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"dada why doesn't mama live with us?" little haru blinks, his round wide eyes glistening under the soft light, waiting patiently for an answer that makes sense in his tiny world.
"mama? who baby" jeongguk questions in return, brows knitting together slightly, not understanding what haru is asking about. his voice is gentle, but confusion lingers in it.
haru immediately puts his toy aside, determination taking over his small features. he waddles toward the table with tiny steps, fingers brushing over scattered things until he finds what he’s looking for– a magazine.
on the glossy page, jeongguk and taehyung are captured together, smiling under bright studio lights, close enough to look like something more.
haru carefully carries the magazine back, placing it in his father’s hands with surprising seriousness for a child his age. his tiny finger points directly at taehyung.
"mama," he says, looking up into jeongguk’s eyes, completely certain.
jeongguk freezes.
for a second, he just stares at the page, then at haru, then back at the page again. his throat suddenly feels dry, and he chokes on nothing.
"baby… there's a misunderstanding, that's not—"
haru’s lips begin to wobble before he can even finish. his big eyes fill with tears, lashes clumping together as his vision blurs.
"mama always in tv and books with appa but no home… mama doesn't like me? why mama not here…" his voice cracks, each word breaking softer than the last.
jeongguk’s chest tightens painfully.
seeing haru like this… it feels like something is squeezing his heart from the inside. he quickly pulls the little boy closer, brushing his thumb under haru’s eyes, catching the tears before they fall.
he understands now.
haru has been watching. observing. putting pieces together in his own innocent way.
to him, taehyung is always there—on the tv, in magazines, beside jeongguk, smiling, laughing. always close.
of course haru would think he belongs here too.
two years ago, when his sister passed away, jeongguk still remembers the weight of that day. the hospital room. the silence after everything ended.
and then haru, small and fragile.
he remembers holding him for the first time, fear and protectiveness crashing into him all at once. the promise he made that day still echoes in his mind—he would take care of him, no matter what.
alone.
he chose that.
but now… seeing haru cry over someone who isn’t even aware of this misunderstanding it breaks him.
"mama likes you very much baby," he murmurs softly, voice warm and steady despite the turmoil inside him. "but mama is busy, just like appa… mama works very hard, that's why he's not home all the time."
haru sniffles, shaking his head stubbornly.
"want mama… call mama home." his voice turns small, but there’s insistence in it, a quiet demand only a child can make.
jeongguk exhales slowly, he wasn’t prepared for this.
but looking at haru’s teary face, he can’t bring himself to refuse.
"ok… ok baby, i will bring mama home, don’t worry," he murmurs, wiping away the tear that finally slips down haru’s cheek. his touch is gentle, careful, like he’s handling something precious.
"now let’s eat and go to bed, hm? i’ll read you a nice story, yeah?"
haru hesitates for a moment, then slowly lifts his tiny hand, extending his pinky.
"pinky pwomise?"
jeongguk lets out a quiet breath, a small smile forming despite everything. he hooks his finger with haru’s.
"promise bun."
haru nods, though his expression doesn’t fully change. his eyes still hold that watery glint, but he settles, trusting the promise.
because his appa never breaks promises.
---
later that night, jeongguk lies on the bed, one arm wrapped protectively around haru, who is now fast asleep on his chest.
the room is quiet, his mind doesn’t rest.
it wanders… back, back to five years ago.
the first time he saw taehyung.
the omega had walked into the set, eyes wide and curious, scanning everything like a lost puppy. there had been something so pure about him, something untouched by the harshness of the world.
jeongguk had noticed immediately and then… he never stopped noticing.
the way taehyung smiles at strangers like they matter, the way he helps people without expecting anything in return.
the way he laughs, soft and unguarded, and the orphanage.
taehyung running an orphanage, spending his time and energy on children who aren’t even his responsibility—it had left jeongguk speechless the first time he found out.
taehyung was… everything.
and jeongguk had liked him. from the very beginning.
maybe even loved him, somewhere along the way.
but then life happened.
his sister’s death. haru’s arrival.
everything changed overnight.
his priorities shifted, his world narrowed down to one tiny child who depended entirely on him.
and taehyung…
taehyung deserved freedom.
he deserved to live without being tied down by someone else’s responsibilities.
so jeongguk buried it.
locked those feelings away where they wouldn’t affect anything.
but today…
haru’s tears broke something inside him.
maybe… just maybe… there’s a way to fix this without crossing any lines.
maybe he can ask taehyung to come over sometimes. just… spend time with haru.
nothing more, that should be fine, right…? right?
