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Are you ready, angel? | CH10

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒: It all begins when Somi declares that she's on a sex ban for three months. You remind her of this when your life is turned upside down. And when everything finds its place again, you reconnect with him in a way you never would have expected.

You're new to this avenue of pleasure, Hyunjin isn't. Who can be better to guide you through this journey of self-discovery? And maybe Hyunjin has a few things to learn about himself.

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Hyunjin x Reader (female)

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: fluff, feels, sprinkle of sexual tension but more like pining, talking

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 7.7K

𝐀/𝐍: Much fluff ahead! Hope you guys will enjoy the chapter, the fanfic will pick up pace after this! More conversations to come ahead.

𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @justoutfromdead @amelialistree @aerastus @purehyunida @danyxthirstae01 @moasworld @c-atitos @hyunee1 @bangtanskz @jisungsleftcheek @uwusforateez @keehoslove @hyynee @a-person-with-void @castielsfrillywhiteknickers @mtkdukart @ninjaleeknow @hiraemy @minaamhh @sermed @97lovestay @kpophoe22 @lyralurexrattle @arraby2 @internetmemeofficial @byunhoebaek @baekxhwa @dancingstan

(Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list)

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“So, button, what do you think?”

Despite the lack of furniture, toys, or anything to indicate this house will be lived in, Hyunah’s smile is happy and curious as she explores their new place.

You picked up the keys from the agent earlier in the day, after calling the daycare to advise Hyunah wouldn’t be coming in. Starting back up at the studio tomorrow means that today, you want to get all the quality time you can with your baby. Your new house is the first stop of a day with plans of the park, gelato, and maybe even the local pool, if you’re not too exhausted in the afternoon.

“This will be your bedroom,” you continue, pointing through the open door to a well-sized sun-lit room. “And we can paint it whatever colour you want.”

“Purple!”

You smile, unsurprised. It’s her favourite at the moment. “Of course. And there’s a big yard for you, too. Come on.”

Running ahead on her two chubby legs, Hyunah gets to the sliding door that opens onto a small deck, reaching up for the handle. You're not looking forward to toddler-proofing the place, but with those little hands and Hyunah’s curiosity, you will need to sooner rather than later.

“Here, let me, baby.”

Opening the door, you revel in Hyunah’s excited squeal as she runs across the deck and into the backyard. It’s nothing special, but big enough that you will have some great games of tiggy and hide-and-seek soon enough. Your own smile grows as you watch your daughter explore the area, pointing out some flowers she finds, the line of ants crossing the pavement down the side.

It’s another half hour before Hyunah’s curiosity is sated and you lock up. A sign advertising the house still sits out front, a SOLD sticker proudly slashed across it; the agent told you it would be down by the end of the week, for which you are glad. While you have got two shifts at the studio this week, you are hoping to get the majority of your things packed to begin moving over the weekend.

It’s going to be an exhausting process, but one that you are undeniably excited about.

With all that’s happened over the past two weeks — seeing Hyunjin, kissing Hyunjin — it’s a relief knowing you will have something else to draw your focus, at least for a little while. Especially something that denotes a new step in your and Hyunah’s life.

Your day together continues with blue skies and good moods, the park a hit as it always is, and Hyunah going down for her midday nap with ease, the promise of gelato helping in that regard. And while that itself is a huge mess, by the afternoon you and Hyunah are set up on a grassy patch at the pool, covered in sunscreen and warming up between dips in the water and playing in the kids fountain section.

Life, despite all it’s thrown at you recently, is good.

It’ll be a huge, likely difficult few months, navigating everything with Hyunjin and Hyunah. Moments of longing to be avoided, and challenging conversations to be had, decisions to be made. Your life will change drastically, in ways you haven’t even begun to contemplate yet.

You know this, know that it can’t be avoided.

But for the moment, with the warm June sun shining and a light breeze in the air, you can simply enjoy this time with Hyunah.

***

Your muscle memory serves you well on Wednesday morning.

Unlocking the studio and putting in the code for the alarm is as quick a process as it ever was, and soon you're settling in at the main counter for the day. Claudia’s left some notes and a contact number, but you're not anticipating needing anything over the next two months. The schedule looks much the same as it did when you worked here last year, a lot of the same artists booking out studio time. As long as you don’t fuck up taking over-the-phone bookings, or doing inventory — which you won’t —  you’re good as gold.

Easy cash, and some time you can carve out for your own time, relaxing. Or, today, because you have got a house that needs to be filled with things, research.

A small stream of artists flow in and out over the first couple of hours, your customer service smile coming back to you with ease, and so, it’s unsurprisingly in place quickly when, just past midday, the bell of the door rings.

Falling just as quickly when you see who it is entering the studio.

Yeji’s stare bears a hardness that would put anyone on edge. She wields it like a trusty weapon, keeping it locked on you as, with slow purposefulness, she walks towards the counter. You wonder whether she’s ever considered pursuing drama, but figures any attempt at a joke won’t currently be received well.

