Kyungsoo huffed, eyes staring down to the borrowed shirt he currently wore.

He couldn't believe his luck today, it was one of those bad days that made him feel like going back to his place to sleep and make tomorrow come faster.

He went to the coffee shop he frequents when someone bumped into him at the door, the coffee cup was dropped from the other man's hand and the content splashed into his shirt. His favorite sky blue shirt. At least it wasn't hot and it didn't burn him but still, it was the fifth bad thing that happened to him.

The man apologized and tried to do something to repay him so he said whatever came on his mind, asking him to buy his coffee and some cake. Three pieces in fact. He needed it. He also asked for a laundry fee and the man nodded, maybe he was scared of his murderous glare or he looked pitiful.

One of the employees there knew Kyungsoo and he was kind to lend him a shirt, which was why Kyungsoo was in the changing room.

He missed his bed but he needed to review for tomorrow's quiz, which was why he came to buy coffee. When he walked out, Baekhyun was waiting for him.

"It fits." he commented.

Kyungsoo pursed his lips, "Thank you."

"No problem, Kyungsoo. The man already paid for your order by the way and this is the money and a short sorry message." Baekhyun handed him some money along with a note on a tissue.

"Thanks."

"I'll bring your order—"

Both Baekhyun and Kyungsoo turned their head to the door when someone called the employee’s name. The voice belonged to a man walking in, wearing a black work-suit. His expression was full of worry as he held a hand belong to a small boy, trying to follow the man’s much bigger steps.

"Hyung." Baekhyun nodded, eyeing the new customers.

"I need your help! Can you take care of Minseok for few hours? I need to meet a client and it's urgent. I can't believe this, really. I just got back!" he messed his own hair in frustration.

"I'm sorry, Jongin Hyung. But I can't. I'll be staying at Chanyeol's." Baekhyun apologized.

Jongin bit his lips, checking his watch before he looked up to caught Kyungsoo’s eyes. "You! You live in the same apartment with us, right? Please take care of Minseok for a few hours. Here, take my key. You can bring him to your place too, if you have something to do. Minseok, you know my number, right? Give this Hyung my number, okay? Appa really have to go, Appa will be back very soon. Love you, baby. I'll pay you, I promise!" Jongin hastily took out his key and shoved it to Kyungsoo who didn't have a choice but to take it. He kisses his son in the head then.

"Wait, no, you can't—"

"Thank you, Kyungsoo!" the man flied out of the shop before he could finish, his son waving to his father.

"I really wanna curse right now..." Kyungsoo whined, running a hand to his face while Baekhyun laughed beside him.

"Come on, it's just for a few hours."

"I'm tired! I had a bad day and all I want to do it sleep but I have a quiz tomorrow! My professor threw me out of the class because I was late earlier. I failed getting my favorite lunch and just now someone bumped into me and spilled his coffee. And my...my parents..." Kyungsoo's voice became smaller and smaller as tears started to gather in his eyes. A small warmth came to his hand and when he looked down, the boy was staring back at him. Kyungsoo swallowed, staring at the pair of big orbs full of concern.

"I'm sorry, Hyung. You can just bring me back to my apartment. You don't have to take care of me. I won't tell Appa." the boy said.

Kyungsoo took few seconds before he squatted down, eyes on level with the boy. "What's your name?"

"Kim Minseok." the boy bowed in greeting.

Kyungsoo couldn't help but smile, sniffing and pressing his thumb and forefinger to the edge of his eyes. "Minseok, you're such a nice boy." he said.

Minseok’s eyes were still searching for Kyungsoo's.

"Come on, Kyungsoo. I think Minseok would like some cake, wouldn't he?" Baekhyun said, a hand on Kyungsoo's shoulder.

Minseok eyes did sparkled hearing the words, glancing up to Baekhyun before staring back at Kyungsoo who stood up.

"Yeah. Let's go, Minseok."





Kyungsoo stole glances to Minseok who ate his cake very slowly. Despite having a normal expression, he couldn't hide his excitement the way his short legs were swinging. He shouldn't be watching the boy but somehow it was more interesting than the notes that he had to review. The boy's eyes were on the cake until he looked up to met his own. Minseok tilted his head, blinking.

"Kyungsoo Hyung?"

"Yeah?"

"Why aren't you eating?"

Kyungsoo eyed the cake but he didn't feel hungry anymore. "You can eat it if you want."

"But it's yours."

"It is and I'm giving it to you. If you're too full I can ask Baekhyun to wrap it for tomorrow."

Minseok ate slowly and neatly, wiping his mouth with a tissue after he finished. He even swallowed first before he talked. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Kyungsoo formed a smile, "Wait here, okay?" he then took the two plates of cake to Baekhyun, telling him to wrap it.

