Snail Concept 🐌 yungi [⏹]

12

Mingi's fear didn't subside until a few days later. 

Fortunately, Yunho was able to come home from work earlier than usual, so he didn't have to let Mingi spend the evening alone. Although there was Kyunghwa, it felt the same to him. Now he was getting used to the night and dark spaces again, unlike before when he would immediately scream and cry if Yunho accidentally left him in the room at night. There was nothing to be afraid of, really. Kyunghwa had even been startled multiple times by Mingi’s screams. At nearly one year old, Kyunghwa was acting more mature, perhaps even more so than Mingi. She rarely cried now, only occasionally, like when Yunho took away the spatula she was playing with.

"My stomach hurts."

Yunho immediately went to Mingi, who was about to enter the bathroom, after he complained about his stomach pain. With his condition, Yunho could only assume one thing: Mingi was having contractions. He quickly guided him to breathe better, gently rubbing his stomach, and helping him through the discomfort.

"Are you okay now?"

"Yes, I'm okay."

Initially, Yunho wanted to help Mingi wash himself. Just to bathe him, nothing more. He was worried that if Mingi had another contraction in the bathroom and he didn't notice. Mingi often panicked over everything, especially anything concerning his baby. But Mingi said it was okay, he could handle it himself. So, to be cautious, Yunho chose to stand outside the bathroom door, keeping an eye on Mingi.

"Shall I dry your hair?"

"But I can do it myself."

"It's fine. Just sit still."

Yunho took Mingi, who had finished dressing, to the mirror, sitting him down carefully before helping to dry and comb his hair. It wasn't a difficult task. Mingi could do it without hurting himself. However, Yunho didn't want to leave Mingi to do things on his own. He wanted to help, making Mingi feel lighter with all his routines.

"Yunho, I came up with a name for our baby. I thought of it while bathing."

"Really? What’s our little prince's name?" Yunho asked as he lowered himself, gently stroking Mingi’s stomach.

"Jung Joohwan. If you don't like it, you can change—"

"I like it!" Yunho interjected, not wanting Mingi to continue doubting himself. Besides, he wasn’t lying. He liked the name Mingi chose.

Returning to his task, Yunho slowly combed Mingi’s dry hair, making sure his long bangs didn't cover his eyes. Not wanting it to be a distraction, he clipped a pink hairpin in Mingi’s hair, holding his bangs back. He glanced at Mingi’s reflection in the mirror.

"Yunho, I don’t like it. My chubby cheeks are more visible. I look ugly."

"Who says that? You’re beautiful. Look, this pink pin suits your pretty face perfectly."

Yunho gently pulled Mingi’s face towards him, kissing his lips several times. Just as he was about to praise Mingi again, he heard him moaning. He was having another contraction.

"Yunho, what if something happens to Joohwan? What if he’s sick? What if—"

"No, Mingi. It’s just a contraction. Don’t worry. Now, breathe slowly with me."

It took about five minutes for Mingi to calm down again. Yunho eased the previous pain with a comforting embrace, diverting him attention for a while. He looked at the person in front of him. So beautiful. For the umpteenth time, Yunho wondered why Mingi thought he was ugly.

As they enjoyed another night, Mingi decided to watch an animated movie this time. He had been alone until Yunho came and lay down using his thigh as a pillow. He reached for Mingi’s fingers, then kissed the back of his hand gently.

"Joohwan, how are you? Are you okay? Papa has been waiting for you. Be careful, don’t keep Daddy worried."

Yunho unbuttoned all of Mingi’s shirt buttons, then rubbed his stomach.

"He’s moving a lot," Mingi said as Yunho gently poked his stomach, making him giggle as Yunho rubbed his face against it and continued kissing his clean belly. "It tickles, Yunho."

Forgetting the movie, Mingi joined in stroking Yunho’s head, smiling at the interaction, before another contraction hit him. This time, it wasn’t as painful as before. Maybe because Yunho was continuously stroking his stomach and occasionally kissing it. This position was actually comfortable for both Yunho and Mingi. They wished it could stay like this until they heard a loud cry. Kyunghwa must be awake.

Yunho quickly ran to their room, then returned with Kyunghwa, who looked swollen with red, chubby cheeks. He sat Kyunghwa down and began to breastfeed her calmly while watching the movie he had just put on. Mingi, next to him, played with Kyunghwa’s tiny fingers, giving her many smiles until she detached from Yunho.

"Daddy!"

"Do you want to hug your little brother? Come here."

Mingi placed Kyunghwa on his lap, guiding her tiny hand to hug his belly when their daughter instead reached for Mingi’s shoulder and began to nurse from his breast. Yunho, seeing this, was also surprised. Mingi might not have milk yet.

"There’s no milk yet, Kyunghwa."

Instead of being disappointed, Mingi pushed Kyunghwa away. But then, something else surprised him. Milk began to leak from his breast, making his eyes widen in surprise, as did Yunho. Kyunghwa cried loudly in his embrace, still unsatisfied with the milk she had drunk. Without thinking further, Mingi pulled Kyunghwa back, nursing her in a better position.

A few tears fell as Kyunghwa became more comfortable in his arms. Her tiny hand moved gently over Mingi’s stomach, stroking it softly. Her eyes blinked cutely, enjoying her current state. Yunho also helped wipe Mingi’s tears, kissing his right cheek gently while stroking his head.

Kyunghwa released her lips for a moment, laughing softly at Mingi’s happy smile. Her hand, which had been stroking Mingi’s stomach, now patted Mingi’s face, wiping away his tears.

"Yes, Kyunghwa. Daddy won’t cry anymore."

Mingi offered his breast again, letting Kyunghwa nurse. It felt ticklish. Mingi laughed softly at the sensation. His fingers stroked Kyunghwa’s cheek gently, smiling again at his daughter, who was comfortably nestled in his arms.

"Ouch!" Mingi suddenly groaned as Kyunghwa bit him. Apparently, nursing was difficult. "Yunho, did you never complain while nursing Kyunghwa? I admire you. It hurts even now, and you had to do it every day like this. You’re amazing."

Yunho blushed at the praise. Mingi was about to give another compliment when Joohwan kicked again.

"What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you upset that your sister is drinking milk first? It’s okay. She’s the one helping the milk come out. There’s still plenty for you."

Mingi gently stroked his stomach, with Kyunghwa now moving away. She looked up, smiling at Mingi.

"Do you like it, Hwa? Come here, give Daddy a kiss first."

Kyunghwa stood on Mingi’s lap, kissing his right cheek.

"Your little brother wants a kiss too."

Kyunghwa laughed as Yunho sat her down, guiding her tiny hand to gently poke Mingi’s stomach. Her smile widened when she got a response, excitedly watching Mingi’s belly ripple and move after she poked it. Kyunghwa looked up at her parents before continuing to poke Mingi’s stomach with her index finger. Giggling, she gave Mingi’s stomach a rough pat.

"Kyunghwa, don’t do that, sweetheart. You need to be nice to your little brother." Yunho reached for Kyunghwa’s fingers, guiding her to stroke Mingi’s stomach more gently. Again, she laughed as she saw the waves made by her brother inside.

Mingi smiled as Kyunghwa took the initiative to hug his stomach and kiss it repeatedly. He knew Kyunghwa would be a good older sister, and Mingi and Yunho both thought the same.

About ten minutes later, Kyunghwa fell asleep still hugging Mingi’s stomach. They took her to the bedroom and put her to sleep carefully.