He doesn't realize how many times he hit the 'snooze' button on his iPhone, not until he's finally able to open his eyes wide enough to look at the time.

Fuck. 

He's gonna be late.

He trips on his blanket in a rush to get up, hitting his foot on the corner of the bed, "ow!" Groaning in pain he leaves it, there's no time to dwell on the maybe bleeding toe nail. Running to the bathroom he takes a quick pee and brushes his teeth, freshening up. He quickly washes his face in the sink before running into his room to get dressed, luckily he took a shower the night before so that saves some time. 

His phone starts ringing and Yeosang curses, knowing it's Hongjoong, his manager. The small but feisty man is not fun to be around when angry at the fact that Yeosang has yet to arrive at the shoot, he hasn't even left his apartment. 

Ignoring the call, he finishes dressing and sends a quick text.

[10:02AM] Joongie Hyung 🖤:

Kang Yeosang, if your ass is not here in the next 3 minutes I swear to god 

[10:07am] Me:

Sorry I slept in, OMW

He doesn't even have time to make himself a proper breakfast, but from the way his stomach is eating at itself and growling he knows he's starving. He decides to quickly grab a banana,  peeling the fruit with fast movement when suddenly, there's a faint knock on his door. 

Freezing, Yeosang looks at his door. He isn't expecting anyone, unless it's Hongjoong coming to beat his ass. Looking at his phone Yeosang doesn't have any new calls or texts other than the ones being sent by his angry manager, so he makes his way to the door assuming it's the orange haired male. 

"Yes-"

Opening the door, there's no one standing in front of him. He frowns, assuming it's someone playing a prank or maybe he misheard. He's about to close his door when suddenly there's a sound from beneath him. 

"Over here" a tiny voice says. 

Looking down, Yeosang almost shrieks when he sees a small child, about three, or four, maybe five, standing in front of him. A very small child, wearing a jacket, pants, a small backpack and with a small brown teddy bear in his arms, smiling cutely towards him. "Hi, I'm Wooyoung!" 

Yeosang peeks his head out the door and into the corridor of his building, but there's no one else. How did this child get past the concierge and all the way up here on his own, and better yet, end up at his apartment? 

"Hello uh, Wooyoung, can I help you with something?" 

"I need to pee," Wooyoung replies. 

Yeosang scratches the back of his head. "And you knocked on my door?" 

"I did, Mr." 

"Okay ... is there a reason why you chose my door?" 

Wooyoung frowns, shrugging. "I'm not sure, I followed the red string like they told me to and now I'm here." 

They? The red string? 

Yeosang laughs. "Look kid, I have no time for games, I'm late for work. If you don't need anything from me then so be it." 

"What's your name?" 

He's caught off guard. "My name? Uh, Yeosang." 

"Hi, Yeosang." 

"Hi?"

"Yeosang, I need to pee."

The blonde raises an eyebrow. "Where are your parents?" 

"I don't know" Wooyoung frowns, clutching his teddy bear tighter. He pouts, making him look quite vulnerable. Is this kid on the run? Did he run away? what is going on ... 

"Doo ... you know how to get home from here?" Yeosang questions awkwardly. 

"No" Wooyoung replies sadly.

The blonde sighs, running a hand through his hair. He knows he's late for work but he's not heartless, the kid seems lost. He's not sure what to do at the moment, choosing to invite Wooyoung inside so the smaller can pee. 

"This place is nice" Wooyoung exclaims, sadness evaporating. He quickly removes his shoes and drops his backpack, teddy bear still in his arms when he runs to start jumping on the couch.

"Hey, get down, I thought you needed to pee?" Yeosang scolds. This is the weirdest morning yet, how the hell does he have a random kid in his apartment right now? How did Wooyoung find him? He thinks ... has he seen this kid anywhere? No. Did he maybe sleep with someone and ... god no, you're gay Yeosang. 

Should I call the police?

Instead, he opts to call the one person he always does for help. 

"Where the hell are you-"

"Hyung I need your help, it's an emergency. Can you come over?" 

"Do you know how much it cost to book this photoshoot? All the stylists, photographers, here, waiting for you and you suddenly want me to-" 

"Hongjoong, please, I said it's urgent." 

The older sighs over the phone. "Fine, I'll figure something out and be there in thirty. I swear Yeosang if it's not something serious I will hang you like a piece of thread." 

"I know, I know, thanks, hurry." 

Yeosang puts the phone down and looks up to watch the small child, who's stopped his jumping and is now sitting on the couch watching Yeosang back just as intensely. They just stand there in silence, watching each other, until Wooyoung frowns and rubs his belly. "I'm hungry." 

"I'll get you some food later, right now I just need you to be patient until someone gets here because I'm freaking out."

"Okay."

"Do you need to pee?" 

"Not anymore, Mr." 

Kids. 

Sooner than later there's a knock on the door and Yeosang sighs in relief, running to open it. Hongjoong is already glaring at him, pushing past him to enter the apartment.

"This better be good, or else-" the older suddenly pauses when he spots it, or him, the small child sitting on Yeosang’s couch clutching a teddy bear in his arms. When Wooyoung sees Hongjoong he smiles cutely, waving.

Hongjoong waves back slowly before grabbing Yeosang by the arm, pulling him off the side. “You have a kid!?” 

“No! Someone knocked on my door and bam, there he is.”

Hongjoong looks at him as if he's grown another head. "How is that even possible?"

"I asked myself the same question. I'm freaking out right now and could really use some help." 

Hongjoong turns around, facing Wooyoung again. Slowly, he approaches the small child, bending down in front of him. "Hello little one, what's your name?" 

"Wooyoung." 

"Wooyoung, how old are you?" 

"Four." 

"Four, wow. Um, so ... where are your parents?" 

Wooyoung shrugs. 

"Do you know anyone else ... that we could maybe contact for you?" 

Wooyoung shakes his head. "No. They told me to follow the red string and so I did. They said the person at the end of the red string will watch over me." 

Hongjoong's eyebrows furrow. "Who is they?" 

"The voice, they told me." 

Yeosang and Hongjoong are all the more confused, this is not making any sense whatsoever. Hongjoong sighs, "So you followed the red string ... and it led you here?" 

Wooyoung nods. 

"Okay, thank you." Hongjoong stands back up and approaches Yeosang, pale. "I don't know what the hell is going on, I'm confused as hell and the kid is speaking utter nonsense." 

"Should we call the police?" 

Hongjoong shakes his head. "No need for the press, it'll create ruckus for the tabloids. I have a friend in the force, I'll contact him to see what he can do secretly. In the meantime just ... distract him." 

Hongjoong leaves to make the call in the corridor, allowing for Yeosang to approach the kid again after taking a deep breath. The small child has black hair, a beauty mark under his eye, tan skin, fox-like eyes .... he doesn't resemble anyone Yeosang knows. Bending down in front of Wooyoung, he awkwardly plays with his hands. 

"Um .. so .... what would you like to eat?" 

"Chocolate!" 

"That's not really nutritious." 

"But I want chocolate" Wooyoung frowns, making the cutest puppy-eyed face. 

"Fine" Yeosang states in defeat, grabbing a chocolate bar from his secret stash in the kitchen. He hands it to Wooyoung who accepts it with glee, opening the wrapper to chow down on the sweet treat. 

"Please don't make a mess" Yeosang cringes when chocolate starts to get all over the younger's face and fingers. 

"Okay, my friend will be here shortly. He- Yeosang really? You gave him chocolate?" 

"What? He wanted it." 

Hongjoong laughs, "You look like a real perv now." The blonde sends the older a glare, making him laugh harder. 

🧸

Wooyoung plays on the carpet in the living room with some of the toys that were in his backpack, cartoons running in the background on the TV. Hongjoong, Yeosang, and Hongjoong's detective friend, Taehyun, sit at the kitchen island after Taehyun's investigation. 

"This is the weirdest case I've seen with a child" Taehyun starts. "Every child is and should be registered at the most 30 days after birth, under the Korean act, but Wooyoung ... nothing shows up, none that are his age." 

"That is very odd" Hongjoong comments. 

"It's also very weird how he came here ... he speaks of this red string but I'm not sure what it means and the weirdest part is there isn't any video footage of him." 

"What do you mean?" Yeosang asks. 

"Your concierge and security didn't see him, I'm sure they wouldn't have even allowed him up without your permission, let alone the fact that he's a child. Plus, I reviewed the camera footage in the building that watches the lobbies and corridors and nothing ... it's as if he appeared out of thin air" Taehyun explains. 

This is only giving Yeosang more of a headache. 

"So, what now?" Hongjoong asks. 

Taehyun sighs. "Because there's nothing on him, I'll have to call child protection services to take him, he'll be put into the system." 

