Archive of Our Own

They were all dumbfounded as they stared at the toddler sitting on Shua’s bed – all wide-eyed, shirt slipping his shoulders dahil sa laki nito sa kanya.

The group definitely didn’t know who amongst them brought a kid to their dorm – walang gustong umamin. But Jeonghan and Seungcheol stared the hardest on the kid.

But that seemed to be a wrong move, because after a minute of openly gawking at the kid, he suddenly burst out crying.

The ‘hyungs’ in the band instantly cooed and tried to console the crying bubwit. Jeonghan was the first to move and he engulfed the kid in his arms.

“Hello.. Please don’t cry, baby.” Pag-alo ni Jeonghan sa bata. “What’s your name, hmm?” He asked, patting the child’s back gently.

Humikbi-hikbi naman ang bata sa bisig ni Han.

“Wait, nasaan pala si Shua hyung?” Tanong ni Seungkwan habang palinga-linga sa paligid.

The toddler then raised his cute chubby hand. “S–Shua is here..”

Nagkatinginan naman silang lahat dahil sa cute na boses ng bata.. at sa sinabi nito na siya raw si Shua!

Seungcheol approached Han and the kid at saka lumuhod sa harap nila. “Shua?”

The kid nodded, albeit wary about the leader’s piercing gaze. Well, when he looked up, that’s when he noticed that all of the members were looking at him intensely. That's why he turned to Jeonghan and buried his face on the older one’s chest.

The second eldest couldn’t help but croon at Shua. His best friend was already cute as it is. But a toddler Shua???

FUCKING MADNESS.

Para bang sasabog ang puso nila dahil sa sobrang cute ng Shua hyung nila. The way he moved and acted felt like they were with a baby deer – a real life Bambi!

But then their sudden quietness brought a question to Jun’s mind. “How did it happen?”

Minghao just rolled his eyes – not because it was a dumb question, but because his mind, as the most sane person in SVT, couldn’t come up with a more logical answer other than magic .

Then Dino was clapping and snapping his fingers with accompanying “Ooh! Ooh!” Napatingin ang lahat sa kanya. “Oh my god! Tanda niyo ba ‘yung isang tanong nung nag live tayo kahapon???”

Seungkwan instantly raised his eyebrows at him, already doubting the youngest’s reasoning kahit wala pa itong sinasabi.

“Tinanong tayo if we prefer 5-year old Shua or five Shua!” He exclaimed.

Gyu, Hansol, Seokmin and Jun collectively gasped, animated expressions showing as they faced the baby on Jeonghan’s lap.

“And most of us answered that we want a 5-year old Shua because that would be cute..” Jihoon pondered and then sighed. “Well, we now got what we wanted, I guess.” Jihoon smiled at the kid which made Shua’s cheeks colored upon realizing na nasa kanya na naman lahat ng atensyon.

“You’re fine, Shua-yah..” Jun patted his head and smiled warmly at the boy. “Are you hungry ba?”

And even though he was shy at the peering eyes around him, he managed to nod his head, hands still clutching tightly into Jeonghan’s shirt.

Agad naman siyang binuhat ng nahuli then made a reminder to everyone. “Welp, we don’t know how long is Shua gonna be like this. But please, do not smother him, okay? Alam ko na ‘yang mga tingin niyong ganyan.”

Soonyoung and Seokmin didn’t even hide their gigil and made grabby hands at Shua which made the kid whine and pout at them.

“Aigoo.. ‘Wag niyong takutin..” Gyu said then faced baby Shua. “Do you want to come with Mingyu hyung? Ipagluluto kita, what do you want, hmm?”

Tumayo si Seungcheol at pinitik ang noo ni Gyu. “Oh, pasimple! Kasasabi lang na don’t smother him eh.”

Mingyu just answered him with a hehe , fangs and all.

Wonwoo then cleared his throat. “I guess kay Jeonghan hyung pa lang siya komportable. So hayaan muna natin siya sa kanya.”

They of course agreed to it.

At the end, it was still Mingyu who cooked for Shua. It was breakfast time so hindi heavy meal ang inihanda niya para sa bata.

“Pancake!!!” Shua exclaimed, clapping his tiny hands. Then he turned to the giant man and squished his face. “Thank youuuuuu~” Malambing na sabi nito kay Mingyu at saka siya hinalikan sa ilong.

“Awww..” Seungcheol couldn’t help but coo at his best friend. “Sobrang cute, shit!”

At that, Shua gasped and his eyes widened at saka tinakpan ang mga tenga niya. “Bad word!”

