Kim Namjoon is not a man famous for making irrational decisions, but it always seems to happen when he’s drunk. Especially when he’s had a bit too much alcohol in his veins and proceeds to forget about everything he’s done.

See, a perfect example of this was that time in college, when some long-lost friend of his took him to a beer drinking competition. Namjoon won, but the price was that he woke up the next day, sweaty and exhausted, then finding he had taken a run through the campus at four am.

*****.

He was (usually) the rational guy among his friends, but he’d landed a big job, and it was worth celebrating enough to let loose for a while, so he bought at least a hundred bottles of beer, and drank for god knows how long until he lost memory of what he was doing.

Contrary to the rumours later that week, it wasn’t his idea. Social butterfly and perfect face supreme, Kim Seokjin had been the one to land the beer as well as the horde of friends at the party.

And with his luck, Kim Seokjin was Namjoon’s boyfriend at the time.

Ah, yes. That night, where Namjoon vandalised a building, broke a few cars, got caught in the act, arrested, went on headlines for the first time in his little life, and received an email from the company that morning, telling him that he was fired. On his first day. Before, even so.

So it was acceptable in Namjoon’s worth million brain when he dumped Seokjin thereafter and disappeared completely from his life.

Namjoon had shredded the harsh feelings and memories quite well, and kept it that way nicely for three years. But it was all coming back to him now, because there, in an aisle at a supermarket on sale, stands Seokjin, glowing and standing out in the hordes of middle aged ladies, arm frozen midair from where he was putting frozen meat into his cart, and two kids at his hip.

Then time unfreezes and one of the toddlers grab the other, furiously whispering until they’re both nodding, tugging at Seokjin’s jacket until he looks down at the kids, shook out of his daze.

Seokjin kneels down, and the toddlers whisper something into his ear. Seokjin nods, and scoops up one into his arms, the meat returned to the shelves, while the other hides behind Seokjin’s legs.

The toddler in Seokjin’s arms peeks cautiously at Namjoon, extending an arm towards him. Namjoon can only stare at the chubby little arm before looking up at Seokjin, who nodded, as if telling him to go on.

Slowly, almost dramatically, Namjoon takes the little hand in his, his own palm almost swallowing the toddler’s soft one. The toddler tugs a bit in their handshake pose, and Namjoon staggers forward almost immediately, distance between him and Seokjin closing so quickly it was borderline dangerous.

The toddler opens his mouth, chubby cheeks moving to form yet to be familiar words. “‘m Jimin, and daddy tells me you’re my papa.”

Namjoon chokes right then and there, in the middle of the frozen food aisle, with a new weight bearing on his shoulders.

Out of all the not-so-wonderful and wonderful things he is, he’s suddenly a father, which he has no idea in how to be one.

Scratch that, he’s never even seen the toddlers.

“T-those are your kids?” Namjoon gapes, eyes flicking to Seokjin and the other toddler by his feet.

“Yes. Technically no, but they are mine.” Jimin is kicking at Seokjin to let him down, and once Jimin’s feet touch the floor, he’s running off to join his brother.

Namjoon looks at the toddlers, who are off and away in their little world. Wait. If they’re his kids... then-?

“You’re married?”

“I did say they technically weren’t mine.” Seokjin sighs, and the unknown toddler kicks at him lightly, frowning. “Ah, sorry, Taehyungie.” Seokjin shoots Taehyung a charming smile, and he turns away with small huff, paying attention to Jimin once again.

“Ah, they’re adopted, and you’re the other guardian, though I’m sure you don’t have any remaining knowledge in this manner.” This time, the charming smile is directed at Namjoon, and Seokjin picks out bacon while Namjoon tries to process the information.

“But I never-” Namjoon is cut off when Seokjin smiles sadly at him. “I know. but the newspaper didn’t tell you the full story about what happened that night, did it?”

It hits Namjoon then, and though he still can’t make a sense out of his own actions, nor can he remember, he must’ve done a lot more than vandalising.

Seokjin glances over at him, patting the toddlers’ fluffy hair to get their attention. “Are you free after?”

“Y-yeah.” Namjoon nods, relieved that today was a Sunday and not any other.

“Great. I can tell you the details.” Seokjin scoops up the toddlers one by one into the cart, Taehyung yelling, “daddy’s going to buy us!” whereas Jimin kicks at his brother, telling him, “our papa is here! don’t be dumb!” and Taehyung whispers (a bit too loudly) back, “if he’s our papa, then he must already know we’re dumb!” which leaves Jimin quiet, thinking earnestly about his brother’s words all the way to the cashier.

-

Seokjin’s car is a normal family sized one, the kinds with seven seats. Namjoon realises he can’t leave his car in a parking lot, so he mutters, “I’ll follow your car,” and hurries off in that direction, not thinking about the words that came out of his mouth.

As soon as Namjoon’s butt is planted on the worn out seat of his own car, he slumps immediately, groaning at his own hot-headedness. Why would Seokjin let him in his home, out of all places? And, really, this is the most important question, where is his life going to afterwards?

Namjoon groans once more, and he hears strained knocking on his window. No, that’s pounding. Really, really soft pounding.

He glances to the side, but there was no one, not even a shadow. Luckily, the whole suddenness of the issue had Namjoon’s brain finally turning, and he opens the window, looking downwards.

And there is Jimin, blushing nervously as he holds his brother’s hand. “Daddy wants to ask...” Jimin falters, trying to remember what Seokjin said. Taehyung butts in at this fine moment, “Do you like taeow?”

Namjoon has a glimpse of Taehyung’s brain at that moment, pure and precious in all ways possible. But pure and precious didn’t really go well with a toddler’s brain. “Huh?”

“Taeow! Be’cuz dadda is too lazy to chook.” Taehyung is slowly warming up to Namjoon, grinning and showing his little teeth.

“Chook.” Namjoon echoes slowly, “Oh, cook.”

