𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 ; 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐦𝐢𝐧

The Unexpected Reunion

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Reunion

Renjun's heart swelled with affection as he gazed at his twin sons, Jikyu and Juyeo, preparing for their first day of pre-kindergarten. The boys were dressed in their best outfits, thanks to Renjun's careful attention. His smile was a mix of pride and bittersweet nostalgia.

"Dada, I don't want to go to school," Jikyu complained, his bottom lip trembling.

Renjun knelt down to Jikyu's level, trying to lift his spirits. "But remember, you want to be an astronaut, right? Going to school is the first step to learning and reaching for the stars. You'll get to go to the moon someday!"

Jikyu's eyes brightened. "Yeah! I want to go to the moon!" he said enthusiastically. Moments later, he reappeared with a toy spaceship in hand. "Vroom vroom! Okay, Dada, I'll go to school so I can be an astronaut!"

Renjun chuckled, his heart warming at his son's determination. "That's the spirit!"

"Daddy, can I check your heartbeat now?" Juyeo asked, holding his small toy stethoscope.

Renjun bent down, allowing Juyeo to listen to his heartbeat. Juyeo placed the stethoscope on Renjun's chest, then put the earpieces in his own ears. "Hmm. Great! You're very healthy, Daddy!" he declared with a proud smile.

"Yay! Daddy is healthy!" Jikyu cheered, pulling Juyeo into a hug. They giggled together, sharing a tender moment.

"Alright, Papa and Dada will be here to pick you up soon!" Renjun announced.

Just then, the doorbell rang. The twins raced to the door, with Juyeo opening it to reveal Jeno and Jaemin. The sight of them sent a pang of mixed emotions through Renjun. The men who had hurt him were now standing in his doorway.

The part of him that had once craved their affection now battled with the hurt they caused. He wasn't sure if he wanted to embrace them or shut the door on them forever.

"You guys are adorable! Look at you! Renjunnie really dressed you two up for school!" Jaemin cooed, his voice filled with warmth.

"Renjunnie, can we talk?" Jeno asked, his voice tentative. He wanted to approach Renjun but respected the distance needed.

Renjun crossed his arms, struggling to keep his composure. "Take the twins to the car. They don't need to hear this."

Jaemin picked up the twins, giving them their tablets to keep them occupied. "Jikyu likes space adventures, and Juyeo enjoys playing his doctor game," he explained as he led them to the car.

"What did you want to talk about, Jeno? About how you cheated on me with this Haechan guy and now you're trying to be involved in the twins' lives? If that's it, then we don't have much to discuss," Renjun said, his voice tinged with anger.

Jeno winced. The truth was painful, and he and Jaemin deeply regretted their actions. They had made mistakes they couldn't undo.

"I know, I know," Jeno said softly, taking a cautious step forward. Renjun's anger was palpable, and he knew the consequences of crossing him.

"Then why did you do it?" Renjun demanded, tears welling in his eyes. "I loved you both with all my heart, and this is how you repay me? By betraying me?"

"Haechan—he's not a slut. He's just himself," Jeno defended.

"So you care more about Haechan than me. Get out of my house, Jeno."

"No! We don't care about Haechan. He's married, and we don't want him. We want you. We've always wanted you. From the first day we met you, even when you were gruff and unapproachable, we found it endearing. We learned the little things about you," Jeno said, his voice trailing off.

"Like how you wear cucumber pajamas even though you claim not to like them, and how you always brush your teeth first thing in the morning so you can give us good morning kisses," Jaemin added, stepping inside.

"Or how you sing the same song every time you cook," Jaemin continued.

"We love you, Renjunnie, and we won't stop loving you," Jaemin said, tears in his eyes.

Renjun sighed, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "But that didn't stop you from cheating on me. Just go."

Jeno and Jaemin exchanged a look, their faces filled with regret. "We want you back, Renjunnie," Jeno said quietly.

Jaemin added, "We miss you and the twins. We want to hold you again."

The room fell silent as Renjun processed their words. Finally, he walked up to them and said, "Well, what are you waiting for? Hug me."

With relieved smiles, Jeno and Jaemin embraced Renjun, holding him close.

"Does this mean you'll take us back?" Jaemin asked hopefully.

"No."

Jaemin and Jeno looked at each other, their faces falling. "Can we come back after we drop the twins off?" Jaemin asked.

"Maybe," Renjun replied, his voice softening.

Later, Renjun sat in bed, scrolling through Instagram when Jeno and Jaemin entered his room.

"How did you guys get in?" Renjun asked, surprised.

"Spare key," Jaemin said casually, as he and Jeno settled on the bed.

"When did you two get a spare key?" Renjun asked, puzzled.

"We've had it for a while," Jaemin confessed.

"So, why did you come over?" Renjun asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Jaemin smiled, grabbing Renjun's arm. "We want our Renjunnie," he said with an affectionate tone.

Renjun rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. "You know I hate it when you do that. Please stop."

"Sorry, Renjunnie," Jaemin said with a playful pout.

"Hey, Gege!" Chenle's voice came through the phone. "Where's the baby?"

"Wow, no 'hey' back. How rude," Chenle teased. "Chiwon is asleep. Jisung just finished feeding him."

"Let me see him, please," Renjun requested eagerly.

Chenle switched the camera to show the baby in the crib. "He's so cute. Can I have him and you take the twins?"

"Sorry, Gege, but I don't think Jisung will agree. I can bring him over later when he wakes up," Chenle said.

Renjun nodded. "Alright. Don't forget, I want to hold him."

"I won't," Chenle assured before ending the call.

"Dada!" Jikyu burst in, running to hug Renjun. "Today we learned about astronauts and planets! My teacher even said he'll buy me an astronaut suit!"

Juyeo was fast asleep in Jeno's arms.

"That's great, Jikyu! I'm glad you enjoyed your first day of pre-kindergarten. How about you go watch TV while I make dinner?" Renjun suggested, patting Jikyu's head.

"Okay, Dada!" Jikyu exclaimed, running to the couch to watch TV.

"I'll put Juyeo to bed," Jeno said, walking down the hallway.

Renjun headed to the kitchen and donned his apron.

"So...can we stay for dinner?" Jaemin asked, hugging Renjun from behind.

"Yeah, Chenle and Jisung are coming over, so I guess you and Jeno can stay," Renjun replied. Despite his frustration, he felt a part of him wanted to welcome them back.

Renjun leaned into Jaemin's embrace. "But don't get too comfortable. You're not spending the night."

"And what are you two doing?" Jeno asked, walking into the kitchen.

Renjun gently pushed Jaemin away. "Don't get too comfortable," he repeated.

"Alright, alright. We won't," Jeno said, giving Renjun a reassuring smile.

"Good," Renjun replied, his tone softening as he prepared for dinner.