Note: Heyyo, I'm back! It's been awhile since my last update. Here's to more fluff!
22 December
'Moommyy!' the young boy cried out as soon as he heard the door clicks open. He struggles from his father's arm who eventually relents and passes the toddler to his spouse. 'Hyun, I'm relieved that you're back early.' The young boy wailed as soon as he was carried into his mother's arm. 'I rushed home as soon as I saw your message when my dialogue was over. What happened?'
Earlier that day in the morning…
'When I grow up, I wanna marry mommy!' Ryung's sudden declaration startled Zen. They were on their way to the daycare. On the days when Zen have to work at the theater in the evening and Jumin having attend to his work during the day as well, they would send their child to the daycare in the afternoon when neither of them is able to look after him for a certain period of time. Zen bent down to look at the child at eye level. He knew that his child was just expressing his love towards him. 'You can't marry mommy.' The child tilt his head and asks 'Why?' That habit reminds Zen of his spouse which he finds it adorable. Zen paused for a moment, searching for a plausible answer that a child of his age may accept. 'Because Mommy can only marry to Daddy.' Ryung began to ponder 'Then if I can become like Daddy, can I marry you?' The child was persistent just like his father. Not wanting to mislead the child, Zen could only answer 'Probably.' Ryung was in deep thoughts throughout the day.
Present time...
They have moved from the front door to the toddler's room. Zen is bewildered at Ryung's continuous hysterical cries. 'I was only trying to scare him a little.' Jumin said sheepishly despite having no remorse of what he said or did. 'What exactly did you tell him?' Zen demanded to know the details.
Several hours ago…
Jumin settled in on his work desk. As he began typing, he noticed his son began to scribble on his own art block. He realised that Ryung has been following and mimicking his every movements ever since they got home. Intrigued, Jumin asks 'Ryung, what are you doing?' 'Working. When I grow up, I wanna be like Daddy.' Jumin could hardly contain his smile knowing his son is following his footsteps. 'Why would you want to be like me?' Ryung looks up from his scribbles. 'Because I wanna marry Mommy!' Jumin wasn't sure what got into him at that moment. He shot up from his chair and grab the child on his arms. His sudden change in his expression and body language was enough to startle the young boy. 'If you marry Mommy, then Mommy won't love Daddy anymore. Do you know what that means?' The boy shook his head, getting terrified. 'You are born out of Mommy and Daddy's love. You'll vanish.'
Present time…
Zen was shocked. 'He's just a kid, you j-' Zen takes a deep breath to stop himself from cussing in front of a young child. Sensing his presence would only make the situation worst, Jumin quietly move out of the room.
Zen lets out a heavy breath of relief as though he just fought a battle. Jumin was waiting for him. Sitting on the bed with his arms wide, sending an invite to cuddle. 'Hyun, come here.' It was almost an order but Zen would have gone straight for the embrace without even the need to ask. 'He's just a kid, you jerk.' Zen finish his sentence from earlier as he stroke the hair of the head resting on his shoulder. Jumin mumbled 'I know. I'm sorry.' 'I knew you were just jealous but I'm not the one with whom you should said that.' Jumin bit his lip closed. Zen tries to push himself away but Jumin tighten his grip. 'Babe, could you let go of me please? I need to go to shower.' 'No… Stay.' Slyly, Zen says 'What oh what should I do to drive away the silly thoughts and to appease the jealous monster that of my husband's?' Zen noticed that Jumin's ears are turning red. 'Don't tease me.' 'Says the one who's been teasing me all these years. I'm only learning from the best.' Jumin finally smiled back as he pulls him down for a kiss. Needless to say, Zen did get his steamy shower together albeit much later on.
23 December
'Ryung, Daddy's leaving now. Do you want to say goodbye?' The little boy shook his head under the cover. 'It seems like he's still mad at me. I'm feeling a little dejected.' Jumin lets out a heavy sigh as he prepares to head out at the front door. 'Then you shouldn't have scared him like that yesterday.' Zen helps him adjusts his slightly crooked tie. 'So what are your plans for today?' Jumin teasingly asks as he sniffs his hair. 'Hmm, I'm gonna take Ryung to go shopping for Christmas presents and also to calm his emotions. And YOU on the other hand, needs to learn how to behave too.' Zen pokes Jumin's chest with his pointing finger as he emphasis his last sentence. 'Yes, my beloved wife.' Jumin entwined his hands on the hand which the finger was poking him. He brought his lips to the knuckles and places a kiss. Zen blushed at the notion and hurriedly pushes him out of the door. 'You better get going or you'll be late for work.' Zen return to his child to check on him but found him hiding just behind the corner as if trying to catch a glimpse of Jumin leaving.
