#skz code

Minho stayed where he was, watching Y/N leave. Once her back disappeared out of the door, he let out a short, frustrated sigh.

“So…” Seungmin mused as he squatted down next to Minho, “was she married already, or..?”

Minho turned his head to squint his eyes at Seungmin. “No, she was single, why?”

Seungmin shrugged, though Minho recognized the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Just trying to figure out why you didn't ask her out.” 

Minho lurched up to a seated position. “Yah! What are you talking about?”

Seungmin grinned at him. “Come on hyung, I'm not stupid. I know you're in paboracha, but I thought you were a bit smarter than this.”

Seungmin cackled, leaning back to avoid the playful shove Minho threw his way. 

Minho huffed as he settled into a seated position. “I wasn't going to do that,” he replied softly but firmly.

“Why not?” Seungmin asked, curious and genuine, his earlier hint of teasing gone.

“She was paid to be here,” Minho reminded him, keeping his voice down. “I don't-” he licked his lips. “We're idols. Partially we were the ones signing her check. She was probably just being nice to me because she had to be.” 

“Hyung,” Seungmin started, gently chiding, “I've seen plenty of people who act nice because they have to. You have, too. That wasn't how she was acting at all.” 

Minho shifted so his knees were bent, resting his arms atop them. He glanced at the door for a moment and then sighed, looking back at Seungmin. “Still, putting her on the spot while she's here, among all the cameras…” he shook his head. “It's fine.”

Seungmin hummed. “I bet they have her phone number, you know, for her release papers and all.” 

Minho squinted at him again. “And..?”

Seungmin shrugged. “I just think you were cute with Kija, and she seemed to like you, too. She wouldn't have just squatted beside you and chatted and giggled if she'd wanted to get out of here desperately.” He stood up, stretching slowly. “So you should text her.” He reached a hand down to help Minho up, his voice softening. “We don't get chances like this often, and you deserve someone like that in your life.” 

Seungmin walked away before Minho could reply, leaving the older boy thinking about it as they slowly left the set. 

The filming had been scheduled to last pretty much all day, so they had the rest of the day off afterwards to rest and recover. Normally Minho enjoyed this, using the time to cook a nice meal for dinner and catch up on some of his shows.

Now it just gave him time to think. 

“God those kids were so cute today,” Han sighed, plopping down in the living room as Minho shuffled around the kitchen. “Can you believe Suho betrayed me for Hyunjin? Not that I really blame him- it was still adorable, but I'm offended!”

Minho snorted. “Kids can smell desperation Han-ah. You clearly repelled him.”

“Yah!” Han whined, offended. “I wasn't that desperate. We all wanted Suho's attention!”

Minho shrugged, smirking. “I don't know Hannie, I stepped back when I could tell he wanted space.”

Han huffed. “Yeah because you were hogging Kija all to yourself, so you didn't need another kid.” 

Minho felt himself stutter for a moment, but he recovered quickly. “What can I say? Kids like me.” 

Minho turned away, focusing on prepping the pan in front of him, so he couldn't see the smirk on Han's face.

He could feel it, though.

“Right, right, sure,” Han replied playfully. “You didn't have to be the one to grab him from his mom, though, and yet you did.” 

Minho glared at the pan, as if it'd make the oil heat up faster. “He was comfortable with me, and we know the parents are blurred in the footage anyway. This way she didn't have to come out in front of the cameras.” 

“Uh huh,” Han said, not sounding convinced. “Besides Suho, the other kids just walked out on their own. It's not like Kija was that shy.”

Han sighed when Minho didn't reply. “His mom was pretty cute, though, so I don't blame you-”

Minho's head whipped around, pointing the wooden spoon he was using at Han. “Tissues for dinner.”

Han laughed gleefully. “What? We've talked about people we find cute plenty of times, hyung. Am I wrong? Did you not find her cute?” 

“Doesn't matter if I did,” Minho snapped, “it's not like we're going to see her again.”

Minho turned back to the food, checking on the meat before beginning to add the veggies into the pan. Han was quiet for a moment, the only sound in the apartment being the sizzling of the oil as the food slowly cooked. 

“I mean… you probably could see her again,” Han finally said, the teasing edge gone from his tone. “I'm sure you could find a way to contact her.” 

“You could find a way to contact her again, too, if you think she's so cute.” His tone came out as petulant, but he just glared at the veggies, stirring them aggressively.

He heard Han sigh, but he didn't turn to look at him. He heard the couch shift and socked feet shuffle against the floor, but he still didn't look.

Han gently nudged his side, leaning against the counter beside him. “First of all, I'm not the one who developed a crush on her.”

Minho huffed but he didn't reply. Instead, he kept glaring at the veggies as if they'd personally offended him. 

“Second of all,” Han continued, undeterred by Minho's silence, “I think you should try to talk to her again.” 

Minho glanced over at him. “Why?” 

“Because,” Han drawled teasingly. Minho huffed, rolling his eyes and looking back at the food. “Sorry, hyung, I'm serious. Why not? Why not take a chance? I saw you guys flirting there when filming was over. And I don't know if you noticed, but she was watching you like the whole time we were filming.” 

“She was watching her son,” Minho countered. 

“Well yeah most of the time,” Han agreed, “but you should've seen her when you first came over to check on him after the dance session.” 

Minho hesitated before glancing over at Han. “Yeah?”

Han lits up, nodding. “Yeah dude, she looked so soft. She definitely loved watching you with Kija.” He leaned in excitedly. “And when you brought him over after lunch? Oh my god.”

Minho hummed noncommittally, continuing to look at the food as he cooked. “What would I even say?”

“Well, if you do reach out to her I think being honest is the best bet?” Han suggested tentatively. “Like, it'd be weird to go through the trouble of getting her number just to say hi, but I think if you admit you're still thinking about her and you're curious if she'd like to go on a date, no pressure.” 

“And what if that creeps her out?” Minho asked.

“You're a good person Minho, you apologize and promise not to bother her again, and then you can move on,” Han replied, shrugging. “But also, that'd be her loss.”

Minho's lips twitched in the hint of a smile. “I'll think about it.”

Han beamed, patting him on the shoulder. “Good! You really should. Now,” he peered over Minho's shoulder, “some of this is for me, right?”

Minho shoved Han back gently. “Get out of my kitchen.”

Han cackled as he backed away. “It's our kitchen hyung.” 

“Not when I'm cooking it's not!” Minho called back. 

Both Han and Seungmin's words danced around his head for the next two days. He could tell he was starting to talk himself into it, but now it was just a matter of who to ask to potentially get the information he needed.

He approached their manager about it shortly after a choreo session that evening.

Their manager looked up as Minho stepped into his office. “Hey Minho, everything okay?”

“Ah, yes, it is,” he assured as he paused by his desk. “I was wondering if you had copies of the release forms for the kids from the recent SKZ Code we did?” 

Their manager gave him an appraising look. “I do… is there one in particular you're curious about?”

Oh god he was totally onto him.

“Y/L/N Kija's, actually,” he admitted, trying to suppress the blush he felt creeping up his face. 

Their manager hummed, opening a drawer and flipping through some files. After a moment, he pulled something out and set it on the desk. Before Minho could grab it though, he gave him a look.

“You know the NDAs they signed only apply to the filming period, right?”

Minho blinked and nodded. “Yes.”

He looked at Minho for a while before nodding, letting go of the paper. “Alright, as long as we're clear.” 

