Work Text:
Jaehee stumbled into their apartment, the faint smell of grilled meat and soju still clinging to him from the company dinner. He set his bag down softly by the door, slipping off his shoes as silently as he could. It was late—much later than he had planned—and guilt churned in his chest. He’d promised Riku he wouldn’t be too long.
The apartment was quiet, save for the occasional creak of the floorboards beneath his feet. He softly called out, "Riku?" but got no response. When he peeked into their bedroom, it was empty. The bed remained untouched, the covers folded neatly. After changing his clothes, Jaehee walked further down the hall toward Ryo’s room.
The door was ajar, and golden light spilled out from the small reading lamp near Ryo’s crib. Jaehee paused at the doorway, and his breath caught at the sight before him.
Riku was sitting in the rocking chair, cradling a picture book in one hand, the other gently resting on Ryo’s back. His head drooped, swaying slightly with exhaustion, and his voice was barely above a whisper as he read. His sweatshirt was slipping off one shoulder, and his hair was slightly messy, likely from running his hands through it during the long day.
Ryo was already asleep, his tiny fists clutching the edge of his blanket.
Jaehee stood in the doorway, his heart swelling. There was something so vulnerable, so achingly tender about the way Riku sat there, fighting his sleep to make sure Ryo stayed comforted. Riku was the embodiment of gentleness and love. He had given up so much—his job, his time—for Ryo and for their family. And yet, there was no trace of resentment or bitterness in him. Only warmth.
The words trailed off as Riku finally gave in, his chin resting on his chest as he dozed off. Jaehee let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.
Carefully, he stepped into the room. First, he scooped Ryo up, cradling him close as he gently laid him down in his crib. The baby stirred for a moment before settling, his soft breaths filling the quiet room.
Turning back to Riku, Jaehee knelt down, slipping his arms beneath him to lift him from the chair. Riku wasn’t heavy, but the angle made it awkward, and as Jaehee shifted to balance him, Riku stirred awake.
“J-Jaehee?” Riku mumbled, blinking blearily. His wide, startled eyes locked onto Jaehee’s face, his cheeks flushed with confusion.
“Relax,” Jaehee whispered, grinning. “I’m just trying to get you to bed before you spend the night in that chair.”
Riku let out a soft, embarrassed laugh, his head falling against Jaehee’s shoulder. “You should’ve just woken me up…”
“This is more fun,” Jaehee teased, adjusting his hold.
By the time they reached their bedroom, Riku was awake enough to wriggle out of Jaehee’s arms and walk the last few steps on his own. Jaehee guided him to the bed, pulling the covers back as Riku flopped down onto the mattress with a contented sigh.
When Jaehee sat down beside him, Riku looked up, his tired eyes softening. “You’re late.”
“I know,” Jaehee replied, leaning down so their faces were close. “I’m sorry.”
Riku smiled faintly, his voice teasing but fond. “You owe me for that storybook marathon.”
Jaehee laughed quietly, brushing a strand of hair out of Riku’s face. “Fair enough.” Then, without warning, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Riku’s lips.
Riku froze for a moment before melting into it, his hands moving up to rest on Jaehee’s shoulders. The kiss was soft at first, unhurried, like a silent promise of love. But as Jaehee deepened it, tilting his head to capture Riku’s lips more fully, the air between them grew warmer.
Riku let out a quiet, surprised hum, his fingers tightening against Jaehee’s shirt. Jaehee pulled him closer, his hand cupping the back of Riku’s neck as their kiss grew more fervent, more heated.
Riku shifted, pulling Jaehee down onto the bed with him. The soft, sleepy haze that had surrounded them was replaced by a growing intensity, their breaths mingling as they kissed again and again. Riku’s hands slid down Jaehee’s back, tugging him closer, and Jaehee let out a quiet groan, his lips trailing briefly down Riku’s jawline before returning to his mouth.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing hard, their faces flushed. Jaehee rested his forehead against Riku’s, his lips curling into a small, breathless smile.
“Still mad at me for being late?” Jaehee asked, his voice low and teasing.
Riku laughed softly, his fingers brushing over Jaehee’s cheek. “I guess I’ll forgive you… but only because I love you.”
Jaehee leaned in for one more slow, lingering kiss before pulling back and helping Riku settle under the blankets. Sliding in beside him, he wrapped an arm around Riku’s waist, pulling him close. “I love you too and thankyou for everything”
As they lay together, the earlier intensity faded into a quiet, comfortable warmth. They drifted off in each other’s arms, content in the knowledge that they were exactly where they belonged—with each other.