suddenly the air is new. [1/2]
pairing: joonmyun/jongdae, past joonmyun/ofc
rating: pg-13
wordcount: 11k~
warnings: implied minor character death, semi-kid!fic
summary: semi-domestic!au/kid!fic. joonmyun falls in love with the new nanny.
notes: written for this prompt over at the exopromptmeme. hello op! i'm sorry it took so long, and i'm sorry if this came out like word vomit! i've really never written domestic!au or kid!fic before so help me god i'm sorry. meep. i hope you enjoy it!
“Please,” says Joonmyun, stumbling forward and nearly tripping over the coffee table, “reconsider. I’ll give you a raise!”
The door slams in his face.
A few seconds of quiet hover over the room, before Joonmyun turns around to face the two fidgeting children behind him. “What,” he starts slowly, “did you do this time?”
“Sehun made me do it!” cries Jongin immediately.
“It’s the fourth babysitter they’ve scared off in-what, three months?” Kyungsoo frowns, and sets a cup of coffee down in front of Joonmyun. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know,” says Joonmyun tiredly, pressing his fingertips against his temples. Even the soothing smell of hot brew in the morning can’t undo the major headache he’s fallen prey to. He’s got deadlines to match and paperwork to finish up, and on top of that, the latest nanny has just quit. “Maybe they’re just acting out. They’re just kids. And it’s not been long since…”
Kyungsoo’s expression softens, and he rests a hand on Joonmyun’s shoulder. “I can take the kids now and then, if you can’t find anyone. I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind, either.”
“I can’t do that to you,” says Joonmyun, shaking his head, wondering whether his sister would mind watching them for a few days, just until he finds someone to replace the old nanny. “It’ll be fine. I’ll just find someone else.”
“Be sure,” says Kyungsoo, and he leaves Joonmyun with his coffee and headache.
Joonmyun picks up the day’s newspaper and flips through to the advertisement section. Huh, he thinks, maybe he should place an ad instead of calling agencies instead. He’s about to make a note of it to himself when his phone hums loudly for his attention beside his elbow.
The number is one he’s seen on a regular basis, and a sigh escapes him as he accepts the call. “Hello, Ms. Jihyun, this is Joonmyun. Ah, yes, yes. I see.” He’s already getting up to grab his laptop bag and coat, shrugging it on quickly, phone pressed to his shoulder. “Yes. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Sehun is quiet in the car.
Joonmyun has his hands on the steering wheel, tapping lightly. “You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. I’d just like to hear your side of things,” he says mildly, and in the rearview mirror, he can see Sehun’s face darken. “Sehun.”
The boy doesn’t say a word till they’re home, and Joonmyun parks the car in the front, waiting.
Sehun is only nine this year, but he’s as stubborn as a mule when he wants to be, and this isn’t the first time he’s gotten into trouble at school. It’s the second time this year that Joonmyun’s had to pick him up from the principal’s office, and Joonmyun doesn’t know what to do.
There’s a little movement, and then Sehun’s mumbling, “I didn’t start it.”
“It doesn’t matter if you didn’t start it or not,” says Joonmyun, and he opens the door. “Come on, kiddo, let’s talk inside.”
The little boy trudges in after him, a scowl on his face, and seats himself on the sofa in the living room.
“Now.” Joonmyun sits down beside him. “What’s this I hear about fighting again?”
Sehun’s expression wobbles. “They were picking on me. Calling me bad names and stuff. I didn’t want them to. So I hit them.”
“Sehun, oh, pal,” says Joonmyun quietly, “I’ve told you that isn’t the way to solve things.”
“Then what was I supposed to do?” Sehun sniffs, and looks away. “They made fun of me. And Jongin. And they kept saying some stuff about mommy.”
Joonmyun tenses up, but he keeps his voice calm. “What kind of stuff, Sehun?”
“Like,” starts Sehun, but he’s got tears in his eyes, and he sniffs furiously. “Stuff about her being gone because she didn’t want us anymore, and-“
That’s all Joonmyun needs to hear from him, and he sweeps Sehun up in a hug immediately, ignoring the surprised yelp from the boy. “Don’t listen to them,” says Joonmyun fiercely, “don’t listen to them, okay, kiddo? She loved you so much, mommy loved you so much, and you have to remember that. Okay?”
“Okay,” hiccups Sehun, and his little fingers curl into the front of Joonmyun’s shirt. “Daddy?”
“Yeah, kiddo?” murmurs Joonmyun, holding him tighter. Sehun only calls him that when he’s really upset, and he knows the next question will only serve to upset him further.
“Is she really gone?” is all Sehun whispers, before he starts bawling, and Joonmyun just holds him, rubbing comforting circles into his back as Sehun sobs, over and over, the same two words, “where’s mommy, where’s mommy, where’s mommy.”
And Joonmyun doesn’t have an answer for him.
Needed:
Part-time nanny/baby sitter for 2 kids, will pay well, qualifications not necessary but experience valued. Extreme patience and willingness to stay calm in whatever situation is most important. Please contact for further details.
chen.dae@fleckens.hu
to junmyunkim
hello there!
i’ve just come across your advert, the one for a nanny/babysitter, and i’d like to apply for the job! my name is kim jongdae, and i’ve attached my cv with the email. hope to hear from you soon! ヾ(´･ω･｀)
“He seems a little young,” murmurs Kyungsoo, eyes scanning the piece of paper in his hands. “You’ve never had a male nanny, have you?”
“Nope. But maybe the change will be good,” says Joonmyun, sipping at his latte. “Besides, thirty-one isn’t young. He’s older than you are. And there haven’t been any other emails or calls. I’m going to have to take my chances here.”
He decides to meet up with the new applicant during lunch, since he’s got a rather free day today, and doesn’t have to rush off for any meetings. He picks the café downstairs and waits with a book in hand, the one he’d asked Kyungsoo to lend him for light reading.
Halfway through the eight chapter, a figure sits down in front of him, and hums. “Winterson. That’s a good book there.”
Joonmyun glances up, and sets the book on the table hastily. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you coming in.”
Wind-swept, dark brown hair. Plaid shirt, sleeves rolled up. A smile. “It’s alright. I get caught up in reading too, sometimes.” He holds out his hand. “I’m Kim Jongdae.”
“Kim Joonmyun,” replies Joonmyun, shaking his hand, smiling back. “Thank you for applying, by the way. It hasn’t been easy finding someone new to take the job.”
“You’ve had previous nannies before?”
