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“How’s your day, baby? ” Heeseung’s voice echoes through their dining room. His voice is a little distorted because of the low connection. It’s understandable since Heeseung is calling them from his car, Jongseong’s husband is still on the way to the office early in the morning.
The question is answered by Sunghoon’s giggles, the sound making Jongseong smile. “It hasn’t started yet, Appa! I just woke up!”
“Hmm, that’s right.” His husband muses, followed by more giggles. “Okay then, what are you doing today? Any plans? ”
“Eating breakfast!” Sunghoon answers cheerily. “Papa is making breakfast right now!”
Heeseung had called them while Jongseong was preparing breakfast for the two of them. He had then given the phone to Sunghoon, who shrieked in delight as he got to see his Appa for the first time in two days.
Jongseong glances over his shoulder as he watches Sunghoon hold the phone too close to his face. He’s sure that Heeseung can only see their son’s forehead, but he doesn’t have the heart to tell him and interrupt their chat.
“Is he now? ” Heeseung asks again. Sunghoon’s whole body shakes as he nods. “I already miss your Papa’s cooking.”
“I miss you too, Appa.” Sunghoon pouts, this time holding the phone a little bit further as if to show off how sad he is. “Papa misses you too, I think.”
Sliding on to the chair next to Sunghoon, Jongseong leans into the phone making sure Heeseung can see his face.
“I do miss you.” He says easily and relishes the redness that spreads on his husband’s cheek.
“Miss you too, darling.” Heeseung breathes, his pixelated form relaxing as Jongseong becomes more visible on the screen. “You too, baby. Missing both of you a lot.”
They chat for a little while, even though it’s more Sunghoon telling his Appa about what he did yesterday. Jongseong steadily feeds him egg rolls as he finishes off his food.
By the time their plates are empty, Heeseung also seems to have arrived at his destination judging by how he distractly looks ahead.
“I have to go, baby.” Heeseung pouts just as Sunghoon finishes babbling about the latest Tayo episode.
Their son mirrors his pouting although reluctantly nods. “Okay, Appa.”
From there Jongseong carefully pries his phone from Sunghoon and holds it far enough that they both fit in the frame. Jongseong leans in, his cheek touching Sunghoon’s as he gets ready to say goodbye.
“Say goodbye to Appa, Sunghoonie.” He waves with his other hand and Sunghoon follows along but with much more energy.
“Bye Appa!” Sunghoon yells, the force of his wave makes the phone shake. “Come home soon!”
Heeseung smiles, pausing a little. Jongseong suspects that he’s currently screenshotting them. Finally, his husband waves back, looking just a little sad.
“Bye baby, bye darling.” Heeseung sighs. “Take care. Don’t miss me too much, yeah? ”
When he’s done cleaning Sunghoon up from breakfast and has him settle on the couch, Jongseong finally sees the notification from Heeseung. What greets him is a screenshot of them earlier, the blurry smiling faces of him and Sunghoon filling up the screen with Heeseung’s tiny screen in the corner.
Jongseong guesses he can try to not miss Heeseung too much.
*
Jongseong quickly packs last minute snacks into their picnic bag as he keeps an eye on Sunghoon. His son is all ready to go, having eagerly woken him up and constantly reminding of his playdate with Jungwon’s nieces.
Now they’re running late and Jongseong could only blame himself since Sunghoon had obediently packed his toys and chosen his own clothes. He got carried away working on a piece and didn’t notice the time until Sunghoon whined, wanting to go to the park soon.
“Let’s go baby.” Jongseong holds Sunghoon’s hand and holds his bag with the other. “Let’s go, go, go!”
The walk to the park is only five minutes, but Jongseong already feels bad that they’re late so they both jog a little to make up time. He spots Jungwon by the bench when they round the corner, the younger one currently playing with his phone.
“Won Hyung!” Sunghoon screeches once they get a little closer, running towards him. Jungwon puts down his phone and smiles.
“Sunghoonie!” Jungwon catches Sunghoon still barrelling towards him and lifts him, making him squeal.
“Is your Noona here as well?” Jongseong asks when he’s within earshot.
Jungwon flashes him his million dollar smile. “Yeah, she’s right over there.” Nodding towards his sister and his nieces.
Once Sunghoon notices them, he wiggles out of Jungwon’s hold, trying to reach them. Jungwon chuckles and settles Sunghoon down.
“I’ll go over there, Papa?” Sunghoon asks.
Jongseong nods, patting his head. “Be careful, okay?”
He finally allows himself to sit down on the bench, still a little breathless from running around earlier. Jungwon looks at him amused as he sits next to him.
“Rough day? It’s not even lunch yet.” Jungwon taunts teasingly, making Jongseong snort.
“Got a little distracted.” He waves the question off. “Sorry by the way, didn’t mean to keep you and your sister waiting.”
“Nah, it’s fine. I just wish I get to spend time with Sunghoon alone though, and not like this.” Jungwon grumbles.
