Work Text:
Seungcheol finds himself back in his apartment after recent promotions, exhaustion nestled in the pores of his bones, turning them to lead when he collapses on his sofa. The turn of his head towards the clock hanging in his living room tells him that it’s just a little past nine in the evening. A mildly bitter chuckle passes through his lips as he reclines on his couch, too exhausted to move even an inch.
The idol life was tiring. Not so much that Cheol hated it, but definitely enough that sometimes he wishes that he could sleep days away and not have to worry about consequences. With an office job, there is a level of decorum to be maintained, but it was flexible, especially now with the work from home module. Being an idol, he had to be in a van sometime as early as two or three in the morning after an eventful night that didn’t end until midnight.
Usually his management is good and didn’t let him get less than five hours of sleep before he was scheduled anywhere, but other times it can’t be helped.
Like tonight for example.
He was supposed to be back home directly after the ambassador event––so around seven––but here he was, stumbling into his apartment at nine when he was supposed to drive home tonight. He grimaces as he thinks about how if he was lucky, he might make home at two in the morning at the earliest.
Fuck.
Cheol’s husband was really going to kill him this time…or even if he doesn’t, he’ll be seeing that damn sword in the man’s hand for his entire visit.
Unable to hide the realities of his circumstances much longer, he calls his husband, hoping that the children weren’t giving him a hard time.
“Cheol…” The voice breathes only three rings in.
“Hannie,” the idol exhales.
“You better not be calling because you can’t make it mister.” The idol stares across at the wedding picture of him and his husband that hung above his TV, a gentle smile on his lips.
“No, not even close yeobo.” Seungcheol sighs. “I won’t be able to get in before two in the morning at the earliest.” There’s silence from the other end before a wail is heard, most likely their daughter.
“Curse your damn work schedule,” the idol’s husband murmurs. His voice alters in pitch as if he’s walking, probably to pick up the wailing girl and soothe her. “I don’t care when you get in, Choi Seungcheol,” the name earns a whine from the idol, one that tugs at his husband’s heartstrings, “I just want to wake up to my husband tomorrow morning, am I clear?”
“Crystal, yeobo,” Cheol sighs fondly.
“Dumb alphas…” Hannie mutters, clearly loud enough for his husband. This made Cheol laugh.
Even after so many years together, Jeonghan despises that he and his husband became that typical alpha and omega couple. It grated his gears immensely, especially since they both looked so stereotypically like their second genders. Seungcheol looked every bit alpha with his muscles and domineering aura, while Jeonghan was his opposite, lanky and often looking pale and fragile with a gentle and approachable aura.
“But at least I’m your dumb alpha, no?”
“Yah, are you saying you’re seeing other omegas on the side? Choi Seungcheol, are you trying to sign away your life? I’ll make it painless for you. Gouge out your eyes and everything!” Cheol laughs as he listens to his husband prattle on about how he will make the idol’s life hell if he even thinks about another omega.
“I miss you too, my love.” Cheol murmurs into the silence when Jeonghan was done with his ranting.
“Can’t wait to move to Seoul. I’ve had enough living away from you. My contract is almost up and the firm of stupid knotheads finally accepted the transferral, barking about some how they’re losing a significant member of the team.” Jeonghan didn’t hate his job, despite what his tone and his very frequent ramblings say. He was good at his job, he garnered respect from clients, colleagues and even the occasional higher up alpha, but the distance it created with his husband was something that always made him reconsider all his success.
He could always gain it all back in a matter of time when he steps into their Seoul branch, the man was nothing if not charming and persuasive.
“You are the team lead jagiya,” Cheol hums as he finally decides to get off the couch, unbuttoning the first few buttons of his shirt. “What do you think about me catching a flight to Daegu instead?” He asks, turning to finally face the balcony. He slides the door open to step into the cool breeze, leaning against the railing as he looks out at the bustling nightlife, the rush of the city filling his senses.
“Are you asking for my permission? I just want you here by morning. As much as I want to fall asleep with you, I’ll settle for waking up to you instead.” The omega murmurs, as if his cheek is pressed against the phone surface, hands occupied.
“Then it’s settled. I’ll take the next flight out.” The alpha hums, not making a move to head back inside. Jeonghan merely makes a noncommittal noise, accompanied by a shrill giggle. “Is that my princess?”
