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“Yujin-ah,” Hao called softly, sitting on the edge of his son's bed, gently rubbing his back. Yujin lay sprawled on his stomach, mouth slightly open, lost in deep sleep. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open at the sound of his father’s voice. “Remember, we have an appointment today?” Hao murmured, careful not to startle him.
“Pa,” Yujin groaned, turning his head toward the wall in protest.
“No-no,” Hao said, scooping the boy up in both arms and lifting him from the bed. Yujin whined, tossing his head back in a sleepy protest. “Come on, Yujin-ah. Papa will buy you a new ball afterward,” Hao coaxed, settling the boy on his lap.
Yujin’s whining halted abruptly. He sat up straight, blinking his eyes open and fixing a hopeful gaze on his father. “And chocolate milk,” he bargained, lifting his pinky. “Do you promise?”
Hao's smile broadened, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. He wrapped his pinky around Yujin’s. “I promise,” he said, planting a kiss on his son’s nose. “Now go wash your face and brush your teeth.”
Nodding, Yujin clambered off his father’s lap and dashed out of the bedroom. The patter of his small feet echoed through the flat, accompanied by the sound of his cheerful chatter. Hao watched, his heart swelling with affection. Yujin was almost six, preparing for his first year of school. Just a year ago, they had picked him up from the orphanage on a bright, sunny day. He vividly recalled their nervous smiles and shaky hands as they waited in the lobby. Yujin had run toward them, and the boy’s tears flowed freely when they told him they were taking him home. He had cried so much that day that he woke up with a headache the next morning.
From the very first day of the adoption process, Hao had a mission: to transform the empty room in their flat into a space for their future son. Initially, when they were buying the flat, Hao had envisioned the room as an office, either for himself or Hanbin. But after two years, the room remained vacant. When the adoption process began, Hao immediately knew that this would become Yujin’s room. He dived into online searches, scouring various websites for the perfect furniture. Hanbin, ever the practical one, reminded Hao it might be too soon to start buying everything, especially since they were still waiting on the court’s decision. Hao, ever the dreamer, stuck his tongue out at Hanbin and continued scrolling through IKEA’s site.
Hanbin wasn’t entirely wrong. The process was long and grueling, stretching out for almost a year and a half. The court scrutinized every detail, from their birth certificates to their income statements. It was even more complex because Hao held citizenship in another country. There were moments when it felt like too much—like when Mrs. Kang called to inform them of yet another delay. On that tough day, Hanbin hugged Hao tightly, whispering reassurances that they would soon bring their son home.
Despite the challenges, they made it a point to visit Yujin nearly every week, juggling their demanding schedules at the hospital. They also spent hours planning how they would manage their time once the adoption was finalized. They agreed on a schedule where they would alternate their days off to spend equal time with Yujin while reserving at least one day a week for family time together. The hospital, although reluctant to lose its simultaneous presence, agreed to its terms. Hao couldn’t help but roll his eyes at their dramatics.
With a sigh, Hao stood up from the bed and glanced around the room. Yujin’s room wasn’t extravagant, but it was thoughtfully arranged. The single bed, which Hanbin had insisted on because it would grow with Yujin, faced the entrance and was adorned with superhero bedsheets. A dark green bedside table matched the wardrobe, and white shelves lined the walls, filled with Yujin’s toys, each one decorated with superhero stickers. Contrary to what Matthew believed, they weren’t spoiling Yujin. They carefully checked whether he already had similar toys before buying new ones.
Hao decided to tackle cleaning Yujin’s room after their visit to the hospital, and he planned to do it with the boy’s help. Yujin always whined when his toys weren’t in their usual spots, so it was better to have him involved. As he heard the water running from the bathroom, he took the opportunity to get dressed while Yujin washed up. The weather outside was perfect—sunny and warm, with the last bits of snow melting under the first rays of spring. It was the first day of the season and just twenty days until Yujin’s birthday. Though they still had time to decide on a gift, Hao already felt a headache creeping in at the thought of figuring out the perfect present.
He picked out a pair of dark blue jeans, a blue shirt, and a thin white cardigan adorned with a cute pink bow on the chest. Hao had always had a soft spot for cute things, even if it made him a target for teasing during university. But he had Hanbin, his boyfriend, who would smile at the teasing crowd before saying something that left them speechless and trembling. Hao chuckled at the memory—everyone had assumed Hanbin was pure and innocent, but they quickly learned otherwise.
