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Chapter Text

Minghao’s hand was firmly clasped in his. They were both dressed formally and held some documents in their hands. Mingyu turned to look at his husband, who had a nervous expression and was about to start biting his lips.

They were both nervous. Really nervous.

“Please, come in,” said the guard as he opened the door.

They walked in with nervous, slow steps, looking around.

The orphanage was a somewhat sad place. Despite hearing the children’s laughter, there was a slightly cold atmosphere. Mingyu sighed, thinking that it wasn’t the ideal environment for so many children. As a teacher at a daycare, he knew how to take care of a room full of three-year-olds, but this building made him nervous.

It had been months since they started the adoption process. They had completed every stage: interviews, psychological evaluations, and multiple visits to the orphanage, both with social workers and in preparation sessions. Today was the day they would finally meet the child who had been assigned to them. Although there were still a few steps left before the adoption was formally completed, today was a crucial moment.

Mingyu gave his husband’s hand a squeeze just as a woman with a warm smile approached them.

“Good morning. Are you Mr. Kim and Mr. Xu?”

Minghao nodded. “Nice to meet you, I’m Xu Minghao, and this is my husband, Kim Mingyu.”

The woman offered a hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Yang Heejin, the director of the orphanage.”

Mingyu squeezed Minghao’s hand again, and his husband responded by shaking the woman’s hand.

“Please, follow me,” the director said, leading them down a long hallway.

The atmosphere was still cold for Mingyu, but the director seemed kind, and the fact that the children were engaged in different activities was a good sign.

When they reached the courtyard, they found a rather modest space: there was no grass or plants, just dirt. The children, however, didn’t seem to mind, running and jumping everywhere. Mingyu watched as a girl tripped and quickly got up to continue playing. He smiled, sharing a look with Minghao.

For Mingyu, there were two things that could make him the happiest man in the world: first, his husband, and second, happy children.

“This is where the children usually play in their free time,” the director explained, interrupting his thoughts.

He wondered if their assigned kid would be one of the kids running around. The name of their kid was Seungcheol, was he there? Minghao made a sound in the back of his throat and he knew his husband was asking himself the same thing. The director turned to look at them. "Your assigned kid isn't here. He's in the rooms."

Mingyu looked at her with a surprised look on his face. She seemed to understand, and just smiled at him. 

“Can we see the rooms?” Minghao asked, and the director nodded.

The rooms were simple, with beds lined up along the walls. Although the orphanage didn’t receive much financial support, each child had a small space of their own, with some personal belongings carefully organized. Mingyu noticed one bed in particular with a small figure sleeping under the covers.

“Oh, one of the children fell asleep,” said the director with a smile.

Mingyu and Minghao approached carefully. The child, with black hair and thick eyebrows, was sleeping soundly. His lips formed a small pout, and his long eyelashes rested on his cheeks.

“His name is Seungcheol,” the director said softly.

Oh.

Oh.

That was their kid, their Seungcheol. Mingyu couldn't possible put a name to the feeling that fill his chest, so he did what he always did, he looked at his husband, who was watching the child with a tender expression. The little one began to stir under the covers, slowly opening his eyes.

“How old is he?” Minghao asked. 

“He’s three years old, but he’ll turn four soon.”

Mingyu smiled as Seungcheol sat up in bed, looking at them with curiosity. He almost coo, was this the feeling his parents always talked about?

“Hello,” Mingyu greeted softly, but his heart was beating so fast. “My name is Mingyu. What’s your name?”

“Seungcheol,” the child replied in a soft voice, pronouncing his name with some difficulty, but clearly enough. He was well spoken for a three-year-old.

“This is my husband, Minghao,” Mingyu introduced, and his husband raised a hand in greeting. Seungcheol mimicked the gesture, and Mingyu’s heart melted at the cuteness.

The room fell silent as Seungcheol settled back on the bed. Mingyu took Minghao’s hand, feeling the sweat in his palms.

“What do you like to do in your free time?” Mingyu asked, trying to keep the conversation going.Minghao squeezed his hand, encouraging him not to back down from his question.

Seungcheol looked at them and seemed to think for a few seconds, his lips forming a small pout. “Drawing.”

“Minghao likes to draw too,” said Mingyu, looking at his husband.

Minghao took out his phone and showed Seungcheol some of his drawings. The child’s mouth opened in surprise, asking questions about some shapes he didn’t understand. Fortunately, Minghao had chosen to show him simple drawings that a young child could comprehend.

“And what do you draw?” Minghao asked, now sitting next to Seungcheol. Mingyu wished he could keep that sight forever.

“Rabbits!” The child responded with the biggest smile he had shown since they arrived.

Minghao nodded. “I can draw a rabbit for you. Would you like that?” Seungcheol nodded eagerly, clapping his hands in delight, and Mingyu felt his heart skip a beat from the sweetness. “Could you please get me a sheet of paper and a pencil?” Minghao asked the director, who had been quietly observing. “Thank you.”

The director stepped out briefly and returned with a notebook and a pencil. Minghao thanked her and started drawing while Seungcheol leaned in to watch the process closely.

Mingyu simply observed with a smile as his husband drew, and the child clapped each time he recognized a shape in the drawing. “Do you like it?” Minghao asked, showing Seungcheol a drawing of a rabbit eating a carrot.

“I love it!” Seungcheol exclaimed, giggling. Minghao smiled, seeing the happiness on the child’s face. When their eyes met, both men knew they were ready. This was their child.

“Seungcheol” Mingyu began softly. “Would you like to live with Hao and me?”

The child blinked a few times, looking between the two adults who were smiling gently at him.

“Can Dino come too?” he asked suddenly.

Minghao and Mingyu exchanged surprised looks. The director cleared her throat before speaking. “Dino is a newborn who arrived recently. Seungcheol has been very attached to him since he arrived.”

“Can we meet him?” Mingyu asked, feeling the need to understand better the connection between Seungcheol and the baby.

The director nodded, leading them to another room full of cribs. 

Seungcheol ran over to the baby excitedly, took his little hand, and Dino grasped the toddler's finger. Mingyu approached the crib and looked at Dino. He was a really cute baby, his cheeks looked soft, and he was wrapped in a yellow blanket. The baby opened his eyes, and Mingyu smiled at him before Dino closed his eyes again.

"Why is he called Dino?" Minghao asked the director while looking directly at the baby, he seemed so mesmerized by him. 

"The baby doesn’t really have a name," Mingyu turned to look at the woman. "He was left here without one, and we usually don’t give them names. It’s just so that the baby can adapt to whatever name their family wants to give them. Seungcheol calls him Dino because he arrived wearing a dinosaur outfit… But his name isn’t Dino."

Minghao looked at the baby, and Mingyu followed his lead… A baby without a name. That was terrible. The baby was about to turn one month old, and he didn’t have a name yet? If Seungcheol didn’t call him Dino, then what would they call him? Mingyu saw his husband frown. 

"His name is Dino," Seungcheol repeated.

Minghao nodded with a small smile. "You don't want to leave him?"

Seungcheol shook his head and pressed his lips together. "Can he come with us?"

Mingyu pursed his lips. They had talked about adopting one child only, adopting a newborn wasn't in their plan. They'd have to go through all the process again, making sure they had the space and time necessary for raising a baby. Suddenly, it all seemed too much.

Dino opened his eyes again, and Seungcheol waved at him. The baby yawned but kept looking at the toddler.

Mingyu sighed. "Can we talk about it?" he asked.

His husband nodded, and they walked to the corner of the room full of cribs. "Mingyu, it’s a baby-"

"I know, but I don’t think Seungcheol will want to leave without him, and we’re not going to take him just because we want Seungcheol. Do you want another baby?"

Minghao shrugged. "We still have to come for the meetings with Seungcheol. What if we come for a month and see if we can create a bond with Dino?" 

He loved Minghao, truly. His husband was the only person that could make him find a solution that easily, but in this situation he was just so afraid. Mingyu sighed again. "And if we don’t? Do we just leave him? That’s wrong, Minghao… I want to adopt, but I’m scared of hurting them. Besides, what if we do end up adopting Dino? I have work in the mornings, and you have to leave any day at any hour for sessions. How will we manage?"

His husband took his hand and calmly stroked his fingers, "We’ll figure it out, Mingyu."

"They’re so small, Hao."

Minghao kissed his forehead. "I know"

Chapter Text

It had been a week since they had met Seungcheol and Dino, and they both couldn’t wait to see them again. When they arrived at the orphanage, Seungcheol was waiting for them behind the door.

"I knew you’d come today!" Seungcheol ran toward them, but he stopped halfway.

The toddler seemed to be doubting, Minghao felt his heart break at the sight of their child, so fearful of approaching them. Was he having doubts?

"Hello, champ," Mingyu said, walking toward him. His husband ruffled the kid's hair, making Cheol smile.

"Are we going to see Dino?" Minghao asked, offering his hand. Seungcheol hesitated but took it. "How did you sleep today, honey?" He asked.

Seungcheol started talking while they walked to the room where the babies were kept. At first, Mingyu had been very stressed about it all. The first night, he slept in Seungcheol's designed room in their house. The bed wasn't big enough, so he found Mingyu on the floor. It had been so hard watching him like that.

Minghao had been mostly upset at the thought of leaving them there. But Mingyu had been upset about almost everything except for the fact that he wanted the kids with them. The first thought that he had in the mornings was at what time they'd see their kids. But then, he'd start talking about if they couldn't take care of them, if Dino's paperwork would be longer and they'd have to wait a year to get them home, if Seungcheol and Dino won't adapt, if the house wasn't big enough.

Their house was big enough for them. It had a beautiful yard that Mingyu took proud of growing trees and some bushes. The trees weren't fully grown yet, but in some time, surely Mingyu would never stop talking about how they were the best decision ever made. On the first floor, the living room took almost all the space, the kitchen was next to it, and the office was almost a secret door. But, with the door open, they could perfectly watch the kids play while they worked. On the second floor, they had four rooms, the main bedroom, Seungcheol's bedroom, and a guest room that they were going to redecorate to make it Dino's, but they had decided that the newborn should sleep in their room, so they had been searching online for cribs.

So, it wasn't so much as a real problem, Mingyu was just anxious. Minghao understood him. He really did. But sometimes it would get to him too. Taking care of two kids at the same time, one of them a newborn would definitely take a huge toll on both of them. For their kids, they would gladly do it.

They arrived at the nursery, Seungcheol ran to the crib where Dino was wide awake now. Dino looked at them, and he showed them a toothless smile. He was such a cute baby.

"Hello, buddy," said Minghao while picking him up. "Did you miss us?"

Minghao started moving his arms a little to not make Dino fuss, but the baby looked comfortable enough. Mingyu rested his head in his shoulder, looking adorably at Dino.

"We missed you so much, baby," he gave Dino his finger, and the baby grabbed it. "Alright, I can see that you missed us, too."

They shared a laugh. Seungcheol laughed, too. "I want to see him." He made grabby hands at Mingyu, his husband quickly picking him up.

Seungcheol smiled softly at him, and he stared at Dino. The toddler suddenly grabbed the baby's cheeks. It didn't look like the grip was strong, but Dino fussed.

"It's alright, darling, your brother only wanted to touch your cute cheeks." Minghao said, rocking the baby in his arms. "Don't worry. He didn't want to upset you."

Mingyu stilled against Minghao's shoulder, the weight of the words sinking in. He turned around to look at Seungcheol, and the kid was looking at him in surprise.

"He is my brother?" Seungcheol asked.

Minghao opened his mouth. But no words came out. What could he possibly say?

But Mingyu beat him to it. "Yes, he is, buddy." God, he loved him so much.

Suddenly, Seungcheol seemed so shy, almost hiding himself in Mingyu's shoulder. "You are going to take us with you?"

"We are," Minghao said. He was sure of it. He would fight everyone if they didn't let them take their kids home. "We are going to take you home."

"I'm so glad to hear that." They turned around to see Heejin, the director of the orphanage, standing in the door of the nursery.

"Good morning." Greeted Mingyu.

"Good morning," she had a warm smile on her face, "I'm sorry, did I hear you correctly, then? You'll take Dino and Seungcheol?"

"Yes, we are," Minghao said.

She nodded, "Come to my office, please." A nurse suddenly came and stretched her arms to take Dino. Minghao looked at her and readjusted his grip on the baby. "No need to be defensive, Mr. Xu, they'd be here when you come back."

Mingyu put Seungcheol back on the floor and smiled at him. "It's okay." He whispered. "It's okay, love."

Minghao looked at Dino again. The baby was looking up at him, his tiny eyes and tiny fists. He kissed his forehead before turning him over to the nurse.

"Where are you going?" Seungcheol asked.

Mingyu knelt down in front of Seungcheol, lowering himself to the child's eye level. "It's alright, champ, we are going to talk to the director so we can take you home. Is that okay?"

The toddler bit down his lower lip. He seemed to be doubting again. "Promise?"

"Promise, darling." Minghao said, touching the boy's hair. Seungcheol looked up at him and nodded.

"Let's go, Hao." Mingyu said, taking his hand.

The walk to the director's office wasn't so long. But, it seemed that way. Minghao couldn't stop his brain. He just wanted to be with their kids. Mingyu squeezed his hand from time to time, trying to comfort him.

"Your connection with Seungcheol and Dino is amazing." The director said, sitting on her chair behind the desk and gesturing them to sit on the chairs in front. "I was hesitant about Dino, but it is clear that you have been able to create a bond with him, too."

Mingyu smiled. "We are so lucky. When can we take them home?"

The director smiled at them, too. She opened one of her drawers and took some papers out. "Seungcheol's adoption is almost done. You can take him home today. But that doesn't mean that he's already yours. We are going to make sporadic visits to see that he's adapting well. There's still some papers that need to be signed. "

Minghao nodded, his voice firm as he replied. "We will take him home today, then." But... "What about Dino?"

She pursed her lips. "Adopting a newborn is different from adopting a child. Dino doesn't have to go through too many connection and preparation sessions. But, we do need to ensure that your house is adapted to take care of a newborn. We know that you're financially and emotionally stable since we have your results from Seungcheol's progress."

"We have a guest room that we are going to make Dino's nursery. But, we thought that since he's a newborn, it would be better for him to sleep on a crib in our room." Mingyu explained. "However, we are still looking for cribs, but we could buy one today if you let us take him home today."

The director seemed to consider it, staring at them for a while. "I'm happy that you are going to take Dino and Seungcheol, that you are giving them a home. But I can't skip all the process. You can take Seungcheol home today, but you can't take Dino yet."

Minghao felt like his heart was stopping.

"This is why we don't make promises to the children." She said.

They had promised Seungcheol that they'd take both home. And they couldn't do that. Oh, what was their kid going to think of them if they couldn't fulfill the first promise they made?

He turned to look at his husband. He had that look on his face when he felt like he was failing. They were failing. They had screwed this up badly. Seungcheol was going to hate them if he thought they had lied. What were they going to say?

Minghao felt his eyes swell up with tears. He was already a terrible father. He reached out for Mingyu's hand. His husband looked at him with his eyes wet, too. He had that defeated look on his face.

But, his eyes light up. He knew that look. Mingyu had an idea.

"What if we signed as his foster parents?" Mingyu asked. Minghao's brain started working around the idea. "And you can make the visits for both of them, while we do the rest of the paperwork to adopt him legally."

"Please, we just want to take them home." Minghao said, feeling like he found his voice again.

The director signed. "It's not something done very regularly, Mr. Kim." She looked down at the paperwork. "But, I think I could talk to my team and see what could we do about it."

Oh, that was better than a no, he supposed.

"Alright. We can wait."

She stood up and walked out of the office.

"God, I love you so much," Minghao said, throwing himself to Mingyu's arms. "I could never do this without you."

"I love you too." Mingyu said, kissing the top of his head. "Are you sure that we can go through this?"

Minghao pressed his lips together, still hidden on the crook of Mingyu's neck. "I want to." He said, feeling the tears already escaping his eyes. "For them, Gyu."

He was crying because he knew the process would be exhausting, but he wanted this. He wanted them. Minghao couldn't wait to cross the door with their kids and watch them grow. It didn't matter how hard it would be. They were doing this.

"I know." Mingyu said. "If they say no... What are we going to do, Hao?"

Oh. Mingyu was crying, too. He untangled himself to hold Mingyu's face. "I don't know, but Cheol is a great and such an intelligent kid, maybe he could understand?"

But Minghao knew. The promise was made, and they couldn't do anything to fulfill it.

"He's going to hate us, isn't it?" Mingyu asked him. "All because we rushed."

"I know, love." Minghao couldn't stop the sob that escaped his throat. "Why does this have to be so hard?"

Mingyu shook his head. "It's so hard, Hao."

"But it's all for them. That's all that matters. We can't give up, even if Cheol hates us, we have to take Dino home, it doesn't matter if we have to come here every day to beg."

His husband kissed him then. It was a salty kiss because of their tears. "You are already a great dad." Mingyu whispered in his lips.

Minghao chuckled softly. "You already are thinking fast, the most needed ability to raise a newborn and a toddler."

The small laugh that Mingyu let out felt like a breeze of fresh air. He loved him so much, he kissed him again, just a small peck on his lips.

They spent some time like that, just keeping each other close and holding the other. It felt right.

When the director came back, they went back to their sits. Minghao couldn't stop his leg from jumping.

"And? What did they say?" Mingyu asked. "Can we take him home?"

She pursed her lips, looking at their red eyes because of their crying.

"Alright" She said, sighing, "you can take Dino, home. But if you signed to be foster parents to Dino, we can call you to be foster parents again. Do you agree with that?"

He could breathe again, Mingyu let out a breathy laugh. It felt like the world was spinning again.

Minghao nodded. "Yeah, anything."

"There is one more thing." She said. "We need a name to fill Dino's papers. I think you wouldn't want us to put the name Dino, would you?"

Minghao smiled. He turned to look at Mingyu. He remembered a conversation they had back in school. They were drunk, but it was the first time they had talked about kids. He remembered the made-up names Mingyu would give to him to make him laugh. But, he also remembered the only name Mingyu gave him and how they had kissed after agreeing on that name.

It had been such a long time ago, but that memory kept going back to his memory lately. Ever since he heard that Dino didn't have a name. Minghao smiled.

"Chan" Mingyu said, looking straight at Minghao’s eyes.

He loved him so much.

"Chan" He agreed, looking back at the director.

She smiled. "Alright, then. Let's get your kid's things. We'll send you the papers that need to be signed by mail."

For the first time in a long time, Minghao just wanted to jump around that office and kiss Mingyu until they were both breathless.

They were going to take their kids home. And that was all that mattered.

Chapter Text

Mingyu was sure he loved his kids. Since the moment he had laid eyes upon them, he had loved them. He smiled anytime he'd remembered them when he was working, often hiding his smile at teacher's meetings.

Just now, he couldn't stop his smile from spreading across his face as he looked at Chan, who was sleeping soundly in his crib. The baby had just fallen asleep, his tiny hands curled into fists, his chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. Mingyu reached down, gently adjusting the blanket around Chan, making sure he was snug and warm.

"I love you so much," Mingyu whispered, his voice full of tenderness. "You're going to grow up so loved, just like your brother."

Chan stirred slightly in his sleep, his lips parting in a soft sigh. Mingyu’s heart swelled with love for the tiny bundle in the crib. It had only been three months since Chan and Seungcheol had come into their lives, but it felt like they had always been there, a perfect fit in their growing family.

As Mingyu watched Chan sleep, he was reminded of their early days with Seungcheol. He recalled the first nights they had tried to tuck Seungcheol into bed. The toddler had cried more than they had anticipated, his tiny body trembling with the uncertainty of his new surroundings. Mingyu and Minghao had spent countless nights pacing, singing lullabies and whispering reassurances until Seungcheol's cries had softened into the steady rhythm of sleep. Those nights had been tough.

Chan was a newborn then, only a few weeks old, and his needs were constant and intense. Meanwhile, Seungcheol, nearly four years old, was also adjusting to the new dynamic, a new environment. Mingyu and Minghao found themselves stretched thin, juggling the demands of a sleepless newborn and a toddler who needed reassurance and attention. They would comfort Seungcheol while trying to soothe Chan's cries.

It was frustrating and exhausting, and they often felt like they were barely keeping their heads above water. Yet, amidst the chaos, there were moments of quiet joy that made it all worthwhile. Watching Seungcheol’s fascination with his brother and feeling Chan’s tiny hand grasping his finger were small but powerful reminders of why they were doing this.

His reverie was broken by the sound of Seungcheol’s laughter from down the hall. Mingyu’s smile grew even bigger. He made sure the baby monitor was on and attached the other one to the waistband of his pants before heading toward Seungcheol’s room.

"Alright, champ, you have to close your eyes now," Minghao was saying as he tucked Seungcheol into bed.

Seungcheol, however, had spotted Mingyu standing in the doorway. "Hyung, why are you there?" Seungcheol asked, sitting up in bed. He had caught him.

Mingyu chuckled, caught off guard by how observant Seungcheol could be. His husband turned around to look at him, a soft smile on his face. Minghao looked so beautiful with his fluffy hair and bare face, still glowing from his skincare routine. Mingyu couldn’t help but admire him, remembering how gorgeous Minghao looked when he came home earlier, he had been still wearing makeup.

"Chan?" Minghao asked softly.

"Sleeping," Mingyu replied, his voice a little hoarse. After all these years, Minghao still had the ability to make him lose his voice.

Minghao nodded in approval, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Only this one is left." His husband giggled. "I already told him how we met twice and our wedding once."

Seungcheol loved to hear their love story before bed. Even if he heard it the night before, he'd still be excited to hear it again.

"That's my favorite story, too." Mingyu said, "I think I'd like to hear it again, love. What do you think, Seungcheol?"

"I want it again! Please, please, please, Minghao-hyung," Seungcheol begged, his wide eyes looking up at Minghao with a pleading expression that was impossible to resist.

Minghao sighed, pretending to be exasperated, but the smile tugging at the corners of his lips gave him away. "Alright, alright," he said, settling down on the edge of Seungcheol’s bed. Mingyu leaned against the doorframe, watching his husband with the same warmth he always felt whenever they shared this story.

"You remember how it all started, right?" Minghao began, his voice soft as he stroked Seungcheol’s hair. "Mingyu was the boy who wouldn’t leave me alone."

Seungcheol giggled. "He chased you, hyung?"

"Yes, he did," Minghao confirmed, casting a playful glance at Mingyu. "Every day after school, he'd wait outside my house. He kept asking to play, and I kept saying no."

"Why?" Seungcheol asked, already knowing the answer but eager to hear it again.

"I was shy," Minghao admitted. "I had just moved to a new place, and I didn’t know anyone. I thought maybe Mingyu just wanted to tease me."

"But I wasn’t teasing," Mingyu chimed in, walking over to sit beside Minghao on the bed. "I just thought you were the coolest kid on the block."

Seungcheol beamed. "And then you became friends!"

Minghao nodded, "One day, after weeks of chasing, he finally said something that made me stop and think. He said, 'I’ll keep asking until you say yes, because I know you’re special.'"

Seungcheol’s eyes widened slightly, his little mouth forming an "O."Really?"

"Really," Minghao said, squeezing Mingyu’s hand. "I knew then that Mingyu wasn’t just looking for someone to play with—he wanted to be my friend. And I wanted to be his, too."

"And after that, you were always together," Seungcheol said, almost in a whisper.

"Always," Mingyu agreed. "We’d have sleepovers, go on adventures, and tell each other everything. We grew up together."

Seungcheol yawned, his small voice barely a whisper. "And you kissed?"

Mingyu chuckled softly. "When we were a little older, yeah. We realized we loved each other. We always did."

"Love," Seungcheol smiled, leaning into Minghao’s side. "That’s why you got married."

"Yes," Minghao said, his voice full of emotion. "We knew we wanted to spend our lives together. And now, we have you and Chan, our beautiful family."

Seungcheol looked up at them with shining eyes. "I’m so happy you’re my dads," he whispered, his small hand reaching out to hold Mingyu’s.

Mingyu felt a lump in his throat as he squeezed Seungcheol’s hand. "We’re the lucky ones, buddy," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Minghao leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Seungcheol’s forehead. "Time to sleep, little one."

As Seungcheol’s eyes began to droop, he mumbled, "Goodnight, dad. Goodnight, other  dad."

Mingyu’s heart nearly bursted with happiness. He had waited so long to hear that word from Seungcheol’s mouth. He would never have forced it, but hearing it now, it made him feel like crying tears of joy. Minghao turned to look at him, with a huge smile on his face. They watched as Seungcheol drifted off, his tiny hand still holding onto Mingyu’s.

When they were sure he was asleep, Mingyu whispered, "He called us both Dad."

Minghao nodded, his eyes misty. "He did."

They sat in silence for a moment, just soaking in the joy of their little family. Mingyu wrapped an arm around Minghao’s shoulders, pulling him close.

"Do you remember the first nights with Seungcheol?" Mingyu asked softly, his gaze fixed on their sleeping child. "How hard it was to get him to sleep?"

Minghao nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "I remember. Those nights seemed endless."

"Yeah, I know." Mingyu replied watching Seungcheol’s eyes move behind his eyelids.

"We did a good job, right?" Minghao's voice sounded full of doubts. He pulled his husband closer.

"We did, love." Mingyu kissed his temple. And then, he remembered something. "Who do you think is the other dad?" Mingyu whispered, his lips brushing against Minghao’s temple.

Minghao smiled softly, rising from the bed and extending a hand toward Mingyu. "I love you," he replied, pulling him up as well. "But it’s definitely you. I’m his favorite."

Mingyu chuckled as they quietly made their way down the hall. "Oh, really? You think you’re the favorite, huh?"

Minghao grinned, his voice low as they reached their bedroom door. "It’s not a competition, babe. But... I’m definitely winning."

Mingyu laughed softly, pressing a kiss to Minghao’s temple as they carefully pushed open the door to check on Chan. The baby was still sleeping soundly. "We’ll see about that. But just so you know, I’m prepared to do whatever it takes. I’m not going down without a fight."

Minghao leaned closer, peeking at Chan before looking back at Mingyu with a playful smirk. "Fine, other dad."

Mingyu’s eyes sparkled with mischief as they both moved toward Chan's crib. "Alright, but just so you know, I’ve got a secret weapon."

Minghao raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? What’s that?"

Mingyu hesitated, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "Well... I was thinking of getting Seungcheol a whole new set of art supplies."

Minghao gasped softly, suppressing a laugh. "You haven’t even gotten them yet! Are you planning to bribe our son into loving you more?"

"I didn’t say I was above a little bribery," Mingyu whispered, his eyes twinkling. "But now that you’ve mentioned it, I might just have to."

Minghao shook his head, still grinning as he leaned over to tuck the blanket around Chan a little more securely. "You play dirty."

"All’s fair in love and parenting," Mingyu teased, watching the gentle rise and fall of Chan's tiny chest.

They stood there for a moment, just taking in the peaceful sight of their youngest child. Then, with a shared smile, they headed to their own bed.

As they settled under the covers, Mingyu pulled Minghao close. "Alright, but just know, I'm winning this."

Minghao chuckled softly, resting his head on Mingyu’s chest. "Can’t wait, other dad."

Chapter Text

It was Seungcheol’s 4th birthday, and the first one they would spend with him. Minghao was meticulously organizing everything while Mingyu dashed around, trying to gather all the last-minute items his husband needed. Chan, sitting in his high chair, occasionally babbled and smiled, his tiny teeth just beginning to poke through his gums, making him drool more than usual.

“I got it!” Mingyu announced as he entered the kitchen, holding a shopping bag. Chan reached out his hands toward his dad, babbling something that resembled "da-da."

Mingyu smiled, placing the bag on the table in front of Minghao. “The color you asked for?”

Minghao quickly examined the contents. “Yes,” he confirmed, satisfied. Mingyu lifted Chan from the high chair, who immediately began chewing on his dad’s ear, a teething toy dangling from his other hand. “Be careful, Chanie,” Mingyu said softly, though he didn’t mind.

“Daddy!” Seungcheol shouted, his voice echoing as he raced down the stairs. Minghao stood up instinctively, ready to catch him if he lost his balance, but Seungcheol reached his dad safely and wrapped his arms around Mingyu’s legs.

“Hello, champ,” Mingyu greeted, bending down to kiss Seungcheol’s head.

They had welcomed Seungcheol and Chan into their lives six months ago. For Minghao, though, they had been his babies from the very first moment he saw them. His heart swelled as he watched Chan now playing with Seungcheol’s hair, both boys in Mingyu’s arms. He could never tire of that sight.

“Cheol, your dad brought the car for your party decorations,” Minghao said.

Seungcheol’s eyes widened with excitement as he dashed to the table, climbing onto a chair to eagerly dig into the bag. His face lit up when he pulled out a red toy car.

“Do you like it?” Minghao asked.

“Yes!” Seungcheol beamed, jumping down from the chair and running to Minghao, hugging him tightly and planting a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“Don’t I get a kiss?” Mingyu pouted playfully, bouncing Chan slightly as the baby babbled and continued to chew on his teething toy. “I went to three different stores for that car, you know.”

Minghao laughed, walking over with Chan in his arms so he could give Mingyu a kiss. “Thank you, Daddy.”

He loved these moments. These were the moments that made everything worth it.

The party was in full swing, and Seungcheol was overjoyed, surrounded by friends and family. Minghao stood chatting with Mingyu’s sister, who was holding Chan, the baby now gnawing on a soft toy that Minghao’s mother had sent.

“College is so stressful. I don’t understand how Mingyu managed to finish it,” Mingyu’s sister sighed.

Minghao chuckled. “I didn’t finish it, so I can say the same.”

“Not all of us are as lucky as you,” she replied, her tone slightly sharp. “If I didn’t finish, my parents would probably disown me, and I’d end up working at McDonald’s.”

Minghao’s smile faltered. He knew she could be dramatic, even careless with her words, but they still stung. He had worked every job he could find, including at McDonald’s, to pay for his modeling and acting classes and to build a life far from his family.

“I wouldn’t call it luck,” he said quietly, sipping his lemonade.

“Sure,” she replied, shrugging.

Minghao sealed his smile, focusing on Chan, who was looking up at him with wide eyes. The baby reached out his arms, giving Minghao the perfect excuse to excuse himself. “Sorry, I need to find Mingyu. It’s time for Cheol to make his wish.”

His sister-in-law nodded, her expression softening slightly. Minghao turned, finding Mingyu holding Seungcheol as the little boy chattered excitedly. They both smiled when they saw him approaching.

“It’s time to make your wish, champ,” Minghao said, rubbing Seungcheol’s back.

“Will it come true?” Seungcheol asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Of course,” Mingyu said, gently stroking his hair. “You just have to wish with all your heart.”

“Have any of your wishes come true, Daddy?” Seungcheol asked, looking up at Mingyu with an innocent gaze.

“Yes,” Mingyu said softly, his voice full of emotion. “I have a family, and you are healthy. That was my wish, and it’s come true.” He kissed Seungcheol’s cheek, and Minghao felt his own heart swell as he leaned in to kiss Mingyu’s cheek.

“Then let’s do it!” Seungcheol exclaimed with excitement.

Minghao followed his family back to the living room. Mingyu placed a comforting hand on Minghao’s back as they walked together, and Minghao smiled at Mingyu’s sister, who was still standing nearby.

“It’s time for Cheol to make his wish!” Mingyu announced, gathering everyone around the cake. Minghao smiled as he watched Mingyu seat Seungcheol in the special chair they had set up. Even so, Seungcheol wouldn’t let go of his dad’s hand.

“Daddy... I don’t know what to wish for,” Seungcheol said, looking up at Minghao with uncertainty.

Minghao adjusted Chan in his arms so he could hold Seungcheol’s hand. “You can wish for anything, sweetheart. Something you’ve always wanted.”

“My wish has already come true, Daddy,” Seungcheol said quietly, looking down at the table. “I have a home and a family.”

Mingyu and Minghao exchanged a look, both smiling at their son’s words. They each kissed Seungcheol on the cheek, and Seungcheol giggled, while Chan, sensing the happy moment, babbled and reached out to tug on Seungcheol’s ear.

“Then think of another wish now, champ,” Mingyu said, brushing his fingers through Seungcheol’s hair. “We’re your family now, so you don’t need to wish for that anymore.”

Seungcheol pursed his lips, deep in thought, before finally nodding with determination.

Mingyu smiled and lit the candle on the cake. The guests began to applaud and sing “Happy Birthday.” Minghao focused on Seungcheol’s joyful smile, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over him. His son had always wanted a birthday party like the ones he saw in movies, and Minghao had made sure this one was perfect. He would make sure that every birthday for his two babies was always filled with happiness.

When the song ended, Seungcheol leaned forward to blow out the candle. He closed his eyes, whispering his wish before he blew out the flame.

Minghao hugged him tightly, kissing his face as Chan cooed and tried to grab Seungcheol’s ear again.

He would do everything in his power to make that wish come true too.

“I wish for my family to last forever.”

Chapter Text

Minghao had been very specific about what he wanted for his birthday. He had told Mingyu that the only thing he desired was a homemade dinner from him and a normal day with their kids. Nothing else.

When he was a teenager, he had loved throwing big parties, getting drunk until he threw up, and dancing with Mingyu until they couldn't stand and ended up naked in bed. Now, things were different. He just wanted to watch Chan crawl around, babbling his heart out, having a conversation about God knows what with them, all while Seungcheol drew on their walls with that focused expression that made him look so much like Mingyu.

But deep down, Minghao knew he wouldn't get his wish when the first thing he heard in the morning was the sound of little feet thumping on the floor, accompanied by Chan’s happy babbling. He kept his eyes closed, holding on to the last threads of sleep, and waited.

“Dino, you're going to wake daddy Hao!” Seungcheol whispered, though it was louder than intended, betraying his excitement.

To everyone's surprise, Chan responded with his own version of a conversation, the only clear word being "da." It wasn’t much, but it made Minghao’s heart swell with warmth and love.

“Alright, at the count of three, we sing, okay?” Mingyu whispered, his voice warm and gentle, but with a playful undertone.

“I want to count down!” Seungcheol insisted, his small body practically vibrating with anticipation.

Minghao held back a smile as Seungcheol took his time with the countdown, clearly savoring his moment. The anticipation built in Minghao's chest, a sense of warmth spreading through him like the first sip of hot tea on a cold day.

When Seungcheol finally reached "three," his tiny voice joined Mingyu's deeper tone in a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday." Minghao made a grand show of opening his eyes and sitting up, feigning surprise. Mingyu stood there with Chan on his hip, holding a small cake in his free hand. The aroma of vanilla and butter wafted through the air, mingling with the familiar scent of baby powder from Chan. Seungcheol wore a proud smile as he held up a little birthday hat, clearly meant for him.

Chan, not quite able to sing yet, clapped his hands softly, his wide eyes shining with excitement.

“Thank you, buddy,” Minghao said, pulling Seungcheol onto the bed to hug him and taking the birthday hat. “You’re such a great singer.” He kissed Seungcheol’s hair, feeling the boy’s smile against his chest, the scent of shampoo lingering in his nose.

“Don’t forget about your biggest gift,” Mingyu said with a grin, extending Chan toward him.

Minghao gladly took their youngest into his arms, the baby immediately snuggling into him. The softness of Chan’s pajamas, coupled with his warm, tiny body against Minghao’s chest, was a sensation Minghao had come to cherish. He lifted Chan slightly, instinctively sniffing the air. The familiar scent made him chuckle. “Oh, someone needs a change.”

Seungcheol scrunched up his nose in a dramatic show of distaste. “Ew, Dino!”

Minghao glanced at Mingyu, a teasing glint in his eye. “It’s my birthday,” he reminded him.

“You said you wanted a normal day,” Mingyu replied with a laugh but quickly took Chan back. “Come on, buddy, let’s get you changed so we can have cake for breakfast.”

“Cake!” Seungcheol echoed, bouncing excitedly.

“No cake for breakfast, Mingyu!” Minghao protested, though it was half-hearted at best. His husband was already heading to the bathroom to clean up Chan, and he knew there was no stopping the inevitable. The sight of Mingyu’s broad back as he disappeared down the hall brought a wave of affection over him. He felt like this day would be a special one.

---

Seungcheol spent a good part of the morning drawing on the walls, a task he took very seriously, while Chan crawled around the living room, chasing after every toy that caught his eye.

Minghao found himself lost watching his sons and Mingyu interact. Chan’s babbling had become the soundtrack to their lives, his tiny voice filling the house with a warmth that Minghao hadn’t realized he needed. Every now and then, Mingyu would scoop Chan up, swinging him gently in the air, earning a delighted squeal from the baby.

Seungcheol, not to be left out, would then demand his own turn, and soon enough, Mingyu was lifting him as well, both boys laughing as they flew through the air in their father’s strong arms. Minghao’s heart swelled with pride and love. He marveled at how easily Mingyu managed to lift both of their children without dropping them, remembering the days when they had wondered if they would ever be able to do this.

After lunch, the calls started to pour in. Minghao’s phone buzzed with video calls from his family back in China, since they had returned a few years ago. His parents and a few cousins all took turns cooing over Chan and congratulating Seungcheol on his “artwork.”

As Minghao sat on the couch, holding Chan in his lap, the baby’s soft coos echoing in the background, Seungcheol peeked over his shoulder, eagerly showing off his drawings to anyone who would look.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, Seungcheol! You’re such a talented artist,” his mother praised in chinese, her voice full of warmth.

Seungcheol beamed at the compliment. “Thank you! I made it for Daddy Hao!” he replied, his words slightly halting as he tried to remember the phrases Minghao had taught him. Minghao had been making an effort to teach Seungcheol some basic chinese, and though it was a slow process, he wouldn't give up and the toddler was always eager to learn.

Minghao smiled, feeling his heart swell even more. These little moments of connection with his family meant the world to him, even if they were thousands of miles away. Mingyu sat beside him, occasionally chiming in to answer a question from his in-laws. His mother mentioned that she was making jasmine tea and he couldn't help but to feel nostalgic, missing the comfort of home, but the sight of his family here, together, made the longing bearable.