Minho tentatively grabbed the paper. “... Should I bring this back?”

Their manager shook his head, holding up a hand. “We've got copies. Just shred it when you're done.” 

Minho huffed. He made it sound so shady. “Yeah, okay.” He stepped back to leave but paused, giving him a small bow. “Thank you.” 

He smirked. “Good luck Minho.” 

The blush flooded his cheeks, so he didn't reply. He just gave another nod before he stepped back out into the hallway. 

The paper felt heavy in his hands as he walked through the building, heading to the garage. His bag was over his shoulder as he stared at the page in his hand.

The first page was mostly legal nonsense. The only information Y/N had added was her and Kija's names as well as a date and signature.

The second page, however, had what he was looking for.

He just wanted her number. He didn't care about the rest. He already felt a bit off finding her number this way, but…

It was worth a shot. The worst that could happen was her saying no.

Actually, the worst that could happen would be her calling him a creep and filing a restraining order-

Minho shook his head, knowing that was very unlikely and more of a stress thought than anything. 

It'd be fine. He'd get his answer and he'd get to move on from there.

As he slipped into one of the company cars, beginning the journey back to the dorms, he got out his phone and added the phone number into his contacts. Once that was done, he folded up the paper and slipped it into his pocket so he could shred it later. 

Now he just had to text her.

Just, write up a message. Something simple.

Easy peasy. 

Which is why he was lying awake in bed that night, still staring at the blank text message screen on his phone.

Minho groaned, flopping his head onto his pillow. He needed to stop overthinking this. Unless he was a total ass, her answer wasn't going to change because he said “hi” instead of “hello.”

“Hi Y/N, this is Minho, from Stray Kids-”

No, it felt weird to mention that, like he was bragging or something. 

“Hi Y/N, this is Minho. We met the other day on set. I apologize for reaching out like this, but I meant to ask you something on set before you left, and I changed my mind last minute.”

He sighed slowly. That was fine. He could do this.

“Would you, perhaps, want to grab dinner together sometime? No pressure if not! I promise I'll respect a no and won't bother you again.” 

And now it was sent. 

He resisted the urge to throw his phone across the room as his heartbeat stuttered in his chest.

She probably wouldn't even respond until morning. He just needed to forget about his phone and go to sleep. 

Luckily, one of the skills he'd developed over the years as an idol was the ability to make himself sleep anytime he was able to. So, after a few minutes of some breathing exercises, his mind finally turned off for the night. 

The next thing Minho was aware of was the persistent beeping of his alarm. He huffed, lying there for a moment before cracking his eyes open and fumbling for his phone to turn it off. 

He hesitated for a moment as his brain woke up, remembering what he’d done last night. Minho peered at his phone, curious to see what notifications he’d gotten over night.

There were some emails, a few social media notifications, texts from his friends and the group chat…

But none from Y/N.

Minho shook his head and forced himself out of bed so he wouldn’t dwell on it. She had a job and a young son, she’d probably been asleep when he’d sent the first text and now she had to focus on getting herself and her son ready for the day. She didn’t have time to text him back yet.

So Minho went through his normal morning routine, resolutely not looking at his phone as he did it. 

He said what he said, whatever she was going to reply he couldn’t influence anymore. 

Minho hadn’t told anyone yet that he’d decided to text Y/N. He hadn’t talked with any of the other members about his “crush,” but since Seungmin and Han had both clearly figured it out, he wouldn’t be surprised if the rest knew, as well.

They just hadn’t approached him about it, which he appreciated.

But he didn’t want to tell anyone he’d texted her, not until he had an answer. He couldn’t answer their questions until his question was answered first. 

His phone buzzed a few times throughout the day, which wasn’t unusual. What was unusual was the way his heart jumped each time he checked the notification.

None of them had been from her so far.

At lunch, Felix plopped down next to where he was hanging out in the dance studio. 

“So whose text are you waiting on?” Felix asked simply.

Minho choked on his drink, coughing for a moment. Felix winced, patting his back sympathetically.

“Sorry,” he apologized, before turning back and taking a bite of his own food as he waited for Minho to answer.

Minho sighed as he finally caught his breath again. He debated telling Felix but he decided to just do it. “Do you remember Kija from the SKZ Code we recorded recently?”

Felix beamed. “Of course. God he was so adorable, and he loved you so much.” He put a hand on his heart.

Minho had to repress a smile at the comment. He liked that the others had noticed how much Kija had liked him. “I texted his mom.”

Felix’s eyes lit up. “Oh! Good for you. She seemed so sweet.” Felix grinned, nudging Minho’s side playfully. “And I saw the way you looked at her.”

Minho huffed, taking a bite of his food. He didn’t reply to Felix’s statement, but the blush dusting his cheeks was answer enough.

“I just hope she replies,” he admitted softly after a moment of silence as the two of them ate.

Felix’s expression softened. “I’m sure she will, hyung. I saw her smiling at you, too. Plus, you’re a catch.”

Minho snorted. “I don’t know about that.”

“You are!” Felix reassured him. “She's probably just busy right now with a normal job and, well, having a kid.” 

Minho nodded in agreement, taking another bite of his food. Felix smiled at him, letting the conversation drop as he also focused on his lunch. 

But then, Minho's phone buzzed. 

Felix froze comically, a bite of food halfway to his mouth, and leaned over to try and catch a glimpse at Minho's phone screen. Minho snatched it up before the little gremlin could see, angling it away from Felix before unlocking it to check what it was. 

He managed to keep his expression neutral only through years of experience as he saw who the text was from.

She'd replied.

“What is it? Is it from her?” Felix asked, continually trying to lean around the phone to catch a glimpse at the screen. 

Minho held his leg out, using it to push the younger Aussie boy away as he read the text.

“Hey Minho!

I remember you :) It's hard to forget someone who was so kind to my son.”

A smile cracked through his poker face making Felix gasp. “It is her, isn't it?” 

Minho just pushed him away again, making his friend laugh and protest as he went back to reading. 

“I'll admit, I haven't really tried dating since Kija, so I'm a bit out of practice haha (assuming that's what you meant by dinner, and if not, ignore me!) But I'd be down to try. I'm sure your schedule is more busy than mine so just let me know when :)”

Minho quickly read the text one more time before pocketing his phone. He honestly hadn't thought of a time yet, too worried that she would just reject him outright, so he'd look at his schedule when he was done eating. Then he could get back to her.

He took another bite of his food, ignoring Felix, much to the blonde's chagrin.

“Come onnnn Minho, who was it?” He pleaded. 

Minho took his time chewing his food, smirking as Felix melted further, begging for even a smidgen of information.

Finally, he swallowed his food and took a drink before looking slowly over at Felix.

“She texted me back.”

Felix beamed, instantly sitting up. “I knew it! What did she say?”

“Who did what say?” Hyunjin asked as he walked into the practice room.

Minho saw Felix open his mouth and immediately lurched over to clasp a hand over it. “Nothing,” he said firmly, glaring at Felix. 

Hyunjin snorted. “Yeah, because that’s not suspicious.”

Minho stared at Felix for a moment longer before slowly removing his hand from the younger boy’s mouth. “Listen, I don’t want to jinx it by talking about it, okay?” He said, glancing between the two of them.

“Ugh that's so boring,” Hyunjin complained, making a face.

“Fine, I understand hyung,” Felix agreed. 

“Thank you,” he said. “Now, finish up your food, we have practice to get to.” 

Once their choreo session was over, Minho instantly started pulling up his schedule on his phone. 

