SEONGJOONG (pt.3)

....................

Warm

That was the first thing Hongjoong felt when he woke up.

He subconsciously curled into the feeling, burrowing further into the comforting heat as he sighed happily. 

He nuzzled his cheek into the cover of the pillow underneath him, basking in the soothing feeling of warm fabric rubbing against him rather then rough concrete, his body fond of the new experience.

His nose scrunched up as he could feel himself slowly becoming conscious, not yet wanting to wake up from his peaceful slumber.

Soft beeping filled his ears as his eyes gradually fluttered open, hissing slightly at the dull light that invaded his vision, causing him to squint as his eyesight adjusted.

He looked around at his surroundings as his view became no longer blurry, taking in the small hospital room he was placed in.

There wasn't much to look at.  The walls were a simple light gray with nothing hanging on them.  There were two doors in the room, one leading out to the hallway while the other lead to a tiny in suite bathroom. 

A standard monitor and desk were placed in the corner alongside his IV pole, displaying his vitals as the heart rate monitor beeped repeatedly.

Lastly, there was a small gray couch shoved up against the wall underneath a large window, holding the room's two other inhabitants on its plush surface.

Seonghwa was spread out across the entire length of the sofa, long legs dangling off the edge.

He seemed to be sleeping as his head was tipped back against the armrest, eyes closed as soft breaths puffed out between his partially opened lips.

His tan skin was glowing in the morning's low light, seeping in through the window above him.  His black hair shined as the sun bounced off of it, the dark strands ruffled out of their usually gelled back state.

Wooyoung was nestled snuggly against the officer's chest as he slept, wiggling around slightly underneath the small blanket placed on top of him, Seonghwa's hand laid across his back protectively.

Hongjoong felt himself smile at the scene before him, heart warming as he could hear his son's little whimpers and coos from where he laid on the bed.

Still smiling to himself, he shifted as quietly as he could out from underneath the blankets covering him, raising his arms above his head as he stretched, arching his back at the pleasant feeling.

Although, he quickly realized he made a mistake as soon as a zap of pain blossomed between his thighs and hips, pulling a sharp hiss from his lips as he slowly laid himself back down, groaning at the uncomfortable feeling.

He held his breath as he watched the male on the couch move around slightly, hoping he wasn't too loud and woke him from his sleep.

His attempts at keeping quiet proved to be fruitless as the officer's eyes slowly opened, a long yawn falling past his lips as he rolled his neck around, sighing at the series of satisfying pops.

His dark eyes landed on Hongjoong, blinking up at him slowly before a tired smile spread across his face, his black hair mussed in every direction.

"Hey...How are you feeling?"

He practically whispered, his voice even deeper with sleep as he gently maneuvered himself into a seated position, shushing Wooyoung softly as he continued to hold the boy to his chest.

"I'm doing alright I guess...My bottom half feels likes it on fire anytime I so much as move though, so that's great."

He sighed in defeat, accepting the fact that he probably wouldn't be able to walk or even move properly for at least a week.

Where was the damn pain medication when he needed it!

Seonghwa snorted lightly as he hesitantly adjusted Wooyoung, now holding him within his large hands as he bounced him gently.

"The nurse did say you received a decent amount of stitches down there, so I can't really blame you."

Hongjoong cringed at that, not wanting to think about the previous events of his son's birth that took place last night.

"You really tore your mom up, huh Woo?  Got to make sure he remembers how you came into the world, I'm I right?"

The dark haired male joked, his voice raising in pitch as he spoke to the boy, eliciting a gummy smile from the little baby.

He was practically glowing as he held the newborn, face constantly pulled up into a bright smile as he stared down at him in awe.

"I think he's hungry."

Hongjoong quietly pointed out, his motherly instincts quickly kicking in as soon as he noticed the small boy's mouth start to repeatedly open and close, his little tongue peaking out as he smiled up at the officer.