Jeonghan just laughed at him at sa namumulang si Seungcheol. “Bad talaga yan si leader-hyung, ‘no?”

“Uhum, yes. Bad ka po..” Shua was pointing his chubby finger at Seungcheol, making the oldest clutch his chest.

Hindi niya ‘to kaya. Shua’s cuteness made him want to have a child of his own, right then and there.

Tumingin siya kay Jeonghan. “Huhuh, let’s make a baby na…” Iyak nito sa nakababata.

Binato naman ni Jeonghan ng tsinelas si Seungcheol. “May bata rito!” The leader just ran away from Jeonghan’s violence while laughing.

That made Shua giggle. Jeonghan cooed once again. “Kain na, baby.”

“Okay!” Shua enthusiastically answered. Every now and then, he would offer Jeonghan a piece of his pancake.

‘Classic Joshua.’ Jeonghan thought.

While eating, Jeonghan made sure to give Shua a lecture about the members’ names while showing their pictures on his phone. He found out that the five-year old didn’t know who they were but still felt safe with them.

Of course, Jeonghan left out the part about adult Joshua. The baby might ask and look for him. He didn’t want to give the tiny deer a headache this early in the morning.

When he finished his meal, Shua was fidgety on his seat. After a tiny ‘Thank you, Hannie hyung’ , he was looking nervously at Jeonghan.

Syempre, hindi naman alam ng nakatatanda paano bumasa ng isip ng iba. That’s why he chuckled and pinched the baby’s cheek. “Anong problema, Shuji, hmm?”

Shua just accepted the fact that he was also Shuji but only for Jeonghan.

The boy looked down at his shirt and showed it to Jeonghan. “This is– This is too big for Shua po..”

Pinigilan ni Jeonghan na lamutakin ang mala-siopao na pisngi ng bata sa harapan niya. May iba pa bang term for cute ? Kasi kung wala, papalitan na niya ito ng Shua.

“Right, right. Hannie hyung is sorry, hmm? Hindi ko napansin agad. Halika, hiram muna tayo kay Jihoon hyung mo.” Jeonghan said, lifting the kid up. “Cheol!” He called the older one.

When Cheol appeared in the dining room, he was still on guard dahil baka mambato na naman si Jeonghan ng kung ano. “Ano ‘yun?” Nakanguso nitong tanong.

“Bili ka ng damit ni Shuji.” Utos ni Jeonghan.

“Hah?” Jeonghan raised an eyebrow at Seungcheol as if to say ‘Uulitin ko pa ba?’ kaya natakot muli ang nakatatanda. “I mean, ako bibili? ‘Di ako marunong!”

Tuluyan na ngang iniripan ni Han ang nobyo. “Isama mo si Gyu at Dino. Magsama na lang kayo ng staff. Kunwari mamimili na lang kayo ng pang regalo sa mga inaanak niyo.”

“Paano ‘yung size niya?”

“Magaling mag tantya si Gyu. Gyu!” Tawag niya rito. The latter bounded to them like an excited puppy after a minute. “Please help mo si Cheol hyung mo mamili ng damit ni Shuji.”

Mingyu’s face lightened up immediately. “Sige! Pwede pabuhat sa kanya?”

Jeonghan of course allowed it. Shua also happily clung to Mingyu, knowing that he was the one who made his delicious breakfast.

“Gugu hyung!” And Mingyu’s heart easily melted. The tallest member now knew that he would do anything for this baby.

Gyu’s face lit up once again upon the name he was called. “Yes, I’m Gugu. Shua-yah, can you stand here?” Ipinatong naman siya ni Mingyu sa ibabaw ng lamesa para tignan ang laki nito.

When Mingyu put him down on the table, and the three adults were looking at him, Shua tilted his head to the side, wondering why the adults were observing him.

Cheol bit Mingyu’s arm because of that. “Hindi ko na talaga kaya ‘yung ka-cute-an niya, Gyu, huhuhuh..”

“Why is leader-hyung crying?” Nag aalalang tanong ni Shua kay Jeonghan. The latter just chuckled and shook his head, tapos ay minuestra nito na parang nababaliw na si Cheol.

“Cray cray.” Jeonghan whispered which made Shua giggle. Lalo lang umiyak si Seungcheol sa gigil.

Mingyu decided to take a picture of little Shua, just in case they needed to reference it. Upon seeing the phone aimed at him, Shua smiled brightly, sporting his famous nyorong smile which still gave off an avalanche effect to the others’ hearts even at his current age.