He laughs at the complaint. All of his close friends love to monopolize Sunghoon every chance they get. It’s been awhile since Jungwon had time with his son alone, so Jongseong figures it’s understandable that Jungwon wants to play with him alone. But lately, they’ve all started to show up more and steal Sunghoon away from them. Could it be because he’s going to daycare soon?
“Come by our place after this. It’s your fault for being so busy.” It’s Jongseong’s turn to tease the younger. Jungwon gives him a disgruntled look.
“Well, I won’t say no to free food.” His eyebrows wiggling, the previous expression quickly shifting to mirth.
Jongseong shrugs, indulging him. “I guess you can come by and eat our extras.”
This time Jungwon responds with a cackle. “Aww, you cooked too much because of Heeseung Hyung!”
Embarrassingly enough, Jungwon’s statement is true. Jongseong still isn’t used to Heeseung being gone despite it being day three and he accidentally cooked too much for dinner last night. He had gazed at the food pitifully before putting them in the fridge for the next day.
“Maybe I should revoke your babysitting privileges.” Jongseong drawls. Because while he has a soft spot for Jungwon, he can certainly tease him for a bit.
Jungwon gasps, clearly scandalized. “Don’t you dare. I’m the best one between us and you know that!”
That is also true. Jungwon is the strongest amongst their friends when it comes to saying no to Sunghoon. Sunghoon also loves the quietness that comes with Jungwon, always comfortable around him. Jungwon is the perfect balance of fun and being responsible.
But Jongseong couldn’t let Jungwon know about this and have ammunition when he bickers with the rest. So he decides to steer away from the topic and instead catch up with the younger. He keeps a steady eye on Sunghoon, sometimes making immediate eye contact when he wants to show Jongseong something.
The playdate doesn’t last for too long, just in time for lunch. Jongseong chats with Jungwon’s sister for a bit before they part ways, Jungwon tagging along with them to play with Sunghoon and demand the lunch he was promised.
“Won Hyung, sing? Sing, please?” Sunghoon asks once they reach home.
Jungwon giggles at the request, holding Sunghoon’s hand tight in his excitement. “After we eat, should we sing?”
What Sunghoon means by ‘sing’ is not Jungwon simply singing to him. He means karaoke , with the one they already have set up in their house. Both Jongseong and Heeseung love to sing and karaokes have always been their usual date plans. Having one set up in their house means that they don’t always have to go out to have fun, especially now that they’re older and have less spare time.
It also means that their friends like to use it whenever they want.
“After you both eat.” Jongseong sighs, because the two didn’t even bother to ask for his permission first.
He sets the plates and food down with Jungwon’s help, Sunghoon sitting quietly on his usual chair. Jungwon snickers again once he notices the food Jongseong had prepared were all Heeseung’s favorite.
They take their seats, Sunghoon already rambling about what songs he wants to sing. Jungwon nods along seriously while Jongseong smiles at his excitement.
Suddenly, Jungwon looks straight at Jongseong and asks. “Hey, isn’t that Heeseung Hyung’s?”
The question catches Jongseong off guard, Sunghoon also pausing to stare. He didn’t even realize the sweater was Heeseung’s until Jungwon pointed it out.
Jungwon must’ve noticed too because he laughs. “Hyung, it’s only been three days! What are you going to do for the rest of the week?”
As Jongseong watches Sunghoon and Jungwon belt through another kids song, he can’t help but wonder how he’ll survive the rest of the week missing Heeseung.
*
While it’s getting colder, it’s still warm enough for Jongseong to bring his work out so he can do them in the park while he watches over Sunghoon. This time however, Sunghoon seemed to prefer sitting next to him on the bench with his coloring book. Jongseong brought Sunghoon’s crayons with them because while he loves his son dearly, he would rather not Sunghoon play with his expensive markers he uses when designing.
The silence is comfortable around them, save for the laughter from the nearby playground and the scratching of their markers. Next to him Sunghoon’s brow is furrowed, lips pouting in concentration as he tries to not color outside of the lines.
“Papa,” Sunghoon calls him, pushing his drawing towards him. “Is this okay?”
“It’s really cute, baby.” Jongseong smiles, putting his head on top of Sunghoon’s.
Beneath him, Sunghoon huffs. “Why is it cute? I just colored it.”
Like normal, is what Sunghoon probably wants to say. Because there’s nothing different with how he colored the drawing. But to Jongseong, things are always just a little special when it comes to Sunghoon.
“Everything you do is cute to me.” Jongseong squeezes Sunghoon, making him whine.
His baby is all bundled for the cold, puffer jacket zipped all the way up to his chin. Sunghoon’s pale skin really easily reddens, be it from the cold, heat or even when they run around. It’s adorable, how Sunghoon’s chubby cheeks are a little red.
Their attention is caught by a large golden retriever barking, its owner right behind. The dog is a bit far from them but the moment it looks in their direction, it starts to run towards them, startling Sunghoon.
