Archive of Our Own

Hansol is in deep thought.

He has been in deep thought for quite a while now. Someway in the middle of Seungkwan telling him the most awesome thing that happened on his way to school. Hansol gets like that sometimes, getting so lost in his head that he isn’t aware of the things around him. But Seungkwan is in the middle of telling him the most awesome thing that happened on his way to school and he is growing upset that Hansol isn’t listening to him.

“Solie!” Seungkwan slaps him on the back. Hansol whines in pain, a flat ow as he looks at Seungkwan with question marks all over his head. He is giving Seungkwan his full attention now. Good.

“You weren’t listening to me.” Seungkwan pouts. “What were you thinking about anyway?” Seungkwan has learned since they met last year in second grade that Hansol goes into his ‘alien’ mode (courtesy of Seungkwan, who finds Hansol’s zoning out moments similar to when aliens got their brains overloaded with human information–something he saw in a movie he watched with his Baba) when he has some serious concern. There would be no use in Seungkwan telling his best friend any of his fun experiences if Hansol still hasn’t solved his serious concern.

Hansol shrugs, but he is avoiding Seungkwan’s probing eyes. “Just… things.” He says.

“Doesn’t look like ‘just things’ to me.” Seungkwan points out. “Come on, you can tell me. Maybe I can help!” Seungkwan likes to help. He likes to be useful. He wants to be useful to his best friend.

Hansol sighs and surrenders. “I’m just thinking of a birthday present.” He confesses.

“Oh my God! A birthday present?” Seungkwan is squealing.

Hansol nods. “Yeah, I just don’t know what to give.”

Seungkwan feels his head bursting with ideas. “You should make something! Like the time I made a drawing for Yewonnie, or that time I gave Channie a scrapbook of the photos we took for the field trip, and and–Oh.” Seungkwan just remembered. Hansol can’t draw. Hansol can’t cut according to a line. Hansol is absolutely terrible with his hands, worse with making crafts. Everything he made in art class was graded a C, and that was only because the teacher is super nice and doesn’t give grades lower than that. Hansol definitely shouldn’t make something as a gift.

Hansol merely stares at Seungkwan. “The present is for an adult. I don’t think I can make anything good for an adult.” He explains.

“An adult…” Seungkwan ponders. No ideas are coming to his mind. “I don’t know what to give to an adult…” He visibly deflates, pouting again and looking defeated.

Hansol pats him on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Kwannie. Thank you for trying to help.” He says, closing their conversation. He gets up and then walks out of the class, presumably to the bathroom or to the cafeteria.

Seungkwan is now sad because he couldn’t help Hansol solve his problem. He doesn’t like not being useful. He is determined to help Hansol figure out the best birthday gift ever, no matter what.

-

“Baba, what presents do adults like?”

Junhui nearly chokes on his meal at the sudden question thrown by his nine-year-old son during dinner. He had been listening to Seungkwan telling him the most awesome thing that happened on his way to school and he wasn’t expecting the sudden change of topics so soon. “What did you say, Kwannie?” He asks.

“Solie told me he wants to give a birthday present to an adult but he doesn’t know what.” Seungkwan elaborates as he stirs his soup. He points his spoon at his father. “You’re an adult. What presents do adults like?”

Junhui hums, finally understanding. “Did Solie tell you who this adult is?”

Seungkwan shakes his head. “I didn’t ask.”

Junhui nods. “Well, I think the type of present would be different depending on how close Solie is with this adult. Maybe you can ask him, and then I can give you some suggestions.” He says. He has learned, while raising Seungkwan, to never dismiss his son’s curious nature and to always provide him with sincere replies. It helps him mature, Junhui read. Seungkwan is indeed growing up well.

Seungkwan seems to like Junhui’s answer, judging by the way his face lights up. He looks adorable. Junhui resists pinching his cheeks. “Okay, I’ll ask Solie tomorrow.” Seungkwan says. “You have to help me figure out a good present, okay Baba?” He points his spoon at Junhui again. This feels like a threat.

Junhui raises a hand. “I promise.” He declares, earning an excited giggle from his son. “Now please finish your dinner. You still have some homework, remember?”

Seungkwan groans in protest and reluctantly obeys.

-

“Solie, did you figure out what present you’ll give?”

Seungkwan wastes no time to shoot the question the moment he spots Hansol in class. The other boy blinks, taken aback.

“No, not yet.” Hansol says once he gets what Seungkwan is asking about. Seungkwan quite literally marched towards him from the door. He hasn’t even gone to his own desk yet.

“Well, my Baba said he can help give you suggestions, but he needs to know how close you are with the adult.” Seungkwan rambles. Perhaps he should put his backpack down first. But this is more important. Class is about to start very soon and he will not be able to focus if he doesn’t get the answer now. “So, are you close?” He has to know, it’s a need.

“It’s my Dad.” Hansol reveals.

“Ohhh Uncle Hao!” Seungkwan met Hansol’s dad when the adult came to pick Hansol up from school during second grade. Uncle Hao looks a little scary but he is nice. When he saw Seungkwan alone at the bus stop, he (alongwith Hansol) stayed with him until his bus came and then gave him a tangerine candy. Only nice people would do that. Like Baba, who likes to give him lemon candy.

“His birthday is coming up soon?” Seungkwan asks.

Hansol nods. “Yeah, on the 7th. This Thursday.”

Seungkwan gasps. “There’s not much time left to find a present then!” Seungkwan panics. He is further panicking because the present is for Uncle Hao, Hansol’s dad. The present has to be special. He has to figure out a special present fast. Seungkwan holds Hansol’s shoulders and looks at him right in the eyes, “I’ll ask my Baba and I’ll help you prepare it, okay? Don’t worry!” He says, determined.

Hansol just smiles. There is no way of stopping Seungkwan when he gets like this. “Thanks, Kwannie.”

-

“Baba, what presents would you like from me?”