He looks at Taehyung and Jimin, the two looking back at Namjoon expectantly. “Taeow? Ohh, takeout.”

“Yes!” Jimin nods happily, “Taehow.”

Namjoon can’t help the grin raising on his face. “Jimin, Taehyung, follow me. Ta-ke-out.”

“Takow.”

“Takot.”

“That’s about right.” Seokjin appears out of nowhere, spooking Namjoon. “So.” Seokjin tilts his head lightly. “Like you heard the boys, I do not want to waste time cooking. So it’s either takeout or no dinner.”

Namjoon gulps, evening out his breath. “Takeout.”

“Great!” Seokjin beams, and the toddlers copy their father’s expression. “Don’t lose track of my car.”

-

“Seokjin, I- you- you don’t have to.” Namjoon follows Seokjin into his home, a comfy one large enough to accommodate two energetic toddlers and all their daily needs.

“Please. It’s not like I can leave the boys at home, and they don’t like restaurants.” Seokjin lugs a bag of groceries into the kitchen, placing them on the counter as he unpacks.

Something tugs at the hem of Namjoon’s shirt, and there stands Taehyung, rubbing his eyes as he clutches on to Namjoon. Once Taehyung is aware of Namjoon looking at him, he raises his arms, yawning so widely Namjoon was tempted to put a finger inside.

Seokjin looks back from his groceries and smiles. “Taehyung has decided to like you after all. If you don’t pick him up now, he’s going to throw a tantrum that will also throw Jimin into one, and it’s not going to be pretty.” The last part is called out, for Seokjin’s back was turned to Namjoon as he busies himself with the groceries.

Namjoon looks from the small child by his feet to Seokjin’s back. Seokjin would actually trust Namjoon with his own child? Namjoon takes one last look at Taehyung, and his heart softened like cotton candy clouds.

He lifts Taehyung by his armpits, the toddler not even protesting once as he immediately clings to Namjoon’s shoulder. A minute later he’s sure Taehyung is fast asleep, and tiptoes over to Seokjin, already joined by sweet Jimin who helping him put the milk inside the fridge. “Where’s their room?” Namjoon asks, Taehyung’s short puffs of breath warm on his neck.

“Second room down the hall. -Yes, Jimin?” Jimin has returned from his little escapade to the fridge, and is rubbing his eyes just the same way his brother has done moments ago.

Seokjin looks awkwardly at his hands, coated with sauce from marinating meat. “Ah,” He smiles apologetically at Jimin, then gestures to Namjoon. “I really can’t leave right now, but you can ask papa to tuck you into bed.”

Namjoon hopes Taehyung can’t feel his thumping heartbeat, or rather, his loud beats wouldn’t wake him up. Because he was almost sure the whole room could hear it if it weren’t theoretically impossible at this distance.

“Sure.” Namjoon calms his heartbeat and smiles warmingly at Jimin, freeing an arm and outstretching it, kneeling at Jimin’s eye level.

Jimin climbs into Namjoon’s embrace and snuggles into it, letting out a small sigh as he gives in to slumber.

Seokjin’s eyes scan over his children and Namjoon, giggling. “I wish my hands weren’t coated with sauce, so I could take a picture. Anyways,” He starts mixing the meat, “Second room down the hall.”

Namjoon knows it’s his cue to leave, before things get awkward. Except it should have been, meeting his ex and his children three years since then.

Jimin and Taehyung’s shared bedroom is a large one, with Jimin’s yellow bed and Taehyung’s red one separated by a little nightstand. Little name signs hang from the bedposts, and Namjoon sets Jimin down first, tucking his blanket over him as Jimin kicks it off immediately.

Namjoon can’t tuck Jimin in further with Taehyung still clinging tight, so he turns around, Taehyung rolling into his bed as he hands grab unconsciously for his blanket.

Taehyung is relatively tamer when he’s asleep, and Namjoon finds no trouble at keeping Taehyung warm. But as his hands move the blanket further up Taehyung’s small body, his own little hand shoots out and grabs at Namjoon’s index finger.

He’s surprisingly strong, and Namjoon doesn’t have the heart to unhook Taehyung’s hand. So he climbs into Taehyung’s bed, the wooden furniture holding them up steadily, as Namjoon reaches over to cover Jimin properly. The toddler turns a bit in his sleep, but settles down quickly, bunching up his blanket and cuddling it like a teddy bear.

Namjoon glances at the floor, and there it is, a teddy bear perfect for a toddler to hug. With an arm still around Taehyung, he reaches down, taking a hold of the teddy bear and placing it in Jimin’s embrace. The toddler immediately lets go of his blanket, holding onto the stuffed toy tightly.

Once Taehyung can feel Namjoon’s warmth returning to him, he snuggles in, face smushed in Namjoon’s side. He pats Taehyung slowly, lulling him into a deeper sleep.

As Namjoon begins to feel sleepy himself, the door to the toddlers’ room is pushed open, Seokjin’s hands washed and he smiles at the little sight in front of him.

“Hey,” He gently calls for Namjoon. Namjoon looks up, hand still patting Taehyung lightly.

“Hey.” Namjoon replies, ruffling Taehyung’s hair to make him let go. As he slowly moves away, the side of his shirt still warm and fragrant with baby powder.

“I need your help in ordering takeout,” Seokjin whispers as he turns away, a silver of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

They both know it’s a shitty excuse, but they’d buy it anyway.

-

Namjoon sets down the phone quietly, having finished ordering their dinner. Seokjin sits awkwardly across him, piling up the many menus.

The atmosphere was so intense Namjoon believed sparks would dance across the air if they stayed here for another second.

“So,” he begins quietly, and Seokjin flinches. “Mind telling me the full story?”

Seokjin glances to the toddlers’ bedroom. “That night, we passed an orphanage. It was still early, nine pm or so, but you were already drunk, and we exactly ran into a girl placing two babies on the orphanage’s doorstep.”