Arriving at the other side of the counter, Yeji crosses her arms over her chest, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “Y/n.”

There’s a fierceness to her voice that you would be tempted to meet if you weren’t at work; instead, you go in the opposite direction.

“Hello, Yeji. It’s nice to see you again.” Your smile returns, falsely pleasant. “Can I help you with anything?”

An unimpressed glare levels you. “Cut the crap.”

Your smile twitches. Yeji may have the guts, and the steel to back it, but you'd never been one to cower to this sort of shit. “I’m at work right now, Yeji. So if you don’t need help, you’ll either need to buy something or leave.”

Her jaw tightens. “Fine. You can help me. I don’t know exactly what’s going on because my asshole friend won’t tell me anything, but I know enough. So explain to me this: how the fuck could you do this to him?”

If her anger wasn’t directed solely at you, you could almost probably appreciate that the words are fuelled by loyalty and the protective instinct that comes with friendship. Hell, if you thought anyone had hurt Chan — or anyone you love, really — you’d definitely burn with the same fury you can see in Yeji’s eyes right now.

But, as it is, Yeji is way off base, and you don't owe her an explanation.

That would be Hyunjin, but as Yeji mentioned, apparently he hasn’t shared any recent developments with her.

“I suggest that you talk to Hyunjin before accusing me of things that you know nothing about.” Your voice is even and low, conscious of the clients that are working just down the hall. “If you had, you’d know that he and I spoke on Sunday, and are seeing each other today. I’m happy to discuss things with you, Yeji, but not behind his back. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t use my working here as an opportunity to corner me.”

A beat filled with tension stretches between them, but it eases the moment Yeji does. Releasing a breath, she lets her arms go and nods at you.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s not fair of me to come in here like that. I just—” Sighing, she runs a hand through her hair. “I’m just really worried about Jinnie.”

You remember the way Hyunjin described their childhood, how they only had each other to rely on at both school and outside. You feel a pang of sympathy for the woman, and find that just like you couldn’t hold anything against Hyunjin, you can’t hold this immediate reaction against Yeji.

“It’s okay. Look, this isn’t easy for me, either. I never thought — I didn’t expect I’d ever see Hyunjin again, honestly.” Yeji’s eyes soften slightly, just enough for you to feel you can continue. “But I’m so glad I did. As awkward as this past week has been, I wouldn’t change it, not with what it means for Hyunah.”

Yeji nods, expression that of embarrassment-post-overreaction. You decide to let her squirm; she can take it.

“She really is cute,” she says after a moment, something of an olive branch.

You grin. “She is. And I don’t think I’m just biased. It would be great if you could meet her again soon. Hopefully with less fanfare.”

“Yeah, that’d be nice.”

“I’ll mention it to Hyunjin and we can sort something out.”

Offering a tentative smile, Yeji nods. “Okay. Well, I better let you go. Have a nice day, Y/n.”

You figure Yeji’s not the one to over-apologise, so you just return the smile and sentiment. “You too, Yeji.”

As soon as she’s out of sight, a long breath eases the lingering tension in your body. Pulling out your phone, you text Hyunjin.

Y/n: Can you please talk to Yeji?

It’s the first text you have sent since telling him your address on Sunday, and once again memories of that night fill your mind. You thought that he’d have texted you before this, but it seems their kiss has thrown him off as much as it has you, and with the standing date tonight, neither of you have risked further contact.

Something that won’t be possible once he’s met Hyunah, you know, which only solidifies your resolve that nothing more can happen between you and Hyunjin.

When he comes over tonight, that will have to be stated explicitly.

It would just be nice if your body could get on board with the decision, and not conjure impossible desires of his hands, or his mouth, or his —

Phone buzzing, you feel your cheeks heat up at the train of your thoughts.

Hyunjin: God. What did she do?

You are not about to get in between those two.

Y/n: Nothing. Just talk to her ok? She’s worried about you

Hyunjin: Ofc

Hyunjin: Sorry about everything

Hyunjin: I’ve taken part of the day off. Would it suit you if I came over earlier?

Y/n: I’ll be home with Hyunah by three thirty but mum and Anthony will come by briefly before dinner

Y/n: So you’re more than welcome but you’ll have to meet them

Hyunjin: I did wonder whether residents’ salaries had gotten substantially better when I wasn’t looking

Y/n: Hell no. It’s mum’s house

Hyunjin: I’ll come by around half four. More than happy to meet them

Y/n: I’ll see you then

***

Lawless Kids

Chan is the one who named the group, years ago now, when you all first became friends, and as you catch up on the various messages you missed while wrapping up at the studio and collecting Hyunah from daycare, you have got to say it’s apt.

Felix and Somi are discussing the aerodynamics of a bong Changbin’s currently making, while Ryujin and Emily are trying to make use of Zara’s — newly added to the group, an indication that things are getting serious with Felix — knowledge around security systems to break into a water park overnight.

