It’s been a week now. There was no news of any missing baby whatsoever so it was confirmed that the baby was indeed left by the mother on their doorstep. Just like Harry Potter minus Voldemort and magic and the terrible aunt and uncle. The point is, by the end of the week, all of the members were tired. Underlined. Italicized. Bold. CAPITALIZED. TIRED.

Thankfully, it turns out that Hyun warmed up to them all quite quickly and has been super happy with them so far because most of the members are actually quite a natural with taking care of babies, especially the maknaes who have a lot of energy and love to play with Hyun so he was never bored.

Hyun was not a fussy baby with it comes to food or taking a bath except when he was about to sleep, when he’s hungry, and when it was time to change diapers.

Miraculously, Sejin have not suspected anything other than them being super sleep deprived all the time. “Boys, please rest more. I understand that practice is important, but you all are performers and rest is as important, if not more important, than endless practice.” Sejin said sternly when he found Jungkook dosing off just before performing at The Hardrock.

“Yes, Sejin hyung…” All of them said in unison.

They have decided on taking turns caring for the baby whenever any of the members are available. They also are still trying to search for the mother of the baby but it was still unsuccessful. Today it is Namjoon’s turn to take care of Hyun.

“Say it one more time.” Taehyung says after he went through a list of things that Namjoon should remember. It is rehearsal time and Namjoon excused himself to take care of Hyun after Hoseok’s turn.

“Check his diaper whenever he starts to look uncomfortable and always check the temperature of the water before doing anything.” Namjoon repeats once again after saying it three times. “Tae, it’s fine. I remember. It was just that one time I made the formula too cold.”

“And he didn’t want to drink it and he kept crying all night because he was hungry.” Taehyung says sternly.

“Okay, Taehyung. I got this.” Namjoon says, trying hard not to sound frustrated.

“He’ll do just fine, I’m sure.” Seokjin says as he tunes his guitar.

“I’m just worried. We’re going to the rehearsal and Namjoon hyung has no one to help him.” Taehyung is very protective about Hyun.

“He has been more careful than usual since that milk incident. He’ll be fine, Tae.” Yoongi assures him.

“See? They said so. I’ll be fine, Tae. Trust me.” Namjoon says.

Taehyung notices Namjoon’s sad expression. “Ah… I’m sorry hyung… I’m just worried.”

“I understand… I care about Hyun too. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.” Namjoon glances toward Hyun’s sleeping form.

Hyun is sleeping on a makeshift crib made from a large laundry basket perched on the coffee table.

“Anyway… Jimin, Hobi, and Jungkook is already waiting at the venue and Sejin hyung is already there. We got to hurry.” Seokjin says.

“Don’t worry, okay?” Namjoon says.

“I’ll look out for them, Joonie. Don’t worry.” Yoongi assures him.

Namjoon then made up an excuse and texted Sejin to say that he is going to spend time at the studio to work on a new song and Yoongi would be the one to talk to the CEO of the venue. It was nothing new for Namjoon to spend a lot of time at the studio but he does like to watch the band perform and enjoy the moment with his precious members. But it is still his turn to take care of Hyun so he should take the responsibility.

The others already left for the venue. Namjoon then heads toward a nearby park with the baby carrier and a back pack. It is thankfully a nice day outside. Hyun is still sleeping after drinking his formula and Namjoon couldn’t help but look at him fondly. All of the members have really grown to care about Hyun a lot and that includes Namjoon as well. He still feels bad about the milk incident and he made sure to study as much as he can on how to take care of babies after that.

He also had a secret he had been keeping from the members for more than a year. The truth was he was not drunk during that party. He actually slept with his ex-girlfriend at that time. He met her at the party and all the tension build up and they ended up sleeping together. She left the next day and there was no news from her after that. Namjoon regretted what he did so much and he strongly felt that it was her that left the baby in the front porch.

It is highly possible that Hyun might be his.