“Jimin and Taehyung.” Namjoon breathes, and Seokjin nods. “You went up and asked the girl what she was doing, and she told us the babies were hers, but she’s only seventeen, and her family can’t keep them for financial reasons, so you said we could adopt them, you said you already had a great job, those kids would be fine, and...”

Namjoon eyes meet Seokjin’s, and they both know this conversation should be held three years ago, discussing over the boys’ fate.

“I’m sorry.” Namjoon breaks the silence again, eyes never leaving him. “I should’ve come back, should’ve actually cared. I can’t believe I’ve left you alone for this long, with two kids that never saw the other half of their parents...” His gazes lowers, but he can feel Seokjin shaking his head.

“No, I shouldn’t have gotten the booze in the first place. I caused all this, where you could have an impressive job, where we-” Seokjin catches himself quickly, swallowing like he always does when he’s nervous. But Namjoon, bless him, could grasp the latter part of the sentence. Where we could still be together.

“Think about them, Seokjin.” Namjoon’s eyes divert towards the children’s door, “Who knows where they will be now if you hadn’t taken them in?”

Seokjin’s eyelashes flutter gently, and it’s at that moment when Jimin opens the door, waddling towards the dining table. He stretches out instinctively for Seokjin, who takes Jimin into his arms immediately.

“I’ve got to stop spoiling you,” Seokjin mutters into Jimin’s hair, tickling his scalp. The toddler laughs and thrashes a bit in Seokjin’s grip, before the door opens once again to show a disturbed Taehyung, woken up by Jimin’s noises.

“Aw,” Namjoon coos, as Taehyung attempts to climb into his lap. Namjoon lifts him up by the armpits, cuddling Taehyung to the warmth of his torso.

Taehyung looks like he’s about to fall asleep again, but Namjoon nudges him awake. “Dinner is on the way, Tae. Don’t fall asleep. Or else I’ll eat all the fried ice-cream.”

Taehyung was whining until Namjoon mentioned “fried ice-cream”, and the toddler sits up excitedly, his brother mirroring his motions. “You have fried ice-cream?!” Taehyung yells, mouth wide with happiness.

Namjoon bumps Taehyung on the nose affectionately, “It’s a first present. But you can’t fall asleep anymore.”

“I’m not sleepy!” Taehyung leaps off Namjoon’s lap with extreme litheness, tugging at Namjoon’s hand, “Come on! I want to play!” And leads him off into the living room, showing Namjoon all his favourite robots and cars.

Jimin looks up at Seokjin and the adult smiles. “Do you want to join them, baby?”

The boy nods, and slides down Seokjin’s leg, showing a bright smile as Jimin takes Seokjin’s hand.

Seokjin looks into the living room, where a 6 feet tall man plays a melody to his, their son with the toddler’s six-note toy piano, who hums along enthusiastically, and Seokjin can tell, it should all have happened years ago, but better late than never.

Bathing the toddlers was the most fun Namjoon ever had in the past two miserable years. Taehyung and Jimin always insists to bath together, and doesn’t seem on letting that habit drop for another two years or so.

It’s endearing in the best possible way, just watching the kids learn to grow, exploring the world with their soft hands and just as soft heart.

Namjoon thinks he’s going to die at a young age of 27 whenever Jimin looks over his shoulder and gives Namjoon his cute eye smiles, or when Taehyung just wont let go of Namjoon in his sleep, little fingers wrapped tight around Namjoon’s, and really, he doesn’t have the heart to let go.

Not to mention Seokjin.

Seokjin, laid out on his side in Jimin’s bed, threading his hand through Jimin’s soft hair, propped up on one hand, as his eyes droop lightly, stomach full and content with just a bit too much of fried ice-cream.

It’s a Saturday anyways, and he’s free from any duties tomorrow, so he lies down, hoping Taehyung doesn’t mind Namjoon sharing a blanket with him, and the toddler obviously is more than okay with it as he mushes his face into Namjoon’s shirt as little puffs of air warm Namjoon’s chest, Seokjin following Namjoon to lie down, the moon shining through the curtains, blessing the happy family with its silvery light.

-

The sun quickly takes over the darkness of the peaceful night, and just a bit too quickly for Seokjin as his eyes open before anyone else.

He has a moment of panic as he looks over Jimin’s shoulder, body settling back into the mattress comfortably as his eyes land on Namjoon’s sleeping figure, Taehyung secure in his arms.

Seokjin can’t tear his gaze away, because it’s all so natural and warming he thinks he’s going to cry from all of it, finally seeing Namjoon after those times.

He’s endured more than he’d let on, when Jimin and Taehyung were still babies and he was a man, for goodness sake. Seokjin couldn’t breastfeed nor have motherly instincts that left him swallowed in panic as the boys cried and cried throughout their first month in Seokjin’s care, but he really didn’t know what to do but feed and change the occasional diapers, which neither had a smooth beginning too, just like bathing, late night feeding, cleaning, and a lot more Seokjin didn’t want to go back into.

He’d made through, struggling, but helped, with much thanks to Hoseok, his long time friend and best friend. He may be just as clueless as Seokjin when it came to caretaking, but an extra helping hand is always appreciated.

Jimin and Taehyung grew healthily, and Yoongi started to come less and less due to a big collaborative work with one of the top artists, and he’d been asked countless times if he and Yoongi were dating.

But no. Seokjin could’ve given a go at his love life, but he always believed Namjoon would be back.

Like now.

There’s a calming aura that always seems to radiate off Namjoon, even though there’s a three year old snoring and drooling on his shirt, it always evens out Seokjin’s breath when he’s looking at Namjoon, at that serene look on his face when he thinks no one is watching him and goes off into his own world.

Jimin stirs quietly, immediately rolling out of Seokjin’s embrace to look over at Taehyung’s bed. For a moment, Seokjin can read the child’s panicked look as he thinks Namjoon is gone, but relaxed immediately he’s still there.