“Papa,” a small voice called, drawing Hao’s attention away from the mirror. He turned to see Yujin peeking through the door. “I’m done!” Yujin announced before dashing toward the bed that Hao shared with Hanbin. The boy had an unexplained love for their bed, likely because it was much bigger than his own. Yujin jumped up and down, giggling until he flopped onto his stomach, laughing uncontrollably.
“Yujin-ah, what did Papa tell you about jumping on the bed?” Hao asked with a tired sigh, eyeing the mess now scattered across the bed.
“Appa said I can jump as long as I don’t cry,” Yujin replied, lifting his head from the mattress with a cheeky grin.
Hao's eye twitched at the response. “I think your Appa is letting you get away with too much,” he sighed, scooping up his son with a playful yet exasperated smile.
They returned to Yujin’s room, and Hao gently set him down on the floor. Yujin loved choosing his clothes and didn’t let anyone else dress him. Even at the shopping centers, he would walk around on his own, picking hangers with clothes to show his parents. Now, he stood in front of his wardrobe, gazing at his clothes like he was analyzing each piece. He glanced back at Hao, who stood beside him, then turned his attention back to the wardrobe. After a moment of contemplation, he selected a pair of jeans that matched his father’s, almost the same shade, and a white sweater with a small heart on the chest.
Hao smiled at Yujin’s gesture. The boy loved matching outfits with him or Hanbin whenever they went out together. As Yujin dressed himself, Hao headed to the hallway to gather his phone, car keys, and Yujin’s pink bunny—his trusty companion that he refused to leave behind. Soon, Yujin appeared, bouncing into the hallway and singing a cartoon song from the previous night. Yesterday, Hao explained to him that he couldn't eat breakfast because they needed to take a small blood sample from his finger. Yujin had furrowed his brows, on the verge of tears, not wanting to give his blood. But Hanbin had whispered something to him, and afterward, Yujin had nodded and hugged his father tightly.
“Yujin, there’s still snow outside. Put on your boots,” Hao reminded him, noticing the sneakers in the boy’s hands.
“But I want it to be spring already,” Yujin murmured with a pout.
“I know, love, I know,” Hao said, helping Yujin into his gray puffer jacket, identical to Hao's. When they bought it, Yujin had tugged them to the kids’ section, insisting on getting the same one. Once dressed, they finally stepped out of the flat.
—
Yujin played with his rabbit in the child’s seat, imagining it was a cosmonaut floating through space. Hao glanced at the mirror and smiled as he watched his son use his water bottle as a rocket. They only had one car in the family, but it usually wasn’t a problem. On days when one of them stayed home with Yujin, the other would take the car to work. Even though it wasn’t his turn, Hanbin had left them the keys since they had an appointment at the hospital and he didn’t want them to take a taxi.
The drive to the hospital was quick, especially since it was only nine-thirty in the morning—students were in school and workers were at their offices. Hao parked in his usual spot, glad to see that nothing had changed. He stepped out of the car, unbuckled Yujin’s seatbelt, and gently lifted him into his arms. He carefully set the boy down on the ground. Yujin immediately jumped up and down, his legs too full of energy to stay still for long, just as he had said.
Hao closed the car door and took Yujin’s small hand in his as they walked towards the hospital entrance. Inside, Hao approached the registration desk and greeted the nurse with a warm smile. He had never considered taking Yujin to another hospital since he knew everyone here, and his father was a podiatrist at the same hospital. They simply confirmed the appointment, and Nurse Kang guided them to the specimen collection room to take the blood sample. Thankfully, Yujin hadn’t tried to eat toothpaste today, which was a habit he often tried to sneak in.
Hao had always wondered why the specimen collection room was on the first floor and not on the ground floor, where the registration desk was. He also wasn’t sure if the registration desk on the zero floor was the best place for test results, but each department had its own registration area.
Yujin quietly walked beside Hao, gripping his hand tightly and holding Bunny close to his chest. The nurse opened the door and gestured for them to enter. Inside, she showed Hao where to sit and asked him to hold Yujin on his lap to keep him still. Yujin furrowed his brows as Hao removed his jacket, took his hand, and gently held his middle finger out for the nurse. The boy started to whine a little when the nurse wiped his finger with an alcohol pad. She smiled at him reassuringly and picked up the needle. Hao held him tighter as he felt Yujin squirm.