Would she want to bring Kija along? Did weekdays work better or worse for her? If she didn't bring Kija, did she need to get home by a certain time?

Wait, he could just ask her these questions.

“I would like it to be a date :) I have some availability across a few days, but I wasn't sure what works best for you with Kija involved.

I'd be happy for him to come along, if you'd like! If not, I know you probably need to work around him being watched by someone else. Do weekdays or weekends work better? Is a certain time of day easier?”

This time, she texted back much faster.

“Ah you're so thoughtful! 

While I'd love to bring Kija along sometime in the future, I'd like to get to know you on my own a bit, too.

For weekdays, evenings work best! If it's a weekend, I just need heads up for anytime so I can make sure Kija's taken care of :)” 

“I'd like to get to know you on my own a bit, too.”

Minho couldn't keep the smile off of his face as he read the reply. Okay, he could work with this.

Contact name: Y/N 

Minho: I'm good with that :) Would Thursday evening work? I'm not sure what time you get off, so let me know a time!

Y/N: Depending on how far it is, anytime after 6:30 works!

Minho: If it's easier, I could pick you up from your place? 

Minho: It's okay if you're not comfortable with that, though!

Y/N: Only if you want to! I trust you, and I'd appreciate it if you're okay with it.

Y/N: I don't exactly have a car haha and public transport is always a little busier in the evenings

Minho: I can pick you up, I don't mind at all. 

Minho: I'll be at your place by 6:30 on Thursday then?

Y/N: 🥰 That sounds great 

Y/N: I'll send you my address Thursday morning, if that's okay?

Minho: Of course.

Minho: See you then :) 

Over the next three days leading up to the date, the two of them kept texting. During all of Minho's downtime, he was planning out their date. He got a reservation at a nice restaurant, but nothing too nice. He looked into flowers and set up a bouquet order to pick up the morning of. He also spent well over an hour agonizing over what outfit to wear.

He didn't want to over dress, but he wanted to show he was serious. He wanted to look nice without showing off. What was the line between casual and intentional?

Before he could pull his hair out, he called Jeongin over for a second opinion, knowing the youngest would at least be a minimal gossip about the date. 

Luckily, Jisung was staying late at the studio that evening for a 3Racha thing, so he didn't question why Jeongin came over.

“So, what's this outfit for again hyung?” Jeongin asked as he took in the various pieces of clothing strewn around the room. 

“I’m going on a date tomorrow night,” he admitted, keeping his tone level as if it wasn’t a big deal.

Jeongin grinned at him anyways. “And you haven’t told the guys yet?”

Minho huffed. “I will, after the date. I don’t need them pestering me about it.”

Jeongin smirks. “Alright, alright, I won’t tell them, either. Now, where exactly are you taking her?” 

After explaining his plans for the evening, Jeongin narrowed it down to a nice sweater, a collared undershirt, some black jeans, and a nice pair of shoes. 

“Thank you Ayen,” Minho said as he set the outfit aside. He wouldn't need to change into it until after work tomorrow anyway.

“Sure thing hyung,” Jeongin replied, smiling. “Just make sure I get to hear the date details first.”

“Fine,” he agreed, rolling his eyes fondly. 

The next morning, Thursday, Minho was fully locked in. He needed everything to go smoothly so he had enough time to get ready for his date tonight and show up on time.

When Y/N texted him her address, he quickly planned out his route, figuring what time he'd need to leave to have time to grab the flowers along the way. 

Luckily, his day went smoothly. He could tell that the other members noticed he was especially focused today, but none of them commented on it, thankfully.

The moment his last meeting was done, Minho beelined it for the parking garage. 

As he sped walked into their shared dorm, Jisung was already home.

“Hey Minho- what's the rush?” Jisung called after him as he dipped into his room, shutting the door behind him.

Changing outfits didn't take long. After spritzing on some of his favorite cologne, he stepped into his bathroom to make his hair look more presentable. 

Finally, he slipped on some earrings and a simple necklace before stepping back out into the common area.

Jisung looked over when he heard the door open, and his eyes widened. “You're headed back out?”

“I'm going on a date,” he said as he brought his shoes over to the door and slipped them on.

Jisung gasped. “I KNEW IT.”

Minho flashed a smirk at him. “I'll be back later. Don't wait up.” 

He heard Jisung shout something behind him, but he just cackled as he left the dorm, shutting the door behind him.

All of the boys would know within the hour, he was certain of that, but that was fine. He's just mute the group chat until tonight.

The flower shop wasn't too far out of the way, though he would've travelled across the city if he had to. When he pulled up to the curb, he slipped on his lower face mask before heading inside to pick up his bouquet. 

“Here you are,” the shopkeep said as they brought out the flowers.

Minho gently took them into his arms. “Ah, do you have any recommendations for keeping them from getting smushed while I'm driving?” 

They smiled at him. “Absolutely.”

Which led to him buying a vase and situating it in a box so it was all more stable.

When he finally pulled up outside of Y/N's address, he shot her a text letting him know he was here (like she asked him to do). Then, he gently grabbed the flowers out of the vase and stepped out of the car to wait for her. 

People passed by on the street as he stood there patiently. His lower face mask was still firmly in place, and most people didn't spare him a second glance. Those who did stared more at the flowers, but no one seemed to recognize him.

He hadn't been too worried. He was rarely recognized when he went out anyways. 

A few minutes later, the door to the apartment complex opened. Minho perked up, standing up just a little straighter as a familiar figure stepped out. 

She looked stunning.

As he took in her outfit, he made it to her face, eyes catching her gaze just as she looked up at him. She gave a small gasp as she walked over.

“Did you actually buy me flowers?” She asked, voice soft with amazement.

“Of course,” he replied simply. “I have a secure place for them in my car, too, so they’ll be safe during our date.”

She beamed, taking the flowers gently from him as she looked them over. “They’re so pretty. No one has ever brought me flowers for a date before.” 

Well that’s ridiculous. 

“That’s their loss,” Minho said simply. “You deserve flowers.”

A lovely blush dusted over her cheeks. “Thank you.”

“Would you like me to put them back in their vase for now?”

She nodded, holding them back out to him. “Yes, please.”

Minho smiled, gently grabbing the bouquet from her and securing it in the backseat once more.

The drive to the restaurant was comfortable. They talked a little bit but the silence never felt oppressive.

As they pulled up outside of the restaurant, Y/N gave a soft gasp.

“Minho, this place is expensive,” she chided softly.

He pulled the car into a parking space and looked at her. 

“First of all, you're worth it,” he said simply, making her try to hide a smile. “Second, and I don't mean to come off as rude or bragging, but this isn't even the most expensive restaurant I considered for today. I have money to spare, and I'd like to spend it on this, on you. Is that okay?” 

She nodded slowly. He nodded back and threw her a small smile before stepping out of the car.

He half jogged to make it around to the other side to open up Y/N's car door for her, reaching out a hand to help her out of the car before the two of them walked into the restaurant together.

“Reservation for Lee Minho,” he told the hostess as they stepped through the doors.

After checking her list, the hostess nodded and led them over to their table. It was tucked away in a more secluded part of the restaurant while still being by a window so they had a nice view. 

“So, how long have you lived in Seoul?” Minho asked once their drink orders were placed.

“I came here for university, actually,” she replied. She hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Seoul had always appealed to me but… to be honest I did it more so to get away from my family. My parents and I aren't exactly on good terms, so I wanted a fresh start away from them. I've lived here ever since.” 