Just as his mother began to tell a story from Minghao’s childhood to amuse Mingyu. Chan let out a sudden wail, his little face scrunching up as tears welled in his eyes. The baby’s cry was loud enough to momentarily drown out the call, and Minghao quickly tried to soothe him, bouncing him gently on his knee.

“Oh dear, is he hungry?” his mother asked, concern lacing her voice.

“No, he’s just a bit fussy,” Minghao reassured her, though Chan’s cries persisted. Seungcheol, always eager to help, tried to calm his brother by waving one of his toys in front of him, but Chan was having none of it.

Mingyu took the phone and gave a quick wave before ending the call with a promise to call back later. He turned to Minghao with a sympathetic smile. “I think someone’s ready for a nap.”

“Looks like it,” Minghao agreed, though Chan’s cries had softened to little whimpers as he snuggled closer to his father’s chest. The warmth of the baby’s body, combined with his soft breaths, was both comforting and soothing to Minghao.

---

As the afternoon sun began to dip, casting a golden glow over the living room, Mingyu disappeared into the kitchen, insisting that Minghao relax while he prepared dinner. Minghao was about to protest but decided against it. Instead, he settled on the couch, Chan curled up beside him, his tiny fingers wrapped around one of Minghao’s. Seungcheol was nearby, carefully considering his next artistic addition to the wall.

It wasn’t long before the house was filled with the comforting sounds of Mingyu’s humming while cooking. The familiar scents of garlic and herbs filled the air, bringing back memories of their early days together when Mingyu would cook for him after long days of classes. But this time, they had their sons now, their family. The scent of roasted vegetables and steak made Minghao’s stomach rumble in anticipation, and he realized how hungry he was.

Minghao hadn’t realized he had drifted off until he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he found Seungcheol standing in front of him, looking incredibly pleased with himself.

“Daddy, dinner’s ready!” Seungcheol announced, his voice filled with excitement.

Minghao smiled and stretched, feeling the warmth of the moment. He looked down at Chan, who was now stirring from his nap. With a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead, he gently lifted him into his arms and followed Seungcheol to the dining room.

The soft glow of the candles on the table added a cozy warmth to the room. Mingyu had even placed a small vase with flowers in the center, a delicate touch that spoke volumes about how much thought he had put into making this dinner special.

“Wow, this looks amazing,” Minghao said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. He placed Chan in his high chair, the baby still rubbing his sleepy eyes as he took in the sight of the table.

Seungcheol was already in his seat, eagerly awaiting his meal. “Can we eat now?” he asked, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Mingyu chuckled as he took his seat next to Minghao, leaning over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Yes, we can eat now, buddy. But first, let’s thank Hao for all the hard work he’s done today, too.”

Seungcheol nodded vigorously. “Thank you, Daddy Hao!” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. Then, in true Seungcheol fashion, he grabbed his fork and dug into his meal.

Minghao watched his family for a moment. There was a time when he hadn’t known if they would ever get here, to this place where they were truly a family. The adoption and then adaptation process had been grueling, filled with sleepless nights and endless anxiety. But as he looked around the table now, at Mingyu, who was busy cutting up Seungcheol’s food, and Chan, who was happily munching on his sweet potatoes, he knew it had all been worth it.

As they ate, Seungcheol made them laugh with his tales of the day, while Chan babbled away, occasionally dropping pieces of food onto the floor, much to Mingyu’s amusement. Minghao reached for his glass of water, intending to take a sip, but just as he did, Seungcheol excitedly waved his arm, knocking the glass right out of Minghao’s hand.

The water spilled across the table, soaking into the tablecloth and dripping onto the floor. For a moment, there was silence, and then Minghao burst into laughter.

The look of shock on Seungcheol’s face was too much, and soon, everyone was laughing.

“I’m so sorry!” Seungcheol exclaimed, his eyes wide with guilt.

Minghao shook his head, still chuckling. “It’s okay, sweetie. It was just an accident.” He reached over and ruffled Seungcheol’s hair.

Mingyu grinned as he got up to grab some towels. “At least it wasn’t the cake.”

Minghao couldn’t resist himself. “He definitely got that from you. You’re such a bad influence."

Mingyu paused, feigning offense as he dramatically clutched his chest. “See how your dad blames me for everything, Cheol?”

As they cleaned up the mess together, the laughter filled the room. By the time they were done, the mood was lighter than ever, and the rest of the meal passed in a happy blur.

When they had all finished eating, Seungcheol insisted on helping Mingyu clear the table, while Minghao took Chan out of his high chair and cradled him in his arms, the baby’s head resting comfortably on his shoulder.

As they settled back into the living room, ready to wind down for the evening, Seungcheol suddenly remembered something. “Wait! I forgot to give you your last present, Daddy Hao!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.

Minghao looked at him curiously as Seungcheol ran off to his room, returning a few moments later with a drawing clutched in his hands. “I made it for you today,” Seungcheol explained, holding out the paper with a shy smile.

Minghao took the drawing, his heart swelling as he looked at the colorful scribbles. It was a picture of their family, with him, Mingyu, Seungcheol, and Chan all holding hands. In the sky above them, there was a bright sun and what Minghao guessed were a few clouds.

“It’s beautiful, darling,” Minghao said, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

Seungcheol beamed with pride, and Minghao pulled him into a hug, holding him close. The warmth of his son’s small body against his made everything else fade away. This was what he had always wanted—a family, a home filled with love and laughter.

As they all settled down for the night, Chan finally falling asleep in Minghao’s arms, Seungcheol crawled into Mingyu’s lap, clearly ready to doze off himself. Minghao caught Mingyu’s eye and smiled.

And then, just as the room began to quiet, Seungcheol looked up at Mingyu with a mischievous grin. “Daddy, can we have cake for breakfast tomorrow?”

Mingyu chuckled, shaking his head. “We’ll see, buddy. Only if you promise to help clean up the mess this time.”

“Deal!” Seungcheol replied, his eyes already drooping as sleep claimed him.

Minghao couldn’t help but laugh softly.

"Happy birthday, love."

He turned to kiss Mingyu's shoulder.

Chapter Text

The anticipation for Christmas had been building for weeks. Ever since the first flurries of snow had dusted the ground, Seungcheol had been counting down the days, his excitement growing with each passing moment. This was their first Christmas together as a family, and Mingyu wanted it to be perfect. He knew how much this meant to Seungcheol, who had always longed for the kind of holiday celebrations he’d seen in storybooks and on TV.

The house was a flurry of activity. Minghao had taken the lead in decorating, adding subtle touches, delicate red lanterns interspersed among the twinkling lights and evergreen garlands. The scent of pine filled the air, mingling with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon and cloves from the cookies Mingyu had baked the night before. Every corner of their home seemed to glow with festive cheer, and Seungcheol’s laughter echoed through the rooms as he danced around the tree, carefully placing ornaments wherever his little hands could reach.

Chan, bundled in a cozy deer onesie, watched everything with wide eyes from his playmat, occasionally letting out a babble of delight. He was too young to understand the holiday, but the decorations seemed to amuse him.

Mingyu had planned everything meticulously. He wanted to give Seungcheol the Christmas he had always dreamed of, like the ones Mingyu had when he was a kid. There would be a special breakfast with pancakes shaped like snowmen and cinnamon rolls, a day filled with playing in the snow, and in the evening, they would sit together around the fireplace, opening gifts and telling stories.

But as the day drew closer, the pressure of making everything perfect began to weigh on Mingyu. He had gone over every detail a hundred times, but the nagging feeling that he was forgetting something kept him up at night. He didn’t want to let Seungcheol down, not after everything they had been through to become a family.

The night before Christmas, after tucking Seungcheol into bed with promises of Santa’s visit, Mingyu sat on the edge of their bed, his head in his hands revising everything in his head. Minghao, who had been wrapping the last of the gifts, noticed the tension in his husband’s shoulders.

“Hey,” Minghao said softly, sitting down beside him. “What’s wrong?”

Mingyu let out a shaky breath. “I just… I want everything to be perfect for him, you know? He’s been through so much, and this is his first real Christmas."

Minghao placed a hand on Mingyu’s back, rubbing gentle circles. “You’re doing an amazing job, Gyu. Seungcheol is already having the time of his life."

Mingyu nodded, but the anxiety gnawing at his stomach didn’t ease. “But what if I forgot something? What if it’s not enough?”

Minghao leaned in, pressing a kiss to Mingyu’s temple. “He doesn’t need everything to be perfect. He just needs us. That’s what this is all about, remember? Family.”

Mingyu sighed, leaning into Minghao’s touch. “I know, I just—” His voice cracked, and he had to take a moment to steady himself. “I just want him to have everything he’s ever wanted.”

Minghao pulled him into a hug, holding him close. “And he does, my love."

They stayed like that for a long time, Mingyu finding comfort in the steady beat of Minghao’s heart. Eventually, Mingyu nodded. “You’re right,” he murmured, though the worry still lingered at the edges of his mind.

The next morning, Mingyu woke up to the sound of Seungcheol’s excited giggles and the soft cooing of Chan. He and Minghao exchanged a sleepy smile before getting up to start the day. Seungcheol was already in the living room, bouncing on his toes as he pointed at the stockings hanging over the fireplace.

“Santa came!” he exclaimed, his eyes shining with pure joy.

Minghao scooped Seungcheol up into his arms, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “He did, didn’t he? And look, he filled your stocking, too.”

"Is mine?" Seungcheol asked.

Mingyu watched as Seungcheol’s face lit up even more, his little hands reaching for the stocking eagerly. For a moment, Mingyu allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

The morning went by in a blur of laughter and joy. Seungcheol was over the moon with the presents he received—blocks, coloring books, and even a new set of markers for his ever-growing art collection. Chan, too young to understand the concept of gifts, was more interested in the wrapping paper, giggling as he crumpled it in his tiny hands.

But then, as they were getting ready to sit down for breakfast, Mingyu’s heart dropped. His eyes widened in panic as he realized what he had forgotten.

“The cinnamon rolls,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the noise of the morning.

Minghao, who was setting the table, looked up in confusion. “What?”

“The cinnamon rolls,” Mingyu repeated, his voice cracking. “I forgot to bake the cinnamon rolls.”

In an instant, all the anxiety that had been simmering beneath the surface came crashing down. The cinnamon rolls were Seungcheol’s favorite, something he had specifically asked for days ago. Mingyu had promised him that they would have them for breakfast, and now… now he had ruined it.

Mingyu’s hands began to shake. “I messed it up. I ruined it.”

Minghao was by his side in an instant, guiding him to sit down. “Hey, hey, breathe, Gyu. It’s okay. It’s just cinnamon rolls. We can still make them.”

But Mingyu was lost in his own thoughts. He had tried so hard to make this day perfect, and now it felt like everything was falling apart. “He’s going to be so disappointed,” Mingyu whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I promised him…”

Minghao knelt in front of him, cupping his face and forcing him to meet his eyes. “Mingyu, listen to me. You haven’t ruined anything. We’ll explain to him, and we’ll make the cinnamon rolls together. It’s going to be okay.”

Tears welled up in Mingyu’s eyes, but he nodded, clinging to Minghao’s words like a lifeline. “I’m sorry,” he choked out, guilt gnawing at him.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” Minghao assured him, brushing away a tear that had slipped down Mingyu’s cheek.

Just then, Seungcheol came bounding into the room, his face flushed with excitement. “Can we have pancakes now?”

Mingyu looked at him, feeling his heart break at the thought of letting him down. “Cheol… about the cinnamon rolls—”

But before he could finish, Seungcheol interrupted with a big smile. “That’s okay! I love pancakes too! Can we make them look like snowmen again?”

Mingyu blinked, taken aback by Seungcheol’s easy acceptance. He had expected disappointment, but instead, Seungcheol’s eyes were full of nothing but joy.

“Of course we can,” Minghao answered for him, smiling as he ruffled Seungcheol’s hair. “Let’s make the best snowman pancakes ever.”

Mingyu watched as Seungcheol ran off to grab the pancake mix, his heart swelling with relief.

As they made breakfast together, Mingyu felt the last of his anxiety melt away. They laughed as Seungcheol insisted on making the biggest pancake snowman possible, and Chan clapped his hands in approval from his high chair. Even when Seungcheol accidentally spilled syrup all over the table, Mingyu couldn’t help but laugh, feeling lighter than he had in days.

Later, when they finally sat down to eat, the table a mess of syrup, flour, and giggles, Mingyu realized that this was exactly what Christmas was supposed to be—imperfect, messy, but filled with love.

And that night, after the gifts had been unwrapped, the snowmen pancakes had been devoured, and the boys were tucked in bed, Mingyu and Minghao curled up on the couch together, enjoying the quiet.

“You did it,” Minghao whispered, pressing a kiss to Mingyu’s cheek. “You made it perfect.”

Mingyu smiled, feeling the warmth of Minghao’s words settle deep in his chest. “We did it,” he corrected softly. “Together.”

Minghao nodded, resting his head on Mingyu’s shoulder as they watched the snow fall outside. There was no better way to end their first Christmas together.

Just as they were about to drift off to sleep, they heard a tiny voice from down the hall.

“Daddy Gyu, Daddy Hao?”

Mingyu and Minghao exchanged a glance before smiling and getting up to check on Seungcheol. They found him standing in the doorway of his room, clutching his favorite stuffed animal, his eyes wide and pleading.

“I forgot to give Santa a hug,” Seungcheol said softly, his little face serious.

Mingyu crouched down, opening his arms with a grin. “Come here, champ."

Seungcheol ran into his arms, squeezing him tightly. “I love you, dad."

“I love you too, buddy,” Mingyu whispered, feeling his heart swell.

Minghao joined the hug, wrapping his arms around them both. “We love you so much, Seungcheol. Merry Christmas.”

As they all held each other in the soft glow of the Christmas lights, Mingyu knew that this—this was the moment he had been striving for.

And with that, they carried Seungcheol back to bed, his sleepy smile the perfect end to their first Christmas together.

Chapter Text

The morning sun peeked through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the table where Minghao sat, feeding Chan small pieces of banana. Chan, almost one year old, giggled and reached for the fruit, his chubby hands making a mess as he tried to grasp the slippery pieces. Minghao chuckled softly, balancing the baby on his knee while scrolling through his phone, checking his schedule for the day.

Across the room, Mingyu was at the stove, flipping pancakes and glancing over at Seungcheol, who was in the living room, meticulously stacking blocks into a tall tower. It was a typical morning, filled with the comforting sounds of breakfast being prepared and the occasional burst of laughter from the boys.

“Cheol, breakfast is ready,” Mingyu called out, setting a plate of pancakes on the table.

“Coming, Daddy!” Seungcheol replied, carefully placing the last block on top before dashing over to the table.

Minghao watched with a smile as Seungcheol climbed into his chair, already reaching for the syrup. “Slow down, sweetheart. No need to drown them,” he teased lightly.

Mingyu grinned as he sat down next to Seungcheol, ruffling his hair. “He gets it from you, you know.”

Minghao feigned offense, but his smile gave him away. “Are you accusing me of having a sweet tooth?”

“Maybe just a little,” Mingyu said with a wink.

As they settled into their routine, the phone rang, breaking the peaceful rhythm of the morning. Minghao reached for it, his smile fading slightly when he saw the caller ID. “It’s Heejin,” he said quietly, his tone signaling to Mingyu that this might be important.

Mingyu’s expression turned serious as he wiped syrup from Seungcheol’s hands. “Go ahead and answer it.”

Minghao took a deep breath and answered. “Hello, Heejin. Is everything okay?”

“Good morning, Minghao,” Heejin’s voice came through, calm but with a note of urgency. “I’m sorry to call so early, but we have a situation, and I think you and Mingyu might be able to help.”

Minghao’s heart skipped a beat. This was the first time they received a call from her since the boy's adoption process was done. He did remember her telling them that they were going to call them, but they never called them. “What’s going on?”

“There’s a little boy named Jihoon. He’s three, almost four. His case is… difficult,” Heejin began, choosing her words carefully. “He’s been through a few foster homes, but he’s struggling. His parents used to leave him alone for days at a time, and he’s not well-nourished. The other families couldn’t manage, and… you’re our last option.”

Minghao’s grip tightened on the phone. “Why us?”

Heejin sighed softly. “We had other homes we thought might be better suited at first, but Jihoon has had a hard time adjusting. I thought of you both because I know you can try."

Minghao glanced at Mingyu, who was watching him closely, concern etched on his face. “When can we meet him?”

“Today, if possible. The sooner, the better.”

Minghao nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “Alright. I’ll drop Seungcheol off at kindergarten and head over.”

“Thank you, Minghao. I really appreciate it.”

After hanging up, Minghao turned to Mingyu, his expression tense. “It’s a tough case. Jihoon… he’s been through a lot. We’re his last chance.”

Mingyu’s jaw tightened, his eyes softening with determination. “Alright then, I'm sure we'll be great."

Minghao nodded. He looked at the watch on the kitchen wall. It was getting late. Mingyu noticed it too.

“Are you sure you don’t want another cup of coffee before you go?” Minghao asked, handing Mingyu his travel mug.

Mingyu grinned, taking the mug from him. “I’m good. I’ll be back early today anyway." He ruffled Seungcheol’s hair again before leaning down to kiss Chan on the head. “See you later, little guy. Be good for Daddy Hao.”

With a final kiss for Minghao, Mingyu grabbed his briefcase and headed out the door. Minghao watched him go, a warm feeling settling in his chest.

After breakfast, Minghao quickly got Seungcheol dressed for kindergarten, Chan babbling away on the floor as he played with his toys.

---

Minghao arrived at the orphanage with Chan in tow, his heart pounding as he walked inside. Heejin met him in the playroom, where Jihoon was sitting quietly in a corner, clutching a worn stuffed cat. The boy was small for his age, his clothes hanging off his thin frame, and his eyes were wide and guarded.

“Jihoon, this is Minghao,” Heejin said softly, crouching down to the boy’s level. “He’s going to take you to your new home.”

Jihoon didn’t respond, his grip on the stuffed animal tightening as he stared at the floor. Minghao knelt beside him, his voice gentle. “Hi, Jihoon. I’m really glad to meet you. This is Chan,” he added, bouncing the baby slightly in his arms.

Chan gurgled, reaching out toward Jihoon, but the boy flinched, pulling back slightly. Minghao’s heart sank, but he forced a smile, trying not to let his own anxiety show. “We’ll take things slow, okay?”

The drive home was tense. Jihoon sat in the backseat, silent and rigid, his eyes darting nervously to the passing scenery. Minghao tried to engage him in small talk, but Jihoon didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the stuffed animal in his lap.

When they arrived home, Mingyu was waiting by the door, his expression a mix of anticipation and concern. “Hi, Jihoon,” he said gently, kneeling to be at eye level with the boy. “We’re really happy you’re here with us.”

Jihoon’s eyes flickered to Mingyu for a brief second before he turned away, his body language closed off. Minghao and Mingyu exchanged a look, both feeling the weight of what lay ahead.

The first evening with Jihoon was a test of patience. They decided to start with a bath, hoping it might help Jihoon relax. But as soon as Minghao reached out to help him undress, Jihoon recoiled, his eyes wide with fear.

“No” Jihoon said, his voice small but firm. “I do it."”

Minghao’s heart broke at the independence in Jihoon’s voice, something that shouldn’t be so ingrained in a child so young.

“Okay, Jihoon. You can do it yourself,” Minghao replied softly, stepping back to give him space.

Jihoon fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, his small fingers trembling. Minghao watched, his chest tightening with every moment of Jihoon’s struggle. “If you need help, I'm here,” he offered, but Jihoon shook his head, determined to do it alone.

The bath was quick and uncomfortable. Jihoon refused to let him get too close, keeping as much distance as possible while he washed himself.

Afterward, they sat down for dinner, but Jihoon barely touched his food. He poked at it with his fork, his face blank but his eyes revealing a deep discomfort.

“You can eat as much or as little as you want,” Minghao said gently, trying to make the experience less overwhelming. But Jihoon only nodded, taking the smallest bites, as if he didn’t trust that there would be more food later.

The tension in the air was palpable, and Minghao couldn’t help but feel a knot of anxiety forming in his stomach. What if they were making things worse?

Playtime was no easier. Seungcheol, excited to have a new playmate, brought over his favorite toys, but Jihoon sat off to the side, his eyes distant and his posture stiff.

“Do you want to play with us?” Seungcheol asked eagerly, holding out a toy truck.

Jihoon glanced at the truck, then at Seungcheol, before shaking his head. “No," he murmured, retreating further into himself.

Minghao watched, his heart heavy with the realization of just how deep Jihoon’s trauma ran. “It’s okay, Cheol. Jihoon might need some time to get used to things.”

Seungcheol nodded, his expression thoughtful, though a bit disappointed. “Okay. Maybe later?”

Jihoon didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on the floor.

As bedtime approached, Minghao felt the weight of the day pressing down on him. Jihoon had barely spoken, and when he did, it was only to insist on doing things himself. The idea of tucking him in felt almost impossible, but they knew they had to try.

When they brought Jihoon to the guest room, he looked around warily, his grip on the stuffed animal as tight as ever. Mingyu gently pulled back the covers of the bed. “This is your bed, Jihoon. It’s all yours.”

Minghao hesitated, unsure about leaving Jihoon to sleep alone. "Would you rather sleep with us or maybe with Seungcheol? Or do you want to sleep by yourself?"

Jihoon shook his head.

Mingyu reached out to ruffle Jihoon’s hair, but the toddler flinched away. Mingyu sighed softly, pulling his hand back. "Alright, buddy. I’m sorry."

Jihoon looked at the bed, then back at them, his expression unreadable. “No stay, I do it.” he said, his little voice devoid of emotion.

Minghao felt a sharp pang in his chest at the words. “We’re not going to leave you alone, Jihoon. We’ll be right here if you need us,” he said softly, kneeling beside him.

Mingyu nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed. “We’re here for you, no matter what. We won’t leave you alone.”

Jihoon’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, a mix of confusion and suspicion. He climbed into the bed without another word, pulling the blanket up to his chin. Minghao and Mingyu stayed by his side, not wanting to rush the moment.

“Goodnight, Jihoon,” Mingyu whispered softly, reaching out to gently pat the blanket.

Jihoon didn’t respond, but he didn’t push them away either. He lay there, eyes open, staring at the ceiling as if waiting for something to go wrong.

“We’ll be just down the hall,” Minghao added quietly. “If you need anything at all, just call for us.”

There was a long silence, the kind that felt almost suffocating in its uncertainty. Jihoon’s small body was tense, every muscle coiled as if bracing for an impact.

But Minghao and Mingyu stayed, sitting with him until his eyes finally began to close, exhaustion taking over. As they stood to leave, Jihoon’s voice, barely above a whisper, cut through the quiet.

“Why?” he asked, his voice fragile. “Why you stay?”

Minghao turned back, his heart breaking at the question. He crouched down beside the bed, meeting Jihoon’s tired eyes. “Because we’re here to take care of you, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Jihoon blinked, his expression a mix of confusion and something else—something that looked almost like hope, buried deep beneath layers of fear and distrust. But he didn’t say anything more, his eyes finally closing as sleep took hold.

Minghao and Mingyu quietly left the room, closing the door behind them with a soft click. They stood in the hallway, the weight of the day pressing down on them like a heavy blanket.

Minghao sighed, leaning against the wall. “This is going to be hard, isn’t it?”

Mingyu nodded, wrapping an arm around him. “Yeah. But we’ll figure it out. One day at a time.”

As they finally headed to bed, the house was still, the only sounds being the faint rustle of leaves outside and the distant hum of traffic. Minghao and Mingyu had just settled under the covers when they heard it—heartbreaking, muffled sobs coming from down the hall.

Both jumped out of bed, exchanging a worried glance before hurrying to Jihoon’s room. They carefully pushed the door open, revealing the small boy curled up tightly on his bed, clutching his stuffed animal as if it were a lifeline. His shoulders shook with each sob, and his face was buried in the plush fur.

Minghao’s heart clenched at the sight. He moved to the bed almost instinctively, desperate to comfort Jihoon. "What’s wrong, buddy?" he asked softly, trying to keep his voice gentle. "Are you alright? What happened?"

Jihoon hiccuped, his small body trembling, but he didn’t respond, just shook his head, still clutching the stuffed animal tightly.

Mingyu knelt beside the bed, his eyes full of concern. "Do you want us to go?" he asked, his voice equally soft, not wanting to push Jihoon further.

Jihoon shook his head again, tears continuing to stream down his cheeks, the sobs coming in shuddering waves.

"Can we touch you?" Mingyu asked cautiously, holding out his hand just a little, giving Jihoon the choice.

But Jihoon shook his head once more, pulling his knees closer to his chest as if trying to make himself smaller.

Minghao resisted the urge to sigh, feeling the weight of the moment. He sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to get too close. "We stay?"

Jihoon paused, then nodded, though he didn’t look up. His grip on the stuffed animal loosened just slightly, but the tears kept coming.

Minghao and Mingyu exchanged a silent understanding, then quietly settled on the floor beside Jihoon’s bed. Thankfully, sleeping on the floor was something they were used to from their younger days, and it seemed like the least they could do now. They stayed close, but not too close, offering their presence without pushing boundaries, letting Jihoon know they were there for him.

The night stretched on, but they remained by Jihoon’s side, listening as his sobs gradually faded into the soft, even breaths of sleep. Minghao watched the small boy finally find some peace, his own heart aching with the desire to protect him, while Mingyu reached out and squeezed his hand in quiet reassurance.

---

The next day, when they night had settled over the house, wrapping it in a peaceful hush. Mingyu and Minghao had just finished tucking Seungcheol and Jihoon into their beds. Seungcheol had fallen asleep almost instantly, the day’s excitement catching up to him. Jihoon, on the other hand, had been quieter, his eyes distant as they bid him goodnight.

Minghao and Mingyu retreated to their bedroom, watching over Chan in his crib still sleeping soundly. They exchanged a glance of shared concern. They didn’t say much, the weight of the unspoken lingered between them. Jihoon’s first night had been tough, and they could only hope that tonight would be a little easier.

Minghao was just about to turn off the bedside lamp when the softest of knocks echoed from the doorway. Both of them looked up to see Jihoon standing there, his small frame barely illuminated by the hallway light. He clutched his stuffed animal tightly against his chest, his eyes wide and uncertain.

Mingyu sat up immediately, his voice gentle. “Hey, buddy. What’s up?”

Jihoon hesitated, shifting from foot to foot as if he wasn’t sure if he should speak. Finally, he took a small step forward, his voice barely above a whisper. “Can I sleep with you?”

Minghao’s heart squeezed at the request. He sat up, patting the bed beside him. “Of course, Jihoon. Come here.”

But Jihoon didn’t move. He hesitated, his eyes darting between Mingyu and Minghao. After a moment, he looked down at his feet. “Scary dreams,” he mumbled softly.

Mingyu and Minghao exchanged a glance, each waiting for the other to speak. Minghao finally broke the silence, his voice gentle. “Do you want to tell us about them, Jihoon?”

Jihoon clutched his stuffed animal tightly, his small hands squeezing it. “My mom,” he whispered, his voice shaky. “She sleep with me when she was nice,” he continued, his words slow and careful. “But... mom no stay."

Mingyu felt a sharp pang in his chest, understanding dawning on him. Jihoon wasn’t just afraid of the nightmares. He was afraid of what might happen if he let himself get too close—if he let himself feel safe.

Minghao slid off the bed and knelt in front of Jihoon, his eyes soft with empathy. “Jihoon, I’m so sorry that happened to you. But I want you to know something.” He paused, making sure Jihoon was looking at him. “Mingyu and I, we’re not going anywhere. We’re right here, and we’re going to be here when you wake up. Okay?”

Jihoon’s lip quivered, and for a moment, it looked like he might cry again. But he just nodded, stepping closer to Minghao. Mingyu reached out, gently taking Jihoon’s hand. “How about we all sleep together tonight? We can stay with you, and if you have a nightmare, we’ll be right here.”

Jihoon hesitated, his small fingers tightening around Mingyu’s. “You promise?”

“Promise,” Minghao said softly, standing up and guiding Jihoon to the bed. They settled him between them, Minghao on one side and Mingyu on the other. Jihoon clung to his stuffed animal, his small body tense as he lay between them.

The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of breathing. Minghao reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Jihoon’s forehead, his heart aching with the desire to make everything better.

As the minutes passed, Jihoon’s breathing gradually evened out, the tension in his small body finally giving way to the pull of sleep. Mingyu and Minghao remained awake for a while longer, their gazes meeting over Jihoon’s sleeping form.

Morning arrived slowly, the early light filtering through the curtains. Jihoon was the first to wake, blinking sleepily as he looked around, momentarily disoriented.

For a moment, fear gripped him—an old, familiar fear that maybe, just maybe, they wouldn’t be there. But as he turned his head, he saw Mingyu still asleep, his hand resting protectively on Jihoon’s back. Minghao was stirring awake, his eyes opening to find Jihoon already watching him.

“Good morning,” Minghao whispered, his voice still heavy with sleep.

Jihoon didn’t say anything at first, his small hand reaching out to touch Minghao’s arm, as if needing to reassure himself that they were real—that they were still here.

And they were.

Chapter Text

It was Chan's first birthday, a day that seemed to arrive faster than Mingyu and Minghao could have imagined. They were determined to make it unforgettable, even if Chan was still too small to truly appreciate a party. So, they decided to keep it intimate, inviting only close family to celebrate the day.

Mingyu was up early, bustling around the kitchen with Seungcheol trailing behind, his small feet pattering on the floor as he bombarded Mingyu with a million questions about the cake. The warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cake soon filled the house, a comforting reminder that today was a special day. Meanwhile, Minghao was in the living room with Jihoon, gently guiding him through his morning routine. Today, they were trying a new book—colorful and simple, something to catch Jihoon’s attention.

Jihoon was slowly adapting to life with Mingyu, Minghao, and the boys. It wasn’t always easy—there were moments when he would withdraw, curling up on the sofa with distant eyes. But today, he seemed okay, even if he was a bit quieter than usual. Minghao noticed this and made sure to be extra gentle, offering a soft smile every time Jihoon looked up.

“Can I help with the cake?” Seungcheol asked, his eyes wide with eagerness as he tugged on Mingyu’s apron.

Mingyu chuckled, ruffling Seungcheol’s hair. “Of course, buddy. Let’s get some icing on this cake. We’ll make it the best one ever.”

Seungcheol beamed, climbing up on a stool to reach the counter. As they worked, Mingyu noticed how much time Minghao was spending with Jihoon. The sight of them laughing together, something that still felt new and precious, warmed his heart.

He turned his attention back to Seungcheol, who was carefully spreading icing on the cake. “I know it’s a big day for Chan, but it’s a big day for you too,” Mingyu said, his voice gentle as he mixed the icing.

Seungcheol paused, his little face scrunching up in curiosity and tilting his head in thought. “Why?”

“Well,” Mingyu began, setting down the spatula and looking at Seungcheol with a smile, “because you’re his big brother. Being a big brother is a special job, but sometimes it can be a bit tough and even lonely sometimes.”

Seungcheol thought about this for a moment, his small brow furrowing. “I like it when we’re all together. I can share Daddy with Jihoon and Dino because I’m a big brother, right?”

Mingyu’s heart swelled with pride. “I’m so proud of you, buddy. You’re such a good big brother.” He kissed the top of Seungcheol’s head, making the boy giggle.

Together, they worked on the cake, Seungcheol’s small hands carefully smoothing the frosting as Mingyu added the finishing touches. Just as Mingyu was about to pour himself a cup of coffee, the baby monitor crackled to life with the sound of ruffled sheets.

“The birthday boy is waking up,” Minghao called from his spot on the couch.

Mingyu smiled. “I’m going to check on your brother,” he told Seungcheol before heading to the nursery.

He found Chan already awake, standing in his crib and babbling excitedly. Chan's wide eyes lit up when he saw Mingyu, his little hands reaching out.

“Happy birthday, Chan!” Mingyu exclaimed, lifting him out of the crib and twirling him around. Chan giggled, his laughter filling the room. Mingyu grinned and pressed a kiss to Chan’s forehead. “You’re one today, little guy. Can you believe it?”

Chan clapped his hands, clearly enjoying the attention. Mingyu’s heart swelled as he watched his son’s happy face.

After getting Chan dressed in his special birthday outfit—a tiny shirt with the number “1” on it and matching pants—they headed downstairs.

“There’s my birthday boy!” Minghao cooed, immediately taking Chan into his arms. “Look how big you’ve gotten overnight!”

As Minghao held Chan close, he swayed gently, matching the rhythm of Chan's happy babbles. Jihoon watched them from the couch, his eyes following the gentle movement. Minghao noticed and shifted, positioning Chan so that Jihoon could see him better.

“Jihoon, do you want to help me with the decorations?” Minghao asked, his tone gentle but inviting.

Jihoon hesitated, his small fingers tightening around the edge of the book in his lap. Mingyu, who had just finished pouring himself that much-needed cup of coffee, noticed and approached Jihoon, leaning down to his level.

“You know, Jihoon, you have a special talent for picking out the best colors. I bet you’d be really good at helping Minghao decorate.”

Jihoon’s eyes flicked up to Mingyu's face, searching for reassurance. Mingyu smiled warmly, giving a small nod. Slowly, Jihoon set the book aside and slid off the couch. He approached Minghao cautiously, his fingers curling and uncurling as if preparing for the task ahead.

Minghao grinned and handed Chan back to Mingyu, who happily received his baby. “Let’s get started then. I was thinking we could put the streamers here. What do you think?”

The toddler nodded, and for the first time that day, a small smile appeared on his face. Minghao noticed, offering him a paper streamer in a bright blue shade that immediately caught Jihoon’s interest. Together, they began decorating the living room, each piece of decoration carefully placed under Jihoon’s watchful eye.

In the kitchen, Mingyu seated Chan in his high chair, giving him a small piece of cake to taste. The baby’s face lit up as soon as the sweet flavor hit his tongue, and he clapped his hands, sending crumbs flying. Seungcheol laughed, delighted by his little brother’s reaction.

The doorbell rang just as Mingyu was about to sit down with Chan, who was now happily munching on another piece of cake. Seungcheol perked up, his eyes darting to the door.

“I’ll get it!” he shouted, already racing toward the front door.

Mingyu chuckled, wiping crumbs off Chan’s tiny fingers. “Hold on, buddy, don’t run too fast!”

Minghao was just finishing up with Jihoon, carefully placing the last streamer when Seungcheol threw open the door. A rush of cool air filled the hallway, followed by the sound of familiar voices.

“Seungcheol!” came the warm, loving voice of Mingyu’s mother. She bent down to envelop her grandson in a tight hug, her laughter ringing out as Seungcheol wrapped his arms around her. “Look how big you’ve gotten! I almost didn’t recognize you!”

“Grandma!” Seungcheol cheered, squeezing her tightly before letting her go. “We made cake!”

Mingyu’s father followed behind, carrying a large gift bag in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other. “Where’s the birthday boy?” he asked with a wide grin, his eyes scanning the room.

Mingyu stepped forward with Chan in his arms, who was still babbling happily. “Say hi to grandpa, Chanie!”

Chan stared at his grandfather for a moment, his big eyes wide with curiosity before breaking into a gummy smile. Mingyu’s father stepped closer, holding out his hands. “May I?”

Mingyu carefully handed Chan over, watching as his father gently cradled the baby in his arms. “You’ve grown so much,” he said softly, his voice full of awe. “Happy birthday, Chan.”

As they all gathered in the living room, Mingyu’s sister arrived, bringing another wave of excitement. She immediately scooped up Seungcheol, spinning him around until he was giggling uncontrollably.

“You’ve gotten so big!” she exclaimed, placing him back down and planting a playful kiss on his cheek. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown since the last time I saw you.”

Seungcheol beamed, enjoying all the attention. “I helped make the cake!”

“Oh, did you now?” she teased, ruffling his hair. “I can’t wait to try it!”

As the family settled in, Minghao watched the scene with a soft smile. He loved how easily Mingyu’s family embraced the boys, how natural it felt for everyone to be together. But a small part of him felt a pang of longing. His own parents were far away, since they had moved back to China a few years ago, and while he understood why they couldn’t come, it didn’t make the distance any easier.

Minghao was just about to offer Jihoon some juice when the doorbell rang again. He furrowed his brows, exchanging a curious glance with Mingyu, who was busy cutting the cake.

“I’ll get it,” Minghao said, standing up and walking toward the door.

When he opened it, he froze, his heart skipping a beat. Standing there, smiling warmly, were his parents. They had flown all the way from China, just to be here.

“Surprise!” his mother exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. She stepped forward, pulling Minghao into a tight hug. “We wouldn’t miss our grandson’s first birthday for the world.”

Minghao felt a wave of emotion wash over him, his chest tightening as he hugged her back. “But the flight… I thought…”

His father chuckled, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It was a long journey, but we wouldn’t miss this for anything. We wanted to surprise you."

Minghao blinked, still in disbelief as he held onto his parents. “You have no idea how much this means to me,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

His mother pulled back just enough to cup his face in her hands, her smile gentle. “We’re here now. Let’s go meet our grandsons.”

“Oh!” Mingyu’s mother exclaimed, hurrying over to greet them. “What a wonderful surprise!”

Minghao’s parents exchanged pleasantries with everyone, their smiles warm and genuine.

Minghao introduced his parents to Chan, and they were immediately smitten with their youngest grandson. “He’s so beautiful,” his mother whispered in chinese, gently stroking Chan’s cheek. “And he looks so happy.”

Mingyu stood beside Minghao, slipping his hand into his husband’s and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m glad they're here,” he murmured, leaning in to press a kiss to Minghao’s temple.

“Me too,” Minghao whispered back.

Jihoon, who had been quietly observing from the side, was drawn into the conversation by Minghao’s father. “And you must be Jihoon” he said with a kind smile, kneeling down to Jihoon’s level.

“Jihoon, this is my dad,” he introduced gently, “He’s a little shy, but he’s a wonderful boy.” he informed his dad.

