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The apartment smelled faintly of tea and fresh laundry. Noeul liked it that way, warm, homey, a place where anyone could walk in and feel at ease. He had spent the last two months decorating little by little, adding soft touches of himself in every corner. Fairy lights framed the living room window, small potted plants brightened up the balcony, and a stack of cookbooks sat stubbornly on the counter even though he rarely cooked.
Boss sat comfortably on the couch, scrolling on his phone. "I've done ordering for our food," he said after a few taps. "It says it'll take half an hour."
Having spent the day together since 10 in the morning, by late afternoon, almost 5pm, they were both feeling hungry.
Noeul, curled up beside him, smiled softly. "Okay."
To others, it might have seemed strange. The way they sat so naturally close, how Noeul's shoulder brushed Boss's arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world. People always talked. An alpha and an omega, being just friends? Impossible. But they had weathered ten years of whispers and raised eyebrows.
The quiet stretched comfortably between them until the sudden ring of the doorbell cut through.
Boss frowned. "That's weird. It hasn't even been ten minutes. No way that's our food."
They exchanged puzzled glances.
"Maybe it's one of my neighbors," Noeul offered, getting up. He'd gotten used to people dropping by. The old lady across the hall sometimes brought him Tom Yum Goong. The young man downstairs had once asked him to water his plants.
But Boss shook his head, his jaw tightening. "I don't feel good about this. I'll come with you."
Noeul blinked at him, a little amused. "It's probably nothing, Boss."
Still, he didn't argue when Boss stood and followed. That was just who Boss was. Steady, protective, always one step ahead of him.
The door swung open.
Both of them froze.
It wasn't food. It wasn't a neighbor.
It was a baby. A baby boy.
Nestled in a new stroller, bundled in a blanket soft enough to make Noeul's chest ache. Beside it sat a diaper bag stuffed full. On top lay an envelope.
Boss swore under his breath. Noeul's hands shook as he picked it up, his eyes scanning the papers inside. A guardianship order. His name in bold. The baby's birth certificate.
And then, the parents' names.
Noeul's breath caught. He knew them. The young couple just a few doors down. Sweet. Always smiling. The wife had been glowing with pregnancy not long ago. He remembered hearing they had gone to the hospital for the birth.
His mind spun. Why him? Why leave their baby here like this?
The baby began to cry, a thin desperate wail that pierced right through him. Noeul didn't think, his body moved before his mind caught up. He scooped the child into his arms, rocking gently, murmuring soft nothings. The crying eased into tiny hiccups, and something deep inside Noeul stirred. The quiet, instinctive warmth of an omega cradling a child.
Boss's voice cut through, low and edged with frustration. "Where's their apartment?"
Still dazed, Noeul lifted his chin and pointed down the hall.
Boss strode off, his footsteps echoing.
Minutes later he returned, his expression dark. "They're gone. The place is empty like they just packed up and left. There's nothing there."
Noeul tightened his hold on the baby. His heart pounded with questions, but none of them had answers.
The knock at the door startled Boss again, but this time it was just the food. He muttered a quiet "thank you" to the delivery man, barely glancing at the bags as he brought them in.
When he stepped back inside, the sight before him made his chest tighten.
Noeul sat on the couch, the baby nestled securely against his chest, sleeping with a tiny fist curled near his shirt. Noeul's other hand held his phone to his ear. His voice was soft, almost a whisper, careful not to disturb the fragile life in his arms.
"...yes, I understand. Thank you," he murmured. His tone was gentle, but Boss could hear the strain beneath it.
Boss placed the food quietly on the table and moved closer, catching the last of the conversation.
"The landlord said he knew they were planning to move out today," Noeul explained, lowering the phone once he ended the call. His eyes, though calm, were shadowed with confusion. "He thought it was because they found a better apartment, now that they have a baby, you know? He tried contacting them, but neither of them are picking up. He just...he said he's sorry this is happening to me. He'll try to track them down as soon as possible."
Boss exhaled slowly, nodding as he listened. His gaze dropped to the sleeping infant, then back to Noeul's face.
