Work Text:
Chan woke up way earlier than he usually does today. Normally, he’d be pissed about it and try to go back to sleep as soon as he could. But not today. He lied down on his side and stared at the man breathing peacefully in front of him. He noticed how the man’s long lashes trembled slightly at the tiniest movement he did. His cheeks also looked so soft that he wanted to poke them, but he had to stop himself unless he wanted to disturb the man’s sleep.
He even contemplated if he was really human because there was no way such a beautiful man like him could exist!
Then there are the soft and pouty lips on the other man’s face. He realized for the past five months that the man naturally has pouty lips that Chan always ends up cooing at how adorable he is. It also gets the man flustered whenever Chan accidentally says it out loud. And whenever he gets flustered, Chan can’t help but get the urge to just kiss him right then and there. But he doesn’t.
He has never kissed his husband!
He has never kissed Lee Minho!
It has been six months since they have been married and yet they’ve never even kissed once! Not even during their wedding. Not that it was a romantic wedding, anyway. But these last five months, he and Minho have tried to get to know each other but they both have been so busy that they couldn’t even meet much, even at home.
The realization frustrated him so he buried his face in his pillow and grumbled, not noticing that Minho had already stirred awake.
“Hmmm… Good morning, Channie.”
Chan was surprised when he suddenly heard Minho’s low voice greet him. He raised his face off of the pillow and looked at his husband trying to rub the sleep off of his eyes. This sight makes Chan want to coo at him again ‘coz his lips are poutier as he’s trying to keep himself awake. But he stopped himself.
“Good morning, Min. Did I wake you up?” He returned the greeting with a smile.
Minho shook his head and blinked a few times at Chan. “No, I think it was about time I woke up anyway. What were you doing by the way?”
The way Minho stared at him with his big sparkling eyes melted Chan on the spot. He was down bad for his husband, he knows!
Chan cleared his throat and answered, “Oh I just woke up, too.” He paused before continuing, “But I think I should wake up earlier starting tomorrow. I didn’t know before today that I'd get to see your beautiful sleeping face in the morning if I woke up earlier.”
Minho blinked a couple of times before his face turned red and he started throwing a pillow at Chan. “What are you saying this early in the morning, stupid.” Chan also realized Minho calls people names when he’s flustered and embarrassed, and that he never really meant anything by them.
Chan just laughed as he watched Minho try to hide his embarrassment.
“Are we having a pillow fight?!” A tiny, but excited, voice was heard between them and there they both saw a cute little Felix staring at them with expectant eyes.
“Pillow fight?” Jisung also sat up and rubbed his eyes before staring at the two men.
Chan, seeing that his - no, their - two kids are awake now, grabbed the pillow Minho threw and threw it gently at the kids. In no time, giggles burst out and all four of them were grabbing their own pillows and hitting whatever and whoever they could. Until the three of them ended up ganging up against Chan. But Chan did not accept defeat as he started to tickle them one by one, starting with the kids. He only stopped when they shouted their surrenders.
Minho, being the competitive person that he is, tried to evade Chan as much as he could but, with the help of the kids, Chan caught him and they landed on the bed with Chan on top as he started tickling Minho. Minho tried to break free but Chan held him tighter that he could only surrender, as well.
When Minho shouted his surrender, only did the two notice how close they were, and how their positions looked compromising. Their faces both turned red and the kids laughed while running they looked like octopus. Only then did the two older men move away from each other, still embarrassed.
Chan can’t believe he almost kissed Minho right in front of their kids! He hurriedly fixed his clothes and excused himself to the bathroom. He didn’t look at Minho but he knew he was probably still embarrassed.
Chan made sure the kids washed their faces and brushed their teeth before they went out to the kitchen. There they found Minho preparing to cook their breakfast.
"Do you need help with anything, Min?" Chan asked and he was confused when Minho suddenly laughed when he looked back at him. That's when he saw there were two other pairs of eyes looking at Minho expectantly, and he also couldn't help but laugh. The two kids beside him just looked at him and Minho, confused.
"Our kids are so adorable, aren't they, Min?" Chan asked, ruffling both of the kids' heads.
He didn't catch how Minho's lips curved into a soft smile when he said 'Our kids'.
"Yeah, they really are."
Just like that, they started their morning cooking and cleaning together with everyone. And then they're off to school and work.