Junhui pauses and looks up from the documents in his hand. It is early November, he doesn’t think there are any important dates where Seungkwan would be giving him any presents. Still, the thought sounds nice. “I’d love anything from you, Kwannie.” He teases.

Seungkwan makes an annoyed grumble. “You don’t understand. Solie’s present is actually for his Dad! I’m asking what gift you’d want from me so I can suggest it to Solie.” He huffs.

Junhui’s mouth forms an ‘o’. He tries to think. He thinks this question is harder than figuring out a new menu for his shop. He still has to finish calculating last week’s profit and losses before he starts planning this month’s budget. He has been a little behind on this due to the busy weeks from the long Chuseok holiday. What would be a good present from a child to his father? To tell the truth, Junhui isn’t kidding when he said he’d love anything from Seungkwan. He feels most fathers would think the same.

But that answer won’t be good enough, in Seungkwan’s standards.

“Oh! It has to be something special but nothing too hard, Baba. Because Uncle’s birthday is on Thursday.” Seungkwan says. Junhui glances at the calendar in the room, figuring out the days. Thursday is two days from now. He briefly considered taking Seungkwan and Hansol to the mall to get the present together but that wouldn't be possible if they only have two days left. The shop is booked for work dinners until next week. He cannot leave the shop. He looks around the room, trying to think of something simple as a suggestion.

Seungkwan’s toy mic lies forgotten in one corner. Junhui feels a light bulb turning on above his head.

“Maybe he can sing a song! That doesn’t need much preparation.” Junhui says. “And it’d be special because Hansol is the one singing it.” He adds. Seungkwan perks up. He is grinning, eyes shining so brightly.

“A song!” Seungkwan definitely likes this idea. “That’d be cool!” He jots it down on his notebook before curling his arms atop his head, making a big heart. “Thanks, Baba!” He says while gesturing multiple hearts to send to his father.

Junhui laughs. He makes small hearts with his fingers in response. “You’re welcome, Kwannie.”

-

“Solie!” Seungkwan sprints towards Hansol, joining him as they walk together across the field to their school building. Hansol finds himself unfazed by Seungkwan’s sudden appearance. “My Baba gave us a good idea! You can sing for your Dad!”

“Sing, huh.” Hansol nods in approval. “But what song should I sing?”

Seungkwan stares judgingly at his best friend. He rolls his eyes, “The Happy Birthday song! D’uh.” Because what else would you sing for a birthday? That is like, the best song for birthdays, how can Hansol not know that?

Hansol scrunches his face, dissatisfied. “But it wouldn’t feel special…” He mumbles. They reach the shoe rack and start changing into slippers. Seungkwan takes his shoes off while thinking very, very hard.

“Oh! I know how to make it special!” Seungkwan is bouncing on his feet. He only has one slipper on. “You can sing it in different languages! You’re good at a lot of languages, right?” He says while pointing his slipper at Hansol.

Hansol pushes the offending slipper away. “But I only know Korean and English.” He frowns. “There isn’t enough time to learn another language because his birthday is tomorrow…”

Seungkwan puts his imaginary thinking hat back on. He clutches his slipper tightly while he racks his brain trying to come up with a solution. They can look up videos of the song to see versions in other languages but will that be enough? Hansol might mess up all the pronunciation and ruin what is supposed to be a special present. Seungkwan does not want that to happen. Does he know anyone that can help teach Hansol another language so soon?

The cat pattern on his slipper catches his attention. Seungkwan beams.

“My Baba knows Mandarin and Cantonese. You can learn that!” Seungkwan finally has both slippers on. He is still bouncing. “Come to the shop with me later, you can ask him to teach you!”

Hansol takes a moment to mull over it. He doesn’t find anything wrong with the plan. Singing the happy birthday song in four languages does seem like something quite special. School ends a little early today too, so he will have enough time to stop by Seungkwan’s father’s noodle shop before catching the last bus home.

“Okay. Let’s go after school.” Hansol says.

Seungkwan grins. They are going to prepare the most special present for Hansol’s Dad.

-

“Baba!”

Junhui is surprised to see Seungkwan entering the shop with his best friend Hansol in tow. The two children quietly make their way to the backroom, the office room where Seungkwan usually hangs out until Junhui closes the shop. Their house is actually right behind the shop, separated by a small yard just after the kitchen, but Seungkwan spends more time here, entertaining himself or doing homework while Junhui takes care of the diner.

Seungkwan is motioning to his father to follow him, right now. He disappears behind the closed door, but Junhui predicts Seungkwan is standing there and waiting. Junhui exchanges looks with Kun, the assistant chef gesturing that he can handle things in the meantime and Junhui mouths I’ll be back.

“Kwannie?” As expected, Seungkwan is waiting with his arms spread wide while Hansol is behind him, leaning by the desk. They look ecstatic to see him.

“Baba, we figured out the most special present for Hansol’s Dad!” Seungkwan announces. “He’s going to sing the Happy Birthday song!”

“The Happy Birthday song.” So Seungkwan really took Junhui’s advice.

“In four languages!” Seungkwan added, showing four fingers for emphasis.

“Four? Wow, you know that many languages, Hansolie?” Junhui is awestruck. It’s not often for a nine-year-old to be fluent in more than one language.

Hansol shakes his head. “I only know two. English and Korean.”

Seungkwan points at Junhui. He is using a spatula to do it. Junhui can’t remember why a spatula is in the office room. “And you’ll help teach him two more!” He proclaims.

“...I will?”

“Yes, you will! You can speak Mandarin and Cantonese! Please help Solie, Baba!” His tone is pleading but his face says that it’s a command. Especially with the spatula still pointed at Junhui. Junhui just knows he can never win against his son when he gets into his peak bossy mode.

Junhui turns to Hansol. “Are you sure you want to do this, Solie?”

Hansol nods, easy but determined. He can see why they’re best friends.

