Requester
MijooJisoo


Characters
(EXO) Jongdae, Sehun, and Jongin
Yixing


Genres
Family, Angst, and Friendship
Romance


Plot
 A sequel to Without You.  Something like the struggles of a teen pregnancy and the hardship of having a baby without the baby's father.


Author
Charlot1081


 

    Jongdae blinks a few times as he wakes up.  He felt the bus stop and he turned off the alarm he had set on his phone.  Taking out his earbuds, he makes sure that this is his stop.  He stands up and walks down the isle of seats to meet the opening doors.  He carefully steps out of the bus and puts his earbuds and phone in his pocket as he straightens the bag on his shoulder.

It is a month after the exams were taken.  Beig five months along, Jongdae needs to start being careful with his movements.  However, he's been hounded to get out of the house and find a job.  And that's exactly what he did.  He found a minimum wage job with an employer who knows he's pregnant and will still be working during the final weeks and the weeks after he's given birth.

This is life.  He walked into the café and went to the staff room.  His job is to use the machines and serve the food and drinks at the counter.  This café is close to an office.  Therefore, there are a lot of customers.  Office workers need coffee all day and easy-to-get coffee at lower prices beats spending too much company money on making pots and pots of coffee all day.

That being said, Jongdae is on his toes most of his shift with little to no breaks.  He does get exhausted, but that's why there is more than one person at the counter.  Next to him is a female worker, Elyssa.  She steps in whenever Jongdae needs to take a minute break to catch his breath.  Other than that, Jongdae fulfills his work load by himself—still not getting respect from his parents though.


"Ready to start your shift?"  Elyssa asked as she handed an apron to Jongdae that had his nametag on it.

"Yup," He replied, "Kyungsoo is in the back doing the desserts, right?"  He had to make sure.

She nodded in confirmation as she cracked her neck.  And now starts work.  People came in and ordered and they served.  The café had a few tables but it was mostly a to-go café.


"What's your name?"  Jongdae asked as a crowd started forming nearer to lunch time. 

"Yixing," the customer answered and spelled it out.

Jongdae nodded and gave a smile he gave everyone else.  "I'll call you when it's ready."  He bowed and went to the machines. 


He prepared several drinks with Elyssa bringing dishes from the kitchen to customers.  It always gets hectic around lunch time.  Jongdae turned around to put a couple cups on the counter.  However, once he turned around, his vision got blurry.  Trying to keep balance, his body felt like it was getting weighed down.

He fell and the drinks spilled all over him.  "Ahhh!"  He whined as both hot and cold liquids spilled all over his torso.

"Are you alright?"  Elyssa stopped and looked down at him.

Jongdae felt himself being lifted up.  "Sir?"  He was seated at one of the few tables as the crowd went silent.


Jongdae looks at the one with the foreign name.  Yi..Yishing?  "I'm alright.."  He held his head as his vision was still like he was on a boat. 

Elyssa came out with a damp cloth and put it on Jongdae's forehead.  "You didn't eat this morning, did you?"  She scolded as she clicked her tongue.  "Low blood sugar while being pregnant isn't a good combo, Idiot.."

Jongdae never knew that he would have a coworker who cared about him more than his parents.  "Thanks.."  He mumbled with a small smile.

His eyes traveled to the foreign man and he raised his eyebrows.  "Thank you.. Yi..Shing?" 

"Yi-Xing,"  The man repeated, "but.. you can call me.."  He looked around the place to see a vending machine.  "Lay." 

"Lay?  Like Lays chips?"  Jongdae asked.


He laughed and nodded.  "You should get cleaned up and eat.  Come with me."  He suggested as he hooked his arm with Jongdae's arm.


Jongdae looked over at Elyssa.  "Would it be okay?"  He asked.

"You won't get paid for the time you're gone, but I'll cover your work."  She answered.


Jongdae sighed.  It's only going to be a short while.  That and boss won't be too happy for me to work like this.  He walked with the stanger.  Where is he taking me anyway?

"Hey, Lay,"  He decided to speak up, "where are you taking me?"


