"appa... not comfy," Daeun whined as they approached the conference room.
nervous about the upcoming interview, Mark held her tightly for comfort, his grip was a bit too strong for her small frame. Haechan who was walking behind them, noticed and mouthed to Daeun, "do you want to come here?"
he held his arms open, inviting her into them and she nodded guiltily.
"Mark hyung, let me have a squeeze. i haven't had my appa cuddles yet today," the younger said, reaching out.
Daeun reached across into his grip, leaving the leader's arm although he reluctantly let her go.
" let's go.." she mumbled as Haechan kissed her cheek and continued walking to the dressing room.
they were all going to appear with her on the show, so they'd have their hair and makeup done. as for the kid, they decided to leave Daeun untouched, except some touch ups for her hair.
Jaemin had picked out her outfit that morning, a plain textured dress from Miu Miu paired with white Doc Martens, looking ready as Jeno carried her into the dressing room, where a bunch of cooing stylists awaited. lver time, they had all come to adore her.
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she sat nicely playing with her baby doll, occasionally stealing curious glances at her surroundings until it was time to go on.
as they're about to head to the main event, she clung tightly to Mark's shirt as he carried her to the host's studio.
Mark, Renjun, Chenle, and Haechan sat on the sofa while Jaemin, Jeno, and Jisung sat on stools behind. Daeun got to sit on Mark's lap, just as she had requested.
the female host introduced herself, and Daeun suddenly felt nervous, clinging tighter to Mark. he returned the grip, holding her close as she sat on his lap, her little fists clutching his shirt.
"so many people," she whispered to Mark. Renjun overheard and reassured her, "It's okay, appas got you, Daeun."
after introductions, the host jumped into the questions. "so, which one of you is the dad?" she asked with a smile. the boys glanced at each other.
"we all are," Mark said matter-of-fact, and the host looked surprised.
"wow, Daeun! seven dads! you're very lucky!"
Daeun glanced at Mark and Renjun. "just answer with whatever you want, little one," Mark encouraged.
"ye-yes?"
"ah! so you do talk! and which one does Daeun love the best?"
"Daeun love... all," she responded in a small voice, still clutching Mark. the host laughed hearing her endearing response.
"aw that's so cute of you, sweetheart. so, what does everyone make of your daughter, if i may ask?"
"so actually, no one outside the company has met her properly yet. and by the time this iv is out, probably she would had been introduced to everyone, but it's irrelevant what people may make of it. we love her the way she is, and that won't change," Haechan answered.
the host nodded before continuing. "splendid. and how did you come to be a dad? how does one go about adopting this adorable, bubbly girl?" she asked, making eye contact with Jeno.
"long story short, she kinda found us. we were filming a TV show, and she was sitting alone on the floor. Daeun took an instant shine to Mark, and she left quite an impression on him. as a group, we decided we'd like to give her a permanent home full of love and giggles," Jeno explained, grinning at Daeun and reaching over to squeeze her knee, which always tickled her and made her giggle adorably.
"absolutely amazing. and you're happy here, Daeun? do you get the attention you need from your dads?" the host asked, noticing Daeun's dizziness from the lengthy questions.
Daeun, hearing the word "happy," turned around to see everyone looking at her. she clapped and nodded in Mark's lap, thinking they were giving her all their attention.
the host continued asking questions, like their future plans and long time goals and the interview eventually came to an end. Chenle scooped her up into his arms as they started to walk off stage.
"well done, baba's girl. you did so well," Renjun smiled, walking behind them. Daeun gave him her best smile before shuffling her position in Chenle's arms to look forward to where they were going next.