Seonghwa looked up at him with large eyes, seeming almost sad to give up the newborn as he wordlessly stood up and handed Wooyoung to him, moving to stand next to his bedside silently.

Hongjoong happily excepted the wiggling baby as he slowly straightened out his legs in front of him, jerking slightly at the awful feeling of his stitches tugging as he placed the newborn into the crook of them gently.

The little boy's eyes were alert as they looked around the room, watching his mother with rapt attention as he began to whine.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry.  I know Woo, Mama's not going fast enough."

Hongjoong giggled as the small boy's whimpers grew, his little pink tongue flicking out as he kept turning his head, searching for his breakfast.

He quickly stripped off the front of his hospital gown, shivering slightly at the cool air that touched his exposed chest and stomach.

His looked down at his front, noting that his chest had definitely become slightly swollen, but not enough for him to expect to be pregnant.

Not wanting to waste anymore time as the little baby's whines grew louder, he gently grabbed the newborn and settled him against himself. He slowly guided him, but mostly let the small boy take the lead, allowing him to nose along his chest until he found what he was looking for.

Wooyoung caught on pretty easily on how to nurse, only needing a quick swipe of his finger through the boy's mouth to help him latch on properly.

He sighed contently, settling comfortably into the pillows behind him as he was fully prepared to sit here for the next 45 minutes. He forgot just how relaxing it was to feed a newborn as he felt his body become warm at the experience.

He eventually looked up from the nursing baby in his arms once he deemed him alright, meeting eyes with the officer stood next to him.

He noticed that Seonghwa's face immediately turned bright red as the older caught sight of his naked chest, politely averting his eyes as he turned away, broad shoulders facing the pair.

Hongjoong couldn't help but laugh at the officer's reaction, his shaking chest disturbing Wooyoung as the baby grumbled in displeasure.

"Seonghwa, you literally helped me give birth...I don't think my bare chest could even compare to what you already saw."

He giggled, snorting loudly as the officer refused to turn back around, much to his insistence that he didn't mind.

"Ugh, fine, give me his blanket."

Seonghwa quickly grabbed the fabric that had been discarded where he previously sat, blindly throwing it to Hongjoong behind him.

He thankfully caught it and draped the hospital issued blanket over his chest, gently covering up Wooyoung as he nursed so that only a couple fluffy strands of his dark hair would peak out underneath.

He resettled himself back against the pillows behind him, sighing contently at the sturdy weight of his son lying against him, the sounds of his soft suckling filling the quiet room.

"You can look now..."

Seonghwa dutifully turned back around, eyeing the covered lump of baby in his arms as he sat back on the couch,

"Doesn't is hurt?"

Hongjoong looked up as the older suddenly blurted out his question, eyebrows raised in confusion.

"Huh? Oh, do you mean nursing?"

He asked, receiving a short nod from the officer as his cheeks tinted red, probably embarrassed by his sudden bluntness, but curious nonetheless as he looked at him with wide eyes.

"Naw, not really. You get used to it over time. It does hurt if he latches on incorrectly though, but I can usually fix that pretty quickly.

Seonghwa nodded thoughtfully, choosing not to respond as he just continued to look at the nursing baby, smiling crookedly as a little hand popped up from underneath the blanket to lay on his mother's skin.

Silence fell over the room, leaving the pair to just bask in the early morning peace, finally having a chance to breath after the stressful night before.

"Hey Hongjoong, I actually need to talk to you about somethi-"

Timid knocking interrupted Seonghwa, making the pair look up at the door as it opened slightly, a familiar head of messy brown hair peaking in.

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

Mingi's signature deep voice broke the silence, his bright eyes peering in hesitantly, thin circle lenses perched on his nose.

"No, no, you're fine!  Hongjoong's just feeding Wooyoung."

Seonghwa exclaimed, waving his hands around as he smiled at his fellow coworker, although it looked a little pained.  He wasn't doing a very good job at hiding his obvious annoyance at putting his conversation on hold, but Mingi thankfully didn't notice.