Seokjin rubs circles into Jimin’s tummy, a tactic that would calm him except in the worst of tantrums. “Still here, baby,” He whispers, and Jimin sits up, tilting his head as he gets a good look at Namjoon. “Daddy?” Jimin asks, tugging at Seokjin, who’s sitting up and cradling his son into his warm arms.

“Yes Jimin?” Seokjin combs Jimin’s hair with his fingers, already guessing what the toddler was going to ask.

“Is... Is papa going to stay forever?” Jimin looks up at Seokjin, expectancy clear in his wide eyes.

Seokjin glances over to Namjoon, praying, praying.

“Yes.”

-

He’s glad both Namjoon and Taehyung tend to sleep until noon, because it left Seokjin with a lot of alone time to think to himself.

Jimin is quiet, already understanding the importance of privacy to Seokjin despite being three. Seokjin finds comfort hugging Jimin while the toddler watches the morning cartoon shows, not moving at all.

The children had taken in the fact of a new member added to the family surprisingly well. Of course, it might’ve had something to do with Seokjin telling them Namjoon would be back, but especially Taehyung, who had developed a very quick liking to Namjoon, didn’t even once question Namjoon’s sudden presence.

He’d also lied a bit. Seokjin couldn’t promise Namjoon would stay, but seeing the look in his eyes when he held Jimin and Taehyung in his arms...

Seokjin shakes his head and buries his nose into Jimin’s hair, who didn’t protest. It’s way too early in the morning, and neither of them are hungry enough to want breakfast, so Seokjin lies down, Jimin snuggling up on the sofa, seeking for comfort that Seokjin happily complied with, and father and son fall asleep once again.

When they wake up, the sun is high up in the sky and Taehyung is looming over Seokjin. “Daddy!! Wake up!” The child yells, patting at Seokjin’s shoulder.

“I’m awake, thank you, Taetae.” Seokjin gently smiles at his son as Jimin cuddles further into his arms.

Namjoon steps out from behind, looking at a sleepy Jimin. “I can wake him up,” He offers, “And you can go get ready.” Seokjin is blinded with a soft smile, dimples forming at the sides of Namjoon’s mouth.

“For...?” Seokjin looks up tiredly at Namjoon, feeling Jimin lull his head, slowly awaking from his slumber.

Taehyung butts in, playing with Seokjin’s fingers. “Papa promised to go to the park with Mickey!”

“Disneyland, huh.” Seokjin smiles to himself, handing Jimin over to Namjoon.

The movement is almost natural, like they’d been doing it for the past years, and Seokjin tries not to blush like a teenager as their fingers brush briefly.

Namjoon doesn’t seem to take note of the contact as he ushers Jimin into his embrace, cooing and muttering little phrases into the child’s ear, even placing little kisses on his chubby cheeks here and there.

Taehyung insists to go along with Seokjin to brush his teeth, so as he sits the toddler on the bathroom counter, he can’t help but think of an entirely new aspect in life, of kids, and of a profound love.

-

The amusement park is filled with screaming kids and little girls in princess dresses scraping Namjoon’s bare legs every now and then, (seriously, are their dresses made of steel wool?) and he holds on to Jimin just as hard as the toddler does.

It’s more than obvious Jimin doesn’t like all the people and oh, the noise. Namjoon makes mental notes to steer clear of the rides within a ten-feet radius, what with Jimin flinching and burying his face into Namjoon’s neck whenever another child screams.

Taehyung, however, seems to be the exact opposite of his brother as he pulls a pale-faced Seokjin onto every scariest ride the three year old’s height could allow him, and when Seokjin looked like he would puke after the 13th turn on the spinning teacups, did Namjoon step in, taking Seokjin’s place to satisfy Taehyung’s adrenaline needs.

After Taehyung comes back, dizzy and crashing into everything within his sight, Jimin decides he has the courage to try out the Dumbo flying cars that goes up and down whenever the rider moves the lever accordingly.

For all Seokjin says about being terrified, he is 25 after all and thus should not be scared of children rides. So he marches onwards, with Jimin happily skipping along.

Namjoon watches in amusement as he holds Taehyung in his arms, snapping a few pictures of Seokjin yelling as Jimin grabs tight onto the rail, both face pale even though they’re trying to raise their blue Dumbo to its highest.

Taehyung shaking Namjoon, telling him he wants to go next, and Namjoon happily agrees, taking another picture once Seokjin and Jimin’s cart cycle back towards Namjoon’s direction.

Once the duo get off, Namjoon quickly walks towards them, Taehyung matching the grin on his face.

Seokjin looks a bit weak in the knees, but his face is bright and blushed. Jimin looks totally fine, small teeth showing as he grins back at Taehyung. “Daddy,” Jimin tugs on Seokjin’s pants, “I want to go on the spinny teacups like Taetae did!”

Namjoon witnesses the amazing process of Seokjin’s face immediately drained from its red color. He begins to think of an excuse, which Seokjin is horribly shitty at, but Namjoon cuts in to save the day, just in time.

“Taetae and I want to go on the ride too, so please can you wait?” Namjoon kneels at eye level with Jimin, setting Taehyung down.

Jimin nods, and offers to take Namjoon’s bag.

Seokjin smiles. “That’s really sweet of you, Jiminie,” He takes Namjoon’s bag, “But I think Taehyung would like it better if you held his bag, yes?”

Nodding once more, Jimin takes Taehyung’s bag, smiling at his brother before waving to them as Namjoon boards the ride, hefting Taehyung up.

Taehyung looks a bit startled as the ride shudders and slowly cascades upwards, but relaxes as soon as the ride steadies itself, the view of the entire amusement park spread out below them.

Namjoon takes Taehyung’s hand in his own large one and points to the more exciting rides. “When you’re older and much, much taller, you can play on those big rides.”

Taehyung looks at Namjoon, eyes wide. “Will you still be there when I’m a big boy, papa?”