“Alright! Babalik si Gugu hyung ha? See you later!” Mingyu said and patted Shua’s head.

Tumingin din sa kanya si Seungcheol bago umalis pero binuhat agad ito ni Jeonghan papunta sa kwarto nila Jihoon.

“Damot!” Sigaw ni Seungcheol na tinawanan lang ni Jeonghan.

–

Seokmin just stared at Shua who was also staring at him with his big doe eyes while tilting his head. To say that he was nervous was an understatement. He has no idea what to do with his Shua hyung or the baby version of him rather. Walang masyadong alam si Seokmin sa pag-aalaga ng bata dahil siya ang bunso sa kanilang pamilya.

Iniwanan ni Jeonghan sa kanya ang bata because the moment Shua saw Seokmin he began whining wanting to be carried by Seokmin. Even as a child version, Shua still seemed attached to Seokmin. 

The boy then crawled towards Seokmin who remained frozen and before he knew it the boy was already sitting on his lap and felt the boy’s chubby hands on his cheeks squishing it. “Seokkie hyung looks funny.” He giggled and eyes turned into small crescents. 

The smaller boy found Seokmin’s expressions funny, instead of being scared. Which made Seokmin ease up a little and laugh as well. “Why do I look funny, Shua-yah” 
The boy giggled once again that almost made Seokmin melt. His Shua hyung’s laugh always sounded music to his ears, he never knew hearing baby Shua’s small giggles would make him combust in so much fondness. 

“You look like this…” Shua imitated the expression of Seokmin earlier, and instead of looking funny as the little boy described. It looked adorable how the younger one tried to copy his expression.

“You’re so adorable, baby! I just want to bite you.” Seokmin squealed happily and hugged while pressing kisses on Shua while the latter just giggled. Clearly enjoying the affection he is being given.

Seokmin felt Shua clung into his shirt and felt a tug on it. Seokmin just hummed and saw the conflicted look on the baby. “What are you thinking of, baby?”

“S-Shua wants to paint…but maybe Seokkie doesn’t want to paint with Shua.” He pouted. As he started fiddling with his hands which made him coo. 

“Aww, Shu wants to paint with me?” He nodded.

“Of course, we can.” 

That’s how the two ended up painting on the floor. Shua was enjoying painting using his chubby hands. While Seokmin just watched him fondly before turning to his own. He was so engrossed in his own painting that he failed to notice that the mischievous toddler had smeared paint on his cheeks.

“Yah! Shua-yah…” The boy only giggled at what he did. Seokmin just laughed and as revenge he also began smearing paint at the younger. 

“No, Seokkie! Stop na po too much paint.” The baby started whining even though he was the first one to put paint on his hyung’s face.

“Alright, avenge yourself, baby.” Seokmin leaned his cheeks closer to the smaller boy for him to smear paint only for him to move away and stood up, so that the boy can’t reach him.

The baby made grabby hands to Seokmin and pouted when he wasn’t able to reach the laughing man. At dahil doon, may mga luha na namuo sa mga mata ng bata hanggang sa umiyak na siya ng tuluyan.

“Patay, umiyak!” Seokmin panicked at lumuhod para patahanin si Shua but his tears continuously  poured down from his eyes.

“S- Shua told Seokkie hyung to stop, but Seokkie hyung didn’t.” He sobbed as he wore a big pout on his lips. 

“Aigoo…Seokkie hyung is sorry for making Shua cry. Stop crying, baby…” Shua just looked at him and sniffed. 

“Seokkie hyung bad…” He continued to pout and Seokmin couldn’t help, but to coo at the adorable sight of Shua sulking. The older version also used to sulk at him all the time, and the remedy for that is a kiss, but he is unsure if baby Shua would want to be kissed.

“Oh? ano nangyari sa kanya?” Jihoon asked as he looked at Joshua’s state, who was crying and his face filled with paint. Trailing behind Jihoon was Soonyoung who was trying his best not to laugh at the situation.

–

When Shua heard Jihoon’s voice, he looked up and intensely stared at him before saying, “Angry siopao..”

Lalo lamang nagpiit ng pagtawa si Soonyoung but he could not and let out a loud snort which startled Shua, making him look at Soonyoung’s direction.

“Hamzzi..” Shua pointed at the main dancer. That was Seok and Jihoon’s turn to laugh. The baby was just confusedly staring at the adults, but at least, hindi na siya umiiyak.

“Anywho, mukhang kailangan nang maligo ng baby na ‘yan. Come with Jihoon hyung?” Jihoon coaxed him out of Seok’s arms and into his. Sumama naman ang bata sa kanya.