“Yes,” says Joonmyun, wondering if he should tell Jongdae, and he decides he should be honest, “but they’ve all quit.”
Jongdae hums again, a quiet sound that rumbles through Joonmyun. “Not to be rude or anything, but I’m assuming the kids chased them off?”
Joonmyun blinks. “Uh, yes. How’d you know?”
“I have a sense for these things.” Jongdae smiles again, and Joonmyun wonders if that cheerful expression will stick after he’s met the two terrors. “Don’t worry. I’m good with kids.”
“I hope so,” says Joonmyun.
Jongdae just smiles.
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 9.43a.m.
hello, this is jongdae right? joonmyun here, just checking to see if you cn find the place
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 9.45a.m.
will be there soon! no worries ^^
“Please, don’t scare him away this time, okay?” Joonmyun’s got a pleading look on his face. “It’s for your own good.”
Sehun doesn’t say a word, but little Jongin, who’s only five, asks curiously, “Daddy, I thought nannies were girls.”
“There are boy nannies too, sweetheart,” says Joonmyun warmly, and he leads the two kids out to the living room, where Jongdae’s standing. “Say hi to Jongdae.”
“Hi,” says Jongin shyly. Sehun doesn’t even look his way.
“Hello there,” says Jongdae, “and what do I call the both of you?”
“I’m Jongin.” Jongin points at Sehun. “This is Sehun. We’re brothers.”
“Ah,” says Jongdae, as if the fact is completely new to him, and he nods enthusiastically. “It’s very nice to meet you, Kim brothers.”
“My surname is Oh,” mutters Sehun.
“His mother’s surname,” explains Joonmyun quickly, and to his credit, Jongdae doesn’t even look phased in the slightest. “She was an only child, and wanted the family name to continue.”
“That’s cool,” says Jongdae, and he kneels down, to match Sehun’s height. “Wow, you’re tall, aren’t you?”
Sehun ignores him, and stalks off. Jongdae just watches him go calmly.
Joonmyun cringes. “I’m sorry about that. He’s just… it takes him time to get used to new people.”
“It’s okay,” says Jongdae, “we’ve got time to get used to each other.”
“I’d better show you where everything is, then,” starts Joonmyun, but then Jongin’s tugging on his trouser leg, and he glances down.
“Can I?” asks Jongin, eyes big and adorable. It’s one of his charms, being irresistably cute, and all the adults tend to fall for it all the time. Joonmyun likes to think he’s immune to it.
Well, most of the time. “Alright. Go ahead. Make sure you show him where the first aid kit is, remember where daddy showed you the last time? In the last drawer.”
“Okay!” says Jongin immediately, and he trots away, an amused Jongdae following after.
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 2.34p.m.
hi, just checkin w/u if snacks r ok for them
thought i might make some
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 2.35p.m.
np! that sounds nice
just nothing with peanut butter bc jongin is a bit fussy and he had a weird experience with it before
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 2.36p.m.
no pb ok got it!!!! but you gotta tell me that story sometime im curious now
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 2.37p.m.
sure haha
Jongin takes to Jongdae like a fish to water.
It’s endearing to see the little boy follow after Jongdae like a lost puppy, no matter what he’s doing, and Joonmyun’s actually glad for it. Jongin’s always been shy around strangers, and the nannies have always said he’d been too quiet, but around Jongdae, he smiles wider and laughs louder, and it warms Joonmyun’s heart to see his son cheerful again.
“And then, we made a lego house, but then Jongdae said that we should make a castle instead so the dinosaurs can have a bigger place to live, and then the cars came and attacked the castle and wanted to kidnap the princess dinosaur but then the dinosaurs ate the cars and saved the princess dinosaur and then they all had a dinosaur party,” gushes Jongin all in one go, over dinner on the first night.
Joonmyun had come home after work to see Jongin curled up in a fort of lego blocks and blankets, and Jongdae quietly watching Sehun do his homework at the dinner table. Sehun hadn’t paid much attention to Jongdae, but Joonmyun considers it a win that Jongdae hadn’t yet fled the premises.
“That’s great,” says Joonmyun gladly, and he nudges Jongin’s plate. “Come on, eat your rice.”
“Okay,” says Jongin, stuffing rice into his mouth. “An’f th’n w’play’d kr’ykey!”
“Remember, don’t talk when you’re eating, Jongin.”
The boy swallows, and says, “I said, and then we played ka-ree-oh-key!”
“What’s that?” asks Joonmyun in amusement. “Is it a board game?”
“Nuh!” Jongin shakes his head. “On Jongdae’s phone. They have words and music and you sing along to it.”
“Oh, karaoke,” says Joonmyun, laughing. “How fun.”
“Sounds boring,” says Sehun, stabbing at his vegetables with his fork.
“It wasn’t boring, take it back!” says Jongin, pouting.
Sehun’s always had a huge soft spot for Jongin, everyone knows that, and even the slightest cute expression is enough to make Sehun feel bad about anything. “Sorry,” says Sehun remorsefully, grabbing Jongin’s hand, “It’s not boring if you say it isn’t.”
Jongin beams, and holds Sehun’s hand for the rest of dinner.
“How are things?”
Joonmyun sighs, and nods. “They’re surprisingly alright, for once. It’s only been a week, so nothing’s really set in stone, yet.”
“Good.” Kyungsoo’s lips quirk up at the corners. “Have the kids tried anything, yet?”
“Well, Jongin really likes him.” Joonmyun thinks back to every night he’s come home to stories of ‘me and Jongdae did this’ and ‘Jongdae showed me that,’ and then he remembers Sehun, still refusing to get along with Jongdae. “Sehun’s still… warming up to him.”
“You mean Sehun doesn’t like him at all, don’t you,” says Kyungsoo dryly.
“He’s just shy,” says Joonmyun, but he knows that’s not true. “They’ll get along soon.”
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 3.56p.m.
sry but wanted to ask if you could extend your hours till seven just for the week? i hv some late meetings ;;
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 4.00p.m.
no it’s cool haha i don’t mind
i’ll bring some kid friendly movies over if u don’t mind
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 4.00p.m.
go ahead! and thank you so much ^_^
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 4.03p.m.
c:
Sehun only goes off to school at seven-thirty, and he isn’t enrolling Jongin into kindergarten until next year, so Joonmyun spends the earliest part of his mornings getting to know Jongdae, who always comes by at six with the brightest expression he’s ever seen on anybody who wakes up at the crack of dawn.
“It’s fine,” says Jongdae, smiling over the flask of coffee he’d brought with him, “I just figured I should be here in case you ever need to rush off quick or anything.”
