Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In-ho is a very simple man. He does his job, picks his brother up from school, sleeps then repeats the process all over again.

At least, that’s what he wants his life to be like. His younger brother seems to have a penchant for causing trouble and being a menace. It started when Jun-ho learnt to walk. For someone who wanted to follow in the steps of his older brother and be a cop, he loves stealing keys, necklaces or anything metal. In-ho had to attach a bell to his so he’d be able to hear it from far away. Then, when Jun-ho learnt to talk, he’d tell anyone off if they were doing something ‘wrong’ in his baby eyes (this includes telling him to wake up, eat his breakfast or not flush keys down the toilet).

It was cute at first, In-ho loved Jun-ho to bits and didn’t care. He thought that it’d be sorted by the time Jun-ho went to school. A silly mistake on his behalf. Jun-ho has, in fact, became worse. He bites children now. For fair reason of course, but still. In the parents’ group chat he’s nicknamed the piranha, that’s how bad this situation has become.

It was his first day of real school and In-ho had prayed that his little brother would change his ankle-biting ways. In-ho held out hope until he heard the familiar ring of his phone and picked it up to the even more familiar words; “Are you the guardian of Hwang Jun-ho?”

So now he’s driving his police car to Jun-ho’s school (still in his uniform by the way) because his little brother is a terror.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In-ho pushes open the glass doors to the school office. The receptionist talks into the phone in a way that unsettles In-ho. Corporate precision, is what In-ho likes to call it. He starts to pace around the carpeted floor, waiting to hear what his brother has done this time. The only sounds in the room is the fish tank bubbling, the receptionist’s quiet chatter and his own heartbeat. In-ho cracks his knuckles which earns a dirty look from the lady behind the desk.

She probably thinks she’s better than him. Miss, he looks down at her name plate, Kang No-eul! In-ho will not stand for this. Just as he’s about to start fighting this lady, he hears the principal’s voice.

“Hwang In-ho? Follow me.” The older man calls out. In-ho follows the wispy old man. Despite the old teacher (he learns that his name is Oh Il-nam or Principal Oh) looking like he’s one strong wind away from getting knocked over, he navigates through the winding halls with a confidence In-ho has only ever seen with his superiors.

Principal Oh pushes open the door to a stale, beige room. There’s a big leather chair that Il-nam immediately sits on, forcing In-ho to sit facing him on a stool. Jun-ho sits beside him, crossing his arms and scrunching his face up.

“Are you aware of what Jun-ho has done today?” The principal asks. In-ho shakes his head. There’s so many things he could’ve and has done in the past. In-ho shakes his head. Then, an influx of cold air flushes against his back.

“Sorry sun-bae! I was held back by one of the parents, oh hello!” A peppy voice enters the room. In-ho turns around to see who it is and dear god, this man is beautiful. He’s taller than In-ho but he’s also got softer parts of him. His hair is wavy and long and his smile is big and bright. You might as well kill In-ho right now because he’s never going to see a more beautiful man. So what does In-ho do? He looks away and tries not to make a fool of himself.

“I’m Jun-ho’s teacher! And you are…?” The man trails off. Of course he is, Jun-ho’s lucky to have him.“I’m his Hyung.” In-ho explains, extending his (probably sweaty) hand. The older man holds his hand and shakes. If In-ho is sweaty, the teacher doesn’t seem to mind.

“Ahem. Back on track.” The principal calls out, snapping In-ho’s attention back onto him. “Jun-ho’s been called in here today because he’s yanked a girl out of her toy car.” The principal informs In-ho.

“Wh- what? Why?” In-ho stutters. Of course he stutters in front of this beautiful man, god he’s so stupid.

“Jun-ho said that the girl was speeding. He then went on to try and handcuff her.” Oh Il-nam deadpans, pulling out a set of metal handcuffs. Oh no.

This is the last time he ever tells Jun-ho about his job or leaves his handcuffs unattended. “I profusely apologise! He’s not normally like this!” In-ho defends his little brother. It’s a lie by the way. This is absolutely something Jun-ho would do. They don’t need to know that. The teacher clears his voice. “Well, it’s more about where he got the handcuffs from?”

Shit, In-ho thinks, this looks really bad.

“Oh, no, I’m a police officer!” In-ho justifies, waving a hand along his uniform. The beautiful man smiles. “Of course, sorry, I thought that you were an improv student or something!” In-ho frowns at this. “Do I look like an improv student?” In-ho crosses his arms but the man just laughs at him, this should annoy him but the man’s laugh is so pretty In-ho genuinely doesn’t care.

