Work Text:
Yoon Jeonghan is finally home after having the most tiring day of his life. It’s Monday, so anything could happen. He takes a few deep breaths after sipping on his sweet tea, reflecting on what’s been happening over the past 10 hours.
He woke up late, drove his kid to the school where he works – which, if he showed up just 5 minutes later at that time, he could have his kid locked by the security guard. But that didn’t happen. Things were great at the office until one of his student’s parents decided to make a scene, calling all the teachers sloppy and pathetic for not winning their kid in a Mathlete competition. Little did the teachers know, the parent was drunk and was in the middle of a rough divorce. Yikes.
Not only that, but Jeonghan’s kid had a nosebleed because of a dodgeball fight – which made that 29-year-old run to the school clinic from the third floor. When he got to the clinic, his kid was happily laughing his pain off with his friends and said, “Shouldn’t you be working, Mr. Yoon?”. Then he answered, “Shouldn’t you be studying, Mr. Yoon Jungwon?”.
Life in the Yoon household always has its own comedic twist. Though it is exhausting, Jeonghan is happy. He needs to be. For his kid.
Where were we?
Ah, yes.
Jeonghan takes his favorite book on the porch table beside him. ‘How to Handle a 7-Year-Old’, the book he often calls “mind-blowing, gob-smacking, Pulitzer Prize-worthy – 300 pages of wonders“ because of how good it is. No, but seriously, if he hadn’t picked up that book on his way home before his kid turned 7, he might be ugly-crying right now seeking help.
He flips through the pages, though he has memorized all the words from the book. He stops just to sip on his drink and continues to read.
CREEEAK!
The sound of his front door opening after the six noisy beeps. He turns around and sees his 7-year-old fluff ball entering the foyer, throwing his bag on the floor, and going straight to the fridge. Jeonghan gets up and kisses his son’s forehead. “How many times have I told you to put your backpack on the hook, Mr. Jungwon?”
“I’m thirsty, Papi. Also, Jihan is coming,” says Jungwon, quenching his thirst.
“Still, Bud. You don’t want your friend to know how messy your house is, right? It only takes 2 seconds.”
“Alright, Papi.” As Jungwon takes his bag and puts it to where it belongs, the doorbell rings. “That’s Jihan!”
Jihan comes in with a bright smile and her hair tied with a strawberry scrunchie. Her pink sweater looks so comfortable and her Hello Kitty bag is still clinging to her shoulders. She takes off her shoes and says hello to Jeonghan. “Good evening, Mr. Yoon.”
“Hello, Miss Thing. You’re here for Roblox?”
“No, Sir. I’m here to study,” she says, nodding her head once for assurance.
“Why sure, Smartypants. You don’t want to fail your science test, huh? If you guys need anything, you know where to find me.”
They nod. A millisecond later, Jungwon and Jihan run straight to the study room.
Jungwon is the light of Jeonghan’s life. He was born prematurely via surrogate that Jeonghan and his then-partner signed up for when they were 21. They were sure enough to have a kid at a very young age.
If one can describe it, Jungwon’s birth was a miracle. They thought he’ll never make it, but he did. Not long after, Jungwon’s father – Jeonghan’s late partner – tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident. Which left Jeonghan to raise his three-year-old son by himself, no nanny and no helper, only his mom who occasionally pays a visit.
There were numerous times when Jeonghan felt like giving up, but that little angel helped him cope with it all. He’s glad that Jungwon grew up to be a fine little man as he is now, who is loved by so many people, has so many friends, and is very smart.
Two years ago, Jeonghan was cheated on by his then-boyfriend with a girl, which left him shattered and almost traumatized. But to surrender isn’t the game for Jeonghan. He put back his broken pieces and went on a couple of dates the next year. Men need affection too, don’t they?
Just last night, Jeonghan went on a blind date with someone. The man was very handsome – a Greek God, to say the least – smart, has a proper job, and loves children. He was the ideal type for Jeonghan until his clumsy persona played a part. The hot-ass-hell man sadly stained Jeonghan’s $700 Jil Sander white shirt with a splash of 1957 red wine when he was opening the bottle.
