Jaemin walked past Mark's room, noting the closed door and unusual silence. he gave a gentle knock, but there was no answer. slowly opening the door, he was greeted with the sweetest sight he'd ever seen.
Mark lay asleep on his back, his left arm wrapped around Daeun. her head rested in the nook of his shoulder, mouth open and drooling onto his T-shirt. the bed was surrounded by tissues, syringes from Calpol doses throughout the night, empty cups of water, plushies scattered everywhere, and she was wearing another set of clean pajamas.
smiling to himself, Jaemin snapped a picture, then quietly shut the door, leaving them to sleep. they clearly had a rough night.
he joined the others in the living room and sat at the kitchen island, munching on boiled eggs.
"did you wake Mark hyung up?" Haechan asked.
Jaemin shook his head, showing them the picture on his phone. "wahh quiet a rough night over there. i hope she's okay," Haechan said, looking sad. no one wants their daughter to be sick, after all.
the others gathered around to see the photo, their expressions softening at the sight.
"poor thing," Jisung muttered. "she looks so small next to Mark."
"she'll be fine as long as we keep her medication on track, guys. chill," Renjun grinned, walking off to his room, proud of his heroic performance last night when everyone else was panicking.
an hour later, Mark emerged from the room, carrying a sleepy but slightly brighter Daeun in his arms. "look who's awake," Mark said, smiling tiredly. "are you hungry, little one?"
he'd dressed in a sleeveless white top and sweatpants, ready for dance practice. he had dressed Daeun in a light tracksuit, comfortable for the day ahead, as she still wasn't feeling well. his hair was ruffled and fluffy, and he had left hers loose, hanging down her back and shoulders since she was cranky when he tried to tie it.
"you both look fcked," Haechan whispered the last word, lightly got smacked on the back of his head for his bad language.
"we are. we've been up most of the night. hop down for a sec, baby. i need to pack some things for you today, okay?" Mark said, stifling a yawn and trying to pry her hands from his neck. she started to whine.
"appa nooooo," she whimpered, welling up as soon as her feet touched the floor. she clung to the hem of his shirt. letting out a tired sigh, Mark was about to pick her up again when Jaemin stepped in to save the clearly exhausted Mark.
"hey angel, i will carry you, okay? appa is tired. come here," he smiled his best eye smile as she pattered over to him.
Daeun hesitated for a moment, then reached up for Jaemin, who scooped her up effortlessly. "there we go. let's give appa a break, hmm?"
he picked her up, and she instantly rested her head on his shoulder, her tiredness taking hold even though she'd been up for less than 15 minutes.
Mark shot Jaemin a grateful look. "thanks, Jaemin. i really appreciate it."
Mark traipsed back upstairs to pack a bag with toys, poppits, juice, snacks, Calpol, and her sippy cup. once he was done, he took a moment to stretch and collect himself.
Jaemin was in his element, carrying Daeun around. he sat on the sofa with her still clinging to his front, refusing to be alone for more than a few seconds. he ran his fingers through her hair, thinking about how they'd have to dance and she'd have to be alone.
he carried Daeun over to the kitchen, where the others were finishing up breakfast. "look who decided to join us," he said, setting her down in a booster seat next to Haechan.
"good morning," he greeted, handing her a piece of fruit.
finished munching on her food, she sat up a little, lifting her arms to him with a pouty face. Haechan instantly give her what she wanted.
"come here, my poorly baby girl. i got you," he cooed, nuzzling his nose on top of her head.
Daeun put her thumb in her mouth, fisting Haechan's shirt with her spare hand, and observed her surroundings with her head on his shoulder as he carried her. everyone was getting ready to leave, and she felt crappy and didn't want to go anywhere.
luckily, Mark came back downstairs with a small Trunki loaded with things to keep her happy while they worked. a small smile crept across her face as he met her eyes.
"having fun there, little one?" he smiled, watching her smile grow as Haechan pampered her. she nodded, and Mark chuckled as he put the snacks Renjun had packed into a lunch box for her.
"let's go?" Jeno asked, standing next to Haechan and stroking Daeun's soft hand that was clutching his jumper.
everyone started to grab their belongings. Jisung grabbed Daeun's trunki for Mark, and Renjun put one of her pink bucket hats and a pink face mask in his pocket, ready for the car exit at the studio. you never knew who might be hanging around outside the SM building. she stayed in Haechan's arms as they made their way out of the building.