“Papa! ” Sunghoon shrieks in terror, standing up trying to get away from the dog. He climbs on Jongseong and stands on top of his thighs, causing him to nearly topple over. He holds Sunghoon’s waist in an attempt to steady him, Sunghoon’s tiny fingers grasping his shoulders.
Fortunately, the dog pauses in front of them, still barking excitedly. Jongseong chuckles because he knows who this dog is and the owner who’s currently jogging towards them.
“It’s okay baby, it’s just Layla.” He soothes Sunghoon’s back in an attempt to calm him down.
As if recognizing her name, Layla barks again causing Sunghoon to flinch.
“Layla, settle down.” Her owner, Jake, finally arrives, his hand holding a coffee cup holder with Jongseong’s order.
Earlier before they left their house, Jake had texted Jongseong if he’s doing anything for the day. It’s been awhile since they both saw Jake, and since they’re all free, he invited Jake to hang out at the park together. Although Jongseong didn’t expect Jake to bring Layla, who they haven’t seen for even longer.
“Hoonie!” Jake cheerily greets the terrified child who’s currently still standing on Jongseong’s thighs. “Remember Layla? You met her before!”
Jongseong doubts Sunghoon remembers. The last time Sunghoon met Layla was four months ago which, in terms of a three year old, was a very, very long time ago.
But Sunghoon remembers the faces he sees quite often and of course, remembers his favorite hyung. Jake absolutely adores Sunghoon and while Sunghoon loves all of their friends, Jongseong knows that his son loves Jake the most. Jake is just naturally good with people, his kindness and thoughtfulness makes him loved by everyone. Including Sunghoon.
“Jae Hyung!” Sunghoon beams, momentarily forgetting Layla.
Sunghoon still has trouble pronouncing Jake’s name, instead settling with calling him ‘Jae’. His name is the most difficult amongst his friends and it took a while teaching him how to pronounce it (‘Ja-ee-ke’ ‘Ja-ee?’). Jake decides to let Sunghoon call him by his Korean name instead, but Sunghoon seems to remember the sounds that overlap with each other, thus the ‘Jae’. It’s alright really, they all believe that he’ll get to it sometime. Plus, Jongseong thinks Jake loves that Sunghoon has a special nickname just for him.
Squatting down, Jake pats his knees so Layla moves a little and gives some distance. “It’s okay Hoonie, Layla’s a really good girl. She’ll be really gentle!”
Entranced, Sunghoon slowly starts to climb off from Jongseong’s lap. He helps him get onto the ground, although Sunghoon still has a firm grip on his sleeves.
Layla is a big dog and is as tall as Sunghoon, maybe just a little bit larger. Still, Layla is just like her owner, in that they’re both kind and gentle. Slowly, Sunghoon moves forward and lifts his hand to pet Layla’s nose.
It’s like the first time they met all over again, except Layla seems to recognize Sunghoon more and starts to sniff his hand eagerly. Sunghoon squeals when she moves closer to his face, Jake chuckling as he gently holds Layla to stop her from toppling Sunghoon over.
“You’re really the cutest Hoonie.” Jake sighs as Sunghoon moves to gently stroke Layla’s fur. “Not like your Appa or your Papa. Sooo cute.” His friend stretches his words, making Sunghoon look over at him and giggle.
Jongseong huffs, patting down the strands of hair that’s sticking out of Sunghoon’s head. “Sunghoon gets his cuteness from me , thank you very much.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m his hyung. That’s why he’s so cute.” Jake retorts easily without even sparing him a glance.
“You’re an uncle, not a hyung. We have to fix that sooner or later, you know that.” Jongseong sighs exasperatedly. Jake finally looks at him, sticking his tongue out mockingly.
Deciding it has been enough time for Sunghoon to be comfortable around Layla, Jake leans in closer and nudges Sunghoon’s shoulder. “Hoonie-yah, I brought a ball with me. Should we play fetch with Layla?”
“Lay.. la? Lala?” Sunghoon frowns as he tries to say the unfamiliar name. Jongseong smiles in return as Jake cackles at his effort.
Jake nudges him one more time. “Yeah buddy, let’s play fetch with Lala, yeah?”
Without waiting for a reply, Jake scoops Sunghoon earning him a screech. Jongseong laughs, watching Jake practically carry Sunghoon like a sack while running towards a less crowded space, Layla following closely behind.
They play until Sunghoon gets tired, breathless from running around and laughing too hard. Jongseong makes sure to snap a picture of Sunghoon and Layla together to send to Heeseung and for Jake as well, after much nagging from his friend.
Jake leaves first after peppering Sunghoon’s face with kisses and promises to play again soon. Before they make their way to the car, Jongseong sends the picture to Heeseung immediately, too excited to wait any longer.
“Appa?” Sunghoon asks, recognizing his picture and Heeseung’s profile picture from the chat room. “Papa, you sent this to Appa?”