“Siopao hyung..” Bulong ni Soonyoung, dahilan para batukan siya ni Jihoon.

“Puro kalokohan! Ikaw nga hamster eh!” Jihoon rolled his eyes at Soonyoung at saka naglakad papunta sa banyo.

“Bye, bye, Seokkie hyung!” The child waved at Seokmin and the latter returned it.

Jihoon and Soonyoung were the last members you would think of when it comes to babysitting a child. Unang una, Jihoon’s an only child. Pangalawa, Soonyoung is the younger brother, so siya ang bine-baby before.

However, the two seemed to know what to do despite the lack of experience sa pag aalaga ng bata.

Soonyoung prepared baby Shua’s clothes while Jihoon ran a bath. The toddler was sitting on the sink, legs dangling and waiting patiently for his hyungs.

“Is that cold po? Shua doesn’t like cold eh..” He pouted at Jihoon. The older one looked at him and poked the baby’s cheek with a finger that he soaked in the bath water.

“Here.. Does that feel cold?”

“A little po..”

Jihoon hummed and made sure to add more hot water into the bath. After some minutes, he lifted Shua off of the sink and put him down next to the tub. “Try to dip your fingers, and let me know if it’s still cold for you..”

Little Shua did, albeit he only dipped his chubby little forefinger, then shook his head at Jihoon. The latter smiled at him then.

“Alrighty, let’s remove these first so we can take a bath na..” Jihoon gently peeled off the clothes from Shua. He was now less embarrassed than he was earlier when Jeonghan did it this morning.

Binuhat siyang muli ni Jihoon at pinaupo sa bathtub. Tamang pasok naman ni Soonyoung dala dala ang isang rubber duckie. Shua instantly made grabby hands at the toy.

“Saan mo nakuha?” Jihoon questioned him.

“Ha? Sa’kin ‘yan.” Soonyoung honestly answered.

Jihoon just snickered beside him and didn’t say anything. Then Soonyoung tended to the kid. He made sure that Shua was thoroughly cleaned after he let him play with the rubber duckie for a few minutes.

Aayaw pa ngang umalis ng bata sa tubig. Pero mabuti na lang at nasuhulan nila ito ng ice cream.

After nilang bihisan ito ay nagtatakbo si Shua sa sala para pumunta sana sa kusina. However, the baby tripped on a rug and plopped down on the floor.

“Halah!” Soonyoung yelled.

“Anyare?!” Jihoon followed him and saw Shua's face planted on the ground. Dali-dali namang dinampot ni Jihoon ang bata. He looked everywhere on the boy to check if nasugatan ba ito o nabukulan. But thankfully, there were no injuries. “Why were you running?”

Shua just frowned upon hearing Jihoon’s scolding tone, nangingilid na ang mga luha. Lumapit sa kanila si Soonyoung at saka tinapik ang braso ni Jihoon. “Ito naman, syempre bata, malikot. ‘Wag mo na pagalitan.”

With Soonyoung’s soft and gentle voice, Shua wanted to cling on him, na napansin naman ni Jihoon kaya nilipat niya ito kay Soonyoung.

Shua buried his face onto the juncture of the dancer’s neck and shoulder. “S–Shua is sorry po..” Bulong nito na malinaw namang narinig ni Soonyoung.

“Pwede mo bang sabihin sa Jihoon hyung mo ‘yung kasasabi mo lang sa’kin?” Mahinahong tanong ni Soonyoung.

Tumunghay naman si Shua at saka tumingin kay Jihoon. Surprisingly, the boy did not cry, save for his teary eyes.

“Shua is– is sorry po.. Ji hyung..” He muttered while looking down.

Lumapit sa kanya si Jihoon at saka pinisa ang pisngi nito. “Don’t do that again, ha? We don’t want you hurt, okay?”

Shua nodded and suddenly kissed Jihoon’s cheek. “Yes po, angry siopao hyung..” Pinaningkitan siya ni Jihoon ng mata but they both chuckled afterwards.

“Okay, ice cream time!” Soonyoung exclaimed, which made Shua cheer.

–

After consuming the ice cream, Jihoon and Soonyoung left Shua with Hansol in the living room.

Hansol was just casually listening on his headphones while lounging on the couch. Naramdaman niya na may nag-poke ng pisngi niya at ng hindi pa ito inaalis ay napatingin siya sa tabi niya. Only to see the adorable toddler beside him looking at him with his big doe eyes.

Hansol softly smiled. “Hey, Shu. What does our baby want?”

