Fortnight

Chapter - 2

The two-year-old boy, Taemin, sits on the bed, his wide doe eyes filled with curiosity as he explores his surroundings. His chubby hands repeatedly hit the soft mattress beneath him whenever he spots something interesting. But soon, boredom sets in, and he starts to look around for his dad.

Not finding Jaehyun nearby makes Taemin edgy. His lips wobble, and he softly says, "Dada." When he gets no response, he calls out again, his voice tinged with desperation, "Dada, where?" Tears well up in his eyes, and he crawls on his knees, intending to get off the bed.

Unaware of the approaching footsteps and the door opening, Taemin edges closer to the edge of the bed. Just in time, Jaehyun rushes in, scooping his son up before he accidentally falls.

"No, no, no, Tae," Jaehyun murmurs, relief flooding him as he holds Taemin close. The little boy starts crying upon seeing his dad, wrapping his small arms around Jaehyun's neck and repeating, "Dada, bwhere?"

Jaehyun sighs softly, patting Taemin's back as he sways him gently. "Dada had to take a call, Tae. Dada's sorry," he explains,

Taemin continues to cry, saying, "Tae, scwared."

Jaehyun smiles down at his son. "I told you to stay still, right? Then why did you get up?" he asks gently.

Taemin pouts and looks down. "Dada gwone," he murmurs.

Taemin's favourite word is 'dada', and then next just verbs he remembers. The little boy only talks in two or three words in a sentence.

"Dada's here now, Tae," Jaehyun reassures, his heart melting at his son's innocence.

Once Taemin's tears begin to subside, Jaehyun lifts him up higher, allowing Taemin to rest his head on his shoulder. Taemin's fingers fidget with the collar of Jaehyun's shirt, seeking comfort in the familiar fabric.

Jaehyun checks his phone, still clutched in one hand. Holding Taemin securely, he brings the phone near his ear. "Yes," he answers the call. "Sorry, Tae just gave me a jump scare."

Meanwhile, Taemin buries his face deeper into Jaehyun's neck, finding solace in his father's warmth and the rhythmic sway of his movements.

The person on the line chuckles. "God, I'm already missing the little kid. Well, are you settled in now?"

Jaehyun hums in response. "It's been three days since we arrived. The house is well-maintained and has all the necessities."

"Thanks, Ethan. You've been a great help," Jaehyun adds gratefully.

"Anything for you, kiddo," Ethan replies.

Jaehyun sighs. "Would you stop calling me that? I'm a father now," he says with a hint of amusement.

"And? Still, a kid you are, if I have to say," Ethan teases back, earning a laugh from Jaehyun.

Jaehyun moves the phone closer to Taemin and asks him, "You wanna say something to Uncle Ethan?" Taemin nods eagerly and tries to hold the phone, but Jaehyun keeps his grip on it to secure it.

"Tae mwissing Eth," Taemin says in his adorable baby voice.

Ethan coos from the other end, "I miss you too, buddy. If you want me to come soon, then be a good boy for your dad, okay?"

Taemin nods, clearly not understanding that Ethan can't see him. As Jaehyun takes back the phone, Ethan asks him, "So, today you have to visit the office?"

Jaehyun sighs, "Yes, though I'm not sure if I'm ready for it yet. It's a huge responsibility you've given me"

Ethan reassures him, "I trust you. That's why I know you can do it."