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“Papa! Can you tell me a bedtime story?”
Jisung tucks his baby girl into her bed and fluffs her pillow, “Alright, Nari, let’s see.” He begins looking over the books on her bookcase and taps his chin.
“No! I want to hear a new story. Tell me a Papa story!” Nari whines.
Jisung watches her lips push out into a little pout and her eyebrows scrunch up. She looks just like him and to this day it’s still crazy that he has a little girl.
“Alright, you want a Papa original? Are you sure you’re ready?” Jisung tickles her sides.
Nari’s giggles make Jisung’s heart sing. Her eyes squint into crescents and she playfully holds her arms close to her chest and pretends to be a kitten, “Please Papa?”
Jisung smiles and rubs her little arms, “Okay, I’m gonna tell you my favorite story of all time. It’s very important to me, so make sure you pay attention.”
Nari nods enthusiastically and sits up in her bed. She’s smiling so big, her little teeth on display. Her two front teeth are gone, tucked in a little bag under her pillow waiting for the tooth fairy to come and take it. Her little smile is still the most adorable thing Jisung has ever seen.
Jisung clears his throat and looks Nari into her eyes,
Once upon a time…
~~~~~
There once was a young traveler by the name of Han. He was small in stature, but he was strong. He traveled to various towns all over the kingdom meeting new people and trying new things. Everyday he would sit in front of the town’s cafe and sing with his trusty guitar.
But his guitar was magic. Every time he played it, couples would come and dance to the music together falling in love. Han loved to sing and play his magical guitar. He would smile at all the happy couples looking into each other’s eyes and falling more in love with each other. Even new couples would form and they would fall in love, too.
Every town Han went to, he met more and more people. He made more and more people fall in love. Until one day he was packing up his things to leave when he heard the most beautiful voice.
Nari speaks up, “Is Han gonna fall in love?”
Jisung smiles, “Nari, I told you to listen and pay attention.”
“Oops, sorry papa.”
Jisung smiles and continues his story.
Like I was saying, Han hears the most beautiful voice. The sound filled his ears with so much joy and his heart fluttered at every single note. The voice floated, soft and airy through the wind and filled every space that surrounded him. Han looked around searching for the owner of the voice, but just as he spotted the mysterious stranger, they had rounded the corner of the street.
Han took off chasing after the voice, but by the time he rounded the same corner, they were gone.
He decided to stay one more night in that town in hopes of finding the mysterious voice again. That evening he pulled out his guitar and plucked at the strings. This time, when he sang, he noticed a small animal come and sit next to him.
“Hi,” Han said.
“Hi!” The little pink bunny said.
“Wait. Bunnies are not pink, Papa.” Nari frowns.
“Is this your story or my story? In my story, bunnies are pink.” Jisung grins.
“But Bunnies can’t be pink!”
“Work with me kid.” Jisung laughs.
Nari rolls her eyes and squints as Jisung continues.
Anyways, the little pink bunny sat next to Jisung the whole time he sang and played his guitar. Han looked down again and realized it wasn’t an ordinary bunny. This bunny had a pig’s nose and a squiggly pig tail. Han smiled and patted the bunny’s head, “What’s your name, little guy?”
The bunny huffs, “I’m not a little guy!”
Han laughs, “Sorry, what’s your name, tough guy?”
The bunny smiles, “Dwaekki.”
“What brings you here?”
“I heard that there’s a guy who sings and makes people fall in love, so I’m here to find my true love!” Dwaekki’s tail twitches and he thumps his hind leg.
Han grins, “Alright, this next song goes out to you, Dwaekki.”
Han strums his guitar and he swears he sees pink hearts flow out of his guitar. He watches as Dwaekki runs out into the middle of the street and looks around frantically for his true love to come find him. Han smiles when a white ferret comes out shyly through the bushes.
Dwaekki’s hind leg thumps nervously as the slender white ferret walks towards him tentatively, “Dwaekki?”
“Jiniret!” Dwaekki pulls the ferret into his arms and holds him tight. “I thought I lost you!”
Jiniret wraps his body around Dwaekki and nuzzles into him, “I’m here. I just had to go away for a little bit.”
Dwaekki and Jiniret sway to the music and just as the song finishes, Han hears the sweet sounding voice again. He looks around and sees the figure retreating back into the winding streets.