The baby looked hesitant. Nakatingin lamang siya kay Nonie at nakakapit ang isang kamay niya sa sweater ni Hansol.

“What is Nonie hyung listening to? Can Shua listen?” The small boy even leaned on Nonie’s headphones, trying to listen as well.

Hansol chuckled before removing the headphones. “Of course, baby. Let me get some earphones so we can share.” As he was about to leave, he felt Shua pulling him back to his seat.

“Sama po si Shua…” Hansol immediately carried the baby and kissed his cheeks before bringing him to his room. 

He placed the baby on his bed as he went to look for his airpods. After he got the airpods, he sat beside Shua who immediately positioned himself on Hansol’s lap at agad na sumandal ito. The elder placed the airpods in his ears first to ensure that the music was not playing too loud. Before he gently placed the other piece on the toddler’s small ears.

“What do you want to listen to?” 

Joshua’s brows furrowed and pouted as he thought of a song to listen to while Hansol just looked at him fondly and waited for him to finish thinking of a song.  “C-Can hyungie choose a song for Shua?” 

“Of course, baby.” Hansol knows it’s almost time for Shua’s nap time so he decided to play some lullabies for Shua to help him sleep. It did not take him long for him to start humming the lullabies being played. While Shua just clung to Hansol’s hands refusing to let go as he started to doze off.

When Hansol ensured that Shua was asleep, he gently laid the baby on the bed because it was more comfortable before laying beside him. Hansol knows better than to leave the sleeping baby alone in his room. Babies usually get upset when they wake up to no one sleeping beside him. Hansol softly played with the younger’s hair with a smile on his face. Heart filled with absolute fondness of the light snores of the baby.

–

The next time Shua woke up, it was due to Jun and Wonu’s banter above him. Apparently, Hansol needed to go out so he asked his hyungs to look after the sleeping child.

“Thirsty..” Shua rasped when sleep left him little by little.

Napatingin sa kanya ang dalawang nakatatanda. “O–Okay, wait. Kuha ka ni Junnie hyung ng tubig ha. Wait lang!” Then Jun scampered towards their kitchen.

That left Shua with Wonu. Nakalolokong ngumiti ang nakatatanda kay Shua at saka ito kinurot sa pisngi nang mahina. Despite the gentleness, Shua still pouted.

“Sino nga ako ulit? Sabi ni Han hyung kilala mo na raw kami.” He tried to quiz Shua.

“W– W–”

They all found out that Shua’s kid version was still actually a bright one. Jeonghan taught him their names this morning tapos kabisado na niya agad.

“Uhm.. Wo– Won-'' But he was having a hard time with some of their names – tulad na lang ng kay Wonwoo. “Wowon hyung?”

Wonu cackled, making Shua frown. “Ah, you’re so cute. Yup.. you can call me Wowon hyung.” He patted Shua’s cheek.

That seemed to make Shua happy, he thought he pleased Wonu by knowing his name kaya naman tuwang tuwa ang bata.

When Jun came back, he carefully held the glass of water to Shua’s level para makainom ito. The latter muttered a ‘thank you’ afterwards.

“Nap time’s done. What do you want to do, hmm?” Jun asked the kid.

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Shua kay Wonu at Jun saka tahimik na nagsalita. “Hungry po..”

Wonu and Jun were used to being coddled by their Shua hyung. Most of the times, sila ang nakikisuyo sa kanya ng pagkain. This time, mukhang sila naman ang gagawa nito. And they were completely fine with it.

“‘Yun lang pala, bubwit.” Wonu said. Shua didn’t know what that word was but he assumed it pertained to him. “Anong gusto mong kainin, hmm?”

Jun was still standing on the side of the bed while Wonu and Shua were on it. The toddler scooted closer to Wonu at saka bumulong. “Pancake? Made by Gugu hyung?”

“Gugu?” Tanong ni Jun. “Oh, Gyu!” Tumango lang sa kanya si Shua.

“Meryenda na, bubwit, haha. Pang-umagahan ‘yun eh. May gusto ka pa bang iba?” Shua tried to think harder but his baby mind couldn’t come up with a food he wanted right now other than Gyu’s pancake.

Shua shook his head, to which Jun sighed.

“Shua hyung loves gyoza. Alam ko may nakatago pa ako dyan sa ref. Ipag steam ko lang siya. Gusto mo rin ba?” Tanong ni Jun sa kasintahan.

“Yep! Pero fried sa akin!” Wonu said, making Jun scowl at him. It was steamed over fried gyoza for him.