He furrowed his brows sympathetically. “Has the escape been good at least? Do you like it here?”

She nodded, giving a small smile. “Honestly, I really do. Moving here is probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.”

“I'm glad to hear that,” he replied.

She tilted her head. “What about you? Are you from Seoul originally?” 

He shakes his head. “No, but I didn't live too far. I was born near Gimpo-si.”

She nodded. “Do you have any siblings?”

“Ah, no, it's just me,” he laughed. “You?’ 

“I have my younger sister,” she replied. “She doesn't live here, but we're still really close. She makes sure to come visit every few months at least, especially now that Kija is here.” 

Minho felt himself soften just a little at the mention of Kija. “How is Kija, by the way?” 

Y/N instantly beamed at the mention of her son. “Oh he's doing great. Misoon, my neighbor, is watching him right now. I truly don't know what I'd do without her, but he loves going over to her place.” She laughed softly. “We were at the store the other day, actually, and he spotted a stuffed black cat kind of like the one he had on set? Anyway, he instantly picked it up and refused to let it go, so.”

She pulled out her phone and flipped it around to show him some pictures of Kija holding said stuffed cat. 

God he was too adorable. It made Minho's heart ache. 

Their small talk continued to flow as they ordered their food, and even after it arrived, too. He learned a lot about her, like what she did for a living, her favorite foods, what shows she watched, and what places she hoped to travel to someday.

He also got to see more pictures of Kija, which was something he'd never complain about. 

Once the food was paid for, Minho drove her back to her place. 

“I had a really nice time tonight Minho,” she said softly as the two of them sat in the car just outside of her building. 

Minho smiled. “I did, too.” He glanced at the backseat where the bouquet of flowers still sat (fully intact). “Can I walk you back up to your place? To help carry the flowers, at least?”

She giggled. “Yeah, okay.” 

The two of them got out of the car, Minho gently getting the vase and bouquet out of the box it was in before following Y/N inside. 

Her apartment was up a few floors. The stairs weren't quite wide enough for the two of them to walk side by side, but Minho was content walking behind her.

As they stepped up onto another landing, Y/N walked towards one of the doors in the hallway instead of heading up another flight.

“I need to pick up Kija first,” she explained to him. “Misoon was already so kind watching him late for me, I don't want her to have to wait any longer.”

She gently knocked on the door as Minho came to stand beside her. After a moment, the door opened and a sweet, older lady peered out.

She had a sleepy Kija on her hip.

She smiled at the two of them, clearly noting the flowers Minho was holding. “Oh, now that's a good man, getting her flowers and walking her home.” She turned to look at Y/N, smiling. “I hope you had a nice time dear.”

Y/N smiled, blushing a bit. “I did ajumeoni. Thanks again for watching him this late.”

Misoon waved her off. “Aish, you know he's never trouble, your sweet little boy.”

Speaking of said little boy, Kija was slowly blinking his eyes open the longer they stood there. At first he was only looking at his mom, but then he seemed to realize Minho was there, too.

And his head popped up instantly.

“Ah!” He screeched excitedly, waving a hand at Minho. 

Minho's eyes widened as he blinked rapidly. “He remembers me?”

Y/N looked at him with a fond smile. “Of course he does. Why wouldn't he?”

Minho's heart fluttered as Y/N took the very excited Kija from Misoon. His eyes were still on Minho as he patted his mom's cheek and babbled.

Y/N laughed and kissed Kija's cheek. “Come on Kiki, you can say hi to Minho once he sets the flowers down.” 

Misoon bid them goodnight as the two of them stepped across the hall to presumably Y/N's door. As she unlocked it, she paused, glancing back at Minho sheepishly.

“I wasn't expecting company, so I'm sorry for the mess,” she said.

Minho snorted. “I've lived in a dorm with other boys for the past 8 years. I'm sure it's fine.”

She laughed. “That's fair.” 

Her door opened into a living room and kitchen combo, with the kitchen being off to the side. Minho toed off his shoes by the door, taking in the array of children's toys strewn on the carpet before looking over at Y/N.

“Where would you like these?” He asked, gesturing to the flowers in his arms.

“On the table over there would be great,” she replied.

Kija whined in protest as Minho walked away, making his heart stutter.

“Give him two seconds Kiki,” Y/N soothed. “He doesn't even have the hands to hold you with right now.”

Oh if Kija came up to him right now, honestly Minho would just drop the flowers. He could buy new ones.

But Minho didn't drop the flowers. He set them diligently on the table like Y/N requested. Once he was certain they were stable, he turned around and squatted down.

Y/N laughed and immediately set Kija down, who instantly beelined for him, hands out as he ran into Minho's arms. 

God he could melt on the spot.

Minho gently scooped him up, Kija settling into his arms happily. He started babbling again, patting Minho’s face and chest as he did.

Minho could’ve stood there all night just listening to him talk.

“Yeah, he definitely remembers you,” Y/N teased lightly, smiling fondly at the two of them. “He’s telling you what’s happened since he saw you last.”

“He’s a great storyteller,” Minho replied seriously. “If he doesn’t become a doctor, he could be an author, or maybe an actor.”

Y/N laughed at that, making Minho grin. Kija screeched, patting his face aggressively, making him look back at the toddler. “Oh, I’m sorry your highness, was I not giving you enough attention?”

“He never gets enough attention,” Y/N joked.

“Clearly not,” Minho agreed.

Kija babbled for a little bit longer before he suddenly let out a big yawn. He blinked slowly, rubbing a small fist over his eyes and grumbling.

“Hm, it is past your bedtime, isn’t it?” Minho noted fondly.

“Unfortunately,” Y/N replied softly. She stepped over and gently took the quickly crashing toddler from him. Kija immediately snuggled into her neck, eyes dropping shut. Y/N kissed the top of his head before looking back over at him. “Thanks again for the date tonight Minho. I had a really good time.”

“I did too,” he said. “Hopefully we can go on another one soon?”

She beamed. “I’d like that.” 

Over the course of the next few days, you and Minho kept texting regularly. You sent him pictures of Kija anytime he was being cute (which was often) after he reassured you that he did, indeed, want to see pictures of Kija more often.

You were more than happy to oblige. 

On Tuesday, you got a text from him asking about your next date.

Contact name: Minho

Minho: would you be open to taking Kija along on our next date?

Y/N: of course! 

Y/N: only if you're sure you want him to come along

Minho: i do

Minho: does this coming weekend work for you then? I thought a day at the zoo could be fun

Minho: and it looks like the weather on Sunday will be really nice 

Y/N: that'd be fun! Kija hasn't gotten to go to the zoo yet

Y/N: he's gonna love it :) 

Minho: great :) what time works for me to pick you up?

Y/N: oh you don't have to do that! Kija still needs a car seat. We can just meet you at the zoo

He didn't respond right away, so you assumed he got busy at work, but the next buzz you got was a link from him.

Minho: [link]

Minho: is this the right size for him?

Y/N: Minho, you don't need to buy a carseat for him! He does just fine on the train

Minho: i want to 

Minho: this one says its convertible, so it should last him a while as he gets older

Your heart fluttered at that statement, the casual way he was thinking of Kija's future.

Y/N: yes thats the right size, but really, we'll be ok!

Minho: already bought it, no take backs

You snorted at his response.

Y/N: well thats very sweet of you, thank you

Y/N: best of luck trying to install it later 🤭

Y/N: and anytime after 8am would be fine! 

