Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Two years  ago

Jae Beom bows as he enters his father's office, seeing the older man sitting behind the big desk in the middle of the room. Slowly, he walks over to the chairs in front of the desk and takes a seat when the older man offers him to do so.

The man, Lim Won-Shik, clears his throat once Jae Beom is seated. "Thank you for coming over so quickly, son." He gives the younger a smile. "As you might remember, your aunt and her husband passed away a few months ago in a mission, sadly leaving Chan behind. Now, of course, your mother and I have been taking care of him, but we have been talking. We are aware that you and Jin Young are serious about your relationship, and your mother has overheard that the two of you are thinking of starting a family of your own."

Jae Beom frowns, not sure what his father is trying to say. Jin Young and him have indeed been talking about starting a family, but they are still planning and building their own home. But they don't have enough space for children currently. He knows Chan all too well, but he isn't sure if taking in his cousin is something they are ready for, seeing as he is already a 16-year-old." Father-"

"We think it will be good for the two of you." Won-Shik hums. "Chan needs a stable home, something your mother and I currently can't offer him. See it as a mission, taking care of two children and making them feel loved and cared for. Proof to us that the two of you have what it takes to take over your mother's dream of adopting those children who need a home and love."

"Hold on, two? Father, you have only mentioned Chan." Jae Beom gives him a confused look.

Won-Shik nods. "Yes, two." he slides over a picture to his son. "This is Seungmin. Your mother found him about a week ago, clearly looking dumped by his parents. We are still trying to figure out who his parents are and how to contact them, but we haven't been able to find any information on him just yet. We are waiting on the DNA results, but he needs a good home."

"You want Jin and I to take the both of them in? Father, our house isn't ready yet. It is still in the process of getting built." Jae Beom bites his lip, trying to take in everything his father just explained to him.

"No need to worry. The house will be done soon," Won-Shik smiles at his son. "I will make sure of that."

Jae Beom sighs, knowing that he can not decline the offer. "I will have to discuss this with Jin Young before agreeing to take in the boys."

Won-Shik hums, nodding. "Understandable. They will be moving in once the house is finished. I am aware that the two of you made sure that the house has a bunch of bedrooms." He can't help but smile more. "Do come and visit your mother and get to know the boys before that time."

The man nods. "We will, father. I will contact mother about when we will come by for some tea."

"She will be very happy to see you again."

Jae Beom stands up from his chair. "I will be going now. We will talk again soon, father." He bows.

"We will. Have a wonderful day, son."

The man hums before turning around and leaving his father's office with a lot on his mind as he returns home.

Jae Beom sighs when he unlocks the front door, taking off his shoes after he has entered. He frowns as he puts them onto the shoe rack, noticing that Jin Young's shoes are currently missing. "I'm back." He mutters, walking into the living room to find Bambam and Young Jae watching some kind of movie together.

Bambam looks up when he hears the older enter. "Hey hyung, how was your meeting?"

Jae Beom groans, sitting down next to the younger man. "Tiring. I will have to discuss a bunch of things with Jin Young." He rubs his face while trying to come up with ways to tell his boyfriend that they will be getting two kids soon.

Young Jae frowns, pausing the movie that is playing on the television. "You seem stressed."

The older rolls his eyes. "No shit, it's just something that is going to change a bunch of things. For all of us."

"For us too?"

Jae Beom nods his head. "Yup, I mean, things are already changing, but now it's not just me and Jin moving out."

Bambam and Young Jae give each other a confused look while they listen to Jae Beom ramble on about the fact that things will change, without him actually mentioning what he is talking about.

"I will discuss everything with Jin first." Jae Beom mutters.

"Okay, you do you, hyung." Young Jae chuckles, turning the movie back on.

Bambam pats Jae Beom's shoulder. "Hyung won't be home till dinner, he went out with Jackson hyung."

The older groans. "Seriously~"

"Yeah..." Bambam sighs, looking back at the television screen, not wanting to miss anything from the movie and not knowing what else he can say to the old man.

"You could always just call him." Young Jae shrugs.

Jae Beom leans against the back of the couch, shaking his head. "No, if he is out with Jackson, it's probably work-related, and I don't want to bother him."

Young Jae chuckles. "It's not work related."

"Huh?" The older man gives him a confused look. "But Jackson said he-"

Young Jae shakes his head. "We weren't allowed to say, but hyung is looking for a ring. And your boyfriend is helping him out."

"A ring? OH- finally." Jae Beom chuckles. "I assume he is finally going to propose then?"

"No, your boyfriend is." Young Jae rolls his eyes. "Of course we're talking about Jackson hyung."

"Awe..." Jae Beom fakes pouts. "Here I thought he was going to propose to me."

Bambam chuckles. "Jin Young hyung? Proposing? If you guys want to get married, you will have to because no way, hyung is going to be the one proposing."

"Do you want us to ask him to propose?" Young Jae smirks, giving the older man a wink.

"Fuck off." Jae Beom mutters, throwing a pillow at Young Jae. He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. "We're not ready."

Bambam frowns, giving him a confused look, but decides he shouldn't comment on it.

"Sure, you've been dating him since you were like 18. That's 6 years already, hyung."

"So? Marriage is something special and shit for my family..." Jae Beom sighs. "Me being the heir of this 'family' my father created makes things a lot more difficult." He shakes his head again, getting up from that couch. "I'm not having this talk with either of you."

Young Jae looks back at Bambam, confused.

The younger just shrugs, not sure what their hyung is on about.

"I'll be in my office." Jae Beom mutters as he gets up and leaves the living room, closing his office door a bit louder than he normally would.

"What's up his ass today?"

Bambam shrugs. "Well, clearly not Jin hyung."

Young Jae tries his best not to start laughing.

The younger sighs, looking back at the television screen.

"Someone better have taken care of dinner instead of me. I'm not in the mood to cook." Jin Young mutters to Jackson as they enter the house.

Jackson hums. "Maybe hyung did."

Jin Young looks back at the other. "You sure about that?"

"No? He could have been busy, not even sure if he is home." Jackson shrugs, kicking the shoes off. "Don't think anyone but Mark hyung would've tried, though."

The other groans as he walks into the kitchen after putting away his shoes. He opens the fridge, trying to find something easy to cook.

"You're home." Bambam smiles when he sees the older.

"Yeah." Jin Young mutters.

"We made pancakes-"

Jin Young frowns, turning to face the younger. "You? Where?" He looks at him in shock.

Bambam nods his head. "Uhm, Yumei noona came over. She did most of the work, honestly. But I did help."

"Oh- thanks."

"Don't thank us, hyung. You should thank noona." Young Jae chuckles, grabbing some plates to set the table.

Yumei smiles, walking over to greet her boyfriend. "Hi babe. The guys said you had work."

Jackson wraps an arm around her waist, humming softly. "We finished it quickly." He smiles, giving her a soft kiss.

She wraps her arms around his neck. "Good, I made pancakes. Because no one else was getting up to do so."

"Yah, hyung would be pissed if we burned down the kitchen." Young Jae whines.

Bambam nods. "Yeah, he said we're like banned."

Jackson raises an eyebrow. "Jae Beom isn't."

"He's busy, he has something on his mind and something up his ass and it's not Jin Young hyung." Young Jae mutters.

"Yeah-"

Jackson chuckles. "Oh damn, well maybe, someone should go check on him." He eyes Jin Young.

"Already on my way. Thank you, Yumei, for the dinner." Jin Young sighs, already making his way out of the kitchen to go check on his boyfriend.

Jin Young knocks on the door softly before opening the door to the office, making Jae Beom look up. The older smiles when he sees his boyfriend, saving his work process.

"Hi honey, I'm home~" The younger chuckles softly.

"Hi-" Jae Beom's smile drops slightly when he remembers the conversation that he had with his father. "How was your day?"

"My day was good." Jin Young walks closer to the older. "We found some pretty rings." He whispers before moving onto his boyfriend's lap.

Jae Beom hums. "Any you liked?" He wraps his arms around the other's waist, pulling him against him.

"Yes." The younger shrugs. "But we're not getting married." He bites his lip, trying not to sound disappointed.

"Did Jackson find one?"

Jin Young grins, nodding. "He did. Now he only needs to find the perfect moment to propose to her."

Jae Beom hums. "I'm so happy for them."

"Me too." The younger sighs, looking at his own ringless hand.

"So... I talked with my father."

Jin Young frowns. "You did? Oh right, you had that meeting. How was it?"

Jae Beom sighs. "It was alright, I guess."

"You look worried. What was it about?" The younger cups Jae Beom's face in his hands.

"He wants us to take in Chan and some other child my mother found." The older man mumbles, looking down slightly.

Jin Young's eyes widen. "Are you serious?"

Jae Beom hums.

"You don't look excited... It's what we want, right?"

"I guess..." Jae Beom sighs. "It's just- the house isn't ready yet and-"

Jin Young hums. "True. But wouldn't it be nice to get the house ready together with those boys? I mean, we can get to know them while they're finishing up the house. The kids could decorate their own bedrooms and help us choose the colours of the other spaces. We can go to the toy store with them and let them help figure out everything that we need and what they want." He grins, already imagining everything.

Jae Beom chuckles softly. "Babe, Channie is too old to go to a toy store."

The younger looks up, surprised. "Wait, what? How old is Channie?"

"I believe he turned 16? Or he is turning it soon." Jae Beom awkwardly scratches the back of his neck. "I'm not fully sure. It's been a while since I have seen him. He is my baby cousin, just-"

"Your cousin? Oh... the one whose parents passed..." Jin Young looks at him worriedly.

"Yeah, that one. I think you have met him before."

The younger frowns. "I'm not sure I remember. Maybe when I see him, I will remember him. But we can't not take him, he is your cousin. He has to stay within your family."

"That's why he is currently staying with my parents." Jae Beom sighs. "But I guess they're very busy people."

"We have the time, right? We can get to know him better while he is still staying with your parents while we get the house ready? And then he can help decorate his own room. I'm sure he will appreciate that."

The older hums, resting his head against Jin Young. "Of course, I don't know anything about the other child besides that he is clearly younger. My mother apparently found him and took him home."

Jin Young smiles. "She's so loving."

"Yeah..."

"Hey." Jin Young makes his boyfriend look at him. "If you're not ready for this, we will just tell your parents that. We'll get the house ready at our pace, and there will still be kids in need to find their forever home."

Jae Beom shakes his head. "That's not it, Baby."

"Are you sure? Because- I'm fine with that. I want us both to be ready for this."

"It's just sudden, but I will be okay with it. And if this goes well, we can still adopt and save those kids needing a home."

"If I'm not wrong, these two boys need a home as well." Jin Young smiles, kissing his boyfriend.

Jae Beom hums into the kiss. "It needs to be done getting built first."

"It's basically only the painting and the decorating that needs to be done. But someone hasn't had the time to go and check on the house and choose the paints, tiles and floors with me."

"I- I can't help that I have been busy." The older pouts.

Jin Young chuckles. "I know. My strong, amazing, hard-working boyfriend has been busy working to give me the housewife lifestyle where I only have to cook and take care of the children." He jokes, kissing the older.

Jae Beom hums into the kiss, pulling him closer. "I know."

"Expect today. Yumei made pancakes."

"She's here?" Jae Beom frowns.

Jin Young sighs, getting up from his boyfriend's lap, pulling him off his chair. "You really need to go outside of your office more often."

Jae Beom groans, letting the younger drag him out of the office. He mutters something about having spent some time watching a movie with Young Jae and Bambam in the living room.

"Do I really have to convince you to get out and eat?"

"No..." The older sighs.

Jin Young smirks. "I could-" He whispers something into his boyfriend's ear.

Jae Beom's eyes widen, choking a little.

The younger smiles. "Or not, if you don't want to."

"We can-" Jae Beom clears his throat. "We can definitely do that, later-"

Jin Young chuckles. "Of course, later." He pulls Jae Beom along with him to the dining room, joining the others. 

Chapter Text

W on-Shik looks at his son, who is sitting across from him. “Are you two sure you want to start this process?”

Jae Beom nods his head. “I think it’s time. We are ready to take over Eomeoni’s wish with your guidance, of course.”

The elderly man hums, looking between Jae Beom and Jin Young. “We both agree. We have trust in the relationship that the two of you have, we believe you are able to care and give the love those children need. We have seen how you have been taking care of Chan and Seungmin, they’re turning out to be wonderful children.”

Jin Young squeezes his boyfriend’s hand excitedly. 

Jae Beom smiles at his father. “Thank you, Abeoji.”

“Now, let me introduce you to your new assistant. They shall assist you with anything that will be child-related.” Won-Shik smiles at the two shocked men. 

“I’m getting a new assistant? Where will the old one go?”

Won-Shik chuckles softly at the joke. “Do not worry. Jin Young will be busier with other things from now on.”

Jin Young bites his lip as he doesn’t want to start laughing in the man's office. 

Jae Beom looks at his boyfriend with a smile on his face. “Yes, he will be.”

“Alex, could you please enter?” 

“Hello, sir.” A slender woman, dressed in full black, enters the office, carrying an elegant aura of confidence with her. She bows to the men in the room, making sure her posture is straight as she stands back up.

Jin Young looks up, his eyes slightly widening when he sees the young woman enter. 

“Please meet Alex Hwang, she will be your assistant from now on.” 

“Oh- hey.” Jae Beom looks up in surprise. 

“Hey Jae.” Alex grins at the other.

Jin Young frowns as he looks between the two of them. “You know each other?”

Jae Beom hums. “Yeah, uhm, she’s my-”

“Friend, we are friends.” Alex finishes his sentence, knowing the man would just be dragging it out when that would make things worse.

“If that is what the two of you want to call it. Sure.” Won-Shik mutters before clearing his throat. “Anyway, Alex will assist the two of you with finding and raising a child. She will therefore move into your home.”

Jin-Young looks back at Won-Shik. “Hold up, what?”

“Now that the two of you have your own house and enough bedrooms, there will be enough for Alex to move in, for a while.”

“We can manage that, right?” Jae Beom looks over at his boyfriend. 

Jin Young frowns, not happy with this decision. “You’re telling Seungmin.”

The older freezes for a second before turning to his father. “Appa…”

Won-Shik can’t help but chuckle. “The kid can’t be that scary.”

“Tell that to Chan’s eyebrows.” Jin Young sighs. 

“Fine. I might talk with the boys while the two of you are out with Alex to find yourselves a third child.”

Alex chuckles at the way Won-Shik worded that sentence. “That sounds a bit weird and illegal, sir.”

Won-Shik hums. “Please be a dear and explain to them the process again on your way to the orphanage.”

“Yes sir.” She bows to the elderly man before turning back to Jae Beom and Jin Young. 

Jin Young looks her up and down judgingly once more, not liking the fact that she is now going to be taking over part of his job and having to stay at their house.

Jae Beom gets up, holding out his hand for his boyfriend while sending Alex a smile. “I can’t believe you didn’t let me know you were becoming my assistant. Noona, you should’ve texted.”

Alex chuckles. “Nah, it was a good surprise.”

O nce they are outside, Alex holds the door of the car open for the two of them with a smile on her face. 

Jae Beom raises an eyebrow at her. “Shouldn’t a man hold the door for a woman?”

“You’re too slow, shit head.”

“Noona~” 

Jin Young eyes her for a second before he gets into the car. “Please do not call him that, he is your boss.”

Alex bites her lip, trying to hold in her laugh. “Alright.”

Jae Beom frowns as he sits down next to his boyfriend. “Jin, it’s fine.”

“Still. I do not want her calling you that.” The younger huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“It’s just a sibling vibe nickname.”

Alex quietly gets into the passenger seat, handing the driver the address of the orphanage they will be visiting. 

“Still, I don’t want the kids to pick up on it.”

“She wouldn’t call me that in front of them. She isn’t that stupid, babe.” Jae Beom sighs. 

The woman hums from the passenger seat, knowing she wouldn’t do something like that in front of children, as that would be both unprofessional and just plain irresponsible. 

Jin Young rolls his eyes. “What are the things we need to know before we arrive?”

“Don’t get attached. You will be able to speak with all the children who are there, but you can only bring one home with you. Do not tell them you’re considering them, you don’t want to give them any false hope. These children can be traumatized or scared and respond differently than what you are expecting.”

The man pouts a little. “And what if they are siblings?”

Alex looks at him through the mirror. “Then you return home without them and check with Mister and Misses Lim.”

Jin Young pulls a face at that, not liking the fact that he isn’t fully able to decide on his own who he can and can not adopt.

“She is right, babe. We can’t be making rushed decisions to take in siblings when we might not be ready for that.” Jae Beom sighs. 

“We already have two kids, not counting our team.”

“Still, they already know you and have gotten used to you. Adding two new children to the house like that might work negatively on them as well as on you as a couple.” Alex turns to look back at the two of them. 

Jin Young glares at the woman, disagreeing with her. 

Alex smirks as she looks at Jae Beom. “Did you ever tell your boyfriend about me?”

The man looks between his boyfriend and Alex. “Uhm-”

“He did not.”

“You didn’t?” Alex gasps. “Maybe you should have, because he doesn’t seem to like me.”

Jin Young rolls his eyes, taking out his phone to text Mark to ask if the older knows who Alex is and what her relationship with Jae Beom is, as his boyfriend doesn’t seem keen on telling him. 

“Jin- I will tell you when we’re home.”

“Sure.”

“Please don’t be mad.” Jae Beom mumbles softly. 

Jin Young just hums.

The older leans against him, quietly trying to calm him down without saying anything that could make things worse. “We’re getting a kid…”

“Yeah.”

J in Young takes a deep breath when the driver parks the car in front of the orphanage. 

Jae Beom looks out of the window, a soft smile on his face, when he sees the nice and bright building. “Oh wow, this place looks actually nice.”

“Yeah. Your mother has told us worse stories.”

“She wanted you to get a good experience first. There are places that we will visit if you decide to have more children, that look way worse.”

Jin Young shivers at the thought of that, hating the idea of children living in those circumstances. 

Alex gets out of the car, holding the door open for the couple, and watches as the two of them get out. 

“Are you going to be here the whole time?”

“I was hired to be here and help. So yes.” Alex nods. 

Jae Beom kisses Jin Young’s cheek. “She will be helping us choose Jin. She knows how all of this works.”

“Fine.” Jin Young huffs, talking Jae Beom’s hand. 

Alex waits for the couple before she rings the doorbell of the orphanage, taking a step back as they patiently wait for the door to open. 

An elderly woman opens the door with a soft smile on her face. “Welcome, welcome.” She holds the door open for them, watching them enter. 

“I had called earlier to arrange an appointment.”

The woman hums. “The Lim Family, am I right?”

Alex nods, following the woman through the entrance hall. 

“I remember.” The woman fixes her glasses. “The house is a bit quiet right now.”

Jin Young looks at his boyfriend, unsure of what they could be expecting.

“Are not all of the children here, right now?”

“They should currently all be studying. Those who are of school age, that is. So if I may ask, do you have any preference in a child?”

Jin Young shakes his head. 

“We do not have any expectations. As we are new to adopting, we prefer not to take in any siblings at this moment, having to keep our two sons in mind.”

“We would like to just walk around and see who we bond with.” Jin Young smiles at the woman. 

The elderly woman hums as she nods. “Alright, if you would follow me. Have a look around, speak with the children. If you have any questions, just come ask me or any of the other staff members walking around.”

“Okay. Thank you so much.” Jae Beom squeezes his boyfriend's hand as he gives the woman a slight bow. 

Alex follows the two men from a distance, not wanting to interfere while they’re connecting with the children but still staying close enough to be able to help if needed. 

Jin Young frowns as he looks around the big room, watching as the young children are running around and playing while he can see the older ones focusing on their homework. 

A little girl runs up to the couple, looking up at Jin Young. “Don’t take Jimin, she’s my friend.”

“Oh- but wouldn’t you want her to be in a nice home?” The man crouches down to be at her height after letting go of his boyfriend’s hand. 

The girl shakes her head. “You can’t have her!”

“Okay?”

“Ma’am? I didn’t catch your name?” Jae Beom looks over at the elderly woman who accompanied them. 

“It’s Minji.”

Jae Beom awkwardly motions to the little girl in front of his boyfriend. 

The woman frowns as she looks over and sighs. “Hannah, let these lovely men look around first.”

“But they can’t take Jimin.”

“Jimin won’t leave you, dear.”

The girl pouts up at the woman. “You promise?”

Minji nods. “I promise.”

“Okay. Come Jimin, let’s play.” Hannah grins into thin air, running off on her own. 

“Uhm-” Jae Beom looks at Minji, speechless after the girl ran over to one of the dollhouses. 

The woman hums. “Jimin is her imaginary friend.”

Jin Young awkwardly clears his throat as he stands back up.

“Ooh, an imaginary friend. I have read about those.”

“Yeah, some of the children are, let’s say, special.” Minji smiles at the couple. 

“Isn’t that what all parents tell their children?” Alex comments. 

Jin Young gives her a quick glare, not appreciating the comment. 

Jae Beom chuckles softly, taking his boyfriend’s hand once again, giving it a little squeeze. “Let’s look around.”

The younger looks around the room, noticing now that some of the older kids are helping out with the little ones. 

A fter walking around for a few minutes, Jae Beom pauses, something grabbing his attention. 