---
the next morning, jeongguk walks into the office, a slight tension in his shoulders.
he spots taehyung immediately.
the omega is sitting on a chair, flipping through a magazine, soft features relaxed, completely unaware of the storm he’s about to be pulled into.
"im sorry, im late tae" jeongguk murmurs, approaching him.
taehyung looks up, his lips curling into that familiar gentle smile.
"don’t worry about it hyung” he hums lightly, closing the magazine. "what was the reason you wanted us to meet?"
jeongguk hesitates.
for a moment, words don’t come easily.
"um… actually… im in a very helpless situation," he lets out a small breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "you know haru? my son?"
taehyung’s expression softens instantly “ofcourse”.
jeongguk chuckles faintly, though there’s nervousness beneath it.
"he… thinks we’re actually a couple. and that you’re his mama."
there’s silence taehyung blinks, once. twice "im sorry… what?"
jeongguk lets out a quiet, almost embarrassed laugh "yeah… crazy, right? he sees us on tv and in magazines… and since we’re always together, he just… connected it like that."
taehyung’s lips part slightly, still trying to process it.
"and now… he wants to meet you," jeongguk continues, voice softer now. "he cried yesterday… he thought you didn’t like him because you don’t come home."
that changed everything, taehyung’s expression shifts completely, concern filling his eyes "he cried…?"
jeongguk nods, looking down at his hands for a second before reaching out, placing them gently over taehyung’s.
the contact is warm. grounding.
"i know this is ridiculous… and im asking a lot," his voice drops, more vulnerable than usual. "but could you come over once or twice a week? just… spend some time with him?"
his grip tightens slightly "i just want to see my son happy, tae… please."
taehyung’s heart stutters, because how is he supposed to say no?
he has been in love with this man for years, quiet hopelessly.
and now jeongguk is looking at him like this… soft, pleading, real.
"…alright," he finally breathes out, a small smile forming. "i will hyung… for haru."
jeongguk exhales, relief washing over his features "thank you… really."
their hands linger for a moment longer than necessary before slowly pulling apart.
neither of them mentions it.
---
the next day arrives quicker than expected.
taehyung stands in front of the mirror, adjusting his outfit.
a blue shirt, a navy sweater layered over it, simple pants—nothing too much, he wants to look… nice, for haru.
but deep down, he knows he’s also thinking about someone else.
he takes a small breath before heading out.
when he reaches the jeon mansion, his heart starts beating faster, the door opens almost immediately.
jeongguk stands there, a gentle smile already on his lips.
"thank you so much for coming, tae."
"where’s haru?" taehyung asks, stepping inside, eyes curiously scanning the space.
"i’m gonna get him… you sit," jeongguk gestures, heading upstairs.
taehyung settles on the couch, fingers fidgeting slightly as he waits.
after a few minutes, footsteps echo, jeongguk returns, holding haru in his arms.
the little boy is focused on his toy at first, completely unaware.
"baby… are you ready to meet mama?" jeongguk murmurs softly.
haru’s head snaps up instantly, his eyes widen, and then he sees him.
"MAMA!"
the excitement is explosive.
he squirms, insisting to be put down, and the moment his feet touch the ground, he runs—tiny steps rushing straight into taehyung’s arms.
taehyung barely has time to react before he’s being hugged tightly, a soft laugh escapes him as he wraps his arms around the child "hello baby…"
haru pulls back just enough to press a kiss against his cheek.
"appa! mama so soft!" he beams, bouncing happily in taehyung’s lap.
jeongguk watches quietly, something warm blooming in his chest.
"mama play with me… i have so many toys!" haru grabs taehyung’s hand eagerly.
taehyung chuckles.
"of course baby, let’s go."
they disappear into the playroom together.
and for hours…
it’s just laughter.
"mama look! there’s a dino!!"
"wow… he’s so big, what’s his name?"
"koorex! i named it after dada" the omega laughs at the name.
"mama bunny!"
"he’s cute… just like you."
"mama that’s the wrong way!"