“But really, Jongdae,” says Joonmyun, over his own coffee, “the kids aren’t even awake yet, and I wouldn’t want you to go to all this trouble.”
“You’re paying me, remember?” Jongdae laughs, and it’s refreshing to Joonmyun’s still slightly sleep-logged hearing. “No worries. Besides, I get to talk to you, don’t I? That’s a bonus in itself.”
Joonmyun laughs along, and pretends the embarrassed flush creeping up his neck is just a figment of his imagination.
They live in a small house on the outskirts of the city, just the three of them.
Joonmyun had never believed in big spaces, had never liked the idea of spending more than necessary, and neither had she. That was only one of the many things they’d had in common.
They’d shared a love for pastel colours and a propensity for working long hours into the night, and had hit it off after meeting at a Christmas party at the company they’d both worked at. Friendship had turned into flirting, and flirting had turned into light touches and soft smiles, and they’d fallen in love over sunsets by the docks and Chinese take-out after late meetings.
She’d been his everything.
It’s been four years, and Joonmyun still wakes up some mornings, expecting to feel the warmth of another body beside him, expecting a soft kiss to the back of his neck, expecting a whispered, sleepy, “Morning.”
Today is another one of those mornings, and the room feels empty without her presence. Joonmyun drags himself out of bed and spends a few minutes coming to his senses, just looking around the room as the sleep slips away from his mind.
Her smiling face stares at him from behind a photo frame on his desk.
Kyungsoo’s been trying to get him to start dating again, but Joonmyun’s not ready for it. It’s only been four years. Not long at all. And Joonmyun doesn’t think he can find that kind of love again.
“I can introduce you to this very nice cousin of mine,” tries Kyungsoo again, a week into June, as they’re looking over a sprawl of papers spread across a long table. They’re working late again, and Joonmyun’s glad that Jongdae had been okay with staying longer to watch the kids. It’s been a month since Jongdae has first started working for him, and he’s still around, to his surprise. “Hmm?”
Joonmyun snaps out of his thoughts, and shakes his head hurriedly. “No blind dates, no cousins, Kyungsoo, you know I don’t need a relationship now.”
“It’s been four years,” says Kyungsoo softly, and Joonmyun snorts. Exactly. Four years. “I’m not asking you to move on. I’m just asking you to think about yourself once in a while.”
“I do think about myself,” says Joonmyun indignantly. “I just… I don’t need anyone, okay?”
Kyungsoo says nothing more, but Joonmyun knows he hasn’t heard the end of it.
They end up finishing only at ten, and by the time Joonmyun manages to get home, it’s eleven, and he curses under his breath, wondering how long Jongdae’s been waiting and feeling guilty that he’d asked Jongdae to stay so long.
Opening the door slowly, he tiptoes in and glances around. The house is quiet, spare a soft voice from the living room, singing. It’s familiar, and it’s light and tinkling and something in him skitters when the voice fades. “Jongdae?” he calls, and a head pops up from the sofa, a finger pressed to his lips. “What are you-“
“Shh,” whispers Jongdae, “Sehun’s asleep.”
Joonmyun rounds the sofa, and a little smile settles in place on his features when he takes in the sight of his eldest son curled up on the sofa, clutching at a little deer plush toy.
“I’m sorry,” says Jongdae earnestly, voice low but loud enough for Joonmyun to catch, “He wanted to wait up for you and I put on a movie in hopes that he’d drift off. And I wasn’t sure if I should move him. Jongin’s already asleep in their room.”
“That’s okay.” Joonmyun slides his arms around Sehun’s little shoulders, and picks him up easily, wondering when Sehun had gotten this skinny. “Could you get the door?”
They settle Sehun into his bed, and Joonmyun pulls up the covers, pressing a chaste kiss to Sehun’s forehead.
As soon as he shuts the door behind him, he’s saying, “I am truly, truly sorry that I took so long to get back, things were taking really long at the office.”
“It’s fine,” says Jongdae, smiling. “I got to be with the kids longer. Sehun finally talked to me today.”
“He did?” Joonmyun blinks, several times. “What did he say?”
“It was amazing.” Jongdae’s smile turns teasing. “He said, ‘This movie’s not horrible.’ Can you believe it?”
Joonmyun snorts. “The way you put it sounds like he just told you the cure for cancer.”
“Hey, you never know.” Jongdae shrugs. “Frozen is a very healing film for the soul. Great soundtrack, too.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.” Joonmyun runs his fingers through his hair absentmindedly. “It’s getting late.”
Jongdae starts. “Ah, right. I should go.” He makes to move for his things, but Joonmyun steps forward hurriedly.
“No, wait.” Jongdae pauses. “You can stay over, if you want. It’s late, and it’s probably not very safe driving back at this hour alone.”
“I don’t want to intrude,” starts Jongdae hesitantly, but Joonmyun insists, and soon enough, he’s got Jongdae in the guest bedroom, saying that it’s the least he can do since he returned home so late.
“Thank you, by the way,” murmurs Joonmyun, handing Jongdae a blanket. “And congratulations on lasting a month.”
Jongdae hides a yawn behind his hand. “A month already? Time flies.” He smiles again, sleepily, and it’s contagious, the way his eyes crinkle at the corners and his lips quirk up in the smallest motion. “Thank you too, Joonmyun.”
Joonmyun nods, and backs out of the room. “Good night.”
“Night.”
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 10.10a.m.
[attachment]
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 10.10a.m.
jongin made a fingerpainting and wanted to show u :) it’s the three of u btw
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 10.12a.m.
that’s cute :) tell him i said it’s very nice
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 10.13a.m.
he says tq c: what a polite kid
he must get that from his dad ㅋㅋ ;)
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 10.14a.m.
:)
Two months in, and Jongdae’s still around.
It’s a miracle, it really is, thinks Joonmyun, coming home to Jongin immediately flinging himself at his knees, and Sehun hollering, “Hi, Dad!” from the kitchen, and seeing Jongdae’s face still as cheerful as the day he first walked into the house.
“I mean,” says Joonmyun in wonder, taking a bite of tteokbokki, “Sehun hasn’t done a single thing to him! And Jongin absolutely adores him. And Sehun is talking to him! Actual sentences!”
Kyungsoo’s slightly in awe, Joonmyun can tell, by the little bit of sauce that’s dripping onto his tie without him even noticing. “And things are alright at school?”
“Not a single phone call,” says Joonmyun proudly. “Told you hiring a male nanny would work out somehow.”