Yixing stopped at the crosswalk.  "My apartment."

Jongdae ripped his arm out of the other's hold.  "No, thank you."  He was about to walk away, but Yixing walked around him.


"Hey, I didn't mean to sound like a creep or anything."  Yixing tried to defend himself.  "I just figured-"

"I have enough garbage going on in my life, I don't need this to be added to it."  Jongdae narrowed his eyes.  "Have a good day, Yishing."  He walked passed the Chinese male.


Yixing watched as the other walked away with anger in his footsteps.  Maybe I should have brought him to a store or something..  He scratched his head as other pedestrians made him lose sight of Jongdae.


***

"I heard you were absent for a couple hours,"  Jongdae's father started at the dinner table, "what was that all about?"

Jongdae sighed.  "I tripped and spilled coffee on myself."  He said.  "Some guy thought it would be cute to invite me to his apartment to get cleaned up."

"Oh please don't bring another boy into the house.  You messed up with the last one, we don't need more mistakes."  His mother piped up as she plopped a spoon of potatoes down onto her plate. 


Jongdae banged his forehead on the table.  "I didn't go with him when he told me,"  He started up again, "so I had to walk all the way back here to get a change of clothes and walk back to work so that I didn't spend up all of my bus money."  He finished before picking up his fork.

"You shouldn't have spilled anything on yourself in the first place, Idiot."  His father spoke after a few seconds of silence.


Jongdae sighed.  Maybe I should have actually gone with Lay.  Maybe he's some sort of monster or something.  Anything would be better than being here..  He thought as he smacked the steak a couple times with his knife.


***

Morning sickness was supposed to already pass by now, but it was regular every other day for him.  Pain in his stomach started a few weeks later, making him six months along with a baby that is starting to get more developed.  Three more months and you'll be in the daycare with Junmyeon while I work.

He held his stomach as he finished setting up for today's work.  He hasn't seen the Yixing guy since that day.  Did I make him upset?  He wondered as his fingers trace stars on the counter.  There weren't any customers yet, which was odd.  However, he is still being paid.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so rude to him..  He thought as guilt was slowly filling his mind.  He was snapped out of his thoughts when his boss came up to him.

"Jongdae, we have a delivery."  He gave a receipt to Jongdae.

"Really?  I didn't know we delivered."  Jongdae responded.


The boss, Zitao, shrugged a bit.  "My friend is having a meeting today and needs about fifteen cups of coffee.  The orders are different and are put on the receipt.  They need it by the top of the hour."  The boss replied before leaving.

Jongdae looked at his watch to see he has forty-five minutes.  He calculates in his head on how long it will take.  Let's start now..  He nodded and looked around.  He noticed Elyssa isn't here. 


He shrugs it off and begins working.  He finishes everything up and walks to the address as best as he can without the drinks spilling or soiling.  They were all in closed cups rather than opened cups.  He reached the building and pressed on the floor number.

He looked at the numbers on the doors and went into meeting room number three.  The men in there were just talking casually.  Jongdae saw them stop and stare at him.  He faked a smile and bowed slightly.  "Hello, I'm from the café across the way, can I know who all ordered what?"

The men got up one by one and picked the drinks out of the travel container Jongdae brought.  His eyes make it to one of the last workers.  He seemed familiar.

"Yishing?"  Jongdae muttered as he recognized those eyes.  His hair was a bit different, but the clothes definitely matched last month.

"Oh, hey.. Uhm."  He scratched his head as the remaining workers picked their drinks.  "How have you been?"  He asked quietly.


"Definitely been better.."  Jongdae answered.  He didn't want to pitty-party too much, so he kept it short.  "You?"

"Busy,"  He laughed as he took a sip of the coffee.  "Can we talk for a minute?"


Jongdae was surprised but nodded nonetheless.  The Chinese male has been on Jongdae's mind for the past month and so this opportunity was good to see him again.  He followed Yixing out of the meeting room to a quiet hallway.