Jin Young frowns when he feels his boyfriend stop, turning to him with a confused look. 

“Look Jin, they have toy cars.”

“Babe- we’re not here to play with cars…”

Jae Beom pouts at him. “But toy cars.”

The younger sighs. “Kids first.”

“A kid is playing with them. I will go say hi.” He quickly lets go of Jin Young’s hand and walks over to the little boy playing with the toy cars. 

“Idiot.” Jin Young mutters as he watches his boyfriend walk off. 

Alex decides to sit down with some of the teenagers, checking on how they’re doing and see who would like to just talk, while she also keeps an eye out on Jae Beom and Jin Young. 

J ae Beom smiles at the little boy. “Can I join you?” He points to the toy cars in front of the boy. 

The boy looks up at him with big eyes, halting his movements with the cars in his hands. 

“May I?”

He doesn’t respond, quickly getting up from the floor and running towards Minji to hide behind her. 

Jae Beom pouts, following the boy with his eyes. 

Minji sighs, crouching down. “It’s okay.”

“Who that?”

“That nice man is trying to find a child to take care of.”

The boy points at himself with a confused look. “Me?”

Minji nods. “Could be, why don’t you show him the cars?”

“But-” The boy leans against the woman. 

“It’s okay, do you want me to come with you?”

He quickly nods his head. 

Minji chuckles, waddling over to Jae Beom as the boy clings to her leg, giggling quietly. 

Jae Beom smiles at them when they reach him. “Hello.”

The boy shyly waves at him. “Hi-”

“I’m Jae Beom, and you?”

“Innie.” He is still clinging onto Minji while looking the man up and down, trying to decide if he is safe.

Minji pats the boy’s head, hoping to give him some encouragement. 

Jae Beom coos at the sight. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice.. you too.” The boy mumbles inaudibly. 

“Sorry, Jeongin here is a bit shy when it comes to meeting new people.”

The man shakes his head. “No, no, no need to apologise, I understand. I was just excited when I noticed him playing with the cars.”

“You like cars?” Jeongin looks at him with wide eyes. 

“Yes, like big time. We have lots of cars at home.”

“Really?”

Jae Beom nods. “Toy cars and big cars.”

“What’s your favorite car?” Jeongin mumbles curiously.

“I would say Porsche 911 GT3. Yours?”

Jeongin shrugs. “I don’t know, I’m 6.”

Jae Beom chuckles. “Fair enough. You like fast cars?”

The boy nods, running towards the box filled with little cars, looking around for a specific one. 

Minji smiles, happy that the boy is getting a bit more comfortable around Jae Beom. 

“I like this one.” Jeongin holds up a black Mercedes-Benz E-class estate. 

“Ooh, good choice, we have one like that.” Jae Beom grins. 

The boy gasps. “You do? Do the doors also open like this? That’s why I like it, the doors open.” He shows the man how the doors of the toy car open and close with a bright smile on his face. 

“They do.” Jae Beom chuckles. “Even the big one in the back.”

“Really?” Jeongin looks at him in shock. 

The man nods. “Yep, it does.”

Jin Young slowly walks over, making sure to keep his distance as he doesn’t want to scare the little boy. 

Jeongin sits down on the ground and starts playing with his cars, no longer paying attention to the men watching him. 

Minji hums, walking away after she is sure that the boy is going to be alright on his own with the man. 

Jae Beom carefully sits down on the ground with the boy. “Can I play with you?”

The boy nods, pointing to the box with cars. “You can’t take my cars.”

“I won’t,” Jae Beom hums, grabbing one from the box to make sure it isn’t the wrong one. 

“I think my boyfriend is sold on a child.” Jin Young walks closer to Minji with a smile.

“They’re cute together.” Alex quietly joins in on the conversation. 

Minji hums. “It’s the first time Jeongin seems to be enjoying himself with one of the guests.”

Alex looks between Jae Beom and Jin Young. “I know you don’t like me or my advice, but I think you should join them. See how the boy responds to you.”

Jin Young eyes her before he walks over to his boyfriend and Jeongin. “Hey-”

The boy looks up. “Do you also like cars?”

“I do, not as much as Jae Beom, though.”

“Do you have a car?”

Jin Young nods. “I do, we have lots.”

The boy hums, looking between the two men. “Are you also looking for a kid?”

“I am, do you want to see our cars?”

“I’m not allowed to leave the house.” Jeongin shakes his head with a pout on his face. 

Jin Young hums as he looks back at Minji. “Maybe we can ask?”

The boy quickly nods, getting up from the ground to take Jin Young’s hand. He starts dragging the man over to Minji, too excited to see the cars. 

Alex bites his lip as she tries not to grin at the couple. 

Minji looks up when she sees Jeongin walking over. 

The boy frowns, looking between her and Jin Young, waiting for the man to ask the question. 

“Uhm, so my husband and I would like to take Jeongin with us to show him our cars?” Jin Young hopes the woman understands that he is asking for more than just that, not sure how else to mention it without Jeongin understanding what he is saying. 

“Please?” The boy gives her puppy dog eyes. 

Minji chuckles. “Why don’t we talk in my office for a second. I do believe we could make it work.”

Jae Beom gets up from the ground when he hears the woman’s answer. 

Jeongin frowns, looking between them confused. “Are we going to see the cars?”

“In a bit, okay? I will have a talk with these two nice men while you have your snack, deal?” Minji looks down at the boy. 

“What’s the snack?”

“It’s your favorite.”

“Oh? What’s his favorite snack?” Jae Beom chuckles when seeing the boy’s face light up at the mention of the snack. 

Jin Young looks at Jeongin as well, curious about what the answer is. 

The boy grins. “Kimchi.” And with that, he runs off to one of the other works to get himself a snack. 

Minji chuckles before her face turns serious. “You want to adopt Jeongin?”

Jin Young nods. “Is that possible?”

“Come with me, please.” Minji starts making her way to her office. 

Jae Beom takes his boyfriend’s hand, pulling him along as they follow the woman. Alex walks behind them, checking her case for the necessary papers. 

“P lease have a seat.” Minji smiles as she grabs Jeongin’s file out of the cabinet in her office. 

Jae Beom pulls out one of the chairs for Jin Young to sit on before looking at his new assistant. “Alex?”

The woman shakes her head, staying standing by the door. “You are the one adopting, not me.”

“Alright.” Jae Beom sighs, sitting down next to his boyfriend. 

Minji hums as she places Jeongin’s file down on her desk, sitting down. 

Jin Young bites his lip, feeling nervous. “Would it be an option? To adopt him?”

The woman nods. “It definitely is possible, yes. He is a lovely child as you saw, a bit shy around new people.”

“He’s adorable.”

“Indeed. Now before we can go into his paperwork. I have to ask if you have been certified and if your home has been approved for a child his age.”

Jae Beom looks back at Alex for a second. “My mother and father are both very involved with fostering and adopting children. So with their help, we made sure we were certified before making this appointment. We currently have two boys living with us. The oldest is 18, while our youngest is currently 7. We have made sure that we have everything in house to babyproof it in case we adopt a young child.” He explains to the woman. 

Alex walks over to the desk, placing the right documents down in front of Minji. “These are all the paperwork that is required for an adoption.”

The elderly woman hums softly as she scans through the documents, checking to make sure everything is correct. “Alright, that is good news. Everything seems to be up to date and correctly done. So if you decide to adopt, there will have to be a trial period as we have to make sure the child will be properly taken care of and fits in with the family. If all that goes well, we can set a court date to agree on the adoption and sign the official guardianship papers.”

“We have done our research and are aware of the court visit. I’m assuming you will have to do a few home visits?”

Minji nods. “Yes, we will. In this case, it will be me as I am Jeongin’s caseworker.” She smiles at them. “So now that we have talked about the legal parts, let’s talk about Jeongin himself. Jeongin’s birthday in on February eight, he turned 6 this year as his birthday has already passed. He loves cars and Kimchi, and as I said before, he is a bit shy when it comes to meeting new people. He is fully potty trained but I do want to make you aware that he does sometimes have accidents at night. He is currently learning how to read and write.”

Jae Beom hums softly, trying to make sure to remember everything that she is telling them. 

Jin Young frowns. “Does he require pull-ups at night or is it a one of thing?”

“He doesn’t do it often, but it might come in handy to have some in case of it happening. Sometimes, changes is one's routine can cause some issues.”

“How much time would we get to prepare the house before we can take Jeongin home if we adopt him?”

Minji looks at the papers. “Well, if you would like, you would be able to take him home today, actually.”

Jae Beom frowns. “Wouldn’t that be really soon for a 6-year-old to be taken away from his familiar place without a warning?”

“He can come over, see the cars and if he wants to stay, he can. If not, he is always welcome to come back, and we can schedule more meetings. But of course, we will have to ask him if he wants to be adopted by you, as a child his age has a choice in the matter.”

Jin Young takes Jae Beom’s hand, really hoping that the boy will agree. 

“Of course.” The older man squeezes his boyfriend’s hand excitedly. 

“Do you have a car seat?”

Alex nods, responding before either of the men can. “They do.”

Jin Young takes a deep breath, trying not to get annoyed with her. “We prepared for a child of any age.”

Minji hums. “Well, there are some other things you should know before taking him in. One is, the reason why he is here.”

“Oh-”

“So you see, there is no father in the picture. We have looked into that and know for sure that he does not want anything to do with Jeongin, he did not even know he existed. As for his mother…”

Jin Young frowns, not liking the way Minji trails off. 

Minji lets out a sigh. “It’s believed she took her own life about a year ago. We do not know that for sure, but Jeongin is aware his mother is no longer with us.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Jae Beom mumbles. 

The elderly woman hums, closing the file. “There is more information about him in this file. Are there any questions?”

Jin Young looks between his boyfriend and Alex, not really sure what to ask. 

“Is any psychological help necessary for the boy?” Alex looks at Minji, all too well aware that most children in the system could use the help of a therapist.

“It will be a good thing to keep in mind. Especially if you notice a sudden change in his behavior or anything odd for a child his age. He has gone through a bit of therapy for the last year to help with the grief and changes in his life, but it was deemed by the therapist as no longer needed for him.”

“We will provide whatever he needs.”

Minji smiles at the two men. “I am sure you will. If you don’t have any other questions for me, we should head back to Jeongin and tell him to news. I will have someone pack his bag while we talk with him. 

Jin Young squeezes Jae Beom’s hand excitedly. “Thank you so much.”

The elderly woman chuckles. “The only thing I need you both to do is sign these papers.”

Alex takes the papers from Minji, reading them over before handing them to Jae Beom and Jin Young. “Is this separately for just today or is this for until the court date?”

“Until we decide if there will be a court case. That way, you don’t have to come back here tomorrow when he is doing alright and wants to stay. I will be in contact via the mail about the visits, but one will be without an announcement.”

“Okay..”

Jae Beom hums, trying not to get too excited about them taking Jeongin home. 

“So we can go see him after signing these?”

Minji nods. “Yes.”

The man mutters a soft ‘thanks’ as he lifts up the pen, reading the papers over on his own and signing them before handing them to his boyfriend. “Do we get a copy of these?”

Minji hums. “We can arrange that, of course.”

“Yes please.” Jae Beom mumbles while he signs the papers. 

“Alright, I will make a copy of these. You can head back if you would like.”

Alex looks at the two men. “I will be outside to make some phone calls, I will be waiting by the car. Make sure to take that copy with you.”

Both Jin Young and Jae Beom nod, watching as Alex leaves the building after. 

“We are taking him home.” Jae Beom smiles at his boyfriend excitedly. 

“He will be very excited when he sees your car collection.” The younger chuckles, stepping closer to Jae Beom, looking up at him. 

Jae Beom grins, nodding. “I hope so.”

Minji clears her throat, holding the copy of the paperwork. “Here is the copy. I will get a worker to gather Jeongin’s things. I believe he is still in the same room as before, as he loves playing with those cars.”

“Thank you, ma’am. We will go see him now.”

J in Young smiles as he sees that Jeongin is already back to playing with the toy cars by the time they reenter the room. 

Jae Beom wraps his arms around the other’s waist, pecking a kiss on the back of his neck. “He’s so cute.”

The younger hums. “He is.”

“You think Chan and Seungmin will like him?”

“Don’t think Chan will care much, honestly. Minnie, not sure…” Jin Young sighs. 

Jeongin looks up, his eyes widening when he sees the couple. “You’re back. Can I go see the cars?” 

The man nods. “You can even have a sleepover if you like.”

“Really? But- do I get to bring Foxy?”

“Who’s that?” Jae Beom hums while smiling at the boy. 

Jin Young chuckles. “Of course, you can. Want to go get him?”

“He’s my friend.” Jeongin nods while running off to go grab his Foxy.

“So cute~” 

Jae Beom takes Jin Young’s hand, following the little boy. “I love him already.”

“I know you do, babe.”

The older man grins, kissing his boyfriend’s cheek. 

Jin Young smiles, curious where the boy went to grab his ‘Foxy’. He frowns when they find the boy sitting on the ground in front of one of the doors, looking upset and confused. 

“What’s wrong?”

“My toys…” The boy points into the room. 

Jin Young sighs. “Maybe they packed them to bring them with us.”

A young man steps out of the room, crouching down in front of Jeongin. “Hey Innie, no need to be sad. I’m packing them so that you can bring them with you to these nice men’s home. That way, you can play with them there. Is that alright with you?”

Jeongin pouts. “You packed Foxy?”

The man shakes his head. “Of course not. He told me you would come to get him to carry him along.”

Jeongin giggles, shaking his head. “Foxy doesn’t talk, he’s a plushy hyung~” 

“Oops, my mistake.” The man chuckles, tickling the boy. 

Jin Young watches them with a smile on his face, glad to know that Jeongin was well taken care of at the orphanage.

“Go show your friends Foxy. I’m sure they’re curious about him.”

Jeongin gets up from the ground, running into his room. 

The man looks up at the couple. “He’s adorable, isn’t he?”

“Extremely.” Jin Young hums. 

“Please take good care of him. He sometimes gets nightmares. And then he likes cuddles and some warm tea.”

“We will, don’t worry. We like cuddles too.”

Jeongin stops in the doorway, eyeing them. “You like cuddles?”

Jae Beom hums, nodding. “We do.”

“Yeah, so you can come cuddle us whenever you want.”

The boy pulls a face. “I don’t like cuddles.”

“Oh-”

“Only on special occasions.” The young man next to Jeongin hums, missing with the boy his hair. 

“Is that Foxy?” Jae Beom points at the fox plushie in the boy’s arms. 

Jeongin nods, holding Foxy up to how him off to the two men. 

Jin Young smiles. “He looks soft.”

“Is from Eomma.”

“Oh really? Then you must love Foxy very much.” Jae Beom crouches down for the boy to come closer. 

Jeongin nods. “Almost as much as I love Eomma.”

“That’s sweet.” 

The boy slowly walks over to Jae Beom. “But Eomma isn’t here anymore.”

Jae Beom hums. 

Jin Young pouts as he looks at the boy, feeling bad for him. 

“She’s here.” Jeongin points to his chest.

“Wrong side, Innie. Your heart is on the other side.” The man beside him corrects. 

The boy moves his hand to the other side with a frown. “Here.”

“Cute~” Jin Young can’t help but coo at how cute the little boy is being.

“Everything should be ready for you to take him home.”

Jeongin gives them a confused look. “Take me home?”

Jin Young nods. “We would like for you to come live with us.”

The boy tilts his head to the side. “For all the time?”

“If you like it, yes.” Jin Young gives the boy a smile. 

“You will have a big sleepover first, Innie.” Minji hums. “And if you like them, you might be able to say forever.”

“And if I don’t like it, I come back?”

Jae Beom and Jin Young both nod their head. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to stay with us.”

“It will be up to you.” Minji ruffles the boy’s hair. 

“Okay.” 

Jin Young frowns. “As in you want ot come home with us?”

Jeongin shyly nods, making the couple smile. 

“I’m glad.” Jin Young hums. 

“I will show you all the cars we have.” Jae Beom grins at the boy. 

“I like cars.” Jeongin whispers, leaning against Minji. 

“Ma’am? Where should I put everything I have packed for him?”

Minji looks up. “i am sure they have their car parked close by, will you be able to help them?”

The man nods his head. “Of course.”

Jae Beom holds out his hand for Jeongin, hoping the boy will take it. 

Jeongin frowns, putting his hands up. “Up~” 

The older smiles, carefully picking the boy up. “Ready?”

He nods as he lays his head on Jae Beom’s shoulder. 

Jin Young smiles at them. “Shall I help carry some of his things?”

“Yes please. He has surprisingly a lot of things.”

“It’s no problem.” Jin Young hums, grabbing two of the bags. 

“S o the car seat has been installed. I called Jackson to take Chan and Seungmin out of the house for a bit so that he can come home to an empty house. And I have also informed your father about this adoption.” Alex smiles at them once they put all of Jeongin’s belongings into the back of the car. 

Jin Young looks over at her. “Has he informed the boys?”

Alex shakes her head. “No, I told him not to. It is something that you should tell them.”

“Who’s them?” Jeongin mumbles curiously.

Jae Beom looks at the boy in his arms. “We have two boys living with us, they will be like your big brothers. And you also have some crazy uncles who visit often.”

“Crazy uncles?”

“Yeah. Some of our friends all live next to us and come over a lot. We work with them.” The man hums. 

Jeongin just nods. 

Jin Young turns back to the two of them after making sure the back of the car is closet. “Are you ready, Jeongin?”

The boy shakes his head, looking back at his caretaker with a pout. 

Minji frowns at the boy’s face. “What’s wrong?”

Jeongin makes grabby hands towards her. 

The elderly woman smiles, taking the boy from Jae Beom. “You’re going to love it there, Innie. I will come visit you sometimes, too.”

“Halmeoni~” 

Minji bounces him softly. “You can always ask them to call me, okay?”

The boy shakes his head as he starts crying, clinging onto the woman. 

“It’s okay baby, it’s okay.” She bounces the boy, holding him close.

“Can’t you come- with us?” He hiccups between the words. 

Minji sighs. “I have to take care of the others. I promise these men will take good care of you, baby. I bet they will even buy you a new toy car.”

Jin Young quickly nods his head. 

“I don’t want a new car. Halmeoni~” 

“Baby~” Minju hums. “It’s okay.”

“Hey Innie. How about we get Halmeoni’s phone number, and then we can call or FaceTime her whenever you miss her?” Jae Beom proposes. 

“We can do that.” 

Jeongin nods, still clinging to Minji.

The woman hugs him closer. “Go have fun.”

“Halmeoni~” 

“I will take him.” Jae Beom smiles at the elderly woman. “Come on, Innie. Remember what I said? We’re going to look at cars. Your favorite car even.”

The boy slowly wipes away his tears, letting the man take him from Minji. “But Halmeoni…”

“You will be okay, Innie.” Minji smiles at him, wiping the new tears from the boy’s face. “Okay?”

Jeongin looks at her with sad eyes but nods. “Okay…”

“I will visit soon.”

The boy holds out his hand. “Pinky promise?”

“Pinky promise.” She smiles, wrapping her pinky around the boy’s.

“Bye, Halmeoni.” Jae Beom waves at her when he's walking to the side of the car to place Jeongin in his car seat.

“Thank you so much.” Jin Young bows to the woman before walking to the car.

Minji smiles, waving at Jeongin.

The boy quietly cries in Jae Beom’s arms, waving at the older woman.

Jae Beom sighs, bouncing the little boy.

“Let's go. The longer we stay, the harder it'll be.”

“Yeah-” Jae Beom mutters, carefully buckling the boy in.

Alex gets into the front passenger seat, telling the driver to start the car already.

“Halmeoni~” Jeongin whines a little.

“Bye innie, have fun.” Minji smiles.

Jin Young bites his cheek as he gets into the car next to Jeongin, feeling bad for the little boy. 

Jae Beom checks the seatbelt once more before closing the car door and getting in on the other side of the car. “We’re ready to go.”

Chapter Text

J in Young looks at the boy next to him, hoping that he is doing better now that they’re nearly home. “Poor kid.”

Jae Beom hums. “He seems so quiet suddenly.”

“Think he fell asleep.” Jin Young mutters, resting his head on Jae Beom’s shoulder. 

The older chuckles softly, kissing Jin Young’s head. “He’s so cute.”

Jin Young hums. “I really hope he will like it at home. And can connect with the boys.”

“I’m sure he will be okay. Children usually get attached to the people who raise them, so it makes sense that if Halmeoni took him under her wing, he is upset about leaving without her.”

“I know that.” Jin Young huffs at Alex explaining why Jeongin was upset earlier when they left the orphanage. 

“Jin..” Jae Beom sighs. “She’s just trying to assist us with this process.”

The younger rolls his eyes, sitting back up while taking out his phone. He makes sure to let Mark know that they will be home soon and asking the older to make sure none of the members randomly drop by and scare Jeongin. 

“Babe~” 

“Hyung will make sure no one breaks in.”

“You’re making it sound like we have criminal friends.” Jae Beom chuckles. 

Jin Young raises an eyebrow as he looks at him without saying a word. 

The older one whines. “It was a joke~” 

“We will be entering the properly.” The driver announces, not bothering to even look back at the two men in the backseat, used to their lover quarrles. 