That left Shua with Wonu.

“Shua hyung?” Nagulat naman si Wonu sa tanong ng bata. Syempre alam nilang narinig sila nito kanina habang nag uusap. “But Shua doesn’t have a baby brother ehhh..”

“Haha, ‘wag mo nang intindihin ‘yun, bubwit. Halika muna rito. Maglaro tayo.” Wonu said, placing Shua on his lap and whipping out his Nintendo Switch.

“Play?” Shua innocently asked.

Wonu hummed as an answer. The older one let Shua watch him play for almost ten minutes until Shua got squirmy on his lap. “Bubwit, anong gusto mo?”

“Can S–Shua play, please?” He looked behind him to see Wonu.

The older one smirked. “Of course..” He smiled evilly. “Kung makukuha mo ‘to kay Wowon hyung–”

Then Wonu raised his hand above Shua’s head. The kid tried to reach for it. Tumayo pa si Shua, grabbing into Wonu’s arm to get the device to no avail.

Halos kalahati lang ni Wonu ang tangkad ng batang Shua kaya naman tumatalon talon ang nakababata sa kama para maabot ang laruan kay Wonu.

Wonu was definitely having fun teasing Shua. He sat on the bed, aktong ibibigay na ang switch pero bigla niya itong itataas ulit. Dahilan para mag umpisang sumimangot si Shua.

“Please, Wowon hyung?” His eyes were pleading, already glassy, tears rimming his lash lines.

Tuwang tuwa si Wonu sa pang gagalit sa nakababata. Ganito pala ang feeling ng may maliit na kapatid. Malaki na kasi ang kapatid niya ngayon. At hindi rin naman masyadong malaki ang agwat ng edad nila.

Yeah, they were able to do it with Dino before, pero marunong na kasi siyang lumaban noon. Kaya nire-wrestling na sila nito.

But Shua – hehe.

Paulit ulit na ginawa ‘yun ni Wonu. Kunwaring iaabot ang laruan pero biglang ilalayo and the oh so sweet and innocent Shua fell for the same tactic over and over.

Until he felt tired and just sobbed loudly while frozen and standing on the bed.

“Halah!” Wonu panicked nang ngumawa si Shua.

Dali-dali namang pumasok si Jun sa kwarto at nakita ang humihikbi na bata. Fat tears were falling from his eyes, staining his chubby cheeks.

He was wailing so loud that it alerted Gyu as well. “Anong nangyari?”

Shua looked at the doorway and quickly climbed down the bed to go to Gyu. “Gugu, Gugu, Gugu–” He cried, begging to be lifted by the tall man, and so Gyu did.

“Anong ginawa mo, Wonu?!” Jun scolded him.

Tumawa lang ang nakababata. “Wala ah! Naglalaro lang kami eh..” He kept on chuckling, halata mo ang pang iinis sa mukha nito.

Gyu coaxed Shua to look at him. “Tell Gugu hyung what happened, Shua-yah..” Then he caressed the baby’s face. “Hmm? Anong ginawa ni Wonu?”

Tumingin si Shua kay Wonu and the latter stuck his tongue out habang pinapakita sa bata ang laruan. Lalo lamang umiyak si Shua.

“Wowon hyung bad!” He sobbed into Gyu’s shoulder, face all red, snot and tears wetting Gyu’s shirt.

Jun just shook his head at his lover. “Kalokohan nito!” Tapos ay piningot si Wonu. “Tara na sa labas, Shua. Kain na tayo, okay?”

Pero ayaw bumitaw ni Shua kay Gyu, kaya naman lumabas na lang silang tatlo sa kwarto nila Wonu.

Nagpahabol pa ng pang-aasar si Wonu. “Bye, bubwit!” Nginitian niya ang bata nang nakakaloko kaya humagulgol ulit ito.

–

Shua had his face pressed on Mingyu’s shoulder as they went to the kitchen. He was still upset because of Wowon hyung’s teasing earlier.

“Inaway mo?” Salubong ni Minghao kay Mingyu when he saw the look on Shua’s face which also made the boy perk up as he heard Minghao’s voice. 

“Bakit ako? Si Wonwoo hyung ‘yon!” Mingyu sulked like a puppy which made Shua confused as to why Mingyu was pouting.

“Gugu hyung sad?” Shua asked worriedly as he cupped Mingyu’s cheeks and looked at him intently. The older couldn’t help, but cooed at Joshua and lightly pinched his cheeks. 