“It is. She’s at the dinner table, bowl of rice in front of her. She did have a bit of curry but that’s currently on the kitchen floor.” Cheol chuckles softly. He can only imagine the deadpan look that Jeonghan has as he stares at their pristine kitchen floors.
Somehow, the thought of Hannie being absolutely tired after work and taking care of their children is what prompts Seungcheol to move through his apartment to his bedroom where his things were all packed into a suitcase since last night.
“When’s the big move day, then?” He murmurs, putting the phone on speaker as he goes to strip the shirt off, letting it fall to the floor and steps into his closet to find a hoodie or something that would keep him warm in the chilly autumn air.
“Well, they’re letting me work remotely, so up until the move, I can work from home, meaning that I can come back with you this time.”
The sentence hangs in the air. Jeonghan says it casually, but Cheol can hear the gentle warble of his partner’s voice under all of that bravado. His heart races as he thinks about Jeonghan being at his side permanently.
“Really?” The alpha asks, not wanting to believe it or jinx his luck.
“Yes really…if you’ll have me of course..” Jeonghan murmurs, happy garbling coming from his end; probably their daughter eating her meal contently.
“You act as if I don’t want you by my side all the time.” Seungcheol chuckles, getting ready faster now. His slacks drop without a second thought, sweats pulled on as the alpha works in autopilot to hurry to the airport.
“Yah, yeobo, remember to fold your clothes and put them in the laundry hamper before you leave. I don’t want to visit your apartment and see it’s messy.” It’s a jest, but thinly veiled behind that jest is a quiet threat. Jeonghan does not want to come home to an unfit house. Obviously the idol’s dumb alpha brain went into a frenzy and suddenly his room is spotless as he continues talking to his husband.
“Okay, I’m just going to send a text to the company and then purchase a ticket at the airport and hope that they have something,” the idol murmurs as he pulls out his work phone, texting his manager about the sudden change in plans.
“Yah, so impulsive. All you alphas are the same,” the omega chuckles, letting out a soft ‘oof’ as the sounds of the TV begin to play in the background.
“I’m only impulsive when it comes to you, so what does that say about me?” Cheol teases, rolling the suitcases into the foyer and sitting back down on the couch.
“All that means is that you’re a whipped fool in love. An idiot alpha who got wooed by a pretty omega.” Jeonghan’s words are light, no bite behind the words. Eternal fondness drenches his tone and well Seungcheol is only an idiot alpha in love with his amazing omega; he can only see the words as a compliment to what kind of lover he is.
“I got something for you…” The idol murmurs later. He was in the car, management had picked him up not too long after he’d sent his text to them, a ticket in hand for the fastest and readily available flight to Daegu.
“You didn’t have to,” Jeonghan murmurs, sleep tinging his voice slightly.
“What kind of mate would I be if I didn’t?”
“Still a good mate.” The words warm the Alpha’s heart in a way he has come to define as love. The fuzziness that only a certain omega evokes in him.
“I love you.”
“Aish, you’re such a sap!” The omega laughs. Seungcheol can imagine the rosy cheeks that his husband dons, his pale cheeks bright with delight and love. “I love you too.”
Fuck.
He needs to get home faster.
As they pulled into the Gimpo airport, the staff quickly unloaded the idol’s suitcases in case there were paparazzi waiting in bushes or nearby to make a quick buck off a click. Cheol slipped inside first to avoid the same thing that management wanted and continued talking to his mate.
Despite talking almost every day, there’s still so much that the two talk about. Mostly the children and how they’re growing up, what their eldest did in school and so on. Part of Cheol hopes that now that Jeonghan would be living with him that they’d be able to have another few children that he’d be able to help raise despite his idol responsibilities.
His agency was hesitant to let the rapper reduce his activities, but when the moneymaker threatens to leave all together and do whatever necessary to facilitate that leave, companies can only oblige, fearing the day the other shoe drops.
Cheol goes through security after he gets off the phone with his husband, telling him to rest. While a little under three hours isn’t much of a rest, he does want to make sure that his love is getting some form of rest after work since he probably was busy running after the children instead of taking a nap.
The rest of the journey seems to blur into the background as he makes his way to his hometown. The idol had belatedly texted his older brother, asking if he’d pick him up from the airport. It only took a few minutes for the elder to reply with a thumbs up and assured Cheol that he was nearby anyways.
Rolling his suitcases into the apartment made relief flood through the idol’s veins. Sure the apartment in Cheongdam-dong was the idol’s most common dwelling, it wasn’t home. He’d left his heart at home nearly 300 kilometers away. Standing in the apartment lobby, he only had a few more steps until he was home in the arms of a man that even with the distance, stood by him.
