Archive of Our Own

Saturday mornings were sacred. Or at least, they were supposed to be.

Joshua had promised Seungkwan today would be their day-no work, no errands, no interruptions. Just a full day of whatever his son wanted to do. Seungkwan had been counting down all week, carefully mapping out their plans with the kind of seriousness only a five-year-old could manage: pancakes for breakfast, cartoons on the couch, a trip to the park (where he would, without question, defeat Vernon at hide-and-seek), and then, if Joshua didn't completely mess it up, a homemade cake. (Seungkwan found his dad's questionable baking skills endlessly entertaining.)

And then, of course, Joshua's job had to ruin everything.

A last-minute emergency meeting had popped up out of nowhere, forcing Joshua to scramble for a backup plan. He barely had time to shower before throwing on a jacket, grabbing Seungkwan's bag, and rushing his sulking son out the door.

"Dad, this isn't fair!" Seungkwan whined, dragging his feet as Joshua half-pulled him along the apartment hallway. His little arms were crossed tightly, his bottom lip jutted out in a deep pout. "You promised today was our day."

Joshua sighed, guilt settling heavy in his chest. He crouched down, gently fixing Seungkwan's jacket. "I know, baby. I swear I'll make it up to you. Double pancakes tomorrow, okay?"

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes. "With extra syrup?"

Joshua hesitated. He hated giving him too much sugar. "...Fine."

"Two scoops of ice cream, too?"

"Let's not push it," Joshua muttered, standing up as Seungkwan smirked, clearly satisfied with his negotiation skills.

Thankfully, Seungcheol and Jihoon's apartment was just a few doors down. Joshua didn't bother calling ahead-he didn't need to. The three of them had an unspoken rule: if one of them needed last-minute babysitting, the others just handled it. No questions asked, no prior warning needed. It was basically free childcare socialism.

He knocked briskly, shifting Seungkwan's bag on his shoulder, already preparing his apology for dumping his kid on them again.

But instead of Seungcheol answering the door, looking half-awake with Vernon in his arms, or Jihoon appearing with a vaguely exasperated but ultimately accepting sigh-

The door swung open, and Joshua's brain completely short-circuited. Standing there, looking like he had just rolled out of bed, was a man Joshua had never seen before.

Tousled, light brown-colored hair stuck up in soft waves, his oversized hoodie slipping dangerously off one shoulder. His eyes, still lidded from sleep, blinked at Joshua with lazy amusement. And his lips-Jesus Christ, his lips-curved into a slow, knowing smile as he took in Joshua from head to toe.

Joshua's first thought: Oh no. He's hot.

His second thought: Oh no. I have the wrong apartment.

Before he could gather his thoughts, the man leaned against the doorframe, tilting his head. "Well, hello there."

Joshua immediately went into full panic mode.

"I-uh-sorry," he stammered, taking a step back. "I think I have the wrong apartment-"

The stranger's lips twitched, his expression shifting into something delightedly amused. "Are you sure?" He gave Joshua a once-over, slow and deliberate. "Because I wouldn't mind if you were dropping by for me."

Joshua froze.

Seungkwan, still sulking beside him, groaned loudly. "Dad. We live here. We come here almost every day."

Joshua's ears burned. "Right, yes. That's-that's true."

The man hummed, clearly enjoying Joshua's suffering. "So, mystery pretty man... you gonna tell me who you are? Or should I just call you handsome dad?"

Joshua visibly choked.

This was not happening.

Seungkwan, now officially done with this interaction, let out an exaggerated sigh and tugged at Joshua's sleeve. "Dad, focus. Introduce yourself before this guy falls asleep standing up."

Joshua cleared his throat aggressively, forcing his voice to work properly. "Uh. Right. I'm Joshua. I was just-um-dropping off Seungkwan."

The man-Jeonghan, apparently-lit up in recognition. "Ohhh, you're Joshua." His grin turned absolutely wicked. "Seungcheol talks about you a lot."

Joshua's stomach dropped. What does that mean?!

But before he could spiral, Seungkwan suddenly perked up. "Vernon!" he shouted, and before anyone could react, he darted past Joshua and Jeonghan, barreling inside.

Joshua panicked again. "Wait, Kwannie-!"

A second later, another small figure peeked out from behind Jeonghan, blinking sleepily. Vernon, still in his pajamas, rubbed his eyes and waved drowsily at Seungkwan before letting himself get tackled into a hug.

Joshua let out a long, exhausted sigh. Okay. So this was actually the right apartment.

Jeonghan, watching the scene unfold with mild amusement, leaned lazily against the doorframe again. "Well. That solves that mystery," he said. "Guess you don't have to run away now, huh?"

Joshua stiffened, realizing he had, in fact, been subtly angling his body toward the elevator.

"Uh-right," he said quickly, forcing himself to stand his ground. "Thanks. Sorry. Again."

Jeonghan's smirk did not let up. "Oh, don't apologize," he drawled, voice dripping with amusement. "It was fun watching you panic."

Joshua gritted his teeth. "I wasn't panicking."

"Oh, darling." Jeonghan tilted his head. "You definitely were."

Joshua wanted to die.

Unfortunately, Seungkwan chose that moment to squint suspiciously at the two of them from inside the apartment. "Dad, why are you still standing here?"

Joshua scrambled for an excuse. "I-uh, I was just-"

"He was flirting with me," Jeonghan cut in smoothly.

Joshua's eyes bulged. "I WAS NOT-"

Jeonghan grinned. "That's so cute, Joshua. But, you know, if you wanted to flirt, you could've just asked for my number."

Joshua made an actual choking noise.

And then, because the universe hated him, his foot caught on the edge of the hallway rug.

One second, he was standing. The next-

He tripped.

Face burning, dignity in shambles, he caught himself just in time, stumbling before bolting toward the elevator.

As he fled, Jeonghan called after him, still grinning. "See you around, pretty!"

Seungkwan, watching his dad fail at life, turned back to Vernon. "We have to stop this."

Vernon nodded solemnly. "After pancakes?"

Before Seungkwan could respond, a new voice called from inside.

"Wait-was that Shua just now?"

Joshua froze as Seungcheol appeared, eyes flickering between him, Jeonghan, and Seungkwan-who was now glaring daggers at Jeonghan.

Jeonghan, laughing under his breath, turned and casually shut the door behind him.

Five minutes later, Joshua had to come back as he realized he was still holding Seungkwan's bag.

This time, thankfully, Jihoon opened the door.

Joshua shoved the bag into his arms, muttered a strained, "Thanks," and fled again.

As Joshua turned to flee for the second time that morning, a voice-far too smug for his liking-drifted from inside the apartment.

"So, which one's Pretty's apartment?" Jeonghan mused, far too entertained by all of this.

Before Joshua could even process that, Seungkwan's voice followed, sharp and full of warning.

"Are you calling my dad pretty?"

Jihoon, still holding the bag Joshua had shoved at him, simply sighed. "God, it's too early for this."

Joshua did not stick around to hear any more.

~•~

Fumbling with his keys, Joshua cursed under his breath as he missed the ignition for the third time.

His hands were shaking-which was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

With a frustrated groan, he dropped his forehead onto the steering wheel, willing his brain to reset.

"Why am I acting like some weird virgin?"

He wasn't like this. He was mature. Responsible. A whole father. He had handled plenty of awkward encounters before. So why was his entire existence malfunctioning over some sleepy, oversized-hoodie-wearing menace?

Joshua exhaled sharply, gripping the wheel like it had personally offended him.

"Who even looks like that? And acts like that?" he muttered, half tempted to knock some sense into himself.

With a heavy sigh, he finally turned the key in the ignition, the low hum of the engine filling the quiet. He shook his head, glancing up through the windshield, only to-

Oh. No.

Right in front of him, in the car ahead, Kim Mingyu was waving enthusiastically at him from his rearview mirror.

Joshua froze, shoulders locking up.

"Of all the people."

Mingyu-Seungcheol's coworker and another tenant from the floor below-was grinning way too brightly for this hour. The guy was gorgeous, painfully sweet, and had made it very clear on multiple occasions that he found Joshua attractive.

And sure, Joshua could admit Mingyu was easy on the eyes-he was tall, built like a golden retriever who had hit the gym religiously, and an overall nice guy. He had even been flattered the first time Mingyu flirted with him.

But there were two problems.

One-Mingyu was too young. Too much of a puppy. Someone with energy and eagerness that Joshua simply didn't have room for in his life.

And two-Joshua wasn't looking. If he were looking, he wouldn't be looking at Mingyu. Seungkwan was his number one priority. Always.

Which was exactly why Joshua internally groaned, forcing himself to return the wave with an awkward nod before Mingyu could get any ideas about why his ears were turning red.

With his dignity hanging by a thread, Joshua quickly shifted gears and pulled out of the parking lot, praying to whoever was listening that today wouldn't get any worse.

"When are you going to, I don't know, not be here?"

Jihoon's voice was dry as he leaned against the counter, arms crossed, staring unimpressed at Jeonghan-who, at that moment, was locked in an intense staring match with Seungkwan.

Seungkwan's glare was not particularly intimidating (he was five, after all), but the sheer determination behind it was admirable. Jeonghan, on the other hand, looked amused beyond belief.

Jihoon sighed. This had been going on for a full minute.

Jeonghan finally broke the stare first, turning away with a casual shrug-only to catch Seungkwan's expression morphing into a smug little smirk, as if he had won.

Jeonghan narrowed his eyes. Little menace.

Looking over at Jihoon, Jeonghan grinned and winked. "I'm free today, so I'll be gracing you all with my presence. Plus," he stretched, deliberately dramatic, "I'm sure that cutie's cute dad will be here later to pick him up."

Jihoon rolled his eyes so hard it was a miracle he didn't sprain something. Before he could even bother responding-

"Don't call my dad cute."

Seungkwan's voice was serious. As serious as a five-year-old could be.

Jeonghan blinked, turning back to find Seungkwan standing there, deadpan, arms crossed, entirely unimpressed.

For a second, Jeonghan just stared. Then he looked at Jihoon. Then at Vernon, who was sitting on the floor, completely unbothered, casually munching on cereal. Then back at Seungkwan.

"...Why not?" Jeonghan asked slowly. "You don't think your dad is cute?"

Seungkwan's face immediately fell, his confidence wavering. His mouth opened-closed-then opened again, hesitation creeping in.

"No," he said, but it sounded very unconvincing.

Then, as if suddenly feeling guilty, he shifted awkwardly before mumbling, "Dad's the cutest."

Jeonghan's eyebrows shot up, impressed.

"...But," Seungkwan quickly added, jabbing a finger toward Jeonghan, "you can't call him that. You-you're a bad guy who looks like he only sleeps!"

Silence.

Jihoon, snorted. "The last part, I have to agree with." Shaking his head, he walked toward the kitchen to grab some paper towels, ready to wipe Vernon's very sticky mouth.

Jeonghan, meanwhile, was gaping at Seungkwan.

Bad guy? BAD GUY?!

What the hell?

Before he could even process the slander, Vernon suddenly stood up, walked over, and offered Jeonghan his half-eaten cookie.

"I like Hannie," Vernon said, voice soft but sure. "He's a good guy, Seungkwan."

Jeonghan blinked, staring down at the cookie in surprise.

Seungkwan, on the other hand-

"TRAITOR!"

Vernon barely had time to react before Seungkwan stomped away, heading straight for Seungcheol like he was about to file a formal complaint.

Jeonghan took the cookie, still blinking, still processing.

Then, very slowly, he grinned.

Yeah.

He was definitely staying the whole day.

The morning had been one long, drawn-out battle.

Seungkwan would jab at Jeonghan, Jeonghan would fire back, and Vernon-ever the neutral force-just existed in the crossfire, casually munching on snacks or watching National Geographic like he wasn't sitting between a five-year-old and a grown manchild locked in a never-ending power struggle.

Whenever Seungkwan felt like he was losing ground, he'd immediately run off to find Seungcheol, dragging him into the chaos for reinforcement. Seungcheol, being the hopelessly weak-to-cuteness uncle that he was, always took Seungkwan's side-whether he understood the argument or not.

Jihoon, meanwhile, had completely checked out. He was working on music, occasionally emerging from his cave to check on Vernon and Seungkwan, glare at Jeonghan for still being here, and then go right back to his keyboard.

Until-

"Can we help you make lunch, Uncle Hoonie?"

Jihoon paused, turning to find Seungkwan standing in the kitchen doorway, clutching Vernon's hand, eyes wide and full of hope.

Jihoon raised an eyebrow. Suspicious.

Behind them, the TV was still playing, Vernon's gaze momentarily flicking between the screen and Jihoon, like he was considering whether the effort of cooking was worth missing the epic lion chase currently happening.

Jihoon sighed. They're cute. Annoying, but cute.

"Obviously," he said, crossing his arms. "But only if you actually listen to me. Deal?"

Seungkwan nodded enthusiastically. "We will! Won't we, Nonnie?"

Vernon, still half-absorbed in the wildlife documentary, gave a lazy nod.

Jihoon narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. These two were menaces. Still, he turned and grabbed the aprons. "Alright, wash your hands. Let's get to work."

Surprisingly, things started off fine.

Jihoon had assigned basic, non-chaotic tasks-Vernon was washing vegetables (very slowly), and Seungkwan was on stirring duty, looking incredibly focused as if he were mastering a fine culinary art.

And then, of course, Jeonghan wandered in. "Whatcha guys doin'?" he asked, leaning against the counter, clearly here just to mess with them.

Jihoon sighed. "Go away."

"No thanks." Jeonghan grinned, watching the kids work. "Wow, look at you guys. So responsible."

Seungkwan paused mid-stir, eyed Jeonghan suspiciously, and then turned to Jihoon.

"Uncle Hoonie," he said very seriously, "is he... ress-poss-ble?"

Jeonghan blinked. Jihoon, already biting back a smirk, turned fully toward Jeonghan like he was considering the question.

"...No," Jihoon finally said.

"Hey!" Jeonghan gasped, genuinely offended.

Seungkwan nodded firmly, satisfied. "That's what I thought."

Jeonghan placed a hand over his heart, looking betrayed. "I am extremely responsible."

Seungkwan was not convinced.

Jihoon just snorted. "Good joke."

Jeonghan turned to Vernon for support, but the kid just shrugged, completely uninterested in defending him. Before Jeonghan could launch into his own defense, Vernon reached for a plate on the counter.

It slipped from his tiny hands.

And before anyone could react-

Jeonghan moved.

One smooth motion-he caught the plate mid-air, steadying it before handing it back to Vernon like it was nothing.

Silence.

Seungkwan stared.

Jihoon blinked.

Vernon, the most unbothered human alive, took the plate like Jeonghan hadn't just defied gravity. "Thanks."

Jeonghan grinned, twirling another plate once in his hand before setting it down smoothly.

"See?" he smirked, glancing at Seungkwan. "Ress-poss-ble."

Seungkwan's mouth pressed into a thin line. He clearly wanted to say something snarky. He really did. But instead, he just turned back to his stirring, grumbling something unintelligible under his breath.

Jeonghan had won a round.

Jihoon witnessed the entire thing. He walked over, wiping his hands on a towel, and looked at Jeonghan long and hard.

Finally, he muttered, "Hate to say it... but that was kinda cool."

Jeonghan beamed. "See? Someone appreciates me."

Seungkwan, not looking up, muttered, "One-time thing."

Jeonghan just smirked, reaching over to mess up Seungkwan's hair. Seungkwan swatted him away immediately, huffing. Jihoon shook his head, smiling softly. He wasn't used to this much entertainment in the morning.

Jihoon clapped his hands together, surveying the progress in the kitchen. "Alright, the soup needs to simmer, and the rice is cooking. That means," he turned to the two tiny, eager assistants, "you two are officially not needed anymore."

Seungkwan's face immediately dropped.

"I'll call you when the food's done, okay? Thanks for your hard work, little chefs." Jihoon lifted Vernon off the stool, setting him on the floor.

Vernon, completely content with his efforts, happily trotted out of the kitchen, making a beeline for the couch. The penguin documentary was still on, and there was no way he was missing that.

But Seungkwan? Seungkwan was not done.

He pouted, dramatically swiveling around on the stool he was still standing on. "Uncle Hoonie, can I cut the vegetables?"

Jihoon raised an eyebrow, already shaking his head. "Yeah, no. I know your dad. I don't think he'd appreciate me handing you a knife, Kwannie."

Seungkwan huffed. "Dad would have let me help," his expression screamed. Dad trusts me.

Jihoon continued wiping down the counter. "Come on, get down now. The soup's boiling, and you could get hurt. Need help?"

Seungkwan crossed his arms stubbornly. "I won't come down." And then, because he had no sense of self-preservation, he shifted his entire body weight dramatically, making the stool wobble dangerously.

Jihoon's eyes widened in panic. "Seungkwan-!" Before anything could happen- Seungkwan was suddenly lifted effortlessly into the air.

"What the-hey! Who said you could carry me?!"

Seungkwan squirmed, but unfortunately for him, Jeonghan's arms were warm and annoyingly comfortable. Jeonghan tilted his head at him. "Your safety."

Seungkwan blinked. Oh.

Jihoon exhaled, relieved but still glaring. "God, you're going to give me a heart attack, kid."

Jeonghan turned to him, adjusting his grip on the tiny, very indignant child in his arms. "I'll cut the vegetables."

For all his teasing, he had noticed the way Seungkwan's shoulders had slumped just a little. How he kept looking at the counter, like he still wanted to help. So, without thinking much of it, Jeonghan offered to cut the vegetables.

Jihoon blinked. "...What?"

Jeonghan shrugged. "Seungkwan can help me."

Seungkwan's head snapped up. "Really?!"

Jeonghan smirked. "I mean, I'd hate for you to miss out on all this important cooking experience."

Jihoon narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "You want to do something useful?"

Jeonghan placed a dramatic hand over his heart. "I am capable of helping, Jihoon."

Jihoon raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sure Joshua wouldn't mind," Jeonghan continued, smirking, "if a ress-poss-ble person was supervising while Seungkwan had a knife."

Seungkwan's eyes twinkled.

And then-he realized.

That was the enemy talking.

He quickly wiped the excitement off his face, crossing his arms again. "Yeah, Hannie can prove he's responsible," he said, squinting suspiciously at Jeonghan. "I-we won't disappoint you, Uncle Hoonie."

Jeonghan's smirk grew. "Hannie?"

Seungkwan's face froze.

"...Who said you can call me Hannie?" Jeonghan teased. Seungkwan's face turned red as he immediately started wiggling. "Put me down right now!"

Jeonghan laughed, finally setting him on his feet. "Okay, okay, sorry-you can call me Hannie."

Seungkwan, glowering, grumbled something under his breath before storming off to the counter to "supervise" the vegetable cutting.

Jihoon, watching all of this unfold, massaged his temples. Maybe he should also go and supervise.

Jeonghan placed a carrot on the cutting board, picking up the knife before glancing at Seungkwan, who was watching him like a hawk.

"Alright, kid," Jeonghan said, lifting an eyebrow. "Ever cut vegetables before?"

Seungkwan lifted his chin proudly. "Dad lets me help all the time."

Jeonghan squinted, highly doubtful. "Does he?"

"Yes," Seungkwan said very seriously. "I mix things. And put salt."

Jeonghan snorted. "So no, then."

Seungkwan scowled. "I could if Dad let me. He just says knives are 'dangerous for little hands.'"

Jeonghan smirked. "Smart guy."

Seungkwan rolled his eyes. "He's dramatic. I could totally use a knife."

"Alright then," Jeonghan said, flipping the knife in his hand before offering it handle-first.

Seungkwan immediately reached for it.

But just before he could grab it, Jeonghan pulled it back. "Wait, wait. What's the magic word?"

Seungkwan paused, glaring.

Then, begrudgingly, he mumbled, "...Please."

Jeonghan grinned. "Good manners. I like that."

With that, he gently took Seungkwan's tiny hand, guiding it to hold the knife properly. "Okay, now, I'll help you. Just hold tight and follow my lead."

Seungkwan stiffened immediately.

"You're touching me."

Jeonghan grinned. "It's called helping, kid."

"I don't need help."

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. "Alright, go ahead then."

Seungkwan pressed his lips together, hesitating.

"...Help me."

Jeonghan chuckled. "Thought so."

With Jeonghan's hand covering his own, they slowly pressed the knife down, slicing through the carrot smoothly.

Seungkwan watched intensely.

"See? Easy," Jeonghan said.

Seungkwan nodded, fascinated. "Yeah..."

Then, suspicion returned.

"...How come you know how to do this?"

Jeonghan smirked. "Because I'm an adult."

Seungkwan wrinkled his nose. "You don't act like one."

Jeonghan laughed. "Fair."

They cut a few more slices together before Seungkwan suddenly froze.

"...Wait."

Jeonghan glanced at him. "What?"

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes. Deep in thought. "You know my dad."

Jeonghan's smirk grew. "A little."

Seungkwan stared at him. "How?"

Jeonghan blinked. "...Because he's your dad?"

"That's not a reason." Seungkwan squinted harder. "Where did you even come from?"

Jeonghan laughed. "My house."

Seungkwan shook his head. "No, but like. Before."

"...My mom?"

Seungkwan sighed dramatically. "I mean, why are you still here?"

Jeonghan snorted. "Because I can be. And Cheol's my friend."

Seungkwan eyed him suspiciously. "So?"

Jeonghan smirked, tightening his grip on the knife, guiding it into another clean cut. "I dunno, kid. You tell me."

Seungkwan paused, thinking way too hard.

Then, as if he had just solved a murder case, he gasped.

"Are you poor?"

Jeonghan choked. "WHAT?"

Seungkwan nodded to himself. "That's why you eat here."

Jihoon, who had been listening from the stove, immediately turned away, shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Jeonghan, actually offended, shook his head. "I am not poor."

"That's what a poor person would say."

"I-" Jeonghan exhaled, mentally recalculating his life choices. Seungkwan studied him for a long moment. Then, suspicion turned into something worse.

Realization. His eyes widened.

"...You think my dad is pretty."

Jeonghan's grip on the knife loosened, but because he is a responsible adult, he quickly fixed it.

Jeonghan slowly turned his head, expression blank. "What." Seungkwan nodded, more confident now. "That's why you're still here."

Jeonghan opened his mouth. Closed it.

"...What kind of logic-"

"I knew something was weird about you," Seungkwan said, squinting harder than ever. "You're suspicious."

Jeonghan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Kid, I met your dad and you this morning."

Seungkwan leaned in closer.

