Chapter Text
As usual, it was anything but a quiet morning in the Bang household.
Sunlight slipped softly through the curtains of their little apartment, spreading warm golden patches across the floor. The smell of strawberry pancakes drifted from the kitchen, mixing with the faint sound of utensils clinking against plates.
Every few seconds, there was the soft patter of tiny feet running somewhere in the hallway, followed by the sound of something being picked up, put down, or accidentally knocked over, then quiet again; as if nothing had happened.
Chan had learned to ignore suspiciously quiet moments in the house.
From the kitchen, Minho was already sighing quietly at something he had probably seen but chosen not to comment on yet.
Chan was helping Hyunjin button up his shirt and straighten his tie, when Felix came over; Chan already wondering what mischief he would get into this time.
"Dada, tie!” Felix held up his foot, looking very serious.
Chan sighed. “You’re four. How do you still forget which shoe goes where?”
“’M baby,” Felix said proudly.
“That’s your excuse for everything.” Hyunjin, muttered.
“Do not bully your brother before school, Hyunie,” Minho called from the kitchen.
“I’m not bullying him,” Hyunjin said defensively. “I’m stating what's true.”
Felix huffed, hands on his hips, and pouted. "You’re not my brother today. I’m mad.”
Hyunjin raised an eyebrow.
“Not your brother today? That’s fine.”
“I’ll just tell Appa you were the one who ate the last snack yesterday.”
Felix gasped and immediately climbed onto Chan’s lap.
“Dada,” he whispered loudly, pointing at Hyunjin, “he’s not my favorite anymore.”
Hyunjin finally looked up.
“You have favorites?” Felix nodded seriously.
Chan just sighed, reaching down to tie Felix’s shoe. It will be another long day.
⋆.˚ ──── ᡣ𐭩 ──── ⋆.˚
After somehow dropping Hyunjin and Felix at school and Minho at the bakery, Chan went to work. He worked in the production team of the music industry, helping with music projects and arrangements.
Chan and Minho had been married for almost seven years. They had been college friends who slowly became close through shared friends. Over time, friendship turned into love. And, after four years of dating, they realized they couldn’t imagine living without each other, and eventually decided to get married.
Their life together was happy and peaceful built on small joys, shared meals, and quiet mornings. Yet, they sometimes felt that their little home could hold just a little more love.
Eventually, they decided to adopt a child since it was biologically impossible for them to have one of their own.
That was when they found Hyunjin.
Hyunjin was three and a half years old then. He was a quiet child with soft, delicate features, sharp eyes, and a gentle, almost tender beauty that made people want to protect him. But when they first met, he was scared. He didn’t talk much and mostly stayed in a corner, watching them quietly with cautious eyes. Turns out he was raised in a house constantly filled with shouting and arguments, neglecting their child. Eventually, the relatives stepped in and arranged for him to be placed in adoption care, hoping he would grow up somewhere calmer and more stable.
Chan and Minho never pressured Hyunjin. Instead, they gave him time to feel safe. They spoiled him gently; buying his favorite things, reading him bedtime stories, holding his hand when he felt nervous, and letting him come to them on his own terms. And slowly, Hyunjin began to trust them. He started holding their hands by himself, talking more, and eventually smiling freely around them.
Then, after a year and a half, the child care home called Chan again and informed him that a baby had been admitted. He was almost two years old, and there was no one available to take care of him. There were also some concerns about his health and living arrangements.
Chan and Minho initially didn’t want to adopt another child. They were already happy and content with Hyunjin. Still, they went to visit the next day.
The worker in charge of the home led them to meet the baby.
That was how they met baby Yongbok.
He had soft, round features and large, expressive eyes that made him look both curious and fragile at the same time. His blonde hair was slightly messy, and his small hands were tightly gripping a soft blanket. There was something about his face that looked quietly stubborn, and so so cute.
At first sight of the baby, Minho completely melted. He immediately wanted to hold him and kept glancing at Chan as if silently asking if they could adopt him.
They learned that Yongbok's biological parents have been very young parents, a baby brought to this world due to a late night mistake, and struggled financially. He was left without proper care due to a chronic illness(CF, Cystic fibrosis disease). Been overwhelmed with his medical condition they decided to abandon him. Because of his condition, there were not many facilities able to properly care for a baby with such medical needs, and no one had come forward to adopt him yet.
