The Little Kim
Title: The Little Kim
Prompt: #64
For: anonymous
Pairing: jongkey
Author: >Anonymous<
Word count: 4851
Rating: PG
Warnings: grammar errors? Failed attempt of fluffiness?
Summary: This is the story of the Kim family. In which one of them is starting kindergarten and the others are just not ready.
>><<
Author’s note : I’ve always wanted to write a jongkey’s family, so thank you for the prompt! I hope you like it : )
“Are you sure this is the place? This place looks kind of gloomy for a kindergarten” Kibum rolls down the window of their car as he studies the building in front of them, it does say “Kindergarten” but it doesn’t look like one. Kindergarten to Kibum is a building covered in every bright color in the color chart.
“Well, that’s what they said in the internet. Also, most of my colleague’s children are going to apply here so I think it’d be nice for Taemin to socialize with them. I mean, he also can make a new friends here and there but you know,” Jonghyun ;Kibum’s husband stops and studying his husband unsure face before continues “Anyway, they said this is the best kindergarten in the city and beside it’s convenient for use since it’s only ten minute drive from our house. Let’s just check them okay? If you don’t like it, we can always look for another school, how’s that sounds?”
Kibum unfastens his seatbelt, “okay. We’re here anyway.”
A man with a bright smile (not as bright as Kibum’s, Jonghyun would say) welcomes the couple, “Hello, I’m Lee Jinki. I’m originally a teacher here but my friend who is the real front officer is called in sick today so I’m here for her. May I help you?”
Kibum smiles at the unnecessary explanations but finds it funny nonetheless. “Ah, yes. We made an appointment with the principal today. My name is Kim Jonghyun” Jonghyun explains.
“Oh I see, Your child is going to be a student here, right? Your child must be really cute since you guys are a really good looking couple. This way, please.” The teacher shows them the way to the principal’s office.
Whatever Kibum’s opinion about how gloomy and sad this Kindergarten looks like, is all vanished by the second they enter the building. The inside is covered with murals and colorful drawings. Kibum also peeks at one of the classroom, they have lots of toys as well. And to top of that, the place is really neat as well, much to Kibum’s neat freak content. To sum it all, this is the heaven for all the children. Kibum likes this place already.
“Principle Lee is ready for you” Lee Jinki announces as they reach the principle’s room and opens the door for the couple.
“Thank you Mr. Lee, I hope Taemin gets to be in your class later” Kibum says thankfully, Jonghyun nods in agree. “Yes, our Taemin is really bright just like you” Jonghyun adds.
Lee Jinki’s cheeks reddened, he bows politely to the couple and makes his way to the front desk.
Principal Lee has the look of the elegant woman Kibum had seen on the magazine, really chic and graceful at the same time. “Hello, I’m Principal Lee. Please sit down” she tells Jonghyun and Kibum. Kibum notices how her voice sounds like a really kindhearted mother. He mentally adds another point for this school.
“So, how can I help you?”
Jonghyun tells Principal Lee about their son, Taemin. The couple thinks their 5 years old is on the right age to start going to school and how they’ve been looking for the right kindergarten for their beloved son. Kibum would always say “only the best for the best” including applying Taemin for a kindergarten.
“I see, all parents only want the best for their children.” Principal Lee comments, Kibum smiles proudly. “We’re opening a new class since there are many parents want to apply their children into this school, the class is starting in the next 2 weeks. So, if you are both agree, I can get you to the administration and you can officially apply your son to this school.”
Thirty minutes and few signatures later, Kibum and Jonghyun walk out hand in hand after finishing the required documents and everything in between. They’re going to visit this school again in two weeks, but with Taemin as he’s going to start his kindergarten days.
D-14
The truth is, Taemin isn’t their biological son.
The couple adopted him when he was just 1 year old, few months after they met him. It was love at the first sight for both of them. The first time they set their eyes to the bundle of joy on one of the orphanages where they did a volunteer work at, they knew they want him for their own. Kibum could already imagine how much fun this little guy would bring to their life. Jonghyun, knew Taemin was a wakeup call on their relationship.
Jonghyun and Kibum hadn’t married yet back then and after discussing it with the head of the orphanage, they realized it kind of impossible to adopt Taemin with their relationship status back then.
