“Noona, I thought he was supposed to come in two weeks,” Taeyong said, blinking in genuine surprise as he adjusted Hyunseong on his hip, one arm automatically securing the boy like it was muscle memory by now.
She laughed softly, that familiar, warm sound that always grounded him. “That was the plan, yes. But this little one suddenly decided he needed his uncle,” she said, nudging HyunSeong gently.
“We’re only here for a short visit, and HyunSeongie insisted—insisted—on staying with you for the weekend. Is that okay for you?” Her eyes softened immediately as she looked at her brother, already knowing the answer but still asking out of respect.
Taeyong glanced down at the boy, who was now proudly clinging to his neck like a koala. Hyunseong’s eyes sparkling. “I was very, very good, so Mommy said yes!”
Taeyong chuckled, his shoulders relaxing without him even noticing. “You always win with that face,” he murmured fondly.
“I said he has to ask you himself first,” his sister clarified. Taeyong chuckled. “Because if he asks himself, I can’t resist him?” he teased.
“Hey, I didn’t told him that, he figures that out himself!” his sister laughed.
Taeyong looked down at his nephew again, who still clung at him like a koala.
“Aii, you’re a clever little boy, are you?” he pinched his nephews nose.
“So, it’s fine if he stays?” his sister asked again.
Now, Taeyong looked up at his sister again.
“Uh… usually, yes, but—” Taeyong hesitated, instinctively glancing over his shoulder at the younger members lingering nearby, half-curious, half-eavesdropping as always.
“The thing is,” he continued carefully, “some of us are leaving tonight for a job. We’ll be back around Wednesday. That means only the youngest would stay here… and a few of the WayV members.”
His tone wasn’t worried—but protective. Responsible. The kind of tone that came from years of being forced to think three steps ahead.
His sister nodded slowly, immediately understanding the unspoken concern.
She waved her hand lightly. “If it’s too much, I can take him back with me.” she said gently. “He was just really happy to see you again.”
Hyunseong immediately protested by tightening his grip around Taeyong’s neck.
“Nooo—Uncle!” he whined dramatically, burying his face in Taeyong’s shoulder.
Taeyong laughed, a real laugh, the kind that barely showed up these days.
Then her gaze shifted, sharp but playful, scanning the unfamiliar face nearby. “But—” she smiled knowingly, “I see you have a new member.”
“Actually… two,” Taeyong replied, smiling faintly. “The other one is upstairs. He’s Jaehyun’s younger brother.”
“Brother?” she echoed, stopping mid-step. “Ah—so he tol—uhm……” She stopped herself, catching Taeyong’s look. “He has a brother?”
Taeyong narrowed his eyes at her. “Why do you sound like you almost knew that already?”
She raised both hands innocently. “I didn’t! I swear!”
Taeyong raised an eyebrow.
“I thought he didn’t have any siblings?” she added carefully.
“So did we,” Taeyong admitted with a sigh. “Surprise of the year.” Then he turned, clapping a hand lightly on Shotaro’s shoulder, pulling him closer, infront of him. “Anyway—this is Shotaro. He’s from Japan.”
“Oh!” Her face lit up instantly. “Hello, Shotaro!” she stepped closer with genuine warmth. “It’s so nice to meet you. I hope my brother is taking good care of you—and that you feel comfortable around these clowns.”
She gestured vaguely toward the others. Several of the boys protested in unison.
Shotaro just laughed, his smile bright and sincere.