Without a word, he sat beside him, the couch dipping slightly under his weight. Then, as naturally as breathing, Boss wrapped an arm around Noeul's waist, drawing him close from the side.
His lips brushed near Noeul's ear, his voice low and steady. "You know I'll always be here for you."
Boss's arm was still firm around Noeul's waist, holding him close as if to remind him he wasn't facing this alone. The baby slept soundly against Noeul's chest, tiny breaths puffing softly against his shirt.
It wasn't unusual for them to sit this way. They had always blurred the line between friendship and something more. To outsiders, they were "best friends," but in truth, they were so much deeper than that. They didn't bother correcting anyone, what they were couldn't be summed up in a word. In their hearts, they knew the truth. Soulmates. Always had been, always would be.
Boss glanced at the baby, then at Noeul's serene profile. The corner of his lips curved into a smile, and he leaned close enough that his breath tickled Noeul's ear.
"Can't believe we got a baby before marrying each other," he murmured, voice low and teasing. "Whatever will people say about us now, huh? So scandalous."
Noeul turned his head just enough to meet his gaze, his own smile blooming despite the tiredness in his eyes. He reached out with his free hand and pinched Boss's side, making the alpha grunt.
"Boss, stop that," Noeul whispered, but the soft laugh in his voice gave him away.
Boss only chuckled, resting his forehead briefly against Noeul's temple. He didn't care what people would say. He never had. Especially not when it came to this man.
Noeul relaxed into his arms, the baby warm and safe between them. The room felt still, but not empty. Somehow, impossibly, it already felt like the beginning of a home.
The baby boy stirred not long after, a soft whimper escaping his tiny lips. Noeul shifted in Boss's arms, already glancing toward the stroller where the diaper bag rested.
"I think he's hungry..." Noeul whispered, his voice tender yet unsure.
Boss pressed a reassuring squeeze at his waist. "Stay put. I'll get it."
He went to the stroller, pulling out the formula tin and a bottle. His brows furrowed as he studied the instructions, moving carefully into the kitchen. He boiled the kettle, cooled the water, and measured out the powder with surprising patience for a man who usually moved through life with intimidating speed. By the time he returned, bottle in hand, he looked almost proud.
"Here. Hope I didn't mess it up."
Their fingers brushed when Noeul took it. He smiled softly, tired but grateful. "Thank you, Boss."
Boss watched as Noeul guided the bottle into the baby's searching mouth. The little one latched immediately, his small throat working as he drank. His tiny hand lifted clumsily, brushing against Noeul's shirt as if holding on.
"You're good at this," Boss murmured, voice low and reverent, before returning to Noeul's side, an arm slipping around his waist.
Noeul gave a quiet laugh, his eyes tender. "Maybe it's just instinct. Omegas.. we're wired for this, I guess. Doesn't make it less overwhelming, though."
Boss tightened his arm around him, pulling him closer. "You don't have to be overwhelmed. Not while I'm here."
The baby finished his bottle and soon dozed off again, his little body limp with sleep. Noeul carefully lifted him to his shoulder, patting his back until a soft burp escaped. His expression softened, a warmth glowing in his eyes that made Boss's chest ache.
When the baby was finally settled back into the stroller, Noeul sagged against Boss, exhaustion pulling him down.
"You should sleep," Boss whispered, brushing a hand through his hair.
"With the baby here? What if he wakes up again?"
"Then I'll handle it," Boss promised. His thumb traced a gentle line at Noeul's temple. "Close your eyes, Eul. I'll keep watch."
Noeul hesitated, but the quiet security of Boss's embrace won out. He closed his eyes, his breathing became calm and steady as sleep claimed him.
Boss sat there in the quiet, one arm around Noeul and his gaze drifting to the stroller. A baby boy, fragile, innocent, abandoned but not unloved. Boss clenched his jaw, his protective instincts rising.
He looked down at Noeul, sleeping peacefully against his shoulder, and his heart swelled. The ring, waiting patiently in his pocket, felt heavier than ever. He'd been carrying it everywhere lately.
Maybe fate had decided for them. Maybe this baby was the sign.
And instead of fear, Boss felt certainty.