“You set from here?” Cheol’s brother asks as the idol searches for his keys.
“Yeah, I’m good. Thank you, I know that it was super last minute and whatnot.” The elder merely waves him off, telling him that it’s not a big deal.
“How long are you here for?” The elder asks, walking in with his brother as he unlocks the inner doors. Cheol shrugs.
“Honestly, promotions are over, I don’t have much lined up until the next comeback. Jihoon is on vacation with Soonyoung and their twins so I’ll have to wait until he’s back anyways. So I’ll probably be here two weeks at most?” The idol’s brother nods.
“Cool, I’ll tell eomma and appa then. You better come by…even if you’re going to act like a loser alpha who only knows how to serve his omega.” The male doesn’t escape Cheol’s fist that makes contact with his arm. It also doesn’t cease the laughter that falls from his brother’s lips.
“I can’t wait until I meet your mate so I can tease you.” His brother smirks and only ruffles his hair.
“Go up to your mate, he’s been coming over lately all sulky.” Cheol’s heart clenched at the thought of his mate going over to his parents’ house just because he missed Cheol.
The idol bids his brother goodnight as he gets into the elevator to go up to the penthouse. It was a gift from Cheol to his husband when their first pup was born. It isn’t something that Jeonghan would be able to afford himself on his singular income, but with Cheol pitching in, it was a comfortable and lavish living arrangement for his family. He would give the world and a half for his family to be comfortable.
When the elevator dings at the top, Cheol rolls his suitcases out, taking a deep breath and inhaling the smell of almost home. His keys are in his hand as he approaches the door and goes to put in the pin to the apartment when the door swings open.
He gasps as he looks at the omega standing in the doorway.
Cheol’s heart races as he takes in the soft and fluffy look of his husband. He donned fluffy pink pyjama pants littered with moons and stars, a soft white tee spans his chest hidden behind a long cardigan that Jeonghan pulls closed at the faint draft that exists in the hallway. His bare feet kissed the cold tiled floor as he stood there, smirking at Cheol good naturedly.
“Yah, are you done making sure that I’m whole?” Cheol’s eyes finally reach the omega’s and his breath catches in his throat. Long blond bangs frame the omega’s delicate face. The fond smirk that the male sports sends Cheol’s brain into a state of shutting down. He can’t say for sure what he does next, or if his memory is linear in any possible way, but he just knows his lips find their way to the other’s as he pulls Jeonghan into his arms, savouring the faint minty taste of the omega’s toothpaste.
The idol was all but drowning in the smell of cherry blossoms and strawberries. It’s not like his husband was making it any easier for him to pull out of the embrace, his small fists curled into Seungcheol’s hoodie as he pulls him even closer. Their lips moving in a synchronous tango that followed the music of a song that was made just for the two locked in the passionate embrace.
The alpha thinks it’s unfair that he must pull away from his love, but unfortunately they were still creatures that needed oxygen. When he opens his eyes, he sees his omega with tears in his and instantly his heart is in his throat.
“Hannie––!”
“Fuck,” the omega whispers, his voice thick with emotions, “I told myself that I wouldn’t cry when you came home, but it’s been so rough without you around.” Hannie doesn’t let go of the man in front of him, clinging to him even harder as he buries his face in the other’s chest, the tears soaking into Cheol’s hoodie and leaving a cold place over his frozen heart.
“Hannie…” The alpha wraps an arm around the trembling male as he finally steps into the apartment, closing the door behind him as he stands with a crying omega in his arms, surrounded by his suitcases. “What’s going on, jagi?”
“I…” he sniffles, regulating his breathing as he inhales Cheol’s cedar-wood and lemon scent. “I’m sorry. I lied to you.” As more broken sobs leave the slightly younger male, Cheol can’t even bring himself to be mad.
“Should we go to the couch? You can lay on my chest, like the good old days.” A pathetic whine leaves Jeonghan’s lips as he nods. Hastily making a path to the living room––after somehow lining up his suitcases properly––Cheol lays down and tugs Jeonghan down with him.
The sobs had died down substantially, the only thing Cheol can hear now is his husband’s sniffling. He doesn’t say anything; just strokes the omega’s back, his other arm wraps around his love as he strokes his hair, tanned fingers running through fresh dyed blond tresses.
