Toddler - [TAEBIN FF]

Chapter 17

🎶: 'She's in the Rain' by The Rose

Nobody will ever be able to answer how Taehyun and Soobin recovered after an emotional episode like that, but they did.

And now, they were on their way back to the station, as Soobin drove Taehyun back per his request.

"You know, could you perhaps—" Taehyun began.

"Pick up or watch over Juhyeok while you're at work? Sure," Soobin interrupted with a smile.

"Look at you picking up my words."

"I know I'm smooth."

"Yeah yeah."

Taehyun sighed.

"I will have to get used to this."

"Mhm. Have fun."

"Thanks a lot."

"Hey."

Soobin took his palm into his, keeping one hand on the wheel and mysteriously not crashing the car. Because Taehyun definitely would have with how flustered he got.

"You can trust me. Really."

"I'll try."

Never hurts to do that... right?

"So," Soobin began.

"What?"

"Can I get your phone number?"

"You have my Discord?"

"Your phone number it is."

"God are you annoying!"

Soobin only chuckled in return.

Moments later, he dropped Taehyun off at the police station and gave him a warm smile.

"Until next time."

Taehyun nodded.

"Yes, I'll... keep you posted."

"Alright."

Soobin rolled the window back up, and started the engine again, driving off.

Taehyun watched him leave, and exhaled quietly.

So... that just really happened. I found what I was looking for... then why do I still find myself hesitating...

He sighed, and fished his phone out of his pocket, and instantly dialed someone.

"Hyung, are you free? Can you and Kai come over? We need to talk."

+x+

As Soobin drove back to school, he passed by a toy store with a bright and colorful sign arched over the door.

He glanced at the clock above his navigation system, seeing he had a little over an hour left of his morning break.

Making up his mind, Soobin pulled into a parking spot on the street, left and locked his car, before walking inside the store.

He scanned the shelves full of toys, from stuffed animals to board games to Lego sets, and on and on and on. There simply was so much to choose from; he had no idea where to begin.

"Excuse me?"

Soobin turned around, coming face to face with an assistant, based on the nametag and polo shirt with the logo embroidered over the left chest.

"Yes?" he replied.

"How may I help you?"

"I'm here to buy a gift for a friend's first grader child; do you perhaps have a particular suggestion? There are so many to choose from."