Bangchan - oneshots |bangchan ff| skz ff

A taste of home (fluff ❣️)

The clatter of dishes and the rhythmic chopping filled the back kitchen, a soundtrack that Bang Chan had grown intimately familiar with. As the sous-chef of Étoile, one of the city's most prestigious five-star restaurants, he thrived in this world of precision and heat. Tonight, as always, his mind was focused, sharp as the knife in his hand, each movement calculated and efficient.

But that focus faltered the moment he glanced up and saw her — Laura.

She was standing just inside the dining room, framed by the soft light of the restaurant. And in her arms was a baby boy, no more than six months old. His baby boy. He felt a rush of emotions he hadn't expected to feel again, emotions he thought he'd buried the day they had parted ways.

The staff around him moved in a blur, completely unaware that Chan's world had just been knocked off balance. Taking a steadying breath, he handed his station to one of the junior chefs before stepping out to meet her.

"Laura," he greeted softly, his eyes drifting to the small, sleeping bundle in her arms. The last time he'd seen his son, Asher, was in the hospital right after he was born. He'd felt an overwhelming surge of love then, a connection he couldn't quite explain. It was the same feeling now, even stronger somehow.

"Chan," she replied, her voice kind, her expression softened with a warmth that he remembered well. "Sorry for coming in unannounced. I... wasn't sure if you'd even want to see me."

"Don't apologize. I'm glad you came." He managed a small smile, trying to mask the flurry of emotions inside him. "How... how's he been?"

"He's been wonderful," Laura said, her voice tinged with the unmistakable pride of a mother. She shifted slightly so he could see Asher better, her arms cradling him with a tenderness that touched Chan's heart. "Growing up faster than I can keep up with."

Chan's gaze settled on Asher, taking in the soft tufts of dark hair, the tiny fingers curled into a fist. He felt a strange pang — pride, longing, and an odd sense of regret. He and Laura had made the difficult decision to separate amicably, knowing they were better as friends than lovers. But the reality of not being there every day for his son weighed on him now in a way he hadn't anticipated.

"Do you... want to hold him?" Laura's question pulled him back to the present, her eyes studying his expression carefully.

"Yeah," he replied, his voice almost a whisper as he held out his arms. Laura gently transferred Asher to him, and Chan's heart felt as if it would burst as the baby settled into his embrace, so small and warm.

Asher stirred, his tiny eyes opening, blinking up at Chan with a curious gaze. A faint smile crept across his face, and Chan's heart melted. It was surreal, holding his own son, feeling that instant connection.

"Hi there, little guy," Chan murmured, his voice softer than he'd ever heard it. Asher reached up, his tiny fingers brushing against Chan's cheek, and Chan chuckled, feeling tears prick the back of his eyes.

"He looks just like you, you know," Laura said with a soft smile. "Same eyes, same... stubborn determination."

Chan looked up, meeting her gaze, feeling a wave of gratitude and affection for her. "Thank you... for bringing him here," he said, his voice sincere. "I wasn't sure when I'd get to see him again."

Laura's expression softened. "I thought about it a lot. I know we both agreed on what's best for Asher. But I also know that he deserves to know you, Chan. You're his father, and you deserve to be in his life."

Her words washed over him, filling him with a profound sense of relief. They'd made their decision to separate out of respect, knowing that their love had shifted into something different over time. They cared for each other still, but as friends, partners in parenthood. Yet, even with that mutual understanding, Chan hadn't been able to shake the ache of missing out on these moments.

"Thank you, Laura. Really," he said, his gaze lingering on Asher as he spoke, his voice laced with gratitude. "This means more than you know."

For a few quiet moments, they simply stood there together, the hustle and bustle of the restaurant fading into the background as they both looked at their son.

"He's a handful, that's for sure," Laura said with a chuckle. "He's got this habit of keeping me up all night and then grinning as if he's done something brilliant."

Chan laughed, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness swell inside him. "Well, I think that just means he's a genius," he replied, gently rocking Asher in his arms. "You know, troublemaking runs in the family."

Laura chuckled, shaking her head. "Then I'll blame you for his midnight wake-ups."

There was a pause, a comfortable silence that felt familiar, despite everything that had changed. In that moment, Chan realized just how grateful he was for the relationship he and Laura had managed to maintain, one that was built on respect and understanding, even after everything they'd been through.

"Do you want to stay for dinner?" he asked, glancing up at her, an idea forming. "I'd love to cook something for you both, something special."

Laura's eyes lit up, and she gave a small nod. "I'd like that."

They found a quiet corner booth where Chan could keep an eye on them as he cooked, but he knew this wasn't just any dinner service. This was a memory he wanted to make for both of them — something he could offer, even if he couldn't always be there. After handing Asher back to Laura, he moved quickly, his hands working with a newfound energy as he prepared each dish with care, choosing flavors he knew Laura loved, making everything just right.

As each dish was brought out, he'd pause to join them for a few minutes, savoring her smile as she tasted his cooking, watching as Asher's tiny hands waved around, fascinated by the sights and sounds around him. Laura seemed at ease, more relaxed than he'd seen her in a long time, and it warmed his heart to see her so happy.

When dessert came around, he brought out a small, delicate cake, dusted with powdered sugar, topped with fresh strawberries, and drizzled with chocolate sauce — her favorite. She looked at it, then at him, a soft laugh escaping her.

"You remembered," she said, her voice warm.

"Of course I did," he replied, a gentle smile on his face. "Some things you just don't forget."

They shared the dessert in comfortable silence, savoring every bite. When it was time for her to go, Chan walked them to the door, reluctant to let the moment end.

"Thank you, Chan," Laura said, holding Asher close to her. "For tonight, and... for everything."

"No, thank you," he replied, his eyes lingering on Asher one last time. "I don't know how often I'll be able to see him, but... I'll always be here. For both of you. Whatever you need."

She nodded, understanding. "I'll make sure he knows that."

With one last, lingering look, she gave him a small wave before stepping out, Asher nestled in her arms. Chan watched them go, a strange sense of peace settling over him. There was sadness in knowing he wouldn't be there for every milestone, but he also knew that they'd built a foundation of respect and care that Asher would feel in his life.

As he turned back into the kitchen, ready to finish the night's work, he felt something he hadn't in a long time — a renewed purpose. He couldn't change the past, but he could be there when it mattered most.

And that, to Chan, was worth more than anything.