Chan and Minho spent time with him that day, gently interacting with him while making their decision. By the time they left, they had already decided. They promised to complete the paperwork the next day and bring the baby home.
When they returned home, they asked Hyunjin if he would like to have a baby brother. And Hyunjin agreed.
"Jinnie, would you like a baby brother?”
"Okay… but he can’t steal my toys!”
That was how they got their little mischievous baby, Felix.
And how their little family truly began.
⋆.˚ ──── ᡣ𐭩 ──── ⋆.˚
Minho was arranging pastries in the display case while Jisung was behind the counter, helping him pack fresh orders. The bakery was slightly busy, customers coming and going, the smell of fresh bread and sweet desserts filling the air.
“Careful with that one,” Minho said without looking up. “That chocolate croissant is for the afternoon orders.”
“I know, I know,” Jisung replied, placing the pastry carefully. “You worry too much.”
“I worry because you once dropped three cakes in one day,” Minho said calmly.
Seungmin sat at one of the tables, working on his laptop with a cup of coffee beside him, glanced up briefly before returning to his work.
“That was one time,” Jisung protested.
Minho didn’t even respond, just gave him a look.
Jisung huffed. “You’re such a strict boss.”
“I’m not your boss,” Minho said. “Now help me arrange these properly.”
Jisung was about to make another complaint when Minho’s phone started ringing from his apron pocket.
Both of them went quiet for a second.
Minho frowned slightly when he saw the caller ID; the school. He wiped his hands quickly on a towel before answering. “Hello?”
"Is this Felix's parents answering?"
A wave of anxiety washed over Minho.
"Yes. Yes, it is. Is he okay?"
"Something happened during playtime,” the teacher continued. “He’s fine now, but we wanted to make sure you come and check on him.”
Without thinking, Minho’s hand tightened around the phone. “I’ll be there right away,” he said, already reaching for his keys. He tried calling Chan, but the phone kept ringing without answer. That only made his anxiety worse.
Jisung and Seungmin noticed the change in his expression immediately. “Whoa, what happened?” Seungmin asked quickly.
"They said something happened to Lix. I… Chan isn’t picking up, and I need to go,” Minho said, panic creeping into his voice.
“Then go!” Jisung said firmly, waving a hand. “I’ve got this. You don’t need to worry about the bakery. Just go check on Lixie.”
"I’ll drop you at the school.” Seungmin said immediately.
Minho nodded. “Okay, thank you.”
Jisung gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything here.”
Minho nodded, grabbed his bag and ran to the door, already imagining the worst, his heart pounding.
“Come quick,” Seungmin said.
⋆.˚ ──── ᡣ𐭩 ──── ⋆.˚
Felix had always been the mischievous one. Even as a toddler, he was curious about everything, opening drawers he wasn’t supposed to, climbing onto furniture, and wandering into places that made Minho panic. Everything in the house seemed fascinating to him; the cupboards, the chairs, the plants near the window, even the shoes lined up by the door. His bright eyes were constantly scanning for something new to explore.
And Hyunjin had somehow taken the role of Felix’s protector very seriously.
The first time Hyunjin truly understood that Felix would be trouble was only a few months after they had brought the younger boy home.
That particular afternoon, Chan was in the kitchen making tea while Minho was folding laundry on the couch. Hyunjin sat on the floor nearby with his coloring book, carefully filling a page with blue and yellow crayons.
Felix, however, had different plans.
The moment Minho looked away, Felix quietly waddled toward the coffee table. His tiny fingers grabbed the edge as he pulled himself up, wobbling slightly but determined. On the table sat a small bowl of wrapped candies that Chan had forgotten to move.
Felix’s eyes lit up.
He stretched his arm, trying to reach it.
From the floor, Hyunjin noticed.
“Felie,” he called softly.
Felix ignored him completely, focusing on the candy.
Hyunjin frowned, putting down his crayon. “Felie, no,” he tried again, his voice a little firmer.
Felix managed to grab the bowl.
And then, in his excitement, he lost his balance.