“Back to what we were talking about.” Il-nam interrupts them, yet again. “We’ve had to keep him inside for playtime and made him write an apology to the girl.” The old man tells In-ho, as if he’s going to do anything to stop it.

“Absolutely. If you don’t mind me asking, who’s the girl?” In-ho raises an eyebrow until the teacher speaks up again. “Well, she’s actually my daughter! Small world isn’t it?” He jokes but In-ho’s mortified. Trust Jun-ho to pick on the daughter of the most beautiful man alive. All In-ho can do is look him in the eyes and apologise profusely.

“It’s ok! Jun-hee’s not that hurt, it’s just Sae-byeok you’ll need to worry about!” He explains animatedly. When In-ho looks even more confused and worried at this, the older man goes on to further explain. “She’s called for his blood.”

“Should I be-“ In-ho asks.

“-Worried? Absolutely yes. Don’t worry, I’ll try keep her away!” The teacher promises, extending his pinky finger. The gesture is so small yet it still makes In-ho smile and wrap his own pinky finger around the man’s, which reminds him. “Sorry, I don’t think I got your name.” In-ho asks. Smooth, he thinks to himself.

“Gi-hun, Seong Gi-hun!” Gi-hun smiles warmly at him. To which In-ho laughs and says, “Seong? Your last name literally means last name.” In-ho jokes and whilst Gi-hun cracks a smile, no one else does. Even Jun-ho grimaces. Ouch, it wasn’t that bad.

“Oh, it does, doesn’t it?” Gi-hun grins and suddenly In-ho doesn’t care what anyone else thinks about his joke.

“Well, I’m so sorry for Jun-ho’s actions, seriously.” In-ho tells Gi-hun but the man just waves it off. “Don’t sweat it! Jun-ho’s heart is in the right place, just that the handcuffs weren’t.” Gi-hun laughs. If that’s the problem, In-ho can find a better place to put them, he thinks to himself and looks down at Gi-hun’s wrists. Okay, maybe he shouldn’t finish that train of thought.

“I think you’ll be a great teacher for Jun-ho.” In-ho smiles and grabs ahold of his little brother’s hand. “What do you say?” In-ho asks. “Sorry… but you said speeding was bad!” Jun-ho apologises (kind of) to Gi-hun.

“Yes, if she was in a real car, Jun-ho.” Says In-ho, rubbing the bridge of his nose. In-ho bows to Oh Il-nam and Gi-hun whilst leading Jun-ho away.

In-ho wanders through the labyrinth of hallways until Gi-hun finds him and points them in the right direction. This makes In-ho’s face heat up. Whether from embarrassment or his apparent teenage on this man is unclear. However, what is clear is that Jun-ho picks up on this.

They get to In-ho’s police car and In-ho is strapping Jun-ho into the car seat, Jun-ho asks, “Hyung, what do you think Mr Gi-hun?” In-ho coughs into his fist to hide his embarrassment. “He’s a… nice man. Be good to him dongsaeng.”

In-ho slides into the drivers’ seat, thinking about how masterfully he dodged that question. “Do you think he’s pretty, Hyung?” Jun-ho presses further.

“How about we listen to the radio for a bit?”

Chapter Text

One day. That’s how long it took for his little brother to make a name for himself. ‘Batman’. Apparently, it’s because he bites like a bat and will stop at nothing for justice. Even one of the teacher’s, Hyun-ju, thought the name was too mean. She was the only one but In-ho appreciates her.

Hyun-ju had been in the army with him, until she transitioned, that is. She was also a part of the reason Jun-ho was going to that school. As a teacher, she’d praised Jun-ho and eventually the principal decided to let him in. In-ho still finds it funny that she went from commanding soldiers in the army to teaching toddlers star jumps or whatever P.E teacher’s do.

“So… how’s he settling in?” Hyun-ju nervously smiles, she knows the answer already. Even through a phone screen, he can already tell how apprehensive she is about Jun-ho.

“He likes the school if that’s what you’re asking. Not the people that go there.” In-ho sighs, taking a sip of the amber whiskey. He swirls the liquid around the glass for a second longer, debating whether or not he should voice his next thought.

“Do you know his teacher? Seong Gi-hun?” In-ho asks before shaking his head. “Never mind, ignore that.” But Hyun-ju doesn’t take note of this and she sucks in a long breath, she’s about to go on a rant.

