ʙᴇʜɪɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴜʀᴛᴀɪɴꜱ| ateez

✭𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑✭

-WOOYOUNG-

Jihoon had said 'yes' to my high school proposal, despite its cringe-worthy delivery, and I couldn't help but beam with joy. Today, I was taking our twins, Nari and Seo Jun, shopping, giving Jihoon some quiet time with friends. As I gathered the babies' things, a smile spread across my face, but a bittersweet memory flickered through my mind-the time Jihoon lost his memory.

Thankfully, those challenging days were behind us. Now, we were just two happy fathers, raising our beautiful twins. With our wedding on the horizon, I knew we'd soon be building a new life in a bigger home-a fresh start for our expanded family

I carefully lifted Nari into her car seat just as Jihoon entered, a hint of confusion in his eyes. I met his gaze with a gentle smile, the kind that spoke volumes without a word.

"Are you okay, baby?" I asked. His response was a soft smile and a nod, the simplicity of the gesture conveying his trust.

"Are you going somewhere?" His voice was tender, his lips brushing my forehead in a kiss that felt like reassurance. I nodded, choosing silence over words, letting our shared understanding fill the space between us.

"I'll be back soon; I have a little shopping to do," I murmured, the words barely above a whisper, sharing the secret of tonight's menu. "I'll be cooking your favorite." His smile was my reward, tender and knowing.

He responded with a twinkle in his eye, "No, I just need you back safe-and quick from the shop." The playful note in his voice filled the space between us with warmth.

Seo Jun, with his curious eyes, watched as I adjusted his car seat straps, ensuring his comfort. "I'll be back before you know it, my love," I promised, sealing the vow with a kiss that spoke of the quiet depth of our shared life. "Then, I'll start cooking." The promise of a favorite meal lingered in the air as I stepped away, carrying with me the image of Jihoon's smile and the anticipation of our evening together.

With a final check to ensure Seo Jun was snug and secure, I straightened up to find Jihoon leaning against the doorframe, the soft light from the kitchen casting a gentle glow around him. "Drive carefully," he said, the hint of concern in his voice belied by the playful glint in his eyes.

"I always do," I replied with a confident smile, feeling the comforting weight of routine and the joy of the ordinary. "And I'll hurry back so we can enjoy that meal together."

He nodded, his gaze following me as I moved around to the driver's side. Slipping into the seat, I caught a glimpse of him through the rearview mirror, his figure framed by the doorway, a steadfast presence in the tapestry of our family life.

As I started the engine, a sense of purpose settled within me. This wasn't just any routine trip to the store; it was another stitch in the fabric of our memories, a simple thread in the complex weave of our days. With a gentle wave, I pulled away, already imagining returning to the comforting arms of jihoon.

The car ride is peaceful, punctuated by the soft pops of bubbles courtesy of the twins in the backseat. Their innocent curiosity is a soothing backdrop to my own growing excitement. As the shopping center looms into view, I can feel a flutter in my stomach - today is about more than errands; it's about solidifying promises.

I park with care, my movements becoming brisk and purposeful as I assemble the pushchair. Lifting each car seat, I secure Nari and Seo Jun into their mobile perch, their squeals of delight a chorus to my heart's song.