“Yes, baby. Inaaway ako ni Hao hyung mo, pagalitan mo nga.” Minghao rolled his eyes at Mingyu at mahinang binatukan si Mingyu at gumanti din ng batok si Mingyu kay Minghao na para bang di nila kasama ang bata. 

Watching the interaction between the two the little boy furrowed his eyebrows and frowned at them. “Fighting is bad po…Don’t fight po…”

“I’m sorry, baby. Gugu hyung and I were just teasing each other. We’re not fighting.” Minghao assured the younger man before kissing his cheeks. “Let’s eat? I heard you’re hungry na.”

Shua only nodded. He was situated on Mingyu’s lap as he refused to be a part of the elder as he ate his gyoza, and also shared  it with Mingyu and Minghao who both appreciated the sweet gesture.

Shua was also quite talkative too as he began telling them stories of what he dreamed about earlier. As he finished eating, he leaned back to Mingyu’s chest as he drank from his cup.

Shua watched Hao curiously as he stared at the older man while sipping his tea.

“Hao hyung, can Shua try po please?” 

Nagkatinginan naman si Mingyu at Minghao sa naging tanong ng bata. “Pwede ba ang tsaa sa bata?” 

“Patikimin mo na lang.” Mingyu said as he caressed the hair of Shua.

Minghao turned to Shua who was looking at him expectantly. “Taste lang, baby, okay? Baka sumakit ‘yung tummy mo, if you drink too much.”

“Yes po, Hao hyung. Little only for Shua.” They cooed at Shua as his chubby fingers did a “little” sign. 

Minghao then stood up and gave Shua a small tea cup and poured a generous amount of tea there. “Thank you po!” Shua gave his usual nyorong smile towards Minghao who also gave him a smile in return.

“Be careful, baby. It’s still a little hot for you.” 

Shua nodded and blew the cup of tea to help it cool down. Mingyu helped him drink from the cup, so that it wouldn't spill on him. Minghao looked at him as he waited for Shua’s reaction. Of course, he knew that the older version enjoyed having tea with him. But, he can’t help but wonder if it would be the same for the younger version.

Shua’s big doe eyes widened and sparkled as he looked up at Minghao who only giggled at him and softly petted the younger. “Shua loves it!” He cheered excitedly. 

“Glad you enjoyed it, baby.” 

Minghao felt Shua play with his palms. “C-Can Shua have another one? Shua promises little only.”

The other man smiled. “Of course, baby. But, promise hyung that this would be the last one. You can have another cup tomorrow.” Shua pouted, but still nodded. Mingyu just giggled at the sulking baby and kissed his cheeks.

–

Shua was sitting on their couch while silently watching cartoons on an ipad that Mingyu had given him earlier. 

“Hi, baby! What are you watching?” His eyes sparkled as he looked up from his ipad to see not only his Chan hyung, but also his Seungkwan hyung. 

“Booboo hyung! Channie hyung!” The little boy cheered, the ipad long forgotten as he made his way towards the pair.

Chan was quick and had welcomed the boy in his arms before carrying him and pressing a kiss on his cheeks. “Daming energy ng Shua namin, ah. Did you sleep well kanina?”

“Yes po! Nonie hyung helped Shua sleep po.” Seungkwan cooed and pinched the chubby cheeks of the smaller boy.

Pumwesto na sila sa couch at umupo with Shua sitting on Chan’s lap and playing with Seungkwan’s fingers. 

“You don’t want to watch na, Shua?”

Shua shook his head. “Wanna play with Channie hyung and Booboo hyung.” 

“What do you want to play, baby?”

The baby’s forehead creased as if he was thinking hard and his lips forming a small pout. “Uhmm. I don’t know po. Can you decide po for Shua?”

Ang cute. They both smiled at the smaller boy.

“You want to dance, baby?” Chan asked the smaller boy and before the smaller boy could even answer. Chan received a smack in the head from Seungkwan.

“Aray! Ano ba, bakit ka nanghahampas!” 

“Anong sayaw? Baka malowbat agad ‘yan. Mahirap na.” Seungkwan then turned to Shua whose eyes was still wide as he was surprised at what had happened earlier.  “Shua, gusto mo mag-sing?”

“Luh, ang corny naman! Tsaka okay na ‘yung maubos na energy niya before dinner para di na mahirap patulugin mamaya.”

Joshua just stared at both of them unblinking. Unsure of what to do with the two who were arguing. He tried calling them, but he was barely noticed with his soft voice.

He frowned and went out of Chan’s lap to get in between them and place his chubby hands on both of their mouths, silencing them. “Ssh. Quite po kayo. Siopao hyung doesn’t want to hear noises.” 