“Mm, yes baby. He should know what he’s been missing out on, right?” Jongseong smiles gently.
“Can we call Appa?” Sunghoon looks at him with his best puppy eyes. But as much as he wants to say yes, Jongseong knows Heeseung is still working right now.
“Appa’s busy right now.” The answer makes Sunghoon frown. So Jongseong offers an alternative. “Do you want to send a voice note instead?”
As he expected, Sunghoon’s face shifts to a smile, expression pleased and curious. “Voice note? What’s that?”
Jongseong tells him what it is and teaches him how to send one, asking Sunghoon to think of what to say to his Appa. Finally, he presses the microphone button and offers his phone for Sunghoon to talk to.
“Appa! It’s Sunghoonie!” Sunghoon giggles, hands on his mouth, the idea of this ‘voice note’ fascinating him. “Appa! I played with Jae Hyung and his dog, Lala! Appa, Appa! I want a dog too!”
Sunghoon pouts at the phone, completely missing the look Jongseong gives him. He raises his eyebrow slightly surprised by the turn of events.
“When you come back, let’s get a dog Appaaaa!” Sunghoon waves at the phone, signalling the end of the recording. Jongseong releases the button and they watch the message bubble forming.
Once they’re settled in the car and ready to drive back home, Jongseong brings up the topic again. “You want a dog, baby?”
“Eung!” His son nods, eyes gleaming. “But maybe a tiny dog. A puppy! Not a big one like Lala.”
Hearing the last part being mumbled makes Jongseong laugh. He supposes his husband has another wish to be dealt with when he gets back home.
*
“I’ll be back around six, okay? Do not use the kitchen, call for a delivery if you guys get hungry. I gave you some cash for emergencies and to pay for food.” Jongseong rattles on as he checks his bags one last time while Ni-Ki plays with Sunghoon on the living room floor.
One of his clients has suddenly asked him to meet up, leading him to call Ni-Ki for an emergency babysitting task. Ni-Ki, who is always happy to help when it comes to Sunghoon, agrees easily. Despite the call being made two hours before his arrival, Ni-Ki had somehow come bearing gifts and snacks for Sunghoon.
The younger looks up and grins at him, giving him a salute. “Relax, we’ll be fine! We had a lot of fun last time, right Hoonie?”
“Eung!” Sunghoon beams, hair bobbing as he nods excitedly. “Last time Iki Hyung brought games and we ate snacks!”
Ni-Ki shoots him a look that says ‘ Told you so ’ making Jongseong sigh. It’s not like this is the first time Ni-Ki babysat for him but it still makes him jittery to leave them both alone, knowing how much Ni-Ki always encourages Sunghoon to break their rules and go a little crazy for a three year old.
As the youngest of their friend group, Ni-Ki seems to be determined to be the fun hyung to Sunghoon. He doesn’t necessarily egg him to do something dangerous but it’s always the little suggestions that he makes. His “Should we play video games, Sunghoon-ah? ” or “Sunghoon-ah, I bought jellies! Let’s eat them all together! ” is always causing Heeseung and him a headache because they can’t seem to say no to Sunghoon once the idea is planted by Ni-Ki.
Jongseong purses his lips. “Make sure to eat dinner. Sunghoonie, don’t give your Iki Hyung too much trouble, alright?”
Sunghoon nods distractedly, already focused on the new toy Ni-Ki bought him. While all of their friends can’t say no to Sunghoon, Ni-Ki and Jake especially spoils him a lot . It’s part of the reason why Sunghoon loves it when one of them babysits him. But there’s only so much space to put all the gifts the duo keeps buying Sunghoon. Jongseong is starting to think maybe Heeseung and him need to put a limit on how many they can buy Sunghoon things.
But that’s a problem for later. Now, he needs to hurry if he doesn’t want to miss the meeting with his client.
Jongseong pauses to say something about the TV but stops himself when he sees Sunghoon babbling about his days to Ni-Ki as he holds his hand.
Ni-Ki has a habit of asking for Sunghoon’s hand and holding it, although he asks for it like he’s talking to a pet. Sunghoon doesn’t mind though, always eagerly taking Ni-Ki’s hand when the older one says “Sunghoonie, hand!”. It’s a rather common occurrence now, but seeing Sunghoon’s tiny hand in Ni-Ki’s larger ones always does something to his heart. His baby is just so small.
So instead, he surges forward, bothering their conversation by giving his son a tight squeeze.
“Be good, baby.” He whispers, kissing the top of Sunghoon’s head. His son pats him back awkwardly and starts to squirm once the hug gets a beat too long.
“Okay, okay.” Jongseong laughs, letting go. He ruffles Ni-Ki’s head and walks to the door.
“See you later!”
“Bye Hyung!” “Bye Papa!”
Jongseong gets home only a bit later than what he promised. Thankfully the kitchen isn’t on fire and there is no visible damage when he first stepped into the house.
