Joshua had been looking forward to tonight all week. After a long day of teaching little kids how to draw suns with too many rays and how to spell their names, he hurried home with a smile. He changed into the outfit he had carefully chosen something simple, yet soft and lovely, just the way he knew Jeonghan liked. He even set the table, lit a candle, and placed their favorite wine on the side.
It was supposed to be date night.
By 9 PM, Joshua was still waiting. He sat on the couch, scrolling absentmindedly on his phone, telling himself, He must be stuck in traffic. He'll be here soon.
By 10 PM, his smile began to falter. He tugged at his sleeves nervously, checking the clock again and again.
By 11 PM, he was pouting, curled up in the corner of the couch, eyes flickering to the untouched dinner he had prepared.
When the clock struck 12, the front door finally opened.
"Yeah, I'll send the documents tomorrow morning. Mm, just email me the files," Jeonghan's voice floated in as he stepped inside, phone pressed against his ear. He shrugged off his coat carelessly, laughing lightly at something said on the other end.
But then he looked up.
And froze.
Joshua sat there, dressed beautifully, lips pressed into a pout, eyes glassy with disappointment. One glance was enough for Jeonghan's brain to click their date. His heart sank.
"I'll call you back," Jeonghan said quickly into the phone, hanging up without waiting for a response. He cursed under his breath and tossed the device aside, running straight to his husband.
"Baby..." his voice was soft, almost guilty. He reached out, but Joshua turned his face away stubbornly, crossing his arms.
Jeonghan winced at the cold shoulder, scolding himself harshly in his mind. Idiot, idiot, you absolute fool. You forgot him. You forgot your baby.
Without thinking twice, he knelt down in front of Joshua, his hands moving up to hold his own ears, tugging them like a child being punished.
"I'm so, so sorry, Shua. I messed up. I completely forgot, and that makes me the worst husband in the world," Jeonghan rambled quickly, his voice thick with regret. "You spent all this time waiting for me and I... I didn't deserve that. Please, don't be mad at me, baby."
Joshua glanced down at him, his pout deepening even more at the sight of his dramatic husband kneeling on the floor. He wanted to stay angry, but Jeonghan looked so pitiful, ears red from tugging and eyes desperate for forgiveness.
"You really forgot..." Joshua mumbled, his voice soft and shaky.
Jeonghan's heart cracked. He shuffled closer on his knees, resting his forehead against Joshua's lap.
"I'll make it up to you. I'll cancel everything tomorrow, no calls, no work. Just you and me. Whatever you want, baby. Please, don't stay mad."
Joshua stood up abruptly. His eyes were glossy, but this time with irritation more than hurt. He stormed toward their bedroom, tugging off his blazer and throwing it carelessly onto the chair.
"Baby.." Jeonghan started, but Joshua ignored him, aggressively wiping at his face with a tissue, as if erasing every trace of the night he'd wasted waiting.
Jeonghan followed quietly, leaning against the doorway like a kicked puppy.
he saw the candlelight flickering on the table and the home-cooked meal Joshua had prepared, his heart ached. Shua had clearly been waiting for him all this time, and yet the food sat untouched. He stepped closer and asked softly, "Let's eat, baby."