“Well, he’s nice, really he is, but he’s a bit of a…” Hyun-ju pauses. “Sap? No, that’s too mean. He’s a man with a bleeding heart, yeah that’s better. D’you know Sae-byeok? Well, he adopted her after she tried to pickpocket him! Like, what? Also his boyfriend is super-“

“-Boyfriend?” In-ho interrupts. Of course he’s got a boyfriend, why wouldn’t he? Hyun-ju stops and bites her bottom lip, she shouldn’t have said that. Right now, she looks like a deer in headlights.

“Oh! Well, shit. Don’t tell anyone I told you that.” She pauses and In-ho waits for the infamous- “But, the financial advisor of the school will always, and I mean always, find a way to talk to Gi-hun. It’s kinda cute- what’s that face for?” Hyun-ju stares into her phone screen at In-ho.

Right now, he’s devising a way to eliminate this ‘financial advisor’. Painfully. “What’s their name? Or their address, either is fine.” Grumbles In-ho. He grips onto his glass of whiskey so tight that his knuckles turn white. Hyun-ju notices the switch in tone and starts to backtrack.

“In-ho, no. Sang-woo doesn’t deserve to die! Also, I don’t even know if they’re dating. It’s just a rumour!” Hyun-ju starts to scold In-ho but all he hears is the name of his new nemesis. Sang-woo. He loosens his grip on the glass and starts to think rationally. He’s a cop now, he’ll just arrest him if need be.

“Fine. How was your day?” In-ho changes the subject. Hyun-ju smiles at this and starts to vividly explain the art teacher, who she shares a room with, bringing her lunch and a slap fight that ended with two kids being suspended. She glows whilst explaining all of this. It’s a certain type of happiness he hasn’t seen on her. Even though In-ho secretly misses their time together in the army, he’s glad that she’s found a job that accepts her.

Her face lights up when she talks about the kids. She had always wanted them, she would’ve been a great mother as well. If only the world had been kinder to her. Hyun-ju deserves all the kindness. “-those two kids are a handful. I’m never letting them play Mingle again.” She recounts exasperatedly. In-ho chuckles at this. No matter how much she’ll complain about the kids, they’re the favourite part of her job. Even if Nam-gyu and Thanos fight like cat and dog.

“Can’t you afford better games for them?” In-ho asks earnestly. Hyun-ju ducks her head and sighs. “Everything is out of my own pocket, so no.” He can tell how much this pains her. In-ho shifts around on his couch. “Maybe you could if the financial advisor was better.” He mutters under his breath, not expecting Hyun-ju to be listening. She does. “What is your problem with him? Is it- oh. Ohh.” She finally catches on. “Hwang In-ho, are you jealous?” Cackles Hyun-ju. In-ho can feel his face heat up.

“Gi-hun just seems like a nice man! That’s all.” He defends himself but when Hyun-ju sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her. “I can introduce you two! Well, if he’s single, I’m not a homewrecker.” In-ho takes a sip of his whiskey before setting it down on the wooden table in front of him. “I appreciate that but it’s…” In-ho trails off.

His wife had died a year ago but the wound she left still felt so fresh. When he was with her, he’d already mapped out a hundred futures with her. Only to be left with a hole in his heart where she used to be. Even Jun-ho hadn’t been the same. It wouldn’t be fair to replace her, not when Jun-ho would still ask when she would come home from the hospital. Admiring someone was different from dating them. Gi-hun was beautiful, but nothing would ever come of that thought.

In-ho starts to get misty eyed but snaps back into focus. Not right now, he thinks to himself. Hyun-ju picks up on his silence and sighs. She had introduced him to her and was the only one who understood. “In-ho, she’d want you to be happy. I do as well.” She reassures him, a part of him wonders if she’s trying to get his mind off of her. Still, he won’t date until he’s ready and she knows this.

In-ho is about to voice these thoughts when he hears a small voice and even smaller footsteps. “Are you not happy, Hyung?” Jun-ho asks, his bottom lip quivering. Shit. In-ho rushes to his little brother’s side. “Hyung is very happy. How could I not be, I’ve got you.” In-ho hugs his little brother tightly, hoping that he won’t cry because there’s little chance of him keeping his composure if so. Hyun-ju shoots him an apologetic look but In-ho just shakes his head.

“We can call later.” In-ho smiles. Hyun-ju nods and ends the phone call. He picks up Jun-ho and tucks him into bed again, after de-escalating the situation with a cookie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jun-ho’s a simple kid. He wants to be a police officer when he’s older, his favourite colour is red and he loves his brother. Their mum and dad were on business trips often but In-ho never turned his back on Jun-ho. In-ho was his entire world for a while, then Sae-boon came along. At first, Jun-ho was wary but when he realised how happy she made him, he accepted her.