The bowl tilted and the candies spilled everywhere, bouncing across the floor as Felix tumbled backward onto the floor with a small thump.
For a second, the room went completely still.
Then Hyunjin’s eyes widened.
“Felie!” he cried, scrambling to his feet and running toward him.
At the same time, Minho dropped the towel he had been folding and hurried over from the couch.
“Lixie, are you okay?” Minho asked quickly, kneeling beside him.
Hyunjin was already crouched next to his little brother, his small hands hovering anxiously like he didn’t know where to touch.
“Did it hurt?” Hyunjin asked, his voice shaky.
Felix blinked up at them both.
For a moment, he just stared.
Then his face suddenly broke into the widest little grin as he leaned forward and wrapped his tiny arms around Hyunjin’s waist.
“Hyuu!”
Hyunjin froze.
Minho’s hands paused where he had been checking Felix for injuries.
Chan, standing in the doorway, looked just as surprised.
For a second, nobody moved.
Hyunjin blinked slowly, staring at his little brother.
“Did… did he just-” Hyunjin started.
Felix squeezed him tighter, babbling again.
“Hyu… hyu…nng.”
He was trying to say 'Hyung'.
Minho let out a soft laugh, brushing Felix’s hair back gently. “I think that was his first word.”
Hyunjin’s worried expression slowly melted into something softer, something proud.
“Nothing hurts?” he asked again, still unsure.
Felix nodded enthusiastically against his chest.
“Hyuu!” he repeated proudly.
Minho let out a quiet breath of relief, gently checking Felix’s arms and legs just in case.
Felix pulled back from the hug, still clutching Hyunjin’s shirt.
“Hyuu,” he said again happily, patting his brother’s shoulder.
Hyunjin looked both embarrassed and proud.
“You shouldn’t climb like that,” he muttered, though his voice sounded much gentler now.
Felix simply grinned at him.
And then,
he was already trying to stand again.
Hyunjin grabbed his arm immediately.
“No,” he said firmly.
Minho chuckled softly as he picked Felix up.
"No more mischiefs today, baby."
"Looks like Hyunjin just became his favorite person,” Chan murmured from the doorway.
Felix might have fallen but somehow, he had gotten up with his first word.
And it had been Hyunjin’s name.
Hyunjin couldn't have been more proud.
⋆.˚ ──── ᡣ𐭩 ──── ⋆.˚
Chan was working on a project, detailing it more precisely and mixing details with Changbin when their supervisor walked in. Chan straightened slightly when he noticed him. He already had an idea why the boss had come.
“Chan,” the boss said, “have you thought about the promotion offer we discussed?”
Chan hesitated for a moment. “I’m still thinking about it.”
The man nodded slowly. “You know this is a very big opportunity, right? It’s not easy to get promoted to this level this early in your career.”
“I know,” Chan replied politely. “I just need a little more time to think about it.”
His supervisor crossed his arms slightly but didn’t look displeased. “You’re one of our best production team members. This position would give you more responsibility, better projects, and better career growth.”
Chan glanced briefly toward Changbin, who was quietly listening but pretending to focus on his work.
“I understand,” Chan said. “I really do appreciate the opportunity.”
His phone started ringing inside his pocket. He glanced at the screen briefly, seeing Minho's caller id, but didn’t pick it up, choosing to call back later. He silenced the phone and resumed his talk with the boss.
"You’re one of the most capable people on this team. We need someone experienced to lead the new projects, and you’re the first person we thought of. We trust you with bigger projects.” his supervisor said. “You’ve worked hard for years. You deserve this step forward. It's not an opportunity many people get.”
Chan just nodded.
His supervisor sighed softly. “Just don’t think too long. Opportunities like this don’t stay open forever.”
“I’ll give you my decision soon,” Chan said.
The boss nodded and walked away.
As soon as their boss left, Changbin turned back to his workstation but didn’t stay quiet for long.
“Have you told Minho about the promotion?” he asked casually, though his tone was clearly serious.
Chan froze slightly.
“Not yet,”
"You should.”
Chan didn’t reply immediately. He kept adjusting a few settings on the console, just to have something to do with his hands. “I was planning to,” he said. “I just haven’t found the right time.”
Changbin raised an eyebrow. “Hyung, this isn’t something you should keep delaying.”