Jihoon hesitated, glancing up at Minghao for reassurance. Minghao smiled and nodded, encouraging him to respond.

Jihoon’s eyes softened, and he gave a small nod. Minghao’s father offered a gentle smile. “It’s very nice to meet you, Jihoon. You know, Minghao was also a little shy when he was your age. But look at him now.” He winked, making Jihoon’s lips curve into a small smile.

At that moment, Seungcheol, who had been watching curiously, stepped forward. “I know Chinese, too!” he declared proudly, looking up at them.

Minghao’s parents exchanged a delighted look. “Really? Can you show us?” his mom asked.

Seungcheol nodded eagerly, taking a deep breath before reciting a few simple phrases Minghao had taught him. "你好! 我叫Seungcheol. 我爱我的家人.” His pronunciation was careful, but earnest, and Minghao’s parents listened intently, their smiles growing wider with each word.

Jihoon, who had been watching quietly from the side, stepped forward and tugged on Seungcheol’s sleeve. “Teach me?” he asked softly.

Seungcheol beamed, nodding vigorously. “Of course! We can learn together!”

Minghao's mother gently brushed Jihoon’s hair back and said, “We’re so glad you want to learn with Seungcheol. You’re both such smart boys.”

His father added, “We can help you too, Jihoon. We’ll practice with you whenever you want.”

---

Finally, it was time to gather around the table to sing “Happy Birthday.” Mingyu carefully placed the cake in front of Chan, who stared at the single candle flickering on top. Minghao stood beside him, holding Seungcheol's hand, who was bouncing with excitement, while Jihoon, surprising everyone, let Minghao pick him up, the little boy was wrapped like a monkey around him.

As the family began to sing, Chan’s eyes widened, captivated by the sound and the glow of the candlelight. When the song ended, everyone looked at Chan expectantly.

“Blow, Dino!” Seungcheol encouraged, leaning in close to his brother.

Mingyu and Minghao exchanged a quick glance and chuckled, knowing that Chan wasn’t quite ready to blow out candles just yet. Mingyu gently took Chan’s small hands in his own, guiding him as he leaned in to help blow out the candle. The flame flickered once, then extinguished, and the room erupted into cheers.

Chan clapped his hands, giggling at the commotion, while Seungcheol joined in, his laughter filling the room.

Minghao’s mother leaned over to him, smiling warmly. “You’ve built a beautiful family,” she whispered in chinese, her voice thick with emotion.

Minghao felt a lump form in his throat. He looked around the room, at Mingyu’s parents beaming with pride, his sister-in-law laughing with Seungcheol, and Jihoon, still in his arms, with a small but genuine smile on his face. Chan was nestled in Mingyu’s arms, still clapping in delight, and Mingyu was smiling back at him, his eyes full of love.

“Yes,” Minghao whispered back, his voice trembling slightly. “We have."

Chapter Text

Mingyu had one of the most stressful days at work. One of his students cried until lunchtime, and then he had a teacher’s meeting that stretched on longer than expected.

When he finally got home, he was greeted by the sight of his husband and their boys. He felt an immediate need to unwind, but he wanted to do it with his family by his side.

“How about a trip to the park?” Mingyu suggested, scooping Seungcheol up and planting a kiss on his son's head.

Seungcheol’s face lit up. “Yes! Let’s go!”

Jihoon, sitting at the table, smiled up at Minghao. Minghao returned the smile warmly.

After lunch, Mingyu set to work in the kitchen, preparing a picnic basket for their outing. Meanwhile, Minghao was busy helping the boys finish their lunch and get ready for the park.

“Seungcheol, can you help Jihoon with his shoes?” Minghao called from the living room.

“Okay, Daddy!” Seungcheol’s voice rang out, full of enthusiasm. A moment later, Mingyu heard the sound of little feet pattering across the floor, followed by Jihoon’s quiet voice murmuring something in response.

Mingyu smiled to himself, packing up sandwiches, fruit, juice boxes, and a few treats into the basket. It was going to be a beautiful day, and he could feel the excitement in the air. Jihoon had been doing well—eating more, playing with Seungcheol, and even allowing Minghao to bathe him without too much resistance. These were small victories that felt monumental to Mingyu, reminders that they were on the right path.

“Do you think we should bring the stroller for Chan?” Minghao asked as he entered the kitchen, Chan perched on his hip, gnawing on a teething ring.

Mingyu nodded. “Yeah, just in case he gets tired. And the blanket, too—he can sit on it while we watch the boys play.”

Minghao leaned over to kiss Mingyu’s cheek, then set Chan down on the floor, watching as the toddler immediately crawled toward his favorite toy—a plush otter that had seen better days.

With everything packed and ready, they called the boys to the door. Seungcheol came running with a proud grin on his face dragging Jihoon, who was clinging to the small stuffed cat he carried everywhere, shoes on the wrong feet.

“Jihoonie, let’s fix your shoes,” Minghao said gently, kneeling down to switch them. Jihoon stood still, his eyes watching Minghao closely as if still unsure of every move.

“Okay, everyone ready?” Mingyu asked as he slung the picnic basket over his shoulder and picked up the folded blanket.

“Ready!” Seungcheol shouted, bouncing on his feet. Jihoon gave a small nod, and Chan clapped his hands in his stroller as if he understood exactly what was going on.

The walk to the park was peaceful, the boys chattering about everything they saw on the way. Mingyu pushed the stroller, his hand occasionally brushing against Minghao’s as they walked side by side. He caught Jihoon glancing up at them every now and then, his small face contemplative, but he stayed close to Seungcheol, who was animatedly pointing out birds, squirrels, and the occasional dog that passed by.

When they reached the park, Mingyu spread the blanket under a large tree that provided just the right amount of shade. Chan was lifted from his stroller and placed on the blanket, surrounded by his favorite toys, while Seungcheol and Jihoon immediately took off toward the playground.

“Don’t go too far, okay?” Minghao called after them. “We need to be able to see you!”

“Yes, Daddy!” Seungcheol called back, already halfway to the slide. Jihoon hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Mingyu and Minghao before hurrying after Seungcheol, his small legs pumping with determination.

Mingyu watched them for a moment, his heart swelling with affection. Jihoon’s strides had more confidence lately, and seeing him playing with Seungcheol, feeling safe enough to run off to the playground, was one of the best sights he could imagine.

Minghao settled down on the blanket beside Chan, who was babbling to himself as he played with a soft rattle. Mingyu sat down next to them, leaning back on his hands as he watched the boys on the playground.

The park was lively with other families, children running around and parents keeping a watchful eye. Mingyu could hear the laughter of other kids, the occasional bark of a dog, and the rustle of the leaves in the breeze.

Minghao snickered, watching Seungcheol cheer on Jihoon as he tackled the slide with grand enthusiasm. “They’re acting like it’s the Olympics out there.”

Mingyu grinned, his gaze fixed on Jihoon. “Right? I almost expect them to demand a medal when they’re done.”

Minghao reached for Mingyu’s hand, a habit he’d maintained over the years. As he played with Mingyu’s fingers, he teased, “Do you think we should start practicing our award speeches?”

Mingyu laughed, giving Minghao’s hand a playful squeeze. “Definitely. We should wear suits. You’d look great in one.”

His husband chuckled and tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes that nearly took Mingyu’s breath away. “Only if you wear one too.”

“Anything for you, sweetheart,” Mingyu replied, his eyes lingering on Minghao’s lips.

He leaned in for a kiss, but Chan’s loud giggle broke the moment, drawing their attention back to their little one.

They spent the next hour watching the boys play, occasionally calling out reminders to stay within sight. Seungcheol was in his element, dashing from the swings to the jungle gym, with Jihoon following close behind. Every so often, Jihoon would look back at Mingyu and Minghao, as if making sure they were still there, and they would wave or call out to him with encouraging smiles.

At one point, Seungcheol came running back to them, a huge grin on his face. “Daddy, Jihoon’s gonna go on the big slide!” he announced proudly.

Mingyu looked over at the tall slide Seungcheol was pointing to. Jihoon was at the top, hesitating just a little before sitting down to push himself off.

“Go, Jihoonie!” Minghao cheered from the blanket.

Jihoon slid down, his face a mix of concentration and excitement. When he reached the bottom, Seungcheol was there to greet him with a cheer, and Jihoon’s face broke into a small but genuine smile.

Mingyu exchanged a glance with Minghao, both of them beaming. It was a small victory, but it felt enormous.

Just as Mingyu was about to suggest they have their picnic, he looked back at the playground and realized something was wrong. Seungcheol was there, climbing back up the slide, but Jihoon was nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Jihoon?” Mingyu asked, his voice tight with sudden anxiety.

Minghao’s head snapped up, scanning the playground. “I don’t see him.”

Mingyu’s heart raced. “Stay here with Chan,” he said quickly, already getting to his feet. “I’ll find him.”

“Seungcheol!” Minghao called, trying to stay calm. “Where’s Jihoon?”

Seungcheol turned around, a confused look on his face. “I don’t know... he was right behind me.”

Mingyu’s pulse pounded in his ears as he hurried toward the playground, his eyes scanning the area frantically. Where could he have gone? Jihoon was never the type to wander off, not without looking back at them first.

“Jihoon!” Mingyu called out, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. He moved quickly, checking behind the jungle gym, around the swings, even glancing toward the nearby bushes. Nothing.

He could feel his chest tightening, the fear clawing at him. What if something had happened? What if Jihoon was scared, lost, thinking they had left him? Mingyu could barely keep himself from imagining the worst.

“Jihoon!” he called again, louder this time. Some of the other parents looked over, sensing his distress, but no one had seen him.

Minghao had joined him by now, pushing the stroller, Chan safely in. “He can’t have gone far,” he said, though his voice was strained. “We would have seen him.”

“Where could he be?” Mingyu whispered, fear creeping into his voice.

They split up, each taking a different section of the park. Mingyu’s heart pounded as he searched, every passing second feeling like an eternity. Jihoon’s name was on his lips constantly, his voice growing more desperate each time he called out.

Then, just as he was about to round the corner of a small cluster of trees, he heard it—a small, muffled sobbing sound. Mingyu froze, his breath catching in his throat.

“Jihoon?” he called softly, following the sound. He turned the corner, and there he was—Jihoon, curled up at the base of a tree, his small body trembling as he cried into his knees.

“Jihoon!” Mingyu rushed forward, dropping to his knees in front of him. “Jihoon, it’s okay, I’m here.”

Jihoon looked up, his tear-streaked face full of fear and relief all at once. He launched himself into Mingyu’s arms, clinging to him like he was afraid to let go.

“I’m sorry,” Jihoon choked out, his voice barely a whisper. “Don't leave."

Mingyu’s heart broke at the words. “No, no, Jihoon, we would never leave you,” he said, holding him tightly. “We were so scared when we couldn’t find you. We were looking everywhere for you.”

Minghao arrived a moment later pushing Chan's stroller, his face pale with worry. He knelt beside them, gently rubbing Jihoon’s back. “It’s okay, Jihoonie. You’re safe. We’re here.”

Jihoon buried his face in Mingyu’s shoulder, his little body shaking with sobs. Mingyu held him close, his heart aching as he gently rocked Jihoon back and forth. The fear that had gripped him moments before was slowly fading away, replaced by a deep, overwhelming relief. Jihoon was safe in his arms, and that was all that mattered.

Minghao leaned in, his voice soft and soothing. “You must have been so scared, Jihoonie, but we’re here now. We’re not going anywhere.”

Jihoon nodded against Mingyu’s shoulder, his sobs gradually quieting down. He clung to Mingyu like a lifeline, as if needing the physical reassurance that they were indeed there and wouldn’t disappear again.

Mingyu brushed Jihoon’s hair back from his forehead, his own voice trembling slightly. “I’m so sorry, Jihoon. We should have been watching more closely. I promise we won’t let this happen again.”

Jihoon pulled back slightly, looking up at Mingyu with red, puffy eyes. He hesitated for a moment before whispering, “Promise you don't leave."

Mingyu’s heart broke a little. “We promise. We’ll always be here for you, Jihoon,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “No matter what, you can always find us. We’re never far away.”

Jihoon nodded again, sniffling as he wiped his face with his sleeve. Minghao reached into his pocket and handed Jihoon a tissue, which he accepted with a small, grateful smile.

Seungcheol, who had been watching the scene unfold from a short distance, finally approached them, his own face full of worry. “Jihoon, are you okay?” he asked, his voice trembling with concern.

Jihoon looked over at Seungcheol and gave a small nod. “I’m okay,” he whispered, though his voice was still shaky.

"I'm always going to take care of you, I'm sorry I didn't now." Said Seungcheol reaching out to hold Jihoon's hand.

Minghao kissed Seungcheol’s temple. "You're such a good brother. We love you, so, so much."

Mingyu pulled Jihoon into another hug before finally standing up, still holding him close. “Let’s go back to the blanket, okay?” he suggested gently. “We can have our picnic and then maybe play a little more, if you want.”

Jihoon nodded, clinging to Mingyu as they walked back toward the tree where they had set up earlier. Minghao pushed the stroller, Chan, who was still happily babbling to himself, oblivious to the commotion. Seungcheol trailed beside them, glancing up at Jihoon every few seconds, as if checking to make sure he was really okay.

When they reached the blanket, Mingyu set Jihoon down gently, keeping an arm around him for comfort. Jihoon immediately snuggled into Mingyu’s side, his small hands gripping the fabric of Mingyu’s shirt as if afraid to let go.

Minghao sat down beside them, handing Chan a toy to keep him occupied. He spread out the food from the picnic basket, trying to lighten the mood. “Who’s hungry?” he asked, his voice cheerful as he began unwrapping sandwiches.

Seungcheol, ever the optimist, perked up at the sight of the food. “I am!” he exclaimed, reaching for a sandwich.

Mingyu smiled, grateful for Seungcheol’s ability to bounce back so quickly. He reached for a juice box, handing it to Jihoon, who took it with a small, thankful smile. Minghao handed Jihoon a sandwich as well, and they all sat together.

Jihoon stayed close to Mingyu, leaning against him as he ate. It was clear he was still shaken, but as the minutes passed, his grip on Mingyu’s shirt loosened, and he started to relax again. Seungcheol chatted away, describing everything he and Jihoon had done on the playground, clearly trying to cheer his brother up.

As they finished their meal, Minghao glanced at Mingyu, his eyes filled with understanding. “Maybe we should head home after this,” he suggested softly, not wanting to push Jihoon too far.

Mingyu nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

They packed up their picnic, Seungcheol helping to gather the leftovers while Minghao buckled Chan back into the stroller.

Jihoon clung to Mingyu’s hand as they began the walk home, his other hand clutching his stuffed cat tightly. Seungcheol stayed close by, occasionally glancing up at Jihoon with concern, but mostly focused on the rhythmic crunch of their footsteps on the sidewalk.

The walk was quiet, the events of the day clearly taking a toll on everyone. Jihoon leaned into Mingyu’s side as they walked, his small legs moving slower with each step. Seungcheol reached over and gently patted Jihoon’s hand, his way of saying, “I’m here.”

As they neared home, Jihoon’s eyelids grew heavy, his little body weighed down by the weariness of the day. When they reached their front door, Mingyu carefully scooped Jihoon up into his arms, making sure not to disturb him. Jihoon instinctively curled up against Mingyu’s chest, his stuffed cat still held tight.

Seungcheol, still full of energy despite everything, looked up at them expectantly. “Can we watch a movie now?”

Mingyu chuckled, ruffling Seungcheol’s hair. “Sure, buddy. Let’s pick something quiet, okay?”

They settled in for a movie night, Seungcheol choosing a gentle animated film that wasn’t too loud. Chan babbled quietly in Minghao’s arms, his eyes growing heavy as the movie played on. Mingyu sat beside Jihoon, his hand resting on the little boy’s back, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

As the credits rolled and the house grew quiet, Mingyu looked down at Jihoon, who was now fast asleep. His small face was peaceful, the earlier fear now a distant memory.

"Daddy, I'm sleepy," Seungcheol said, rubbing his eyes as he shuffled over to the couch.

Mingyu smiled and gently helped Seungcheol off the couch. “Let’s get everyone ready for bed, okay?”

Minghao picked up Chan, who was now also feeling the effects of the long day. “Alright, buddy. Time for baths.”

They made their way upstairs, the house settling into a calm routine. Mingyu took Chan into the bathroom, carefully undressing him and easing him into the warm water of the tub. Chan gurgled contentedly as Mingyu gently washed him, his little eyes growing heavier with each passing minute.

Meanwhile, Minghao helped Seungcheol and Jihoon into the other bathroom. Seungcheol, still a bit drowsy, climbed into the tub with a grumble but quickly relaxed as the warm water soothed him. Jihoon, on the other hand, was a bit more fussy, clearly exhausted and cranky from the day’s events. Minghao worked patiently, chatting softly to keep Jihoon calm while washing him off.

With the boys finally clean, they headed downstairs for a quick, simple dinner. Jihoon and Seungcheol were both noticeably cranky, their earlier excitement now replaced with tiredness. They ate quietly, with Mingyu and Minghao occasionally offering soothing words to help them settle down.

Once dinner was finished, it was time for teeth brushing. Mingyu helped Chan, now thoroughly sleepy, made little fuss as Mingyu gently brushed his teeth.

In the other bathroom, Minghao helped Seungcheol and Jihoon get ready. Seungcheol, though tired, managed to hold his toothbrush and brush his teeth with minimal help. Jihoon, however, was more resistant, his tiny hand clinging to Minghao’s arm as he protested.

“Let’s get those teeth clean, Jihoon,” Minghao said gently, guiding the toothbrush to Jihoon’s mouth. “It’ll be quick, I promise.”

Jihoon reluctantly opened his mouth, giving Minghao a tired pout. After a quick but thorough brushing, Minghao praised him with a soft, “Good job, Jihoonie.”

Finally, it was time for bed. Mingyu and Minghao carried the boys upstairs, each one in a state of sleepy discontent. Mingyu tucked Chan into his crib, gently patting him to sleep. Chan, though tired, managed a sleepy smile before drifting off.

They tucked Seungcheol in without problems, however Jihoon clung to Minghao’s arm, his small voice full of sleepiness.

“I stay here forever?” Jihoon asked as Minghao tucked him in, his eyes already half-closed.

Minghao and Mingyu exchanged a glance, their hearts swelling at Jihoon’s innocent question. “Yes, Jihoon,” Minghao said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Jihoon’s forehead. “You’re staying with us forever."

With the boys finally tucked in and drifting off to sleep, Mingyu and Minghao collapsed onto their own bed, exhausted but content. As they lay there, the quiet of the house enveloping them, Mingyu turned to Minghao.

“You know,” Mingyu began quietly, “I think it’s time we made this official.”

Minghao looked over at Mingyu, his eyes soft and understanding. “You mean…”

“Yeah,” Mingyu said with a nod, “let’s adopt Jihoon officially.”

Minghao smiled, his heart full. “I was hoping you’d say that."

Chapter Text

Minghao took a deep breath as he glanced at the clock. It was early for a Sunday, but with three boys, early was always better. The grocery store was quieter, less chaotic, and they could navigate the aisles without too much fuss.

“Boys, time to get dressed!” Minghao called out as he packed the last of the reusable bags into the large canvas tote by the door. He heard the familiar sound of small feet pattering across the wooden floor as Seungcheol came running into the room, his face bright with excitement.

“Daddy, can I help Jihoon with his shirt?” Seungcheol asked eagerly, his eyes wide with the desire to be useful. Seungcheol, now a few months into turning five years old, had taken on the role of helper with enthusiasm. Minghao smiled, nodding.

“Of course, you can. Jihoonie’s shirt is on his bed; just make sure to help him gently,” Minghao instructed, watching as Seungcheol raced back down the hall. Seungcheol’s boundless energy was both a blessing and a challenge, but Minghao loved how eager his eldest son was to take care of his brothers.

When Minghao walked into Jihoon's room, he found Seungcheol already with Jihoon, carefully pulling the soft cotton shirt over Jihoon’s head. Jihoon, now three and adapting beautifully, stood patiently, his arms raised to make the task easier for his older brother.

“Thank you, hyung," Jihoon murmured as Seungcheol adjusted the shirt’s hem, making sure it wasn’t bunched up.

“Okay, all done!” Seungcheol said proudly, stepping back to admire his handiwork. Jihoon looked down at himself, a small smile on his lips as he patted the front of his shirt.

“You look great, sweetie,” Minghao said, ruffling Jihoon’s hair as he knelt to help him with his socks. Jihoon’s small hand reached up to pat Minghao’s cheek, a gesture that had become more frequent as Jihoon’s confidence grew. Minghao’s heart warmed at the touch.

Mingyu walked into the room with Chan in his arms. Their youngest was growing fast—already 16 months old. His cheeks were round and rosy, his dark eyes full of curiosity. Today, he was wearing a little jacket with bear ears on the hood, which made Minghao's heart mealt.

“Ready to go?” Mingyu asked, looking around at his boys. Minghao nodded, standing up and adjusting the strap of the baby bag over his shoulder.

“Everyone’s ready,” Minghao replied, smiling as he watched Seungcheol take Jihoon's hand. "Are you ready to help push the cart, Cheol?"

"Yes, Daddy! I'm super strong today," Seungcheol announced, flexing his little arms. Jihoon shook his head, but still giggled softly, his hand still firmly clasped in Seungcheol’s.

As they made their way to the car, Seungcheol kept up a steady stream of chatter. "Jihoonie, today I'm going to push the cart really fast, but only when Daddy says it's okay. And we’ll get all the things we need, right?"

Jihoon nodded solemnly, his face serious as he listened to his older brother. “Yes, all the things,” he agreed. His small voice was soft but confident, and Minghao could see how much Jihoon looked up to Seungcheol.

When they arrived at the grocery store, Minghao quickly unbuckled Chan from his seat, holding him close as they made their way inside. Jihoon and Seungcheol walked ahead, holding hands, but Minghao and Mingyu kept a close eye on them. The memory of Jihoon getting lost at the park was still fresh, and they weren’t about to let that happen again.

The store was fairly empty, as Minghao had hoped. They grabbed a cart, and Seungcheol immediately asked if he could help push it. Mingyu gave him a nod, and Seungcheol grinned as he took hold of the handle, his little legs working hard to move it forward.

“Stay close, boys,” Minghao reminded them gently. Jihoon glanced back at him and nodded, his small face serious as he focused on staying close to his parents. He wasn’t taking any chances either.

They started in the produce section, as they always did. Minghao handed Chan a banana to hold, which kept him occupied as they selected apples, oranges, and a variety of vegetables. Jihoon pointed out the things he recognized, his voice soft but growing more assured.

“Carrots,” he said, pointing to a bunch of bright orange carrots.

“That’s right, Jihoonie,” Minghao praised, dropping a few into the cart. Jihoon smiled, pleased with himself.

“Daddy, can we get some strawberries too? Jihoonie likes them,” Seungcheol asked, his eyes bright with excitement. Minghao nodded, placing a carton of strawberries in the cart.

“We’ll get these for you, Jihoon,” Minghao said, smiling at his son. Jihoon’s cheeks flushed slightly as he nodded, clearly happy but still a bit shy about being the focus of attention.

As they moved through the store, Minghao could see Jihoon’s eyes light up at certain items. He was learning what he liked and wasn’t afraid to let his preferences be known, but he was still hesitant to ask for things outright. That shyness lingered, especially when it came to wanting something for himself.

Seungcheol, on the other hand, had no such reservations. He chattered on about all the things they could do with the groceries they were buying. “We can make spaghetti, and Jihoonie can help with the sauce! Right, Jihoonie?”

Jihoon nodded enthusiastically, his small hand tightening around Seungcheol’s. “I stir,” Jihoon offered quietly, his eyes shining with excitement at the thought of helping.

“You can definitely stir, Jihoon,” Mingyu said, giving him an encouraging smile. “We’ll make it a family dinner.”

It wasn’t until they reached the toy aisle that Jihoon slowed down, his gaze fixed on a small toy piano sitting on a lower shelf. He stopped walking, letting go of Seungcheol’s hand as he crouched down to get a closer look. Minghao’s heart softened as he watched Jihoon gently press one of the keys, a small, tinny note ringing out.

Jihoon didn’t say anything; he didn’t ask for the piano. He just looked at it, his little fingers brushing over the keys as if he was already imagining the music he could make. Minghao exchanged a look with Mingyu, who nodded slightly.

"Jihoon," Minghao said softly, walking over to kneel beside him. "Do you like that piano?"

Jihoon looked up at him with wide eyes, then nodded slowly. But he still didn’t ask for it.

"Why don’t you put it in the cart, hmm?" Minghao suggested, keeping his tone light. Jihoon blinked, surprised, but then a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He carefully picked up the piano and carried it over to the cart, placing it inside with a reverence that made Minghao’s heart ache with love.

Seungcheol clapped his hands together, excited for his brother. "Jihoonie, you’re going to make music! You can play for us at home," he exclaimed, his voice full of joy.

Jihoon’s smile widened at Seungcheol’s enthusiasm. “I play for you,” he said softly, his eyes shining as he looked at his brother.

As they continued through the store, Minghao noticed how Jihoon kept glancing back at the piano, as if he couldn’t quite believe it was really his. Seungcheol, meanwhile, was still talking non-stop, but now his focus was on what kind of music Jihoon might play.

“When we get home, Jihoonie, can you play me a song?” Seungcheol asked, looking up at his younger brother with wide, hopeful eyes.

Jihoon hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “I promise play for hyung,” he promised, his voice steady. It was clear that this simple act of putting the piano in the cart meant the world to Jihoon, and Minghao felt a deep sense of pride in his son’s growing confidence.

When they finally finished and headed to the checkout, Mingyu took over pushing the cart while Minghao held Chan close. The little boy was getting sleepy, his eyes drooping as he rested his head on Minghao’s shoulder.

The drive home was peaceful, with Chan dozing off and Seungcheol leaning against the window, his earlier energy finally fading. Jihoon, however, stayed awake, his gaze still occasionally drifting to the piano in the back of the car.

Once they were home, the family moved with the familiar rhythm of unloading the groceries and settling back into the house. Mingyu carried the bags into the kitchen while Minghao placed Chan in his playpen, where the little boy could nap comfortably. Seungcheol, now re-energized, quickly took to helping his parents put away the groceries. Jihoon, however, had only one thing on his mind.

The moment Minghao set the toy piano on the living room floor, Jihoon was there, his small hands hovering over the keys. He looked up at Minghao, his expression a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

“Go ahead, Jihoon,” Minghao encouraged softly. “It’s yours. You can play whenever you want.”

Jihoon smiled—a small, shy smile that had become more frequent as he grew comfortable in their home. With a deep breath, he pressed a few keys, and the soft notes echoed through the room. Seungcheol, hearing the sound, immediately abandoned his task of stacking cans in the pantry and ran over to his brother.

“Wow, Jihoonie! That sounds good!” Seungcheol exclaimed, clapping his hands together in delight. “Can you play more?”

Jihoon hesitated, glancing at the piano and then at Seungcheol. He pressed a few more keys, creating a simple melody that made Seungcheol beam with pride.

“You’re amazing!” Seungcheol said, flopping down beside him on the floor. He watched his brother intently, his eyes wide with admiration.

Minghao stood back, watching the two boys. Jihoon had come so far in just a few months—no more making himself small. He was so proud of his baby boy.

As Jihoon played, Mingyu came back into the room, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel. A proud smile broke on his face when he saw Jihoon at the piano.

“You’re doing great, buddy,” Mingyu said, his voice soft. Jihoon looked up at him, his cheeks pink with a mix of shyness and pride.

“Playing for hyung,” Jihoon explained, his voice barely above a whisper.

“And you’re making beautiful music,” Mingyu replied, crouching down to be at eye level with his son. He reached out to ruffle Jihoon’s hair, a gesture that Jihoon leaned into, comforted by the familiar touch.

Suddenly, from the playpen, they heard a small voice. It was soft, almost hesitant, but unmistakable.

“Jihoo,”

Everyone froze. Minghao’s heart skipped a beat as he turned toward the playpen where Chan was sitting up, blinking sleepily, a small smile on his face.

“Did he...?” Mingyu started, his eyes wide with surprise.

Chan grinned, his little hands reaching out as he repeated the word, “Jihoo.”

A wave of emotion washed over Minghao. Chan’s first word. And it was Jihoon’s name. He glanced at Jihoon, who was staring at his baby brother, his eyes wide with astonishment.

“Chan,” Minghao whispered, walking over to scoop Chan into his arms. The little boy giggled, his chubby fingers reaching for Minghao’s face.

Jihoon stood up slowly, walking over to where Minghao held Chan. He looked at his baby brother, a mix of emotions playing on his face. Seungcheol came up beside him, his hand resting on Jihoon’s shoulder.

“Did you hear that, Jihoon?” Seungcheol asked, his voice filled with wonder. “Dino said your name!”

Jihoon nodded, his eyes never leaving Chan’s face. Slowly, a smile spread across his lips—small at first, but then growing until his whole face lit up. He reached out a tentative hand, gently touching Chan’s arm.

“Chan,” Jihoon said softly, his voice full of love and awe.

Chan giggled again, his tiny hand wrapping around one of Jihoon’s fingers. Minghao felt his chest tighten with emotion. Jihoon had always been protective of Chan, but this moment felt like a turning point.

“Jihoonie, you’re his first word,” Minghao said, his voice thick with emotion. Jihoon looked up at him, his eyes wide and filled with something Minghao couldn’t quite describe.

“He my brother,” Jihoon replied simply, as if that explained everything. And maybe it did.

Mingyu, who had been watching with tears in his eyes, finally broke the silence with a soft laugh. “We already know who's Chan's favorite,”

Minghao nodded, smiling as he watched Jihoon gently rock Chan back and forth, the baby’s hand still holding onto his finger. “Seems like it,” Minghao agreed, his voice full of warmth and contentment.

Seungcheol, never one to miss out on a family moment, wrapped his arms around both of his brothers, pulling them into a tight hug. “I love you, Jihoon, and I love you too, Dino!" he declared, his voice full of the unfiltered affection that only a child could express so freely.

Jihoon, caught in the embrace, giggled softly, the sound like music to Minghao’s ears. “I love you too, hyung,” Jihoon whispered, his voice full of sincerity.

Minghao looked over at Mingyu, his heart swelling with love. They had come so far, faced so many challenges, but in moments like this, it was all worth it.

“Let’s make dinner together,” Mingyu suggested, his voice warm. “We’ll have a family dinner and celebrate Chan’s first word.”

Seungcheol jumped up, full of excitement. “I’ll get the strawberries! Jihoonie can help with the sauce!”

Jihoon nodded eagerly, already slipping his small hand into Seungcheol’s as they made their way to the kitchen. Minghao set Chan down gently, letting him toddle along behind his brothers, his tiny legs working to keep up.

Mingyu smiled at him. "I love you."

Minghao turned to look at his husband, surprised by the sudden declaration. "Out of nowhere?"

Mingyu shook his head, a soft smile on his lips, and leaned in to kiss him. "We have a family, Hao. You gave me a family."

Minghao's expression softened as he gently stroked Mingyu's cheek. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Just then, Seungcheol's excited voice rang out from the kitchen, "Daddy! Come!" The sound made them both smile.

With Mingyu’s hand wrapped warmly around his waist, they made their way to the kitchen, where their children awaited them.

Chapter Text

Minghao woke up early, the soft light of dawn just beginning to filter through the curtains. The house was calm, a rare stillness settling over it before the usual morning chaos began. He lay there for a moment, soaking in the peace before carefully slipping out of bed. Mingyu was still fast asleep beside him, his face relaxed, one arm draped over the empty side of the bed where Minghao had been. Minghao smiled at the sight—his husband looked so peaceful, completely at ease.

He quietly grabbed his clothes and dressed quickly. He had an early photoshoot that morning, and though he hated to leave on a weekend, it was something he had to do. He wasn’t too worried—Mingyu was more than capable of handling the boys. They were both on vacation, and Mingyu had been looking forward to spending the entire day with them, taking a break from his usual teaching responsibilities.

Before leaving, Minghao made his rounds to check on the boys. He stepped into Jihoon’s room first. His son was still sound asleep, his small hands clutching a stuffed cat close to his chest. Beside him on the bed was his favorite toy—a small, colorful piano that he was obsessed with. Minghao watched him for a moment, smiling as Jihoon unconsciously pressed a button on the piano, producing a soft, musical note in his sleep. Minghao leaned down to kiss Jihoon’s forehead, smoothing his hair gently. He knew how much Jihoon adored that piano—he could spend hours playing with it, lost in the sounds and the feel of the keys beneath his fingers.

Next, Minghao moved to Seungcheol’s room. The almost five-year-old was sprawled out on his bed, half-covered in his favorite blanket. His dark hair was a wild mess, as it usually was in the morning, and his face was calm and peaceful. Seungcheol had recently developed a habit of talking in his sleep, and sure enough, as Minghao watched, he mumbled something about superheroes, his small hand waving in the air as if he were fighting imaginary villains. Minghao chuckled softly, pulling the blanket over Seungcheol’s shoulder and kissing his cheek before slipping out of the room.

Lastly, he checked on Chan, who was sleeping soundly in his crib in their bedroom. At a year and a half, Chan was the easiest to check on, his tiny body curled up with his favorite stuffed otter. Minghao watched him for a moment, marveling at how peaceful he looked, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Minghao couldn’t resist leaning down to brush his fingers against Chan’s soft cheek, his heart swelling with love for his youngest son.

Minghao grabbed his phone and quietly approached the bed where Mingyu was still asleep. He knew his husband was more than capable of taking care of the boys on his own, but that didn’t stop him from feeling a little guilty about leaving so early on a weekend. Mingyu shifted slightly as Minghao leaned over him, his eyes fluttering open.

"Already leaving?" Mingyu mumbled, his voice husky with sleep that took his breath away.

Minghao nodded, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Mingyu’s lips. "Yeah, I have to be there in an hour. But don’t worry, the kids are still asleep."

Mingyu reached up to touch Minghao’s cheek, his fingers warm against his skin. "Don’t worry. We’ll be just fine," he said. He gave Minghao a reassuring smile, one that made his heart flutter.

"I know," Minghao replied, returning the smile. "I just hate leaving, that’s all."

Mingyu’s smile turned into a smirk as he pulled Minghao down for another kiss, this one lingering a little longer. "You know you’ll miss me," he teased, his voice low and playful.

Minghao laughed softly, pulling back just enough to look into Mingyu’s eyes. "Will you miss me?"

"Maybe," Mingyu said with a wink, "but I’ll keep busy. The boys will make sure of that."

Minghao grinned, giving him one last kiss before straightening up. "I’ll text you when I get there. Let me know how things go here, okay?"

Mingyu nodded, already starting to drift back to sleep. "I will. Love you."

"Love you too," Minghao whispered, and with one last glance, he quietly left the room.

The ride to the photoshoot was peaceful, the city slowly coming to life as the sun began to rise. As Minghao drove, he found his thoughts drifting back to his family. He imagined Mingyu waking up the boys. He knew Seungcheol would be the first to jump out of bed, eager to start the day, while Jihoon would probably need some coaxing to leave his room, too engrossed in his piano to care about breakfast. Chan, on the other hand, would likely wake up with a big smile, ready to greet the day with his usual cheerful babbling. With that in mind, he texted his husband.

He chuckled to himself and got to work. But even as he focused on the shoot, his mind kept wandering back home, wondering how their day was going.

---

Back at home, Mingyu was already up and about, just as Minghao had imagined. He had woken up shortly after Minghao left, feeling more energized and determined to make the day special for the boys. The warm morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the cozy living room, and Mingyu couldn't help but smile. It was the perfect day to spend with his family, and he was already planning a fun breakfast to kick things off.

As he made his way to the kitchen, the soft patter of tiny feet caught his attention. He paused, turning just in time to see Seungcheol shuffling down the hallway, his superhero pajamas slightly askew, one sleeve bunched up near his elbow. The little boy’s hair was adorably tousled, sticking up in various directions from a night of sleep.

"Daddy?" Seungcheol’s voice was still thick with sleep, his eyes half-open as he rubbed at them with his small fist.

Mingyu’s heart melted at the sight. "Good morning, buddy," he greeted warmly, crouching down to Seungcheol’s level. He opened his arms, and Seungcheol immediately walked into the embrace, wrapping his arms around Mingyu’s neck. Mingyu held him close for a moment, breathing in the scent of his son. "Did you sleep well?"

Seungcheol nodded against his shoulder before pulling back slightly, his eyes lighting up as he remembered something important. "Can we have pancakes? With lots of syrup?"

Mingyu chuckled, ruffling Seungcheol’s already messy hair. "Of course, we can. Why don’t you go wash up, and I’ll get started?"

Seungcheol’s face broke into a wide grin, his earlier sleepiness forgotten. He gave Mingyu a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing off towards the bathroom, his excitement evident in the way he practically skipped down the hall.

Mingyu watched him go, his heart full of affection and contentment. He turned back to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves as he got to work. Cooking was something he truly enjoyed, especially when it was for his boys. As he reached for the flour, he heard another set of footsteps, these ones softer, more hesitant.

Jihoon appeared in the doorway, his small figure framed by the morning light. He was still in his pajamas, the sleeves slightly too long, covering his hands. In one of those hands, he clutched his beloved stuffed cat, its fur worn. In the other, he gripped the small toy piano he had been playing with just before falling asleep the night before.

Mingyu’s smile softened as he took in the sight of Jihoon, who looked up at him with wide, sleepy eyes. "Morning, Jihoonie," Mingyu greeted gently. "Did you sleep well?"

Jihoon nodded shyly, his gaze flicking between Mingyu and the piano in his hand. "I play for you?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mingyu’s heart swelled with warmth. "Of course, you can," he replied, moving over to help Jihoon onto a chair at the kitchen table. "How about you sit here and keep me company while I make breakfast?"

Jihoon climbed into the chair with Mingyu’s help, placing his piano on the table in front of him. He hesitated for a moment, then pressed a few keys, producing a soft, delicate melody that filled the room. Mingyu paused in his pancake preparations to watch him, his chest tight with pride and affection.