"The system?" Yeosang questions. 

The detective nods. "It sucks, but it's the only choice we have unless someone appears for him or ..." he turns to Yeosang. "You act as a temporary caregiver for him." 

"What!?" Hongjoong exclaims. 

Taehyun nods. "I did a background check on Yeosang, he's clear. The system is ... well messy. Because he's a bit older it'll be really hard for him to be adopted, he will most likely have to bounce from foster home to foster home." 

Yeosang pales. 

"I know it's a lot to think about, and a big decision, but there has to be a reason he came to you, right?" 

"Taehyun, he's a model with a career. How the hell is he supposed to take care of a child? He's literally a child himself, can't even get up on time" Hongjoong scolds. 

"I know it's a lot Hongjoong, but I'm just trying to think about what would be the best situation for Wooyoung. I'm sure regardless, Yeosang can provide him with a temporary loving home, but I also understand because it's a lot ... it's up to Yeosang, the only thing I can advice you in this situation is to go with your heart, because if that's not in it then it's pointless." 

Go with my heart. 

Yeosang looks across the room, eyes landing on the small innocent child. It's so weird, truly, because he's only known the kid for less than three hours yet ... he feels some type of connection, like he wants to protect the small child with everything in him. 

He can't imagine putting him into the system, knowing he could've stopped it. He's seen bad stories constantly on the news. 

"I'll do it" Yeosang replies. 

"What?" Hongjoong asks with wide eyes. 

"I'll take him." 

Maybe he's not thinking straight at the moment, getting himself into the situation considering a child is no joke. But at the moment Yeosang is following his heart ... 

He's going to be a temporary caregiver for Wooyoung. 

🧸 

"A child protection worker will be here in two weeks, you need to prove you can be a reliable caregiver. Clothes, room setup, toys, food, barricades, whatever it may be. I believe in you" Taehyun explains at the door. 

"Thank you so much for all your help" Yeosang replies. 

When Taehyun leaves, Hongjoong approaches him with a deep sigh, "I can't believe you're doing this." 

"I can't believe it either," he replies, watching Wooyoung. The child is asleep on the couch, thumb in his mouth and small body covered by the blanket Yeosang draped over him. 

"I'll make a list of things you'll need and have it dropped off tomorrow, call me if anything, okay?" 

Yeosang nods, hugging the older. "Thank you too, hyung." 

"Of course, I guess everything happens for a reason." 

Reality suddenly hits Yeosang when the manager is gone ... he just agreed to take care of a child, a fucking child, a four year old that very much needed all the necessities a child should have, and it's all left under his care, his responsibility. 

Breathe. 

You got this. 

He retreats to his bedroom to have a moment, sitting on the ground. He's twenty-seven, at the peak of his career, he doesn't even have a partner, he's single. He doesn't know what possessed him to think he could take care of a child. 

But he's going to try his best. 

His life is pretty much the same, basic; he wakes up for work, models for famous Korean brands, comes back home, repeat. And yes there are the occasional parties, events, hangouts with friends, but there's nothing new and the dating scene is non-existent. Yeosang has yet to find someone he's attracted to more than a casual hookup.

This is the first exciting thing happening in a long time, regardless of how odd the situation is. 

It feels right. 

He distracts himself, choosing to clean up the apartment as quietly as he can and prepare something easy for dinner, kimchi fried rice. While he's plating the meal he hears small footsteps before a tired looking Wooyoung appears. Hair messy, pouty lips, clutching that brown teddy bear he loves towards his chest. 

"Hey little one ... are you hungry? I made dinner." 

Wooyoung nods, approaching the older with his arms up in the air.

Yeosang hesitates before picking up Wooyoung, placing the small child on his hip. In short seconds, tiny arms are wrapping around his neck tightly and a small head buries into his neck.

"I want cuddles." 

It's instant, as if natural. Yeosang starts to rub the small one's back, smiling.

He's so cute. 

"Let's eat now, shall we?" 

Wooyoung nods before Yeosang places the child on one of the island counter chairs, making sure he's secured before placing a small bowl of warm rice in front. Wooyoung happily eats away with his spoon, making a mess at the same time but doing it all very cutely. 

Yeosang joins him shortly, digging into his own meal. He did a good job for someone who doesn't really know how to cook, maybe he should learn some more recipes. 

"Are you going to watch me like they said?" Wooyoung asks, watching him with wide innocent eyes. 

Yeosang nods, smiling. "Yes for now, your parents might come looking for you." 

"I don't have parents."

Yeosang frowns, eyebrows furrowed. "Where did you come from then?" 

"I don't know." 

"Do you remember anything at all from before you knocked on my door?" 

"Nope." 

Yeosang sighs, there's no way he's going to get answers from the kid. "You're well spoken for a four-year-old." 

Wooyoung stops chewing to smile widely, showcasing the rice on his small tongue. "Thank you!" 

After dinner the two watch some cartoons together. Because of Wooyoung's persistent cuddling claims, the child ends up in Yeosang's lap, head resting on his chest the entirety of the show, until eventually his head starts to nod off. Yeosang turns off the TV, picking up Wooyoung and placing him into the guest room's bed. Wooyoung's thumb is in his mouth again when he gets comfortable, bear clutched in his arms and he looks so cute Yeosang has to refrain himself from cooing. He chooses to take a picture of the small boy before exiting the bedroom quietly to clean up the kitchen. 

Yeosang finds himself eventually heading to bed earlier than usual, it's been a long day.

🧸 

Waking up the next morning feels a bit odd, something feels off. Which is weird, because Yeosang wakes up on time, takes a shower, makes himself some cereal for breakfast. Luckily he doesn't have work today but ....

Wooyoung.

"Fuck" Yeosang curses, running to the guest room. Opening the door, he lets out a breath of relief when he finds the small boy still sound asleep. He must be tired. 

Someone rings his doorbell suddenly, but Yeosang already knows who it is before he opens it. 

"So I ordered a whole bunch of furniture with an interior designer, they'll be here later today. I also made a list of things we'll need and sent my assistant to grab them from some stores, you know, groceries, toys, carseat, soap, the extra." 

"Thanks hyung, this means a lot." 

"How was your night?" Hongjoong asks, looking around. 

"Better than I thought it would be. I know it's just the beginning but .... it was easy. We ate and watched cartoons, then went to bed." 

"That's good to hear, the less stress the better. I'll also make an appointment with a pediatrician just to make sure he's in proper health, and I hired a babysitter for when you're at work. I thought about Kindergarten but that might not be a good idea considering he's still adjusting to everything."

"This is a lot," Yeosang whispers. 

"Yes, it is, but you agreed to this and so you'll need to take this on. Of course I'll be here to support you but no more sleep ins and lollygagging, you've got major responsibilities" Hongjoong smiles coyly, smirking.

Yeosang knows the older is enjoying this much more than he should. 

"I have some things for now" Hongjoong states, handing him a bag. Inside is a towel, toothbrush and kids toothpaste. "Stole it from my brother's house, my nephew has enough."

"Thank you."

"I'll set up the doctor's appointment tomorrow" pausing, he watches Yeosang with a serious look. "Remember, if you ever feel like you can't do this don't hesitate to back out ... it's not something to play around with, this is a child."

"I know, hyung, trust me. I would never forgive myself if I was the reason he's put into the system."

"It's not your fault, it's his parents. If this is about guilt-"

"It's not, honestly, it's something more. It's ... it's hard to describe but it's like Wooyoung is supposed to be in my life."

Hongjoong hums, watching him with narrowed eyes. Suddenly he smiles widely, looking behind the blonde. "Good morning, Wooyoung." 

"Morning" the small boy replies, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and like usual, the brown teddy bear is clutched in his arms. He approaches Yeosang again with his arms in the air, so Yeosang picks him up.

Hongjoong smiles, "How about you go brush his teeth?" 

"I can do that myself" Wooyoung says, looking at Hongjoong. 

"Okay, Yeosang will watch you then." 

Minutes later the blonde is in the bathroom with Wooyoung, who stands on the toilet brushing his teeth. He's quite independent for a small child, like a grown man in a small boy's body. His vocabulary, actions, although he still acts like a kid in other ways, it's quite impressive. 

People come in and out of Yeosang's apartment all day, decorating the guest room to suit Wooyoung, coming with an immense amount of clothes, items, such as toys, carseat, groceries, you name it. By the end Yeosang is exhausted from having to help and set up everything, his apartment has completely transformed. 

"The nanny, i'll email you her information and keep her updated on your schedule. Remember, appointment tomorrow at the paediatrician for 10am, I'll send you the address" hongjoong explains before he leaves. 