Minho: great, i'll be there at 8 then

By the time Saturday rolled around, you had prepared for everything. You had your baby bag full of snacks, sunscreen, a change of clothes, water, some of his favorite toys- You wanted today to be fun. 

You had Kija dressed up in an adorable tiger t-shirt hoodie with matching tiger-themed shoes. He had on some comfy pants and a little sunhat, too. 

Minho texted you that morning asking if he should come up to help with Kija, or if you'd rather he just wait downstairs.

Y/N: you can come up! Just buzz on my unit when you get here so i can let you in :) 

And sure enough, at 7:58, the buzzer sounded by your door. You'd just finished dressing Kija and was double checking your bag.

You quickly went over to the door to buzz him in. “Come in!”

“Kija, your friend Minho's coming up,” you told your son, who stared at you curiously.

“Mah!” He said and you nodded, smiling. 

“Are you gonna show him the new plushie you got?” 

Kija immediately began to look around for his stuffed cat, toddling over to it once he spotted it.

Just in time for a soft knock at your door. 

You flipped open the latch and quickly opened it. “Hey,” you greeted, “we're almost ready.”

Minho shrugged as he stepped inside. “We're not in a rush. Do you need help with anything?”

“I think we almost have it-” you started to say when an excited screech cut you off.

Kija, now proudly holding his black cat plush in one hand and his tiger in the other, had spotted Minho and was toddling determinedly over to him.

Minho's face lit up, quickly dropping into a crouch to catch the excited boy. “Hey Kija-ah, is that the new plushie your mom's been telling me about?” 

With Kija now thoroughly distracted, you took a moment to clean up the remnants of breakfast and triple check that you had everything packed.

“Okay,” you said, slinging the bag over your shoulder, “I'm ready to go.” 

Minho looked up at you. “Do you need any help with that?”

You shook your head as you slipped on your shoes. “As long as you have Kija, I'm good.”

Minho smiled, glancing back at Kija. “I think I can handle that.” 

“So I'm guessing car seat wrangling went okay?” You joked as the two of you made your way down to Minho's car.

Minho huffed. “I may have had to look up a tutorial, but between me and Changbin, we finally got it in.” He paused. “I think.”

You laughed. “Yeah when we tried to install one in my sister's car, it was a nightmare. I'm sure you did great, though.” 

You did end up double checking the car seat once you got down there. It looked secure. Minho even explained how it was convertible.

“Apparently you can even fit a baby carrier in it,” Minho said, “though he's obviously too big for that already.” 

Kija had only been in car seats a handful of times in his life, considering you didn't own a car, so you weren’t 100% sure how he'd do.

He sat down without a fuss, though he complained a bit as you maneuvered his arms through the straps and buckles. Minho gave him back his plushies once you stepped away, and he was perfectly content.

The drive to the zoo wasn't bad. Minho played soft, upbeat music in the background and the two of you talked while checking in on Kija periodically. Your son was totally content, babbling randomly while shaking his toys happily.

The zoo was pleasantly abuzz as you circled the parking lot for a spot. Other families and couples were also arriving, ready for a fun day.

You glanced at Minho as he put the car into park. “Are you worried about being recognized?”

Minho shrugged. “Honestly, it doesn't happen too often for me, but I have a hat and a mask just in case.” He looked at you for a moment. “I'm not worried about being seen with you, if that's what you mean.” 

You hadn't been thinking about that, but the way he so casually said it made you blush. “Oh.”

Minho smirked and patted your hand before slipping out of the car. 

As Minho stepped around and started unbuckling Kija, you stepped out as well so you could grab the bag you'd packed. Kija was already giggling as Minho tickled his stomach before picking him up and putting him on his hip. 

“You ready to see a tiger Kija?” Minho asked.

Kija held up his tiger plush excitedly. “H'angi?”

“Yes, you're gonna see a holangi,” Minho confirmed, smiling fondly as he adjusted Kija's hat so it sat properly on his head.

Minho made sure to stick by your side as you walked through the parking lot and over to the entrance. He shifted Kija onto one hip as he fished out his phone to scan the tickets he'd bought.

“Do you want to grab a map or get anything from the shops before we go further in?” Minho asked as you stepped inside of the main building. 

“Let's grab a map,” you suggested and he nodded in agreement, the two of you heading over to the main information center.

Kija was starting to get restless. He was looking around at everything and he very much wanted down so he could explore further. Minho just shushed him gently, bouncing him in his arms to try and calm him.

“I know aegiya, but let's wait til we're outside where it's less crowded, okay?” He said calmly. 

You rubbed Kija's back affectionately, and he grumbled once more but settled down a little. 

“So,” you started, opening the map as you and Minho slowly walked towards the building exit into the rest of the zoo, “obviously we have to see the big cats, but I think he'd really like the underwater section as well with the dolphins and seals. Maybe we make a path like this?” You traced a route on the map.

“That sounds good,” Minho agreed. 

Minho pushed open the door, holding it for you before setting Kija on his feet and grabbing his hand. 

The three of you meandered around contentedly at the toddler's pace. Kija was wide eyed, looking around at everything. Occasionally he'd tuck himself in closer to you or Minho, a little overwhelmed at the crowds, but with the two of you on either side of him he seemed more confident than usual.

It made your heart warm, seeing him trust Minho so implicitly already. 

The first animal exhibit you got to was the zebras and giraffes. 

Minho instantly scooped up Kija, placing him on his shoulder and holding onto his legs as he pointed out the giraffes up above. Kija's head tilted back as he stared in open mouth awe, patting the top of Minho's head in excitement. 

You whipped out your phone on instinct and then paused. “Do you mind if I take pictures? I promise I won't share any with your face online.”

Minho glanced at you. “Of course. I trust you.” He looked back up at Kija. “As long as you share them with me, too.”

You smiled. “Of course,” you parroted back before quickly snapping a few photos. 

The next exhibit on your route was the gorillas. You managed to get a spot near the glass. Minho gently set Kija in front of him so he could stand on the ledge while you and Minho stood behind him.

Kija babbled, smacking the glass as he looked through at the gorillas.

A mother gorilla with a baby ended up coming over and looking at Kija curiously, making Kija laugh in excitement. The baby even came down and had a staring contest with Kija for a while, which you took dozens of pictures of. 

The hippos were a bit of a bust, as they were hanging out far away from the viewing area, but after that were the lions and cheetahs.

Kija was elated. 

“He really does like cats doesn't he?” Minho laughed as he watched Kija babble and fixate on the lions as they lounged near the fencing. 

“He always has,” you agreed, smiling. “I don't blame him, honestly. I like cats, too.” 

You glanced at Minho as you said that. He met your gaze and instantly blushed, smiling to himself and quickly looking back down at Kija. 

You stayed at the lions and cheetahs for a while before finally continuing on to the camels, foxes, and alligators. Minho immediately snapped pictures of the foxes, laughing to himself. 

“We always call Jeongin a fox,” he explained as he texted the picture to his friends. 

“I do know a little bit about Stray Kids,” you joked.

Minho looked at you with a smirk. “Oh yeah?”

Your bravado faltered immediately. “Ah, I mean, I watched the survival show. I used to follow more kpop groups, but since Kija, I've become more of a passive fan.”

“Who was your bias?” He asked cheekily, sliding a little closer to you.

You looked at him for a moment before biting your lower lip and quickly glancing away. “Does it actually matter who-”

Minho cackled, making Kija look up and start giggling too. You couldn’t help but laugh along with them as you began to look for a place to pause for a snack for Kija. 

