Part 7

Jihoon’s doe eyes were glinting as he spotted a box of fruit loops on one of the racks. He tugged on Jeonghan’s coat, trying to garner the attention of the older but it seems like the latter was too busy scrutinizing the list in his hand, with his other hand busy pushing the cart. Jihoon huffed, his face scrunched into dissatisfaction. He turned back to the cereal box before.

‘Well, if mommy couldn’t get it for me then I’ll do it myself.’

And that’s how the four-year old jumping up and down to grab the said box, oblivious to the nanny who was getting further away from the said boy.

Jeonghan was pushing a cart filled with what it seems like a bunch of the house’s necessities as he scrolled through his list of needed items. There was not much left on his list, he just needed a pack of toilet papers, some green snacks and oh, they need at least a carton of Jihoon’s favourite strawberry milk. He halted his pace in front of a dairy aisle and grabbed two of the same flavoured milk but of different brands. He scrunched his face, contemplating on which he should purchase.

“Jihoonie dear, which one do you prefer? The MooMoo’s or YummyMoo’s?” Jeonghan asked the toddler but his eyes still fixated at the two cartons of milk in his hands.

“Jihoonie?” Jeonghan tried again as the toddler didn’t respond. He turned his head to see what causes the toddler to be occupied with that the latter didn’t respond to him. But then he was left gasping when he saw nobody beside him.

Jeonghan almost had a panic attack if not for the familiar squeaky voice calling him.

“Mommy!” Jeonghan had never felt more relieved hearing that nickname from the toddler. He whirled around to be greeted with the sight of Jihoon being carried by a man; the toddler was waving at Jeonghan enthusiastically in the man’s arms.

“Oh my God Jihoon. Where did you disappear to? You almost gave me a heart attack!” Jeonghan chastised as he hoisted the toddler from the man’s hold. He lifted his face to thank the kind stranger but he was rendered speechless when he saw who the man was.

“Hey, long time no see.” A familiar soothing voice accompanied by a familiar smile etched on the man’s face.

“Jisoo…” Jeonghan muttered the name. Wow, what a small world to bump into your ex.

“I found this guy at the cereal aisle just now. I didn’t know you have a kid.” Jisoo explained, a hint of confusion laced in his tone. Jeonghan chuckled and shook his head.

“Nah, he’s not mine. I’m babysitting this little troublemaker here for the time being.” Jeonghan explained as he pinched the toddler’s button nose playfully, eliciting an adorable giggle from the latter.

Jisoo nodded his head but Jeonghan could see that the former is still confused about something. The former scratched his head awkwardly, a habit Jeonghan found in Jisoo whenever he hesitated in something.

“Then why did he call you mommy though?” Jisoo asked after some moments of hesitation.

“Well, it’s a long story.” Jeonghan chuckled. Jisoo couldn’t help but to smile along.

“Hey, it’s been a while since we have a decent conversation. Wanna catch up in a coffee shop or something? If you free, I mean.” Jisoo suggested.

“Sure.”

The trio ended up in a café near the supermarket in which Jihoon was now seated in between the two adults. His little hand busy shoving some waffles into his mouth, causing the strawberry sauce to smear all over his lips. Jeonghan chuckled as he picked up a couple of tissues and wipe the boy’s mouth clean. All this happening was witnessed by a certain Hong Jisoo.

“So, mind sharing how this change of career happened?” Jisoo started. He picked up his cup and sipped on his bitter liquid. Jeonghan smiled as he forked some of the cheesecake from his plate.

“Well, I was thinking of a temporary hiatus from my works and coincidentally, Daehyun-hyung’s coworker needs a nanny for his son so this happened.” Jeonghan said before taking a bite on the pastry. God, this is heaven.

Jisoo nodded in understanding.

“So what about the ‘mommy’ thing?”

“The kid’s mom’s gone. He saw me first time and I guess I looked like his mom or something because he kept calling me mommy. Not that I mind anyway.”

“And the kid’s dad didn’t mind?” Jisoo raised his eyebrows.

