The En- Hearthrob😏 Toddlers👶

~17~

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The following morning, Heeseung rose to the familiar sound of little feet running back and forth across the living room. He sighed, wondering what new chaos the toddlers had in store today. Remembering his promise for a Pokémon night and a shopping trip, he felt a mix of excitement and dread—he had no idea how to handle six energetic toddlers outside the dorm, but they did need clothes, and a promise was a promise.

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Heeseung gathered the boys in the living room, which was already a disaster zone with cushions, stuffed animals, and what looked suspiciously like cracker crumbs everywhere. The fort from yesterday was still standing, though a bit more lopsided.

“Alright, guys, we’re going to go on an adventure today!” Heeseung announced.

"’Venture!" Jake’s eyes lit up, clutching his arm in his makeshift sling, ready to take on the world.

Ni-ki, who was still in full “guard” mode from yesterday’s fort fiasco, jumped up with a loud, “I’ll protect everyone!”

Heeseung chuckled, ruffling Ni-ki’s hair. “You’re the best guard, Ni-ki. But remember, no running off, okay? We have to stick together.”

The boys nodded, though Heeseung knew better than to trust that this would last for long.

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Heeseung packed them into the car, each of them strapped into tiny car seats, except Ni-ki, who kept insisting he was “the lookout” and didn’t need a seatbelt. After a bit of persuasion (and bribery with a promise to get him a Pikachu hoodie), Ni-ki finally complied.

The car ride started off smoothly enough until Sunghoon decided to make car noises, shouting, “Vroom! Vroom!” louder than the actual car engine. Jake immediately joined in, then Jungwon, then Sunoo—all “driving” their imaginary cars in their seats.

Soon, they were all “racing” down the imaginary road, complete with crashing sounds and police sirens (courtesy of Ni-ki). Heeseung shook his head, a laugh slipping out despite himself. This was already more chaotic than he had prepared for.

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As soon as they entered the store, the boys’ eyes widened at the towering shelves, racks full of colorful clothes, and especially the toy section right by the entrance.

“Heeseung hyung! Pokémon! Pokémon!” Ni-ki squealed, pointing at a display of Pikachu and Charizard plushies.

“No toys right now, guys, we’re here for clothes!” Heeseung said in a desperate attempt to regain control. He tried to hold Jake and Jungwon’s hands to keep them close, but it didn’t last long. The boys scattered, each of them drawn to a different section like magnets.

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Sunghoon found a rack of clothes with capes and instantly put one on, shouting, “I’m Bat-boy!” He took off running through the store, his tiny feet barely making a sound as he darted between racks. Ni-ki joined him, declaring, “I’m the dragon!”

Meanwhile, Sunoo had found a stack of hats and was meticulously trying them on, each one making him look more confused. “Hyung, do I look scary?” he asked seriously, showing off a giant sunhat with a bow that covered half his face.

“You look… perfect, Sunoo,” Heeseung replied, trying not to laugh as he scooped Sunoo up before he could disappear under another hat.

Jake, ever the little adventurer, had found a mannequin wearing a denim jacket and seemed determined to climb it. With one arm in a sling, he was still attempting to use the other to clamber up. Heeseung managed to pull him away just in time, earning a pout from the “king.”