"Okay good!  It's just, I have a little someone who really wants to see his Mama-"

As if on cue, San's lithe body wiggled past the officer, squeezing in through the cracked door as he excitedly ran up to his mother's bedside, his eyes little crescents as he smiled brightly, deep dimples popping out.

"Hi Mama!"

Hongjoong's heart immediately melted as he caught sight of his eldest son, freeing one of his hands so he could run a comforting hand through the boy's inky locks, noting just how long it had grown as his bangs brushed over the tops of his eyes, the rest falling against his nape, curling up at the ends.

Even though they had only been apart for a couple of hours, he still missed his little ray of sunshine dearly.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?  Me and Woo have been waiting for you to come visit us!"

San seemed to be practically vibrating as he tried to get on top of the hospital bed, needing an extra boost from Seonghwa before he successfully climbed up, immediately squishing himself into his mother's side.

The 4-year-old definitely looked a lot better then the last time Hongjoong had seen him.  He was still slightly pale, but had regained most of his original color, his skin returning to it's natural tan.  He was back to his energetic self, no longer scarily lethargic.  Although he did look tired, probably meaning he didn't sleep very well last night due to not feeling well.  He'd probably go down for a nap pretty soon.

He was dressed in a simple t-shirt and a pair of tiny blue jeans, sock clad feet with little Velcro sneakers peaking out.  Mingi had most likely went and got him new clothes as these were too nice to be the tattered pants and hoodie he had arrived in.

He had a little strip of purple medical tape wrapped around his elbow, no doubt having received an IV of sorts to get some fluids through his overheated body.

But other then that, his baby looked healthy.

"I feel good, Mama!  The doctor gave me an owie and it hurt a lot, but he let me pick out what color of bandaid I wanted!  And thenMin Min hyung made me feel better cuz he got me juice for being a big boy and gave me a hug!"

Hongjoong could only smile fondly as the small boy rattled on, surprised he hadn't taken notice of his little brother laid across his chest.

"Also look Mama! Mama look, Shiber's all clean!"

He hadn't even realized the plush tucked underneath his son's arm, his eldest now holding it out proudly for him to see.

Shiber was a stuffed fox given to San on his 2nd birthday by his father, having received the plush only a couple months before his parents inevitable break up.

His ex-boyfriend had lovingly called their son his "Little Fox" ever since the day he was born, breaking Hongjoong's heart as he was constantly reminded of the bittersweet memory by the small animal San regularly carried around with him.

I guess some memories just weren't meant to die...

Shiber stuck around with them even after they had unexpectedly became homeless, providing a source of comfort for his son other than Hongjoong himself.

Of course over time, the stuffed animal slowly began to collect the unavoidable grime of living out on the streets, his owner's constant loving only adding to his already haggard state.

Although, now as San clutched him in his arms, he looked almost good as new.

His orange fur was fluffy again, not stiff and matted like it used to be. The white around his face, chest, and tail were no longer a grungy brown, finally devoid of dirt. And his head, which had been hanging on its last threads, was now stitched up nicely, a little blue ribbon tied around his neck to hide the sewing.

Hongjoong looked up at Seonghwa and Mingi in question, the two of them conversing quietly off to the side but the tall brunette noticed his stare, smiling shyly as he gestured to the mended toy in his son's arms.

"I sent the other guys back to where you two were staying, and Yeosang found him. He took him home and gave him a quick wash and fixed him up before bringing him back here."

"Thank you"

Hongjoong looked up at the officer, smiling softly as he thanked him, glad that San finally had his favorite comfort toy back.

"Oh!  He also managed to find this..."

Mingi produced a small backpack from behind him, laying the tattered bag onto the bed's pristine sheets.

He could only look at the faded red material in shock as he freed the arm San had wrapped himself around, quickly grabbing one of the straps and yanking it towards himself.

"Oh my god, I thought I would never get this stuff back!  Thank you so much, Mingi!"