Jae Beom clears his throat. “Do we try and wake him up? Or just bring him inside and lay him on the couch to sleep a bit longer?”

Jin Young sighs, looking at the boy. “I don’t want to wake him up and make him more upset.”

“Alright, I will carry him inside then.”

The younger hums, nodding slightly. 

Jae Beom chuckles. “He’s not even awake to see his favorite car.”

“We will show him once he’s awake.”

“We have arrived.” The driver neatly parks the car in front of the house.

Jin Young smiles at the man, handing him a tip. “Thank you.” He climbs out of the car after Jae Beom, holding the door to Jeongin’s side open for his boyfriend. 

Jae Beom carefully unbuckles the sleeping boy from his car seat, lifting him into his arms. 

“He’s so cute.” Jin Young can’t help but coo as he watches Jeongin subconsciously rest his head on Jae Beom’s shoulder. 

“I will go back to the office to give your father a report. We can discuss later when I can move in.” Alex hums softly, giving the two men a smile. 

Jae Beom nods. “Okay, see you later.”

Jin Young closes the car door, not sparing the woman another look while he takes out his keys and makes his way to the front door. 

The boy in Jae Beom’s arms lets out a soft whine, cuddling into him even more. 

Jae Beom pauses for a second as he doesn’t want to wake the boy up, once he is sure that the boy is still asleep he continues his way to the front door. 

Jin Young looks back at them for a second, smiling softly while unlocking the front door. He holds it open for the two of them, watching his boyfriend carry the boy inside. 

Jae Beom carefully slips his shoes off before carrying Jeongin over to the living room. 

Jin Young closes the door behind them, following his boyfriend after taking off his shoes and placing them on the shoe rack. 

The older man hums while trying to put Jeongin down on the couch, making to boy whine softly in disagreement. 

“Guess he doesn’t want you to let go.” Jin Young chuckles. “I will go grab some blankets.”

Jae Beom coos, sitting down with the boy in his lap. “Alright, I will stay here.”

Jin Young hums, walking off to go and grab a blanket for the two of them a blanket. He smiles when he walks back in, already loving the addition to their tiny little family. “Here you go.”

“Come here, join us.” Jae Beom takes the blanket before pulling Jin Young onto the couch next to them. 

“I love you.” The younger mumbles, resting his head on Jae Beom’s shoulder, closing his eyes. 

The older smiles. “I love you, too.”

J eongin tries to roll over, whining when a hand stops him from doing so. He groggily opens his eyes, looking around the unfamiliar room with a frown on his face. 

Jae Beom looks up when he feels the boy start to move, smiling when he notices that Jeongin is looking around the living room. 

“Cars?” The boy mumbles, confused. 

Jin Young can’t help but chuckle, the boy already feeling like a clone of his boyfriend. “We can go see them in a bit.”

Jae Beom hums, running a hand through Jeongin’s hair. 

The boy sits up, rubbing his eyes. “And crazy uncles, too?”

“We told them to stay home for today, until we were sure you wanted to meet them. After you meet your brothers.”

“Can I have a snack? I’m hungry.”

“What kind of snack would you like?”

Jeongin frowns, thinking. “What snacks do you have?”

The older frowns as well, honestly not even sure what they currently have. “I’m not sure. Should we look together?”

Jeongin nods, sliding off Jae Beom’s lap. 

Jin Young holds out his hand for Jeongin, who carefully takes the man’s hand and follows him to the kitchen. 

J ae Beom wraps his arms around Jin Young’s waist, resting his chin on the younger’s shoulder as the two of them watch Jeongin play in his new bedroom. 

Jin Young nervously bites his lip, he keeps checking the time, waiting for Chan and Seungmin to come back home together with Jackson. 

“Do you want me to talk with them first? That way, you can stay here with Innie?” The older hums, having caught on to the younger’s nervous behaviour. 

“No, no, it’s okay. I’m just- they know we went right? We had told them- this would happen…”

Jae Beom nods. “They might think we went to work but both of them know we have been preparing for another child. It will be okay, love.” He kisses Jin Young’s cheek, hoping to calm the younger’s nerves at least a little. 

“Do we talk to the first or just introduce him?” Jin Young looks back at his boyfriend slightly. 

“I think it’s better to talk with them first.” 

Jin Young hums in agreement. “Okay, yeah, okay.”

Jeongin walks over to the older, tugging his pants slightly. 

The man looks down. “Yes, Innie?”

“Are you scared? You look scared.”

“Just a bit worried.” Jin Young smiles. “I will be okay.”

“About what?”

The older sighs as he looks at the boy. “Well, your brothers.”

Jeongin tilts his head to the side slightly. “My brothers?”

“DAD! APPA! WE’RE HOME!”

Jin Young flinches at the yelling. “Already?” He untangles himself from Jae Beom, quickly making his way down the stairs to greet them. 

“Innie, can you stay here and play with your cars for a bit? I will come get you, after we spoke with your brothers, okay?”

The boy nods his head, sitting back down on the ground to play. 

Jae Beom takes a deep breath before leaving the boy’s bedroom and making his way downstairs as well. 

J ackson groans when Seungmin yells loudly the moment they enter the house. “Yah. I told you not to do that.”

Seungmin shrugs, throwing his shoes onto the shoe rack. Grinning when he sees Jin Young walking over. “Appa!”

Jin Young chuckles, picking the boy up. “Did you have fun?”

Chan eyes the man, putting his own shoes away neatly. 

“We went grocery shopping for like the whole neighborhood.” The 7-year-old in Jin Young’s arms groans. “So boring~” 

“Oh really?” The man chuckles. “Did uncle Jackson make you shop that much?”

Seungmin nods with a pout on his face. “There were so much people.”

“Awe, my poor baby~” 

“As if he didn’t get his favorite lunch and a new toy.” Jackson mutters. “Anyway, here are your children. I should see how the others are doing before going home.”

Jin Young hums. “Thank you for taking them with you.”

The other shrugs. “No problem.”

“You’re coming over to buy us dinner, right?” Jae Beom jokes as he joins them in the entrance hall. 

“No, fu- goodbye.” Jackson quickly stops himself from cursing in front of Seungmin, waving before making his way out of the house. 

Chan chuckles, taking Berry's leash off. “He bought lunch.”

“Hope you thanked him for that.” Jae Beom looks at the boy, who quickly nods his head and walks past them to the living room. 

Jin Young tickles Seungmin. “You got a new toy?”

The boy giggles, nodding. “Uncle said fuck lots.”

“Of course he did.” Jin Young mutters. “How was your day, Channie? Had fun?”

The teenager shrugs. “Wasn’t that bad.”

“That’s good.” Jin Young places Seungmin down on the couch next to Chan before taking a deep breath, trying to figure out what words to use. 

Jae Beom rests his hand on the younger’s shoulder. “Boys, we have some news.”

Jin Young hums, nodding along with his boyfriend's words.  

Chan raises an eyebrow, placing Berry on his lap as she keeps barking at him. “Did you buy another dog?”

“Or fish?” Seungmin’s eyes sparkle, really wanting to get a fish to take care of, seeing as Chan has Berry. 

Jae Beom chuckles, shaking his head. “Neither.”

Seungmin pouts, slumping back into the couch with his hands crossed over his chest. 

“Do you two remember how we talked about getting more kids?”

“You found one in the trash?”

“No?” Jin Young looks at Seungmin in shock, getting sidetracked a little. “Why would-”

The boy shrugs. 

“We did not find him in the trash.” The man sighs. 

“So where is he?” Chan frowns, looking around. 

Jae Beom glances at the stairs. “He’s playing with his toys upstairs. But we wanted to tell you first before introducing him.”

“How old is he?”

“6, his name is Jeongin.”

Chan hums, mumbling a soft ‘hum’. 

Seungmin grins at his parents. “So I’m his hyung?”

Jae Beom nods with a smile on his face. “Yes, you will be.”

“So there will be a trial period first before we can officially adopt him, but he is your brother.” Jin Young explains, wanting to be honest with the boys. 

“So? Still makes us his hyungs either way.”

Jin Young hums, leaning against his boyfriend, feeling relieved that the boys are seemingly good with this idea. 

“You’re right, but it also means that if Jeongin doesn’t like it here or doesn't fit in, he will have to go back to the adoption home.”

“That would be sad.” Seungmin pouts. 

Jin Young nods, looking at the two. “I will go get him.”

Jae Beom lets go of his boyfriend, sitting down next to Seungmin and pulling the boy onto his lap. “Me and your appa have already taken a liking to him. But if he doesn’t-”

“As if  he would choose a home over this house.” Seungmin interrupts the older, leaning against the man’s chest. 

“Minnie-”

Chan chuckles. “He’s not wrong, he can have whatever he wants here.”

The younger boy nods. “See.”

J in Young knocks on the bedroom door before entering, smiling at the boy who’s still playing with his toy cars. “Hey, Innie.”

The boy looks up from the cars. 

“Want to come downstairs and meet your brothers?”

“Don’t want to play alone.” Jeongin nods, getting up from the ground. 

Jin Young hums, holding out his hand for the boy. “Come on then.”

The boy smiles, grabbing onto the older’s hand before following him out of the bedroom. 

Jin Young guides the boy down the stairs. “They’re really nice, I promise.”

Chan looks up when he hears Jin Young coming down the stairs, putting his phone into his pocket. 

“Oh- he’s little.” Seungmin blurts out without thinking the moment he sees Jeongin hiding behind his appa. 

“Thought you said he was 6?” Chan gives Jin Young a confused look when he sees Jeongin. 

The boy scoffs. “I am 6.”

Jin Young sighs, squeezing Jeongin’s hand to comfort him a little. “It’s okay, Innie.” He mumbles softly to the boy. 

“He is, Chan.” Jae Beom chuckles. 

Jin Young guides Jeongin closer to the couch, hoping this is going to go well. 

Chan looks Jeongin up and down once they get closer. “He’s way shorter than Minnie.”

The man sighs. “Chan-”

“I’m taller and older.” Seungmin grins, happy he is finally going to be an older brother. 

“So that is Seungmin, he’s 8 and the other one is Chan, who is…”

“Old.” Seungmin interrupts Jae Beom with a bright smile on his face. “Also, daddy, I’m 7, not 8.”

Jae Beom chuckles. “Sorry, Minnie.”

Chan scoffs, glaring at his little brother. “I’m not old.”

“You are~” 

“Of course not, Channie.” Jae Beom hums, hoping the boy doesn’t get truly upset. 

Jeongin sniffs, clinging onto Jin Young’s leg while trying to hold in his tears. 

The older frowns, looking down at the boy when he hears the younger sniff. “Hey, it’s okay, Innie.” He quickly picks the boy up. 

Jeongin starts sobbing, holding onto the older tightly. 

“Great, we made our little brother cry.” 

“We didn't even do anything.” Chan rolls his eyes at Seungmin’s comment. 

Jin Young starts bouncing the boy in his arms, trying to calm him down. “Shh, it’s okay, it’s okay, Innie.”

Jae Beom taps Chan on his shoulders. “Go simp on your crush.”

Chan glares at the older as he gets up from the couch. “Don’t have a crush.”

“Sure~”  

“I don’t~” Chan huffs, walking off to his bedroom. 

Jin Young sighs, leaving the living room with Jeongin, hoping it will help him calm down while being in a quieter room for a bit.

Jae Beom watches his boyfriend leave, deciding not to follow and just let Jin Young help the younger boy while he stays with Seungmin. “Come here.”

The boy quickly moves over to the older. 

“You’re going to take good care of him, right? Be a nice big brother?”

“Yes! Of course, I will.” Seungmin grins. 

Jae Beom smiles, putting the boy into his lap. “Do you remember how it was for you? Moving into a big house, having a big brother suddenly. It was a bit overwhelming for you, too.”

Seungmin nods. “Yeah- he must find it scary, but hyungie is normally really nice.”

The older hums. “You will have to make sure Innie knows that then.”

“Okay.” Seungmin cuddles up to the man. “Will he go to school with me?”

“Probably the start of next year. Once the adoption is finalized and Innie gets a bit used to living with us. In the meantime, you can play with him during the weekends and after school.”

The boy pouts a little but nods. “Okay… Oh, can we have pancakes for dinner?”

Jae Beom chuckles. “I can try.”

Seungmin smiles. “Maybe ask appa.”

“Appa needs a break from cooking for us all the time.”

“But you’re a bad cook, daddy~” 

“We could ask auntie Yumei, see what they have planned for dinner.”

Seungmin frowns with a pout on his face. “But uncle said they’re busy tonight.”

Jae Beom gives him a confused look. “They are? I don’t remember him mentioning anything. You want to go by the house and check?”

The boy nods. “Please?”

“Go put your shoes and jacket on. I will go see if appa and Innie want to come along.”

“And Channie hyung.” Seungmin comments while slipping off the couch and running to the entrance. 

Jae Beom chuckles as he gets up from the couch, making his way to the kitchen. 

“I see Innie calmed down a little?”

Jin Young hums. “A little, right Innie?”

The boy nods while nibbling on a cookie.

“What should we do for dinner?” Jin Young looks over at his boyfriend. 

“Well, Minnie asked for pancakes. So, we’re going over to Yumei to ask if they have any plans.

“I like pancakes.” Jeongin mumbles while looking up from his cookie. 

Jae Beom smiles. “You do? You want to go with to ask Yumei to make them for us?”

The boy looks at Jin Young, a bit unsure.  

Jin Young smiles. “We can go if you want.”

Jeongin nods. “Is she nice?”

“She’s very nice.”

“Okay.”

Jin Young picks the boy up and places him back down on the ground. “Let’s get your shoes and jacket on, then.” He smiles at the younger boy. 

Jeongin nods before walking to the front door, he stops in the doorway when he sees Seungmin, not sure if he can get closer to the older boy. 

The older looks up when he hears the boy’s footsteps. “Need help?”

The younger boy hesitates before nodding.

“Okay, sit down there.” Seungmin points to the small stool beside the door before looking around for Jeongin’s shoes. “These are yours, right?”

He nods again as he sits down. 

The older grabs the shoes, crouching in front of him. “Uhm, I will tie them for you.”

“You know how?” Jeongin looks at him in shock.

“Dad taught me.” Seungmin grins. “He and Appa can teach you, too.”

“Wow.”

The other frowns a little. “But no worry, I can help you till then.”

“Thank you, hyungie.” Jeongin smiles down at him. 

“No problem.” The older, carefully and slowly finishes tying Jeongin’s shoes for him. “See, all down.”

Jin Young smiles as he watches the two boys interact from a small distance, glad Seungmin is already warming up to Jeongin. 

“Chan?! Are you coming with us to Aunt Yumei’s?!”

“Sure.” The teen mutters, getting up from the couch. “No need to yell.”

Jae Beom nearly flinches when Chan appears behind him. “Though you were in your room?”

Chan shakes his head. “Forgot my charger.”

Jin Young chuckles as he watches the teenager grab his jacket. 

“We’re having pancakes, hyung.” Seungmin grins up at his older brother. 

“Oh really? Is that why we’re going to Auntie Yumei?”

Jeongin grins. “Yes.”

Seungmin happily nods. “Yeah, cause Appa needs a break.”

“Come on, boys, put your jackets on.” Jin Young hums, holding up Jeongin’s jacket to help the boy. 

He quickly moves into the jacket, letting Jin Young zip it up. 

Chan hands Seungmin his jacket before putting on his own. “We’re all going?”

Jin Young hums. “Yep.”

“Family outing.” Jae Beom chuckles as he opens the door for the boys. 

“Hyung will like that.” Chan jokes, grabbing Berry before she can sprint out of the front door. 

Jeongin gasps. “Puppy.”

Chan smiles, holding her so that Jeongin can pat her. “She’s very friendly.”

The boy slowly pets the dog, giggling softly as Berry tries to lick his hand. “She’s cute.”

Chan hums. “Very-” He carefully puts the leash on her.

“You’re taking her with you?” 

Chan nods. “Wouldn’t be fair if she didn’t come to the family outing, now would it?”

Jae Beom chuckles. “Okay, fair.”

“Let’s go now that everyone is ready.” Jin Young hums.

Seungmin nods, running out of the house. Without looking, he runs to the house across the street from them. 

“Minnie! You have to look for cars before crossing the street!” Jae Beom yells at the boy, quickly following him. 

Chan rolls his eyes as he lets Berry do her business before crossing the street.

Jin Young sighs, locking the door and taking Jeongin’s hand. “We’re lucky no one drives these roads often. Innie, always check for cars before crossing the street.”

The boy nods. “Eomma and halmeoni taught me to.”

“That’s good.” Jin Young smiles softly at the boy. 

S eungmin excitedly rings the doorbell of the other house, smiling brightly as he impatiently waits for someone to open the door.

“On my way!”

“Minnie, you could’ve waited for us.” Chan mutters when he and Berry walk up to the younger boy. 

Seungmin shakes his head. “This is very important.”

“He is giving aunt Yumei some time to waddle to the door.” Jae Beom chuckles at the two boys. 

“Poor Yumei.” Jin Young hums. “Remember to be careful around her, Minnie.”

The boy huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “Duh.”

Jeongin looks between them with a confused look on his face. 

“I’m on my way!” A woman’s voice comes from inside of the house, the sound of footsteps making their way over to the door follows suit. 

“Auntie Yumei!” 

“Almost there, Minnie!” The woman pulls the door open with a big and tired sigh. “Hello.”

Seungmin grins up at her. “HI!”

Yumei can’t help but smile at the boy. “Hi Minnie, come inside, everyone.” She holds open the door a bit further so that everyone can enter. “Oh?” She lets out when her eyes fall onto Jeongin in surprise.

Jin Young smiles, resting his hand on Jeongin’s back. “Yumei, meet Jeongin. Innie, this will be your Auntie Yumei.”

“Hi Jeongin, it’s nice to meet you.” Yumei hums, smiling at the little boy. 

Jeongin shyly waves at her, leaning against Jin Young. 

The older man softly rubs Jeongin’s back to let him know he is there for him. 

Seungmin whines. “Introductions are so boring~ He’s my new baby brother.”

“Go inside, Minnie.” Jae Beom rolls his eyes while pushing the 7-year-old into the house. 

“You didn’t introduce him right.” The boy protests as he kicks off his shoes and places them down under the coat rack. 

Jin Young shakes his head, only to realize that Chan has already entered the house with Berry. “Come on Innie, let’s go inside.”

“Welcome to my house.” Yumei hums. “Could you close the door Jin? I have to check on the oven.”

“Of course.” Jin Young nods, watching her walk away. He closes the door when Jeongin and he enter the home, helping the boy hang up his jacket. “You okay?”

The boy nods. “Auntie is sweet and big.”

Jin Young chuckles. “She is, yes.”

“There’s a baby in her belly?”

“Two, actually.” He crouches down to untie Jeongin’s shoes.

Jeongin tilts his head to the side. “Two babies? How?”

Jin Young looks over at Jae Beom, not really sure how to explain something like that to the boy. 

“I guess Auntie Yumei and Uncle Jackson love each other so much that they got two babies instead of one.”

“Oh- does that mean you don’t love each other? Because you don’t have babies and got me?” Jeongin frowns, giving the two of them a confused look. 

Jin Young sighs. “Well, we do but for two men it’s a little bit more difficult. And we really want to help kids that don’t have an eomma and appa anymore.”

“I have an eomma.”

“We know, but you can’t live with her right now, right?”

Jeongin shakes his head. “Not anymore.”

Jin Young hums. “Shall we go see where your new uncle is?”

The boy shakes his head again. “Wanna stay with auntie.” 

“Okay, come on then.” Jin Young holds out his hand for the boy. “I bet she made something really tasty.”

“S o what brings you all here? I thought Jackson said something about nobody being allowed to break in today?” Yumei hums when she sees Jin Young enter the kitchen with Jeongin and Jae Beom.

“We want pancakes but appa needs a break and dad sucks at cooking and yours are the best.” Seungmin looks at her with puppy dog eyes and a pout. “Can we please stay for dinner?”

Jae Beom huffs at the boy’s comment. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“I guess I can bake some pancakes.” The woman ruffles Seungmin’s hair. 

“Thank you, Auntie.” Jeongin grins, moving away from Jin Young just a little. 

Seungmin grins. “You’re the best!”

Jin Young smiles before looking around and noticing that Jackson still hasn’t made an appearance. “Where’s your husband?”

“At the other house, I think he said he was going to check up on Mark?”

The man frowns. “He did?”

Seungmin walks over to Jeongin while holding some toy cars in his hands. “Wanna play?”

Jeongin gasps when he sees the cars. “You have cars too?”

Yumei chuckles at the little boy’s reaction. “Minnie, you can play with them but please put everything back before you go home. And show Innie where all the toys are.”

The boy nods, taking Jeongin’s hand. “Come!”

Jeongin quickly follows him, wanting to play and not listen to everyone talk about people he doesn’t know. 

Yumei turns back to look at Jin Young. “You haven’t heard?”

The man shakes his head. “No? Did something happen? I was texting hyung a bit ago while we drove home?”

“He’s feeling a bit single.” She chuckles. 

Jin Young groans, giving her a glare. “I thought something bad had happened~” 

Jae Beom chuckles, backhugging his boyfriend. “He is.”

“Sorry Jin.”

