Hyuk's House

@‡ Hyuk Thank you Hyuk, really. You've gone above and beyond for me... I don't know how I'll ever pay you back but being able to trust someone again... It feels nice. You're right, maybe I don't need to have everything figured out. I could enjoy being single, I guess.
When I pull back from your mom I give you a small smile in return, rubbing over your hand that's gripping onto me. It's surreal after everything I've been through to feel like I might make it, things might be different now and maybe, just maybe, there is some hope left out there for me. Having that sense of future restored within me I'm grateful to you and your mom, baby Jiwon and even airbags on a good day. I nudge your chin with my knuckle, a spark of playfulness restored.

I always had this fear in the back of my mind I'd be like my own parents but playing with a real baby it feels different somehow, and it's not just any baby but my best friend's baby. I hope he kicks my shins too when he's older. I catch something in your expression, not quite your tears but the traces of them left behind. The way your eyes are slightly swollen, the tip of your nose reddens, your cheeks puffy, but I don't pry. Instead I smile at you and slide into your side with a bump of our hips. As we walk you unknowingly, or rather subconsciously, explain your expression to me and I hum with understanding.
I'd take one loving parent over two disappointments any day of the week. You love him and he loves you, he'll never know what it's like to live without that precious love and I don't know, it's not my place to say but, having you in his corner the little guy is lucky. Don't be so hard on yourself when you're a great parent, hm?

@† Seunghyun [H] Well... there's no rush in figuring out what comes next. Better to take your time... make sure you've processed everything that's happened than rush into something because it feels better in the moment. And I'll be here for all the time you need to figure things out.
I mumble to you as my mom hugs you, her agreement with me shared through a second, light squeeze before she let's go. I smile at you, encouraging, and then I'm holding onto your arm, my emotional support manifested in the physical support my hands give you.

There's nothing sweeter than seeing the way you treat Jiwon. And he takes so well to your playfulness and sweetness that I'm in awe. Some people are meant for this sort of thing and I have no doubt that you are. I feel the smile become unbearable at my lips and I don't notice, but eventually I feel tears sliding down my cheeks. I chuckle at the overwhelming sensation and wipe away my tears carefully as you turn around to face me, hoping you don't notice. The conversation at hand is the perfect distraction I hope, as is the movement to lead you downstairs to where dinner awaits us. I look at you, nothing but genuine affection brimming in my eyes. I squeeze you from your side, chuckling to myself, almost sadly.
Sometimes-- Sometimes, I feel guilty... that I adopted Jiwon... that I took such a sweet, little creature when he could have had a different home. One with two parents... That that would be better for him, but... hearing you say that. I realize he'll have all the love he needs around him anyway... Thank you, Hyun.

@‡ Hyuk It's alright... really. I know my kids will have a good life with their mother, I don't have any doubts about that. Me though... I don't know. I haven't figured out what's next.
my hand rubs at yours where you hold my arm, reflecting the warmth of you and your mother in my own way. You're both so sweet to me and its reassuring in all the ways I needed that I didn't know about. I thank your mom when she hugs me, squeezing her a little and feeling my squeeze returned. As I pull back and make my way back to your side I wipe the last remnants of my emotional state away from my cheeks with a swipe of my fingertips.

we have one last playing standoff where he lifts his tiny hands up wanting to pulled back up into my arms but I collect his hands in mine and guide them to my lips, blowing noisy and very wet kisses against his tiny palms until he squirms and wants to pull away with another big giggle.
Hmm, delicious little baby hands, so tasty.
I rub his belly to coax him into sleep, lowering my voice to a gentle whisper.
We can play again tomorrow, it's okay... You need to have all the dreams you can, hm? Fill your little head with the moon and stars... The world must look so big to you, it must feel scary, hm? But don't worry, you have a big yellow star monster to protect you... The two of you can go on all kinds of adventures together, a little spaceman, his big alien and his rocketship... goodnight little spaceman.
I keep talking until my voice is so low and faint it's like I'm turning the volume down. Jiwon is receptive to my new tone of voice and gradually the kicks die down until he's sleepy. I keep rubbing his tummy when you approach and I lean away to give you two some space, admiring the bond between mother and baby. It's sweet. When you're ready and we head out I'm quiet the whole time, reflecting on the experience. I realise I want what you have and it's a startling thought. I try to act casual about it when you talk by shrugging.
Thank you, it was fun. He's a sweet little guy. If you two ever need anything, or you need a moment to switch off, you know you can ask me. Well, I'll be here anyway until you kick me out but, after then you know. I want to be a part of his and your life in whatever capacity you need me to so don't feel bad about asking, yeah?