He struggled slightly as he undid the zipper, but eventually managed to get it open, staring at the contents inside.

He gently pulled everything out, mumbling quietly under his breath as he made sure everything was safe and sound.

All the things he had stolen from the convenience store were still there alongside with his dead phone, reformed wallet (with nothing inside), pencil case, and there at the very bottom was his sketchbook, the leather bound cover a comforting sight to see.

He hastily flipped through the old pages, keeping it out of the two officers' line of sight as he made sure that all the content inside wasn't damaged.

Everything seemed to be intact.

"Hey!  Isn't that the sketchbook you kicked me for?"

Seonghwa pointed out, receiving a fond huff from Hongjoong as he closed up the small book, tying the closure around it tightly.

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't..."

He giggled as he placed everything back inside the backpack before zipping it up, setting it carefully on the floor besides him.

He settled back into his pillows, letting San reattached himself to his side as he removed Wooyoung from his chest, the little boy seeming to have fallen asleep while eating.

"I think Woo fell asleep while eating breakfast! He's just like you, Sannie!"

Hongjoong teased, his eldest giggling brightly as he watched his mother tend to his little brother.

He made sure to keep the blanket around himself so he didn't flash Seonghwa (and now Mingi) as his upper half was still very much naked. 

He carefully draped his youngest tummy down on to his arm, patting his back gently.

Sleepy little grunts could be heard from the newborn as he burped him, resting him into San's lap as soon as he felt his body relax because the boy was practically begging to hold him.

"Remember to be gentle, sweetheart.  He's just a baby."

He watched fondly as his son ran a hesitant finger across his brother's hair and skin, squeaking out about how soft it was.  He was very excited when he noticed the small birthmark underneath his eye, wondering if they would end up having matching dimples.

The small family of three happily bonded together as Seonghwa and Mingi had a hushed conversation by the door, looking at him every so often.

A far amount of time had past by and Hongjoong could easily tell that San was starting to crash, his eyes drooping tiredly as he kept nodding off, only to shake himself awake.

Seonghwa seemed to notice the small boy's predicament as he walked away from the taller to ruffle his hair warmly, settling himself back onto the couch as he looked up at his coworker.

"Hey Min, why don't you go take San down for breakfast? He needs to eat something before he falls asleep and I really need to talk to Hongjoong."

Seonghwa asked, a silent conversation passing between their eyes as Mingi looked at him in surprise.

"You haven't tol-I mean, of course I will! What do you say little man? Do you want to go get breakfast with me?

San immediately perked up at the brunette's offer, nodding his head excitedly as all traces of tiredness faded away.

"Yes, yes I want to eat with Min Min hyung!Can I Mama? Can I please?"

Hongjoong smiled fondly at his son, brushing a hand through his overgrown bangs as he nodded at his request, earning an excited cheer from him.

He almost denied as he wasn't very familiar with Mingi, but Seonghwa must really want to talk to him as he kept staring at him with this look on his face, so he deemed the tall officer trustworthy enough.

Whatever it is, it must be important if he needs to get him alone.

"Of course baby! I heard they make really good chocolate croissants here. Why don't you go eat one for me, hm?"

San happily agreed to his idea, eagerly waiting for him to take Wooyoung off his lap so he could slide off the bed and run up to his hyung's side. 

Once free of his little brother, he practically dragged Mingi out the door as he grabbed his hand, complaining that he wasn't moving fast enough as he pushed him forwards.

Ahh...kids

"So, what did you need to talk to me about?"

He asked as soon as he had settled Wooyoung into his small rolling bassinet, keeping it close to his bedside as he looked up at the officer in question.

"I just need to confirm a few things.  Mingi and Yunho have been helping me with preparing something all night."

Seonghwa spoke loudly, wringing his hands nervously in his lap as his bright teeth wore away at his bottom lip, large doe eyes staring up at him.

"Like what?"

"Just a couple things I needed to set up around my house.  I haven't had the time to do it myself because I'm here with you."