Oh, but the fun didn’t stop there.
As the man was getting up trying to retrieve the stain, he bumped into one of the waiters who was holding a plate of fancy-looking rib-eye. Guess what happened? Yep, the steak flew and landed on Jeonghan’s lap.
Jeonghan was too stunned to speak. His eyes widen but not as wide as the person in front of him.
“I am terribly sorry,” said the man.
Jeonghan sighs. “I- It’s… It’s fine. We have baking soda at home.”
“Huh?”
“You know… At-home remedies. But I can get it dry-cleaned, don’t worry.”
“I have a spare t-shirt in my trunk, should I go get it?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.”
Unbeknownst to Jeonghan, the t-shirt that his date brought was none other than a flashy red Iron Man tee with a little light thing in the middle. Yes, Jeonghan wore that t-shirt throughout the date with a bunch of people eyeing him.
“I am so sorry,” the man apologized once again.
“That’s okay. Let’s just finish this quick.”
So they did. And that was the most embarrassing date Jeonghan has ever been to
---
The 29-year-old is now cleaning his kitchen counter after dinner. It is currently 7 p.m., Jihan usually leaves the house after she eats. It’s about time when Jihan’s dad would pick her up and wait at the apartment main lobby, but the girl hasn’t moved an inch from the study room. Jeonghan walks to check on the kids when–
DING!
His bell rings, and a knocking sound follows after.
“One second!”
Could it be Jihan’s dad? He thinks.
He walks back to the foyer and opens the door.
“Excuse me, can I get Jih–“
Jeonghan immediately slams the door. He cannot believe his eyes.
********
Jeonghan and Mingyu stare at each other in confusion. Jeonghan has never imagined the person behind his disastrous date last night was in fact his son’s best friend’s father.
“You’ve never told me you had a kid!”
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t have the time to ask because there was a steak on my lap, Mr. Kim Mingyu!” Jeonghan exclaims. “You didn’t tell me you had a kid either!”
“At least you remembered my name.”
“Couldn’t forget the person who started it all,” Jeonghan pauses. “Never knew a doctor could be that clumsy.”
They just stare at each other while standing in silence and in disbelief. Eventually, Jeonghan lets him in.
“How many times do I have to say sorry? I thought you forgave me,” says Mingyu, untying his shoelaces.
“I did. I did, okay? Now let’s stop talking about it.”
“Never knew a teacher could have a $700 white shirt.”
“Yo! Ever heard of Bitcoin?” Jeonghan jokes, putting a smirk on his face.
Mingyu stands up and points at Jeonghan. “Aha, so you’re that kind of man.” The man simply winks, as a reply.
They both laugh, and somehow all the awkwardness and those lingering tension have evaporated. Mingyu enters the house, scanning his way through the hallway. He shakes his head a little, making eye contact with Jeonghan as soon as he sees their family picture.
“He’s a great kid, your son.”
Jeonghan follows Mingyu’s steps, smiling. “He is. And so is Jihan.”
“Mr. Gyuuuuuzzz!!!”
“Papaaa!!”
Jungwon and Jihan run to the living room after seeing Mingyu. Mingyu bends down while opening his arms, letting the kids drown in his embrace. “Heyyy, Bud. How are you?” asks Mingyu to Jungwon.
Well, Jeonghan? He’s looking from the kitchen island, processing the overloading cuteness in front of his eyes. He smiles widely as if he has forgotten what happened with Mingyu less than 24 hours ago. This is wholesome.
“I’m fine, Mr. Gyuz. How are you?”
“Never better, Champ,” he answers, patting Jungwon’s head softly.
Jeonghan was told briefly about Mingyu. A 28-year-old, second-year pediatric resident at a hospital nearby. Eloped at the age of 18 to the U.S. to pursue his medical career, had Jihan when the pair was 21 and got divorced the next year which got him full custody of the girl. Oh, he also just realized he’s not straight about last year.
