Always By Your Side || MinChan Romance

29.

Twenty Nine

Minho stood at the doorway, arms folded loosely across his chest, a teasing grin playing on his lips as he watched Chan crouched on the floor, surrounded by crib pieces, screws, and a manual that seemed to be confusing him more than helping. His alpha was frowning, biting the inside of his cheek in concentration, and Minho could barely hold back a laugh.

"You know," Minho quipped, his voice lilting with amusement, "it's a good thing our baby isn't here yet, because at this rate, they might be in high school before the crib gets finished."

Chan groaned, dropping the manual in defeat. "I swear these instructions are written in another language. Who needs a hundred pieces to build a crib anyway?" He ran a hand through his already messy hair, clearly frustrated but still too proud to admit defeat.

Minho walked over, the smirk on his face growing wider. "Do you want me to help? I mean, I did build half the furniture when I moved in."

"No," Chan protested, a stubborn set to his jaw. "I've got this. Alpha instincts and all." He picked up a piece of the crib frame, trying to fit it into place, only for it to fall apart seconds later.

Minho chuckled, stepping closer and crouching beside him. He rested his hand on Chan's shoulder, rubbing it gently. "You're adorable when you're stubborn," he murmured before leaning down to kiss the top of Chan's head. "But I'm pretty sure alpha instincts aren't much help against IKEA furniture. Just don't throw a wrench through the window, okay?"

Chan huffed, but a small smile broke through his frustration. "Too late. I already threw one in my head." He stared at the manual like it had personally wronged him before finally sighing in resignation. "Fine, you can help. Just don't tell our kid I needed backup on this."

Minho laughed, his chest warming at Chan's words. He grabbed the manual and started skimming through it. "Don't worry, they'll never know. I'll let you take all the credit—once it's actually standing."

As Minho read the instructions aloud, Chan followed, handing him tools and holding pieces in place. They worked in tandem, their hands brushing against each other's every so often, each touch a gentle reminder of the love and partnership they shared. Occasionally, Minho would tease him with a playful, "You sure you've got this, alpha?" earning him an exaggerated eye roll and a mumbled response from Chan.

Eventually, the crib began to take shape, and as Chan attached the final piece, Minho stepped back, admiring their work. "Look at that," he said, pride swelling in his chest. "Our baby's first crib. You did it."

"We did it," Chan corrected, pulling Minho into his arms, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. "And I couldn't have done it without you."

Minho rested his head against Chan's chest, smiling to himself. "I'll remind you of that when you're changing diapers."

Chan chuckled, holding him tighter. "I'll gladly take on the dirty work if it means I get to do it with you."

They stood there for a moment, swaying slightly, the finished crib before them a symbol of the new life they were about to welcome. It wasn't just a piece of furniture—it was the first step in building their family together, and both of them felt the weight and beauty of that truth as they held each other close.

"Oh, we have our next appointment soon. Are you excited to find out what we're having?" Minho questioned, turning his head to gaze into Chan's eyes.

Chan smiled, his arms still wrapped around Minho as he gazed down at him. "I'm beyond excited," he murmured, brushing a lock of hair away from Minho's face. "Though, I think I'll be happy no matter what. Boy, girl... I just want them to be healthy. And for them to have your eyes."

Minho's cheeks flushed, and he let out a soft laugh. "You think they'll have my eyes?"

"I hope so," Chan whispered, his gaze warm and affectionate. "Your eyes are what made me fall in love with you."

Minho rolled his eyes playfully but his heart fluttered at Chan's words. "Cheesy as ever," he teased, but then his expression softened. "But I'm excited too. I've been thinking about it every day. It feels like every kick, every little flutter, just makes it more real."

Chan pressed his forehead against Minho's, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Yeah, it's real. And it's gonna get more real when we find out at the appointment." He paused, his voice dropping to a tender whisper. "Are you hoping for anything in particular?"

Minho shrugged, smiling. "Not really. I mean, I've thought about both, and either way, they're going to be perfect because they're ours. But I can't wait to see your reaction when we finally know."

Chan leaned down, capturing Minho's lips in a sweet, lingering kiss. "I'll probably cry, just so you know."

Minho chuckled into the kiss. "I know. And I'll be right there crying with you."

****************************

Minho lay back on the examination table, fingers intertwined with Chan's as they waited, anticipation filling the room. The gentle hum of the ultrasound machine vibrated in the air, and the sterile scent of antiseptic mixed with the sweet aroma of Chan's cologne made Minho feel both nervous and comforted.

"Alright," the doctor said, her voice warm and reassuring. She adjusted the wand and placed it on Minho's belly, the cool gel making him shiver slightly. "Are you both ready to know?"

Minho squeezed Chan's hand tighter, his heart racing as he glanced up at him. Chan's face was a mix of excitement and nervousness, his eyes wide as he focused on the screen. The machine whirred, and the image began to take shape, flickering into view.

The doctor pointed to a small figure on the screen. "Congratulations... it's a boy."

Time seemed to stand still for a moment as the words sank in. Minho's breath caught in his throat. A boy. Their son. He turned to Chan, who was blinking rapidly, tears shimmering in his eyes. Chan leaned closer, his gaze never leaving the screen, disbelief and wonder flooding his features.

"Oh my god," Chan whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "A boy. Our boy." His lips trembled, and Minho felt his heart swell at the sight of Chan's vulnerability, so raw and beautiful.

Unable to contain himself, Minho laughed through his tears, his joy spilling over. "He's really in there," he murmured, awash in warmth. He cupped Chan's face gently, brushing away the tears that slipped down his cheeks with his thumb. "He's perfect, Chan. Just like you."

Chan let out a shaky breath, leaning into Minho's touch as if it were a lifeline. "I can't believe it," he said, his voice breaking. "He's going to be amazing. Just like his mother."

Minho's heart swelled at the words, and he couldn't help but chuckle softly. "You mean just like his father, right?"

Chan laughed, the sound echoing with joy. But the emotion was too much; Chan's tears continued to fall, and Minho wiped them away gently, his heart aching with love.

"Hey," Minho said softly, his voice steady but filled with warmth. "It's okay to cry. I'm right here with you."

Chan met his gaze, the weight of the world lifting slightly as he found solace in Minho's presence. "I just—I didn't know I could feel this much," he admitted, his voice trembling with a mixture of happiness and disbelief.

"Me neither," Minho replied, leaning in to kiss Chan's forehead tenderly. "But we're in this together. Always."

As the doctor continued explaining the images on the screen, Minho held Chan's gaze, feeling an unbreakable bond between them solidify even more. Their little boy was growing inside Minho, a symbol of their love and the beautiful future they would build together. And as they shared this moment, filled with hope and joy, Minho knew without a doubt that their journey was just beginning.