Mingyu’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, smiling as he saw Minghao’s text pop up on the screen. Mingyu quickly replied, keeping one eye on Jihoon, who was now fully engrossed in his piano playing. The little boy’s fingers danced across the keys, creating a gentle soundtrack for the morning.

Just as Mingyu set his phone aside, Seungcheol came barreling back into the kitchen, his face lit up with excitement. "I’m ready!" he announced loudly, climbing into his chair next to Jihoon. The energy in his voice contrasted sharply with Jihoon’s quiet melody.

Mingyu chuckled as he served up a plate of pancakes, making sure to add an extra dollop of syrup for Seungcheol. "Here you go, buddy. Extra syrup, just like you like it."

Seungcheol beamed, his eyes shining as he dug into his breakfast with enthusiasm. Each bite seemed to make him even happier, and Mingyu found himself grinning just watching him. Jihoon, however, was still focused on his piano, the repetitive tune creating a soothing backdrop to Seungcheol’s lively eating.

"Jihoon," Mingyu called softly, not wanting to startle him. "Your pancakes are ready too. You can play more after breakfast, okay?"

Jihoon looked up as if just realizing there was food in front of him. He glanced at the plate, then back at Mingyu, who nodded encouragingly. Slowly, Jihoon put his piano aside, picking up his fork with his small hand. Mingyu watched as he took a tentative bite, his eyes widening in surprise at the taste. A tiny smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he took another bite, this one a little bigger.

As Mingyu served the pancakes for himself, he heard a soft rustling coming from the baby monitor on the counter. He turned his head slightly, listening closely. A faint, familiar sound reached his ears—a little whimper, followed by the gentle rustling of sheets.

Mingyu smiled to himself, setting the spatula down before heading to the bedroom. The moment he stepped inside, he saw Chan waking up in his crib, his tiny hands stretching above his head as he let out a small yawn. His chubby cheeks were flushed from sleep, and his dark eyes blinked up at Mingyu with curiosity.

"Good morning, little one," Mingyu whispered, his voice full of love as he leaned over the crib. Chan let out a soft giggle, his little hands reaching up for Mingyu. "Did you sleep well?"

Chan babbled in response, his words still incomprehensible but filled with happiness. Mingyu carefully lifted him out of the crib, holding him close as he kissed the top of his soft, baby-fine hair. Chan snuggled against him, his tiny fingers curling around the fabric of Mingyu’s shirt.

"Let’s get you ready for breakfast, too," Mingyu murmured, rubbing Chan’s back gently. He carried him to the kitchen, where Seungcheol and Jihoon were still enjoying their pancakes. The sight of his older brothers immediately caught Chan’s attention, and his little face lit up with excitement.

Mingyu set Chan in his high chair, buckling him in securely before placing a small portion of pancakes on his tray. He made sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces, knowing that Chan would try to feed himself, even if it meant making a bit of a mess. And sure enough, Chan’s eyes widened with curiosity and delight as he grabbed a piece with his chubby fingers, shoving it into his mouth with a happy squeal.

Mingyu couldn’t help but laugh softly as he watched Chan, who was already getting syrup all over his hands and face. "Looks like someone’s really enjoying their breakfast," he remarked, grabbing a napkin to wipe a bit of syrup from Chan’s cheek.

His phone buzzed again with a message from Minghao, he picked it up, glancing at the screen. His husband’s text was a simple one, asking how things were going at home. Mingyu couldn’t resist grinning as he took a quick picture of Chan, who was now trying to grab another piece of pancake with his small, sticky hands. He sent the picture to Minghao, knowing it would bring a smile to his husband’s face.

Then, Mingyu turned the camera toward Seungcheol and Jihoon. Seungcheol was in the middle of an animated explanation of his latest imaginary superhero adventure, his hands waving in the air as he described the epic battle. Jihoon, on the other hand, was quietly showing off his piano-playing skills to no one in particular, his focus entirely on the small instrument in front of him.

Mingyu snapped a quick picture of both boys, sending it to Minghao with a caption that simply read, "Missing you."

As breakfast wound down, Mingyu started cleaning up, knowing they had a big day ahead of them. Seungcheol and Jihoon were both eager to move on to their next activity, their excitement palpable. Chan, however, was starting to get a little fussy, his attention span waning as he tired of sitting in his high chair.

Mingyu decided it was time for a quick cleanup before heading out for their planned trip to the park. He gently wiped Chan’s sticky hands and face, chatting softly with him. "All clean, little guy. Ready for some fresh air?"

Mingyu led the boys into the living room, where he had already laid out their outfits for the day. Seungcheol immediately ran over to his clothes, his face lighting up when he saw his favorite shirt—a bright blue one with a big "S" emblem on the front.

"Can I wear this one, Daddy?" Seungcheol asked, holding up the shirt.

"Of course," Mingyu replied, smiling at Seungcheol's excitement. "It’s all yours. Let’s get you dressed."

As Mingyu helped Seungcheol into his shirt, he kept an eye on Jihoon, who was quietly inspecting the clothes laid out for him. Jihoon was still a bit shy when it came to picking out clothes, often waiting for Mingyu or Minghao to guide him. Mingyu knelt down beside him, offering a gentle smile.

"Do you want to wear this one today?" Mingyu asked, holding up a soft, blue shirt with a small, embroidered cat on the chest. Jihoon had grown attached to anything with cats since coming to live with them.

Jihoon nodded, a small smile forming on his lips as he reached out for the sweater. Mingyu helped him slip it on, making sure Jihoon felt comfortable. Once Jihoon was dressed, Mingyu turned to check on Chan, who was contentedly sitting on the floor, playing with a plush toy.

"Okay, little one," Mingyu said, lifting Chan up. "Let’s get you ready too."

Chan giggled as Mingyu dressed him in a soft, striped onesie. Mingyu tickled Chan’s belly, eliciting another burst of giggles. Once Chan was dressed, Mingyu grabbed his diaper bag, making sure it was stocked with everything they might need for their outing.

"Alright, boys," Mingyu said, standing up and looking at the three of them. "Are we ready to go to the park?"

Seungcheol jumped up, his energy seemingly endless. "Yes! Let’s go, let’s go!"

Jihoon, though quieter, nodded eagerly. Mingyu smiled at their enthusiasm, feeling a sense of warmth and pride swell in his chest. He carefully lifted Chan into his arms and grabbed the diaper bag with his free hand.

"Let’s get our shoes on first," Mingyu instructed, guiding Seungcheol and Jihoon to the door. He helped them put on their shoes, making sure they were properly fastened. As he bent down to tie Jihoon’s laces, he felt a tiny hand gently patting his shoulder.

"Thank you," Jihoon said softly, his voice almost a whisper. Mingyu looked up, and Jihoon’s eyes met his. "Thank you," Jihoon whispered.

Mingyu’s heart melted at the sincerity in Jihoon’s voice. He reached up and gently stroked Jihoon’s hair, his voice equally soft. "You’re welcome, Jihoonie."

With everyone finally ready, they headed out the door. The weather was perfect for a day at the park—clear skies and just the right amount of warmth in the air. Mingyu felt a sense of contentment as he led the boys to the car, Chan perched on his hip, Seungcheol bouncing with excitement beside him, and Jihoon quietly holding onto his hand.

When they arrived at the park, Seungcheol immediately spotted the playground and made a beeline for it. "Come on, Jihoonie!" he called out, running towards the swings.

Jihoon hesitated for a moment, looking up at Mingyu for reassurance. Mingyu smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Go ahead, Jihoonie. I’ll be right here with Chan. You can play with Seungcheol."

Jihoon nodded and slowly followed Seungcheol, who was already climbing onto the swing. Mingyu watched as Jihoon approached the swing next to Seungcheol, a small smile on his face as he settled into it. Seungcheol, already in motion, pumped his legs enthusiastically, urging Jihoon to do the same.

"Come on, Jihoon! Higher!" Seungcheol cheered, his laughter filling the air.

Jihoon began to swing his legs, gaining a bit of momentum, his expression transforming from cautious to joyful as he started to rise higher and higher.

Mingyu sat down on a nearby bench with Chan in his lap, keeping a watchful eye on the boys. He gently bounced Chan on his knee, the baby’s soft giggles matching the rhythm of the swings. Mingyu couldn’t help but smile as he watched Seungcheol and Jihoon play together.

After a while, Seungcheol grew tired of the swings and hopped off, running towards the slide. "Jihoon, let’s go to the slide!" he called out, waving his hand energetically.

Jihoon glanced over at Mingyu, who gave him an encouraging nod. Jihoon carefully climbed down from the swing and followed Seungcheol to the slide with Mingyu keeping a close eye on them.

Chan, still on Mingyu’s lap, started to get a bit fussy. Mingyu gently patted his back and stood up, rocking him softly. "Shall we go for a little walk, buddy?" he murmured, and Chan seemed to settle at the suggestion.

Mingyu slowly walked around the park with Chan, keeping a close eye on Seungcheol and Jihoon as they played. He pointed out different things to Chan—the birds in the trees, the colorful flowers—and Chan’s eyes followed with curiosity.

The boys continued to play, their laughter echoing through the park. Seungcheol, always the more adventurous one, climbed to the top of the jungle gym and proudly waved at Mingyu, who waved back, chuckling at his son’s boundless energy. Jihoon, on the other hand, was more cautious, sticking to the lower structures, but he still seemed to be having fun, occasionally glancing back at Mingyu for reassurance.

As Mingyu made his way back to the bench, he noticed that Jihoon was running straight to him. A small smile crept back onto Jihoon’s face as he looked at Mingyu. "Can we swing?" he asked softly.

"Of course," Mingyu replied, standing up and taking Jihoon’s hand. He led him back to the swings, keeping a watchful eye on Seungcheol, who was happily playing on his own.

Once they reached the swings, Mingyu helped Jihoon onto one, gently pushing him back and forth with one hand. Chan, nestled in Mingyu’s arm, watched with wide eyes, his little hands occasionally reaching out as if trying to grab the passing air.

As lunchtime approached, Mingyu guided the boys to a picnic area, where they sat down to enjoy the lunch he had packed—freshly made sandwiches, fruit, and juice. It was a simple meal, but the boys ate with gusto, their appetites fueled by all the running and playing.

Mingyu watched the boys enjoy their food, his heart full. Seungcheol chatted animatedly between bites, talking about all the things he wanted to do. Jihoon listened quietly, occasionally nodding or offering a soft comment. Even Chan seemed content, happily munching on some small pieces of bread that Mingyu had given him.

After lunch, they spent some more time at the park before Mingyu decided it was time to head home. The boys were starting to look tired, and he wanted to get them back before they became too exhausted.

Jihoon's small hand slipped into Mingyu’s as they walked back toward the park’s entrance. Chan, now fully awake and alert, was babbling softly in Mingyu’s arms, his little fingers playing with the zipper of Mingyu’s jacket.

As they made their way back to the entrance of the park, Seungcheol skipped ahead, humming a tune to himself. Jihoon stayed close to Mingyu’s side, his grip on Mingyu’s hand tightening slightly. Mingyu gave him a reassuring smile, gently squeezing his hand in return.

Once they reached the car, Mingyu carefully placed Chan in his car seat, making sure he was securely buckled in. He then helped Jihoon into his seat, adjusting the straps to make sure they were snug but comfortable. Seungcheol climbed into his seat on his own, already an expert at buckling himself in.

"Everyone ready?" Mingyu asked, glancing back at the boys. Seungcheol gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up, while Jihoon nodded, a small smile on his face. Chan let out a little coo, as if giving his approval as well.

Mingyu chuckled as he started the car and began the drive home. The boys chatted quietly in the back, their earlier excitement mellowing into a calm contentment. As they drove, Mingyu’s thoughts wandered to his husband. He had enjoyed this day with the kids, but he knew that everything would have been better if Minghao was there.

Once they were home, Mingyu parked the car and helped the boys out. Seungcheol was still chattering excitedly about their day, while Jihoon stayed close to Mingyu, his earlier excitement giving way to the sleepy contentment of a day well spent.

Back inside, Mingyu decided that a nap was in order, noticing that even Seungcheol's eyes were starting to get heavy. "How about we take a little nap before our movie night?" he suggested.

---

By the time Minghao returned home in the early afternoon, the house was a mix of organized chaos. Minghao stepped quietly through the front door, grateful to be back with his family.

In the living room were some scattered toys around, so he made his way to Seungcheol’s room first, finding it empty, too.

As he continued to search the house, he noticed the faint sound of snoring coming from their bedroom. He peeked inside and found Mingyu and the boys all curled up together on the bed. Mingyu was lying on his side, his arm draped over Seungcheol and Jihoon, who were both sleeping soundly. Chan was nestled between them, his little body relaxed and content.

Minghao’s heart melted at the sight. He could see the traces of the day’s activities—scattered toys, a few half-read books, and the remnants of a few snacks.

He quietly approached the bed, careful not to wake anyone. Mingyu stirred slightly, blinking awake as he noticed Minghao’s presence.

“Hey there,” Minghao said softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Mingyu’s lips. “Missed me?"

His husband’s eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. “You have no idea."

Minghao smiled, brushing a lock of hair from Mingyu’s forehead. “They look so peaceful.”

Mingyu’s smile widened, his eyes crinkling with affection. “And you look beautiful."

Minghao chuckled softly, leaning in for another kiss. “I missed you too."

Chapter Text

Mingyu stood in the kitchen, expertly flipping pancakes with one hand while balancing Chan on his hip with the other. The little boy giggled, reaching for the spatula, his tiny fingers just shy of grasping it.

“Ah, ah, little guy, this is hot,” Mingyu said with a laugh, kissing the top of Chan’s head. “You’ll get your breakfast soon enough.”

Minghao walked in, his hair tousled from sleep, a soft smile spreading across his face at the sight before him. “Morning, you two. Smells good in here,” he greeted, walking over to place a gentle kiss on Chan’s cheek before wrapping his arms around Mingyu’s waist from behind.

“Morning,” Mingyu replied, leaning back into Minghao’s embrace for a brief moment. “Are the kids up yet?”

“Jihoon’s still in bed, but I heard him moving around. I think he’s enjoying the quiet before Seungcheol wakes up and drags him out to play. Speaking of which, Seungcheol is already up,” Minghao chuckled, resting his chin on Mingyu’s shoulder. “Are we still taking them to the pool today?”

“Yeah, I think they’ll enjoy that,” Mingyu said, flipping another pancake onto the growing stack. “And maybe after lunch, we can start talking to Jihoon about kindergarten. Slowly, though, no pressure.”

Minghao nodded thoughtfully. “Do you think he’s ready? He still seems so guarded sometimes, even with us.”

“I do, but we’ll approach it gently. I’ll be in the same building, so that might make it easier for him,” Mingyu said, his tone reassuring. “I’ll talk to him today and see how he feels about it.”

Just then, the sound of little feet pattering across the floor echoed from the hallway. Seungcheol burst into the kitchen, his grin wide and hair tousled in every direction.

“Morning, Dad Gyu! Morning, Dad Hao!” Seungcheol called out, his voice bright and full of energy. He ran straight to Mingyu, wrapping his arms around his leg. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Pancakes, your favorite,” Mingyu said, smiling down at Seungcheol. “Why don’t you grab a plate and sit at the table?”

“Okay!” Seungcheol chirped, running to the cabinet to pull out a plate while Minghao set the table.

As Mingyu continued to cook, his thoughts drifted to Jihoon. Would he come down soon?

Almost as if on cue, Jihoon appeared in the doorway, his small frame leaning against the doorframe. He looked more awake now, though his eyes still held that cautious look he sometimes had in the mornings.

“Good morning, Jihoon,” Minghao greeted warmly. “Are you hungry?”

Jihoon hesitated, then nodded. “Morning, Dad,” he replied softly, shuffling over to the table.

Mingyu’s heart warmed at the term of endearment. Jihoon had started calling them "Dad" only recently, as if he had finally decided that this was his home, that they were his family.

As they all sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Seungcheol chattered about all the things he wanted to do today, and Chan occasionally added his own babbling into the mix. Jihoon was quieter, eating his pancakes slowly, but he smiled whenever Mingyu or Minghao spoke to him directly.

After breakfast, Minghao cleared the plates while Mingyu took Chan to the living room to play. Jihoon trailed behind them, watching as Seungcheol started a game of building blocks with Chan.

“Jihoonie, come here for a minute,” Mingyu called, patting the cushion beside him on the couch. “Wanna sit with Daddy?”

Jihoon hesitated but then nodded and climbed up beside Mingyu. He snuggled close, his small hand gripping Mingyu’s shirt as if seeking comfort.

Mingyu smiled down at him, his tone gentle and warm. “You know how Seungcheol isn’t going to kindergarten right now because he’s on vacation? We were thinking that when he goes back, maybe you could start going too. What do you think?”

Jihoon’s eyes widened, and he clutched Mingyu’s shirt tighter. “Kindergarten? Like Cheol-hyung?”

“Yeah, like Cheol-hyung,” Mingyu replied, rubbing Jihoon’s back softly. “But guess what? Daddy will be there with you. I’m one of the teachers, remember? You wouldn’t be alone.”

Jihoon’s brow furrowed as he processed this. “You be there too?”

“That’s right,” Mingyu said, smiling. “I’ll be there every day. You’d get to play with other kids, do fun things, and learn new stuff. And if you ever need me, I’ll be right there.”

Jihoon seemed to relax a little at that, but he still looked unsure. “But… I don’t like it?”

Mingyu leaned down and kissed the top of Jihoon’s head. “If you don’t like it, you can tell me, and we’ll figure it out together, okay? But I think you might have fun, especially with Cheol-hyung there too.”

Jihoon nodded slowly. “Okay, Daddy.”

Mingyu gave him a comforting squeeze. “We’ll talk more later, okay? You don’t have to decide right now.”

---

The morning passed in a peaceful blur. The kids played, watched cartoons, and eventually got ready for the pool. Minghao packed a small bag while Mingyu helped Seungcheol find his favorite shorts. Jihoon was quiet as they left the house, holding tightly onto Minghao’s hand as they walked to the car.

Just as they were about to leave, Minghao’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting slightly. “It’s Heejin,” he said, answering the call.

Mingyu watched his husband’s face as he spoke with the director, noticing the shift in his expression from concern to understanding. When Minghao hung up, he turned to Mingyu, his voice calm but serious. “They have a new foster child for us. His name is Jeonghan.”

Mingyu’s heart skipped a beat. “We should go pick him up,” Mingyu said, glancing at the boys.

Minghao nodded. “I’ll stay here with them. We’ll have a picnic in the backyard instead. You go ahead.”

Mingyu turned to look at the kids, who were watching them closely. “Hey, kids, I’m going to pick up someone new. You think you can help Dad with Chan while I’m gone?”

Seungcheol nodded eagerly. Jihoon hesitated, but after a moment, he nodded as well, though Mingyu could see the questions in his eyes.

Mingyu leaned down to kiss the top of Jihoon’s head. “I’ll be back soon, okay?”

---

The drive to the orphanage was quiet, but Mingyu’s mind was far from still. He tried to prepare himself for whatever he might find.

When he arrived at the orphanage, Heejin was waiting for him, her expression serious. “Thank you for coming so quickly, Mingyu,” she said as they walked inside. “Jeonghan has been through a lot. He was with his previous foster family for over a year, and it wasn’t… a good situation.”

Mingyu’s stomach twisted with anger and sadness as she described how Jeonghan had been treated—tied up when he misbehaved, beaten for things that no child, especially a four-year-old, should ever endure.

“I’m so sorry,” Heejin said, her voice soft. “I know this won’t be easy, but he’s a sweet boy. He just needs time to feel safe again.”

Mingyu took a deep breath, steadying himself. “We’ll do everything we can.”

Heejin led him to a small room where Jeonghan was waiting. The boy sat on a chair, clutching a toy sword close to his chest. He looked so small, so fragile, with light brown hair that fell into his round eyes and a pale face that seemed almost ghostly.

Mingyu crouched down in front of him, offering a warm smile. “Hi, Jeonghan. My name’s Mingyu. I’m here to take you home, okay?”

Jeonghan looked up at him with wide eyes, his grip on the sword tightening. He didn’t say anything, but he nodded slowly, as if trying to convince himself that it was okay.

Mingyu held out his hand, waiting patiently. After a long moment, Jeonghan reached out, placing his small hand in Mingyu’s. The touch was light, hesitant, and Mingyu felt the weight of the boy’s fear in that tiny hand.

The drive back home was quiet, with Mingyu speaking softly to Jeonghan about the house, the other kids, and what they might do together. Jeonghan listened, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

When they arrived home, Mingyu noticed the curtains in the living room fluttering slightly—Minghao must have been watching for them. As Mingyu opened the car door, Jeonghan hesitated, his small frame almost blending into the seat.

As Mingyu unbuckled Jeonghan’s seatbelt, the little boy clutched his toy sword tighter, his knuckles white from the grip. Mingyu noticed the way Jeonghan's small body seemed to tremble, as if the very thought of stepping out of the car was too much for him.

Mingyu crouched down beside Jeonghan, keeping his voice soft and reassuring. “Hey, Jeonghan, I know this is a lot right now. You’re safe here, I promise. No one’s going to hurt you.”

Jeonghan’s eyes flicked up to meet Mingyu’s, filled with a deep-seated fear that no child should ever have to feel. He hesitated, glancing at the open door of the house where he could see the faint outlines of Minghao and the other kids inside.

“Do you want to hold my hand?” Mingyu asked gently, offering his hand to Jeonghan again.

Jeonghan bit his lip, his eyes darting between Mingyu and the house. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he reached out, his small hand trembling as it hovered over Mingyu’s. When their hands finally touched, Jeonghan’s grip was tentative, his fingers barely curling around Mingyu’s.

Mingyu’s heart ached at the boy’s reluctance, understanding that trust was something Jeonghan had learned to be wary of. He knew he needed to be patient, to give Jeonghan the time he needed to feel even the smallest bit of safety.

“Let’s go meet the others,” Mingyu said softly, rising to his feet and gently guiding Jeonghan out of the car. He kept his movements slow and deliberate, sensing that any sudden motion might startle the boy.

As they walked towards the house, Jeonghan stayed close to Mingyu’s side, his eyes wide and alert, taking in every detail of his new surroundings. Mingyu could feel Jeonghan’s grip tighten whenever they got closer to the front door.

Minghao appeared in the doorway, his expression warm and welcoming. He had Chan in his arms, who was babbling happily, while Seungcheol and Jihoon stood just behind him, peeking out with curious eyes.“Welcome home, Jeonghan,” Minghao greeted softly, stepping aside to make room for them.

Jeonghan flinched slightly at Minghao’s voice, his grip on Mingyu’s hand tightening even further. Mingyu gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, bending down slightly to whisper, “It’s okay, Jeonghan. This is your home now. No one here will hurt you.”

Jeonghan didn’t say a word, just held onto Mingyu’s hand as if it was the only thing tethering him to this new reality.

Minghao crouched down to Jeonghan’s level, careful to keep his distance. “Hi, Jeonghan. I’m Minghao. This little one here is Chan, and those two over there are Seungcheol and Jihoon,” he introduced them gently. “We’re all very happy you’re here.”

Seungcheol stepped forward, a wide grin on his face. “Hi, Jeonghan! Do you like toys? We have lots of toys inside!” He spoke with his usual enthusiasm, oblivious to the fear that gripped Jeonghan. "You look like a bunny!"

Jeonghan’s eyes flicked between Seungcheol and Mingyu, his grip on the sword never loosening. He opened his mouth to respond but no words came out. Instead, he gave a small, hesitant nod.

Chan, curious as ever, reached out a chubby hand towards Jeonghan, babbling happily. Jeonghan’s eyes softened slightly at the sight of the baby, and Mingyu noticed the way he seemed to relax a bit.

Jihoon, however, hung back, standing near the stairs with a sullen expression. Mingyu could see the tension in his posture, the way his small fists were clenched at his sides.

“Jihoon,” Mingyu called gently, trying to draw his middle son into the group. “Come say hello to Jeonghan.”

Jihoon’s eyes darted to Jeonghan and then back to Mingyu, his expression conflicted. After a brief pause, he walked over, though he kept a distance. “Hi,” he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Jeonghan, still holding tightly to his sword, gave another small nod in response.

Mingyu watched the exchange carefully. He could sense the discomfort in both boys—Jeonghan’s fear and Jihoon’s jealousy—and knew that it would take time for them to adjust.

“Why don’t we go inside, Jeonghan?” Mingyu suggested gently. “We can take it slow. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

Jeonghan hesitated, his eyes flicking between Mingyu, Minghao, and the house. Slowly, he nodded, allowing Mingyu to guide him inside.

“Why don’t we all sit down and have a snack?” Minghao suggested. “Jeonghan, do you like fruit? We have some apples and bananas.”

Jeonghan hesitated, his eyes flicking to the floor before nodding again.

Mingyu guided everyone to the kitchen, where Minghao began preparing a simple snack of sliced fruit and crackers. The kitchen filled with the soft sound of Minghao's knife against the cutting board, a soothing rhythm that seemed to calm the children. Jeonghan sat at the table, his small hands resting in his lap, still clutching the toy sword as if it were a lifeline.

Seungcheol tried to engage Jeonghan in conversation. "Do you like playing with swords? I have a pirate hat! We could be pirates together!"

Jeonghan's eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent, simply watching Seungcheol with a mix of curiosity and caution.

As Minghao placed the fruit on the table, Seungcheol eagerly grabbed a slice of apple, munching happily. “Jeonghan, these are really good! You should try some,” he said, pushing the plate a little closer to the boy.

Mingyu crouch down to Jeonghan’s level. "You can eat as much or as little as you like. No rush."

Jeonghan eyed the fruit cautiously, then reached out for a slice of banana. He nibbled on it slowly, his grip on the toy sword never loosening.

Minghao placed a hand on Mingyu's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Why don't we let the boys eat while we talk in the living room?" he suggested softly.

Mingyu nodded, standing up and motioning for Seungcheol and Jihoon to join Jeonghan at the table. "We'll be right over here if you need us, okay?"

Seungcheol immediately dug into the fruit with enthusiasm, while Jihoon watched Jeonghan out of the corner of his eye, taking small bites from his own plate. Chan was happily munching a grape in his high chair. Jeonghan remained quiet, but he seemed to relax just a bit, the tension in his shoulders easing as he focused on the food.

In the living room, Minghao sat down on the couch, and Mingyu joined him, glancing back at the kids. "He seems so scared," Mingyu murmured, his voice tinged with concern.

Minghao nodded, his expression thoughtful. "He’s been through a lot. We need to give him time."

"We will," Mingyu agreed, his voice firm with resolve. "Whatever it takes."

As they watched the kids from a distance, Mingyu couldn’t help but notice the way Jihoon kept his distance, his eyes flicking between Jeonghan and the sword. It was clear that Jihoon was struggling with the new addition to their family, but Mingyu knew that pushing him too hard could do more harm than good.

"We'll have to be patient with Jihoon too," Minghao said quietly, echoing Mingyu's thoughts. "He's just starting to trust us, and now there’s someone new. It’s a lot for him to process."

Mingyu sighed softly, rubbing a hand over his face. "Yeah, I know. We’ll figure this out too."

They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the house around them, before Minghao leaned over and kissed Mingyu’s cheek. “We’ll make it work,” he said softly. “We always do.”

Mingyu smiled, the warmth of Minghao’s words settling over him like a comforting blanket. “Yeah, we will.”

---

As the day wore on, Seungcheol and Jihoon went back to their usual activities, with Seungcheol trying to coax Jihoon into a game of building blocks. Jihoon was busy playing with his piano, but Mingyu could see that Seungcheol was winning this. Minghao was with Chan in the living room, while Jeonghan remained mostly on the outskirts, observing everything with cautious eyes.

When Jihoon finally seemed to relent and joined Seungcheol in play, Mingyu noticed Jeonghan inching closer to them. It was subtle at first—a few small steps, then another, until he was standing just a few feet away from where Seungcheol and Jihoon were building a tower.

“Wanna help?” Seungcheol asked, looking up at Jeonghan with a bright smile.

Jeonghan hesitated but eventually nodded. He sat down next to Seungcheol, taking a block and carefully adding it to the tower. Jihoon watched him closely, his expression unreadable, but he didn’t say anything.

For a moment, it seemed like things were going well. The three boys were playing quietly together, and Mingyu felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, this transition would be smoother than he had feared.

But then, there was a soft cracking sound, followed by a sudden collapse of the tower. One of the blocks had slipped from Jeonghan’s hand, causing the entire structure to tumble down. Seungcheol’s eyes widened in surprise, but before he could say anything, Jeonghan gasped, his face paling.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Jeonghan cried, scrambling to his feet. He clutched the toy sword to his chest and bolted up the stairs before anyone could react.

Mingyu’s heart dropped. He exchanged a quick glance with Minghao, who gave him a nod. “I’ll stay with the boys,” Minghao said softly.

Mingyu quickly followed Jeonghan upstairs, his footsteps soft on the wooden floor. When he reached the top, he saw that Jeonghan had retreated to Seungcheol’s room, the door slightly ajar. Mingyu pushed it open gently, finding Jeonghan sitting on the edge of the bed, his small body trembling as he held out his arms.

Mingyu’s breath caught in his throat as he realized what Jeonghan was doing—he was waiting to be punished, to be tied up like he had been in his previous foster home. The sight nearly broke Mingyu’s heart.

“Jeonghan…” Mingyu said softly, his voice filled with compassion. He approached slowly, crouching down so he was at eye level with the boy. “You’re not in trouble, okay? Nothing bad is going to happen to you here.”

Jeonghan’s eyes were wide with fear, his arms still outstretched. “I… I broke it,” he whispered, his voice shaking.

Mingyu shook his head gently. “It’s okay. It was just a game, and you didn’t mean to break it. You’re safe here, Jeonghan. We don’t tie up or hurt anyone in this house, no matter what.”

Tears welled up in Jeonghan’s eyes, but he didn’t lower his arms. “No ropes?”

“No,” Mingyu said firmly, his voice gentle but unwavering. “We would never do that. I promise you.”

Jeonghan stared at him, his arms slowly lowering as he processed Mingyu’s words. “Promise?” he whispered, his voice so small that Mingyu almost didn’t hear it.

“I promise,” Mingyu said, reaching out to gently take Jeonghan’s hands in his. “You’re safe here. And if you ever feel scared, you can always come to me or Dad Hao, okay?”

Jeonghan nodded slowly, though the fear in his eyes hadn’t completely faded. Mingyu resisted the urge to hug him, thinking it would be too much for Jeonghan.

As Mingyu helped Jeonghan back onto the floor, he noticed Jihoon standing in the doorway, watching them with an unreadable expression. Jihoon’s jealousy had been simmering beneath the surface all day.

“Jihoonie,” Mingyu called gently, holding out his hand. “Come here, buddy.”

Jihoon hesitated but eventually walked over, though he didn’t take Mingyu’s hand. He stood next to the bed, looking between Jeonghan and Mingyu with a small frown.

Mingyu could see Jihoon’s little face scrunched up, trying to understand what he was feeling. “It’s okay to feel upset,” Mingyu said softly, glancing between Jihoon and Jeonghan. “But we help each other when we’re scared or hurt, even if we’re feeling a bit jealous.”

Jihoon’s frown deepened, his tiny eyebrows knitting together. “But… he broke the game,” Jihoon mumbled, his voice a bit grumpy.

Jeonghan flinched at the words, hugging himself tightly. Mingyu noticed how Jeonghan seemed to shrink back, like he was scared all over again. He needed to be careful.

“I know it’s hard, Jihoonie,” Mingyu said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Jihoon’s shoulder. “But everyone makes mistakes, right? Remember when you first came here? We made sure you felt safe and loved, no matter what.”

Jihoon’s face softened a little. There it was, his sweet boy.

“Jeonghan is still learning about this place,” Mingyu continued, his voice calm and kind. “Just like you did. So, we need to show him the same kindness you got.”

Jihoon looked down at his little hands, playing with the edge of his shirt. “Okay,” he said quietly, still not sure but wanting to listen.

Mingyu smiled, ruffling Jihoon’s hair gently. “How about we try the blocks again? Maybe we can build something together—all three of you. Does that sound good?”

Jihoon hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Okay,” he agreed softly.

Mingyu turned to Jeonghan, who was still hugging himself. “Jeonghan, would you like to join them? We can try building something even bigger this time.”

Jeonghan looked at Mingyu with wide, tear-filled eyes, then glanced at Jihoon. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded, though it was clear he was still apprehensive. Mingyu offered his hand, and Jeonghan took it tentatively, letting Mingyu lead him back downstairs.

When they reached the living room, Seungcheol was already sitting on the floor, eagerly waiting for them to rejoin the game. “Let’s build a super tall tower this time!” Seungcheol announced, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Jihoon sat down next to Seungcheol, and after a brief moment of hesitation, Jeonghan joined them. Mingyu sat on the floor nearby, watching the three boys carefully as they began to stack the blocks. This time, Jihoon was more patient, guiding Jeonghan on where to place each block.

Jeonghan’s movements were still cautious, but he seemed to relax slightly as Jihoon offered small words of encouragement. “Like that,” Jihoon said softly as Jeonghan placed a block on top of the tower.

Mingyu watched with a mix of relief and pride as the tower grew taller, Seungcheol’s excitement became contagious. “We’re almost there!” he cheered, his hands hovering near the top as if to steady the structure.

When the final block was placed, all three boys looked at each other. Jeonghan’s face, though still tinged with caution, held a hint of a smile.

Mingyu clapped softly, drawing their attention. “Great job, everyone. That’s the tallest tower I’ve ever seen”

Seungcheol beamed, and even Jihoon seemed pleased with their work. Jeonghan’s smile grew a little wider, the tension in his small frame easing just a bit more.

Minghao, who had been watching from the doorway, stepped into the room with Chan on his hip. “That’s quite the masterpiece,” he commented, smiling warmly at the boys.

“Jeonghan helped,” Seungcheol announced proudly, as if it were a great accomplishment.

Minghao’s smile deepened as he looked at Jeonghan. “I’m glad to hear that. You all did an amazing job.”

Jeonghan looked down, his cheeks flushing slightly at the praise.

---

The kids were visibly tired, their eyelids drooping as they trudged upstairs with Mingyu and Minghao. Chan had already fallen asleep, so Minghao gently carried him.

"Let’s get you all tucked in," Mingyu said softly as they reached the top of the stairs.

Minghao carefully laid Chan in his crib before guiding Jeonghan to Seungcheol’s room, while Mingyu led Seungcheol and Jihoon to Jihoon’s room. He helped Jihoon into his pajamas, the little boy’s eyes heavy with sleep but still holding a trace of unease.

“Daddy,” Jihoon whispered as Mingyu tucked him in. “Is Jeonghan staying?”

Mingyu sat down on the edge of Jihoon’s bed, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “Yes, he’s staying with us, just like you are.”

Jihoon’s eyes flickered with emotion, but he nodded slowly, reaching up to hold Mingyu’s hand. “Okay, Daddy.”

Mingyu leaned down and kissed Jihoon’s forehead, whispering, “I love you, Jihoonie. Sweet dreams.”

“I love you too,” Jihoon mumbled, already half-asleep.

"Daddy, I want a kiss too," Seungcheol said, his voice a bit whiny as he tugged at Mingyu's sleeve. Mingyu smiled, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on Seungcheol’s forehead.

“I love you, champ,” Mingyu said warmly as he playfully tickled Seungcheol’s belly, drawing a giggle from the little boy.

“I love you too, Daddy,” Seungcheol replied, still giggling as he snuggled into his pillow.

After making sure Seungcheol was settled, Mingyu walked over to Seungcheol’s room, which for the moment was Jeonghan’s. The little boy was sitting up in bed, clutching his toy sword tightly. His eyes were wary, darting between Mingyu and Minghao, who was standing beside the bed.

Mingyu knelt down beside the bed, his tone gentle as he asked, “Would you like us to stay with you until you fall asleep?”

Jeonghan didn’t answer right away. His eyes flicked back to Minghao, searching his face as if trying to gauge how much he could trust this promise. Then, in a barely audible voice, he whispered, “Please.”

Mingyu sat on the edge of the bed, offering a reassuring smile as Jeonghan slowly lay back, his eyes never leaving Mingyu’s face. Minghao sat down on the other edge of the bed, close enough to offer comfort but not so close as to overwhelm the boy. He began to hum a soft, soothing melody, one that Mingyu recognized as a lullaby Minghao often sang to Chan.

The room was quiet, save for the gentle hum of Minghao’s voice. Slowly, Jeonghan’s eyes began to droop, the fear and exhaustion of the day finally catching up to him. But even as he drifted towards sleep, he didn’t let go of the sword, holding onto it like a lifeline.

Mingyu watched as Jeonghan’s breathing evened out, his small body relaxing into the mattress. Minghao continued to hum until he was sure Jeonghan was deeply asleep. Then, he carefully stood up, motioning for Mingyu to follow him out of the room. They left the door ajar, and stepped out into the hallway.

Once they were in the hall, Minghao let out a quiet sigh, leaning against the wall for a moment. “He’s so scared, Mingyu. I can’t imagine what he’s been through,” he said softly, the weight of it all pressing down on him.

They stood there for a moment longer, both of them taking in the gravity of the situation. But as they looked back at the slightly open door, where Jeonghan was now sleeping peacefully, they knew they would try anything to make that little boy happy.

Chapter Text

Minghao lay in bed for a moment, savoring the quiet before the day's rush began. Beside him, Chan was beginning to stir in his crib, his tiny fists rubbing sleep from his eyes. Minghao stretched, feeling the familiar warmth in his chest as he reached closer to his son.

The aroma of freshly cooked eggs and bacon drifted through the door, bringing a smile to Minghao's lips. He knew Mingyu was likely busy in the kitchen. With a quiet chuckle, Minghao slid out of bed, careful not to wake Chan fully just yet. He leaned over the crib, gently brushing his hand over Chan's soft hair. "Good morning, little one," he whispered. "Let's go see Daddy, okay?" The only response he received was a sleepy "Dada".