"Maybe you should bring him to his apartment. We're closing in half an hour, Kyungsoo." said Baekhyun.

Kyungsoo checked his watch and sighed. "I seriously don't know what to do with a kid. Do you know him?"

"Yeah, his father always buy coffee every morning. He brings Minseok on weekends. I'm surprised you don't know him, he said you're in the same apartment building."

"I don't remember seeing him..." He frowned remembering the man, "Wait, I think he said my name. How did he know my name?"

"Maybe you're living next to him. What a bad neighbor you are, Kyungsoo." Baekhyun teased.

Kyungsoo turned to Minseok, checking to see the boy was still on his spot. "I'm sure we're not on the same floor."

"Just bring him home. He looks tired. You can put him to sleep so you can study?" Baekhyun reached out to pat his shoulder, smiling before he tending to a new customer who just came in.

Kyungsoo walked back to Minseok asking him if he wanted to go back. The boy nodded and he took his hand, walking to their apartment slowly.

They went to Kyungsoo's apartment first as he needed to take a quick shower. He left Minseok in his living room, having the TV and given him a glass of water.

"Let's go, Minseok." Kyungsoo smiled to the boy who took his offered hand after he finished. He had his notes and the keys on the other hand.






Minseok's apartment was similar to his own. The difference was that there were more colors and toys and children’s books. Along with pictures, and a lot of them scattered in pretty small frames. He waited for Minseok to say something but the boy yawned, pulling him to a room. It was Minseok and his father's room.

"Uhm," Kyungsoo felt like intruding and Minseok noticed as he smiled sleepily.
"It's okay. Appa won't mind." Minseok drawled and took his pajamas from the drawer before going into the bathroom to change.

Kyungsoo bit his lips and couldn't help but scan the room. The curtains were white. The bed cover was sky blue and there were some stuffed toys in the bed that definitely belonged to Minseok in the bed. He walked closer to the bedside table where two frames of a photo were. Both were a portrait of Minseok and his father which lead Kyungsoo to wonder about the mother.

He shook his head, reminding himself that it wasn't important and it wasn't his business.

Minseok came back minutes later, flopping down to the King sized bed. "You can eat or drink anything from the fridge, Hyung. You can also stay here or outside if you want when I sleep. Appa will be back in an hour or two..." the boy sounded sleepy but his eyes were still open, staring at him.

"Uh, thank you." Kyungsoo was relieved that he didn't have to do anything with Minseok but he felt guilty somehow. His father wanted him to take care of him but he did nothing. His eyes caught some books in the night table and an idea came, "Do you want me to read you a story before you sleep?"

Minseok lifted his head, he looked like he was ready to say yes but he hesitated. "Really?"

"Yeah. Choose a book and I'll do it." Kyungsoo went to Minseok's side of bed, sitting beside the boy who took one of the books. Minseok then got comfortable under the duvet, wearing a bright smile.

Kyungsoo smiled back, liking the way Minseok gave him a wide, child-like smile.








After Minseok fell asleep Kyungsoo turned off the lamp but let the door remain open to let some light in, in case Minseok didn't like sleeping in the darkness. He slumped into the couch and started reviewing his notes.

Half an hour later the bell was ringing and Kyungsoo stood up, opening the door to Minseok's father.

"Hey. Where's Minseok?" the man asked, taking off his shoes and dropping his bag in the couch.

"He’s sleeping." Kyungsoo frowned, eyes following the man who went straight to his bedroom. He stood by the door seeing the father kiss his son's head before going out again.

"I'm really sorry for the trouble." he apologized, taking out his wallet. "Thank you for watching Minseok, I didn't know who—"

"You shouldn't do that, you know. I'm a stranger and you just left your son with me? What will happen if I abduct him? What if I'm a serial killer?" Kyungsoo didn't know why but a sudden anger rose inside of him. The father looked too calm for him.

He chuckled, "I know you're not, Kyungsoo."

And it ticked him, "How do you even know my name?"

"We live in the same building?" the older tilted his head in confusion, as if that was an obvious answer.

"I don't know you or Minseok. In fact, I don't know anyone who lives here." Kyungsoo stated.

"Oh." the man nodded, "You must have forgotten then. There was a package sent to my place which was supposed to be delivered to you, since we have the similar apartment number. I brought it to you with Minseok around last month."

Kyungsoo digged through his memory but nothing came.

"And I saw you few times in the coffee shop. You don't look dangerous or anything and Minseok has a good instinct towards bad people. He doesn't say anything so you're good. Now, how much should I pay you?" he gave a charming smile that took Kyungsoo off guard for a few seconds.

"I don't need your money!" he hissed. "I'll just go, good night."

"But, let me do something for you at least, as a thank you? Kyungsoo?"