Jihan always talks fondly about his father. Today marks the first time Jeonghan finally meets Mingyu as fathers of two best friends. Mingyu never picks up her daughter in front of the unit even though their kids play all the time, that’s why Jeonghan was startled when he found him at the door. And Jeonghan has never been assigned as Jungwon and Jihan’s homeroom teacher, hence why they never meet at school either.
It’s been a hot minute since Jeonghan stares at Mingyu playing with the kids in the living room, wondering how great of a father he is when taking care of them when all of a sudden Jihan’s voices interrupt his focus.
“How come you know my Papa, Mr. Yoon?”
Jeonghan looks to the right where Jihan stands, surprised. “Huh? I- I’ve met him before, Sweetie.”
“Aah, I was wondering, Mr. Yoon. Because we heard you talking and laughing from your study room.”
“Hahaha, that’s how people communicate, Hun,” Jeonghan jokes. “Let me pack your stuff, okay?”
Jihan stops him, shaking her head ‘no’. “Mr. Yoon, we have a science project due tomorrow. But I think we have to go to the groceries.”
“What have you guys been doing since 5 then?”
“Roblox.”
“Figures,” Jeonghan chuckles. “Okay, what do you guys need?”
Jihan shouts at Jungwon who is playing UNO Stacko with Mingyu. They get up and walk closer to the kitchen.
“Papi. We need to buy Epsom salt, pipe cleaners, and magnifying glass because we don’t have it at home,” Jungwon answers. “We’re making crystals.”
“When is it due?” Mingyu asks.
The kids look at each other before replying, “Tomorrow.”
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Mingyu insists.
And to the groceries, they go.
********
The pack arrives at the groceries, only 5 blocks away from Jeonghan’s apartment complex. It is 8 p.m. and the store is still very crowded.
“Can’t believe I’m shopping with my blind date,” Jeonghan sighs, unbuckling his seatbelt.
“Hhh, same here. Let’s go, before it’s too late.” Mingyu stretches his arms and turns around to check on the kids, “Okay, Scientists. Let’s go!” They respond with excitement.
The first item from the list is Epsom salt. Jeonghan asks one of the staff and they direct them to the personal care aisle. Leaders of the pack, Jungwon and Jihan, walk in front of their parents while searching for the aisle.
“Papi, we found it!” says Jungwon, taking one of the packets from the rack.
“Okay. What’s the next item, Mr. Kim?” Two light taps land on Mingyu’s shoulder.
“Pipe cleaners,” says the 28-year-old, closing the notebook. “It shouldn’t be that far from one of these aisles, I suppose. I’ll go find it.”
The three of them nod while stocking their cart. Not long after, Mingyu comes back with three packs of pipe cleaners.
Jeonghan chuckles, “I don’t think we need that much, Mr. Kim.”
“Well, Mr. Yoon, I have needs in the house too,” he responds. “Also, call me Mingyu from now on, please. I sound like an old fart if you call me like that.”
Jungwon and Jihan burst out laughing after hearing Mingyu’s words. “Jihan, your dad is an old fart!”, teases the little boy.
“Papa, you are an old fart! Hahaha.” Jihan joins along while looking at Jeonghan who is also covering his mouth, laughing.
Mingyu raises his eyebrow, “What’s so funny? It’s true. That nickname makes me sound like I’m fifty.”
Jeonghan calms down, but not the kids. “That’s right, kids. I guess that’s enough. We still have one more thing to find.”
Jeonghan, Mingyu, Jungwon, and Jihan walk around the store looking for the toy aisle. The kids are still at the front, cannot stop themselves from laughing. The pack then walks by the wine aisle. It suddenly brings them back to last night's mishap, and Jeonghan and Mingyu's annoyance starts to fill up the atmosphere as they glare at each other.
“You still have to return that Iron Man shirt,” says Mingyu out of the blue.
“Are you kidding me?”
“I bought it at the movie premiere, it was a couple shirt with my kid.”