Chan — and surprisingly Wooyoung — wisely haven’t engaged, and Hongjoong is just sending the occasional meme throughout.

After setting up Hyunah with an afternoon snack in the lounge room, you run through the messages with some input of your own, getting the expected answer when you question the motivations behind the water park plan.

Ryujin: waterslides and stars? why else?

You don't break the news that the water to get those big slides running is likely turned off overnight, and just hope that this line of questioning is mostly hypothetical. Besides, you have got your own news to share, and — after checking the time — fifteen minutes to field questions before Hyunjin gets here.

You’d wanted to bring everyone up to speed in person, but with how the week’s shaping up, you won’t make it to this weekend’s get together, and it feels weird keeping them in the dark. It’d be nice to share your inner freak-outs on the group chat occasionally.

Y/n: I’ve got news and I’m just going to rip it off like a bandaid

Y/n: Not sure if that expression works in this context

Y/n: But Hyunjin is back and meeting Hyunah properly in about 15 min

Changbin: WHAT

Changbin: wait i already knew half of this

Hongjoong: how are you stoned already

Ryujin: fuck Y/n

Ryujin: here we are talking about a waterpark heist when ur about to see ur baby daddy

Wooyoung: it’s not a heist unless you steal things

Emily: We’re taking pool noodles, keep up

Ryujin: how are you feeling?

Wooyoung: I liked that guy when I met him

Wooyoung: We should vote whether to induct him into the group

Felix: can y’all stay on track?

Felix: are you alright Y/n?

Y/n: I am used to the derailing of conversations

Y/n: And I’m mostly good. Nervous obviously, but what can you do?

Wooyoung: I can beat him up if you want

Chan: you JUST said you wanted to induct him into the group

Wooyoung: Yeah, but if  you wanted I’d still do it

Somi: And that’s that on friendship

Y/n: No beating up required

Y/n: But he probably will be inducted in some shape or form, because he’s made it pretty clear he wants to be part of Hyunah’s life

Wooyoung: She is the cutest

Hongjoong: I barely like kids but can verify she is this cutest

Felix: I love kids but she’s the cutest of them all

Y/n: Thank you

Y/n: Also I’m moving over the weekend, so with any luck housewarming party in a few weeks’ time. You could meet him there. Well again.

Changbin: I can try out my new bong!

Y/n: No

Felix: no

Chan: NO

Somi: YES

Ryujin: seriously?

Felix: I don’t trust you after the bingo incident

Emily: we’re here for u if u need anything Y/n

Zara: remind Hyunjin he knows that I do krav maga so if he hurts you or Hyunah he knows what’s in store for him

Somi: I don’t do krav maga but you can remind Hyunjin that I also have methods

Felix: this may be a good time to mention that Zara is friends with Hyunjin

Felix: I have it on good authority that he’s a good guy

Wooyoung: let me hear it from the source

Zara: Hyunjin’s a good guy

Chan: Thank god

Y/n: Thanks guys

Y/n: And for confirming, Zara

Y/n: Anyway, I better go. But thanks all for the usual stray behaviour. Hoping everything can stay as normal as possible

Wooyoung: Unrealistic

You roll your eyes, hopping out of the chat as messages of good luck and vibes and Wooyoung-challenging come through. That went about as well as you expected on this kind of platform. You are sure that the next time you see everyone in person, they will pull you away more seriously to check in, but for the moment, it just feels good to get them up to speed.

This entire situation will involve change in almost every aspect of your life, likely including this group of friends. An ideal world would have them getting along with Hyunjin enough that you don’t have to separate them.

Another message comes through before you can get too lost in your own thoughts.

Somi: are you actually okay?

Y/n: Peachy keen

Biting at your lip, your thumbs hover over your phone, contemplating your next words.

Y/n: Except the last time we saw each other we made out

Somi: three years ago doesn’t count

Y/n: Does Sunday?

Your face replaces the chat as your phone buzzes with a video call, timing perfectly with a knock coming from the front of the house. Screening it, you type out one last message to your friend — Sorry! He’s here — and for the second time this week, go to open the door for Hyunjin.

***

Hyunjin’s arms are full of groceries when you open the door.

Brows drawing together, you look at him in confusion. “What’s all this?” You ask, your surprise delaying the usual manners that would have you offering a hand — or at least inviting him in — momentarily.

“I thought I could make you both dinner.”

Your heart clenches at his words. Completely caught off guard, you can’t seem to find a response. You know that this isn’t a date, but still — outside of your family, and dinners with friends, nobody’s ever made dinner for you like this. It’s an act that, coupled with your history with Hyunjin, holds a level of intimacy you're not sure what to do with.

“Sorry, will you let me in?” Hyunjin lifts his arms, offering a sheepish smile. “I should get some of this in the fridge.”

You shake your head to clear the ever unhelpful thoughts. “Sorry, of course.” Moving to the side, your eyes follow Hyunjin as he steps inside, and you nod towards the kitchen. “Yeah, go through. Hyunah’s in the lounge.”