Namjoon knows all that’s going on in Taehyung’s mind is innocent and unintentional, but the question hits Namjoon exactly where it hurts.

He kisses the top of Taehyung’s head, who is invested in playing with the lever. “Well, if you want to.”

Their Dumbo swings away from Seokjin and Jimin’s view, and Taehyung puts down his waving hand. “I do!” The child cries, Dumbo soaring upwards to prove his point.

“Do you-” Namjoon swallows a bit before he carefully asks, “Do you and Jimin like me? As a father?”

Taehyung nods, eyes sparkling as he answers Namjoon. “We do! And Jimin says he wants to see you forever, and I think so too!”

Namjoon smiles, the warm expression rising from the bottom of his heart. “Thank you, Taetae, thank you so much.” He hold the little hand tight, and makes a silent promise to never let go.

But just maybe when Taehyung yanks the lever down and Namjoon grabs onto the rail, face pale and terrified just as Seokjin captures his expression perfectly down on the ground.

-

Jimin and Taehyung nearly blackout as soon as their heads touch their car seats, but Namjoon manages to hold the both of them up as Seokjin straps on the seatbelts, trying not to let the toddlers fall right out of the car.

Namjoon insists he drive, and Seokjin complies, sitting on the passenger seat as he closes his eyes for the next five minutes.

But Seokjin can’t sleep, and his eyes are wide open while his drowsiness fades with every passing second. Listening to the soft snores emitting from Taehyung and exhales of air from Jimin, Seokjin decides to ask the question that has been looming over him like Death ever since he saw Namjoon patting Taehyung to sleep.

“Are you, uh,” Seokjin’s voice catches like an idiot and he clears his throat, “Are you staying? Like, I mean, they really don’t want you to go and, um,” Seokjin can’t bear to spare a glance at Namjoon, “You are their father, but I mean, like, I think the presence of the other parent would be good for them, but if you think things are too-” Seokjin is really blubbering and stuttering now, hands fidgeting at the hem of his jacket. And it is exactly that unfortunate moment when he decides to peek at Namjoon, who raises his eyebrows and widens his eyes for just a while.

“I know.” Namjoon’s voice is soft and non-catching, unlike Seokjin’s, and he continues, “I’ll stay. But give me some time. I can get us a new place where we four and fit in nicely.”

Seokjin is overjoyed, much more than he’d admit himself. But he was an adult, and that meant there were things to worry about.

“But the money,” Seokjin whispers. “I can get by fine with the kids, but a new apartment...” His voice trails off, gaze wandering among the vast land outside the window.

The car enters a long tunnel and Namjoon takes the time to smile at Seokjin. “It’s fine, really. I’m on a big project at work, and hopefully I’m getting a big, kind share out of it.”

Seokjin smiles back, but one could probably guess what was on his mind when money wasn’t even the biggest problem.

Namjoon, being the smart cookie he is, picks up on Seokjin’s anxious behaviours. “Look, Seokjin,” He glances at the sleeping kids behind, “They like me enough to sleep with them for a night. I like them just as much. And I owe you too much.” Seokjin looks at Namjoon in surprise, but the taller continues driving calmly. “Three years, three whole years, and I wasn’t by your side. I left you all alone, and please, let me make it up to you.”

Seokjin takes Namjoon’s resting hand on the control stick, it’s warmth and sincerity ever so familiar.

“Okay.”

-

The door shuts behind Seokjin with only a full ‘thud’. He’d gotten much better at closing doors without making too much noise, Jimin being a light sleeper and Taehyung bouncing up whenever he hears his brother wake up, despite being in a deep slumber.

Seokjin picks up the scattered toys and clothes on the floor, putting them away neatly. He shuffles back to the living room, and it’s barely eleven. Way too early for his standards.

His phone buzzes on the coffee table, Seokjin glad to see Hoseok messaging him. Seokjin had told him all that happened these two days, but the social butterfly needed a complete 12 hours to reply to messages, even though it was juicy gossip and from his own best friend.

22:37 Seokie~: am i reading this wrong

22:38 Seokie~: ...no way ur serious

22:38 Seokie~: oh

22:39 Seokie~: my gods

22:42 Seokie~: hey dumb ***** u have read receipts on im calling u

Seokjin looks at the screen, and sure enough, Hoseok calls after a heartbeat. Seokjin takes a deep breath, and presses the answer button.

“Hey, Seok.”

“Kim-muthafuckin-Seokjin please don’t tell me that’s the Kim Namjoon. The bastard that dumped you when you adopted two kids.” Hoseok is practically yelling, prancing nervously around his own apartment like he was Blitzen.

Seokjin winces. They hadn’t brought up the incident for a long time, because Hoseok thought it was a taboo subject and he wasn’t one to actually butt his nose in Seokjin’s business, what with the two of them meeting half a year later. But now...

“Yeah, apparently.”

Hoseok huffs. “Really, you ought to be much, much more careful about this. What if Namjoon-??” He nags Seokjin on and on, and when Hoseok pauses to catch his breath does Seokjin butt in, “We were drunk, Hoseok.”

Seokjin can practically feel Hoseok’s scorching glare through the phone. “And you want to get back together with him? After all this?”

Yes. No. Maybe. “I have no idea. I just want to see how it goes down.”

Hoseok pauses. “So he’s gonna move in?”

“No. Namjoon says he’s got enough money to buy a new apartment that can fit the four of us. I don’t know... if he wants us to be a- a thing again. He said he wanted to make it all up to me, but I’m not even sure if he actually means he still likes me or something.”

A sigh emits from the opposite of the line. “My biggest guess is yes. It would be good for both you and the kids, considering they are already attached to Namjoon.”

Seokjin hums in agreement, fingers curling and uncurling around the cushions. “Speaking of which, they adapted to him pretty fast.”

His best friend chuckles lightly. “They’re kids, after all. They immediately learn to love their other parent once he appears in front of them. Jinnie, you’ve got to remember they’re three year olds, not thirty. Why would they complain, when they already have all they want in their lives?”