Han stands and runs after them, but loses them once again. He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. As he walks back to gather his guitar case, Dwaekki and Jiniret are waiting for him, holding paws.
“Thank you for bringing my beloved back to me.” Dwaekki smiles.
Han grins, “It’s what I do.”
The next day, Han packs up his things and begins his travels to the next town. As he’s walking through the forest he hears a noise and then a low growl. Han freezes and looks around him. All he sees are trees and bushes until a pair of eyes blink at him from between the trees.
Han stares into the black orbs staring at him, his heart is beating out of his chest and –
“No, Papa, stop, I don't like this!” Nari sinks into her bed and covers her face.
Jisung coos, “I’m sorry baby, it’s not gonna be scary.”
Nari blinks and her eyebrows are crunched upwards in the middle.
Not scary black orbs stare back at Han. Slowly a big gray wolf emerges from the trees. Han stares at it as it approaches him slowly. Soon it nudges at Han’s bag, his big wet nose sniffing the contents.
Han opens his bag and pulls out a bottle of pineapple juice and opens it. The big wolf laps up the juice hungrily and then sits on its hind legs wagging its tail.
“Thank you so much, I was so thirsty.” The wolf says. “I’m WolfChan.”
Han sighs a breath of relief, “Nice to meet you. I'm Han.”
“Where are you headed?” WolfChan asks, his hind leg scratching behind his ear.
“The next town over.” Han pulls his bag over his shoulder and continues walking. WolfChan follows closely behind.
“Can I come?”
Han smiles, “Sure.”
“I’m looking for my mate. He’s a little skittish, gets lost easily chasing after birds.” WolfChan says sniffing the air. “Prince Lino just passed by.”
“Prince Lino?” Han asks.
“Yeah, he usually visits all the towns and says hi to the townsfolk. He’s a great Prince, everyone in the kingdom loves him.”
Han nods along and continues to follow the path. Soon he starts singing and WolfChan nods along, “You’re a good singer.”
Han smiles and pulls out his guitar, “Is your mate close by?”
WolfChan nods and sniffs the air, “I think he was here not too long ago. Actually it smells like he was with Prince Lino.”
Han begins strumming his guitar and singing, hearts flow out of the guitar and soon he hears that beautiful voice again. He quiets his singing and looks around, still strumming. The voice seems to be getting closer and closer until a golden retriever bursts through the bushes and makes Han jump.
“Ahh!” Han screams as the puppy licks his face.
“PuppyM! Stop!” WolfChan laughs, nuzzling at the golden’s side.
PuppyM begins circling WolfChan, happily trotting, his tongue hanging out the side and then he nuzzles underneath the wolf, a smile on his lips, “I found you!”
WolfChan laughs, “Where’s Prince Lino?”
PuppyM pouts, “That’s who you’re looking for?”
“No, but I think this guy is.” WolfChan nods towards Han.
“How come Han helps other people find their true loves with his singing, but not his own true love?”
Jisung raises his eyebrows and chuckles, “You’re getting ahead of the story.”
“But I just want him to find his true love!”
“You’re such a romantic.” Jisung pinches her cheek.
She swats his hand away, “Papa!”
Okay, okay, Han gets up off the floor and smiles at PuppyM circling his legs, “Hello.”
“Why do you want to meet Prince Lino?”
“I have no idea who that is.”
“It’s the guy who’s singing you were listening to earlier.” WolfChan says.
Han blinks and looks around, “How did you know I –”
WolfChan laughs and begins walking down the path, “Come on.”
Han follows behind WolfChan and PuppyM. He watches the way PuppyM darts back and forth in a zigzag along the path and WolfChan just smiling fondly listening to him talk about his adventures. It’s sweet and calm the way they interact. They look so in love and Han feels his heart tug at hoping one day he’ll find that love, too.
As they walk into the town, the townsfolk pat PuppyM’s head as he passes by wagging his tail. Some of the children run up to WolfChan and try climbing onto his back and grabbing his large legs. Han smiles as he sees the animals interact with the humans. But then he hears the voice again. It’s closer now and he turns to see the figure bent down feeding a stray cat.
He had a scarf pulled over his head, but he was wearing plain clothes. A simple beige blouse with linen pants and sandals. His voice carried through the air, floating to Han’s ears and settling against his eardrums.