“I know,”
Changbin leaned against the table. “Minho would want to know. You know how he is. If he finds out later from someone else, he will be hurt.”
Chan stayed silent for a moment.
“I know,” he repeated. “I just… didn’t want to make him worry before I made my decision.”
Changbin shook his head slightly. “That’s exactly why you should talk to him early. You two make decisions together. That’s how your relationship works.”
Chan nodded slowly.
“I’ll tell him soon,” he said. “Today, maybe.”
“Good,” Changbin said. “Do it before he hears it from someone else.”
Chan gave a small, grateful smile.
Chan knew Minho was emotionally attached to the place they were living.
That apartment wasn’t just a house for Minho, it was where their family had grown. Every corner held memories. The living room was where they had celebrated small achievements, where Hyunjin had learned to read his words, and where Felix had fallen asleep on Minho’s shoulder more times than anyone could count.
For Minho, comfort mattered more than status or success. He preferred stability, familiar routines, and being close to the boys and Chan. The neighborhood was also close to the bakery, which was important because Minho loved working there, not just as a job, but as something he built with his own effort.
If Chan accepted the promotion, they would have to relocate. That meant leaving their home, changing the children’s school environment, and starting over somewhere unfamiliar. Minho would never consider it.
Then Chan would have to move. He knew Minho would still support him. But he would also worry about family separation, about how distance might change their daily routines, and about whether it would make life harder for their children.
Minho didn’t care about bigger opportunities if it meant losing the comfort of their current life together. And that was why Chan was thinking so carefully before deciding.
He really needed to talk to him.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when he suddenly remembered the missed call. His phone. He quickly pulled it out and dialed Minho back. Minho never called during work hours unless it was emergency and that made Chan a little worry. The call connected after a few rings.
“Chan?” Minho’s voice came through the phone, shaky.
Chan immediately straightened hearing his voice. “Min? What happened? I saw your missed call.”
Minho sniffed softly before speaking. “Lixie… something happened at school.”
Chan’s heart nearly dropped. “What? What happened? Is he okay?”
“He fainted during playtime,” Minho said quickly, his voice still unsteady. “He had an episode. The nurse gave him his medicine and he’s better now, but-”
“But what?” Chan asked, panic already creeping into his voice.
“I got really scared,” Minho admitted quietly. “Hyunie was crying too.”
Chan's chest started tightening. Even though Felix was okay, hearing Minho like that made his worry spike. He closed his eyes for a second, trying to steady himself.
“Are you still at the school?” he asked softly.
“Yes.”
“Okay. Stay there,” Chan said quickly. “I’m coming. I’ll pick you and the kids up.”
“You don’t have to leave work.”
“I’m already leaving,” Chan replied firmly. “Just stay there with them. I’ll be there soon.”
There was a small pause on the line before Minho finally said, “Okay.”
Chan ended the call, already grabbing his jacket.
Changbin looked up from the console. “Everything okay?”
Chan shook his head slightly. “Felix had an episode at school. He’s fine now, but I’m going to pick them up.”
Changbin nodded immediately. “Okay.”
Chan didn’t waste another second before heading out. He rushed to the parking lot, got into his car, worry twisted painfully in his chest as he drove toward the school.
Felix’s health was always something Chan carried quietly in the back of his mind. Most days, Felix ran around like any other child, causing endless mischief. Anyone who didn’t know him well would never guess that his small body carried a condition that required careful attention.
But Chan had learned to notice the little things in the slight changes in Felix’s breathing or the moments when he grew tired a little too quickly. Felix rarely complained and always tried to act brave, which only made Chan more protective.
Even though Felix wasn’t his own blood, Chan had never once felt that it made any difference. From the moment they brought him home, small and quiet in Minho’s arms, something in Chan’s heart had simply settled around him. Felix had become his son in every way that truly mattered.
If anything, Felix’s delicate health had only deepened that instinct to protect him. So even when Felix was smiling brightly, Chan often found himself watching a little more closely, quietly hoping his little boy would always stay healthy and safe.
Chan just hoped Felix was truly okay, though he wouldn’t feel calm until he saw him himself.
⋆.˚ ──── ᡣ𐭩 ──── ⋆.˚