Noeul's head had grown heavy on Boss's shoulder, his breaths even and soft. Carefully, Boss shifted, sliding one arm under Noeul's knees and the other around his back.
Noeul stirred faintly but didn't wake. His body relaxed against Boss as if he'd always belonged there.
Boss carried him to the bedroom, laying him gently on the bed. He lingered for a moment, pulling the blanket over him, his gaze soft before he turned away.
The living room was dim, lit only by the warm glow of a small lamp. Boss lowered himself onto the couch, the baby's stroller pulled close beside him.
The infant slept soundly, but Boss stayed alert, eyes fixed on the baby. He was afraid that if the baby cried again, it would wake Noeul.
So he waited in the quiet, shoulders tired but unyielding, keeping watch through the night.
It was then he noticed the untouched food on the table. Their dinner.
Boss ate his quietly, then packed Noeul's portion into the refrigerator. He found a scrap of paper and scribbled a note, pinning it to the container:
Warm this up first before eating. Don't eat it cold.
He knew Noeul. Knew he would wake at two or three in the morning, stomach growling because he hadn't eaten before falling asleep.
With that done, Boss returned to the couch, the baby's stroller at his side. The room was quiet, shadows soft around him.
He leaned back, watchful. Waiting.
As expected, Noeul woke at 2:34 a.m. His stomach grumbled softly, reminding him he hadn't eaten dinner. He padded toward the kitchen, but stopped when he noticed Boss in the living room.
Boss was sitting on the couch, his head tilted slightly forward, nodding as he dozed. The stroller was pulled close to his side, the baby still fast asleep. Safe. Peaceful.
Noeul's lips curved in a small smile. 'I'll need to buy a cradle soon,' he thought.
Walking quietly, he reached out and touched Boss's shoulder gently. "Boss. Boss. Go to the guest room to sleep there. It will be more comfortable. I'll continue keeping watch on the baby."
Boss stirred, blinking himself awake. He glanced at Noeul, then at the baby, and let out a small sigh. "I fell asleep?"
He rubbed his face, looking toward the stroller. "The baby's so behaved... it's concerning, really. He didn't even cry all night."
A yawn slipped out before he turned back to Noeul. "Are you hungry? I put your food in the refrigerator. Eat that. It's okay, I'll keep watch on the baby." He gave Noeul a little nudge toward the kitchen.
Noeul hesitated, then nodded, heading that way.
Boss shifted back into his seat, eyes on the baby. He could still hear the faint footsteps in the kitchen until they came closer again. He looked up, surprised.
Noeul held out a glass of water. "Drink this."
Boss accepted it gratefully. "Thanks."
Noeul gave him a small smile before retreating to the kitchen. When he opened the refrigerator, he spotted the container waiting for him. His eyes caught the note pinned to it, Boss's handwriting clear:
Warm this up first before eating. Don't eat it cold.
Noeul grinned, shaking his head softly as he pulled out the container. Warmth spread through his chest.
Morning came. The baby had cried once in the night, asking for a change of diaper and a warm bottle of milk. Boss had handled it quietly, careful not to disturb Noeul.
When Noeul finally woke, it was to the smell of fresh coffee and toasted bread. He went to the bathroom first, brushing his teeth and taking a simple warm shower. By the time he stepped out, hair damp and clothes fresh, he found Boss standing by the door, talking to someone.
"Noeul, good morning. Honestly, I don't know if it's a good morning or not," the landlord said, his brows furrowed.
Noeul blinked, instantly on guard. "What happened?" He looked between Boss and the landlord.
Boss shook his head. "I don't know either. The landlord said he'd explain once you're here. Come inside, please."
The landlord stepped into the living room. His eyes immediately fell on the stroller by the couch. The baby boy lay inside, sleeping peacefully, and the landlord's expression grew sad.
Once they were seated, he cleared his throat. "The baby's parents..." He hesitated, as if the words weighed heavy. "They're gone."
Boss and Noeul stiffened, alarmed. "What do you mean?"
The landlord took out his phone, unlocking an article. "They were in an accident last night. A car crash."
Noeul's breath caught. Boss leaned closer to glance at the screen, his jaw tightening.