“Alright. I’ll write down the lyrics and how to say them, then you and Kwannie can practice together while watching videos of the song, okay?” Junhui grabs a piece of paper and starts penning down the words as his mind remembers. Hansol watches him with great interest while Seungkwan goes to the computer to explore YouTube for happy birthday mandarin ver. The hardest part for Junhui is to find Hangul equivalents for the pronunciation. He opts to draw some objects that may sound similar enough, mixed in with some English words when Hansol told him he can read the alphabet. Junhui slowly goes over the words one by one and Hansol follows with surprising ease.

Once he finds the right video, Seungkwan shooes Junhui away so they can focus and Junhui simply laughs while excusing himself to go back to the main room. Kun instantly asks him about it and Junhui retells it all with a proud fatherly smile.

About an hour later, Junhui returns to the office to check on the kids. Hansol seems to get the hang of the Mandarin version, but the Cantonese seems a little bit tricky for him. Junhui glances at the clock above the computer. It’s almost five PM. Hansol should go home before it gets dark.

Junhui crouches down to be eye level with the children. “Solie, did you tell your father that you’re here?” He asks. He hopes he has. He hopes his father will pick him up because the last bus at the nearest stop comes at five thirty.

To his shock, Hansol shakes his head. “He knows I can take the bus, no problem.” He shrugs.

“Yeah, Baba, don’t disturb us.” Seungkwan is glaring at him. Junhui gently pokes his cheek as a small retaliation. Seungkwan whines but Junhui ignores him, focusing on Hansol.

“It’s getting late Solie, you should go before you miss the last bus.” Junhui tells him. Hansol looks crestfallen, his small hands tightly holding onto the lyrics paper that Junhui made for him.

“But I still can’t sing the Cantonese version well…” He mutters. “If I just sing it in three languages, it’s not going to be special enough…” He purses his lips then lets out a heavy sigh. Beside him, Seungkwan looks equally sad, like he just experienced the worst failure of his life.

As an adult, Junhui knows they are being way too dramatic about this, but he also knows that to these children, the success of the most special present for Hansol’s Dad is the most important thing in the world right now. And Junhui hates breaking their hearts.

An advertisement for ramyun is playing on the computer screen. It gives Junhui an idea.

“Solie, does your Dad like noodles?”

Hansol blinks at the sudden change of topic. Regardless, he nods. He thinks his father quite decently likes noodles.

“Great!” Junhui grins. “You know what? I figured out how to still make it special even if you only sing it in three languages. Just come to the shop tomorrow with Seungkwan after school and tell your Dad to pick you up here at 7PM, okay? I’ll prepare a small, special birthday party for your Dad.”

Seungkwan beams. “A party?”

Junhui nods. “Just a small one.” He can see Seungkwan about to suggest decorations, including his favorite–that Junhui will unfortunately reject. “No balloons, Kwannie.”

Seungkwan pouts, disappointed. “Can we wear party hats, at least?” He begs.

Junhui gives in. “Just hats.” Seungkwan makes a small cheer.

Hansol looks astonished. “You’re really going to prepare a party for my Dad, Uncle? But there’s not much time left…” He sounds doubtful.

Junhui waves him off, convincing him that it’s not a big deal. “Don’t worry about it. You just do your part and I’ll do mine, okay?” He pats Hansol on his shoulder and smiles at him. “It will be the most special present for your Dad, just the way you want it. Trust me, yeah?”

“Yeah Solie! When Baba says it like that, he will do his absolute best to make it come true!” Seungkwan says, further persuading Hansol.

Hansol stares at Junhui for a long moment. Junhui feels a little scrutinized under his gaze but he keeps smiling at him, waiting. Seungkwan is chattering in the background about the last party he had with his father and how fun it was. Hansol eventually nods. It looks like he is sold.

Seungkwan says his goodbyes then Junhui takes Hansol to the bus stop. There are still about ten minutes until the bus arrives but Junhui stays there and waits with Hansol. He entertains Hansol with stories of the cats he had as pets when he was Hansol’s age. He gives him a lemon candy.

Hansol goes home with the sweet sourness in his mouth and a note of the noodle shop address to give to his Dad later. He is now strongly convinced that Junhui is the nicest person after his Dad.

(After all, Junhui used to have pet cats. Only nice people would have pet cats.)

-

“How was school today, Hansol-ah?”

Minghao asks while slicing the chicken into smaller pieces. He still won’t let Hansol hold a knife on his own, not trusting his son’s clumsy hands with a sharp object yet. Hansol just eats his share of vegetables as he patiently waits for his father to give him his share.

“It was fun.” Hansol says after he swallows some peas and carrots. “We watched videos about animals and where they live.”

Minghao smiles and places a majority of the cut chicken on Hansol’s plate. “Oh, really? What animal is your favorite then?”

“Cats.” Hansol answers. His face just lights up even at the mere mention of the animal. “Did you know that there are seventy-three officially known cat breeds in the world, Dad?” Hansol gets like this often when he learns something new, when he is deeply into something, or when he gets fascinated by something. He would read a lot about the topic and excitedly share it with people around him. It’s cute.

“I didn’t know there were that many.” Minghao muses. He listens as Hansol begins to list some interesting facts he found about cats. Minghao loves having these kinds of conversations with Hansol over meals. He finds these moments very precious. With the risks that come with his job, it’s no wonder that he tries to cherish every moment he has with his only son.

Hansol goes on and only stops when Minghao reminds him not to talk while chewing. Minghao tells some things about his day in return while Hansol eats. Just small trivial things, like the shape of the clouds he saw that day. The flower he picked up on the way home. Hansol listens, equally invested in guessing the meaning of the floating leaves in Minghao’s morning tea. They both come up with quirky interpretations and share a laugh.

Once they’re done, Hansol offers to help with the dishes. Minghao lets him, pushing a stool near the sink for Hansol to stand on, then giving him the important task of wiping the clean plates dry. Afterwards, Minghao fills the kettle to make tea and reminds Hansol to complete his homework. Hansol complies and brings all his workbooks to the common room.