X
Halfway through the day, Hyunjin came to Minho's office looking like a zombie. He was carrying another stack of papers for his boss to check and dropped it carelessly on top of the table, making Minho shoot daggers at him.
Minho was already stumped with so much work before Hyunjin came in and decided to break his concentration. "Do you want me to shove tissues in your mouth again, Hwang?"
Hyunjin shivered and took a step back in a defensive position. "Ya! I'll report you for violating my human rights! And stop calling me Hwang! It makes your threats sound scarier."
Seeing the comedic look his long-time best friend was sporting, Minho couldn't help but smirk. "I know. That's why I keep on using it." Hyunjin couldn't help but scowl at him for this. "Anyway, is this all the document left for today?"
Hyunjin nodded and stepped closer to Minho's table, sighing at how he can hardly see the surface of the table because of how full it is. "I managed to organize and collect all the work due for the next three days." He couldn't help but sigh. "Do you really have to do this though?" He was worried about how much work his friend is working on right now.
Minho scanned the stuff he had to work on for the rest of the day, but instead of sighing or dreading, he smiled. He smiled so warmly that it even had his friend shocked. "It's not as much work as expected. And I will be able to finish this in no time, so don't worry."
Hyunjin knows why his friend was doing this and he's really happy for him. He sighed, but also laughed lightly. "I've never seen you so happy looking at so many documents. But, knowing how you're doing all these just so you could spend your weekend with your family, it makes me so happy and proud of you. I'm glad they're a part of your life now. You deserve to be loved like they love you, Min."
"Should I shove you in the airfryer or something? Why are you being so emotional right now?" Minho may have exaggerated a cringe and threatened him, but the tiny smile and the red ears was all Hyunjin needed to see.
He laughed as he ran straight to the door, but before he closed it behind him, he peeked inside and waved at Minho. "Good luck with work tonight, hyung! And have fun with your kids and your smoking hot hubby!" He didn't forget to wink and send him a flying kiss before he shut the door.
Minho was left in his office alone with his face red and feeling hot. He was happy how Hyunjin referred to the twins as his kids. He still remembers the first time they called him "Papa" and his tears would readily water up from being touched. But what got him feeling hot was how Hyunjin mentioned the fact that he sees his husband as smoking hot. He is never gonna get drunk with Hyunjin sober ever again, he swore.
He shook all those thoughts away and tried to get back to his work. He needs to finish them ASAP so that he can rest enough for an activity-filled weekend with his family.
Minho worked non-stop until he was down to the last couple of documents. He was excited to think that he's going home real soon. Then his phone rang. He checked at the caller and his face grew red when he saw "Daddy Chan <3" pop up on his screen. The kids changed it one time and he just didn't change it after.
Clearing his throat, he prayed his voice wouldn't crack as he picked up the call. "Hey, Channie."
He's been calling his husband Channie for months now but it still flusters him every time.
"Hey, Min. You still at work?" Hearing Chan's gentle voice right beside his ear is making his heart skip.
"Yes. But I'll be done in a short while and I'll be back home in…" Minho looked at the remaining documents and the clock before he continued, "30 minutes. Were you waiting for me? You don't have to. You should go to sleep now. It's already past 11PM!"
Minho knew Chan always waited for him to get back home, especially when he stays out late at work. And, for sure, this time isn't any different. But they'll need all the rest they needed for this weekend so Chan is better off sleeping right now than waiting for him.
But instead of words, the younger got Chan's laughter as a reply. This confused him but, nonetheless, he is enjoying what he is hearing.
"It's not like I don't stay up until the dead of the night every night, Min. It's okay. I love waiting for you, knowing you're safe back in our home."
Chan really knows what to say to make him feel better. Minho nodded through the phone, smiling softly, and forgetting that Chan couldn't see him.
"Have you had dinner already?" Minho hummed in response. "Then do you want ice cream or coffee?"
The younger was wondering if they still had ice cream left in their freezer but he can't remember. Still, he replied, "Ice cream."
"Ok. Good choice. By the way, you won't be down from your office until 30 minutes from now, right?" Minho hummed in response again. "Where is the nearest convenience store from your building? Oh you know what, never mind. I'll just go look for it, myself. I have lots of time left anyway. Good luck with the rest of your work, Min! See you soon!"