“Don’t fight po, please. Fighting is bad. Shua will just sing and dance, so both Channie and Booboo hyung are happy.” 

“Aww, ang sweet naman ng baby namin.” Seungkwan said as he pressed kisses on the bubwit’s face.

The smaller boy giggled before standing up from the couch to face the two older. There was a small blush on the little boy’s cheeks since the attention was directed towards him.

“Go on, baby. It’s just us.” Chan tried to calm the nervous boy. 

Shua just nodded and they did not expect him to sing one of their songs and for him to even know their choreography. “Yeppeun mal modu moaseo~”

He continued singing and dancing, albeit he tumbled on some words and clumsily did the steps to the song.

“Neo yeppeuda!” Shua posed cutely while blushing, waiting for his hyungs’ reactions. Seungkwan and Chan couldn’t contain their fondness anymore before they hugged the smaller boy and peppered him with lots of kisses.

–

After dinner, Joshua had clung to Jeonghan like a koala refusing to be apart from the elder. There’s a smug smile on Jeonghan’s face as Shua was very clingy to him. On the other hand, it made Seungcheol happy who hadn’t had the chance to hold the baby in his arms.

“Ayaw mo ba talaga sumama kay leader hyung?” Seungcheol pouted at Shua who just stared at him at mas siniksik ang mukha kay Shua. 

“Hayaan mo na at inaantok na ang bata. Lowbat na siya.” Jeonghan chuckled when Joshua yawned. 

“Madaya! Gusto ko din yakapin si Shua..”

“Cheol, hindi naman laruan si Shua.” Seungcheol just frowned.

Shua sensing the older’s sadness began to poke his cheek. “Sleep na tayo, leader hyung.” 

Seungcheol took it as his opportunity to carry the baby Shua in his arms and the latter happily obliged, resting his head on his shoulder. Natawa naman si Seungcheol sa reaksyon ni Han before kissing Han’s cheeks and running towards their shared room. Leaving a stunned Jeonghan behind the hallway.

Naabutan ni Jeonghan si Seungcheol at Shua sa kama where Shua was in Cheol’s lap looking sleepy while the elder was reading him a story while playing with his hair.

“Hannie hyung!” Jeonghan chuckled at the baby’s enthusiasm. He joined them on their bed and planted a kiss on Shua’s forehead.

“Ako walang kiss?” Jeonghan blushed at Seungcheol’s comment.

“Leader hyung, why does Hannie hyung look like a tomato?” Shua whispered and asked Seungcheol curiously, even tilting his head. 

“Hannie hyung is just shy, baby. Sleep na tayo, hmm?” Pagbabago ni Jeonghan sa usapan. 

Humikab ulit ang bata bago humalik sa pisngi ni Jeonghan and Seungcheol. “Good night po.”

The next morning

“What are you guys on about?” Joshua massaged his temples. Nagising na lang siya at ang bungad sa kanya ng members ay may bata daw sa dorm nila kahapon, and that child happened to be him. 

“Seryoso nga, hyung! You turned into a child yesterday.” Seungkwan exclaimed as if Joshua was the one spitting nonsense.

“What? Nahihibang na ba kayo? Naging bata ako? Antok pa ata kayo.” He shrugged them off. 

“It’s true, hyung. You were so adorable.” 

“Pati ba naman ikaw, Ji?” Joshua said tiredly. It’s too early for this kind of things and sigurado siya na si Jeonghan ang may pakana.

“Here, hyung. I’ll show you a proof!” 

Joshua raised an eyebrow at Mingyu who claimed that he had proof of Shua being a baby.

Mingyu continuously scrolled through his phone, to no avail – wala roon ang litrato na kinuha niya.

“I swear, I took a picture of you! Nakatayo ka pa nga sa mesa!” 

The picture that Gyu took of him has disappeared from his phone along with the baby clothes that they bought yesterday.

“Yeah, sure…” Joshua said who still didn’t believe them. 

“Shuji, you got to believe us! Naging bata ka nga.” Jeonghan whined as he clung to the younger.

“Alam niyo, gutom lang ‘yan. Tara na at kumain.” Joshua said as he left the confused members in their living room.

After a moment of silence, Wonwoo was the first to speak. “Did we collectively dream of baby Shua?”

“Who knows?” Minghao shrugged.

Timeskip

It was their laundry day at inaayos ni Joshua ang kanyang mga maruruming damit and his forehead creased as he saw a small white t-shirt in his laundry. It was stained with paint. 

“What the fuck?”