“Should probably learn his methods,” says Kyungsoo thoughtfully, and it’s only then he notices the stain on his necktie. “Ah, shit.”
He probably spoke too soon, to think of it.
It’s barely less than a week from the day he waxed lyrical about Jongdae’s caretaking abilities, and now Sehun’s back to ignoring Jongdae and fuming silently in the corner.
And this time, Joonmyun has no idea why.
But Jongdae does.
“He’s jealous,” whispers Jongdae over dinner, eyes darting to where Sehun and Jongin are watching television. Joonmyun had invited him to stay for the meal, and Jongdae had graciously accepted. “Just a little. He’ll grow out of it, don’t worry.”
“Jealous? Of what?”
“Me,” says Jongdae, clearly amused, “Jongin has a little crush, and Sehun doesn’t like the fact that I’m getting all his attention now.”
“Ah,” says Joonmyun, feeling himself smile, and the thought itself is terribly adorable. Jongin having a little kid crush on his grownup baby-sitter. “No surprise that he does,” voices Joonmyun, and Jongdae’s nose scrunches up in confusion.
“Why not?” Jongdae’s expression is almost as cute as the fact that Jongin has a crush. Wait, what? “Does he tend to have crushes on his sitters often?”
“No, no,” says Joonmyun, “well. There was that one time with the hairband girl, but then Sehun flushed her favourite bracelet down the toilet, and then she quit.” Joonmyun sighs, and flicks the memory away from his head. “No surprise, I guess, because you’re nice. And stuff.”
Jongdae raises an eyebrow. “Stuff?”
“Yeah, uh, like.” Joonmyun waves his hand. “You play with him, and tell him stories, and you make him snacks. He’s five. You’re probably his hero. Besides,” he adds, the words just coming out of his mouth, “you’re rather good-looking.”
Jongdae’s smile grows, and Joonmyun realises what he’s just said, and he hurriedly adds on to that, saying, “Not that I meant it in any other context, I mean, uh, well, you are, and I just-“
“Observation, got it.” Jongdae winks. “And thank you. You’re not too bad on the eyes yourself.”
He doesn’t know what’s worse, the fact that he’s blushing like a fourteen-year-old, or the fact that he’s inadvertently flirting with his children’s nanny, despite the fact that he’s straight. “Thank you.”
“So,” says Jongdae conversationally, not seeming to pick up on his embarrassment, or maybe he’s just politely ignoring it, “a man like you must be quite popular with the ladies.”
“Me?” Joonmyun laughs. “I haven’t seen anyone in a long time, ever since…” He trails off, thinking about her again, and he clears his throat, “… ever since my wife passed.”
“Oh,” says Jongdae, and the empathy in his voice is genuine, “oh, I’m sorry for bringing it up.” He reaches over to place a hand comfortingly on Joonmyun’s arm, and Joonmyun smiles at him, appreciating the gesture. “Their mother?”
“Yes,” says Joonmyun. “Car accident. The kids had some trouble adapting. Sehun, especially, with the sitters and all. He doesn’t like strangers.” He takes a quick glance towards where Jongin has his head on Sehun’s shoulder, about to doze off. “But you’re still here.”
“I am,” says Jongdae in understanding. “Thank you for telling me. You didn’t have to.”
“Well, you’ve done a lot of good for them,” says Joonmyun gratefully, “and things seem to be getting better. Thank you, for whatever you’re doing. It’s working.”
Jongdae laughs, and the sound is breezy. It reminds Joonmyun of old memories by the sea. “I guess that’s why you pay me, then.”
He sees Jongdae off when he leaves, and as he stands on the porch, Jongdae says suddenly, “Would you mind if I took the kids somewhere nice, next week? That is, if it’s okay with you. Maybe Lotte World, or something.”
Joonmyun feels his heart tighten a little. Ever since he started working compulsively after her death, he hasn’t had the time to take them anywhere. But Jongdae is here, and his eyes are bright and his smile is warm, and it floods Joonmyun’s heart with a new will. “Sure thing. Bring back some cotton candy, will you?”
“Of course I will,” says Jongdae easily, stepping off the porch, hands in his coat pockets. “See you, Joonmyun.”
“Drive safe,” calls Joonmyun, just as Jongdae slips into his beat-up sedan, and waves back at him.
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.34a.m.
ヽ(°o° )ノ
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.36a.m.
somebody’s excited i see
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.37a.m.
〜(￣o￣〜)
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.37a.m.
u should see jongin he’s bouncing off the walls
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.38a.m.
cute ^^
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.39a.m.
sehun knows how to smileeeeeeeeee wowowowow sry lol
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.40a.m.
take a picture ㅋㅋ
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.39a.m.
[attachment]
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.40a.m.
tell him to comb his hair haha he looks excited
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.41a.m.
i may hv promised 1 or 7 rollercoaster rides >.>
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.42a.m.
jongin said he doesnt want those so we’re gonna do the teacup ride about 48938 times first
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.43a.m.
no more than 4 he gets nauseous sometimes
also gd luck lol don’t let him fall off he likes to climb things
but you know that already
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.44a.m.
no fear my friend（＾u＾）my little kimjongbro is in good hands
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.45a.m.
have fun ok! ^^ tell them i said hi
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.47a.m.
[attachment]
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.48a.m.
they said they’ll bring u some presents and jongin says he wants to c u
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.50a.m.
[attachment]
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.51a.m.
wow mr handsome office dad check u out
jongin says u look very work yes he used it as an adjective
sehun says comb ur own hair ㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎ
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.52a.m.
that little brat =.=
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.52a.m.
hahahahahahahaaaa
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.53a.m.
want to beat the morning traffic so we’re gonna go now~
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.54a.m.
drive safe! :)
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.55a.m.
we’ll be thinking of u! hv fun at work~!
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.55a.m.
:))))
“You’re smiling at your phone,” notes Kyungsoo. “Scored a date?”
Joonmyun splutters. “I was texting Jongdae.” He clicks his phone off, and sets it on the table. “He’s taking Jongin and Sehun to Lotte World today.”
“Jongdae,” hums Kyungsoo, eyes glinting with a hint of something. Joonmyun hates it when Kyungsoo’s eyes glint; it means he’s got something insidious planned in that evil little brain of his. “You’re both becoming quite close, aren’t you?”
“Of course,” says Joonmyun, eyebrows furrowing, “why wouldn’t we be? I see him every day when he comes over for the kids.”
