STAY for a while (Taekook)

💜Chapter-31💜

Health

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"Appa, Tia wans miky," a tiny and soothing voice broke the silence, reaching the man as he gently taped her back, cradling her on his chest.

"Bub, just a little longer. We'll land soon," he whispered in a soft, reassuring tone. Over the months, he'd noticed how remarkably patient his little princess had become. She rarely cried for milk, knowing they would always promise her, "When Chim comes, you'll get it." Though they hadn't expected the wait to stretch this long, he was proud of how well she had managed.

As the moment drew closer, and they were about to land, his heart swelled with warmth. His precious girl was about to meet her Chim, and he had no doubt that once she did, she would cling to him like a little koala.

Both father and daughter locked eyes, their hazel gazes meeting in a silent exchange. Tae raised his eyebrow slightly, a gesture that asked the unspoken question—what was behind these lingering stares his little one had been giving him lately?

But just like always, before he could decipher her thoughts, she shifted, her tiny body moving in his arms as she diverted her gaze, avoiding the silent inquiry with an innocence only she could master. He couldn’t help but smile, wondering what secrets his little princess was holding behind those curious eyes.

Tae's hold tightened instinctively around her small frame as the plane began its descent. In response, she pressed herself closer to his chest, nestling into her safest place, her tiny arms wrapping tighter around his neck.

As soon as the plane landed, both father and daughter stood, making their way to the exit.

"You didn't sleep yet, tiny creature?" A voice called out, filled with warmth. Tae turned to see a man with a sunshine smile, his eyes twinkling as he looked at the little one. She turned her head slightly, resting it on her father’s shoulder, her small hand still wrapped around Tae’s neck.

"No!" she replied, her voice soft but steady, though her eyes were heavy with the sleep that was bound to claim her soon. The long journey had worn her out, but instead of resting, both father and daughter had spent the time talking, playing, and enjoying each other's company.

"Hyung." , now descending the plane’s stairs, standing beside the familiar figure with a smile.

Now, she slept, her small body rising and falling softly against his chest. Tae gently tapped her back, acknowledging Hobi's words with a quiet nod.

"Tae?" Hobi's voice broke through again, causing Tae to stop in his tracks. They stood in the middle of the highway, the cool breeze rushing past them. Tae’s eyes shifted to his brother, his mind churning, knowing well what Hobi’s words meant.

"Bear, please, hold yourself together," Hobi said softly, his hand gently caressing Tia's back as she slept. "After all these years, you're finally meeting him... and  also with her."

Tae didn’t respond, his expression unreadable, but his gaze stayed fixed on Hobi. No matter how hard he tried to keep his thoughts from drifting toward a particular person, there was always something—or someone—reminding him of the past. And right now, the most vivid reminder was asleep in his arms, the one he held onto with protective strength.

"Bear, I need you to focus," Hobi said firmly, his voice filled with care. "Remember why we're here."

This time, Tae nodded slowly, letting out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. A small smile tugged at his lips as he glanced at Hobi.

"Come," Hobi said, motioning toward where one of their guards stood, cradling a sleeping Hoshi.

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