The nurse quickly pricked Yujin’s finger, and at the sound of his cry, she swiftly attached a capillary tube. She gently squeezed his finger a few times to collect enough blood for the sample.
“Papa,” Yujin cried, his small voice muffled as he snuggled into Hao’s chest. “That hurts!”
“I know, baby, I know,” Hao whispered soothingly, kissing the top of his son’s head.
The nurse finished the procedure and gently placed a cotton ball on Yujin's finger, asking them to apply pressure. Hao nodded, wrapping his arms around his son even tighter. Yujin continued to cry softly, his face buried in Hao's neck, seeking comfort in his father’s warmth and embrace.
“The results should be ready in about an hour,” the nurse informed him as she stood up. “You have an appointment at eleven, right?”
“Yeah,” Hao nodded, adjusting the boy in his arms. “Could you please make sure the results go directly to Doctor Sung?”
“Of course, Doctor Zhang,” she smiled warmly at him before handing Yujin a small chocolate bar. The boy, a bit hesitant at first, glanced at it before accepting it, wrapping his fingers around the treat. “Sorry, sorry! Auntie promises she won’t hurt your finger next time,” she chuckled, watching as Yujin hid behind his little snack.
“Thank you, Nurse Kang,” Hao said with a grateful nod before turning to leave. “What about some hot cacao, little bunny?”
“Mhm,” Yujin whimpered softly, nestling his head against Hao’s shoulder as they walked out.
They wandered slowly through the hospital corridors, Hao greeting colleagues and familiar faces along the way. Every time they paused for a moment, Yujin wiggled in his father’s arms, restlessly whining until they finally reached the second-floor cafeteria, where a warm cup of cocoa awaited. As Hao gently set Yujin down on a chair, the boy, already in a much better mood, began playing with his bunny. Hao, still smiling at his son, went to order the cocoa, a panini for Yujin, and a jasmine tea for himself. Thanks to his hospital ID, which he always kept handy, he was able to enjoy a small discount on the drinks.
Two minutes later, the drinks were ready, and the panini was fresh out of the heater. Hao carefully placed the plate of food in front of Yujin, whose eyes sparkled with hunger, then positioned the drinks safely in the middle of the table to avoid any spills. Hao sipped his tea, resting his chin on his palm, as he watched Yujin eat. The boy chewed his panini contentedly, sipping the warm cacao in small, careful gulps. Hao smiled fondly, noticing how many of Hanbin’s habits Yujin had already picked up.
Today’s tests were important. They needed to complete a few medical check-ups before applying to the soccer club, especially after learning about Yujin’s biological family history of anemia. They wanted to be certain about his health. The school also required various check-ups, including CT scans for his lungs and allergy tests. It was a lot to go through, but at least they were knocking out a few things at once (though, as Yujin often reminded them, no “killing bunnies,” he’d say, wagging his finger).
As they enjoyed their drinks and snacks, Hao lost track of time. He didn’t realize how quickly the minutes passed until he glanced at his watch and saw it was already ten-fifty. Yujin, with a satisfied smile, finished the last of his cocoa and wiped his chocolate-streaked lips with a tissue Hao handed him.
“It’s time to see Appa,” Hao said gently, rising from his seat.
Yujin hopped off his chair excitedly, nearly running off to Hanbin’s office. Hao, smiling, grabbed his son’s hand with his left, his right arm wrapped around the little puffy jacket. There was no need to hurry—they were just a few minutes away from Hanbin’s office. They took their time, especially since Yujin’s stomach often hurt if he ran too soon after eating.
As they rounded the corner, the sounds of raised voices reached them, and the closer they got, the louder the arguing became. Hao raised an eyebrow in surprise, his curiosity piqued. In the middle of the commotion, a woman in a blue t-shirt and long black silk skirt was one of the loudest voices.
“I’m his wife!” she shouted.
“That doesn’t give you the right to skip the line!” another patient retorted sharply.
Hao, trying to make sense of the situation, cleared his throat and asked, “I’m sorry…” He paused when everyone’s attention suddenly shifted to him, his face reflecting a mix of curiosity and mild confusion. “…But what is going on here?”
“This woman claims to be Doctor Sung’s wife!” a woman in a pink dress explained, hands on her hips. “And she wants to skip the queue!”
