“Daddy! Daddy!”

A pitter patter of footsteps could be heard as a tiny person entered the master bedroom, before jumping onto the bed. A groan left the sleeping figure as he was roughly shaken.

“Daddy, wake up! Daddy! Daddy!”

Groaning, the figure raised his head to look at the blurry image perched on his back.

“Taeho-ya….”

“Daddy, wake up!”

The figure its back under the child and tickled him. Loud peals of laughter could be heard throughout the room.

“Haha...Da…Dad…dy…hahaha….nooooo!!!!”

“Arraseo Arraseo! Why is my baby up so early?”

“Daddy! It's Papa’s show time! We need to watch!!!!!”

Minho’s POV

I couldn't help but laugh, Taeho was learning well from his papa! He even did the pose as he said it’s his Papa’s show time!

I kissed him on his cheek before picking him up and walking towards the ensuite bathroom.

“Let's brush our teeth first, there is still time for Papa’s show to broadcast okay?”

The next few minutes were spent brushing teeth and washing face. After that, we went downstairs to have breakfast and watch Papa’s broadcast.

Setting Taeho down on his high chair, I switched on the TV and tuned it to KBS Idol Talk Show.

“Taeho-ya, what should we have for breakfast?”

Even though I could afford to have maids and butlers, we never felt comfortable letting someone in our home. Especially to cook our meals. We did have  an ajumma who cleaned the place for us each day and a driver but that's all.

“Pancake! Daddy Taehoiee wants pancakes!”

“Arraeso! Arraseo!”

As I got the ingredients out to make the much loved and requested pancakes, an excited yell fell on my ears.

“Papa! It's Papa! Daddy! They are showing Papa!”

A proud smile took over my face as I heard the interviewer ask questions to my love.

“So, Taemin-ssi, you’re done with your Japan Sirius tour and now your new album came out in Korea! Can you tell us more about it?”

“Ah yes! This time I have come up with my 2nd mini album called Want! I think the song ‘Want’ does have a vibe similar to ‘Move’. But ‘Want’ carries an intense, more explosive aura in comparison to the previous songs. Many renowned male solo singers have their own stage attitude or presence. For me, I have my own attitude. It could be more androgynous, and maybe less masculine, making some people wonder why I dance like this. And that’s how I want them to perceive it, showing a fresh style that will stand out, if done right. A unique style that only I can pull off, hehehe!”

“Taemin-ssi is more cool and y on stage!” The interviewer said, blushing a bit.

“Ah Thank you so much for the compliment!”

“Was there any pressure on you? Your fans’ expectations must have been high after Move’s success, right?”

“Ah, there was internal pressure, rather than fans who love whatever I show them and support it, it was my hope to show them something more. I considered inserting more catchy choreography to make the performance stand out. But for this song, I focused more on the overall mood of the song, rather than one specific move. From the beginning till the end, it’s more like one, continuous piece of an art. And I hope that after watching the performance and listening to the song, viewers will want me more, and want to watch the performance more, just like the title of the song!” Taemin laughed.

“What was Taemin-ssi inspiration behind this song?”

“It was actually my friend and choreographer Sugawara Koharu-ssi. When I saw her, I realized this is what dance is. Her dance expression is extraordinary, and inspired me to do something that is different than other acts. She helped me transform into a solo artist with a unique style, countering the stereotype of my other fellow male solo artists in the industry.”

“What does Taemin-ssi wish to achieve in the future? You have been in this industry for so long, you have tried so many genres. So what is your future wish?”

“Actually, I am open to all types of trends, genres and classics for inspiration for my music. I want to continuously work hard so that I can create high-quality work. Rather than focus on others, I want to create music that I am really proud of.”

“It was great chatting with you today Taemin-ssi. Lastly, would you like to give any message to your fans?”

“Ah yes! Taemin-ddok, I have come back with a new song after a year and 6 months. I hope you will give Want a lot of love like Move. I will meet you soon as I promote Want with a cool stage. Please look forward to it!”

“This was Taemin-ssi with us, please support Want and we'll be back with a new Idol!”

Just as the brodcast ended, Tae’s Want started to play.

“Daddy! What does y mean? That lady called Papa y, but he is not y! He is papa!”

I couldn't help but laugh as I thought about the man on the TV.

Five years ago, because of Jonghyun hyung’s nagging, I had to leave all the work and drive down to KBS studio to hand Key his so called lucky ring, which was more like a proposal ring from Jonghyun hyung. Having a songwriter-composer and solo idol as friends is truly exhausting. I mean I'm a CEO for God's sake, they have no respect whatsoever for their boss. When I drove down to KBS, I saw Key standing there talking with some girl, probably some idol. She had soft honey brown hair and was very skinny. I called out to Key to get his attention. Imagine my reaction, when I found out that it was actually a guy and Key's fellow idol from the industry!

“Ah Minho-ya, you’re here!”

“Yes! And next time, please carry all your stuff and don't ever let Jonghyun hyung call me! He is soooo good at guilt tripping!!!” I couldn't help but whine!