On the same night, Jonghyun got down on one knee in front of Kibum.
Kibum said yes.
They didn’t even hold a wedding reception, they only went to the officials to legalize their marriage. They don’t need the reception and people came to congratulate them, all they want was to be a one happy family with their soon-to-be son.
Few months later, after celebrating Taemin’s first birthday on the orphanage with the other children there, they took their son home.
Ever since that day, to say Taemin is babied by his parents would be an understatement. They follow Taemin everywhere he goes, they give Taemin whatever he wants, Taemin has his own room but whenever Taemin wants it, they let them sleep with them. Cuddling and talking until the midnight or until Taemin is asleep.
And just like the other nights when Taemin wants to sleep with his parents, they’re on the king sized bed talking about everything. The couple decides to tell Taemin about the kindergarten that night.
“Kindergarden? Is that a garden, daddy? We’re going to a garden tomorrow?” The four year old asks, there’s a visible excitement in his voice, thinking they’re going to a garden tomorrow.
Jonghyun chuckles and plants kisses on Taemin’s face “It’s not a garden, baby. It’s kindergarten. It’s a school where you can meet friends and you can learn how to read and drawing and there’s a lot of toys there. You’ll love it.”
“Sounds good to you?” Kibum asks.
“Yes!” Taemin says excitedly.
D-10
Kibum wakes up earliest in the Kim household. People might think it’s his responsibility to do so, to take care of his husband and his son. To be honest though, it’s not that really the case for Kibum. There’s a joy he always looks forward to in the morning where he’s the only one awake. And that’s watching his husband sleeping.
Jonghyun is a light sleeper so Kibum tries not to move too much or make any sound, he doesn’t want to wake his husband yet. He just loves to watch the older man on his sleep, taking in every inch of his husband feature and with the light of the morning sun falls to his face compliments the view. To Kibum, Jonghyun is the most beautiful human being. Each day he would wake up and look at his husband and be thankful for everything, for his beautiful and sweet husband also their adorable son. And each day, Kibum wonders what did he do in his past life to receive the wonderful life he’s living now?
A sharp intake of breath signing that Jonghyun is going to be awake soon. “Good mo-“
Before Kibum could finish the sentence, Jonghyun pulls his husband into his embrace “shhhh you ruin the moment” Jonghyun slurs. Kibum wants to tell his silly husband that he is the one who ruins the moment but he’d let him to do so any day. And so, that’s how Kibum goes back to sleep again, in his husband warm embrace.
Their moment of heaven only lasted for 20 minutes before little feet come bursting into their room and climb to their bed. “Daddy daddy wakey wakey” Taemin says, jumping around his parents’ bed.
Jonghyun brings the blanket to cover him and Kibum “No, let me and your dad sleep a little bit longer!” Kibum only sighs, he needs to teach Taemin not to disturb his parents on their sleep later.
Taemin pulls the blanket away “No daddy, you have to wakey wa- noooo I’m not sleepy daddy I don’t want to sleep” Taemin giggles as he struggling out from Jonghyun’s hug “Daddyyyyyy help” Taemin calls Kibum.
Kibum loves the view of his husband and son playing with each other but then again, he needs to make breakfast for them “You boys can fight all you want while I go make breakfast” Kibum informs the two “oh and Jonghyun, please don’t cry if you lost this time” Kibum quickly says before he flees to the kitchen
“What? I didn’t- ha me? Cried? When? Taemin that’s not true, right?” Jonghyun protests. But instead of an answer, he got a bite in his arm from Taemin.
“I can’t believe you cried again” Kibum shakes his head in disbelief watching the bite mark on his husband’s arm before he turns to their son “And you mister, no snacks for you today, okay?” he says as sternly as possible (Jonghyun thinks Kibum is so good at making a stern face so he let the younger do the “making stern face” thing)
Taemin pouts upon hearing that, Kibum almost gives up and just give his son every snack his son would love to have right there and then but Kibum knows he has to strict this time. “I already said sorry though, didn’t I daddy?” Taemin asks Jonghyun for support. Jonghyun nods, siding with his son even though he just got bitten 20 minutes ago, but when the younger gave him the stern face, he knows Kibum doesn’t up for it.