Chan just kept on talking, not even waiting for Minho to answer his last question. It left the younger staring blankly at the black screen of his phone. It took him almost a minute before he realized something about what his husband said.
"He's not waiting for me outside the office, is he?" He asked himself, loudly. And then he remembered his words before he ended the call and Minho knew Chan was very much capable of doing exactly that. He did not waste any more time dilly dallying and got back to work, trying to finish it faster than he did before.
The moment he was done, he grabbed his personal things and practically ran towards the elevator, tapping his foot as he impatiently waited for it to reach his floor at the 25th floor. While waiting, he dialed Chan's number and just after the first ring, it was picked up.
"Hi, Min! What's up?"
"I'm done with work, Channie and I'm about to get in the elevator right now. Where are you?" Impatience, probably more like excitement, was heard from his voice and it didn't escape Chan's notice.
"Ah. Perhaps you already caught on with my surprise? I'm at the parking lot basement, right beside your car." He sounded sheepish but also excited and it makes the warmth inside Minho bubble up.
"Ok, I'll be down in a few minutes."
"Ok. Can't wait to see you soon, Min." Chan added, his voice lower.
This made Minho blush. He makes it seem like they haven't seen each other in weeks. But he gets Chan. He wants to see his husband even a second earlier.
"Same here, Channie."
With that, they ended the call and Minho got inside the elevator and pressed the button for the basement, praying that he'll reach there sooner. His anticipation made the waiting harder though.
The moment he got out, Minho turned left to where he usually has his car parked. He's always walked this path for years now but he has never felt this excited to come to this place ever before. Right now, he feels like his feet aren't touching the ground as he walks towards where his car was. But instead of getting in his car, he walked a couple of steps more and knocked on the door of the black car with its lights on.
Not long after, the door opened from inside and Minho ducked and saw Chan grinning at him.
"Hi, Min." Chan greeted him.
"Hey, Channie." Minho returned the smile at him before sliding in the seat beside his husband. As soon as Minho was seated, Chan reached for something behind them and handed it to Minho.
Minho looked at Chan who urged him to open it and inside were two small cups of ice creams and four of his favorite puddings. Minho couldn't help but look back up at his husband with round sparkling eyes. "You really bought ice cream! And it's choco mint. And you also bought pudding?"
Chan laughed, knowing he's making Minho happy right now. "Yes, we can eat the ice cream right now as a secret from the kids." He playfully put a finger in front of his lips and made the shushing sound. This made Minho giggle. "And, instead, we can have the pudding with them tomorrow at breakfast."
Minho knows Chan wasn't a big fan of sweet things. Yes, he eats them just fine, but he's been spoiling him and the kids a lot with their sweet cravings whenever he can. This ends up with him eating them, too. He can't ever ask for a better lifelong partner than him.
"Thanks, Channie. I've been working so much today and this ice cream is what I definitely need right now." And without warning, Minho closed the gap between them and left a kiss on Chan's dimple.
Chan, surely, wasn't expecting that and was left stunned for a second before he grew red and his face felt hot. Minho could see that he was trying to utter out a few words in response but he ended up letting out some cute weird noises. And this makes him giggle.
"We should probably eat our ice creams before they melt." Minho already offered the vanilla ice cream Chan bought for himself.
Chan removed the hands he was using to cover his red face as he received his ice cream, pouting.
"Minho, you're a little devil."
It almost escaped Minho's hearing when Chan mumbled that and the younger couldn't help but stick out a tongue at his husband.
"Yes, I'm your little devil, Channie." Minho spoke before he could think about it and he almost felt embarrassed, but it was true. He will be Chan's little devil if it means he could get him smiling or a blushing mess like this.
X
The next morning, Chan was woken up by an energetic Felix, shaking his bed. Jisung was sitting beside his pillow, staring down at him with his big round eyes, excitement very evident on both kids.
"Dad! It's already morning! Hurry up or we'll be late!" Felix was almost shouting, impatient at how slow his dad was with waking up.
Chan just laughed. Of course he should've expected for this to happen. Both of them have waited for this day to come for a whole week! He was actually surprised they were able to sleep early last night with how excited they were.
"Okay, okay! Can you help me get up from the bed then?" Chan extended each of his arms out to the both of them. The kids held one arm each and tried to pull with as much force as they could until their dad was sitting upright. "Thanks a lot, champs! Now that I'm up, let's go wash our faces and brush our teeth!"