"I'm sorry about that time.  It seemed creepy for me to bring you to my apartment, right?"  Yixing apologized as he put his hands behind his back.  "I've felt bad for it, so I hadn't gone back to the café since then."

Jongdae nodded and looked around.  "I'm just.. I've been having a hard time lately."  He replied.  "I didn't want my life to get harder.  I'm sorry for not letting you explain yourself."


Yixing was confused.  "What's going on?"  He was curious.

"Well.. I don't want to bore you."  Jongdae said.

The Chinese male smiled and shook his head.  "Don't worry about that, I want to know."  He put his hand on Jongdae's shoulder.  When the other's eyes trailed to the hand, Yixing automatically took it away.  "Sorry.."

Jongdae nodded.  "I'm pregnant obviously,"  He started as he showed his stomach, "and that jerk-man left me, my parents haven't given me an ounce of respect at all in my life, and I have a crappy job."


Yixing looked down at the plain carpet as he took this all in.  "So.. You're a single parent?"  He asked cautiously.

"Yup..  Sorry for venting so much, it must be annoying.."  Jongdae leaned against a wall and ran his hand through his hair.


Yixing smiled and moved the other's bangs out of his eyes.  "Not at all.  I'm just a creep, that's all."

"What do you mean?"  Jongdae asked with raised eyebrows.

"I never knew you were pregnant, but I've been going to that café everyday.  Too bad I only got Elyssa's line."  He snapped his fingers before holding his hip. 

Jongdae was still rather confused.  "Why are you telling me this?"  He asked with an almost-shaky voice.

"Jongdae,"  Yixing started, "I'll be your baby's daddy if you'll let me."  He cupped Jongdae's cheek for a second.  "Woops, sounded like a creep again."  He retreated his hand and backed away.


Jongdae couldn't help but smile over the other's actions.  "You're cute.."  He blushed as he looked down at the carpet.  He held his stomach as he felt a kick.  He hissed and stood up properly.

"He's kicking?"  Yixing asked.  "Since when?"

Jongdae wasn't for sure if he should still be smiling at the other's tone.  He's like an excited kid watching an animal do everyday tasks.  Amazement filled Yixing's eyes.  "He started a couple days ago.."

"Congrats!"  Yixing gave a big smile.  "He must be growing so well from his hard working dad~"  He cooed.


"Shut up."  Jongdae turned around and started walking away from Yixing.  "You have a meeting."  He mentioned as he walked hurriedly to the elevators.


Yixing smiled and walked back to the meeting room.  You're cute too, Jongdae.


***

It's now Sunday—Jongdae's only day off.  He takes this day off to spend time with Jongin and his family.  He gets tips on how to manage with different stages of pregnancy. 

"What has you smiling today?"  Jongin asked as he bent down to pick up a crayon Junmyeon dropped on the floor. 

Jongdae's been smiling for awhile now.  Even his parents were skeptical.  Jongdae giggled and sat down on Junmyeon's small chair when he was invited to by the kid.

"I met someone.."  He started as he watched Junmyeon color in a penguine.

"Who?"  The child asked excidedly while lifting his head.

Jongin was interested to know as well.  "A man from an office near to the café." 


Jongin nodded and gently massaged Junmyeon's shoulders.  "Does Sehun know him?"  He asked as he knows Sehun visits that office from time to time for business mergers.

"I'm not for sure.."  Jongdae answered and scratched his chin.

"Honey!"  Jongin called, "can you come in here?"


Jongdae waited for Sehun to walk in.  "Hey, do you know a guy named Yixing?"  He asked, making sure he got the pronouncation correct.

Sehun put his hands in his pockets as he started thinking.  "I know a Zhang Yixing.  He's the head of a Chinese branch."  He confirmed with a nod. 

"So you do know him~  Wonderful."  Jongin clapped and smiled at Jongdae.  "What's he like?"

"Well.. when he's in a meeting, he's really serious.  But outside, however.."  Sehun scratched his head.

"He's adorable.."  Jongdae continued for Sehun.


Jongin laughed and lightly slapped Jongdae's shoulder.  "Someone's got a crush." 