“It’s not nice to bite someone, honey. You’re starting kindergarten soon, there’ll be a lot of friends there and they wouldn’t like it if you bite them” Kibum tells their son. Taemin nods, he seems to understand it. “So no more biting, promise?” Kibum raises his pinkie in front of Taemin. Taemin mulls for a few second before links his pinkie with his dad’s, “promise”
D-7
The Kim family is going to the mall to pick up some clothes and Taemin’s school stuffs. (Also more snacks, Taemin had say).
After hours of walking in and out of every single store that sells things they need, Taemin seems to have more energy restored in his little body unlike his parents who are literally out of breath. "Taemin baby, please" Kibum calls out to Taemin, the little boy is running here and there pointing at every colorful thing on the display "baby, your daddies are so tired."
"Let's just go to the kids’ cafe. Taemin could play to his heart content while you and I. We could.." Jonghyun winks to the younger guy, Kibum blushes at that "wait wait, are you blushing? I mean we can talk while having coffee you know. Clear your dirty mind, Kibum" Jonghyun laughs heartedly as Kibum's face getting even redder.
"Shut up" Kibum pinches Jonghyun's arm before running to catch Taemin who went to another store. Jonghyun laughs and follows the other two into the store.
The kids’ cafe they visit isn't as crowded as Kibum thought it would. They ordered two iced americanos and banana milk for Taemin. Kibum and Jonghyun sit down on one of the table while Taemin goes to play with the toys. The little one is amazed by how many the toys are in the cafe "can we stay here forever, daddy?" He had said which made his parents laugh and they replied "sure sure".
"What if Taemin really thinks we're going to live here forever and not wanting to go home" Jonghyun asks Kibum worriedly, knowing their son is a man of his words even if he's only 4 years old.
Kibum rolls his eyes "oh please, he's going to sleep in couple of hours. It's his nap time anyway. We can take him home then" Kibum explains.
"Oh Kibum what can I do without you"
Kibum slurps his drink "You'll die. You can't live without me" he says teasingly but Jonghyun knows he merely stating a fact.
The fact that Jonghyun can't live without Kibum.
"I know. I'd die without you"
“Me too” Kibum admits. This is how Jonghyun falls in love with Kibum, over and over again. He can’t stop. He won’t stop.
After an hour past, Taemin still doesn’t show any sign of tiredness. The little boy also plays with another children visitor on the kids café which makes Kibum relieves, at least Taemin doesn’t have a problem with associating with a new people.
“I think he’ll do great in the kindergarten later. He has no problem with making friends I see.” Jonghyun says after minutes of silence between them, just watching their little son playing around on the café.
Kibum hums in agree, “he grew up so well”
“duh, he’s a Kim after all” Jonghyun laughs.
“if you meant he got the “Kim gene” from me, than yes. He is” Kibum replies.
“Daddy, I’m thirsty” Taemin finally comes to their table 10 minutes later. His clothes is drenched with sweats, his face is blushing red.
Kibum offers him the banana milk and pulls his son on to his leg “You had fun baby?” Jonghyun asks.
Taemin nods, straw still seating between his lips. “You’re not tired?” Kibum asks again. Taemin shakes his head.
“You seemed tired though” Jonghyun states.
Taemin puts the empty bottle on the table “A little” he lifts his tiny fingers, showing the even tinier space between his thumb and pointer to show how little he meant.
His parents laughs at Taemin’s random cutesy, “just sit here for a while okay, to regain your energy okay?” Kibum tells the little boy. Taemin complies right away even though he still sets his gaze on the toys and his friends that he left on the playground.
“Taemin, you’ll meet more friends and you’ll get to play with more toys and there’s a bigger playground there in the kindergarten” Jonghyun tells.
“really? Woaaah” Is Taemin’s excited reply.
Few minutes later, the tiredness sets in Taemin’s little body. As the tiredness comes, the whining also comes along with it. Kibum knows it’s time to go home, so he picks Taemin and lets the kid falls asleep in his embrace. Jonghyun opens the door for both of them.
“see, he’s sleeping already” Kibum whispers to Jonghyun so Taemin won’t wake up. They’re walking to their car.
Jonghyun smiles, “I know. Thank you, Kibum” as they put the sleeping Taemin on the backseat and fastened his seatbelt.