The man was beautiful, his face was sculpted by the gods and his eyes crinkled in the corners when he smiled. He was broad, strong, fit to be a soldier, but the aura of a Prince.
WolfChan nudges Han’s hand, “That’s Prince Lino.”
“He’s beautiful.” Han whispers.
WolfChan trots over to Prince Lino and rubs his head across his chest. The Prince laughs and makes Han feel butterflies flutter in his stomach.
PuppyM sits down next to Han and wags his tail, “Oooh, you like the Prince!”
Han giggles, “Think I have a chance?”
PuppyM cocks his head, “No, but you can try.”
Jisung sees Nari huff and cross her arms. “What’s wrong?”
“Han has a chance! PuppyM is mean.”
Jisung giggles, “Just a little teasing.”
Han straightens his vest and starts walking towards Prince Lino and WolfChan. Prince Lino looks up and locks eyes with Han and the entire world stops. Han looks into the Prince’s eyes and sees his entire future. Prince Lino smiles and Han’s knees buckle. He almost trips and falls, but WolfChan is there to catch him. WolfChan nudges Han towards Prince Lino and he clears his throat, his voice almost lost in his chest.
“Hello there.” Prince Lino smiles.
“Hi, I’m Han.”
“Ah yes, the traveler that helps my people fall in love.”
Han feels his cheeks warm up and the tips of his ears go hot. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Thank you, I am very grateful for you spreading joy around my kingdom.”
“You have a very beautiful voice.” Han says, looking into the Prince’s beautiful amber eyes.
Prince Lino blushes and lightly chuckles, “I didn’t know you were listening.”
“Prince! Where have you been?!”
Han turns and sees a white fox come running down the road. A little yellow chick is riding on it’s back and looking around.
“Foxiny, Bbokkari, what’s going on?” Prince Lino asks.
“We gotta go, the guards.” Bbokkari trembles.
Prince Lino looks back at Han and squeezes his hand, “It was nice meeting you, traveler Han.” He pulls his scarf close to his face and he follows behind the fox down an alleyway.
“Wait!” Han yells, but the Prince is already gone.
WolfChan and PuppyM come and stand next to Han and they both let out long sighs.
“Prince Lino isn’t supposed to leave the palace. He is supposed to be choosing a suitor to marry.” WolfChan sighs.
Han feels his heart drop to his stomach and he begins walking back towards his bag and guitar. He walks to the local cafe and pulls his guitar out of its case. But this time when he strums his guitar, broken hearts come flying out and his song is sad. WolfChan and PuppyM lay down on either side of him and he can hear their whimpers as he sings his song. People aren’t falling in love with his songs, there's sadness in the air and soon clouds come overhead.
“Han, it’s gonna rain.” WolfChan nudges his leg.
Han stops playing and nods his head, he looks around at the townsfolk and sees so much sadness in their eyes. He bows and walks into the alleyway to shield himself from the rain.
“Why doesn’t Han go and win Prince Lino’s heart?”
“He’s supposed to find a suitor that can provide for him and his kingdom.”
“But Han makes all the town people fall in love! That is providing for the people!” Nari’s bottom lip wobbles.
Jisung tucks her hair behind her ear, “Don’t worry baby, it’s a happy ending.”
Han sits outside the cafe and looks at the gloomy clouds overhead. PuppyM and WolfChan have stayed by his side the entire time. He strums his guitar and broken hearts still fly out. He sighs, putting his guitar down and patting WolfChan’s head.
“How far is the palace?” Han asks.
“Not too far, maybe a half day’s walk.” WolfChan stretches.
“Can you take me there?”
WolfChan smiles and PuppyM jumps to his feet and starts running in circles, “I thought you’d never ask!”
Han giggles and follows the pair back out to the main road and into the forest. The walk is long, but Han listens to WolfChan and PuppyM talk the entire time. They tell him stories about Prince Lino and how he is the reason why the animals are not afraid to go into the towns. The Prince made it so that all animals are welcome and felt included. Han smiles and thinks about all the animals he meets on his adventures. All of them playing a role in helping him get to his next destination and making it easier to find his way.
“Han!”
Han turns around and sees Dawekki and Jiniret running towards him. Han smiles and opens his arms as Dwaekki and Jiniret jump into his arms.
