ӄʏɛօʍֆɦʊ ʟɨȶȶʟɛ ֆքǟƈɛ օռɛֆɦօȶֆ

🄲🄷🄰🄿🅃🄴🅁 1

The aroma of a delicious dinner filled the kitchen as Seokmin busily worked over the stove, humming softly to himself. He was excited to surprise Joshua with a home-cooked meal after his long day at work. Joshua had been so busy lately, and Seokmin wanted to do something special for him. The pasta was almost done, and Seokmin was just about to add the finishing touches when, suddenly, a wave of vulnerability washed over him.

He wasn't sure what triggered it-maybe it was the silence of the apartment, or perhaps the growing feeling of missing Joshua-but Seokmin's hands stilled, his eyes becoming wide and unsure.

He bit his lip, feeling small all of a sudden. The kitchen around him seemed too big, the pots and pans too heavy. The wooden spoon he was holding slipped from his hand, clattering onto the counter as Seokmin's breath hitched. His usual confidence in the kitchen evaporated, and in its place was a little version of Seokmin, lost and uncertain.

"Daddy..." he whispered softly to himself, his eyes filling with tears. He wanted Joshua. He needed Joshua.

Just as the tears threatened to spill over, the front door creaked open, and Joshua stepped inside, looking tired but happy to be home. He immediately noticed the delicious smell of food, but more importantly, he noticed Seokmin standing frozen in the kitchen, his hands trembling slightly as he stared down at the unfinished meal.

"Baby?" Joshua's voice was soft, instantly sensing that something was off. He walked over quickly, setting his bag down and reaching out to touch Seokmin's shoulder. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Seokmin blinked up at him, his lip quivering. "Hyung... I... I was trying to make dinner, but... but it's too hard now..." His voice had that small, innocent tone, one that Joshua recognized all too well. Seokmin had slipped into his little space.

Joshua's heart softened immediately. He pulled Seokmin into his arms, hugging him close. "It's okay, baby. You were doing such a good job, but you don't have to finish it alone. Daddy's here now."

Seokmin sniffled, his face buried in Joshua's chest as he clung to him, feeling safe in his embrace. "I just... I just wanted to make something for you..."

Joshua smiled softly and kissed the top of Seokmin's head. "You did, baby. It smells amazing in here. But let's finish it together, okay? You don't have to do everything by yourself."

Seokmin nodded, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his sweater. "Okay... but can I stay with you while you finish?"

Joshua chuckled softly, ruffling Seokmin's hair. "Of course, you can. Come here." He guided Seokmin over to the counter, sitting him up on it so he could be close by while Joshua worked.

Seokmin watched quietly, his little hands holding onto his Pochacco plushie that he had grabbed on the way over. Joshua skillfully took over, finishing the pasta with a few quick movements, but he never stopped glancing over at Seokmin, making sure his baby was okay.

"See, baby? Almost done," Joshua said softly, stirring the sauce one last time before plating the meal. "You did most of the work."

Seokmin smiled, feeling proud despite the earlier overwhelm. "It looks yummy, hyung..."

Joshua set the plates on the table and then returned to Seokmin, lifting him gently off the counter. "Let's eat together, alright? You worked so hard, baby."

Seokmin nodded eagerly, feeling much better now that Joshua was there. They sat down at the table, and though Seokmin was still in his little space, he felt comforted by Joshua's presence. Joshua made sure to cut Seokmin's food into smaller bites, feeding him the first forkful with a soft smile.

"How is it, baby?" Joshua asked, watching Seokmin's reaction closely.

Seokmin's eyes lit up as he chewed, a bright smile spreading across his face. "It's yummy! Thank you, Daddy!"

Joshua laughed softly, leaning over to press a kiss to Seokmin's cheek. "No, baby, thank you for cooking for me. You did so well."

Seokmin beamed at the praise, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The earlier fear and stress had completely melted away, replaced by the happiness of being with his daddy.

They continued their meal, with Seokmin occasionally slipping into small bursts of giggles and playful moments, all under Joshua's loving gaze. Joshua, ever patient and tender, made sure Seokmin felt cared for the whole time. And once dinner was done, Joshua picked Seokmin up and carried him to the couch, where they could cuddle.

As they lay there, Seokmin nestled comfortably in Joshua's arms, he whispered softly, "I love you, Daddy..."

Joshua smiled, holding Seokmin tight. "I love you too, baby. Always."

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