Pixie

You didn’t mean to become the unofficial mother of Cortis.

Really, all you did was start dating James — quiet, talented, unintentionally adorable James — and show up at the dorm once with snacks and Band-Aids.

That was it.

But apparently, that was enough for the rest of the members to claim you.

Like today, walking into the practice room with James, fingers loosely intertwined.

Seonghyeon looked up from tying his shoes and immediately shouted:

“MUM’S HERE!”

You froze. James froze. Both of you turned the exact same shade of red.

Keonho spun around dramatically, eyes wide. “Mum!! I hurt my ankle earlier. Look.” He limped toward you with the fakest limp ever recorded.

“You’re walking fine,” you said, squinting.

“I’m emotionally injured,” he corrected.

Martin leaned against the mirror, shaking his head. “Is this how children behave? I’m embarrassed to be related.”

Juhoon didn’t even look up as he stretched. “We’re not related. We adopted them. We had no choice.”

James sputtered. “We?? Since when am I—?!”

Seonghyeon cut him off. “Since the day you brought her snacks like a dad coming home from work.”

Keonho gasped dramatically. “Dad provides.”

James turned to you with a look of pure defeat. “They’re unhinged.”

But you couldn’t stop laughing — which only encouraged them.

Juhoon pointed at the door. “Dad brought mum to practice today. Everyone behave.”

“STOP CALLING US THAT,” James groaned, face buried in his hands.

“Dad is shy,” Martin whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.

————————————————

You sat against the wall, watching them rehearse. James kept glancing at you through the mirror — those shy, secret smiles that warmed your whole chest.

The boys noticed.

They always noticed.

During a break, Seonghyeon flopped onto the floor next to you. “Mum,” he said, already breathless, “can you pass me my water?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Why can’t you get it?”

He pointed at his leg. “Dead.”

“It’s functioning just fine,” James said as he walked over.

“Dad,” Seonghyeon said with a serious nod. “Fetch.”

James nearly tripped over air. “Why would I— I’m not— NO.”

Martin snorted. “He’s so dad-coded it’s insane.”

“Stop,” James muttered, covering his red ears with his hoodie.

Juhoon sat beside him, patting his back. “Embrace it. You’re the father figure.”

James groaned into his knees.

You nudged his shoulder gently. “You kind of… do act like their dad.”

He looked up at you, betrayed. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am,” you smiled. “Your… mum side?”

He stared at you like you’d committed a crime — then immediately hid his face again as the boys burst into laughter.

————————————————

You helped them set up dinner while James microwaved some leftovers. The boys moved around the kitchen like chaotic ducklings.

“Mum, can you cut the kimchi?” Keonho asked.

“Mum, where’s the soy sauce?” Seonghyeon added.

“Mum, he stole my chopsticks,” Martin complained, pointing at Juhoon.

Juhoon didn’t flinch. “Dad, tell him to share.”

“STOP CALLING ME THAT,” James shouted from the microwave.

Silence.

Then Keonho whispered:

“Dad’s yelling again.”

And the room exploded with laughter.

James threw his head back, groaning. “I hate all of you.”

But the pink at the tips of his ears said otherwise.

You wrapped an arm around his waist. “You secretly love it.”

His voice softened. “I only love it because you’re here.”

You blinked.

He blinked.

Martin pointed. “They’re flirting in the kitchen again.”

Keonho covered his eyes. “Parents, please. We’re eating.”

James snatched a towel and threw it at them.

————————————————

You and James sat on the sofa while the others played games on the floor. It was loud. Chaotic. Exactly what you’d come to expect.

Without thinking, you rested your head on James’ shoulder. His hand instinctively came up to hold yours.

And of course — of course — Juhoon had to notice.

He turned around, smirked, and announced:

“Okay everyone, lights out! Mum and dad need alone time.”

James choked on air. “JUHOON.”

Martin clapped. “Yay! Family meeting over!”

Keonho jumped up. “Does this mean we get allowance next month?”

Seonghyeon raised his hand. “Can I call mum when I’m sad at 3 a.m.?”

“NO,” James said immediately.

“Yes,” you said at the same time.

James stared at you. “You’re enabling them.”

“I think it’s cute,” you whispered.

He froze. “You… do?”

You nodded shyly. “I like being the mum. And you… you make a pretty cute dad.”

James’s whole face went red as he ran a hand through his hair. “…Don’t say stuff like that.”

“Why?” you teased. “Does dad get flustered?”

He covered his face. “I swear I’m going to pass out.”

But his hand found yours again — fingers intertwining, warm and steady.

And from the floor, Juhoon shouted:

“Dad’s blushing!”

The boys cackled.

You leaned into James, giggling.

He sighed dramatically, but rested his cheek on your head.

“Fine,” he whispered. “If they insist… I guess being dad isn’t so bad.”

You squeezed his hand.

“And mum?”

He smiled softly — your favourite smile of his.