Jeonghan looks at Mingyu. “You know? You really are a surprise.”
“How come?” asks Mingyu, looking back at Jeonghan.
“I don’t know. The way you just want me to give back your Iron Man t-shirt because you still want to twin with your kid? That’s–“
“Oh, so you want to keep the shirt?” Mingyu raises his eyebrows. “You’re a Marvel fan?”
“That’s not what I meant. What I mean is, that you really love your daughter.”
“How could I not? She’s my ray of sunshine, the light of my life.”
Jihan is a carbon copy of Mingyu, a perfect depiction of what Kim Mingyu would look like if he was a girl. She is smart, opinionated, and sometimes clumsy.
Yes, for Mingyu, Jihan is his ray of sunshine. His happy pill.
Even though she is 7, Mingyu always feels like she is more mature than him, because of all the struggle she’s been through. The way Jihan gives strength to him, the way she hugs him, the way she always dreams of becoming a doctor like her dad. Her life may be tough, but she’s got Mingyu. And Mingyu’s got her.
“It’s sweet,” Jeonghan smiles at Mingyu. “Oh look! They found the magnifying glass!”
Jeonghan points at the children after seeing them shaking the box. He runs to the kids.
On the other hand, there is Fond Mingyu, who is smiling a little, delighted by Jeonghan’s action. Mingyu is flustered, his face turns pinkish.
That was… What was that?, he thinks.
He smacks his head once before pushing the cart to catch up with the pack
---
Jeonghan, Mingyu, and the kids are now back at home, reading the instructions about the project. The ingredients are laid on the coffee table while they sit in a circle.
“The steps didn’t say anything about pipe cleaners, though…” Jeonghan mumbles, flipping through the pages. “Alright, whatever. You guys do it. I’ll make some snacks.”
They all whine at Jeonghan, especially Jungwon. “Papi, you’re no fun.”
“Bud, who’s gonna prepare the food then?”
“You.”
“Exactly. I’ll come to you guys after I’m done.” Jungwon nods as a reply.
The 29-year-old comes back with an array of snacks on the tray. He puts it beside whatever mess is on the table. Mingyu and the kids have started making the project.
Mingyu looks at Jeonghan. “I thought this is easy for a teacher.”
“Yeah, for a science teacher,” says Jeonghan, joining the circle. “I’m an English teacher, remember?”
Mingyu chuckles a little, nodding, patting Jeonghan’s back. “Well, that’s an excuse.”
“You son of a–
Mingyu puts his finger before Jeonghan’s lips, ‘shush’-ing his acquaintance. Jeonghan fists Mingyu on the shoulder.
Ah, tonight is going to be a long night…
********
The kids are fast asleep after thirty minutes into the project. Jeonghan and Mingyu are still struggling to tie a string on a pencil.
“This is insane. 3 years of scouting didn’t give me enough justice,” Mingyu nags, raising his glasses which were slowly dropping. “Why is this string keep slipping?! Jesus! I thought this was a piece of cake!”
“Hey, Gyu. Do you need some liquor? I don’t think I can do this while I’m sober.”
“No, thanks. I’m driving,” declines the father of the girl. “But if you have something sour that would be great, Han!”
“I have lemon juice. I’ll get it.”
“Perfect! Thanks!”
Jeonghan comes back with one bottle of lemon juice, water, and two empty shot glasses. Jeonghan also brings back the boiled saltwater for their kids’ science project.
“Just pretend this is vodka sour,” says the 29-year-old, pouring the lemon juice.
“I would gladly do that.”
They both clink their glasses and drink the shot, acting as if they just gulped vodka into their throats, then the ‘Aaah’ follows after. They laugh and continue the project.
Jeonghan stares at Mingyu, still struggling to tie the string. Mingyu’s expression – the wrinkled eyebrows, the focused eyes, and the little pout – tickles the 29-year-old. Come to think of it, this is truly entertainment for him. Remember Jeonghan had an awfully tiring day at school today? At least seeing his counterpart struggle because of a dumb kid project puts him at ease. Jeonghan takes one pencil and a string before Mingyu shouts his ‘eureka!’.