Kyungsoo was stopped by the man's hand in his shoulder at the door. "It's nothing. I did nothing, Minseok can take care of himself. You know that." he shrugged the hand on his shoulder.

The man dropped his hand to his side, "You're right. But I broke a promise with him and I don't want to leave him alone..." He sighed, running a hand to mess his perfectly styled hair. His age slowly showed but Kyungsoo still thought the man was too young to have a kid as old as Minseok.

"What's your name?" Kyungsoo found himself asking.

The man looked surprised but he smiled warmly, "It's Kim Jongin."

Kyungsoo nodded, wearing his shoes and getting ready to go but once again Jongin stopped him.

"Can I ask a favor from you?"

"No."

"Kyungsoo,"

Kyungsoo almost snapped at the man for calling his name like they knew each other for a while but he held himself, "I said no."

"Minseok's lonely. I tried my best but I have work. Maybe you can come once in awhile to play with him?" Jongin looked desperate, but he patiently waited for Kyungsoo to think.

Kyungsoo was on his last semester and he had no time. He didn't need any distraction yet hearing the word lonely and how Minseok was more reserved for kids his age made him think twice.

"If you don't need money then you can think of something as a repayment. You're in a college, right? I can help you to get a job later."

Kyungsoo shook his head, "No, thanks. I'll do it for Minseok."

Jongin looked like he was about to hug Kyungsoo so he stepped back. Jongin let out a relieved sigh, taking his phone out of his pocket and handing it to him. "Can I have your number, please?"

Kyungsoo silently saved his number and gave it back to Jongin. "Good night, Mr. Kim."

Jongin's smile grew wider, "Good night, Kyungsoo."




***



In Friday morning Kyungsoo opened his door to Jongin and Minseok who waited for him.

"Good morning, Kyungsoo."

"Good morning, Hyung."

The father and son greeted him as he locked his door. "Morning. Can I help you?"

"Yes. Can you please pick Minseok up later?" Jongin smiled. His hair was styled and he wore his dark grey suit. Kyungsoo hadn't had the chance to ask what his job was and mentally noted to ask later.

"Address and time, please."

"I'll text you. You can bring Minseok to eat dinner out if you don't cook." Jongin answered. "Do you need a lift to your campus?"

"What? Uh, no, thank you." Kyungsoo pursed his lips. His eyes were on Minseok, hand ruffling his hair, causing the boy to show his gummy smile.

"I insist."

Kyungsoo glanced up to Jongin, it wasn't a bad idea actually. "Sure, why not."

Minseok took his hand with his own, letting go of his father's and pulled him to the elevator while Jongin whined at his son for leaving him behind.






Minseok sat on Kyungsoo's lap as Jongin brought them to Kyungsoo's campus. Kyungsoo really didn't want to sit beside the father but Kyungsoo was the one who got a free ride so he didn't protest when the man ordered him to sit in front.

Minseok was quiet. He leaned comfortably into his chest.

"Where do you want to go tomorrow, Minnie?" Jongin asked his son, rubbing his son’s chubby cheek with his hand during a red light.

"Appa's choice." the boy answered, turning to his father. "Can Kyungsoo Hyung come?"

"Why do you want me to come?" Kyungsoo hoped he didn't sound rude, taking a glance at Jongin.

"I want you to." answers the boy simply. "But only if Hyung isn't busy." he added.

Jongin chuckled, "He seems like he's comfortable with you already."

"But I didn't do anything..." Kyungsoo whispered to himself but of course the son and father heard it.

"Appa, Hyung read me a story before I go to bed."

"He did? Did he finish the last book? The one about rabbit?"

"No, I fell asleep in the middle."

"We'll continue tonight if I finished early, baby."

"Yes, Appa."

Jongin pinched his cheek lightly, focusing back on the road. "He likes story books. He can read but he always ask me to do it for him." he explained to Kyungsoo who only hummed in reply.

In no time they arrived at Kyungsoo's campus. He said thank you to Jongin and promised he would pick up Minseok later, reminding him of sending the address again.

Minseok had to climbed down from Kyungsoo's lap so he could get out of the car. Kyungsoo then helped Minseok with his seatbelt and said goodbye to him.

"See you later." Kyungsoo waved with a small smile. He watched the car drive away and ly to bumped into someone's chest.

"Who's that, Hyung?"

Kyungsoo shoved the man aside so he could walk, the man who was a lot taller than him wrapped an arm on his shoulder, repeating his question.

"My neighbor."

"Yeah? Why did he drive you here?"

"As thank you for babysitting his son."

"What?"

Kyungsoo yelped in startled when the man stopped him, another hand on his chest. "Sehun!" he shouted, nudging the younger man in the ribs.

Sehun grimaced, letting go of him in instant to clutched on his side. "Did I hear it right? You? Babysit? Did the son cry?"