“I quit.”
The phrase comes after several minutes of silence in which Cheol had thought his husband had cried himself to sleep.
“Your job?” There’s a subtle nod against his chest and Cheol sucks in a sharp breath. “Yeobo…”
“Don’t––god just don’t, Cheol-ah. There’s a reason I didn’t tell you.” The idol takes this as a hint that this is only the beginning of what the younger male has to say. He tamps down his alpha and just listens; it’s what Jeonghan needs the most after all.
“I did have an offer to move to Seoul to be with you, but that wasn’t from my old company. I quit working there when Hansol, Chaewon and I came to visit you three months ago.” The male takes a deep breath, steeling himself for his husband’s outburst that surprisingly doesn’t come.
The omega looks up to make sure that his alpha was listening.
And oh. Oh.
Seungcheol is looking at him as if Jeonghan had hung the stars in the sky and then burned him with one of them. The reverence and pain that swirled in those warm chocolate irises almost made Jeonghan burst into tears again.
His alpha was pleased and hurt for him.
What had Jeonghan done to deserve someone like Seungcheol?
“They threatened to fire me first. I didn’t––I didn’t want to quit at first.” He looks down. This is the part that brought him the most shame to repeat; especially to his omega. He’d told Wonwoo and Jisoo easily. Hell, it was even easy to tell Mingyu.
But to tell Cheol…the omega knows that his alpha would be mad at himself rather than the corporate dickheads and that’s the last thing that Jeonghan wanted.
“They said that I kept getting myself pregnant and that I didn’t actually have a mate…they said that…that I was shirking my duties as a team lead.” The growl that rumbles in Cheol’s chest isn’t loud, but the most threatening ones never are. His scent sours and Jeonghan does his best to counteract that, releasing his own calming pheromones which does very little in the face of a silently fuming alpha.
“I’ll sue them. Show them what your ‘non-existent alpha’ can do.” The male growls.
“Seungcheol,” the omega sighs. He’d made his peace with what had been done. “I can tackle a lot of disrespect at the workplace since I work with knotheads who are fucking stupid and shut up when an omega puts them in their damn place. But that just…they hit where it hurts, Cheol. It was such a sore spot. I barely see you for months at a time, I raise these children and constantly question if I’m doing the right thing.” There’s frustration that underlies the omega’s words.
It’s then that Seungcheol realizes that by keeping Jeonghan away from the glamour of the spotlight, he’d distanced himself from his love when he needed his presence the most. He pulls Jeonghan up to kiss the male’s forehead sincerely.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I should have been here for you.” He apologizes, his chest constricting with each soft utterance of the words ‘it’s okay’ that falls from his husband’s lips.
“I found a new job in Seoul that offers the same perks as this job with a few more perks that any mated omega would love. We didn’t have paid heat leaves at the old company here, but in Seoul, I’d be getting paid to roll around in bed with you for a week. I get paid rut leaves as well, so I can be there for you whenever you need me to be. They offer a daycare for the young ones too so I don’t have to look for a separate ajhumma in the building to look after them.” Despite the sadness that lingers in his voice, Cheol can tell that his partner is significantly more excited and willing to work in this company.
He remembers when Jeonghan told him about the first company that he worked at. It had taken him several days and nights of thinking to accept the offer. It wasn’t anything revolutionary, but for their town, it was an amazing offer. But now that the two have been talking about moving in together again, Jeonghan had eagerly accepted an offer from what sounds like an amazing company.
“Where did the offer come from?” The alpha asks, doing his best to curb his anger as he gently strokes his partner’s back.
“Mm, your company. The marketing team is impressed with my CV and so they want me to come work for them. I applied as a joke after one too many glasses of wine with Wonwoo and Jisoo. I sobered up when I saw the interview offer several days later. Obviously they liked me enough and offered me the team lead position starting next month so I have time to move and get acclimated to Seoul.” Jeonghan chuckles softly, nuzzling against his partner, basking in the Alpha’s scent that has significantly perked up with pride.
So easy.
“I should have known. It sounds like you lucked out, yeobo,” Cheol murmurs, his inner alpha purring at his omega’s capabilities. “You did that all without having to use my name or prove that you were a taken omega.” The alpha huffs, a reminder of the hoops that Jeonghan had to jump through for his company in Daegu.
“I think that’s what makes me the happiest about this whole thing. I got it by myself, with my own merits. Even if it is at your entertainment company, we’ll barely be seeing each other. I’ve been assigned to rookie groups and solo artists.” The excitement in the omega’s scent is unmistakable.