"And now you're almost hugging me in Uncle Hoonie's kitchen?"

Jeonghan paused.

"...Okay, fair."

Seungkwan's face turned serious. He leaned in. "Are you gonna marry him?"

Jeonghan's soul left his body. Jihoon almost dropped the spoon he was holding. "I-" Jeonghan started, caught so off guard that his brain stalled completely.

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes. "Because if you are, I have to know."

Jeonghan put the knife down dramatically. "Okay. I am not marrying your dad." Seungkwan squinted harder.

"...Yet?"

Jihoon stopped covering his mouth, physically trembling with laughter. Jeonghan pointed at Jihoon. "Can you help me? This kid is terrifying."

Jihoon just grinned. "Nope."

Seungkwan huffed, turning back to the cutting board. "Fine. But I'm watching you."

Jeonghan shook his head, picking the knife back up. "You're five."

"And I see all."

Jeonghan groaned.

Jihoon, stirring the soup, sighed happily.

Finally, Jeonghan is suffering.

~•~

"I'll head out now. Got some work at the company." Jeonghan announced it casually, slipping into his coat and kneeling to tie his shoes.

Seungkwan, curled up beside Vernon on the couch, barely reacted-just the quickest glance before fixing his eyes back on the screen, making it very clear that he did not care.

"You're leaving?" Jihoon asked, raising an eyebrow. Then, with a pointed look, his voice dropped lower. "Joshua hyung is coming to pick him up any minute now."

Jeonghan chuckled, tossing Jihoon a knowing look. "Are you rooting for us?"

Jihoon grimaced immediately. "Oh my god, shut up." Then, rolling his eyes, he muttered, "Shua hyung is too good for you."

Jeonghan laughed, entirely unbothered. "Relax, Hoon. I just found him pretty. It's not that deep." He patted his shoes after tying them, voice dropping into something lighter, almost offhand. "Besides, he's a dad. I doubt either of us want anything."

Jihoon narrowed his eyes slightly, like he wanted to argue, but before he could, a small figure suddenly slid off the couch.

Vernon.

The little boy walked up to Jeonghan and stopped right in front of him, serious as ever.

Jeonghan blinked down at him. "What's up, solie?

Vernon tilted his head. "Bring the swords you were talking about tomorrow, okay?"

Jeonghan grinned. "Ah, I won't be coming tomorrow. Kinda busy, but I'll bring them next time."

Vernon stared. "Promise?"

Jeonghan sighed dramatically, kneeling slightly to ruffle his hair. "Promise."

Vernon nodded, pleased. "Good." Then, without much hesitation, he wrapped his little arms around Jeonghan's leg in a quick, barely-there hug before walking back to the couch, settling in beside Seungkwan. Jihoon, watching, smiled softly.

Jeonghan shook his head before turning toward Seungkwan, who was still pretending very hard to be focused on the cartoon.

"Bye-bye, Seungkwan."

Seungkwan barely tilted his head. "Mhm. Bye."

But Jeonghan caught the quick side-glance Seungkwan gave him. Just a fraction of a second too long.

He grinned.

"See you, Hoon," Jeonghan said, grabbing his car keys.

Jihoon just waved him off, but as Jeonghan stepped out the door, he muttered under his breath-

"...You're so coming back."

Jeonghan exhaled slowly, watching the faint curl of smoke disappear into the cold air.

He wasn't thinking about much-just letting the quiet settle around him as he leaned against the railing outside the apartment building. His coat was loosely buttoned, hands tucked into his pockets, cigarette resting between his fingers.

It had been... an eventful day.

Seungkwan was entertaining in a way that was exhausting yet oddly endearing. Vernon had always been easy to handle, but Seungkwan? A full-time job. Jeonghan hadn't had to defend himself against so many accusations in his life.

He took another slow drag from his cigarette, letting the nicotine settle in his chest-

Then-

Footsteps.

Steady. Even. Graceful.

Jeonghan didn't know how he knew. He just did and sure enough, when he turned his head-there he was.

Joshua. Seungkwan's dad. Seungcheol's neighbor.

Dressed neatly, coat wrapped tightly around him, his expression calm yet mildly unreadable as his gaze flickered across the dimly lit space.

Then-he saw Jeonghan and froze.

Jeonghan, caught off guard, did something he never did. He hesitated with lifting the cigarette to his lips. For just a second-just a brief flicker of a moment-before he instinctively stubbed it out against the railing, flicking it into the bin like it had never been there.

Joshua's eyes followed the movement. Then, his gaze lifted back to Jeonghan's-neutral, unreadable, but not unkind.

A beat of silence.

Then-

"You're the guy from this morning."

Joshua's voice was even-polite, but firm.

Jeonghan recovered fast, grinning. "And you're the pretty one." Joshua tilted his head slightly, unimpressed.

"...Excuse me?"

Jeonghan chuckled, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "Nothing. Just confirming my suspicions."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Suspicions?"

Jeonghan leaned back against the railing. "Seungcheol talks about you a lot."

Then, with clear amusement, he added, "Seungkwan too." Joshua's face softened-just a little-at the mention of his son.

Jeonghan noticed.

Joshua hummed, gaze flickering toward the entrance of the building, then back. He wasn't annoyed-just assessing.

Jeonghan shrugged, voice casual. "Thought maybe you were some old, tired guy who needed babysitting help."

Joshua let out a small huff-not quite a laugh, but close.

"And?"

Jeonghan smirked.

"You're not old."

Joshua let out a short breath, shaking his head. "Fantastic observation skills."

Jeonghan laughed. "I try."

Joshua sighed, adjusting his coat. There was something about him-composed, steady. A complete contrast to Jeonghan's easy, lingering presence. But what caught Jeonghan's attention most was the way Joshua looked at him.

Not harsh. Not dismissive. Just... carefully.

Like he was deciding something.

"This is the second time today I've had to deal with you," Joshua said lightly.

Jeonghan grinned. "Did you miss me?"

"No."

"That was too fast."

Joshua exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "I am going to pick up my son."

Jeonghan held up his hands. "Of course. Can't keep Kwannie waiting."

Joshua paused.

Jeonghan caught it immediately. "What?" he asked, eyes twinkling.

Joshua tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting just enough to show interest.

"You called him Kwannie."

Jeonghan blinked. "...Yeah?"

Joshua narrowed his eyes slightly.

"...He let you?"

Jeonghan was about to instinctively say yes, but then he remembered how Seungkwan had nearly combusted the first time he slipped up and called him that.

Jeonghan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's say he's warming up to me."

Joshua hummed, clearly not convinced but not arguing, either. Jeonghan watched him for a moment longer, suddenly thinking back to what Seungkwan had accused him of.

He couldn't see himself marrying Joshua. Not in any scenario. Especially not when Joshua already had a kid.

...Right?

It wasn't like Jeonghan had ever considered it before, he didn't even knew Joshua to consider it before. He wasn't even sure if Joshua was a single parent. Seungcheol hadn't told him much, after all. Jeonghan just assumed.

Before he could dwell on it longer, Joshua shifted.

"I should go."

Jeonghan stepped aside, giving him space to pass-but as Joshua walked past him toward the door, Jeonghan couldn't resist.

"I'll see you around, pretty."

Joshua stopped mid-step.

Then, very slowly, he turned his head and gave Jeonghan a look so sharp and unimpressed that Jeonghan had to fight the urge to laugh.

"...You're ridiculous."

Jeonghan smirked. "And you're still standing here-and not tripping."

Joshua exhaled sharply, ears turning red, shaking his head like he was regretting every decision that led him to this moment. Without another word, he walked inside-pointedly ignoring the fact that Jeonghan was still watching him, still grinning like he'd won something.

Jeonghan watched the door swing shut. He had almost let it go.

Almost.

But-

"Don't tell Kwannie I called you pretty," Jeonghan called out.

For a second-just a second-he wondered if Joshua had already disappeared inside.

But then-

A soft, genuine laugh echoed back through the hallway.

Jeonghan froze.

Not a scoff. Not an exasperated sigh.

A real laugh.

His grin widened.

Oh.

Totally pretty.

~•~

It had been almost two weeks since Joshua last saw Jeonghan.

And honestly? He would have completely forgotten about the absurdly handsome, utterly ridiculous man if it weren't for one very inconvenient fact-

He was everywhere.

At first, Joshua thought nothing of it. It was normal for Seungkwan to spend time with Vernon at Seungcheol and Jihoon's place. That was routine.

But suddenly, it wasn't just that.

Whenever Joshua dropped Seungkwan off, he later found out Jeonghan had dropped by. Whenever Seungkwan and Vernon were at the park, somehow, Jeonghan was there too.

It was like every time Joshua turned around, there was a fresh reminder of his existence.

And the worst part?

This wasn't even new.

Now that Joshua thought about it, he had heard about Jeonghan long before meeting him.

The infamous "Hannie" Vernon kept mentioning? Not some weird cartoon character-Jeonghan.

The guy who showed up in almost every insane Seungcheol story from high school to college to university? Also Jeonghan.

Joshua should have seen this coming.

And yet.

And yet.

It was one thing to know Jeonghan existed. It was another thing to find out his son was getting attached.

Seungkwan was stubborn. He even played hard to get with Joshua, his own father.

Yet somehow, anyone with eyes could tell-

He liked Jeonghan.

Oh, he was still pretending not to. But every time Joshua picked him up, it was:

"Hannie did this today."
"Hannie is so weird."
"Did you know Hannie fell asleep standing up today? I had to save him."

At first, Joshua had rolled his eyes.

But then, slowly, the stories shifted.

It wasn't just "Hannie is weird."

It was-

"Hannie bought me ice cream today because I told him my legs hurt from playing too much."
"Hannie always carries me home when I'm tired, and I don't even have to ask."
"Hannie let me put stickers all over his face and walked around like that until Uncle Cheol made him take them off."
"Hannie told the store lady I was his boss because I said I wanted to be a CEO when I grow up."

Joshua had tried to be unaffected.

Had tried to ignore it.

But the truth was-

Every time Seungkwan mentioned how effortlessly kind Jeonghan was, how he did things without being asked, without expecting anything back-

Joshua's heart raced.

And that was exactly why he avoided Jeonghan like the plague.

No. No, no, no.

Absolutely not.

This was not happening.

This was not a thing.

So, for the past two weeks, Joshua had been taking the only logical course of action-

Running in the opposite direction.

Whenever he caught a glimpse of light-brown hair, whenever he sensed Jeonghan's presence nearby-

Joshua walked faster.

No, actually-he power-walked.

And if that didn't work?

He turned around entirely.

Was it dramatic? Yes.

Did he care? No.

He was not dealing with this.

Not today.

Not ever.

Probably.

Probably not.

Joshua took a deep breath, locking the front door behind him. Mornings were always chaos, but at least he had a routine.

"You have your tiffin, water bottle, napkin-did you wear your shoes correctly?"

Seungkwan sighed, already used to his dad's frantic energy. "Yes, Dad. Come on, we're going to be late!"

Joshua nodded, satisfied, as they walked down the hallway toward the elevator.

And then-

"Omg, Nonnie!!!"

Seungkwan practically skipped ahead at the sight of his best friend, completely abandoning Joshua.

Joshua glanced up, expecting to see Jihoon or Seungcheol standing with Vernon.

But-

Vernon was alone.

Joshua frowned. That's weird.

"Nonnie, who's dropping you off today?" he asked, concern slipping into his voice. He obviously didn't mind dropping Vernon off-after all, he was going to the same place as Seungkwan, and Joshua absolutely adored the kid-but why would Jihoon or Seungcheol just leave him outside like this?

Seungkwan, far too excited about school today (something about Chan finally coming back from his sick leave), was chattering away to Vernon as if nothing was strange.

Joshua, still waiting for an answer, softened slightly. Vernon was just too sincere sometimes. Something about the way he listened so intently to Seungkwan always made Joshua's heart ache a little.

Finally, Vernon turned his attention to Joshua.

"Shua Uncle, Hann-"

Before the child could finish his sentence, the door to Seungcheol and Jihoon's apartment flew open. Quite harshly.

And oh. My. God.

"Nonnie, I told you not to wait outside," Jeonghan huffed, stepping out. Jeonghan's face immediately softened when he spotted Vernon standing safe and sound, but Joshua was too busy short-circuiting to focus on that.

Why?

Because Jeonghan was here.

At Seungcheol and Jihoon's place.

At eight in the morning.

Jeonghan-ridiculously handsome, completely absurd, makes-Joshua-want-to-run-in-the-opposite-direction Jeonghan-was here.

And he had just come out of Seungcheol and Jihoon's apartment.

Joshua felt his brain fizz out like static.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of Joshua's internal malfunction, Vernon pouted at Jeonghan.

"But you and Dad were taking too long with your silly argument," Vernon grumbled.

Jeonghan squinted at him. "It wasn't silly, it was-" He paused, then sighed, shaking his head. "Never mind. Too early for this."

Seungkwan's voice suddenly rang out, bright and excited.

"Hannie!"

Joshua snapped out of his daze just in time to see Jeonghan's expression morph into a playful smile as he turned toward Seungkwan.

"Kwannie! I see you're far too ready to go to school," Jeonghan teased.

Seungkwan huffed dramatically. "Because I am ready. Unlike you."

Joshua, still partially frozen, barely registered the way Jeonghan's gaze flickered toward him. But Jeonghan definitely noticed Joshua's shocked face. For a moment, he blinked. Then, a slow, knowing smile stretched across his lips.

"Good morning, pretty."

Joshua blinked back.

Oh. No.

His soul left his body.

The hallway fell into silence.

Joshua opened his mouth. Then closed it.

Then opened it again-only for nothing to come out.

Seungkwan, meanwhile, was watching the entire thing.

His head slowly turned from Jeonghan (smirking like the devil himself) to his dad (who looked like his brain had just short-circuited).

Seungkwan squinted. Hard.

"...Dad?"

Joshua immediately snapped out of it.

"I-" He cleared his throat, voice noticeably higher than usual. "That is not my name."

Jeonghan tilted his head, all fake innocence. "Oh? But you didn't mind last time."

Joshua's ears burned. "I-That was different!"

Jeonghan grinned. "How?"

Joshua opened and closed his mouth again.

Seungkwan, watching this unfold, looked between them suspiciously.

Finally, after a long pause, he crossed his arms.

"Hannie, are you bullying my dad?"

Jeonghan gasped dramatically. "Kwannie, you wound me!"

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes. "You are!"

Joshua was not having a good morning. Seeing Jeonghan at eight in the morning was already bad enough. Hearing him say "Good morning, pretty" in front of his child was worse.

And now-

Now Vernon was casually throwing Jeonghan under the bus.

Vernon, finally looking up from his shoes, nodded. "He bullies my dad too."

Jeonghan just snorted. "Kid, your dad is bully-able."

Seungkwan, clearly considering this very seriously, tilted his head. "So... is my dad also bully-able?"

Joshua felt immediate, soul-crushing betrayal.

His own son.

Meanwhile, Jeonghan was having the time of his life. He turned to Seungkwan, grinning. "No, he isn't."

Joshua blinked, caught off guard.

Oh.

But then-before he could even process that tiny relief- Jeonghan smirked, leaning in slightly like he was sharing a secret.

"He just gets flustered too prettily."

Joshua's entire body locked up. His ears burned. His brain short-circuited. His soul left his body. Seungkwan and Vernon, meanwhile, were just staring at Jeonghan blankly.

Joshua, scrambling for control, cleared his throat aggressively. "You-" He inhaled sharply. "You need to stop talking."

Jeonghan, looking entirely unbothered, just held up his hands, still grinning.

"Fine, fine. I'll be good."

A pause.

Then-

"For now."

Joshua sighed, rubbing his temples.

Maybe if he walked toward the stairs right now, he could escape this conversation entirely. It was probably too late.

Thank God.

The elevator finally arrived, and Joshua wasted no time ushering the kids inside.

Jeonghan trailed in after them, moving far too casually for someone who had just publicly ruined Joshua's morning. Joshua, determined to regain control, moved to the opposite corner of the elevator, putting the kids between them like a shield.

Seungkwan and Vernon, oblivious to the silent war unfolding, simply stood between them, swinging their backpacks slightly.

Joshua cleared his throat. "Are you dropping Vernon?"

Jeonghan hummed lazily. "Yuh. I do it pretty often, actually. We usually leave a little later, but today..." He glanced down at Vernon. "What was it again, Nonnie? Something about your friend coming back?"

Vernon, still half-distracted by his shoes, replied, "Chan."

Jeonghan snapped his fingers. "Oh, yuh. Him."

Seungkwan perked up at the mention of Chan and immediately launched into an excited rant. Jeonghan, to Joshua's complete and utter disbelief, was listening so earnestly-nodding along, asking questions, reacting in all the right places.

It was the same feeling Joshua got whenever Seungkwan told him something Jeonghan had done for him.

That fluttering, traitorous warmth.

Joshua was so focused on trying to ignore it that he almost missed it when-

"My back hurts."

Vernon's voice was soft, almost as if he wasn't even expecting anyone to respond.

Joshua instinctively turned to check on him, thinking Vernon was just muttering to himself and considering how distracted Jeonghan seemed, Joshua assumed he hadn't even heard.

But before he could say anything-

Jeonghan moved.

Without breaking conversation with Seungkwan, without even hesitating, he reached for Vernon's backpack and lifted it off his tiny shoulders.

Joshua froze.

Vernon, as quiet and unbothered as ever, didn't even react-just rolled his shoulders slightly, relieved.

Jeonghan, still entirely focused on Seungkwan's chatter, adjusted the strap, threw the bag over his own shoulder like it belonged there, and absentmindedly ruffled Vernon's hair in the process.

Joshua stared.

Not because of what Jeonghan did.

But because of how naturally he did it.

Like it was nothing.

Like it was instinct.

And then-as if that wasn't enough-

Jeonghan casually reached for Seungkwan's backpack, too.

Without being asked, without making a big deal out of it-he slipped it off Seungkwan's shoulder and threw it over his other.

Two bags. One on each shoulder.

Like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Joshua's stomach flipped.

Oh.

Oh, no.

He bent down slightly, lowering his voice.

"Nonnie," he murmured, just loud enough for Vernon to hear. "Does... does he always do this?"

Vernon, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world, nodded. "Mhm."

Joshua swallowed. "He carries your bag?"

Vernon nodded again. "Sometimes me, too."

Joshua's breath hitched.

Vernon, still completely unaware of the internal disaster happening next to him, added, "But he didn't today. Probably 'cause Kwannie's here. He can't carry us both.

Joshua felt actual physical warmth bloom in his chest. He forced himself to look away immediately.

This was nothing.

Just Jeonghan being his usual, ridiculous self. It wasn't sweet. It wasn't making his heart race.

It wasn't-

Wait.

Why... weren't they moving?

Joshua blinked.

The elevator hadn't moved an inch.

He turned slightly-only to realize Jeonghan had also moved at the same time.

And suddenly-

Oh.

Shoulders brushing. Breaths too close. Space rapidly disappearing.

Joshua froze.

Jeonghan didn't.

He blinked once, then slowly-very, very slowly-tilted his head down to look at Joshua.

"...Are we having a moment?" Jeonghan mused, smirking.

Joshua jerked back immediately. "No."

But there was nowhere to go. The elevator was small, and somehow, they'd ended up standing way too close. Joshua panicked. "Why-why aren't we moving?" he demanded, finally looking away from Jeonghan.

Seungkwan blinked up at him. "Because no one pressed the button."

Joshua's eye twitched. The elevator remained completely still.

A beat of silence.

Then-

"Oh, yuh," Jeonghan said casually. "That would do it."

Joshua turned his glare to Jeonghan, ready to strangle him. "You-you were the last one inside! Why didn't you press it?!"

Jeonghan shrugged. "I don't know, Joshua. Why didn't you?"

Joshua inhaled deeply. "Because I was distracted."

Jeonghan grinned immediately. "By me?"

Joshua nearly hit the emergency button just to escape.

Seungkwan sighed deeply, reaching over, standing on his toes and pressed the ground floor button himself. The elevator finally began to move. Joshua exhaled slowly, trying to regain his composure.

Jeonghan? Jeonghan was just smiling like he won something.

The elevator doors opened again. Joshua barely had half a second of relief before a crowd of people walked in. "Oh, come on," Joshua muttered under his breath. Seungkwan and Vernon stepped back instinctively, but with so many new people squeezing in, there was barely any space.

Joshua had no choice but to step back, too.

Unfortunately-

That meant stepping directly into Jeonghan and Jeonghan, of course, did not move.

Joshua tensed. "You're-too close." Jeonghan, voice far too amused, leaned down slightly."It's almost like... we're in an elevator."

Joshua closed his eyes, inhaled sharply. "Shut up." Seungkwan, who was suddenly being pushed between everyone, huffed loudly. "We're getting crushed."

Immediately, Jeonghan's teasing stopped. In one smooth motion, he shifted his grip on both backpacks and moved-pressing a steady hand against Seungkwan's back, gently guiding him closer to Joshua while shifting slightly to block the crowd. At the same time, he pulled Vernon closer, positioning himself protectively so neither of them got squished.

Joshua noticed.

Joshua felt it.

And, even worse-Joshua felt something else.

Something warm. Something dangerous.

He didn't want to name it.

Didn't want to acknowledge the way his heart had just tripped over itself watching Jeonghan casually shield the kids without a second thought.

But it was too late.

Because Jeonghan, as if sensing Joshua's gaze, turned his head-catching him staring.

And he smirked.

"You checking me out, pretty?"

Joshua choked on air.

Seungkwan groaned. "Hannie, stop flirting with my dad!"

Jeonghan grinned. "I can't help it, Kwannie. He keeps looking at me like that."

Joshua practically slammed his forehead into the elevator wall.

This was the longest ride of his life.

~•~

Joshua had no idea why he was sitting in Jeonghan's annoyingly expensive car. With two kids bickering in the backseat and Jeonghan humming along to the soft melody playing on the radio, the entire situation felt unreal.

But no-this was happening.

He remembers Jeonghan offering him and Seungkwan a ride and him, being the rational person he was, politely declining.

But then-

"Please, Dad, please! We always go with Uncle Cheol, let's go with Hannie today!"

"Shua Uncle, it's faster this way."

And then, of course-

The final, deadly blow. Seungkwan, knowing exactly how to break him, had crossed his arms and hit him with-

"We'd save fuel."

Joshua had caved immediately.

And now?

Now he was staring at the dashboard, questioning every decision that had led to this moment.Because why was he here? Jeonghan could've dropped them off alone. He didn't need to come.