Finally…
“Okay, what now?” Mingyu asks, leaning back on the couch, sighing.
Jeonghan sighs too. “Now we… wait? But after you put the pencil and let the string hang inside.” Mingyu obeys.
“Done. By the way, have you had dinner?” asks the 28-year-old.
“I have, with the kids,” says Jeonghan. “Have you?”
Mingyu shakes his head no, a growling sound from his stomach follows after.
“Wow, Gyu. You really are starving. Let me make–“
“That’s okay. Let me do it while you watch the kids,” Mingyu stands and smiles at Jeonghan. “How about pasta?”
Jeonghan’s smile widen. “Ooh, that would be great!” he says excitedly, before following Mingyu to the kitchen, showing him where everything is.
“I’ll sit here and watch,” says Jeonghan while pointing at the bar stool.
Mingyu grins. “Sure, suit yourself.”
Jeonghan sits on the stool, one fist under his chin, watching Mingyu in action. Someone told him that the latter is a great cook, so it is a pleasure for Jeonghan to witness it by himself.
Jeonghan couldn’t even remember the last time someone cooks for him. If Jeonghan is not cooking, then he’ll probably eat out or have takeouts. Before his mom moved to another state, she always cooks for Jeonghan whenever she was in town. But it’s a little different now. So a couple of minutes ago, when Mingyu offered to cook for him, he couldn’t help but happily nod.
Two plates of carbonara are put before Jeonghan and Mingyu. A little green cilantro and snow of parmesan garnish the dish. Jeonghan and Mingyu both sit across each other, munching on the creamy hot pasta.
Jeonghan chews his first bite. He opens his eyes widely. “This. Is. Amazing! You should open a restaurant!” He gasps, still praising Mingyu’s cooking.
“Naah, cooking is just a hobby I do every day for my kid, hahaha,” Mingyu laughs.
“But, seriously though, this is so good. At least this time I’m not wearing whites, nor there is wine in front of us.”
“Hahaha. You really can’t forget about that, huh? Anyways, thank you, Han,” Mingyu smiles brightly. “So what’s your story?”
Jeonghan looks up. “Hm? What do you mean?”
“You know, I’ve told you about my ex running away and leaving me with an infant. How about–“
“Motorcycle,” says Jeonghan. “I was left with an infant too because of a motorcycle.”
Mingyu frowns. “One man accident?” The man in front of him nods.
“Jungwon was two? Three? Well yeah, around that age.”
The look on Jeonghan’s face suddenly becomes sad. Memories with his late partner suddenly flash before him. One tear falls from Jeonghan’s eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Jeonghan.”
Jeonghan wipes his tears. “Haha, no need to. I was being emotional. It’s been years since he’s gone. I missed his cooking, that’s all.”
“He was the cook in the house?” Mingyu asks.
Jeonghan nods again with a little chuckle. “Yeah, though not as good as you.” He continues eating. “Well, enough with the sappy story. How did you manage to raise a one-year-old by yourself?”
The 28-year-old laughs. “Thank God for daycares and nannies.”
“True.” Jeonghan scoffs. “How about that time when you found out you’re not straight? What was Jihan’s reaction?”
“She was six when I told her that. Her reaction was… I don’t know. She only said ‘okay, Papa, that’s okay. My friend also has two dads’. I cried my ass off when she said that,” Mingyu answers.
One day, on his way to the office, Mingyu met a guy at a café. A part of Mingyu already knew he was in the spectrum, but the other one was still denying it. Until he met that guy. The spark in his eyes blinded Mingyu. That was when he finally found out he’s different than any other dads.
They met again a week after. Unfortunately, the guy was already in a relationship. But because of that man, Mingyu found the truth that lies within him.
Mingyu takes little glances at Jeonghan who’s still eating. There is something about Jeonghan that gives butterflies to Mingyu. Maybe it’s Jeonghan’s face? Or Jeonghan’s persona? Or everything about him? It hasn’t been long since they met, it’s their second time anyway, but oh to be a believer of love at first sight.