Kibum looks up “Thank you? What for?”
Jonghyun goes to where Kibum stands and pulls the younger into a hug “For being such a great dad for Taemin and being as great of a husband for me”
Kibum rolls his eyes “You’ve said that a lot, I know”
“And I want to remind you that for many many times all over again, everyday. Forever”
“cheeseballs” but Kibum ends up tugging his husband closer.
D-2
Kibum is a meticulous person. The most, Jonghyun had said once. Kibum always makes sure everything is at its right place. If one thing doesn’t go on his plan because he missed something, he will get really really upset. And as Taemin’s first day of school is getting closer, he becomes more restless. He makes sure everything is prepared down to the T. But somehow, Jonghyun knows what lies behind Kibum’s nervousness. It’s not about whether they already bought Taemin’s all sets of coloring utensils or not, it’s something else. Something that Jonghyun knows all too well, because well, he feels it too.
“Jonghyun, wake up! I think we forgot to buy Taemin’s eraser! It’s on the list right? I think I forgot. Jonghyun we have to go get one.”
“uh- huh?” Jonghyun jolts awake, he looks up at the clock on their wall “Kibum what the- it’s 2 in the morning what kind of store open at this ungodly hour?” Jonghyun pulls the blanket to cover his whole body again.
Kibum pulls the blanket aside once again, it only earns Jonghyun’s groan. Jonghyun hasn’t slept well for 2 days because the projects on his office that keeps him up all night. That and Kibum waking him up at some ungodly hours in the dawn. “I think we can knock on their door? I don’t know Jonghyun we can do something. We have to do it now if not-“
“Kibum!” Jonghyun cuts the younger “Kibum, baby. I know, you’re not worried about whether Taemin has his stationary or not because you knew you’ve bought them all. You checked the list over and over again, of course you’ve bought that. I know you, Kim Kibum. Come here.” Jonghyun pulls Kibum to his embrace.
“How long have we been married? 3 years. How long have we dated before that? 8 years. Oh and don’t forget the other 2 years before that when-“
This time Kibum cuts Jonghyun “yeah yeah I get it, your point?”
“wow wow easy Bummie.” Jonghyun laughs at Kibum’s snarks “What I’m trying to say is, deep down inside you’re still not ready about the idea of Taemin going to school. Right?”
The younger hides his burning face on Jonghyun’s chest, he’s embarrassed because Jonghyun knows what he’s been feeling right now “he’s growing so fast”
“He is. Like it or not. He will grow into a fine young man, he’s going to be taller than both of us. He’s going to make his dreams come true, he’s going to strive hard for his goal, he’s going to marry the love of his life just like you and I. he’ll do well, Kibummie” Jonghyun says calmly, he feels tears prickling at the side of his eyes. Jonghyun is secretly thankful that their room is dim or else Kibum might notice it. “But first of all, he needs to enter the kindergarten.”
“What if he doesn’t fit in? what if the kid makes fun of him or even worse-“
“I can’t believe you doubt our child. Do I have to remind you that he’s a Kim and we are brave and powerful but also humble. It’s all in our DNA. You should’ve known that, you’re a Kim!” Jonghyun says, trying to cheer Kibum up. “Taemin is the brightest kid I ever known, I’m not saying it because I’m his dad. You’ve seen him playing with kids few days ago in the kid’s café. He played along really well with the other kids. I’m 100% sure he’ll fit in just fine.”
Kibum looks up as he searches for Jonghyun’s eyes with the dim light of their room, sort of needing to see Jonghyun’s assurance “You sure?” Jonghyun nods.
“Now, can we get back to sleep? I’m so-“ yawns “tired.”
The younger pecks Jonghyun’s cheeks “Good night baby.”
“Good night Kibummie”
“Jonghyun..”
“Hmm?”
“I think, I really haven’t bought his eraser”
D-Day
Kibum wakes up the earliest as usual, but instead of going straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast like the usual, he decides to go to Taemin’s bedroom. When he opens the door, Taemin’s sleeping figure welcomes him and makes him instantly smile at the sight. Kibum walks slowly to his son’s bed to wake him up. As much as he doesn’t have the heart to wake his son up, they only have an hour left to go to school.