You follow closely behind, and notice the tension that creeps into Hyunjin’s shoulders as he makes his way to the back of the house — the kitchen on the left, the lounge on the right. Hyunah’s attention thankfully doesn’t stray from Peppa Pig on TV, which gives you a minute alone with Hyunjin.

“You really didn’t have to do this,” you say, as you help him unpack his shopping bags. From their contents, you're guessing he’s planned an Italian night.

“I wanted to do something nice. Special. Are either of you allergic to anything? I should’ve checked, but I wanted it to be a surprise.”

Your smile feels too fond as you glance up at Hyunjin, his nerves written clear across his face. “Not that I know of. Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s just — well, I want everything to go well.” He returns your look, offers a smile that somehow explains everything to you. Anticipation and anxiety and excitement run together as he continues. “It’s the first time I’ll be properly meeting her. I’m just — conscious that she might not like me.”

Taking his hand, you give it a squeeze. “She will. If not outwardly today, then tomorrow, or the next day. It’ll come with time, Hyunjin.” You can’t even begin to imagine how it would feel, wondering whether your daughter would like you, but you hope your words ease some of Hyunjin’s worries. “The first step is hanging out with her today, and then you go from there.”

Hyunjin nods, releases a breath you hope carries enough tension so he can begin to relax now.

“So, we normally have dinner around seven, and start getting ready for bed at eight. I thought we could chat after I put her down?”

“Sounds good.”

“And just — check in, okay? Let me know if you need a moment, or if you’re not comfortable with anything.”

Hyunjin chuckles, but it’s kind. “As long as you do the same.”

“I will. And I always tell Hyunah the same.”

“You’re a good mum, Y/n.”

His words again catch you off guard, and you have to avert your gaze, swallowing past the emotion in your throat. Hyunjin has no evidence to support the statement, but it still causes your heart to soar, his validation something you didn’t realise would mean so much.

“Thank you,” you say, after a moment. Nodding towards the lounge. “Are you ready to meet her?”

“I am. Thanks, angel.”

It’s a pet-name said with such little fanfare and lightheadedness, that picks at a world of memories you are currently trying your best to not to think about. You don’t need yet another reminder of your past relationship with him, especially when that kiss had so many feelings rushing right back.

“You’re welcome. Now, come on.” The timing has worked well, leading Hyunjin into the lounge, where you can see the credits of Peppa Pig are rolling. You'd told Hyunah that you had a friend coming over, so when the little girl looks up at the noise, it’s only curiosity shining in her eyes as they shift from you to Hyunjin.

“Hey, button,” you say, clicking off the TV and sitting down beside Hyunah, pulling her into your lap. “This is Mummy’s friend that I mentioned earlier. His name is Hyunjin. Can you say hello?”

Hyunah’s smile is wide and comes easily. “Hello, Hyunje,” she says, waving up at him.

Hyunjin sits down across from them, eyes dark with emotion. “Hi, Hyunah. It’s nice to meet you. What have you been watching?”

“Peppa Pig.” The expected snort follows Hyunah’s answer, and you watch a laugh startle from Hyunjin. His smile relaxes, though that awe never leaves his face.

“It’s one of her favourites,” you tell him, before nudging Hyunah. “Do you want to grab some toys, button? I thought Hyunjin and I could play with you before dinner.”

She’s out of your lap and looking into the lounge room’s baskets of toys in a matter of seconds, unsurprisingly choosing the one filled with blocks and dragging it back over. You had tidied before you left for work this morning, but it seems Hyunjin will still quickly see the storm of a mess a toddler can create.

“If you make some towers for her, she’ll happily knock them down,” you mention, as Hyunah settles back in with them.

Laughing, Hyunjin grabs a pile of blocks for himself. “She’s into destruction; got it.”

He gains Hyunah’s interest in barely a minute, creating a solid structure that she’s eager to push over, and you watch with your heart caught in your throat as Hyunjin’s smile grows at every giggle Hyunah lets out.

Blocks shift to pretend, Hyunah finding a little stethoscope to play doctor with both you and Hyunjin as patients, then drawing, everything running as smoothly as it can with a toddler. Hyunah thankfully grew out of her scared-of-strangers phase at the beginning of the year, and is happy to involve Hyunjin in each new activity, talking to him in her little, broken sentences, giggling whenever he does something funny and telling him off whenever he doesn’t get something exactly right.

And you watch as he grows more and more smitten with their daughter over the course of the afternoon. By the time you are moving over to the kitchen so he can start the promised dinner, a contented ease that should not be possible so quickly has settled over the three of you.

He insisted he didn’t need help, so as he cuts up veggies for a pasta sauce, you're simply sitting at the kitchen bench with a glass of wine, Hyunah on a booster seat beside you, continuing her drawing.

“And guess what Hyunjin’s favourite animal is, Hyunah? A lion!”