“You’ve been through a lot. No, WE have been through a lot. Cheers to that!” Jeonghan raises his glass, making a toast to Mingyu.
“Hell yeah, we rock!” Mingyu gives him a bright smile, clinking his glass.
“I honestly thought you were a nut job, Gyu. Turns out, you’re better than I expected.”
Mingyu scoffs. “I know.” He gulps his water. “You too, by the way, I thought you’re ‘that’ type of guy.”
“Hahaha. You know, let’s be friends, then.” Jeonghan grins, giving his hand to Mingyu.
“Does this make up last night’s disaster?” The man raises his brows.
“Of course.”
Mingyu shakes back Jeonghan’s hand, the corner of their mouths flex up, their eyes glisten.
The parents are done eating, they check back their kids’ science project. Their faces become puzzled.
“Is it just me or does this project fail?” Mingyu asks.
“I think so too. Should we wake up the kids?”
Jungwon wakes up just before the parents woke him, he shakes Jihan’s body after that. Jungwon runs to the printer and turns it on.
“Papa, may I borrow your phone?” Jihan asks. The look on Jeonghan and Mingyu’s faces is still as confused as ever. They watch their kids running around and taking pictures of the project after Mingyu handed the phone.
“What are you guys doing?” Mingyu asks.
“We’re taking the picture and printing it. That’s the assignment.”
“Wait a second, so everything was useless?”
“It’s not useless, Papa. We’re gonna check back on this stuff for the next three days, to see the crystal grow. But now we’re just going to hand out this printed picture to the teacher.”
Jeonghan sighs and laughs. “Is it true, Bud?” He asks Jungwon. Jungwon nods.
“Oh My God! Han, are you seeing this?!” says Mingyu to Jeonghan, still couldn’t believe his daughter. Jeonghan laughs louder. “You remember I was fighting my life tying that string, right?”
“Yes! So, you guys are printing your project to– Oh my God. Hahahaha!”
The two rascals look at their parents, all baffled. Jungwon points at Jihan, “Didn’t Jihan tell you, Papi?”
“No.”
“Oops, I must have missed that part. Sorry, Mr. Yoon!”
“That’s okay, Pretty. Oh my, I can’t stop laughing. Look at your father!”
Mingyu has yet to open his mouth, still dumbfounded by the kids’ actions. He sighs, finally burst out laughing.
---
Both the parents and the kids are cleaning up the house, it’s 9.30 p.m. and Mingyu needs to head home. He prepares his daughter’s bag with Jeonghan back in the kitchen.
“You know–” Mingyu says.
“What?”
“This was fun. I haven’t had the time to hang out with my kid because of my residency. So, thank you, once again.”
“No problem, Mingyu. I liked it too, hanging out with you and your kid,” says Jeonghan as he packs two cartons of strawberry milk into Jihan’s bag.
“Also, friends contact each–“
“How smooth of you,” Jeonghan looks at Mingyu with a giggle. “You’re asking for my number, huh?”
Mingyu grins. “Can I?”
“Give me your phone.”
They exchange numbers. A couple of minutes later, Jihan is done with her jacket and walks together with Jungwon to the kitchen. “Papa, I’m done. Let’s go.”
Mingyu and Jihan bid their farewell to Jeonghan and Jungwon. They hug each other and walk to the door together.
“Call me,” Mingyu gestures.
Jeonghan raises a thumb up with a smile as Mingyu and Jihan are off for their departure. Jungwon also waves at his friend and signals to come to play again which she agrees.
Minutes passed and the house is quiet again, but oh how Jeonghan wishes it would last longer, just as Jungwon sighs after his friend’s farewell. They are now on the couch watching Paw Patrol when suddenly something tickles Jeonghan. Mingyu’s very expensive watch. He exhales and smirks with a titter. “This man…”
At least he finds a reason to see him again, tomorrow.
********