Oh, right-because he didn't trust Jeonghan.

Yup. That was it.

Not because his brain stopped functioning the second Jeonghan showed up. Not because a tiny, minuscule, barely noticeable part of him was curious. Not because he wanted to see what Jeonghan was like outside of hallways and teasing smiles.

Nope. Definitely not.

Joshua shifted in his seat, adjusting the strap of his seatbelt.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Jeonghan glancing at him before turning back to the road.

"Is the seat not to your liking?" Joshua immediately stiffened.The worst part? Jeonghan sounded serious. Like he actually cared about Joshua's comfort. Like he wasn't actively trying to ruin Joshua's day.

Joshua inhaled, forcing his voice to sound neutral. "...It's fine."

Jeonghan hummed. "You look tense."

Joshua's jaw clenched. "I always look like this."

Jeonghan smirked. "I know. It's cute."

Joshua choked so hard that Seungkwan and Vernon stopped arguing mid-sentence.

Seungkwan turned slowly, suspicious.

"...Hannie."

"Yes, Kwannie?"

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes. "Are you flirting with my dad again?"

Jeonghan, completely unapologetic, shrugged. "Just making an observation."

Seungkwan looked at Joshua. Joshua, desperately looking out the window like it could save him, pretended he couldn't hear.

"He does that a lot."

Joshua's head snapped around so fast to the backseat where Vernon had spoken from, it was a miracle he didn't get whiplash.

"He flirts like this with your dad too?!"

Vernon blinked. "My dad?"

Joshua's mouth fell open.

He turned to Jeonghan slowly, like he was looking at an active crime scene. Jeonghan, who was very much enjoying himself, simply raised an eyebrow.

Joshua pointed at him. "You-what-Seungcheol?!"

Seungkwan, horrified, turned to Vernon. "Hannie flirts with Uncle Cheol?"

Vernon, confused by the sudden energy shift, tilted his head.

"No."

Joshua blinked. "But-"

Vernon continued, completely unbothered.

"Hannie flirts with you a lot."

A beat of silence.

Joshua processed.

Seungkwan processed.

Jeonghan grinned.

And then-

Joshua's entire face went red.

Vernon, as if making a casual observation about the weather, added, "Even when you're not there."

Joshua whipped back around to Jeonghan.

"You-" His voice cracked. "You flirt with me when I'm not there?!" Jeonghan shrugged, entirely unfazed. "What can I say? You live rent-free in my head, pretty."

Joshua made an actual distressed noise. Seungkwan, fully scandalized, pointing an accusing finger at Jeonghan, gasped.

"How do you even manage to flirt with my dad without him even being there?!" He narrowed his eyes, voice dropping into something suspiciously serious.

"Are you ob-se-ed?"

Jeonghan chuckled. "That's a strong word, Kwannie."

Vernon nodded. "It's true, though."

Joshua buried his face in his hands.

By some miracle, they made it to the school in one piece. Joshua nearly collapsed from relief as Jeonghan pulled up to the entrance.

"Alright, kiddos," Jeonghan announced, shifting into park. "Time to go learn things and cause minor chaos."

Seungkwan giggled while unbuckling himself. "Minor?"

Jeonghan smirked. "Okay, medium chaos."

Vernon hummed. "Large."

Jeonghan turned in his seat, nodding solemnly. "Mega-chaos."

Seungkwan and Vernon high-fived.

Joshua sighed. "No chaos. Please."

The kids ignored him entirely. As they climbed out, Jeonghan-without even thinking-swung their backpacks onto their shoulders, ruffling their hair in the process.

Seungkwan swatted him away with a pout, but the grin on his face gave him away.

"Bye, Dad!" he chirped, adjusting his backpack. Joshua bent down, pressing a soft kiss to Seungkwan's forehead. "Be good, okay?"

Seungkwan nodded. Then, turning to Jeonghan-

"Bye, Hannie!"

Joshua blinked.

Jeonghan did too-like he hadn't expected that.

For a moment, his eyes softened.

Then, ever the menace, he grinned.

"Bye, Kwannie," he cooed, winking. "Be good, or else I'll tell your dad all the things you say about him."

Seungkwan gasped. "You wouldn't."

Jeonghan smirked. "Try me."

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes. "This isn't over."

Vernon, already walking toward the gates, called out, "Bye, Shua Uncle. Bye, Hannie."

Joshua waved automatically. "Be good and safe!"

The school doors shut behind them. The car suddenly felt a lot quieter.

Joshua blinked.

...Oh.

Oh, no.

His stomach dropped.

Very, very slowly, he turned his head.

Jeonghan was already looking at him.

And grinning.

Joshua swallowed.

He hadn't thought this through.

He had agreed to this car ride with two kids.

Now?

Now it was just him.

And Jeonghan.

Alone.

In a car.

With no escape.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Jeonghan just fixed the gears. Joshua, desperately trying to pretend he wasn't panicking, cleared his throat.

"So... uh. Thanks. For the ride."

Jeonghan hummed, starting the engine. "Anytime."

Joshua nodded stiffly. "Right."

Jeonghan threw him a sideways glance. "You okay there, pretty?"

Joshua's hands tightened on his seatbelt. "Stop calling me that."

Jeonghan chuckled. "I really don't think you want me to."

Joshua opened his mouth to argue-but then stopped. Because Jeonghan's voice wasn't teasing in the way it usually was.

It was softer. Like he was just... saying it.

Joshua looked away, ears warm. They drove in comfortable silence for a while, the radio playing softly in the background.

Joshua, still half-tense from his earlier panic, exhaled slowly. Jeonghan must have noticed, because his voice came out gentler than before.

"You always this tense?"

Joshua glanced at him warily. "Only when you're around."

Jeonghan snorted. "I feel so special."

Joshua rolled his eyes, but it didn't have the usual bite.

The next time Jeonghan spoke, his tone was lighter.

"You know," he said, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel, "I think your kid likes me now."

Joshua snorted. "He tolerates you."

Jeonghan grinned. "That's basically love."

Joshua shook his head, but the corner of his lips twitched. For a moment, it was just... nice.

Soft.

Joshua had been so focused on avoiding Jeonghan that he hadn't really stopped to just be. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing. Jeonghan, ever the menace, let the silence linger before smirking.

"You like me a little too, don't you?"

Joshua immediately tensed again.

Soft moment: ruined.

"Absolutely not," he said way too fast.

Jeonghan grinned. "That was way too fast."

Joshua groaned, dragging a hand down his face. Then-because he was irritated and flustered and needed Jeonghan to suffer too- He turned to Jeonghan and threw the question right back.

"You like me a little too, don't you?"

Jeonghan hummed. Took his time. Didn't panic. Didn't stiffen.

Just tapped his fingers against the wheel, looking like he was actually considering it. Joshua expected a smooth, teasing response.

Instead-

Jeonghan cleared his throat.

Joshua blinked.

Wait.

Was Jeonghan... flustered?

Jeonghan's fingers tightened slightly around the wheel.

His usual smug, relaxed energy? Gone.

For the first time ever, Jeonghan looked-

Unprepared.

Joshua narrowed his eyes. Slowly, he leaned back in his seat. "Oh my god," he said, realization hitting him. "You are panicking."

Jeonghan immediately scoffed. "I am not."

Joshua sat up straighter. "Oh, this is good."

Jeonghan clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "You're imagining things."

Joshua smirked. "Oh, am I?"

Jeonghan kept his eyes firmly on the road. Joshua, feeling a dangerous rush of power for the first time in his life, decided to push.

"Vernon said you flirt with me when I'm not even there which i don't understand how is possible but that's what he said." Jeonghan gripped the wheel tighter.

Joshua grinned.

"He also said you do it a lot."

Jeonghan's jaw clenched. Joshua was on a roll now.

"And then Seungkwan said you might be obsessed with me."

Jeonghan let out a slow exhale through his nose. Joshua, smug, victorious, basking in the rare moment of Jeonghan's suffering, turned to him fully.

"Jeonghan," he said, grinning. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Jeonghan stayed silent for exactly three more seconds.

Then, finally-

"Yuh, I do."

Joshua froze.

Wait.

Wait.

Hold on.

What.

Jeonghan-now visibly pink in the ears-refused to look at him.

Joshua's brain flatlined.

Jeonghan liked him?

Like-actually?

Jeonghan cleared his throat again. "So, uh. Yeah."

Joshua continued staring.

Jeonghan, still not looking at him, sighed. "You can stop looking at me like that now." Joshua immediately turned to face the window, entire face heating up.

For once, they were both suffering.

Joshua continued staring out the window, ears burning. Jeonghan had just said he liked him. Out loud. With words. What the hell was Joshua supposed to do with that information? Joshua took a deep breath. Then, carefully-very carefully-he said:

"Cool. Great. That's-That's nice."

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow.

"...That's nice?"

Joshua nodded aggressively. "Yeah. Nice. Good for you."

Jeonghan's lips twitched.

"Good for me?"

Joshua shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah. Good for you. That's-uh, it's great. Liking people is great."

Jeonghan let that sit for a moment.

Then-because he was Jeonghan-he smirked.

"Are you congratulating me for liking you?"

Joshua immediately regretted everything. His entire soul left his body. "I-No-I just meant-" He inhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You're so annoying."

Jeonghan chuckled, looking way too pleased with himself.

They drove in silence for a while, the soft hum of the radio filling the space between them.

Joshua, still half-tense from his earlier panic, exhaled slowly. Jeonghan must have noticed, because his voice came out gentler than before.

"You're really not gonna say anything?"

Joshua glanced at him warily. "What do you want me to say?"

Jeonghan was quiet for a moment.

Then-

"...I actually don't know."

Joshua blinked.

Jeonghan, still focused on the road, tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. "I don't even know what I feel for you," he admitted, voice softer now. "I don't know what I want with you, either."

Joshua stilled.

"I just know that..." Jeonghan let out a slow breath. "You're really hard to catch. And really pretty." Joshua turned fully toward him now. Jeonghan glanced at him, then back at the road.

"Like, you avoid me so much," he continued, shaking his head. "You pretend you don't see me in the hallways-actually, no, you're so bad at pretending. You just straight-up run in the other direction."

Joshua swallowed.

"At first, I thought it was funny." Jeonghan let out a quiet laugh, but there was something almost bitter underneath it. "Then I realized-it's not that funny. 'Cause, like... you're actually running away from me."

Joshua's fingers tightened slightly around his seatbelt. "I notice, you know," Jeonghan murmured. "I notice you avoiding me." Joshua's breath hitched. For once, he had nothing to say.

"Every time I think I'm figuring something out, you're already gone. And trust me-asking Kwannie about you? Not fun." Jeonghan shook his head.

"And I get it, I do. We don't even know each other. But maybe if you actually let me-" His voice dipped lower. "I'd be able to figure it out, too. Or... just maybe get to know you."

And then-just when Joshua thought the moment couldn't get any heavier- Jeonghan turned to him and said,

"Joshua." Not "Pretty." Just Joshua.

Joshua swallowed.

He didn't know why hearing his name like that made his chest tighten. But it did. And he had no idea what to do with it.

So, naturally-

He panicked.

Joshua groaned loudly and threw his head back against the seat.

Jeonghan blinked. "Uh-"

Joshua waved a dramatic hand in the air. "Okay, enough. This is too serious. I need to leave."

Jeonghan snorted. "You're in a moving car."

Joshua huffed. "Then drive faster."

Jeonghan laughed now, the tension breaking just a little. "So dramatic. Seungkwan was right."

Joshua, still flustered, immediately squinted at him. "Do you shit-talk me to my own son?"

Because what does he mean Seungkwan was right? Was Seungkwan going around calling him dramatic? I mean, yes, fine-he has a tendency to overreact-but it's valid. And Seungkwan is the exact same way.

Jeonghan chuckled. "More like he rants about you. A lot."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. "Rants?"

Jeonghan shrugged. "I think he finds it endearing. Without even realizing that he finds it endearing. Doubt he even knows what endearing means."

Joshua opened his mouth. Closed it.

Before he could respond, Jeonghan added-a little quieter, a little softer-

"And I find it endearing that everything he rants about you... he also does it." Joshua stopped breathing for a second. He didn't know why that made something warm settle in his chest. But it did.

Also he really, really needs Jeonghan to drive faster.

Joshua had never been more grateful upon seeing his building in view.

The second Jeonghan pulled into the parking lot and put the car in park, Joshua was unbuckled and ready to go. Jeonghan hadn't even turned off the engine before Joshua practically threw the door open.

"Thanks for the ride-bye!"

Jeonghan laughed. "You're running again."

"I am not running," Joshua said, speed-walking toward the building. Jeonghan didn't chase him. Didn't rush.

Instead-

Joshua heard a flick.

He turned just in time to see Jeonghan lighting a cigarette, exhaling smoke into the cold air. Joshua stopped mid-step, Jeonghan caught the way Joshua's eyes lingered on the cigarette before he quickly looked away, shoulders stiff.

"Something wrong?" Jeonghan asked, lips curling around the filter.

Joshua gritted his teeth. "No."

Jeonghan hummed, exhaling another slow stream of smoke, watching the way Joshua kept glancing at him but refusing to say anything.

"Do you not like the smell?" Jeonghan asked.

Joshua huffed. "Nobody likes the smell of smoke except maybe your weird ass."

Jeonghan grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Joshua turned away again, walking towards his building entrance. Jeonghan, leisurely taking another drag, trailed after him.

"You know," Jeonghan started, voice softer this time, "I was thinking about quitting."

Joshua paused, caught off guard. Jeonghan shrugged, tapping ash onto the pavement. "Haven't really decided yet."

Joshua stared at him for a second, letting Jeonghan catch up before opening the door to the building. But before stepping inside, he muttered-

"Do whatever you want." A beat. Then, quieter-"But if you do, I guess that's... good." Jeonghan tilted his head, watching him closely. "It's like you want me to stop," he teased.

Joshua glared at him. "I don't know! And it's not like you're asking, and it's not my business, also."

Jeonghan smirked. "If I were asking, you'd be saying yes."

Joshua made a loud, frustrated noise-startling a passing neighbor who had just stepped out of the building.

Joshua, embarrassed, immediately bowed in apology and stepped aside to let them pass-

Only to move directly into Jeonghan's space.

Joshua froze. So did Jeonghan-but only for a second. Before Joshua could stumble back, Jeonghan's hand slid to his waist, fingers curling just slightly into the fabric of his coat. Joshua's breath caught.

The touch wasn't too firm. Not too loose, either. Just steady.

Joshua looked up-too close. Jeonghan was watching him now, cigarette between his lips, gaze unreadable. Joshua couldn't move. He felt the warmth of Jeonghan's hand through the layers of his coat, the casual way he held him there, like it was effortless.

A slow inhale.

Jeonghan lifted his cigarette, taking a drag-but instead of exhaling immediately, he hesitated.

Then, in a single, deliberate movement, he turned his head slightly-and blew the smoke away from Joshua. Joshua's stomach twisted. He didn't know why that small movement-barely even noticeable-made something tight coil in his chest.

But it did. And Jeonghan? His grip on Joshua's waist tightened slightly. Joshua's heartbeat pounded. He needed to move. Say something.

But Jeonghan's thumb had barely shifted-just a small press against the fabric of his coat-

And suddenly, Joshua couldn't remember how to function.

Jeonghan's voice, low and easy, broke through the silence. "You always react this much when someone touches you?"

Joshua's brain short-circuited. His entire body locked up.

Jeonghan was too calm. Too composed.

Meanwhile, Joshua was actively about to lose his mind.

His breath hitched, and-finally-his body reacted before his brain could catch up.

He pulled back.

Fast. Too fast.

Jeonghan let go immediately, hands slipping away like he had never touched him at all but it had happened and Joshua had felt it. For a moment, neither of them moved, Joshua's breathing was uneven, heart still hammering in his chest then-in a swift motion-he turned, yanked the door open, ready to escape.

But-just before Joshua could make his grand escape, Jeonghan shifted, leaning against the doorframe-blocking him.

Joshua froze. Jeonghan tilted his head, cigarette hanging loosely between his fingers. His gaze was steady now, unreadable. "Are you gonna keep avoiding me after this, or are we past that?" Jeonghan's voice wasn't teasing this time.

Joshua, desperate to ignore the way his heart just did something weird, muttered something incomprehensible, shoved past Jeonghan, and rushed inside.

His hands trembled slightly as he pressed the elevator button. As he waited, he could still feel the weight of Jeonghan's touch on his waist. The memory of that fleeting, impossible warmth. Joshua clenched his fists.

The elevator dinged open. He stepped inside. And then-right before the doors closed, he turned back. Through the glass entrance, Jeonghan was still standing there, watching him.

Joshua, without even thinking, lifted a small, hesitant wave. Jeonghan's lips quirked up. He lifted a hand, waving back, slower, softer.

Joshua sighed as the elevator doors finally slid shut.

Outside, Jeonghan exhaled one last breath of smoke, watching it curl in the cold air before snuffing out the cigarette completely.

"I'll take that as progress," he muttered to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.

~•~

Joshua didn't know when exactly it happened. It wasn't one big moment. It was a collection of small ones.

Like the first time Joshua didn't immediately bolt the second he saw Jeonghan in the hallway.

Instead of a panicked retreat, he paused.

Just for a second.

And Jeonghan, instead of making a scene, just smirked and nodded like it was normal.

"Morning, pretty."

And Joshua, instead of short-circuiting, just muttered, "Shut up."

Jeonghan laughed. But he didn't push it.

And that? That was worse. Because now, Joshua was hyper-aware of him.

Of how Jeonghan always leaned just a little too close when they talked. Of how he never seemed to be in a rush to leave. Of how-somehow, some way-Seungkwan was starting to warm up to him. (Or, at the very least, Seungkwan had stopped threatening his life every five seconds.)

It had been a few days after their last encounter.

Joshua had been coming home from grocery shopping, balancing bags in both hands when the elevator doors opened-

And Jeonghan was inside. For a second, they just stared at each other, Joshua considered taking the stairs, Jeonghan, as if reading his mind, smirked. "You could run, but you'd drop your eggs."

Joshua hated him.

He stepped inside.

Silence.

Then-halfway up-Jeonghan casually reached over and took one of the heavier bags out of Joshua's hand.

Joshua blinked.

Jeonghan just looked at the bag, not even at him. "What, you want me to watch you struggle?"

Joshua did not know how to react to that. He muttered something about Jeonghan being unnecessary, but Jeonghan just rolled his eyes and carried the bag anyway.

When the doors opened, Jeonghan handed it back, but his fingers brushed against Joshua's-long enough to be felt.

Joshua pretended he didn't notice.

Jeonghan pretended he didn't either.

A week later, Jihoon-always blunt, always done with everyone's nonsense-offhandedly mentioned something while scrolling on his phone when they both had gone outside for some coffee.

"Jeonghan's been volunteering to drop Vernon off at school a lot lately."

Joshua, who had been stirring his coffee, froze.

Jihoon didn't look up. "I'm guessing it's just to see you."

Joshua choked.

Jihoon glanced up briefly, unimpressed. "Wow. Dramatic."

Joshua, face burning, immediately denied it. "That doesn't mean anything."

Jihoon snorted. "Yeah. Sure."

One chilly morning, Joshua had been dropping Seungkwan off at school. Seungkwan and Vernon had run ahead, already excited about whatever chaos they had planned for the day.

Jeonghan had been leaning against his car, waiting for Vernon to go inside. Joshua had been shivering-because of course, in his rush, he had forgotten his jacket.

Jeonghan had noticed immediately. Without a word, he slipped off his own jacket and draped it over Joshua's shoulders.

Joshua froze.

Jeonghan had just adjusted it casually, like it was nothing, fingers brushing against the back of Joshua's neck. "Try not to freeze, pretty."

And then, before Joshua could even process what had just happened-Jeonghan was already walking away.

Joshua had kept the jacket on the whole way home and definitely did not think about it later.

One evening, Joshua was working on his laptop in the living room, half-listening to Seungkwan play with his toys.

It was background noise-soft mumbling, the occasional crash of action figures dramatically falling over, a whispered monologue about superheroes and villains.

Until-

"Hannie is kinda fun, I guess."

Joshua's fingers froze over the keyboard.

He looked up immediately. Seungkwan was sitting cross-legged on the floor, arranging his toys into a scene, speaking like he was letting his army of stuffed animals in on a secret.

Joshua's eyes narrowed.

Seungkwan, completely unaware of the tension in the room, kept going.

"He lets me climb him like a tree," Seungkwan mused, adjusting a tiny dinosaur. "And he always carries my bag, even when I don't ask. He also never lets me feel left out or something."

Joshua's heart did something weird.

...What.

Seungkwan tilted his head, as if considering something.

"Oh! And he buys me those extra sugary milkshakes and ice cream I like sometimes," he added casually. "And doesn't even tell Dada about it."

Silence.

Joshua's eyes twitched.

"Excuse me?!"

Seungkwan froze mid-action, suddenly remembering that Joshua was, in fact, still in the room. Very, very slowly, he turned to look at his father. Joshua, staring at him like he had just committed high treason, folded his arms.

Seungkwan blinked. Then-a quiet, guilty mumble-

"Oops."

One night, Joshua sat on a bench in the garden, watching Seungkwan and Vernon play from a distance.

It was quiet.

A rare, peaceful moment-just the rustling of leaves, the occasional laughter of the kids, the distant hum of the city.

Then-

Footsteps.

Joshua knew who it was before he even looked.

Jeonghan. Hands in his pockets. A cigarette between his fingers.

Joshua didn't say anything.

But when Jeonghan noticed him looking, he flicked the cigarette away, exhaling one last curl of smoke before stepping closer.

Joshua pretended that didn't do something weird to his stomach. Neither of them spoke at first. The night air was cool, settling between them.

Jeonghan's hand moved, a simple thing-plucking a loose thread from Joshua's sleeve but Joshua stilled because Jeonghan didn't let go immediately, his fingers, instead of retreating, barely brushed over Joshua's wrist-

Warm.

Light.

Lingering.

Joshua's breath caught.

His brain screamed at him to move. To pull away.

But-he didn't.

He just sat there, pulse thrumming beneath Jeonghan's fingertips.

And then, finally-too slowly-Jeonghan pulled back.

His voice was quiet, almost thoughtful.

"You really don't run from me anymore."

Joshua swallowed.

The weight of Jeonghan's gaze felt too heavy, too steady.

He turned away, staring straight ahead.

And then, weakly, muttered-

"...Shut up."