Seokjin peeks into the toddlers’ room with his phone still held close to his ear. Jimin is tucked in nicely, Taehyung hugging the blanket to himself as he snores gently.

Closing the door once more, Seokjin smiles, despite Hoseok not being able to see it. “Hey, relationship expert Jung, how’s it going with your own love life?”

Hoseok groans. “Bad.”

It’s Seokjin’s is turn to tease him. “Seokie, you’re gonna die alone if you don’t settle down soon.”

“Like I don’t ******* know.” Hoseok grumbles. “You have kids and a happy family and I’m still eating ramen for dinner.”

“Look, how about this.” Seokjin plops on his bed, switching on the nightlight. “As soon as I’m settled in the new apartment, I’ll get Namjoon to bring his friends along and I’ll bring mine, which means you’re coming and meet someone of your annoyingly detailed type. Yes?”

“Whatever,” Hoseok grumbles again. “It’s almost like you’re saying moving in with Namjoon is a permanent and soon thing.”

Seokjin blushes, glad to be on the phone for once. “I did not.”

“Yes, you did.” Hoseok fakes crying. “I’m gonna go cry to poor single ol’ me, so talk later?”

“Yeah.” Seokjin laughs. “And hey, Jinnie?” Hoseok calls lightly.

“Hmm?”

“I really hope things with Namjoon turn out right. I mean it. You two... kind of fit, from what I hear. Really. Coming from your best friend. Don’t over stress things, okay?”

“Thank you, Seokie. You’re the best.”

“I know I am. Good night!” Hoseok teases, and ends the call.

Seokjin chuckles, and pulls a blanket over himself before everything goes black.

The studio door opens with a flourish, sending a bone chilling wind into the room, and Yoongi swivels around lazily on his chair, already knowing who it was. And there so, Namjoon stands, panting and coughing.

Yoongi glances towards the digital clock displayed on the shelf. “Barely one minute on time, Namjoon. You could be late.”

“I know.” Namjoon plops down, fanning himself with a magazine laying conveniently around. “I had a long day yesterday.”

“Working?” Yoongi furrows his eyebrows. Being life-or-death partners in music production, Yoongi stuck around Namjoon long enough to know the man only ever got lazy on weekends, and swears himself off any sort of work. “You don’t work on weekends.”

“Not working,” Namjoon agrees. “But I went to the amusement park with my kids.”

Yoongi loses all sorts of composure. “Y-your what?”

Namjoon briefly recalls Yoongi’s memory of the infamous incident three years ago, and Namjoon picks up from there, explaining all that actually happened the night and what happened during the weekend.

Yoongi was silent for a minute after that, trying to process the fact that his closest friend (and by far the clumsiest and most work oriented he’s ever met, but don’t let Namjoon hear about this) had kids.

“Out of all the people...” Yoongi scoffs a bit and remembers an important question. “Who’s the other? I mean the one taking care of the kids now.”

“Seokjin. Kim Seokjin.” The name stirs a faint memory in Yoongi’s mind. “Do you mean- So he was your boyfriend back then!”

“I thought it was obvious to put two and two together, but yeah.” Namjoon shrugs, already moved on since, well, yesterday. “The guy who I supposedly ruined the life of, according to rumours.”

“So Seokjin doesn’t mind?”

“Not really, at least not that I know of.” Namjoon stands and stretches, yawning. “Let’s get back to work.”

-

Three days later, Seokjin receives a text from Namjoon, asking if he could visit the next day. He passes on the message to the twins, who are more than enthusiastic, and Namjoon gets a happy ‘yes!!!!’ as a reply.

Seokjin, with both Jimin and Taehyung in his arms, shuffle towards the door as Taehyung helpfully swings the door open for Namjoon, standing outside with a bag in his arms. Jimin reaches for Namjoon, who scoops him up easily.

“Oof, I haven’t sees you for five days and you’re already growing, Jiminie.” Namjoon ruffles Jimin’s hair fondly, heart uncontrollably swelling to its maximum capacity, maybe even more.

Jimin giggles, and points towards the bag in Namjoon’s arms as they enter the living room. “What’s in there?” He asks, little hands groping at the contents inside.

“Ah, this is where it gets interesting.” Namjoon settles down on the sofa, Jimin obediently letting go of Namjoon’s shoulder and sits on his lap, while Seokjin sets Taehyung and himself beside him.

Namjoon slowly opens the bag, and the toddlers ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ in wonder. Inside are two fitting costumes, one as a complete pirate setup while the other is a Peter Pan outfit, hat and shoes and all.

“So,” Namjoon tickles Jimin’s belly, “A little bird told me you two really wanted a pirate and Peter Pan costume for halloween.” Namjoon sends a mischievous wink at Seokjin, who had a funny smirk on his face.

Taehyung looks up at Seokjin for his comments, and Seokjin clears his throat, “Amazing. By any chance, is the bird named Kim Seokjin?” Jimin giggles, joining his brother in digging for other contents inside the bag.

“Exactly so.” Namjoon laughs, and pulls out the two costumes. The accessories are still inside the bag, but the clothes are extravagant enough to have the toddlers gape in wonder, running their fingers over the fabric and golden laces.

“You do too much.” Seokjin tells Namjoon. Their knees are touching, Namjoon’s long legs are warm against the coldness of Seokjin’s skin. Namjoon only coolly shakes his head, “I should.”

Seokjin is about to tell Namjoon he himself was just as guilty as Namjoon, but Taehyung had already uncovered the accessories and was screaming in excitement.

The pirate costume came with an eyepatch and a hook for a hand, and the Peter Pan one had clip on pixie ears and a wooden sword that Seokjin secretly thought would be awesome if someone gave it to him as a kid.

“Right, who’s gonna be Captain Hook?” Namjoon excitedly asks, and Taehyung raises his hand with the same enthusiasm.