What surprises him is seeing Sunghoon and Ni-Ki on the couch eating ice cream.
It looked like they barely moved in the few hours of him leaving. There is some take-out food on the table so he assumed they already ate. But ice cream is supposed to be a ‘no’, especially when it’s so near fall. Although it’s Jongseong’s fault for not explicitly saying that Sunghoon isn’t allowed to eat it so Ni-Ki isn’t exactly to blame if Sunghoon sneakily had asked for one.
“Papa!” Sunghoon’s tiny head peaks over the couch, his eyes sparkling. “Papa, Iki Hyung got me ice cream!”
Jongseong snorts. “I can see that.” He squats as Sunghoon abandons Ni-Ki, barreling towards him. The hug Jongseong gets is warm, Sunghoon’s tiny fingers grasping the back of his shirt holding him tight.
Ni-Ki stands up, looking at him sheepishly still holding the ice cream tub. “Sorry Hyung. Hoonie asked to buy some and you know how it is!”
Oh, Jongseong knows. It’s just easier to convince Ni-Ki since he’s already so weak for kids. Sunghoon asking for it makes it harder for him to reject.
Being the first baby in a friend group really does have his perks.
Jongseong stands up with Sunghoon in his hold, shaking his head in understanding. “It’s okay, I forgot to tell you he shouldn’t be having some. Thank you for keeping him company though.”
“Of course!” Ni-Ki smiles cheerfully as he moves closer towards them. He tilts his head trying to make eye contact with Sunghoon, his son already making himself comfortable in Jongseong’s arms. “We had a lot of fun didn’t we?”
Jongseong feels it on his shoulder, the smile blooming on Sunghoon’s face. “Eung! Iki Hyung is the best!”
*
Jongseong should’ve made sure he told Ni-Ki about the ice cream thing. Fuck , he really should’ve said something, or he should’ve at least come home a little bit earlier. Or he should’ve just taken better care of Sunghoon, especially with Heeseung gone.
Sunghoon is sick. His poor, poor baby is sick. He was fine earlier in the morning, but it took him longer to wake up from his daily nap. Sunghoon’s body was already warm by the time Jongseong went to wake him up, cheeks flushed and his eyes a little red.
Jongseong sends Heeseung a quick text before calling Jungwon informing him about Sunghoon’s condition. He thinks if he tells anyone else they’ll all scramble to his house trying to help. And while he appreciates it, he probably could do with less noise and not much overbearing attention from the others.
Luckily Sunghoon wasn’t so fussy, mostly sleeping off his slight fever while Jongseong gets to work with Jungwon. He’s eternally grateful for the younger, calming him down and helping him with making food and checking for medicine. His friend even brought food for him and Jongseong thinks it’s the trembling of his voice that made Jungwon so concerned.
He’s not usually so panicky, because Sunghoon has been sick before. Maybe it’s because this is the first time he’s sick when Heeseung is away that his mind blanks, not knowing what to do.
The day has passed and while it’s a little early for them to go to bed, he thinks it’s okay for them to get some sleep. They’re both in his room now, although Jongseong is still sitting on the chair next to his bed where Sunghoon lays.
Jongseong cups Sunghoon’s face, softly rubs his chubby cheeks as his son groggily leans against his touch. He managed to eat very little of the food Jungwon brought, his mind too preoccupied with Sunghoon to even stomach anything.
At least, he got Sunghoon to eat what he made earlier. His fever has gone down throughout the day so he’s just a bit warm when Jongseong checks on him for the nth time tonight.
“Papa..” Sunghoon whimpers, pressing his head on Jongseong’s palm. Immediately, his other hand comes up to gently stroke Sunghoon’s hair.
“I’m here, baby.” Jongseong coos, this time holding Sunghoon’s hand tightly as if trying to transfer the warmth to himself.
Heeseung sent him an array of frantic text earlier, even going as far as offering to go back home immediately. But Jongseong knows it’s inconvenient, and Heeseung will be back in a couple of days anyway. They should be able to manage two more nights without him.
“Papa..” Sunghoon calls his name again, this time with his other arm weakly patting the space next to him. Jongseong smiles helplessly and makes his way to get on to the bed and under the covers.
Jongseong gently turns Sunghoon to face him, his small body curling towards him making him even smaller. He rubs the sides of Sunghoon’s body, making sure he’s comfortable in his embrace. Sunghoon snuggles into him further and Jongseong presses kisses on top of his head.
“Papa..” Sunghoon mumbles. Jongseong hums, still rubbing his back. “Appa..”
Hearing his son call for his Appa makes his heart clench. The few times Sunghoon got sick, Heeseung was always there with them. Both Sunghoon’s Appa and Papa were there for him. With Heeseung on his business trip, Jongseong is sure his son must be missing Heeseung even more.
“Appa..” Sunghoon’s voice trembles, gripping Jongseong’s front shirt tightly.