Jeonghan just smiled.

And Joshua?

Joshua felt like he'd lost something without even knowing what game they were playing.

So yeah.

Joshua didn't know when exactly it happened but Jeonghan was in his life now.

Casually. Effortlessly. Everywhere.

Joshua didn't run anymore.

But that didn't mean he knew what to do with this. With the way his stomach did weird things whenever Jeonghan got too close. With the way Seungkwan had stopped complaining about him. With the way he still has Jeonghan's jacket that still smells faintly like Jeonghan.

Joshua pressed a hand against his chest, frowning.

This was a problem.

A very, very big problem.

And the worst part?

Jeonghan definitely knew it too.

~•~

Joshua had been having a peaceful morning.

Or at least, as peaceful as a morning could get when Seungkwan was demanding pancakes at an unreasonable volume.

He had just sat down with his coffee when-

A knock.

Joshua sighed, getting up.

He opened the door-and there stood Vernon.

Joshua blinked. "Nonnie?"

Vernon nodded politely. "Good morning, Shua Uncle. Can Kwannie come with me?" Joshua glanced behind him, where Seungkwan was currently inhaling pancakes.

"Come with you where?"

Vernon, as calm as always, said-

"To Hannie's house."

Joshua froze.

His brain buffered.

He crouched down, hands on his knees.

"Vernon. Sweetheart. Where... exactly... is Hannie's house?"

Vernon blinked. "Six floors above us."

Joshua's entire soul left his body.

"Six floors above-" He stopped. His brain did the math.

Joshua grabbed Vernon's shoulders, eyes wide.

"Vernon. Six floors above us."

Vernon nodded.

Joshua's voice cracked. "That's the penthouse."

Vernon nodded again. "Yeah, I guess."

Joshua stared. Then, louder-

"THE PENTHOUSE?! IN OUR BUILDING??!"

From the kitchen, Seungkwan-mouth full of pancake-muttered,

"I thought you knew."

Joshua turned around so fast he nearly threw his back out.

"YOU THOUGHT I KNEW?! YOU KNEW???"

Seungkwan casually took another bite of pancake. "You never asked."

Joshua turned back to Vernon. "And why, exactly, are you going to Hannie's house?"

Vernon tilted his head slightly, as if Joshua was asking something very obvious. "For the swords."

Joshua blinked. "...Swords?"

Vernon nodded. "Hannie said he has real swords. He said he'd show us today."

Joshua pressed a hand over his chest, willing his heart to slow down.

Jeonghan had real swords. Jeonghan lived in the penthouse. Jeonghan was bloody rich.

And Joshua had been struggling for weeks, avoiding him like an idiot, while the man literally lived above him.

Joshua, still in shock, let out a strangled noise.

Vernon blinked. "So can we go?"

Joshua rubbed his temples.

"I'm taking you myself."

The elevator ride to the penthouse was far too long. Joshua, still reeling, watched the numbers climb, mind racing.

Jeonghan had a penthouse. Jeonghan had swords. Jeonghan was stupidly rich.

And yet-he still showed up in their hallway looking like he'd just woken up, still bought Seungkwan ice cream in secret, still volunteered to drop Vernon off at school just to bother Joshua.

Joshua was losing his mind. The elevator dinged. Seungkwan and Vernon rushed out first, practically vibrating with excitement, knocking obnoxiously loud at the door.

The door to the penthouse swung open.

And Jeonghan-in sweatpants and a loose hoodie, barefoot, hair slightly messy-looked down at them, raising an unimpressed eyebrow. "You rascals are here for the swords, aren't you?"

Vernon nodded immediately. "Yes."

Seungkwan beamed. "You promised!"

Jeonghan sighed dramatically, leaning against the doorway. "I told you to wait until after lunch."

Vernon, as factual as ever, said, "You weren't going to be home after lunch. Dad told me."

Jeonghan cursed Seungcheol under his breath. Joshua, still standing awkwardly, finally found his voice.

"You have swords?"

Jeonghan turned to him, finally noticing him, face breaking out into a smirk. "Nice to see you too, pretty."

Joshua's eye twitched.

"Jeonghan. Swords?"

Jeonghan shrugged. "They're decorative."

Joshua did not find that comforting.

Jeonghan, grinning now, stepped aside.

"Come in, then." The kids rushed inside, and Joshua just yelled after them- "Be careful!"

Jeonghan leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "I meant that for you too. You are most welcome, actually."

Joshua knew stepping inside was a mistake.

He did it anyway.

Somehow, Joshua ended up alone in Jeonghan's kitchen. The kids had run off to look at the swords, leaving him standing by the counter. Jeonghan leaned against the counter beside him, arms crossed, watching him with that same infuriating smirk.

"So?" Jeonghan mused. "Did you have a nice realization today?"

Joshua sighed. "You're rich."

Jeonghan laughed. "Oh? And here I thought you liked me for my personality."

Joshua let out a slow breath. "That's assuming I like you at all."

Jeonghan hummed, leaning in just slightly. "And you don't?"

Joshua rolled his eyes. "Also, why didn't you mention you live above me?"

Jeonghan grinned. "You never asked."

And then-without warning-Jeonghan reached past him, grabbing something from the counter.

For just a second-their bodies brushed. Joshua could feel Jeonghan's breath-warm, close-against his cheek. His fingers twitched against the counter.

Jeonghan didn't move away immediately.
Instead, he lingered. His hand brushed against Joshua's.

Warm. Solid. Too much.

Joshua's heartbeat was in his throat.

And then-finally-Jeonghan pulled back.

Holding a coffee mug like nothing had happened.

Except-something had because Joshua was still frozen in place and Jeonghan was watching him.

Waiting.

Then, in a low, amused murmur-

"You looked like you wanted something, pretty."

Joshua's stomach flipped.

His breath hitched.

His brain screamed at him to move. To say something. To do something. And just when Jeonghan leaned in-just slightly-

"Dad!"

Seungkwan's excited voice shattered the moment. Joshua jerked back so fast he nearly hit the counter. Jeonghan just chuckled. Joshua, face burning, muttered, "Coming."

Jeonghan smirked. "You should see what your son wants, neighbor."

Joshua hated him.

Joshua hated himself more.

Because he knew, deep down-

He'd be thinking about this for days.

~•~

Joshua was one second away from a full meltdown.

His heart was pounding. His hands were shaking. He was moving as fast as he could without running, but it still wasn't fast enough.

Seungkwan was sick.

Burning up with fever, shivering even under the blankets, his little hands gripping Joshua's shirt weakly before slipping back into fevered sleep.

Joshua had never been this scared.

He had no choice-he had to go out and get medicine.

He had triple-checked the locks, made sure the windows were secure, left his phone right beside Seungkwan in case he woke up, and then-he ran. Now he was speed-walking toward the pharmacy, nearly dropping his wallet as he dug for cash, running through every worst-case scenario in his head.

What if Seungkwan woke up and needed him? What if he got worse while Joshua wasn't there? What if-

Joshua turned the corner-

And nearly crashed into Jeonghan.

Jeonghan was standing outside a convenience store, cigarette between his fingers, lazily chatting with Seungcheol. Vernon sat on one of those old coin-operated kiddie rides, calmly watching the world go by.

Joshua had no time for this. But Jeonghan-of course-immediately noticed him.

"Pretty-"

"Not now, Jeonghan," Joshua cut in, voice tight, eyes frantic.

Jeonghan's brows furrowed. His cigarette was forgotten, abandoned. Something was wrong. Joshua was never like this.

He looked-frantic. Pale. Desperate.

Seungcheol noticed too, stepping forward. "Shua? What's going on-"

Joshua, still trying to catch his breath, waved him off.

"Seungkwan's sick. High fever. I- I need to get him medicine. I left him alone so I-"

His voice broke.

Jeonghan immediately stubbed out his cigarette. "You left him alone?" he asked, voice sharper than usual.

Joshua flinched.

"I had no choice," he snapped, voice high and strained. "He's safe- I locked everything, he's sleeping, I just- I'm trying to be quick, I-"

He squeezed his eyes shut, taking a shuddering breath.

Jeonghan's expression shifted.

Gone was the teasing, the amusement.

For the first time-there was real concern.

Soft, but firm, he asked, "What about the mother?"

Joshua barely registered the question.

Still panicking, still thinking too fast, he blurted out-

"My mom's in America."

Jeonghan blinked.

Joshua kept going, words rushed. "I called her, but she- I mean, she wasn't picking up-"

Jeonghan's eyes widened slightly. "Wait-" he cut in. "No, I meant-Seungkwan's mother."

Silence. Joshua froze so did Seungcheol, Jeonghan, confused, looked between them then-Seungcheol smacked him upside the head. Joshua, breathing still uneven, muttered, "I thought you knew."

Jeonghan, rubbing his head, blinked. "Knew what?"Joshua let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head.

"That I'm a single parent."

Jeonghan stared.

So it's true. He actually is a single parent. Everything clicked.

The way Joshua never mentioned anyone else. The way he was always the one picking up and dropping off. The way he never once referred to a partner. The way he had panicked just now, because he had no one else to rely on.

Jeonghan felt something tighten in his chest before he could even process it, a small voice spoke up-

"Is Kwannie okay?"

Vernon had hopped off the ride, eyes wide with quiet concern. Joshua's expression softened just slightly. "He's resting, Nonnie," he said, voice gentler now. "I just need to get him medicine."

Vernon nodded slowly. "Tell him I said to get better soon. I'll bring my toys when I visit."

Joshua managed a small smile.

Jeonghan-still reeling-watched the entire exchange.

And then, before he could stop himself- "I'll get the medicine. You go back to Seungkwan."

Joshua snapped his head up. "What?"

Jeonghan was already turning toward the store. "You heard me. Go home. I'll bring it to you."

Joshua opened his mouth to argue. But Jeonghan glanced at him then-really looked at him-and his voice softened.

"Just go to kwannie, Joshua."

Joshua froze. The way Jeonghan had said his name-not pretty, not teasing, just Joshua like he meant it. Like he wanted Joshua to let him help.

Joshua's throat tightened and before he could stop himself-before he could even think-

He nodded. Just once.

Jeonghan gave a small nod back, then disappeared into the store.

Joshua barely even noticed Seungcheol's hand on his back, guiding him toward home.Seungcheol, voice calm but firm, said, "Come on. Let's hurry back. He'll bring the medicine."

And for the first time that night-Joshua let someone else handle it.

Joshua barely registered the walk back home. Seungcheol had kept a steady hand on his back the entire way, grounding him, keeping him moving when his thoughts were still racing. Vernon, small and watchful, clung to his father's hand, glancing up at Joshua every few steps.

By the time they reached his apartment, Joshua's hands trembled slightly as he fumbled with the lock. The second the door opened, he headed straight for Seungkwan's room.

His little boy lay still-cheeks flushed, his tiny body curled under the blankets. His breathing was uneven, but not worse. Joshua knelt beside him, brushing Seungkwan's damp hair back, pressing a hand gently to his forehead.

Still warm. But not worse.

Joshua exhaled shakily, his body sagging with relief.

From the doorway, Seungcheol's voice was quiet. "Shua, we're heading back. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

Joshua turned, offering a small, tired nod. "Thanks, Cheol. And Nonnie-"

Vernon perked up.

"Kwannie's gonna be really happy you wanted to visit. He'll love that. Come by when he's feeling better, okay?"

Vernon smiled, small and sweet. "Okay."

Seungcheol ruffled his hair. "Come on, let's let them rest."

And then, they were gone.

Joshua pressed his forehead against Seungkwan's tiny hand, breathing deeply. He just needed to keep it together. Just a little longer.

A knock.

Joshua barely lifted his head.

Another knock-quicker, more impatient.

Joshua sighed, dragging himself to his feet. He didn't want to leave Seungkwan's side for even a second, but he knew he had to open the door.

The moment he did-Jeonghan was standing there.

One hand held a plastic bag, the other, a bottled drink. His fist was still mid-air, like he had been about to knock again. He looked... unbothered. Casual like he belonged there. Joshua just blinked at him, too exhausted to react properly.

Without a word, he took the bag from Jeonghan's hand, muttering a soft, "Thanks." Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked back to Seungkwan's room.

Jeonghan followed.

No teasing, no smug comments. Just quiet footsteps and the soft click of the door shutting behind him. Joshua placed the bag carefully on the bedside table and crouched down beside the bed once more.

Jeonghan mirrored him, crouching next to him, close enough that their arms almost touched. Joshua stared at him.

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly. "Sponge bath?"

Joshua nodded. "Earlier. Helped a little."

Jeonghan hummed. "Good. He's sleeping okay?"

Joshua swallowed. "For now."

A beat of silence then-before Joshua could react-Jeonghan placed a hand on his back.

Warm. Solid. Steady.

His fingers rubbed gentle, reassuring circles, grounding him in a way Joshua didn't know he needed. Joshua tensed, just for a moment-then, just as suddenly, exhaled the tension in his body melted away.

"You did good," Jeonghan murmured.

Joshua let out a weak, breathless laugh. "Did I?"

Jeonghan's fingers pressed just a little firmer.

"Yeah."

Joshua swallowed hard. His eyes burned.

He wasn't going to cry.

He wasn't.

He just-

He just leaned in.

Not much. Just enough for his forehead to rest lightly against Jeonghan's shoulder.

Jeonghan stiffened slightly. Joshua realized what he'd done and froze but Jeonghan-slowly, cautiously-moved, his hand shifted from Joshua's back to his shoulder.

And then-he pulled him in.

Joshua's breath hitched.

Jeonghan's arms were loose but steady, wrapping around him without hesitation.

"...It's okay," Jeonghan murmured, voice warm, quiet. "You're allowed to take a second."

Joshua's throat closed up.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

Just for a second.

Just to breathe.

And Jeonghan let him.

No teasing. No jokes. Just warmth.

When Joshua finally lifted his head, Jeonghan was watching him carefully. Joshua swallowed, looking away. Jeonghan, voice quiet, asked, "You do everything yourself, huh?"

Joshua let out a weak laugh. "That's how it's always been."

Jeonghan didn't laugh. Instead, he shifted slightly, glancing at Seungkwan before looking back at Joshua. "I assumed," he admitted.

Joshua tilted his head. "What?"

Jeonghan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I assumed you weren't alone."

Joshua's throat tightened.

"I assumed someone was helping you."

Joshua let out a slow breath. "It's just me," he admitted.

Jeonghan nodded slowly. His hand was still resting lightly on Joshua's shoulder.

Then-softly- "I didn't know. I mean, I guessed, but I wasn't sure."

Joshua glanced at him. "I thought you knew."

Jeonghan gave a small, self-deprecating laugh. "I thought I did too."

Joshua studied him for a moment. Then-hesitantly-he asked, "Would it have changed anything?"

Jeonghan paused. Then-without hesitation-he shook his head, voice steady. "No."

Joshua's breath hitched, Jeonghan held his gaze, unwavering. "But I would've understood sooner." Joshua's stomach flipped there was no teasing in Jeonghan's voice. No playful smirk. No smug remarks.

Just honesty.

And before Joshua could stop himself-before he could even think-

He believed him.

Joshua had been so exhausted, so caught up in watching Seungkwan sleep, that he hadn't even noticed Jeonghan had gotten up and started moving around his kitchen.

By the time he realized, Jeonghan was already walking back toward him, holding a warm cup in one hand.

Joshua blinked, dazed. "You-"

"Drink," Jeonghan said simply, setting the cup in front of him. "You've been up all night, haven't you?"

Joshua didn't deny it. Instead, he wrapped his hands around the cup, letting the warmth seep in. Jeonghan sat down beside him, his own cup in hand.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The apartment was quiet-only the soft sound of Seungkwan's breathing, the occasional rustle of blankets.

Then-softly, almost casually-Jeonghan murmured,

"You know... you're allowed to ask for help, right?"

Joshua stilled, he didn't answer, Jeonghan didn't push. He just took a slow sip of his tea, eyes flickering toward Seungkwan then-almost as an afterthought-he added,

"I wouldn't mind."

Joshua's chest tightened.

He stared at Jeonghan-this ridiculous, annoying, effortlessly charming man who had somehow, against all odds, found a way into his life.

And suddenly, Joshua knew.

He knew exactly what he felt for Jeonghan.

And it terrified him.

But for now-

He just held his tea a little tighter.

And for the first time in a long time-

He didn't feel alone.

Not when Jeonghan looked not just at him, but at Seungkwan-so softly, so tenderly, like they both mattered.

And maybe-just maybe-Joshua could let himself believe that, too.

~•~

By the next morning, Seungkwan's fever had finally broken.

Joshua had woken up feeling like a truck had run him over, reversed, and run him over again for good measure. His body was aching. His brain was fried. And-somehow-the entire apartment still smelled faintly like Jeonghan's cologne.

At some point in the early morning, Jeonghan had left. Quietly, without waking either of them. Joshua had been too exhausted to react then.

Now? Now he was definitely thinking too much about it. A knock on the door saved him from spiraling further.

Joshua dragged himself over, cracking it open to see Jihoon standing there, holding a bag of food. Behind him, Vernon peeked up, blinking at Joshua.

Joshua blinked back. "Jihoon?"

Jihoon sighed, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "You look like shit."

"Thanks," Joshua muttered.

Vernon trailed after him, already making his way toward Seungkwan's room.

"Brought food," Jihoon added, setting the bag down. "You don't eat properly when you're stressed. Figured you'd need it."

Joshua, too tired to argue, just mumbled a thank you before pouring himself some water. Jihoon, watching him, leaned against the counter.

"So," he said casually, "heard Jeonghan was here all night."

Joshua choked on his water.

Jihoon smirked. "Yeah. Thought so."

Joshua gasped, glaring. "Who told you?!"

Jihoon shrugged. "My spies."

Joshua turned toward the living room-only to see Vernon, sitting innocently on the floor, playing with one of Seungkwan's toys.

Joshua groaned.

Seungkwan had finally woken up, looking much better.

His color had returned, his fever had gone down, and-most importantly-he was eating properly again.

Vernon had been sitting beside him, watching him eat carefully. At one point, he'd even asked if he could feed Seungkwan.

Joshua's heart melted at the sight.

Seungkwan, however, waved him off. "No, Nonnie. What if you catch my fever?"

Joshua wanted to squish them both.

After dropping Vernon off at the door (who only left after being promised he could come back later), Joshua returned to find Seungkwan watching him.

"Dad?"

Joshua blinked. "Yeah, baby?"

Seungkwan tilted his head. "Hannie helped you?"

Joshua froze.

"Huh?"

Seungkwan nodded. "Nonnie said Hannie bought my medicine."

Joshua's eye twitched. Oh. Right. Spy Number Two had been feeding information to his son. Seungkwan looked up at him, expectantly.

Joshua cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah. He helped."

Seungkwan beamed. "I like him."

Joshua inhaled sharply. Seungkwan, completely unaware of what he was doing to his father, continued.

"He's funny. And nice. And he always carries my bag. And-" Seungkwan's voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper. "He likes you too. He almost bought you flowers once but got them for me instead."

Joshua froze.

"He what?!"

Seungkwan ignored him.

Then-just as Joshua was trying to process this new information-

Seungkwan dropped The Bomb.

"Dad, do you like Hannie?"

Joshua's entire soul left his body. His brain short-circuited. His hands froze mid-air. He forgot how to breathe.

"I-what-why-"

Seungkwan, completely unbothered, continued.

"I like him. I want him to be my daddy too."

Joshua died.

Brain: erased.
Heart: shattered into a million pieces.
Face: red as hell.

Meanwhile, Seungkwan-the tiny devil responsible for Joshua's destruction- yawned, curled up in his blanket, and promptly fell asleep.

Joshua just stared for a full minute, then very, very weakly, he whispered-

"What the fuck."

Joshua was still in a daze. His brain refused to function. His son had just-casually-dropped a life-changing bomb on him, then had the audacity to fall asleep immediately after.

Joshua sat frozen, staring at Seungkwan like he had just spoken ancient prophecy.

His words echoed in Joshua's head, over and over, taunting him-

"Dad, do you like Hannie?"

"I like him."

"I want him to be my daddy too."

Joshua short-circuited. He needed help.

No-he needed therapy but therapy was expensive, and Jihoon was free. So, without thinking, Joshua grabbed his phone, intending to text Jihoon a distress signal.

Except-

Instead of texting Jihoon, he accidentally called Jeonghan.

The phone rang.

Joshua froze.

Oh no.

No, no, no.

He panicked, staring at the screen in horror.

He needed to hang up. Right now. Immediately.

He fumbled, trying to press the end call button.

Too late.

The call connected.

And then-

"Pretty?"

Joshua wanted to die.

Jeonghan's voice was smooth, deep, amused.

Like he already knew Joshua had messed up.

Joshua immediately went into damage control.

"I DIDN'T MEAN TO CALL YOU."

Silence.

Then-a quiet chuckle.

"Dang, and here I thought you missed me."

Joshua whimpered.

"No-what-I-"

Jeonghan laughed. Soft. Lazy. Dangerous.

"Relax, pretty," he teased. "Did you just call to hear my voice?"

Joshua choked.

"NO-"

"Mm," Jeonghan hummed, sounding entirely too entertained. "Then what's up?"

Joshua tried to remember why he even had his phone out in the first place.

Then-

Seungkwan's words rushed back into his head like a nightmare.

His face burned.

His mouth moved before his brain could stop it.

"He mentioned you."

Jeonghan paused.

"Who? Seungkwan?"

"Yeah," Joshua muttered.

A shuffle on the other end of the line. Joshua could hear faint voices-like Jeonghan was somewhere public.

"He's feeling better?" Jeonghan asked.

"Yeah," Joshua said, trying to keep his voice neutral. "He's been talking about you. A lot."

Jeonghan's grin was practically audible. "Of course he has. I'm his favorite."

Joshua rolled his eyes. "That's not what-"

Jeonghan cut him off. "I'll be there soon."

Joshua blinked. "Wait-what?"

"Give me thirty minutes," Jeonghan said casually. "I'll come see him."

Before Joshua could even process that, he heard another voice in the background. Something like, "Hyung, we need you for the meeting-"

Joshua's stomach dropped.

"Are you-are you at work?"

A beat of silence.

Then Jeonghan, far too relaxed for someone who was clearly supposed to be in a meeting, simply said-

"Not anymore."

And hung up.

Joshua stared at his phone. Completely, utterly frozen. The call wasn't even a minute long and yet-his entire world was collapsing.

He pressed his hands to his face.

"...What the fuck just happened."