The landlord went on, voice quiet. "Apparently, they were running from debtors. They eloped because their families didn't approve their relationship. They were young, with little money, and they took a loan they couldn't repay. When the debtors found their address, they panicked... and tried to run."
Silence fell heavy in the room.
The landlord's gaze lingered on the baby before he continued, even softer now. "They must have trusted you a lot, Noeul, to name you as his legal guardian. I called their parents, but..." He shook his head. "They don't want the child. They said it isn't their responsibility since their son and daughter had cut ties when they ran away together."
Noeul's lips trembled, tears spilling down his cheeks. His voice cracked, raw with grief. "But he's just a baby... he didn't do anything wrong. How could they reject an innocent soul?"
As if sensing his distress, the baby stirred and began to wail loudly. Boss quickly got up, lifting him into his arms, rocking him gently. But no matter how much he tried, the cries wouldn't settle.
When Noeul reached out, Boss hesitated before carefully passing the baby over.
The instant the baby rested in Noeul's embrace, the crying softened to small, broken sobs. His tiny hands pressed against Noeul's cheeks, as though trying to wipe away his tears. Comforting him in the only way he knew how.
Both Boss and the landlord froze at the sight.
The landlord swallowed. "Since the young couple named you guardian... the decision falls to you. Do you want me to start searching for a foster home?"
"No!" Noeul's voice rang out before the man even finished the sentence. His arms tightened protectively around the baby. The baby didn't even flinch at the sudden outburst, simply nestling closer into his chest.
Tears streamed freely now as Noeul whispered fiercely, "I'll take him. I'll raise him." His gaze lifted, locking onto Boss. "Is that... okay?"
Boss moved to his side without hesitation, brushing away Noeul's tears with his thumb. His voice was steady, warm. "We will take the baby. Don't worry. I can provide for us. Honestly..." He let out a quiet breath, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I've been planning to have lots of babies with you in the future anyway. I was already preparing."
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Noeul's forehead.
The landlord's gaze softened at the scene. He rose from his seat slowly. "I'll leave you two for now. If you need help, anything at all, just tell me. My wife can give you advice. She knows more about babies than I ever will."
He smiled faintly as Boss stood and walked him to the door.
Boss walked back inside after seeing the landlord off. Noeul was seated on the couch, the baby resting peacefully in his arms.
Boss lowered himself beside them, carefully picking up the documents left with the stroller. His eyes scanned the details, his expression unreadable at first.
"They named him Tawan," Boss said softly. "It means Sun. Symbolizing warmth, brightness, and new beginnings." He paused, shaking his head faintly. "They must have loved him... but-" His words trailed off.
Noeul pressed a kiss to the baby's soft hair, his heart aching at the thought.
Boss exhaled quietly, then reached for his iPad. Without another word, he pulled up a shopping app and began searching for essentials like infant formula, bottles, diapers, blankets. He tilted the screen toward Noeul, letting him choose alongside him.
Together, they clicked through brands, comparing labels and reviews. It felt strangely domestic, strangely right.
When the last order was placed, silence settled between them again. Boss put the iPad aside. Then, slowly, he dropped to one knee.
Noeul blinked, confused, until Boss reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
"Noeul.." Boss's voice was sure, and there was a softness in it that made Noeul's heart race. "I've been waiting for the right time to propose to you. But I realized that the perfect timing isn't some date night, or a room full of roses. The perfect time... is anytime I'm with you."
He opened the box, revealing a ring that caught the morning light. "So here I am. Not prepared in the way I planned. No flowers, no fancy words. Just me. Asking for your hand in marriage. Asking you to stay with me forever, if you're willing."
Noeul's eyes widened, then curved into the brightest smile. With the baby still in his arms, he stood up, tears glimmering but joy overflowing.
"Yes! I will marry you, Boss! Yes, yes, yes!"
Boss broke into a grin so wide it nearly split his face. Rising to his feet, he slid the ring onto Noeul's finger, his hand lingering there.
At that moment, Tawan burst into laughter. A bright, bubbling giggles that filled the room.
Both of them looked down at him, then at each other. Their laughter joined his, warm and unrestrained, a harmony that felt like the beginning of something whole.