"We already did it with Papa Min earlier." Jisung explained with a proud look on his face.
Chan looked at the clock on his bedside table and was surprised to see that it was still before 8am! They reached back home a few minutes past 12 midnight, and Minho usually doesn't sleep immediately after he gets home. Did he even get enough sleep last night, he wondered to himself.
He ushered his sons out as he does his morning routine as fast as he could to check out on his husband. When Chan was done, he immediately went to find his husband. He found Minho and the kids setting up the table for breakfast.
Once Minho realized he was there, he smiled and beckoned him to sit on his seat by the island counter. The kids sat on their own seats, too. Both of them were wriggling on their seats more than usual.
Every morning, just before they have breakfast, Minho would give forehead kisses on top of the kids' heads. It's his way of welcoming the new day and wishing that everyone is safe, Minho explained it to him once. And Chan loved looking at his husband being affectionate with their kids in the morning. It makes mornings bearable for him.
Just like every morning, Minho began kissing the kids' foreheads. Chan was surprised when Minho stared at him for a second before kissing him on the cheeks where his dimples usually are - the same place where he kissed him last night. It is not surprising that Chan ended up blushing from the pleasant surprise again today.
Minho just smiled at him while cocking an eyebrow, as if asking innocently why Chan was flustered.
"You little devil…" He could only mumble before the two kids commented on how red he was.
"Okay, okay. Let's stop teasing your dad and let's eat our breakfast. Eat a lot because we're gonna have a busy day today!" Minho distracted the kids when he saw Chan was too red already.
"Yay! It's carnival day! I can't wait to go on the rides!" Felix was visibly jumping up and down like a little ball on his seat, thinking about his plans for the day.
"I wanna see the Horror House!" Jisung, though a bit on the quieter side, was also bouncing on his chair. His choice of attraction was not something Chan was really looking forward to so Minho reached for his hands and squeezed it to comfort him. Chan shot a grateful smile at his husband. He really is lucky, isn't he?
After breakfast, Chan and the kids helped Minho clean the kitchen and finish preparing the kimbap and sandwiches they'll be bringing along for lunch. There were interesting choices of fillings in some of them but who cares? They're all having fun.
Scratch that. They made fun of Chan's urge to eat boiled egg with chocolate spread. He sulked with his back facing the three of them. He did not know the three were already making him his egg and chocolate.
"Daaad~" Felix called him. He still wants to sulk but his son was calling him sweetly so he turned around and saw the three of them smiling at him. "Say aaah~"
Without much thinking, Chan opened his mouth wide and then Jisung placed the egg in his mouth. He was surprised for a bit until he chewed and realized what he ate. He looked at his two sons and his husband with grateful eyes as he chewed on the sweet, nutty, and salty egg in his mouth.
It really was good though!
Then he felt a tug on his shirt. Jisung was staring at him expectantly. "Was it salty? I think I added a lot of salt."
It did taste saltier than he preferred but how can he say that when his son worked hard for it? Chan reached for Jisung's head and ruffled his hair. "It tastes amazing, Sungie. You did amazing!" This comment was enough to make the little kid run up to Minho and hide his face in his apron, giggling.
"I added the chocolate!" Felix suddenly raised his hand. Chan laughed and ruffled his hair, too.
"Yes, baby, you did amazing, too." This made Felix grin proudly and Chan ended up snuggling him because of how cute he was.
"Papa Min cooked and sliced the chocolate, too!" Felix added and Chan laughed.
"Papa is amazing, isn't he?" The two kids nodded in agreement but it seems they want him to do more than say Minho was amazing. He Chan did not know exactly what they wanted him to do but he came closer to Minho and pecked a tiny kiss on his cheeks. The kids erupted in screams and giggles.
"I think the kids were just waiting for you to pat me on the head, Channie." Minho whispered as he also giggled with the kids. But it didn't escape Chan's eyes how Minho's ears were redder than usual.
He wants to snuggle and kiss Minho so badly! Instead, he groaned and turned away from his husband. "I think we should start preparing now or we'll be late."
Minho giggled beside him but ushered the kids back to their own room and helped them get ready while Chan loaded all their bags in the car.
It didn't take them a lot of time before they were all ready for the road. They had to travel an hour to reach their destination but the kids were never bored. They had come up with so many games to play while in the car, and by the time they realized it, they'd already arrived.