Joshua spent the next thirty minutes pacing.

Seungkwan was still napping peacefully, blissfully unaware that his father was in the middle of a full-blown crisis.

Because Jeonghan was coming.

Coming here.

To his apartment.

After leaving a meeting.

For them.

For Seungkwan.

For Joshua.

Joshua didn't know how to feel about that.

His brain screamed, "PANIC!"

His heart, however, whispered, "You know why." Joshua did not want to unpack that right now and just when he was about to drown in his own thoughts-

A knock at the door.

He stared at the door like it had personally wronged him. Another knock a little firmer this time.

Joshua inhaled sharply, gripping the doorknob, and-paused before his brain could spiral any further, the knock came again, impatient this time. Joshua snapped out of it and yanked the door open-

And immediately forgot how to function.

Because there, standing in his doorway, was Jeonghan.

In a suit.

A perfectly tailored, sleek, expensive suit.

The kind that made his legs look longer, his waist look sharper, his whole presence feel entirely too powerful.

The kind that made Joshua's brain short-circuit.

Oh, no.

Oh, no.

Jeonghan was a menace in sweatpants. But in this? This was a crime.

Joshua felt his face heat up before he could even stop it and Jeonghan, of course, immediately noticed and smirked. "You're not gonna make me stand out here, are you?"

Joshua's brain was still buffering.

He should say something. Anything.

Instead, his mouth went-"You-why do you look like that?"

Jeonghan's amusement grew along with some confusion. "Like what?"

Joshua snapped out of it.

"I-uh-no, come in," he stammered, stepping aside, pretending he didn't just make a complete fool of himself. Jeonghan stepped inside like he owned the place, the scent of his cologne immediately filling the space.

Joshua swallowed. Dangerous. This is dangerous.

"How's my favorite cutie?" Jeonghan asked, casually removing his coat.

Joshua, still recovering from the suit, automatically responded, "I told you Seungkwan's better."

Jeonghan tilted his head. "I was talking about you."

Joshua choked on air. He whipped around so fast he nearly tripped, muttering something about checking the stove as he fled to the kitchen.

Joshua needed a distraction which was how he ended up chopping tofu.

Badly.

Jeonghan leaned against the counter, watching him. Not helping. Just watching. Joshua could feel his gaze, could sense his amusement.

And then-he slipped.

Just a tiny slip of the knife. Enough to make him hiss softly as the blade grazed his finger, before he could even react-

Jeonghan was there.

Fast. Smooth. Like he had been waiting.

Joshua barely registered the warmth of his hand before Jeonghan was holding his wrist, turning it over, inspecting the tiny cut.

Joshua froze.

"It's nothing," he muttered, but his voice was weaker than he'd like.

Jeonghan ignored him, his fingers brushed against Joshua's palm, slow, careful.

Joshua felt everything. The heat of Jeonghan's skin. The way his thumb grazed over his knuckles. The way the air shifted.

Too close. Too much.

Jeonghan's gaze moved-from his hand to his lips.

Joshua's stomach flipped. His breath hitched.

Jeonghan's thumb traced over his palm.

Slow.

Soft.

Joshua felt lightheaded.

"You're bad with knives," Jeonghan murmured, voice lower than before.

Joshua swallowed hard.

"Shut up."

Jeonghan leaned then. Slowly. Like he was giving Joshua a chance to pull away.

Joshua didn't.

Didn't breathe. Didn't move. Didn't want to.

The space between them was disappearing. Joshua could feel the warmth of Jeonghan's breath. Could see the way Jeonghan's smirk softened into something else.

Jeonghan's gaze flickered to his lips again. Joshua's heart pounded. Jeonghan leaned in.

Barely there.

But Joshua knew.

He was going to kiss him.

And Joshua-

He was going to let him.

"HANNIE!"

Joshua jerked back so fast he nearly knocked the knife off the counter.

Jeonghan barely had time to react before a tiny human launched himself into his arms.

Seungkwan clung to Jeonghan's neck, burying his face into his shoulder.

Jeonghan caught him effortlessly, laughing.

Joshua, standing there like an idiot, clutching his chest, felt like he had just survived a natural disaster.

Seungkwan, perfectly content, snuggled into Jeonghan's arms like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Joshua, meanwhile, wanted to scream.

Jeonghan, still smiling at Seungkwan, glanced at Joshua over his shoulder-

And send him a small look.

Like he knew.

Like he felt it too.

And just like that-the moment was gone.

~•~

Joshua's new life mission was to ignore everything that made his heart beat too fast and his brain short-circuit.

Which meant ignoring Jeonghan.

Which meant failing miserably.

Because Jeonghan was everywhere.

In the hallways. (Joshua suddenly found his shoes very interesting.) Outside the school. (Joshua suddenly had very important emails to check.) At Jihoon and Seungcheol's apartment. (Joshua suddenly remembered he had laundry to do.)

It was flawless.

Until Seungkwan ruined everything.

"Dad, Hannie said he'd help me with my homework later!"

"Dad, Hannie said you don't eat enough!"

"Dad, Hannie said-"

Joshua nearly threw himself into the sun.

And Jeonghan? Oh, Jeonghan was enjoying this, Joshua could see it in his stupid, smug grins. Could hear it in his voice when he'd casually say, "Missed you, pretty." Could feel it in the way Jeonghan would lean in just a little too close, just to watch Joshua squirm.

Joshua was losing. But the worst part?

Jeonghan wasn't even pushing. He wasn't chasing Joshua down, wasn't cornering him, wasn't demanding anything.

He was just there.

Every time Joshua looked up-every time he let his guard down-Jeonghan was there.

Waiting.

Not pressuring.

Not demanding.

Just waiting.

And Joshua had no idea what to do with that.

Because if Jeonghan had pushed, Joshua could have pushed back.

If Jeonghan had chased, Joshua could have run.

But instead-he was waiting.

Like he was letting Joshua come to him.

And Joshua hated that it was working.

That night, after finally getting Seungkwan back to sleep, Joshua stepped outside, needing air. His body was exhausted. His mind was restless. His heart-was confused. And then-he saw him.

Jeonghan.

Leaning against the building, cigarette between his fingers, waiting.

Joshua froze.

His first instinct? Run.

His second instinct?

Before he could even think-he was already walking over. Jeonghan glanced up at the sound of footsteps, lips curling slightly. "Couldn't resist me, huh?"

Joshua didn't answer. Didn't even hesitate. His hand shot forward-plucked the cigarette right out of Jeonghan's hand-

And threw it to the ground.

Then-without breaking eye contact-he stomped it out.

Jeonghan blinked. Joshua froze. For a second, neither of them moved then-slowly, very slowly-Jeonghan tilted his head, watching Joshua with something unreadable.

"You said you were quitting," Joshua muttered, voice a little too breathless.

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. "So you care."

Joshua opened his mouth. Closed it because yes. Yes, he cared and he hated that Jeonghan knew it.

Jeonghan stepped closer.

"You avoid me for days," he murmured, voice dipping lower. "And then the first thing you do is take my cigarette away?"

Joshua swallowed. "I-"

Jeonghan didn't let him finish. Didn't even let him think.

Because he lifted a hand-

Joshua's breath hitched because this time, Jeonghan touched him.

Not in passing. Not just teasing.

But soft. Deliberate.

His fingers brushed against Joshua's temple, tucking his hair back gently.

Letting his hand linger-

And then slowly, almost painfully slowly-

He let it trail down, across Joshua's jaw. Joshua felt it everywhere.

Jeonghan's fingers barely grazed his skin before finally falling back to his side, slipping into his coat pocket like he hadn't just set Joshua's entire body on fire. Joshua's pulse quickened, his throat was dry, his hands-which had just been so bold taking that cigarette-were now frozen at his sides.

Jeonghan exhaled slowly, never looking away. "You keep running," he murmured. "But you always end up here."

Joshua's entire world tilted.

Because he was right.

He always ended up here.

With Jeonghan.

Like the universe was dragging him back to the one person he was trying so hard to avoid.

Jeonghan's eyes flickered-from his lips, back to his eyes, and then-

Joshua stopped thinking.

For the first time-he wanted to lean in.

And he almost did.

But-

He panicked.

He stepped back.

"I-I need to go back," Joshua stammered.

Jeonghan watched him.

Waited.

And then-softly, knowingly-he smiled.

"See you around, pretty."

Joshua turned.

Walked away.

He knew. Running wasn't going to help. Because Jeonghan was right. He always ended up here. And sooner or later- He wouldn't run at all.

So why not sooner?

Joshua stopped. Right there, in the middle of the sidewalk. His chest rose and fell too fast, his hands were tight fists at his sides, and his mind-his mind was screaming at him.

Go back.

Go back.

Go back.

He squeezed his eyes shut, inhaled deeply, and then-

He turned around.

Jeonghan was still there.

Standing exactly where Joshua had left him, watching him with a quiet, knowing expression-not smug, not teasing.

Just waiting.

Like he had known Joshua would turn back. Like he had been waiting for this.

Joshua's breath shuddered as he took a step forward then another and then, before he could stop himself-he was walking.

Jeonghan's expression didn't change. But his shoulders tensed slightly.

As if he knew-this was it.

Joshua stopped in front of him. Too close. Close enough to see the shift in Jeonghan's breathing. Close enough to see the way Jeonghan's lips parted slightly- like he was about to say something.

Joshua didn't let him.

He grabbed Jeonghan's face.

Jeonghan inhaled sharply.

Joshua's fingers shook slightly against Jeonghan's jaw but he didn't pull away.

Didn't second-guess. Didn't run.

And Jeonghan-for once-looked startled.

Joshua didn't let himself think.

He just leaned in.

And kissed him.

Soft. Careful. Testing.

Just enough to say-this is real.

Just enough to say-I want this.

Just enough to say-I want you.

And for a split second-Jeonghan didn't move.

Didn't react.

Didn't kiss back.

Joshua's heart stopped.

Had he-had he read this wrong?

His grip on Jeonghan's face loosened slightly.

Maybe he should pull away. Maybe he should-

Before he could-Jeonghan moved.

One hand went to Joshua's waist.

The other-to the back of his neck.

And he kissed back.

Not soft. Not careful.

Not testing.

But needy. Desperate. Deep. Certain.

Like he had been waiting for this for far too long.

Joshua let out a shaky breath against Jeonghan's lips.

Jeonghan pulled him in, his grip on Joshua's waist tightened, tilting his head as he pressed deeper, firmer. Joshua barely had time to process before his back hit the wall and Jeonghan-Jeonghan followed. Closing every inch of space between them.

Joshua's fingers dug into Jeonghan's hoodie, holding on like the ground had disappeared and maybe it had because the world faded, the cold air, the distant sounds of the city-none of it mattered, all Joshua could feel was Jeonghan.

The warmth of his hands. The slow drag of his lips. The way he kissed like he wasn't willing to let go.

Joshua tilted his head slightly, lips parting, feeling Jeonghan smile into the kiss.

Joshua's heart stuttered.

He hated that smile.

He wanted more of it.

Jeonghan's fingers curled against the fabric of Joshua's sweater, pressing in just enough to make Joshua feel like he was being pulled in, being held.

Slowly, carefully, almost reluctantly -Jeonghan pulled back. Joshua exhaled sharply. His head spun. His lips tingled.

He opened his eyes-and Jeonghan was already looking at him.

Not smirking.

Not teasing.

Just soft. Warm. Real.

Joshua's breath caught.

Jeonghan leaned in slightly, voice barely above a whisper-

"You always end up here."

Joshua swallowed.

"You knew I would," he murmured.

Jeonghan hummed, fingers still resting at the back of Joshua's neck

"I was hoping."

Joshua's stomach flipped, he barely processed when Jeonghan brushed his hair back.

Slow. Gentle.

Like he had all the time in the world and maybe he did. Maybe Joshua would let him.

Because this time-

Joshua wasn't running anymore but then Joshua's brain caught up.

Oh my god.

He just-
They just-

He let out a sharp breath, blinking rapidly. "I-I need to-"

Jeonghan's fingers tightened on his waist. "Shua."

The way he said it-low, careful, like he knew Joshua was about to bolt-almost made Joshua stay.

Almost.

But Joshua was a professional at running.

So he pushed off the wall and stepped back in the direction of the entrance, shaking his head frantically. "I-I need to go check on Seungkwan-yes, right now-immediately-goodbye!"

And then, like the coward he was, Joshua turned and all but sprinted inside.

Leaving Jeonghan standing there, alone, lips still tingling from the kiss. Jeonghan exhaled through his nose.

"...You have got to be fucking kidding me."

He ran a hand through his hair, looking up at the sky like it had answers. It didn't.

But he already knew this wasn't over.

Not even close.

~•~

Joshua was handling this perfectly.

Perfectly, as in-he was pretending nothing happened.

The kiss? Didn't happen. The way Jeonghan pressed him against the wall, kissed him like he had been wanting it forever? Didn't happen.

Joshua wasn't avoiding Jeonghan. Not at all.

He still let Jeonghan come over. Still saw him at Seungcheol and Jihoon's. Still sat next to him during school drop-offs.

Everything was fine.

Except-it wasn't.

Because Jeonghan was still waiting. The worst part? He wasn't even acting different, he wasn't teasing Joshua, wasn't pushing him.

He was just there. Sitting in their living room, playing with Seungkwan, laughing like this was normal. Joshua, watching them from the kitchen, had no idea how to deal with it.

Seungkwan was climbing all over Jeonghan, laughing as Jeonghan made dramatic gasps whenever he "defeated" him in battle.

Joshua's chest ached.

He could see it.

He could see this life. Jeonghan in their home. With them. Always.

It scared the hell out of him.

And then-Seungkwan looked up, watching them both.

Joshua saw it a second too late.

Because in that moment, Jeonghan's laughter had softened, and when his eyes lifted-they met Joshua's.

Joshua had been staring, he didn't even realize it but Jeonghan did, because for the first time in days, Joshua wasn't putting someone as a shield between them.

For a second, neither of them moved.

The air shifted-like something unspoken had finally settled between them.

Joshua felt bare.

And that's when Seungkwan, watching them carefully, tilted his head.

"Dad?" he asked, blinking.

Joshua snapped out of it. "Yeah?"

Seungkwan looked between them again.

Then, completely serious-

"Is Hannie gonna be my other dad?"

Silence. Joshua stopped breathing.

Jeonghan-who had been in the middle of losing a sword fight to Seungkwan-froze completely.

Joshua's chest tightened.

"Seungkwan," he said, voice tighter than intended. "Don't say things like that."

Seungkwan pouted. "But I want Hannie."

Joshua's stomach dropped.

"Seungkwan," he said again, firmer now.

Seungkwan's face scrunched up. "Why not? You like him, right? You let him be here all the time. And I like him. Hannie is nice. He is funny. He takes care of us."

Joshua felt dizzy.

Seungkwan was only five. He didn't understand how complicated this was.

Jeonghan, to his credit, was still silent. Still sitting there, expression unreadable.

Seungkwan's little hands curled into fists.

"Do you not want me, Hannie?" he asked quietly.

Jeonghan's eyes widened instantly.

"Kwannie-"

"You like Dad," Seungkwan said, like he was trying to figure it out himself. "And you like me too, right? So why can't you be my daddy too?"

Joshua's heart lurched.

"That's not how it works," Joshua said, rubbing his temple.

"Why not?" Seungkwan challenged. "I want Hannie!"

Joshua snapped.

"Seungkwan, stop it!"

Seungkwan flinched.

Joshua immediately regretted it but the words were already out. The damage already done.

Seungkwan's little face twisted-his lips wobbling, eyes wet.

Joshua's heart broke.

Seungkwan turned away before he could see it.

"Fine," he mumbled, storming off to his room. The door shut behind him.

Joshua felt like the worst person alive and when he turned-Jeonghan was still sitting there.

Watching. Expression unreadable.

Joshua's throat felt dry. "You should go," Joshua muttered, voice barely above a whisper.

Jeonghan was still for a second then-slowly-he stood up.

Joshua didn't look at him.

Didn't watch him leave.

He just sank into the couch, head in his hands, and exhaled shakily.

Joshua didn't know how long he sat there, long enough for the guilt to settle deep in his bones. Seungkwan had never looked at him like that before. Joshua rubbed a hand down his face.

He needed to fix this.

He stood, walking to Seungkwan's door. He knocked softly.

"Kwannie?"

No response.

Joshua exhaled. "Baby, can I come in?"

Still nothing.

Carefully, he pushed the door open.

Seungkwan was curled up under his blanket, his tiny shoulders shaking.

Joshua's heart cracked.

Quietly, he sat beside him, rubbing gentle circles on his back.

"Kwannie," he whispered.

Seungkwan sniffled. "You yelled at me."

Joshua closed his eyes, guilt hitting him like a wave.

"I did," he admitted. "And I'm really, really sorry."

Seungkwan hiccuped. "I just... I just want Hannie."

Joshua swallowed around the tightness in his throat. "I know, baby," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of Seungkwan's head. "I know."

Seungkwan turned, peeking up at him. His eyes were red, cheeks damp. "Then why can't he be my other dad?" he asked, voice so small. Joshua didn't know how to respond because he didn't have an answer.

Seungkwan sniffled again. "He likes you." Joshua's breath caught. Seungkwan blinked up at him. "You like him too, don't you?"

Joshua's heart pounded. He thought about the way Jeonghan touched him. The way he looked at him like he was waiting for Joshua to just let him in.

Joshua did like him. He just didn't know what Jeonghan wanted. Did Jeonghan want this? A family? Something permanent? Joshua wasn't sure he could survive another heartbreak. And what if Jeonghan didn't want Seungkwan the way Seungkwan wanted him?

Joshua brushed Seungkwan's hair back.

"You love Hannie a lot, huh?"

Seungkwan nodded furiously.

Joshua smiled, heart aching. "Okay. You can see him tomorrow and dad will apologise also."

Seungkwan blinked. "...Promise?"

Joshua exhaled, tucking Seungkwan into his arms.

"Promise."

Within minutes, Seungkwan was asleep. Joshua, however, was very much not. His mind was racing. He needed answers.

Joshua had just started dozing off when the knock came.

At first, he thought he imagined it. He had just gotten himself comfortable, with Seungkwan settled against his chest, his tiny breaths even. Joshua had just let himself finally breathe .

Then-another knock.

Louder.

Joshua frowned, glancing at the clock. It was late.

Too late for Seungcheol. Too late for Jihoon.

Another knock-impatient, uneven.

Something twisted in his stomach. Carefully, he eased Seungkwan onto the bed, making sure he was still tucked in, then padded toward the door, rubbing at his tired eyes.

The knocking turned into pounding.

Joshua yanked the door open-

And immediately caught Jeonghan as he stumbled inside.

Joshua's breath hitched. Jeonghan's entire weight collapsed against him, head resting heavily against Joshua's shoulder.

He reeked of alcohol.

Joshua's hands instinctively came up to steady him. "Jeonghan?"

Jeonghan exhaled, warm against his neck.

"Hi," he mumbled, voice thick and slurred.

Joshua's stomach dropped. He pulled back just enough to look at him.

Jeonghan's eyes were hazy, unfocused. His lips pinker than usual, his hair a mess, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, collar slipping just enough to show his collarbones.

Joshua swallowed. "Are you drunk?"

Jeonghan blinked up at him-then gave a lazy, lopsided smile.

"...Maybe a little."

Joshua sighed. "Jeonghan, what the hell-"

But before he could finish, Jeonghan's fingers curled into his shirt around his waist.

And in the smallest, softest voice-

"I wanted to see you."

Joshua stilled. His heart stopped.

Jeonghan's lashes fluttered. His grip tightened. "I-" He sighed, nuzzling against Joshua's shoulder like he belonged there.

Joshua was losing his mind. He needed to put distance between them-needed to get Jeonghan inside before someone saw them like this.

"Okay, okay, let's get you inside," Joshua muttered, carefully guiding Jeonghan forward.

Jeonghan just hummed, letting himself be led.

Joshua locked the door behind them, exhaling sharply. He turned back-

And Jeonghan was staring at him.

Joshua crossed his arms. "What?"

Jeonghan tilted his head, eyes sleepy but soft.

"You're pretty," he murmured.

Joshua wanted to scream. Instead, he grabbed Jeonghan's wrist. "Come on, you need water."

Jeonghan let himself be pulled to the kitchen, stumbling slightly. Joshua sat him down, filling a glass, then placing it firmly in front of him.

"Drink."

Jeonghan pouted but took a sip. Joshua watched him, still frowning. "Why are you here, Jeonghan?" Jeonghan set the glass down, smiling sleepily.

"You don't want me here?"

Joshua hesitated.

That was the problem, wasn't it? He did want Jeonghan here and Jeonghan, in all his drunken honesty, was making it impossible to ignore.

"You could've gone home, you know," Joshua muttered.

Jeonghan hummed, leaning forward slightly. "But I wanted to see you."

Joshua's breath caught and then-softly, as if he wasn't about to unravel everything-Jeonghan mumbled-

"Would you be okay with me being Seungkwan's dad?"

Joshua's entire world tilted.

He stared.

Jeonghan's expression was open. Too open. Like he didn't even realize he had just pulled the floor out from under Joshua's feet. Joshua's fingers tightened around the counter. His chest ached, and he had no idea what to do with it. He wasn't even sure if he had actually heard that correctly or if exhaustion was making him hallucinate.

"What?" he breathed.

Jeonghan exhaled, gripping the edge of the counter like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

"I want to be Seungkwan's dad," he repeated, firm despite the slur.

Joshua's stomach dropped.

His fingers dug into his arms. "Jeonghan-"

"I'm serious."

Joshua inhaled sharply. "You're drunk."

Jeonghan's eyes fluttered, but his expression didn't change. "I was serious before I was drunk too."

Joshua hated how his breath caught. Hated how his chest ached at the thought. Hated how, for just a second, he let himself imagine it.

Seungkwan in Jeonghan's arms, laughing.

Jeonghan waiting at the school gates with him.

Lazy Sunday mornings. Inside jokes. A life that Joshua had never even dared to consider.

It was too much.

And Jeonghan was still talking.

"I wanna take care of him," Jeonghan murmured. "Take care of you."

Joshua froze.

Jeonghan hiccuped, blinking blearily. "You do everything alone."

Joshua didn't move.

"You never ask for help," Jeonghan continued, voice softer now. "You don't let people in. But I wanna be in, pretty."

Joshua felt like he was drowning.

"Jeonghan," he breathed.

"I mean it," Jeonghan whispered.

Joshua squeezed his eyes shut, head spinning.