It had started snowing since morning. The weather forecast predicted a snowstorm to hit the city later in the afternoon. When a strong gust of wind blew by, Zen fastens the jacket of his son's to make sure that he's warm. Ryung tried to copy his gesture before realising that Zen is wearing a turtleneck instead. One last shop and they'll be heading home. Juggling to hold his son securely in one arm and carrying the gift bags on the other, Zen takes out his shopping list from his side pocket. As he checks his shopping list, he felt a vibration from his phone in the pocket signaling an incoming message. Zen felt overwhelmed with the task at hand and decided to put down the toddler after they entered the shop.
Jumin: Heard from the news that the snowstorm is coming. Are you guys still out?
Zen: We're almost done with shopping and will be heading home soon. You?
Jumin: Most of the staffs have left. I should leave early soon.
Zen: You better. We'll see you at home.
Jumin: *smiley emoticon*
Yoosung: I was wondering why was the chatroom is active at this ungodly hour and I should've known.
Jaehee: Hi Zen
Zen: Hey guys! Why aren't you all asleep yet? It should be past midnight there now.
Yoosung: I was gaming with Saeran… eheh *bashful emoti*
Zen: You all should get some rest early. Its not good for your health to stay up so late.
Jaehee: My work hours are all screwed up when Mr Han went to US.
Zen: I'm really sorry about that, Jaehee… *insert selfie photo of him and Ryung*
Jaehee: *starry eyes emoti* Thanks for the photo, Zen. Can I share this to the fanclub?
Zen: Yeah, its fine by me. Hope it cheers you up.
Saeyoung: *enters the chatroom* Ohhh, Zen the instagram mother strikes again. Little Ryung is as adorable as ever! LOL
Zen momentarily shifts his attention to his toddler and noticed him staring at the Santa at the corner of the mall. He puts his phone back to his pocket with the thought of reading the chatroom later. He bends down next to his kid and asks 'Ryung, do you want to go and ask Santa about your wishes?' The boy shook his head exclaims 'That Santa isn't real.' Zen was shocked internally. How did he know? It's far too young for him to realise about that fact. Zen was somewhat relieved when Ryung adds on asking 'Will the real Santa be visiting us on Christmas Eve night tomorrow?' He smiled at the question 'Yes sweety. But first you need to write down your wishes and invite Santa with a letter.' The sweet child nodded agreeing that he would do just as he was told. That was probably the only way they would know what he wished for Christmas. Later at the checkout counter, Zen quietly slips in another package of Santa costume into the purchase when the kid wasn't watching.
The snowstorm picks up pace as soon as they arrives home. Ryung patiently waits at the corner of the balcony, right behind the glass door so he would stay warm inside. Zen turns on the tv and there were an ongoing news of the chaos in the city the snowstorm has brought upon. For a 3 years old kid, it may seem like catastrophe. He asks worriedly 'Mommy, will Daddy be home soon?' Zen soon joins the boy on the floor with a blanket around them as he snuggles him to make him feel warm and secure. 'Of course. He just texted me that he's on his way so he'll be home anytime soon. Let's wait and welcome him home when he's back.' The child nodded and continue his watch.
Ryung realizes that his father is taking too long to reach home. He shook his mother awake who has been nodding off to sleep. 'Mommy, why isn't Daddy home yet?' Zen noticed he was worried. 'Huh? Oh, I think he might have encountered unexpected things like an accident or something.' The word 'accident' sent the boy shaking to the verge of tears. 'I-is Daddy gonna be alright?' Before Zen could clarify the misunderstanding, Ryung had begun bursting into tears and wailing. His phone rings at the same time. Before he answers he shows the screen to his son trying to coo him 'Look, it's Daddy. Daddy called so he's alright.' But the boy refuses to believe and listen to him. Zen quickly answers the call and before Jumin could say anything, Zen demanded while trying not to use profanities 'Babe, where the eff are you?' 'I called to inform you that I'm stuck in a traffic. It seems like the snow have piled up making the roads inaccessible but I'm only a few blocks home.' 'I don't care how you gonna reach home but I want you come home right now.' Before Zen ends the call, Jumin could hear his child wailing in the background. He couldn't help but to be amused at the reverse of situation compared to yesterday.