“Oh baby,” Jongseong brings Sunghoon’s shaking body close to his chest. “Appa’s away, remember? He can’t come home tonight.”
A soft whine echoes through the room. “Want Appa..”
Jongseong can’t stop the shaky sigh he lets out, squeezing his eyes shut trying not to cry. He wants to join Sunghoon and cry, the exhaustion from today finally catching up on him. Jongseong had forgotten what it’s like to be apart from Heeseung for this long. He too wishes Heeseung is here with them.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Jongseong tries to compromise. “Should we call Appa?”
It’s only a little after nine, so hopefully Heeseung is done with his work and is currently at his hotel. While Jongseong doesn’t really like to bother Heeseung when he should be resting, this is an emergency that can be excused for.
Sunghoon looks up at him, eyes glistening, tear tracks on his cheeks. Jongseong coos, fingers gently wiping his tears.
“Yes please.” Sunghoon whispers, still so polite even when he’s distressed.
Jongseong’s hand reaches towards his nightstand for his phone, his other still wrapped around Sunghoon. He finds Heeseung’s contact, presses the call button and immediately puts it on speaker, both of them intently staring at the screen.
He lets out the breath he has unknowingly been holding when the words ‘connecting’ changes to a clock. Sunghoon, seemingly understanding the call went through, cautiously calls for Heeseung.
“Appa?”
Instead, muffled sounds of people talking are heard. Jongseong’s heart sinks when he realizes they called him in the middle of work.
“Hey darling, I’ll call you back in a minute, okay? Love you.”
The call immediately disconnects, the screen turning blank.
Jongseong watches Sunghoon stare at his phone. His lips twist into a frown and Sunghoon starts to sob.
“Oh baby, please don’t cry.” Jongseong puts his phone down, arms coming back to wrap Sunghoon into a tight embrace. Sunghoon burrows himself onto Jongseong and he feels his shirt dampening from Sunghoon’s tears.
For his age, Sunghoon isn’t a loud crier that wails and screams. Instead he’s a rather quiet one, always sobbing silently.
Before, Jongseong was prepared for babies crying. But as Sunghoon gets older, it’s as if Sunghoon gets shy from bawling in front of them and starts to simply let his tears flow. Jongseong feels that this type of crying hurts him even more.
After what feels like an eternity, Jongseong feels his phone vibrate. He feels some weight getting lifted off as he sees who it is.
As promised, Heeseung calls them back. This time rather than a call, Heeseung had decided to video call them instead.
“Baby look, it’s Appa.” Jongseong coaxes Sunghoon gently as he presses accept.
Heeseung looks tired, eyebags having formed and eyes a little bloodshot. He’s still in his work outfit and Jongseong can tell immediately he’s still in the office just from the background. He lights up a little, giving Jongseong a shaky smile.
“Hi darling, what’s wrong? ”
Like magic, Sunghoon lifts his head once he hears Heeseung’s voice. He pauses once he finally registers Heeseung’s face on the small screen, Jongseong tilting his phone so Sunghoon fits in the frame better.
“Appa..” Sunghoon sniffles, hands reaching out to touch Heeseung’s face. “Appa..”
The smile drops, face shifting into worry. “Oh baby..” He must’ve notice Sunghoon’s crying.
“Appa, can you please come home?” Sunghoon whispers, hoarse from the earlier sobbing.
At the question, Heeseung's lips turn downwards, looking helplessly at his son. “I’m so sorry baby but not.. Not now, but in a few more days. I’ll be home by then, yeah? ”
Looking away from Heeseung, Sunghoon lets out a dejected sigh, lips trembling. Jongseong realizes that he’s sulking.
“Sunghoonie’s sick so he’s been missing you the whole day.” Jongseong smoothes his bangs away from his forehead, patting his head.
“I don’t.” Sunghoon mumbles to his chest and Jongseong can’t help the laugh he lets out.
Heeseung smiles at them guiltily. “I’ll take a day or two off when I get back, okay baby? Can you look at Appa again for a second? ”
Sunghoon reluctantly turns and faces the phone again, clearly still upset that his Appa can’t magically appear in front of him right now. Heeseung on the other hand looked like he aged another year just from seeing how sad Sunghoon looks.
“Listen to your Papa and get a lot of rest, okay? Eat your food and medicine, baby.” Heeseung says, earning him a slow nod from Sunghoon.
Heeseung’s eyes flit towards Jongseong and they both share a look of understanding. The older one smiles, trying to calm him down and Jongseong wants to cry too.
He misses Heeseung so much.
“You both should sleep.” Heeseung finally says, breaking the comfortable silence.
Sighing, Jongseong nods in agreement. “You should finish up work too so you can go back quickly.”
Ending a video call has never felt this hard. Heeseung smiles and Jongseong musters all his strength to do the same.
“Bye darling, bye baby. Good night, I love you both.” Heeseung waves, camera shaking from the movement.