Even before they were removed from their baby car seats, the kids were already stuck on the car's windows as they tried to take a peek of the giant Ferris wheel and other rides inside the carnival. This sight made the two adults laugh and they each took one child out of their seat at the same time.
"Remember what we agreed on before?" Chan asked the kids who were practically vibrating in excitement.
"Never go far away from Dad or Papa!" Felix answered enthusiastically as the adults nodded in confirmation.
"Don't run around, especially when there are so many people." Jisung added, as he still clung on to Minho's leg.
Chan raised two thumbs up for the both of them. "Perfect! So, are we all ready to have fun?" Felix replied immediately while Jisung followed after.
Minho crouched down to his level and held his hands. "Sungie, do you want Papa to hold you for now?" There were a lot of people already and this must be hard for Jisung.
The younger boy closed his eyes and shook his head. "No, thank you. I'll walk by myself for now."
Minho and Chan smiled at his show of bravery, and they were more surprised when Felix walked towards his brother and held his hand. "I'll hold your hand so that you won't be scared, Sungie." and this made Jisung smile wider.
Seeing how the kids were fine, they decided it was time they started heading inside. The moment they got in, they were given a bracelet each, which fascinated the kids. And as they passed through the entrance, there were so many mascots of animals and fairies greeting them. Both of them marveled at everything they saw and they couldn't stop looking around.
The first thing they did was ride the carousel. What's interesting though is that instead of the usual horses, there were diff animals from the wild on the carousel. Felix with Minho rode the panther seat while Jisung picked the whale seat with Chan. It was barely 5 minutes of going round and round, but they had so much fun that they promised to get back to it later when they still have time.
The next ride they went on to was the racing car. They wanted bumping cars but kids below 4ft are not allowed. They allow them on racing cars, as long as they have a guardian with them. The track wasn't that dangerous, too which was perfect for them.
They both secured the kids' seat belts and helmets before doing their own. Felix was excited beside Minho and Jisung was also looking a lot better now as he urged Chan to hurry up. As soon as they both were done, the staff started the countdown and once the whistle blew, Minho stepped on the gas, earning a lead against Chan and Jisung. Felix looked happy about it.
Chan, on the other hand, finally stepped on the gas after scrambling for it when the whistle blew. He made sure he was driving at a safe speed, but also trying to catch up with Minho and Felix. Jisung kept on cheering for him at his side, which fueled his competitive self. They managed to catch up and gain a bit of a lead during the first turn. After that, it was a bit of an exchange of leads for the both of them while both kids just kept on cheering, shouting, and laughing.
Seeing the kids and Minho laughing so carefree made Chan so happy that he didn't even mind losing their little race. This was everything he wanted. And he wished to the heavens they make it last forever.
They bought the kids cotton candy, tanghulus, and many other street food they could find in between the rides. They just kept on going from one ride to the other that they almost finished riding everything they could get on by past 1pm.
Minho decided that they should get a bit of rest before they continue exploring the carnival. Chan went back to their car to get their lunch while Minho and the kids looked for a vacant space in the park where they could lay out their picnic blanket. They saw a shaded area under a large tree in a corner of the mini park. Everyone helped with setting up their picnic mat and food.
The twins must've been hungry despite all the snacks they ate earlier because they kept on eating more than they usually do. They took their time with lunch. When they were done, the kids asked if they could explore the park.
"As long as you stay within our sights and you remember what we agreed on, then you can." Chan answered and both kids did a clumsy salute before skipping away, holding each other's hand.
The adults were left alone under the shade, staring at their adorable kids curiously explore the park. Then Minho yawned. Chan looked at him for a bit before scooting over closer to Minho.
Minho stared at him, curious what he was doing and Chan smiled with his eyes focused on the twins. "You can take a bit of snooze right now." Chan offered his shoulder to Minho. "You woke up early today, after all. Don't worry I'll wake you up later."
Minho's smile was visible from the corner of Chan's eyes. It didn't take long before Minho accepted his offer and leaned closer to Chan, laying his head on his wide shoulder. Chan relaxed his body and leaned his head against Minho's. He sat there, enjoying the fresh breeze passing through them and listening to Minho's peaceful breathing. The twins from afar were now playing with other kids around their age.