“Taeminnie, wakey wakey. Time for school” Kibum says soothingly, after kissing Taemin’s temple.
Taemin yawns as he opens his eyes and adjusts to the morning light “school?”
Kibum nods, “now let’s get you ready. We’re going to be late if we’re not hurry”
Jonghyun wakes up 10 minutes later because of the commotion from Taemin’s room, he goes to the source of it to find Taemin is struggling to get into his school uniform and Kibum laughing at him. Anyone can see the determination in Taemin’s face. The five year old is too occupied with his uniform to even notice his parents are laughing because of his cuteness. In other days, he’d complain of how he is a big boy and only babies who can be called cute.
“the I’m a big boy I don’t need your help thing again?” Jonghyun asks his partner.
Kibum walks to Jonghyun and kisses his lips, he hasn’t gotten his morning kiss anyway “yeah, he’ll probably give up soon”
“he has your sense of determination, I’m glad.” Jonghyun says. Kibum hums agreeing. “But I think we gotta to help him, he’s going to break one of the buttons “
Thankfully, Taemin didn’t break any buttons. His parents were quick in helping him to get ready. Jonghyun even teaches his son how to tie his shoelace. Taemin hasn’t managed to do it well yet, but Jonghyun believes his son going to tie his shoelace next week.
Kibum thinks it’s amusing how Jonghyun always believes Taemin is going to learn something faster than any kid of his age. The younger keeps telling Jonghyun how everyone takes time, it includes their son. And every single time, Jonghyun would shake his head, disagree. And again, Jonghyun has the role of being positive between both of them even though sometimes it’s too much.
“Taemin, what did Daddy tell you about eating with elders?” Kibum scolds Taemin. The kid has been bouncing in his seat while eating his breakfast.
“Sorry, daddy” Taemin says, frowning.
“Aww Kibum, let him go. He must be so excited to start his first day, right baby?” Jonghyun defends Taemin.
This time it’s Kibum’s turn to frown, “You’re so excited to leave your daddy? I’m disappointed” He tells Taemin. Kibum tries to say it in playful manner but he can’t help but slightly feeling that way.
“No!! I won’t leave you daddy” Taemin says, there’s a sense of urge in his tone “You can go with me to kindergarten. I can share my lunch with you so you don’t have to cook for your lunch”
Both of Taemin’s parents laugh heartily, Kibum even has tears in his eyes. He isn’t sure whether they are tears from too much laughing or how he is touched by what his son just said.
“I’m serious” Taemin says, he still looks confused with the sudden laughter from his parents.
Kibum rubs Taemin’s cheek lovingly, “oh baby, why do you grow up so fast?”
Jonghyun runs to the bathroom, screaming he needs to pee. Before Taemin could tell Jonghyun needs to finish his food first, Kibum stops him saying “let him be, he’s crying.” Taemin gets even more confused.
After making sure they have everything they need, which means going back and forth to Taemin’s room for few times, they finally hit the road. They have exactly 15 minutes left before the school starts. Jonghyun is driving because Kibum is too jittery to drive, he worries they’ll be late for school. Jonghyun keeps on convincing the latter that they won’t, and it’ll only take 10 minutes to arrive at the kindergarten.
Jonghyun plays one of children songs on his phone to ease the tension, Taemin sings excitedly. Kibum becomes visibly calmer as he occasionally sings along with Taemin.
They arrive at the kindergarten exactly 5 minutes before the kindergarten starts. Many parents bring their children to the kindergarten, some of the children are crying probably not wanting to be separated with their parents. The teachers are busy between calming the crying ones and taking care the rest of the children.
Jonghyun and Kibum have both of Taemin’s hands in tow as they are walking to the kindergarten. Lee Jinki happens to be at the door to welcome the students, he greets them a “good morning” with the biggest smile on his face despite the commotion happening around them.
“Good morning!” the Kims reply in unison.
Lee Jinki kneels so he could reach Taemin’s eye level “Hi! I’m going to give you a name card, may I know your name?”
“I’m Kim Taemin” Taemin replies diligently.
“Wait here okay, I’ll go get your name card and we can go to your class after that. Are you excited?”
“Yes!!!” Taemin exclaims. Lee Jinki excuses himself to Taemin’s parents with a promise to be right back.