“It was Seungmin by the way,” you said as you settled in on a bench and fed Kija some of his fruit snacks.

Minho smirked. “Sure it was.” 

After a quick break, where both of you hydrated too, you were back on your way.

The tiger exhibit was next. 

“Is this his first time seeing a tiger in real life?” Minho asked.

You nodded. “Yeah it is.”

“Want me to record his reaction?” He asked. “That way you can be in the video with him?”

“Oh,” you said softly. “Actually, yes, that’d be wonderful. Thank you.”

Minho just winked and gently took the bag from your shoulder before passing you Kija.

Kija looked at you curiously as you settled him onto your hip. “You ready to see some tigers, Kiki?”

Kija held up his plushie and you nodded, smiling. “Yes! Just like that but bigger.”

You walked around the corner, leaning forward slightly to try and spot the tiger. There was always a chance it was tucked away, not wanting to be seen currently. You’d be a little upset, but Kija wouldn’t know any different.

You felt hopeful, though, as you saw a few families crowded around near the viewing area.

The first thing you noticed was the long, striped tail as the tiger slowly stalked around its exhibit. You couldn’t help but feel excited, too, even if this moment was more for Kija than it was for you.

“Kija, look,” you said, tugging gently on his leg and pointing up ahead. 

You managed to find a spot near the glass just as the tiger turned around and walked by again.

Kija immediately perked up. He started patting you excitedly with one hand, flailing around his plushie with the other. You smiled as you watched his reaction, happy to see him so enamored.

“‘Angi!” He declared proudly.

“That’s right,” you said. You squatted down so he was more level with the large cat. Its eyes were roaming over the crowd, tail swishing back and forth as it made lazy laps of the enclosure. 

Kija squirmed in your arms, gaze still clearly fixated on the tiger. You smiled, putting him down in front of you on the ledge in front of the viewing glass. Immediately he put his hands against it, pushing his face closer as if it’d somehow let him see the tiger more clearly.

You could’ve stayed here all day, just watching Kija stare at the tiger with wide, innocent eyes. You weren’t even sure how much time had passed until someone squatted down beside you.

Minho looked out at the tiger, too, his knee brushing against yours. He glanced over at you, and then Kija, his expression fond. “I don't think I've been this excited about a tiger since I was a kid, too.”

You laughed softly. “They'll bring it out in you.” You leaned forward to kiss the back of Kija's head. “I swear he's given me a new lease on life. He's always reminding me how exciting everything in the world actually can be.” You glanced over at Minho, smiling. “I remember the first time he noticed the neon sign at the corner store near me. He stared at it like it was the coolest thing he'd ever seen.” 

You ran your hand through Kija's hair absentmindedly. “He still loves staring out the window when we take the train. The scenery fascinates him every single time, even if it's the same as what he's seen before.” You paused, voice softening when you continued. “We take stuff like that for granted, ya know? We get so used to things we forget how genuinely interesting they are, just because they've become ‘normal’ for us.” 

Minho hums softly. “I think we all need a reminder not to take things for granted sometimes." He glanced at Kija and then at you, giving a small smirk. “You're lucky yours came in such a cute package.” 

You giggled at that. “Yeah,” you sighed fondly, “I am.” 

You swore you saw Minho's tongue dart out, caressing his lower lip for just a moment before he looked away. “Guess that makes me lucky, too.” 

The two of you sat there in comfortable silence, just watching Kija watch the tiger, until the tiger decided it was bored and finally walked out of sight. You gave it another minute before scooping Kija up, much to his dismay, and continuing your trek around the zoo.

Thankfully, when you made it to the exhibit, the red pandas, Kija quickly forgot about his tiger woes and giggled as the adorable mammals stumbled around. 

The next stop on your route was the dolphin and sea lion building. Minho quickly bought tickets for the midday dolphin show. The three of you decided to grab some food from the concessions in the building before settling into your seats. 

Kija decided that the fries and apple slices he was eating were way more exciting than the show, but you loved every second of it. 

At one point you glanced over at Kija to check on him, only to see Minho watching you with an incredibly fond expression. You blushed, but he just shrugged.

“Those tickets were for you, too.” 

Once the show was over, Minho scooped Kija up and the three of you headed further into the building to watch the animals swim around.

Now this part had Kija's interest. He stared into the deep blue tanks and squealed excitedly anytime something swam by. 

With food in his stomach, a day of excitement under his belt, and his usual midday naptime long past, Kija's energy was waning quickly as you exited the building. His head had plonked onto Minho's shoulder a few minutes ago, and his blinks were slowly getting further apart. 

Minho looked elated, fond, and slightly panicked all at the same time. “Is he- should we go back to the car?”

You laughed quietly at his panic. “No, he's fine. Like I said on set, he really can sleep anywhere.” You gestured to your bag. “If he gets fussy, though, I brought a blanket we can shade his eyes with.” You patted Minho's shoulder, smiling. “Just keep doing what you're doing.” 

Minho nodded, bringing his other hand up to further support Kija, adjusting him so they were both comfortable. 

You giggled again, fondly. “If he gets too heavy, let me know.”

“No, no,” Minho insisted, “I got him.” 

The two of you continued along the route you'd planned, albeit at a much calmer pace. You still took in the sights, enjoying seeing the animals and chatting softly about the exhibits. Kija stayed soundly asleep the whole time, unphased by the people and animals moving all around him. 

Since Kija was asleep, you decided to take a slight detour over to the butterfly house. This was also, coincidentally, near the kangaroo exhibit, which Minho was excited to snap a few pictures of. 

“Chan?” You guessed with a laugh.

He nodded, grinning back. “Chan.” 

Once he'd snapped his photos, the two of you walked over to the butterfly enclosure. Minho held open the first door for you, and the two of you stepped inside, waiting for it to close fully before opening the second. 

The building was like a small greenhouse. Sunlight filtered in through the large windows. The air was temperate, slightly more humid than the outside. The room was overflowing with plants and flowers of all kinds.

And gently fluttering through the air were hundreds of colorful butterflies. 

“Oh wow,” you whispered softly, involuntarily. You looked up, watching them fly around in awe. 

“Have you ever been to a butterfly garden before?” Minho asked quietly as you slowly walked through the path.

You shook your head. “I don't think so, unless I went as a kid and can't remember.” 

Minho looks up as a butterfly flies nearby. “I think the last time I went was a few years ago, when I came here with a few of the members on our day off.” He tilted his head to the side to look at you. “They look even prettier each time… I'll have to bring you again so you can see it, too.” 

You smiled. “I'd like that.”

You took your time, walking through the butterfly garden slowly, so you could enjoy it for as long as possible. 

Eventually, however, you made it to the exit. 

“Wait,” Minho said, making you pause. You turned to face him as he slowly reached out a hand to something on top of your head.

As he pulled it back, a monarch butterfly was perched on his finger. He chuckled softly. “This little guy was trying to hitch a ride.” 

“Aw man,” you laughed, “I was trying to sneak him home.” 

Minho snorted, watching as the butterfly finally flew away. “Well you weren’t as subtle as you thought.” 

“I'll try harder next time,” you teased, making Minho huff out a soft laugh. 

You finally exited the building, sans butterfly. There wasn't much left on your route, so you simply enjoyed walking together until you made it back to the main entrance.

“I want to stop by the gift shop, if that's okay,” Minho said.

