Based on:
- April Fool DLC
- Jumin's Normal End
Timeline set between Chapter 10 and Chapter 11.
The way home was quiet and tranquil with the young child falling asleep in secured arms. Upon arrival, the chief butler offered to carry the young master to his bedroom but Zen was reluctant to let go. 'Let me hold him a little longer.' Jumin gave a nod of understanding and gestured the butler to take his leave while they make their way to their penthouse. Zen turns around and told Jumin 'I'll prepare him to bed. You have a call with father don't you?' Jumin voiced an affirmative 'ah' and retreats to his studies room.
As Zen makes their way to the bathroom connected to the child's room, he gave some small pat at Ryung's tiny back to rouse the sleeping child. 'Can you stay awake a little longer to take a bath?' The little one nodded as he rubs his drowsy eyes. When Zen starts to undress him, he pulled away saying 'I can do it.' Zen watches as his child slowly takes his clothes off on his own with less struggle compared to the last time. Zen felt a lump on his chest, thinking that the child have grown so much in his absence. He could never forget how much Ryung cried in the end when he was about to leave to board the aircraft despite putting a brave front during the entire journey to the airport previously.
-Jumin POV-
Jumin takes a seat on his usual comfort chair. He takes out his phone and press on a speed dial. Chairman Han answers almost immediately. Jumin could hear a woman's voice sighing and complaining in the background but he chose to ignore it as he greets hi father again that evening. The call was no different from their other phone conversations which usually revolves around the topic of their work, meetings and purely business except on special occasions such as birthdays and festive seasons. Jumin noticed that ever since they had Ryung, Chairman Han begin to deviate from their usual work topic to that of his grandson's wellbeing. His father has started to acknowledge Zen's presence as a family member as well despite the periodic squabbles where Jumin had to step in to the peacekeeper between them.
They talked on the phone for some time, mainly about business until Chairman Han changes the topic, much to Jumin's amaze as he rarely does that. What even more surprising was that Chairman Han is apologizing albeit indirectly to the intended person. 'Jumin, I'm really sorry about what I said just now at the restaurant.' 'Father, you're telling this to the wrong person. I can call him over so can talk to him directly if you want.' There's a silent on the other end. Jumin deduces that it is still too soon for them to repair their terms as Chairman Han couldn't let go of his pride and ego. He glances over his work desk and saw picture frames neatly set on it. There were pictures of their private wedding with the rest of the RFA members, the day Ryung was born with Jumin holding the baby while Zen watches . It started with Zen gifting him a frame stand with a picture of Jumin and his father in his younger days, saying his work desk is empty and boring. From there he got an idea. 'Father, I think there's something you can do, or rather you can approve, to make things better.' 'Oh? What is it?' Jumin smiled as Chairman Han sounded happy. 'You mentioned about a business opportunity in America. If you can give me a year, I think I can accomplish it.' As he discuss his proposal, he makes mental note to add another photo frames on his work desk. Maybe a picture of Ryung on his first day to daycare.
-General POV-
Zen was blow-drying Ryung's hair when Jumin knocks on the door. 'Daddy!' Jumin noticed Zen is in his bathrobe. 'So which story would you like to hear today?' Jumin asks as he browse through the bookshelf. Ryung politely counter his question and begged 'Can we hear the story of Mommy's play? Pleasssee?' 'But you're too young to understand it...' Zen sensing Jumin's distress thought of an excuse. 'Ryung, how about when you're older, I'll give you copes of Mommy's manuscripts?' 'Really?' Ryung was in disbelief. 'Really.' Jumin cuts in . 'But you would have to make do for now and get to sleep. It's way past your bed time. the adults sat either side of the toddler's bed. As Zen tucks him in, Jumin roll up his sleeves and began to read the book. He left his vest and jacket in the studies. Ryung held on Zen's hand as they listened to the bed time story. it was moments like this that Zen misses the most when he was away.