Kyungsoo rolled his eyes and continued to walk. Even taking big steps, it was nothing for Sehun to catch up for him. "I have no choice. He just asked for it without waiting for my answer. I couldn't just leave the boy on his own." remembering it only brought the annoying feeling back but Kyungsoo quickly dismissed it.

"It's nice knowing that you have a neighbor. In case something happened to you, I'm not close enough to help you, you know?"

"I only met him since yesterday, Sehun."

"Oh." Sehun patted his back, "It's okay, I'll still take care of you until you have someone."

"I can take care of myself, thank you." Kyungsoo and Sehun went inside their classroom and took the middle seat. Few students had already arrived but not the professor.

"Your parents still need to know how you're doing, Hyung."

Kyungsoo snapped his head, eyes wide. "You heard it already, huh?"

"I'm sorry, Hyung." Sehun smile sadly, rubbing his back.

He appreciated the gesture and nodded. "I've been waiting for months already. I'm glad they reached an agreement but I still feel weird inside."

"Will you visit them?" asked Sehun in concern.

"No. They'll come to my graduation anyway."

It was not a surprise that Sehun heard the news of his parents who would get a divorce. Their parents were business partners after all and their mothers were the best of friends. It was the reason why Kyungsoo and Sehun had been best friends since they were babies. They went to the same school, from primary until high school, and even went to the same University and Major. Kyungsoo was surprised that Sehun took business with him; they would eventually take care of their parents' business but he thought Sehun would take an art major while he could. Sehun loved dancing but the younger knew he wouldn't have the chance to pursue it as a career. He had a responsibility and he wouldn't want to disappoint his parents. Both him and Kyungsoo.

Kyungsoo didn't know how his parents fell out of love. He remembered the old days where they showered him with love and how they rarely had big fights but just last year something happened and they started shouting at each other. Kyungsoo couldn't handle the view so he moved out into an apartment that he requested from his parents. He needed time away from them and he was thankful his parents understand why he did it.

Sehun was like a younger brother and they took care of each other. Kyungsoo was glad at least Sehun didn't move into the same apartment because as much as he liked Sehun, he had enough of seeing him everyday in campus.

"Hyung, I think your phone vibrated." Sehun whispered as the professor just walked inside the classroom.

It was a message from Jongin.

"What's that?"

Sehun was overprotective of him but Kyungsoo never complained. He got used to it for years already. He always wanted to know everything that happened to Kyungsoo, even his secrets.

"My neighbor asked me to pick up his son later. He has a meeting with clients." he put his phone aside on the table and opened his notes.

"Whoa, you're really babysitting." Sehun snickered softly.

"He's not like other kids, Sehun. He's a bit mature for his age and he's a quiet kid too."

"He really didn't cry?"

Kyungsoo kicked Sehun's leg, causing the younger to dropped his head to the table, rubbing the aching spot. "That one kid was terribly loud and annoying, I told you already!" he whispered. Sehun always made fun of him since that time he shouted at a kid from being too loud and he had a hangover on top of it.

"Sorry, it's just hard imagining you walking with a kid." grinned Sehun. He straightened his back, eyes to the front. The professor had started the class and wrote down on the whiteboard.

"He seems fond of me but I don't know why." Kyungsoo tilted his head, wondering what make Minseok comfortable with him. Surely it wasn't only because the boy was a good judge of character. Not because of story reading either. He didn't look that friendly as far as he knew.

"You can just ask him. Kids tend to be honest." Sehun said as he copied the writing from whiteboard.

"Yeah, I might ask him that later."







Kyungsoo was surprised seeing Minseok sitting on the bench alone while some other kids were playing with themselves. He approached the boy and called for his name. Minseok lifted his head then, smile blooming.

"Hyung!"

"Hey." Kyungsoo chuckled when Minseok ran to hug him. His eyes scanned the playing ground of the kindergarten, some kids were watching for them. "Why aren't you playing with them?" he asked curiously.

Minseok only shook his head, "Let's go home."

"Minseok?" Kyungsoo noticed the way Minseok looked distress, taking his hand and trying to pull him.

"Hey, Minseok! Did your father forget to pick you up again? Oh wait, no, maybe he doesn’t want to pick you up anymore and leave you alone here!" a boy suddenly was there near them, saying it with loud voice and a smirk on his lips.

Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow, wondering what was the problem with that child.

"Hyung, come on..." whined Minseok, tugging him once again.

"What's he saying?"

"Well, at least someone is picking you up, even if it's not your mother!" the kid shouted again.

Kyungsoo frowned, facing the boy who was focusing on Minseok. "Hey kid, what are you doing?"

"Don't you know, Hyung? His mother abandoned him! He doesn't have a mother!" the boy laughed, along with two boys beside him and Kyungsoo found out what this all about.

