Chapter Text
Kim Minseok is an only child and still lives with his parents even at the age of 28. He is an upcoming architect who works in his friend Kyungsoo’s architects firm. Minseok’s parents are conservative and old fashioned. That is the main reason why they keep pestering him to get married before he turns 30. Minseok is in relationship with his college boyfriend Jung Taek-woon (Leo) and they are engaged to be married soon. They have decided to secretly register their marriage as Leo will be leaving shortly to London for his work. Since his work visa is for 5 years, Leo will not be able to fly back to Seoul for three years. So they decided to get married and process a spouse visa for Minseok. Both Minseok’s as well as Leo’s parents who are unaware of the register marriage oppose their union. However when Minseok and Leo are adamant about not dating or marrying anyone else, the parents grudgingly give in.
Every day is like a battle of wits. Mrs.Kim keeps nagging Minseok about Leo. Minseok tries hard to convince his mother about his choice of life partner.
Minseok and Leo have plans. Minseok doesn’t want to waste time so they get tested for fertility. Minseok wants to have a child and Leo is ready to have one with him. The test results are not in Minseok’s favor.
“Nothing to worry. It’s a minor hormone treatment. If you start now, you can get pregnant within six months.” says Dr.Kwon.
“We will start the treatment immediately.” Leo affirms. Minseok looks at him. Leo squeezes his hand reassuringly.
“Yes. I am ready for it.” Minseok smiles.
“Good. I will prescribe few multi vitamin supplements and then we can start the treatment after a month.”
“Okay Doctor.” Minseok nods.
When they get out of the doctor’s office, Minseok looks at Leo.
“Are you sure about this?”
“I am. I will do anything to make you happy.”
Both decide to keep the treatment a secret too. Minseok feared that if Leo’s parents got to know about it, they would again try to change Leo’s mind. Leo tries to make light of the situation.
“Honey, relax. The doctor has assured us positive results. You need to be stress free.” reminds Leo gently.
“I know. I will calm down.” Minseok smiles at him sweetly. Leo is a good man. He is smart, educated and comes from a good family. He needs to stay positive.
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Kim Jongdae, a construction engineer owns his own construction company. Although he comes from a family of doctors and lawyers, Jongdae chose engineering as he wanted to build homes for the homeless. He is also a environmentalist. Hence he tries to build renewable and green energy structures but most often fails as clients aren’t keen in the concept as it is expensive. Even though he has his best friend Byun Baekhyun invest in his company, to sustain himself in the industry, he works for a architect firm in Busan. Working for others always makes life stressful. Jongdae grits his teeth every time when he doesn’t see eye to eye with a client. He has no choice as his own company is relatively new so he needs to build his reputation. He maintains a work life balance. Baekhyun and his husband Chanyeol have become a constant in Jongdae’s life. He hangs out with them and Sehun, Chanyeol’s younger brother almost every night after work. One night when the four of them, hang out in their favorite pub, Sehun seeks some serious advice regarding surrogacy. Sehun loves children and wants to have one but unfortunately his fiancé Kai is infertile.
The couple tried adopting for 3 years but couldn’t succeed. Now they have decided for surrogacy. Both Baekhyun and Chanyeol are supportive but not Jongdae.
“I don’t understand why you want to have a baby. I feel that already there is a population explosion. Why do you want to bring more babies?” Jongdae gets little aggressive.
“I am not bothered about that. We want someone to carry forward our lineage. We have decided and going ahead with the process. I want you to come along with me tomorrow to the sperm bank. Chanyeol hyung is coming.” Sehun tells Jongdae.
“Why me? I am not even thinking about marriage.” Jongdae quips.
“Come on hyung. Just come along.” Sehun almost pleads.
“I don’t know...” Jongdae hesitates.
“Just a moral support. No harm. You never know how it can help you in the future.” says Baekhyun.
“We are going to freeze sperm. It’s not like getting impregnated. If that was the case I would take Baekhyun with me.” Chanyeol smiles lovingly at his husband.
It’s unfortunate that Baekhyun cannot get impregnated so like Kai, he has to depend on surrogacy too. Jongdae finally agrees to meet them at the sperm bank the next day. The trip to the sperm bank is awkward for Jongdae. While filling out the form, he changes his name and address. When asked about it, Jongdae just brushes it off.
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Few days later:
Jongdae attends a fashion show with all his friends. They eyes are fixed on the show stopper. The man dazzles the ramp. After the show is over, he meets Jongdae back stage and hugs him tight. Kim Kibum(Key) is the most sought after model in Seoul. Key loves Jongdae a lot and can’t wait to marry him.
“Guess what love? I am going to Paris next month. Isn’t that great?” Key excitedly shares his happy news with the Jongdae and friends.
“Congratulations.” Baekhyun hugs him.
“Good job hyung” says Sehun. Kai hugs him too.
“As expected.” Chanyeol shakes his hand.
“I am proud of you.” Jongdae hugs him.
As they continue to talk excitedly, Sehun blurts out about their recent trip to the sperm bank.
“What? Really? Congrats Sehunnie.” Key hugs him and Kai.
“Even Chanyeol hyung and Jongdae hyung froze their sperm.”
“What? You too? I thought you didn’t want kids.” Key looks into Jongdae’s eyes with hope.
“I still don’t want to have kids. I went with them to give them company.” Jongdae laughs.
Key doesn’t find it funny. He pulls him away to his dressing room. As soon as he shuts the door, Key talks.
“I really don’t understand what goes on in your mind. You tell me you don’t want kids and then you go and freeze your sperm. I don’t know what I am going to do with you after marriage.”
“Darling, just focus on your work. You have got your big break today. Modeling for a top agency in Paris. Why bring up kids and marriage now?”
Key looks at him frustrated.
“What is your point? Our engagement is in two weeks. After that, are you not planning to get married?”
“You know how I feel about marriage. It’s a disaster. Just turns a happy relationship into something toxic. See, I have agreed for the engagement just for your sake. Go to Paris. Enjoy your work..”
“For me? What about you? What do want in life?”
“I don’t know baby.”
“What?”
“Darling, let’s not fight tonight please.” Jongdae hugs him tight.
“I am telling you this is not the end of this conversation.”
“Okay.” Jongdae knows he is in deep trouble but he will not let it ruin their night. Rest of the night goes smoothly. Key doesn’t talk much when Jongdae drops him at home. For some reason Jongdae feels relieved. He drives home, drinks his whiskey, has his shower and goes to bed.