When Jumin is done, the little one has fallen asleep. They bid their little sleeping angel good night and a kiss on his forehead from each of them as they quietly leave. Zen closes the door behind him and let out a relieved sigh. Jumin swept him off his feet and carried him down the hallway, catching Zen in a surprise. Before Zen could protest, Jumin immediately gave a lengthy remark on his body. 'Hyun, you've lost some weight. About 1.2kg to be exact. Your waist lost an inch and your hips too. Did you have your meals properly while you were in America? Was the food there not up to your taste?' Zen is surprised by his eccentricity despite living with him for some years but he's used to it. 'I did. Except for a few instances...' He mumbled towards the end of his sentence. Jumin sound disappointed when he calls him again. 'Hyun-' Jumin was distracted when Zen wrap his arm around his neck tightly as hid his face on his shoulder. Jumin reckon that Zen does not want to have that conversation any further. They remained silent until they reach their destination.
When they arrived at the side of the bed, Jumin bends and places Zen down but Zen tightens his arms around him. 'Can we stay like this a little longer?' Jumin won't complain on that request as Zen is rarely the clingy type. 'Alright, but I'll take a seat ok?' Jumin assumes his silence meant approval and proceed to sit on the edge of the bed. Zen had been keeping his face hidden on his shoulder. 'Hyun, is there something you want to say?' Zen began to move to shift his position. Sitting on his lap, legs around his torso and arms still around his shoulder to provide some balance. Zen faces Jumin and asks 'Promise not to be angry at me on what I'm about to say next?' Jumin gulped and expects for the worst. Is it a separation? Is he going to ask for a divorce? Millions of scenarios were playing in his mind. Zen takes a deep breath, words spoken monotonously. 'I've decided to quit the play in New York.' Jumin somewhat heaved a sigh of relief. 'But why? You don't love acting anymore?' Zen clenches his fist on Jumin's shirt, his eyes glistening, threaten to burst into burst. 'I still do. I love acting but I love you both more.' Jumin could hardly maintain his smile at this point. 'I'm so happy to hear that, Hyun. But why won't you stay until you've complete the production? Complete your dreams?'
Zen begin to elaborate 'I felt like I'm being a burden to the rest of the crew. I missed you, Ryung and the RFA. I felt so homesick so much so that I lost focus and appetite. Eventually I lost my passion that I made so much mistakes during the practice...' Jumin felt a sense of guilt. 'I was selfish when I asked you to marry me when you should be more focused on your realizing your dreams. Making a family when you don't want to. Hyun, do you ever regret marrying me?' Zen was startled at that question. He quickly rebuff him. 'No! Of course not! Even though I didn't agree to it at first... I hate to admit it but being with you was the best thing that happened to me. Having Ryung wasn't planned but I insisted on it, right? Jumin, did something happened to you while I was away? Were you thinking dark nonsense again?'
Jumin reaches out and gather some of Zen's hair onto his palm while caressing it. 'Marrying you was the single thing that I followed my heart for the first time and I went against my father's plans and wishes to pursue it. Father was not wrong when he said a good obedient wife is all I need but he was not right either. What good would it do if there is no mutual feelings, respect and support for each other? I don't want to end up like him. I certainly don't want my children to grow up without knowing a mother's warmth like me too. For me, it has to be you and you only. My heart won't open for anyone else. To be honest, it's been hard without you around.' Zen couldn't believe what he just heard but blushed and feel elated about it. 'Well... I'm just glad that you stick to your conviction . I can't imagine myself with another either. We're just hopeless without each other, aren't we?' 'To put it simply, it seems like it.' They both smiled.
Jumin glances over to the clock on the bedside table. It is an hour before midnight. 'Hyun, could you grab the box from my back pocket? I can't get it without tipping you over.' Zen releases his arm around his shoulder and move his hand to Jumin's back. When Zen searches around the pockets, Jumin bit his lips and suppressed a moan. Zen noticed that and felt something getting hard between his butt. 'What the-. Are you messing with me?' 'Not yet. After you get your present, then I'll make a mess out of you. Sorry, Hyun. It's in the other pocket that you're fondling.' Zen's blush deepened 'I'm not fondling you!' Zen had no choice but to lean in closer and uses his other hand to search the pocket. Jumin smirked and take the opportunity to lick and place kisses around his exposed collarbone. 'Would you please stop- Ah!' Zen tries to hide his own moan as he quickly fish out the box. Jumin was a little dashed that Zen had found the box quicker than expected as he wanted to tease him more. 'Happy birthday, my beloved Hyun. I know it's still early but open it.' Zen is not surprised at the early present as Jumin always sent gifts middle of the night to be the first one to wish and give Zen presents. Jumin watches in anticipation as Zen opens the box to reveal a piece of earring, not a pair, with 3 tiered blue diamond jewels. 'Jumin, I...' Zen is at loss for words. 'I had Ryung pick it out for me this time. He says that it reminded him of you in one of your plays. Go on. Let me see you wearing it.' Zen knew which play he was referring to and wears it on his left ear. Zen's most memorable gifts from Jumin was the local beer from his business trips. But this has just replaced that. 'You're beautiful, Hyun. I love you.' Jumin compliments him as he brushes his fingers along his hair. 'Thank you. I love you too, Jumin.' Jumin pull his head closer to him and initiates a hungry kiss after a month-long of intimacy absence. The tangled threads still linger but they no longer suffocates him as long as he has Zen by his side.