“Oh Dad, I gotta tell you.” Hansol says. “I’m going to a friend’s place tomorrow after school for a group project. Could you pick me up there at 7PM?”

Minghao hums. He crosses his arms in front of his chest, a little displeased, “7PM? That’s quite late…” He says.

Hansol nods. “Yeah, but it’s a big project and we want to get it done as soon as possible, so.” He shrugs.

Thinking about it, Minghao has a couple of jobs tomorrow. Final quality check of goods and overseeing the packaging before they get sent for delivery. There has been an increase in demand for goods since last week, so the overall work might take awhile. Perhaps 7PM would actually be an ideal time for Minghao to call it a day and then pick Hansol up. “Okay.” He eventually agrees.

Hansol trudges towards his father and gives him a post-it. “Here’s the address.” He says. Minghao examines the paper, reading an address and a phone number written below it. There is also a single Hangul letter: Jun.

“Whose number is this?”

“My friend’s Baba.” Hansol answers. He pauses, realizing the slip-up. Hastily, he corrects, “I mean–his father, Uncle Jun. If you need directions.”

Baba. Minghao hasn’t heard that word in quite a while. Since his own father passed away a couple of years ago, Minghao hasn’t been able to call anyone with it. Fascinating to hear it coming from Hansol. He hasn’t thought about teaching him Chinese, worried that too many languages will make him confused. Perhaps he should consider, once Hansol is a little older. “Sure.” He confirms. “Thank you.”

The kettle whistles. Minghao immediately pours hot water into his cup and starts brewing his tea. Hansol is staring at him, expectant. Minghao raises an eyebrow, “Do you need something, Hansol-ah?”

Hansol holds out a paper filled with his handwriting. “Could you check my essay for Korean class, Dad?” He politely requests, before adding, “Uh. Please?”

Minghao chuckles. How can he say no to that?

-

“Kwannie,” Hansol approaches Seungkwan’s desk. He didn’t get to talk to Seungkwan before class, so he is using this time during recess. “How is the preparation going?” He asks.

Seungkwan beams. “It’s going well!!” He exclaims. “Baba told me not to tell you, buut you gotta hear about it!” Seungkwan goes into detail about what his father is preparing for the impromptu birthday party later, how he contributed last night, and what he and Hansol will do for the event later. Hansol listens, his face growing brighter the more Seungkwan talks. He has a very good feeling about this.

“Wow… Uncle is so nice.” Hansol praises. He feels so lucky to know Seungkwan and his Baba. He hopes he and Seungkwan can stay best friends for a long time.

Seungkwan grins, proud and giddy. “Oh right!” He digs into his bag and pulls out two pieces of folded party hats. There are numerous colorful animal stickers on them. One has a cat doodle and the other a bear. He thinks he knows who decorated them. “This is for you and your Dad later. Make sure to wear it, okay?” Seungkwan tells him.

Hansol nods. He is so excited for the small birthday party later.

He hopes his Dad will also feel as happy as him.

-

When Minghao followed the directions on maps, he wasn’t expecting to see a noodle shop. Minghao does a double check of the address. Every app tells him he is at the right spot, but doubt still remains. Hansol didn’t mention that it would be a shop. The sign says “Moon Open Chinese Noodles”. Minghao stares at it with distrust. Having closely worked with illegal establishments, Minghao’s instinct naturally leans into questioning everything he sees. He observes. The shop is located in a relatively humble neighborhood, with a number of diners and general stores along the road. The closest bus stop is a fifteen minute walk away. Minghao exits his car and heads to the shop.

When he enters, Minghao is greeted with a familiar scent of szechuan. The seats are not full, but there are a couple of big parties eating together. The menu lists a surprisingly wide variety of Chinese noodle dishes: chow mien, latiaozi, luosifen, liangpi, biang biang… Some he doesn’t see often in Korean restaurants. Minghao stands awkwardly by the entrance, unsure of what to do. He keeps looking around until he meets a server’s gaze.

“Welcome!” The staff greets. “A table for how many?”

Minghao fidgets. “Um.” He steals a quick glance at the note Hansol gave him, “I’m here to see… Jun?” He hopes that sounds natural enough. “I’m Hansol’s Dad.” He explains.

There is a sense of understanding in the server’s face. “Oh, I see! Please, take a seat. Junhui will come to see you in a bit.” He says while leading Minghao to an empty table before scurrying away to the backroom. Minghao uses the time to observe the menu stand on the table. Each dish name is written with Pinyin text right after the Hangul. There are cat doodles at the top border. Each cat either has an apron or a chef’s hat. They’re quite cute, Minghao finds himself chuckling at it.

“Excuse me? Hansol’s Dad, was it?”

Minghao looks up to see the most attractive man he’s seen in the past decade. Straight, tall nose between high cheekbones that are further defined as he smiles. Gentle, slightly droopy eyes that radiate warmth. Minghao feels a little starstruck. His brain may have short-circuited the moment he looked at the man’s face. Words seem to completely fail him.

Minghao catches the man briefly checking him out as well, his gaze lingering a little too long on Minghao’s lips before he notices that Minghao noticed. He hides his flushed cheeks with his hands and clears his throat. He looks at Minghao, still anticipating his reply.

Minghao stands up, feeling it impolite to remain seated. “Yes, that’s me.” He answers. He realizes he has to look up a bit to meet the other man’s eyes. It is kinda doing things to his heart.

“Hello, I’m Moon Junhwi, Seungkwan’s father. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Junhui holds out his hand which Minghao accepts. His palm is rather rough. He wonders if it’s due to kitchen work.

“Seo Myungho.” Minghao introduces himself.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you in any parent-teacher meeting?” Junhui wonders out loud. Minghao can’t deny it.

“It’s hard to match the time with work.” He merely says. He hopes Junhui doesn’t ask for details. His job is rather complicated to explain.

Thankfully, Junhui just nods. He gestures to the area behind the counter, “The children are in the office. Come.”