@† Seunghyun [H] my mom smiles and glances at me with the softness of a warm, cozy blanket and then her gaze returns to you and to us; i look up at you as we hug and even when it let's up, i keep a hold of your arm and shake my head
i'll always believe in you-- and be here for whatever you need... it's a hard time, hyun-- but it won't be endless, i promise. mmhm.
my mom let's us go then after giving you a hug of your own, a promise on her lips as well that if you ever need anything, to not hesitate to ask; she's a warm creature and prone to mothering anyone that will let them and its evident from the sweetness in her features that she's taken on a warmth for you, right from the jump

the sweetness between you and the little one is almost too much to bear and i laugh while watching you two, tongue clicking in the midst of his giggles; its playful, however, and i'm softer than playful, grateful you're here, grateful that jiwon will have you, too; there is some guilt that lingers in me, adopting as a single parent, but the notion that you're here for him too makes me hopeful
don't fall for it, little one-- he's just buttering you up so you'll forget. let's see if he can get to sleep with all those giggles--
i let you take charge of putting him to bed and then drop my own kiss upon his cheeks, cooing softly
sleep well, little one... momma loves you so so much-- you can get back at the yellow star monster in your dreams, okay?
satisfied, i straighten up and hug your arm, leading to the door and the lights turning off in the process with a flick of my hand, door shut quietly behind us; i nudge you gently as we head down, my thoughts sifting through to my lips
you're a natural, you know-- i think you won his heart with that story of yours... it was sweet watching you two.

@‡ Hyuk she reminds me so much of you, but the best parts of you. the kindness in your eyes and the sweetness of your smile. I nod to your mom feeling reassured, somewhat more at peace with not knowing. Hell, if she still had no idea what she was doing there's no way I could tell. you're a gentleman in every sense of the word and my heart grows two sizes too big at the realisation.
Thank you. I wouldn't have known it from what Hyukkie tells me you're a wonderful mom.
I feel your hand encircle me and I sloppily return your hug, my arms hooked around your shoulders as I squeeze you.
you seem to be one out of two people who currently believe in me. The other is standing beside you. But thanks Hyuk... Its nice to know that someone can see it. Someone has hope. Its refreshing.

I'm still proud of myself and my story, glowing as you thank me with a little sweet peppering kiss. Laughter bursts out like thunder when you speak and I hurry to defend myself.
Hey- It was the yellow star monster who thought that! Not me! I think his feet are delicious.
Playfully blows more raspberries on his feet and stares back up at you when he giggles.
Also, I think that was a solid yes. But okay, storytime is over little man. Time to dream big dreams.
Carefully I pull Jiwon back against my chest and wander over to his crib, snuggling him for a moment I almost don't want to put him back down. He's so warm and soft. I could hold him forever. I gently set him down in his crib and tuck him into his tiny blanket, staring at you with a small smile after I've given his forehead a little kiss.
let's go. I'm hungry.

@† Seunghyun [H] her head shakes and she smiles at you and then at me, the affection of a mother clear in the map of her face; her gaze returns to you
it's not dumb... i believe a lot of people feel ready or see a future with kids until it rushes up to them and then they just know. i always wanted children, but even when i found out i was pregnant for the first time... even then i felt unprepared. i wanted it, but i had no idea what i was doing. it's an overwhelming emotion.
my hand hand gently let's go of yours to instead hug your middle, my own whisper coming up now
you'll have everything you desire and more, hyun... you'll be a wonderful father and husband for your family. i know you will.

my eyes stay level on both of you, the corners of my eyes falling into an eye smile that only softens more and more the further you two come together and interact; its sweet really and the story you've come up with leaves me in giggles that are very much reminiscent of those jiwon breaks into the more you say, not a word understood but engrossed and entertained just by his little feet kicks and tiny, excited arm movements; by the time you finish, i come up to wipe a few tears from the corner of my eyes, the softness in me overwhelming and i drop a kiss on his head and then yours, leaning after to coo at him
did you like that, little bear? uncle hyun is really good at story telling, hm? enough to forgive him for saying you have stinky feet.
i look up at you and offer up a sweet smile, hoping the tears are long gone from my eyes; i nod
now we can put him in his crib... how about you do that too? and afterwards we can head down to have dinner. i'm sure my mom has a lot for us to eat.