Yeosang thanks him with a tight hug before closing the door. Wooyoung sits on the couch playing with some new toys, turning to Yeosang when Hongjoong leaves. 

"Bath?" 

His eyebrows furrow. "bath?" 

Wooyoung nods, hopping off the couch. "I bathe every night." 

"So you can remember that but not where you've come from" Yeosang states. Wooyoung shrugs, making the older sigh. 

Yeosang looks around Wooyoung's new room and grabs a small towel, then directs the small boy to the bathroom. He runs a warm soapy bath and turns to allow Wooyoung to undress and place himself in the tub, taking a seat outside of it. 

"Soap" Wooyoung giggles, playing around with the suds. He grabs a bunch of it in his hands and blows, making the wet white substance hit Yeosang in the face. Wooyoung squeals, laughing loudly when the older makes an annoyed face. 

"Very funny." 

"Can you wash my hair?" 

Yeosang smiles and nods, grabbing some shampoo to spread throughout the small one's head. When the suds are enough, Wooyoung tilts his head back and allows for the older to rinse his hair off with a small cup. 

"All done."

After the bath, Yeosang tries to dry the small boy with a towel but Wooyoung mischievously smiles and then runs out of the bathroom wet and butt naked. Yeosang curses and chases after the small.

"You're gonna slip and hurt yourself, stop" Yeosang scolds, moving faster. "Gotcha!"  

The older scoops the small boy, making Wooyoung squeal and laugh when Yeosang tickles him before wrapping him in the towel. "You little rascal. Let's get you dressed."

That night Yeosang reads Wooyoung a bedtime story before tucking him in, but the small child is wide awake and pouting once Yeosang reaches the door. "What is it?" 

"Can ... Can I sleep beside you?" 

"Wooyoung, we got this whole room setup for you and now you don't want to sleep in it?" 

"Please." He does that puppy eyed face again and Yeosang sighs, defeated. "Fine, but only this once." 

Wooyoung cheers, running towards Yeosang to grab his hand and drag him to the other bedroom. When they're finally settled and in the dark, Wooyoung sleeps curled up beside Yeosang, falling asleep easily. The older smiles, content, before falling asleep himself. 

🧸

A few days later when Yeosang shows up to work, it's with a small child in his arms.

Hongjoong has to take a double take, what the fuck?

"The babysitter cancelled last second on me" Yeosang breathes his reply when noticing his manager's irritation. 

"She what? Automatic termination" Hongjoong curses, sending a quick text. "Leave him with me, go." 

Yeosang nods and hands a sleepy Wooyoung to Hongjoong before quickly running off to his stylist. As he's getting ready a good friend approaches him, Park Seonghwa. They've been best friends for over ten years, having gotten into the modelling industry together and supporting one another through a lot. They're photoshoot today is together, sexy duo for a famous clothing brand.  

"You're quite late," Seonghwa says after giving him a hug. "Who's the kid with Hongjoong?" 

The blonde sighs. "It's a long story." 

The four find themselves at a restaurant hours later. Wooyoung chews on a chicken strip, colouring on a paper the restaurant provided him while Yeosang and Hongjoong explain the whole situation to Seonghwa. 

"I can't believe you out of everyone I know would be the first to basically have a child." 

"Me too" Hongjoong agrees, taking a sip of his drink. 

Seonghwa chuckles, "He's so cute though. San and I plan to adopt, but not anytime soon. I'm surprised you're taking it on yourself." 

Seonghwa's husband, Choi San, is a famous actor. The two met at an event years ago and it was love at first sight, they even got married a year into their relationship. He's quite jealous of their bond at times, knowing he still has yet to find something so real.

Yeosang's never been in love.  

"It hasn't been bad so far, he's a very smart kid." 

"That, indeed he is" Hongjoong adds.

"Are you going to tell your parents?" Seonghwa asks. Yeosang shakes his head, "Hell no, I mean at least not for the meantime. I need to get the hang of things before I do, plus I don't want to introduce him to too many people knowing it could be temporary." 

"Well, if you ever need a helping hand I'm only a phone call away, I love kids" Seonghwa offers. 

The blonde smiles, "thanks hyung." 

That evening when they get back to the apartment, Wooyoung runs towards the couch, hopping on. "Can we watch Spiderman?" 

"Is that your favourite movie?" 

"Yes! I love Spiderman, I want to become like him one day and shoot webs out of my hands, pew pew" Wooyoung imitates, sticking his hands out cutely. Yeosang laughs, looks like they'll have a marathon. 

🧸

Opening the door, Yeosang smiles, bowing. "Hello, I'm Kang Yeosang." 

"Nice to meet you, Yeosang. I am Garam, the children protection worker assigned to your case. May I come in?" 

"Yes, please" he gestures, allowing her entry. 

"Hello!" Wooyoung greets from the living room, smiling and waving. 

"Hello Wooyoung, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm going to quickly do an examination of the apartment before I speak with Wooyoung, is that okay?" 

"Yes, go right ahead." Yeosang doesn't know why he's feeling so nervous, everything should be okay, but he guesses it's also imperative he makes a good first impression so there's no bumps in the road.

She takes about ten minutes examining the apartment, making little notes, before approaching Wooyoung. Yeosang stands in the kitchen to give them the privacy they need, he's guessing it's a routine checkup to ask the child some questions, especially to find out if there's been any abuse. 

Soon enough she enters the kitchen, smiling. "Mr. Kang, can we talk?" 

"Yes, would you like something to drink?" 

"No I'm okay" She answers, taking a seat at the island. When Yeosang joins her, she sends him another kind smile, "everything is up to par. The environment is appropriate, safe, Wooyoung seems very happy." 

"That's good to hear" Yeosang whispers, sighing in relief. 

"I need to fill out some paperwork to register him into the system, it's definitely a very odd case with not being able to identify him but things happen, right?"

Yeosang nods. 

"You're okay with being a temporary caregiver?" 

"Yes."

"The adoption process is a long and gruelling one, it can take years for him to find a family if his parents don't appear. For now, we will place you as the temporary caregiver. We will do monthly routine checkups to make sure everything is in order and safe for Wooyoung." 

"Okay." 

"In the case his parents show up, things can also turn messy. You must be prepared for anything, really." 

"I understand." 

"Good" she smiles, "Do you have any questions for me?" 

Yeosang shakes his head.

"We will take care of everything in regards to his citizenship, we may just need you to sign some things when need be."

"Sounds good."

She leaves shortly, it definitely did not last too long. When Yeosang closes the door he lets out another sigh of relief, turning to Wooyoung with a wide smile. "Wanna go to the park?"

"Yay!"

🧸

Hongjoong hires a new nanny, Hana, who watches Wooyoung when Yeosang needs to work. She's very helpful, cooks, cleans, Yeosang doesn't need to do much when she's around and he's so grateful, especially on his long days. Wooyoung really loves Hana too, with how much he talks about her during dinner and what they got up to during the day. 

The young boy is definitely a socializer, charmer. Yeosang knows he'll make many friends throughout his life. 

One day they decide to go to an amusement park, Yeosang, Wooyoung, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, and San, so the younger can also be introduced to the model's husband. The older is very good with kids, Wooyoung loves San. He's enthusiastic and silly, easily making Wooyoung giggle with how he acts towards him, Wooyoung is attached to his side the entirety of the day.  

"I wish I was that good with kids" Yeosang states, watching San hand Wooyoung an ice cream cone further down. 

"Oh hush, you're doing the best you can, you'll eventually get the hang of things. Plus, at the end of the day Wooyoung only wants you" Hongjoong tells him, before turning to Seonghwa. "And if you had any doubts before you know now, San will make a great father."

Seonghwa smiles fondly. "I already knew that. We're both just so busy with our careers, I don't think it's a good time." 

"Is he ready?" Yeosang asks. 

"Yes, I'm the one that's being hesitant. We've gotten into some heated arguments because of it. I don't know .. I guess I'm afraid" Seonghwa worries. 

"The two of you will figure it out. San is patient, you know he'll wait until you're ready. I know fear is getting to you, but the both of you will be amazing parents" Hongjoong states, making Yeosang hum in agreement.  

San and Wooyoung approach them shortly, the smaller in the older's arms eating his ice cream with such excitement that his face is a cute chocolate mess. Yeosang laughs, grabbing a napkin in his pocket to wipe the younger's face. 

Wooyoung smiles widely at him. 

That night Yeosang has many pictures to look back onto and smile, such as Wooyoung's surprised jaw dropped face at the Spiderman ride, or another that makes him laugh, Hongjoong's annoyed expression as Wooyoung plays with his hair while on his shoulders.

And sickly cute, Seonghwa and San holding hands and kissing, and then his favourite of all, a group photo a stranger took of them all huddled together, smiling. 