Minghao quietly follows him. He tries not to stare at Junhui’s wide shoulders and lean build. He is still observing, he tells himself. He needs to see if this man will be a good or bad influence to Hansol, he reasons. This is his parental instinct in action, he justifies.

They stop in front of a door with a small whiteboard hanging on it. It says “office” in a child's scribbles. Minghao assumes it was written by Seungkwan. “You can just go in. I kinda need to go back to the kitchen first, Sorry.” Junhui says before swiftly leaving him there. Minghao tries not to look too disappointed.

Out of politeness, Minghao knocks on the door before opening it. What greeted him is nothing he could have expected.

Hansol is standing on a chair in the middle of the room, wearing a party hat and holding a toy mic. Seungkwan is by the desk behind him, also with a party hat. Seungkwan whispers, “one, two, three.” then the melodica tune to the “Happy Birthday” song begins to play. Hansol holds the mic closer to his mouth as he sings… the Chinese version of the song.

“Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè,”

Hansol follows the beat perfectly despite his flat sounding tone. He sings with surprisingly accurate pronunciation. Seungkwan keeps pressing the mini keyboard in front of him, but the movements of his fingers are not in line with the melody. After all, the music is obviously coming from the computer behind them. Minghao can’t help but chuckle at them.

“Wo ai ni Baba,”

It’s not rare for Hansol to express his affection, but it isn’t often either. Hearing it makes Minghao feel a little emotional. He swallows it back.

“Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè.”

The music repeats, and now Hansol sings the Korean version. Minghao can feel his smile growing wider and wider as he claps along. The performance continues with the English version, although this time Seungkwan has given up pretending to play the keyboard. He stands by the computer while mouthing along to the lyrics and bouncing in his spot a little, probably waiting for the right time to press stop. Hansol is still diligently singing.

“Happy birthdaaaay…” Hansol prolongs the note according to the music while Seungkwan adds some echo effect by going day, ay, ay, ay. Minghao laughs. “…Dad!” Hansol ends it with a spread of his arms before bowing 90 degrees like he would to an audience. Seungkwan stopped the music right on time then played some sound effects of loud applause and cheers. Minghao joins too, clapping proudly.

“For you, Uncle!” Seungkwan hands him a party hat filled with sparkly stickers. Minghao accepts it gratefully, although he didn’t get to express it as the child quickly sprinted past the father and son duo.

Hansol tugs on his shirt, wanting attention. “Happy birthday, Dad.” Hansol says, grinning cheerfully. He takes the party hat and unfolds it. “Let me put it on you.” He requests while staring at Minghao with big bright eyes. He pauses a bit, like he just forgot something, “Please.” He belatedly adds.

Minghao chuckles at him then bends down to help Hansol attach the hat on his head. It’s a bit crooked but Minghao doesn’t feel like fixing it, not when Hansol looks like the most accomplished kid in the world. Minghao squeezes him in a tight hug then pats his cheek, teasing.

“You told me you were working on a big project.” Minghao says. Despite feeling extremely pleased, he still can’t help but nag. Hansol sorta lied to him, after all.

But Hansol just nods, innocent. “This is a big project. It’s your birthday gift.” He points out, like it was the most obvious thing ever. Minghao feels so endeared.

“Thank you, Hansolie.” Minghao says, hugging his son again. “You really surprised me, you know.”

Hansol hums. “Wait for it.”

“Hmm?”

“Uncle Hao!”

Minghao almost jumps at Seungkwan’s loud yell. He turns around and sees, Seungkwan and Junhui, each carrying a plate of food: Seungkwan holding a small bamboo steamer of xiao long bao decorated with mini party hats stuck around the pot while Junhui has a wide plate of golden, fried noodles that surrounds a set of candles in the middle. Junhui also has a wide, boxy grin that makes him increasingly attractive in Minghao’s eyes.

“Happy birthday, Uncle Hao!” Seungkwan exclaims as he does a little twirl with the dumplings. Minghao is still taken aback by the extra surprise.

Hansol comes down from the chair and pulls the astounded Minghao towards the awaiting Junhui. “Make a wish, Dad! Blow the candles!” He cheers.

Minghao stares at the dish, at the neatly, delicately arranged noodles circling two small candles: one that says happy birthday and the other a heart. He doesn’t think he has seen something as funny as this. Birthday cakes is definitely nothing new to him, but birthday noodles is just—-

…Oh. A sudden realization dawns on him. Longevity noodles.

“Go on.” Junhui softly urges. The party hat is a little small on his head. “You know, before they melt and the kids make a fuss over candles on their noodles.” He rambles quietly, making sure that only Minghao hears him. Minghao snorts before closing his eyes, acting like he is making a wish. He blows the candles afterwards, earning loud cheers and hoots from the two children in the room.

Minghao crouches down to give Seungkwan an appreciative pat on his head. “Thank you so much, Kwannie.”

“You’re welcome, Uncle! I’m so happy I can help Solie prepare your birthday gift!” Seungkwan is beaming. He puts on his own party hat. “Do you like it?”

“I like it a lot. You were a very big help to Solie.”

“Baba helped a lot too!” Seungkwan reveals while pointing at his father. “He had to go to the market super early in the morning for the right noodles. It’s called qi mien, to wish you a long life!”

“Yi mien, Kwannie.” Junhui corrects while setting up several plates and chopsticks on the desk, next to the food. He cups a hand over his mouth as he whispers to Minghao, “And he’s just being dramatic, I had to buy additional ingredients for the shop anyway.” He shrugs.

Minghao doesn’t tell him that he noticed the particular dish not being part of the menu Minghao read earlier. His heart is already beating funny from the thought of Junhui exclusively preparing all of this, just for him. “Thank you.” He sincerely says.

Junhui smiles at him. “Happy birthday.” He says, softly, kindly, making Minghao melt-ly. “I wish you long lasting happiness.”