The younger pouts, leaning into his boyfriend’s touch.

“Maybe we should introduce him to one of my friends?”

“He’s basically married to his work.” Chan mutters, appearing from the backyard. 

Yumei chuckles. “You’re not wrong, Channie, he did call Jackson yesterday, whining about the others bringing people over and complaining about the noise.”

Chan pulls a face. “Didn’t need to know that.”

Jin Young can’t help but laugh at that. 

“Of course you don’t. You want something to drink Channie?”

“I can grab it myself, do you need help in the kitchen Auntie?”

Jin Young eyes the boy suspiciously while Jae Beom raises an eyebrow. 

Yumei hums. “Help is always nice.” She gives Chan a smile, ignoring the two men. 

Jin Young and Jae Beom make their way to the living room to keep an eye on the younger boys. “He did something.” Jin Young mumbles. 

“Or he needs something.” Jae Beom hums, agreeing with his boyfriend. 

“W hat are you baking?”

“A cake. I’m practicing to see which cake I want when our beans are born.” Yumei hums, taking the cake out of the oven. 

Chan frowns. “Don’t think you should be baking after that happens, for like, at least two weeks.” He takes two glasses from one of the cabinets. 

She chuckles. “I’m pretty sure I can sit down at the table and let the machine mix the ingredients.”

“I mean, dad can’t even do that and he’s not 8 months pregnant.” He puts the glasses down before opening the fridge. “What do you want to drink, auntie?”

“One of the smoothies, please.”

“The pear and apple one?”

Yumei hums. “They’re my extra vitamins.”

Chan grabs the drink, filling one of the glasses before putting it back and taking the pineapple juice out for himself. 

“So, what did you do?” She grins at him while grabbing the drink. 

“Huh?” Chan turns to look at her. “Nothing…”

“Anything you need from your hyungs?”

The boy shakes his head, filling up his own glass. “No…”

Yumei raises an eyebrow as she sips her drink. “You know you can tell me, right? I won’t tell them, unless you’re in danger.”

“I know…” Chan sighs. “Uhm, it’s not too bad… I guess.”

She hums, waiting for the boy to continue. 

“I may have crashed one of the cars…” He mumbles. 

“You did what?” Yumei’s eyes widen as she looks at the boy. 

Chan sheepishly grins at her, not sure what else to tell her. 

Yumei clears her throat. “I think you should tell them before they find out.”

“Was going to blame it on your husband.” The boy mutters. 

“No you will not. You’re old enough to take the blame for your own actions.”

“What actions?” Jae Beom raises an eyebrow when he walks into the kitchen. 

Chan quickly looks away, pretending to be busy putting the pineapple juice away. 

“Chan, what did you do?”

“So uhm, I got an A on my last English test?”

The older hums, knowing something bad is going to come after this. 

Chan sighs. “And I may have crashed the Rimac Nevera…”

“Took you long enough to admit.” Jae Beom sighs, crossing his arms over his chest as he looks at the boy. 

“I’m really sorry dad…” 

Jae Beom hums. “You should’ve told me right after it happened. 

Chan nods, looking down at the ground. “Sorry.”

“I haven’t told your appa, but we’re talking about this later, okay?”

“Yes sir.” Chan mumbles. 

“Chan-” The older sighs, dropping his arms. 

Yumei looks between the two of them with saddened eyes. 

“Come here.”

The teen slowly walks over to Jae Beom, head hanging low. “I’m really sorry.”

Jae Beom pulls him into a tight hug. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Chan leans into the older, hiding his face in the man’s chest. 

“It’s okay.” 

“Minnie asked-” Jin Young trails off when he looks over at his boyfriend and Chan. 

Yumei looks away from the duo, turning to Jin Young. “What did he ask?”

Jin Young frowns. “Oh, uhm, he asked if you had orange juice?”

Chan slowly moves away from Jae Beom, refusing to look up from the ground and face either of the men. 

“We do. It should be in the fridge. Channie, could you grab it for your appa? I need to sit down.” The woman groans softly, a hand resting on her stomach. 

“Of course.” The teen mutters, walking back to the fridge to grab the juice for his little brother. 

Jin Young looks over at his boyfriend, wondering what is going on. 

The older just smiles at him before helping Yumei to the couch. 

“Everything okay, Channie?” 

Chan nods, pouring Seungmin a glass of orange juice. “Yep.”

“Can I- can I also have some juice, please?” Jeongin shyly watches them from the doorway between the kitchen and living room. 

“Sure.” Chan grabs a second glass before turning to the boy. “You can drink from an actual glass, right?”

He looks up confused. “What else would I drink out of?”

The older boy shrugs. “A plastic cup?”

Jin Young chuckles. “He’s not 3, Chan.”

“I don’t know how kids work.”

“I don’t work?”

“Innie, no, that’s not what he is saying.”

Chan eyes Jin Young while handing the glass to Jeongin. “Says who?”

“Thank you.”

“Chan~” 

“Hyung~” 

Jeongin looks confused between them, sipping from his drink. 

Jin Young sighs, giving up on figuring out what is going on with Chan, for now at least. 

“Here is Minnie’s drink.” Chan hands the glass to Jin Young, who just hums as he takes it. 

“Could I have a snack too?”

Chan looks inside the cupboards. “They only have crackers.”

“Dinner is soon…”

“You want the crackers?” Chan ignores Jin Young’s comment, looking at the younger boy. 

Jeongin nods softly. 

Chan hums, grabbing a small pack of crackers and handing them over to the boy. 

Jin Young looks at Chan but doesn’t say anything as he doesn’t want to upset Jeongin.

The boy forgets to hold his drink properly, reaching out for the crackers. The glass drops onto the floor with a loud noise, making the boy flinch. 

Chan flinches as well, cursing at the sound. 

Jeongin looks up with tears in his eyes. 

Jae Beom quickie rushes into the room, looking around. “What happened?”

“Please take Innie to the living room, check if he has any cuts.” Jin Young looks around for a broom so that he can start cleaning up the broken glass. 

The boy burst out into tears, crying loudly while sobbing an apology. 

Jae Beom reaches for the boy, careful with the glass on the floor, he picks the boy up and carries him back to the living room. 

Jin Young starts cleaning up the broken glass, throwing the pieces away in the trash can. “You okay, Chan?” 

The teen just hums, not moving. 

“Chan, come here.” Jae Beom motions for the younger to come along with him. 

“I can help appa clean…”

“You sure?”

“Chan, go with Jae Beom.” Jin Young states, not giving the boy a chance to decide if he can help or not. 

The teen sighs, looking at the ground as he carefully walks over to Jae Beom. 

Jae Beom looks at the teen, bouncing a crying Jeongin on his hip. “You sure you’re okay?”

Chan nods. “Yeah.”

Seungmin runs over to them with a frown on his face. “Why is Innie crying? Is he scared again?” He pouts as he looks up at Jae Beom. 

“He accidentally dropped a glass. Did you get hurt somewhere?” Jae Beom checks the boy’s feet. 

Jeongin shakes his head, hugging the older man tightly. “Sorry-”

Seungmin pouts. “Accidents happen, right dad?”

“Yeah, of course. It’s not your fault, Innie. You don’t have to apologize, it was an accident.” Jae Beom hums, hugging the boy in his arms. 

Jackson frowns when he enters the living room, confused about what is going on right now. “What happened?”

Seungmin turns to look at Jackson. “Innie dropped a glass and got scared.”

“Innie?”

“Your new nephew.” Jae Beom chuckles. 

Jackson blinks before his eyes widen, remembering why he had to babysit earlier. “Oh- yeah.”

Seungmin walks over to the couch, climbing onto it to flick Jackson’s forehead. 

“Yah-”

“Minnie.” Yumei can’t help but laugh at her husband’s face. 

“He’s being stupid.”

Jackson pouts at the 7-year-old.”Rude~” 

Chan chuckles quickly, going to sit down in the loveseat. 

“Lim Seungmin,” Jae Beom looks at the boy. “No hitting your uncle. and don’t call him stupid, only Auntie Yumei can call him that.”

“But he is~” Seungmin pouts as he sits down, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Jackson chuckles, messing up the boy’s hair. “So the little guy in your arms is the new kid?”

Jae Beom hums. “Innie, meet your uncle Jackson.” He quickly wipes the tears from the boy's face.

“Hi.” Jackson smiles.

“Hi-” The boy hiccups.

“I’m Jackson, nice to meet you.”

“Innie-” He hiccups again.

Seungmin looks over. “He’s our annoying uncle, he always shows up.”

Jackson jokingly glares at the boy. “Shhh, don’t tell him that.”

“Every one of your uncles is like that, Minnie.”

“Nuh uh.” The boy shakes his head. 

“He's your annoying uncle who didn't even come to say hi to his pregnant wife.” Yumei hums from the couch.

Jackson gasps. “I am so sorry that the crying child worried me, my dear.” He walks over to her, kissing her cheek. “Honey, I’m home.”

“You would be such an amazing dad, caring about the crying.” She jokes. “But you're supposed to prevent the crying.”

“I was not there to, now was I?”

Seungmin rolls his eyes. “And my appa is cleaning it all up on his own.”

Jae Beom places Jeongin on the couch before going to the kitchen to check on his boyfriend.

“Innie?” Seungmin pouts, looking at the boy.

Jeongin sniffs, looking back at him.

“It’s okay, appa and dad will take care of it.” The boy smiles. 

“I'm sorry-”

Jackson frowns. “It’s okay kid, we have enough glasses. I will grab you a new drink.” He makes his way over to the kitchen. 

Chan looks up from his phone. “They’re not mad.”

“Not a glass.” Jeongin shakes his head, whining when Jackson doesn't hear him.

“I will go tell him.” Seungmin jumps off the couch, running to the kitchen. 

The boy pouts. 

“Jackson, honey, could you make pancakes for everyone? Like I taught you.”

“Okay!”

“Thanks!”

Seungmin pouts. “Innie and I want a plastic cup, can we?”

Jin Young looks up. “You want a plastic cup?” 

The boy nods. 

“Since when do you like drinking out of a plastic cup?” Jae Beom frowns.

“I don’t.”

Jackson grabs two plastic cups, filling them with orange juice. 

Jae Beom looks confused between his boyfriend and Jackson.

“Jin, could you carry them over to the living room?”

“Sure?” Jin Young frowns but nods. 

“Thank you, uncle stupid.” Seungmin hums.

“Seungmin, what did I tell you about calling your uncle stupid?”

The boy giggles, running to the living room. 

Jackson pats Jae Beom’s shoulder. “Go hang out with them, I’ll make dinner.”

Jin Young sighs as he follows Seungmin with the two cups of orange juice. 

“Don't burn the pancakes. Your wife won't be the only one upset if you did.” 

“I know~”

“T wo drinks.” Jin Young smiles, placing the cups on the table in front of Jeongin. 

“Plastic cup.”

The older hums. “Seungmin asked for them.”

Seungmin nods, sitting back down next to Jeongin.

“Thank you.”

“Enjoy.” Jin Young hums, sitting down next to Yumei. “How are you feeling?”

“Bloated. Very bloated.” She sighs.

“You think they will be here soon?”

“I hope so. But I also hope not. It's too soon, but I'm ready to give some of the responsibilities to Jackson.”

Jin Young nods. “You should, you know, you can call us too, right? Or the other boys.”

“I know.” She bites the inside of her cheek. “But-”

“At least to prepare everything here. I can cook some extra food once the babies are here, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

“Thank you, Jin.” Yumei smiles at him. “I taught Jackson how to cook so we wouldn't have to worry about that. But it's safe to know we can call you.”

“Of course,” Jin Young smiles. 

Chan groans, putting his phone away. 

“What's wrong, Channie?” The woman looks up at the teenager.

“Just my friends being annoying.” 

Jin Young raises an eyebrow.

“Your friends?” Jae Beom hums. “The one that makes you smile at your phone screen half of the time?”

“I don’t do that.” Chan huffs.

Seungmin giggles, leaning closer to Jeongin. “He does~” 

“Sure~” Yumei chuckles.

“I don’t.” The boy whines. 

Jin Young chuckles, rolling his eyes. 

“Auw.” The woman grabs onto her stomach.

“You okay?” Jin-Young quickly looks back at her.

Yumei groans. “They're fighting again.”

“Who's fighting?” Jeongin moves closer curiously.

“These two little beans in my belly.” She points at her belly where a bump is weirdly poking out.

Seungmin giggles.

Jin-Young sighs. “Nothing wrong?”

“The doctor said it's normal they're getting more active.” 

“Okay, good.”

“That looks so weird.” Jeongin looks at the woman's belly in awe, pointing with his little finger.

“I know, right? And they're two babies.”

Chan rolls his eyes at the two boys, getting up from the love seat.

Jeongin frowns. “Why do they fight in your belly?”

“Siblings fight, right?” Seungmin looks between the adults. 

Jae Beom chuckles, nodding his head. 

“We do?” The youngest pouts. “I don't wanna fight.”

“You don’t have to fight.” Chan mutters. “Just can happen when someone is annoying.”

“Says the 18-year-old who fights Minnie all the time.” Yumei eyes the teenager with a chuckle.

The teen huffs. “Because he’s an annoying little shit.”

“Chan, language.” Jin Young looks at him.

Seungmin glares at the older, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re a meanie head. Dad says you’re puberty stuff.”

Jin Young sighs. “Minnie, come here.”

The boy whines. “But appa~ He started it.” He stumbles over to Jin Young with a pout on his face. 

Chan rolls his eyes, grabbing his phone again.

“I know. Doesn't mean you can be mean back.” He lifts the boy up on his lap. “Chan, say sorry.”

“Sorry.” The teen mutters, not looking up from his phone.

Seungmin whines as he leans against Jin Young. “Appa~” 

Jeongin pouts, crawling onto the couch, between Yumei and Jin Young. “Does he have to be my brother? He meanie.” 

“Unfortunately, I don't think you have a choice in the matter. If they become your dad and appa, and Minnie will be your brother, Chan will be too.” Yumei hums.

“I’m going to get Berry,” Chan mutters, getting up from the love seat. 

Seungmin frowns slightly, just cuddling into Jin Young as he watches his brother leave for the backyard. 

Jae Beom gives Jin Young a confused look when he sees Chan leaving. “What happened?”

“He called Minnie annoying. And another mean word.”

“Teenagers…” Jae Beom sighs. “Minnie, you know Channie doesn’t mean that, right?”

Seungmin shrugs. 

“Sir? Hyungie? Does he have to be my brother?” Jeongin looks at Jae Beom.

“Chan? I promise he is really nice, Innie. And you can call me hyung or dad if you want.” Jae Beom smiles at the boy, sitting down on the coffee table in front of the two boys. 

“Hyungie sounds cute.” Jin Young chuckles, winking at his boyfriend.

Seungmin frowns. “But I’m his hyungie?”

Jae Beom chuckles as well. “Many people can be his hyung, Minnie. It’s understandable he doesn’t want to call me dad like you do.”

Jeongin shakes his head. “Minnie is hyungie.”

Yumei cooes.

The boy grins as he looks at Jeongin. “See.”

“You're dad hyung.”

Jae Beom smiles. “Cute”

Seungmin slides off of Jin Young’s lap, running to the kitchen.

Jin Young smiles at the boy, already loving him so much.

“D id you boys enjoy the pancakes?” Jae Beom looks at Seungmin and Jeongin while helping the latter with his shoes. 

Jeongin giggles tiredly, nodding. “I really like Auntie Yumei. And beans. They kicked my hand.”

Jae Beom hums. “I bet you will be a great cousin once they’re here.” He smiles, finishing tying the boy’s laces. “All done.”

“Thank you, dad hyung.”

“You’re welcome, baby.” He ruffles the boy’s head before getting up from the floor. “Everyone ready?”

Seungmin nods his head. 

Jin Young hums. “She doesn't wanna listen to me.”

Jae Beom chuckles. “She’s a very stubborn woman.” 

“Also very pregnant with a husband who often isn't home.” The younger groans. 

Yumei chuckles. “I'm fine.”

“Bye Auntie Yumei.” Seungmin waves at her, not sure if he can hug her without hurting her belly. 

The woman opens her arms. “I'm not getting a hug?”

Seungmin pouts, quickly hugging her. “Didn’t wanna hurt the beans.”

“Make sure they don't hurt you.” Yumei chuckles, brushing her hand through the boy's hair. 

“Thank you for the good food, it’s better than dad’s.” Seungmin rests his head on Yumei’s stomach, giggling when he feels the babies move. 

Jae Beom scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest as he looks at the boy. 

Jin Young chuckles. “He's not wrong, babe.” He leans against Jae Beom to kiss him.

“Rude.” The older pouts, humming into the kiss. 

Chan rolls his eyes, opening the front door to just leave them behind. 

Seungmin giggles again, looking back at Jae Beom and Jin Young.

“Your dad and appa really like each other. You should take Jeongin's hand to cross the street safely, Minnie.” 

“I will! Come on Innie, let’s go.” Seungmin holds his hand out to the younger.

Jeongin takes the older's hand, waving to Yumei. “Bye Auntie.”

“Bye baby.” She smiles. 

Seungmin pulls Jeongin out of the door, grinning as he runs to the house without looking around to see if there are any cars coming their way. 

“Yah!” The younger stops before they get onto the road, pulling Seungmin back. “You're supposed to look left and right.”

“But there never cars here~” Seungmin whines. “See.” He points to the road, missing the car driving towards them. 

Jeongin tugs on the older's hand. “Car!” 

Seungmin gasps, looking at the car. “That’s uncles!”

“You have to watch out.” Jeongin whines.

“Now we can go.” The older grins once the car passes by them.

Jeongin whines louder, annoyed that Seungmin isn't listening. “You have to look at both sides~”

The older frowns. “But there are no more cars?”

“You still have to look!” The boy stomps his feet on the ground frustratedly.

Seungmin frowns. “Okay…” He looks back, checking if their parents are following them.

Jin Young smiles at Yumei, quickly hugging her before walking to the boys. “You two didn't have to wait for us.”

“We didn't…” Seungmin mutters, looking at Jeongin with a side eye.

“What's wrong?” He frowns between the two. 

Jeongin stomps his foot again, too upset to talk.

Seungmin bites his lip. “Didn't check if a car was coming. Innie stopped me.”

Jin Young smiles. “He did? Good job, Jeonginnie. Minnie, you should always check the road when you cross over. It can be really dangerous.”

“But it's never busy here.” Seungmin pouts.

“Still. You should be careful.” 

Jeongin looks back at the house where Yumei is still standing in the doorway. He quickly runs towards her, moving past her inside.

Seungmin gasps. “Appa~ go after him.” 

Jin Young looks back in shock. “Minnie, come on.” 

“But Channie hyung?” Seungmin follows Jin Young back to Yumei's house. “Didn't mean to upset him, I swear.”

“Channie is old enough to be home by himself. It's okay, Minnie. I know you didn't mean to.”

The boy pouts. “Is he going to hate me?”

Jin Young sighs. “He won't. He's just very overwhelmed right now.”

“Okay…” 

J ackson frowns when he enters his office and finds Jeongin sitting beside the bookcase. “Hey little man, what's up?”

“I wan- my eomma~” Jeongin sobs.

The man crouches in front of the little boy. “Oh, hun, can I pull you in my lap? So we can have a cuddle? Missing your eomma is hard, I know.”

The boy quickly hugs him. “Hy-ungie didn't listen-” He continues crying.

Jackson holds the boy close. “Must have been scary.” He sits down on the couch with the boy.

Jeongin nods.

“I'm sure he will listen next time. Minnie is stubborn but he wouldn't want you to be scared.”

“There was a car…”

Jackson hums. “Really? Did you stop Minnie from crossing the road? You did Good.”

Jeongin nods. “I-I did.”

“Good job, buddy.”

The boy looks at Jackson with teary eyes. “Eomma teached me. And Halmeoni.”

“They did a good job, it's important.” Jackson hums, carefully wiping away some tears. “Your new appa has been teaching Minnie that too, but he gets really excited so he has to be reminded sometimes.”

“Is really dangerous.” Jeongin pouts.

Jackson hums. “It is, luckily, here it's pretty safe and we are aware there will be kids running around.”

Jeongin tiredly lies against Jackson's chest. “I miss eomma and halmeoni…”

“I know, buddy, must have been a crazy day today.” 

The younger nods. 

“Maybe you should go home with Jin Young and sleep? Then tomorrow they can show you the cars I heard you wanted to see.”

“They promised to show the cars today.” Jeongin sighs dramatically.

Jackson chuckles. “You really could be your daddy's son. You want to see them today?”

The boy shrugs. “-m tires.” He lisps softly.

“If you go tomorrow, you can have more fun. Don't you think?”

Jeongin nods, leaning against Jackson tiredly. “Miss appa hyung.”

“Guess we should go find him then, I'm sure he is looking for you.” Jackson carefully gets up from the couch while still holding the boy. He shifts the boy's weight a little to carry him more easily.

The boy hums, holding onto the older, while lazily looking around.

“I swear we're going to get pregnant really quickly after the twins are born if he keeps being such a good uncle.” Yumei groans, holding her stomach when she sees Jackson with Jeongin in his arms.

Jae Beom can't help but laugh. “Yumei.”

Seungmin gives her a confused look. “Why?”