There was a reason why Namjoon did not tell the others about what really happened and it was because the other members hated her guts. She was always jealous when Namjoon spent his time working on his music and rehearsing with the band and one of the reasons why Namjoon did not perform with the band on stage was because of her. But simply not performing was not enough because she wanted Namjoon to quit music altogether and that was the last straw for Namjoon.

“Hyun-ah. If you are really mine, I will take care of you well and raise you well. I will take responsibility.” Namjoon says as he unstraps the carrier carefully takes Hyun out and holds him in his arms gently. Hyun still sleeps peacefully and nuzzles Namjoon’s chest in his sleep.

Namjoon looks out at the playground in the park and imagines Hyun growing up to be like the kids playing on the swing and the slides.

***

The performance at The Hardrock was a success. The show was livestreamed and gained a decent amount of viewers for a rising act.

“Phew!” Jungkook is laying down on the sofa. He is beyond exhausted after a three hour performance.

“You okay, buddy?” Hoseok says as he sits at the end of the sofa and starts to massage Jungkook’s leg.

“Ah… that feels nice…” Jungkooks sighs. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“You have been taking care of Hyun at night most of the time. Let’s switch up the schedule, okay?” Jimin says.

“I like taking care of him.” Jungkook sighs. “He gives me joy.”

“Jungkook, I know how you feel but you should take it easy.” Taehyung says as he carefully places his saxophone in a case.

“Plus, remember not to get too attached.” Seokjin reminds them. “I know we all feel responsible for this but until we know who the mother is, we have to remember that he might not be one of ours.”

Jungkook sighs and nods in agreement. “You’re right, hyung…” He sits back up.

Then the door to the dressing room opens and Yoongi and Sejin enters.

“Guys, they loved our performance. We just talked to a big promotor who said that they would support our promo for the next album.” Sejin says excitedly.

Yoongi grins so wide and radiates happiness.

“Really?!” The rest of the members are shocked.

“Yes, really.” Yoongi confirms.

“We got to tell Namjoon hyung!” Jimin says as he pulls out his phone from his bag and starts to text Namjoon.

“This means we got to put more time to work on the album and our schedule would be packed.” Sejin says as starts to work on the calendar in his iPad.

Hoseok then gives the rest of the members a worried expression. They return the same expression toward him, remembering that they still have the baby situation going on at home.

***

Namjoon had quite a day with Hyun at the park. It was fortunate that he was the one taking care of Hyun and not the others since he was less recognizable due to the fact that he works as a composer, song writer, and producer instead of a performer. He was not going to lie and say that he didn’t miss performing with the others but he is content with what he is doing behind the scenes because to him music is the most important and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Hyun seems to enjoy playing on the swing with him and crawl after squirrels. Namjoon couldn’t help but melt every time Hyun laughs. After reading a lot on how to take care babies Namjoon was prepared so he knew exactly what to do when Hyun starts to become fussy. He fed Hyun and changed him out of his diapers properly and Namjoon feels so proud of himself.

It was a long day and he currently is feeding Hyun again on a park bench. Then his phone beeps and he sees that Jimin had sent him text. He reads it and he is so excited to know that his group just got a good promotor for their next album.

“Hyun! This is awesome!” Namjoon exclaims as he look down at Hyun on his lap.

Hyun tilts his head in confusion as he drinks the baby formula.

“This means our next album will have more promo and radio stations will play our songs more! Isn’t that exciting?” Namjoon’s face then falls when he realizes that they will become even busier.

“Ah…” Namjoon holds Hyun closer in his arms. “Sorry, Hyunnie… This Dad of yours will be busy…” He whispers.

Namjoon arrived home before the others and put Hyun on his bed after bathing him and changing him. He feels all the exhaustion finally hitting him like a truck. He lays down next to sleeping Hyun and he falls asleep caressing Hyun’s soft hair as he sang softly.

“Hush little baby don’t you cry, papa’s gonna show you the starry night

If the night sky stays all cloudy, papa’s gonna hold you oh so so tight…”