@‡ Hyuk your mom is adorable and I love her. I try to contain the flood of feelings that threaten to overwhelm me at her tenderness, a gift she passed down to her son it seems. I force a smile at both of you whilst a ball of tension restricts my jaw. I'm not going to be upset over this ever again, I've decided.
Thank you... I hope you're right... I never wanted a family because... I was young and immature for a long time... I couldn't see a future for myself until I was going to be a father, is that dumb? There's just something... inside me... that you know feels it this time. I want it.
My voice cracks and I look down at your hand squeezing mine, I return the gesture with a thoughtful nod.
You're right... thank you.

carefully I grab a nearby cloth to wipe his mouth, softly whispering to him the whole time. Jiwon grabs at my shirt with his tiny fist and I look at you smiling proudly. I did it. I fed a baby.
great okay so...
I clear my throat and readjust us, moving him back down into arms away from my chest so he can kick about and wriggle.
there was this astronaut who lived on the moon, he met all kinds of aliens and had studied the moon like the back of his hand. But he was a baby. His name was space baby. And he lived in space. He didn't have a house on the moon but he had a rocketship and in that rocketship he had pictures from home of his mommy, his daddy, and his siblings. He missed them sometimes. But he was a space baby now. It was his job to discover more life in space. One day he climbed into his rocketship after a long days work only to find that the ship was lightly shaking-
I rub Jiwon's belly as gently as I can which makes him giggle.
He looked outside of his window and noticed that the stars were gone. And something was pulling on the moon too-
I fake a gasp to keep the little one engrossed in the story even if he has no idea what I'm talking about, I'm having fun.
So space baby hurried to get into his suit. The ship was still moving and the moon started to spin. Until it abruptly came to a halt- space baby climbed out of the ship and looked to see a big yellow monster. The monster looked pleased with himself, his lips as the moon came closer. He said, "The stars were delicious and now I'm going to eat you space baby!"
I bring Jiwon up closer to my face and swoop in to pretend to eat him. He wriggles with excitement and kicks about.
But space baby had a weapon, the most important and dangerous weapon. His stinky little feet! He took his space shoes off and held his foot up to the space monster who took a whiff.
I tickle Jiwon's toes and blow a raspberry on his foot.
It was so stinky! The big yellow monster started to shrink until he was smaller than space baby! All of the stars left his mouth and space was restored! The two went back into space baby's ship and became best friends. Space baby named him Sunny and that was the story of Space baby and Sunny.
I finish my story with a beaming smile.

@† Seunghyun [H] almost immediately my mom realizes her mistake and her eyes briefly flick to me as if scolding me for not warning her before they return to you; her gaze looks at the ultrasound as i do and then at you with tenderness only a parent can achieve; she reaches out and grabs a hold of your arm, my hand finding yours after to give it a gentle squeeze; she purses her lips
i hope for your sake and your babies' that the mother comes around. even if you two don't want to or can't stay together to raise them... they deserve to know both of their parents. it's unfair, really. to you and to them. parents are meant to put their kids' happiness first... and it's terrible to see when that doesn't appear to be the priority.
i squeeze your hand again and look up to my mom as she continues
you'll get to see them again, seunghyun. don't lose hope yet.

i'm slightly in awe of how natural all of this seems to come to you, dumbfounded truly as i was unaware you had such paternal instinct; the sight is quite soft for me, jiwon content in your arms with his feet kicking and eyes curiois while he drinks away at his milk until little whines and grungs signal he's done; at the same time i feel awe and a smile graces my lips, my heart squeezes, wishing you could have a moment like this with your own babies; i chuckle at your little silliness, content my little bear will have you in his life and eventually i nod
with a promise like that? of course. let me...
i move away so i can settle myself on the ground next to the couch with you two, leaning against to plush softness to listen in
mmkay. whenever you're ready. your audience is ready