Minghao is trying not to blush. He thinks he is doing a bad job at it. “Thank you so much.” He tentatively reaches for Junhui’s hand and gives it a light squeeze, hoping it can convey how deeply grateful he feels. This is only their first time meeting but it looks like he has troubled Junhui greatly just to fulfill their children’s innocent wishes. Junhui squeezes back, assuring him with a nonverbal no big deal, glad I could help.

Junhui gingerly pulls him to the desk. “Now, instead of ‘cutting the cake’, it’s time to divide the noodles! Please do the honor, Hansol’s Dad?” He gives the biggest pair of chopsticks to Minghao so Minghao gladly distributes the noodles onto the plates, making sure not to cut any of it because Hansol started talking about the meaning of the birthday noodles tradition.

Junhui helps by dividing the xiaolongbao on each plate. “Enjoy the food.” He says while taking off the hat. Minghao knows that there are only three plates in total, has guessed that Junhui will probably have to go back to work, but it doesn’t make him any less bummed. He tries to not let it show.

Seungkwan holds Junhui back, pouting. “Baba, you haven’t had dinner!” He reminds him while pushing a dumpling towards Junhui. “Have this!”

Junhui puts it back on Seungkwan’s plate. “I can have some in the kitchen. You can enjoy that with Solie and Uncle Hao.” He says. Seungkwan seems rather upset that his father is not joining their little party. Junhui tries to soothe him but Seungkwan refuses to look at him and just grumpily chews on his food.

Minghao feels bad. Technically, this party is for him, so it should be okay if he intervenes, right?

“Um, actually…” Minghao draws the attention of the father and son. “I ate before I came here, and this is quite a lot just for me, so…” He looks at Junhui. Maybe a little pleadingly. “Why don’t you join us?” He asks.

“Please.” Hansol quips. He frowns at Minghao, “You forgot the ‘please’, Dad.”

Minghao chuckles. “Yes, thank you for the reminder, Solie.” He offers an unopened pair of chopsticks to Junhui. “Please?”

Junhui takes another moment to think before giving in. “Alright. There aren’t that many customers anyway.” He makes a quick call to the other staff before dragging a stool next to Minghao. Their knees touch, but neither move and they continue to eat together from the same plate while listening to Seungkwan explaining the whole backstory of Minghao’s birthday gift project from the very beginning. Hansol occasionally chips in and Minghao occasionally reminds him to swallow before talking. Somewhere along the story, Seungkwan plays the birthday song instrumental again for background music and Junhui tells him to not sing while chewing.

The desk is perhaps a bit too small for two children and two adults, but the atmosphere remains festive and loud, just how a birthday party should be. As their plates begin to empty, Minghao can’t help but smile.

He thinks this is one of the happiest birthdays he has ever had.

-

Seungkwan is in deep thought.

He has been in deep thought for quite a while now, staring at his father. He concludes that he isn’t that much of a fan of Junhui’s new haircut. Not that Junhui looks bad in it–his Baba always looks good, handsome and charming, at all times, okay!!–but Seungkwan prefers his previous look with the mullet. It matches well. Would’ve matched very well if he had kept it.

His phone vibrates. Arriving in 5. the text says. Hansol always texts with perfect punctuations and spelling. It’s annoying to see.

“Do I look okay, Kwannie?” Junhui asks once he gets his cuffs done. He’s dressed in all black, long-sleeve button-up shirt with loose high-waisted trousers. Seungkwan is glad he insisted on keeping the top buttons open, even gladder that Junhui agreed to wear the sheer undershirt. Junhui looks stunning, even as a middle-aged man. Hot even, if Seungkwan dares to say.

He is certain his date would think the same.

“You look gorgeous, Baba.” The fifteen-year-old compliments, proud. He sprays some perfume on his father and combs his hair a little, separating the fringe. He cheers and gives a big applause at the final look. Junhui grins at him, bashful but thankful.

The bell to the diner rings and the father-son duo walks to greet the incoming guests. The shop is closed today but it will always be open to welcome these two important people in Seungkwan’s life: Hansol and Minghao.

“Dad!” Seungkwan runs towards Minghao for a hug, which Minghao happily accepts. He has gotten used to calling Minghao ‘Dad’, from years of knowing each other and growing up with Hansol. Minghao was shy about it at first, but naturally welcomes it now. Seungkwan smiles at him. “Happy birthday!” He says as he gives Minghao a kiss on the cheek.

Minghao giggles and wipes his cheeks, face scrunching in mock disgust to tease Seungkwan. Seungkwan pouts at him so he gently rubs Seungkwan’s head, soothing him. They’re almost the same height now. Seungkwan is growing well. “Thanks, Kwannie.” He replies. Seungkwan lets him go and then he watches, how Minghao visibly freezes upon seeing Junhui. Junhui is doing the same, just less subtle with the way his eyes scan Minghao from head to toe. Minghao is in all denim, almost matching with Junhui other than the more modestly buttoned top and checkered-pattern belt that gives his look an extra edge. Would’ve been matching very well with Junhui if Junhui kept the mullet. Seungkwan is still a bit bitter about that.

“Nice, Baba. You look goooood.” Hansol whistles and gives Junhui a thumbs up. Junhui blushes and mutters a soft “Thanks, Hansol.” while patting the teenager’s back. Seungkwan naturally raises his shoulders, proud of his work.

“Yeah, you look,” Minghao is still looking at Junhui up and down. He swallows, “very pretty.” He sounds like he is a little in awe.

Junhui dips his head as the blush blooms quickly on his cheeks. He clears his throat, “You also look,” He stares right at Minghao as he rapidly fires out, “so so so pretty.”

Seungkwan is trying so hard not to squeal loudly. Hansol is outright cringing in disgust.

Minghao averts his gaze as Junhui approaches him; the two exchange subtle, shy glances with each other like a couple of lovestruck teenagers instead of the mature middle-aged men that they are. Seungkwan can’t help but coo at them. Hansol can’t help but sigh exasperatedly at them.