Kyungsoo was ready to curse out loud but he didn't do it. "I pity your mother for having a son like you..." He whispered to himself, shaking his head and walked with Minseok who had his head down.

When they reached the bus stop Kyungsoo squated down to a sitting Minseok. The boy was crying silently, he watched him wiping his face few times as they walked. "Are you okay?" asked Kyungsoo, cupping the boy's face.

Minseok nodded, but refused to look at him in the eye.

"Why didn't you say anything to your father?"

"I-it doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters. You can’t let anyone bully you like that, Minseok."

"I don't want Appa to worry..." Minseok whispered, "I don't want him to be sad and blame himself for what happened."

"He has to know and I’m going to tell him."

"No!" Minseok stared with wide eyes full of tears, "Please no. Don't do it, Hyung. I don't want him to get sad, please..." he begged.

"But you're suffering like this, this shouldn't happen, Minseok. You didn't deserve this. Those kids need to learn that they shouldn’t judge a person just because they don't have a mother." Kyungsoo's heart clenched when tears rolling down Minseok's chubby cheeks. "And you shouldn't cry, Minseok. It’s not your fault..." He took Minseok into his chest, hugging the boy tightly, letting him dampen his shirt with his tears.

"It's not your fault, Minseok."

It's not your fault, Kyungsoo.

Kyungsoo shut his eyes at the voice in his head. He shushed the boy in his arms, patting the smaller back until the boy stopped crying yet still clutching to his shirt.

"Let's go back, hmm?" Kyungsoo whispered, kissing Minseok's cheek after he wiped the boy's tears. He took some tissues from his bag and handed it to Minseok. Minseok held his hand after, leaning to his side when he sat beside him as they waited for the bus to arrived.





Minseok changed his clothes and went straight to his bed. He refused Kyungsoo's offer for food but Kyungsoo still cooked for him anyway, calling the boy after he made simple dish. He half forced the boy to eat and Minseok reluctantly gave in despite eating very slowly. Kyungsoo was patient, waiting for him to finish as he re-read his notes.

"Why some people are bad?"

The question brought him to a blank. Kyungsoo hummed in thought, "It could be because they were born as a bad people or the way others treated them could change their previous good self."

"But they're still young..."

"Oh, where you grow up and who raised you matters too. There are many reasons to why so don't think about it. We're likely to meet many bad people in life but it's life and you have to deal with it." Kyungsoo leaned his chin to his crossed arms on top of the table. "I know that it's not fair but we have more important things to do."

"You'll still tell my Appa about it?" Minseok asked after a moment.

"I'm sorry. I'm supposed to take care of you and that's what I'm doing."

Minseok nodded after few seconds. "Can I go to sleep?"

"Sure." Kyungsoo stood up and started cleaning the dishes.

"Kyungsoo Hyung?"

"Yeah?" he turned to Minseok, his eyes still puffy from crying.

"Can you read to me again after you finish that?" Minseok referred to the dishes with his eyes.

"Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes." Kyungsoo smiled. When he heard the sound of a door being closed he dropped his head. "I knew this wouldn’t be that easy..." he whispered to himself. He shook his head, he needed to be by Minseok's side fast.





Kyungsoo sighed in relief when Minseok fell asleep while he read to him. He was tired for no reason and seeing the boy sleeping made him want to do the same. The spot beside the boy was empty and inviting him to lie down but he shouldn't. It was Jongin's bed, not just Minseok's.

He then chose to just sleep on the one single sofa, getting comfortable and closing his eyes.






Kyungsoo was in distressed seeing his parents fighting again. He already told them to stop, trying to help them to understand what they both wanted but it did nothing. He was so frustrated that he left, knowing his parents wouldn't even catch him flying from the scene.

He usually went to Sehun's place but he couldn't reach the younger man. Sehun didn't pick up his phone so Kyungsoo took his car to the mall. He might as well do whatever he wanted until night when his parents would stop screaming at each other.

In the middle of driving he got a call from his mother and he moaned out loud, ignoring it. She didn't stop trying and Kyungsoo had no choice but to answer it.

"Yeah?"

"I can't do this anymore. I need my time alone, Kyungsoo."

"Sure, take it as much as you need." Kyungsoo answered, clenching his jaw. This had happened countless time before.

"I'm going to divorce him, Kyungsoo."





Kyungsoo jerked on his sleep, eyes snapped open to see Jongin staring down at him. His eyes moved down to Jongin’s hand, rubbing on his arm soothingly.

"You alright, Kyungsoo?" Jongin asked, pulling his hand away.

"Yeah." Kyungsoo croaked. He cleared his dry throat, grimacing at his own voice. "I'm sorry I fell asleep."

"No, it's okay. Minseok's sleeping too, anyway. You can go back, now." Jongin smiled, gesturing Kyungsoo to follow him.