Jongdae shook his head.  "No, he has a crush on me he implied."  He pointed at himself with a small squeal.  "He said he wants to be my baby's father."


Jongin's smiled faltered and he looked at Sehun.  "Dae.. Are you sure you want to get serious with another person?  Are you ready?"  Jongin asked seriously and Junmyeon stopped coloring.


Sehun's eyes go to the child and signal him to come to his side.  "They need to talk about serious things."  Sehun went on a knee to talk to his kid.  "Let's give them some time to talk, and then I'll color with you.  Okay?"  He asked with a smile.

"Sure, Daddy!"  Junmyeon kissed Sehun's cheek as he ran out with the adult.


Jongin closed the door and folded his arms.  "I'll ask again if I have to."

Jongdae shook his head and stood up to look Jongin in the eyes.  "I've been thinking about it all week.  He didn't start out with a cheesy pick-up line, or talk about my looks.  He was genuinly wanting to help me out, but didn't realize he was being a creep."  He laughed at the end.

Jongin nodded.  "Minseok started with a cheesy thing, huh?"

Jongdae confirmed it.  "He asked me if it hurt when I fell from the sky.."  He shook his head.  "Anyway, Yixing at least seems different."

"And he knows you're pregnant?"  Jongin had to make sure.  When he received a nod, he let out a relieved sigh.  "Good.. why don't you ask him out to see how he is in a formal setting?"

Jongdae smiled.  "You're a genius.  Thank you so much, Jongin."  He couldn't help but hug the older. 

Jongin laughed.  "I promised I would support you, right?  That's what friends do."  He hugged back and patted Jongdae.  "Let's go cook.  If you do wind up with this Yixing guy, you should at least be able to offer him some delicious meals, right?"


"Right."

Jongdae has never been this happy cooking.  If Jongin thinks it's a good investment, maybe Yixing will be the right one.  He can't help but have a smile the whole time cooking and eating.


***


Cliché..  Yixing thought as he exited the office building.  Is it too cliché?  He's read so many stories about two people falling in love with this kind of setting.  The cute café worker and the boring office worker—so cliché.  Yet Yixing likes it anyway. 

He walked into the abnormally quiet place.  He sees two, familiar workers at the counter.  He locks eyes with Jongdae and gives a wave as he takes the list out of his pocket.

"Same thing as the delivery,"  Yixing handed he list to Jongdae.

"Alright, it'll be a few moments."  Jongdae put the list on the machine so that he and Elyssa could work together.  The order was only drinks, no pastries.


Yixing watched the two work with a smile as he held his hands behind his waist.


"Jongdae!"  Someone called from the entrance of the café. 

Jongdae turned around and smiled.  "Jongin~  Junmyeon~ What are you two doing here?"  He asked in a happy-surprised tone.


"Junmyeon and I are just on a bit of a play-date today."  Jongin explained as he looked down at his little one.

Junmyeon nodded.  "Daddy!  I want ice cream!" 


Jongdae smiled and turned back to the machine.  "I'll be right with you in a minute, Jongin."  He told as he was continuing with the drinks.  He placed the lids on top of the cups and put them in the carry-case.  He put fifteen straws and a stack of nampkins along with the drinks.

"Your total is ₩ 34,500, Yishing."  Jongdae told as he gave the list back to Yixing.


Yixing laughed.  "Yi-Xing,"  He corrected, "thank you.  I'll see you next week."  He bowed.

"Wait,"  Jongdae called out a bit as Yixing was turning around.  "I was-was wondering if.."  He scratched the back of his head.  Not once did he ever make date plans with Minseok.

It was always Minseok suddenly deciding to get some take-out before going to one of their homes for the night.  Jongin noticed the younger having a bit of a rough time.  He cleared his throat.

"Would you like to spend some time with him one afternoon?"  He asked for Jongdae.

Yixing looked back at the flushed male.  "S-sure.  I.. I'm not too much of a creep?"  He had to make sure.  He basically implied that he was watching Jongdae work since day one.