“I heard you’re looking for Prince Lino!” Dwaekki squeals.
“How did you know that?” Han giggles.
“A little chick told me.” Jiniret smiles.
Han smiles and follows the animals into the town surrounding the main palace. It’s busier here, a lot more people and a lot more animals. Guards are walking up and down the streets and there are dozens surrounding the main entrance. Han swallows the lump in his throat and continues forward.
“Psst! Hey!”
Han looks around and sees the white fox calling them towards him. PuppyM trots over cheerfully and the rest follow suit.
“You can’t go in there.” Foxiny warns, “They’re only letting potential suitors for Prince Lino inside.”
Han nods, “Are there requirements?”
“You have to be royalty. And you clearly are not.” Foxiny says, his bushy tail wrapping around himself.
Han nods and looks back at the palace doors, “Yeah. I’m not.”
“Why do you want to meet Prince Lino anyways?”
“I feel drawn to him, like his singing calls out to me.”
Just then Han hears the voice. The sweet silky, airy voice he’s been chasing. He looks around and sees Prince Lino on a balcony singing. He looks even more stunning in his white, royal suit with his hair pushed out of his face. His song is sad though, not the same happy loving song he usually sings.
Han pulls out his guitar and begins strumming, hearts flow out and he begins singing his song. Their voices meld together in perfect harmony, and Prince Lino looks down and his eyes meet Han’s. The world around him starts to glow pink and his guitar is shooting so many hearts into the air.
As the song comes to an end, Prince Lino is smiling so fondly looking down at Han.
“Can you get me in there?” Han asks Foxiny.
Foxiny huffs, but nods his head, “But you better be careful and you better be quiet.”
Han nods along and turns to his animal friends, “Wish me luck!”
They all nod and hold each other close as Han follows Foxiny through the bushes and into the back entrance of the palace. He’s quiet on his feet and he’s small enough to fit through the small doors Foxiny leads him through. They go through the garden into the palace, through the kitchen and up the stairs. Foxiny stops in the hallway and looks around before darting towards a door, pushing it open.
“Go!” Foxiny yells.
Han runs after him and into the door, but a guard sees him.
“Hey! Stop right there!”
Han panics and shuts the door behind him. A hand goes over his mouth and he starts to fight, but he hears a sweet voice, “Shh, come here, you can hide under the bed.”
Prince Lino leads him to the bed and Han scrambles to get under it, he takes off his guitar and rests it next to him as he peaks under the bed skirt.
“Where is the intruder?”
“Intruder? I didn’t see an intruder.”
“Your Highness, we cannot have another disappearing act. Your suitors are waiting for you down in the ballroom. If there is someone here hiding, we need to know now.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Foxiny was just having a stroll outside, he’s a fox. He needs fresh air.” Prince Lino huffs. Han can see Foxiny’s bushy tail sitting down next to Lino’s feet.
Han hears the guards sigh and walk out of the room.
“Phew that was close.”
Han turns and sees a little chick sitting next to him.
“Hi! I’m Bbokkari!”
Han smiles and pats the little chick's head, “I’m Han.”
Prince Lino looks under the bed and gestures for Han to come out. “What are you doing here?”
Han clears his throat and looks and the Prince up and down. He’s so beautiful. “I wanted to say hello and tell you that your voice is very beautiful. And I wanted to uhm, play you a song!”
Prince Lino smirks and sits down on his bed, “Okay.”
Han pulls out his guitar and begins strumming and red hearts begin to fill the room. He starts to sing a song he doesn’t know. He just lets his heart do the talking. The entire time Prince Lino stares at him with big beautiful eyes and a soft smile. Han can feel his heart beating in sync with the tune and after a while, Prince Lino begins singing as well. They’re melodies meld together perfectly and it’s like time stops just for them.
“Wow. That was amazing.” Prince Lino blushes.
Han just rubs the back of his neck and sits down next to him on the bed.
“I’m envious of you. I wish I could travel all over the world. I’d love to see the tops of mountains and sail across the sea.” Prince Lino confesses.
“Why don’t you?”
“I am destined to rule this kingdom. It’ll all be mine one day.” Prince Lino sighs.
Han swallows hard, “Maybe before you take over you can go on an adventure.”
Prince Lino smiles, “Oh really? Will you come with me?”