@‡ Hyuk that's sweet...
I smile at your adorable interactions with your mom and I'm relieved you have this kind of energy around you. It's comforting in a wholesome way. But her question knocks me on my and I swallow uncomfortably, a nervous laugh slips out.
Ah, well, I was... I mean... I do want kids and I was expecting. But, uh, things aren't working out with the mother right now so...
I tug the hem of my sleeve down and squeeze it in the palm of my hand. With my other I slip my phone out of my pocket and show you both the ultrasound of the twins, something I haven't done before.
Here they are, my babies... The first and last time I'll ever see them probably... I don't know... They're due any day now I suppose. I can't get a hold of the mother so... yeah. Maybe it's not supposed to be.
I put my phone away and cross my arms tightly over my chest, glancing away so I don't cry in front of your mom, that would be embarrassing.

listening in on your super secret conversation I smirk and nod, agreeing with the sentiment that yes, I am silly. But he doesn't need to be extra cute, right now he's the most adorable little man I've ever laid eyes on. Yet I act indifferent as if I didn't hear your schemes. I'm pliant like clay under your instruction and when he's in my arms I gently pull him towards my chest, whispering in a low voice.
alright little man, let's get you fed and back to bed.
gently I move the rocking chair with my feet, following your advice down to the letter. Some baby nonsense slips out of me whilst he drinks up and after I hand the bottle to you, bringing him up against my chest to carefully rub his back. He's the most precious little thing so I can't resist giving him a couple of kisses to his tiny warm head.
there we go kiddo... was that yummy? mhmm... mom had to go outside and chase a cow for it, you know? and if you feed the cow chocolate that's how you get choco milk, crazy huh?
I glance at you with a smile that's framed by dimples.
Can I tell him a bedtime story? I have a really good one. You'll love it too, promise.

@† Seunghyun [H] mm. my son would be crazy to think he'd give me a grandchild without his father and i loving on him and the baby the whole time.
i laugh a quiet, 'wouldn't dream of it.' before she settles into an amused smile while she listens to you speak, a very similar, affectionate one on my own face
you sound like you're really good with them, too. do you want kids of your own? a father with the enthusiasm you have... you'd be a good father in your own right, i bet.
my mom's comment makes me pause and i try to get her to stop, but the signal doesn't come through and the words now hang in the air while i give you an apologetic look

chuckles as i look at jiwon, his eyes wide as if he's still trying to process the raspberry placed into his tiny hand; i rub my thumb along his cheek and bump my nose gently against his own to soothe him some
your uncle is silly, isn't he, baby boy? he's a good one though, i promise. and if you give him a few cute coos he might just spoil you rotten... so let's put on our extra cuteness, okay?
i whisper quietly as if you can't hear me while i bring him to you, gently placing him down while i mold your arms to cradle him safely and supported in your hold; again, your knowledge impresses me and i nod only to shake my head a moment later
i usually do-- or right before bed when i read him a little story. but it's okay, one night won't disturb him too much. plus, he's happy.
i grab the bottle and test it a final time before letting you having it, instructing you how to hold him and the bottle so the little bear is comfortable, little kicks and eyes showing how excited he is for his milk

@‡ Hyuk You're a great parent and a wonderful grandma. I'm glad Hyuk has both of his parents for guidance, that's important, y'know?
I give you a glance over real quick.
Thank you, I'm so excited. I love kids. They would get so bored at my parents restaurant I started making animal shaped food for them. There was this one kid who'd come in without any parents or money and I'd sit with him for a while, let him try new things on the menu. It was a great way to get an honest opinion because kids really won't eat something they hate.
I realise I'm rambling and clear my throat with a nervous laugh.

I smile at you both, when he acknowledges me it feels like getting recognised by royalty or something. When he pulls my finger closer to his mouth I laugh.
yeah he's really hungry, he won't let. go. Just like his mom, aw.
I gently try to tug to my finger away but when it doesn't work I lean closer and blow a little raspberry on his hand which makes him let go in surprise.
Babies aren't that hard to understand.
I brag as I wander over to the rocking chair, holding my arms out because I want to give him a cuddle so bad.
Bring him to me, uncle wants to cuddle. Do you do the whole skin contact thing with him though? I don't want to interrupt your feeding routine.
I've read too many baby books whilst preparing for my own and ask the question with a nervous smile.