Jongin raised his eyebrows to see how Jongdae would respond.  However, the male seemed to be a stone-cold statue.  "I'm his friend,"  Jongin introduced his status, "he'd like to get to know you before just up and calling you a creep."

Yixing looked at Jongin before looking down at his stomach and then at Junmyeon.  The kid was watching him while holding onto Jongin's leg.  "I.. Sure."  He turned back to Jongdae.  "Should I give you my number so we can arrange something?"


Jongdae swallowed inaudibly as he slowly nodded.  "Yeah, that.."  His eyes were wandering around as his nerves hit his stomach.  "Ack.."  He held his waist.

"Are you okay?"  Yixing asked as he stepped closer to the counter.

"It's just a kick, that's all."  Jongin explained with a light laugh.  "He's not used to it quite yet." 


Jongdae nodded and grabbed a pen out of his pocket.  He started writing his number.  "Here," He handed Yixing the digits, "I'm free on Sundays."

Jongin smiled as the two exchange a few more small words before Yixing left the café.  He kept his eyes on Jongdae.  "Seems like someone's got a date then."  He said as he put his elbows on the counter.


Jongdae blushed and looked away.  "Minseok never really cared about if I was ever free.."  He mentioned.

"He helped you skip classes, didn't he?"  Jongin asked with a sigh.  "No wonder you had to repeat a grade."   He stated as he sat Junmyeon on a highchair at the counter.


Jongdae nodded as he watched Jongin sit on the stool next to Junmyeon.  "That's right.  He said that he would date me if I skipped classes with him." He was cautious with his words as to not ruin Junmyeon.


Jongin knew what Jongdae was getting at.  Skipping classes didn't only mean running off to the arcade all afternoon.  "Daddy, I want ice cream~"  Junmyeon chirped.

"I'll tell Kyungsoo to make something special for you."  Jongdae said with an honest smile as he poked the child's cheek.


Jongin couldn't help but smile as he saw Jongdae's happiness.  After four months, he's finally happy.  Hopefully this Yixing lives up to his character.  Jongin had his doubts, obviously.  A guy doesn't suddenly come up to you and decide to want to date you without there being a reason behind it.  But he wants to be the father to Jongdae's child.  Is he for serious?  He wouldn't go after someone like this just for a quick relationship, right?

Jongin had to make sure he knew how Yixing wanted this relationship to go.  He pursed his lips and looked around.  "Elyssa,"  He started, earning her attention, "please look after Junmyeon for a moment."


Jongin left the café and walked across the street.  Jongdae is still the gossip prince he was back in high school, so he knew exactly where Yixing's meeting room is.  That and Sehun's here today.  He walked past reception without a word and went to meeting room three.

He heard carrying on as well as his husband's voice.  The meeting must have not started yet.  He invites himself in, earning fifteen stares. 

"Jongin?"  Sehun sat up straight.  "What are you doing here?"

"Sorry, Honey, I have something to do."  Jongin blew a kiss to his other half before pulling Yixing out by the arm.


Yixing was confused.  Wasn't I just at the café?  He wondered what could be up.  Does it have something to do with Jongdae?  "What's wrong?  Is Jongdae not feeling well?"  He asked.

"No, it's just that a thought just crossed my mind."  He said as they go to a quiet hallway. 


"Ask away then."  Yixing straightened his jacket before clasping his hands together at the waist.

Jongin cleared his throat.  "What kind of relationship do you want with my friend?  Be honest with me."


Yixing pouted his lip while folding his arms.  "I have to get to know his exact personality, but I'm getting older, Mr. Kim."  He was serious.  "I'm turning twenty-six next month and I'm really starting to feel lonely."


This is the serious side Sehun was talking about.. "A twenty-six-year-old dating a twenty-year-old?  Isn't that a bit.."  He muttered.


Yixing sighed.  "It's a bit creepy, like I keep saying.  But observing from afar, I can see how Jongae reacts to things, how he thinks, and operates.  I really like him, and I know that if I get to know him, I'll love him."  He answered honestly.