“Hahaha Arraso Arraso! But I know you’ll come to help so hehe….” Key trailed off laughing. Then turning around, he guestured to the silent guy next to him. “Minho this is Lee Taemin, he is debuting today. And Taemin, this is my good friend Minho. He owns CM entertainment.”

“It's nice to meet you Minho-ssi!” he bowed.

“Ah…. ni...nice to meet you too!” I stuttered.

“Taemin-ah, if you ever have any problems with your agency, feel free to join CM. I can vouch that I have the best boss ever!” Key said as he smirked at me teasingly.

“I’ll keep that in mind hyung.” Taemin-ssi replied back with a pretty smile.

Who knew that very soon, it would turn into reality. A year into his career, Taemin joined my agency. That was probably the best day of my life! Key still nags at me on how he was the cupid behind our love story. Now, 5 years since that day, we are happily married with our lovely baby boy. Taeho’s birth is nothing less than a miracle for us. A highly risky but truly marvelous technological advancement made it possible for males to get pregnant and have kids. An advancement that helped so many  same couples become a family. This is one thing for which I’m secretly thankful to Jong hyung and Key. Who knew Key was so maternal that he found about this special treatment in America! Well all in all, I’m happy as it got me a husband and a son. I should probably buy something nice and expensive for Key as a gift.

“Daddy!” a call of my most favorite word pulled me out of my walk down the memory lane.

“Yes Baby?”

“Hmm…. Can we go and watch Papa perform? Pretty Please daddy!” Why are you so cute Taeho-ya, just like your papa!

“Sure, let us have our breakfast and then we can go.” Taemin’s promotion had kept him busy and out of home. Practice and shows made it so that he had to stay at the dorms near our company, a fact that he hated a lot but had to agree to grudgingly.

………………………………………………………………………

Same Day in KBS Studio

Taemin’s POV

“Taemin-ssi, we need you on stage in five!”

Nodding, I checked myself once in the mirror as I made my way towards the stage. Dance was my passion, I lost myself in it each time I performed, letting my body move with the flow.

“..... and that's a wrap! Great performance as usual Taemin-ssi” I heard the PD-nim compliment as I bowed down to everyone for their hard work before making my way towards the backstage. Even though I feel most alive when I perform, I hate staying away from my family.” A sigh left my lips as I remembered my family.

“PAPA!!!!!” I heard an excited squeal before tiny arms glomped me around my waist. Looking down, I came face to face with a mini me.

“Taehoiee? Is that really you? What are you doing here? Who's with you?” Fear gripped my heart! My tiny baby being alone in this big recording studio!

“I’m with Daddy, see he is there!” he pointed to someone behind him. There hidden half behind the cameras was my beloved husband. He was looking as handsome as ever, with his crisp white shirt and grey vest. I was dragged towards him by my baby.

“That was an amazing performance Taemin-ah!” he said with a smile as he pecked my lips quickly yet discretely.

“Hyung, what are you doing here? I thought you had an important meeting today regarding the  new band?”

“I did, but Taeho wanted to come and see you perform so I got it postponed.”

“Omoo hyung, I hope it's fine to do that?”

“Taemin-ah, since your brother joined us as the new planning head, I don't have to stress. Onew hyung handles everything so well, that I don't have to worry about cross-checking anything.”

“I hope your not over working my brother, he has a baby on the way”

“ Ofcourse I’m not! But I don't understand why he had to wait for so many years to settle down. I mean Taeho is 4 years old, Kihyun is 5, Onew hyung is the oldest amongst us and his baby is yet to be born. I don't understand….”

“Don’t stress hyung, you know how onew hyung is. He was scared of just being in relationship, so even if late he is having a baby is big thing. I really admire Hee-eun Noona was being so patient with hyung. Omoo you know what happened just the other, they went for a check up as noona is quite close to her delivery date and doctor just told them not to do “IT”. Noona told me hyung was so close to fainting that she couldn't stop laughing, she thought she’ll have labour pain just from laughing hahhaha” we both couldn't help but laugh. Onew hyung was such a dork, god how can he be the oldest.

“Tae I will need to leave soon. Are you done for today? We could grab lunch before I’ll have to go to office.”

“Yes I’m done for today, so let's go and grab lunch. Can you drop me and Taeho home before you leave so I can tell my manager hyung not to wait for me.”

“Sure I'll do that, you go get changed. We’ll wait for you in the car. Come Taeho-ya we'll wait for papa in the car.”

“Papa come fast!” my baby said as he took his daddy’s hand and left.

………………………………………………………………………

Few Days Later~

Taemin’ POV

Today, Minho hyung had a meeting for the entire day. Luckily, I had an off day, so we didn't have to leave Taehoiee with someone. I decided to cook something for my baby.

I felt tiny arms hug my waist. Smiling, I knelt to be at the same level as my baby.

“Did my baby sleep well?” he nodded his head as a cute yawn left his lips. Leaning into me, he closed his eyes again. Picking him up in my arms, I let him sleep on my shoulder as I struggled to cook. Me being home was rare these days as I was busy with promotions. So on the days I’m home, Taeho sticks to me like super glue. Just as I was covering the pot to let it simmer and finish cooking, I heard the doorbell ring.