Jonghyun and Kibum know it’s their time to go and leave Taemin in the kindergarten. The teacher will be back anytime soon and Taemin has to follow him to the class. They both have works to do as well. But both of them don’t have the heart to let their son’s little hands go. If any, they hold Taemin’s hands even tighter.
Taemin can feel the tightened grip, he looks at both of his parents. Taemin suddenly feel bad, “Daddy?”
“Yes, baby?” Kibum respons in a heartbeat.
“You’re going to pick me up later, right?” Taemin asks. To the five year old, this is his way of showing they’ll be seeing him again after kindergarten. Taemin knows the answer already, even before his parents answer it.
Jonghyun lets go of Taemin’s hand and picks his son up and showers him with kisses “of course! We’ll be right here the moment you finish your classes.”
Kibum smiles at the sight. “If you did well on your classes, we can go and eat your favorite ice cream. How’s that sound?” Kibum offers and Taemin spreads his arms to be hugged by Kibum. Jonghyun moves Taemin from his embrace to Kibum’s. Taemin kisses Kibum’s cheeks.
“Hey how can he get kisses but not me?” Jonghyun frowns, Kibum and Taemin laugh together.
They only stop when they caught a sight of the teacher. Kibum puts Taemin back on the ground. Lee Jinki kneels in front of Taemin again and place a name card on his chest “Taemin, this is your name card. You’re ready to start the class now?”
Taemin nods, excited.
In other hand, or rather in his hands, Taemin’s parents still hard to let Taemin’s hands go. Lee Jinki notices the situation loud and clear. In his 5 year experience as a kindergarten teacher, there were a lot of parents like Kibum and Jonghyun. Lee Jinki thinks, what the parents need is more time with their children. And that is exactly what he gives to Taemin’s parents.
“Oh right, more kids are coming so I need to attend them. Would you mind to take Taemin to his class?” Lee Jinki asks. “You can go straight from this hall, it’s the second class on the left. Class A2. Thank you so much” before any of Jonghyun or Kibum could say something, Lee Jinki is already attending the other kids.
Jonghyun and Kibum secretly thank Lee Jinki for this in their minds.
They’re walking hand in hand to the said classroom “I can’t believe I live to see the day, my little Taeminnie is starting kindergarten.” Kibum says, trying his best to hold his tears. Watching Taemin grew, Kibum learns that being a dad makes him even more sensitive than he was.
“You’ll live for more events in his life. Save your tears, Kibum-ah” Jonghyun teases.
They arrive at Taemin’s class in no time. They’re peeking at the door and see the class is already filled with children. The children are playing with toys, some of them are talking to each other.
“Taemin-ah, remember what daddy told you. Always smile, make friends and don’t fight, okay?” Kibum tells Taemin who becomes more impatient to get into the class and play with the other children.
Taemin nods, “Yes yes yes! And I will eat the lunch too. Also I’ll listen to the teacher and I’ll study well.”
“That’s my boy! Now give me kisses” Kibum is in his knees as he opens his arms to let Taemin in. Taemin showers him with kisses as Kibum hugs him tight. When Kibum releases him, Taemin goes to Jonghyun and does the same thing.
Kibum fixes Taemin’s uniform and checks if he has everything he needs. “Okay, you can go in now.”
Jonghyun and Kibum watch as Taemin walks to the door “I love you” Kibum says before Taemin could push the door to the class.
Taemin turns back “I love you more”
“I love you most” Kibum replies, blowing a kiss to Taemin. Taemin pretends to catch it and put it in his tiny pocket. Taemin waves to his parents again before entering the class.
They’re walking to the car “Would you like to go somewhere with me?” Kibum asks, he has Jonghyun’s hand on his hand. Another hand he will never let go.
“Where?” Jonghyun wonders.
“I don’t know. Taemin is in kindergarten now, don’t you think he need someone to play with?”
Jonghyun raises his eyebrows “You mean you need someone to play with?”
The younger rolls his eyes “Taemin, me, what’s the difference?”
“I’d love that” Jonghyun cuts him.
Kibum stops “what?” Kibum surprised.
“Us, adding another family member” Jonghyun tells Kibum “I think it’s the right time.”
“I love you, you know”
“And I love you most”