Don't Blame Me || Jeongcheol

Chapter 36

Jeonghan felt like his heart was going to stop. The boy's presence, while loved and wanted, was a sudden and unexpected reminder that there was more to their lives than this tense, emotional bubble they were in.

Seungcheol looked torn for a moment, his eyes flicking from the door to Jeonghan, then back again. But eventually, he sighed softly and called out, "Just a moment, buddy. We're almost done."

There was a slight pause from the other side of the door, then a small sigh. "Okay." Haneul said, his voice still soft, yet a hint of impatience in it. "But hurry up, okay? I want cuddles."

Jeonghan felt a pang in his heart at the boy's innocent plea for cuddles. It was a stark contrast to the serious atmosphere in the room, a reminder that life still went on, even in moments like these.

Seungcheol stood up from the bed, pushing down his own tangle of emotions. "Yeah, we'll be there in a sec." he called out to the door before turning to Jeonghan. "Talk to him." he said, his voice soft but firm.

Jeonghan nodded, his heart still hammering in his chest. He knew he needed to keep the conversation going, otherwise he might never find the courage again.

He got up from the bed and went to the door, opening it just enough to see Haneul standing outside, his small face looking up at Jeonghan with a mixture of expectancy and hope.

"Hey buddy." Jeonghan said, forcing a small smile. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Haneul pouted a little. "You said you'd be quick." he whined, his small voice brimming with disappointment. "I've been waiting for so long."

Jeonghan's heart ached a little at Haneul's petulance. The boy's disappointment was tangible, his pouty expression a clear testament to his dissatisfaction with the waiting.

Jeonghan knelt down to the boy's height and stroked his hair gently, his smile a mixture of apology and understanding. "I know." he said soothely, his tone gentle. "I'm sorry. But Daddy still needs a few more minutes. Okay?"

Haneul's pout only deepened, his small arms crossing over his chest in a sulky gesture. "But I want cuddles now." he protested, his voice almost a whine. "I've been on my best behavior and I've been waiting and I-"

Jeonghan's expression softened and he gently put a finger to Haneul's lips, preventing him from speaking further. "Haneul.." he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Daddy needs some time to talk with Seungcheol. We'll give you cuddles as soon as we're done, okay?"

Haneul's petulant expression didn't change, his small frame radiating discontent. "But it's taking so long," he argued, his voice still tinged with a hint of grievance. "You said you'd be quick- ow!"

Jeonghan gave Haneul a small smack on his arm, his small act of discipline catching the boy off guard. "Haneul." he said, his tone slightly more authoritative than before. "No buts. We said we need a few minutes, so you'll wait a few more minutes. Understand?"

Haneul looked up a little stunned, the small smack having surprised him out of his pouting. "But it hurts." he mumbled, his small voice filled with childish complaint.

Haneul's pout intensified, the tiny hand he'd brought to his arm rubbing the spot where Jeonghan had struck him. Tears brimmed in the boy's eyes, the hurt and frustration welling up inside him. But after a moment, he sniffed and nodded his agreement, even though his body language indicated he was still unhappy about the situation.

Jeonghan felt a pang of guilt, seeing the tears in Haneul's eyes and the way the boy rubbed the spot he had hit. It wasn't a hard smack, but it was enough to startle and maybe even hurt the boy a little. Jeonghan was firm, he had to be, but he never wanted to truly hurt the child.