Han puts his hand over the Prince’s, “Of course. I’ll show you the whole world.”
“Get your hands off of him, peasant!” A guard bursts through the doors and grabs Han’s hand. “Intruder! Intruder!”
“No! Stop, he’s my friend!” Prince Lino yells, trying to pry the arms of the guard off of Han. Another guard runs in and pulls the Prince away.
“Don’t hurt him!” Prince Lino yells.
“Your Highness, he’s an intruder! He could have hurt you!” The guard screams, pulling the Prince out of the room.
Foxiny runs after the Prince and bites the guard's ankles. The guard kicks Foxiny into the wall and he whimpers and struggles to get up.
“Foxiny!” Prince Lino screams.
“You’re going to the dungeon!” The guard holding Han yells and drags him out of the room. “This is done for.” Another guard picks up Han’s guitar and snaps the neck in half.
“NO! Papa, stop! I can’t do it. No!” Nari cries.
“It’s okay baby, it’s almost done.”
“No! His magic guitar is broken, how is he gonna get the Prince to fall in love with him?”
Jisung smiles and wipes Nari’s tears, “Don’t spoil the ending now.”
“Papa!” Nari crawls into his lap and wraps her little arms around his shoulders.
Jisung pulls her away and holds her in his lap.
Okay where was I? Han sat in the dungeon of the palace. It was cold and desolate and his broken guitar lay next to him. Tears filled his eyes and all he could think about was Prince Lino. He just wanted to get to him, bring him out of the palace and show him the whole world. Instead he’s trapped behind cold metal bars.
“Psst.”
Han looks up and sees Bbokkari dragging a key towards him.
“Bbokkari?” Han gets up and picks up the little chick and the key.
“I stole this from the guard so you can be free.” Bbokkari smiles.
“What about Prince Lino?”
“Foxiny is with him, he’s in the ballroom meeting the suitors.”
Han nods and looks down at his tattered clothes. He isn’t royalty, he has nothing to offer. Even if he could bring Prince Lino with him on his travels, he would not be able to give him the lavish lifestyle he has here.
“Thanks, Bbokkari.” Han sets him on the ground and gathers up the pieces of his guitar. He unlocks the door. He looks around and finds a window to crawl out of.
“Wait! Aren’t you gonna go back to Prince Lino?” Bbokkari asks.
Han sighs and looks back at Bbokkari through the window, “I have nothing to offer him. He deserves someone who can take care of him.”
Bbokkari frowns, “But Prince Lino doesn’t want that. He just wants someone to love him.”
“Psst.”
Han turns around and sees WolfChan and PuppyM crawling towards him, “What are you doing? Why aren’t you with Prince Lino?”
“I, I don’t know. I can’t.”
WolfChan nuzzles his side, “Yes you can. You make people fall in love. You deserve love, too.” WolfChan stands and jumps into the window.
“Come on, let’s get your Prince.”
PuppyM follows after and scoops Bbokkari onto his head.
“But my guitar is broken. My magic is gone.”
“No it’s not, you’re the magical one, Han.” WolfChan smiles.
Han takes a deep breath and jumps back into the window. He follows them through the hallways, Bbokkari leading the way on PuppyM’s head. Han can feel his heart beating fast in his chest as they start to hear music coming from down the hall.
WolfChan pushes the doors open and the music stops, everyone turning to look towards the front doors.
“Intruder!” The guards yell.
“No!” Prince Lino stands and yells.
The King and Queen are sitting at the front of the room and staring directly at Han and the animals.
“Who are you?” The King demands.
“My name is Han, I am a traveler from another land.” Han stutters.
“What are you doing here?”
Han swallows dryly and WolfChan pushes him forward making him stumble slightly, “Uhm, I’m here to see the Prince.”
The room bursts into laughter and everyone is pointing and laughing. Except Prince Lino. He’s still standing, his hands clenched at his sides as everyone in the room continues to laugh.
The King shushes the room, “What could you possibly offer me?”
Han looks around and spots the band. “I can sing.”
The King laughs a deep belly laugh and shakes his head. “I don’t need a singer, boy.”
“Let him sing.” The Queen smiles.