Then, Sae-boon got sick. He still wasn’t sure what happened but one day she never came back to their house. One day, her name didn’t make In-ho smile like it used to. One night, when In-ho thought Jun-ho was asleep, he cried. Jun-ho had never seen his brother cry and from that day on, he decided that he never wanted to.

He would do stupid things like running away with keys because for a while, it was the one thing that made In-ho smile. He got annoyed at first but Jun-ho could see his suppressed smile curling the corners of his mouth up.

Gi-hun made In-ho happy. Anyone could see that, Jun-ho was five, not an idiot. So if Gi-hun made his brother happy, Jun-ho would find a way to bring them together.

No matter what

Chapter Text

In-ho looks down at his watch, then back to Jun-ho. Tired of the silence, In-ho finally asks his brother. “What did you do this time?” Jun-ho looks around the principal’s office and shifts in his seat. “I bit someone…”

“Did they deserve it?” In-ho questions his brother. “Mr In-ho! I’m right here!” Gi-hun squawks, flapping his hands wildly. “But did they?” In-ho asks again.

“Mhm! He was a stranger in the classroom, Hyung!” Jun-ho nods. A proud look on his face. “I don’t see the problem here.” Says In-ho. He leans back in his little chair and Gi-hun pinches the bridge of his nose. “Mr In-ho, that ‘Stranger’ was the school’s financial advisor, Sang-woo.” He says exasperatedly and In-ho has to suppress a smile.

“Well what was he doing in a classroom?” In-ho questions as if he’s interrogating a criminal, not a teacher who’s just trying his best. Gi-hun sighs tiredly. “I was asking him for help with something, also, please don’t encourage Jun-ho.” In-ho’s jaw tenses at the thought of Gi-hun with Sang-woo. Which is stupid, In-ho’s crush on Gi-hun is silly and shallow. He barely even knows the man for God’s sake. Even so, In-ho can’t help the way he feels.

In-ho looks down at his watch. 15:45. He wanted to be watching TV and eating ice cream (as was tradition on Wednesday) all the acceptable shows would be nearing their end by now.

“I’m sorry Mr Gi-hun, it won’t happen again.” In-ho assures Gi-hun. “Make sure it doesn’t, Jun-ho’s a good kid at heart but this can’t keep happening.” The older man smiles kindly at him before gasping. “Oh, I nearly forgot to ask! Are you coming to the parents’ meeting?” In-ho nods and doesn’t miss how Gi-hun’s face lights up at his answer.

“And will you come alone or with your wife?” Gi-hun asks earnestly, not understanding the weight of his words. “Alone, I don’t… I don’t have a wife.” In-ho can’t bring himself to say the word ‘anymore’ he even chokes up at the thought.

“But your ring… oh.” The realisation is clear on Gi-hun’s face. “I’m sorry sir, I shouldn’t have said.” He apologises but In-ho shakes his head. “You couldn’t have known.” He’s not exactly open about it, after all.

Gi-hun looks like he’s about to cry. Seriously, he looks like a puppy who’s been kicked. It’s cute, In-ho thinks to himself. “Still, tell you what! I’ll buy you a drink when it’s school break!” Gi-hun says, his demeanour brightening once more. Jun-ho look up at In-ho with his big, doe eyes. “What drink, Hyung?” “Erm, lemonade.” He answers Jun-ho then turns back to the teacher. “Seriously, Mr Gi-hun, there’s no need.” In-ho laughs it off. He can’t drink around Gi-hun, he’s a sad drunk! He can’t embarrass himself too much.

“Please? It’d be nice to have company that isn’t five years old!” The older man grins and suddenly In-ho’s lost the ability to say no. “Your stubborn, aren’t you?” In-ho laughs whilst the older man nods. “You’re just like my fiancé, she was stubborn as well.” He mutters before trying to apologise. “Is that a good thing?” Gi-hun tilts his head.

“Yes.” In-ho smiles.

As he’s leaving (he’s finally gotten used to the school’s halls, mainly from being called in so often) Hyun-ju runs up to him, tears in her eyes. “Hyun-ju? What-“ he’s cut off as she hugs him. For a moment, he’s standing completely still. One arm carrying Jun-ho and the other hanging by his side, frozen in shock.

After a moment of him standing idly, he loops his other arm around her. Even Jun-ho does the same. “Can we have a sleepover with her, Hyung?” He asks excitedly and In-ho nods.