🧸

Yeosang has been watching Wooyoung for over two months now, and it's been great. Of course they have their ups and downs, more specifically Wooyoung acting stubborn with starting to talk back, like for example, thinking he can negotiate his bed time. 

"No, your bedtime is at 8 and it's 8:03, bed, now" Yeosang states sternly. 

"But I'm not tired! How can one force a human to sleep if they're not tired!" Wooyoung argues. 

"You'll be tired once you lay in bed, you're fighting your sleep. Plus, it'll mess with your routine and grumpy Wooyoung in the morning is not fun, so, bedtime."

"You suck."

Or getting picky about what he eats. 

"I don't like broccoli, it tastes like grass" Wooyoung whines. 

"I know it doesn't taste good but it's good for you, can you atleast try it?" 

"No." 

"Please?" 

"No." 

"Remember, we have to be grateful for the things-"

"No."

"Wooyoung," he warns. 

"No." 

Yeosang sighs, defeated. "Fine, no dessert tonight then." 

Wooyoung gasps, looking as if someone just told him the blasphemy of Spiderman not being real. His fox-like eyes narrow, "You wouldn't."

"I will, it's your ultimatum." 

Yeosang takes it as a win when Wooyoung takes a bite of the broccoli, although he spits it back out. 

He thinks he's getting the hang of things, Wooyoung makes him happy. It's like he's the missing piece Yeosang has needed all along. 

San is hosting a party one night in celebration of his upcoming movie, adults only of course, that Yeosang has been invited to. Hana comes over to watch Wooyoung, the two already cuddled together on the couch watching cartoons when Yeosang appears, ready to leave. 

"I'll see you two later" Yeosang bids goodbye, kissing Wooyoung's head. 

The party is grand, a lot of A-list celebrities are present. Hongjoong appears when Yeosang texts he's arrived, looking like a blueberry with his newly dyed hair. 

"Nice hair hyung, what made you decide on blue?" 

"Needed a drastic change" Hongjoong replies, he's really the only one that could pull it off, Yeosang thinks. 

Making their way through the room, the two finally spot their close friends near a table. San holds Seonghwa around the waist, the both seem quite tipsy considering their more touchy than usual, but standing behind them is a tall brunette, sending a kind smile towards Yeosang. 

He looks familiar, plus he's hot. 

"Hey guys, meet my good friend, Yunho" San introduces before kissing Seonghwa's neck. 

"Oh my god, you're the famous actor, Jeong Yunho" Hongjoong recognizes. 

"I am" Yunho smiles, bowing lightly. 

Hongjoong smiles, irritation replacing his features suddenly when he looks at the married couple. "Would the two of you get a room?" 

Seonghwa giggles, pulling San down the hall. Hongjoong suddenly gets an important call he needs to take, leaving Yunho and Yeosang alone. 

"Want to get a drink?" Yunho asks, and he immediately agrees with a nod. They head to the bar and take a seat beside one another, where Yunho calls down the bartender. 

"Bourbon on the rocks for me, and for the pretty gentleman ..." he trails, making Yeosang blush. "Just a dry martini, thanks." 

The bartender nods and proceeds to make the drinks, making Yunho turn to Yeosang with sudden interest. "You're a model right? I've seen your face plastered all over Seoul." 

"Yes, I am. I know who you are, I love your movies. You're very talented" Yeosang compliments. 

"Why, thank you" Yunho replies, smiling. 

They drink and share light conversation, getting along quite well. Yunho is kind and funny, he makes Yeosang blush and giggle, plus he's super attractive, it's like hitting the jackpot. The light conversation turns flirtatious, and soon enough Yunho is leaning into his ear, "Want to head to my place?" 

Yeosang nods, standing to follow the taller. He sends a quick text to Hana about staying overnight to watch Wooyoung, it was a possibility anyways but she needed a confirmation text. 

The two take a taxi to Yunho's luxurious apartment, where they share an intense kiss and proceed to the bedroom. Clothes come flying off in seconds, and of course, the night is quite sleepless for the both. 

Yeosang wakes up in bed naked the next morning with no hangover, luckily he didn't drink too much. The night prior's events catch up to him right before a warm body presses into him from behind. 

"Hey beautiful" Yunho whispers, kissing his neck. "Say we go for one more round?"

Yeosang giggles, turning to face the other. "Don't mind morning breath?" Yunho shakes his head before leaning in to kiss him, rolling on top of the blonde. 

After their sexual fun, Yeosang dresses and gets ready to head back home, accepting a hot coffee from a shirtless Yunho. They exchange numbers, bidding one another goodby and Yeosang thinks it's the end of that, Yunho is a famous actor. 

He's surprised when he receives a text the next day from the actor, asking to go on another date. He doesn't hesitate to agree, blushing suddenly. 

"Why's your face so red?" Wooyoung questions.  

"Nothing, just a bit hot" Yeosang lies, standing to clear the dishes. 

It continues like that for a couple of weeks, Yunho and Yeosang, dating, plus the sex is amazing. And then Yunho asks for them be exclusive, boyfriends, and agreeing Yeosang for once finally feels like a relationship might go somewhere more because he's so infatuated with the other.

But then there's guilt, from not telling Yunho about Wooyoung, so he decides to finally tell the tall brunette one night at dinner.

"I'm a temporary caregiver for a four-year-old," he confesses. Yunho's eyes widened, confused. "What?" 

Yeosang explains the situation from the beginning, the whole story so Yunho can understand. "Right now it's temporary but if his parents aren't found or there isn't a proper home found for him, it could result in adoption." 

"Is that something you would want?" Yunho asks. 

"Yes, I'd be fine with it. I love Wooyoung, he makes me happy and I can see myself raising him." 

Yunho nods, silent for a small while as he takes in all the information. The blonde only hopes it doesn't ruin things between them, frown etched upon his features from the taller's sudden silence. 

Finally, Yunho speaks. "It's a lot to take in, but I'm willing" grabbing Yeosang's hands, he smiles. "I really like you, and if you'll allow me, I'd love to meet Wooyoung." 

Yeosang smiles widely before leaning over the table to kiss Yunho. 

They arrange the meeting for another day, where Yeosang cooks a meal (he's gotten better since Wooyoung), informing the younger about a guest coming. Soon enough there's a knock on the door, and Yeosang smiles, allowing Yunho inside. They share a quick kiss before Yeosang moves to the side, looking towards Wooyoung who already has narrowed eyes, a glare, as if on guard, completely opposite from the wide smile he usually has when he meets new people. 

"Wooyoung, meet my boy- uh, close friend, Yunho." 

Yunho smiles, waving towards the younger but Wooyoung remains quiet, tiny arms crossed against his chest as he glares at Yunho. 

Yeosang clears his throat awkwardly, "Wooyoung, can you say hi?" 

"I dont want to" the younger replies. 

"I'm sorry about him, he's usually not like this" Yeosang apologizes, turning to Yunho. The taller chuckles, brushing it off. "It's fine, I'm sure things will change once he warms up to me."

Except they don't, because during the meal Wooyoung barely eats, choosing to glare at the 'intruder' the entirety. Whenever Yunho asks the young one a question, Wooyoung ignores him, remaining silent. 

"I don't like you" Wooyoung states eventually, making Yeosang gasp. "Wooyoung!" 

"It's fine-" Yunho starts, but Yeosang shakes his head. "No, it's not. Wooyoung, why are you acting like this? Remember, we treat others with respect." 

Wooyoung ignores Yeosang and decides to throw his Spiderman toy at the taller, nailing Yunho straight in the forehead.

"Wooyoung! I am so sorry, Yunho, I-" Yeosang stands, grabbing Wooyoung's arm to drag him somewhere more private. "What is going on with you!?" 

"He's not a good person-" 

"Wooyoung, Yunho is my boyfriend. You're going to have to learn to like him, he hasn't done anything wrong. Give me a reason as to why you don't like him." 

Wooyoung is silent, so Yeosang gives him a face. 

"I don't know, I just don't like him." 

"You're going to apologize, or else I'll be very upset. We treat people with kindness, even if we don't like them, remember?" 

"Okay." 

Bringing Wooyoung back the smaller approaches Yunho, glaring again. "I'm sorry for throwing Spiderman at your head, but I still don't like you." 

Yeosang facepalms. 

One afternoon on another day, Hongjoong, Yeosang, and Seonghwa head out for lunch after a photoshoot, where the blonde voices his concerns to his friends.

"He doesn't like Yunho" Yeosang frowns. 

"What? Wooyoung, not liking someone? You better take that as your red flag because the kid likes everyone" Hongjoong states with a laugh. 

"San and Yunho have been friends for quite a while, I haven't heard anything unpleasant" Seonghwa argues. 