“I have the right!” the “Wife” hissed, indignant.
Suddenly, Yujin’s voice rang out above the chaos, catching everyone off guard. “Huh? But my Appa has only Papa!” The room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned to look at the little boy.
The woman in the pink dress tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Who are you?”
Yujin beamed proudly, standing as tall as he could manage. “I’m Sung Zhang Yujin! My Appa is Doctor Sung Hanbin, and Papa is Doctor Zhang Hao!” His smile was wide, and Hao couldn’t help but feel his heart swell with pride at the boy’s confidence.
“Huh?” The crowd responded in unison, clearly taken aback by Yujin’s words.
One of the patients, still processing what they’d just heard, asked, “You’re Doctor Sung’s son?”
Hao, now more than a little irritated by the interruption, stepped forward, gently cutting through the continued questioning. “I’m sorry, but it’s already eleven, and we have an appointment,” he said firmly, giving the “Wife” a pointed look.
As he moved toward the door, he turned back to face the woman, who was now red-faced and looking thoroughly embarrassed. “And yes,” Hao added with a calm smile, “even if I am Doctor Sung’s husband, I never skip the line.”
Hao opened the door, letting Yujin dash inside, his small voice echoing with excitement. “Appa!” he shouted, running straight into Hanbin’s arms. Hao followed them in, closing the door gently behind him.
Hanbin, his face lighting up with joy, scooped Yujin up and showered him with small, affectionate kisses. The boy giggled, animatedly recounting his latest imagination of space adventures. Hanbin’s gaze drifted up for a moment, catching Hao’s quiet presence, and he offered him a warm, loving smile.
Before Hao could say anything, Yujin, still holding onto his father, added in his usual cheerful tone, “One aunt told everyone that she was your wife, but I told them Papa is your husband!”
Hanbin’s expression shifted slightly, his brows knitting in confusion as he glanced at his husband. Hao couldn’t help but chuckle at their son's innocent yet revealing comment.
“It doesn’t matter right now,” Hao replied softly, a smile playing on his lips. “Check our son, and then we’ll head home. I still need to clean up the house,” he added, sitting on the chair in front of the table.
Hanbin nodded, taking Yujin back into his arms and settling into the second chair on rollers.
—
The check-up went smoothly: Hanbin reviewed the test results and smiled, reassuring them that everything was fine and Yujin’s iron levels were normal. Hao breathed a sigh of relief, his tension melting away, while Yujin leaped with joy at the news. Knowing he could now join the soccer club, the boy eagerly demonstrated how he would kick the ball, his tiny feet energetically moving across the room.
Hanbin chuckled at his son’s enthusiasm, pulling Yujin into a bear hug and squeezing him tightly. Yujin, not a fan of being interrupted during playtime, began to squirm and protest, letting out playful shrieks.
“Papa! Appa’s trying to eat me!” he wailed, wriggling in Hanbin’s arms.
Hao laughed, the sound filling the room as he watched his husband continue to pepper Yujin’s face with kisses. The sight warmed his heart—his husband and his son, together, the picture of happiness. This was his family, and he cherished every moment.
Eventually, Hanbin released Yujin and printed out the documents they needed to submit to the school and soccer club. Before they left, Hanbin stole a few more kisses from Yujin, who pouted but accepted them grudgingly. Hao also got his kiss, a brief but affectionate peck on the lips, which made Yujin gag dramatically and cover his eyes with his hands.
“Appa! Papa, not in front of me!” the boy shouted in mock disgust.
Hao rolled his eyes with a smile and took Yujin’s hand. “Don’t be late. I’m making lasagna tonight,” he said to Hanbin, receiving a nod in return before stepping out of the office with Yujin in tow.
The drive back was peaceful, with Yujin falling asleep almost immediately after being nestled in his father’s arms. Hao carefully transferred him into the child seat, taking great care not to disturb his slumber. At a red light, Hao glanced in the rearview mirror, smiling at the sight of Yujin’s open mouth, his head tilted gently against the seat. It was a tender moment that Hao couldn’t resist capturing. He snapped a quick picture and sent it to Hanbin.
You
Attached photo
Your son is acting too much like you
My love
Oh god.