“Hmm,” is all Kyungsoo says, floating away with a stack of files in his hands, “hmm.”
part two.
rating: pg-13
wordcount: 11k~
warnings: implied minor character death, semi-kid!fic
summary: semi-domestic!au/kid!fic. joonmyun falls in love with the new nanny.
notes: written for this prompt over at the exopromptmeme. hello op! i'm sorry it took so long, and i'm sorry if this came out like word vomit! i've really never written domestic!au or kid!fic before so help me god i'm sorry. meep. i hope you enjoy it!
“Please,” says Joonmyun, stumbling forward and nearly tripping over the coffee table, “reconsider. I’ll give you a raise!”
The door slams in his face.
A few seconds of quiet hover over the room, before Joonmyun turns around to face the two fidgeting children behind him. “What,” he starts slowly, “did you do this time?”
“Sehun made me do it!” cries Jongin immediately.
“It’s the fourth babysitter they’ve scared off in-what, three months?” Kyungsoo frowns, and sets a cup of coffee down in front of Joonmyun. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know,” says Joonmyun tiredly, pressing his fingertips against his temples. Even the soothing smell of hot brew in the morning can’t undo the major headache he’s fallen prey to. He’s got deadlines to match and paperwork to finish up, and on top of that, the latest nanny has just quit. “Maybe they’re just acting out. They’re just kids. And it’s not been long since…”
Kyungsoo’s expression softens, and he rests a hand on Joonmyun’s shoulder. “I can take the kids now and then, if you can’t find anyone. I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind, either.”
“I can’t do that to you,” says Joonmyun, shaking his head, wondering whether his sister would mind watching them for a few days, just until he finds someone to replace the old nanny. “It’ll be fine. I’ll just find someone else.”
“Be sure,” says Kyungsoo, and he leaves Joonmyun with his coffee and headache.
Joonmyun picks up the day’s newspaper and flips through to the advertisement section. Huh, he thinks, maybe he should place an ad instead of calling agencies instead. He’s about to make a note of it to himself when his phone hums loudly for his attention beside his elbow.
The number is one he’s seen on a regular basis, and a sigh escapes him as he accepts the call. “Hello, Ms. Jihyun, this is Joonmyun. Ah, yes, yes. I see.” He’s already getting up to grab his laptop bag and coat, shrugging it on quickly, phone pressed to his shoulder. “Yes. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Sehun is quiet in the car.
Joonmyun has his hands on the steering wheel, tapping lightly. “You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. I’d just like to hear your side of things,” he says mildly, and in the rearview mirror, he can see Sehun’s face darken. “Sehun.”
The boy doesn’t say a word till they’re home, and Joonmyun parks the car in the front, waiting.
Sehun is only nine this year, but he’s as stubborn as a mule when he wants to be, and this isn’t the first time he’s gotten into trouble at school. It’s the second time this year that Joonmyun’s had to pick him up from the principal’s office, and Joonmyun doesn’t know what to do.
There’s a little movement, and then Sehun’s mumbling, “I didn’t start it.”
“It doesn’t matter if you didn’t start it or not,” says Joonmyun, and he opens the door. “Come on, kiddo, let’s talk inside.”
The little boy trudges in after him, a scowl on his face, and seats himself on the sofa in the living room.
“Now.” Joonmyun sits down beside him. “What’s this I hear about fighting again?”
Sehun’s expression wobbles. “They were picking on me. Calling me bad names and stuff. I didn’t want them to. So I hit them.”
“Sehun, oh, pal,” says Joonmyun quietly, “I’ve told you that isn’t the way to solve things.”
“Then what was I supposed to do?” Sehun sniffs, and looks away. “They made fun of me. And Jongin. And they kept saying some stuff about mommy.”
Joonmyun tenses up, but he keeps his voice calm. “What kind of stuff, Sehun?”
“Like,” starts Sehun, but he’s got tears in his eyes, and he sniffs furiously. “Stuff about her being gone because she didn’t want us anymore, and-“
That’s all Joonmyun needs to hear from him, and he sweeps Sehun up in a hug immediately, ignoring the surprised yelp from the boy. “Don’t listen to them,” says Joonmyun fiercely, “don’t listen to them, okay, kiddo? She loved you so much, mommy loved you so much, and you have to remember that. Okay?”
“Okay,” hiccups Sehun, and his little fingers curl into the front of Joonmyun’s shirt. “Daddy?”
“Yeah, kiddo?” murmurs Joonmyun, holding him tighter. Sehun only calls him that when he’s really upset, and he knows the next question will only serve to upset him further.
“Is she really gone?” is all Sehun whispers, before he starts bawling, and Joonmyun just holds him, rubbing comforting circles into his back as Sehun sobs, over and over, the same two words, “where’s mommy, where’s mommy, where’s mommy.”
And Joonmyun doesn’t have an answer for him.
Needed:
Part-time nanny/baby sitter for 2 kids, will pay well, qualifications not necessary but experience valued. Extreme patience and willingness to stay calm in whatever situation is most important. Please contact for further details.
chen.dae@fleckens.hu
to junmyunkim
hello there!
i’ve just come across your advert, the one for a nanny/babysitter, and i’d like to apply for the job! my name is kim jongdae, and i’ve attached my cv with the email. hope to hear from you soon! ヾ(´･ω･｀)
“He seems a little young,” murmurs Kyungsoo, eyes scanning the piece of paper in his hands. “You’ve never had a male nanny, have you?”
“Nope. But maybe the change will be good,” says Joonmyun, sipping at his latte. “Besides, thirty-one isn’t young. He’s older than you are. And there haven’t been any other emails or calls. I’m going to have to take my chances here.”
He decides to meet up with the new applicant during lunch, since he’s got a rather free day today, and doesn’t have to rush off for any meetings. He picks the café downstairs and waits with a book in hand, the one he’d asked Kyungsoo to lend him for light reading.
Halfway through the eight chapter, a figure sits down in front of him, and hums. “Winterson. That’s a good book there.”
Joonmyun glances up, and sets the book on the table hastily. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you coming in.”
Wind-swept, dark brown hair. Plaid shirt, sleeves rolled up. A smile. “It’s alright. I get caught up in reading too, sometimes.” He holds out his hand. “I’m Kim Jongdae.”
“Kim Joonmyun,” replies Joonmyun, shaking his hand, smiling back. “Thank you for applying, by the way. It hasn’t been easy finding someone new to take the job.”
“You’ve had previous nannies before?”
“Yes,” says Joonmyun, wondering if he should tell Jongdae, and he decides he should be honest, “but they’ve all quit.”