"You cannot compare a friend to a lover" Hongjoong retaliates, taking a sip of his drink. 

Yeosang sighs. "I don't know what to do. If things work out with Yunho I would assume we will eventually move in together, I don't know how things will go." 

"Everything happens for a reason, what's hidden in the dark will come to light" Hongjoong advises. Seonghwa makes a confused face, "Hongjoong, you sound like you don't trust Yunho." 

"I don't, have you seen his dating history?" 

"We aren't in the position to judge, idiot. Yeosang, you just have to believe everything will work out" Seonghwa states softly. 

He does, and it does work out, or play out, rather. It's crazy how right a small child's instinct can be, because everything comes crashing down the next day.

Yeosang decides to surprise Yunho at his apartment one day, knowing the passcode. Yunho is usually at work at this time, so he brings some groceries to cook a delicious meal. 

Although when he enters, he spots shoes near the door, two pairs, one of them being red stilettos. Yeosang frowns, about to call for Yunho when suddenly he hears a sound. He freezes, silent, thinking he may be hearing things when he suddenly hears it again. 

Making his way slowly to the bedroom and opening the door, his heart nearly stops, because there Yunho is, in bed with a woman, fucking her. Dropping the groceries in his hands makes a loud noise, and the two on the bed turn to the door in curiosity, panic overcoming Yunho's face. 

"How could you?" Yeosang croaks with tears in his eyes, before making a beeline for the door. 

"Yeosang, wait!" Yunho calls, getting off the woman. He's naked so he struggles to put on his underwear and run after the other, and by the time he gets out of the bedroom Yeosang is long gone. 

The blonde is a mess, he's numb, doesn't even realize he's made it to his car until his phone starts to ring. 

Yunho ❤️

Yeosang ignores it, blocking the other's number before curling into a sobbing ball. He let his guard down. He should've known it was too good to be true, no one will love him like he wants, he'll never find love the way he wants, never. He's going to be alone forever and it's something he needs to accept. 

When he finally gets home he has to put up a front for Wooyoung, taking on the day as normal, even with how dejected he feels. The young one helps his mood though, making him smile and laugh, a good distraction. It's not until the end of the night where Yeosang turns into a sobbing mess again under his sheets.

He cries so hard that he doesn't realize Wooyoung's opened his door and climbed into his bed, doesn't realize the younger is there until small arms are wrapping around his body. 

"Wooyoung?" Yeosang questions, quickly wiping his tears. "Why aren't you asleep?" 

"I can't sleep when you're sad" Wooyoung croaks. 

"I'll be fine, don't worry" Yeosang whispers, wrapping his arms around the smaller. 

Wooyoung looks at him with wide sad eyes, reading him. "Did Yunho hurt you?"

Yeosang frowns, always a smart boy. "Yes, he did, I'm not with him anymore. You were right, he's not a good person."

Wooyoung buries his head into Yeosang's chest, tightening his grip around the older. "It's okay, Wooyoung will always be here for Yeosang." 

Yeosang's heart has never felt so full. 

🧸

From the news about Yunho and Yeosang breaking up, his friends decide to have a slumber party, Wooyoung included considering they have it at Yeosang's apartment. 

"That pig, he's lucky. I may be little but I swear I can fuc-" Yeosang clears his throat, gesturing towards Wooyoung with his eyes. Hongjoong corrects himself, "I can mess him up." 

"We had no idea what an asshole he is," Seonghwa states. 

"Told you!" Hongjoong brags. He runs towards Wooyoung, asking the smaller for a high five and although confused, Wooyoung gives it to him with a cute smile. 

"We've cut times with him, even San, right babe?" Seonghwa questions, turning to his husband. San nods, trying to set up the Nintendo switch. "We did, and I'm sorry as well."

"It's fine guys, really, I'll be okay. I just want to forget about him" Yeosang replies. 

They play Mario Party on the Nintendo switch, splitting up into partners. Married vs. single, can you guess the teams? Wooyoung watches intensely, amazed by all the colours in the game, and when Seonghwa and San win they cheer, celebrating with a smooch. 

"Hey, no PDA" Yeosang scolds towards the couple, scooping Wooyoung to cover the younger's eyes. 

"I'm gonna need another drink" Hongjoong states in fake disgust before making his way into the kitchen. The morning after, Yeosang wakes up to the smell of something burning, and so with a startle and a run to the kitchen, he gasps when he spots San holding a messy Wooyoung. The younger is covered head to toe in pancake batter, and San is not far from being fully covered himself. 

"What the hell is going on? What is that rancid smell?" Hongjoong complains from behind Yeosang. 

"Oops?" San and Wooyoung state at the same time, smiling innocently.

Hongjoong groans. "Seonghwa, if you don't come get this husband of yours-"

A few days later, Yeosang's concierge contacts him about someone trying to visit him that's not on his list of accepted visitors. When Yeosang asks, the concierge states "Mr. Jeong." 

Yeosang growls, "No, he is not allowed up. Tell him to leave, thank you." 

But it doesn't stop there. 

He starts getting big bouquets of flowers, chocolates, candy, all with small notes of apology from Yunho, the man is persistent. Although Yeosang's relationships have failed in the past, he's never been cheated on and that is one thing he cannot forgive. 

He throws outs the flowers and chocolate and candies, one day deciding to unblock the male and text him. 

[5:47pm] Me: 

Stop with the gifts, if it wasn't clear enough before we're done

He blocks him again afterwards, and luckily enough the gifts do stop. Everything is fine, that is until they run into one another again. There's a premiere for San's movie, and of course other celebrities are present. The watching goes great, San plays an undercover cop in a mafia and portrays it so well, Yeosang is so proud of his friend and the movie is amazing. 

But then there's another celebration afterwards and they head to a fancy bar, where people of status are allowed behind the VIP section. When Yeosang arrives with Hongjoong, San and Seonghwa approach the blonde with concerned faces. 

"I'm sorry, there wasn't anything I could do to control it. Yunho's here" San states. 

And of course, the brunette sits at a table with a couple of his friends, luckily he hasn't spotted Yeosang yet. The blonde shakes it off, forcing a smile. "It's fine." 

"Plus, if he tries anything I'm here" Hongjoong threatens, making Yeosang chuckle. 

It's not till a little bit later when Yeosang heads to the bar to grab a drink that someone grabs his arm lightly, and he turns, expecting it to be one of his friends but unfortunately ... 

"Hey, can we talk?" Yunho asks with pleading eyes. 

"There's nothing to talk about, let me go" Yeosang replies, trying to remove his arm from the other's grip but Yunho tightens his grasp. "Why are you being so stubborn? Just let me explain-" 

"Yunho, get off" Yeosang fights.

Suddenly, someone jumps on Yunho's back, strangling the taller. "Hongjoong!" Yeosang screams with wide eyes at the shorter's bravery.

"What the fuck!?" Yunho yells, trying to get the blue haired male off, and it turns into a full out brawl. Yunho's friends appear, Seonghwa and San, it's a blurry mess of bodies pushing each other trying to clear the impending fight. 

Everything happens so fast, because next thing they know the police are there and escorting all of them outside of the venue. When the situation is explained no one is arrested, they're just made to go home. 

But of course, like every rollercoaster in life, there's ups and downs. The press gets a hold of the story and tabloids go into a frenzy, placing all their names in it with a twist on words from the real situation. 

And it all happens days before the monthly child protection worker visit. When Gamra comes through the door she doesn't look as cheery as she usually does, a bit standoffish, and Yeosang sighs because he knows what it's about. 

"I can explain-" 

"Yeosang-ssi" she pauses, sighing. "As a temporary caregiver, being involved with the police is not a good sign." 

"But it wasn't my fault-" 

"It's sometimes not, I understand, but in these cases it's our procedure. For Wooyoung's safety, the board may vote to remove him from your home." 

"What?" 

She nods sadly. "I know how much you care for him, I see it, but it's not my decision in the end. I'm here to inform you they'll be making the vote at the end of the week." 

Yeosang's silent for a few seconds, pondering, they're going to try to take Wooyoung away from him for something that wasn't even his fault? What happened to providing a safe space for the child? He proved it to them each time, every month and they were going to hold this small thing against him? 

How ridiculous. 

"What happens then?" he whispers. 

"If it fails, Wooyoung remains. But if it passes ... I'm sorry Yeosang." 

When Gamra leaves, Yeosang is going through a tidal wave of emotions. He's angry at Yunho, at himself, sad at the thought of losing the young boy he's come to love dearly. He can't allow his emotions to get the best of him though, especially not in front of the younger because Wooyoung reads him too easily. 

He can only hope the board's vote does not go through. 