This time, it was Jumin's turn to heave a heavy sigh as he enter the bedroom. 'I swear he's getting sensitive and moody. He's been throwing so much fits lately.' Zen rebuked 'Well, we can't blame him behaving that way at his age especially since he have to move to an unfamiliar place and left everything behind suddenly. And recently, our own behavior aggravates him too when he finally adjusted to this place. With father's arrival tomorrow, I do hope it will cheer him up a little bit.' Jumin's grin widen and connects their forehead in an attempt for a kiss. 'This is the first time you ever spoke nice things about father.' Their lip-lock battle turns heavier as the kiss deepens with Zen being pushed down and pinned on the bed. Gasping for air in between, Zen asks to be let go. 'Stop- We can't- We have to be up early- And I have work tomorrow.' Jumin stops for a moment, the brief pause brings respite to Zen as he catches his breath but Jumin leans back in for more kisses. Heavily dazed, Jumin whispers in between 'Just a little more kisses'. Collecting his remainder senses and strength, he pushes his spouse back and roll him over, exchanging their position. 'Woah!' Before Jumin could resist back, Zen hits him with a pillow. 'I told you to stop!' Jumin braces himself for the impact and giggled 'Alright, alright. I'm sorry.' Jumin noted that his spouse is even more adorable when he's angry but his face red from both anger and embarrassing blushes while pouting and hugging the pillow that he used to hit him with.
'Mommy… Daddy… Are you two fighting again?' The two adults were startled by the sudden appearance of their toddler in the room. Jumin was quicker to come up with a good excuse 'No. We're having a pillow fight. What brings you here?' The child nervously rubs his feet together, looking down at the floor. Zen places the pillow down and taps on his lap. When Ryung looks up, distracted by the sound, Zen open his arms. The child immediately climb on the bed and went straight for the hug. Zen clutches his child closer. 'What is it sweety? Was it something in your room?' Ryung nodded and mumbled as he hid his face on Zen's chest. 'The window is making scary noises.' As Zen begin to caress the tiny tot's back, there was a sudden loud crash follow by the sound of broken glass. It startled them enough to scare the child into crying again. Jumin immediately jumps from the bed. 'Hyun, stay here and take care of Ryung. I'll check it out.' 'Alright, be careful.'
Soft lullaby fills the room when Jumin return to the bedroom again. 'This is the only thing I could save. They couldn't do anything else besides sealing the broken window with a plank. We will have to wait until tomorrow to do the repairs and cleaning when the snowstorm subsides. How's he doing?' He hands over the soft blanket as he joins them under the warm bed sheet. 'I convinced him to sleep so he's fine for now. I felt really bad that he's been crying to sleep these days. I'm just so glad that he was here with us when it happened. I can't imagine if… what if…' Jumin couldn't decipher his expression from his view as Zen hid his face in the space between his chin and their child's head who is resting on Jumin's arm now. 'Hyun, could you please look at me?' When Zen lifts his head, eyes red from shedding tears, Jumin tries to smile but only to met with chastisement. 'Babe, smiling isn't really your thing. And don't force it cuz it's creeping me out. Why are you even smiling in this situation?' With his other free hand, Jumin wipes away the tears from his cheek. 'Just as you put Ryung to sleep with a lighter heart and mind, I wish to do the same for you. Hyun. Whatever happened, what's important right now is that Ryung's right here with us, safe and sound. Shouldn't you be relieved instead?' Zen takes a deep breath. 'Yes, you're right. I'm surprised you could see the positive side of things.' Jumin tries to jest. 'Only learning from experience especially when one have a spouse who is constantly worried about things that he shouldn't.' Zen finally smiled and places a deep affectionate kiss to his other half. 'Thanks, babe.' Jumin is confused as he was not expecting the sudden affection as a reply. 'Huh?' Zen snickered at his reaction. 'That was to keep the demons from haunting your dreams. You asked for it every night whenever I feel like it, remember?' 'Thank you. I love you, Hyun.' Feeling bashful and embarrassed by the endearment, Zen hid his face once more before returning the sentiment. 'I love you too, babe. Now please stop this cheesy talk and go to sleep. Good night.' 'Good night, my love.' Jumin's grin grew wider from that night at the thought of how much Zen has changed.
