"Hidden Beneath the Surface" (TanFang)

TanFang 11

: Fang’s Pregnancy Madness 

As Fang’s pregnancy entered the final stretch, the moments of unpredictability and emotional highs and lows became even more intense. Tan was doing his best to manage everything—Fang’s needs, the growing anticipation for the baby’s arrival, and keeping his own sanity intact. But sometimes, it felt like the universe was testing him to his limits.

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The Midnight Snack Crisis

It was 3 a.m., and Tan was fast asleep when he heard the fridge door open. He groggily sat up in bed, glancing at the clock.

Tan (groaning): "Not again…"

He dragged himself to the kitchen, finding Fang standing in front of the open fridge, clutching a jar of pickles.

Tan: "Babe, what are you doing?" 

Fang (with a pout): "I want pickles… I’m craving them." 

Tan (rubbing his eyes): "It's 3 a.m., love! You can’t just eat pickles at this hour!"

Fang turned to face him, his eyes filled with tears. 

Fang: "Why are you always telling me what to do? You don’t care about me!" 

Tan’s heart sank, but he took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. 

Tan: "It’s not that I don’t care about you. I just want to make sure the baby’s okay. You can’t have pickles at this hour… Let’s get some fruit instead, okay?"

Fang (sulking): "I don’t want fruit. I want pickles!"

Tan felt the patience he’d been holding on to start slipping away. He reached out, taking the jar from Fang’s hands gently. 

Tan: "Okay, fine, we’ll get pickles… but tomorrow, we’re going to the store and getting more healthy options, okay?"

Fang’s lip quivered before he smiled, hugging Tan tightly. 

Fang (sniffling): "You’re the best, thank you… I love you."

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**The Meltdown Over Laundry** 

One evening, Tan was folding clothes while Fang sat on the couch, looking sulky as usual. Tan was already exhausted from a long day at work, but Fang’s mood seemed to be dragging him down even further.

Fang: "Babe, you never help me with the laundry. I have to do it all myself." 

Tan glanced over, surprised at the sudden complaint. 

Tan: "What? You told me you didn’t want me to help last time, remember?"

Fang (crossing his arms): "Well, I’ve changed my mind. You never pay attention to what I need. I’m pregnant, Tan! Can’t you see that?"

Tan felt a headache coming on. He put down the shirt he was folding and walked over to Fang. 

Tan (softly): "I do see it, babe. I see everything. But you can’t blame me for everything that goes wrong. I’m just trying to do my best for us."

Fang (tears filling his eyes): "I know… I just feel so tired all the time, and you’re always so busy. Sometimes I feel like I’m in this alone."*

Tan’s heart broke at the sight of Fang’s tears. He knelt beside him, pulling Fang into a tight hug.

Tan (whispering): "You’re not alone. You never will be. We’re in this together, always."

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**The Dramatic Bath Time**