ㅋㅋㅋ
A chuckle escaped Hao’s lips as he put his phone away and pressed the pedal when the light turned green. After parking, he noticed Yujin stirring, blinking in confusion as he tried to grasp where he was. Hao smiled softly, unbuckling his son and lifting him out of the seat. Yujin clung to his bunny’s ears and rested his head on Hao’s shoulder, clearly too groggy to walk on his own.
They made their way to the elevator, and by the time they reached their flat, Yujin had dozed off again. Hao managed to kick off his shoes hands-free and quickly headed to Yujin’s room. Once there, he gently laid the boy on the bed, carefully removing his jacket, boots, jeans, and sweater, leaving him in just his trousers and a white sleeveless tank top. Hao leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Yujin’s forehead, watching his peaceful face for a moment. He quietly left the room, closing the door behind him, leaving his little one to dream.
After quickly changing into more comfortable clothes, Hao decided to tackle the apartment, which looked like a whirlwind had passed through it. The previous day had been chaotic, with an unexpected emergency surgery pulling him away from home in a hurry. In the rush, he had left the apartment in a mess, leaving Yujin with a confused Hanbin in his office before dashing off to the operation room.
He sighed, glancing around at the mess. Clothes were draped over the couch, and without much thought, he began gathering them up and tossing them into the laundry basket. As he moved through the living room, his gaze fell on the scattered children’s books, evidence of Yujin's earlier adventures. With a groan, he bent down to pick up each book, carefully stacking them on the TV table where they belonged.
Once the living room was tidied, Hao stood back and surveyed his work. The space felt lighter and more organized. A glance at the clock told him it was already four in the afternoon. He pulled out his phone to check Hanbin's schedule, noticing with relief that today was one of his shorter days. Hanbin would be off by four-thirty and should be home around five.
Feeling the weight of the day starting to lift, Hao exhaled and moved to the kitchen to prepare their meal—something in between a late lunch and early dinner. He began chopping vegetables and preparing the sauce, the rhythm of cooking soothing his mind.
While he stirred the sauce on the stove, he heard the soft shuffle of tiny feet behind him. Turning his head, he spotted a small, sleepy figure making his way into the kitchen. Yujin, still blinking from the brightness of the light, walked up to Hao and wrapped his little arms around his waist, resting his head against his side. A warm smile spread across Hao’s face as he looked down at his son. Gently, he ruffled Yujin’s bed-tousled hair, feeling the warmth of the moment settle in.
“Where are your slippers, little one?” Hao murmured softly. “Go put them on; the floor is cold.”
Yujin nodded sleepily, his head barely lifting from Hao's side, and then slowly shuffled back towards his room to find his slippers. Hao watched him go, his heart swelling with affection for the small bundle of energy who had, for the moment, transformed back into a quiet, sleepy child.
The sound of the electronic keypad beeped softly, catching Hao's attention. He turned his head towards the wall and glanced at the clock. Hanbin was home earlier than expected. A warm smile spread across Hao’s face as he returned his focus to the lasagna. With practiced ease, he poured the final layer of rich, tomato-based sauce over the arranged layers of pasta, meat, and creamy ricotta. He spread it evenly, ensuring that every corner was covered, before taking a generous handful of grated mozzarella and sprinkling it on top. The cheese settled like a blanket, promising a golden, bubbly crust once baked.
Hao wiped his hands on a towel and carefully slid the assembled lasagna dish into the preheated oven, adjusting the rack to ensure it was perfectly centered. He closed the oven door gently and turned the knob to set the timer for thirty minutes, the soft click of the setting echoing in the quiet kitchen. Just as he finished, he turned around to find Hanbin already changed into his comfortable home clothes, standing in the doorway with a warm smile.
"You're early," Hao said, walking over to greet him, his arms extending for a warm embrace.
Hanbin’s face lit up with a tired smile as he closed the distance between them. "I wrapped up a bit sooner today," he explained, his voice gentle as he leaned into Hao’s embrace. "I figured I’d surprise you."
"Perfect timing," Hao murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Hanbin’s temple. "Dinner's in the oven."
Hanbin took a deep breath, catching the tantalizing aroma of the lasagna. "Smells amazing," he said, his voice carrying a note of appreciation. "You always know how to make coming home feel special."
"It's the least I can do," Hao replied, his tone affectionate. "Come, sit down. I'll make you some tea while we wait for the lasagna to bake."