“I’m Peter Pan!” Jimin announces, grabbing the sword and pretends to stab it towards Seokjin.

Seokjin can’t lean to his left, because there are photo frames and remotes, and he would definitely make a mess out of it if they all dropped, but he also can’t lean forward, because wood would still hurt like a ***** if you leaned on it with too much force, so naturally he does the stupid thing. He leans towards Namjoon, falling on his lap for maximum dramatic effect.

It’s in the midst of Jimin’s laughing and Taehyung’s clapping does Seokjin realise the position he’s put himself in, and his face is burning red as he pushes himself up, not daring to look at Namjoon.

Thankfully, Taehyung stabs at Namjoon, who falls to the ground in feigned agony as the wooden sword passes harmlessly in through the crook of Namjoon’s armpit.

Really, Seokjin thinks to himself, he can be so stupidly obvious sometimes.

-

Another three weeks pass, and Namjoon decides to announce some great news to Seokjin and the kids on Halloween.

Namjoon is elaborately dressed up as a vampire, complete with drawn on fangs and pale face paint. However, when Jimin opens the door happily, the big dimpled smiles plastered on Namjoon’s face is more than enough to not scare the toddler.

Taehyung runs out, butt *****, as he yells ‘RARRR’ at Namjoon, scaring the tall adult out of his wits instead as he’s presented with the ***** glory of the three year old.

Seokjin dashes out, pants and underwear in a hand as he scoops up a screaming Taehyung.

Jimin jumps into Namjoon’s arms, admiring Namjoon’s face paint as Namjoon struggles to put on Jimin’s Peter Pan hat with one hand.

Eventually even Seokjin is dressed as an Indian to complete the Peter Pan theme. Namjoon feels a pang of guilt in his chest as he stares at the three, who looked like they stepped out of the cartoon movie, but in the entirely wrong proportions.

“Should I change?” Namjoon asks.

Jimin looks at him, dead serious. “You can be Wendy, papa.”

“Very funny, Jimin.” Namjoon shoots the toddler a look, and Taehyung giggles as they form a circle on the floor.

“So,” Namjoon begins as he finally announces the news he brought. “I have officially earned enough money, and I’ve bought a flat that is quite large and cosy. In other words,” He looks at the expectant children and Seokjin, whose eyes were shining, and Namjoon almost stares back in a trance until he snaps out of it, “We can all live together by next month.”

Jimin’s mouth falls open cutely, and he shrieks, punching the air and hugging Namjoon’s neck so tightly, it nearly gave him asphyxiation; then did little Taehyung understand, looking to and from Seokjin and Namjoon.

Once Jimin breaks away to hug Seokjin, Taehyung leaps into Namjoon arms, whispering to him, “Papa?”

Namjoon rubs cheeks with Taehyung, totally forgetting about the face paint, “Yes, berry?”

Taehyung grins at the nickname, having developed a liking to it ever since he accidentally matched a berry shirt with patterned strawberry pants last week, and no one noticed, not even himself, but for Namjoon, who had eaten a full blown and heavenly raspberry cake thanks to Seokjin that day, and berries were all on his mind before he noticed Taehyung’s interesting dressing theme.

Taehyung buries his face into the crook of Namjoon’s neck, a habit he had whenever he was overwhelmed with feelings of all sorts, “Thank you for staying, papa. I love you.”

Namjoon’s going to sob, it’s a major breakthrough, the first ever verbal sign of affection. He finally allows himself to kiss Taehyung’s hair, “I love you too, berry.”

When he looks up, Seokjin is staring at Namjoon with something that fills Namjoon’s heart, something he’d been devoid of.

-

Namjoon wishes for the millionth he’d actually called Yoongi. Curse himself for being a collector, and those figures weren’t going to protect themselves and not drop on the ground anytime. He groans, and decides to save the figurines for last as he picks up a box filled with books and magazines, moving them into his already stuffed car. He’d just have to pack up the pillows and duvets, then drop them off at the new apartment that took him and Seokjin an entire afternoon to clean yesterday.

Namjoon groans once more at the work ahead, and he’s only halfway through. Which may be good, meaning he only needed to drive for two rounds.

Just then, the door knocks. Namjoon stifles a curse as he places down the heavy box, trying to wipe the pissed look off his face as he unlocks the door.

Much to Namjoon’s surprise and relief, there stands Yoongi, with a helpful amount of paper boxes and bubble wrap tucked under his arm. “I kind of guessed you wouldn’t be able to finish all these within a day, especially with all your dumb figurine collections, so Min Yoongi is here to save the day.”

“Thanks, man, I owe you big.” Namjoon sends his friend a smile as he tosses away old leaflets and worn out books from college.

Yoongi shrugs. “Just help me out when I’m moving in with who knows who.”

“Deal.”

Yoongi’s help sped up the process by a fraction, and somewhere around sunset, Namjoon loads the last of the boxes into Yoongi’s car. He motions for Yoongi to not start the car, and explains, “I want to say goodbye to this old place first.”

His best friend snorts, but waits anyways.

The apartment lost its homey scent, barren of furniture and inhabitation. As Namjoon trails in his home of four years, he remembers something he’d kept as a big promise to himself not long after he moved in.

Someday, when the time comes for me to leave this apartment, will I retrieve the most valued possession from its hidden protection ground.

Where the bed should have been in Namjoon’s once bedroom, now was left with a sad frame and nothing to indicate the life of its previous owner. Namjoon kneels down, in the middle of the bed frame, and pulls at a loose board.

Inside is a small velvet box protected by a transparent plastic bag, and furthermore inside, a delicate diamond embedded in silver that nearly cost Namjoon his life to buy.

Someday, before we get engaged, I’m going to get you a promise ring.

-promise rings are no different from engagement rings, joonie.

The promise ring will lock our future together. Engagements can be broken. Promises cannot. And I plan to break neither.

-really?

Really.

-maybe really can be our always.

Really.