You're not sure who’s more surprised at your words, Hyunah or Hyunjin. While Hyunah’s gasp is certainly dramatic, Hyunjin’s surprise seems to be on two fronts: that he shares a favourite animal with his daughter, and that you remember such a small detail from three years ago. His eyes flick between the two of you, sitting side by side, smiling soft and fond.

“Can you tell me what sound a lion makes, Hyunah?”

Dropping her pencil, Hyunah puts her hands up as though retracting claws, and gives her best roar, very pleased that she draws hearty laughs from you both. Your eye catches Hyunjin’s for a moment, and somehow you know what you’re both thinking: look at what we made.

The moment is disrupted by the sound of the front door opening, and you notice the way Hyunjin’s nerves return in an instant.

“Keep an eye on her? I’ll intercept.”

“You don’t have to—”

You are already leaving with a cheeky grin before he can finish. Really, the interception is more for your benefit than Hyunjin’s. You need to make sure your mum and Anthony behave, and not act like excited, strict parents meeting a teenager’s boyfriend.

Greetings are rushed as Brittany insists she won’t do anything embarrassing, and Anthony just offers a helpless shrug.

“He’s making dinner, so you can’t interrogate him. Just be nice.”

“He’s making you dinner?” Brittany’s voice is laced with an insinuation you're trying not to read into.

“Yes. Now behave.”

Thankfully, they do. While your mum and Anthony are fiercely protective of both you and Hyunah, they don’t give Hyunjin much of a hard time. At your request, they have got reservations for their own dinner, which means it’s only about fifteen minutes of small talk that’s mostly made up by Hyunjin answering questions thrown his way.

Ultimately though, they both trust your judgement, which means that, outside of one moment where Brittany’s words have a slight warning threaded through them, they trust Hyunjin, too.

By the time they are leaving, you can see the early signs that Hyunjin’s won them over.

It’s a relief, given how big a part of both your and Hyunah’s lives they are. Even once you move, you anticipate seeing them regularly.

“You okay?” You ask Hyunjin as you return to the kitchen. He’s just taken garlic bread out of the oven, and is finishing off a salad. It’s a lot more than you usually manage for a simple weekday meal.

“Survived mostly unscathed.” His smile tells you he’s only joking.

“I’m glad you weren’t traumatised.”

You help take the food over to the dining table you set while Brittany and Anthony were monopolising Hyunjin’s time, taking Hyunah to your seat next.

“Mummy, juice!”

You kiss the top of her head. “What do you say?”

“Please!”

“Thank you, button. Just one cup, though.”

You pour some into a sippy cup, and grab the bottle of wine to top up your and Hyunjin’s glasses while Hyunjin serves them up. It’s a good five minutes getting Hyunah sorted, cutting up her spaghetti for her and blowing on her food to assure her it’s not too hot, but soon enough they’re back on their earlier line of topic, Hyunah showing off her skills in animal noises.

A trumpeting sound with her arm hung by her face like a trunk. Little barks with puppy paws. Hisses from what she declares are hand snakes, and so it goes. Animals become colours, then ABCs, then body parts, and you almost choke on your food on more than one occasion, laughing so hard, so easily.

“Please don’t teach our daughter the word weenus,” you say, having to fan your face as Hyunjin raises his elbow to show Hyunah the offending piece of skin. “It’s gross.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Y/n.”

“It’s hardly in the gutter, that’s just a gross word. Like moist.”

The raised eyebrow and devilish grin Hyunjin looks at you with feel far too close to flirtatious. Ducking your head, you redirect the conversation, asking Hyunjin about work. He does the same, and you continue on safer ground, moving back to Hyunah once she starts demanding more attention.

It’s such a bizarre feeling, watching her with Hyunjin. He seems completely blown away by Hyunah, an ease to his interactions with her that you're sure comes from his time working at the orphanage. And yet still, you notice the shine in his eyes each time Hyunah says his name, or when she demands to be picked up by him; it’s clear how much this means to him, how much he’s cherishing these first moments together.

If the telltale signs of Hyunah’s sleepiness didn’t start showing around eight, you’d almost be tempted to let her have a late night with Hyunjin.

As it is, you know that if you delay the bedtime routine, you will soon have a tantrum on your hands.

Thankfully, she gets through a bath and pyjamas without complaint, and when you ask if Hyunah would be comfortable having Hyunjin say goodnight to her, it’s a relief that she says yes.

Hyunah’s waiting on her bed with her chosen bedtime story when you bring Hyunjin up to her room, immediately holding it up in Hyunjin’s direction.

“Read book!”

“Please,” you add pointedly to your daughter, though your heart swells as you watch the interaction.

“Please.”

“You don’t have to,” you say to Hyunjin, soft so Hyunah won’t hear. “I’m happy to put her down.”

The look he gives you tells you it’s a stupid suggestion, which really, you knew it was. You just don’t want him to feel pressured. Taking the book from Hyunah, Hyunjin comes to sit on the chair next to her small bed, while you tuck her in, sitting to the side.