@† Seunghyun [H] your response pulls a calm smile on her lips and soon, she's nodding in agreement with the statement
yes. that's what i hope as well... i don't doubt it'll happen in due time. until then though, he'll have his dad and i to help. any time with our grandson is exciting. and friends that want to help out, of course. which, i won't keep you any longer. i bet you're eager to see the little one.


my eyes look up to you at the sound of your awed voice, its timbre the same way i felt from the moment i laid eyes on jiwon and knew he'd be coming home with me; my heart swells to a crescendo and everything softens to see you have that kind of emotional response to my little one; you're so gentle and engrossed with him, i smile wide and unrelenting, the little interactions between you two endearing; chuckles quietly
mm... it's like you've done this before... i think he approves.
i look to jiwon and give his tiny nose a kiss before i look to you again and gesture towards the rocking chair that sits at one corner of the room; i grin
sit? you can hold him and i'll tell you how to give him his bottle.
my eyes turn to the little bundle in my arms, cooing
you're hungry, aren't you, little bear?
i smile as the best response i get is a yawn thay leads to him trying to put your finger in his mouth and so i lead us to the couch
i'll take that as a yes...

@‡ Hyuk I won't confirm or deny that. Your mom's cute, but I'm not into women. Toying with that cute look on your face is fun though. So I don't say anything. Where's the fun in that? I smirk. She's a fascinating woman though, she talks just like you and I can see where you got your attention to detail from. I listen eagerly and soak up her words like a sponge.
Hmm, I hope someday he can find someone who will make him and Jiwon incredibly happy. They both deserve the world.
I say to your mom with a small nod, the implications of that fly right over my head. Your compliment makes me feel braver so I step inside ready to meet your little man. The nursery is beautiful and I stare around the room amazed by it. My eyes are mildly distracted by glowing stars until you scoop up your bundle of joy and my hearr jumps up into my throat. He's gorgeous, his little plump cheeks are rosy whilst his cute sleepy expression is enough to make me melt.
Hi baby...
I repeat you dumbly, realising you were talking to your son after. With rosy cheeks of my own I step closer and raise a finger to poke his squishy cheek.
Its so nice to meet you little one, aren't you the cutest tiny man I've ever seen?
The baby nonsense language somehow comes easily to me and maybe it's my satellite ears but he reaches out, curling his tiny hand around the tip of my finger.
Whoa you're so strong...

@† Seunghyun [H] i stare at you very much in the same way my mom did a few moments ago, but rather than a full on laugh, i end up gently nudging you with the bottle in my hand, playful still, of course
choi seunghyun, you better not be flirting with my mom right now.
she laughs and returns to add the last touches to the food while you speak
yes. that's true. and i'm happy. it makes me feel old, but i'm happy to have a grandson. and i know how much my son wanted to start a family on his own... so i'm happy about that too... that he's finally getting to. i do wish, however, that he had a partner to share the load with. it's not that i don't think he isn't capable on his own but i know how much easier it'd be with another person.
i hear her comments but say nothing to you or her and simply flash a smile; my eyes travel to you fixing your hair and i chuckle
he'll love you. you look perfect.
i make a sign to be quieter and gentle and then i open up the door to the nursery; the room is constellation themed, a dark wash of navy blue on the walls with pretty constellations painted across and decorations to match; amongst the space, however, lies a tiny baby, tucked into footsie pajamas with little starts all over them and looking awfully groggy; i coo softly and come forward to scoop him up, my lips instantly pressing to his forehead while i whisper
my sleepy baby... look at how cute you are, hm? let's get you fed, okay? and then straight to sleep. but first you have to meet someone that came especially to see you. isn't that exciting, little bear?
i look over at you and smile, gesturing you to come closer so jiwon can get acquainted with you, cooing quietly at him in the process
this is uncle seunghyun, ji. say hi, baby...

