. When they finally come up for air, their chests heave and their smiles are brighter than the sun.
“You really want to marry me?” Taehyung asks at a whisper, as if it were a secret.
Seokjin chuckles as he tucks a stray hair behind Taehyung’s ear. “I want to do everything with you,” Seokjin promises.
Taehyung hums his agreement before they kiss again — this one long and slow. They are in no rush. They have forever.
Eventually, Seokjin whines about being in public and practically shoves Taehyung out the pre-locked back door. Taehyung tries to keep kissing him but Seokjin lightly guides him away, “At home, at home,” he tuts. “I won’t get arrested for public indecency before we even have our wedding.”
Taehyung keeps his head on Seokjin’s shoulder for the entire walk, not caring that it hurts his neck — it gives Seokjin the perfect access to kiss the crown of Taehyung’s head whenever he wants.
“I should warn you,” Seokjin says, “Sunghoon wants siblings. A lot of them, apparently.”
Taehyung laughs heartily. Head still perched on his shoulder, Taehyung looks up at him and says, “I’m game if you are, hyung.”
Seokjin breaks his own rule and stops them in the street to kiss him properly. He tries not to get too lost in it — they are only a few blocks from home — but he can’t help but marvel in the perfect fit of Taehyung’s body against his, how they slide together like puzzle pieces. “With you?” Seokjin mutters, hugging Taehyung tightly, “Sounds like a dream.”
Seokjin has an important afternoon meeting with a client, leaving Taehyung to pick up Sunghoon alone. He’s started taking fewer hours at the bakery to focus on his art but also on his family, spending more time alone with Sunghoon than before. They pick special activities for just the two of them — no Seokjin involved — and Sunghoon loves them. According to his teacher, he brags about his new dad constantly. It makes Taehyung swell with pride.
Sunghoon enters the gym where the school does pick-up with his kindergarten class, already looking around for Taehyung. He grins and waves dramatically when he sees him. Taehyung gives him a small wave in return and a warning look to stay in line. Once the teacher starts to dismiss, Sunghoon points in Taehyung’s direction, and the teacher gives him his goodbye high-five. Then Sunghoon is off like a racehorse, barreling at Taehyung with his backpack bouncing left and right.
Taehyung crouches to meet the child’s hug, huffing at the impact. “Daddy!” Sunghoon exclaims, wrapping as much of himself around Taehyung’s neck as he can. Taehyung peppers kisses on Sunghoon’s cheek.
“Hi, baby,” Taehyung greets cheerfully. “How was school?”
“It was great,” Sunghoon states. He steps out of the hug but as soon as Taehyung is on his feet, he takes his father’s hand. Taehyung’s heart still warms at the gesture. He wonders if he’ll ever adjust to the unbridled affection — he sort of hopes not. “We got caterpillars and we’re going to turn them into butterflies.”
“Butterflies, huh? Sounds like hard work.”
They walk straight from school to the ice rink, hand in hand the whole way. Since starting kindergarten, he’s upped his classes to twice a week. His passion for the sport is as clear as his talent.
The same receptionist welcomes them from the front. She silently checks in Sunghoon then eyes the duo, clearly looking for Seokjin. Feeling petty, Taehyung lifts Sunghoon to sit on his hip then looks the secretary square in the eye and says, “Kim Taehyung. The paperwork should show I’m Sunghoon’s father.”
The receptionist narrows her eyes, displeased by the snark, then waves in the direction of the locker room. “Go ahead,” she sighs.
As they walk away, Sunghoon whispers in Taehyung’s ear, “I don’t think Appa likes her, Daddy.”
Taehyung snorts, ruffling Sunghoon’s hair. “I don’t either, buddy. But you know who I love?”
Sunghoon smiles in a way that shows he already knows the answer. Still, he decides to play along. “Who?” He asks, voice sweet as cotton candy.
Taehyung kisses the boy’s forehead, sweeping his long black hair back. He looks just like Seokjin, both pretty and adorable. The happiness radiating off of him is enough to energize Taehyung for days. “You, bokyo. I love you.”