I went and opened it to see Key hyung standing there with his adorable daughter Kihyun.

“Hyung! What a pleasant surprise, and you brought Kihyunnie too! Come in! Come in!”  I gestured for them to come in.

“Taemin-ah, how have you been? How's your promotion going on?” he let go of his daughter’s hand who came towards me.

“Is Taehoiee sleeping?” she asked.

Kihyun was one year older than Taeho. She was truly the one who made me have Taeho, seeing Key hyung with her, it made me desire the same bond.

“Yes sweetie, he just fell asleep, but don't worry he’ll wake soon! Why don't we go and get you some snacks till then? Would you like that?”

“Yessss!!!!!” Letting hyung sit there, both of us made our way to the kitchen. I turned off the gas before getting her some cookies and milk. I got some coffee for hyung as well.

I settled Taeho on the couch with his head on my lap, letting him sleep. I don't want him to be cranky if his sleep is disturbed.

“Seems like Taeho is sticking to you” Hyung asked as his eyes lingered on my baby.

“Yah, as I’m very busy these days, I don’t get to be home much. So he tends to stick to me when I’m home. Hmmm hyung, am I a bad parent?” I ask him with desperation evident in my voice

“Yah! Why do you say that?”

“Because I'm never home! Taeho must feel so neglected to the point that he is sticking to me! I failed as a parent!”

“Taemin-ah! Look at me, kids are needy at this age. You are not a bad parent, you are working hard to provide him a better future. I have felt the same way when I was promoting, Kihyunniee used to cry so hard when I had to leave that it broke my heart. Trust me when I say I had walked down that guilt path, but Jonggiee explained to me that it wasn't my fault and that as Hyuniee grows she will understand better. Now as she goes to the studio with me, she understands better what going to work means. Taehoiee will understand as well, till then be with him as much as you can when it's possible. Between you and Minho, you're doing a great job of raising him. Jonggie and I are so proud of you both!”

Talking to Key hyung has always helped me relax. It's like talking to your mother who gives you best advices. That's why I call him Umma!

………………………………………………………………………

Later Same Evening

Minho’s POV

Today was exhausting! The meeting ran longer than planned. All I want to do was sleep off the tiredness. As I entered the house, I could hear sounds of laughter coming for the living room. As I made my way there, I saw Taemin and Taeho playing pillow fight on the couch. I stood there for a while observing them. This is the sight that makes the entire day worth it, seeing them smile. I felt myself relax, as all the tiredness left my body.

“Daddyyyyyy!” looks like I’m caught.

Thanks to my quick reflexes, I was able to catch him, as he jumped in my arms. I kissed his cheeks as I greeted him

“Were you having a great time with Papa?”

“Yessss!!!!! We made dinner together as well!”

I glanced at Tae who smiled at me, but there was a shadow of sadness in his smile.

“That's great baby!”

“Go get fresh hyung while Taeho and I serve the dinner! Come Taeho, help Papa!”

After I was done cleaning away the remains of the dinner, I made my way towards Taeho’ room. Taemin sat there patting him, even though he was fast asleep.

“Taemin-ah, come let’s go and rest. He is asleep now.” When he looked at me, I saw something akin to worry. Pulling him in my arms, I lead him to our room.

“What’s wrong?” he hugged me tight as he hid his face in my chest. I felt warm tears on my chest. Why is he crying?! Pushing him a bit away, I wiped his tears.

“Taemin-ah, baby tell me what's wrong? Why are you crying?

“Hyung! Sorry…. I’m a bad husband to you and a bad parent to Taeho!!”

“Baby what are you saying? You are the best husband I can ever ask for. Same for Taeho. What made you think this way?”

“How can you say that when I'm never home to look after you or Taeho? This is not what you must have expected from your life partner!” he cried out

“Hey! Hey what are you saying. Look at me!” I raised his chin so that he looked me in the eyes as I said the next words. “Both Taeho and I are lucky to have you. You are the best husband and papa. You're caring and kind. You take care of our needs even without us having to tell you. And just because you’re busy now  doesn't make you a bad parent. These times come and go, we just have to pass it together as family. Taeho is young, he will want us to be constantly with him, but he’ll understand as he grows and starts going to school. Don't worry, I’m with you and together we'll raise him well.”

“I don't deserve you hyung” he said, but there was a small smile in his face.

“If it has to be put this way, then I don't deserve you as well. Before meeting you, I was a workaholic. Trust me, Key had nagged at me more than enough to go out and get a life. But meeting you changed me, now there is nothing more precious than holding you both in my arms at the end of each day. We learn as the situations arise. We might not be the world’s best parents, but we are doing just fine. Taeho is a happy child. I must say we are raising him well! Don't you think?” I asked him with a smirk

“Oh God hyung! You’re sounding like Key Umma now!” he said hitting me on my chest. I laughed before pulling him in for a kiss.

“Well, I don't know about others but you're The Best Choi’s me and Taeho can ever WANT!”

Sounds of laughter filled the room as all the worries were left to vanish in the air.