Jongdae hums again, a quiet sound that rumbles through Joonmyun. “Not to be rude or anything, but I’m assuming the kids chased them off?”
Joonmyun blinks. “Uh, yes. How’d you know?”
“I have a sense for these things.” Jongdae smiles again, and Joonmyun wonders if that cheerful expression will stick after he’s met the two terrors. “Don’t worry. I’m good with kids.”
“I hope so,” says Joonmyun.
Jongdae just smiles.
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 9.43a.m.
hello, this is jongdae right? joonmyun here, just checking to see if you cn find the place
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 9.45a.m.
will be there soon! no worries ^^
“Please, don’t scare him away this time, okay?” Joonmyun’s got a pleading look on his face. “It’s for your own good.”
Sehun doesn’t say a word, but little Jongin, who’s only five, asks curiously, “Daddy, I thought nannies were girls.”
“There are boy nannies too, sweetheart,” says Joonmyun warmly, and he leads the two kids out to the living room, where Jongdae’s standing. “Say hi to Jongdae.”
“Hi,” says Jongin shyly. Sehun doesn’t even look his way.
“Hello there,” says Jongdae, “and what do I call the both of you?”
“I’m Jongin.” Jongin points at Sehun. “This is Sehun. We’re brothers.”
“Ah,” says Jongdae, as if the fact is completely new to him, and he nods enthusiastically. “It’s very nice to meet you, Kim brothers.”
“My surname is Oh,” mutters Sehun.
“His mother’s surname,” explains Joonmyun quickly, and to his credit, Jongdae doesn’t even look phased in the slightest. “She was an only child, and wanted the family name to continue.”
“That’s cool,” says Jongdae, and he kneels down, to match Sehun’s height. “Wow, you’re tall, aren’t you?”
Sehun ignores him, and stalks off. Jongdae just watches him go calmly.
Joonmyun cringes. “I’m sorry about that. He’s just… it takes him time to get used to new people.”
“It’s okay,” says Jongdae, “we’ve got time to get used to each other.”
“I’d better show you where everything is, then,” starts Joonmyun, but then Jongin’s tugging on his trouser leg, and he glances down.
“Can I?” asks Jongin, eyes big and adorable. It’s one of his charms, being irresistably cute, and all the adults tend to fall for it all the time. Joonmyun likes to think he’s immune to it.
Well, most of the time. “Alright. Go ahead. Make sure you show him where the first aid kit is, remember where daddy showed you the last time? In the last drawer.”
“Okay!” says Jongin immediately, and he trots away, an amused Jongdae following after.
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 2.34p.m.
hi, just checkin w/u if snacks r ok for them
thought i might make some
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 2.35p.m.
np! that sounds nice
just nothing with peanut butter bc jongin is a bit fussy and he had a weird experience with it before
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 2.36p.m.
no pb ok got it!!!! but you gotta tell me that story sometime im curious now
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 2.37p.m.
sure haha
Jongin takes to Jongdae like a fish to water.
It’s endearing to see the little boy follow after Jongdae like a lost puppy, no matter what he’s doing, and Joonmyun’s actually glad for it. Jongin’s always been shy around strangers, and the nannies have always said he’d been too quiet, but around Jongdae, he smiles wider and laughs louder, and it warms Joonmyun’s heart to see his son cheerful again.
“And then, we made a lego house, but then Jongdae said that we should make a castle instead so the dinosaurs can have a bigger place to live, and then the cars came and attacked the castle and wanted to kidnap the princess dinosaur but then the dinosaurs ate the cars and saved the princess dinosaur and then they all had a dinosaur party,” gushes Jongin all in one go, over dinner on the first night.
Joonmyun had come home after work to see Jongin curled up in a fort of lego blocks and blankets, and Jongdae quietly watching Sehun do his homework at the dinner table. Sehun hadn’t paid much attention to Jongdae, but Joonmyun considers it a win that Jongdae hadn’t yet fled the premises.
“That’s great,” says Joonmyun gladly, and he nudges Jongin’s plate. “Come on, eat your rice.”
“Okay,” says Jongin, stuffing rice into his mouth. “An’f th’n w’play’d kr’ykey!”
“Remember, don’t talk when you’re eating, Jongin.”
The boy swallows, and says, “I said, and then we played ka-ree-oh-key!”
“What’s that?” asks Joonmyun in amusement. “Is it a board game?”
“Nuh!” Jongin shakes his head. “On Jongdae’s phone. They have words and music and you sing along to it.”
“Oh, karaoke,” says Joonmyun, laughing. “How fun.”
“Sounds boring,” says Sehun, stabbing at his vegetables with his fork.
“It wasn’t boring, take it back!” says Jongin, pouting.
Sehun’s always had a huge soft spot for Jongin, everyone knows that, and even the slightest cute expression is enough to make Sehun feel bad about anything. “Sorry,” says Sehun remorsefully, grabbing Jongin’s hand, “It’s not boring if you say it isn’t.”
Jongin beams, and holds Sehun’s hand for the rest of dinner.
“How are things?”
Joonmyun sighs, and nods. “They’re surprisingly alright, for once. It’s only been a week, so nothing’s really set in stone, yet.”
“Good.” Kyungsoo’s lips quirk up at the corners. “Have the kids tried anything, yet?”
“Well, Jongin really likes him.” Joonmyun thinks back to every night he’s come home to stories of ‘me and Jongdae did this’ and ‘Jongdae showed me that,’ and then he remembers Sehun, still refusing to get along with Jongdae. “Sehun’s still… warming up to him.”
“You mean Sehun doesn’t like him at all, don’t you,” says Kyungsoo dryly.
“He’s just shy,” says Joonmyun, but he knows that’s not true. “They’ll get along soon.”
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 3.56p.m.
sry but wanted to ask if you could extend your hours till seven just for the week? i hv some late meetings ;;
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 4.00p.m.
no it’s cool haha i don’t mind
i’ll bring some kid friendly movies over if u don’t mind
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 4.00p.m.
go ahead! and thank you so much ^_^
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 4.03p.m.
c:
Sehun only goes off to school at seven-thirty, and he isn’t enrolling Jongin into kindergarten until next year, so Joonmyun spends the earliest part of his mornings getting to know Jongdae, who always comes by at six with the brightest expression he’s ever seen on anybody who wakes up at the crack of dawn.
“It’s fine,” says Jongdae, smiling over the flask of coffee he’d brought with him, “I just figured I should be here in case you ever need to rush off quick or anything.”