"oh? then you show me the right way."
time slips by unnoticed.
taehyung’s heart feels impossibly full, warmth spreading through him with every "mama" that leaves haru’s lips.
it feels… right.
---
eventually, jeongguk steps into the room, leaning against the doorframe for a moment, watching them.
his chest tightens at the sight.
"alright baby… that’s enough, mama has to go now," he murmurs gently.
haru immediately shakes his head.
"no! wanna play more with mama… you go."
jeongguk huffs a small laugh.
taehyung looks up, smiling softly "it’s okay hyung… i want to spend more time with haru."
their eyes meet, and for a moment, something unspoken lingers between them.
_____
days turn into weeks.
and somewhere in between small routines and quiet laughter, taehyung stops feeling like a guest in the jeon house.
he knows where the cups are kept.
he knows which toy haru will cry over if it goes missing.
he knows jeongguk takes his coffee too strong and still pretends it tastes fine.
and jeongguk…
jeongguk knows taehyung hums when he’s focused, that he tilts his head when he’s listening, that he smiles even when he’s tired.
it becomes something natural.
something neither of them questions out loud.
“mama come fast!” haru’s voice rings through the living room, followed by a small crash and an exaggerated gasp.
taehyung immediately steps out of the kitchen, drying his hands on a towel, concern already written across his face.
“what happened baby?” he asks, crouching down beside the little boy.
haru looks devastated.
“tower fell…” his tiny fingers point at the blocks scattered everywhere, his lower lip pushed out in a dramatic pout. “it was big… very big…”
taehyung nods seriously, like this is the most important problem in the world.
“that sounds very serious… should we fix it together?” his voice softens, fingers already picking up one of the blocks.
haru’s mood shifts instantly, climbing into taehyung’s lap like he belongs there.
“mama hold… i build,” he mumbles, guiding taehyung’s hand like he’s the assistant.
“oh, so i just hold?” taehyung smiles, playing along.
“yes… mama watch.”
from the kitchen doorway, jeongguk leans against the frame, arms crossed, watching them with quiet eyes.
there’s something warm in his chest.
and something else.
something that makes him narrow his eyes just a little.
“you know…” he mutters, voice low but just loud enough, “i used to be his favorite person.”
taehyung glances up, lips curving slightly.
haru doesn’t even turn around.
“mama hold straight,” he insists, adjusting taehyung’s hand carefully.
jeongguk scoffs softly.
“wow… okay. i see how it is.”
taehyung lets out a quiet laugh, shaking his head.
“he just replaced me like thar,” jeongguk pushes off the wall, walking closer, eyes still on them. “i raised him, you know. carried him around for hours, no sleep, no breaks…”
“and now?” taehyung hums, tilting his head slightly.
“now he looks at me like i’m interrupting, no dada only mama.”
haru finally turns, frowning at jeongguk.
“dada noisy.”
taehyung bursts into soft laughter, covering his mouth.
jeongguk blinks, offended.
“noisy?” haru nods firmly “mama nice, dada noisy.”
“wow…” jeongguk places a hand over his chest dramatically. “that hurt.”
taehyung’s shoulders shake slightly, laughter spilling out softer now.
“im deeply hurt,” jeongguk grumbles, though there’s a smile threatening to show.
his gaze lingers on taehyung a little longer than necessary.
---
later that night, the house is quiet again.
haru lies sprawled across the couch, head resting on taehyung’s lap, tiny fingers loosely clutching his sleeve.
his breathing is slow, peaceful.
taehyung’s hand moves gently through his hair, tucking him on the bed, careful not to wake him.
jeongguk stands nearby for a moment before sitting down beside them, his arm resting along the back of the couch.
his fingers brush against taehyung’s shoulder.
“he really likes you,” his voice comes out softer than usual, almost thoughtful.
taehyung smiles faintly, eyes still on haru.
“i like him too… he’s… very easy to love.”
jeongguk watches him closely, the way he says it, like it means something more.
“you don’t have to keep doing this,” jeongguk murmurs after a pause, his gaze dropping briefly before lifting again. “coming here every day… taking care of him… you have your own life too.”
taehyung’s fingers still, just for a second.
“i’m not doing this because i have to.”
jeongguk tilts his head slightly “then why?”
there’s no teasing in his voice now just something quiet and honest.
taehyung exhales softly, his thumb brushing against haru’s cheek absentmindedly.