“If that’s what Hyun-ju wants.” He looks towards her and she nods.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Five Bluey episodes and a bottle of whiskey later, Hyun-ju starts to explain her predicament. In-ho can tell that she’s trying to put on a brave front for Jun-ho. “Well, the new art teacher he’s… y’know.” She hiccups and In-ho nods along even if he really doesn’t know.

“He’s got a kid, Na-yeon. She’s sick and he has to bring her into work most days and we share a room so, it’d be rude to not help him out and she- she-“ Hyun-ju takes a deep breath in. “She called me ‘mum’ and I just don’t know what to do.” Her hands twist in her lap. Jun-ho looks up at her. “Are you her mum?” He asks her. Hyun-ju laughs and then sniffles. “No, sweetheart. I can’t…” Hyun-ju trails off again. “I can’t have kids.”

“Oh. Why?” He presses further.

“Jun-ho, you can’t say that!” In-ho scolds him but Hyun-ju lightly shakes her head. “It’s fine, In-ho, he’s just curious.” She smiles weakly before looking down at the small child.

“It’s not that big of a deal, I just wasn’t born with the right…” she pauses. “Erm, tools. I guess.” She laughs at this and despite In-ho still worrying about her, her laugh helps dissipate some of his worries. “Like Bob the Builder!?” Jun-ho asks, his eyes lighting up. Hyun-ju smiles, a real one this time. “Sure!” She giggles.

“Can we watch Bob the Builder? Please Hyung!” Jun-ho tugs on the back of In-ho’s black shirt. “No, not after last time.” In-ho shakes his head, remembering what happened. Jun-ho stole a hammer (In-ho’s still not sure where he got it from) and started bashing the walls around the house. After their dad came home, In-ho spent the entire day apologising to him.

Jun-ho crosses his arms and lets out a small ‘hmph’. “You don’t love me anymore!” He cries out. In-ho sighs and (reluctantly) puts the show on. Eventually Jun-ho settles down, falling asleep. Mind you, In-ho’s just put on the show that he nearly had a tantrum over. He scoffs.

“Hey, In-ho.” Hyun-just whispers, as not to wake Jun-ho. He turns around to look at her. “Did you talk to Mr Last name?” She questions, trying to muffle her laugh with her hands. In-ho groans, he never should have told her about that interaction. Ever since he has, she’s been tormenting him non-stop about it, he wishes luck to the teacher who has to share a room with her.

“Yes. We’re getting drinks in the school break.” He shrugs, as if he isn’t internally screaming, laughing and kicking his feet. “Sorry, what? You didn’t think to tell me this?!” Hyun-ju pushes In-ho playfully. “Well, it’s only a drink.” He mutters. “Yes, with the parent of the little shit that he’s teaching!” She whisper yells at him. “Don’t call Jun-ho a little shit!” He responds. It’s true but still, it’s not nice to say.

“Listen, one time offer, Gyeong-seok knows Gi-hun well, like, really well, so I’ll interrogate him! He won’t be able to lie to me!” She says whilst flipping her hair back dramatically.

For a moment, In-ho’s about to say no. He’s an adult, a cop at that, and he does not stand for stalking. That being said, something about the teacher intrigues him. Whether it’s his sunshine personality or kindness, In-ho wants to learn more about him. It’s not like he’ll actually date him or anything. So, what’s the harm?

“Deal.”

Chapter Text

Jun-ho’s strapped into In-ho’s police car. He can’t wait for when he’s older and he’ll drive one of these. Sadly, he isn’t old enough to drive a car but he’s old enough to go to school.

Sitting on metal handcuffs isn’t comfortable but it will be needed. They’re clunky in his back pocket.

He watches out the window as strange roads blend into paths that he knows fully well. An old tree which means that any minute now, he’ll arrive at his school. Recently, his teacher has been desperately trying to separate him and Sae-byeok. He still doesn’t know why but a part of him is glad, Sae-byeok can be really scary sometimes. He shudders at the thought of her wielding a building block towards him again. Once was enough for Jun-ho. Still, he needs to talk to Sae-byeok if he wants his plan to work.

“We’re here dongsaeng. Be good today, alright?” In-ho tells him, a wary look across his face. It’s like he’s debating letting Jun-ho roam free. “I promise, Hyung!” Jun-ho smiles up at him and with that, In-ho leads him by the hand into the school gates. Before In-ho lets his hand go, Jun-ho notices that he watches Mr Seong for some time. He stands still until a bell rings and he says goodbye to his little brother.