🧸

Yeosang wakes up early the next morning for work, getting himself ready. Usually Wooyoung is up alongside and ready to start the day, but the small boy has yet to open the door to his room. Frowning, he makes his way into the other's bedroom. Wooyoung is hidden under his blanket, black hair the only thing peeking out. 

"Wooyoung?" Yeosang calls, approaching the small boy. 

Getting a groan in return, Yeosang takes a seat beside the small boy on the bed in concern when he spots how red Wooyoung is, his skin. Putting his hand on the small one's forehead, he realizes how hot the small boy is, abnormally.

"Don't feel well" Wooyoung croaks, eyes still closed. 

"I think you may have a fever," Yeosang worries. Standing, he cancels with the babysitter and calls Hongjoong. 

"Wooyoung's sick, I'll have to stay back." 

"How bad is it?" 

"He's extremely hot, I think he has a fever. Should I take him to the hospital?" the blonde panics. 

"No, I'll grab some medicine. In the meantime make sure he gets lots of rest and place a wet cold cloth on his forehead. Stick to liquids for hydration, lots of water." 

"Thanks hyung." 

When the call ends Yeosang does just that, gets a tall glass of water for Wooyoung to drink through a straw and places a cloth on his head for a small period. He's ordering some soup in the living room while Wooyoung rests some more when the door opens, revealing Hongjoong holding a small plastic bag. "Pharmacist says kids Tylenol should also do the trick." 

"Thanks, I'll give it to him when he wakes up" Yeosang states, taking the bag. 

"Hey, you okay?" 

"Not really, I'm just ... I'm scared. He looks so weak and I feel like it's all my fault." 

"It's never anyone's fault someone gets sick, especially like this. All he needs right now is support, Wooyoung's a trooper, he'll be fine." 

Yeosang wants to believe so, but for some strange reason something feels completely wrong. He's anxious and on edge. Hours later Wooyoung wakes up and Yeosang takes the opportunity to feed him the medicine, even with how much the younger protests. 

He's acting quite difficult, it's the first time Yeosang has seen the younger act out so bad. He refuses to take the medicine and Yeosang is slowly losing his patience. 

"Wooyoung" the older warns, sternly. "This is for you to get better, okay? Please, take the medicine." 

"No!" Wooyoung screams. The younger is crying, sobbing, squirming in Yeosang's arms so the older isn't able to feed him. Yeosang sighs, putting the medicine to the side before scooping the young boy in his arms again, standing.

Wooyoung immediately calms down, burying his head in Yeosang's chest. His cries have turned to small sniffs as the older rocks back and forth with the smaller in his arms, trying to comfort him. When a few minutes pass he sits, placing Wooyoung in his lap. "You're gonna be okay, Wooyoung. The medicine will help you feel better, you know I would never hurt you. Can we try again?" 

Wooyoung looks at him with wide watery eyes before nodding, and when Yeosang is able to successfully feed him the medicine he praises the smaller, kissing his head. They watch cartoons, drink chicken noodle soup and cuddle for the rest of the day. 

"I love you, Yeosang." 

"I love you too, Wooyoung." 

Unfortunately, things only get worse. 

The next day Wooyoung is even more ill, to the point the younger can barely move or form words. He's also having trouble breathing and Yeosang has seen enough, he panics. He quickly dresses the young boy and scoops him up, grabbing their essentials before running to the parking garage and into his car. He buckles Wooyoung into the carseat and gets in, driving to the hospital. 

"Please, someone help" Yeosang calls when he enters, and a group of nurses approach him to take Wooyoung. He's not allowed to follow them in the beginning, so he waits in the waiting room, shaking nervously. 

He texts Hongjoong and Seonghwa with shaking fingers.

[8:43AM] Me:

At the hospital

It's not even an hour later when the doors to the waiting room opens, revealing a tired looking Hongjoong and worried Seonghwa. 

"Hey" they greet, hugging Yeosang before questioning what's going on.  

"I don't know, things were okay last night but then this morning he could barely move or even speak, I don't know what's wrong" Yeosang explains. He doesn't even realize he's crying until Seonghwa hands him a tissue. "I'm just afraid, my mind is leading me towards scary places." 

Before Hongjoong or Seonghwa can reply, a doctor approaches them. "Caregiver of Wooyoung?" 

"Yes," Yeosang stands up. 

"Please, follow me." 

He follows the doctor down the hall and near a door at the end where Yeosang assumes Wooyoung resides. The doctor frowns, "Wooyoung has fallen into a coma. It's a very odd case, but we aren't sure what's causing his illness. We're still running some tests of course, but nothing has come back that tells us much. It isn't a fever, it's ... idiopathic." 

"Will he be okay?" Yeosang questions. 

"I won't lie and tell you he will be, because it's unpredictable. What's best for Wooyoung now is to keep him in the hospital, he's .... -" 

A ringing sounds in Yeosang's ear, world tuning out.  

Wooyoung.

🧸

"Do you want something to eat?" Seonghwa asks.

"No," Yeosang replies. 

"You need to eat something, it's been two days" Hongjoong scolds. 

Two days since Yeosang has seen Wooyoung's eyes, two days since he's heard his tiny voice, his squeaky laughter, and seen his cute wide smile. Two days since the young boy has fallen into a coma, with the doctors having know idea what may be the cause of the issue. 

They're in Wooyoung's room, the sound of the heart monitor beeping. It's horrible seeing him attached to all the wires, sickening, Yeosang hasn't let go of the small one's hand. He doesn't understand what went wrong, how this could've happened. Maybe it was an underlying illness before they met? They went to regular checkups with the paediatrician, but maybe she wasn't even aware. 

Why is all of this happening suddenly?

"I'll grab everyone a coffee" San states. Seonghwa joins him, leaving Yeosang and Hongjoong.

"I'm sorry, Yeosang" Hongjoong starts. 

"For what?" 

"I ... I told you he would be okay. Maybe if we came to the hospital earlier-" 

"No, don't blame yourself hyung, it's no one's fault" he pauses, whispering the next, "the doctors don't even know what's wrong." 

Hongjoong sighs, approaching the blonde and immediately wrapping his arms around him. Yeosang returns the hug feeling quite weak and defeated, burying his head into the older's shoulder once he starts to cry. 

A few hours later everyone is asleep, Hongjoong is in the corner asleep in one of the chairs, while San and Seonghwa are asleep cuddled on the couch. Yeosang decides to grab another coffee so he doesn't sleep in case Wooyoung might awake, leaving the room to head towards the cafeteria. It's always quiet during the night in the halls, there's not much sound coming from the floor they're on.

Making himself a small coffee from the machine after paying, he turns to spot two men watching him from afar. They're both wearing white lab coats, resembling doctors, but also look very different from the doctors he's seen throughout the hospital. 

He's a bit creeped, but he chooses to pay it no mind. As he's about to walk away, he pauses when one of them calls out to him. "Kang Yeosang?" 

The blonde turns to them in confusion, "Yes?"

The shorter one approaches him, expression neutral. "I'm Jongho, and this is my partner Mingi," he bows. Mingi, the taller one, has fiery red hair and waves towards him with a cute smile.  

"Um, hello?" he greets. 

"We know what's wrong with Wooyoung, we can help" Jongho states, getting straight to the point. 

"How ... how did you know-" 

"It's a lot to explain, but we need to move now before it's too late. I know you're questioning whether you should trust us, but you're just going to have to. If we're not fast, Wooyoung will die" Mingi explains. 

Jongho nods. "We can't treat him here, you'll need to come with us." 

It's a lot to take in at the moment, but Yeosang is desperate. If the doctors can't even help Wooyoung, what does he have to lose? Soon enough the three are returning to the room, where Hongjoong, Seonghwa, and San are slowly awakening. 

"Guys, meet Mingi and Jongho, they know what's going on with Wooyoung and want to help. We need to go with them" Yeosang quickly states. 

"Excuse me?" Hongjoong laughs in disbelief. "Yeosang-" 

"We don't have much time, let's go" Yeosang rushes.

The blue haired male's eyes widen, "Wait, hold up! We don't even know these people, and they're claiming they can help? Are you two even doctors?" 

"Hongjoong, now is not the time. We need to save Wooyoung, and if they can help then so be it" Yeosang claims, ripping the wires from Wooyoung's body carefully. San and Seonghwa help so that the older can scoop the unconscious boy, following Mingi and Jongho out of the hospital room. 

"I can't believe this" Hongjoong mutters before grabbing his things and following along. They have to sneak out of the hospital, it wouldn't look good if they were caught, but soon enough they're getting into a huge black van. Mingi drives with Jongho passenger, the rest in the back with Wooyoung in Yeosang's arms. 

"Are you two going to explain what's going on?" Hongjoong questions. 