-really, and i look forward to your promise ring, kim namjoon. i love you.

I love you more, now sleep.

It was a promise ring, and the promise ring was bought the day before the Night.

Namjoon never had a chance to give it to Seokjin.

But now, maybe he could. Maybe he must.

There’s a promise to keep, after all.

-

Seokjin and the kids still hadn’t arrived when Namjoon and Yoongi start to unload all the boxes.

“D’ you think I can stay for dinner?” Yoongi asks, the three boxes he was carrying blocking his view completely.

Namjoon holds the door open for him, balancing two boxes on his arm as he finds an empty space to put down his things. “Why’d you want to?”

Yoongi starts to carry Namjoon’s clothes inside. “Well, you did mention they were cute. I want to meet them in real life.”

Namjoon flings a gigantic bag of winter quilts to a side. “Sure, stay all you like.”

A silence passes through them, both being too exhausted to speak. Not wanting to move, Namjoon pulls out his phone, to find a message from Seokjin.

17:12 Seokjin: we’re coming!

17:12 Seokjin: [1 image attached]

The little selfie Seokjin sent him was adorable, Jimin holding the phone as they grin widely on top of a stacked up building made of boxes, while Seokjin smiles happily and puts an protective arm around their little tummies.

Yoongi peeks over and grins. “Aw, they are cute.”

Namjoon tucks the phone away and smiles. “Wait until you see them in person. You’ll melt inside your stupid Doc Martens.”

Ignoring the last statement, Yoongi looks over his shoulder and mocks, in English, “You’re cream.”

Frowning, Namjoon corrects him. “It’s you’re toast.”

“Definitely cream.” Yoongi faces Namjoon, a smirk laid across his face, “You’re absolutely whipped, my dude.”

-

For one thing Yoongi has never been a people person and his complexion is so pale it’s like he’s lived in a tomb all his life, but the kids like him at first sight.

So much, in fact, they’ve left their parents in the dust while they play with their Yoongi hyung and showed him their massive toy carpark collection one hour in when it took Namjoon like, a week.

So much that, in the middle of dinner, Chinese takeout on their laps with the twins on the floor once again with Yoongi, how surprising, Seokjin leans over and whispers to Namjoon, “On a scale of nope to they’re never seeing Yoongi again, how jealous are you?”

Namjoon whispers back, “I’m killing Yoongi tomorrow.”

Seokjin giggles and checks his buzzing phone. “Oh, Hoseok is coming with pillows.”

The kids yell happily, “Hoseokie hyung!” And run off, arguing what to show Hoseok first as they move empty cardboard boxes all around the house.

Seokjin turns to a perplexed Yoongi. “Hoseok’s my best friend. He’s helped take care of them here and then, and it’s been some sort of tradition that they build forts whenever he visits.”

“Which is quite often.” Namjoon adds, and Seokjin nods. “I think you’ll like him.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “I have no time for those kinds of things.”

Namjoon eyes him doubtfully. “You had flings for what, a year? How’s Sookwan doing?”

Seokjin grins. He knew about Sookwan, the poor boy who got dumped by Yoongi two weeks into a blooming relationship.

Yoongi’s face reddens. “That was nothing.”

“You are a terrible liar.” Namjoon concludes, and just then, the doorbell rings.

Seokjin yells, “Come in!” And Hoseok steps inside.

Hoseok looks around the still barren apartment and grins. “Not bad.” He looks in Namjoon’s direction, and upon noticing Yoongi, he asks, “Who’s this?”

“Yoongi, my best friend.” Namjoon explains, and Yoongi gives a small nervous smile.

“Nice to meet you, Yoongi.” Hoseok’s gaze lands on Yoongi for a second before turning in the general direction of the other rooms. Taking a deep breath, Hoseok shouts, “Alright, where are my favourite kids on earth?”

Taehyung whoops, followed by an excited yell from Jimin. Two toddlers barrel out of the room, leaping right into Hoseok’s awaiting arms. Jimin navigates Hoseok around the house, showing him all their rooms and the massive pile of empty cardboard boxes they’d gathered.

The rest are completely left in the dust before Namjoon clears his throat, “Yoongi, you’re blushing.”

“Am not.” Yoongi glares at Namjoon, with unconvincing pink cheeks, and Seokjin laughs.

Namjoon shrugs, standing as he says, “I’m going to grab drinks. You want some?”

Both nod, and Namjoon saunters off to the kitchen. Turning around, Seokjin faces Yoongi. “Hey, I know we haven’t met for long, but I need someone who’s known Namjoon long enough to talk over... things with me.”

Yoongi raises a polite eyebrow, surprised by Seokjin’s cautiousness. “Just in case you don’t know, Namjoon doesn’t mind all these one little bit.” Yoongi gestures around the apartment, a combination of Namjoon’s and Seokjin’s lives.

“He doesn’t?” It’s like Seokjin is speaking to himself, but he wrings his hands and looks at Yoongi full in the eyes. “But why is he so sorry?”

“But wouldn’t he be?” Yoongi asks, “Think from Namjoon’s perspective. He’d think he had dumped you for three years, leaving you alone with the kids, when in reality,” Yoongi smiles and shakes his head, “He had no way of knowing there were kids at all.”

“Then I should be!” Seokjin exclaims. “I’d been the one to start all this, and I ruined a perfect career!” Yoongi, at that point, realises the reason Namjoon and Seokjin fit perfectly was because they were both so alike. They both had the hovering anxiety, trying so hard to be considerate even when they were already being so, wanting the world to be a better place, even though life was already much, much, better with those two in it.

“But you’re happy now, aren’t you?” Yoongi asks, just as Namjoon comes back in, ginger ale in his hands.

The once hard to swallow problems now dissolve in the fizzy drink, washing away all the doubts that had been singing in Seokjin’s ear for the longest time.

Seokjin smiles to himself. Yeah. He was happy. Really, really, damn happy.

And it’s all that matters, isn’t it?