“Don't worry about that, Minnie.” Jin Young chuckles softly.

“Is Innie okay?”

Jackson walks over to them with a smile on his face. “Look who I found.”

“Is he okay?” Jin Young quickly walks closer to check on the boy.

“Sorry Appa hyung.” Jeongin pouts.

Jackson hands Jin Young the boy. “He's just a little bit sad and tired, right little man?”

The boy whines softly, getting moved from Jackson's embrace.

“Think it's bedtime for Innie and bath time for Minnie.”

Seungmin pulls a face. “Bathtime was yesterday.”

Jae Beom raises an eyebrow. “And did we do it?” He quickly picks the boy up when Seungmin tries to run off. “Let's go home.”

“I don't have a bed here.” Jeongin mumbles.

“He can sleep in my room, I have two.” Seungmin looks between Jin Young and Jae Beom.

Jae Beom shrugs. “If Innie wants to share a room, why not?”

“Not alone.” The boy hums lazily.

“See daddy, He wants to share.”

Jae Beom looks at his boyfriend. “Wouldn't hurt, right?”

Jin Young shrugs. “It'll be easier to set up than the new room.”

“Ready to go home boys?”

Seungmin nods his head.

“Get home safely.” Yumei smiles. “Call us if you need anything.” 

“We will.” Jae Beom hums, walking to the door while looking at his boyfriend to make sure that he is coming as well. 

Seungmin waves at Yumei. “Bye Auntie.”

“Bye Minnie.” She giggles, waving back at the boy.

Jin Young smiles at them, following Jae Beom with a tired Jeongin in his arms.

Chapter Text

J eongin looks around when he wakes up, rubbing his eyes. He blinks a few times before remembering where he is and what was promised to him by the two nice men he is staying with. Looking to his left, he sees Seungmin still sleeping. Quietly, he climbs out of his bed, making his way to the sleeping boy. “Hyungie?” He mumbles, softly shaking the older. When Seungmin doesn’t react, Jeongin jumps onto the bed with a bright smile. “Can we go see the cars, hyungie!?”

The older boy groans, trying to push Jeongin away from him. “S too early.”

“No~ don’t go back to sleep~” Jeongin whines, shaking the older’s shoulders. 

“Too early~” 

Jeongin pouts as he keeps shaking Seungmin. “But i don’t know where Appa and Dad hyung are~” 

Seungmin sighs as he pushes himself to sit up. “Sleep outside-”

The younger boy frowns. “Sleep outside?” 

“Yeah-” Seungmin hums, rubbing his eyes tiredly. 

Jeongin pouts, getting out of the bed before making his way to the bedroom door. 

“Where are you going?” Seungmin frowns, pushing his blanket to the side. 

“Outside. Looking for dad hyung.” The younger mutters as he leaves the bedroom to search for the man. 

Seungmin blinks in confusion while getting up from his bed. Turning on his bedside lamp before making his way to Chan’s bedroom, deciding that if he is up because of Jeongin, so should Chan be. “Hyung~” He pushes the bedroom door open. “The baby escaped.”

Chan groans. “Go back to sleep, Minnie. You’re the baby.”

Seungmin whines, walking over to the older’s bed. “I’m not, the new baby is gone.”

The older sits up. “Who?”

“Innie.” Seungmin huffs, flicking Chan’s forehead. 

Chan groans. “Yah, hands off.” He pushes Seungmin out of his way to get up from the bed. “Where did he go?”

The younger whines as he stumbles. “He went outside-”

“You let him go outside? He’s 6. Where are hyungs?”

“Sleeping?” 

Chan sighs, pulling his hoodie over his head before rushing out of his bedroom. “Idiot.”

Seungmin huffs while he follows his older brother. “If I went with him, you wouldn’t know where we were.”

“You shouldn’t have let him run off.” Chan rushes to the bedroom where Jae Beom and Jin Young are sleeping for the night. “Hyungs!”

Jae Beom groans when he hears Chan yelling for them, sitting up in bed. “What’s going on?”

“Seungmin let the kid run off.”

“I didn’t~ I went to get hyung.” The younger whines

Jae Beom sighs as he throws the blankets off. “Where did he go?”

“Outside.”

Jin Young sits up as well. “You let him go outside?”

Seungmin shakes his head, letting out a soft whine. “No~ He can’t open the door~” 

Jae Beom grabs his hoodie, pulling it over his head as he walks over to the two boys. “I will check it out.” 

Jin Young gets up as well. “I’ll come with you.”

“I didn’t mean for him to leave, Appa.”

“So, can I go back to bed?” Chan mutters. 

Jae Beom chuckles while nodding. “Yes, you can.” He picks Seungmin up before walking to the door. “Let’s go find Innie.”

Seungmin pouts, wrapping his arms around Jae Beom’s neck.

Jin Young rushes down the stairs, looking around to see if he can find the 6-year-old boy. 

“He wanted to see cars.” Seungmin mumbles softly. 

“He did?”

The boy nods. “He said he wanted and then ran off.”

Jae Beom hums, placing Seungmin down on the ground after he turns on the lights in the living area. “Thank you for waking us up, Minnie.”

Jeongin whines when the lights turn on, squeezing his eyes shut from the bright lights. 

“Innie!” Seungmin gasps, pointing at the little boy. “Look Appa.”

The boy pouts. “Why lights so bright?”

“Cause the lights are on, silly.” Seungmin giggles, walking over to the boy. “Look Appa and Daddy are awake now.”

Jae Beom smiles. “Well, good morning, Jeongin.”

“Morning appa hyung and dad hyung.”

“Good morning.” Jin Young sits down on the couch. “How come you’re already up?”

Jae Beom sits down next to his boyfriend, pulling Seungmin closer. “Did you sleep well?”

Jeongin shakes his head. “Miss Halmeoni.”

“Oh baby, that’s okay. Do you want to call her later?”

“Now.”

Jae Beom looks at the clock on the wall, letting out a sigh. “Innie, it’s a bit early to call right now.”

The boy lets out a dramatic sigh. “And I didn’t even see cars.”

“We can go see the cars in a bit, Innie.” Jae Beom can’t help but chuckle.

Jeongin lets his shoulders slump down. “Soon?”

The older hums. “After breakfast, we can call Halmeoni and then see the cars, okay?”

“Okay.” 

Jin Young chuckles at the pouting boy. “Come here, let’s go see what you want for breakfast.”

The boy slowly walks over to him. “What does hyungie eat?”

“Cereal or toast.” Jae Beom shrugs. “Minnie can show you.”

Jeongin giggles, shaking his head. “Hyugnie is sleepy.”

Seungmin points at himself, confused. “M sleepy?”

“You said, too early.”

“Cause it is~ but ‘m away now.”

Jeongin frowns. “Hyungie is weird.”

The other boy pouts. “M not~” 

Jae Beom chuckles, patting Seungmin’s hair before holding his hands out for the two boys. “Shall we go to the kitchen?”

Jin Young smiles, happy about their new little family. 

Seungmin looks at Jeongin before walking over to Jin Young instead of Jae Beom. 

Jae Beo sighs as he watches the boy walk away from him. 

Jeongin takes Jae Beom’s hand but keeps looking at Jin Young in the hopes that the older will follow them to the kitchen. 

“What kind of breakfast do you normally eat?” Jae Beom guides the boy to the kitchen, knowing that his boyfriend will follow in a bit, together with Seungmin. 

“Halmeoni always bought me special cereal.”

“Special cereal? Guess we will see if we have it, otherwise we can go buy it later. We will need to buy more things for you anyway.”

Jeongin just hums, looking around. 

Jae Beom takes the two boxes of cereal out of the cupboard. “Any of these good?”

The boy squints his eyes, observing the boxes. “Maybe?”

“We could also make toast…”

“How can I know they’re good by looking at them?” Jeongin whines a little. 

Jin Young chuckles. “Yes, dad. How can he do that?”

Jae Beom just shrugs. “I don’t know. You want to try them?”

The boy nods.

“Alright.” The older grabs two bowls, knowing Seungmin will want some cereal as well. “So, milk or cereal first?”

Jeongin frowns, not sure. “Uhm-”

Jae Beom fills one of the bowls with cereal while waiting for Jeongin’s response. “We don’t judge about it in here.”

The boy looks at Jin Young with teary eyes, his lip slightly quivering. “I -on’t know…”

Jin Young rushes over to the boy, kneeling down by his side. “Hey Innie, it’s okay. It’s okay. How about dad makes it for you, the same way he does for Seungminnie? And if you don’t like it, you can give it to me.”

Jeongin sniffs, hesitating to give his answer. 

“If you don’t like soggy cereal first is better.” Seungmin hums, climbing onto one of the chairs of the kitchen island. 

“I don’t know.” The boy mumbles, trying to stop tearing up. 

Jae Beom pours in a small bit of cereal before adding milk to both bowls. “Why don’t you sit down next to Seungmin and try this? If you don’t like it, we will make you something else.”

“O-okay.” Jeongin goes to the chair next to Seungmin, clumsily climbing up. 

“Daddy? Do we have marshmallows?” 

Jae Beom looks over at Jin Young, not really sure if they still have some leftover and if he can give them to the kids. “Uhm…” 

“Not for breakfast, baby. We can roast some tonight as a dessert if you want.” Jin Young smiles at the boy while helping Jeongin onto the chair. 

Seungmin pouts. “But that’s so long~” 

“We don’t have time until later. We still have to show Innie the cars and we have to go shopping for food and maybe some clothes.” The older brushes through Seungmin’s hair. 

“And Chan has practice.” Jae Beom mumbles as he places the two bowls down in front of the two boys before grabbing some bread to make himself and Jin Young toast. 

Seungmin rolls his eyes. “He always has practice.”

Jin Young chuckles, knowing Jae Beom’s point doesn’t really convince the boy. “Don’t you wanna invite uncles to share marshmallows? We can buy extras.”

“But uncles will scare Innie away~” The boy pouts. “Don’t want Innie to leave~”

Jeongin looks up at the mention of his name. “I have to leave?”

Jae Beom quickly shakes his head. “No, no, that’s not what he means. Also Minnie, they’re not that scary.”

Seungmin raises an eyebrow at the man. “But Innie gets scared easily and uncles are like, hyper?”

“You’ll protect Innie, right? And we will tell uncles to be less hyper.” Jin Young chuckles.

“Of course, Appa.” Seungmin nods. “They don’t listen but I know where to hide.” He giggles before turning to Jeongin. “Just stick with me, okay?”

The younger boy nods, unsure about what they’re even talking about. 

Jae Beom can’t help but smile, handing his boyfriend a plate with toast. “Enjoy love.”

Jin Young smiles, taking Jae Beom’s hand to pull him closer. “Thank you, babe.” He quickly pecks the older’s lips. 

“You’re welcome.”

Seungmin covers Jeongin’s eyes. “Appa~we have a baby~” 

Chan chuckles as he walks into the kitchen. “Yeah, you’re a baby.”

“I am not.” Seungmin gasps offendedly. 

“Morning Chan.” Jae Beom smiles, kissing Jin Young’s cheek before messing up the teen’s hair. 

The teen whines. “Don’t mess up my hair~” 

Jin Young sighs. “Channie~ be nice.”

Jae Beom shakes his head, taking a sip of his coffee. “We can have a barbecue? With everyone? Seems like it will be a good day for it.”

Seungmin shrugs, taking a bite of his cereal.

“What’s barbekuu?”

“Well, we roast meat and food outside. It’s fun.”

Seungmin hums. “And we get to play while having dinner.”

Jeongin's head perks up. “With the cars?”

“We can take them outside.” Seungmin gasps when he realises they should still have an electric toy car that Jeongin can drive. “Dad?”

“Yes Minnie?” 

“Do we still have the drive toy car?”

Jae Beom frowns, not really sure if they do. “I will have to check the garage.”

“It might be at grandma's house.” Jin Young hums.

“Can you ask? Innie will like it.”

“I will, later, okay?”

Seungmin hums, continuing to eat his cereal.

Chan steals Jae Beom’s toast when the older isn’t looking, leaning against the kitchen counters. 

“Dad hyung.” Jeongin gasps, pointing at Chan with his spoon, spilling everything he just put on it.

“Chan-” Jae Beom gasps, looking at the younger. “Seriously?”

The teen chuckles, taking a bite out of the toast. 

Seungmin looks at the milk dripping on the island before looking at Jin Young.

“Oh-” Jeongin mumbles, watching the mess he made. 

Jin Young sighs, moving to the sink to get a towel to clean it up. “Chan, you could just ask for toast.”

“I could, but then I would have to wait. He still has to make some.” Chan shrugs, continuing to eat the toast. “Plus, I have to leave in like 2 minutes.”

“Yah! Then get up earlier.” Jae Beom jokingly throws a towel at the boy. “You getting picked up?”

Chan hums, grabbing some pineapple juice.

“Who is picking you up?” Jin Young reaches for his boyfriend's coffee.

“Uncle Yugi. He is coaching, I think.” Chan shrugs, finishing his drink. “See you guys later, don't lose a child.” He quickly leaves the kitchen, grabbing his bag before disappearing.

Jae Beom sighs, watching him leave.

“Teenagers.” 

Jin Young chuckles. “Minnie.”

Seungmin looks at the older with his spoon in his mouth. “Am I wrong?”

“You're not. But you're talking as if you're above 30.” 

“You're not even 30.” Seungmin shrugs.

Jae Beom quickly takes a bite of his newly made toast, not wanting to start laughing.

“I know. I'm still young, unlike your dad.” Jin Young looks at his boyfriend with an innocent smile.

“Yah, I’m not 30 either.”

Seungmin looks at Jae Beom before taking another bite of his cereal.

Jae Beom rolls his eyes, looking at Jeongin. “Is it good?”

The boy nods quietly.

“If you want more, just tell us.” The older smiles at the boy.

He shakes his head. “Not that hungry.”

Jin Young caresses the boy's back. “That's okay, Innie.”

Seungmin nods. “Sometimes, I eat a lot and then, I don't.”

Jae Beom chuckles at the boy’s weird explanation, grabbing his empty bowl. “And what will it be today?”

“I'm done.”

“Me too…” Jeongin looks at Jae Beom.

“Alright,” He smiles at the boy, taking his bowl. “If you get hungry, just tell us.” 

“Yeah, we can get you food whenever you want.” Jin Young hums. “Babe, your coffee was good today.”

Jae Beom sighs. “I wish I knew.”

Seungmin jumps off the chair, looking at Jeongin. “Let's get dressed.”

“Are you going to help him, Minnie? You don't need my help?”

The boy looks between Jin Young and Jeongin. “Maybe, a little help.”

Jin Young hums. “Go upstairs to pick out an outfit and I'll be right there.”

Jeongin clumsily crawls off the high chair, ready to follow Seungmin.

“Okay Appa!” Seungmin takes Jeongin’s hand and starts dragging him to the stairs, slow enough that he won't actually drag the younger.

Jin Young walks towards his boyfriend, wrapping his arms around the older's neck. “You're a hot dad.”

Jae Beom leans back a little bit into the touch. “I try.” 

“It's going good so far, don't you think so?”

“Seungmin likes him at least.” Jae Beom hums. “Chan, probably too. He's so cute.”

Jin Young smiles. “And Innie likes your crazy hobby.”

The older gasps. “It's not just a hobby. Cars are not just a hobby, babe.”

He chuckles. “Oh no, did I just offend your hobby?” Jin Young teases his boyfriend.

“Babe~ it's not~”

“Appa!”

“I gotta go.” Jin Young pecks the older's lips before moving away.

Jae Beom hums. “Good luck.”

“Appaaaaaa!”

“Seungmin-ah!” 

The boy giggles, waiting at the top of the stairs. “You're slow.”

Jin Young chuckles. “I was just talking with Dad for a bit.”

“Me and Innie picked out the clothes we want to wear. He asked if he could have my car shirt, he can cause he loves cars like dad does.” Seungmin pulls the man to his bedroom. “So he can have it, cause I have enough shirts.”

“Oh? Sure. If you don't mind sharing your clothes.”

The boy shakes his head. “I don't mind. Can just ask for new clothes.” 

Jin Young chuckles. “We might have to watch our spending now that we're getting more kids.”

“But you make a lot of money and daddy has a trust fund.” Seungmin frowns. 

“So? That doesn't mean we have to spend all the money.” 

“Can I- I wear this?” Jeongin holds up the shirt with cars on it.

Jin Young turns to look at the younger. “Of course you can. Let me help you.”

Seungmin follows Jin Young and Jeongin back into his bedroom. “But daddy keeps buying new cars? That’s spending money too~ That’s more than clothes and Innie will need clothes and a bed and a closet and everything.”

“Will you go tell daddy he can't buy any more cars while I help Jeongin change?”

“Okay!” Seungmin runs out of the room, back down the stairs in his pajamas to tell Jae Beom off about buying too many cars, according to Jin Young.

“Does that mean Daddy hyung won't have any cars anymore?” Jeongin pouts.

Jin Young shakes his head. “Don’t worry, he has enough to show you all the different kinds of cars. And if he doesn’t buy them, I’m sure your uncle will.”

The boy looks up with big eyes. “Do uncles have lots of cars too?”

“They do, all different kinds of cool cars.” Jin Young smiles, helping the boy get dressed for the day. “We can go see them once everyone is ready.”

“Really? Hurry, hurry. I wanna go see cars.”

Jin Young chuckles. “Come on, let's get your teeth brushed in my bathroom while I get changed. We will let Daddy help Seungmin, okay?” He holds out his hand to the boy, remembering that they have some spare toothbrushes in their bathroom.

Jeongin quickly takes the older's hand. “Okay.”

“W ho is ready to see some cars?” Jae Beom walks downstairs with Seungmin, excited that he finally has someone to share his obsession with.

“ME!” Jeongin jumps, waving at Jae Beom. “Me, me, me. Please. Me.” 

The older chuckles. “Well, guess we should go to the garage then.”

Seungmin looks at Jin Young. “Can I please bring a book?”

“Of course you can. You don't have to come along if you don't want to. You know that, right?” Jin Young smiles at the younger.

“But I wanna see Innie happy.” The younger mumbles, walking over to Jin Young. “And dad.”

"Okay then. I'll wait for you to get a book.”

The boy quickly runs back up the stairs to grab his book.

Jae Beom picks up Jeongin. “What car do you want to see most?”

Jeongin frowns. “I don't know. I'm 6.”

“True. Want to see the fastest car?” 

“Can I see one where the doors open? Like my car?”

Jae Beom smiles. “Of course, do you want to bring it with you?”

Jeongin quickly nods, holding up his favorite toy car.

“Good, hold onto it tight.”

The boy holds the toy car close to his chest, leaning against Jae Beom, so it won't fall.

Jae Beom carries him to the front door, grabbing the boy his jacket and shoes while they wait for Seungmin to come back. “Let’s put these on, shall we?”

“Do we have to?” 

“We have to walk for a little bit, wouldn’t want you to get sore feet.” Jae Beom hums, kneeling down while still holding the boy in his arms. “Or would you like crocs? Maybe Seungmin’s old ones will fit you.”

Jeongin frowns. “What are crocs?”

The older blinks before looking around the shoe rack and grabbing a pair. “It’s this, they’re shoes, but a bit more comfortable. Like sandals but better?”

“Can you just carry me, daddy hyung?”

“I can- but what if you want to run around the garage to look at all the cars? What if we bring them with us?”

Jeongin pouts. “Okay.”

Jae Beom stands back up, shifting Jeongin’s weight a little bit to make sure it’s comfortable for both of them. “Otherwise, Appa will scold us.” He whispers to the boy, eyeing his boyfriend. 

“Got my book!” Seungmin jumps from the second-to-last step of the stairs, grinning as he holds up his book to Jin Young. 

“Careful.” Jin Young chuckles, watching the excited boy. “You want me to carry it for you so you can go see with Innie first?”

The boy nods, handing his book over to Jin Young before running to the front door. “You excited?” He looks at the younger boy in Jae Beom’s arms while hurriedly putting on his shoes and jacket. 

“Appa scold us…” Jeongin mumbles with big eyes.

“He did?” Seungmin looks back at Jin Young. “Why?”

“What?” The older looks confused. “I scolded you?”

Jae Beom bites his lip as he tries not to chuckle.

Seungmin pouts up at Jin Young. “No scolding Innie, Appa.”

“I didn't scold Innie. I don't know why he says that.”

“Daddy hyung said so.” Jeongin pouts, pointing at Jae Beom.

Jae Beom shakes his head. “I said he would scold us if we didn’t bring any shoes with us.”

Seungmin blinks at Jae Beom. “Silly daddy.”

Jin Young glares at his boyfriend. “Good that you know me so well.” 

“Love you, baby.” The older smiles at him. “Who’s ready to see the cars?”

“Me! Please…”

Jae Beom chuckles, pushing the door open for everyone. “Let’s go!”

Seungmin quickly puts his jacket on to follow Jae Beom and Jeongin. “It’s not that far, Innie.”

Jin Young follows them, making sure to hold Seungmin's book.

J ae Beom holds out his key to Jeongin once they arrive at his garage. “You want to open the door, Innie?”

Jeongin shakes his head shyly. “I don't know how.”

“Just press this button.” Jae Beom smiles as he shows the boy where to press. 