Chan doesn't remember ever feeling this happy and free, even when the twins' mother was alive. He loved and enjoyed every moment he had with Lia but he realized that they were always on their toes back then. They were busy surviving and never really enjoyed this much peace. They were nothing but intense. Most probably because they were both young and eager to go against the world.
He looked at Minho and he could see his perfectly sharp nose and his long lashes fluttering from the tiny movements his eyes did. He must be sleeping well right now and all Chan could feel was happiness and comfort. He didn't realize how he's had a soft smile on his lips the whole time he was looking at his husband.
He was glad he married Minho, even when he was still lost and confused. He couldn't imagine how else he'd live now without Minho in his and his kids' lives.
Chan felt the warm feeling inside his chest bubble up and he left a gentle kiss on top of the younger's head. "Thanks for being a part of our lives, Min."
He saw Minho's lips curve upward as he mumbled something incoherent. Chan giggled because of his husband's adorable sleeping habit. He circled his arm around Minho's waist and cuddled him closer. "You're too adorable for my sanity."
They stayed like that for a few more minutes before the kids came back and Minho woke up. They fixed their stuff before they continued exploring the carnival.
Since they've ridden almost everything they could, they decided to explore the different stalls around. They played shooting games. Chan was surprised Minho was so good at it and got each of them a plushie of their own. Jisung got a squirrel, Felix got a chick, Minho got the bunny, and Minho gave Chan a husky plushie.
But, as talented he was with shooting games, he sucked at ball shooting games. This time, Minho and Jisung paired up and competed against Chan and Felix at a ball shooting game. The game ended with an extremely large gap. Minho's team score was mostly did by Jisung.
Minho sighed in defeat and apologized to Jisung. The little kid patted his back. "It's okay, Papa Min. You're still the best papa in the world!" and behind him was little Felix nodding furiously in agreement. Minho hugged both kids and they giggled in his arms.
On their way towards to the next stall, Chan commented, "I guess you don't like balls then."
Minho stared at him and then blinked a few times before smirking and replying with "Oh, but I do though," before walking towards the twins, leaving a stunned Chan behind.
Chan turned red. He didn't know what he really meant by it but Chan was left speechless. It took him a couple of seconds before he realized his family was a bit far away from him already.
They went to a few more stalls until the reached the entrance of the Horror House. They could hear a few screams from inside and Chan was looking at the tiny building with disdain. But when he looked at their kids, they were both looking at him expectantly. He expected that, but what he didn't expect was the excitement on his husband's face when he stared at the attraction. He couldn't help but admit defeat and agree to go inside.
The inside was really dark. Fortunately, they were handed one flashlight each. The twins walked eagerly in between them, at first. The first few surprises had the kids yelp in surprise but it wqs fine. They were still both smiling. Minho smiled every time something jumps at them and Chan was sure he loved this a lot.
Surprisingly, it doesn't feel as bad as Chan originally thought. He had his attention focused on the kids and his husband the whole time so the jumpscares didn't give him enough scares.
While they were in the middle of the attraction, a bloody head of a woman popped out from a box. Obviously, her body was hidden under the box but Felix suddenly screamed. It wasn't the happy and excited scream. It was the scared type. But before any of them could check up on him, Jisung has already grabbed Felix's hand and hid him behind his back as he kept walking towards the exit.
Once they were out, Minho and Chan sat Felix on a bench near the Horror House and made sure he was okay.
"I'm still a bit scared but Sungie protected me so I'm okay." Felix explained and then reached out for Jisung. He sat beside his brother and cuddled with him. Minho offered to buy them an ice cream so that they could rest and have Felix calm down more before they resume.
By the time they finished their ice creams, it was almost time for the parade so they decided to go ahead and get to the best place to watch it. They both carried the kids so that they could see properly.
People with so many colorful costumes passed by in front of them. There were also some clowns doing some magic tricks, or tiny monkeys swinging from one person to another on the crowd with a hat to ask for tips. Chan handed both Felix and Jisung money they could give the monkey. When they did, the little monkey gave them a flower each and not long after that, flowers fell down from the sky.
Everything was so colorful and festive. It was such an amazing experience, even for an adult.
Once the parade was done, they decided to go on one last ride. The Ferris Wheel.