24 December
'Look who's here. Go and greet him.' Jumin places the child down. He ran towards the familiar figure whose arm is wide open, ready to catch the bouncy toddler. 'Grandpapa!' He jumps to the open arms. 'Hello, Ryung. My precious darling grandson. Look at what I've brought from home.' Chairman Han took out a purple dinosaur plush from his hand-carry bag. 'Ah, it's Mr. Dino!' The little boy gasps in surprise as the elderly hands over the toy. He turns back and ran towards his parents who were approaching them. 'Mommy, Daddy, grandpa found Mr. Dino!' Zen bends down to pat his head. 'That's great, sweety! Now, how do you show your gratitude?' Ryung faces back his grandfather and gave a respectful bow. 'Thank you, grandpa!' The two adults bow as they greet the elder. Zen spoke first. 'Hello, father. Thank you for searching and bringing back Ryung's favourite toy. It means alot to us.' 'You don't have to be so polite with me, Hyun. We're a family. When Jumin told me, I knew I had to do something.' Jumin exclaims 'We're grateful that you arrived safely despite the delay. We were worried about your flight when we had a snowstorm last night.' Chairman Han proclaims 'Nothing will stop me from seeing the three of you.'
A sudden phone ring disrupts the harmony. They look at each other thinking it's one of the Han's phone ringing. 'Hyun, it's your phone.' Zen was surprised because it's usually Jumin's and Chairman Han's. 'Oh, it's the director. I need to take this call.' Zen excuses himself to a quiet corner not far from the group as he answers the call. Several minutes later, Zen returns looking remorseful. Jumin guesses 'Is it about work later?' Zen nods after he picks up his child. Chairman Han appeals 'Let's go grab some bite for lunch before you go.' Zen reluctantly turn down the offer. 'I can't stay. But I can't wait for our reunion dinner tonight.' 'Alright, we'll see you later for your performance. I'm looking forward to that.' Zen smiled as he hands over the toddler to his spouse. 'Thanks, father. Ryung, Mommy have to go now. Be good boy with Daddy and grandpa ok?' The young child nods. Jumin reminds him 'Don't forget to have your meal.' 'I'll grab something on the way.' Zen left with a kiss goodbye. The three generations of the Han family men decides to drop by a restaurant for lunch before heading home.
A loud round of applause echoes the hall as the curtain rolls down for the final time. With the stage spotlight fix on him, Zen bows to the crowd who continues to clap and rain flowers to the stage. At the backstage, the casts and the crews exchanges gifts and congratulates each other for the completion of the stage play. Back in the dressing room, Zen was greeted by his family. 'Your performance tonight was stellar. I felt you did your utmost best.' 'Mommy looks shiniest!.' 'Aw, thanks you both. I gave it my all. As much as I like both of your compliments I want to hear what father would like to say.' They turn their eyes to the elder figure. Chairman Han stood up and clear his throat. He commended 'I've been to many theaters and musicals my whole life and one thing for sure Broadway would not place some low rate actors as their main.' Assuming hostility, Jumin quickly intervene. 'Father-' But he was silenced by the elder as he smiled. 'This is perhaps one of the best performance I've ever seen.' Zen was instantly elated and thank him. From that point onwards, Jumin could feel that the final ice wall have melted between them.
Christmas Eve dinner was like never before. It was lively and full of laughter. Zen could finally be at ease in Chairman Han's presence unlike previous years. Back at home, they prepared the sofa bed in front of the fireplace for the elder Han. Ryung's room was fixed and cleaned upon their return. After putting his grandson to bed, Chairman Han stumbles upon the couple bickering in hushed tones.
Jumin: What do you mean you still haven't figured out what he wanted for Christmas?
Zen: I tried, ok? He don't believe the Santa at the mall is real anymore. I even advised him to write a letter to Santa about his wishes. But who knew he was even smart enough to post the letter when I wasn't watching?
Jumin: That's my son alright. You bought the wrong size for the Santa suit too. How am I supposed to fit in?
Zen: Fine. Blame everything on me. That's what you're good at when something goes wrong in this household anyways.
Chairman Han knocks on the door to disrupt them. They were so engrossed in their argument that they did not notice the elder's presence. Chairman Han spotted Zen's cheek flushed in red. It was the first time for him to see Jumin's brows curled to each other. Zen was the first to speak. 'I'm sorry that you have to see us like this.' Elder Han waves his hand. 'Don't worry. It's perfectly normal for couples to fight. If you both can overcome the issues together, it will make your relationship stronger. Don't you agree?' The elder's words made them somewhat embarrassed. Jumin asks 'Father, how long have you-' Chairman Han interjects 'Enough to hear what you two been squabbling about. If I may, I think I can fit into that suit…'
Chairman Han takes a deep breath. 'Fuh, I haven't done this for years since Jumin found out about Santa when he was eight.' Jumin corrects him 'But there was this one time I saw you on TV with the Santa suit on last year.' He reasons 'I only wore the suit for the program. But not like this where I have sneak into a child's room to deliver presents and ask for his wish.' Zen stood up as he finish the final touches on the suit. 'There. You're good to go, father.' The elder Han takes a deep breath again before venturing in. 'Wish me luck.'