The next morning, Zen woke up to the sound of commotion. With his eyes still closed, he could hear his husband calling out to their child who is giggling down the hallway. Next he heard his door click open and tiny footsteps approaching his bed followed by some ruffling sound on his bed sheet. Zen open his eyes to find Ryung snuggling on him. 'Good morning you little rascal.' Ryung reply with a huge smile plastered on his face. 'Good morning, Mommy!' They were both caught surprise when Jumin spoke from the entrance. He is already in his suit, save for his coat. 'There you are. You need to go prepare to go school, Ryung.' Ryung sticks himself closer to Zen. 'But Daddy, I wanna stay with Mommy~' Jumin has now walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, next to them. Zen chips in to convince him too. 'Morning, babe. Why don't you join us?' Jumin lets out a heavy sigh. 'Good morning, Hyun. I'd love to but I can't. I have an important meeting in the morning.' Both mother and son shared similar pouty faces. Zen sits up, holding their child in his arm. 'You're no fun...' Jumin stood up and places a kiss on the albino's head. 'Since you're awake, come to the dining hall for breakfast. I'll prepare your fav.' Jumin left carrying their reluctant child along.
Zen decides to have his revenge for last night so he wore Jumin's shirt that was lying on the floor from yesterday to tease him. He match it with a pair dark shorts, short enough to hide under the shirt. upon entering the dining hall, Zen's nose is greeted by the fresh baking smell of his favorite food. The fish shaped bread. But unlike the ones you can get from the stores, Jumin has created a recipe just for Zen. He uses his own pancake recipe into the cooking direction. It took him several trials and some years until Zen approved of the taste. From then on it has been a special food that Jumin serve on special occasions. Jumin had tried to teach Zen to make it but it always ends up in a kitchen disaster. It left Jumin wondered how Zen survived on his own in those years of solitarily. Zen felt that if Jumin sold the recipe, it would have been a huge success but Jumin insisted that it will be a family secret recipe. Until he could find a proper patissier, that is.
Zen tip toes and hug his man from behind which surprised him. 'He- Hey, that was dangerous. I could have slip the grill.' Not letting go of his grip, he purred into his ear. 'Do you know that I find my man in apron extremely sexy?' Jumin turns around and realizes the clothes that Zen's wearing. 'I'm aware of that for some time now. But you ought to have worn more appropriate clothes. We have a child at home and he's learning all your bad habits, running around the house not fully clothed. Was last night not satisfying enough for you?' Zen purred again, this time with his lips lingering close to the other's lips. 'Hmm, it was but-' Zen was cut short and they quickly back off from each other when their child calling out to Zen as he enter the room. 'This is for you. Happy birthday, Mommy.' Zen crouches down and happily accepts the card while Jumin continue to cook. 'Awws, thanks, sweetie!' Jumin was relieved that he didn't jump on him during that heated exchange.
After a hearty pancake and fish bread breakfast, Zen sees them out at the entrance. Jumin carrying Ryung as Zen adjust his tie and collar. 'Take care both of you.' Zen then proceed to give a kiss to each of them. They said their farewell but Jumin turns around. 'Ah, almost forgot. Could you pick up Ryung from the daycare in the afternoon and come to my office after that? I've informed the daycare and I don't have anything scheduled for the rest of the day after lunch. Maybe we can go somewhere to celebrate your birthday?' Zen's expression lit up at the idea. 'Yes, I would love too!' 'Alright. Until then, please rest more.' Jumin move in closer and whisper 'I have more things installed for you tonight. Look forward to it.' He gave Zen's rear a tight squeeze and hurriedly left before Zen realized he has been groped and screamed at him. Being jetlagged, Zen felt sleepy at this time of the day. Before he turn in again, he checked on the messenger. Strange. Nobody is on even now? Well, I guess I'll leave a message that I'm back. He left some text in the messenger chat room and went back to sleep. But the dream about a certain trust fund kid serving him cat food did not make his sleep any good.