The little boy follows the instructions before squeaking when the garage door opens.

Jae Beom smiles at the boy.

Seungmin looks at Jeongin, taking Jin Young’s hand and pulling him to the door. “Does Dad still keep snacks?”

“Of course he does. I have to fill the box every week because someone eats them.” 

The boy giggles. “Uncle Jae does.”

Jin Young gasps. “He does?”

Seungmin nods. “He eats all the snacks when he and Daddy are ‘working’ on the cars.” 

“What else do they do then?” 

“Goss ip?” Seungmin looks between Jae Beom and Jin Young. “Daddy is always talking about you.”

Jin Young kneels down. “What does he say about me?”

The boy’s eyes widen, shaking his head. “Can't tell you, Uncle Jae said it's top secret.”

“It's okay. You can tell me, Minnie.”

“Minnie, you want to show Innie how the doors of the car open?”

Seungmin nods, quickly running off to Jae Beom.

“Yah, I was talking to him.” Jin Young looks at the older.

Jae Beom sticks out his tongue to his boyfriend before showing Jeongin the car he has been wanting to see ever since they met. “Look Innie, it's your car.”

The boy frowns. “That's not my car. This is my car.” He shows Jae Beom the toy in his hand.

“True, this is your car, but my car?”

“Dad-”

Jeongin looks confused. “Which car is Appa hyungs?”

“The one at home, that we picked you up in. And this one, he drives it a lot. But he could take any car parked here if he wants.”

“He can?” 

“Of course I can. I'm daddy's boss.” Jin Young chuckles.

Seungmin nods his head.

Jae Beom rolls his eyes, opening the door to the office to grab the keys for the cars. 

Jeongin wiggles his body in the older's embrace, wanting to be put down.

The older chuckles as he puts the boy down. “There you go.” 

The boy giggles, running into the garage.

“Careful-” Jae Beom sighs when the boy runs off. “And he's gone.”

“Don't worry, daddy.”

“Jae Beom! His shoes!” Jin Young yells at his boyfriend.

The older looks back at his boyfriend. “Shit- Innie! Come back here, your Appa wants you to wear shoes!” 

Jeongin whines. “I don't like them~”

“Guess we're going shopping soon.” Jae Beom shrugs. 

“Yes! Can I have more books?”

“Sure, Minnie.” The older ruffles the boy’s hair before grabbing some keys.

Jin Young moves closer to Jae Beom. “What will you buy me?”

“A ring.” Seungmin tries to whisper.

The older looks down. “What?”

Seungmin grins up at Jin Young before running off to where Jeongin is.

“A ring?” Jin Young looks at his boyfriend. 

“No clue what he is talking about.” Jae Beom chuckles awkwardly. “Kids being kids.”

He sighs, pulling Jae Beom in for a kiss. “Sad.” 

Jae Beom hums, kissing his boyfriend.

“Are you sure you won't buy me a ring?” 

“It's a secret love.” He kisses Jin Young’s cheek before pulling him over to where the boys are.

Jin Young hums, letting the older pull him along. “Don't scratch the cars, Innie.” He speaks up when he sees the boy lean against one of the cars.

“Sorry-”

“It's okay. You like this car?” Jae Beom gives the boy a smile.

Jeongin shyly stands next to the car. “I like the color.”

The man hums. “It's nice, right?”

“Baby blue.” Jin Young hums.

“I like the green one more,” Seungmin mutters.

“Green is pretty too.”

Jae Beom hums. “Bought this car for Appa.”

Jeongin looks up at him with big eyes. “Really?”

“It's his favorite color.”

Jin Young chuckles, hugging his boyfriend. “And who uses the car the most?”

“Your son.” Jae Beom leans back a little.

“Hyung doesn't~ he likes the black car.” Seungmin points to one of the black McLaren 720S.

“Wow.” Jeongin looks around in awe. 

Jae Beom smiles, happy that the boy looks like a child in a candy shop. “Want to open the car? That's like yours?”

The boy nods excitedly. “I want. Please.”

“Come here then, it's that one, right?” Jae Beom points to one of the cars, holding the right key in his free hand.

Jeongin runs towards him happily. 

Jin Young cooes, seeing the boy so happy.

“This is the key, just press this button.” The man shows Jeongin where to push before handing him the keys.

The boy starts pressing the button, impatiently waiting for the car to unlock.

Jae Beom can't help but chuckle at his excitement. “Look Innie.” He points at the car doors opening.

“Wo~w.”

“Cool right?”

Seungmin tugs on Jin Young’s arm, realizing this is going to take a while.

The older looks down. “Yes, Minnie?”

“Can I read in Dad's office?”

“Of course. But no snooping around or messing up the papers, okay?” He hums, brushing through the boy's hair.

“Yes sir.” Seungmin grins before taking his book and making his way back to the office.

Jae Beom looks up. “I learned my lesson and have locked everything important.”

“I wonder how you learned that.” Jin Young teases, taking his phone to take photos of Jae Beom and Jeongin having fun with the cars together.

“Having a teenager and a 6-year-old.” Jae Beom mutters while helping Jeongin into the car, behind the steering wheel.

“Daddy hyung~” Jeongin whines.

“Yes baby?”

“I can't drive…” 

Jae Beom hums. “I know, but you can press the horn.”

Jeongin's eyes widen before he excitedly slams onto the steering wheel.

The older can't help but chuckle. “Fun, right?”

“Can you do that every time you drive?” He giggles.

“Some people do but it's more something to do when you're at home.” Jae Beom explains, not wanting to tell the boy everything about road rage and such.

Jeongin leans back against the older. “Daddy hyung? Are you going to be my daddy?”

“I would like to be. Do you want me to be your daddy?”

“You have a lot of cars.” 

Jae Beom hums. “I do. I always buy some, not all this fancy though, we have a few that we're building ourselves.”

“I like it here.” Jeongin mumbles. 

“I'm glad you do.” Jae Beom smiles at the boy. “We love having you here.” Even if it's only been a day, Jae Beom felt like it could have been ages, the boy just fit into their little family with ease.

The boy points at Jin Young. “Is appa hyung like my eomma?”

“I guess so, yeah. He loves taking care of everyone.”

“Is he your wife?” Jeongin frowns.

The older shakes his head. “He is my boyfriend.”

The boy turns around in Jae Beom's lap clumsily. “Do you like Appa hyung more than the cars?”

Jae Beom nods. “I do. If I have to sell all my cars to keep him, I would.” He moves his hand slightly to make sure the boy doesn't fall off his lap, not wanting him to get hurt.

Jeongin whines. “No~”

“But that won't happen, I hope. I can always buy new cars, but I can never find another Jin Young.” 

The boy starts playing with Jae Beom's hand. “Haleomi had a ring. Because she's the wife for her husband. Why don't you have one?” 

“Well, me and Appa aren’t married yet.”

“Will you marry?” Jeongin giggles.

“Maybe one day.” Jae Beom smiles at the boy. “You want to be the flower boy?”

The boy frowns. “I like flowers. But what's a flower boy?”

“They walk down the aisle first and throw flowers up in the air.”

“I can do that. Can I get out of the car?”

Jae Beom nods, helping the boy get out of the car before following him. 

“Appa hyung!” The boy runs towards Jin Young on his bare feet.

Jin Young puts his phone back into his pocket, sighing when he sees the boy is still not wearing any shoes. “Hi Innie.”

“Can I be the flower boy if I stay here?”

“Flower boy?” Jin Young gives him a confused look.

“They walk down the aisle first and throw flowers, daddy hyung says.” Jeongin hums.

Jin Young frowns, looking up at his boyfriend.

Jae Beom just gives him a smile, not wanting to explain what the younger is talking about.

“Of course you can.” Jin Young smiles, not wanting to make the younger boy upset.

“Minnie hyung! I'm going to be a flower boy!” Jeongin yells, looking around for the older boy.

Jae Beom chuckles at the boy his excitement.

Jin Young raises an eyebrow. “What's going on?”

“What?!” Seungmin yells back, poking his head out of the office.

“I'm going to be a flower boy! And I'm staying!” 

Seungmin's eyes widen, running over to them. “You're staying?! Appa, he is staying?” He quickly turns to Jin Young.

Jin Young chuckles. “I guess he is.” 

The boy smiles brightly, hugging Jeongin. “Yay!”

Jae Beom wraps his arms around Jin Young's waist, kissing his cheek.

“What was that with the flower boy thing? Someone getting married?”

“He asked if we were married like Halmeoni.” Jae Beom mumbles. “I said he can be the flower boy if we got married.”

“If.” Jin Young hums.

Seungmin looks up at them. “Can me and Innie be roommates?”

Jae Beom shrugs. “If he and Appa agree, why not?”

“We can be flower boys together!” Jeongin squeaks.

“Yes!” Seungmin agrees cluelessly about what Jeongin is talking about.

Jin Young looks at Jae Beom, slightly hurt by the reminder that they're not marrying soon.

Jae Beom bites his lip, looking away from his boyfriend. “Do you guys wanna go home or look around some more?”

“I want to look around. Do all the cars have honks?” Jeongin asks curiously.

“They do.” The man chuckles, holding out his hand for the boy to take.

Seubgmin sighs, looking at Jin Young for help as he doesn't want to stay and watch the cars.

“I'll take Minnie back inside with me.” Jin Young mumbles, walking towards his boyfriend, harshly pushing Jeongin's shoes into his hands. “And put his damn shoes on instead of letting him run around on his bare feet. It's dirty here, and he might hurt his feet.” He mutters, slightly annoyed.

Jae Beom frowns as he grabs the shoes. “Babe-” 

Seungmin takes Jin Young’s hand, looking between the two of them worriedly.

“Bye Innie.” Jin Young smiles, waving at the boy. “We'll be right inside if you need us. Have fun with the cars.”

Jeongin pouts. “You're both leaving?”

Seungmin points to the office. “We will be there, for when you get tired.” He smiles at the boy. “Appa is probably gonna be really boring, so you should stay with Daddy and see all the cars. And then you can tell Channie hyung alllllllll about it later.” 

“I am. Daddy is way cooler than me.” Jin Young hums. 

“Oh- okay.” The boy grabs onto the fabric of Jae Beom's pants.

Jae Beom's frown deepens as he looks at his boyfriend. “Jin-”

Seungmin glares at him, taking Jin Young’s hand. “Come on Appa, I wanna show you how much Daddy and uncle Jae ate of the candy.” He starts pulling on the older's hand, wanting him to get away from Jin Young.

Jin Young hums, letting the boy pull him along.

Jae Beom watches his boyfriend leave, biting his lip as he crouches down in front of Jeongin. “Shall we wear some shoes before looking around some more?”

“Okay.” Jeongin sighs.

“Thank you, Innie.” Jae Beom hums, placing the shoes down on the ground. “The faster we put them on, the faster you can honk more cars.”

“Can I honk all of them?”

The older chuckles. “If you want, sure.” 

Jeongin giggles. “Appa hyung is right. You are really cool.”

“So is he.” The man sighs, helping the boy with his shoes. “We should tell him that after, okay?”

“Appa hyung is like Halmeoni. Really sweet.”

Jae Beom hums, standing back up. “So Sweet, he is so lovely.”

Jeongin looks at him with small, happy eyes. “He will take care of me?”

“He will take amazing care of you.” Jae Beom smiles. “I will do my best to help as well.”

“Halmeoni does her best, too. She told me a lot.”

“Well, she did a great job.” Jae Beom hums. “Don't you think?”

Jeongin nods. “I am a good boy.”

“A very good one. You ready for more cars?”

The boy nods.

S eungmin closes the door once Jin Young entered, looking at the older with a pout on his face. “Are you angry with Daddy?”

“It's fine, Minnie. Don't worry about it.” Jin Young smiles at him.

“Nuh uh.” The boy pushes Jin Young to the couch before crossing his arms over his chest. “Is it about Innie?”

The older sighs, shaking his head. “It's not about Innie. When I'm angry at Daddy, it's never about you boys.”

Seungmin frowns. “That's not true, but good is not Innie. I like Innie Appa, can he stay forever?” He moves closer to the older.

“Of course he can. We really want that so if Innie wants that too, he can stay forever.”

“I want him to stay, he's fun to play with.” The boy sits down on Jin Young’s lap. “Unlike Channie hyung.”

Jin Young wraps his arms around Seungmin. “That's because Innie is close to your age. While Channie is already a teenager.

“He's old.” Seungmin hums. “Sometimes he's fun but not anymore.”

“He's still fun sometimes. Channie is just really busy with everything.”

The boy pouts. “No fun.”

Jin Young sighs. “I'm sorry, Minnie.”

Seungmin leans against the older. “Got Innie now. He staying.”

“He is.” Jin Young smiles.

“Good. He's like Berry.”

“Innie is like Berry?”

The boy nods his head. 

Jin Young chuckles. “Crazy boy.”

Seungmin looks up again. “Don't be too angry with Daddy, I know he can be a little stupid sometimes but he loves you lots.”

“I know, baby.” Jin Young chuckles at the boy calling Jae Beom stupid.

“Good.”

“But you shouldn't worry about me being angry with Daddy.”

Seungmin shrugs, cuddling into Jin Young.  “Don't want you to be.”

“I know.” The older sighs. “I try not to be.”

“That's okay, we can be angry sometimes. When we do things we shouldn't.” Seungmin hums.

“And daddy let Innie run around on bare feet. He shouldn't allow that.” 

Seungmin nods. “Shoes suck though.”

Jin Young hums. “But hurting your feet sucks too.”

“Appa! Minnie hyung!” 

“Innie!” Seungmin jumps from Jin Young’s lap to open the office door for the younger, not sure if he remembers where they are.

Jeongin looks around, confused about where they went. “Minnie hyung?”

“We're here!” Seungmin waves at the boy.

Jeongin rushes towards him. “Hi hyungie.” 

The older smiles at the younger. “Did you have fun?”

The boy nods, moving past him to sit on the couch as well. “Can I take off shoes now?”

Seungmin looks at Jin Young. “Can he appa?”

“Of course. I can carry you inside the house later.”

Jae Beom sighs as he walks into the office, placing all the keys back where they belong.

Seungmin eyes the older before walking over to Jeongin. “Do you like the cars?”

Jeongin nods with smiley eyes. “They honk.”

“They do.” Seungmin hums. “Sometimes, Uncle Jae does that when he is driving me to school.”

“He does? But daddy hyung said it's only for home.”

“Yeah, but he also says bad words so we don't wanna be like him.” 

Jae Beom raises an eyebrow as he turns to look at the two boys but doesn’t comment on the conversation just yet.

“Minnie.” Jin Young corrects the boy with one glare.

Seungmin pouts when he sees Jin Young's glare. “Just saying the truth.” He mutters quietly. “Can we go home?”

The older gets up. “Come on.” He holds out a hand for Seungmin. 

“I wanna come too~” 

“You can come too, Innie.” Seungmin smiles, taking Jin Young’s hand. “Daddy, go buy flowers.”

Jae Beom gives the boy a confused look.

“Pretty flowers too.” Jin Young hums, not even surprised by Seungmin’s attitude. He bends down to pick up Jeongin from the couch. 

“Alright? Need anything else from the store?”

Seungmin eyes the older before looking up at Jin Young.

“Groceries. We talked about this earlier.”

“I know, can you send me the list? Anything we should add? I put down to grab Jeongin some cereal, but I don't know which ones…”

“I'll send a list. What cereal do you usually eat, Innie? Or did you like the one we had?”

“I liked it.” Jeongin grins.

Jae Beom hums. “That's good, alright, I'll buy the groceries. I will check with Chan if he needs something too.”

“Sure.” Jin Young shrugs, taking Seungmin and Jeongin back to the house.

“Well shit…” Jae Beom mutters as he grabs his keys.

“H oney I'm home.” Jae Beom closes the front door behind him, placing his shoes down next to Jin Young's before lifting the grocery bags back up.

“He's in the garden.” Chan mumbles, not looking up from his phone.

Jae Beom raises an eyebrow. “Well, hello Chan, how was practice?” He makes his way over to the kitchen, placing the bags down on the island.

The younger shrugs.

“Did something happen?”

Chan gets up from the couch to help Jae Beom with the groceries. “Hyung ordered me to wait downstairs to help you. So I guess you would know what happened.”

Jae Beom hums. “Meant with you but yeah…” He starts putting away the milk and other cold things.

“What did you do?”

“Let Jeongin walk without shoes in the garage and may have promised him he can be a flower boy…” Jae Beom mumbles.

Chan stops in his step. “You proposed?”

The older shakes his head, not looking over to the boy. “No, I didn't. You would be there if I did.”

“Stupid.”

“Yeah, yeah, your brother made that very clear. But I brought Jin Young flowers and his favorite snack.”

“Should I take Innie and Seungmin out for a bit?” Chan raises an eyebrow.

Jae Beom looks over at the boy. “Don't think Jin will want to leave Jeongin alone for now. We will talk things out once they're in bed.”

The younger chuckles. “You should give the flowers while Seungmin is awake if you don't want his childish behaviour.”

“It can be cute.” Jae Beom smiles as he puts away the last of the groceries. “But I will, now they're most pretty.”

“Where are they?” Chan checks the counter.

“By the front door.”

The younger eyes Jae Beom. “You left the flowers there while Berry runs around here?”

Jae Beom eyes the younger. “We have a drawer there, Chan. Of course, I didn't put it on the ground.”

Chan chuckles. “It would've been fun to see you scared.”

“Poor you.” He chuckles, making his way to the entrance. “Can you ask them to come inside?”

“I guess.” Chan moves to the back door. “Hyung! Jae Beom hyung is back!”

Seungmin looks up. “Did he bring flowers?!”

“YES!” 

“Appa, he brought flowers.” The younger grins up at Jin Young.

“Should we go check if they're pretty enough?”

Seungmin nods, taking Jeongin’s hand.

“Hyungie~” The boy whines, noticing Chan in the doorway. 

“He's nice.” Seungmin looks at the younger. “If not, I'll fight him.”

Jeongin pouts. “Appa~” He makes grabby hands to Jin Young, who jogs closer to them to pick him up. 

“It's okay, baby. He's not bad.” He smiles at Chan. “Did you help with the groceries?”

“Yeah.” Chan frowns before making his way back to the living room to give them space.

Seungmin pouts a little, not liking that Jeongin is scared of Chan. 

“Why are you scared of him, Innie?” 

“He scary. Fight Minnie hyungie.” Jeongin hides his face against Jin Young.

“Just words. He always protects me too, when we go play and the big kids show up. And he buys me ice cream or candy.”

Jin Young pokes Jeongin’s cheek softly. “Did you hear that? Channie can be nice too.”

Seungmin nods.

The boy just whines, needing to warm up to Chan slowly.

“It's okay.” Seungmin hums.

Chan rolls his eyes, scrolling through his phone to see if his friends have answered his texts.

Jae Beom slowly enters the living room, holding the flowers behind his back.

Jin Young caresses Jeongin's back to comfort him, not paying attention to anything else. “Minnie will protect you. Always.”

The boy nods shyly. 

“I will! Cause I'm your big brother now.” Seungmin grins up at Jeongin before seeing Jae Beom holding the flowers and running over to him. He grabs the man's arm, pulling him down to whisper something in his ear.

Jae Beom crouches down, chuckling and nodding at what Seungmin is telling him.

“What are you two being sneaky about?”

“Nothing~” Seungmin giggles before sitting down next to Chan and pushing the older's phone away to make him watch.

Jin Young eyes the boy before looking at Jae Beom, Jeongin still in his arms.

Jae Beom stands back up and smiles at his boyfriend. “So, as requested by Seungmin. I bought you your favorite flowers.” He shows the flowers he is holding, walking closer to Jin Young.

The younger rolls his eyes. “Only because Minnie requested it?”

“Of course not, love.” Jae Beom leans closer, making sure Jeongin won't be able to hear him. “Got you something else too.”

Jin Young's eyes widen slightly. “What is it?" He puts Jeongin down before looking at his boyfriend.

The older chuckles. “Let's wait for the little ones to sleep. I promise you will like it.”

Seungmin shakes Chan's arm. “Are they gonna make a baby?”

Chan pulls a face. “I hope not.”

“I'm the baby?” Jeongin points at himself.

Jin Young frowns at Jae Beom. “So why did you get the flowers?”

“Because I love you, and I'm sorry for not doing what you asked and saying things I shouldn't have said.”

Chan sighs. “Yes, Innie.”

“Will you do as I ask next time?” 

“Probably not all the time, but yes.” Jae Beom smiles, hoping Jin Young understands that he will in regards of the children.

Jin Young eyes him before letting out a dramatic sigh. “Fine, I forgive you.” He smiles at the older. 

The older hands him the flowers and kisses his cheek. “I love you, babe.”

“I love you too.” Jin Young hums, taking the flowers to admire them.

“So sweet.”

Jae Beom turns to Chan. “Oh hush, just wait till you get a girlfriend.”

“He should not get a girlfriend. He's way too young.” Jin Young pinches the older's cheek.

“I'm 18.”

“He's old.”

“Would you cringe if I said you're still my baby boy?” Jin Young winks at him.

Chan pulls a face. 

Jae Beom chuckles. “Seems like it.”

“I guess if you get a girlfriend, we would really like to meet her. Or a boyfriend.” 

“I don't have one, so there is no one to meet.” Chan huffs.