"Time travel. Wooyoung is not from here, he's from another century. In order to save him, we need to send him back" Jongho states nonchalantly. 

"Is this some type of joke?" Hongjoong scoffs. 

"I mean at this point, what else are we to believe?" San adds, sighing. 

"It'll make much more sense when we reach headquarters," Mingi states. 

Wooyoung is not from their century ... What does that even mean? 

They reach a building after a thirty minute drive, heading inside. It resembles a normal lobby of a hotel when they enter, ordinary, until they're led into another room by Jongho and Mingi and made to go down steep stairs. 

"I have the police on speed dial if you guys try anything" Hongjoong threatens. 

A room resembling a science lab comes into view, white, bright, with a couple of beds, chemicals and unexplainable machinery all around.

"We need to move fast," Jongho states, grabbing some things. "Yeosang, put Wooyoung down on that bed. We need to put you asleep for this to work, lay on the other bed." 

"You're going to do what?" Hongjoong questions in bewilderment. 

"I think if we wanted to kill you, by now we would've. As I mentioned, it'll make sense soon."

Yeosang has no choice but to obey, he wants, no, needs to save Wooyoung. It's risky, he's never done anything like this, trusted people so easily, but for some reason something is telling him things will be alright. Laying Wooyoung down, he kisses the younger's forehead one last time before getting onto the bed beside. Mingi approaches him, holding a syringe, "Stay still." 

Yeosang cringes when the needle enters his arm, and before he knows it everything starts to blur. When he falls unconscious, Jongho starts typing like a maniac on a massive computer, the remaining three watching with wide curious eyes. 

"What the hell is that?" Hongjoong questions a contraption Mingi pulls close. It resembles a water well, although transparent, liquid inside blue and illuminating but not actually water. It's powered by the technology source Mingi attaches to it, where a screen suddenly starts to turn up. 

"It's a technological Pensieve-"

"A very powerful item that allows us to see into the past" Mingi interrupts.

The shorter glares at his partner. "Yes. This is what we've been trying to show you, it'll explain a lot" Jongho states, placing wired magnets on the side of both Yeosang and Wooyoung's foreheads before turning his attention to the screen. 

It's suddenly like they're watching a movie. On the screen an old village comes to view, those ones you see from Korean history books.

"What are we looking at?" San whispers. 

"Our technology is able to retrieve and see things from the past, this is the year 1737."

Suddenly on the screen, a bald ... Yeosang? wearing a cowl, the outfit worn by monks comes into view, meditating. 

"Yeosang?" Seonghwa whispers. 

"Yes, Yeosang, but not your Yeosang. We're not even sure if this is the first because our technology can only go so far back, but your Yeosang may be a reincarnation of this one" Jongho explains. 

The three stare in bewilderment at the male on the screen, because he really does look exactly like their Yeosang, except he's a monk. 

"What the fuck?" Hongjoong questions. Now another older male comes into view, resembling Wooyoung. He's also bald and wearing a cowl, but there's no doubt it's an aged Wooyoung, same eyes, same mole, smile, everything. 

The scene changes, Wooyoung and Yeosang are alone in a room, smiling and laughing with one another  before ... They share a kiss. 

Seonghwa gasps. "They were lovers?" 

Jongho nods. "They were, but it was the 1700s and same sex relationships were not even spoken of, let alone done between two monks."

Suddenly the scene changes, Yeosang and Wooyoung are in each other's arms, crying and bloody, townsfolk in the village throwing rocks at them harshly.

"Oh my god" San whispers.

"They were murdered" Mingi speaks up this time as the scene changes again, this time showcasing Yeosang and Wooyoung tied together with townsfolk holding sticks of fire. "Burned to death, but before their last breath promised to find one another again someday" Mingi ends, before the screen goes black.

Starting again, this time the screen shows a brown haired Yeosang wearing a pretty red and gold Hanbok at a table writing a scripture with ink. 

"This is the year 1821" Jongho starts."Prince Yeosang was part of the wealthy Kang clang from 1821, when hierarchy took place. From our research in historical books, he was banished from his land for an unknown reason-" 

"but this will explain why" Mingi interrupts again, making Jongho send the taller an annoyed expression. 

Suddenly the scene changes and there's Yeosang standing with Wooyoung, yet again. Wooyoung has long black hair that runs down his back and he wears a gat, blue and silver hanbok occupying his body. The two are sitting across one another at a table, chatting, it looks quite innocent at first until you see their hands underneath, touching one another. 

"Prince Wooyoung was part of the wealthy Jeong Clan from 1821, and he and prince Yeosang fell in love. Their love was forbidden of course, they were both even arranged to marry princesses at the time. They kept their relationship a secret, until one day when they got caught. They were banished from their land, forced to live remotely, away from civilization. Although, this time their love prevailed, because they got to grow old together."

The scenes change periodically showing Wooyoung and Yeosang aging, living off on their own and surviving in the woods, having to build their own home and kill animals for food. And then it ends with the two as old men, cuddled in each other's arms before the screen goes black. 

A few seconds pass before the screen starts up again, and this time Yeosang and Wooyoung are already together, looking to be about age twenty and both with black hair, standing beside one another in military uniforms. 

"In 1952, during the Korean War" Jongho starts, "Wooyoung and Yeosang reincarnations were best friends, with hidden feelings for one another that couldn't be expressed because same sex relationships were still illegal." 

This one is shorter, the screen changes and shows Wooyoung crying over Yeosang's ... dead body. Wooyoung is screaming loudly, a vein protruding from his neck as he sobs and shakes a limp Yeosang in his arms as if trying to wake the other up, hands bloody. Obviously they can't hear what Wooyoung is saying, but from reading his lips ...

"Yeosang, wake up, please! I can't lose you!" 

"I love you." 

"The most tragic of all. Yeosang died that day" Mingi states with sorrow. 

The scene changes and Wooyoung stands near a grave with flowers in his hands. He's missing a leg and one of his eyes is bandaged up. Using crutches to support himself, he slowly lays the flowers on the grave labelled 'Kang Yeosang.'

Falling to the floor suddenly, he starts to sob harshly as the screen slowly fades to black. 

"Wooyoung died a few years later, suicide" Mingi ends.  Seonghwa sniffs, wiping his tears. San wraps his arms around his husband's waist in comfort.

Jongho and Mingi turn towards the three, the taller speaking up "I can assume you now have a clearer picture to what we've been saying." 

Jongho continues, "Wooyoung and Yeosang are two out of a small group of people who are reincarnated in each century. 1700s, maybe even before, 1800s, 1900s, and now the 2000s, they're soulmates. It's how Wooyoung was able to find Yeosang, they're connected by a red string, although it usually can't be seen, this case was different."

"But how does that make sense? Wooyoung is a child here, they cannot be lovers" Hongjoong cringes. 

"It's out fault" Mingi frowns. "We're apart of a big group of scientists working with the government from the year 3000, we've time travelled. We're experimenting on children, and this is one we're testing for analysis because of time travel, to see if one can be placed in another century, how it'll change the future."

"You people are sick, testing on children? What has the world turned to?" Hongjoong exclaims. 

"It's nothing harmful, as of yet. Soulmates have a special bond, it's another thing we've been studying. We've noticed that soulmates keep reincarnating each century and always find each other, but because we couldn't find a story between Wooyoung and Yeosang for 2000, we assumed something went wrong. So we placed 3000 Wooyoung in the twenty first century for our analysis, it was trial and error, we had no idea Yeosang was already a grown man.  Although they both felt that instant connection, it wasn't the one we seek, the binding was forced when it should be natural. Wooyoung isn't meant to be here and that's why he's fallen so ill, we have to take him back." 

A sudden realization for the three, as bewildering as it is, that Wooyoung never belonged in their world in the first place. It explains a lot of things, such as how he appeared from nowhere, why his vocabulary and actions were so different from a regular four year old. 

"Is there another Wooyoung in our century?" San asks. 

"We don't know, we unfortunately do not have the ability to seek him" Jongho replies. 

"And yet you have the ability to see the past and time travel ... how does that even make sense" Hongjoong mutters. 

"If I knew, I'd tell you" Jongho snaps, sighing. "Unfortunately ... I doubt it. From our research, it seems soulmates meet one another quite early and Yeosang still hasn't met another Wooyoung. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be in this century."

"What does that mean for Yeosang?" Seonghwa asks.

"Nothing too grand, he'll be okay. He'll just never find true love" Mingi replies with a frown. Silence engulfs the room as everyone ponders about what's happened and been revealed, it's surreal.

Jongho breaks the silence, "It's time for goodbyes, we need to return Wooyoung home before it's too late. But um ... there's one more thing." He pauses before continuing. "No one will remember Wooyoung." 