-Jumin POV-
On their way to the daycare in the limousine, Jumin asks his youngling 'Ryung, would you like to follow Mommy to New York? If you do, then you don't have to miss him anymore but we won't be staying here for some time.' Ryung is confused at the question and inquires 'Does that mean I won't be seeing my friends?' Jumin had always knew that his child had an above average intellect. 'Unfortunately, yes. I'm sorry that you can only choose one.' Ryung crosses his arm and scratches his chin to ponder. A habit he learned from him. It didn't took long for him to answer. 'Then I want to follow Mommy. I can make more friends when I'm there but I only have one Mommy. Will Daddy be with us too?' 'Of course.' Jumin was caught off guard at the statement coming from someone young. As he thought of the necessary arrangements, he draw a parallel in their situation. At his age, Jumin's own mother had left them in pursue of her own career but she never looked back. It happened so sudden that he never even had a chance to remember her properly. Jumin was glad that Zen wasn't like that and that his son had a choice.
-General POV-
Zen went to pick up Ryung from the daycare that afternoon. When they left, the staffs were smitten by Zen's beauty and news spread amongst the kids that 'Ryung's mama is beautiful!'
Upon arrival, aside of the staffs at the front desk, Zen noticed that the building is void of people. Ryung struggled and asked to be place down. But as soon as he feet touches the ground, he ran as fast as his small leg could carry. A panicked Zen ran after him.
'That's the queue. Everyone to your position!'
Jumin began the countdown as they listened to the footsteps. 'Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.'
'Surprise! Happy birthday, Zen!'
Lights brightened the once dark room. Zen stood still at the entrance, shocked. Jaehee and MC brought the lit up birthday cake towards him.
Yoosung: Hyung-nim, are you alright? Say something!
Saeyoung: Ohhh he's almost like the David sculpture now!
Saeran: *smacks Saeyoung's head*
Jaehee: Zen, the candle is gonna burn out. You need to make a wish, quick!
Zen snapped out of his trance. 'Ah yes.' He clasps his hands together and began wishing earnestly before blowing out the candle. 'You guys are always so mean to me on my birthday.'
Saeyoung: Well, it can't be helped when your birthday is on April's Fools Day. It just triggered the meme lord in me.
MC: So, what did you wish for?
Zen looks at the people gathered and then towards his husband who is holding their child. He smiled. 'To be always with my family and the members of RFA. I really miss you all even though it was only a month. So I decided to quit and move back-' MC decides to interrupt. 'Uhm... Zenny, about your resignation letter... I'm sorry!' MC takes an apologetic bow. Zen was confused. Jumin approaches Zen and takes out an envelope from his pocket. Zen immediately recognize it as his resignation letter. Before he could say anything, Jumin tore it into pieces. Zen got furious. 'Why did you do that?' Jumin reply in the calmest manner. 'We decided to move to New York with you. Father have approved of a new business expansion. So now we can always be together. You don't have to quit and continue realizing your dreams.' Zen is at loss for words again at Jumin's actions. 'Why didn't you discuss this with me sooner?' Jumin closes the gap between them. With one free hand, he wrap around his waist. 'I'm sorry, Hyun. It was meant to be a surprise. I only get to discuss this idea with father yesterday.' Zen sighed and lets out a soft giggle. 'You're really full of surprises.' Jumin was pleased to learn that Zen is receptive to the news.
MC: So in the end everything works out fine.
Jaehee: I'm so happy for you Zen.
Saeyoung: So can we start eating?
Yoosung: I couldn't agree more. We've been preparing since morning.
Saeran: And we're famished... *stomach grumbles*
They laughed at each other's stomach grumbling.
End note: Woots, I'm back! Sorry for the long absence. I needed some more materials so I needed more time to play the new route.
This fic series is not over yet! I still have some more chapters and some side crack fic to go on about. As long as Cheritz keeps dishing out new contents, I will keep writing!
Next update might be NSFW. I've got some ideas from the BL CD translation that I've been working on. huhuhu
Please drop me a review/comment if you like this! ;)