Sure Cheol will sue his former company anyways, but for now, he’ll celebrate the win with his husband.
“I’m so proud of you and I’m really sorry as well…I know that we both talked about how rough keeping everything private would be, but I never considered how rough it would be on you in your workplace or in general. You’re just…” the idol avoids looking at his mate, the popcorn ceiling suddenly that much more fascinating to him.
“That was my mistake, I assumed that you were unshakeable. You’re a force to be reckoned with and I made the mistake of overlooking my duties as a husband and assumed that you would be okay with the decisions as well. The first few years were necessary, but more recently…we didn’t have to live separately. I’m sorry about that Jeonghan. I’ll be a better husband, father and mate starting from today. No more raising the kids on your own, no more falling asleep on late night calls, no more scheduled outings to see each other.” It’s a vow that Seungcheol doesn’t make in front of a priest or their families as he stands on an altar, devoting his love and life to the man in his arms.
It’s not a vow that involves swearing by a religious text to uphold the laws of the land and be a leader.
No.
It’s the most intimate vow made in front of the most important person in his life. A vow to make good on his wedding promises and uphold the laws of being a good head of the household as an alpha. It was a vow made by Seungcheol for none other than his strong, sensible and sensitive omega Jeonghan.
The Jeonghan that hates their stereotypes but falls prey to it when it comes to Seungcheol. The Jeonghan that raised two kids mostly on his own while working his way up the corporate ladder and making a career for himself. The Jeonghan that never inconvenienced anyone for his sake until it became too much.
But most importantly; the Jeonghan that Seungcheol is head over heels in love with.
“We’re in this together.” Jeonghan giggles, eyes watery but he refuses to let anymore tears of anguish roll down his cheeks while his alpha is here. “I love you,” the omega murmurs, surging forward to connect his lips to his husband’s.
The alpha merely holds the other close, letting the blond explore his mouth expertly. It’s everything the two needed; passionate, languid, and intimate.
It was coming home.
The next morning was still a school day for the eldest Choi child, despite his best efforts to fake sick to stay home with his father. With Jeonghan for his other parent, poor Hansol sat in the back of the car, arms crossed and brows furrowed.
“He looks like you when you get sulky.” Jeonghan comments, fixing his hair in the mirror.
“He’s my son, of course he’s going to look like me, yeobo.”
“So you agree, you’re sulky?” The omega smirks, watching as his husband glares at him briefly before turning back to the road.
“Very funny.” At that precise moment, their daughter began garbling with only a few discernable words in the midst, as if she was agreeing with the alpha.
“Thank you, your daughter clearly agrees.” The idol can only fondly roll his eyes as he pulls up to his son’s school.
“Have fun, okay? I’ll take you out for ice cream after dinner.” Seungcheol bribes, effectively lighting the young pup up.
“Okay!”
The parents embrace their young pup, scenting him protectively before sending him on his way to his friends. Hansol turned back once to wave at his parents with both hands, a toothy grin on his face as does.
“He’s growing up so fast,” Seungcheol sighs when they’re back at home. Chaewon was in her own playpen, exploring its contents as her parents were snuggled on the couch together watching the headlines.
“Imagine how I feel. The other day I was making breakfast while he got ready and he came out wearing––you know the outfit he wore to that one picnic we had for your mother’s birthday?––those shorts and the button up and it was short on his torso and I almost sank to the floor in tears. Our baby is growing up so fast.” The slightly younger male whines.
Seungcheol laughs, kissing the top of his husband’s head. “It’s okay, he still has many years ahead of him. We’ll probably have another crisis when he presents and has his first partner.” Cheol chuckles.
“Ugh, why can’t he stay a baby forever?” The omega pouts and turns to their daughter. “Will you stay a baby forever Chaewonnie?” He coos.
The young girl merely looks at her dad and babbles excitedly before she turns back to her teddy bear. The parents think she totally agreed with them though.
It’s only when the little one had fallen asleep after feeding that Seungcheol brings out his present for his husband.
“You didn’t have to,” Hannie murmurs as he works to open the wrapping at the coffee table. Since it was a lazy day, the two were decked in matching cream and brown plaid pyjama pants, Jeonghan in his white t-shirt and cardigan and Cheol donning a sweater with a brown base and shades of brown diamonds on his front. Fuzzy socks adorned their feet as they sit shoulder to shoulder, a children’s cartoon now playing since it was the only way to get Chaewon’s attention as she ate.
