The quiet morning is broken by Edin's voice, loud and pouty.
"Daddy!" he calls out, standing by the sofa with Earth's phone clutched in his small hands.
Both Earth and Mix are startled awake, sitting up quickly, still disoriented from sleep. Earth immediately bursts into laughter when he sees Mix's messy bed hair sticking up in all directions. Mix groans, half-amused, and lightly smacks Earth on the shoulder for forgetting to move back to bed like he promised.
Edin, meanwhile, stands with his arms crossed over his chest, pouting dramatically. "You had cuddle time and didn't invite me. Hmp!"
Earth and Mix can't help but chuckle, their laughter filling the room as they reach out, pulling Edin into a big hug. "We're sorry, buddy," Earth says, ruffling his son's hair. "Next time, we'll make sure to invite you."
"Promise!" Edin demands, still putting on his best pout, but his eyes are already brightening.
Mix grins, nodding solemnly. "We promise."
"Yeah, promise," Earth adds with a chuckle, sealing the deal.
Satisfied with their promise, Edin's mood shifts instantly. His pout disappears, replaced by a wide smile. "Okay!" he chirps, then lifts Earth's phone high into the air. "But Daddy, your phone's so noisy."
Earth's eyes widen as he grabs the phone from Edin's hand.
"Oh no..." he mutters, scrolling through the screen. Sure enough, there are multiple missed calls from work. "Oh, shit," Earth mumbles, realizing how long he'd been asleep.
Both Mix and Edin chime in immediately, scolding in unison, "Language!"
"Sorry!" Earth shouts over his shoulder as he rushes toward the bathroom, already fumbling with his shirt, leaving Mix and Edin giggling behind him.
It's early Saturday morning, and Earth is rushing, grabbing his keys, phone in the other hand. A last-minute work emergency has ruined his weekend plans, and he's frustrated. "I can't believe this."
Thankfully, Mix is at his house, so there's no need for Earth to scramble for someone to watch Edin. He rushes to Edin, kissing him on the cheek. "Sorry, buddy. Daddy has to go work on the weekend."
Edin, always cheerful, smiles up at him. "It's okay, Daddy! Teacher Mix is here with me."
Hearing that, Earth's frustration eases a little, and he turns to Mix, standing beside Edin. "Use my clothes after you shower," Earth says.
Mix nods in response and Earth's expression softens, but then it hardens again with seriousness as he adds, the last night scene flashes in his mind. "And... if anything happens, call me immediately."
Mix gives him a reassuring smile and nods again. Edin, still oblivious to the tension, is all smiles, ready to enjoy his day with Mix.
As Earth finally leaves, Edin turns to Mix with a mischievous glint in his eye and wiggles his eyebrows. "Are you and Daddy boyfie?"
Mix nearly chokes on air, coughing. "What? Where did you hear that word?"
Edin giggles. "Boyfie? Uncle First and Khaotung say it all the time. 'Hello, boyfiee~'" Edin mimics their voices perfectly, making Mix burst into laughter.
"Those two..." Mix shakes his head, still laughing. "Come on, let's get some breakfast."
After a fun breakfast, the two of them head to the bathroom, where Mix helps Edin with his bath before getting himself cleaned up. Mix changes into Earth's clothes-an old, soft t-shirt and sweatpants-and feels a warmth spread through him, almost like Earth's presence is lingering with him.
