Always By Your Side || MinChan Romance

33.

Thirty Three

As the days turned into a delightful blur of anticipation and preparation, Minho and Chan dedicated themselves to getting ready for their little one. The house transformed into a cozy haven filled with baby gear and cheerful decorations, a testament to their growing excitement.

One afternoon, they found themselves in the nursery, surrounded by boxes of baby supplies that had arrived. Minho held a tiny onesie in his hands, marveling at the soft fabric and the adorable patterns. "Look at this!" he exclaimed, holding it up for Chan to see. "Can you believe our baby will fit into this?"

Chan chuckled, kneeling beside Minho as he rummaged through another box. "I can't wait to see him in it. He's going to be the cutest little guy."

With the room slowly taking shape, they began baby-proofing their home. They installed safety locks on cabinets, cushioned sharp corners, and secured the furniture to the walls. Minho had the task of adjusting the furniture layout, and every time he bent down, he felt the familiar tug of his growing belly. "I think I need to take a break," he laughed, resting a hand on his stomach.

"Let me help you," Chan said, quickly moving to Minho's side. "You shouldn't be lifting anything heavy." He guided Minho gently to a nearby chair, urging him to sit down. "I'll take care of this."

Minho watched fondly as Chan moved around the room, his movements purposeful yet careful. It warmed his heart to see Chan so dedicated to their family. "You're going to be such an amazing dad," he said, leaning back in the chair, his heart swelling with affection.

Chan paused, a soft smile spreading across his face. "And you're going to be the best partner. I couldn't do this without you." He returned to his task, making sure everything was in order.

Later that week, they attended their first parenting class, sitting side by side in a circle of expectant parents. The instructor discussed everything from delivery techniques to diaper changing tips. Minho felt a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside him.

As the instructor demonstrated how to properly change a diaper on a baby doll, Minho leaned over to Chan, whispering with a teasing grin, "Are you ready to tackle this?"

Chan shot him an amused glance. "I was born ready. Just watch and learn, Minho." He leaned forward, completely focused on the demonstration.

After the class, they practiced on a baby doll together, laughter filling the air as they fumbled through the process. "I think I might need a few more tries," Minho admitted, biting back a giggle as Chan fumbled with the doll's tiny clothes.

"It's all about practice," Chan replied, determination shining in his eyes. "We'll get the hang of it. Besides, we have time before our little one arrives."

That evening, after a long day of preparation, they curled up in their nest, exhausted but happy. Minho rested his head on Chan's shoulder, feeling a profound sense of peace. "I love these moments we're sharing," he murmured, closing his eyes.

"Me too," Chan whispered, wrapping an arm around Minho. "I wouldn't trade this for anything. Just think, soon we'll have our baby here with us."

Minho smiled, feeling the warmth of Chan's love enveloping him. "Yes, and we'll make it all work together." In the quiet of their nest, surrounded by the remnants of their preparation, they felt a shared resolve to face the challenges ahead.

As the days passed, the joy of preparing for their baby was often overshadowed by the physical challenges of pregnancy that Minho had begun to experience. While he cherished each moment, there were realities that weighed heavily on his mind. The bathroom had become his second home, and no matter how many times he went, it felt like a never-ending cycle.

One afternoon, while Chan was busy in his office, Minho found himself on yet another trip to the restroom. He sighed as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, the reflection showing the exhaustion in his eyes. Swollen ankles made it uncomfortable to stand for long periods, and concentration at work had become increasingly elusive.

After washing his hands, he leaned against the sink for a moment, taking deep breaths. "I can't keep doing this," he whispered to himself. He knew he needed to talk to Chan about it but felt hesitant. He didn't want to seem like he was complaining, especially when they were both so excited about the baby.

As he returned to Chan's office, he found him reviewing some documents. Minho leaned against the doorframe, watching Chan, his heart swelling with love and admiration. "Hey, can we talk for a second?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Of course! Everything okay?" Chan looked up, concern etched on his face.

Minho stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I wanted to discuss something. It's... about work." He hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I've been having a hard time concentrating lately. I think it's the pregnancy, you know? I've been really distracted, and with all the running back and forth to the bathroom and my ankles... I just feel like I'm not performing at my best."

Chan set aside his papers, leaning forward in his chair. "Minho, you don't have to worry about that. This is a big transition for both of us. What are you thinking?"

"I was wondering if we could consider bringing in a temporary replacement, just until the baby arrives," Minho confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to be a burden or hold the team back."

Chan's expression softened. "Minho, you're not a burden. You're carrying our child, and that's the most important job right now. But if you feel like you need some extra help at work, we can definitely look into it."

Relief washed over Minho at Chan's understanding. "Thank you. I just want to make sure everything runs smoothly. I don't want anyone to think I'm slacking off."

"Minho, nobody would think that," Chan reassured him, rising from his chair to wrap an arm around Minho's shoulders. "You've been doing an incredible job. I appreciate everything you're doing, and it's okay to prioritize your health and well-being right now. We'll figure this out together."

Feeling comforted by Chan's words, Minho leaned into him, grateful for his support. "I'm lucky to have you," he murmured, feeling the weight of his worries lift slightly.

"And I'm lucky to have you," Chan replied, pressing a gentle kiss to Minho's temple. "Let's talk to HR tomorrow about finding someone who can help out for a bit. You focus on taking care of yourself and our baby."

Minho smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. "Okay, I'll do that. Thank you, Chan."

As they stood together, Minho felt a renewed sense of hope. Although the challenges of pregnancy could be daunting, he knew that with Chan by his side, they could navigate anything that came their way. And as he looked into Chan's eyes, he felt reassured that they were truly in this together, ready to embrace both the joys and struggles of their growing family.