While waiting for their turn, Chan realized how Minho was shifting uncomfortably. He whispered to ask if he was okay and Minho just smiled at him and nodded, so Chan let it go for now. But when they were finally inside the cart of the Ferris Wheel, Chan saw Minho slightly trembling.
He reached for his hands and have Minho look into his eyes. "Are you perhaps scared of heights?" Chan asked softly and, just like what he thought, Minho nodded in confirmation.
"We're already moving so I don't think we can go down anymore. But it's okay. You'll be okay, Min. We're here, okay? We'll be safe. You can just look into my eyes or at your hands until you calm down. You'll be fine." Chan assured Minho with his soft, gentle voice.
Surprisingly, Jisung came closer to them and gave Minho his squirrel plushie. "You can hug him if you're scared, Papa Min."
Felix also gave him his own plushie, and asked Chan if he could also give the husky plushie, to which Chan agreed immediately. "Now, the complete family of plushies are there to protect you, Papa Min! You won't be scared anymore!"
Seeing the twins trying hard to cheer him up, he felt better and he thanked them all.
"Min, can you try looking outside right now? We're almost at the top and you'll love what you'll see. You don't have tk be scared 'coz we'll be right here. You'll be fine. Okay?" Chan comforted him as he urged him to look outside the window. And he was glad he listened.
The sky was getting dark and there were lights everywhere. The ground looked like a sea of stars. The kids followed suit and looked outside. It was so beautiful that Minho had no time to think about his fears anymore.
X
They didn't take too long after the Ferris Wheel ride before they went back home. They had a simple dinner at a restaurant outside the carnival and the twins could barely even hold their own spoons with how tired they were.
Minho realized how Chan had kept on holding his hand ever since the Ferris Wheel and he took every moment he could after that to hold hands with him. He's nkt complaining though. In fact, he loved having Chan's fingers intertwine with his. He felt warm and safe in his hold.
Minho couldn't still believe he enjoyed being hundreds of feet above the ground, and he has Chan and the twins to thank for that. He would never trade them for anything else in this world. They are his world right now.
Minho looked back at the twins sleeping peacefully on their own seats at the back, and then back at his and Chan's intertwined hands. Then he felt Chan caress the back of his hands with his thumb.
"Everything ok, Min?" Chan asked, staring at Minho for a second before he focused back om the road.
"Yeah. Everything's perfect." Minho replied with a smile.
Putting the kids into the bath and back to bed was a struggle but they managed to do it as fast as they could so that the kids could go back to sleep immediately.
After Minho was done with the bath, he went into the kitchen with only his robe on and his hair still wet. He was boiling water for tea when Chan came into the kitchen in his boxers and shirt.
"Want some tea, too?" Minho asked, just as the water finished boiling and Chan nodded.
Minho could feel his stares following his every move in the kitchen and when he handed Chan his cup, Chan was staring straight into his eyes. And Minho felt his insides warm up just from staring back at him.
"Your hair is still wet, Min. Let's go and dry it up first or you'll get cold." Chan suggested and Minho agreed, as he followed Chan into his room.
He has not been in Chan's room a lot, he realized as he looked around and saw the unfamiliar room. It had the basic furniture but what stood out the most for him was the musical instruments and a shelf full of LPs in one corner of his room.
"You play musical instruments?" Minho asked, as Chan came back with a hair dryer on his hands.
"Yeah, I do. I used to be on a band, to be honest." Chan replied, slightly embarrassed as Minho stared at him with his round curious eyes. Chan began drying Minho's hair as he continued his story. "During college, me and the band would go busking everywhere, mostly at night. One of the best times of my life. People really loved us, too." then he paused. "But life had other plans for all of us, I guess."
Minho only knew a small part of Chan's life and he wants to know more. And he's glad that he has all the time in the world to do that now.
When Chan was done drying Minho's hair, the younger tugged at the hem of Chan's shirt and stared at him with his upturned eyes. "Can I sleep here with you tonight?"
Minho knows Chan wants it, too, even without waiting for his answer. It's in the way Chan has been looking at him since earlier.
"I'd love that, Min." Chan smiled and pulled Minho up. He snaked his arm around Minho's waist to pull him closer until they were chest to chest.
Minho could feel the warmth of their breaths mixing but his attention was focused on the way Chan's eyes dilate and turn darker when staring into his. Then he felt Chan's hand behind his neck, pulling him closer until he could finally feel the heat from Chan's lips cover his own. The warmth slowly spreading from his lips and all throughout his body.