By the time Minghao made his way to the kitchen, Chan balanced on his hip, he found Mingyu standing by the stove, stirring a pot of creamy oatmeal while keeping an eye on the sizzling bacon. A stack of toast was already buttered and waiting on the table. Mingyu turned at the sound of their approach, a grin spreading across his face.

"There's my favorite duo," he said, stepping closer to plant a kiss on Minghao's lips and then gently tapping Chan's nose, making him giggle. "Breakfast is almost ready."

Minghao smiled back, a playful glint in his eyes. "You always know how to spoil us in the mornings."

Mingyu chuckled, sliding the last slice of bacon onto a plate. "I aim to please."

"I'll be back in a minute," Minghao said, passing Chan to Mingyu. "It's time to wake the kids."

After ensuring Chan was settled in Mingyu's arms, Minghao quietly made his way up the stairs to check on the older boys. As he approached the door to Seungcheol and Jeonghan's shared room, he could hear the faint rustling of blankets and soft murmurs.

Gently pushing the door open, Minghao peeked inside. Seungcheol was the first to appear, his hair still tousled from sleep, rubbing his eyes as he slowly made his way to the door. He looked up, meeting Minghao's gaze with a sleepy but bright smile.

"Morning, Daddy," Seungcheol whispered, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Minghao replied softly, reaching out to smooth down Seungcheol's messy hair.

Jeonghan followed closely behind, clutching his toy sword tightly as if it were a lifeline. His eyes were wide and alert, a stark contrast to Seungcheol's sleepy demeanor. Minghao's heart ached at the sight.

"Morning, Hannie," Minghao greeted, his voice tender as he knelt down to Jeonghan's level. "Did you sleep well?"

Jeonghan nodded slowly, his grip on the sword loosening just a bit as he took a step closer to Minghao. "Yes... was well" he said quietly, his voice still tinged with uncertainty.

Minghao smiled, reaching out to gently ruffle Jeonghan's hair, just as he had done with Seungcheol. The boy tensed but didn't pull away, and Minghao would gladly take that as progress. "That's good. Let's get you both ready for the day, okay?"

Seungcheol, now more awake, nodded eagerly. "Yeah! We're going to school today!"

Jeonghan's eyes widened slightly at the mention of school, and he glanced at Minghao for reassurance. Seungcheol, noticing this, quickly added, "It's okay, Han, you don't go. Only Jihoonie and me! But soon you too, right, Daddy?"

"That's right," Minghao assured Jeonghan, who was still clutching his toy sword. "When you're ready, you'll go to school. No rush, buddy. But today, Chan, you and I are going to spend the whole day at home. Maybe we can play in the backyard."

Jeonghan's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he gave a small but genuine smile, feeling a bit more at ease.

"Alright, let's get you both dressed and ready," Minghao said, standing up and holding out a hand for each of them. Seungcheol took his hand eagerly, and after a moment's hesitation, Jeonghan did too, still holding onto his sword but with a little more confidence.

They made their way down the hall to Jihoon's room, where they found Jihoon sitting on the edge of his bed, clutching his toy piano. He had woken up quietly and was content with pressing the keys softly, his little face focused on the music he was creating.

"Good morning, Jihoon," Minghao greeted warmly, crouching down to his level. "Ready for your first day of kindergarten?"

Jihoon looked up, his eyes wide. He nodded shyly, hugging his toy piano a little closer. "My piano, Daddy?"

Minghao chuckled softly and gave Jihoon a reassuring smile. "You can't take it with you to school today, Jihoonie. But it will be right here waiting for you when you get home, okay?" Jihoon's eyes began to water, so Minghao quickly added, "But you can take it in the car for the ride, and I'll make sure to take care of your piano while you're away. That way, it won’t miss you. How does that sound?"

Jihoon seemed to accept this, nodding again before taking Minghao's outstretched hand. With Jeonghan on one side, Jihoon on the other, and Seungcheol happily following behind, Minghao led the boys to the kitchen, where Mingyu was finishing up breakfast.

A pot of creamy oatmeal bubbled gently on the stove while Mingyu kept an eye on the sizzling bacon. A stack of toast was already buttered and waiting on the table, and Chan was happily babbling in his high chair, waving a piece of toast in his tiny hand.

Seungcheol's face lit up at the sight of breakfast. "Oatmeal and bacon!" he exclaimed, quickly sliding into his chair.

Jeonghan climbed into his own chair, carefully placing his sword beside him. He hadn't let it out of his sight since he had arrived, and while it sometimes got in the way, they didn't push him to let go of it.

Minghao helped Jihoon into his chair, noticing how the little boy kept glancing at the table. "Do you want some oatmeal, Jihoon?" he asked, already reaching for the ladle to serve him.

Jihoon nodded, watching as Minghao scooped a generous portion into his bowl and added a bit of honey. He picked up his spoon and started eating slowly.

Minghao exchanged a quiet glance with his husband. Mingyu smiled, handing Minghao a piece of toast, their fingers brushing lightly over each other's, and Minghao felt a warm flush rise in his cheeks.

"So," Mingyu said casually, leaning against the counter as he sipped his coffee, "what's the plan for today?"

"Well," Minghao replied, glancing at the boys, "after dropping these two off, Jeonghan, Chan, and I might spend some time in the backyard. Jeonghan's been asking to dig for worms again." Jeonghan looked up at this, his grip tightening on the toy sword. Minghao winked at him, earning a tiny smile in return. "And what about you? Got anything exciting planned for your class today?"

Mingyu grinned, shaking his head. "Just the usual. Though, I might have to steal a few hugs from Jihoon and Seungcheol during recess."

Minghao chuckled, reaching over to give Mingyu's hand a squeeze. "I'm sure they'll appreciate that."

With breakfast finished, the real work of the morning began. Minghao and Mingyu moved in a well-practiced dance, getting everyone dressed and ready for the day. Seungcheol, was chatty and full of questions. "Daddy, do you think Jihoon will like kindergarten?"

"I'm sure he will," Mingyu assured him as he helped Seungcheol into his shoes. "And you'll be there to help him."

Jihoon, meanwhile, was quieter. He sat on the floor, clutching his piano toy yet again, Minghao wasn't sure when he had gone up to his room to retrieve it. Jihoon's brows furrowed in concentration as he pressed the keys. It was clear that the idea of going to kindergarten was both exciting and nerve-wracking for him. Minghao knelt down beside him, gently easing the toy out of his hands. "Jihoonie, we need to get your shoes on now."

Jihoon looked up at him, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, but he nodded, letting Minghao help him. As he did, Minghao noticed that Jihoon's grip on his piano had loosened slightly—progress, even if small.

Jeonghan, ever observant, watched from a distance, his toy sword now slung over his shoulder like a knight preparing for battle.

With everyone finally ready, Minghao ushered them out the door. Chan was tucked securely into his car seat, babbling happily to himself, while Seungcheol and Jihoon clambered into their seats. Jeonghan settled in beside Chan, his sword carefully placed across his lap. Minghao took a moment to make sure everyone was buckled in before sliding into the driver's seat.

The drive to kindergarten was a mix of chatter and quiet moments. Seungcheol was animated, talking about all the things he would do with his friends, while Jihoon stared out the window, occasionally pressing the keys on his piano toy, the sound filling the car with a soft melody. Jeonghan, still silent, leaned into his seat, his eyes flitting between his brothers and the passing scenery.

When they finally arrived at the school, Mingyu took the lead, guiding Seungcheol and Jihoon out of the car. Minghao watched as Seungcheol ran ahead, eager to start his day. Jihoon hesitated, his small hand gripping Mingyu's tightly. Minghao got out of the car, lifting Chan into his arms as Jeonghan quietly followed behind.

Mingyu knelt down to Jihoon's level, his voice gentle. "It's okay to be nervous, Jihoon. But I'll be here the whole time, and Seungcheol will be with you too."

Jihoon nodded, though his eyes were still wide with apprehension. Seungcheol came back and grabbed Jihoon's free hand, his smile bright and reassuring. "Come on, Jihoon! It's going to be fun!"

Jihoon glanced back at Minghao, who gave him an encouraging nod. "We'll be at home when you're done, okay? You're going to do great."

With a deep breath, Jihoon let go of Mingyu's hand and took a step forward with Seungcheol. The two boys walked together toward the school entrance, Jihoon's steps growing more confident with each passing moment. Minghao felt a swell of pride as he watched them, knowing how far they had come.

"Don't you want to say goodbye?" Minghao gently prompted Jeonghan, who was lingering by his side. Jeonghan hesitated for a moment before giving a small wave, his expression a mix of emotions.

"See you later, Seungcheol," Jeonghan murmured. He glanced at Jihoon, who looked back over his shoulder with a tiny smile. "Bye bye, Jihoon."

"Bye, Jeonghan-hyung. Bye, Chan," Jihoon said, his voice soft but steady.

Minghao and Mingyu stood there for a moment, watching as their boys turned around to say goodbye again. Minghao let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his heart full. He turned to Mingyu, who looked back at him with a mix of pride and tenderness.

"They're going to be okay," Mingyu said, more to himself than to Minghao.

Minghao smiled, leaning in to press a kiss to Mingyu's cheek. "They've got you watching over them, how could they not be?"

Mingyu chuckled, pulling Minghao close for a brief hug. "And they've got you to come home to. We're a pretty good team, don't you think?"

Minghao nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Absolutely. But... you have to get inside too, babe. The kids are waiting."

Mingyu's eyes widened slightly as he realized the time. "Oh! You're right! Kids, wait up!" he called out, quickly heading toward the school entrance where Seungcheol and Jihoon were waiting, glancing back at him with bright smiles.

Minghao watched him go, a fond smile on his face as he saw Mingyu catching up with the boys. They disappeared into the school together, and Minghao felt a surge of pride.

---

Back at home, Minghao busied himself with the usual morning chores while keeping an eye on Jeonghan and Chan. Once everything was tidied up, he took the boys outside to the backyard. It was a mild day, with just enough warmth in the air to make it perfect for playing outside.

As soon as they stepped into the backyard, Minghao saw Jeonghan's face light up with excitement. He dashed over to the spot where they had previously dug for worms, dropping to his knees to start digging. Minghao could see the eagerness in Jeonghan's eyes, but he also noticed the tightness in his shoulders.

Chan toddled after Jeonghan, his little legs moving with a determination that matched his curiosity. He was more interested in the flowers that lined the edges of the garden—the ones Mingyu had carefully planted and tended. The bright colors captivated Chan, and he giggled as he reached out to touch them, his tiny fingers brushing over the soft petals.

Minghao decided to join Chan, crouching down beside him to help him explore the flowers. "Aren't they pretty, Chanie?" he murmured, pointing out the different colors. Chan babbled in response, his face lighting up with joy as he picked a small daisy. He held it up to Minghao, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Thank you, baby," Minghao said, taking the flower and tucking it behind Chan's ear, making the toddler giggle even more. His gaze then shifted back to Jeonghan, who was still digging with a tense, almost frantic energy.

Jeonghan's fingers dug through the dirt with a desperation that tugged at Minghao's heart. The boy's movements were frantic, his small hands working quickly as if searching for something he couldn't quite find. Minghao noticed the way Jeonghan's eyes darted around nervously, as if expecting something or someone. What was going through his mind? Minghao wondered, taking a cautious step closer.

But the moment he moved, Jeonghan flinched, startled by the approach. Minghao stopped in his tracks, the distance between them a painful reminder of how far they still had to go. It broke his heart that he couldn't offer the comfort Jeonghan needed, but he knew patience was key. So, he stayed back, watching over Jeonghan while also keeping an eye on Chan, who was happily exploring the yard.

When Jeonghan finally unearthed a worm, he held it up with trembling hands. "I found one," he whispered, his voice so quiet it was as if he feared drawing any attention to himself.

Minghao, balancing Chan on his hip, walked over with a gentle smile. "Wow, Jeonghan, that's a big one! Should we put it in the garden?" he asked, his tone soft and reassuring.
Jeonghan nodded, but his wide eyes betrayed his apprehension as he carefully placed the worm back into the dirt. Minghao noticed how his little shoulders remained tense, his gaze darting around the yard as if he was still on edge. Minghao’s heart ached to see him so wary, but he stayed close, offering silent support while Chan gurgled happily in his arms.

Seeing the fear lurking just beneath the surface, Minghao’s heart went out to Jeonghan. He gently approached, offering a small, reassuring smile. "You're doing great, Jeonghan. The garden is lucky to have you helping out."

Jeonghan’s grip on his toy sword tightened as he looked up at Minghao, his eyes searching for reassurance. Slowly, as if testing the waters, he began picking a few flowers. His movements were still careful but noticeably less frantic. Minghao caught a hint of a smile as Jeonghan gathered the delicate blooms.

When Jeonghan finally held out the small bouquet, Minghao could see the unspoken question in his eyes.

Minghao knelt down to Jeonghan's level, accepting the flowers with a warm smile. "Thank you, Han. I love them. Maybe we can put them in a vase inside. Mingyu will love to see it."

Jeonghan's face brightened slightly at the praise, a small but genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. As they gathered more flowers together, Minghao continued to offer encouraging words, hoping to ease some of Jeonghan's lingering fears. "These are so lovely, Jeonghan. I'm so proud of you for helping with the flowers. You have a real talent for this."

Once inside, Minghao carefully arranged the flowers in a small vase on the kitchen table. Jeonghan watched intently, his eyes flicking between Minghao’s hands and the flowers. Sensing his focus, Minghao kept up a steady stream of praise as he worked. "Look at how beautiful they look in the vase, Han. You did an amazing job picking these. Mingyu is going to love seeing them when he comes home."

Jeonghan's expression softened further, the tension in his small frame easing just a little more. Minghao placed the vase in the center of the table, giving Jeonghan another reassuring smile. "You did something really special today, Han. Thank you." The words seemed to reach him, and Jeonghan stood a little taller, his grip on his toy sword relaxing as he took in the quiet praise.

---

The front door swung open with a cheerful jingle, and Mingyu, Jihoon, and Seungcheol stepped inside, their faces glowing with the contentment of a day well spent. Mingyu's arms were full, one hand gripping shopping bags and the other holding Jihoon's, while Seungcheol followed close behind, his excitement palpable in every step.

"Look who's home!" Minghao called out from the living room, his smile widening as he saw them enter. "We've missed you so much."

Chan, who had been contentedly exploring his toys on the floor, looked up at the sound of Minghao's voice. His wide eyes sparkled with recognition. "Dada!" he babbled, the word clear and insistent as he shuffled over on his little feet, reaching out eagerly.

Mingyu's expression softened into a tender smile as he crouched down to lift Chan into his arms. "Hey, little guy," he murmured, pulling him into a warm embrace. "Did you miss me?"

Chan giggled, his tiny hands reaching up to touch Mingyu's face, clearly relishing the attention.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol had spotted the bouquet of flowers arranged proudly on the dining table. His eyes lit up, and he dashed over to Minghao with a wide grin. "Daddy! Did you see the flowers?" he asked, his excitement bubbling over.

Minghao’s heart warmed at Seungcheol’s enthusiasm. He glanced at the vase and then back at Seungcheol. "Yes, I did see them," he replied, his voice full of affection. "Jeonghan picked them all by himself."

Jeonghan, who had been nervously lingering near the doorway, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, took a hesitant step forward. He seemed to muster up all his courage before he approached Mingyu, his small hands trembling slightly as he looked up at him. "I... I picked flowers," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Mingyu immediately shifted his attention to Jeonghan, his gaze gentle and full of warmth. He knelt down to Jeonghan’s level, still holding Chan on one hip, and smiled softly. "You did? Let me see," he said, his tone encouraging.

Jeonghan pointed towards the vase, his eyes flickering with a mixture of pride and uncertainty. "I picked them," he repeated, a little more confidently this time.

Mingyu's smile widened as he looked at the vibrant bouquet. "They're beautiful, Jeonghan. You did an amazing job," he praised, reaching out to gently ruffle Jeonghan's hair. "Thank you for making our home look so lovely."

Jeonghan's expression brightened at the praise, the tension in his small shoulders visibly easing. As Minghao watched the exchange, he felt a deep sense of pride swell within him.

Seungcheol, still buzzing with energy, chimed in enthusiastically. "They look really good! Jihoonie they smell nice, right?"

Jihoon, who had been quietly observing from Mingyu's side, nodded shyly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Jeonghan's face lit up with a shy smile as he tentatively reached out, his small arms extended toward Mingyu. "Can you pick me up?" he asked, his voice a blend of hope and nervousness.

Mingyu's heart softened at the request. "Of course, Jeonghan," he replied gently. He scooped Jeonghan up into his arms without hesitation, balancing him alongside Chan, who was still perched on his hip. "I'm so glad you asked. You did an amazing job today," Mingyu added, his tone filled with warmth and pride.

Seungcheol, still brimming with energy, tugged at Minghao's shirt. "Did you see the flowers Jeonghan picked?" he asked again, his excitement bubbling over.

Minghao smiled down at him."Yes, I did. They're beautiful, and Jeonghan did a fantastic job choosing them."

Chan, nestled against Mingyu, pointed toward his siblings and babbled, "Han! Cheo! Jihoo!" His words were becoming clearer, a sign of his growing language skills as he eagerly named his brothers.

In that moment, Jeonghan, nestled in Mingyu's arms, looked over at Minghao with a hopeful smile. He reached out, his little hand finding Minghao's. Minghao gently took his hand.

And when Jeonghan smiled at him. Minghao knew that they were doing something right.

Chapter Text

After a long day, Mingyu wanted nothing more tan to settle comfortably on the couch, feeling the warmth of Minghao's hand in his and watching over the kids. So, they decided that they would watch a movie after dinner.

As the movie, Frozen, played, Seungcheol’s enthusiasm was contagious. When "Let It Go" started, he couldn’t resist. It wasn’t the first time they’d watched the movie together, and Seungcheol had practically memorized every word. His small voice started to sing along, initially quiet but gaining confidence with each word. Mingyu looked down at him, a proud smile spreading across his face.

Minghao chuckled softly, squeezing Mingyu’s hand. “He has a nice voice, doesn’t he?”

Mingyu smiled proudly. “He’s going to be a star, just wait.”

As the song continued, Jihoon, who had been sitting quietly with his small piano toy, started to press the keys, mimicking the melody Seungcheol was singing. The notes were simple, but in tune, and it added a sweet, soft layer to Seungcheol’s performance.

“Good job, Jihoonie,” Minghao praised gently, ruffling the boy’s hair. Jihoon looked up, his cheeks tinged pink, and gave a small, shy smile before returning to his piano.

Chan, not wanting to be left out, started to babble along with the music, clapping his little hands in time with the beat. His enthusiasm brought out laughter from Minghao, who reached over to tickle Chan’s belly, making him giggle even more.

“Dada!” Chan exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with joy as he clapped again.

Jeonghan, sitting a little apart from the group, watched them with wide eyes. He held his toy sword close, his fingers gripping it tightly. Mingyu noticed the hesitation on his face, the way his gaze kept flickering between Seungcheol and Jihoon.

Mingyu leaned forward slightly, his voice soft and encouraging. “Jeonghan, do you want to sing too? You know the words, don’t you?”

Jeonghan bit his lip, glancing down at the sword in his hands. He nodded slightly, but his voice didn’t come out. Instead, he hummed along quietly, the sound barely above a whisper.

Seungcheol, noticing Jeonghan’s attempt, scooted closer to him and smiled brightly. “C’mon, Hannie, let’s sing together! It’s fun!”

Jeonghan hesitated again, but then, slowly, he began to sing along, his voice shaky at first but growing steadier as Seungcheol sang beside him. His grip on the sword loosened a bit, his voice blending with Seungcheol’s in a sweet harmony.

“There you go!” Minghao said softly, beaming at Jeonghan. “You’re doing great, Jeonghan.”

Jihoon’s piano notes grew stronger too, encouraged by the growing chorus around him. He shifted closer to Seungcheol.

Mingyu felt his heart swell at the sight. The way Jihoon’s fingers danced over the piano, the way Jeonghan’s voice wove into the music, and how Seungcheol brought them all together. He could cried.

When the song ended, Seungcheol threw his hands up in the air, grinning. “We did it! That was awesome, right?”

Chan clapped excitedly, his babbling turning into a mix of happy noises as he wiggled in Minghao’s lap. “Yay!”

Jihoon looked up at Mingyu, a hint of pride in his eyes as he softly said, “Daddy, did you like it?”

Mingyu felt a lump in his throat at the question, and he smiled, pulling Jihoon into a gentle hug. “I loved it, Jihoonie. You were amazing.”

Jihoon’s small arms wrapped around Mingyu’s neck, and he held on tightly, his face pressing against Mingyu’s shoulder. Mingyu held him close, feeling the warmth of his son.

Jeonghan, still a bit shy, remained close to Seungcheol, who wrapped an arm around him in a hug. “You did really good too, Hannie,” Seungcheol said, his voice full of admiration. “We’re like a band!”

Jeonghan gave a small nod, his lips curving into a tiny smile. It was a small victory, but Mingyu had learn to take even the smallest victories.

Minghao leaned closer to Mingyu, their shoulders touching as they watched the boys. “Our little band,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection. “They’re really coming together, aren’t they?”

Mingyu nodded, his heart full. “It’s... it’s really good, seeing them like this.”

After a few more moments of cuddling and chatting, it was time for the baths. “Alright, boys,” Mingyu announced, standing up and stretching. “Who’s ready to get clean?”

“Me!” Seungcheol exclaimed, jumping up with enthusiasm. “I want bubbles!”

Chan clapped his hands again, clearly excited by the prospect, even if he didn’t fully understand what was happening.

Minghao smiled at Mingyu. “I’ll stay here with Jihoon and Jeonghan, get them ready after you’re done.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mingyu agreed, scooping Chan up into his arms. “Come on, Cheol. Let’s get those bubbles going.”

Seungcheol followed them eagerly, skipping down the hallway. “I want to make a bubble beard!”

Once in the bathroom, Mingyu set Chan down on the changing mat, carefully undressing the wiggly toddler. “Alright, buddy, let’s get you out of these clothes,” he said gently, tickling Chan’s tummy as he removed his shirt. Chan giggled, kicking his legs playfully.

Seungcheol, already stripping out of his clothes, giggled at his brother’s antics. “Dino’s gonna look like a bubble monster!” he declared.

Mingyu filled the tub with warm water and added a generous amount of bubble bath, watching as the bubbles began to form. “Alright, champ, in you go!”

Seungcheol didn’t need to be told twice. He hopped into the tub, immediately scooping up handfuls of bubbles and placing them on his face. “Look, Daddy! I’m Santa!” he announced with a wide grin, bubbles clinging to his chin.

Mingyu laughed, shaking his head as he lifted Chan into the tub beside his big brother. “Very convincing, Cheol. Maybe I should ask you for presents this year.”

Chan splashed excitedly, his chubby hands smacking the water, sending droplets everywhere. “Ba-ba-ba!” he babbled, his face lighting up as he reached for the bubbles.

Mingyu kept a close eye on Chan, making sure he didn’t slip in his excitement, while Seungcheol entertained himself by creating more bubble beards and hats. The bathroom was soon filled with laughter and splashes, the boys’ joy infectious.

After making sure Seungcheol and Chan were thoroughly washed, Mingyu wrapped them in fluffy towels. He unplugged the tub, letting the water drain, and helped the boys step out carefully onto the soft bath mat.

“Let’s get you two dried off and into some cozy pajamas,” Mingyu said, gently rubbing them down with the towels until they were mostly dry.

“Can we wear the ones with the stars?” Seungcheol asked eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.

Mingyu smiled, reaching over to a nearby shelf where he had already set out their pajamas. “Of course,” he replied, pulling out Seungcheol’s pajamas covered in glowing stars. “Now you’ll be glowing just like the night sky.”

Seungcheol beamed as Mingyu helped him slip into the pajamas, his chest puffing out proudly. “I’m a star warrior!”

Mingyu changed Chan next in his own starry pajamas. But he was already rubbing his eyes, clearly sleepy from the fun bath. Mingyu quickly and carefully scooped up Chan in his arms after he was ready, holding him close as the toddler yawned.

Mingyu then guided Seungcheol, who was still buzzing with excitement, back to the living room, where Minghao was patiently waiting on the couch with Jihoon and Jeonghan. “Your turn,” Mingyu said softly, passing the drowsy Chan over to Minghao, who cradled the sleepy toddler gently.

“Did you have fun with the stars, Chanie?” Minghao asked, planting a soft kiss on Chan’s head. Chan just mumbled something incoherent, his eyelids drooping as he settled comfortably in Minghao’s arms.

Seungcheol ran over to Jihoon, proudly showing off his pajamas. “Look, Jihoon! I’m a star warrior! You should get some star pajamas too!”

Jihoon smiled softly, his eyes shining as he admired Seungcheol’s glowing pajamas. “Cool,” he whispered, clearly impressed.

Mingyu knelt down beside Jihoon and Jeonghan, offering a gentle smile. “Alright, boys. Now it’s your turn. Let’s get you clean and ready for bed, okay?”

Jihoon nodded eagerly, reaching out for Mingyu’s hand. “Up, Daddy?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Mingyu replied, lifting Jihoon into his arms. He then turned to Jeonghan, who was still holding tightly onto his toy sword. “You ready, Jeonghan?”

Jeonghan hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, standing up with his sword clutched close to his chest.

Mingyu led them back to the bathroom, where he had already refilled the tub with fresh, warm water while dressing Seungcheol and Chan.

He gently set Jihoon down on the mat, helping him out of his clothes before doing the same for Jeonghan. “You can bring your sword, Jeonghan,” Mingyu said, noticing how tightly Jeonghan held onto it. “Just for a little while, until you’re ready to put it down.”

Jeonghan hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, his grip loosening slightly as he allowed Mingyu to help him out of his clothes. The sword never left his hand, though, even as he stood by the edge of the tub, peering into the water with wide eyes.

Jihoon immediately clung to his leg, looking up at him. “Daddy… can I stay with you?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course, Jihoonie,” Mingyu replied, his voice tender as he knelt down to Jihoon’s level. “I’ll be right here with you the whole time.”

Jihoon nodded, his tiny arms wrapping around Mingyu’s neck as he allowed himself to be lifted into the tub. Mingyu held him securely while gently lowering him into the warm water. Jihoon immediately pressed himself against Mingyu’s chest, his fingers clutching at his shirt as if afraid to let go.

“You’re doing great, Jihoonie,” Mingyu whispered, rubbing small circles on Jihoon’s back. “The water is nice and warm, isn’t it?”

Jihoon nodded again, relaxing slightly in Mingyu’s arms. The warmth of the water slowly began to soothe him, and he allowed himself to settle more comfortably in the tub.

Mingyu turned his attention to Jeonghan, who was still standing at the edge of the tub, holding his sword close. “You can come in too, Jeonghan,” Mingyu said softly. “I’ll be right here with you and Jihoon.”

Jeonghan looked at the water, then back at Mingyu, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he finally nodded, taking a hesitant step forward. Mingyu held out a reassuring hand, and Jeonghan slowly reached out to take it, allowing Mingyu to help him into the tub.

Once both boys were settled, Mingyu kept a hand on Jihoon’s back, while gently guiding Jeonghan to sit down. Jeonghan still held onto his sword, his knuckles white from the tight grip, but he didn’t protest as Mingyu began to carefully wash his hair.

“You're doing amazing, Han” Mingyu murmured, his voice filled with encouragement as he gently worked the shampoo into Jeonghan’s hair. He made sure to avoid getting any suds near Jeonghan’s eyes, knowing how much the boys disliked that.

Jeonghan’s grip on the sword slowly began to relax, his tense shoulders easing as the warm water and Mingyu’s soothing presence calmed him. After a few moments, Jeonghan’s hand slipped from the sword, letting it float in the tub for the first time. He watched it drift, his expression softening.

Mingyu smiled at the small victory, his heart swelling with pride. “That’s it, Jeonghan. Just relax. You’re safe here.”

Jihoon, who had been quietly clinging to Mingyu’s chest, lifted his head slightly and watched his brother. Seeing Jeonghan calm down seemed to help Jihoon relax even more. He leaned back a little in the water, finally allowing Mingyu to help him wash his hair too.

“It's alright, Jihoonie,” Mingyu whispered, gently massaging the shampoo into Jihoon’s hair. “You’re safe too, sweetheart.”

Jihoon, now more relaxed, let out a small giggle as Mingyu playfully ran his fingers through his wet hair, making it stick up in funny directions. Mingyu chuckled, passing him a small mirror. “Daddy, look!” Jihoon said, his voice filled with childlike wonder as he pointed to his reflection. “My hair looks silly!”

Mingyu chuckled, his heart warming at Jihoon’s giggles. “It does, doesn’t it? You’re a little hedgehog now.”

Jihoon giggled again, splashing the water lightly as he leaned into Mingyu’s touch. The playful interaction seemed to relax Jeonghan a bit more as well, and he tentatively let go of his sword, setting it down beside the tub. He watched as Mingyu made funny faces with Jihoon in the mirror, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

“Do you want to try?” Mingyu asked, noticing the slight change in Jeonghan’s demeanor. “You can make your hair look silly too, if you want.”

Jeonghan hesitated briefly, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. But after a moment, he gave a small nod, allowing Mingyu to run his fingers through his wet hair, carefully styling it just like Jihoon’s. Mingyu’s touch was gentle, his movements slow and reassuring.

“Jihoonie, why don’t you help me?” Mingyu suggested softly, glancing over at Jihoon with a warm smile.

Jihoon’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly scooted closer, his small hands joining Mingyu’s in carefully combing through Jeonghan’s hair. Jeonghan remained still, watching Jihoon’s careful movements, his expression gradually softening as his brother’s fingers delicately traced through his hair.

When they finished, Mingyu reached for a small mirror and held it up to Jeonghan, revealing their handiwork. “What do you think, Jeonghan?” he asked, his voice filled with encouragement.

Jeonghan blinked at his reflection, the sight of his silly, spiky hair catching him off guard. A soft giggle escaped his lips, the sound delicate and shy, but genuine. Mingyu’s heart swelled at the sound, and he couldn’t help but smile as he watched Jeonghan smile at himself.

“You look great, Jeonghan,” Mingyu said warmly. “Just like a little warrior.”

Jeonghan’s smile grew slightly, and he let himself relax fully in the tub, enjoying the warmth of the water. Jihoon, seeing Jeonghan’s smile, reached out and gently patted his back, a small gesture of solidarity that made Mingyu’s heart melt even more.

“You’re both doing so well,” Mingyu praised, his voice filled with genuine affection. “I’m so proud of you."

The rest of the bath went smoothly, with Jihoon and Jeonghan becoming more comfortable with each passing moment. By the time Mingyu finished washing them, both boys were smiling softly, their earlier nervousness having faded away.

Once they were all rinsed off and the last of the bubbles had disappeared, Mingyu carefully helped the boys out of the tub, wrapping them both in warm towels. Jihoon leaned into him immediately, his damp hair pressing against Mingyu’s shoulder as he clung to his neck.

Jeonghan stood a little apart, watching the water drain from the tub. His sword was now in one hand, but his grip was loose, more casual. Mingyu noticed this and felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Jeonghan was beginning to trust him a little more.

After drying them off and helping them into their starry pajamas, Mingyu carried Jihoon back to the living room, where Minghao was still cuddling with Chan and Seungcheol. Jeonghan followed close behind, holding his toy sword once more, but with a much more relaxed grip.

Minghao looked up as they entered, smiling warmly. “How did it go?”

Mingyu smiled back, his heart full. “They did great. They are cute hedgehogs.”

Minghao reached out to Jeonghan, gently ruffling his hair. “I’m proud of you, Jeonghan. You did really well.”

Jeonghan blushed slightly, ducking his head shyly but unable to hide the small smile that played on his lips.

Mingyu settled down on the couch with Jihoon in his lap, pulling him close as the boy snuggled against his chest. “I think we’ve got a house full of stars tonight,” he said softly, looking around at his boys.

Seungcheol, now feeling the sleepiness from the day’s excitement, leaned against Minghao, his eyes drooping. “We’re a star family,” he murmured, his voice drowsy but full of affection.

Minghao smiled, kissing the top of Seungcheol’s head. “That’s right, Cheol. We’re a star family.”

---

Mingyu let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding as he tucked Chan into bed. The soft rhythm of his breathing filled the room.

Chan was sprawled out on his back, a content little smile on his face as if dreaming about something sweet. Mingyu ran a gentle hand over Chan's tiny foot, marveling at how small they were. He could still remember the first time they brought Chan home, the way everything about him seemed so fragile. Now, he was growing fast, and sometimes Mingyu wished he could slow down time, just a little.

He stood there for a moment, taking in the warmth of the room, the quiet hum of the night seeping through the curtains.

The sound of soft footsteps drew his attention, and Mingyu looked up to see Jeonghan lingering by the doorway. His slender figure was partially hidden in the shadows, but Mingyu could make out the hesitant look on his face. The boy's hair was tousled from sleep, falling into his eyes in soft waves.

Mingyu whispered softly, “Jeonghan,” careful not to disturb Chan. He walked over and gently guided Jeonghan back to his bedroom. The hallway was cooler than his room, and Jeonghan shivered slightly, instinctively wrapping his arms around himself.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Mingyu asked in a low, soothing voice. He noticed Jeonghan hesitate before nodding, his eyes darting to the floor. There was a delicate fragility in Jeonghan that Mingyu had learned to navigate with care—he was like a bird with wings clipped too soon, cautious and quiet.

Mingyu hurried to take Jeonghan to his and Seungcheol's room, passing Jihoon's room along the way. He could hear Minghao softly telling Jihoon a bedtime story.

When they reached the boys’ room, Mingyu quietly opened the door. Seungcheol was sprawled out on his bed, already fast asleep. Mingyu carefully adjusted Seungcheol’s blanket, ensuring it was snug around his small frame.

Afterwards, he sat on the edge of Jeonghan’s bed, feeling the slight dip in the mattress beneath him. Jeonghan slid in beside him, his small frame close enough that Mingyu could feel the warmth radiating from him. It was subtle at first, but then Jeonghan leaned against him, just a little, seeking comfort.

It was a small, almost imperceptible movement, but Mingyu’s heart swelled. He stayed still, not wanting to disrupt the moment, as Jeonghan’s breathing slowly began to sync with his own. In the dim light, Mingyu could see Jeonghan’s eyes fluttering shut, his lashes brushing against his cheeks.

“Do you want me to stay a bit?” Mingyu asked, and Jeonghan nodded, his head resting against Mingyu’s arm.

They sat there in the quiet, the room filled with the soft sounds of night—crickets outside, the distant hum of traffic, the steady breathing of Seungcheol and the voices of Jihoon and Minghao in the next room. Mingyu could feel Jeonghan’s weight leaning more heavily against him, the boy’s tension slowly dissolving.

Without thinking, Mingyu wrapped an arm around Jeonghan, pulling him close. The boy didn't resist, instead, he let out a small sigh, nestling into the embrace as if it was something he had been waiting for.

For the first time, Mingyu noticed how Jeonghan’s small hands clung to his sleeve, holding on as if afraid that Mingyu would suddenly pull away. Mingyu’s heart ached at the thought, and he gave Jeonghan a gentle squeeze, reassuring him without words.

It was then that Mingyu realized just how much Jeonghan had started to let his guard down, even if only a little. The boy who had once flinched at every touch was now seeking out warmth, comfort—cuddling, even if just barely.

The night seemed to stretch on, the minutes blending into each other. Mingyu’s thoughts wandered, wondering how many more nights like this it would take for Jeonghan to feel truly safe.

He looked down at Jeonghan, who was now almost fully asleep, his body relaxed in Mingyu’s arms. The sight filled him with a quiet determination. Whatever it took, he would be there for them—for all of them.

“Sleep well, Jeonghan,” Mingyu whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. The boy mumbled something incoherent, his voice heavy with sleep, and Mingyu couldn't help but smile.

Mingyu carefully laid Jeonghan down, tucking him in with the same care he had given Seungcheol and Chan. The room was bathed in soft shadows, the kind that made everything feel peaceful, like the world outside had paused just for them. He lingered for a moment, watching over the boy, making sure he was comfortable, that he felt safe.

As Mingyu rose to leave, he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. Jeonghan, even in his sleep, didn’t want to let go. Mingyu’s smile widened, and he gave Jeonghan’s hand a reassuring squeeze before carefully easing it off his sleeve and placing it on the blanket.

The night was quiet as Mingyu made his way back to his own room, the house now silent, save for the sounds of sleeping children. But that silence was a comfort.

Chapter Text

It had been a month since Jeonghan had come home, and while he was still quiet and reserved, he had slowly begun to adjust to the rhythms of their household. He was a sweet boy, often observing more than participating, but Minghao noticed that he was starting to open up, little by little. Today, however, something seemed different.

The morning began like any other. It was Saturday, so they didn't have to rush to get the boys and Mingyu ready for school. Seungcheol was busy constructing a city of blocks on the living room floor. Jihoon, completely absorbed in his piano, pressed the keys, each note bringing a small smile to his face. Chan toddled around, picking up toys and exploring the room with the fascination only a one-year-old could have.

Jeonghan sat at the couch, his toy sword clutched tightly in one hand. He rarely let go of it, carrying it around like a knight would his most prized possession. His other hand rested on the table as he watched the others play, his eyes following Seungcheol and Jihoon’s movements with quiet interest. But today, there was something else in his gaze—something Minghao couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Minghao was in the kitchen with Mingyu, preparing breakfast. The smell of pancakes, Seungcheol's favorite, filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of syrup and fresh fruit. As Minghao flipped the last pancake, he glanced over at Jeonghan, who was watching him intently from the dining room.

“Jeonghan’s been awfully still today,” Mingyu remarked, not taking his eyes off the pan. He was already aware of Jeonghan’s usual quiet demeanor, but today, it seemed even more pronounced.

Minghao nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “I noticed that too. He’s been watching us more than usual. I wonder what’s on his mind.”