"What!?" the three yell. 

"It works both ways, Wooyoung returns to 3006 with no memory of what happened in 2028 and vice versa. It could fuck up a lot of things if not, like for one, think about it. Yeosang is basically like a father to Wooyoung right now, and let's say there really is a Wooyoung out in your world, somewhere. How will Yeosang look at his soulmate as a lover with everything that's happened?"

"He's right, it's fucked up" Hongjoong comments.

Jongho nods. "We also don't want to be discovered and create a bigger problem once he's gone. It'll be as if he never existed once I click this button."

Hongjoong scoffs in disbelief. "What about all the pictures we took with him? The memories? Yeosang literally created a room for him."

"Everything will be modified in a way that does not involve Wooyoung. He'll disappear from all the pictures, memories, Yeosang's room will return to how it looked before. Like I said, Wooyoung will cease to exist and your lives will resume normally."

"How?" San whispers.

"It's the twenty second century, science and technology has evolved."  

"I'm guessing we won't remember any of this," Seonghwa states knowingly.

"Bingo" Mingi laughs. "We work with the government, everything is top secret." 

Hongjoong gives a final nod in conclusion, tearing up a little when he approaches unconscious Wooyoung, the small boy he's gotten to know and adore. He kisses the younger on the forehead lightly, brushing some hair from his face. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm sure we'll meet again one day, Wooyoung. Regardless of how irritated I may have always seemed, Hongjoong hyung will always love you." 

San and Seonghwa are next, saying their goodbyes. Everyone is teary eyed as they do so, having to hold back the tears, although failing because eventually they're all crying. 

Hongjoong realizes something. "What about Yeosang? He doesn't get to say goodbye?" 

Mingi and Jongho smile knowingly, the shorter speaking. "It's not goodbye for Yeosang, my dears, the two will always find their way back to one another." 

"It was nice meeting you three" Mingi says with a wave goodbye. 

When Jongho clicks the button everything goes white. 

🧸

Yeosang wakes up in his bed, in his apartment, groggy with no reconciliation of what happened the night prior. Stretching and yawning he looks at his phone, other than a few texts from Hongjoong about his work day there's nothing. He decides to go take a shower. 

The apartment is quiet and clean, like usual, but for some strange reason something feels off. 

Yeosang can't place it, even after checking everything, his room, the guest room, everything, nothing seems out of place, out of ordinary. It irks him though, why he can't figure it out but he chooses to pay it no mind. 

When he's leaving his apartment for work, he finally spots something out of the ordinary near the corner of his door. "Who put this here?" he whispers to himself. 

A brown teddy bear. 

How odd. Shrugging, he places the bear on the nightstand in his guest bedroom before finally leaving his apartment. 

🧸

A year later ... 

Yeosang is in Paris. 

After visiting Italy for vogue Italia, he decides to tour Europe, needing a small getaway and for some strange reason something kept pulling him towards the idea of traveling to France first. He’s only there for a few days, planning to visit the United Kingdom afterwards. 

He sits at a restaurant alone, having breakfast on the outdoor patio of the balcony overlooking the busy Paris streets. He’s enjoying his cup of ice coffee in the warm weather, sun shining brightly, when suddenly he hears a ‘snap.’ 

He’s not sure where it comes from, thinking it might just be something in his head, but then he hears it again, and then again. It sounds like someone is taking pictures, and so he looks over the balcony and spots a male, indeed taking pictures of the busy Paris streets, some flowers, random pretty things. 

He's suddenly intrigued, wanting to spot the stranger’s face but the male is wearing sunglasses and faces away from Yeosang, so it’s hard. And just when Yeosang thinks he might get a glance, the male puts his camera away in the bag strapped to his shoulder and walks away, getting lost in the sea of the crowd. 

Yeosang frowns, turning back to his breakfast. He's not sure why his body felt so intrigued to see the male afar, a stranger, but he chooses to brush it off. 

He visits the Louvre museum in the afternoon, obviously not being able to tour the whole thing because of its grandness but it's a beautiful sight to see for sure, especially spotting the real Mona Lisa. 

As he makes his way through the busy stress he hears a beautiful melody, music, coming from down the street. When he approaches, it’s a French man playing the violin so beautifully, the melody is captivating. Yeosang stands and watches, mesmerized, reminding himself to leave the man a gracious tip afterwards. 

As he stands there, a blur of something catches his eye. When he looks across the crowd he spots that same male, the one that was taking pictures while he ate breakfast. This is the second time he’s spotting him in the big city, it’s weird, and this time the male is taking pictures of the violinist. He’s still wearing his sunglasses and he’s faced awkwardly away from Yeosang so it’s hard to spot his face. For some strange reason he can’t stop watching the male. 

Eventually the violinist ends his playing and everyone claps and provides their tips. Yeosang waits patiently to bend down and give his own tip, and when he stands back up to look for the male again, the stranger is gone.  

I’m losing it. 

He decides to end his night with dinner in the eiffel tower, at one of the fancy restaurants. When he’s seated, he stares at the menu in deep thought. He’s a bit unsure what to get and his English isn’t too good either, let alone his French. 

Looking up a bit to run a finger through his hair, Yeosang freezes. 

It’s him again. 

He’s sitting at a table not too far from Yeosang, alone, looking to have just finished his meal as he’s scrolling through the pictures in his camera roll, empty plate in front. This time he's not wearing his sunglasses but the blonde still can’t see his face from the awkward angle. But Yeosang can tell it’s him from miles away, the black skinny jeans, blue button down that reveals his chest, black hair, tan skin, and unique nose. There’s a familiarity so strong it’s pestering him, plus this is the third time he’s seen him. Once is nothing, twice is a coincidence, but three? 

The waiter appearing distracts Yeosang again, so much so that when he’s finally figured out what he wants to order and looks back up, the mysterious male with the sunglasses and camera is gone yet again. Yeosang sighs, shaking his head, forget it. 

After dinner he decides at the last minute before heading back to his hotel to visit the very top of the Eiffel tower. Viewing the nightlife of Paris from the very top is surreal, it’s beautiful. 

He breathes in deeply, inhaling and exhaling the fresh air. 

“It’s you.” 

Yeosang almost jumps from the sudden voice in his ear, turning towards the intruder. 

It’s him.

And he speaks Korean.

“Me?” Yeosang questions. 

“You’re in the background of a lot of my pictures … it’s crazy” the male tells him, pulling out his camera. 

Scrolling through the photos he shows, indeed, Yeosang in the background a lot. From the morning at the restaurant, sipping his ice coffee, to the afternoon where the stranger seemed to even get Yeosang in the background at the Louvre staring at the Mona Lisa. Then the violin performance, Yeosang's in the background, mesmerized, and then finally at dinner, when the stranger took a picture of a nice painting in the restaurant. The blonde is in the background looking at his menu. 

In the background of the area, someone starts to sing beautifully ... 

And then there’s a last picture, of Yeosang looking out towards the view from on top of the eiffel tower. But what makes this, the last picture, different from the rest is that the stranger took it intentionally. Compared to the rest where Yeosang just seemed to be in the background by accident from the other trying to capture something beautiful, this picture points at Yeosang, zoomed into his face. 

“Sorry, I uh … couldn’t help myself. You’re beautiful” the stranger compliments, putting away his camera. He finally removes his sunglasses in front of Yeosang, smiling.

"I'm Wooyoung."  

Such familiar eyes, and why does that name also sound so familiar?

You're here, there's nothing I fear
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart and
My heart will go on and on .....

Yeosang returns the kind smile. "Nice to meet you, Wooyoung, I'm Yeosang."

🧸

It's the year 3007, and when one steps outside, it’s like a dystopia. Technology is everything, flying cars, floating buildings, but the government has taken over aspects of each individual's everyday lives, making society quite undesirable and frightening. 

Regardless, people are still able to live, find joy and happiness with their loved ones and what they do, even under all the control. 

Wooyoung, five years old, sits beside his friends in the orphanage playing, when suddenly the caregiver grabs their attention, clapping her hands. 

“Kids, we have someone new joining us today and I want you all to provide him with a warm welcome. Remember to be kind and respectful.”

When the door finally opens and the teacher returns to the play room, there’s a young shy boy hiding behind her leg ….

“Everyone, meet Yeosang.” 

“Yeosang” Wooyoung repeats. 

Why does that name sound so familiar?

The little boy finally moves from behind her leg, revealing a face that has his heart twisting with curious wonders. He stares at Wooyoung with a sudden interest, holding a brown teddy bear in his arms. 

Wooyoung doesn’t know why he feels this way all of a sudden, why there’s an instant pull in his body towards the other young one, so strong, but what he does know at the moment is that Yeosang …. feels like home.