Mix has had one of those exhausting days.
The kids seem extra hyper, bouncing off the walls with energy that doesn’t seem to run out.
He’s been juggling paperwork since yesterday, trying to stay on top of everything, but despite his fatigue, he puts on his best smile for the children. He knows they look forward to seeing him, and he doesn’t want to let them down. His voice remains cheerful, his laughter genuine, but deep down, he can feel the weight of the day catching up to him.
Finally, the day comes to an end, and Mix breathes a quiet sigh of relief.
It’s the weekend, and they get to go home early. One by one, the parents come to pick up their kids, offering him smiles and quick goodbyes.
Mix watches them leave, a sense of accomplishment settling over him. He managed to pull through, and despite how hectic it was, the day ended successfully.
Earth is particularly early today, and the sight of him instantly brightens Edin’s face.
The little boy leaps with excitement as he runs to his dad, wrapping his arms around Earth’s legs in pure joy. Earth smiles warmly at his son, but unlike the other parents, he doesn’t leave right away. He lingers, watching as the last of the children are picked up.
Edin runs around the room, still full of energy, while Earth waits in the background, glancing occasionally at Mix as if he’s waiting for the right moment.
When the coast is finally clear, Earth takes a deep breath and approaches Mix.
His heart races, nerves fluttering in his chest in a way he hasn’t felt in a long time. He’s been thinking about this for days, wondering how to approach it, how to find the right words.
“Oh, hey. You’re still here,” Mix says, glancing at Earth with a warm smile as he watches Edin running in circles around them.
“Umm... yeah,” Earth stammers, feeling a little awkward now that he’s face to face with Mix. He scratches the back of his neck, trying to find the right way to ask. “Mix, um... I’ve been meaning to ask... would you like to have dinner tonight? Just as a thank you for what you did last night.”
Mix, caught off guard, blinks up at Earth. He hadn’t expected Earth to ask him out like this, especially not today.
But Earth’s offer feels genuine, and there’s something about the way Earth looks right now—slightly flushed, a little nervous—that Mix finds endearing.
Before Mix can respond, Edin shouts from across the room, “Yes!” His enthusiasm cuts through the tension, and both Earth and Mix laugh at the timing of his outburst.
“Well, as Edin said... Yes, I’d love to.” Mix replies, his smile soft and warm. “ But you really don’t have to, though. Edin’s a great kid, it’s no trouble at all.”
Earth shakes his head quickly, as if to dispel any notion that he doesn’t owe Mix something in return.
He’s trying to hide how much Mix’s smile makes his heart skip a beat. “No, really. It’s the least I can do. You’ve done so much for Edin, and I appreciate it more than you know.”
The laughter fades into a comfortable silence, and Mix can’t help but notice how much Earth’s gratitude means to him.
It’s not just about the dinner—it’s about the connection that’s quietly been building between them.
With Edin’s enthusiastic approval and Earth’s sincerity, Mix looks forward for tonight's dinner.
Later that evening, back at Earth’s house, Edin is busy rummaging through his father’s closet, eyes sparkling with excitement as he digs through Earth’s shirts.