“I wanted to.” The alpha murmurs, pushing his glasses up to better watch his mate.
It’s when a corner of the box comes into view that Jeonghan gasps loudly. “You didn’t!” He accuses, eyes wide as he looks at his mate.
“You were saying you wanted to get back into some old hobbies so when I was in Los Angeles’ Disneyland, I stopped by the Lego store and they had some creations that I don’t remember you having so I splurged a little.” The omega narrows his eyes because he knows that ‘a little’ for his mate is actually ‘a lot’ and he’s only trying to do damage control.
Except, he feels so much elation and love at the moment, that Jeonghan drops it in favour of making the motorized light house that he’d put on his amazon wish-list just several days ago. “Oh my god! I was on a call with you when I put this on my wish-list! How did––”
“Trust me, it was hard to keep it a secret from you. I wanted to tell you then that I got it, but it would ruin the surprise.” If Seungcheol’s eyes were faucets, he’d be dripping fondness everywhere. There’s just something about elated and excited Jeonghan that makes his heart race. The flushed cheeks, the giggles and megawatt smile are all worth keeping the secret at the end of the day.
“Will you help me make it?” The omega asks carefully. He was keeping the excitement at bay, Cheol could tell. Well that wouldn’t do. He’d gotten the Legos to see his mate let go and be as excited and childish as he wanted.
“Of course I will. I just want to see you happy, you know? Especially after everything you told me last night, you deserve to let loose.” The alpha invades his mate’s space, pressing his face into the slightly younger male’s neck and scenting him, letting their scents melt together. It was an odd combination, but it worked, the woodsy and flowery scents balancing each other our with faint hints of citrus and sweetness.
“Mm…if you keep scenting me, I’m going to abandon this Lego and make a nest instead to take care of other needs.” Jeonghan threatens. It’s a very reasonable threat too.
It’s not like the two don’t do things over video call, fingers, hands and toys being their best friends to bridge the distance. Even the visits included at least two nights of the two being locked together in a room while friends or family looked after the little ones. The two were sexually deprived of each other for several months.
They’d done well to avoid the simmering desire until now.
But Seungcheol isn’t going to let the arousal win over a cozy afternoon with his mate as they built with Lego. So he backs off, gulping in the fresh air.
A comfortable silence stretches out after that, only the rustling of the tiny Lego blocks are heard as the two keep referring back to the manual to construct different parts of the lighthouse.
At some point, Cheol had taken off his glasses, it had probably been an hour into making the Lego lighthouse. It’s only when he comes back from picking Hansol up from school that he sees the gold wired frames on his husband’s cute nose.
The omega was cradling his youngest in his arm as he continued to build with his other hand. It was such a domestic scene that the idol pauses to pull out his phone and snap several photos. The omega lifts his head when he hears the clicks, smiling softly. Jeonghan pats the space next to him and before either can blink, Hansol is running towards his dad and sister, plopping down in the spot that was supposed to be for Seungcheol.
The two adults share an amused look before Jeonghan explains Legos to the five year old. It is unsurprising that the young boy instantly gets it since he’s obsessed with building blocks himself.
Meanwhile, the idol found himself on the couch, his legs on either side of his mate as he brushes through the golden tresses, absentmindedly braiding the long hair. As he listens to his partner and son chatter away about Lego, the alpha laments over the many years he’d wasted when he could have had scenes like this sooner if he’d only opened his eyes a little sooner.
Dwelling on the past won’t do anything for him, but it does motivate him to cherish every moment on this trip as well as every moment in the future as well.
It’s ironic, he supposes, he’d go back to Daegu after promotions to remind himself of where he came from, of his roots. He never considered that he could have done that with his family at his side in Seoul. He never thought that he would have forgotten who he was as a mate and alpha by engaging in this line of thinking. He never thought that it was putting that big of a strain on his mate besides the normal long distance strain.
In trying to remain a humble idol, he’d nearly become a bad mate.
As he lays in his husband’s chest, the aforementioned male snuggled up on one side, their son on the other and their daughter on Seungcheol’s chest, the idol whispers a prayer of thanks to whoever is listening for giving him an understanding and supportive mate like Jeonghan.
It’s in the darkness, surrounded by the few people that matter the most that Seungcheol feels like he’s finally at ease.
It finally feels like he’s home.