Seungmin frowns. “What about Miyeo?”

Jin Young looks surprised. “Miyeo?”

Chan pushes Seungmin away from him. “We're just friends.”

The younger whines. “Appa~”

“Minnie, you did that yourself.”

“He pushed me~” 

“Minnie.” Jae Beom warns the boy.

Seungmin pouts, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jeongin moves towards Seungmin, leaning against him.

Jin Young sighs. “I just want you to know, Channie. If.”

“You sound like my mom~” The teen whines, getting up from the couch. “I already know hyung.”

“And if you want to, you know, we have stuff in the top cabinet for you to be safe.” 

“I hate you.” He mutters, quickly walking to the kitchen to cover up the fact that he is blushing.

Seungmin gives them a confused look. “But daddy said no weapons?”

Jae Beom can't help but laugh at the innocent comment from the boy, leaning against his boyfriend.

“Absolutely. No weapons.” Jin Young nods. 

“Yeah, don't worry about it, Minnie.”

The younger frowns.

“Come here.” Jin Young opens his arms for the boy.

Seungmin pushes himself off the couch with a pout, stumbling into the hug.

“Poor baby. Do you wanna take a nap after lunch?” 

“With you?”

“With Innie. I think he needs a nap too.” Jin Young chuckles, noticing the younger boy almost falling asleep against the couch.

Seungmin looks back at Jeongin. “But with appa too~”

The older turns to look at Jae Beom. “You okay with me napping with the boys?”

Jae Beom nods. “Of course, love. I will text the others and see if they can bring some more things for the barbecue.”

Jin Young hums. “Love you.” He smiles before picking up a barely awake Jeongin. 

“Love you too.”

Chapter Text

H yunjin tiredly rubs his eyes as he walks down the stairs, still dressed in his pajamas. Looking at his parents as his father moves their bags out of the front door. 

“Hyunie, you didn’t have to get up, sweetie.” Ju-Mi coos at how cute her son looks. “We would’ve come upstairs before leaving.”

The boy shakes his head as he makes his way over to his mother. “You really have to leave?”

Ju-Mi sighs. “It’s your father’s gift for our wedding anniversary. We will be home in less than two weeks.” She brushes her hand through the boy’s messy hair. 

“Can’t I come with you?” Hyunjin pouts, leaning into the touch. “I can just go with Mister Kim and have fun but also be with you.”

“You have school, Hyunie. Don’t worry, once you’re free, we will go on vacation with the three of us. I promise.”

The boy sighs, still not happy with the fact that his parents are leaving him. “Okay, but promise to call?”

Hyunbin chuckles as he walks over to them after putting the last bags into the car. 

“Of course, sweetie. We will call you every night. So much that you will be tired of us by next week.” Ju-Mi giggles. 

“Never,” Hyunjin shakes his head, hugging his mother tightly. “Gonna miss you.”

Hyunbin ruffles the boy’s hair. “It’s going to be okay. We will be back before you know it. I will make sure to bring you back some presents, alright?”

The boy nods, a pout still present on his face. 

“I’m going to miss you too, Hyunie.” Mu-ji kisses his forehead after brushing some hair away. 

Hyunjin tightens his grip even more, not wanting to let go of her. “Please let me know when you fly and land.”

She hums, hugging him back. “I always do, Hyunie.”

“The chauffeur is waiting for us, dear.” Hyunbin hums as he checks the time. “Hyunjin, sweetheart. Mister Kim will be taking good care of you while we are away.”

The boy sighs, slowly letting go of his mother. The pout on his face does not leave as he looks up at his father. Hyunbin pulls the boy into a tight hug, kissing his head. 

“In a few years, you’ll be glad we’re going on trips so you can invite your friends over and throw parties we’re not allowed to know about.” Ju-Mi chuckles, fixing the boy’s hair. “But I’m glad you’re still my baby boy for now. I love you.”

Hyunjin whines a little. “Not a baby. Love you too.”

“Love you kiddo, be good for Mister Kim.”

Ju-Mi quickly kisses the boy’s cheek one last time before following her husband out of the house and to the car. 

Hyunjin stays by the door, watching as his parents step into the car, and lets out a sigh once again. 

Hyunbin smiles as he sits down next to his wife, softly kissing her cheek. “Onto a beautiful vacation for my lovely wife.”

“I love you too, Hyun.” She smiles at her husband as their chauffeur drives them towards the airport. 

~The Next Day~

H yunjin pushes the front door of the house open with an annoyed huff, dropping his bag onto the ground next to the entrance before kicking off his shoes. He looks at his phone once again, still not having received a message from his parents. He knows they should have landed by now, even a few hours ago. His mother had texted him to let him know they were about to take off, and he had looked up all the possibilities for how long the flight could take. So he knows for a fact that they have landed already. Normally, she always sent him a quick text, no matter how busy she was, but now, he got nothing. 

He makes his way to the living area after picking up his bag. He grumbles to himself as he throws it onto the sofa. 

Mister Kim looks up when he hears the boy enter, greeting him with a polite bow. “Welcome home, Hyunjin-shi.”

Hyunjin looks up. “Have you heard anything from eomma? She said she would let me know when they landed.”

“You might want to take a seat, Hyunjin-shi.” The man mumbles, pointing over to the sofa.

The boy frowns as he sits down. “What’s going on? Is your family doing alright?”

Mister Kim looks at the boy with a pained expression. “Hyunjin, yesterday the plane with your parents… It crashed a bit after departure.” He takes a deep breath. “There were no survivors.”

Hyunjin’s frown deepens, shaking his head in disbelief. “No. It’s not a funny joke.” He lets out a huff as he stands up from the sofa. 

“I am so sorry, Hyunjin.” The man lowers his head in a gesture of grief and respect.

“No, no way. You have to be lying, they can’t-”

Mister Kim repeats himself with a shaky voice as he moves closer to the boy. “I am so sorry, Hyunjin. The news came out this morning after you had already left. They have identified most victims last night, your parents were among them.”

“That’s fast…” For some reason, that is the only thing Hyunjin manages to get out. He shakes his head again in disbelief. “I-” Tears burn in his eyes, not wanting to believe his parents might be gone, for good. 

“I’m so sorry, Hyunjin. Is there anything I can do for you?”

The boy bites his lip, running off to his bedroom and slamming the door shut. He lets himself fall onto his bed before a sob leaves his lips. 

Mister Kim sighs, trying his best to keep everything inside as he goes to make an afternoon snack for Hyunjin. 

“J ae, you have to come home.” Jin Young mumbles immediately when his boyfriend picks up the phone. “There’s someone here to speak with both of us.”

Jae Beom frowns as he gets up from his chair, already putting his things into his bag. “Who? Did something happen? Are the kids okay?”

“The kids are fine. Just come home, please?”

“Okay, I’m on my way. Will be home in like 15, okay?” Jae Beom hums, saving the file he was working on before shutting off his computer. He quickly leaves his office, looking around for his assistant. “Cancel all my meetings.” He doesn’t even wait for an answer from her, leaving the building as fast as possible. 

“I ’m home!” Jae Beom closes the front door behind him, taking off his shoes. 

“Hi daddy.” Jeongin grins from his place on the shoe bench. 

The man raises an eyebrow. “You were waiting for me, monkey?” He quickly picks the boy up from the bench before making his way to the living room. 

Jeongin shakes his head. “The mister that made Appa cry has a cool car.”

“Appa is crying?” Jae Beom frowns, now even more worried about what is going on. “Who is here? Where is Appa?”

“Library room? I think.” The boy points to the hallway that leads to Jae Beom’s office. 

Jae Beom hums, placing the boy down on the couch. “And where are your brothers? And Alex?”

Jeongin shrugs. “Somewhere else?”

“Innie.”

“I don’t know~” The boy drops onto the couch dramatically. “They went somewhere, but I ran.”

The man sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, baby. Next time, please don’t run away when Alex takes you somewhere because Appa is busy, okay?”

Jeongin pouts. “Sorry, daddy. But can I play in my room? Instead find noona?”

“This time.” Jae Beom hums, just wanting to go and find Jin Young. “But promise me, you will stay in your room, no snooping.”

“Yes, daddy.” The boy grins, running to the stairs. 

Jae Beom puts his bag down on the couch before making his way to his office, worried about what is going on. 

H e softly knocks on the door, not wanting to barge in without knowing what is happening inside. “Jin?”

“Jae-” Jin Young quickly opens the door, immediately hugging the older. 

The man wraps his arms around his boyfriend, a confused look on his face. “What’s going on, love?”

“It’s aunt Ju-Mi… A plane crash…”

Jae Beom’s eyes widen. “Is she- They were going to Paris, right?”

Jin Young clings to his boyfriend, nodding. “Yeah- Hyunjin stayed home…”

The realization hits Jae Beom like a truck, pulling Jin Young even closer. “I’m so sorry, love.” He mumbles. 

“There’s a solicitor here.” The younger clears his throat, sadly pulling away from the comforting hug. 

Jae Beom clears his throat as he turns to the other person in the room, bowing slightly. “My apologies for not seeing you earlier.”

The older man gets up from his seat. “No problem at all, sir. I know I am bringing heavy news.”

“What is going on?”

“My name is Choi Kungmin. I am the solicitor of Mr. and Mrs. Hwang. Sadly, both of them passed away in a plane crash earlier this week. My condolences.” The man bows his head a little to show respect.

Jae Beom bites his lip, nodding slightly. “What-” He clears his throat again. “What about Hyunjin?”

“Hyunjin is currently being taken care of by the staff of the Hwang family. As you probably are aware, Mr. and Mrs. Hwang have a will. Your names are mentioned as guardians of the child.”

Jae Beom frowns, trying to recall when he had sat down to talk with them about any sort of will. He remembers having been there when his parents did so for Chan, but not him and Jin Young with the Hwang family. He slowly looks over at his boyfriend, wondering if he remembers. 

Jin Young shakes his head. “No, that- that document said that if nobody in his direct family was willing to take him in, that I would. But there- there has to be someone, right? Anyone who wants to take him…”

Kungmin averts his gaze again. “I’m afraid they are not.”

Jae Beom squeezes his boyfriend’s hand. “We have the resources. If no one is truly able to take the boy in, we are more than willing to.”

“The only one willing to take him has been declared incapable because of her age. That would be his grandmother.”

“Understandable.” Jae Beom mumbles, remembering how old the woman must be by now, even if it has been a year since he met her. 

Jin Young looks at the man with tears in his eyes. “But- His family…”

Kungmin sighs. “It’s either he moves in with you, or he will go into the foster care system.”

“Jin, you’re still his family. He had nothing to do with everything…”

“No- yes, of course we will take him in. I just hoped this would never have been necessary.”

Jae Beom nods. “What will we need to do for this to get handled as quickly as possible?”

Kungmin hands over a bunch of paperwork to Jae Beom. “These need to be read and signed. Once that is done, we will have to discuss the will. Besides having guardianship over Hyunjin, you have been mentioned multiple times.” He looks over at Jin Young. 

Jae Beom frowns as he takes the papers from Kungmin, walking over to his desk to carefully read through them, making sure he is aware of all the details. 

Jin Young stays frozen in his place, following his boyfriends with his eyes. “Jae…”

The older looks up. “Yeah?”

“Are you, are you sure? You- you didn’t agree to this…”

“Love, he is your family. We both agreed to help children who need a home. Why wouldn’t I agree to take in your own cousin?”

Jin Young takes a shaky breath, trying his best not to burst out in tears again while Kungmin is still there. 

“Perhaps it is best for me to leave, and let you read the papers in peace, let you adjust to the news. I will come back another day to arrange everything.” Kungmin hums, picking up his briefcase. 

“Where will Hyunjin be staying? Who are preparing the funeral?”

“The funeral will be taken care of by close family. Hyunjin will be staying at the family's home, and the staff he grew up with will be taking care of him until everything is settled.”

Jae Beom hums, nodding. “I will contact you once we have read through the papers and talked about it with our children.”

“Of course. My contact information is in the documents.” Kungmin nods. “I can find my way out. We will see each other soon.” He bows slightly, leaving the couple alone in the office. 

Jae Beom bows at the man before resting the papers on his desk, pulling his boyfriend into another hug. 

“They’re dead.” Jin Young burst out into tears once he and Jae Beom are alone, clinging to his boyfriend. 

The older holds him close, rubbing his back in an effort to comfort him. “I’m so sorry, love.”

“But- Hyunjin can come here, stay here. He- he will be okay…”

“He will be, we will help him.” Jae Beom hums. “Just like we helped Channie.”

Jin Young just cries in the older’s embrace.

Without either of them noticing, Jeongin slowly walking into the room with a pout on his face. “Appa…”

Jae Beom looks over at the boy, shaking his head. “Innie, what did I tell you?”

“But Appa is crying. He needs hugs and kisses.”

The man looks between his boyfriend and son, not sure what to do. “Can you grab him some tissues?”

“Will you give him hugs and kisses, daddy?” Jeongin waits for Jae Beom to nod before running off to find a box of tissues. 

“Of course, baby.” Jae Beom hums. 

Jin Young chuckles through his tears. “He’s such a sweetheart.”

“He is. He snuck away from Alex.” Jae Beom wipes away the tears on Jin Young’s cheeks. 

“Of course he did. It’s like he’s your son.”

The older hums, nodding. “I know.”

Jin Young signs, leaning against Jae Beom. “What if the boys don’t want Hyunjin to join our family?”

“It will be okay, I’m sure they will understand.” The older kisses Jin Young’s cheek. 

“N o.” Seungmin huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Minnie- please.” Jin Young sighs.

The boy shakes his head with a pout. “We don’t have room.”

Jae Beom frowns, pretty sure they have more than enough spare bedrooms, especially since Seungmin and Jeongin are sharing a bedroom by choice. “What do you mean, Minnie?”

“No space.” The younger huffs again.

“We have enough rooms.”

Jeongin leans against Jin Young, tiredly following the conversation. 

Seungmin whines as he keeps shaking his head. 

Jae Beom sighs, looking over at his boyfriend, wondering what they should do about this situation. 

“Don’t be such a baby, Seungmin. He lost his parents. He has nowhere to go. Go cry in your room about it.” Chan scoffs. 

“Chan-”

Seungmin huffs as he looks at Chan, standing up on the couch to look taller. “So?”

Jae Beom picks the boy up, deciding it’s better to discuss this privately, without the other two boys. “Chan, can you get Innie ready for bed? Please?”

“You shouldn’t be a whiny brat, deciding that kid should go into foster care instead of a good home like this.” Chan glares at Seungmin, ignoring Jae Beom completely. 

Jin Young grabs Chan’s hand. “Chan, your intentions are good, but you can’t speak to your brother like that.”

Seungmin glares back at his older brother, clinging to Jae Beom tightly. “Mine.” He mutters quietly. 

Jae Beom frowns as he hears the younger, fixing the way he is holding him to a more comfortable position. “Chan, please.”

 “He’s not my brother. Go put him in some foster home so he’s no longer my problem.” He mutters, picking up Jeongin to get him ready for bed. 

The younger whines softly, resting his head on the teen's shoulder. 

Seungmin’s eyes widen before he quickly hides his face in Jae Beom’s neck at Chan’s words, feeling his eyes tear up. 

“You did not just say that.” Jae Beom grinds his teeth together, trying his best to keep his patience with the teen. 

“I did and I meant it.” Chan glares at the older before leaving the living room to go upstairs with Jeongin. 

Seungmin sniffs, tears rolling down his cheek. “Channie hates me…”

Jin Young groans, rubbing his face in frustration. 

Jae Beom bounces Seungmin slightly. “He doesn’t hate you, Minnie. He is just a bit upset with what you said.”

“Said he means it~” 

“I’ll talk to him later. I’m sure he didn’t actually mean it.” Jin Young sighs, caressing the boy’s back. 

Seungmin shakes his head, crying into Jae Beom’s neck. “M sorry~”  

Jae Beom sighs, looking at Jin Young while trying to comfort the boy in his arms. 

“It’s okay, baby. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Let’s get you ready for bed.”

“Wanna stay with you and daddy.” Seungmin holds on tighter, not wanting to be let go. 

Jae Beom frowns. “Minnie, what’s wrong?” He sits down on the couch, putting the boy onto his lap. 

“I will go get him some milk with honey.” Jin Young mumbles, walking to the kitchen. 

Seungmin looks up slightly, tears still rolling down his cheeks. 

Jae Beom reaches up to wipe them away. “What’s going on, baby? Why don’t you want Hyunjin to come stay?”

“Cause he will take you away~” 

“No, he won’t. Innie came here, and he didn’t take us away, right?”

Seungmin shrugs. “Only cause he likes me, but I miss just you.”

Jae Beom gives Jin Young a confused look when the other walks back into the living room, struggling to figure out what the boy is talking about. 

“You miss just us?”

Seungmin nods, looking up at Jin Young. 

Jae Beom wipes away more of the tears. “Oh baby~” 

“Minnie-” The noise from the microwave interrupts Jin Young, making him walk back to the kitchen to grab Seungmin’s warm milk. 

The boy hides his face again, still clinging to Jae Beom. 

“It’s okay, buddy. You should’ve told us. We could have planned some time together.” Jae Beom rubs the boy’s back. 

Jin Young returns, holding a cup of warm milk. “Here you go, baby. Some warm milk with honey.” He holds the cup out for Seungmin to take. 

He slowly turns to face Jin Young, rubbing his eyes before taking the cup into his hands. “Thank you, appa.” He softly mumbles before taking a small sip. 

“You’re welcome. Make sure to blow on it a little, we don’t want you to burn your mouth, baby.”

Seungmin pouts when Jin Young doesn’t sit down next to him and Jae Beom. 

Jae Beom runs a hand through Seungmin’s messy hair, trying to fix it a little bit. 

“Appa~” 

Jin Young chuckles. “It’s daddy going through your hair.”

Seungmin frowns, taking another sip of his drink. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”

The older looks over at his boyfriend, checking if the older is alright with it as well. 

Jae Beom smiles, nodding softly.

“Please?”

“I need you to promise not to kick me too much, though.”

Seungmin gasps. “I don’t kick~” 

Jae Beom chuckles, ruffling the boy’s hair. “Sure.”

“Oh, do you think it’s daddy kicking me?”

The boy quickly nods. “And Innie does, sometimes. Cause he does that when we cuddle, too.”

“I don’t kick you appa.” Jae Beom gasps offendedly. 

“Guess Innie and daddy are clearly family.” Jin Young chuckles. 

Seungmin frowns. “Maybe..”

Jae Beom places Seungmin’s empty cup down on the coffee table before getting up from the couch while still holding the boy. “Alright, time to get you ready for bed.”

“You look more like me.” Jin Young winks at Seungmin, kissing his cheek. 

“Good.” The boy hums. 

Jae Beom rolls his eyes, making his way to the stairs with Seungmin. 

The boy’s eyes widen, remembering that Chan went to get Jeongin ready for bed. “Wait!”

Jin Young looks at the younger worriedly. “What’s wrong, Minnie?”

“Hyungie is upstairs.”

“Right. How about I’ll grab your pyjama and plushies while you go with daddy to our bedroom?”

“Okay appa.”

Jae Beom sighs, but he carries the boy to his and Jin Young’s bedroom, really hoping they can get everything figured out in the morning. 

C han sighs as he pulls Jeongin’s shirt over the boy’s head. 

“Auwe~ you’re being a meanie~”  

“I’m not.” Chan mutters. “Sorry.” He fixes the boy’s shirt a bit more carefully, not wanting to hurt the younger. 

Jeongin pouts.

“You need to pee?”

The boy shakes his head. 

Chan raises an eyebrow, not fully believing him. “Maybe you should still try, it will be annoying to get up when you’re all cozy and cuddled up with Foxy, right?”

“Fine,” Jeongin mutters, stumbling out of his bedroom to the bathroom. 

“Thank you.” Chan stays close to the door, just in case the younger needs his help. He scrolls through his phone as he waits, hearing footsteps that are making their way over to the room. 

“Appa?” The 6-year-old grins. “Are you putting me to bed?”

Jin Young sighs. “Go pee.” He smiles at the boy standing at the toilet before entering Seungmin and Jeongin’s bedroom. 

Chan looks up when he hears the older enter the bedroom, biting his lip. 

“Hey Chan.”

“Hi.. He’s ready for bed…”

“I saw.” Jin Young hums. “We’re going to talk about everything that happened earlier.”

The teen looks at the ground. “Sure. You think Innie wants me to stay or can I leave?”

“Chan. Don’t you feel bad for what you said? Saying Minnie should go to foster care? That he’s not your brother?”

“So what? It’s what he wants for the other kid too, right? While we have enough space and money to take him in.” Chan huffs.

The older looks at him with a soft glare. “You could’ve let us deal with it.”

“Well, sorry for having emotions.” The teen scoffs before walking past Jin Young, bumping shoulders with the older. 

“Chan-”

He slams his bedroom door loudly, not wanting to talk to the older one. 

“Appa~”  Jeongin pouts, running over to the older.

Jin Young takes a deep breath before looking over at the boy and giving him a smile. “Yes baby?”

“Hyung is scary.”

“He’s just upset…” Jin Young picks the boy up. “You ready for bed?”