“because i want to be here.”
jeongguk’s eyes don’t leave him “for haru?”
taehyung shakes his head slowly “yes but… not just for him.”
jeongguk shifts closer without realizing “then…?”
taehyung finally looks up and this time, he doesn’t look away “for you.”
it lands heavier than expected.
jeongguk’s breath catches slightly, his fingers curling against the couch “tae…”
“i tried not to,” taehyung lets out a small, nervous laugh, shaking his head. “i really did… i thought it would just go away if i ignored it long enough.”
jeongguk swallows.
“ it didn’t,” taehyung’s voice softens, almost fragile. “it just got worse every time you smiled at me… or looked at me like i mattered.”
jeongguk’s hand moves closer, hovering near taehyung’s.
“you’ve always mattered.”
“then why didn’t you say anything?” taehyung’s brows knit slightly, not angry, just… confused.
jeongguk exhales slowly “because i was scared.”
“of me?”
“of needing you,” he admits quietly. “of wanting something i thought i couldn’t have.”
taehyung’s expression softens immediately “you don’t get to decide that alone.”
“i know…” jeongguk lets out a small breath, almost a laugh. “i just didn’t want to drag you into this… into my responsibilities.”
taehyung shakes his head gently “you’re not dragging me anywhere… i walked here on my own.”
their hands brush.
then slowly intertwine.
neither of them moves away.
“i like you,” taehyung whispers, voice barely there.
jeongguk’s lips curve softly “i’ve liked you for five years.”
taehyung’s eyes widen slightly, a breathless laugh escaping him.
“five years… and you just decided to stay quiet?”
“i thought i was being noble,” jeongguk hums faintly.
“you were being stupid.”
“yeah… probably.”
they both smile, their foreheads rest together, eyes closing for a moment.
“can we try?” taehyung murmurs, almost hesitant now.
jeongguk doesn’t hesitate at all.
“we already are.”
and this time…
they don’t hold back.
---
the next morning–
“no!!” haru’s voice is loud enough to echo, as he witnesses his dada cuddling with his mama.
taehyung blinks, still half-asleep, sitting at the edge of the bed while fixing his hair.
jeongguk wakes up, as he hears his son's voice.
“what happened baby?” taehyung asks, turning toward the little boy.
haru stands there, arms crossed, cheeks puffed, glaring “dada no!”
“what did i do?” jeongguk raises a brow, clearly amused.
haru stomps his tiny foot “mama mine!”
taehyung freezes.
jeongguk lets out a quiet laugh, running a hand through his hair.
“wow… okay. we’re doing this now.”
haru climbs onto taehyung, wrapping his arms tightly around taehyung’s waist “no dada take mama…”
taehyung lets out a soft laugh, hugging him back “baby…”
jeongguk also hugs taehyung. “first of all… that’s my boyfriend” he pauses, glancing at taehyung with a small smile.
taehyung’s ears turn pink instantly.
haru gasps dramatically.
“no! mama haru’s!”
“we can share,” jeongguk offers, clearly entertained.
haru shakes his head aggressively.
“no share!”
taehyung looks between them, trying to stay serious but failing.
“you’re both impossible…”
“he started it,” jeongguk points lightly.
“no dada!”
“yes baby.”
“no!”
“yes.”
before it can escalate further, jeongguk suddenly leans in, pressing a quick, soft kiss to taehyung’s cheek.
taehyung freezes.
haru freezes harder.
his eyes go wide, mouth falling open “dada!!!”
jeongguk smirks slightly.
“what?”
“no kiss mama!”
“why not?”
“no!”
taehyung covers his face, laughing softly, shoulders shaking.
“i can’t deal with both of you…”
haru immediately turns, pressing a loud, exaggerated kiss on taehyung’s other cheek.
“haru kiss!”
jeongguk narrows his eyes, leaning closer “okay, why is my son trying to ragebait me?.”
“he’s just a baby,” taehyung mumbles behind his hands, still smiling.
haru hugs him tighter.
“wow, i can't believe this, my own son is trying to ragebait me” jeongguk moves even closer.
and somehow, in the middle of all the chaos—
they fit perfectly..
and for the first time, none of it feels uncertain anymore.
because now…
they’re not pretending.
they’re not holding back.
they’re just… together.