“‘The Paper Bag Princess,’” he begins to read, his smile twisting in amusement. “Very fitting. ‘Elizabeth was a beautiful princess. She lived in a castle and had expensive princess clothes. She was going to marry a prince named Ronald…’” 

The voices he uses has Hyunah in stitches, and she insists on a second read-through that Hyunjin doesn’t resist.

“‘‘Ronald,’ said Elizabeth,’” he finishes for the second time. “‘‘Your clothes are really pretty and your hair is very neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum.’ They didn’t get married after all.’ The end.” 

You cheer softly, clapping your hands, pleased when Hyunah follows suit. “Thank you for reading to us, Hyunjin.”

“Thank you, Hyunje,” Hyunah repeats. 

“You’re very welcome, my princesses.”

“Alright, button. Time for you to go to sleep.” Bringing her blanket up, you lean down to press a kiss on Hyunah’s head. Her eyes are heavy now. “Is it okay if Hyunjin gives you a kiss?”

Nodding, Hyunah looks up at Hyunjin expectantly, and it’s with a rattled breath and smile brimming with emotion that he leans over to press a kiss to her forehead, too.

“Goodnight, Hyunah,” he says, so soft, full of awe.

Hyunah pulls Occi into her side, closing her eyes. “G’night, Hyunje.”

“Night, baby,” you whisper as you stand, flicking off the overhead light before making your way from Hyunah’s room, Hyunjin following behind, down to the kitchen. “Cuppa?”

“Please. I actually bought some more stuff for dessert, if you’d like.”

“More? You really didn’t have to do all this, Hyunjin.”

“I know.” He smiles as he sorts the ingredients he will need, placing some butter in the microwave to melt. You make yourselves a cup of tea each before grabbing the various kitchen utensils you suspect he will need. “Would you believe me if I told you that I wanted to?”

“Okay, I would.”

“Good, then. I hope you like lemon delicious pudding.”

It’s one of your favourite desserts. “I do. Where’d you learn to cook?”

“My mum.” He begins measuring, flour, sugar, milk and butter all going into a large bowl. “I’m a lot better with pancakes and waffles, though.”

“Lucky me. You don’t need a recipe?”

“All up here.” He taps at his temple, sending you a smile. His technique at separating eggs is far better than your own. “I’ve made this that many times for Yeji, I doubt I’ll ever forget.”

“That is not how I operate. I learnt to cook when I found out I was pregnant, and while I’ve definitely gotten better at it, outside of the utmost basics of meals, I don’t stray from recipes.”

“I’m sure if you made lemon delicious puddings every week, you wouldn’t need one.”

You smile, nod in concession. “Probably true. Did you — have you spoken to her today?”

“I did.” Hyunjin stops grating the lemon, looks at you seriously. “She told me what happened earlier. I’m so sorry about that. Believe me when I say I gave her a good telling off. It wasn’t fair of her to say any of that, especially while you were at work.”

“Thank you. For talking to her. You don’t need to apologise on her behalf, she apologised to me herself.”

“She did tell me that.” His lips twitch, not quite a smile, but an easing of tension. “And that you held your own really well. Knowing Yeji half of my life, I know that’s a feat in and of itself.”

“She’s a strong-willed woman; it’s not a bad thing, if it’s not directed at being mad at me.” You smile to let Hyunjin know you're only teasing. “And did you bring her up to speed on everything?”

“Yeah. Well, not everything.”

The insinuation is clear, and your cheeks heat. You will need to talk to him about the kiss properly, but maybe the conversation will be easier whilst shovelling lemon "delicious" pudding into your mouth.

“Good, I’m glad you did. It’s — I hope you continue to let her in, Hyunjin. Everything with me and Hyunah, it’s gonna change your life. And I’ll be here for you as much as I can, but at the end of the day, Hyunah’s my priority.” You pause, only continuing when Hyunjin nods in understanding. “You need someone outside of us who can be there for you, when we might not be able to.”

Looking back at his hands, Hyunjin continues grating the lemon, placing the rind in a bowl with the other measured ingredients. “I know. And I will. It’s just — all my life I’ve looked after my family, looked after her. After moving away, Yeji was still around, even more than my parents. It’s hard to switch that around; I don’t like her only worrying about me.”

“She’s your friend, Hyunjin. She’s always going to worry about you, no matter anything. Besides, you grew up together; of course she’s going to be as protective of you as you are with her.”

Hyunjin nods again, clearing his throat. He barely looks at you before his eyes go to the electric beaters, and you smile in understanding. Obviously, this isn’t something he feels completely comfortable with. You don’t have to push it.

Conversation pauses as Hyunjin beats the egg whites, then folds them into the rest of the mixture, and you simply watch him move around the kitchen. He already looks so comfortable in the space that you wonder how it will feel seeing him in your new one, somewhere that will have no memories of his absence. Which reminds you, you haven’t actually mentioned your move.