Jeongin nods. “Can I sleep in your room, please~” 

The man frowns. “Uhm, not tonight, baby. Minnie really wants some cuddles with us, like how you like to have them too.” He brushes through the boy’s messy hair as he walks over to the bed. 

“I can sleep on the floor. Please appa~” Jeongin looks at him with tears in his eyes, clinging onto the older. 

Jin Young frowns. “Baby, that’s not good for you. No need for tears. How about we ask Minnie? Then one of you can sleep with me and the other with daddy.”

The boy shakes his head. “Don’t wanna steal hyungie’s cuddles.”

“I don’t want you sleeping on the ground, baby.” He brushes through the boy’s hair. “Why don’t you want to sleep here?”

“Don’t wanna be alone. And hyung scary…”

Jin Young sighs, not really sure what to do. “Go grab Foxy.” He gets up from the bed, placing the boy down before walking over to Seungmin’s bed to grab the boy’s pajamas and plushie. 

“Thank you, appa~”  Jeongin quickly grabs his stuffed Foxy. 

“No problem, Innie. But me and daddy will have to talk with Channie first, okay? After that we can join. And you have to ask Minnie, if he doesn’t want to share, we split up, okay?”

The boy nods with a pout on his face. “Okay.”

Jin Young picks up Seungmin’s plushie before walking to the door, waiting for the 6-year-old. 

“I’m ready.” Jeongin holds up Foxy and his blanket. 

“Let’s go..” Jin Young smiles, slowly making his way over to the stairs. “Be careful, baby.”

“Yes appa.” The boy mumbles, already tripping over the blanket. 

Jin Young grabs the boy, stopping him from falling down. “Innie-”

He grins up. “Sorry, appa.”

“Pull your blanket up higher so you won’t trip.”

The boy clumsily tries to hold the blanket up. “Appa~ help…”

Jin Young chuckles softly as he takes the blanket from the boy. “Here you go.”

“Thank you, appa. I can carry hyungie’s plushie for you.”

“That’s so sweet of you.” Jin Young hands the boy the puppy plushie. “Come on, go ask Minnie if he wants to cuddle with you in the big bed.”

“Okay.” Jeongin rushes off the stairs to Jin Young and Jae Beom’s bedroom. 

“H yungie!”

Seungmin looks up with a confused look. “Innie?”

“Can I- can I please sleep on the floor here?”

“On the floor? Why on the floor?” 

Jae Beom frowns at the boy’s question but stays out of the conversation for now, wanting to see where this goes.

“Cause- don’t wanna steal hyungie’s cuddles with appa and daddy.”

“Oh-” Seungmin shakes his hand. “Don’t want you sleeping on the floor, we can share. I cuddle them alone another time.”

Jeongin shakes his head, whining. 

Jae Beom pats the free space on the pet. “Come here, Innie.” 

Seungmin pouts as he looks at the younger. “But the floor not comfy.”

“Pillow?” The younger mumbles, frowning. 

“Innie, I told you to just ask to sleep in the bed with us. Not on the floor.” Jin Young sighs as he walks closer to put the blanket down on the bed. 

“Want Innie cuddles.” Seungmin pouts. “Baby shouldn’t sleep on the floor.” He looks between Jae Beom and Jin Young, making sure they’re not going to let Jeongin sleep on the ground. 

Jae Beom ruffles Seungmin’s hair as a quiet praise for being a good older brother.

“Hyungie sure?” Jeongin looks hesitantly between Seungmin and their parents. 

“Yeah. I can get appa and daddy cuddles when you go see uncle Mark.” Seungmin hums. 

“I go see uncle Mark?”

The older nods. “Dunno when but when you do. I get cuddles.”

Jae Beom smiles at the two of them, placing Jeongin onto the bed next to Seungmin. “Seems like Innie brought Puppy Lim.”

Jeongin pouts. “Thank you, hyungie.” He hands the plushie to Seungmin. 

Seungmin grins, hugging Jeongin tightly. “My baby.”

“Your baby?” Jin Young chuckles. 

“Yes.” The boy hums, nodding. 

The older raises an eyebrow. “What about me? He’s my baby.”

“Nuh uh.” Seungmin shakes his head. “Mine. You and daddy have me and Channie hyung, so I have Innie.”

“You’re all my babies. Innie too.” Jin Young huffs, sitting down on the bed with them.

Jae Beom chuckles. “And you’re mine, love.”

Seungmin looks at Jae Beom before pulling a face. He lets go of Jeongin to grab his pajamas. “I go change.”

“Of course I am.” Jin Young moves closer to his boyfriend to kiss him. 

“Hyungie~” Jeongin jumps off the bed, running to follow Seungmin.

Jae Beom smiles at Jin Young, kissing him back. “What's all this about?” He hums when the two kids are in the bathroom, knowing Seungmin can get changed by himself and will yell if not.

“They don't want to see us kiss.” The younger chuckles. 

“Not the part I meant-” Jae Beom hums, kissing Jin Young’s cheek.

“What part did you mean? Innie joining us?”

“Yeah? Everything okay?”

Jin Young sighs. “He doesn't want to sleep alone. Because of Chan, I'm guessing. Innie said he was scary. But the poor baby suggested sleeping on the floor so he wouldn't steal Minnie's hugs.” 

Jae Beom frowns. “He finds Chan scary? I'm glad Minnie convinced him otherwise, he's such a good older brother.”

“Now with Chan yelling at Seungmin, I think that's why he's scared.” Jin Young mumbles, looking back at the door of the bathroom.

“Poor kid, not sure what has gotten into Chan.” Jae Beom sighs. “I understand his point, but he shouldn't have said what he did.”

“Done!” Seungmin yells before walking out of the bathroom with his shirt on backwards.

“I told him that too.” He mumbles to Jae Beom before looking at Seungmin. “Minnie- your shirt.” He chuckles.

“Is wrong hyungie.” Jeongin follows the older.

Seungmin looks down at his shoulder, giggling. “Oops, appa help.” He walks over to Jin Young, putting his arms in the air.

Jae Beom chuckles again, getting up from the bed. “Silly goose.”

Jin Young laughs, getting up to help the boy turn his shirt around. “Did you check that you didn't put your underwear on your head, Minnie?”

The boy nods. “I didn't, right Innie?”

Jeongin looks at the older confused. “Minnie hyung doesn't have underwear on his head.”

“See, appa.” Seungmin huffs, crossing his arms over his chest once his shirt is on the right way. “Can me and Innie watch Bluey before sleeping?”

The older frowns, pretending to think. “Can you?”

“Please appa~ m sorry I was mean.”

Jae Beom frowns, wondering where the boy got that idea from.

“Of course you can. Baby, it's okay.” Jin Young looks back at his boyfriend confused.

Seungmin climbs onto the bed with Puppy Lim, looking around for the controller.

Jae Beom shrugs.

“Innie, come.”

Jeongin giggles, climbing onto the bed to cuddle against Seungmin.

Jae Beom smiles at the two boys. “You have until me and your appa come back, okay? I want no whining about wanting to see more after.”

Seungmin salutes the man with a grin on his face. “Yes daddy.”

Jin Young chuckles. “Be good, boys.” He follows Jae Beom out of their bedroom.

“T ime to talk with Chan?” Jae Beom looks over to Jin Young, grabbing something from the kitchen to give the teen. 

Jin Young nods. “Yeah- although I don’t know how to deal with this. Because he’s right, we can’t put Hyunjin in foster care.”

The older hums. “I agree, and we won’t. We just have to make sure to spent one on one time with each of the kids, and make sure we explain the situation better to the younger boys. But what Chan said was neither right nor fair to Seungmin either.”

Jin Young sighs, moving closer to Jae Beom to get a hug from the older. “I know.”

Jae Beom pulls his boyfriend closer, kissing his cheek. “We will get this all figured out, love.”

“I hope so.”

“You want me to talk with Chan? And you can stay with the babies?”

Jin Young shakes his head. “No, we should both be there.”

Jae Beom gives him a smile, pecking his lips. “We got this.”

“-kay.” he mumbles, turning to go upstairs. 

The older follows him closely, holding Chan’s favorite snack, just in case they need something to convince or comfort him. 

J in Young softly knocks on Chan’s bedroom door. “Chan? Are you still awake?”

“No.” The teen mutters. 

“Can we come in, please?”

“Whatever.”

Jae Beom rolls his eyes, slowly pushing the door open, still giving Chan the time to tell them to leave but letting him know they’re going to come in if he isn’t going to be more clear with his answer. 

Jin Young carefully watches his boyfriend enter the room, slowly following. 

Chan doesn’t bother looking up, his face pressed into his pillow. 

Jae Beom sighs, taking a seat on the desk chair. “Chan.” 

“Hey, are you okay?” Jin Young kneels down next to the bed, brushing through the younger’s hair. 

“I’m fine.” The teen huffs, part of him wanting to move away from the touch, but it feels too comforting to actually do so. 

Jae Beom stays quiet, observing the boy a little, letting Jin Young do his magic before they start the conversation. 

“Can you please talk to us? We want to understand your reaction before judging any of it.” Jin Young sighs. 

Chan looks up slightly. “What else do you want me to say? Seungmin was wrong for saying we don’t have space, we do. He’s family, right? The kid who lost his parents? You don’t just put family through the shittiest system there is. Halmeoni agrees, she would scold you if she knew. He’s probably going through the worst time of his life right now, and Seungmin said that, not caring at all.”

The older looks at him with sad eyes. “I am never going to let him go into the system. Seungmin, he’s still a baby. He doesn’t understand what any of that is, especially not how you know things. But the way you spoke to him, was not okay. You wouldn’t want Minnie to get put in the system, I know you don’t.” 

Chan huffs, pressing his face into his pillow again. 

Jae Beom gets up from where he is sitting, moving to the edge of the bed. “He didn’t mean it like that, Channie.”

“So what? I’m getting this talk because I said things too, and he cried. Well, sorry for no longer being 7.”

“Channie…” Jin Young looks at the younger, slightly tearing up. “You should apologise to Seungmin about what you said. And we will explain to him why Hyunjin is moving in with us. You’re his older brother, you know what’s important. And I think you might be surprised by how he will react.”

“He looks up to you so much, Channie. He’s scared you hate him.”

The teen shrugs, trying to stay stubborn. 

“I know you didn’t mean what you said, I know you don’t hate him, and that you think you’re too old to be hanging out with him, but he still looks up to you.”

“Not apologizing,” Chan mutters into his pillow. 

Jae Beom raises an eyebrow, wondering when he should start playing bad cop. 

“Can you at least apologize for the things you said but didn’t mean?” Jin Young sighs. 

The teen doesn’t bother answering. 

Jae Beom takes a deep breath, hating having to do this but also annoyed with how Chan is acting. “Chan. You will apologize to Seungmin for the things you said. I don’t care if you want to or not, but it wasn’t right for you to say it. And before you even try to say we’re only talking to you, we already spoke with Seungmin, we already explained that what he said wasn’t nice.”

Chan stays quiet, subconsciously moving closer to Jin Young. 

Jin Young looks back at his boyfriend, biting his lip. “Jae-”

“I get why he is upset, but that doesn’t mean he can say those things to his own little brother. Especially not while fully understanding what the impact of words can be.”

The younger sighs. “I know but-”

Chan rolls his eyes, even though he knows the two men can’t see his face. 

Jae Beom takes a deep breath, trying to keep his voice calm. “Seungmin will apologize as well.”

“Channie..” 

The teen hums, deciding he’s siding with Jin Young for once.

“Will you apologize to Seungmin? He will apologize to you.” Jin Young hums. 

“Whatever.” He didn’t want to, still too upset with the situation. Sure, he knew what he said was a bit unreasonable, but that doesn’t take away that what Seungmin said was basically the same thing. 

“That’s not an answer, Chan.” Jae Beom huffs, getting slightly frustrated with the teen. 

Jin Young gets up from the floor. “Come on, Jae. Let’s let him cool off a bit more.”

Chan whines softly when Jin Young leaves his side. 

“I’m going to check on the other two.” Jae Beom mutters, leaving the teen’s bedroom. 

“Please cool off and try to stop being so stubborn.”

Chan looks up at Jin Young, biting his lip. 

The older stops in his steps when he sees Chan look at him. “Channie?”

The teen quickly looks away when he feels tears appear in his eyes, hoping that Jin Young didn’t notice. 

Jin Young freezes when he sees the tears in the boy’s eyes, quickly moving back to the bed to hug the younger. “Please talk to me, Channie.”

“You can’t say no-’ Chan’s voice cracks a little as he tries his best not to cry when the man pulls him into a hug. 

“I promise you, I won’t.” Jin Young holds him tight. 

The 18-year-old sniffs as tears escape his eyes, clinging to Jin Young. “He’s like me.” He whispers.

“I know, baby. He’s going to move in with us. And we’re going to take care of him just like we did with you, giving him a warm home like he should have had with his parents.”

“Sorry about being an ass to Minnie,” Chan mutters, pressing his face against Jin Young’s shoulder. 

Jin Young smiles softly. “You don’t have to apologise to me, you know that. But thank you for telling me.”

The teen groans. “Hyung is angry~” 

“No, he’s not. He’s- just stubborn sometimes, like you. And busy with a lot of things. So it gets him frustrated.”

“I’m not stupid…” Chan mutters, pulling back slightly. “He’s annoyed with me.”

“He might be a little, but you were being a bit stubborn too.” Jin Young chuckles. 

The teen pouts. “For a good reason.”

“You’re so much like Jae.” Jin Young grins, hugging the younger again. 

“I’m not~”  Chan whines, melting into the hug. 

Jin Young hums. “Sure~” 

“Truly~ he’s boring.”

“I guess you’re too, then.” The older pokes Chan’s side. 

The teen shakes his head, biting his lip to stop himself from laughing. 

“As if being like him is such a bad thing, besides the boring part, of course.” Jin Young whispers. 

“Guess not, but Uncle Jackson is way cooler.”

“He is pretty cool. But less handsome.”

Chan rolls his eyes. “You only think that because you're dating hyung. Aunt Yumei would disagree.” 

“I'm not sure about that.” Jin Young chuckles.

“She would.”

“She actually liked Jae Beom before Jackson.”

Chan looks at the older man in shock, shaking his head. “No way, she liked hyung? Why?”

Jin Young looks at Chan with a smile. “Because he is handsome. And nice, and warm, and sincere. He listens, not just hears, like every little thing, every word matters. Then the way he makes you feel safe, like he will protect you from the world. And he's thoughtful. And oh god, his smile…” The older man melts against the sheets.

The teen blinks at the older, clearly not amused by the rant Jin Young went into when talking about his boyfriend. “Hyung, you're biased.”

“I might be, but thank god, his smile.”

“Okay, okay, I'll apologize to Seungmin if you stop this.”

Jin Young chuckles, getting up from the bed. “Okay, I'll stop. Let's go see if Minnie is still awake.”

Chan whines. “Can't it be tomorrow? If we talk now, he won't sleep or want cuddles.”

“I'd rather have you make up today, Channie. I'll tell him no cuddles with you.”

The teen sighs, getting up from his bed. Hair a mess and face still a bit red.

Jin Young smiles, fixing Chan's hair. “Thank you. Look at you being almost as tall as me.” 

“I will be taller.” Chan hums.

“Sure, honey.” He pats the boy's cheek.

Chan rolls his eyes as he makes his way out of the bedroom.

J in Young peeks into his own bedroom to check if the boys have fallen asleep already or not. 

Seungmin looks up when he hears the door of the bedroom open before quickly pretending to be sleeping, an episode of Bluey still playing in the background. 

“Minnie? Why are you pretending to sleep?”

The boy’s eyes open slightly. “Cause appa said to sleep…”

Jin Young frowns. “I did?”

Seungmin shakes his head. “Daddy did.” 

“Ooh, I thought you said appa. I have someone with me, baby, for you.”

“For me?”

Chan can’t help but chuckle, knowing for a fact that Seungmin did say ‘Appa’ instead of ‘Daddy’. He freezes for a second when Jin Young mentions him being there before stepping into the bedroom. 

Seungmin’s eyes widen, the boy being fully woken up again when he sees his older brother. “Hyungie-”

“Shh- not too loud, you will wake Innie.” Jin Young mumbles, going to pick up Seungmin so that they can talk in one of the other rooms. 

“Sorry.”

The older carries him towards Chan. “Let’s sit in the living room.” 

Chan bites his lip, nodding. 

“Hi hyungie…” Seungmin waves while leaning against Jin Young. 

“Hey-” Chan mumbles, making his way to the living room. He goes over the things he knows he should say, wanting to make sure that he doesn’t anger his parents. 

Jin Young sits down with Seungmin on his lap.

“Is hyungie still angry?” The boy mumbles quietly. 

“A little.” Chan sighs, sitting down across from the, looking down at his hands to avoid eye contact. 

Seungmin pouts, hiding his face against Jin Young’s neck. 

“It’s okay, baby. Remember Channie said some mean things? He said those things because you said some mean things too, about the boy joining our family.”

Chan hums. “It was kinda mean to say we’re not brothers… we definitely are, Minnie.”

The boy looks at his older brother. “Sorry hyungie…”

“I’m sorry too, shouldn’t have been so mean. Even if you pissed me off.”

Jin Young can’t help but chuckle at the younger’s honesty. 

“Maybe house is big enough.” Seungmin mumbles, hiding his face in his appa’s chest again.

Chan nods. “I would say so. And appa has enough time for you, just tell him.” 

Seungmin whines softly. 

“What’s wrong, baby?” Jin Young frowns. 

“Hyung… no time either.” The younger mumbles. 

Chan frowns, not having thought about that either. He didn’t think Seungmin would even want to spend time with him. “Oh-”

“Oh baby…” Jin Young caresses Seungmin’s back, looking over at Chan. “I don’t think Channie knew you wanted to spend time with him.”

“Yeah, you should ask, Minnie. Not saying I will always have time for you because, well, I have things going on, but if you ask, I at least know I have to make some time for you.”

The boy tiredly looks at Chan with tears in his eyes. “-m sorry-”

Chan gives the boy a smile. “Me too, Minnie.”

Seungmin makes grabby hands towards the older. “Huggy please~” 

The older sighs, getting up from his seat. He slowly makes his way over to Seungmin and Jin Young, sitting down next to them so that the younger can crawl into his lap. 

“Hyungie~” 

Chan slowly wraps his arms around his little brother, hugging him close. “I’m sorry, Minnie.”

“-sorry too~” 

The older hums, cuddling him close. 

Seungmin quickly falls asleep in Chan’s embrace, drooling on his shirt a little bit. 

Jin Young smiles, seeing the two of them so close. “You want me to put him to bed?”

“Yes, please.” Chan looks up at Jin Young, ready to give the 7-year-old back to the older. 

Seungmin whines unconsciously when the older tries to pick him up from his embrace. 

“Night Minnie.”

“Noooo~”  The boy whines, trying to cling onto his brother. 

“You have to go to sleep, baby.” Jin Young sighs. 

Chan hums, getting up with Seungmin in his arms. “I will carry him, I guess.”

“Okay, you can just put him next to Innie.”

The teen nods, making his way over to Jae Beom and Jin Young’s bedroom. Quietly, he lays the boy down next to Jeongin, wishing them both good night before looking at Jin Young. 

The older smiles at him, pulling him into a hug. “I’m really proud of you, Chan.”

“It’s whatever,” Chan mutters. “Goodnight, appa.”

“Goodnight, Channie. I love you.”

Chan looks at him before looking down and muttering an ‘I love you’ back as he leaves for his own bedroom to get ready. 

Jin Young turns off his TV, making sure both boys are comfortable on the bed before going to look for his boyfriend. 

J ae Beom sighs, scrolling through his work emails. Forwarding some business-related things to Mark to make sure they need those weapons or not. 

“You’re seriously working?” Jin Young mumbles as he walks into the office. 

The older looks up. “I- I just ended up getting some stress relief…” He mutters. 

Jin Young raises an eyebrow. “And work is stress relief? I thought I was your stress relief.” He jokingly pouts. 

“You were busy.” Jae Beom sighs. “And the other things I definitely can’t do now.”

“Poor you.” Jin Young pulls the older’s chair back to move onto his lap. “I got Chan to apologize to Seungmin and Minnie apologized too. They hugged and Channie put him to bed. He went to get ready now.”

Jae Beom hums, wrapping his arms around Jin Young’s waist. “That is good.” He kisses Jin Young’s cheek. “How are you, love?”

“When can we take in Hyunjin?’

“We have a room ready, so we can take him in as soon as possible.” Jae Beom hums. 

Jin Young sighs, hugging his boyfriend. “Good.”

“I will get in contact with the solicitor tomorrow, after meeting with Alex.”

“I want him to have a home, an actual home, now that they've passed. But we have to pay attention to make sure all the boys get enough attention. Or they will fight each other because of it.

Jae Beom nods. “We can do that, we will just have to sit each boy down and explain. Just like we did when we got Innie.”

Jin Young hums. “But now Innie and Seungmin are sleeping in our bed, so no alone time for us.” He mumbles against the older’s neck. 

“Yup, and they want cuddles. Otherwise, we have enough spare rooms.”

“They’re both fast asleep, they won’t notice if we’re a bit later.” The younger pulls his boyfriend in for a kiss. 

Jae Beom smirks. “If you say so, love.”