“But really, Jongdae,” says Joonmyun, over his own coffee, “the kids aren’t even awake yet, and I wouldn’t want you to go to all this trouble.”
“You’re paying me, remember?” Jongdae laughs, and it’s refreshing to Joonmyun’s still slightly sleep-logged hearing. “No worries. Besides, I get to talk to you, don’t I? That’s a bonus in itself.”
Joonmyun laughs along, and pretends the embarrassed flush creeping up his neck is just a figment of his imagination.
They live in a small house on the outskirts of the city, just the three of them.
Joonmyun had never believed in big spaces, had never liked the idea of spending more than necessary, and neither had she. That was only one of the many things they’d had in common.
They’d shared a love for pastel colours and a propensity for working long hours into the night, and had hit it off after meeting at a Christmas party at the company they’d both worked at. Friendship had turned into flirting, and flirting had turned into light touches and soft smiles, and they’d fallen in love over sunsets by the docks and Chinese take-out after late meetings.
She’d been his everything.
It’s been four years, and Joonmyun still wakes up some mornings, expecting to feel the warmth of another body beside him, expecting a soft kiss to the back of his neck, expecting a whispered, sleepy, “Morning.”
Today is another one of those mornings, and the room feels empty without her presence. Joonmyun drags himself out of bed and spends a few minutes coming to his senses, just looking around the room as the sleep slips away from his mind.
Her smiling face stares at him from behind a photo frame on his desk.
Kyungsoo’s been trying to get him to start dating again, but Joonmyun’s not ready for it. It’s only been four years. Not long at all. And Joonmyun doesn’t think he can find that kind of love again.
“I can introduce you to this very nice cousin of mine,” tries Kyungsoo again, a week into June, as they’re looking over a sprawl of papers spread across a long table. They’re working late again, and Joonmyun’s glad that Jongdae had been okay with staying longer to watch the kids. It’s been a month since Jongdae has first started working for him, and he’s still around, to his surprise. “Hmm?”
Joonmyun snaps out of his thoughts, and shakes his head hurriedly. “No blind dates, no cousins, Kyungsoo, you know I don’t need a relationship now.”
“It’s been four years,” says Kyungsoo softly, and Joonmyun snorts. Exactly. Four years. “I’m not asking you to move on. I’m just asking you to think about yourself once in a while.”
“I do think about myself,” says Joonmyun indignantly. “I just… I don’t need anyone, okay?”
Kyungsoo says nothing more, but Joonmyun knows he hasn’t heard the end of it.
They end up finishing only at ten, and by the time Joonmyun manages to get home, it’s eleven, and he curses under his breath, wondering how long Jongdae’s been waiting and feeling guilty that he’d asked Jongdae to stay so long.
Opening the door slowly, he tiptoes in and glances around. The house is quiet, spare a soft voice from the living room, singing. It’s familiar, and it’s light and tinkling and something in him skitters when the voice fades. “Jongdae?” he calls, and a head pops up from the sofa, a finger pressed to his lips. “What are you-“
“Shh,” whispers Jongdae, “Sehun’s asleep.”
Joonmyun rounds the sofa, and a little smile settles in place on his features when he takes in the sight of his eldest son curled up on the sofa, clutching at a little deer plush toy.
“I’m sorry,” says Jongdae earnestly, voice low but loud enough for Joonmyun to catch, “He wanted to wait up for you and I put on a movie in hopes that he’d drift off. And I wasn’t sure if I should move him. Jongin’s already asleep in their room.”
“That’s okay.” Joonmyun slides his arms around Sehun’s little shoulders, and picks him up easily, wondering when Sehun had gotten this skinny. “Could you get the door?”
They settle Sehun into his bed, and Joonmyun pulls up the covers, pressing a chaste kiss to Sehun’s forehead.
As soon as he shuts the door behind him, he’s saying, “I am truly, truly sorry that I took so long to get back, things were taking really long at the office.”
“It’s fine,” says Jongdae, smiling. “I got to be with the kids longer. Sehun finally talked to me today.”
“He did?” Joonmyun blinks, several times. “What did he say?”
“It was amazing.” Jongdae’s smile turns teasing. “He said, ‘This movie’s not horrible.’ Can you believe it?”
Joonmyun snorts. “The way you put it sounds like he just told you the cure for cancer.”
“Hey, you never know.” Jongdae shrugs. “Frozen is a very healing film for the soul. Great soundtrack, too.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.” Joonmyun runs his fingers through his hair absentmindedly. “It’s getting late.”
Jongdae starts. “Ah, right. I should go.” He makes to move for his things, but Joonmyun steps forward hurriedly.
“No, wait.” Jongdae pauses. “You can stay over, if you want. It’s late, and it’s probably not very safe driving back at this hour alone.”
“I don’t want to intrude,” starts Jongdae hesitantly, but Joonmyun insists, and soon enough, he’s got Jongdae in the guest bedroom, saying that it’s the least he can do since he returned home so late.
“Thank you, by the way,” murmurs Joonmyun, handing Jongdae a blanket. “And congratulations on lasting a month.”
Jongdae hides a yawn behind his hand. “A month already? Time flies.” He smiles again, sleepily, and it’s contagious, the way his eyes crinkle at the corners and his lips quirk up in the smallest motion. “Thank you too, Joonmyun.”
Joonmyun nods, and backs out of the room. “Good night.”
“Night.”
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 10.10a.m.
[attachment]
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 10.10a.m.
jongin made a fingerpainting and wanted to show u :) it’s the three of u btw
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 10.12a.m.
that’s cute :) tell him i said it’s very nice
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 10.13a.m.
he says tq c: what a polite kid
he must get that from his dad ㅋㅋ ;)
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 10.14a.m.
:)
Two months in, and Jongdae’s still around.
It’s a miracle, it really is, thinks Joonmyun, coming home to Jongin immediately flinging himself at his knees, and Sehun hollering, “Hi, Dad!” from the kitchen, and seeing Jongdae’s face still as cheerful as the day he first walked into the house.
“I mean,” says Joonmyun in wonder, taking a bite of tteokbokki, “Sehun hasn’t done a single thing to him! And Jongin absolutely adores him. And Sehun is talking to him! Actual sentences!”
Kyungsoo’s slightly in awe, Joonmyun can tell, by the little bit of sauce that’s dripping onto his tie without him even noticing. “And things are alright at school?”
“Not a single phone call,” says Joonmyun proudly. “Told you hiring a male nanny would work out somehow.”
“Should probably learn his methods,” says Kyungsoo thoughtfully, and it’s only then he notices the stain on his necktie. “Ah, shit.”