@‡ Hyuk I have a lot of stamina, don't worry about that.
smirks with a little wink in your direction and I laugh. Of course I taste the food and your mom's a good cook, it's nice to taste something that feels like a lot of love went into it rather than it just being another fried order on the kitchen shelf waiting for a customer.
He's still a mom too and he gets to learn from you, little Jiwon will be spoilt rotten by you both. Are you excited to be a grandma now?
I love your mom, she's just as adorable as you and it's so funny. The familiarity feels nice, not as smothering as I would have assumed. I don't know what your dad is like but I'm amused by your tantrum. I nod before I follow you, shooting your mom a small smile before disappearing up the stairs with you.
Do you think I look okay? I want to make a good first impression.
I finger-comb my hair as we walk closer to Jiwon's room.

@† Seunghyun [H] she stares at you for a moment or two, very obviously amused before a shrug emerges from her shoulders
a little long... but if you really can't decide, why not, hm?
she smiles and steps aside for you to get a better look at the food before her, letting you taste each one, side dishes already prepped to the side
i've made seaweed soup... he may not have given birth to my grandson but a little bit of it won't hurt. and then some beef and warm rice.
she laughs and throws me a look that i return helplessly, eventually squinting at you both
i do not-- he- unu you two aren't allowed to gang up on me like this. i'll tell dad.
with a playful huff, i set to finish making the bottle and smile once more at you, gesturing up the stairs with my head
let's go then, hm? i don't mind. it'll be a nice introduction. you can watch me and then you can try, okay?

@‡ Hyuk relief pools in my stomach, unwinding the twists and turns of nerves that had burrowed inside me, meanwhile a light exhale wrapped up in a satisfied laugh escapes me.
What about Heeyoungmom? It's right down the middle. mhmm, starving. What are you making? It smells delicious like... a herb sort of aroma, lemongrass maybe?
I lean a bit closer to your mom and lower my voice just to tease you more.
Please tell me your secrets so he'll never be able to say no to me... he says it pretty much all of the time to me.
acting pouty I scrunch my face up somewhat comically, laughing at your groan and meeting your eyes with a warm sincerity of my own.
Sure, I'd love to. I guess it's something I should learn. Would you mind if I tried?
of course I follow you about the kitchen like a stray puppy waiting for a snack, I'm distracted by your mom's cooking but I stare between both activities, the nerves creeping back in at meeting your son.

@† Seunghyun [H] cute button--
she chuckles at your boldness, unbotothered by it and instead amused, very much in the same way that she's amused by you calling her mom
it's nice to meet you, seunghyun. you can call me heeyoung, but mom also is fine. i always did want another son anyway. and yes. don't lie to your mother. are you hungry at all, seunghyun? join us and stay for dinner once you've all put ji to bed, hm? it's Hyuk's favorite so he might now want to share, but he can't say no if i make him.
she teases at me and i groan, now the teasing coming from two directions instead of one; my groan melts into a smile instead and i look at you
no. you can help me feed him if you like? i'll just prepare his bottle. you can get in his favor if you're the one holding the bottle.
i smile and lead you further into the kitchen so you can wait with me while i begin to warm and prep his bottle

@‡ Hyuk let's go.
I follow you inside your home and immediately I'm hit by the softening warmth. Politely I slip my shoes off, regretful that I don't have anything with me. This all feels so alien to me but I like it. It's strange. Observant like I'm an astronaut on some foreign planet I bow deeply to your mom.
My body language is stiff, I don't know how to act or what to say. I just glance at you as if waiting for some kind of cue. It's funny how much you look like your mom though, I can see the family resemblance almost instantly. It's cute, I find and I smile at your mom.
Hi, it's so nice to meet you mom, I can see where Hyuk got his cute little button nose from. But I'm very much down for some schemes, don't listen to him. Don't lie to your mother like that.
I playfully joke, nudging your arm.
Do you need some privacy to feed him?
I'm so excited to meet him I can barely contain myself.

@† Seunghyun [H] of course, love. let's head in?
a final smile and i leas you inside, the scent of warm food and gentle fire dispersed throughout the air; i smile, a happy familiarity to the scents of my childhood once again filling a home, filling a kitchen; quietly, i pull you along and call out not too loud, so as not to disturb any little creature
mom-- i'm home-- i've brought a friend along to meet jiwon.
the sound or rustling appears and then a woman emerges from the kitchen and almost instantly, the source of my soft features and rounded eyes is apparent; she's a petite woman, with warm, kind eyes, peppered hair, and bundled to look cozy though it's warm enough in the room; she smiles, the corners of her eyes crinkled in a sincere show of happiness and welcoming
welcome home-- i've just finished making some dinner so you too are in luck. jiwon is in his nursery. he's had a little nap before you feed him and do his little bedtime story.
after the little update her attention turns to you with impish curiosity and i chuckle
mom this is choi seunghyun. one of my friends. please leave the man be. the last thing he needs is an interrogation or one of your schemes.