Hongjoong eyed him suspiciously, the officer's dark gaze dropping to the floor.

"And what exactly are you setting up for?"

He watched as the male's Adam's Apple bobbed in his throat as he swallowed, looking back up at him with serious eyes.

"You"

The room fell silent, the pair staring at each other with two very different expressions.

"Excuse me?"

Hongjoong squawked, surprise evident on his face as he eyed Seonghwa warily, not liking how his face looked drawn up into a mask of complete and utter seriousness.

"You are coming home with me."

The words shot through him like a bullet, knocking the air from his lungs as he unconsciously choked on nothing, the whites of his eyes bulging out of his skull as he stared at the officer in sheer shock.

"W-what!"

"I said you are coming home with me...I have the space and I think it would be good for you and your sons to finally have a stable home life for once."

He didn't know why, but a mixture of both thankfulness and anger ran throughout his body at the older's words, the latter seeming to be more dominant as his mouth turned downwards.

If he were a cat his ears would be completely flat against his head, tail flicking swiftly as he drew in on himself, immediately becoming defensive.

"Seonghwa, I can't let you do that."

The dark haired male looked up at him in confusion, slowly standing up from his spot as he approached his bedside, large hand gripping the railing above his head as he kneeled down to be at eye level with him.

"Hongjoong, I want to hel-"

"I'm not some charity case Seonghwa!"

He instantly lashed out at the other's words.  He could feel tears begin to roll down his cheeks, but he didn't wipe them away as he stared up at the male with fire glistening in his eyes.

"I raised San on my own for 2 years, on the streets for gods sake!  I think I am more then capable of taking care of myself and my family.  I don't need your pity!  I'm perfectly fine on my own!"

"But that was before Wooyoung...How do you expect to take care of a baby while being homeless, Hongjoong?  He's a fucking newborn!  You can't expect him to survive with you out on the streets when he isn't even 24 hours old!"

Seonghwa hissed, the words stinging as he knew they were true.  He could never bring himself to put his children into that kind of danger.  But he also couldn't find it in himself to accept the other's help, just staring aimlessly at his hands as the older lectured him, tears still streaming down his face.

"Seonghwa I c-can't...I-"

"Please Hongjoong, just let me help you!  I don't want to see you or your family suffer any longer!"

A large hand fell on top of his, palm warm as it squeezed his smaller pair together underneath its tanned skin.

Seonghwa looked up at him with large doe eyes, the rich brown of his irises shining under the low light of the room.

Hongjoong could feel his facade begin to break as he stared into the older man's eyes, walls slowly crumbling down, piece by piece.

But he wasn't going down without a fight.

"B-but what about all the stuff you would have to buy. You don't even have any supplies to care for a baby, let alone would I ever let you pay for any of it. That's far too expensive and I don't have any money to repay you with."

"Who said I was buying anything?"

He snapped his head up at that, blushing slightly as he realized just how close their faces had come together, noses almost brushing before Seonghwa took a sheepish step back.

"I had some help.  Yunho and Mingi have a son about San's age and they were kind enough to give me some of his old baby supplies and clothes that they still had. My mom bought everything else you may need. She happily agreed to it all when I told her about your situation. She's been through something similar and knows how you feel, so don't even think you are taking her money or that I'm using her. She really wants to help you and your family out.

Hongjoong could only stare at him blankly, completely shocked that he had gone out of his way to do all of this for just him and his family.

No one had ever been this kind to him before!

"W-what about all the charges against me? Your chief couldn't possibly let me off the hook that easily."

He huffed stubbornly, crossing his arms as he leaned back against his pillows, lips pursed.

"It's all done and taken care of. Let's just say I have some good connections around the station.

Seonghwa easily waved off the question, gingerly settling himself onto the edge of his hospital bed as he looked at him with large eyes, dark eyebrows raised slightly.

"So, what do you say?"

