Work Text:
Mingi grumbled about his unrelenting workload as he rushed to his apartment. A couple of hours earlier, he had already informed Hongjoong that he couldn't extend his stay at the studio. However, Hongjoong pleaded with puppy eyes, expressing his discomfort being left alone with investors who eyed him as if he were a snack.
Mingi, an established artist with a high demand for his work, entrusted the exhibition to Hongjoong, his best friend.
The evening was marked for a grand celebration, given the success of Hongjoong's exhibition where all Mingi's artworks had been sold at fantastic prices.The investors, eager to prolong the festivities for business discussions, found a willing accomplice in Hongjoong. However, Mingi wasn't as thrilled. The thought of someone waiting at home—or perhaps two—tugged at his mind. Frustrated, he shook his head, attempting to dispel the worries. After all, the exhibition was a triumph, and there was ample time before the next one.
Anger fueled his movements as he punched in his apartment key code and smoothly swiped his keycard, the familiar click of the door signaling his entrance. The evening held a promise of relief, not just from the relentless tasks but from the anticipation of shared success and the comforting presence of two hearts, waiting patiently on the couch.
Jongho, curled up on the couch, cocooned in a blanket that accentuated his cuteness.
Touched by the scene, Mingi closed the door with utmost care, unwilling to disturb Jongho. Moving closer, he gently shut Jongho's laptop, ensuring that the ongoing work was securely saved.
Jongho works as a social media strategist from the comfort of their home, a considerate choice they made to prepare for the upcoming arrival of their child. Mingi respected Jongho's decision, appreciating the harmony it brought to their lives. This arrangement also facilitated the smooth management of their household, with Jongho mostly handling domestic affairs while Mingi tackled his responsibilities beyond their home.
As Jongho subtly shifted on the couch, transitioning to lying on his back, Mingi's attention was drawn to the telltale signs of pregnancy—his seven month baby bump and the noticeable swelling in his feet. Mingi couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy and concern, contemplating the unequal distribution of the physical burdens of pregnancy. Despite the challenges, the joyous surprise of impending parenthood had added a unique and cherished chapter to their lives.
Lost in his thoughts, Mingi failed to notice Jongho's subtle blink. Surprise washed over him as he witnessed his husband rising from the couch, maneuvering into a sitting position with evident difficulty.
"Mingi... you're home," Jongho whispered, his voice hoarse from a combination of dehydration and drowsiness.
Mingi's initial frustration melted away at the sound of Jongho's tired greeting.
"Yeah. What's up?" he chuckled, unable to break the habit of playfully teasing Jongho, even after being married for a while.
***
Their connection traced back to college when Jongho and Mingi became inseparable, with Mingi practically taking on the role of a caring older brother. Their close bond went unnoticed until they surprised everyone with a wedding invitation. Jongho, always the idea man, proposed the notion that marrying a best friend made more sense than a stranger. Mingi, in his usual manner, embraced the challenge and agreed to Jongho's unconventional proposal.
During their wedding ceremony, as the officiant posed the traditional vows, Mingi's smirk met Jongho's gaze. Responding in his own playful manner, Mingi quipped, "Say less," earning a gentle smack on the shoulder from Jongho and an exasperated look from the officiant. But then, Mingi turned serious. "I- I mean, I do. Yeah. I do," he vowed.
Rolling his eyes, the officiant declared, "You may now kiss the groom."
The crowd erupted in cheers as they shared a kiss for the audience. Hongjoong screeched, grappling with the reality that the kids he practically raised in college were now getting married. Yunho enthusiastically applauded, San's jaw dropped, Wooyoung melodramatically cried, while Yeosang and Seonghwa pretended not to recognize the animals before them.
***
"I'm pregnant,"
Jongho announced one day in their group chat, two months after marrying Mingi. Accompanying the news was a snapshot of the positive pregnancy test. Yunho promptly flooded the chat with excited stickers, followed by Seonghwa and the rest of the group. Wooyoung tagged Mingi, seeking clarification, to which the lad responded with a playful:
"Teehee."
***
Mingi snapped out of his daydream, captivated by Jongho's sleepy face. Unable to contain his excitement about welcoming their angel in less than two months, he laid his head on Jongho's knees.
"Why aren't you inside?" he asked gently, to which Jongho giggled.
"No, I remember I had a deadline. I'm taking my maternity leave soon, you know?"
Mingi looked up, smiling as his eyes met Jongho's. "Okay," he nodded.
Sensing the underlying anxiety in Mingi's tone, Jongho reached out to caress Mingi's head. "Welcome home, husband," he said.
"Yeah, yeah," Mingi nodded, smiling so wide his jaw hurt. "I'm home, love."
Fin.