“Maybe he’s just being extra shy today,” Mingyu suggested, but there was a hint of curiosity in his voice. “Or maybe he’s planning something.”

Minghao smiled softly at the idea, but he couldn’t help but feel a little concerned. Jeonghan was still adjusting to being in their home, and while he seemed to be doing well, Minghao knew that there were layers to the boy’s emotions that they hadn’t yet uncovered.

They finished preparing breakfast and called the boys to the table. Seungcheol, always eager for food, was the first to sit down, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the pancakes. Jihoon followed, carefully placing his piano on a nearby chair where he could keep an eye on it. Mingyu carried Chan over, settling him into his high chair with a soft smile as the baby babbled happily.

Jeonghan was the last to approach the table, his sword still in hand. He climbed into his chair slowly, his eyes flickering between Minghao and Mingyu, as if waiting for something. But when nothing happened, he seemed to relax a little, though his grip on the sword remained firm.

Breakfast was unusually quiet, with only the sound of forks scraping against plates and the occasional babble from Chan. Minghao kept a close eye on Jeonghan, who ate slowly, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Every now and then, Jeonghan would glance up at Minghao or Mingyu, his expression thoughtful, before returning to his plate.

“Jeonghan, is everything okay?” Mingyu finally asked gently, breaking the silence.

Jeonghan paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, and nodded without looking up. “Mm-hmm.”

After breakfast, the boys went off to play, and Minghao and Mingyu began tidying up. Jeonghan lingered by the doorway, watching them as they cleaned.

“Jeonghan, would you like to help us?” Minghao asked gently, noticing the boy’s hesitation.

Jeonghan shook his head, his eyes darting away. “No… I go play.”

Minghao nodded, not wanting to push him. “Okay. If you need anything, just let us know.”

Jeonghan gave a small nod before turning to leave the room, but Minghao couldn’t shake the feeling that something was on his mind.

---

As the morning passed, Minghao noticed Jeonghan becoming more and more withdrawn. He would play with Seungcheol and Jihoon, but there was a distance in his interactions, as if he was holding something back. Even when Chan toddled over to him with a toy, Jeonghan only smiled faintly before handing it back to the baby, who happily moved on to the next distraction.

Mingyu noticed it too. “Do you think he’s okay?” he asked Minghao quietly as they watched the boys from the kitchen.

“I don’t know, love” Minghao replied, his brow furrowing. “He’s not acting out, but he’s not himself either. Maybe he’s just having an off day.”

“Should we talk to him?”

Minghao considered this, but then shook his head. “Let’s give him some space. If something’s bothering him, he’ll tell us when he’s ready.”

But as the day went on, the sense of unease grew. Jeonghan was usually so careful, so deliberate in his actions, but today he seemed almost… uncertain. It wasn’t until late afternoon that Minghao began to understand why.

Minghao was sitting in the living room, watching the boys play. Seungcheol was busy constructing an elaborate building with his blocks, and Jihoon was still entranced by his piano, pressing the keys in a way that suggested he was creating his own little symphony. Chan, now a bit tired, was cuddled up in a blanket on the couch, dozing off.

Jeonghan had been sitting quietly with his sword, but suddenly, he stood up and walked over to where Minghao was sitting.

“Daddy,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Minghao’s heart skipped a beat. It was the first time Jeonghan had called him that, and the word hung in the air like a delicate thread. Minghao kept his expression gentle, not wanting to overwhelm the boy.

“Yes, Jeonghan?” he replied, his voice just as soft.

Jeonghan hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, his knuckles turning white. “Can I… can I play a game with you?”

Minghao smiled warmly, nodding. “Of course. What kind of game?”

Jeonghan’s eyes sparkled, and he leaned in close, whispering, “A secret game.”

Intrigued, Minghao nodded again. “A secret game? That sounds fun. What do we do?”

Jeonghan smiled shyly, a rare but heartwarming sight. “I hide something, and you find it.”

Minghao chuckled softly. “Alright, what are you going to hide?”

Jeonghan’s eyes sparkled with excitement, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he turned and ran off, his sword trailing behind him as he disappeared into the hallway. Minghao watched him go, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He didn’t know what Jeonghan was up to, but whatever it was, it seemed to be lifting his spirits.

Just as Jeonghan left the room, Mingyu walked in. He had been preparing his lessons for the week and looked curious. “What’s Jeonghan up to?”

“He wants to play a secret game,” Minghao explained, still smiling. “He’s going to hide something, and we have to find it.”

Mingyu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A secret game? That’s new. What do you think he’s planning?”

“I’m not sure,” Minghao admitted. “But he seems excited about it.”

---

For the next half hour, Minghao and Mingyu waited patiently, not wanting to rush Jeonghan. Seungcheol and Jihoon continued their activities, unaware of the game that was unfolding. Chan had fully fallen asleep on the couch, his small body rising and falling with each breath.

Finally, Jeonghan returned, his face flushed with excitement. He held out his sword to Minghao, who took it with a curious look.

“Did you hide it?” Minghao asked, playing along.

Jeonghan nodded, his eyes sparkling. “Yes! Now you find it.”

Mingyu leaned in, a grin spreading across his face. “Any hints?”

Jeonghan bit his lip, thinking for a moment. “It’s in a place… someone makes music.”

Minghao and Mingyu exchanged a glance. Jihoon’s toy piano was the obvious answer.

“Let’s go find it then,” Minghao said, standing up. He handed the sword back to Jeonghan, who took it with a proud look on his face.

They made their way over to where Jihoon was playing. The little boy looked up, curious about the sudden attention, but didn’t say anything.

Minghao knelt down next to the piano, searching around it for anything out of place. There, tucked beneath one of the legs, was a small piece of paper, folded neatly.

Minghao picked up the paper, unfolding it carefully. On one side, the paper was blank, but when he turned it over, his heart softened. There, drawn in simple, childlike strokes, was a picture of their family—Mingyu, Minghao, Seungcheol, Jihoon, Chan, and Jeonghan himself, all holding hands. At the top of the drawing, written in small, shaky letters, was the word “Dad” next to the figures representing Minghao and Mingyu.

Minghao’s breath caught in his throat. He looked over at Jeonghan, who was standing a few feet away, watching him intently. The boy’s expression was a mix of anticipation and anxiety, as if he wasn’t sure how Minghao would react.

Mingyu, who had been quietly observing, leaned over to see the drawing. His eyes widened slightly when he saw the word “Dad” written above the two figures representing them. He glanced at Minghao, who met his gaze with a mix of surprise and warmth.

Minghao smiled softly, holding up the paper for Jeonghan to see. “Is this what you wanted us to find, Jeonghan?”

Jeonghan’s face turned bright red, and he quickly looked down at his feet, avoiding Minghao’s eyes. “I no draw that,” he mumbled, gripping his sword even tighter.

Minghao exchanged a brief glance with Mingyu, who nodded slightly. “It’s okay if you didn’t,” Minghao said gently, folding the paper back up and placing it in his pocket. “But thank you for playing this game with us. It was fun.”

Jeonghan peeked up at him, uncertainty still clouding his expression. “You… you no see anything?”

Minghao pretended to think for a moment, then shook his head with a playful smile. “Nope, I just found a piece of paper. Maybe next time you can draw a clue on it?”

Jeonghan blinked, surprised at the suggestion. He seemed to relax a little, the tension in his small shoulders easing as he realized that Minghao and Mingyu weren’t going to push him about what he had written.

Mingyu knelt down to Jeonghan’s level, smiling gently. “You did a great job hiding it, though. I’m not sure I would have found it without Minghao’s help.”

Jeonghan looked between the two of them, his expression softening into a shy smile. “Next I hide best.”

“We’ll be ready,” Minghao assured him, reaching out to gently ruffle Jeonghan’s hair. The boy flinched slightly at the contact but didn’t pull away, which Minghao took as a good sign.

Jeonghan hesitated, then finally spoke in a small voice, “I go play now.”

Minghao nodded, letting him have his space. “Alright. If you want to play another game later, just let us know.”

Jeonghan gave a small nod and hurried off to where Seungcheol and Jihoon were playing. He didn’t let go of his toy sword, holding it close as he settled down next to Seungcheol, who welcomed him into his block-building project without hesitation.

Minghao watched him go, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions. Jeonghan had called them “Dad” for the first time, even if it was in the form of a hidden note. It was a huge step, one that Minghao knew was significant. But he also understood why Jeonghan wasn’t ready to fully acknowledge it yet. The boy was still testing the waters, seeing if it was safe to express himself.

Mingyu stood up beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “He’s getting there,” Mingyu said quietly, his voice filled with understanding.

“I know,” Minghao replied, his eyes still on Jeonghan. “I just want to make sure he knows it’s okay to call us that when he’s ready.”

“He will,” Mingyu said with confidence. “In his own time.”

---

As the afternoon turned into evening, the house slowly settled into its usual routine. Seungcheol and Jihoon had cleaned up their toys with some encouragement, and Chan had woken up from his nap, now more energetic than ever. Jeonghan had remained close to his brothers, occasionally glancing at Minghao and Mingyu with an unreadable expression.

After dinner, it was time to wind down for the night. Minghao helped Jihoon get ready for bed, while Mingyu took care of Chan, who was starting to get fussy. Seungcheol, already in his pajamas, was brushing his teeth with more enthusiasm than necessary, the sound of the water running filling the small bathroom.

Jeonghan, however, was lingering in the hallway, his toy sword still clutched in his hand. He watched as Minghao guided Jihoon to bed, the younger boy still humming the tune he had been playing on his piano earlier. When Jihoon was finally settled under the covers, Minghao turned to see Jeonghan standing by the doorway.

“Ready for bed, Jeonghan?” Minghao asked, his tone gentle.

Jeonghan nodded slowly, but he didn’t move from his spot.

Minghao approached him, kneeling down to his level. “Do you want me to tuck you in tonight?”

Jeonghan hesitated, his eyes flickering between Minghao and the floor. “Okay,” he whispered after a moment, his voice barely audible.

Minghao smiled warmly and held out his hand. Jeonghan looked at it for a long moment before finally placing his small hand in Minghao’s, allowing himself to be led to his and Seungcheol's room.

When they reached Jeonghan’s bed, Minghao helped him climb in, making sure his favorite blanket was snug around him. Jeonghan’s toy sword rested on the pillow beside him, a comforting presence that Minghao knew he couldn’t sleep without.

Minghao sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at the boy who was still so new to their family but already felt like he belonged. “You know,” Minghao began softly, “you did something very brave today.”

Jeonghan looked up at him, his eyes wide with curiosity. “I?”

“Yes,” Minghao nodded, his voice full of warmth. “You shared something very important with us. And that takes a lot of courage.”

Jeonghan’s cheeks turned pink, and he quickly looked away. “I… I no mean to,” he mumbled, clutching his blanket.

Minghao smiled, reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind Jeonghan’s ear. “It’s okay if you did. We’re really happy that you feel comfortable enough to do that. But you don’t have to say it if you’re not ready. We’ll be here whenever you are.”

Jeonghan seemed to relax at Minghao’s words, his grip on the blanket loosening slightly. “Okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Minghao leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Jeonghan’s forehead. “Goodnight, Jeonghan. Sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight…” Jeonghan whispered back, his eyes fluttering shut as he began to drift off to sleep.

Just then, Seungcheol entered the room. He guided his son to bed and wrapped the blanket around him before kissing his forehead. Minghao stayed by their side for a few more moments, watching the peaceful rise and fall of their chests. When he was sure both boys were asleep, he quietly stood up and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

---

Mingyu was waiting for him in the hallway, Chan now asleep in his arms. “How’d it go?”

Minghao smiled, though it was tinged with emotion. “He’s still scared, but I think he’s starting to trust us more.”

Mingyu nodded, shifting Chan slightly so the baby was more comfortable. “He’s getting there. Slowly but surely.”

Minghao leaned against the wall, letting out a small sigh. “It’s just… I want him to know he doesn’t have to hide how he feels.”

Mingyu reached out and took Minghao’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “The fact that he called us ‘Dad,’ even if it was just in a drawing, means he’s already starting to see us that way. And he called you "Daddy". He'll be fine, darling.”

Minghao squeezed back, feeling the warmth of Mingyu’s hand in his. “I hope so.”

“I know so,” Mingyu said with certainty. “And when he’s ready, we’ll be here, just like we promised.”

Minghao smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. “You’re right. We’ll be here.”

Chapter Text

Minghao stood in the living room, watching Jeonghan carefully stack blocks on the floor. Chan toddled nearby, occasionally knocking down Jeonghan's creations with a squeal of laughter. It had been nearly three months since Jeonghan joined their family, and while he was adapting, there were still moments when the world seemed too loud and too overwhelming for him. He had only just started calling them "Dad," a word that tumbled shyly from his lips and made Minghao's heart swell every time. Jeonghan liked to pretend that he didn't call them like that, so they let him get away with it.

"Jeonghan, gentle," Minghao reminded softly when he saw the tension building in the boy's hands, his expression hardening each time Chan toppled the towers. But Jeonghan didn't lash out—he simply started again, more quietly.

Just as Minghao bent down to join them, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen: his manager, Jisoo. A call at this time of day was never good news. Quickly answering, Minghao braced himself.

"Hello?"

"Minghao, we've got a situation," his manager said, her voice tinged with urgency. "The model for today's shoot had an accident. The client's panicking, and we need you on set—fast. Can you get here in two hours?"

Minghao's heart sank. Two hours wasn't a lot of time, especially with the kids at home and Mingyu at school with Seungcheol and Jihoon. He glanced at Jeonghan and Chan, who were blissfully unaware of the stress creeping into his chest. Leaving them wasn't an option.

"I have the kids," Minghao said, biting his lip. "Mingyu's at work, and I can't leave them alone. I can't come unless I bring them."

There was a pause on the other end, and Minghao could hear Jisoo weighing the options.

"Can you handle bringing them? We really need you," she finally said, though there was hesitation in her voice. "It'll be tricky."

Minghao exhaled slowly. "I don't have a choice. But I'll need someone to help me keep an eye on them. They get restless."

"We'll manage. Just get here as soon as you can."

As soon as he hung up, Minghao quickly called Mingyu, his stomach in knots. When Mingyu picked up, his voice was a little breathless, the sounds of children laughing and playing echoing in the background.

"Hey, darling, everything okay?"

"No. I just got a call from my manager," Minghao explained, his words rushing out. "There's an emergency, and they need me at a shoot in two hours. I have to take Jeonghan and Chan with me."

There was a brief silence on the other end before Mingyu's concerned voice broke through. "Are you sure that's okay? You know how Jeonghan gets around strangers... and Chan's been clingy all week."

"They said it's fine, but..." Minghao sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don't know if I can handle it. What if they get overwhelmed? I'm already feeling... stretched thin."

Mingyu's voice softened. "You'll do great, love. Just call me if you need anything. I'll come home as soon as I can. Love you"

Minghao swallowed the lump forming in his throat. "Love you too."

After hanging up, he quickly packed a bag for the kids, stuffing it with snacks, toys, diapers, and wipes. Jeonghan, ever the observer, noticed the sudden flurry of activity and looked up from his blocks.

"Where we going?"

"To work," Minghao replied, forcing a smile. "We're going to a photoshoot. You and Chanie will come with me."

Jeonghan hesitated, his small face tightening. "Lot of people... there?"

Minghao crouched beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "There will be some people, but you'll be with me the whole time. I promise."

Jeonghan nodded but didn't look entirely convinced. He'd come a long way, but his past still haunted him. Big crowds and loud noises terrified him. Minghao hoped today wouldn't be too much.

Once everyone was packed up, they drove to the studio. The ride was quiet, with Jeonghan clutching his sword tightly in his lap and Chan babbling occasionally, pointing at things outside the window. Minghao's mind raced. He thought of Seungcheol and Jihoon at school with Mingyu. He missed them.

When they arrived at the studio, Minghao was greeted by the assistant, who glanced nervously at the kids. She was clearly not expecting them to come along. Had Jisoo not tell them before hand?

"You brought your kids?" she asked, her eyes widening.

"I didn't have much of a choice," Minghao replied, holding Chan in his arms while Jeonghan clung to his leg. "I just need a space where they can sit quietly. Oh, and by the way, my name is Minghao."

She seemed embarassed by that, "I'm sorry. My name is Jeongyeon," she gestured toward a corner of the studio, where they'd set up a small area with a few chairs. "They can sit there. I'll have someone check on them."

Minghao carried Chan inside, Jeonghan trailing nervously behind him, clinging to his pant leg. The studio was buzzing with activity—lights being set up, stylists rushing around, photographers adjusting equipment. Minghao could already feel Jeonghan tensing beside him, his small hand tightening its grip.

"It's okay, Jeonghan. Stay close to me, alright?" Minghao said softly, bending down to give him a reassuring pat on the back.

He set Chan down, but as soon as Minghao tried to move away, Chan's little hands shot up, reaching for him again, his face scrunching into a pout.

"No, no, no," Chan babbled, his tiny fists gripping Minghao's shirt.

With a sigh, Minghao picked Chan back up, feeling the toddler's small fingers clenching the fabric of his shirt. Chan's head rested against his shoulder, his soft baby hair brushing against Minghao's neck. Maybe it was the unfamiliar environment, the bright lights, or just the general busyness of the shoot, but Chan was refusing to let go.

The shoot coordinator walked over, noticing the situation and giving Minghao a sympathetic look. "We'll do what we can to make this work," she said gently, her voice understanding but firm in its professionalism. They were on a tight schedule, and everyone knew it. Minghao nodded, grateful but still feeling the weight of the responsibility.

A stylist approached with makeup brushes in hand. "Hello. My name is Mina," she was surprised to see the toddler wrapped around him, but she was quick to smile. "It's okay, we'll work around him," she said with a soft smile, clearly aware of how overwhelmed Minghao already looked. She took a moment to ruffle Chan's hair before pulling a toy out of her pocket—a small, plush keychain that jingled when shaken. "Here," she said brightly, shaking the toy gently in front of him. Chan's eyes lit up for a second, his little hand reaching out to grab it, though he didn't loosen his hold on Minghao.

Minghao chuckled softly. "Sorry, he's a bit clingy today," he apologized, even though the stylist had already reassured him. He adjusted Chan's weight on his hip and sighed as he sat down for makeup.

Chan, now distracted by the plush toy, relaxed a little but still refused to be set down. Minghao tried once more, gently lowering Chan toward the chair next to him, but the moment he moved away, Chan's grip tightened again, his small fists balling into Minghao's shirt with surprising strength.

The stylist gave a patient smile and gestured for Minghao to stay seated. "No worries, we can do your makeup with him right there. I've worked with busier models than this, trust me," she teased lightly, though the understanding in her eyes was genuine. She carefully began applying foundation to Minghao's face, working around Chan's presence as seamlessly as possible.

Meanwhile, Jeonghan, who had been quietly watching from a nearby chair, fidgeted. He kept glancing at the busy studio, eyes darting nervously as people bustled around, carrying equipment, adjusting lights, and preparing the set. Minghao noticed how tense Jeonghan looked, his small fingers twisting the hem of his shirt. It hadn't even been three months since Jeonghan had come into their home, and Minghao knew that big, chaotic environments still frightened him.

Mina, noticing Jeonghan's growing unease, crouched down next to him, pulling out a small mirror and pretending to put blush on her own face. "You want to try some makeup too?" she asked kindly, her tone light and playful. Jeonghan blinked up at her, hesitant at first, but then he gave a small nod, curious despite himself.

"Can you help me hold this brush?" Mina asked, handing Jeonghan a makeup brush far too big for his little hand. Jeonghan held it carefully, a shy smile breaking through his anxious expression. Minghao watched the exchange gratefully, the tightness in his chest loosening just a bit.

As Mina continued with Minghao's makeup, she let Jeonghan play with the brushes, keeping him entertained by making funny faces in the mirror and pretending to apply blush to her own cheeks. Jeonghan giggled quietly, and for a brief moment, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. Minghao's heart swelled with appreciation. The stylist didn't have to go out of her way like that, but her kindness made all the difference.

Chan, on the other hand, remained firmly attached to Minghao, his little legs curled around his waist, head resting on his shoulder. Every now and then, Chan would lift his head and look around, his wide eyes taking in the lights and people, but whenever someone got too close, he would burrow back into Minghao's chest, gripping his shirt even tighter.

The photographer approached, camera slung over his shoulder, eyeing the situation. "We're almost ready for you, Minghao," he said, though there was a hint of hesitation in his voice. "Do you think you could put your kid down to do a try shoot?"

Minghao's heart sank. He understood the practicality of the request, but he knew Chan wouldn't handle being separated from him right now. He glanced down at his son, who was dozing slightly against him, his tiny hand clutching the plush keychain like a lifeline.

"I can try..." Minghao muttered, though he wasn't sure how it would go. Slowly, he attempted to peel Chan away from him, but as soon as Chan realized what was happening, he began to whimper, his body stiffening in Minghao's arms.

Mina, seeing the tension rise again, stood up and came to Minghao's aid. "Here, Chan," she said brightly, shaking the plush toy again and offering it to him, but this time, Chan pushed it away, his lip quivering as he clung even tighter to Minghao.

"Let's give him a bit more time," Mina suggested to the photographer, her voice soothing. The photographer, though clearly pressed for time, sighed and nodded.

Minghao moved over to the chairs and carefully lowered Chan to the floor, where they had put a blanket for him. But Chan immediately started to cry, reaching out for him.

"No, no!" Chan wailed, his little face crumpling in distress.

Minghao's hands shook as he knelt beside him, trying to calm him down. "Shh, it's okay. Daddy's here. I'm just going to work for a little bit, and then we'll go home."

Chan's cries grew louder, and as Minghao tried to soothe him, there was a loud crash from the other side of the studio. One of the light stands had toppled over, hitting the ground with a sharp bang. Minghao felt Jeonghan jump beside him, his small body freezing in fear. His son's wide eyes filled with panic as he scrambled off his chair and ran to Minghao, wrapping his arms around his waist, burying his face into his side.

"Daddy!" Jeonghan cried, wrapping his arms around Minghao's waist, trembling. "I want home. Please, I go home."

Minghao's heart clenched. "It's okay, it's okay," he whispered, crouching down to pull Jeonghan into a proper hug. He could feel Jeonghan trembling, his small hands gripping tightly to him like he was terrified to let go. "It's just a noise. It's over now, I promise."

Jeonghan didn't say anything. He just cried quietly into Minghao's chest, his body stiff with fear. Minghao kissed the top of his head, trying to soothe him, but with Chan still clinging to his other side, Minghao felt like he was being pulled in a thousand directions at once.

He could feel the pressure building in his chest, the weight of everything crashing down on him. It was all too much. He wasn't sure how much longer he could hold it together. His hands shook as he rubbed Jeonghan's back, trying to comfort him while managing Chan's weight in his arms. He was supposed to be working. He was supposed to be their calm, steady dad. But here he was. He felt overwhelmed, like he was drowning.

The photographer sighed, "Let's skip the try shoot."

Minghao wanted to apologize, wanted to explain that he wasn't usually like this—usually, he could manage. But today, it was too much. He thought of Mingyu, of how calm and collected he always seemed, even with Seungcheol's boundless energy and Jihoon's quieter needs. Minghao missed him desperately. He needed him here now.

But Mingyu wasn't here, and he had to handle this on his own. He had to be strong for the kids.

"I'm sorry," Minghao whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

Minghao held both boys tightly against his chest, feeling their small bodies trembling, their tears soaking into his shirt. He could feel his own emotions threatening to spill over, but he swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay composed. He couldn't afford to break down, not here, not now—not in front of them.

The assistant manager came over, her face softening when she saw Minghao struggling. "Maybe we can reschedule—"

"No," Minghao said quickly, his voice strained but determined. "I'll finish. Just... give me a moment."

He sat down on one of the chairs in the corner of the studio, still holding Jeonghan and Chan. Jeonghan buried his face in Minghao's chest, his little fingers clutching his shirt so tightly that Minghao could feel the tension in his small hands. Chan, on the other hand, had calmed down, though his arms were still wrapped around Minghao's neck like a vice.

"I'm sorry" Jeonghan whispered, his voice muffled by Minghao's shirt.

Minghao felt a lump form in his throat. He kissed the top of Jeonghan's head softly. "No, honey. It's not your fault. It's okay. I'm not mad, I promise."

Chan shifted in his arms, looking up at Minghao with wide, tired eyes. He gently stroked Chan's back, hoping the calming motion would also soothe his own nerves.

Minghao's mind raced, it all seemed impossible. And though he'd always prided himself on being calm and collected, in this moment, all he wanted was for Mingyu to be there.

He thought about Seungcheol and Jihoon at school. Seungcheol would be running around with his friends by now, full of energy and laughter. Jihoon, quiet and watchful, would likely be sitting nearby, observing, never straying too far from his brother or Mingyu. They were safe, taken care of. But here, with Jeonghan shaking in his arms and Chan's tiny body glued to him, Minghao felt utterly alone, and he hated it.

A tear slipped down his cheek before he could stop it. He quickly wiped it away, not wanting the boys to see him cry. He couldn't fall apart. Not in front of them. He wanted to be everything for his kids, but right now, he just felt like he wasn't enough.

He pressed his face into Jeonghan's hair, taking a deep breath, pulling in the soft scent of his son. "I'm going to be okay," he whispered, though he wasn't entirely sure if he was talking to Jeonghan or himself.

Jeongyeon returned, this time with a softer approach. "Minghao, I know you're having a hard time. But if you're going to do this. You need to get dressed."

Just in time, Mina and the stylist appeared.

"Alright, we need to get you dressed," the stylist said, gesturing toward the dressing room at the back of the studio. She glanced at the boys clinging to him, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. "Do you want me to help with them while you change?"

Minghao hesitated, his eyes flitting between Jeonghan and Chan. Jeonghan still looked shaken, his small hands gripping Minghao's shirt as if afraid something else might fall. Chan was nestled against him, his thumb now in his mouth, tired but not willing to part from Minghao for even a second.

He sighed, feeling the weight of their neediness tugging at him, but he knew he had to get dressed if they were going to get through this. Mina, noticing his hesitation, stepped closer and crouched down beside Jeonghan. "Hey, Jeonghan," she said softly, her voice warm and gentle. "Do you want to come with me and help me pick something for your dad? You've got good taste, right?"

Jeonghan looked at her through tear-streaked eyes, still unsure. He pressed his face against Minghao's side, holding him tighter.

Minghao knelt down, now balancing Chan on one arm, and brushed a hand through Jeonghan's hair. "It's okay, Jeonghan. She's really nice, and I'll be right there," he murmured, trying to reassure him. But Jeonghan shook his head and hugged Minghao's waist tighter.

It wasn't working.

He let out a deep breath. This was harder than he'd anticipated. "How about we all go together?" Minghao suggested, giving the stylist an apologetic look.

She smiled kindly. "Of course, we can do that."

Together, they slowly made their way to the dressing room, Minghao carrying Chan and holding Jeonghan's hand. He could feel the boys' reluctance with every step, and it made his heart ache.

Once inside, the stylist handed him the first outfit—a tailored black suit with a high collar, intricate embroidery along the lapels, and sleek trousers that fell perfectly to the ground. "Let's start with this," she said. "It's the main feature look."

Minghao gently set Chan down on the small bench in the dressing room, hoping he might stay occupied for just a few minutes. Jeonghan sat beside him, still holding Minghao's hand tightly.

"Okay, sweetie," Minghao said softly, crouching down to look Chan in the eye. "Daddy needs to get dressed for work. Can you stay here with Jeonghan for just a little bit?"

Chan blinked up at him with wide, confused eyes, his thumb still in his mouth. He didn't say anything but shifted closer to Jeonghan, who looked equally tense. Minghao felt a wave of guilt wash over him.

He stood up quickly, taking the suit from the stylist and stepping behind the curtain. His heart pounded as he quickly slipped out of his casual clothes and into the stiff, structured fabric of the suit. Every movement felt rushed, like he was racing against time before one of the boys had a meltdown. The suit fit perfectly, as it always did, but it felt constraining—tight against his skin in a way that made it hard to breathe. Or maybe that was just the stress of everything.

As he buttoned up the jacket, he heard Chan whimper from the other side of the curtain. Minghao paused, his hands frozen on the buttons. He wanted to drop everything and pick Chan up, tell him everything was okay. But he had a job to do. The shoot needed to get done, and they couldn't wait forever.

When he stepped out, fully dressed, Chan's eyes immediately welled with tears. "Up," he whimpered, reaching out with both arms.

Minghao's heart sank. He knelt down to gather Chan into his arms, feeling the weight of his son's small body press against him. Chan buried his face in the crook of Minghao's neck, and Minghao could feel the warmth of his breath against his skin.

The stylist gave him a sympathetic smile but glanced at the clock. "You look great. We should head out soon."

Minghao nodded, though he felt a lump in his throat. "I just need a minute."

With Chan in his arms, he crouched down beside Jeonghan again. "Hey, I know it's hard. But you're doing so well, Jeonghan," he whispered softly. Jeonghan looked up at him, his lip trembling. He hadn't said much since the loud crash earlier, but the fear was still there in his eyes.

Minghao kissed the top of his head, wishing he could do more to take that fear away.

After a few more moments of calming them, Minghao stood and allowed the stylist to adjust his suit one last time and Mina to give him a last few touches of powder. Then came the hardest part—he had to walk out and do the shoot. He looked down at Chan, still clinging to him. The photographer would never allow him to shoot with Chan in his arms, and he knew it.

"Let's try one more time," Minghao said softly, lowering Chan toward the bench again. But the moment he moved to set him down, Chan's grip tightened, his fists balled into Minghao's jacket.

Mina intervened, crouching down in front of Chan with her warm smile. "How about you sit with me for a little while, Chan? We can watch your dad work. Doesn't that sound fun?"

Chan's lip quivered, but he hesitated, glancing between Minghao and Mina. Jeonghan, who was still holding Minghao's hand, also seemed unsure. But Mina's persistence was gentle. Slowly, after what felt like an eternity, Chan allowed himself to be passed to her.

Minghao felt the sudden lightness in his arms, but the emptiness that came with it hit harder. He bent down one more time to kiss Chan's forehead, whispering, "I'll be right here. I'm not going far."

He turned his attention to Jeonghan. "Stay here, okay?" He crouched to look Jeonghan in the eyes, brushing the stray tears from his cheek. "I'm right here. I'll finish quickly, and then we'll go home, I promise."

Jeonghan nodded, but the fear was still in his eyes. Minghao's heart broke a little seeing how much his son still carried from his past. He ruffled Jeonghan's hair gently.

Minghao moved fluidly through the first set of poses, turning his body slightly with each click of the camera, shifting the angles just enough to give the photographer variety. He had done this a thousand times before—knew exactly how to tilt his head, where to place his hands, how to hold his posture—but today it felt different.

Every time he glanced across the room, he saw Chan's little face, eyes wide and worried. Jeonghan still hadn't moved, his posture rigid as he clutched the edge of the bench. The stylist was trying her best to keep them entertained, showing Chan small toys and talking softly to Jeonghan, but the boys' attention remained fixed on him.

"Okay, let's switch outfits," the photographer called out, breaking Minghao's thoughts.

Minghao nodded and stepped off the set, heading back toward the dressing room. The stylist followed him, carrying the next set of clothes—a streetwear-inspired outfit with oversized pants and a cropped jacket. Normally, this would have excited him. It was his style, his comfort zone. But today, it felt like just another task he had to push through.

He glanced at Chan and Jeonghan as he passed, offering them a small smile. "Almost done, boys," he said softly, but he wasn't sure if he was reassuring them or himself.

Once in the dressing room, Minghao quickly unbuttoned the suit jacket, pulling it off with more force than usual. His hands trembled slightly as he hung it on the rack. The stylist handed him the new outfit, and he slipped into the oversized pants, the fabric loose and comfortable, but the weight of his worry still clung to him like a second skin.

The jacket came next, but as he was adjusting the sleeves, he heard a loud crash from outside again.

His heart stopped. He froze, his hands halfway through the jacket sleeves, and listened.

The noise was followed by a sudden scream—Jeonghan's scream.

Without thinking, Minghao dropped the jacket and rushed out of the dressing room, still half-dressed in the oversized pants and a simple undershirt. His heart raced as he found Jeonghan standing in the middle of the studio, surrounded by scattered props. A large backdrop stand had toppled over, its crash startling him. Jeonghan was wide-eyed, tears streaming down his face as he clutched his ears, trembling in shock.

"Jeonghan!" Minghao's voice broke as he knelt beside him. He gathered Jeonghan into his arms, feeling the small body shaking against him. Jeonghan's cries pierced the air, his little hands still pressed to his ears as if trying to block out the sound.

"It's okay, baby, it's okay. Daddy's here," Minghao whispered, holding him close. His heart ached seeing Jeonghan so frightened. The noise had clearly triggered something deep, a reminder of past traumas that still haunted him.

Chan, sensing the distress, toddled over and clung to Minghao's leg, his thumb in his mouth, his face full of concern.

Minghao squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, overwhelmed by the weight of everything. Just when he thought everything was going fine.

"I'm so sorry," Jeongyeon, said, rushing over. "We didn't mean for that to happen, again. We're so sorry,"

Minghao's frustration bubbled to the surface. The chaos in the studio had been too much, and his patience was wearing thin. He looked around at the disarray—the toppled props, the frantic faces of the staff—and felt a surge of anger. How did this happen twice?

"How could this happen again?" Minghao snapped, his voice trembling with frustration. "This is supposed to be a professional environment. How could you let something like this go wrong?"

The shoot coordinator looked taken aback, her face flushed with embarrassment. "We're sorry, Minghao. It was an accident. We'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

But Minghao's anger wasn't just directed at the coordinator. It was at the whole situation—at the staff who seemed disorganized, at the chaos that had been building up all day.

"I need to finish this," Minghao said through gritted teeth. "And I need to get my kids out of here."

Mina crouched beside him, her voice gentle. "Why don't I take the boys for a quick walk around the studio? Let you finish up?"

Jeonghan's grip tightened around Minghao's neck, and his sobs grew louder. He wasn't ready to be apart from Minghao yet, not after the loud crash, not after being scared all over again.

"It's okay, Jeonghan," Minghao whispered, gently rocking him. "You don't have to go anywhere. You can stay with Daddy." He kissed the top of Jeonghan's head, feeling the weight of his son's small body pressed against him, the fear still trembling through his little frame.

Mina looked uncertain but didn't push it. "Alright, let's just take it slow. We'll wait until you're ready," she said gently.

Minghao gave her a grateful nod, though he still felt like he was hanging by a thread. He took a deep breath, gathering his strength, and slowly stood up with Jeonghan in his arms. The stylist handed him the jacket he had dropped earlier, and with Jeonghan still holding tight to him, Minghao managed to slip it on.

"Let's try to get through this together, okay?" he whispered to Jeonghan, who nodded against his chest, though he didn't loosen his grip.

Minghao returned to the set, carrying Jeonghan in one arm, while Chan stayed close by, holding onto the stylist's hand. The photographer looked a little unsure but didn't say anything, allowing them to continue.

The next set of shots was more difficult, with Jeonghan pressed against him, his small face buried in Minghao's shoulder. He resumed posing, his movements fluid and natural despite the weight of his son. The photographer gave gentle instructions, mindful of the situation, snapping quick photos to make it easier for Minghao. Chan's worried eyes followed them the entire time, and every flash of the camera felt like it was pulling Minghao further into exhaustion.

But he pushed through. For his boys. For the family he loved so much, even when it felt like it was too much. Even when it felt like he might break.

As the camera clicked, Minghao tried to center himself. He shifted from one pose to the next, each angle highlighting the clothing, the weight of Jeonghan a constant presence in his arms. It was far from ideal—his arms ached, his heart was heavy—but he pushed through. He had to. He needed to finish the job.

Jeonghan, for his part, was quiet now, watching everything with wide, curious eyes. Every so often, he would tug on Minghao's shirt, mumbling softly in his ear. It was a distraction, but Minghao didn't mind. If anything, Jeonghan's little voice grounded him, reminded him that no matter how hard things got, this was why he was doing all of it—for them.

As the last shot was taken, Minghao finally allowed himself to breathe. It was over. At least, for now. He hugged Jeonghan tightly, kissing his head again. "You did so well, Han," he whispered. "Daddy's so proud of you."

After what felt like hours, the photographer finally lowered his camera and smiled. "I think we've got what we need. You're free to go, Minghao."

Minghao exhaled deeply, relief washing over him like a wave. "Thank you," he muttered, his voice cracking with exhaustion.

As soon as the shoot was over, he went back to Chan, who had been waiting patiently in the corner. The moment he reached him, Chan threw his arms around Minghao's leg, holding on tight. Minghao bent down and scooped him up, hugging both boys close.

"It's over now," Minghao whispered, his voice soft. "We can go home.

Chapter Text

The classroom was buzzing with the usual lively energy. As Mingyu helped one of his students with a coloring activity, he kept an eye on Seungcheol and Jihoon. They were sitting at the reading corner, both engrossed in different books. Seungcheol was focused on a book about dinosaurs, his favorite, while Jihoon flipped through the pages of a picture book with wide-eyed curiosity. Mingyu smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest as he watched them, but he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was off.

The past few days had been rough. After the photoshoot, Jeonghan and Chan had been more clingy and stressed than usual. Mingyu and Minghao had naturally focused more on them, trying to soothe their anxieties. But in doing so, Mingyu worried that he might have unintentionally neglected Seungcheol and Jihoon, even if only a little. He knew he hadn't, not really, but he could sense that they noticed the shift in attention.

It was break time now, and as the kids ran out to the playground, Seungcheol and Jihoon hung back a little. Seungcheol grabbed Jihoon's hand, pulling him toward the swings, but Jihoon hesitated, looking towards the door of the classroom.

"I wanna play piano" Jihoon mumbled, his small hand slipping from Seungcheol's grip.

"But you always play piano," Seungcheol huffed, crossing his arms. "Come swing with me!"

"No!" Jihoon's voice was louder now, stubborn. "I don't wanna!"