Kyungsoo nodded, walking out of the room with Jongin. He hoped he didn't do any sleep talk or something similar that made Jongin find out he was having a nightmare. It seemed the man noticed though, the way his eyes were filled with concern. He was thankful the man didn’t ask about it.

"Have you eaten?" Jongin asked, taking a plastic bag of food out and put it down on the coffee table. "Sit."

Kyungsoo did as told, taking a distance between them and took the offered food.

"Thank you for today. Did you go out with Minseok?"

"No." Kyungsoo stared at his food. It looked and smelled delicious so he started to eat it.

"Really? What did you do all day?" Jongin asked, eager to hear about his son.

"We just stayed here and...there's something that I have to tell you." Kyungsoo looked up. "Has Minseok gotten into trouble before?"

Jongin's eyebrows furrowed, "No...did something happen?" he asked, worry etched onto his face and Kyungsoo suddenly understand why Minseok hated that look on his father’s face.

"Yeah. Minseok didn't want me to tell you this but I think you must know. Some kids were making fun of him about...about his mother. They said some harsh things for their age, I just can't believe it." Kyungsoo groaned, he couldn't forget the boys' faces.

"What did Minseok do?"

"He did nothing! I was really furious and I was about to yell at them but I couldn’t. Minseok cried after that and I really don't know what to do." Kyungsoo watched the way Jongin's expression turned from concerned to a blank.

"Well..." Jongin stared down at his food, thinking.

"Mr. Kim?"

"Hmm?"

"You don't know anything about this, do you?"

"Yeah," Jongin chuckled bitterly, "I'm surprised to hear this from you. I can't believe he could hide something like this from me."

"He doesn't want to make you worry." Kyungsoo added.

"I know. But he's too young to handle this himself. I'll make sure to do something about it on Monday." Jongin concluded, "Thank you for telling me, Kyungsoo."

Kyungsoo had been wanting to ask about Minseok's mother but he knew it would be rude. This might be his chance because they were alone.

"Can I ask you something?"

"His mother?" Jongin smirked when Kyungsoo widened his eyes. "Everyone would be curious when you're quite young to be a single dad."

"I'm sorry." Kyungsoo bit his lower lip.

"No, it's okay. She left, if that's what you wanted to know. She ran away from her family to be with me and she loved Minseok, but her family threatened us and she had no choice but to leave. I haven’t heard about her ever since."

Kyungsoo inhaled deeply, finally knowing the truth.

"He's been a really good kid and I can't never stop feeling guilty. I've tried new relationship before but it never worked. I want him to have a mother too but maybe it's my fault. Maybe I just can't forget her." Jongin leaned his back to the couch, head resting on it as he faced to the ceiling. "I can't give him all of my time and I also can't give him a mother. What a bad father I am..."

"Please don't say that. Everything needs time and maybe it's not the time yet. I'm sure Minseok loves you, Mr. Kim. I don't want you to be sad about what happened to Minseok, I know you can't help but feel that way but you need to talk about this to Minseok. He would understand knowing that you—"

Jongin cut him off, "That's the problem, Kyungsoo. He shouldn't be that understanding at that age. He holds himself not to ask for many things. He's afraid I couldn't give it to him. He only wants me to stay beside him all the time but I can't do that. I can't ask him to understand that I can't forget his mother even if I have to, to be able to move forward. He should be selfish at that age but he... I feel like I'm the kid here, not him."

Kyungsoo didn't know what to reply to that. He was younger than Jongin and he didn't have any kids. As much as he tried to understand him, Kyungsoo couldn’t.

Jongin chuckled, turning to Kyungsoo who paused his eating. "I'm sorry for such depressing thoughts. Finish your food. I'll walk you to your place."

Kyungsoo ate as fast as he could. He couldn't bear to see Jongin’s eyes clouded with dismay yet couldn't do nothing about it.

"Oh, about tomorrow. Are you still going with us? Do you have any other place to go?" Jongin left his unfinished food in the table, watching Kyungsoo instead which made him even more nervous and uncomfortable.

"No. I'd love to go with Minseok and you."

"Great. Minseok would be very happy to have a new brother."

Kyungsoo snorted, "I'm not the type of brother that he should have."

"Why? I think you're a good kid. Minseok approved you."

It was nice to see the sadness gone from Jongin's eyes as they walked out of Jongin’s apartment, "I’m only nice because I'm with him."

"It shows that you can control yourself and that's a good thing."

"I'm not good with kid usually. But maybe because Minseok's a bit mature than other kids, I could get along with him." or maybe we somehow have the same problem, Kyungsoo said to himself.

"Just like how you can't get along with everyone. I want to be honest that you don't look that friendly but you look younger than your age. That's why I asked for you help, I assumed that Minseok would like you and he did. He can't stop talking about you, you know?"