As Hao prepared tea, the soft clinking of the teapot lid and the gentle aroma of steeping leaves filled the kitchen. Just then, Yujin emerged from his room, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Hanbin. With an excited squeal, he dashed into Hanbin's open arms, where he was swiftly lifted and settled onto Hanbin's lap.
Yujin’s little face was alight with excitement as he bombarded Hanbin with a flurry of questions: How was his day? What did he do at work? Could he invite Woonhak over to play with his action figures? Hanbin smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling as he tried to keep up with Yujin's rapid-fire questions, nodding and responding as best he could.
Hao, watching the scene with a fond smile, poured a cup of black tea for Hanbin and brought it to the table. Noticing Yujin’s furrowed brows and slight pout at being left out, Hao chuckled softly.
“And what would you like to drink, little one?” he asked, already reaching for Yujin’s favorite cup, ready to prepare something special for him too.
“Milk!” Yujin shouted enthusiastically, raising his little hands in the air.
“Of course, baby,” Hao murmured with a soft smile, opening the fridge to retrieve the milk. He poured it into Yujin’s favorite cup, warmed it slightly, and placed it gently on the table in front of Yujin. The boy’s eyes lit up as he grabbed the cup with both hands, taking big gulps until the entire mug was empty.
“More!” Yujin demanded, lifting the empty mug with a hopeful grin.
Hao chuckled, shaking his head. “Let’s not drink too much, sweetheart. Dinner will be ready soon,” he said, gently taking the cup from Yujin’s hands. “How about we watch a movie while we wait?” he suggested, glancing toward the TV in the living room.
“Adventure Time! Adventure Time!” Yujin exclaimed, bouncing off Hanbin’s knees and dashing toward the couch with boundless energy.
Hanbin laughed, standing up to follow. “Looks like someone’s excited,” he remarked, watching Yujin’s animated movements. Hao joined them, settling onto the couch beside Hanbin as Yujin eagerly grabbed the remote, ready to dive into his favorite adventure-filled show.
—
After watching a few episodes of Adventure Time, the soft chime of the timer echoed through the flat, signaling that the lasagna was ready. Hao rose from the couch, stretching briefly before heading to the kitchen. He carefully pulled the bubbling lasagna from the oven, the rich aroma filling the room as he set it on the counter to cool slightly. Hao prepared three generous portions, making sure to add an extra layer of melted cheese to Yujin’s plate, knowing how much he loved it. Hanbin, in the meantime, lifted Yujin from the couch and gently placed him on his chair at the dining table. He poured water into Yujin’s favorite glass, anticipating the usual request for a drink with dinner.
Hao brought the plates to the table, setting them down with care, and they all settled in to eat. The dinner was cozy and comforting, the kind that wrapped the family in a warm, familiar cocoon. As they savored the lasagna, Hanbin and Hao quietly discussed their day, touching on the hospital schedule, upcoming visits to Yujin’s school and soccer club, and the need to arrange a playdate with Jaehyun’s son, Woonhak, who was a year older. Yujin listened intently between bites, occasionally chiming in with his own thoughts about the day and the excitement of seeing Woonhak again. The atmosphere was filled with a gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of utensils, a peaceful end to their busy day.
After dinner, Hao gently guided Yujin toward the bathroom, leaving Hanbin to handle the dishes in the kitchen. Before becoming a parent, Hao had heard countless tales from friends and relatives about the struggle of getting children to enjoy bath time. Fortunately, Yujin was an exception. He adored bath time, especially when he could bring his toys into the tub. Now, Yujin sat serenely in the warm water, his little hands clutching a rocket figure as he made it soar through the air and dive into the water. He patiently waited while Hao lathered shampoo into his hair, enjoying the sensation. When it was time to rinse, Yujin instinctively shut his eyes tight, a tiny smile playing on his lips as Hao poured warm water over his head to wash away the suds.
Once Yujin was thoroughly clean, Hao turned off the water and lifted his son from the tub, wrapping him snugly in a large, fluffy pink towel. Yujin giggled softly as Hao rubbed him dry, chattering about fascinating facts he’d recently learned about Jupiter. Hao listened attentively, smiling at his son’s curious mind. With Yujin dried off, Hao helped him into his favorite pajamas, soft and cozy against his freshly bathed skin. They left the bathroom together, heading straight to Yujin’s room to prepare for bed. Hao noted the scattered toys and books around the room, sighing softly. Yujin had slept so soundly earlier that there hadn't been time to tidy up.