Mingyu watched from a distance, unsure whether to step in yet. He had always let them resolve their little disagreements on their own. They were usually so close, rarely fighting beyond the usual childhood squabbles. But today felt different.

Seungcheol's face scrunched up, frustration evident. "You're boring, Jihoon! You never wanna do anything fun!"

Jihoon's lower lip trembled, but he didn't back down. "You're mean! I don't like you anymore!"

Mingyu's heart sank. He hadn't heard them talk to each other like that before. He decided to step in, but just as he was about to call them over, his phone buzzed. It was Minghao.

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hey, how's everything at home?" Mingyu asked, his eyes still on the boys.

"Jeonghan and Chan are napping," Minghao replied, sounding a bit tired. "But they've been fussy. Jeonghan wouldn't let me leave the room until he fell asleep."

"Sounds like a rough morning," Mingyu said, rubbing his temple. "Here too... Seungcheol and Jihoon are—"

"You're stupid!" Seungcheol's voice cut through the air, loud and angry.

Mingyu's attention snapped back to the boys. Jihoon had tears in his eyes now, but he glared back at Seungcheol with equal intensity. "I'm not! You're stupid!"

Seungcheol's face turned red, his small fists clenching at his sides. "You're just a baby! You always cry!"

Jihoon's face crumpled, and he shouted back, "I hate you!"

Mingyu felt his chest tighten as he watched the exchange. This wasn't like them at all. He quickly ended the call with Minghao, promising to talk more later, and walked over to the boys.

"Hey, what's going on?" Mingyu knelt down between them, trying to keep his voice calm despite the chaos swirling in his mind.

"He started it!" Seungcheol pointed at Jihoon, his voice still loud and shaky.

"No, he did!" Jihoon shot back, tears spilling over his cheeks.

Mingyu placed a hand on each of their shoulders, gently squeezing. "Okay, okay, let's take a deep breath, both of you."

But neither of them were in the mood to calm down. Seungcheol pushed Mingyu's hand off his shoulder. "You're such a crybaby! I don't wanna be your brother anymore!"

Jihoon's cry was heart-wrenching, his little fists balled up in frustration. "Fine! We no brothers! Go away!"

Mingyu felt a pang of panic. This was spiraling out of control faster than he could handle. He scooped Jihoon up into his arms, the boy's small body shaking with sobs, and gently guided Seungcheol back towards the classroom.

"We're going to sit and talk about this," Mingyu said, trying to keep his voice steady, but he could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

Seungcheol's face was flushed, his eyes downcast as he muttered, "I don't wanna talk."

Jihoon clung to Mingyu, burying his face in his shoulder, but even as he cried, he still managed to mumble, "I don't wanna."

The rest of the school day dragged on painfully slowly. Jihoon and Seungcheol refused to speak to each other, each keeping their distance. Jihoon sat close to Mingyu during storytime, sniffling quietly, while Seungcheol sulked by the window, staring outside with a frown. Mingyu tried to engage them in different activities, hoping to bring back some of their usual cheer, but nothing worked. The tension between the two boys was thick, and it weighed heavily on Mingyu's heart.

Finally, when the school day ended, Mingyu gathered the boys and led them to the car. The drive home was silent, the only sound coming from the soft hum of the engine and Jihoon's occasional sniffles. Mingyu glanced at them in the rearview mirror, his heart aching at the sight of their sullen faces. He didn't know what to say to make things better. His mind raced with worries—had he done something wrong? Had they felt neglected because of the attention he and Minghao had given to Jeonghan and Chan?

When they finally arrived home, the tension from the car ride hadn't dissipated. As soon as Jihoon's feet hit the ground, he bolted for the front door, running inside and slamming his bedroom door so hard that the walls seemed to shake. Seungcheol wasn't far behind, stomping up the stairs with an angry frown plastered on his face. He disappeared into his own room, the door closing with a sharp bang. Mingyu stood in the hallway, feeling utterly helpless as the sound echoed through the house.

Minghao emerged from the living room, holding Chan, who was rubbing his sleepy eyes, his tiny face scrunched up in confusion. Jeonghan trailed behind, clutching his favorite toy sword to his chest, his wide eyes filled with concern.

"What happened?" Minghao asked, his voice gentle but lined with worry as he took in the defeated look on Mingyu's face.

Mingyu sighed, running a tired hand through his hair. "They had a fight at school. A bad one. Screaming at each other in the middle of the playground. It got so loud, the teachers had to step in. They're not talking to each other now."

Minghao's expression softened, his heart aching for their boys. "Do you want me to try talking to them?"

Mingyu hesitated, the weight of the day pressing down on him. "I... I'll do it. I just need a minute. It's been a rough day."

Minghao reached out, squeezing Mingyu's hand in silent support. "You've got this. I'll keep an eye on these two," he said, nodding toward Jeonghan and Chan.

Jeonghan, however, had other ideas. Seeing his daddy looking so overwhelmed, he hurried over, wrapping his small arms around Mingyu's leg, his face buried in the fabric of Mingyu's pants. "Don't be sad, Daddy," Jeonghan whispered, his voice trembling.

Since the photoshoot incident, Jeonghan had become much more attached, clinging to them at every opportunity. The slightest shift in their behavior—if they left him alone for too long or didn’t give him enough attention—would bring him to the verge of tears. It was delicate, as though Jeonghan was always on edge, needing constant reassurance.

Mingyu's heart broke a little at the sight of Jeonghan's worry. He bent down, scooping Jeonghan up into his arms. "I'm okay, Han. Just a little tired, that's all," he said, pressing a kiss to the boy's forehead.

Chan, not wanting to be left out, started wriggling in Minghao's arms, reaching out toward Mingyu with a determined expression. "Daddy!" he called out, his little hands opening and closing in a grabbing motion.

Minghao tried to soothe him, bouncing him gently, but Chan was insistent, his voice growing louder with each cry. "Daddy, Daddy!"

Mingyu chuckled softly despite the stress of the situation. He shifted Jeonghan onto one hip and held out his free arm for Chan. "Come here, little guy."

Minghao passed Chan over to Mingyu, who now had both boys clinging to him. Chan immediately snuggled into Mingyu's chest, his cries quieting as he felt the comforting warmth of his daddy. Jeonghan, not wanting to be left out, buried his face into Mingyu's shoulder, holding on tightly.

Minghao watched them with a bittersweet smile. He knew how much the boys needed Mingyu, but sometimes it was hard not to feel like he was on the sidelines. "They're really attached to you today," Minghao said softly.

Mingyu glanced at Minghao, sensing the undercurrent in his words. "They need you too, Hao. I can't do this alone," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

Minghao nodded, though there was still a trace of sadness in his eyes. "I know. It's just... today's been hard for everyone."

Mingyu sighed, the exhaustion seeping into his bones. "Yeah, it has. I don't know what to do, Hao. I feel like I'm failing them."

Minghao reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Mingyu's forehead. "You're not failing, Gyu. We're just figuring this out as we go. It's okay to feel overwhelmed."

Before Mingyu could respond, Jeonghan tightened his grip on him, his little voice breaking through the conversation. "Don't go, Daddy. Stay."

Minghao gently touched Jeonghan's back, trying to coax him into his arms. "Come on, Han. Let's give Daddy a little break, okay? You can stay with me for a while."

But Jeonghan shook his head stubbornly, burying his face deeper into Mingyu's shoulder. "No! Stay with me!"

Chan, picking up on Jeonghan's mood, started to fuss as well, clinging tighter to Mingyu. "Daddy!" he wailed, his voice growing more frantic.

Mingyu looked at Minghao, his expression one of helplessness. "They're not going to let me go, are they?"

Minghao gave him a small smile, though it was tinged with empathy. "It doesn't look like it. Why don't we all sit down for a bit? Maybe they'll calm down."

Mingyu nodded, carefully maneuvering to the couch with both boys still attached to him. Minghao followed, sitting close by. As they settled, Jeonghan slowly relaxed, his grip loosening as he nestled comfortably against Mingyu. Chan, too, began to calm down, his small hands fisting in Mingyu's shirt as he let out a contented sigh.

Minghao reached over, his hand resting on Mingyu's knee, offering silent support. "We'll figure it out together, Gyu. You're not alone in this."

Mingyu nodded, his heart feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Hao. I love you."

After a few moments, Jeonghan's eyelids began to droop, his earlier stubbornness fading as exhaustion took over. Mingyu gently passed him to Minghao, who took him without hesitation, cradling him close. Jeonghan mumbled something incoherent, but he didn't resist, finally settling in Minghao's arms.

Chan, still in Mingyu's lap, let out a tiny yawn, his eyes fluttering as sleep started to claim him as well. Mingyu rocked him gently, humming a soft lullaby under his breath until Chan was fully asleep, his small body relaxed and peaceful.

With both boys finally calm, Mingyu leaned back against the couch, exhaling deeply. "I'll go talk to them in a bit," he said quietly, his eyes drifting toward the stairs where Jihoon and Seungcheol had retreated.

Minghao nodded, his hand still resting on Mingyu's knee. "Whenever you're ready. I'm here."

Mingyu looked at him, gratitude shining in his eyes. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Minghao smiled, leaning over to kiss Mingyu's cheek. "Good thing you don't have to find out."

With that, they sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, both of them drawing strength from each other. Finally, Mingyu took a deep breath and carefully handed Chan over to Minghao, who juggled holding both boys with practiced ease.

"I'll go check on them now," Mingyu said, his voice steady.

Minghao nodded encouragingly. "You've got this, Gyu."

Mingyu stood, giving one last glance at his boys nestled in Minghao's arms before heading up the stairs. Taking a deep breath, Mingyu walked up the stairs and knocked softly on Seungcheol's door. There was no answer, so he gently pushed it open. Seungcheol was sitting on his bed, staring at his hands.

"Hey, buddy," Mingyu said softly, sitting down next to Seungcheol on the edge of the bed. His voice was gentle and calm. "Can you tell me what happened today?"

Seungcheol kept his eyes fixed on his lap, his small hands clutching the edge of his shirt. "I don’t wanna talk."

Mingyu sighed softly but rested a hand on Seungcheol’s back, giving him a comforting pat. "I know you’re upset, but fighting with Jihoon like that… it’s not something you usually do."

Seungcheol didn’t say anything for a moment, but then he looked up at Mingyu, his eyes watery, lips trembling. "Jihoon said he doesn’t wanna be my brother anymore."

Mingyu’s heart squeezed at how much that clearly hurt him. "I’m sure Jihoon didn’t mean that, Seungcheol. You know how much he cares about you."

"But he said it!" Seungcheol's voice cracked as he rubbed his eyes with his fists. "And I said it back... ‘cause I was mad, Daddy. I didn’t mean it, but I was so mad."

Mingyu reached over and gently pulled Seungcheol into a hug, feeling the little boy’s body shaking against him. "I know you were mad, and that’s okay. Sometimes we all get mad, but saying mean things when we’re upset can make everything worse, right? That’s why we have to talk it out instead."

Seungcheol sniffled against Mingyu’s shoulder, his voice small. "But what if Jihoon hates me now?"

Mingyu pulled back just enough to look into Seungcheol’s tear-filled eyes. "Jihoon doesn’t hate you. He’s your brother, and he loves you, even when you fight. You both said things you didn’t mean because you were upset, but that doesn’t change how much you care about each other."

Seungcheol looked unsure, his lower lip still wobbling. "But... what if he doesn’t wanna talk to me?"

Mingyu smiled gently, brushing the hair out of Seungcheol’s eyes. "We won’t know unless we try, right? How about we go talk to him together? I’ll be right there with you, okay?"

Seungcheol hesitated but nodded, wiping his eyes again. "Okay, Daddy. Can you come with me?"

"Of course, buddy. I’m always here to help." Mingyu stood up, holding out his hand for Seungcheol, who took it, his grip tight and a little nervous.

Mingyu stood up, holding Seungcheol's hand as they walked to Jihoon's room. He knocked gently before opening the door. Jihoon was curled up on his bed, his face buried in his pillow.

"Jihoonie," Mingyu called softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. His voice was gentle, but his heart was still heavy. "Seungcheol and I want to talk to you."

Jihoon peeked out from his pillow, his eyes red and swollen from crying. He glanced at Seungcheol, who was standing awkwardly by the bed, then quickly looked away, his little body tense and sad.

Mingyu gently rubbed Jihoon’s back, feeling how small and fragile he seemed in that moment. "I know today was tough," Mingyu said quietly. "You both said things that hurt each other, but we need to talk about it. We’re a family, and families figure things out together, even when it’s hard."

Jihoon sniffled, sitting up slowly, his gaze still on his lap. "Hyung say... he not my brother..." His voice wavered, the pain evident in every word.

Seungcheol’s face immediately fell, his eyes filling with regret as he took a hesitant step closer to the bed. "I’m sorry, Jihoonie... I didn’t mean it," Seungcheol said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was really mad, but I don’t want us to fight."

Jihoon bit his bottom lip, looking up at Seungcheol with tears still pooling in his eyes. His voice was shaky when he finally spoke. "You my brother."

Seungcheol slowly climbed onto the bed, inching toward Jihoon. Without hesitation, Jihoon reached out, and the two boys wrapped their arms around each other in a tight, comforting hug. Jihoon buried his face in Seungcheol’s shoulder, and Seungcheol squeezed him, his own face pressed into Jihoon’s hair.

"I’m really sorry, Jihoonie," Seungcheol whispered again, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn’t mean it at all. You’re my brother, forever."

Jihoon nodded against Seungcheol, his voice small but sincere. "I don’t wanna fight."

Mingyu felt a wave of relief wash over him, his heart swelling with pride and love. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to the tops of their heads, his hand resting gently on their backs. "I’m so proud of both of you," he whispered, his voice full of warmth. "And I love you both so much."

The boys clung to him then, their little arms reaching out for him as they snuggled close, seeking comfort in his presence. Mingyu wrapped his arms around them both, holding them tightly, feeling their small bodies relax against his.

In that quiet, tender moment, Mingyu felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It didn’t matter how difficult the day had been, or how exhausted he felt—they were still a family. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.

He kissed their heads again, his voice barely above a whisper. "We’re always going to be okay, as long as we have each other."

Jihoon looked up at him with wide, tired eyes. "When we fight?" he asked softly.

Mingyu smiled, brushing a few strands of hair from Jihoon’s forehead. "Even when we fight," he assured him. "Fighting doesn’t change how much we love each other. It just means we have to work a little harder to understand one another."

Seungcheol sniffled but nodded in agreement, still holding Jihoon tightly. "I’ll be better, Daddy," he promised. "I’ll try not to get mad like that again."

Mingyu smiled and hugged them closer. "You’re both doing just fine. We’re learning together, okay?"

The boys relaxed in his arms, and for the first time that day, Mingyu felt like they were all healing from the roughness of the day. The love they shared was strong, and in moments like this, it shone the brightest.

"We’re a family," Mingyu reminded them softly. "No matter what."

---

Mingyu and Minghao sat in the living room, exchanging glances as the day finally began to wind down. It had been a long one, and after the earlier argument between Seungcheol and Jihoon, things had settled but remained emotionally charged. Mingyu stretched and looked at the kids, who were playing quietly on the floor.

Jihoon was still playing with his piano, and Seungcheol had taken to reading a picture book, but the best part was seeing Jeonghan sitting beside them, cross-legged, holding his sword. He watched the other two with a quiet calm, as if making sure everything stayed peaceful. Mingyu knew it had been an emotional day for Jeonghan too, even if he hadn’t directly been part of the fight.

“We need to get out of the house for a bit,” Minghao suggested softly, cradling a drowsy Chan in his arms. “What do you think about dinner out? Something special for the boys after today.”

Mingyu nodded, the idea sounding perfect. “Yeah, I think we could all use that.”

Mingyu stood up and clapped his hands together. "Okay, kids! Who wants to go out for dinner tonight?"

Seungcheol immediately shot up, eyes wide with excitement. "Me! Me! Where are we going?"

Jihoon perked up too, placing his piano carefully on his side. "Really?"

Jeonghan looked up, a shy smile forming on his face as he held his sword tighter. "I go too?"

Mingyu chuckled and leaned down to ruffle Jeonghan’s soft hair. "Of course, Jeonghan. We’re all going together."

As the kids rushed to get their shoes, Seungcheol and Jihoon kept bouncing with excitement. Mingyu noticed how Jeonghan lingered close to Minghao, still clutching his sword as he slipped his small hand into Minghao’s.

"I sit next to you, Daddy Hao?" Jeonghan asked quietly.

Minghao smiled warmly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Of course, you can, sweetheart."

---

The restaurant was a cozy family diner, warm lights casting a gentle glow across the room. Mingyu and Minghao settled the kids into a booth, with Seungcheol and Jihoon on one side and Jeonghan squeezed happily next to Minghao on the other. Chan sat in his high chair, gnawing on a teething toy.

Mingyu and Minghao exchanged proud glances as the kids made a visible effort to behave. Seungcheol and Jihoon sat up straight, folding their hands in their laps just as they had seen adults do. Jeonghan, still holding his sword, mirrored them with quiet determination. The boys were clearly trying their best.

"You’re doing so well," Mingyu praised them, his voice filled with pride. "You’re making us really proud tonight."

Seungcheol beamed, puffing out his chest. "We promised we’d be good!"

Jihoon nodded, whispering, "We’re big."

Jeonghan glanced up at Minghao, eyes sparkling with the same hope for approval. "Am I good, Daddy Hao?"

Minghao leaned down and kissed the top of Jeonghan’s head. "You’re doing perfectly, Han."

As they waited for the food to arrive, Minghao took out his phone, flipping through his photo gallery. "Hey, guess what we got today? The photos from the photoshoot I did."

The kids perked up immediately. “Can we see them?” Seungcheol asked, practically bouncing in his seat.

Mingyu leaned closer, his eyes lighting up with genuine interest. Minghao swiped through the pictures, starting with a stunning shot of him in a tailored black suit. Mingyu's gaze lingered on the screen, clearly impressed.

Seungcheol looked at the photos and then at Minghao with admiration. "Daddy, you look so cool!"

Minghao’s heart warmed at the compliment. "Thanks, buddy."

Mingyu, unable to hide his admiration, nudged Minghao playfully. “You look incredible. I have to say, seeing you in that suit is more than a little distracting.”

Minghao raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a teasing smile. “Distracting, huh? I didn’t realize I had that effect.”

Mingyu’s eyes remained fixed on Minghao, almost mesmerized. “Oh, absolutely. You're magnetic, my love.”

Minghao chuckled, clearly enjoying the compliment. “Well, it’s good to know I’ve still got it.”

Mingyu’s smile broadened as he continued to watch the photos. Minghao then swiped to the next set, revealing a streetwear-inspired outfit with oversized pants and a cropped jacket. In one particular photo, Minghao’s face was focused and professional, but the editors had done a fantastic job capturing a tender moment. Jeonghan’s little forehead and a tuft of his hair were visible, peeking over Minghao’s shoulder. It was a subtle but touching inclusion.

“Look!” Mingyu pointed, his voice filled with warmth. "Jeonghan’s head is peeking out here!"

Jeonghan’s eyes widened as he looked closer at the screen. "Me?"

Mingyu smiled, his gaze still fixed on Minghao. “That’s you, Han. Even when you’re hiding, you’re always with us.”

Jeonghan giggled softly, leaning his head against Minghao’s shoulder.

Jihoon, still smiling at the screen, looked up at Jeonghan and said, "Cool, hyung."

Minghao glanced at Mingyu, who was still clearly captivated by the pictures. “Looks like someone’s quite taken with the photos.”

Mingyu blushed slightly but didn’t look away. “Can you blame me? You look amazing in every shot. And the way you managed to include Jeonghan—it's just perfect.”

Minghao’s eyes twinkled as he gave Mingyu a playful nudge. “You’re not admiring the fashion, but the whole package.”

Mingyu’s expression softened, his voice lowering to a more intimate tone. “Well, when you’ve got a husband who looks this good, how could I not be?”

Minghao’s smile widened, and he leaned in close to press a kiss on Mingyu's lips. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

The food arrived shortly after, and true to their word, the boys behaved beautifully. Seungcheol carefully used his utensils, cutting his food into neat little pieces before eating. His meticulousness drew a smile from Mingyu, who praised him with an approving nod. Jihoon followed suit, mimicking Seungcheol’s actions and stealing occasional glances to make sure he was doing it right. His earnest effort was endearing, and Mingyu couldn’t help but admire how quickly Jihoon adapted to the new routine.

Jeonghan, seated next to Minghao, quietly enjoyed his meal. He occasionally peeked up at Minghao to make sure he was still behaving well, a silent gesture of his desire to be good. Minghao, noticing Jeonghan’s attentive glances, would respond with a reassuring smile, letting Jeonghan know he was proud.

Chan, seated in his high chair, watched his siblings with wide, curious eyes, occasionally reaching out for small bites of his own. When he called out for Jeonghan by name, "Han," Jeonghan’s face lit up with a smile. Without hesitation, Jeonghan gently pushed a small portion of his food towards Chan, sharing his meal with his little brother. Chan’s face brightened at the gesture, and he eagerly accepted the offered morsel.

Mingyu watched the interaction with a soft smile. “You’re all doing great,” he said proudly, reaching over to tousle Seungcheol’s hair.

Seungcheol beamed up at Mingyu. “We’re being so good, right, Daddy?”

Minghao chuckled and nodded in agreement. “You are. You’re making us very proud.”

As the dinner went on, the kids began to relax, their earlier excitement from the day gradually giving way to the fatigue of a long day. Jeonghan, still leaning into Minghao, started to doze off, his little body clearly worn out. Chan, too, had succumbed to exhaustion, a small trace of drool collecting on his chin as he slept peacefully in his high chair.

Jihoon and Seungcheol, though still awake, were visibly tired. They yawned and stretched, wiping their hands on their napkins with sleepy movements. Jihoon, feeling the weight of the day, leaned against Seungcheol, who wrapped an arm around him protectively.

Mingyu smiled at the sight of his sleepy kids, his heart swelling with affection. “Alright, I think it’s time to head home,” he announced, gently nudging Minghao.

Minghao nodded, carefully gathering their things as Mingyu reached out to help him. They took a moment to look around the restaurant, their hearts full of gratitude for the quiet, happy evening they had shared as a family.

As they prepared to leave, Seungcheol glanced up at Mingyu with a tired but content smile. “Daddy, can we do this again?”

Mingyu’s eyes softened as he looked down at his son. “Of course, Cheol. We’ll have more family dinners like this. But for now, let’s get you and your brothers home and settled.”

Minghao took Chan from his high chair, and Jeonghan stirred slightly but stayed nestled against him.

Together, they made their way to the door, the soft clinks of cutlery and the low hum of the restaurant fading behind them. The night air greeted them gently as they stepped outside, the day’s weariness easing into a comforting sense of home and family.

As they drove home, the car was filled with soft breathing and quiet murmurs. The kids were all drifting off in their seats, exhausted from the excitement of the evening. Minghao reached over and took Mingyu’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"They are so well behaved," Minghao said quietly, glancing back at the kids.

Mingyu smiled, his heart full of warmth and contentment. "Yeah. They’re growing up so fast."

Chapter Text

Mingyu blinked awake to the sound of soft babbling coming from Chan's crib. The morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over their bedroom. Rubbing his eyes, he turned toward the source of the noise, smiling as he saw Chan standing up in his crib, gripping the sides tightly with one hand, while his other hand clung to his beloved otter plushie. He was babbling to the plushie, a mixture of happy, incoherent sounds that made Mingyu's heart swell.

"Daddy... up?" Chan called, a mix of determination and curiosity in his voice as he bounced slightly on his feet.

Mingyu smiled, feeling warmth spread through his chest. "Good morning, buddy," he said softly, slipping out of bed and making his way over to the crib.

"Up," Chan repeated, raising his arms toward Mingyu, a bright smile spreading across his face.

Minghao stirred beside him, his hand reaching out to the now-empty space. "Is he up already?" he mumbled sleepily, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"He sure is," Mingyu replied softly, lifting Chan into his arms. Chan squealed in delight, grabbing Mingyu's nose with his tiny fingers. "Careful, Chanie," he laughed, gently prying Chan's hand away. He leaned down to press a kiss on Minghao's forehead. "You keep sleeping. I'll get the others up."

Minghao groaned softly but smiled, one eye cracking open. "You sure? I can help with breakfast..."

"Alright, but I'll wake the kids," Mingyu said, leaning down to press a quick kiss on Minghao's temple.

Minghao hummed in approval, snuggling deeper into the blankets. "Mmm, okay. Thanks, love."

Mingyu grinned and whispered, "Anytime."

Chan, meanwhile, was squirming in Mingyu's arms, pointing excitedly at the door. "No, no, no," he insisted, as if reminding Mingyu they had other priorities.

Mingyu laughed. "Alright, alright. Let's get the others."

Mingyu shifted Chan on his hip and made his way toward the door. Chan babbled happily the whole way, hugging his otter plushie tightly. "Ot ot ot," he said, pointing at the toy, his little face scrunched in concentration as if he were trying to make sense of the word.

"That's right, otter," Mingyu encouraged with a grin.

Mingyu headed to Seungcheol and Jeonghan's shared room, carefully opening the door. Inside, Seungcheol was sprawled out on his bed, blanket kicked halfway off. Jeonghan, in contrast, was curled up tightly under his blanket, clutching his toy sword close to his chest. He looked peaceful, but even in his sleep, there was something about his posture that seemed guarded—still adjusting, Mingyu thought. Jeonghan had come a long way, but he wasn't as carefree as Seungcheol yet.

Mingyu approached Seungcheol first, crouching down beside the bed. "Cheol," he whispered, gently shaking Seungcheol's shoulder.

Seungcheol groaned, blinking up at Mingyu with bleary eyes. "Daddy?" he mumbled, sitting up as he rubbed his face.

"Morning, buddy," Mingyu said. "It's Jeonghan's birthday today. Ready to help plant the tree?"

Seungcheol perked up immediately. "Oh yeah! We're gonna plant a big tree!" His excitement was contagious, and he quickly scrambled out of bed.

"You wanna help wake up Jeonghan?" Mingyu asked, motioning toward Jeonghan, who was still sleeping soundly.

Seungcheol grinned and nodded. He tiptoed over to Jeonghan's bed, leaning in to gently nudge him. "Hannie, wake up! It's your birthday!"

Jeonghan stirred, his grip on the toy sword tightening for a moment before his eyes fluttered open. He blinked up at Seungcheol, then at Mingyu, taking a few seconds to fully wake up. "Morning..." he said softly, still clutching his sword.

Mingyu gave him a gentle smile. "Happy birthday, Jeonghan. You ready to plant your tree today?"

Jeonghan looked at him, then at Seungcheol's excited face. Slowly, he nodded. "Yeah... I'm ready."

Seungcheol immediately grabbed Jeonghan's hand, bouncing on his toes. "Come on, let's get breakfast! Daddy's making something good."

"Morning, Hannie," Mingyu said with a warm smile. "Happy birthday. You ready to plant your tree today?"

Jeonghan glanced at Mingyu, nodding slowly. "Yeah... I'm ready."

Mingyu gave him a reassuring smile. "Great! Let's go get some breakfast first, okay?"

Seungcheol grabbed Jeonghan's hand, leading him toward the door with excitement. Jeonghan followed, his grip on the sword still firm but his expression slowly softening as Seungcheol chatted animatedly about the tree and how tall it would grow.

Next up was Jihoon's room. Mingyu knocked softly before opening the door. Jihoon was already awake, sitting on the floor with his toy piano in front of him, tapping out a simple tune.

"Good morning, Jihoonie," Mingyu greeted, crouching down beside him.

Jihoon looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "Morning, Daddy."

Mingyu ruffled Jihoon's hair. "You working on your next hit song?"

Jihoon nodded seriously, his fingers tapping a few more keys. "It's for tree," he said.

Mingyu chuckled, his heart warming at Jihoon's thoughtfulness. "The tree's going to love that. Maybe it'll grow faster because of your music."

Jihoon's eyes lit up at the idea. "Really?"

"Definitely," Mingyu nodded. "Come on, let's get you some breakfast, and then you can practice a bit more before we head outside."

With all the boys now awake, Mingyu led them downstairs, where the smell of eggs and toast greeted them. Minghao stood by the stove, flipping eggs with one hand while stirring something in a pot with the other. He turned as they entered, a bright smile on his face.

"Good morning, birthday boy!" Minghao called, catching Jeonghan's eye.

Jeonghan gave a small, shy smile and nodded in acknowledgment. "Morning," he said softly, still holding his sword as if it were a shield.

With all the kids now up, Mingyu led them downstairs. The smell of eggs and toast wafted through the air, and they found Minghao in the kitchen, humming softly as he flipped eggs on the stove. Chan, still babbling in Mingyu's arms, reached toward the table as they entered.

"You hungry?" Minghao asked, walking over to ruffle Jeonghan's hair lightly.

Jeonghan nodded again, his eyes flicking between Minghao and the table.

Seungcheol was already clambering into his chair, calling out, "Daddy! Is there jam for the toast?"

"Of course, there's jam," Minghao laughed, shaking his head as he set down the plates.

"Up!" Chan demanded, reaching for Mingyu from his high chair, his face scrunched up as if not satisfied with the fruit in front of him. "Daddy, up!"

Mingyu leaned down, scooping Chan back into his arms. "What's wrong, buddy? You want to help with breakfast too?"

Chan wrapped his arms around Mingyu's neck, content now that he was being held. "No," he said, shaking his head dramatically. Then he pointed at the fruit on the table. "No!"

"No fruit today?" Mingyu asked, hiding his grin.

"No," Chan repeated with a huff, clearly very sure of his stance.

Minghao snorted as he overheard. "He's getting picky."

"He gets that from you," Mingyu teased, pressing a kiss to Chan's cheek.

"Lies," Minghao shot back, though his grin betrayed him. "Now sit down before the kids starve."

"Cheol yells sleep," Jeonghan mumbled quietly, but there was no malice in his voice, just a soft observation.

"I did not!" Seungcheol protested with wide eyes.

"Yes, you did," Jeonghan insisted, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips now.

Minghao chuckled. "Well, no yelling during breakfast, okay?"

Chan, oblivious to the conversation, babbled happily as Mingyu placed some bread in front of him. "Ot, ot, ot," Chan said, waving the otter plushie as if it could join in on breakfast.

As the kids sat at the table, eagerly digging into their breakfast, Mingyu leaned in closer to Minghao, keeping his voice low. "Simple breakfast today," he said with a soft smile, glancing at the plates.

Minghao's lips curved into a smirk as he passed a plate toward him. "Your cooking's always enough."

"Oh, is that your way of flirting with me?" Mingyu grinned, pressing a kiss to Minghao's cheek before stepping back to sit with the kids. "Because it's working."

Minghao rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile.

As they ate, Seungcheol chattered about the day ahead, his excitement contagious. Jihoon, quieter but no less engaged, asked thoughtful questions about how big the tree would grow. Jeonghan listened more than he spoke, but every now and then, his eyes would brighten when Seungcheol mentioned how the tree would be "his".

Once breakfast was done, Mingyu and Minghao gathered the tools for the tree planting while the kids ran around the backyard, their energy endless. Seungcheol led the charge, Jeonghan trailing behind but still holding his toy sword as if ready to defend the new tree. Jihoon clutched his piano toy, glancing occasionally at the sapling Mingyu had brought out.

Mingyu and Minghao trailed behind, hand in hand as they carried the sapling and tools. Minghao shot him a playful look. "You know, you're looking extra handsome with that shovel."

Mingyu grinned, bumping his shoulder against Minghao's. "Flirting with me again? Better be careful or I'll keep you working all day."

Minghao laughed, leaning in closer. "That's the plan."

"All right, champ," Mingyu said as he knelt beside Jeonghan, giving him an encouraging smile. "Ready to help plant your tree?"

Jeonghan nodded, his small hand clutching onto the toy sword he carried everywhere these days. Though he was more confident now, he still hovered close to Mingyu's side, his eyes carefully watching the process.

Seungcheol, ever the enthusiastic helper, crouched beside them, his hands already reaching for the shovel. "I wanna help too!" he said, practically bouncing on his feet.

"Of course, buddy," Mingyu replied with a grin, handing him a small trowel. Seungcheol immediately started digging with exaggerated energy, dirt flying up as he worked. Jeonghan followed suit, a bit more reserved but determined to match his brother's efforts.

Jihoon stood a few steps back, his gaze fixed on them. He had his piano toy under one arm, his little fingers drumming on the edge of it absentmindedly as he watched.

Then, there was a soft babble from Chan, who was sitting in Minghao's arms nearby, watching his brothers with wide eyes. "Up," he said, his tiny hands reaching toward the sky.

"Not yet, Chanie," Minghao said with a chuckle, bouncing him slightly to keep him entertained.

Chan's focus quickly shifted, his hand reaching for his otter plushie instead, squeezing it to his chest. "No," he added, as if disagreeing with something, then started babbling again, little nonsensical phrases that made Minghao laugh.

When the hole was finally dug, Mingyu carefully lowered the small tree into place. He glanced up at Jeonghan, who was watching with a serious expression, the kind he got when he was deep in thought. "Here, Hannie," Mingyu said, passing him a small watering can. "You get to do the honors."

Jeonghan took the can with both hands, his grip tight as he carefully poured the water over the tree's roots. His gaze stayed fixed on the tree for a long moment, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, though his expression remained thoughtful. He turned to Mingyu, eyes wide. "It will be big, right?"

Mingyu smiled softly, resting a hand on Jeonghan's small shoulder. "Just like you. Every year, it'll get taller."

Jeonghan seemed to mull over this, his eyes flicking back to the little tree. "Every day?"

"Every single day," Mingyu promised, his voice gentle. "Just a little at a time. You'll grow together."

Satisfied with that answer, Jeonghan gave a small nod. Seungcheol piped up beside them, his face bright with excitement. "It'll be huge! Like a jungle!" he declared, his hands mimicking the height of the tree.

"Maybe not that big," Minghao teased from where he stood with Chan, who was now babbling "Daddy, no" on repeat, waving his plush otter in the air.

Mingyu chuckled, standing up and brushing off his knees. "Well, let's see who grows faster, huh?" he said, giving Jeonghan a playful nudge. Jeonghan smiled up at him, just a small curve of his lips, but it made Mingyu's chest swell with warmth.

Seungcheol, suddenly ran over to Jihoon, tugging his sleeve. "Jihoon, come on! Let's play tag!"

Jihoon blinked, his grip tightening on his little piano toy, unsure. He glanced toward Mingyu for reassurance.

Mingyu knelt beside Jihoon, ruffling his hair. "It's okay, Jihoonie. You can play with Seungcheol. We'll be right here."

Jihoon looked at Seungcheol and then back at his piano, clearly torn. Finally, he nodded shyly, putting down his piano, before taking a tentative step forward.

Seungcheol's face lit up. "I'll be 'it' first! Run, Jihoon!" And with that, Seungcheol darted across the garden, giggling loudly.

Jihoon hesitated only a moment before his small legs followed, his laughter soft but growing as he joined the chase. Jeonghan, still holding his toy sword, watched them for a moment, then cautiously joined in, running at his own pace but always keeping a bit of distance.

As the kids played, the front gate creaked open, and Mingyu's parents walked in, smiling as they saw the scene before them. Minghao, holding Chan, greeted them first.

"Mum, Dad," Mingyu called, waving them over as he dusted off his hands from the dirt. He stepped forward to hug them both.

His mum smiled warmly. "It's so good to see the kids playing like this," she said, her gaze softening as she watched the boys.

Chan, still in Minghao's arms, babbled excitedly, reaching for Mingyu. "Daddy!" he called, wriggling his little body toward him.

Mingyu leaned in, taking Chan from Minghao's arms with ease. "Hey, my little otter," he cooed, tickling Chan's belly. Chan giggled, waving his plush otter in the air before he snuggled into Mingyu's chest.

Minghao joined them, laughing softly as he brushed a hand through Chan's soft hair. "Now that your parents are here, it's the perfect time to start on that cake."

"Good call," Mingyu nodded, looking over to the boys. "All right, you three! Cake time! Wash your hands, and let's get to work."

Seungcheol paused mid-chase and immediately darted towards the kitchen, calling back to Jihoon and Jeonghan. "Come on, we're making cake!"

Jihoon followed, though a bit slower, while Jeonghan stayed closer to Mingyu, still clutching his toy sword.

Once inside, the boys eagerly ran to the sink to wash up. Mingyu stood back, watching with a fond smile as they pushed to reach the faucet, Seungcheol's impatience in stark contrast to Jihoon's quiet determination.

"All right, birthday boy," Mingyu said, once they were all set, guiding Jeonghan to the counter. "You're in charge of mixing today."

Jeonghan nodded, eyes brightening as he picked up the whisk, while Seungcheol reached for the eggs. "I'll crack these!" Seungcheol announced proudly.

"Careful," Mingyu warned with a chuckle, stepping in just as Seungcheol almost smashed the egg too hard. "Let's do it together, okay?"

Jihoon, standing nearby with wide eyes, watched the process intensely. "Can I pour the flour?" he asked softly, tugging at Mingyu's shirt.

"Of course," Mingyu smiled, helping him measure it out.

Meanwhile, Mingyu's parents settled at the kitchen table, watching the kids with warm smiles. His mum reached out for Jihoon as he passed by, gently brushing his hair back. "How's my little helper doing?" she asked sweetly.

Jihoon blinked up at her, giving a tiny smile. "I'm helping," he whispered, his small voice barely audible.

"You're doing wonderfully," she praised, making Jihoon's cheeks flush as he nodded in shy acknowledgment.

Seungcheol, now fully invested in his role, looked up from the eggs with bright eyes. "Grandma, I cracked an egg by myself!" he declared proudly.

His grandmother chuckled. "I saw! You're getting so big."

Jeonghan, though quieter than the others, was completely focused on stirring the batter. Mingyu's father walked over to him, watching for a moment before giving Jeonghan's shoulder a light pat. "You're doing great, Jeonghan. Very precise," he complimented.