It feels like safer territory once he’s finished the pudding mixture, pouring them into ramekins for the oven, and you really shouldn’t be surprised that his first instinct is to offer help.

“You don’t have to help me move, Hyunjin. I’ve got a truck for Saturday, and mum and Anthony have already volunteered. It’s fine.”

“What time’s the truck get here?”

A stare off that feels far too childish for people in their mid-twenties ends with a sigh of acceptance from you.

“I’ll be picking it up bright and early, and will hopefully get back here by nine. I’ll need to be at the new place by two for a few deliveries.”

“I’ll be here at nine, then, too.”

“You don’t have to — okay! Okay.” A reluctant smile pulls at your lips, and from Hyunjin’s grin, he notices, too. “I guess it’s another chance to spend the day with Hyunah.”

His smile softens. He places the tray of puddings in the oven, before leaning onto the kitchen bench, much like you did on Sunday. “Yeah. She’s amazing, Y/n. You’ve done an incredible job with her.”

That same surge of emotion that floored you earlier has you ducking your head now. “Thank you. She’s — yeah, she’s incredible. I’m in awe of her every day, knowing that she came from me. Or — from us.”

Hyunjin’s eyes grow glassy. “I hope I can feel the same way one day. Not knowing that she’s mine, of course, but that I’ve played a part in raising her.”

“You will. With time, you will.”

That’s something you are going to have to reconcile, too. That your baby is not all your own, that you will be sharing her with someone else. And while you trust Hyunjin, don’t expect he will do anything wrong, there’s still a part of you that doesn’t want to let Hyunah go. She’s been yours for two and half years; that she will soon have to split her time is something you can’t yet properly comprehend.

Pushing that thought away for a time when you're alone to process, you continue. May as well get to the crux of it. “Is it time for the more serious stuff now?”

“As good a time as any.”

“And then we can have dessert as a reward!”

Hyunjin’s laugh brings a smile to your face. “Good attitude. Lounge?”

“Sure.” You follow him to the couch you shared a few days ago, pulling out your phone to the list of topics to raise. “So, what are your thoughts on a paternity test?”

“Really diving right in there,” he says, a half-joke you can appreciate, though he sobers quickly. “I trust you, and I don’t feel like I need one.”

You nod, biting at your lip. “I’d probably prefer having one done. Just so it’s sorted. I don’t think either of us anticipate anything going awry here, but I know that things can. So, if you’re okay with it, I’d like you to.”

“Of course. I get that. I didn’t want you to think I needed one, but if you’d prefer it, I’ll have a look into it this week.”

“Thank you.” Checking that off on your phone, you move on. “Now, the more general stuff. I’m on summer break until September, but I’ve obviously got a bit of work at the studio in the interim. Only two or three shifts a week, but I can send you my roster.”

“I’d appreciate that. I’m mostly nine-to-five, but I can probably get some flexibility working from home, too. It’s a pretty family-friendly workplace.”

“That’s good.” You wonder whether Hyunjin knew that already, or if he’s looked into the firm’s policies since finding out about Hyunah. You can’t help but hope for the latter. “Hyunah’s signed up for daycare every day, but I’ll probably take her out quite a lot until hospital starts back up. So, I guess — well, how much do you want to see her?”

Releasing a long breath, Hyunjin runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know.” A beat. “No, that’s a lie. I do know. I want to see her every day, Y/n. Both of you. I don’t want to waste any more time, but — I’m aware that’s a huge commitment for you. And I don’t want to rush things with Hyunah.”

“The timing actually works quite well, now that I’m on break. I’m happy to work around your schedule for the next few months. And — I obviously have no more experience navigating this situation than you do, but I think that as long as Hyunah’s comfortable, and neither of us are too overwhelmed, we can jump into it.”

“And you’ll let me know if you are?”

Brows drawing together, you look at Hyunjin in confusion. “What do you mean?”

His smile is soft, kind. “I mean, you, with this list—” he taps at your phone “—and a daughter, and I’m guessing the kind of competence that requires a lot of mental effort, will you let me know if you get overwhelmed? Or somebody else. It doesn’t just go one way. I’ll have Yeji, my mom to call, but I need to know you have someone, too. And that if something happens that you don’t like, or want to change, you’ll feel comfortable bringing it up with me.”

“I do… and I will, I promise.” You're not sure if Hyunjin notices your brief hesitation, averting your gaze as you speak; his request is something you know you will struggle with. It involves a certain vulnerability you are not used to sharing with many people in your life. Clearing your throat, you meet his gaze again. “So, how about we make a schedule to see each other three or four times a week, and we can re-evaluate next month?”

“That sounds good.”

By the time the oven beeps to signify their reward is ready, they’ve sorted a basic schedule. Depending on your shifts and the days Hyunjin can work from home, they’ll have dinner together twice throughout the working week, and then spend a full day on the weekend together, too.