“He’s a er for his kid so he wouldn’t dare say no to this precious little pup.” Jeonghan cooed at the 4 year-old who was eating messily in his chair. Jisoo chuckled in amusement.

Just then Jeonghan’s phone vibrated on the table. Jeonghan picked up his phone to see Seungcheol’s calling. Speak of the devil.

“Hey Cheol.” Jeonghan greeted the person on the other line.

“Hey Jeonghan. Are you still shopping for groceries?”

“Nah, done that. We’re taking a break in some café right now. Why?”

“Uh yeah, well… about today… I’m sorry but I couldn’t go home early. Too many works needs to be done.” Seungcheol hesitantly said.

“It’s been a week Cheol…” Jeonghan sighed. There was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“I know... I’m sorry…” Seungcheol replied apologetically. Jeonghan glanced towards the toddler who was laughing at Jisoo making derp faces.

“Don’t tell that to me. Say that to Jihoon.” Jeonghan said. There was no response from the other side. He figured that Seungcheol might be reflecting on himself. “Look, I know your work is important but Jihoon still needs his daddy. He kept asking my why his daddy didn’t read bedtime stories to him anymore. There’s only so much I could do as his nanny, Cheol.”

There was a few moments of silence before Seungcheol responded.

“… I understand. I’ll try to make up for it. I promise.”

Jeonghan smiled contently.

“Good.”

“Jeonghan, I need to go now. Tell Jihoon I love him kay?”

“Kay. See you later.”

That’s how the conversation ends. Once he ended the conversation, Jeonghan glanced up only to find two pairs of curious eyes trained at him.

“Mommy, is that daddy?” Jihoon asked, his eyes rounded in curiosity. Jeonghan smiled at the boy.

“Yes honey. It’s your daddy.”

“Is daddy going to be home early today?” His face lit up. It has been so long since his daddy came home early and plays with him. Jeonghan’s smile faltered a bit.

“No honey. He got work to do. He’s going to be late today too.” Jeonghan felt sorry for breaking the news to the poor boy. He saw how the light in those eyes getting dimmed and the small shoulders slumped in disappointment.

“Daddy always works…” Come the small voice.

“Oh sweetie, I’m sure it’s important. And he promised that he’s gonna make it up to you.” Jeonghan tried to coax but the boy was still sulking. “and daddy says he love you.”

“… really?”

“Yup, he told me to tell you.” Jeonghan beamed but it seems that it didn’t quite working. He let out a sigh.

“Okay, how about this. Let’s ask your daddy to go play with us tomorrow. Okay?” Jeonghan suggested and it seems that it piqued the boy’s interest.

“Can we?”

“Of course baby.” Jeonghan ruffled the boy’s hair. He was glad to see the boy was smiling again.

“Is that how you normally speak to your boss?” Jisoo suddenly piped in. Jeonghan raised his eyebrows, confused of the sudden question.

“Yeah, why?”

Jisoo chuckled and shook his head in amusement. This cause Jeonghan to feel even more confused.

“Oh my God, you guys sounds like married couple.” Jeonghan narrowed his eyes at his friend.

“What do you mean by that?”

“The way you nagged at him. It sounds so domestic. It’s like a wife nagging at the husband for always ditching on his family for work. Are you sure nobody ever misunderstands you guys for being an actual married couple before?” Jisoo laughed. Jeonghan could feel his face heating up hearing Jisoo’s revelation.

“Shut up.” That’s the only smart thing that came out from Jeonghan’s mouth as a retort. He grumbled under his breath, complaining on how ridiculous Jisoo is. Jisoo on the other hand was laughing and high-fighing the oblivious Jihoon, who was just happy to join the fun.

But deep down Jeonghan couldn’t help but to ponder on it.

‘Did people really see us that way?’

a/n: I’m so sorry for the super late update. To tell you the truth a part of this chapter has been written for quite some time but I just couldn’t get anything out of my head and it didn’t help that my English so this happened. Once again, I’m really really sorry *deep bow