As part of their cozy bedtime routine, Yujin carefully scanned his plush toy collection, his little fingers brushing over the soft fabric of each one. After a few moments of thoughtful deliberation, he grinned and chose his favorite companions for the night: his beloved bunny, with its long, floppy ears, and a cheerful red panda that seemed to smile as if it understood his every whim.
Clutching the two plushies tightly to his chest, Yujin climbed into bed, his small face lighting up with contentment as he nestled into the softness of the blankets. Hao smiled, tucking the covers snugly around his son, making sure he was enveloped in warmth and comfort. He adjusted Yujin’s pillow just right, smoothing out the fabric and ensuring his son would sleep soundly through the night. Yujin, already half asleep, gave a satisfied hum, his eyes fluttering closed as he pulled the bunny and red panda even closer. Hao paused for a moment to watch his son, the peacefulness of the scene filling his heart with warmth.
With one final, gentle kiss on Yujin's forehead, Hao whispered, “Sweet dreams, baby,” before quietly stepping out of the room, leaving the soft glow of the nightlight to keep his son company as he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
As Hao closed the door to Yujin's room, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, the chaos of the day finally catching up. His shoulders ached, and his mind felt heavy, yearning for rest. He made his way toward the bedroom, cracking his neck as he tried to release some of the tension. The thought of slipping into bed, the soft sheets, and the quiet night lulled him, but as soon as he entered the room, ready to change into his pajamas, he felt the familiar, comforting weight of hands curling around his waist.
A soft, lingering kiss was pressed to his neck, and Hao exhaled, his breath catching slightly as Hanbin's touch sent a spark of warmth through him. The heat of Hanbin’s body against his back and the feel of his lips against his skin made Hao’s pulse quicken. His T-shirt was slowly lifted, exposing his skin to Hanbin’s explorative hands.
“Bin…” Hao murmured, a quiet sigh escaping his lips.
"Hm?" Hanbin replied softly, his lips never leaving Hao’s neck. He placed another kiss there, this time leaving a trail of warmth. His hands slid under Hao’s T-shirt, gently brushing against the skin, sending shivers down his spine. Hao’s breath hitched, a familiar heat building between them.
Just as Hanbin began to lift the T-shirt further, a soft knock at the door broke the moment, causing both of them to pause. The silence that followed was almost palpable, the sudden interruption a stark contrast to the quiet intimacy that had filled the room.
“Papa, Appa!” Yujin’s small voice called from behind the door, his hand pressing on the handle. Hao winced at the interruption and quickly elbowed Hanbin in the stomach, signaling him to stop. Without a word, he rushed to the door, his heart still racing from the intimate moment.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice soft with concern as he opened the door to see Yujin standing there, clutching his beloved bunny tightly against his chest.
“Can I sleep with you?” a boy asked, his wide eyes full of innocence. Hao smiled gently at his son, his heart melting at the sight. He glanced back over his shoulder and caught Hanbin groaning in mild frustration, though he couldn’t suppress the fondness that lingered in his expression.
“Of course, you can, love,” Hao replied, his voice filled with warmth. He stepped aside to let Yujin scamper past him and run to their bed. As their son climbed onto the large bed, he noticed Hanbin furrow his brows, pressing his lips together in a thin line of mild annoyance. He chuckled softly at the sight and walked over to Hanbin, leaning in close to whisper in his ear, “Your mom called today and asked if she could pick Yujin up tomorrow for the whole day.”
Hanbin’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he was taken aback. He leaned in and placed a gentle peck on Hao’s lips, the corners of his mouth lifting in a teasing grin. “Great,” he muttered, already resigned to the idea.
At that moment, Yujin’s sleepy voice cut through the air, a quiet murmur from the bed: “Appa, Papa, I love you.”
The two parents turned their heads in unison, seeing Yujin curled up in the middle of the large bed, already fast asleep. His little bunny clutched tightly in his arms, his small body completely relaxed.
Both of them shared a quiet laugh, their gazes lingering on their son’s peaceful form. After a moment, Hao leaned in closer to Hanbin, his voice soft but full of affection. “I love you.”
Hanbin’s arms wrapped around him, pulling him in close, his voice just as soft. “I love you too.”
In that quiet moment, surrounded by their family, the world seemed to pause, leaving just the warmth of their love to fill the space.