Hongjoong knew he was fighting a losing battle as he quickly ran out of excuses to say, staring at the older in front of him in silence.  He could feel his pride slowly succumbing to the fact that he should just accept Seonghwa's offer, knowing that it would be the best choice for both him and his family.

"Hongjoong, there is literally nothing holding you back from accepting. I'm not asking for anything in return from you, nor am I going to hold it all above your head as blackmail.  I just want to give you and your family somewhere safe to stay while you try and get back onto your feet.

Seonghwa was so genuine when he spoke to him, face open and nonjudgmental as he placed a comforting hand on top of his covered knee, squeezing it reassuringly.

"I want to at least help pay for something, I feel guilty staying with you for free..."

He mumbled quietly, lips stuck out into a pout as he playfully kicked his leg, knocking off the other's hand.

The officer sighed tiredly, running long fingers through his ruffled dark locks as he chuckled softly, eyes and smile fond as he gazed up at him.

He could feel his heart quicken slightly at the look of affection, barely holding down a blush that he knew was spreading across his cheeks as he cleared his throat loudly, willing his embarrassment to go away.

Why was he acting like this?

"I should have assumed you would want to do something in return.  How about this?  I'm currently taking leave so I can help you recover and settle in if you decide to live with me.  However, once I'm off leave and back to working, you can be in charge of keeping the house intact.  I never have time for daily chores, so that would honestly be a big help to me."

Huh?  Those were his requirements?  All he had to do to live in the older's house was essentially be his maid?

Seonghwa shifted himself further up his bed side, holding out a sturdy hand in front of him as he stared at him with the most intense expression he could muster, eyes hardening.

"There's nothing holding you back, Hongjoong.  I want to help you.  So please, just accept the damn offer or else I'll drag you home myself."

"Do we have a deal?"

It was almost comical how serious the other had become, his face down turned and angry. 

He could feel a fraction of a smile twitch up onto his lips as he huffed fondly, dropping his head between his shoulders as he snickered slightly.

He could see through his long fringe as Seonghwa's face dropped, hand slowly lowering itself before he quickly grabbed it with his own, his head snapping up as he as beamed brightly, feeling the officer jolt at the unexpected touch.

"You have a deal."

To say Seonghwa was glowing was an understatement. He was practically the sun itself as he smiled up at him, brown eyes crinkling up in glee.

"Thank you so much Hongjoong. I'm glad that you trust me enough to agree to come live with me. It means a lot."

The officer continued to beam at him, practically vibrating in his spot as he reached out once again to give his knee an affection squeeze, patting the covered skin gently.

"Aish...I should be the one thanking you..."

He sighed loudly, feigning annoyance as he dramatically flopped onto his back, his own smile on his lips.

Polite knocking quickly stopped him from saying anymore as a young nurse's head popped out from behind the wooden door. Her blonde ponytail swished behind her as she walked up to his bedside, completely ignoring the other male in the room as she stood in front of him.

"Hello Mr. Park! I'm here to check up on those stitches of yours!"

He quickly sat up as she addressed him, noting how Seonghwa noticeably paled at the girl's cheerful voice, nervousness evident on his face.

He seemed to be visibly panicking as Hongjoong could only look at the young women in confusion, head tilted slightly.

"My last name isn't-"

"Honey! Do you want me to take Wooyoung down to the nursery while you get checked out?"

Seonghwa interrupted loudly, hurriedly motioning to his ring finger that was adored with a silver band behind the nurse's head, his experssion desperate.

Hongjoong sneakily looked down at his own hand which was settled in his lap, spotting an identical ring on his finger as well.

Huh, so they were apparently "married" to each other. That's actually really smart.

He was definitely going to have some fun with this.

"Actually Hwa, why don't you go join San and Mingi for breakfast down at the cafeteria? You can drop Woo off at the nursery for a bit and bring him back once you're done.

He called out softly, voice dripping with sweetness as he talked to the older. He made sure his eyes oozed affection as he looked at the other male, really trying to sell the part to the nurse in front of him.