Jeonghan gave a small, pleased nod, not saying much but clearly proud of his effort.

As they continued baking, Mingyu's dad leaned over to Mingyu, a knowing look in his eye. "Quite the team you've got here."

Chan, meanwhile, still nestled in Minghao's arms, babbled incoherently before calling out, "Daddy, no!" while waving his otter plushie at the ingredients. Mingyu couldn't help but laugh at his son's enthusiasm.

The kids all worked together to finish the cake, with Jeonghan carefully adding the last splash of vanilla while Jihoon meticulously poured in the sugar. Seungcheol stood by, making sure the batter looked "just right" before Mingyu slid the pan into the oven.

Just as Mingyu wiped his hands on a towel, the front door creaked open, and a familiar voice called out, "I hope I'm not too late for the cake!"

Mingyu turned with a wide grin. "Minseo! You made it just in time."

His younger sister, Minseo, stepped into the kitchen with a playful glint in her eyes, carrying a brightly wrapped gift under one arm. She immediately spotted Jeonghan, who was still standing near the counter, and her face lit up.

"There's the birthday boy!" Minseo said, walking over to Jeonghan and kneeling down to his level. She gently tousled his hair before pulling him into a hug. "How's my favorite little knight doing today?"

Jeonghan's lips curled into a small but pleased smile, his earlier shyness around others fading quickly in her presence. He whispered, "Good," and hugged her back, his toy sword clutched tightly in his hand.

Mingyu chuckled. "Don't spoil him too much."

"Oh, no worries. He's tough, aren't you, Hannie?" Minseo winked, ruffling his hair, earning a slightly wider smile from Jeonghan.

They slipped out of the kitchen toward the living room while the rest of the family tidied up. Seungcheol and Jihoon busied themselves chasing each other, and Chan babbled away as Minghao scooped him up to calm him down.

In the other room, Minseo and Jeonghan quietly played together on the floor, building some kind of imaginary scenario with Jeonghan's toy sword. Their conversation was a series of hushed whispers and giggles, and it seemed like they were sharing some kind of secret.

After a few minutes, Mingyu noticed a sudden silence from the living room. His curiosity was piqued, but before he could investigate, a loud scream cut through the air. Jeonghan's voice rang out, shrill and high-pitched, followed by the unmistakable sound of a body hitting the floor with a thud.

Minghao's eyes widened. "Jeonghan?" he called, rushing out of the kitchen. Mingyu was right behind him, heart pounding. He heard Minseo gasp.

As they entered the living room, they found Jeonghan lying face-down on the floor, his toy sword thrown to the side. He was clutching his knee, his little face scrunched up in pain.

Minseo was kneeling beside him, her face pale. She looked up at Minghao and Mingyu, clearly shaken. "I—I think he fell," she stammered, her voice wavering. "He tripped over the toy, and I didn't think he'd actually—"

Minghao's breath caught in his throat. "Jeonghan?" he crouched down, gently touching his back. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

Seungcheol's eyes filled with worry as he shuffled closer, reaching out a small hand towards Jeonghan. "Hannie, are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice trembling.

Jihoon stood beside Seungcheol, hugging his toy piano tightly and watching with wide eyes. "Hyung?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chan's gaze darted from Jeonghan to Mingyu and Minghao, his tiny face full of confusion. "Daddy?" he babbled, reaching out towards Mingyu.

Jeonghan let out another groan, his face twisted in pain. Mingyu dropped to his knees, panic rising. "Hannie? What happened?" He carefully reached for Jeonghan's arm to check him.

But before either of them could get a closer look, Jeonghan suddenly burst into laughter—a loud, belly-shaking laugh that echoed off the walls. He rolled onto his side, clutching his stomach as he giggled uncontrollably, completely breaking character.

Seungcheol and Jihoon looked at each other in confusion, then back at Jeonghan, their worries slowly turning to understanding as they saw the boy's playful expression. Chan's confusion melted into a giggle as he watched Jeonghan laugh.

Minseo froze, staring down at him, eyes wide. She blinked, then her hand flew to her mouth as she realized what had just happened. "Jeonghan!" she gasped. "You—! You little—!" She started laughing too, though she still seemed half in shock.

Minghao let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, his heart still pounding in his chest. "Oh my god, Jeonghan," he murmured, his voice a mixture of relief and disbelief. "You scared me half to death!" He sat back on his heels, pressing a hand over his chest as if trying to calm his racing heart.

Mingyu blinked a few times, still processing what had happened. "Wait... that was... a prank?"

Jeonghan nodded, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, still giggling. "Joke!"

Mingyu let out a long sigh of relief, a disbelieving chuckle escaping his lips. "You really had us there, Hannie. I thought you'd seriously hurt yourself." He shook his head, ruffling Jeonghan's hair. "That was almost too good."

Minseo, still recovering from the shock, shook her head in amazement. "He really got me too! I thought I was in on the prank, but he took it so far, I almost believed it." She laughed, wiping her eyes. "You're a little actor, Jeonghan."

Jeonghan grinned, clearly proud of himself, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He glanced up at Mingyu and Minghao, his smile widening. "Like it?"

"You got us good." Minghao said, still catching his breath. He reached out and pulled Jeonghan into a hug. "But next time, try not to give your dads a heart attack, okay?"

Jeonghan giggled, nestling into Minghao's embrace. "Okay."

Mingyu smiled, shaking his head in amusement. "I'm definitely going to have to watch out for you and Minseo from now on."

Minseo grinned, standing up and giving Mingyu a wink. "Hey, he's got some serious talent. Maybe you should get him into acting." She ruffled Jeonghan's hair again. "I can't believe you managed to fool me too."

Jeonghan's face lit up at the praise, clearly delighted that his prank had been such a success. Seungcheol and Jihoon joined in the laughter, their previous worries forgotten. Chan babbled happily, clapping his hands and bouncing on Mingyu's knee.

But the laughter was the real prize—the biggest, most carefree laugh they had heard from Jeonghan since he came home. It was as if, in that moment, something had clicked.

He looked up at Minghao. Oh, they had some paperwork to do. 

Chapter Text

The remnants of a hearty meal lingered on the table—empty plates, a few scattered crumbs, and Chan’s high chair with little bits of food stuck to the tray, a telltale sign of his lively appetite. The smell of dinner—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and Mingyu's signature vegetable stir-fry—still hung faintly in the air.

Mingyu and Minghao moved around the kitchen, clearing the table together. Mingyu washed while Minghao dried, the steady clatter of dishes filling the space, a rhythmic, familiar sound. It had become part of their nightly routine, a moment when the house seemed to settle into itself after the chaos of the day.

As the warm water ran and plates clinked gently in the sink, they chatted in low voices, exchanging snippets of conversation.

"Jihoon ate well tonight," Minghao commented, glancing over his shoulder at the little boy, who was now sitting cross-legged on the floor with a small toy in his hands, quietly observing the room.

Mingyu smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah. Yesterday when you went to the shoot, he asked for seconds without me prompting him."

Minghao’s eyes lit up. "Really?" He let out a soft chuckle, his chest swelling with pride. "That's amazing."

"It is," Mingyu agreed, passing over another plate to dry. "I’ve been thinking about what we can do for his birthday this month. Something small, but special."

Minghao nodded, glancing back at Jihoon again, his mind already swirling with ideas. "We could invite a few friends over, make it feel like a proper celebration but without overwhelming him."

As they talked, the boys were still gathered near the dining table, their post-dinner energy slowly growing. Seungcheol, always the one to get things going, was bouncing on the balls of his feet, his eyes wandering over to the pile of blankets on the couch. His excitement was palpable, even before he spoke.

Mingyu glanced over his shoulder as he rinsed a dish. “You boys full?” he asked, smiling.

Seungcheol nodded enthusiastically, still half-focused on his idea. “Yeah, but…” he started, glancing at Jihoon and Jeonghan, who were finishing their drinks. He leaned closer to Jihoon, whispering in his ear, then grinned, looking toward the couch again.

“Full but not tired,” Minghao chimed in, catching Seungcheol’s eye with a knowing smile. “What’s on your mind, Cheollie?”

Seungcheol’s face lit up, as if he had been waiting for the cue. “Let’s build a fort!” he exclaimed, louder now, making even Chan—who had been half dozing in his high chair—perk up at the sound. Seungcheol’s eyes widened as he gestured toward the couch. “The biggest fort ever! We can use all the blankets and make it huge. And then, we can sleep in it tonight!” He clapped his hands together, already imagining it. “It’ll be like a castle!”

Mingyu chuckled, drying his hands with a dish towel as he walked back to the table. “A castle, huh? You sure you can fit all of you in there?”

Seungcheol nodded, eyes bright with excitement. “Yes! We’ll make it really big.”

Minghao, who had been stacking the last of the plates, leaned against the counter, crossing his arms as he looked over the boys. “And who’s going to lead this project? You?” he teased.

Seungcheol puffed out his chest. “Of course! I’ll be the leader. I have a plan.”

Jeonghan, who had been quietly sipping his juice at the counter, glanced over, raising his eyebrows. A small, amused smile crept across his face. “A fort?” he echoed softly, his voice full of curiosity. Though quiet, there was a spark of interest in his eyes as he glanced between Seungcheol and the couch piled with blankets. He set down his cup and slid off the stool, crossing over to where Seungcheol stood.

Seungcheol grinned, glad to have caught Jeonghan’s attention. “Yes! And you can help make it big, Hanie.”

Jihoon, sitting on the floor nearby with a small toy in his hand, looked up at the commotion. He didn’t say anything at first, his expression curious but cautious. He watched Seungcheol’s enthusiasm as if trying to decide whether he wanted to join in.

Seungcheol wasn’t about to leave anyone out. He turned toward Jihoon, crouching down a little to meet his eye. “Come on, Jihoonie,” he said, dropping his voice to a gentle, coaxing whisper. “It’ll be fun. You can help with the walls! We’ll make it really strong, so we can sleep in it.”

Jihoon’s eyes darted to the pile of blankets, then back to Seungcheol’s face, full of hope and excitement. After a moment, a small smile tugged at Jihoon’s lips, and he gave a tiny nod. Seungcheol beamed and bounced up again.

"Alright!" Seungcheol declared, his arms raised in triumph. "Everyone's in!"

Minghao exchanged a glance with Mingyu, his smile soft and amused. “Looks like we’ve got an evening plan,” he said, his voice light.

Mingyu sighed playfully, though there was fondness in his tone. “Of course. How could we say no to that?”

Minghao wiped his hands on the dish towel before joining the boys in the living room. He knelt down beside Chan, who was watching the whole scene with wide, curious eyes. His little face was lit up with excitement, though he didn’t fully understand everything happening around him.

“What about you, Chanie? Want to help too?” Minghao asked softly, his voice warm and full of affection.

Chan nodded eagerly, bouncing on his feet with enthusiasm. “Up! Up!” he said, stretching his chubby hands toward the pile of blankets. He babbled excitedly, his voice clear but still full of toddler tones. “Daddy, Cheol! Ot! Ot!” He waved his plush otter in the air, shaking it with a big grin on his face. “‘Ot’ help!”

Minghao laughed softly, scooping Chan up from the high chair. “Looks like someone’s ready to get to work,” he said with a smile, holding him close for a moment before setting him down next to the pile of blankets.

“Ot!” Chan said again, holding his stuffed otter out as if it were the key to building the fort. “Ot help!”

“Well, if Ot wants to help, we can’t say no,” Minghao said, amused by how determined Chan was to involve his favorite plushie.

On the floor, Chan immediately toddled over to the blanket pile, grabbing the corner of a blanket. It was too big for him, but that didn’t stop him from giving it his all. “Up! Up!” he exclaimed, trying to lift it. When it didn’t budge, he turned toward Minghao, calling out for help. “Daddy, up!”

Minghao crouched down to give him a hand, chuckling softly. “All right, Chanie, let’s get this one up together.”

With Minghao’s help, Chan managed to lift the blanket just a little bit, beaming with pride. “Jihoo! ‘Cheol! Han!” he called, as if summoning his brothers to witness his triumph.

Seungcheol, already buzzing with energy, came over first. “I’m here, Dino! Let’s make the fort huge!”

Jeonghan followed, with a soft smile on his face. “Chanie, good job,” he remarked quietly, watching his baby brother struggle with the blankets.

Jihoon was the last to come over, but when Chan called his name again—“Jihoo!”—he couldn’t resist. He wandered over, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll help,” he said quietly, sitting beside his younger brother.

Seungcheol was already leading the charge. He darted toward the couch, grabbing the first blanket and pulling it down with a flourish. “This one will be perfect for the roof!” he declared, spreading it out in the air, though it barely fluttered before falling back onto the couch in a messy heap.

Jeonghan, ever the practical one, tilted his head, surveying the blankets critically. “Too small,” he said, his voice soft but firm. He stepped forward, pulling a larger blanket from the pile. “This better. More pillows for walls.”

Jihoon, still a little shy, hesitated for a moment before he got up and quietly moved over to the couch. He reached for one of the pillows, carefully placing it on the floor where Seungcheol had started setting up the foundation. Seungcheol grinned at him, a wordless thank you in his expression.

Minghao stood back, watching the scene unfold with a smile tugging at his lips. It never failed to warm his heart, seeing them all work together like this, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing day. The way Jeonghan quietly took charge when needed, Seungcheol’s never-ending enthusiasm, and Jihoon’s slow but steady steps toward trust—it all filled Minghao with a deep sense of pride.

“I think they’ve got this under control,” Mingyu said, stepping beside Minghao, his voice low as he watched their boys in action.

Minghao nodded, glancing over at him with a smile. “I think so too. But we’ll see how big this fort really gets.”

They stood there for a moment, side by side, as the boys worked together—Seungcheol giving directions, Jeonghan adjusting the blankets with his careful precision, and Jihoon slowly coming out of his shell, adding pillows to the mix. Even little Chan, toddling around the room with a pillow in hand, was doing his best to contribute.

Soon, the living room was a whirlwind of activity. Pillows were tossed from one side of the room to the other as Seungcheol carefully arranged them to form the foundation of the fort. Jihoon, now more engaged, helped stack them into walls, placing each one with meticulous care. Jeonghan, his movements deliberate and steady, draped the blankets over the top, forming a cozy roof that hung down just enough to create a cave-like entrance.

Chan, of course, wanted to help too. He toddled around with a pillow clutched in his tiny arms, his face scrunched in concentration. Every time he tried to place the pillow, it would tip over or fall off, but he was determined. Seungcheol, noticing his little brother’s efforts, smiled and patted his head. “Good job, Channie! Keep going!”

Finally, after what felt like a small construction project, the fort was finished. It stood proudly in the middle of the living room—a sprawling, lumpy structure made of every available blanket and pillow in the house. The blankets drooped in some places, and one side leaned precariously where the cushions didn’t quite stack right, but to the boys, it was a masterpiece.

Seungcheol stood back, hands on his hips, beaming with pride. “We did it! The biggest fort ever!”

Jeonghan crawled inside, inspecting the interior. “It’s not bad,” he said, his voice calm but approving, as he settled into one of the cushioned corners. Jihoon followed, crawling in after him, his eyes wide as he explored the space they’d created.

Chan, meanwhile, was already bouncing up and down at the entrance, trying to figure out how to get in without knocking everything over. Minghao quickly swooped in, scooping him up and placing him gently inside the fort. “There you go, buddy.”

Seungcheol ducked in last, leading the charge for the night’s sleepover. “Okay, now that we have the fort, we can—wait!” He turned toward Jihoon, a sudden idea lighting up his face. “Jihoon, you should play us a song!”

Jihoon, who had been sitting quietly, looked up in surprise. “Me?”

“Yeah! On your piano! It’ll be awesome!”

Jihoon hesitated, but Minghao could see the gears turning in his mind. He wasn’t sure at first, his small hands fidgeting in his lap, but then he nodded. Slowly, he crawled out of the fort and made his way over to his little toy piano, which was set up near the corner of the room. He sat down, his tiny fingers gently pressing a few keys.

The first few notes were hesitant, soft, but then the melody began to form—a sweet, simple tune that filled the room with a warm, comforting sound. Minghao’s heart swelled as he watched Jihoon lose himself in the music, his eyes focused, his small body swaying slightly as he played. It was a moment of pure joy, one that Minghao knew would stick with him for a long time.

Jeonghan and Seungcheol swayed to the music, and even Chan was clapping his hands, bouncing on his knees to the rhythm. As Jihoon played, Minghao felt a sense of pride watching his boys come together like this, each one in their own little world, but somehow connected by the simple act of making music together.

Seungcheol, never one to stay still for long, immediately jumped to his feet. “Okay! Now we dance!” he announced, grabbing Jihoon’s hand and pulling him up with excitement.

Jeonghan, already smiling from ear to ear, stood up as well, a playful glint in his eyes. “I’m ready!” he said, his voice full of laughter as he moved closer to Seungcheol.

Chan, still wobbling a bit on his feet, got a little help from Minghao, who gently steadied him. “You want to dance too, sweetie?” Minghao asked with a grin.

“Up!” Chan said eagerly, his little arms reaching for his dad as he bounced on his toes.

Minghao chuckled, picking him up and spinning him around. "Let's go, little otter!"

Just as they began, Seungcheol’s eyes lit up with another idea. “Let’s sing ‘Let It Go!’” he shouted, and the room filled with cheers of agreement.

Jihoon’s face brightened at the suggestion, and Jeonghan’s laughter bubbled up. “That’s my favorite!” Jeonghan chimed in, clearly thrilled as he and Seungcheol started singing the opening lines of the song.

“Let it go, let it go!” they sang, their voices slightly off-key but full of joy.

Minghao spun Chan around in his arms, his voice joining in softly as he danced with his youngest. Chan giggled, repeating the words in his own sweet way.

Across the room, Mingyu, not one to miss out on the fun, gently grabbed Jihoon’s hand, leading him into a slow twirl. Jihoon’s cheeks flushed with surprise, but his smile grew as Mingyu spun him around. “You’re a great dancer, Jihoonie,” Mingyu said, beaming at him. Jihoon's small feet moving in time with his dad’s steps.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol had taken charge of Jeonghan, leading him in an exaggerated dance, his movements big and wild. Jeonghan, laughing harder than Minghao had seen since his birthday, followed along, his body moving with an ease that spoke of his growing comfort. His giggles filled the air, loud and carefree, as Seungcheol twirled him around the room, both boys completely lost in the fun of it all.

Minghao’s heart swelled as he watched his family, all the boys dancing and singing together. Chan’s confidence as he bounced in his arms, repeating words from the song; Jihoon’s shy laughter as he spun with Mingyu; Jeonghan’s joy, so clear and so real as he danced with Seungcheol—it was everything Minghao had dreamed of when he imagined these moments.

He caught Mingyu’s eye across the room, and they exchanged a smile. As the chorus of “Let It Go” reached its final notes, Minghao twirled Chan once more before setting him gently on the floor. “I think we’ve got some future performers in the family,” he said with a soft laugh, his eyes twinkling with pride as Chan clapped his little hands and cheered, “Again!”

Mingyu grinned as he picked up Jihoon for one last spin. “Maybe we should have dance nights more often.”

Seungcheol, jumped in. “We should dance every night! Right, Han?”

Jeonghan nodded enthusiastically, still catching his breath from all the laughing. “Every night!”

As the energy in the room finally began to settle, the boys, tired but happy, moved toward their cozy fort. Jihoon curled up with his toy piano, gently pressing a few keys as he hummed the melody to himself, content. Seungcheol, trying his best to stay awake, let out a big yawn as he snuggled in next to him.

Minghao watched as Jeonghan settled into the blankets with a peaceful expression, his body completely at ease. For the first time in a while, Jeonghan looked truly comfortable, his face glowing with the joy of the night as Chan nestled beside him, already dozing off.

As Minghao sat down beside Mingyu, both of them leaned back, taking in the peaceful sight of their boys wrapped in blankets, their earlier laughter still echoing softly in the room. Minghao placed a hand on Mingyu’s knee, squeezing gently as he whispered, “I love you.”

Mingyu smiled, “Love you too, babe.”

And as the night slowly deepened, the house filled with the quiet sounds of their boys drifting off to sleep, Minghao felt like everything, finally, was exactly where it should be.

Chapter Text

Mingyu glanced at the clock with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The big day had finally arrived, and Jihoon's fourth birthday party was about to begin. The living room had been transformed into a vibrant, music-themed wonderland. Balloons shaped like musical notes floated above, colorful streamers draped from the ceiling, and a large banner proudly proclaimed, "Happy 4th Birthday, Jihoon!"

Jihoon was the star of the day, dressed in an adorable outfit that fit the music theme perfectly. He wore a blue shirt with a drum graphic on the front, paired with matching shorts and bright yellow sneakers. His outfit was completed with a tiny, sparkly party hat perched atop his head.

Seungcheol, was buzzing with excitement as he carefully arranged the party hats on the table. He held up a red hat adorned with a golden star and grinned. "Look, Dad! This is the best!"

Mingyu chuckled, "I think it's perfect, Seungcheol. You've done an amazing job with the hats. What about the streamers?"

Seungcheol looked around and nodded proudly. "They are everywhere!"

Mingyu was busy setting up a small stage area in the corner, focusing on the toy microphone and mini drums. He carefully placed them on the tiny stage and then looked up, noticing Jeonghan, who was silently observing Seungcheol's work. "Hanie, can you come help me with this microphone?" Mingyu asked, glancing at Jeonghan.

Jeonghan, was dressed in a cute outfit—a striped shirt and denim overalls with his toy sword hanging from his belt. He put down his sword and walked over, giving Mingyu a small smile. "Okay, Daddy."

Mingyu handed him the microphone stand. "Just hold this while I adjust it. We want to make sure it's perfect for Jihoon's big performance!"

Seungcheol's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I think he'll sing 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'!"

He turned to Jihoon, who was sitting on the floor next to Chan, playing with his new guitar, a gift from Minghao and Mingyu. Jihoon's face lit up when he saw Mingyu. "Daddy! Mic?"

Mingyu smiled and handed the microphone to Jihoon. “Alright, birthday boy. How does that sound?”

Jihoon beamed, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he carefully took the microphone in both hands. For a moment, he stood there, looking at the small device as if it were the most magical thing in the world. He brought it close to his mouth and tested it with a few playful "la-la-las".

At that moment, Minghao entered the room with a tray of snacks and his phone. "I'm going to call my parents now, before the guests arrive. I think they'd love to see Jihoon."

Mingyu looked over at Minghao holding his breath, unable to hide his admiration. Minghao looked absolutely gorgeous in his white shirt and red leather jacket. Mingyu's gaze lingered as he picked up Chan, perching him on his hip.

Minghao noticed the look and his cheeks burned a very cute red. He cleared his throat, slightly flustered, and said softly, "I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see him." Trying to focus on his task, Minghao picked up the phone and dialed the number. As the phone rang, he stole another quick glance at Mingyu, who was still watching him with a warm smile. Mingyu loved seeing Minghao so endearingly nervous.

When Minghao's parents finally answered, he greeted them warmly, though a hint of nervousness laced his voice. "Hello, Mom, Dad!"

Jihoon's eyes sparkled with excitement as he heard Minghao's parents' voices through the phone. He waved enthusiastically. "Grandma! Grandpa!"

Minghao's mother's voice came through, filled with warmth and love. "Hello, Jihoon! We wish we could be there with you. How are you today?"

Jihoon hesitated for a moment, looking a bit shy, but managed to respond, "I'm good! I sing with my hyungs!"

Minghao's father chuckled, clearly delighted. "That's wonderful! I'm sure you're having a great time. Can you tell us about your party?"

Seungcheol and Jeonghan, eager to join the conversation, leaned in. Seungcheol grabbed the phone and chimed in, "It's going to be awesome!"

Jeonghan added with enthusiasm, "Music!"

Minghao's parents responded with cheerful laughter. "That sounds fantastic! We can't wait to see pictures of the party. Enjoy yourself, Jihoon!"

The children excitedly began showing off the Chinese phrases they had learned. Seungcheol proudly exclaimed, "Nǐ hǎo!" and Jihoon, with a bit of help from Minghao, shyly added, "Xièxiè!" Minghao's parents responded with their own cheerful greetings, clearly impressed by the kids' efforts.

In the midst of this joyful exchange, Chan, dressed in a cute soft green onesie adorned with an embroidered otter and tiny brown socks, crawled around the room. Mingyu carefully adjusted one of Chan's socks that was about to fall off before setting him back on the floor. Chan’s giggles filled the air as he reached out to grab at the colorful decorations, babbling happily, "Ot! Ot!" while hugging his plushie tightly.

Just then, Minghao's parents chimed in, their voices warm and cheerful. "We have to get going, but we can’t wait to hear all about the party later!" his mother said.

Minghao nodded, smiling as he replied, "Thanks for calling! We’ll send pictures, I promise."

"Take care, Jihoon! We love you!" Minghao's father added, his voice filled with affection.

"Love you!" Jihoon echoed, waving energetically.

"Goodbye, sweetheart!" Minghao's mother said. "Enjoy your special day!"

With that, the call ended, leaving a soft glow of warmth in the room. Minghao set the phone down, and the air felt lighter with the excitement of the day ahead. Mingyu leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Minghao's waist.

"You know," Mingyu said softly, "that jacket reminds me of your 22nd birthday."

Minghao's eyes twinkled with desire. "Yeah?" he responded.

Mingyu leaned in, whispering, "You look even more beautiful."

Minghao's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and a knowing smile curved his lips. "You need to behave, babe," he said, his voice playful.

Just as Mingyu opened his mouth to respond, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Jihoon's kindergarten classmates. Minghao quickly turned his attention to the snacks, his cheeks still warm from Mingyu's compliment and the shared memory. Mingyu gave him one last satisfied smile before hurrying to answer the door, greeting the parents and children with a warm smile.

As they entered, the room filled with a chorus of excited chatter and giggles. Jihoon's friends quickly became engrossed in the various party games and activities set up around the room.

Mingyu walked back into the living room, where the excitement was palpable. Jihoon, now more comfortable and visibly excited, proudly showed off his new guitar to the kids gathered around. Seungcheol and Jeonghan, their faces lit with eager anticipation, clustered around Jihoon, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Jeonghan, though still a bit hesitant, couldn't hide his excitement. "Jihoon, sing?" he suggested, his voice tinged with both eagerness and a hint of shyness.

Jihoon nodded, holding the guitar carefully with a mixture of pride and nervousness. "Okay, help me?" he asked, glancing at his brothers for support.

Seungcheol and Jeonghan eagerly joined Jihoon on the small stage. Together, they began to strum the guitar and play the piano, the sound of their makeshift music filling the room. Jihoon's initial shyness melted away as he was buoyed by the encouragement of his friends. His smile grew as he softly sang along, the sound of his voice blending with Seungcheol's and Jeonghan's cheerful singing.

Chan, who had been exploring the room with his beloved otter plushie, toddled over to join the audience. His wide eyes followed the guitar's movements with fascination. "Guitar!" he babbled excitedly, pointing at the instrument with a mixture of awe and delight.

Mingyu, standing off to the side, couldn't help but smile as he watched his kids. He glanced over at Minghao, who was standing beside him, capturing the moment on his phone. Mingyu slipped his arm around his husband's waist under the jacket. Minghao leaned into him, a soft smile on his lips as he continued to record the performance. They shared a knowing look before Mingyu pressed a gentle kiss to Minghao's temple, his heart full as he watched their children.

As Jihoon, Seungcheol, and Jeonghan finished their song, the room erupted in applause and cheers. Chan clapped his hands, his giggles mingling with the clamor of approval. Mingyu squeezed Minghao's waist.

Minghao glanced up at Mingyu, his eyes shining with happiness. "This is perfect," he whispered.

Mingyu nodded, his smile widening. "Absolutely. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

---

Mingyu stirred awake to the sound of the phone ringing, its insistent tone cutting through the soft morning light that streamed into their room. He blinked sleepily and turned to see Minghao beside him, already reaching for the phone, his expression shifting from sleep to alertness in an instant.

Before Minghao answered the call, he glanced at the screen and raised an eyebrow. "Heejin," he mouthed, catching Mingyu's attention. Mingyu settled deeper into the sheets, listening closely, his heart starting to race as he tried to catch every word.

After a few minutes, Minghao ended the call and turned to Mingyu, his expression a blend of concern and resolve that sent a jolt of anxiety through Mingyu. "We have a child coming today. His name is Wonwoo."

Mingyu's heart pounded, the weight of the news settling over him like a heavy blanket. "Does he have a story?"

Minghao sighed deeply, the lines of worry etching deeper into his forehead. “Wonwoo’s parents died in a car accident when he was a baby. He was raised by his grandmother, but she passed away recently as well. Wonwoo was alone with her body for a few days before a neighbor found them.”

The gravity of the situation sank in, and Mingyu instinctively reached for Minghao’s hand, feeling how much this affected him. “He’s been through a lot—” Minghao said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just…”

Mingyu’s face softened with empathy. “That sounds incredibly tough. I can’t imagine what he’s been through.” He squeezed Minghao’s hand, grounding them both in the moment.

Minghao rubbed the back of his neck, his brow furrowed in anxiety. “I know we need to be patient and gentle, but I’m worried about how he’ll adjust to us and how we’ll adjust to him.” His voice trembled slightly, revealing the fear lurking beneath his calm facade.

Mingyu nodded, his own worries mirrored in Minghao’s expression. “I’m worried too. We’ve already made so many adjustments with the kids... and now we’re adding another change.” The weight of their responsibilities felt heavier than ever, and Mingyu's chest tightened with the thought of the challenges ahead.

Minghao looked at him, his eyes tired and filled with uncertainty. “Should we—”

Mingyu knew what he was about to say. “No, Wonwoo needs us. We’re doing this, Hao.” He gently cupped Minghao’s face, grounding him with the warmth of his touch. “We can do this, love. But we need to approach this carefully.”

Minghao sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly, the anxiety clouding his eyes. “Alright. But—I don’t know where to start—” His voice quivered, revealing the doubts that threatened to overwhelm him.

“Maybe we should make sure Jihoon understands that Wonwoo is coming and that they’ll be sharing a room,” Mingyu suggested, cutting off the growing doubts threatening to seep in. “It might help if we explain it to the kids and involve them in preparing for Wonwoo’s arrival.”

Minghao nodded thoughtfully, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes, but Mingyu could still see the hesitation lingering there. “We don’t have a bed for Wonwoo,” he said, his determination faltering. “I think I could go out and buy a bed for Wonwoo,” Minghao added, though his voice lacked its usual conviction.

“There you are.” Mingyu squeezed Minghao’s hand, feeling a rush of affection mixed with concern. “I’ll talk to the kids and make sure they’re prepared.”

Minghao looked relieved but still apprehensive, his brow knitting together in worry. “I just want to do everything right,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly as he fought back his rising anxiety.

Mingyu gave him a reassuring smile, his heart swelling with pride and understanding. “We’ll do our best. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve gotten through them together.” He could sense Minghao’s fears, mirroring his own, but he needed to keep his partner anchored amidst the storm of uncertainty.

Minghao took a deep breath, grounding himself in the moment. “Alright, I’ll head out to get the bed. We have a few hours before Wonwoo arrives, so let’s use this time to prepare and talk to the kids.”

---

As Minghao left to buy the bed, Mingyu turned his attention to the children, feeling a blend of excitement and nerves. He gathered Seungcheol, Jeonghan, Jihoon, and Chan in the living room. Chan toddled in, his soft green onesie rustling slightly with each movement, his plush otter clutched tightly in one hand. The other kids looked up at Mingyu, their faces lighting up with curiosity and anticipation as he prepared to share the news.

"Good morning, everyone," Mingyu began, his tone gentle yet firm. "I have something important to tell you. We're going to have a new friend joining us today. His name is Wonwoo, and he's four years old, just like Jihoon."

Jihoon’s eyes widened, reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity. "He live here?"

"That's right," Mingyu replied, nodding, a smile breaking through the anxious thoughts swirling in his mind. "Wonwoo will be sharing a room with you, Jihoon. We want to make sure he feels comfortable and welcome."

Seungcheol’s face brightened with enthusiasm, his little fists pumping in the air. "We can be friends!" he exclaimed, his excitement infectious. The thought of making a new friend seemed to invigorate him, and Mingyu felt a wave of warmth wash over him at Seungcheol’s eagerness.

Jeonghan, who had experienced his own adjustments in the past months, added thoughtfully, "I can share!"

Jihoon, however, looked a bit worried, his brows furrowing in concern. "I no share my piano," he stated firmly, crossing his arms as if that would protect his beloved instrument.

Mingyu knelt down to Jihoon’s level, his expression softening. “I understand, Jihoon. Your piano is special to you. Maybe you can show Wonwoo how to play it. Sharing can be hard sometimes, but it can also be fun.”

Chan, who had been silently observing with wide eyes, suddenly chimed in, “Ot!!” He held up his plushie, the soft toy barely bigger than his hands, as if it were the most precious gift he could offer.

Mingyu glanced around at their hopeful faces, feeling a mixture of gratitude and concern. “I know you all will do a great job welcoming Wonwoo into our family. We’re all in this together, right?”

Seungcheol nodded vigorously, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Right! We will be the best brothers!”

Jeonghan offered a reassuring smile, his previous hesitations fading as he caught the infectious enthusiasm of the moment. Jihoon, still a bit apprehensive, managed a small smile. “Okay,” he said, looking at Mingyu for reassurance.

---

After lunch, the bed in Jihoon's room had already been set up, and the kids were happily playing in the living room when a knock echoed through the house. Mingyu stood up to open the door, revealing Heejin standing there with a little boy beside her.

“Good afternoon, Mingyu,” Heejin greeted, her smile radiating warmth. “This is Wonwoo.”

Mingyu’s gaze met Wonwoo’s, and a wave of compassion washed over him. The little boy’s large eyes were wide and apprehensive, darting around the room as if searching for an escape route. Sensing Wonwoo’s unease, Mingyu knelt down to his level, his heart swelling with a mix of determination and empathy. He extended his hand gently, inviting the boy to take a step closer.

“Hi, Wonwoo,” Mingyu said softly, his voice filled with warmth. “I’m Mingyu. It’s nice to meet you. How about we show you around?”

Wonwoo looked at Mingyu with a mixture of curiosity and fear, hesitating before he took Mingyu's hand, his tiny fingers gripping it lightly. Mingyu smiled encouragingly and led Wonwoo inside.

As they entered the living room, Minghao stood nearby, cradling Chan in his arms. Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Jihoon were already waiting, their faces lit with eager anticipation.

“Kids,” Mingyu announced, trying to sound cheerful, “this is Wonwoo.”

Seungcheol and Jeonghan immediately approached Wonwoo with friendly smiles. Jihoon, still a bit shy himself, gave a small wave. Chan, perched in Minghao's arms, reached out with his otter plushie, his curious gaze fixed on the new arrival..

Jeonghan took a step forward. “Hi, Wonwoo,” he said, trying to sound as welcoming as possible. “Want to play?”

Wonwoo looked at Jeonghan but didn’t respond. His gaze shifted to the floor, and he shuffled nervously.

Mingyu felt a pang of concern. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he suggested, “Why don’t we start with a snack? It might help us all get to know each other better.”

Heejin nodded, giving Mingyu a reassuring smile. “I’ll leave you all to it. If you need anything, just let me know. Remember, it’s important to give Wonwoo some time to adjust.”

As Heejin left, Mingyu guided Wonwoo to the table, gently helping the boy into a seat to make him as comfortable as possible. He sat across from him, his heart aching at the sight of Wonwoo’s troubled expression.

Minghao entered the room, still cradling Chan in his arms, and offered a warm smile to Wonwoo. “Hey there, little buddy. We’re really happy you’re here with us,” he said in a soothing voice.

Seungcheol leaned forward, holding out a piece of fruit with a hopeful smile. “Do you want some apple, Wonwoo? It’s really tasty!”

Jeonghan brandished his toy sword, trying to lighten the mood further. “I have a toy sword!”

Wonwoo glanced at them but remained silent, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape route. His posture was stiff, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment. Mingyu could see the fear and hesitation in his eyes—a stark reminder of the trauma he had endured.

Jihoon, who had been quietly watching from his seat, decided to join in. “Wonwoo,” he said softly, “This is my piano; it makes fun sounds.”

Jihoon seemed determined to connect, even if he had mentioned that he didn't share it. Wonwoo's gaze lingered on Jihoon's piano toy, but he still didn’t move. Mingyu sighed softly, feeling a heavy weight on his shoulders. He knew that building trust would take time, but seeing Wonwoo’s distress was harder than he had anticipated.

Not willing to give up, Jihoon approached Wonwoo with another gentle offer. “Want to play with my guitar?” he asked, holding it out, his eyes filled with encouragement.

Wonwoo looked at the guitar with interest but didn’t reach for it. Instead, he hugged himself tightly, as if trying to shield himself.

Mingyu felt a deep sadness as he watched Wonwoo struggle, exchanging a worried glance with Minghao, who was equally concerned.

With gentle resolve, Mingyu reached out and placed a comforting hand on Wonwoo’s shoulder. “We’re here for you, Wonwoo,” he said softly. “We want to help you feel happy. It’s okay to take your time.”

Minghao nodded, stepping closer, “You’re part of our family now, and families stick together.” He held Chan a bit closer, the baby’s innocent giggles adding a touch of lightness to the atmosphere.

Wonwoo looked up, his eyes widening as he spotted Chan, who was beaming with delight. The little boy was perched comfortably in Minghao's arms, his innocent expression radiating warmth.

With a bright smile, Chan reached out, his tiny hands grasping his beloved otter plushie. He held it out to Wonwoo, offering it without a word. Wonwoo’s gaze shifted to the plushie, and for a moment, he hesitated, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected gesture.

But as Chan’s friendly gaze sparkled with encouragement, there was a shift in Wonwoo's posture. Slowly, he reached out, accepting the otter plushie from Chan’s small hands, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric. Though Wonwoo remained silent, the simple act of taking the plushie seemed to ease the tension in his shoulders.

They had learned to celebrate small victories for a long time, but this one felt huge.