You nodded. “I don't mind. Do you need me to hold him?”

Minho glanced at Kija, who was still sound asleep, and shook his head. “I think I'm good for now.”

The gift shop was huge. Hanging from the ceiling were various birds and fish. The walls were decorated with drawings of trees and mountains. Kids ran around excitedly, holding up plushies and toys while older adults looked at the mugs, keychains, and other trinkets. 

“Is there something you want to grab?” Minho asked, glancing at you.

“Oh, no, I'm okay. I don't need anything,” you reassured him, shaking your hands in front of you dismissively.

Minho stared at you for a moment, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Hm, why don't you go look around for a second?”

You narrowed your eyes back. “And what are you going to do?”

His face transformed into a smirk. “There's something I want to get for Kija, and you can't stop me.”

“And I don't get to see what it is?”

“You will, but go look around for a bit at least.” He winked. “I'll be back.” 

Minho turned and walked away before you could say anything else. For a moment you thought about following him, but sighed and decided it couldn't hurt to look around for once.

You walked past the t-shirts and other novelty clothing first, not particularly interested in it. The next section was a wall of mugs, shot glasses, and plates. They had a wide range of designs on them from animals to the zoo's logo. You browsed through them casually before moving on to the trinket section.

At first you were drawn to some of the enamel pins and magnets displayed on the wall. 

What caught your eye, though, was a section of glass figurines. In particular, two tigers, a mom and her cub, curled around each other.

You brought a hand up, gently holding it and turning it over so the light reflected through it. It was so pretty it made your heart twinge a bit at the thought of putting it down.

“Bring that to the register, too.”

You jumped, spooked by the sudden voice. Minho laughed behind you.

“Sorry, didn't mean to scare you,” he teased. “Now come on, bring that up to the register.”

You started to put it back on the shelf. “Minho, it's fine-”

“Ah, ah,” he pointed at you. “I will just grab it myself if you don't.”

You sighed fondly and picked it back up. That's when you realized, minus Kija, his hands were still empty. You tilted your head in confusion. “I thought you were getting something, too?”

“An employee came over and grabbed it for me,” he explained. “It's waiting at the register.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, but he just smirked, unrepentant. “Come on, let's get in line to check out.” 

Turns out, the thing Minho had grabbed for Kija was a stuffed tiger that was bigger than him. You turned to look at him with wide eyes, already guesstimating how much the plushie likely cost.

“Minho-” you started to hiss, but he held a finger up to your lips.

“I don't care. I have money. I'm spending it on you two,” he said simply, raising an eyebrow at you. “Besides, he's gonna love it.”

“He's gonna freak out, is what he's gonna do,” you replied with a sigh.

Minho grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

You finally stepped up to pay, gently setting the glass figurine on the counter next to the large tiger plush. Minho swiped his card without a second glance, making sure your figurine was safely packaged up before he grabbed the bag.

“Wait,” you said, following as he walked out of the store, “at least let me carry that.”

“We're not far from the car, I got it,” he insisted, looking wholly unbothered by the weight of a toddler on one arm, and a giant bag on the other.

“You're ridiculous.”

He shrugged. “I work out for a reason.” 

Kija stayed asleep even as you got him situated back in his car seat. You couldn't resist the urge to kiss the top of his head as you set down the diaper bag in the backseat right beside the large tiger.

“Man, he's really out,” Minho noted softly as you got buckled into the passenger seat.

You glanced back at Kija with a soft smile. “He'll probably wake up when we get home.” 

“Good,” Minho nodded, “I want to see his reaction to the plushie.” 

The ride home was quiet, but comfortably so. You were more exhausted from the day than you'd realized, honestly. With soft music playing through the car speakers, and the constant hum of traffic around you, it was hard to fight the pull of a quick doze, but somehow you managed.

As Minho pulled the car into park, Kija grumbled in the backseat. You smiled fondly, hiding a yawn behind your hand as you got out of the car.

Minho glanced at you over the car. “I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep.”

You waved a hand at him. “I can sleep later. I didn't want to be the date that fell asleep in the car.”

Minho shrugged. “I wouldn't have minded. Rest is important.” He said simply before opening the car door and smiling at Kija. “Hey Kija-ah, did you sleep good at least?”

Kija blinked sleepily at Minho, glancing over and seeing you across the backseat. He smiled and yawned, rubbing his eye with a tiny fist.

“Sounds like it was a good nap,” you replied, smiling. 

Minho hummed in agreement, quickly undoing the buckles and laughing when Kija melted into his arms. “Still a little tired I see.” 

“Just wait til we get upstairs,” you said, grabbing the bags and shutting the car door behind you.

As you ascended into your apartment building, Kija slowly woke up more. By the time you were up to your door, he was wide awake and itching to get down.

“Here,” you said as you stepped inside, toeing your shoes off, “let me get this placed in the living room so he can see it.”

Minho, after also stepping out of his shoes, shuffled over to the kitchen to distract Kija as you got the plushie ready.

Then, you stepped aside and got out your phone, recording the scene.

“Okay, you can bring him in.” 

Minho stepped into the living room, Kija on his hip looking around the room with bright eyes.

“Look Kija,” Minho said, pointing at the rug. “What's that?” 

It took Kija a moment to spot it, but you knew the instant he did. He flailed his little arms and let out an excited screech, immediately leaning out of Minho’s hold to try and be let down. Minho laughed as he adjusted his hold on the toddler, squatting down so he could safely be let go and beeline it for the tiger plush..

Minho stayed where he was, squatted and beaming as Kija ran over and grabbed the giant tiger plush’s face with both of his hands, his smaller tiger plus now lying on the ground next to it. Kija let out a shout and shook the tiger plush’s head to the best of his ability.

“Do you think he likes it?” Minho asked teasingly, glancing up at you. When he spotted the camera, he blushed a bit, but didn’t look away.

You giggled fondly. “I don’t know. It’s hard to say.”

Minho snorted, dropping his head for a moment before looking back up at Kija who was now trying to lay on top of the giant plush.

When you’d first become a mother, a part of you had worried that you’d never be able to find someone who cared about Kija as much as you did, and that would be a deal breaker. You wanted someone else in your life who recognized how important he was, someone you could trust to do what’s best for him if something ever happened to you.

You thought people wouldn’t want to because he “wasn’t theirs,” or that whatever kids you might have with them in the future would take more priority, and your heart couldn’t even bare the thought.

But now, here Minho was, smiling at your son like he held the stars in his hand.

… Maybe this could be good.

Maybe this is exactly what you'd been waiting for this whole time. 

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The moment Hyunjin crouched down with a small plastic spoon and a gentle “Open wide, Suho-yah~”, the baby latched onto him like he'd found his new favorite person.

Hyunjin fed him tiny, careful bites, wiping black bean sauce from the corner of Suho’s mouth with the pad of his thumb. “Yummy?” he asked softly, voice pitched high the way people do without thinking around babies.

Suho nodded solemnly, then—without warning—tipped forward and gently bumped his forehead against Hyunjin’s.

Bonk.

Hyunjin blinked, startled, then laughed, the sound bright and surprised. “Omo, what was that?”

Suho pulled back, studied him for a second like he was deciding something very important, then toddled a few wobbly steps away.

He paused, turned, and toddled right back.

Bonk.

Softer this time. A tiny forehead meeting Hyunjin’s with perfect trust.

