After visiting his dad and finally meeting up with Himchan, Yongguk came back to a silent home. But, at least he was coming home with a lighter heart. Sure, it’ll take a while for him to come to terms with a lot of things but he was willing to take the first step in the right direction.

Opening the door, the only one to greet him was Joon.

“Hi, uncle!” Joon beamed as he looked up from a toy car he was playing with.

“Hey, little man.” Yongguk answered back as he took off his shoes. He looked over at Wonnie who was sitting on the couch, still not acknowledging him. She seemed like she was staring off into space.

He walks over and takes a seat beside her – purposefully letting his entire weight fall onto the cushion to see if he could get her attention.

But, nope – not a single glance.

“I’m hungry.” Yongguk sighed out loudly.

***

I jumped slightly at the voice. I turned to see Yongguk sitting next to me on the couch. “When did you get home?” I didn’t even hear him come in. 

“Just now.” He answers and leans back against the cushion.

I looked at him a little longer and noticed his brighter expression. A big change from last night and it made me feel a little happier seeing that.

“What’s up with you?”

“Huh?” I didn’t even know I zoned out. But, I have been doing that ever since getting home. “Nothing, just tired.”

Yongguk nodded his head without prying further. “Then, should I cook dinner today?” He offered.

My eyebrows rose in surprise. His dad wouldn’t believe this either. “What are you going to cook?”

“Ramyun.” Yongguk grinned and from just the simple word, it caused Joon to look up in alert. He got onto his feet and ran over, placing half of his upper body onto Yong Guk’s lap.

“Really, uncle? We can eat ramyun?”

Yongguk laughed and rubbed Joon’s head. “Of course, I saw eggs in the fridge, we can add those too.”

“Yay!” Joon cheered and I looked at the two, speechless.

“Hey, did I say we can eat it?” They went ahead and decided on it when I clearly didn’t give the permission.

The two boys looked at me. “If you think it’s unhealthy, I can add lettuce to the soup.” Yongguk replied in a manner as if that would solve the problem.

I gaped at him. “Just because you add a few pieces of lettuce, it won’t make it into a healthy dinner.” I answered in disbelief.

He leaned down and whispered into Joon’s ears. I couldn’t hear what they were saying but Joon looked back up at him afterwards.

“Uncle, that doesn’t work on mama.”

I narrowed my eyes at Yongguk. What did he tell my son to do?

He looked at me in surprise. “His puppy-dog eyes don’t affect you?”

I shook my head. “Of course, not. Do you know how long he has been doing those?”

Yongguk gaped and looked down at the little boy and without warning, his hands shoots out. Joon laughed as Yongguk picked him up onto his lap and tickled him. “So you’ve been perfecting it all this time?” Joon’s high pitch laughter grows louder and he wiggles in Yongguk’s grasp.

I laughed hearing Joon’s squeals and giggles as Yong Guk continued his assault.

Yongguk soon stopped, allowing Joon to take a breather and to lie in his arms. “Wonnie, since it’s Joon’s birthday week, I think he can have ramyun.” 

“Please, mama?” Joon was still breathing hard but still managed to beg.

“Please, Wonnie?” Yongguk joined in.

I stared at the two for a few seconds before giving in. “Fine, but make some for me too.”

The two laughed and jumped up from the couch. I watched them from my seat and a smile graced my lips. I was glad Yongguk was back to his normal self and Joon was happy – so of course I wa