This makes Jun-ho confident enough to roll out the next two phases of his plan. Distraction and friendship. He was putting it off for a long time but for some reason, In-ho refuses to ask out this man. So, now he must walk into the dragon’s den (role play corner) and be friends with the dragon (Sae-byeok). She always plays with her sister over there and it’s one of the places that doesn’t have anything that could hurt him, building blocks, sand, paintbrushes etc.

He hangs his red coat onto his peg and finally walks into class. Now, he keeps an eye on Sae-byeok as she walks away with Jun-hee to the role play corner. Just as he planned. The only thing stopping him from going to her is Mr Seong who makes him read with Guem-ja and Young-mi.

Young-mi was supposed to be working when Mr Seong couldn’t but the older man must’ve felt bad. Bad enough to let her work there full-time. Geum-ja was… well he didn’t really know a lot about her. He knows that she doesn’t need to be here. Her son’s in the year above Jun-ho so maybe that’s why.

The old lady works in the library but helps out in the nursery sometimes.

“And what’s this word, Jun-ho?” The old lady asks him. “Triangle, Young-mi can you take me to the bathroom please?” He directs his question towards the shy girl.

“Erm, I- I’m not sure if I can…” she looks up to Geum-ja for help. “She’ll take you there but she has to stay outside.” Guem-ja finishes for her.

Young-mi nods and takes the young boy by the hand. Jun-ho feels bad. The girl’s nice but he needs to make his Hyung happy. Secretly, he snatches one of the keys from her lanyard and stuffs it into his back pocket, next to the handcuffs. Young-mi leads him past the blue hallways and into the small bathroom.

She lets go of his hand and waits outside the boys’ toilets.

Now, he’ll need to find a way to sneak around Young-mi. He peeks his head around the door and waits. Then, Hyun-ju starts to talk to her. Perfect. Jun-ho sneaks around them, if he can’t be a police officer he’s sure that he’ll have no trouble being a ninja, and runs back into the classroom.

He looks across the colourful room and his eyes land on a tall kid. This child has been on Jun-ho’s radar since he got there because of how he always, always, wears a suit.

“Hello, Jun-ho.” The boy smiles too wide. “Want to play a game?” He asks again and Jun-ho nods. “Yeah! I’ve got one.” He says bringing the handcuffs out of his pocket. “Hm? What’s that?” The taller man tilts his head. He could lie and say he’s sorry but he’s really not. Jun-ho traps both of Ki-yong’s wrists in the metal cuffs. Then, he quickly opens the cupboard and shoves the boy in.

“Huh? Jun-ho!?” He asks before being shut in. Before the taller boy can even try and escape, Jun-ho takes Young-mi’s key and locks him in before running away. Phase one of his plan is done, now onto the scarier phase. Trying to be friends with Sae-byeok.

He dawdles to the role play corner where her, Ji-yeong and Jun-hee play house together. Sae-byeok sits at the head of a small wooden table whilst Ji-yeong stands behind her, pretending to fry something in a small wooden pan. Jun-hee sits beside Sae-byeok until she spots Jun-ho and hides behind the two older girls. Sheepishly, he starts to talk. “Hey Sae-byeok… can I play with you?” She shoots him a murderous look and grips the toy knife (oh no, she’s got a weapon) in her hand. All three of the girls turn to glare at him. Then, Sae-byeok stands up.

“Really, you?” She looks him up and down, raising her eyebrow until Jun-ho hears another voice from beside her. “Let him.” Ji-yeong smiles and suddenly, he’s not sure he wants to play with them anymore. “Er, no, I don’t want to…” He starts to back away when Jun-hee speaks up. “I saw you shove Ki-Yong in that closet, I’ll tell Gi-hun!” She threatens him. Y’know what? This is for his Hyung. And also so he doesn’t get in trouble again, but, whatever.

“Fine, I’ll be appa.” He sighs. “No.” Ji-yeong smiles cruelly. “You’re the pet rat.” She finishes the sentence off an all three of the girls burst into cackles.

“Wh- but-“ Jun-ho’s cut off by Sae-byeok. “-Me and Ji-yeong are omma’s and Jun-hee’s our child, so it makes no sense with you being the appa.”

This is to make his Hyung happy, he reminds himself. He needs to befriend her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jun-ho knew what he was signing up for, at least he thought he did. He went from being their pet rat to being their sacrifice and he’s still not sure how. As they’re trying to shove Jun-ho into the toy oven (he’s feeling bad for Ki-Yong or ‘The recruiter’ now) when a tall man, with a bite mark across his ankle, walks over to them.