“Bye honey. Love you too.” Jongseong whispers as he glances towards Sunghoon.
“Bye Appa.” Sunghoon whispers, still looking intently at the screen.
Jongseong decides to hang up first because he thinks Heeseung will just stare at them until he does it himself. Finally, finally, he puts his phone back on the nightstand and turns off all their lights. Sunghoon simply closes his eyes, body no longer shaking.
“Night, baby.” Jongseong kisses Sunghoon’s forehead one more time. “Love you.”
“Night, Papa. M’love you too.” Sunghoon whispers back, words slurring making Jongseong chuckle.
*
Word about Sunghoon’s fever seemed to get around the next day. Jongseong is surprised by a food delivery from Jake and another one from Ni-Ki just an hour after the first one. Jungwon must’ve told them about it and also let them know not to visit unless Jongseong allows them to.
Fortunately Sunghoon’s fever had gone down overnight. He wakes up sniffling but tells Jongseong that he feels much better than yesterday. Jongseong tells him to rest on the couch and watch TV while he works on his tasks that he left out yesterday. By noon, Sunghoon seemed to have sweat off the last bits of his fever.
Still, Jongseong bundles him and feeds him his medicine. He can only sigh in relief when he checks Sunghoon’s temperature to find out the fever really has gone down.
There weren’t any mishaps throughout the day, Sunghoon doesn’t even ask for his Appa as he binge watches Pororo. Heeseung sends Jongseong one whole line of the crying emoji when Jongseong informs him that their son had most likely forgotten him.
Sunoo messages him later in the day asking if he could stop by tomorrow and come visit. Jongseong agrees, he figures it’ll also be good for Sunghoon to see someone else other than himself after the emotionally and physically exhausting events he had to go through these couple of days.
“Sunoo Hyungie is gonna come by tomorrow.” Jongseong tells Sunghoon when they’re both on the bed getting ready to sleep.
At that, Sunghoon's eyes sparkle, the mention of one of his hyungs coming to visit making him excited. “Noo Hyung?”
“Mm,” Jongseong hums. “Tomorrow let’s get you all cleaned up to meet him, yeah?”
“Are we going out, Papa?” Sunghoon asks, tugging the edge of his sleeves.
The question makes Jongseong frown. “No, baby, we’ll be staying in.”
“Papa..” Sunghoon pouts, “Please, can we go out Papa?”
Jongseong is usually so great at saying no to Sunghoon when he needs to. But maybe it’s the effect of the long week and Sunghoon being sick, he couldn’t seem to decline, just wanting to make him happy.
“We’ll see tomorrow, okay?” Sunghoon cheers at his reply and Jongseong’s heart feels like bursting with fondness.
He supposes as long as he bundles Sunghoon enough, it will be alright.
*
“Noo Hyung!” Sunghoon squeals once he spots Sunoo, waddling towards him. Sunoo giggles in glee and pulls Sunghoon into his embrace once he reaches him.
“Hoonie-yaaa.” Sunoo lifts Sunghoon onto his lap and squeezes him once more.
Jongseong chuckles at the display. “Hi Sunoo-ya.”
Sunoo beams at him, hand still busy patting down Sunghoon’s hair. “You know Hyung, you guys didn’t have to go out if Hoonie is still sick. I could’ve just gone to your place.”
Jongseong distractly waves the statement as he looks over the menu. “It’s okay, Sunghoonie wanted to go out anyway.”
“Want to go out with Noo Hyung.” Sunghoon chips in, grinning from ear to ear.
Sunoo aggressively squishes Sunghoon’s cheeks, smile just as wide. “Aww, I wanted to go out with Hoonie too!”
They put in their order and Jongseong makes sure Sunghoon doesn’t get anything cold. He watches the two across him catch up, although it’s mostly Sunghoon talking about the Pororo episodes he watched yesterday. Sunoo keeps Sunghoon on his lap, head on top of Sunghoon’s as he listens intently to his stories.
Amongst their friends, Sunoo handles Sunghoon’s stories best. The others are always too entranced at Sunghoon, not really paying attention and only nodding and giggling while he rattles on. Jongseong thinks about the numerous times Sunghoon had smacked Jake impatiently for not paying attention and only responding with coos.
Sunoo, however, always responds and throws back questions at Sunghoon. It’s why Sunghoon is always so chatty around him, and Jongseong is also grateful that his friend is helping his son with his speech.
But Jongseong realizes Sunoo’s behaviour is a little bit off, from how the younger one keeps glancing at him. If Sunghoon notices, he doesn’t say anything, but Jongseong raises his eyebrow when they meet each other’s eyes for the third time.
The food arrives, distracting the three of them. Sunghoon lets out a tiny gasp as the large mug filled with hot chocolate is placed in front of him.
“Thank you.” Sunghoon gives a tiny bow to the waitress once all the food is set down.
The waitress smiles, looks adoringly at him. “You’re welcome. What a polite boy you are!”
