The Remains Of Our Colorless Goodbye

Chapter 14

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"Jeongguk?"

Running away is always the first instinct Jeongguk would do in situations like this.

Running away has been his defense mechanism.

And running away sounds so good right now too but something about Seokjin, almost flying the distance between them, keeps his feet rooted on the ground.

He can't do any excessive movement, like his body knew that he can't escape anymore so it comes to the perfect resolve of just bracing him for the impact that's about to come.

"Y-you didn't say you have a pup?" is the first question that fall out of Seokjin's mouth when he got closer to them, eyes focused on the said pup's direction.

No. There's no harsh impact at all.

His voice is soft, cautious, and friendly, unlike how Jeongguk had thought it'll be in his imagination of the 'worst case scenarios'.

"I thought he looks familiar, and it must be because of you." Seokjin says again, smiling at the dumbfounded Jeongguk, "His scent have a hint of yours too and--"

"We need to go now."

Seokjin's smile left so fast at that, brows furrowing, "Don't you have something to tell me?"

"I-I don't have anything to tell you."

That comes out defensive, and the stutters made it more unconvincing, but Seokjin, if he ever noticed it, didn't call the younger out for that.

If anything, he just stepped back, once, twice.

"Fine..." He whispered.

Nodding his head to convince himself more than the latter.

"Fine, I won't ask you." This time his words are clearer and marked with finality, "But can I see him again please?"

Jeongguk stiffened at that, arms protectively hugging his son, as his wide eyes search for any bluff or malicious intent on Seokjin's expression.

"Seojung-ah..."

It's safe to say, he didn't saw any.

"Seojung-ah, can you turn around and face Seokjin-hyung?"

The obedient kid,--who's been hiding his face on his appa's neck the whole time,--nods and immediately do what he's been asked.

Then like grace, it made Seokjin's smile slowly comes back. From his lips till it reaches his eyes

"He's adorable..." he told Jeongguk breathlessly.

Though he can't look Seokjin straight in the eyes, and he thinks he'll get more awkward, the distance between them is still bugging Jeongguk's conscience so much. So he eliminate it himself by walking forward and putting Seojung down in front of Seokjin.

Seokjin, who immediately understood what's Jeongguk doing, kneeled down to be on the kid's level again, and this time he made sure to look at kid's face longer. Memorizing the details.

"Hi." He greeted, can't stop his smile from getting wider.

"Hi uncle Jinnie!"

It takes Seokjin a lot to stop himself from wincing at that, but he succeeds anyways.

"How old is he?"

"You said you won't ask?!"

"Right. I-I'm sorry."