“Are you the one who bit me?” Sang-woo stares down at Jun-ho as he nods. That’s when Sae-byeok stops trying to force him in the oven and stares Sang-woo down. As soon as Jun-ho’s free from the girl’s grip, he leaps away and smiles. Not just because he’s free from the oven, which is nice as well, but because he’s just found a second way in. Sang-woo!

The man walks away, giving the girl a weary glance. Jun-ho sees the girls all huddle up and whisper something about him and Gi-hun.

“Why does appa like him?” He hears Sae-byeok whisper. “What’re you looking at?” Ji-yeong scowls and Jun-ho realises how it looks.

“Erm, I- I don’t like him either and I think- I know I can help with you!” Jun-ho tells them. “Why should we trust you?” Sae-byeok asks. She looks like she’s actually wondering about him, it’s a start! “I’m sorry- really sorry for hurting Jun-hee, but you fed me cheese and tried to lock me in an oven so, we’re even.” Jun-ho tells them.

“Fine. What’s your plan?” Sae-byeok asks him. Yes! Second phase of the plan is complete!

“He makes my Hyung happy…” Jun-ho pauses. “What’s that got to do with it?” Ji-yeong asks him, interrupting Jun-ho’s suspense, thanks a lot. “Well, if him and my Hyung are together, Sang-woo will go away!” Jun-ho says his master plan.

“And see you everyday? No thanks.” Ji-yeong waves his offer off. “Fine, I-I promise I’ll be your sacrifice for a month!” He begrudgingly promises them and they smile. “Yes!” Jun-hee grins.

“Ok. How do we get them together?” Sae-byeok asks, much more excited.

He was about to explain in detail until Gi-hun shrieks. “Where’s Ki-yong?!”

No! He wanted more time but he’ll get in big trouble if they find him, he sighs. “Punch me.” He tells Sae-byeok. She grins and before he can even the chance to change his mind, her fist is flying towards Jun-ho’s eye.

Chapter Text

In-ho steps into the school office, yet another time, and the receptionist gives him yet another glare. Why? He still doesn’t know.

It also doesn’t calm his nerves after the phone call. It started off the same. ‘Are you the guardian of Hwang Jun-ho?’ These days, he waited for that familiar ring of his phone. Sometimes it’d happen at work or his day off. He was at his station today and he almost didn’t pick it up, thank god he did. The next thing he heard was ‘Jun-ho has been suspended, you will need to pick him up and withhold him from school for three days.’

In-ho knew that Jun-ho was a little shit, he’d been taking care of him since he was born, but suspended? And when he tried to ask follow up questions, the woman simply told him that he’d have to ask the principal.

He paces around the office until Gi-hun steps through the doors and gives him a terse smile. “What did he do now?” In-ho returns his smile.

“Erm, well, I think you should just follow me and see.” Gi-hun tells him, his smile growing tighter. Oh shit. “That bad?” In-ho asks and in return, he receives a nod and can hear Gi-hun say something under his breath.

Gi-hun leads him through the winding corridors whilst holding his hand. In-ho has to hold back his smile as he can feel his face heat up. Gi-hun’s hand in his almost makes him forget what he’s here for. Almost. His stomach twists itself into a knot at the thought of what Jun-ho might’ve done and how this’ll get back to their dad. The image of his father’s disapproving face flashes through In-ho’s mind.

Instead of being led to the principal’s office, he’s led to a meeting room with three kids and, now that him and Gi-hun are there, four adults. There’s Jun-ho, a girl with short hair and freckles, a tall kid who’s wearing a suit and handcuffs for some reason, a lady who must be the mother of this child and the old principal. He takes the empty seat next to In-ho and looks down at his young brother.

“So, I assume you’re all wondering why you’re here?” The principal states, his eyes evaluating each and every person. It makes In-ho shift in his seat. “Yes, I’d like to know why my child has been arrested!” The lady demands.

“No, I haven’t arrested him. My brother stole my handcuffs again, I’m sorry.” In-ho sheepishly responds. This infuriates the lady. “And you let him? What kind of neglectful parent are you?” She spits at him. “Please don’t use those kinds of words, it was a mistake.” Gi-hun sticks up for him but this lady is on a roll. “Mistake!? A mistake is when you let your demon spawn into a school like this, not letting him arrest a child!” She shrieks.

“Demon spawn? That’s my brother and he’s five! I’m sorry for the mistake but I’m alone in raising him!” He starts to choke up at his words. Even Gi-hun gives him an ‘are you ok right now?’ look. He gives a slight nod. “Well no wonder you’re alone, the kids evil! I don’t want to be near it either.” She crosses her arms and shoots a poisonous look at Jun-ho.