"I'm flattered." Kyungsoo curled his lips up into a smile.

"And you look good smiling like that." grinned Jongin.

"Thanks. Can I go back now?"

"Yeah, sure."

"What time will we go tomorrow?" Kyungsoo walked beside Jongin to the elevator, waiting.

"Around nine."

"Okay. I’ll meet you here then." Kyungsoo smiled slightly to Jongin who nodded.

"Sleep well, Kyungsoo."

"You too, Mr. Kim."




***



Kyungsoo stared at different shirts and sweaters on his bed. He had jeans on but he wondered why he wanted to look good today. He usually chose his top randomly when he went to classes. He huffed as he put the other clothes inside his drawer, leaving a white t-shirt with navy blue cardigans to wear. Taking his wallet and phone and checked that he didn't forget to turn off the stove or the iron, Kyungsoo locked his door and went downstairs to the Kim's place.

Minseok opened the door to him and he smiled, hugging Kyungsoo briefly which surprised him in a nice way. "Morning, Hyung. Thank you for coming today." the boy rubbed his face to his stomach.

"No, thank you for inviting me." he brushed the boy's head gently.

"Have you had breakfast? Appa's cooking."

"Uh, I drank milk."

Minseok laughed at his answer, leading him to the kitchen where Jongin was preparing their breakfast.

"Kyungsoo! Sit down and eat." Jongin greeted, pointing for him to sit before bringing the plates with food on the table.

"Appa makes my favorite today." said Minseok, "Chicken with cheese!"

Kyungsoo grinned at the boy, ruffling his hair at his cute gummy smile. "Eat a lot. You’ll need energy for today. Where are we going by the way?"

"Bookstore and we'll be making our own mugs today." Jongin answered, taking a seat across of Minseok, telling his boy to be careful because the food was still hot.

"Mugs?"

"Yes. My colleague talked about it and I told Minseok. He's interested and wants to try." Jongin took his phone and showed a picture to Kyungsoo. The younger ignored the way their fingers touched made his heart thump.

It was a picture of three mugs, writing of Father, Mother, and a girl named Yeri written on three different colors of mugs. It had some cute drawings on it too and he could tell it was the little girl’s drawing.

"I'll be the one drawing on it and Appa will help it to look good! Do you want me to write something on yours, Hyung?"

Kyungsoo blinked at Minseok's question. "On mine?"

"You're making one with us too, right?"

Kyungsoo eyed Jongin who nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, sure. Please make it pretty, Minseok." he smiled, showing his heart shaped lips and crescents eyes.

"Oh, heart! Appa! Kyungsoo Hyung's lips shaped like a heart!" Minseok awed, leaning closer to Kyungsoo who laughed nervously, fist hiding his smile. "It's pretty."

"It is." agreed Jongin, meeting his eyes with Kyungsoo's.

Kyungsoo gulped, focusing his eyes to the food instead of the loud voice of his heart.





Kyungsoo would never imagined it would be fun to spend his time with children, but maybe that only worked with Minseok. The boy was such a sweet and adorable kid he easily made Kyungsoo smile and laugh more than usual.

They finished the ceramic drawing, leaving the three mugs to bake before going to the bookstore. Jongin said he will take the finished product days later. Kyungsoo followed the father and the son choosing a book when he got a call.

"Yeah?"

"Are you busy?"

"Actually, yes, I am." Kyungsoo took several steps away from Jongin and Minseok.

"Really? You always go out with me on Saturday when you're not at home."

"Sehun," sighed Kyungsoo. "I'm with Minseok and his father."

"Interesting, Hyung." Kyungsoo could hear the smirk Sehun make. "Now you even go out with them too."

"It's not like I can refuse it.”

"Yes, you can. You just don't want to. You're attach to the boy already...or is it the father?"

"Sehun!" Kyungsoo hissed, not liking how Sehun was laughing at his reaction.

"Well, have fun then, Hyung. I'm with Lu Han and Yixing Hyung, practicing like usual."

"Thanks, you too, Sehun-ah. Bye." Kyungsoo stared down at his phone after, eyebrows knitted.

It was because of Minseok, not Jongin. He didn't want the kid to be alone, that was all. Minseok was very kind to not bother him when he read his notes, but stay near him and played by himself. Minseok liked his company, even if they weren't playing, he said.

He was attached to the boy, just like Sehun said. It wasn't a bad thing, though.

Kyungsoo eyed Minseok, talking with his father who bent down to listen to him.

Then why a simple compliment from Jongin made his heart beat faster?







"Did something happen? You've been quiet since you got the phone call." Jongin asked after they paid for Minseok's books. "Do you need to go?"

"No." Kyungsoo didn't look Jongin in the eye and that might seem like he was distracted that Jongin stopped him on his track.