Hansol decides that he has seen enough. He makes a loud clap, “Okay! Dad, Baba! Have fun!” He waves at them as a send-off. Seungkwan glares at him for ruining the cute moment, before swiftly giving their fathers a big, reassuring smile. He doesn’t want them to worry about Seungkwan and Hansol. They should enjoy their date to the absolute fullest.

But parental instincts are hard to turn off, it seems, because:

“Ah, the jokbal is in the pot on the stove, it’s still warm so you don’t need to heat it up. There’s enough rice in the cooker, so you kids can just have dinner right away.” Junhui tells them.

“Oh! I brought some dumplings and roasted duck too. You can eat them directly from the packages, no need to add to the dishes, okay?” Minghao reminds them.

“There are also mushroom and chicken fritters on the kitchen counter for snacks while you watch the movie.” Junhui adds.

“Soda is fine, but don’t forget to drink enough water too, okay? And don’t forget to take care of the trash.” Minghao nags.

“ALRIGHT, BABA!” “OKAY, DAD!”

Both Junhui and Minghao appear stunned by their children’s sudden outburst.

“We’ll be fine.” Seungkwan assures them. Hansol nods, affirming. “So, don’t worry about us and just… enjoy your date!”

The word ‘date’ seems to turn the ‘lovestruck teenagers’ mode back on upon the two adults who are now awkwardly avoiding each other’s gazes. Junhui takes the initiative and holds Minghao’s hand, “Shall we?”

Minghao nods and grabs the car keys from his pocket. “Yeah, let’s go.” He says then the two walk side by side towards Minghao’s car while bidding farewell to their children.

Seungkwan waves frantically back at them. He narrowly escapes getting the door shut at his face because Hansol didn’t waste a minute to immediately close and lock it. Seungkwan elbows him, annoyed, “I still want to look at them!”

Hansol groans in pain. “You can look at them from the window.”

Seungkwan forcibly pulls him along and now the two are peeking at their fathers from the window. Minghao’s car is parked a little further on the left, but they can still get quite a good view. It’s a good thing that the car windows aren’t too heavily tinted, both Minghao and Junhui are quite visible from here.

Seungkwan sighs dreamily, “I can’t believe it took six years for Baba and Dad to go out on a date.”

Hansol shrugs. “Well, we were just kids. I don’t think they would let us stay home alone without adult supervision.” He reasons. Seungkwan knows he is stating nothing but facts, but still, Seungkwan would rather imagine that Baba and Dad went through a long, slow burn period of mutual pining. He’s a romantic, so what.

Junhui and Minghao appear to be talking about something before Junhui briefly leans towards Minghao. Seungkwan gasps. To be honest, all Seungkwan can see is the back of Junhui’s head but the flustered face Minghao makes afterwards confirms his suspicions.

“They kissed!” Seungkwan slaps Hansol excitedly. Hansol only makes a single noise in response: “Ew.”

The car departs not long after so Seungkwan sullenly closes the curtains. He cannot see them anymore but it doesn’t stop him from imagining how the date will go. Baba won’t forget about the present, will he? Seungkwan thinks. Will Dad like the present enough to want to take their relationship to the next base? They’re adults, so they shouldn’t take long to go there, right? He ponders.

Seungkwan looks at his best friend, needing another opinion. “Do you think they’ll do it today?” He wonders.

Hansol cringes. “I would very much like to not think about that… Like, at all.”

Seungkwan smacks him. “This is our parents! Be happy for them!”

“I am!! I just… refuse to discuss them in detail.” Hansol replies. His Dad had given him a greatly detailed course of sex education when he entered middle school and it is honestly the last thing he wants to picture in relation to Dad and Baba. He changes the topic, “Look, you still up for movie night? I’ll set up the TV.” Hansol says as he heads to the main room while carrying the food he and Dad brought over.

“Of course! Let’s have dinner first.” Seungkwan answers, scurrying after Hansol. He takes one last glance at the front door, reminded of his Baba and Dad’s wide and bashful smiles before they left the place together.

He hopes he has been useful enough to make Dad experience the most special birthday with Baba.

-

Baba!! Don’t forget!!!

Junhui chuckles to himself at the text Seungkwan sent him. He can feel the weight of the small box in his pocket, the small gift he had prepared for Minghao, with Seungkwan’s help. Junhui takes a deep breath and tries to relax in the passenger seat of Minghao’s car, waiting for his date(!) to return.

Minghao is out on a call, something work-related, and he said he would want to save Junhui from listening to his work related rants. Junhui understands, he doesn’t mind, he has accepted to be less curious about the line of work Minghao does, considering the risks linked with it. Closely associating himself with one of the higher ups of a multilateral (but non violent!!) Triad comes with some commitments, after all.

“Sorry that took awhile.” Minghao says as he enters. His hair is kinda ruffled and Junhui imagines that it must have been due to Minghao rubbing his head in slight annoyance over whatever was in the call. It doesn’t make him any less attractive, though. But Junhui is biased, so.

Junhui shrugs. “It’s okay.” He leans his head against the backrest, admiring Minghao’s features. Minghao grabs his seatbelt but Junhui stops him. “Can we stay here for a little longer?” He asks.

Minghao raises an eyebrow. His ears are turning slightly red. He coughs, “I don’t think the car is hygienic enough for that…”

Junhui blinks. He blinks again. It takes him three blinks to understand what Minghao was implying. “No no no no, I didn’t mean to do that!” He feels his face heat up as highly indecent images begin to play in his mind. Junhui swallows, “Not–here, at least! Argh.” He buries his face in his hands along with the embarrassment rising inside of him. He takes a peek at Minghao who is stiff and equally flustered, blushing down to his neck. Junhui mumbles, “Seungkwan is definitely going to yell at me once he hears about this…”

Junhui gently takes Minghao’s hand and opens his palm, before placing a small black box adorned with a single white ribbon. “I just wanted to give you this. My gift for you.” He says. “I was going to give it to you during dinner, but I missed the timing…” He sighs. “Happy birthday.”