Before the wedding, they made a video call, both families on the line at once. The screen split between familiar faces, smiles blooming when they saw Boss and Noeul together.
They explained everything about Tawan, about becoming his guardians, about their decision to raise him as their own.
It went better than either of them feared.
Boss's mom beamed at the camera, eyes twinkling. "I've been waiting for you to call me and say you've finally proposed to our dear Noeul. We knew you liked him from the very first moment."
"Mom!" Boss groaned, face heating, but it only made Noeul laugh softly, heart full at the sight.
Noeul's mom leaned closer to her camera. "Let us see the baby."
Carefully, Noeul lifted Tawan in his arms, and Boss adjusted the phone so the families could see.
"Awww," both sides chorused at once.
Noeul's dad's voice was warm, steady. "We're proud of you both."
Boss's father nodded, his expression calm but his eyes kind.
The screen was filled with smiles, encouragement, love. It felt like a blessing.
They married after Tawan's first birthday. A simple, heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family and close friends.
And now, three years later, their life had become even fuller.
The park was alive with the sound of laughter as Tawan, now a bright and energetic toddler, darted across the grass.
"Tawan, slow down!" Noeul called out, one hand resting protectively on his rounded belly.
The boy only squealed and ran faster. Boss chased after him, catching him with ease before sweeping him up into the air.
"Got you!" Boss declared, tossing him lightly into the sky. Tawan giggled uncontrollably, cheeks pink, legs kicking with delight. Boss peppered his face with kisses until the little boy's laughter rang across the park.
They returned to where Noeul was waiting, a picnic basket set out beside a shaded bench. Boss had insisted on finding a spot where Noeul could sit comfortably, especially now with the new baby on the way.
Noeul watched them approach, his heart swelling as Tawan's arms reached for him, and Boss's steady presence settled by his side.
The park air was warm, filled with the chatter of families and the rustling of leaves.
Boss plopped down on the bench beside Noeul, settling Tawan on his lap. The toddler squirmed, cheeks flushed from running.
"Mamaaa," Tawan reached his little arms toward Noeul, "Tawan run so fast! Papa can't catch me!"
Boss gave a mock-offended gasp. "Excuse me? Who caught you just now?"
Tawan giggled and hid his face against Noeul's chest. "But Papa too slow."
Noeul laughed, brushing a hand over Tawan's soft hair. "Don't tease Papa, hm? He runs fast enough to catch you every time."
"Mm... okay," Tawan mumbled, though his mischievous grin stayed. He poked Noeul's belly with a tiny finger. "Mama, baby wake up?"
Noeul's heart melted. "Not yet, sweetheart. Baby is still sleeping."
Boss leaned closer, pretending to whisper to Tawan but making sure Noeul could hear. "When the baby comes out, you'll have to share Mama's kisses, you know."
Tawan gasped dramatically and clung tighter to Noeul. "Nooo! Mama kisses only Tawan!"
Both Boss and Noeul burst into laughter.
Noeul kissed the top of Tawan's head. "Don't worry. Mama has plenty of kisses for both you and the baby. And Papa too."
"Ehh..." Tawan turned to Boss with a cheeky grin. "Maybe just Mama kisses. Papa too scratchy." He rubbed his face with his hand, mimicking Boss's stubble.
Boss feigned hurt, clutching his chest. "Betrayed! My own son!"
Tawan giggled harder, sliding off Noeul's lap to sit in the grass. He grabbed a piece of toast from the picnic basket with clumsy fingers, crumbs scattering everywhere.
"Messy boy," Noeul sighed, but there was nothing but fondness in his voice.
Boss reached over, brushing crumbs off Tawan's shirt. "He gets that from you."
Noeul raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
Boss only smirked, leaning over to press a soft kiss to Noeul's temple. Tawan made a face and shouted, "Ewww Papa kissing Mama!" before dissolving into another fit of giggles.
Noeul shook his head, smiling so wide it made his eyes crinkle. His hand slipped into Boss's, their fingers threading together naturally as Tawan's laughter rang through the park.
It was simple. It was perfect. Their family, complete, and still growing.