"Be quiet," he muttered, voice tight. "Seungkwan is sleeping."

Jeonghan's lips curved.

"But I'm telling you important things," he argued.

Joshua glared. "Then tell me when you're sober."

Jeonghan huffed.

"I can be quiet," he whispered dramatically.

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Can you?" Jeonghan nodded.

Then-

"I THINK YOU'RE REALLY PRETTY, JOSHUA."

Joshua lunged, slapping a hand over Jeonghan's mouth.

"JEONGHAN, I SWEAR TO-"

Jeonghan giggled. Actually giggled. Joshua was going to lose his mind. "Shhh," Jeonghan hushed, eyes sparkling. "You'll wake Kwannie."

Joshua dropped his head onto Jeonghan's shoulder. "You're the worst," he muttered. Jeonghan leaned his cheek against Joshua's hair. "But I'm your worst."

Joshua's heart stumbled. He didn't pull away.

Joshua groaned, dragging Jeonghan back to the couch before he actually fell asleep on Joshua, plopping him down and turning to leave-only to feel fingers curl gently around his wrist.

Joshua looked down, Jeonghan was looking up at him. Softly, a little more sober than before-"I wanna be Seungkwan's dad," Jeonghan murmured again. "I am serious."

Joshua swallowed. Jeonghan's fingers brushed over his wrist, feather-light. "And I wanna be yours, too." Joshua barely stayed standing.

"Jeonghan-"

"I wanna be where you are," Jeonghan whispered, eyes half-lidded, voice heavy with exhaustion. "I wanna come home and know you're waiting. I wanna take care of you too."

Joshua's chest ached. He believed him. And that? That was terrifying. Joshua's heart was in his throat. "Jeonghan, you're drunk-"

"Stop saying that," Jeonghan murmured, shifting on the couch to lean closer, his voice rough around the edges but heartbreakingly sincere. "I mean it." His eyes were heavy-lidded, but there was no hesitation. No teasing. No game. "I think I've wanted this for longer than I even realized."

Joshua forgot how to breathe because this-this was everything he had been scared to believe. That Jeonghan wasn't just playing around. That he meant it.

That he wanted them.

Him. Seungkwan.

"Stop looking at me like that," Jeonghan whispered, blinking slowly.

Joshua swallowed. "Like what?"

Jeonghan's lips curved into the softest, sleepiest smile. His eyes were unbearably fond. "Like you don't know how much I want you." Joshua's fingers curled into fists at his sides. He couldn't do this. Not now. Not when Jeonghan was drunk and warm and saying all the right things.

"You need to sleep this off," Joshua muttered, dragging him toward the couch. "We'll talk when you're sober."

Jeonghan pouted. "Don't wanna."

"Too bad."

Joshua pushed him down to lay on the couch-but before he could step away, Jeonghan's fingers wrapped around his wrist again, tugging him down.

Too close.

Joshua sucked in a sharp breath.

Their faces were inches apart.

Jeonghan's fingers brushed over his wrist-barely there, but enough to make Joshua shiver. "You're not gonna run away tomorrow, are you?"

Joshua's throat tightened. He should say yes. Should push Jeonghan away. Should rebuild every wall he had carefully kept up.

But.

But Jeonghan had shown up.

Jeonghan had meant every word.

Joshua exhaled shakily, squeezing Jeonghan's fingers-just for a second. "It's my house. Where would I run?"

Jeonghan's lips curled into a satisfied smile, eyes fluttering shut.

"Okay, pretty."

And just like that, he was out.

Joshua sat there long after Jeonghan had drifted off, staring at his stupidly handsome, peaceful, completely exasperating face.

~•~

Joshua woke up to the sound of quiet movement in the living room. For a second, he thought he imagined it.

Then-a groan. A deep, familiar groan.

Joshua's stomach dropped.

His eyes snapped open, staring at the ceiling. Memories from the night before rushed in-Jeonghan at his door, drunk and unbearably honest, whispering words Joshua hadn't even allowed himself to dream of.

(Would you be okay with me being Seungkwan's dad?)

Joshua squeezed his eyes shut. Maybe he imagined it. Maybe none of it actually happened.

Then-another sound. A loud yawn, followed by the unmistakable rustling of fabric.

Joshua froze.

Oh. My god.

Jeonghan is still here.

Moving as quietly as possible, Joshua crept out of bed and peeked into the living room.

And there he was.

Jeonghan, fully awake now, was sitting up on the couch, rubbing his temples. His shirt hung loose at the collar, his hair an absolute mess, and to make everything worse-he stretched, letting out a low, groggy, "Ughhh."

Joshua nearly passed out on the spot.

And just when he thought it couldn't get worse-Jeonghan turned his head, as if sensing Joshua's stare.

Joshua panicked.

He immediately shut the door and made a beeline for the bathroom. A shower. A hot, scalding shower that should help.

By the time he emerged, fresh and slightly calmer, Jeonghan was still in the living room, scrolling through his phone, looking serious.

If Joshua pretended nothing happened, maybe-just maybe-it would all go away.

He walked into the kitchen, turning on the coffee maker, pretending like this was normal like Jeonghan being here wasn't completely wrecking his entire existence.

But of course-

"Morning, pretty," Jeonghan's voice rasped from behind him.

Joshua nearly knocked over the coffee maker.

He refused to turn around. Instead, he grabbed two mugs, poured the coffee, and slid one in front of Jeonghan way too forcefully.

Jeonghan chuckled, picking up the cup. "So violent, baby."

Joshua glared. "Don't call me that."

Jeonghan only smiled softly, tilting his head. "Are we really not going to talk about it?"

Joshua froze mid-sip. "Talk about what?"

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. "Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Pretend you don't know what I mean."

Joshua hated how fast his heartbeat got. "You were drunk."

"And honest." Jeonghan leaned forward, voice softer now. "I meant it, Joshua."

Joshua clenched his jaw. "You were just saying things."

Jeonghan shook his head. "No, I wasn't."

His gaze locked onto Joshua's, serious in a way that made his stomach twist.

"I want you, Joshua. And I want Kwannie. Not because it's convenient. Not because I feel bad for you. Because I like being here. Because I like this. Because I lo-" Jeonghan hesitated, then continued. "Like you and Kwannie."

Joshua gripped his mug tighter.

Fuck.

That wasn't what he had expected. He was hoping Jeonghan wouldn't remember anything but here he was-all serious, all in.

And Joshua hated how relieved he felt.

But before he could even think of a response-

"Hannie!"

Joshua turned just in time to see his son barrel out of the bedroom, half-asleep, rubbing his eyes.

Seungkwan blinked at Jeonghan.

Then-beamed.

"Hannie!"

And before Joshua could even process it-Seungkwan launched himself into Jeonghan's arms.

Jeonghan caught him effortlessly, his face lighting up in a way that made Joshua's chest ache.

"Hey, buddy," Jeonghan murmured, adjusting his grip. "You slept well?"

Seungkwan nodded against his shoulder, still clinging. "Are you staying for breakfast?"

Jeonghan grinned, shifting his gaze to Joshua. "Depends. Is your dad cooking?"

Joshua-who had been standing there like an emotionally wrecked statue-glared. "I will poison your food."

Jeonghan laughed, setting Seungkwan down gently. "I'll take my chances."

Nothing technically went wrong.

But everything felt too... natural.

Joshua tried to act normal. Tried to pretend like his heart wasn't doing weird things as Jeonghan made himself at home, casually setting the table like he belonged there.

Tried to ignore how Seungkwan insisted on sitting next to Jeonghan, giggling every time Jeonghan stole food from his plate.

Tried to completely erase the moment when Jeonghan, casually reaching for something, brushed his fingers against Joshua's-and didn't move away immediately.

And worst of all?

Joshua let him.

He let Jeonghan put bites from his own plate onto Joshua's. He let Jeonghan tease him softly. He let Jeonghan be close.

Because even though his brain was screaming at him to be careful...

His heart wasn't listening.

And neither was Seungkwan.

Because right as Joshua was cleaning up, Seungkwan-full, happy, and completely unaware of the storm inside his father-looked between them and dropped a bomb.

"Did Dad apologize? And agree for you to be my other dad?" Seungkwan asked Jeonghan innocently.

Silence.

Joshua groaned internally.

Jeonghan's head snapped toward Seungkwan, fork pausing mid-air.

Seungkwan blinked up at them, as if he hadn't just set the entire kitchen on fire.

"He didn't? Dad, you promised me. Hannie he had promised that he'd apologize," Seungkwan continued, voice filled with unwavering conviction. "And make you my other dad."

Joshua panicked.

"Seungkwan-"

"I love you, Hannie."

Jeonghan looked like he had just been punched in the gut. If Joshua had been paying more attention, he would have noticed how Jeonghan's lips parted slightly, how he almost looked like he wanted to cry. Like he was... happy.

Jeonghan gently lifted Seungkwan from his chair, placing him on his lap, a soft smile overtaking his face. "You do?"

"I do!" Seungkwan insisted. Then, looking up at him with wide, earnest eyes- "Do you love me, Hannie?"

Joshua's breath caught. Before he could stop this-before he could protect his son from whatever this was-

Jeonghan exhaled, gaze impossibly soft.

"I do. You're my favorite person in the entire world."

Seungkwan giggled, melting into Jeonghan's arms.

And then-Jeonghan turned to Joshua.

"Both of you are."

Joshua's heart stumbled.

But because Jeonghan was a menace-he turned back to Seungkwan and added, "But your dad didn't apologize to me."

"What? But he promised!" Seungkwan gasped, looking at Joshua in horror.

Joshua sighed, rubbing his temples. "I forgot, okay? And I only promised to apologize-not to the other thing."

"It's bad manners to break promises, Dad."

Joshua groaned.

Who's kid was this? His or Jeonghan's?

And why was he so smart?

Jeonghan smirked at him expectantly.

"Fine. I'll do it now, okay?" Joshua took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he set down the last plate with more force than necessary. His arms crossed over his chest, his gaze flickering between Seungkwan-who was looking up at him expectantly-and Jeonghan, who had that insufferable, smug look plastered across his face.

Seungkwan, perched happily in Jeonghan's lap, swung his legs idly and tilted his head. "Well?"

Joshua sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Well, what?"

"Apologize!" Seungkwan reminded him, his tiny voice filled with unwavering five-year-old righteousness. "You said you'd do it!"

Jeonghan, looking far too entertained, leaned forward slightly. "Yeah, Joshua. You did say that."

Joshua shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. "Shut up."

"That's not an apology," Jeonghan pointed out, smirking.

"I hate you," Joshua muttered, his voice lacking any real venom.

"That's also not an apology," Jeonghan teased, his grin widening.

Joshua groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Fine. I'm sorry."

Jeonghan leaned back slightly, raising an eyebrow. "That's it?"

Joshua's jaw clenched. "What else do you want?"

Seungkwan gasped dramatically. "Dad! That's a bad apology!"

Joshua turned to him with a tired look. "Who taught you that?"

"You," Seungkwan said, tilting his head in betrayal. "You said a real apology has to sound like you mean it."

Joshua groaned again. "I do mean it!"

Jeonghan, smug as ever, tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know... it didn't sound very sincere."

Joshua shot him a deadly glare. "I apologized. What else do you want?"

Jeonghan's lips curled into something dangerous.

"You know what I want, pretty."

Joshua's entire body locked up. Jeonghan, sensing victory, leaned in slightly. "Go on. Seal it with a kiss."

Joshua short-circuited.

"EXCUSE ME?!"

"Dad, you promised!" Seungkwan insisted, clutching onto Jeonghan's arm. "If you break a promise, I'm never listening to you again."

"Kwannie-" Joshua started, panicking.

Jeonghan just smirked, resting his chin against his hand. "A promise is a promise, Shua."

Joshua wanted to die.

Seungkwan was looking up at him expectantly, Jeonghan was watching him like a predator and Joshua?

He was trapped.

His entire face felt like it was on fire, and his heart would not calm down.

He swallowed hard, forcing himself to move.

With extreme reluctance, he took a step forward. Jeonghan tilted his head slightly, waiting.

Joshua hesitated.

And then-

He leaned down, pressing the softest kiss to Jeonghan's cheek.

He pulled away so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet.

Jeonghan blinked.

And then-his lips parted slightly, and for the first time, Joshua swore he saw a hint of actual surprise before Jeonghan quickly recovered, masking it with his usual smirk.

Seungkwan beamed. "Yay!"

And just as Joshua thought he was in the clear-

"That was cute."

Joshua turned to glare at Jeonghan. "Don't-"

Jeonghan's smirk widened as he leaned back in his chair, looking entirely too pleased. "Really cute, actually."

Joshua clenched his jaw. "Shut up."

Jeonghan hummed, standing up slowly-too slowly, letting Seungkwan down.

Joshua, suddenly nervous, took a step back. "What are you-"

But before he could finish, Jeonghan was already moving.

Joshua barely had time to react before Jeonghan leaned in-

And pressed a soft, barely-there kiss against the corner of Joshua's lips.

Joshua stopped breathing.

His skin burned where Jeonghan's lips had been. His heart was going insane.

Jeonghan pulled back just slightly, voice warm, his breath still ghosting over Joshua's lips.

"That's how you do it, pretty."

Joshua could not function.

And Jeonghan?

That bastard just smirked and turned to Seungkwan, ruffling his hair. "Alright, buddy. What are we playing today?"

Seungkwan lit up. "The pirate game!"

"Pirate game it is," Jeonghan said easily, letting Seungkwan drag him toward the living room.

But before he fully turned away-

He glanced at Joshua, gaze lingering.

And then-

He winked.

Joshua died on the spot.

~•~

Joshua wouldn't call them a couple. Wouldn't even say they were a thing.

But they were something.

Because Jeonghan was there. In his space. In Seungkwan's life. In Joshua's routine in a way that had started feeling so natural, so inevitable, that Joshua barely even questioned it anymore.

He still tried, sometimes. Tried to tell himself that Jeonghan was just around, that it wasn't anything serious, that it didn't mean anything.

But deep down, Joshua knew the truth.

He liked it and that it meant something.

Something that felt an awful lot like a family.

Just Joshua, Jeonghan, and Seungkwan.

And somehow, that had become enough.

For now.

It wasn't like they talked about it. There was no official agreement. It just... happened.

One day, Joshua and Jeonghan were dropping the kids off together-which then kept happening.

And then, at some point, Jeonghan just started doing it alone.

It had started small.

A simple, "I can just go alone, pretty. I got them. You can go back to sleep."

And, groggy and exhausted, Joshua had actually let himself do just that.

And then it became routine.

Now, every morning, Jeonghan showed up outside Joshua's door, greeting Seungkwan with an easy smile, ruffling his hair before leading him toward the elevator, Vernon waiting patiently beside him.

Joshua would stand by the door for a second, watching them disappear down the hall, hearing Seungkwan's excited chatter echo faintly through the building.

It was so natural, so effortless, that Joshua barely noticed how much space Jeonghan had taken up in their mornings.

Until, of course, the pictures started.

Every morning, without fail, Joshua would receive a text.

A photo.

Jeonghan at the school gate, Seungkwan practically hanging off his arm, pulling a different ridiculous expression in each one. Vernon beside them, ever unbothered, flashing a peace sign.

And Jeonghan-his hair always slightly messy, like he had rolled out of bed five minutes ago and somehow still looked unfairly good.

The captions?

"We'd like it better if you were with us."

"Miss the time when it was both of us dropping them."

"Your son and Vernon are trying to convince me to let them rule the school. I might say yes."

Joshua, standing in his kitchen with his coffee, would stare at his phone for a full minute before sighing.

Because the thing was-he did miss it.

He missed sitting beside Jeonghan in his car, bickering over nonsense.

Missed how Jeonghan would subtly carry both Seungkwan's and Vernon's bags when he thought Joshua wasn't looking.

Missed how their mornings had slowly become his mornings.

Now, Jeonghan was doing it alone.

And Joshua was starting to feel the absence of it.

But he didn't mind.

Mornings looked different now.

The kids still got to school.

Joshua still got his updates.

And, more often than not, they all still ended up in Jeonghan's car anyway.

Because, somehow, mornings weren't just his anymore.

They were theirs.

Joshua wasn't sure when it started.

At first, grocery shopping had been just him and Seungkwan-a weekly routine of navigating the aisles while his son insisted on sneaking extra snacks into the cart.

Then Jeonghan happened.

It wasn't like he asked to come along. He just started showing up.

One evening, Joshua had been tying Seungkwan's shoelaces by the door when Jeonghan appeared, leaning against the frame, keys twirling between his fingers.

"Where are we going?" Jeonghan asked like he had been invited. Joshua gave him a look. "We are going grocery shopping."

Jeonghan hummed. "Cool. I'll drive."

And just like that, Jeonghan became a part of their grocery trips. At first, Joshua had protested. ("You don't need to come." "And yet, here I am.") But eventually, he gave up. Because, as it turned out, Jeonghan was annoyingly good at grocery shopping.

For one- Seungkwan adored it.

The second they stepped into the store, Jeonghan would lift him into the cart, making him giggle as he pushed it through the aisles at dangerous speeds, earning Joshua's immediate scolding. ("Slow down! You're not in Fast & Furious!" "I am, actually.")

And Seungkwan? That traitor? Loved every second of it.

For another-Jeonghan carried everything.

No matter how much Joshua insisted that he was perfectly capable of carrying his own damn groceries, Jeonghan would always swoop in, taking the bags with ease, acting as if they weighed nothing.

Joshua, arms empty and scowling, would always mutter, "I hate you."

To which Jeonghan would just grin. "No, you don't, baby."

And then there was the absolute worst part.

Jeonghan never let Joshua pay.

Ever.

It didn't matter if Joshua tried to be sneaky, pretending to grab something from another aisle while paying at the counter. It didn't matter if he planned ahead. Jeonghan always found a way.

And he was smug about it.

Joshua's glare was lethal the first time Jeonghan slid his card in before Joshua even had the chance to pull out his wallet.

"What the hell?" Joshua hissed, glaring at the receipt as if he could will it to disappear. "You're not paying for my groceries."

Jeonghan, completely unbothered, pocketed his card. "Too late. Cry about it."

Joshua actually considered strangling him.

The next time, Joshua swore it wouldn't happen again. He would get to the register first. He would not let Jeonghan win.

He lost. Again.

And again.

And again.

And after the fifth time, when Joshua had been gearing up for another argument, Jeonghan had simply looked at him and said, "Just let me take care of you a little."

Joshua had promptly short-circuited.

And after that, he stopped fighting it.

So now-this was their normal.

Jeonghan pushing Seungkwan around in the cart. Seungkwan giggling as Jeonghan made ridiculous turns in the aisles. Joshua watching with a sigh but unable to stop the small smile that tugged at his lips.

And Jeonghan, with his easy confidence, with his infuriating charm, slipping deeper and deeper into their lives like he had always been meant to be there.

It was frustrating.

It was unfair.

And Joshua? Joshua didn't mind. Not even a little. He liked someone carrying his groceries.

The first time Joshua stepped into Jeonghan's penthouse, his immediate thought was: This place doesn't look lived in at all.

It wasn't that it was dirty-far from it. Everything was pristine, the furniture looked barely used, and there were no personal touches anywhere. No clutter, no stray socks on the floor, no half-empty mugs of coffee left on the counter.

It was the kind of space that felt more like a temporary stay than a home.

Joshua didn't like it.

But he didn't say anything.

Then, of course, Seungkwan happened.

Joshua wasn't sure when it started, but his son had basically moved in.

One day, it was just a few toys-stuffed animals on the couch, a tiny plastic car near the bookshelf. Then, his picture books started appearing on Jeonghan's shelves. Then, his favorite blanket was suddenly folded neatly on Jeonghan's bed.

Then came the clothes.

Joshua didn't even remember packing extra outfits for Seungkwan to bring over, yet somehow, there were now pajamas in one of Jeonghan's drawers.

"Jeonghan," Joshua had asked one day, eyeing the tiny sneakers near the front door, "why does this place look like my son lives here?"

Jeonghan, completely unbothered, had just shrugged.

"Dunno," he said, sipping his drink. "Maybe because he does?"

Joshua nearly had an aneurysm.

It wasn't just Seungkwan who had moved into Jeonghan's space. At some point, Joshua started leaving things behind, too.

A coffee mug. A book he swore he had taken home. An extra hoodie in Jeonghan's closet.

Joshua never meant for it to happen but the penthouse bothered him, It wasn't just the fact that it looked unlived in-it was the fact that it didn't feel like Jeonghan.

So, he fixed it.

Casually. Subtly.

("These shelves look empty."
"They're shelves, pretty. They're supposed to hold things."
"...Then I'll buy you books."
"Do I look like someone who reads?"
"You will if I force you to.")

Slowly, things started appearing.

A plant near the window. A couple of throw blankets draped over the couch. More mugs in the kitchen.

Joshua told himself it was just common courtesy.

That it was just annoying to see such a large space so... unused.

But then-

Jeonghan, walking in from work, took one look at the new rug Joshua had put down and smiled.

And Joshua? Joshua pretended not to see the warmth spreading in his chest because this wasn't just becoming Seungkwan's second home anymore.

It was becoming his too.

And that? That was dangerous.

Because Joshua wasn't supposed to want this. He wasn't supposed to feel this.

But every time he saw Jeonghan sitting in that now lived-in space, looking happy Joshua knew he was already in too deep.

~•~

It had been a nice evening.

For once, Joshua had allowed himself to enjoy it. Seungcheol and Jihoon had invited them out-just a casual outing with the kids, nothing special. They had eaten, walked around, and even stopped by a park so Vernon and Seungkwan could burn off some energy before heading home.

Everything had been fine, until they ran into him.

Mingyu.

Mingyu, who worked with Seungcheol. Mingyu, who lived in their building. Mingyu, who never failed to flirt with Joshua every time they crossed paths.

And, of course, his entire face lit up.

"Shua?" Mingyu grinned, stepping forward, his enthusiasm borderline golden retriever levels. "Wow, I haven't seen you in ages! Where have you been hiding?"

Joshua, still in a good mood, turned away from Jeonghan and Seungkwan to greet him.

"Gyu. I've just been busy. What about you?"

The interaction was easy. Familiar.

Joshua knew about the younger finding him attractive but never thought much of Mingyu's friendliness, always assuming he was just naturally like that with everyone. He was too oblivious to notice how Mingyu's attention always lingered on him a little too long, how his smiles were always a little too warm.

Unfortunately-

Jeonghan was noticing everything. A few steps behind, his entire body went stiff.