The cameras caught every second, but Hyunjin barely noticed. His world had narrowed to the little boy in front of him. Suho giggled—quiet, bubbly—and did it again. And again. Each time walking away just far enough to build dramatic tension, then returning for another gentle collision.

Bonk. Giggle. Repeat.

By the fifth one Hyunjin’s cheeks were flushed pink, eyes sparkling with something dangerously close to tears-of-happiness. He cupped Suho’s round face in both hands, careful not to squish. “You’re gonna make my heart explode, you know that?”

Suho answered by bumping once more, this time lingering so their foreheads stayed pressed together for a long heartbeat. Hyunjin closed his eyes, breathing in the sweet baby-shampoo scent, feeling the tiny warmth against his skin.

Around them, the other members were losing it—Chan, Jeongin, and Changbin cooing dramatically, Jisung fake-sniffling out of jealousy and fond—but Hyunjin didn’t hear any of it.

Something warm and unfamiliar bloomed deep in his chest. Not just fondness. Not just “aww cute.”

It was bigger.

Aching.

The kind of ache that made him picture lazy Sunday mornings years from now, a little hand tugging at his sleeve, asking for “appaaaaa~” while he pretended to be too cool to melt instantly.

Baby fever.

Full-blown, no vaccine in sight.

When Suho finally wandered off toward a pile of colorful blocks (after one last, extra-gentle bonk), Hyunjin stayed crouched there, staring after him with the softest, dopiest smile anyone on set had ever seen from the usually poised dancer.

Later, the director teased him. “Hyunjin-ah, you looked ready to adopt Suho on the spot.”

Hyunjin ducked his head, ears red, fingers twisting in his lap. “He kept… bumping foreheads with me. Like a little cat. How am I supposed to survive that?” He laughed, but it came out shaky. “I think I caught something serious today.”

The camera zoomed in on his face—eyes still glassy, smile helpless and huge.

“Yeah,” he murmured, almost to himself. “I definitely want one someday.”

Hyunjin didn’t deny it. He just smiled wider.

Suho’s little forehead bumps kept replaying in his mind like a looped video. Soft. Trusting. Perfect. Every time the toddler had toddled away and come right back, Hyunjin’s brain had whispered the same thing:

One day… with her.

He could picture it so clearly it hurt.

You, carrying a baby with his eyes and your smile. Him feeding tiny spoonfuls of whatever mush was on the menu that day, wiping sauce from chubby cheeks just like today. A little one running—toddling—straight to him after playtime, bumping their forehead against his in greeting because that’s what appa’s forehead is for: gentle love attacks.

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

The apartment was quiet when Hyunjin finally walked through the door, hours later than either of you expected. The variety show shoot had run long—too many retakes, too many adorable toddler meltdowns.

You barely had time to set your phone down before he was collapsing against you, long limbs folding around your smaller frame like he’d been waiting all day just to do exactly this.

“Hi,” he mumbled into your collarbone, voice wrecked from hours of high-pitched baby-talk and laughing.

“Hi, appa-of-the-year,” you teased, carding fingers through his hair. It was still a little sweaty at the roots from running around the set. “You survived?”

“Barely.” He shifted, tucking his face into the crook of your neck the way he always did when he needed to recharge. Warm breath fanned over your skin in slow, even puffs. “Missed you.”

You hummed, wrapping both arms around his shoulders, letting him melt against you. For a few minutes it was just that—quiet breathing, the soft rustle of his hoodie against your shirt, the faint city hum filtering through the closed windows.

Then he nuzzled closer.

Deeper.

The tip of his nose brushed the sensitive spot just below your ear and you felt the tiniest exhale against your throat, almost a sigh. His lips grazed your skin—not quite a kiss, more like he was trying to breathe you in.

“You okay?” you whispered, smiling even though he couldn’t see it.

He didn’t answer right away. Just pressed himself tighter, like he could disappear into you if he tried hard enough. Then, so soft you almost missed it:

“...want a baby.”

Your brain short-circuited for half a second.

He kept going, voice barely above a murmur, words vibrating right against your pulse. “Like… a tiny one. With your eyes. And maybe my hair. Who bumps foreheads with me when I come home.”

You couldn’t help it—you giggled.

He lifted his head immediately, eyes wide and a little panicked like he thought he’d said something wrong. Hair falling messily into his face, cheeks still flushed from the cold outside and maybe something else. He looked so devastatingly soft like this—vulnerable in a way he rarely let anyone see.

You cupped his face with both hands, thumbs brushing over the faint blush on his cheekbones.

He swallowed once, then said it again—clearer this time, though still quiet, like he was afraid the words might break if he said them too loud.

“I want a baby.”

His gaze flickered between your eyes, searching, nervous, hopeful. The same look he’d had on set earlier when Suho toddled back for one more forehead bump—like something inside him had cracked open and refused to close again.

You felt your own chest tighten in the best way.

“...Yeah?” you whispered, voice suddenly small too.

He nodded, quick and earnest, hair flopping into his eyes again. “Yeah. Like… soon. Or whenever you’re ready. But—” He laughed under his breath, embarrassed. “Today really did something to me. That kid wrecked me. In a good way.”

You leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose, then his forehead, then let your own rest against his—just like Suho had done to him earlier.

Hyunjin exhaled shakily, eyes fluttering closed.

“I kept picturing it,” he whispers, voice cracking just a little. “You pregnant. Round and glowing. Me on my knees, kissing your belly every morning before I leave for practice.” He presses a slow, open-mouthed kiss to your neck. “I want that so bad it hurts.”

His fingers trace lazy circles over your skin, right where a baby would grow.

“Do you feel it too?” he murmurs, lips grazing your earlobe. “Tell me… please. That you want it. That you want me to make you a mama. That you want our baby bumping foreheads with me, giggling like Suho did today.”

You turn in his arms so you're facing him. His eyes are dark, glassy, lashes clumped like he's been fighting happy tears since the set.

“Yes,” you whisper back, cupping his face. “I want it all with you.”

Another kiss—soft, lingering—then he buries his face in your neck again, words muffled but fervent.

His hand slides lower, palm warm against your lower belly.

“I can’t wait to put a baby in you,” he breathes, voice dropping to something huskier, more desperate. “Want to feel you around me while I whisper how much I love you. Want to hold you after, hand on your stomach, dreaming about the life we just started. Want to watch your body change and tell you every single day how fucking gorgeous you are carrying our child.”

You shiver, fingers tightening in his hair. He groans softly at the pull.

“Hyunjin…”

“Say it,” he pleads against your throat, lips trailing fire. “Tell me you want me to. Right now. Tell me you’re ready for me to love you until there’s no question anymore. Until we’re both wrecked and full of promises.”

You arch into him, breath hitching. “I want it. I want you to. Make me yours like that… make us a family.”

He smiles against your skin—soft, blinding, a little wrecked—and shifts his weight, rolling you beneath him. His kisses turn slower, deeper, hands roaming with quiet worship.

“Then let me start tonight,” he whispers one last time, voice thick with emotion and heat. “Let me show you how much I mean every word. Let me love you until all we can think about is tiny forehead bumps… and the sound of little feet running to us.”

The room quiets to nothing but shared breaths, murmured I-love-yous, and the rustle of fabric giving way as the night melts into something heated, hopeful, and entirely yours.

When both of you finished, he buried his face in your neck again—gentler this time, no more frantic nuzzling—just warm and safe and home.

You could feel his smile against your throat when he whispered, “Gonna be the coolest appa. Just watch.”

You laughed again, softer.