Jongseong’s heart swells in pride at the praise. This is all Jongseong’s doing. While of course, both he and Heeseung try hard to make sure Sunghoon grows up well, it’s him that teaches Sunghoon these manners.
Something must’ve shown on his face because Sunoo snickers when the waitress finally leaves.
“Just like you, huh?” Sunoo ruffles Sunghoon’s hair who’s currently still admiring the hot chocolate.
“Just like me.” Jongseong echoes, unable to hide the pridefulness from his voice.
Halfway through their meal, Jongseong decides to ask Sunoo if something happened. The younger one shakes his head, but he notices how Sunoo’s ears reddens.
“Have you seen Jake Hyung recently?” Sunoo asks casually, feeding Sunghoon some bread.
Jongseong’s eyebrows shot up. “Yes, we did, actually.”
The mention of Jake makes Sunghoon perk up. “Jae Hyung? I played with Lala!”
“Oh really?” Sunoo indulges Sunghoon, poking his stomach making him giggle. “You did a lot while your Appa was away, huh?”
“Eung!” Sunghoon nods eagerly and Sunoo laughs at his excitement.
“What about Jake? Did something happen?” Jongseong prods, not wanting to get distracted by Sunghoon.
Sunoo huffs. “Nothing, it’s just.. Same old, same old I guess.”
Ah, his friends and their love life. “You should tell him, don’t you think?”
“Hyung..” Sunoo whines, stomping his feet softly and Jongseong can’t believe they’re all nearing their late 20s. “You know I can’t do that.”
Jongseong understands the complicated history of Jake and Sunoo’s relationship but he thought that they’ve had it all sorted out. He even has an ongoing bet with Heeseung for who will confess first and when it’ll happen. But he didn’t think the two will drag it out for this long, especially when they know they like each other.
“Yes you can.” Jongseong states firmly before looking at Sunghoon. “Right, baby?”
Sunghoon startles, being addressed so abruptly but nods along, agreeing to whatever his Papa has to say. Jongseong looks at Sunoo in triumph.
“Not fair that you’re using Hoonie to egg me like this.” Sunoo sniffles. “What if I say something wrong? What if I collapse or trip and embarrass myself in front of him? He won’t love me anymore!”
Jongseong stares unamused at Sunoo’s dramatic wailing.
“Lapse?” Sunghoon suddenly interrupts, causing them both to look at him. “Noo Hyung lapse?”
Collapse is a big word for Sunghoon and Jongseong doubts he even knows what it means. But he must’ve sensed from the tone Sunoo was using because now, Sunghoon is looking at his friend in concern. Jongseong didn’t realize he’d been paying attention this whole time.
“Oh no baby, it’s not like that!” Sunoo hurriedly says, but holds both of Sunghoon’s shoulder and pouts at him. “Your Papa, he’s so mean!”
Sunoo dramatically wails, hugging Sunghoon close as he fake sobs. Sunghoon solemnly nods. Jongseong sighs.
Jongseong should tell Heeseung that he’s not the only one that Sunghoon had forgotten. It seemed that their son had abandoned Jongseong too.
*
Jongseong hears the sound of a car parking first before he hears the sound of Sunghoon’s footsteps rushing down the stairs.
“Appa!” Sunghoon squeals, jumping around their front door. “Papa, Appa’s outside!”
Jongseong giggles at how Sunghoon’s hair bobs, a few of the strands staying upright. He sits and lets Sunghoon have his moment, watches as the door opens to reveal Heeseung with his luggage, still in his suit.
“Hi baby!” Heeseung greets Sunghoon, eyes forming into crescents as he squats down, engulfing Sunghoon in a hug.
“Appa!” Sunghoon jumps into Heeseung’s embrace, arms making a home around his neck. “Appa, you’re home!”
Jongseong’s heart is so full it feels like it’s about to burst as he watches Heeseung pepper Sunghoon’s face with kisses. He finally decides to stand and walk towards them, welcoming his husband home.
“Hi darling.” Heeseung breathes one arm still holding Sunghoon’s waist while the other reaches out to Jongseong.
“Hi honey.” Jongseong whispers, feels Heeseung arms around his shoulder as he hugs him, Sunghoon squished between them. Heeseung cranes his neck and plants a kiss on Jongseong’s forehead, making him sigh.
“Appa, Papa misses you.” Sunghoon whispers.
Heeseung chuckles, the sound vibrating between them. “I miss your Papa too, baby.”
“Appa, can I sleep with you and Papa tonight?” Sunghoon whispers again.
The couple laughs. Jongseong reaches to kiss the back of Sunghoon’s head.
“Of course. Let’s all cuddle together tonight, okay?”
A tiny part of Jongseong wishes that he could have Heeseung for himself tonight. But as he pulls back to look at Heeseung stare lovingly at Sunghoon then back at himself, he decides he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Welcome home, honey.”