"I'm looking for marriage, Mr. Kim."  Yixing ended.


Jongin looked him up and down.  "Even with him being pregnant with another man's child?"  He was skeptical.

"I would still like him if he had children with three different men.  The way Mr. Oh describes him, I feel bad about what happened to him with Minseok.  But at the same time, I wouldn't have been able to meet him without that happening."  He explained.


Jongin nodded and looked at his watch.  "I'm sorry for taking so much time."  He apologized.  "I hope things go well for you two.  He really needs happiness."


Yixing bowed.  "It's always good to have a blessing from a best friend."

Jongin smiled.  "You'll never get a blessing from his parents, I guarantee it.  They're as stubborn as a mule."  He laughed.  "Good luck."


Yixing watched Jongin leave.  He composed himself and walked back to the meeting room.  He looked across the room to see the other pairs of eyes on him.  His stare lingers on Sehun's eyes, thanking him inwardly for introducing Jongdae's character to him.  He's even nicer than I imagined. 

He got the thought out of his head for now as he started the meeting.



***


Two months pass and Jongdae's baby comes early.  The doctors aren't too worried as it's pretty normal for the baby to come a couple weeks before the due date.  His baby came out healthy and crying just like it was supposed to.  However, Jongdae's recovery lasted longer than what doctors wanted.

The pain was real in Jongdae's body.  He didn't take the C-Section too well and his levels were quite low compared to how they should be on the third day. 

"Jongdae," A familiar voice sounded in the dim hospital room, "I'm sorry I came here so late tonight."

Jongdae opened his eyes and watch Yixing take off his jacket and loosen his tie.  He holds the younger's hand as he kneels in front of the bed.  He moves Jongdae's hair out of his eyes and smiles.  The small smile made Jongdae's lips form one as well.  Yixing moved a bit to put a kiss on Jongdae's forehead.

"How are you feeling today?"  He asked softly.

"Horrible," He was honest, "but it's bearable now that you're here."  He cheesily spoke.


Yixing laughed a bit and nodded.  "Jongdae, can I ask you a question?"  He received a hum.  "If.. I asked you to marry me, would you?"

Jongdae's eyes open a bit wider as he took in the question.  "Why are you asking so suddenly?"  He wondered.

"Have we not known each other long enough?  Alright, I'll wait a bit more before I ask."  He spoke softly as the thumbed the younger's knuckles.


Jongdae sat up a bit.  "That's not what I meant.. I was wondering why you asked out of nowhere."  He smiled.

Yixing shrugged and gently laid him back down.  "Relax, Jongdae.  You're still recovering."


"Yishing-"

"Yixing."  He laughed.  "We've been dating for two months and you still can't get my name right.."


Jongdae smiled as he read positive vibes from the older.  "Yixing, I want to marry you."  He suddenly answered.  "If you're willing to waist time on me, I'm willing to open my heart all the way to you."  He said weakly.

Yixing copied that smile and nodded.  "There's no rush-"

"My baby doesn't have a name,"  Jongdae interrupted, "can you give our baby a name?"


Yixing noticed the change of the possession word.  He swallowed silently and nodded.  "How about Lu-Han."  He suggested after a moment of thought.

"Your Chinese voice is fascinating.. what does that name mean?"  Jongdae asked with eased eyelids.

"He was born in the early morning and he's like a deer—he leaped at dawn to bring our hearts together."  He made a philosophy.


Jongdae's smile grew and nodded.  "It's perfect.  Luhan.."  He kept repeating the name.  "He's going to grow up just like you, I'll make sure of it."  He said weakly as tiredness is slowly drifting into his senses.


"Get some sleep, Love.  I'll make sure you stay safe."  He promised as he kissed the younger on the lips. 


Jongdae nodded and a tear came from his eye.  Just like four months ago, he fell asleep with in tears.  However, these tears were tears of joy.




 

Thank you so much for requesting~
I was really surprised that you asked for a continuation of the series Nissye requested for.
I hope that this sequel satisfied your hunger for happy Jongdae ^^


<3