He probably spoke too soon, to think of it.
It’s barely less than a week from the day he waxed lyrical about Jongdae’s caretaking abilities, and now Sehun’s back to ignoring Jongdae and fuming silently in the corner.
And this time, Joonmyun has no idea why.
But Jongdae does.
“He’s jealous,” whispers Jongdae over dinner, eyes darting to where Sehun and Jongin are watching television. Joonmyun had invited him to stay for the meal, and Jongdae had graciously accepted. “Just a little. He’ll grow out of it, don’t worry.”
“Jealous? Of what?”
“Me,” says Jongdae, clearly amused, “Jongin has a little crush, and Sehun doesn’t like the fact that I’m getting all his attention now.”
“Ah,” says Joonmyun, feeling himself smile, and the thought itself is terribly adorable. Jongin having a little kid crush on his grownup baby-sitter. “No surprise that he does,” voices Joonmyun, and Jongdae’s nose scrunches up in confusion.
“Why not?” Jongdae’s expression is almost as cute as the fact that Jongin has a crush. Wait, what? “Does he tend to have crushes on his sitters often?”
“No, no,” says Joonmyun, “well. There was that one time with the hairband girl, but then Sehun flushed her favourite bracelet down the toilet, and then she quit.” Joonmyun sighs, and flicks the memory away from his head. “No surprise, I guess, because you’re nice. And stuff.”
Jongdae raises an eyebrow. “Stuff?”
“Yeah, uh, like.” Joonmyun waves his hand. “You play with him, and tell him stories, and you make him snacks. He’s five. You’re probably his hero. Besides,” he adds, the words just coming out of his mouth, “you’re rather good-looking.”
Jongdae’s smile grows, and Joonmyun realises what he’s just said, and he hurriedly adds on to that, saying, “Not that I meant it in any other context, I mean, uh, well, you are, and I just-“
“Observation, got it.” Jongdae winks. “And thank you. You’re not too bad on the eyes yourself.”
He doesn’t know what’s worse, the fact that he’s blushing like a fourteen-year-old, or the fact that he’s inadvertently flirting with his children’s nanny, despite the fact that he’s straight. “Thank you.”
“So,” says Jongdae conversationally, not seeming to pick up on his embarrassment, or maybe he’s just politely ignoring it, “a man like you must be quite popular with the ladies.”
“Me?” Joonmyun laughs. “I haven’t seen anyone in a long time, ever since…” He trails off, thinking about her again, and he clears his throat, “… ever since my wife passed.”
“Oh,” says Jongdae, and the empathy in his voice is genuine, “oh, I’m sorry for bringing it up.” He reaches over to place a hand comfortingly on Joonmyun’s arm, and Joonmyun smiles at him, appreciating the gesture. “Their mother?”
“Yes,” says Joonmyun. “Car accident. The kids had some trouble adapting. Sehun, especially, with the sitters and all. He doesn’t like strangers.” He takes a quick glance towards where Jongin has his head on Sehun’s shoulder, about to doze off. “But you’re still here.”
“I am,” says Jongdae in understanding. “Thank you for telling me. You didn’t have to.”
“Well, you’ve done a lot of good for them,” says Joonmyun gratefully, “and things seem to be getting better. Thank you, for whatever you’re doing. It’s working.”
Jongdae laughs, and the sound is breezy. It reminds Joonmyun of old memories by the sea. “I guess that’s why you pay me, then.”
He sees Jongdae off when he leaves, and as he stands on the porch, Jongdae says suddenly, “Would you mind if I took the kids somewhere nice, next week? That is, if it’s okay with you. Maybe Lotte World, or something.”
Joonmyun feels his heart tighten a little. Ever since he started working compulsively after her death, he hasn’t had the time to take them anywhere. But Jongdae is here, and his eyes are bright and his smile is warm, and it floods Joonmyun’s heart with a new will. “Sure thing. Bring back some cotton candy, will you?”
“Of course I will,” says Jongdae easily, stepping off the porch, hands in his coat pockets. “See you, Joonmyun.”
“Drive safe,” calls Joonmyun, just as Jongdae slips into his beat-up sedan, and waves back at him.
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.34a.m.
ヽ(°o° )ノ
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.36a.m.
somebody’s excited i see
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.37a.m.
〜(￣o￣〜)
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.37a.m.
u should see jongin he’s bouncing off the walls
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.38a.m.
cute ^^
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.39a.m.
sehun knows how to smileeeeeeeeee wowowowow sry lol
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.40a.m.
take a picture ㅋㅋ
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.39a.m.
[attachment]
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.40a.m.
tell him to comb his hair haha he looks excited
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.41a.m.
i may hv promised 1 or 7 rollercoaster rides >.>
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.42a.m.
jongin said he doesnt want those so we’re gonna do the teacup ride about 48938 times first
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.43a.m.
no more than 4 he gets nauseous sometimes
also gd luck lol don’t let him fall off he likes to climb things
but you know that already
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.44a.m.
no fear my friend（＾u＾）my little kimjongbro is in good hands
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.45a.m.
have fun ok! ^^ tell them i said hi
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.47a.m.
[attachment]
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.48a.m.
they said they’ll bring u some presents and jongin says he wants to c u
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.50a.m.
[attachment]
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.51a.m.
wow mr handsome office dad check u out
jongin says u look very work yes he used it as an adjective
sehun says comb ur own hair ㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎ
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.52a.m.
that little brat =.=
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.52a.m.
hahahahahahahaaaa
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.53a.m.
want to beat the morning traffic so we’re gonna go now~
from: joonmyun
to: a@kimjongdae
at 8.54a.m.
drive safe! :)
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.55a.m.
we’ll be thinking of u! hv fun at work~!
from: a@kimjongdae
to: joonmyun
at 8.55a.m.
:))))
“You’re smiling at your phone,” notes Kyungsoo. “Scored a date?”
Joonmyun splutters. “I was texting Jongdae.” He clicks his phone off, and sets it on the table. “He’s taking Jongin and Sehun to Lotte World today.”
“Jongdae,” hums Kyungsoo, eyes glinting with a hint of something. Joonmyun hates it when Kyungsoo’s eyes glint; it means he’s got something insidious planned in that evil little brain of his. “You’re both becoming quite close, aren’t you?”
“Of course,” says Joonmyun, eyebrows furrowing, “why wouldn’t we be? I see him every day when he comes over for the kids.”
“Hmm,” is all Kyungsoo says, floating away with a stack of files in his hands, “hmm.”
part two.