@‡ Hyuk my laughter is faint before it trickles away, an unsure smile balanced between my lips. I press them firmly with a nod.
Got it. No wandering around the house . Understood.
I roll my shoulders and take a deep breath.
Yeah. I'm excited to meet them both. Thanks for having me over Hyuk.

@† Seunghyun [H] your sarcasm pulls a roll of my eyes and i smack your arm gently for a moment with a chuckle
hey-- you keep me on my toes. i just wanted to make sure we're on the same page. she's staying with me a week or two more while i get into a routine with him. i think she fell in love with him before she even saw him... she was excited to be a grandma. already spoiling him.
i point up ahead to my home and grin
ready for the introductions?

@‡ Hyuk damn that was my first conversation idea... Hey, did you know your son likes being spanked? A whole of stuff to unpack there.
I lightly nudge your arm with mine and smile as we walk.
Of course I won't. You can trust me. I'll be a good friend. Keep all your secrets. For free.

@† Seunghyun [H] i tuck myself into my coat and shelter away from the brisk, fall around us; my eyes follow the imaginary path home and i grin at you, sincere
be yourself? bad jokes and all. she'll find you charming. oh. and please... don't mention the club? i don't think right now is a great time to explain to my mom that i'm a member at a space.

@‡ Hyuk follows you home, feeling a bit guilty I didn't bring anything with me but I resolve to treat you to dinner sometime.
so... any tips from mom before we go in?

_________

@‡ Hyuk [H] When Hyuk peeked out behind the doorway and called out, both of them turned their attention to him, though the lady stayed as Dongyeon made his way over with a smile. "Oh sorry princess, just um..." He paused with his words, unsure if he should beat around the bush or spill the beans with him. "My ex, don't worry though, it was a mutual break up and we are just friends.' He cupped Hyuk's cheek and it softly. "If you like you can wait here or you can put on some shorts and join us, but it shouldn't take too long."

@† Dongyeon [SH] Hyuk curled up into the couch under a soft nest of blankets while his boyfriend left to attend to the door. He was curious, sure, as to who could be at the door at such a late hour, but at worst he figured it was a neighbor, dropping by to ask a question. His gaze rested on his phone, fingers fiddling at the fabric that covered his body, just one of Dongyeon's shirts and a pair of the younger man's boxers. After all, if he could sleep in the barista's clothing that held his warmth and scent then why would he ever sleep in his own.

The female voice finally pulled him from his phone and he bevane more intent the closer it got. He realized then the woman likely knew Dongyeon well with the way the other man invited her in. He peeked curiously, wondering who she was and what her connection to the barista was. He was a kitten after all, full of energy and curiosity. The producer sat up and out of his need called out just beyond the door to where the pair lie, "Hubby? Who is it?" The older man finally stood and came forward until he met with the doorway. He peeked his head out and to the side, a look of wonder in his eyes while he took the woman before him in. He waited, clearly expecting at least an explanation for either of them for the unexpected late night visit.

@‡ Hyuk [H] It was a rather chill day for the two, spending the day at home till night would inevitably creep on them, leaving the two relaxing in their pjs till an unexpected doorbell would interrupt their day.

Dongyeon patted Hyuk's thigh and smiled softly, "You stay here, I'll go check it out. Maybe it's a late chocolate run~" He joked and got up to head to the couch, he peeked through the peephole only to see someone familiar but totally didn't expect he would meet them anytime soon or here of all places. It took him a moment to finally answer the door, smiling a little bit, still pondering on their visit, "Oh my, hey Bora, what brings you here at this time?" His eyes couldn't help but capture the sight of her pregnant stomach and they widened at it, stepping to the side he welcomes her inside briefly.

"Hey Yeon, I just wanted to check on you and such, hopefully, its not too random or weird." She smiled softly and stepped inside when invited and glance around the place she used to know, still not knowing about hyuk being around.

"No no, well it is unexpected but I do hope everything is okay."

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