FATHERLY FIGURE | K.TAEHYUNG

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"Appa, I-I don't wanna go to school anymore.." Ae ra holds Taehyung's hands tightly. They are just right outside the school gate when Ae ra told Taehyung that. Taehyung's eyebrows furrows and then softens again.

"What's wrong little one?" Taehyung squats down, now he's just a few inches taller than Ae ra. Ae ra shakes her head, refusing to say anything. Taehyung asks why again. This time, Ae ra answers, hesitantly.

"It l-looks s-scary.." Ae ra hugs Taehyung. "I don't wanna go in there Appa.." Taehyung could feel that Ae ra was shaking her head vigorously on his neck.

Taehyung pushes Ae ra away from his body gently. "How about Appa bring you in?" Taehyung raises a brow at Ae ra. Ae ra taps her petite fingers on her chin and nods unknowingly.

Taehyung smiles and steps in with Ae ra. This scene right now, was not what Taehyung had imagined it would be. Literally all the pre schoolers were just so quiet and obedient. Shock took over Taehyung for a moment, he thought that pre schoolers were always joking and playing around with one another but in this case, no.

"Hello!" A small boy walks up to Ae ra and Taehyung. Taehyung could feel that Ae ra was holding onto him firmly. He then held out the hand Ae ra was holding and gestures her towards the radiant boy who said hello.

"Say hi back Ae ra ah. He's a nice boy." Taehyung smiles gently and nods his head. Ae ra looks at the boy, uncertain. Just then, Taehyung nudges her and gestured to the boy, still waiting for a reply from Ae ra.

"Yeah, hi..." Ae ra gives a small wave. The boy smiles, showing his healthy teeth.

"You wanna join me for reading?" The boy inquires. "They have really nice and cute storybooks here! I heard from Mr Kim that you're a new pre schooler, just like our age! So just wondering if you wanted to join me?" The boy continues.

"Aegi, Appa will come pick you up later after school. So right now, just follow the boy okay? He might show you around the school." Taehyung smoothen our Ae ra's messily tied pig tails and then turns to the little boy.

"Could you maybe bring my Ae ra around the school? Like a tour for her?"

The little boy's eyes twinkles, "yes of course, ahjussi! Ae ra will definitely have the best time of her life here in Itaenam." Taehyung nods and waves Ae ra goodbye.

"Bye bye Appa..." Ae ra reluctantly lets go of Taehyung's hands and gave a sad smile. "Appa! Please come by earlier." Ae ra exclaims to Taehyung before he takes his leave. Taehyung nods at Ae ra and mouths a 'go'.