Fashioned For Love | Minsung AU

Forty One

~~~~~~~~~ 41 ~~~~~~~~~

Jisung

The next day unfolded with a quiet warmth, the intensity of the previous night dissolving into something more subdued, yet still filled with love. The house was serene, the light snowfall outside adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Jisung woke to the smell of something delicious wafting from the kitchen, and when he made his way downstairs, he found his parents already busy at work.

His mother, Jiho, was humming softly as she moved around the stove, expertly flipping pancakes, while his father, Woosung, was slicing fresh fruit with a contented smile. The scene was so familiar, so homey, that it filled Jisung's chest with a warm sense of nostalgia. It was the kind of morning he'd grown up with—family gathered in the kitchen, cooking together, sharing moments that were simple but full of love.

But there was something different about today. As Jisung leaned against the doorframe, he noticed how his parents, especially his mother, were being extra affectionate with Minho. Jiho was fretting over him, making sure he had his tea exactly how he liked it, while Woosung was offering up samples of the fruit and cheese combination they were preparing. Minho, sitting at the kitchen island, looked a little surprised by all the attention at first—his eyes wide, almost unsure of how to react. But as the minutes passed, Jisung could see him slowly soaking it in, albeit bashfully.

"Are you sure you don't want anything else with your tea, dear?" Jiho asked for the third time, her voice soft and motherly as she set down a fresh stack of pancakes in front of Minho.

Minho, cheeks slightly flushed, shook his head with a smile. "No, thank you, Jiho. This is more than enough."

Jisung couldn't help but grin as he saw Minho's slightly awkward demeanor. It wasn't that Minho didn't enjoy the attention—he clearly did—but Jisung knew this kind of warmth was foreign to him. His own mother had never fussed over him like this, and Jisung could see how much Minho was drinking in the affection, like a sponge that had been left dry for too long.

Woosung came over, placing a small bowl of goat cheese and fruit on the table in front of Minho. "Try this with the pancakes," he suggested. "We've been experimenting with new recipes at the café, and I think you might like it."

Minho glanced up at Woosung, and Jisung caught the subtle look of admiration in his partner's eyes. Minho had always respected Woosung's culinary skills, and the way his father-in-law was including him in these little moments of food-sharing—it meant a lot to him.

"Thank you," Minho said, his voice soft as he took a bite. His eyes lit up immediately, a small moan of approval escaping his lips. "This is incredible."

Woosung grinned, patting Minho on the back as he sat down beside him. "We'll have to get your input on the next few dishes we're testing. You've got a good palate, Minho."

The blush deepened on Minho's cheeks, and he glanced over at Jisung, almost shyly. Jisung's heart swelled at the sight—Minho, usually so composed and self-assured, was completely disarmed by the love and attention his parents were showering him with. And Jisung could see how much it meant to him, how much he was soaking up these moments of affection that were so different from the coldness he'd experienced from his own family.

Jiho wasn't done, though. She came over with a small plate of warm croissants, placing them directly in front of Minho. "Here, dear, you should try these too. Fresh out of the oven."

Minho looked up at her, a bit overwhelmed, but his smile was soft and sincere. "Jiho, you're spoiling me."

She waved him off with a playful smile. "Nonsense. You're family now, and we take care of our family."