Seungcheol, watching the interaction unfold, chuckled under his breath. "You look like you're about to commit a crime."

Jeonghan, arms crossed tightly, glaring daggers, muttered, "Who the hell is that?"

Seungcheol, far too entertained, hummed. "Mingyu. My coworker."

Jihoon, delighted by the opportunity to ruin Jeonghan's entire week, added, "Also lives in our building. Friend of ours and shua hyung."

Jeonghan's head snapped around. "Excuse me?"

Jihoon barely blinked. "One floor below."

Jeonghan felt his world tilt. His grip on Seungkwan's legs tightened. He turned to Seungcheol, voice low and dangerous.

"Did you know this?"

Seungcheol's smirk widened. "Oh, yeah."

Jeonghan inhaled sharply. "Anything else I should be aware of?"

Seungcheol shrugged, enjoying this far too much. "He likes Joshua."

Jeonghan stopped breathing.

Vernon, casually munching on a snack, observed the scene before tilting his head. "Hannie looks mad."

Seungcheol whistled low. "Oh, he's definitely mad."

Jihoon sighed. "Don't encourage him."

Seungcheol clutched his chest. "Who, me?"

Vernon, watching his parents, blinked. "Are you guys flirting?"

Jihoon turned red. Seungcheol lit up.

Before Jihoon could deny it, Seungcheol leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Jihoon froze.

Vernon gasped dramatically. "Dad, ew."

Seungcheol just laughed, pulling Jihoon closer. "Don't be shy, babe."

Jihoon shoved him-but gently. "I hate you."

"You love me," Seungcheol corrected easily.

Jihoon sighed. "Unfortunately."

Seungcheol grinned, triumphant.

Jeonghan, meanwhile, was glaring holes into the back of Mingyu's head.

Because Mingyu?

This too-tall golden retriever was way too close, he was smiling too much and being too close to Joshua. He had just reached out to tuck Joshua's hair behind his ear.

Jeonghan panicked, turning his head toward the small child sitting on his shoulders.

"Kwannie," he whispered urgently.

Seungkwan, swinging his feet, hummed. "Yeah?"

"Call your dad."

Seungkwan blinked. "Why?"

"Just do it."

Seungkwan tilted his head. "Why?"

Jeonghan inhaled sharply. "Do you want someone else as your daddy instead of me?"

Seungkwan gasped, horrified. "NO!"

"Then call him."

Without hesitation, Seungkwan cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled-

"DAD!!"

Joshua startled. "What-?"

Seungkwan beamed. "Hannie needs you!"

Joshua, still confused, glanced at Jeonghan-who was very deliberately not looking at Mingyu.

And then-

It clicked.

Joshua's lips twitched.

Jeonghan was jealous.

Which meant-

Joshua had to make it worse.

He turned back to Mingyu, smiling a little too sweetly. "Sorry about that. Where were we?"

Jeonghan's eye twitched. Seungcheol laughed. Jihoon sighed. Vernon continued munching, completely unfazed.

Mingyu, oblivious, kept talking.

And Joshua?

Joshua kept laughing at everything Mingyu said, tilting his head just right-just enough to push Jeonghan over the edge.

Finally-

"Kwannie," Jeonghan said, voice dead serious. "Louder this time, okay?"

Seungkwan, understanding the mission, always ready for something dramatic, nodded solemnly before calling out again.

"Dad, come here!"

Joshua sighed dramatically. "What is it now-"

And then- Jeonghan grabbed his wrist and pulled making him stumble right into Jeonghan's chest. A firm hand landed on his waist. A steady arm wrapped around him.

Making Joshua very, very aware of just how close they were. His breath caught. His heart stuttered.

Jeonghan leaned in, voice dangerously low.

"Are you done?"

Joshua blinked. "What?"

Jeonghan's thumb brushed against his waist.

"You know what."

Joshua swallowed.

Before he could react, Jeonghan's lips brushed against his ear.

"Careful, pretty," he murmured. "You might make me jealous."

Joshua shivered.

He hated how good Jeonghan was at this.

He hated how easily Jeonghan could turn the tables.

But mostly-

He hated how much he liked it.

Thankfully, Seungcheol stepped in.

"Alright, Gyu," he said smoothly, patting him on the back. "Come over soon, we'll get going now, okay before something happens."

Mingyu blinked. "What?"

Jihoon sighed. "We'll see you."

Mingyu, confused but not dumb, finally left.

Joshua, still caught in Jeonghan's grip, exhaled sharply.

"You are-" he started.

"Charming?" Jeonghan smirked.

Joshua glared. "Impossible."

Jeonghan grinned, completely unbothered. "And yet, you are smitten by me."

Joshua scoffed. "That's debatable."

Jeonghan leaned in, voice teasing.

"Wanna bet?"

Joshua-completely losing- turned away, refusing to answer.

And Jeonghan? Jeonghan just smiled, victorious.

Joshua was still processing. His entire brain was stuck in a loop, replaying every second of Jeonghan pulling him in, the hand on his waist, the whisper in his ear. His skin still tingled from where Jeonghan had brushed against him.

Which was why he was walking slightly ahead, putting as much distance between them as possible.

It wasn't running. Not really.

But Jeonghan, because he was the worst person alive, had other plans.

Casually, as if he had all the time in the world, Jeonghan maneuvered Jihoon toward Seungcheol, who barely reacted-just sighed and adjusted his grip on his husband's waist, pulling him closer like it was second nature.

That left Jeonghan right beside Joshua.

Joshua noticed immediately. He stiffened but refused to acknowledge him.

Jeonghan, entirely too pleased with himself, just shifted Seungkwan-who was perched comfortably on his shoulders-so the kid could rest his head against him.

Seungkwan, half-asleep from all the excitement, nuzzled into Jeonghan's hair.

And just like that-

Jeonghan looked like he belonged there.

Joshua's chest ached.

He wasn't sure what part made him feel the most vulnerable-Jeonghan staying close, Jeonghan carrying Seungkwan like he was his, or the fact that it didn't feel wrong.

And because Joshua was spiraling, he didn't notice Seungcheol glancing at them from the side, a knowing smirk forming on his lips. Instead, he kept walking, hyper-aware of Jeonghan's presence.

Seungcheol, sensing an opportunity to ruin Jihoon's night, squeezed his hand.

"Jihoon," he said dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "I think I just had a revelation."

Jihoon, who had long since stopped reacting to Seungcheol's dramatics, hummed absently, still holding Vernon's hand. "That so?"

"Yes," Seungcheol nodded solemnly. "I just realized that you, my dear husband, are the most beautiful person to ever exist."

Jihoon paused.

Vernon sighed. "Here we go."

"Shut up, Nonnie," Seungcheol whispered before turning back to Jihoon, expression full of absolute devotion.

"I mean it, honey. You're glowing in this light."

Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "We're under a streetlamp."

"Exactly," Seungcheol whispered, reverent.

Jihoon stared.

Then, without breaking eye contact, he sighed and muttered, "Fine. Hold my bag."

Seungcheol lit up like the sun. "Gladly!"

Vernon, still holding Jihoon's other hand, didn't even blink.

"Dad, you're embarrassing."

Jihoon nodded. "He's always embarrassing."

Seungcheol gasped, deeply offended. "Wow. This is betrayal."

Vernon patted his leg sympathetically. "There, there."

Jeonghan, watching from the side, snorted. "I'll never understand how Jihoon puts up with you."

Jihoon rolled his eyes but didn't let go of Seungcheol's hand. "Neither do I."

Seungcheol, grinning like the lovesick idiot he was, leaned in and pressed a kiss to Jihoon's temple.

Then, as if to further torment his son, he lifted Vernon up and kissed him too.

Vernon sighed deeply, so full of regret.

"Ugh. Gross."

Joshua, watching it all unfold, let out a soft huff of laughter.

It was moments like these that made him realize-

Their lives had blurred together. There was no clear line anymore between where his life ended and Jeonghan's began.

~•~

It had been a long, exhausting day.

Too many meetings, too many people who thought their opinions were law, too much stress piling onto his shoulders. By the time Jeonghan finally left work, his head was pounding, and the only thing he could think about was getting home.

Getting to them.

But even that felt too far away, and the weight of the day dragged him down. So instead, he had stopped by his car, leaning against it, exhaling sharply as he reached into his pocket.

The familiar crinkle of the cigarette pack was oddly foreign.

Jeonghan frowned slightly as he flipped it open, seeing that it was still nearly full. That was... weird. A year ago, a pack like this would've been finished in two or three days, max.

Now?

Jeonghan realized he hadn't touched one in-what, weeks? Maybe longer?

He blinked, lips quirking slightly.

He hadn't needed to.

Not when he was being dragged around a grocery store by a five-year-old who insisted they needed "just one more" box of cookies.

Not when he was too busy texting Joshua in between meetings, making sure they'd eaten, making sure they were okay.

Not when his hands were full, whether it was with Seungkwan's backpack or Joshua's wrist as he tugged him along somewhere, laughing.

He hadn't needed it.

But right now, right now, he needed something to ground him.

Jeonghan sighed, plucking a cigarette from the box, placing it between his lips. The lighter clicked, the familiar burn filled his lungs, and for a moment, the tension in his body eased.

This was fine. He wasn't addicted anymore.

It was just... a long day. That's all.

He took another drag, letting the smoke curl out between his lips-

And then-

"HANNIE!!!"

A high-pitched, excited voice tore through the air.

Jeonghan immediately looked up.

Seungkwan.

Running straight toward him, bright-eyed and full of energy, leaving Joshua behind in his excitement.

Jeonghan smiled before he could stop himself, immediately pocketing the cigarette pack, straightening up instinctively to catch Seungkwan in his arms-

Except-

Seungkwan stopped short. Right before reaching him, the little boy's face twisted into confusion.

Jeonghan blinked. "Kwannie?"

Seungkwan's tiny nose scrunched up. His eyes flickered to Jeonghan's mouth, frowning at the thin wisp of smoke trailing in the air.

"What is that?"

Shit.

Jeonghan felt his stomach drop.

Before he could answer, Seungkwan turned to Joshua, already looking for confirmation. "Dad? What is Hannie doing?"

Jeonghan barely caught the flicker of disappointment in Joshua's face before it was gone.

Masked. Hidden. Like Joshua didn't even want to acknowledge it.

Joshua sighed, reaching for Seungkwan's hand, gently tugging him back. "Come on, baby. Hannie's busy."

The words were neutral.

But the way Joshua said it-so carefully, so controlled-made Jeonghan's chest ache.

Seungkwan, still frowning, shrugged Joshua off.

"Don't lie to me."

Joshua froze.

Jeonghan did too.

Seungkwan turned back to Jeonghan, small hands clenched into fists at his sides. His voice, usually so bright and excited, was softer now.

Hurt.

"That's bad, right? What you were doing?"

Jeonghan swallowed. "Kwannie-"

Seungkwan's lower lip wobbled. "I saw bad people do it."

His tiny fingers clutched at his shirt.

"You're not bad, Hannie."

Jeonghan's breath hitched.

It wasn't an accusation.

It wasn't even anger.

It was sadness.

Like he didn't want Jeonghan to be someone bad.

Like he was scared of what this meant.

And Jeonghan?

Jeonghan suddenly felt like the cigarette in his hand was poison.

Before he could even think about it, he stubbed it out immediately, crushing it under his heel.

"It's nothing," Jeonghan said quickly.

Seungkwan didn't look convinced.

Joshua let out a quiet breath, shifting beside them, as if he wasn't sure whether to step in.

Seungkwan glanced between them, small eyebrows furrowing.

"Are you gonna do it again?"

Jeonghan hesitated.

It was a simple question.

A simple, easy, yes or no.

And for the first time in his life, he actually thought about the answer.

Really thought about it.

The way Joshua hadn't said anything.

The way Joshua had looked disappointed, but hadn't told him to stop, hadn't pushed him.

The way Seungkwan's eyes were too big, too sad, too expecting.

The way he had already decided that Jeonghan wasn't bad.

Like he had already chosen to believe in him.

Jeonghan exhaled slowly.

And then-

He bent down, resting his hands on his knees, meeting Seungkwan's gaze.

"Do you want me to stop?"

Seungkwan's head bobbed up and down so fast Jeonghan nearly laughed.

"Yes!!"

Jeonghan smiled softly. "Then I'll stop."

Seungkwan paused.

"...For real?"

Jeonghan nodded, ruffling his hair. "For real."

Seungkwan studied him for a second longer-then, just like that, his face brightened again.

"Okay!"

And without hesitation, Seungkwan threw his arms around Jeonghan's neck, hugging him tight.

Jeonghan stumbled slightly but caught him easily, blinking down in surprise. Seungkwan had already moved on, already smiling again, already excited.

And Jeonghan?

Jeonghan felt like he couldn't breathe.

Felt like something inside him had shifted, settled.

And when he looked up-

Joshua was watching.

Quiet.

Still.

Like he wasn't sure what to do with this.

Like he hadn't expected Jeonghan to actually say it.

Jeonghan held his gaze, his arms still wrapped around Seungkwan.

And slowly-Joshua's expression softened.

Just slightly.

Just enough.

And from that moment on-

Jeonghan really did want to stop.

"You're not buying another pack?" Seungcheol asked, raising an eyebrow as he and Jeonghan stood outside a convenience store.

He wasn't judging-just... surprised.

Because Jeonghan? Jeonghan always smoked. Seungcheol himself used to smoke, but ever since Jihoon, marriage, Vernon-he had stopped.

Because family changed things. Because Jihoon mattered. Because Vernon mattered.

But Jeonghan?

Jeonghan didn't have that.

Not in the same way.

And yet-

Jeonghan barely even thought about the question before he shrugged.

"Nah," he said, unlocking his phone instead, expression softening instantly when he saw his wallpaper-A picture of Joshua and Seungkwan, caught in the middle of laughing.

Seungcheol smiled at the way Jeonghan smiled because maybe Jeonghan did have that now.

Maybe he just hadn't noticed yet.

"Don't feed him too much sugar, Jeonghan."

Joshua's voice was firm as he pulled on his shoes, preparing to leave.

An old friend had invited him out, and Jeonghan (or more accurately, Seungkwan) had immediately offered to take care of Seungkwan. Not that Joshua wasn't already planning to leave them together anyway.

Jeonghan, leaning against the wall like he wasn't a menace, hummed innocently. "Of course not, pretty."

"HANNIE, WHERE'S THE CHOCOLATE CAKE YOU SAID YOU BOUGHT FOR ME?!"

Joshua turned, slowly.

Jeonghan grinned, sheepish.

Joshua glared.

Seungkwan came running out, about to say goodbye to Joshua when-he paused.

His little nose scrunched up.

"Hannie, your place doesn't smell weird anymore."

Jeonghan blinked. "...What?"

Seungkwan giggled. "It doesn't smell smoky."

Joshua's head snapped up because Seungkwan was right. Jeonghan's penthouse had always smelled faintly of smoke-no matter how many times he aired it out.

But now?

Nothing.

Just warmth. Just home.

Joshua turned back to Jeonghan, smiling knowingly.

Jeonghan immediately looked away, suddenly shifting his weight like he was uncomfortable.

"I used the scented candles you bought me," he muttered.

Joshua smirked. "Yuh sure."

Jeonghan was waiting outside a store, a few grocery bags in his hand, Seungkwan and Joshua still inside.

It had been a long day. His hands itched for something-

The pack in his pocket felt heavy.

Just one.

Just a single cigarette, just to calm his nerves, just because-

Before he could reach for it, a hand stopped him.

Joshua.

Standing in front of him, expression unreadable. Wordlessly, he pressed something into Jeonghan's palm.

A lollipop.

Strawberry-flavored.

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, confused.

Then Joshua shoved something else into his pocket. A pack of gum.

Jeonghan blinked. "Are you bribing me?"

Joshua huffed, looking away, red creeping up his neck. "You don't look very hot when you're smoking," he muttered.

Jeonghan froze.

The cigarette pack was forgotten immediately. Now all Jeonghan could think about was kissing Joshua stupid.

His heart pounded as he unwrapped the lollipop instead, popping it into his mouth just to see Joshua's reaction.

A beat of silence.

Then-

"You think I'm hot?" Jeonghan asked, grinning.

Joshua shoved him. "Shut up."

Jeonghan laughed, catching Joshua's wrist before he could escape and instead of letting go-he adjusted their grip, effortlessly lacing their fingers together. Joshua's breath hitched, but he didn't pull away.

Jeonghan smirked. "You're holding my hand, pretty."

Joshua's ears were so red now.

"Shut up," he muttered again, this time softer.

And Jeonghan? Jeonghan was never planning on letting go.

"Wait," Jeonghan said suddenly, glancing around.

"...Where's Kwannie?"

Joshua shrugged, smirking now. "With Mingyu inside."

Jeonghan stiffened.

"With that too-tall puppy?"

Joshua nodded, grinning.

Jeonghan panicked immediately.

And before Joshua could stop him-

Jeonghan was already rushing into the store to retrieve his child.

Because no way. No way was he letting that overgrown golden retriever steal both Joshua and Seungkwan's attention.

Not on his watch.

Not now.

Not ever.

Jeonghan didn't realize it at first.

Not until one evening, when he was standing outside Joshua's apartment, waiting for them to get ready.

His hands instinctively patted his pockets.

And for the first time in years-

There was no cigarette pack. No lighter.
His fingers twitched. Not with craving. Just... out of habit. Except-he didn't actually want it. He didn't feel that itch anymore.

Instead.

His fingers brushed against something small and crinkly. Jeonghan frowned, pulling it out.

A pack of gum.

And a strawberry lollipop.

His breath hitched.

Joshua.

Joshua had started keeping them there for him.

Jeonghan stared at the candy in his palm, heartbeat stuttering.

It wasn't some grand gesture.

It wasn't a dramatic promise.

It was just-Joshua, looking out for him. Quietly. Thoughtfully. Like he always did.

And Jeonghan-without even realizing-had already stopped reaching for anything else.

He exhaled, rolling the lollipop between his fingers, letting the realization sink in.

Then-

The door swung open.

"Hannie!!"

Before Jeonghan could react, Seungkwan launched himself forward, crashing into his legs.

Jeonghan caught him instinctively, laughing as he lifted him up.

"You're fast, buddy," Jeonghan teased, ruffling his hair.

Seungkwan giggled before pulling back slightly, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"You don't smell weird anymore," he declared.

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. "I smelled weird?"

Seungkwan nodded sagely. "Like smoke. And old people."

Jeonghan gasped. "I'm young!"

Seungkwan giggled harder. "Nope. You and uncle cheolie are the same."

Jeonghan dramatically clutched his chest. "You wound me."

Joshua, finally stepping out and locking the door, snorted.

Seungkwan grinned, leaning in to whisper, "But you smell nice now. Like home." Jeonghan froze. His breath caught, fingers tightening slightly around Seungkwan's small frame.

Like home.

Before he could process it, Seungkwan giggled again, oblivious to the way his words had just shattered Jeonghan's entire being.

Softly, quietly, like he knew exactly what Jeonghan needed to hear-

Joshua murmured, "I like it better this way too."

Jeonghan looked up.

And Joshua was already walking ahead.

But the tips of his ears?

Bright red.

Jeonghan, utterly wrecked in the best way possible, swallowed hard.

Then-he grinned, scooping Seungkwan higher into his arms before jogging after Joshua.

Because yeah.

He liked it better this way too.

~•~

Joshua had attended plenty of parent-teacher meetings before. They were routine.

Sit down, listen to Seungkwan's progress, nod along when the teacher said he was bright but talked too much, shake hands, leave. Simple.

What wasn't routine was Jeonghan tagging along.

"Are you sure you need to come?" Joshua sighed that morning.

Jeonghan, standing in Joshua's kitchen, sipping coffee from his favorite mug (which Joshua still didn't remember giving him), smiled lazily. "Why wouldn't I?"

Joshua shot him a look. "Because I'm the parent, Hannie."

Jeonghan shrugged. "And I'm his favorite."

Joshua scoffed. "That's debatable."

Seungkwan, half-dressed, munching on toast in the living room, called out, "No, he is!"

Joshua turned to glare. "Whose side are you on?"

"My own," Seungkwan replied innocently.

Jeonghan grinned, ruffling Seungkwan's hair when he passed by. "Good choice, kid." making Joshua sigh, ultimately accepting his fate.

Joshua adjusted the sleeves of his cropped blazer, smoothing out the fabric before glancing at himself one last time in the mirror. The soft cream turtleneck fit snugly underneath, tucked neatly into high-waisted taupe trousers that swayed slightly with each step. His hair was styled just enough to look effortlessly polished, and a delicate gold chain peeked out from under the collar.

He looked... nice. Professional. Parental.

And maybe just a little too pretty.

Jeonghan, on the other hand, was already seated on Joshua's couch, flipping through his phone as he waited. He had come straight from work, his usual tailored coat draped over the back of the chair. He looked up as Joshua walked over, his gaze flickering over him once-then twice.

Then, for the first time in the history of forever, Jeonghan completely forgot how to talk.

Joshua frowned slightly. "What?"

Jeonghan blinked. Opened his mouth. Closed it.

Then, very eloquently, said, "Oh."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Jeonghan, still openly staring, hummed absentmindedly. "Yeah. Just-wow."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. "Jeonghan."

Jeonghan leaned forward, resting his chin against his hand, his lips curling. "You're pretty, baby. It's very distracting."

Joshua groaned, going red. "Jeonghan, it's a parent-teacher meeting."

"So?" Jeonghan smirked. "Should I warn the teacher that she might get too flustered to speak?"

Joshua picked up the nearest pillow and threw it at him.

Seungkwan excited that both of them were coming to meet his teacher was already at the elevator. Jeonghan was still smirking when they reached the door.

Joshua, ignoring him, checked his bag one last time, making sure he had all the necessary stuff. As he zipped it up, he felt Jeonghan suddenly take his wrist, pulling it forward.

Joshua glanced up. "What are you-"

A small, dainty bracelet was dangling from Jeonghan's fingers. Thin gold, simple and delicate.

Joshua stilled.

Jeonghan, wordlessly, fastened it around his wrist, adjusting it so it sat snugly against his skin. His fingers were warm, moving with quiet precision. When he was done, he ran his thumb lightly over the chain before stepping back.

Joshua swallowed. "Jeonghan?"

Jeonghan's expression was softer now. Less teasing, more... something else.

"Fits, right?" he asked casually, but his voice had lost its usual smugness.