Chan's lips were soft and gentle as they caressed his. Their kiss wasn't really needy or hungry. It was slow, comforting, and warm.
They separated after a while, with smiles on their lips.
Chan caressed Minho's cheeks and Minho leaned into the touch without thinking.
"We're so lucky to have you in our lives, Min." Chan whispered as he planted kisses on Minho's eyes, nose, and lips.
Minho opened his eyes and stared at Chan with his hand also caressing Chan's cheek. "I'm lucky to have all three of you in my life. I prayed to have you all these years…" Minho felt his eyes get warmer and heavier. He remembered always looking forward to meeting Chan when they were younger, and wishing that they'd talk more than their His and Hellos.
Tears were forming at the edges of Minho's eyes and he could feel a lump on hos throat, but he still continued, "I felt my world also came crashing down when you lost Lia. I saw how it broke you and I couldn't even look at you. I thought my prayers made you suffer like that. I couldn't even approach you for a few years because I felt guilty for making you suffer. But when I heard you needed help, I finally stepped in, not because I wanted you beside me. I wanted to make up even just a tiny bit for my selfishness."
Minho doesn't know what look was on Chan's face right now. All he knew was he had to come clean if he wanted their relationship to work. "I avoided you, at first, but kept on spoiling the kids. But then things just changed and I've been wanting more than what I deserved. I wanted to be a part of your family. I wanted you and Jisung and Felix to love me, too. I'm becoming selfish again and I'm scared I'd lose you all, Chan. "
Minho was really crying now. He's been keeping these feelings inside him for a while and now he has told it to Chan. He's hoping he won't get hated. He doesn't want to lose his family.
Then Minho felt warm lips crash against his. Chan kissed him. And kissed him some more. Then their kiss tasted salty. Chan was also crying. They kissed a bit more until they both couldn't breathe anymore.
Chan cupped both of Minho's cheeks and rested their foreheads together. "It's not your fault, Min. Life fucks us up. But it's not your fault. Nor is it anyone's. It just happened." He paused and tried to smile aas best as he could at Minho. "And don't say you don't deserve our love because you do! You deserve so much more! You've given us more than what you think, Min. You of all people deserve to be loved. Remember that. And you don't need to ask us to love you because we do. We love you, Min."
Chan paused to look at Minho's tear-filled face and showered him with kisses before saying, "I love you, Lee Minho. And thank you for waiting for me." Then Chan kissed him, assuring him that it's okay. That they're okay.
Later that night, they both just laid down on Chan's bed, facing each other, fingers intertwined between them. Their naked bodies connected with the other under the sheets. They stared at each other with faces full of smiles. They stayed like that until Chan broke the silence.
"Min," Chan called out his name and Minho just hummed in response. "Will you be my boyfriend?"
Minho stared at him blankly for a good few seconds before throwing him a confused look. "What do you mean boyfriend? We're already married!"
This reaction has Chan laughing and he couldn't help but pull Minho closer to him as he left kisses on his face. "I know! We even have adorable kids, too." Chan replied, still laughing.
"Then what's with this boyfriend thing you just said?"
"I want us to start all over again with you. I want to take you out on dates and get to know more about you. What you like or dislike. Or since when you started liking me. That kinda stuff." Chan explained as he observed Minho's expressions change.
"You don't need to know when it started!" Minho hid his face on Chan's chest coz of embarrassment. He always swore he'd take that secret to the grave.
"True. What happened in the past stays in the past. What's more important is our present and future, so what's your answer? Do you want to be my boyfriend, Lee Minho?"
Minho calmed down and peeled himself away a bit from Chan so that he could face him. He looked at the blissful smile on Chan's face and he knows he wants to live the rest of hisnlife with this man.
"Yes, Bang Christopher Chan. I want to be your boyfriend."
Hearing his reply, Chan rolled on top of Minho and with a face with all seriousness, he said, "I love you, Lee Minho. Let's make baby number three!"
Minho was already feeling giddy but hearing Chan's crazy declaration has him tearing up from so much happiness.
"Last time I checked, I was still a man with no womb, Chan!" Minho slapped Chan's arms playfully and laughed like he has never did before.
Life will never be perfect but knowing he has his family with him, he knows he'll do just fine.