In-ho would consider himself a level-headed man, but there are some things that he will not play around about. His brother is one of those. He looks down at the young boy and notices how his lip quivers. He’s about to scream at this lady until, of all people, Gi-hun stands up for him.

“Really, Ms Han Hyo Joo? You’re one to talk about being evil when I have to write multiple apology letters because your child slaps his classmates. And that’s not even close to ‘The Accident’, to this day I have to avoid playing rock, paper, scissors!” Gi-hun starts to scoff. In-ho has never seen this side of Gi-hun before and he wouldn’t mind seeing it again.

“That was a mistake.” The woman grits out. “Are mistakes allowed now? Tell me this, how is handcuffing a child different from trying to shoot one? Oh, I know! Trying to shoot a child is much, much worse.” Gi-hun yells.

“Maybe the children should be out of the room for this conversation?” The old man says, being the voice of reason.

“Ok.” All three of the parents say in unison. The principal rushes the kids out of the room whilst Gi-hun and Han Hyo Joo glare daggers at each other. In-ho joins in with Gi-hun, an enemy of Jun-ho is an enemy of his. Under the meeting room table, Gi-hun’s hand finds In-ho’s and he doesn’t let go until the door swings open and the old principal walks in yet again.

“That got a bit off-track, where was I, oh!” He sits down in his seat again. “So, as I’m sure you’re all aware, Jun-ho brought and used handcuffs, he also locked Ki-yong in a cupboard. This has led to his suspension.” The principal pauses yet again. “However, Jun-ho was also hit by Sae-byeok. We’ve filled out an accident form but he seems fine.” Oh Il-nam looks at In-ho as if he can tell that he’s given him way too much information.

In-ho looks at Gi-hun who ducks his head away.

“Sae-byeok has been suspended for a school week.” The principal informs Gi-hun. “Ms Han, your child has been taken to our school counselor’s room to talk but he seems fine. When we found him, he was trying to play Ddakji with envelopes.” The old man turns to Ki-yong’s mother. “If you have a problem with anyone, I suggest you talk about it to that person.” He says, pointedly looking at In-ho and Gi-hun. “Apart from that, you’re free to go.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mr In-ho! Wait up sir!” An out-of-breath Gi-hun makes his way into the parking lot and to In-ho’s police car. He raises an eyebrow as he straps his baby brother into the car.

“Erm, listen, I’m sorry about Sae-byeok and her trying to shove him in an oven-“ “-Sorry, what?” “-I know that I promised to keep them away but I was too busy trying to find Ki-Yong and it all got a bit… too much and I’m sorry about going off on Ms Han Hyo Joo but I really like you, I mean I’ve already asked you out on a date, and Jun-ho but I’m sorry if I overstepped.” Gi-hun looks down at his feet. It takes In-ho a second to decipher all of the word vomit that he’s just heard. Then, a smile creeps onto his face.

“You asked me on a date?” In-ho asks, sounding like a teenage girl finding out that her crush likes her back. “Wh- I invited you for drinks, also, that’s the only thing you got from all that?” Gi-hun blushes and takes a step forward. “Well I also understand that your daughter tried to shove my brother into an oven.” In-ho tells him. “It was fake, I promise!” Gi-hun defends himself.

“Gi-hun. I like you, I do.” In-ho pauses. He’s finally got what he’s wanted, so why does he feel like this. Maybe he already knows. “I can’t rush into things. Listen, I understand if you walk away from me but I haven’t even thought about dating in a year. Still, you’re special and whether or not you decide that I’m too much of a mess to deal with, I want to be with you. It’s just not fair, dating you, until I’m sure. You deserve that much.” He looks Gi-hun deep into his eyes and Gi-hun stares back.

He looks hurt and understanding all at the same time. He’s so cute, In-ho wants to throw him against a wall. “You’re not broken, In-ho.” He smiles softly at him. “Believe it or not, I do want to be with you, so yes, I’ll wait.” Gi-hun says before kissing his cheek. The feeling is enough to send what feels like sparks of electricity through his face. He’s sure that he’s bluffing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hyun-ju was right, he deserves to be happy again. Even though having to explain how he’s got a boyfriend and four more children than normal was a pain but Gi-hun was worth it. If Sae-bom could see him now, she’d be proud. She was the kindest person he knew and although he sometimes finds himself wishing for more time with her, he’s happy with where he is right now.

Even if Gi-hun’s daughters try to sacrifice Jun-ho every month.