they gathered around a large table filled with snacks and drinks, taking the opportunity to recharge during a short break before transitioning to the next part of their schedule. Daeun was still a bundle of joy, nibbling on a cookie while swinging her legs, watching few of them napping.
the director announced that it was time to move to the next set for individual interviews. everyone began to make their way to the interview area, but Daeun was too caught up in a game of hide-and-seek with Yuta to notice.
"hide well, Daeunie," he called out, pretending to search high and low for Daeun.
she giggled from her hiding spot behind a large potted plant. just as Yuta was about to "find" her, she darted out and running straight into a stranger.
"oh! you okay?" the man was startled to see her coming out from behind the plant pot. he helped her to stand as she fell on her butt, bumped onto his leg.
meanwhile, Daeun too was shocked herself. she thought the walking man was her uncle Yuta so she launched herself without thinking much. turns out the man was far from any familiar faces she known.
"are you lost? what's your name?" Jihoon crouched in front of her, concern etched on his face.
Daeun, still taken aback, hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Daeun." Jihoon smiled warmly. "ahhh Daeun. do you know where NCT are?"
he heard about her on the SNS, just knew her name but hardly get to see her despite been doing challenge with Haechan for their comeback.
she shook her head, looking around with wide eyes. she only realised that she was far away after running around the corridor.
Jihoon took her small hand in his. "let's go find them, okay? i think i know where they might be."
just then, Yuta appeared, slightly out of breath from searching for her. "there you are, little troublemaker! i was so close to finding you!"
Daeun's face lit up again as she ran to Yuta, hugging his leg tightly. "uncle Yuta!" Yuta patted her head reassuringly before turning to Jihoon. "thank you for finding her. she tends to get a bit adventurous."
Jihoon chuckled. "no problem at all, hyung. she's adorable. just wanted to make sure she was okay."
Yuta nodded in appreciation, then scooped Daeun up into his arms. "let's get you back to the others, okay?" Daeun nodded, waving goodbye to Jihoon as Yuta carried her away.
back in the main area, the ilichil were preparing for their next segment of the shoot. Mark spotted Yuta carrying Daeun and walked over, relieved to see her safe. "there she is. i was wondering where this little explorer went."
"she had a bit of an adventure," Yuta said, setting Daeun down gently. "but she's back now."
after a while, Mark, who had been keeping an eye on the time, gently reminded Daeun that they needed to continue with their work. "come on, little one. we have to do some interviews now."
Daeun nodded, still smiling but a bit tired from all the running around. "okay, appa."
they moved to the interview set, where they took turns answering questions about their upcoming concert, their new music, and their experiences working together. Daeun sat quietly on a chair nearby, listening intently and occasionally chiming in with a small comment or a wave to the camera.
during Mark's interview, the interviewer couldn't resist asking about Daeun. "we've seen a lot of Daeun today. how has it been having her around?"
Mark glanced over at her with a warm smile. "it's been amazing, for sure. she brings so much joy and energy to all of us, even to the makeup artists today."
as the evening drew to a close, the ilichil wrapped up their final shoot of the day. exhaustion was evident on their faces, but so was the satisfaction of a job well done. Daeun who had been a bundle of energy throughout the day, was starting to show signs of fatigue as well.
Haechan gently picked her up and whispered, "it's time to go home, babygirl. we're going to sleep at my place tonight, alright? say bye to appa,"
her eyelids were drooping, nodded sleepily. she was attacked with kisses from Mark before they wave goodbye to each other. she wrapped her arms around Haechan's neck, resting her head on his shoulder. the team gathered their things, exchanging tired but happy smiles.
"great work today, everyone, and this one too," Taeyong said, give a pat on each of his members' shoulders and ruffled Daeun's hair. "let's get a very good rest for the concert, few days left to go."
Haechan was the first to get on the car, sensing her stirred. she now barely awake, and was gently placed in a car seat. Haechan sat beside her, making sure she was comfortable before they drove off.
the ride to Haechan's place was quiet, the gentle hum of the engine almost lulling everyone to sleep. when they arrived, he carried Daeun inside, careful not to wake her.
inside, his apartment was cozy and welcoming. he had set up a small bed for Daeun in the spare room, complete with her favorite plushies and a nightlight, contrast to his dark bedroom.
"let's get changed into pajamas, okay?" Haechan whispered as he laid her on the bed. he gently changed her clothes, moving with the careful precision of someone who had done this many times before.
Daeun stirred slightly but didn't wake up. Haechan took a moment to watch her, his expressions softening as he looked at the sleeping child.
after he finished his night routine, he headed to his room, eager to get some rest before the next schedule, last rehearsal for NCT nation. Haechan peeked into Daeun's room one last time, making sure she was still asleep and comfortable.
"cutie, sleep well~" he whispered before closing the door quietly.