Joshua looked down at the bracelet, blinking. "You-"

"Bought it a while ago, reminded me of you" Jeonghan admitted, scratching his neck. "It just seemed like something you'd like and it suits you.

Joshua's stomach did something annoying.

"...Thanks," he murmured, voice quieter now.

Jeonghan's lips curled. "Anything for my pretty."

Joshua refused to react. Absolutely refused to. Instead, he turned toward the door. "We're leaving before you say anything else ridiculous."

Seungcheol and Jihoon were already waiting when they arrived, Vernon standing between them with his usual blank but somehow judgmental expression.

"Look who finally showed up," Seungcheol greeted, grinning. "Took your time, huh?"

"We weren't late," Joshua pointed out, adjusting his blazer.

Jihoon, barely sparing them a glance from his phone, muttered, "Seungcheol's just impatient because he wants to flex that he's a 'hands-on parent.'"

Seungcheol gasped dramatically, pressing a hand over his heart. "Excuse me, I am a hands-on parent."

Jihoon finally looked up, unimpressed. "Vernon had a nosebleed last week, and you almost called 911."

Seungcheol crossed his arms. "That's called being prepared."

Vernon, standing between them, sighed. "Dad, you panicked and told me you loved me four times before even grabbing tissues."

Jeonghan choked on a laugh. Joshua hid his smile behind his hand.

Meanwhile, Seungkwan-who had already rushed to Vernon's side-grabbed his friend's face, tilting it up to inspect him.

"You had a nosebleed?! Are you okay? Did it hurt? Is it still there?"

Vernon, as deadpan as ever, blinked. "I'm fine. It was last week."

Still, Seungkwan huffed, patting Vernon's cheeks like a tiny concerned mother.

Jihoon sighed, but a small fond smile tugged at his lips. Joshua and Jeonghan exchanged a glance-neither of them saying it, but both clearly thinking the same thing:

They are so adorable.

Seungcheol, still sulking, turned back to Joshua. "Anyway, you look nice, by the way."

Joshua smiled. "Thanks."

Before he could say anything else, Jeonghan clicked his tongue.

"No, he doesn't."

Everyone turned to him.

Without hesitation, Jeonghan reached out, tucked a loose strand of Joshua's hair behind his ear, and murmured- "He looks devastating."

Jihoon physically recoiled.

Seungcheol gagged.

Vernon blinked, confused.

And Seungkwan? Unbothered.

Joshua? Absolutely done.

With a groan, he shoved Jeonghan toward the meeting room.

Jeonghan just laughed.

The meeting itself was going well. The teacher was warm, explaining Seungkwan's progress with enthusiasm. Joshua was focused, nodding along. It was the usual Seungkwan was doing great academically, socializing well, and-as expected-talking a little too much in class. Nothing new.

Jeonghan, on the other hand?

Jeonghan was not listening. At all.

Instead, he was very busy staring at Joshua.

Joshua, who was sitting beside him, looking effortlessly put together, nodding thoughtfully at everything the teacher said. His blazer rested perfectly on his shoulders, his long fingers wrapped around Seungkwan's shoulders, the bracelet Jeonghan gave him glinting every time the sun hit it.

It was very distracting.

So distracting, in fact, that Jeonghan didn't notice the teacher addressing him until Joshua nudged him sharply.

He blinked. "...Huh?"

The teacher, amused, smiled and turned a page in Seungkwan's portfolio.

"And here's a lovely drawing Seungkwan made during our 'My Family' activity last week."

Joshua and Jeonghan leaned forward. Joshua expecting to see the usual-a stick figure of Seungkwan and one of himself, possibly the Sun in the corner and maybe even a non existent dog.

Instead, he saw three figures.

There was himself, in blue. Joshua, in yellow. And Jeonghan-definitely Jeonghan-in pink, standing beside them.

The drawing was... a mess.

Seungkwan had gone all out with crayons, scribbling a bright, chaotic family portrait.

Above their heads, in big, wobbly letters, was the label:

"Me + Dad + Hannie"

Joshua's breath caught. Jeonghan exhaled sharply.

The teacher, looking between them, beaming."Seungkwan was very enthusiastic about this one. He told the whole class all about his 'Hannie'-"

She turned to Jeonghan.

"-Which I assume is you?". "Are you Hannie?" she asked Jeonghan curiously.

Jeonghan didn't even hesitate.

"Yeah," he said, voice steady. "That's me."

Seungkwan, loudly and proudly, "YES! This is my hannie!"

Joshua, heart pounding, looked at him, Jeonghan just looked back, unwavering, Joshua quickly broke the eye contact.

The teacher's expression turned fond. "That's wonderful! I think it's lovely that Seungkwan has such a strong family bond."

Joshua could feel Jeonghan looking at him. He refused to meet his eyes.

"Uh, yeah," Joshua said weakly, pressing his fingers against his temple. "Family bond. That's... great."

Jeonghan, clearly enjoying this, leaned in slightly, voice softer now. "It is sweet, though, isn't it?" Joshua could feel the warmth of him, close but not pushing.

"Our little family," Jeonghan murmured.

Joshua kicked him under the table. The teacher, oblivious, kept flipping through Seungkwan's portfolio, pointing out other drawings, while Joshua desperately tried to calm his racing happy heart.

Meanwhile, Jeonghan looked entirely too happy.

As they walked out of the classroom, Joshua still reeling, they ran into Seungcheol and Jihoon, who were waiting for them.

Seungcheol, carrying Vernon effortlessly in his arms, grinned when he spotted them.

"Look at this. Both of us showing up as supportive parents." He turned to Jeonghan, holding out a fist. Jeonghan bumped it without hesitation.

Jihoon, standing beside them, barely looked up from Vernon's report card as he deadpanned, "I got forced into this. You could have gone alone. She says the same thing every time."

Joshua snorted.

Seungkwan's report had been about how he talked too much in class.

Vernon's? The complete opposite.

Vernon, still dangling comfortably in Seungcheol's hold, nodded solemnly. "You never want to come."

Jihoon flicked Vernon's forehead gently. "Traitor." Vernon shrugged.

Joshua, who was still mentally trying to process everything from inside the classroom, groaned. "I should've left Jeonghan at home."

Seungcheol laughed. "Oh? What did he do now?"

Jeonghan, ever smug, leaned against Joshua's shoulder, his voice light but triumphant. "Seungkwan drew me into his family picture."

Seungkwan, who had been holding Jeonghan's hand, immediately perked up. Instantly, he turned to Jihoon, excitedly filling him in on every single crayon detail of the drawing.

Jihoon, still expressionless but clearly fond, patted Seungkwan's hair. "That's cute, Kwannie."

Seungcheol's grin widened. "No way."

Joshua groaned again, running a tired hand down his face. Jihoon snorted, unimpressed. "You're acting like you're surprised."

Seungcheol nudged Joshua's arm. "Just admit it. You two are basically married."

Joshua looked up at the sky, praying for patience. Beside him, Jeonghan hummed. "Well," he said smoothly. "Not yet."

Joshua whipped around so fast his blazer nearly flew off. "JEONGHAN."

Seungcheol cackled.

Jihoon sighed.

Vernon, ever neutral, nodded like he agreed.

And Jeonghan? Jeonghan just smiled and high-fived Seungkwan.

~•~

Joshua was starting to think he had lost control of his life.

It wasn't just one moment.

It wasn't even something Jeonghan had done outright.

It was just... everything.

Like the way Jeonghan had a designated mug at Joshua's apartment-his favorite black ceramic one that he used every morning without fail, sipping coffee at Joshua's kitchen counter like he'd lived there for years.

Or the way Seungkwan had completely moved half his toys into Jeonghan's penthouse-his favorite stuffed animal now permanently sitting on Jeonghan's couch, like it belonged there.

Or how, without even thinking, Joshua would wake up and text Jeonghan "Good morning" before he even got out of bed.

He shouldn't be surprised anymore. But he just couldn't help it-he never thought Jeonghan would last this long. Never thought Jeonghan would stay.

And yet, here he was.

And then there was today.

Joshua was in the kitchen, absentmindedly packing Seungkwan's lunch for school, humming softly, when Jeonghan strolled in using the spare key, fresh from the shower, loose tie hanging undone around his collar. He was ready for work, but more importantly, he was ready to drop Seungkwan off at school-like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Joshua turned instinctively, reaching for Jeonghan's tie without thinking the second he stepped inside the kitchen. He tugged it loose again, smoothing the fabric out before redoing the knot properly. It was routine at this point-like muscle memory.

Jeonghan hummed, amused. "Morning to you too, pretty."

Joshua, still adjusting the tie, let out a distracted hum. "Morning."

Jeonghan grinned, watching him work. The moment Joshua was satisfied, he smoothed the fabric down once, patted Jeonghan's chest lightly, then turned to grab something from the counter.

Jeonghan barely had to hold out his hand before Joshua was pressing a coffee mug into it.

Jeonghan smirked.

Taking the cup from him with a smile, leaning in to press a kiss to Joshua's cheek before taking a sip.

Joshua froze.

"Needs a little more sugar, pretty," Jeonghan murmured, taking a sip.

Joshua, still reeling, now busy packing another tiffin-this time for Jeonghan, because of course he was-barely acknowledged the complaint. "You know where the sugar is."

And then he froze again.

Because-

What the hell was that?

What domestic nonsense was this?

His hands stilled as his brain caught up.

He had just... fixed Jeonghan's tie. Handed him coffee. Let him kiss his cheek.

Like they did this every day.

Like they were-

Joshua inhaled sharply.

Nope. Not thinking about it.

He flicked his gaze up, catching Jeonghan's reflection in the kitchen window. The older man was just leaning against the counter, sipping his coffee, watching him.

Like this was normal.

Like they were-

Joshua shook his head aggressively, turning back to the stove, packing Jeonghan's lunch next, very aggressively.

He was doomed.

And Jeonghan, the absolute menace, just smiled knowingly over the rim of his coffee cup.

Joshua should have stayed home.

He really should have stayed home.

Instead, he was sitting stiffly on Seungcheol and Jihoon's couch, nursing a drink he wasn't even drinking, while Seungcheol grinned at him like he had already won a bet.

"You're literally in a relationship without being in a relationship," Seungcheol declared, leaning back like this was the most obvious thing in the world.

Joshua scoffed, gripping his glass a little too tightly. "We never talked about it."

Jihoon, sprawled out in the armchair across from him, didn't even glance up from his book. "You don't, Jeonghan's all in."

Joshua's eye twitched. "It's not like that."

Seungcheol grinned wider. "Not like what? You're co-parenting. You spend all your free time together. He picks up Seungkwan from school. He basically lives at your place. And-"

"Don't," Joshua warned.

Seungcheol ignored him. "-You've started packing his lunch."

Joshua froze.

Jihoon smirked, finally glancing up. "Oh? Didn't think we'd notice that, huh?"

Joshua's brain short-circuited. Because holy shit.

Seungcheol clapped his hands together, laughing. "Man, you're already gone."

Joshua groaned, dragging his hands down his face.

Jihoon, ever unimpressed, leaned back. "Just admit it already."

Joshua had never wanted to throw himself into the sun more.

Joshua could feel Jeonghan watching him. It had been happening all evening. The knowing glances. The teasing smirks. The way Jeonghan stayed close, but didn't push.

It was driving Joshua insane.

Seungkwan had gone outside with Vernon and Seungcheol to the park, leaving Joshua and Jeonghan alone in the living room. Joshua sat on the couch, pretending to be invested in whatever nonsense was on his phone, Jeonghan, ever patient, sat beside him, sipping on a box of strawberry milk while absentmindedly scrolling through emails.

For a while, it was quiet.

Then, casually-too casually-Jeonghan said, "Are you still pretending we're not together?"

Joshua nearly dropped his phone.

"I-what?"

Jeonghan exhaled softly, setting his drink down. He turned slightly, his gaze settling on Joshua, warm and unshaken.

"It's okay, baby," he murmured, voice softer now. "I'll wait until you say it pretty."

Joshua's throat went dry.

Because Jeonghan knew.

He always knew.

And instead of pushing, instead of cornering Joshua like he always did in their usual banter, Jeonghan was doing the worst possible thing.

He was being patient.

He was waiting.

Joshua wanted to scream.

Instead, he shoved his phone under a pillow and got up. "I'm going to get water."

Jeonghan hummed, leaning back against the couch. "Sure, pretty. Take your time."

And Joshua knew he wasn't talking about the water.

Joshua had been standing by the doorway, arms crossed, watching as Jeonghan tucked Seungkwan into bed.

It was a routine sight by now-Jeonghan smoothing out the blankets, brushing Seungkwan's hair back, whispering something that made him giggle.

Joshua should be used to it but somehow, every time, it still got to him.

The way Jeonghan was with Seungkwan-gentle, patient, soft in a way Joshua had never expected but now couldn't imagine any different. Like he had always been meant to be here.

Joshua exhaled slowly. He needed to leave before he started thinking too much.

Then, right as he was about to turn away-

Seungkwan yawned, rubbing his eyes, and casually ruined Joshua's life.

"Hannie," he mumbled sleepily. "When are you gonna marry Dad?"

Silence.

Joshua's brain completely short-circuited.

Jeonghan smiled.

Over Seungkwan's head, he flicked his gaze up to meet Joshua's. Calm. Steady. Like he had been waiting for this moment.

"Good question, Kwannie," Jeonghan mused.

Joshua choked on air. "DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM."

Seungkwan frowned, looking between them. "Why not? You love Hannie. When two people love eachother they should get married."

Jeonghan smirked. "Yeah, Shua. Why not?"

Joshua turned around so fast he nearly tripped over himself. "Go to sleep. Both of you."

He didn't wait for an answer. He marched straight out of the room. He needed to go scream in a pillow.

The next morning, Jeonghan was insufferable.

Joshua had barely shuffled into the kitchen, hair a mess, sleep still clinging to his eyes when—

“So.”

Joshua blinked. “…So what?”

Jeonghan smirked over his coffee. “Gonna answer Kwannie’s question, pretty?”

Joshua sighed, rubbing his temples. “Jeonghan.”

“What ring do you want?”

Joshua grabbed a mug, ignoring him.

“Do you want to walk down the aisle, or not?”

Joshua poured his coffee, pretending Jeonghan didn’t exist.

“I’m thinking spring wedding—”

Joshua slammed his mug onto the counter, turning to glare. “You never said it.”

Jeonghan blinked. “Said what, baby?”

Joshua crossed his arms. “You never asked me.”

Jeonghan tilted his head. “Asked you what?”

Joshua exhaled sharply, suddenly feeling ridiculous but pushing through. “To be yours.” He gestured vaguely. “To… make this real.”

Jeonghan looked at him for a long moment.
Then, slowly, he set his coffee down and took a step closer. “Joshua.”

Joshua swallowed, pulse quickening.

Jeonghan’s voice softened. “You’ve been mine since the moment I met you. Just as I have been yours.”

Joshua’s breath caught.

Jeonghan reached for him then, fingers brushing along his wrist before taking his hand fully. “But,” he murmured, voice teasing now, “if you need me to say it, I will.”

Joshua’s stomach flipped.Jeonghan squeezed his hand. “Be mine, pretty.” His lips curled slightly. “Officially, because i was always yours...and Kwannie's.”

Joshua stared at him, something warm pressing against his ribs, making it harder to breathe. He bit his lip, hesitating for only a second before finally exhaling.

“You’re already my person, Hannie,” he admitted softly. “And I guess—” He rolled his eyes, feeling his face heat up. “—I was yours before I even realized it.”

Jeonghan inhaled, his fingers tightening around Joshua’s. Joshua huffed, looking away. “So yeah. Fine. We’re together. I like you. Kwannie likes you. We are… family.”

Jeonghan stilled.

For the first time in forever, he actually looked caught off guard.

Joshua, very flustered but committed, scowled. “Happy now?”

Jeonghan’s lips parted slightly, his usual smugness melting into something real. Something soft. Something like pure, undeniable love.

And then—before Joshua could take it back—Jeonghan leaned in and kissed him.

Soft. Warm. Gentle.

Like he had been waiting forever.

Like he could finally breathe.

When he pulled away, he whispered against Joshua’s lips— “Yeah, pretty.” His thumb brushed against Joshua’s cheek, lingering. “I’m happy now.”

Joshua woke up warm.

Too warm.

He groggily blinked his eyes open, only to be met with the steady rise and fall of Jeonghan's chest, the warmth of his arms wrapped firmly around Joshua's waist.

Right.

Last night happened.

Joshua's brain took a second to catch up.

They had kissed. They had admitted things. And now, Jeonghan was sleeping beside him, holding onto him like he was never letting go.

Joshua exhaled slowly, willing himself to not freak out. Instead, he let himself look.

Jeonghan's face was relaxed in sleep, lips slightly parted, hair falling messily over his forehead. His grip tightened for a second, like even unconscious, he refused to let Joshua slip away.

Joshua's heart did something stupid.

And then-

"Hi."

Joshua nearly jumped out of his skin.

Jeonghan grinned, barely awake, voice raspy with sleep. "You sure are clingy."

Joshua scowled. "You're the one holding onto me."

Jeonghan hummed, shifting closer, tangling their legs together. "Yeah. And?"

Joshua groaned, covering his face with his hands. "I hate you."

Jeonghan chuckled, lips brushing against Joshua's shoulder. "No, you don't."

Joshua refused to acknowledge how warm that made him feel.

They lay there for a while, the morning light filtering softly through the curtains. Jeonghan's breathing evened out again, and Joshua, traitorously, let himself relax.

And then-

"You sure were gorgeous last night."

Joshua froze.

Jeonghan's voice was low, teasing, and when Joshua peeked at him, yep. The smug lewd grin was there on his face.

Joshua turned red. "Literally shut up." He shoved at Jeonghan's chest, trying to roll away.

Jeonghan whined. "Hey-"

A loud knock cut them off.

"Dad, is Hannie with you?"

Joshua sighed, already dreading this. "Your Hannie is here, save me, Kwannie, from this rude person," Jeonghan called dramatically.

The door flew open.

Seungkwan, dressed in his bear pajamas, launched himself onto the bed, clambering onto Jeonghan's back. "I'll save you, Hannie!"

And just like that-Joshua was ambushed.

Small hands found his sides, tickling mercilessly. Joshua yelped, trying to escape, but Jeonghan held him down, laughing along with Seungkwan, egging him on.

The room filled with giggles, warmth wrapping around them like a blanket.

And despite himself, despite everything-Joshua laughed too.

Because this is exactly everything he ever wanted.

~•~

Saturday mornings were still sacred. Still theirs.

Joshua had promised Seungkwan today would be their day—no work, no errands, no interruptions. Just a full day of whatever their son wanted to do, which, of course, meant spending time with Vernon.

And that was how he found himself standing outside a very familiar apartment door, Seungkwan bouncing impatiently beside him, his small fingers wrapped tightly around Joshua’s hand.

But this time, Joshua wasn’t knocking to drop Seungkwan off.

He was knocking because Seungkwan had called Jeonghan earlier that day, insisting, “Forgot work, Hannie! You promised it's going to our day!”

And Jeonghan, as always, had kept his promise.

The door swung open.

And just like the very first time—

Jeonghan was there.

But this time—

He wasn’t some half-asleep stranger in an oversized hoodie, blinking at Joshua with lazy amusement.

This time, he was standing there fully awake, dressed neatly, his hair styled just enough to look effortlessly put together.

This time, he wasn’t looking at Joshua like he was something new—a curiosity to be played with.

This time, he was looking at him like he was something his.

Because this time—

He was Joshua’s husband.

Jeonghan leaned against the doorframe, that same teasing smirk playing at his lips—the one that had driven Joshua insane from the moment they met.

“Well, hello there.”

Joshua exhaled sharply, already shaking his head. “Oh my god. Do not start.”

Jeonghan’s grin widened. “What? Just being polite.”

Joshua glared. “Jeonghan.”

Seungkwan, rolling his eyes, huffed. “Ugh, you two are so weird.”

Then, before Joshua could react, Jeonghan caught Seungkwan in one smooth motion, arms wrapping around him as he lifted him effortlessly off the ground. “Where do you think you’re going, little guy?” Jeonghan teased, pressing loud, exaggerated kisses to Seungkwan’s cheeks.

“Appa, stop ittt!” Seungkwan giggled, squirming in his hold. “Hannieee!!”

Joshua sighed, watching the scene with an exasperated fondness. This was an everyday occurrence by now—Jeonghan grabbing Seungkwan, spoiling him rotten, and Seungkwan pretending to protest while laughing through it all.

When Jeonghan finally set him down, Seungkwan huffed, fixing his shirt dramatically before running inside, already calling for Vernon.

Joshua turned back to Jeonghan, raising an eyebrow. “You’re ridiculous.”

Jeonghan shrugged, utterly unrepentant. “And yet, you married me.”

Joshua rolled his eyes, stepping forward to enter, but before he could, Jeonghan caught his wrist—gently, fingers curling around his skin.

Joshua barely had a second to react before soft lips brushed against his own.

A gentle press. Familiar. Easy.

Joshua stilled.

Jeonghan pulled back just slightly, his gaze warm and knowing. “Missed you, baby.”

Joshua’s breath hitched.

Because damn him. Even after all these years, after everything, Jeonghan still managed to make his heart trip over itself like it was the very first time.

But instead of pulling away, instead of rolling his eyes and pretending he wasn’t affected—

Joshua just sighed and muttered, “I saw you this morning.”

Jeonghan grinned. “Yeah. And?”

And nothing. Joshua had no argument. Because, truthfully—

He had missed him too.

Joshua muttered something under his breath before stepping past him into the apartment, greeting Jihoon and Seungcheol, who were locked in an animated debate about coffee mugs.

Jeonghan just laughed, following behind him. “It's okay, I know you missed me too pretty.”

Joshua sighed, shaking his head, but instead of pulling away—

He reached back.

Jeonghan blinked, momentarily caught off guard as Joshua’s fingers found his, lacing them together with quiet certainty. Joshua didn’t say anything, didn’t look at him, just kept walking further inside—pulling Jeonghan with him.

Jeonghan, after a brief pause, let out a soft chuckle. “Well, well,” he murmured, squeezing Joshua’s hand. “Look who’s really not running anymore.”

Joshua shot him a side glance, lips twitching. “Shut up.”

Jeonghan just laughed, leaning in to press another kiss to his temple before the door shut behind them—

Closing the past.

Sealing the present.

Locking in their future.

Because Joshua would never run again.

And even if he did—

Jeonghan would always catch up.

And Seungkwan would make sure he did.