As for the extended people to consider — meetings of family and friends, because while your run ins with Yeji have been far from stellar so far, she is Hyunjin's friend, and you know it would mean a lot to Hyunjin that they meet again soon — they organise a get-together with Yeji and Seonghwa the weekend following your move, which thankfully times well for your vague plans of a housewarming. Hopefully by then, you will have sorted the new place enough to not feel embarrassed having people over, and Hyunjin will feel comfortable meeting your friends in exchange.

It will be a lot to manage, but a schedule you're willing to commit to, for your daughter and for Hyunjin. You're just grateful you have got a couple of months before the added responsibility of a full-time job comes into play too. On top of that, you will have to meet Hyunjin's parents as well. And that, in a couple of weeks’ time, this whole situation won’t disrupt Brittany and Anthony's lives any further.

As though the very thought summons them, you hear the front door open just as Hyunjin’s getting their puddings from the oven.

“So, he makes dessert, too?” Brittany murmurs, low for only you to hear.

“And if you’re polite, maybe you’ll get some.”

“There’s plenty if you guys feel like something sweet.”

Brittany’s smirk only infuriates you slightly. She and Anthony happily accept, and it’s another half hour of the four of you chatting before your pointed remarks have the pair saying goodnight and heading upstairs, though not before Brittany quietly refers to Hyunjin as Dad when she’s speaking with you about how his first meeting with Hyunah went.

Still, it raises the second to last thing you wanted to talk about: how and when he’ll be introduced as her father.

“I’d prefer to wait telling her.” Your words are said in an anxious rush, the first major thing you're worried Hyunjin will fight you on.

He doesn’t respond for a long moment, though the silence that stretches surprises you, lacking the discomfort you thought it would. Instead, Hyunjin’s quietness reflects the due consideration of your words, the weighing up of his own. It’s another act that doubles as unintended comfort, an indication of how seriously he’s taking this situation.

Finally, he nods, though he doesn’t look at you. “I understand that. And I’ll go at the pace you’re comfortable with.”

A rattled breath full of relief leaves your chest. “Thank you. I just… I don’t want to rush things with her. I know she’s young, but I think kids understand more than we realise. I don’t want to overwhelm her with a big change.”

“She’s your priority. I get that, Y/n. And — well, I’ll be the same with Hyunah.”

“That means. . . more than you realise, Hyunjin.” Glancing back up at you, his smile is so soft you can’t bear to look at it too long. Especially with the final point to raise. “The kiss.” Your abruptness doesn’t seem to be a surprise; you suspect you’ve both known this was coming, and the strange way you met Dahlia at the store. “It can’t — we can’t do that again, Hyunjin.”

While it’s an undeniably awkward thing to address explicitly, the guilt that you've felt these past few days eases. Ever since you let yourself give in to something you knew you shouldn’t. Because despite how good it was, despite the part of you would very much enjoy continuing down a path you know first-hand leads to a lot of fun and pleasure, the stakes of pursuing something so reckless are so high: Hyunah, and the relationship you will have with Hyunjin.

“I know. I– I even talked to Dahlia about the arrangement and she told me you're not thinking about it anymore. Besides you’re right, it was a complete mistake.” Hyunjin’s voice is low, rough, and you almost want to point out that that’s not what you said, but it doesn’t matter. “I’m sorry I put you in that position. It was just — well. You’re just you, you know?”

If you were keeping a list of all the things you knew, that would be nowhere on it. The sentiment is completely lost on you, but it feels like too much of a risk to ask him to elaborate. Not when any answers he could give wouldn’t change this truth: that Hyunah needs to be their number one priority.

“It’s okay. I know I played a good part in it, too, so I’m sorry as well. I just… I think it’ll be easiest if we set very clear boundaries. So there aren’t any mixed messages between us, or for Hyunah.” A breath, and you offer Hyunjin a smile that feels far too wistful. “We’ll be partners in this, Hyunjin, but it’ll be completely platonic.”

The laugh he barks tells you it sounded as lame aloud as it did in your head, but his returning is kind, if rueful. “Sure, Y/n. Platonic partners.”

A larger smile threatening, you duck your head. “So, do you think we’ve earned a second dessert after that?”

“I think we’ll both make ourselves sick if we have any more.”

“That’s true. Then, I guess, as long as you don’t have anything else you want to discuss, you’re free to go.”

“You really think I’m gonna leave without helping with the dishes?”

“Hyunjin. You already cooked me dinner and dessert. You don’t have to wash up.”

“Can’t hear you.” He mimes with his hand by his ear as he shifts towards the sink. “I’ll just assume you said you’ll dry.”

You click your tongue. “Smartass.”

He definitely catches you muttering, but he only smiles wider, filling the sink with water as you come to stand beside him with a dish towel to dry up.

Platonic partners. You can totally do that.

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MY HEART IT HURTS!!!😭😭😭😭

The ending of this was too heart wrenching oml. Viv did it again, she made me cry. The next episode better have some kind of resolution or talk with blitzo and stolas again cause I can’t stand what just happened!