The King takes a seat on his throne and nods towards the band. Han walks over and asks for a guitar. He takes a deep breath and looks out into the crowd. People are still snickering to themselves, others are pretending to yawn. But Prince Lino is still standing, smiling and staring. Han smiles and strums the guitar. No hearts fly out of it, but the minute he begins to sing, the room starts to feel airy and sweet.
Prince Lino joins him and they sing together, the rest of the room fading away as pink surrounds them and there’s no one in the room except for the two of them. Han sings from his heart, a melody that matches the one Lino is singing. Their voices create new harmonies and tones that make the entire room feel sweet.
The last strum of his guitar, he wraps a hand around Prince Lino’s waist and pulls him close. Prince Lino wraps his arms around Han’s shoulders and smiles, connecting their foreheads.
“Father, Mother, I’ve found a suitor.” Prince Lino says.
The King starts to protest, but the Queen puts her hand on his arm. “Leave him be.”
“Also I want to travel the world.” Prince Lino says, turning towards them.
The Queen smiles and nods, “I think that can be arranged, right?”
“On one condition.” The King stands. “You must come back and rule this Kingdom.”
Prince Lino sighs through his nose and nods.
The King nods and looks at Han, “You better take care of my son.”
Han nods his head and pulls Prince Lino close, “Where do you want to go?”
“Anywhere.” Prince Lino says, pressing his lips to Han’s and –
“Ew! No kissing!” Nari shakes her head.
Jisung laughs, “What? But they’re in love?”
“Skip that part.” Nari shudders.
And after they finally kiss, Prince Lino packs up a bag and follows Han out into the town. WolfChan, PuppyM, Dwaekki, Jiniret, Foxiny and Bbokkari are all waiting for them.
“Can we come?” PuppyM jumps up and down.
Han smiles holding Prince Lino’s hand, “Absolutely.”
“We have a present for you!” Dwaekki grins. They all move aside and show Han his patched up guitar.
“Wait, how?” Han asks, picking up his guitar and strumming the strings watching the pink hearts flow out.
“I know a guy.” Dwaekki shrugs.
Han hugs Dwaekki tight and throws his guitar over his shoulder. He intertwined his fingers with Prince Lino and they set out on their next adventure.
And they lived happily ever after.
~~~~~
Jisung tucks Nari back in bed and she yawns, pulling the covers up to her chin.
“I like that story.” Nari smiles.
“I’m glad you did.” Jisung kisses her forehead and turns on her nightlight, “Goodnight, my princess.”
He stops by her door and smiles at her before closing it. As he walks down the hallway to his bedroom he hears soft singing coming from the bathroom. The hallway is covered in pictures of Jisung and all of his friends, pictures of Nari as a baby and his wedding pictures.
“Hi, baby.” Minho smiles drying off his hair.
“You’re late.” Jisung crosses his arms.
“I know, I’m sorry. I got caught up at the office. But I am off for the rest of the week.” Minho wraps his arms around Jisung’s shoulders.
Jisung kisses his husband softly, holding him close. “I told Nari a bedtime story today.”
“Oh really? Which one?” Minho asks, holding Jisung’s hand and leading him into the kitchen for tea.
“It was about the young traveler Han who meets the beautiful Prince Lino.” Jisung smiles.
Minho’s ears tinge red and he chuckles, “Haven’t heard your stage name in a while. Brings back memories of going on tour with you.”
Jisung laughs, “Do you ever miss your old rockstar boyfriend? He’s been replaced with a stay at home dad.”
Minho grabs Jisung’s ass, “You’re still a rockstar to me, baby.” He kisses him and smacks his ass lightly. “Do you ever miss your groupie boyfriend? I’m just an old CEO now.”
“Never, I get to stay home and produce music and write songs all day. I’m pretty sure I won the jackpot here.” Jisung giggles.
They stay up in the kitchen talking about their travels from Jisung’s band. His old guitar that broke the day he met Minho hangs above the mantle in their living room. Patched together by their friends and held close for safe keeping.
Minho sneaks into Nari’s room and kisses her goodnight, “Goodnight Princess, Nari. Daddy loves you.”
The weekend comes and all of their friends come over for a barbecue. Chan and Seungmin play with Nari in the pool. Changbin and Hyunjin are grilling meat and controlling the playlist. Felix and Jeongin sing karaoke way too loudly. Minho and Jisung laugh and play and enjoy their lives being surrounded by love and a pink chroma key background.
The end.