"Kyungsoo."

"I'm fine, Mr. Kim." He gritted his teeth in reply. He saw Minseok looking at the both of them so he quickly smiled down to him.

"Do you want to go home, Hyung?" the boy asked.

"No, I'm alright. Didn't you say you want to buy some ice cream?"

Minseok bit his lips, moving his eyes to Jongin. "Yes, but if Hyung needs to go then—"

"I don't need to go, I'm just thinking about something. Don't worry, the both of you." Kyungsoo sighed, both father and son had the similar expression and he felt a sudden pressure. He wouldn't reveal that what Sehun said affected him in a bad way. He just needed to focus on Minseok, not Jongin because of whatever his best friend said.

"Come on, Minnie. Lead the way." Jongin assured his boy with a smile, nudging him to continue walking, Kyungsoo followed silently.






Kyungsoo put on his smile when Minseok told him about his book collections. He was excited with the new addition, couldn't wait for his father to read it to him later before he went to bed.

"By the way Minnie, Appa heard something from Kyungsoo Hyung." Jongin started after the boy stopped talking to enjoy his ice cream.

Kyungsoo widened his eyes at Jongin.

"Uh?" Minseok casted a worried glance at him, eyes avoiding his father's.

"I heard what happened yesterday. Do you want to talk about it?" Jongin asked gently, hand running over Minseok’s back in a comforting manner.

"No...?"

"Minseok." the boy visibly flinched at the warning tone his father gave, bowing his head low.

"I'm sorry..."

"Why are you being sorry? Is it your fault?"

"It's not. But I... I make you worry, Appa. I don't want that. And, and I know what they said isn't true. Appa won't leave me just like Mother did." he whispered at the end.

Kyungsoo ran a hand on his face, not liking that he had to see this.

"Then you'll understand if I talk to your teacher about this, right?"

Minseok hummed a reply, leaning to his father's side, pressing his face into his chest. Kyungsoo could see the tears as those little hands fisted his father's shirt.

"Appa's sorry. It's my fault."

"It's not," Minseok mumble, hiccuping.

Kyungsoo met Jongin's eyes, seeing the hurt expression and the sad smile he had.

It wasn't easy to have a child. A simple thing could bring you to smile but it could also hurt your inside like you're being stabbed by a million needles seeing their tears.






"Thank you for going with us, today. Minseok is happier than usual." Jongin walked Kyungsoo to his door after he dropped Minseok to his apartment. Kyungsoo had refused but the man dismissed it and followed him to his door.

"It was nothing. I'm the one who's thankful to spend my Saturday quite eventful like this."

"Eventful?" Jongin asked in surprise, "I thought you've been wanting to go out with your friend or do something else kids your age do."

Kyungsoo ticked at the word kid, crossing his arms and looked up at the man who grinned down, obviously doing it on purpose. "I'm not a kid, Mr. Kim."

"I'm sorry, you look like one."

"Why are you teasing me right now anyway? Minseok's waiting for you." Kyungsoo sighed, taking his key out of his pocket to unlock the door.

"Were you supposed to go out with your friend?" Jongin asked, tone slightly different.

"No, I told you already."

"Not even a date?"

Kyungsoo frowned, tilting his head back to Jongin, something in his eyes. "No. I'm busy already, I told you I'm in my last semester, right?"

"Yeah," Jongin inhaled, "Just remember how angry you were when I asked you to baby sit Minseok but you keep seeing him until now."

"You're the one who asked, no, forced me to a favor."

"I did force you the first time. The one after that, you did it on your own will. Why is that, Kyungsoo?"

Kyungsoo at this point wondered why Jongin called his name a lot whenever he talked with him. "I just wanted to, and because of how lonely he is."

"But you're going to leave him anyway once you got busy." Jongin leaned his body to the wall, raising an eyebrow. "You might stop now, if you want."

"Mr. Kim, I don't understand. Do you want me to stop meeting him?" Kyungsoo whispered, narrowing his eyes. Was this why he left Minseok at their place, so he could have a private talk about this? "Do you hate that someone like me spends my time with your son?"

"I like how someone like you spend your time with Minseok. What I hate, is that you started to care more for him. Minseok already thought of you as his own Hyung, that's not good." Jongin shook his head.

"Why?"

"I—" Jongin stopped himself, looking down to the floor for few seconds. "You know what, never mind. Some weird thoughts just came to me, I apologize for what I said just now." he bowed, forcing a smile on his lips. "Take a good rest tonight. Thank you again."

Kyungsoo had his lips parted but nothing came out as Jongin walked away from him. Why was it a bad thing that Minseok liked him as an older brother? Jongin definitely had something he wanted to say but refrained, what was it?

For the first time Jongin said goodbye without calling his name and Kyungsoo was sad about it.