"Sounds like a plan! I'll grab you something while I'm down there."

The officer hastily stood up, nearly tripping over his own feet as he swiftly grabbed the sides of his son's moving bassinet. He looked to be sweating bullets, but his acting was pretty good as he made his way towards the door.

"Thanks baby!  Maybe if you're back in time you could help me take a shower?"

Seonghwa most definitely blushed at that, making him smirk slyly as he watched the officer quickly leave, wheeling Wooyoung out in front of him into the hallway.

His eyes stayed locked onto his tall figure until the heavy wooden door closed behind him loudly, leaving him and the nurse alone.

Silence filled the air, but was cut short as the girl clasped her hands together tightly, smiling cheerfully at him with pearly white teeth.

"Alrighty, how about we check your stitches now, Mr. Park?"

Ah...he had forgot about that part

....................

Seonghwa made sure he didn't return in time to help Hongjoong shower.

After he had left, he had blindly navigated his way down the endless amounts of halls as he tried to find the nursery, eventually finding it from the helpful directions of another parent.

He dropped Wooyoung off, promising he would come back for him soon as he made his way towards the cafeteria where he soon joined San and Mingi for breakfast.

He was sat at a little plastic table, nursing a cup of lukewarm coffee between his hands as he gently encouraged the 4-year-old beside him to finish his food.

San had barely eaten half of his chocolate croissant before he began to nod off at the table, just as Hongjoong had predicted earlier.

Seonghwa had to keep himself from laughing as the little boy would jerk himself awake every few seconds to take another bite of his pastry, but would eventually end up falling back asleep as he chewed, crumbs sticking to his lips and cheeks.

Around the third time he had repeated the process, he knew the boy had had enough and was ready for a nap as the chunk of bread between his small fingers didn't even reach his mouth, limply falling back onto the paper towel it was placed on as he fully knocked out in his chair.

Mingi quickly picked up their trash and threw it away while he gently wiped down the boy's face and hands, ridding him of sticky chocolate.

Once clean, he lifted him up onto his hip as he grabbed the paper bag containing the blueberry muffin he had gotten for Hongjoong with his free hand.

San yawned cutely as he nuzzled into the side of his neck like a household cat, smacking his lips tiredly as he snuggled against him.

Seonghwa could practically feel his heart melt at the boy's actions, pressing his cheek a top his dark hair as he bounced him lightly in his hold, waiting for Mingi to join them.

"Come on kiddo, let's get you to an actual bed before you fully pass out on me."

He cooed softly, slowing making his way back towards the nursery with Mingi on his tail to pick up the boy's younger brother.

As he walked with San in his arms, he couldn't help but notice how right this all felt.

His arms felt like they were made to hold the small boy within them, feeling empty without his solid weight.

He lazily approached the wall of glass that signified the entrance into the nursery as he gazed at all the babies laid within the many white bassinets inside.

He couldn't help the swell of pride that rushed through his body as soon as he laid his eyes onto Wooyoung, smiling brightly as he watched the boy's dark eyes flit around the room in curiosity.

He glanced over quickly as he felt a presence move up besides him, turning to see Mingi just as equally as fascinated with all the tiny newborns behind the large clear pane.

He doesn't know how long they stood there watching, but it had to be long enough as San's head was pillowed against his shoulder, cheeks puffed out as he breathed through parted lips, now fully asleep.

A faint touch tapped against his shoulder, announcing the arrival of a small nurse as he smiled up kindly at the tall officer.

"You're Wooyoung's father, right?  Would you like me to go get him for you?"

Seonghwa felt himself still at the other's words before he was nodding eagerly, finding himself swooning at the title of being the little boy's father.

He could definitely get used to this.

Author's Note: Just posting this chapter here because I'll be deleting all of the old chapters of Thank U from the actual book. The reworked version of chapter 1 is well on its way to being done, but I figured some of you may still enjoy reading the old versions. So here you go!

✨Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed!✨