Minghao stares at the gift, then at Junhui. His face breaks into the widest grin that gets Junhui’s heart to flutter. “Thank you…” He looks touched. He definitely didn’t expect it. “Can I open it?” He asks and Junhui nods.

Minghao carefully undoes the ribbon and then takes the lid off. Inside was a pair of earrings: silver, elegant and sleek in the shape of two tightly linked symmetrical loops. An infinity symbol.

“Beautiful.” He murmurs.

Junhui’s cheeks are starting to hurt from the smile now permanently etched on his face. “Probably not as beautiful as you once you wear them.” He smoothly says. It makes Minghao giggle, high and bright. It makes Minghao want to tease him back.

“Help me, then.” Minghao offers the box to Junhui and shifts a little closer, allowing Junhui to gently hold the base of his earlobe. Junhui takes one earring and gingerly clasps it on Minghao’s ear. The infinity pendant hangs gracefully, further enhancing the glow radiating from Minghao’s smile. Junhui swears he has never seen anything else as beautiful.

Junhui reaches for the other pair but Minghao stops him and shakes his head. “No, let me.” Minghao says. Junhui is confused until Minghao lightly tips his face to the side to attach the remaining earring on Junhui’s ear. He makes a content sigh, “Now you’re beautiful too.” He praises. They share a laugh, shy and a little in love. Minghao gets his phone and they take a couple of selcas, the matching earrings catching light with every pose.

The distance between them continues to shorten while they look at the pictures they took. “Do you think the kids will notice?” Junhui wonders.

Minghao hums. “Kwannie might. Hansol… nah.”

Junhui laughs. He then gently, carefully, lovingly cradles Minghao’s cheek with his hand, his fingertips lightly brushing against the earring now adorning Minghao’s ear. Minghao follows, almost mirroring his action as they gradually lean closer to each other. Junhui pauses first, a little more than a hair’s breadth apart, face flaring gorgeously red.

“Can I give you another gift?” Junhui murmurs, soft and low, an almost whisper that Minghao can feel with every word.

Minghao lightly presses his lips against Junhui’s, surprising him. He smirks, “I hope you don’t mind me claiming it first.”

Junhui giggles before pulling Minghao into a soft and steady kiss, their lips meeting and parting countless times as Minghao curls a hand around Junhui’s nape to further deepen the kiss. This marks the farthest they are getting in terms of physical touch as their encounters have always been with the children present, so they have never allowed their feelings to manifest this clearly. Junhui’s thumb presses on Minghao’s jaw and Minghao swallows a moan as Junhui includes his tongue into their exchange. Minghao’s hand slides over Junhui’s thigh and now it’s Junhui making the louder noises.

Junhui’s hand gets busy with Minghao’s buttons and Minghao is so close to forsaking all of his hygiene concerns when his phone starts vibrating. He is determined to ignore it because priorities, fuck–wait no I shouldn’t curse in case Hans–wait Hansol isn’t here–ah fuck, I’m sensitive there Jun-ah—- as his mind gets clouded by speedily escalating desire.

Now it’s Junhui’s phone that is ringing. It’s a ringtone specially assigned to Seungkwan. Minghao knows because he helped Seungkwan choose the song. Despite desperately wanting to keep Junhui’s touch on his skin, his natural instinct as a parent just overpowers. Junhui’s too, it seems, because he automatically breaks apart and clambers around for his phone.

“Wait, wait, I’m so sorry, but that’s Kwannie.” Junhui is still out of breath as he stammers his apology. Minghao takes the chance to catch his own breath and tidy up his top. Junhui finds his phone on the floor and swiftly answers it. He chews his (swollen, glistening) lips, growing anxious, “Might be an emergency.”

Minghao nods, understanding. He is starting to worry as well. “Put it on speaker.”

“Hello?”

Seungkwan’s voice is bright as he replies. “Baba! How do you make popcorn with the airfryer again? I don’t remember! Wait–no, Solie, we can’t just eat that, that’s raw! It’s not cooked yet!”

“But it tastes fine?”

“You think tissue paper tastes fine, now give me that package!”

The argument continues between the two teenagers, it was as if they forgot having emergency dialed their fathers. Seungkwan’s voice is getting higher and louder while Hansol matches up to him, and it doesn’t look like their fight will end anytime soon unless there is some parental intervention.

“Perhaps we should check on them before they burn the shop down.” Minghao decides. Junhui agrees and he goads the children to form a truce and just keep watching their movie without popcorn until Baba dan Dad arrives home.

Seungkwan whines, “But Baba–”

“Kwannie.” Junhui’s voice is stern. Minghao can imagine the pout that follows on Seungkwan’s face.

“Fine.” Seungkwan reluctantly obeys.

Minghao pulls the phone towards him, “And Solie? I don’t hear you?” He uses his stern tone too.

“Yes, Dad.” Hansol answers.

Minghao hums. “Okay. We’ll be home in about twenty minutes. Be good.” He says before pressing the end call button. Minghao looks up to see Junhui in a slight daze, watching him.

“What?”

Junhui breaks out of his trance and clears his throat. “Nothing.” He mumbles. “I don’t think I’ve heard you use that tone before.”

Minghao shrugs. “I usually don’t. Hansol usually behaves.” He checks the rearview mirror, making sure he looks decent enough. Junhui follows, using the mirror on the sun visor.

Once they’re both straightened up, Junhui lets out a deep breath. “Alright. Let’s drive home, baobei.” He puts on his seatbelt. He glances at Minghao to find him staring at him, looking stunned.

“What?”

Minghao blinks rapidly then looks away. “Nevermind.” He sets the gear and then pulls Junhui’s hand onto his lap, fondling it. “Just not used to the petname yet…” He mutters, before taking off.

Junhui chuckles and looks at the window on his side, but he keeps his hold on Minghao’s thigh. Minghao glances at him, at the earring on his right ear before catching the glint of the match that is on his own through the rearview mirror. As the navigation leads them back to where their children are, Minghao can’t help but smile.

He thinks this is the most special birthday that he has ever had.

-