They both creep at the closed door trying to listen in but to no avail. There was an awkward silence between them as they waited in the living room for Chairman Han to finish his task. They are still angry at each other. They both stumble forward as soon as the elder Han enter the rooms. Jumin asks 'So did he ask for anything? A toy, a gameboy perhaps?' Chairman Han shook his head. 'He did not want any of that sort.' Zen rephrases 'Surely, he must have wished for something.' The elder Han took off his fake beard as he speaks 'He did wish for one thing.' The couple asks together. 'What?' Chairman Han places both his hands on each of their shoulder. 'He wishes for both his parents to always love and cherish each other and that he is sorry if he have ever been a burden to you both because of your careers.' Jumin and Zen went silent and out of words. The elder Han adds on 'He also wants me to see you all as often as possible too. He says he feel the happiest when all of us are together like this. And that reminds me, I've never gave you both my blessings.'
Chairman Han took Zen's hands into his. 'Hyun, I'm sorry for how I behaved towards you. All these years, you've put up to my harsh treatments for Jumin's sake. I hope you can forgive me for the awful things I did and said to you.' Zen soften into a smile. 'I have never held any grudge against you. Jumin told me of the things you do for me and Ryung behind my back all the time. Time and time again, I always hoped that someday you will accept me. And now hearing these words from you, father, I could never be happier.' They hugged, symbolizing their acceptance of each other.
Zen patiently waited for Jumin's return when he stayed back at Chairman Han's behest. I wonder what they are discussing about that it takes so long. The door creaks open and close disrupts his thoughts. Without uttering a single word, Jumin offers his hand. Confused, Zen held out and places his on it. Jumin puts on a white jade bangle on his wrist. Before Zen could ask, Jumin explains 'This is our family heirloom. It was passed down to the mistresses that are married into the Han household. My mother took it with her when she divorced my father as part of the alimony. Recently they've met back and talked about being back together again. She gave this to him and hoped he would pass it to you. It looks good on you. It matches with your white porcelain skin and hair.' Except being finally accepted into the family by the patriarch, Zen doesn't care about the rest. He's more concerned about Jumin's thoughts. He clasps his hands around Jumin's face and bring him closer. 'What about you? What do you think bout your parents reunion?' Jumin sighed. 'I don't know. Part of me felt happy for them but part of me felt that they shouldn't have separated in the first place if they have talked then I wouldn't have such upbringing. Step by step I guess…' Zen smiled and nuzzles their nose together. 'You have improved, Jumin.' 'How so?' 'Before this you would have just side with the more logical explanation and just settle with that regardless of how you felt back then.' Jumin finally smiled. 'I have one person to thank for that and that is you. Hyun, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. Please don't be mad at me.' Zen surprise him with a quick peck on his lips. 'If I'm still angry at you, I won't be doing this. I could have just ignored you and went to sleep instead. I'm sorry too, being such a ditz. But I'm still mad at you though.' Jumin tilt his head in confusion, the same habit their son had inherited from. 'Huh?' 'Madly in love with you, silly. I love you, my idiot husband.' Jumin felt he could finally breathe easier. 'I'm your idiot forever. I love you too, my beloved wife.' Zen pushes his spouse down on the bed and deep kisses him on the spur of the moment. Jumin was astonished by his actions, he relented and yield to Zen's bold advances.
Similar to the Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas morning is full of life. The fragrance of freshly baked fish-shaped bread made from Jumin's secret recipe filled the small apartment's air as the family gather around the dining table for breakfast. The couple watches their young entertaining the elder after the meal. They gathered near the fireplace in the living room. Jumin felt that this was probably the kind of environment he wanted in his entire life as well as he held Zen close in a close cuddle. Seeing Jumin almost at peace with his inner demons and the recent positive developments in their household, his eyes is filled with tears. 'Hyun, you really never fail to cry on every Christmas. What's causing you to shed such precious tears this time?' 'Shut up.' Zen dauntlessly sneaks in a kiss to silence his other half when the others weren't watching.
End note: I will focus on finishing up the other series 'The Songstress and the Young Master' so this series might have to wait for new update. There's only one more major chapter for this fluff series. And thanks to Cheritz summer event, there's more fodder for a minor chapter. If you like the story or want more fluff, please leave me a comment! :D