A Sunflower in the Winter - ChanBaek

Chapter 2

Baekhyun usually worked at the café on Sundays, but just like Yixing had told him, Minseok ordered him to stay home for the rest of the week. Not knowing what to do since he hadn't had a day off in a long time, he'd opted to clean the apartment thorougly as Mino did his homework in the living room. Of course, Baekhyun would take breaks to help him out and even after his son was done, he took his time play with him, something that he didn't get to do often.

It was relatively relaxing, or at least as relaxing as Baekhyun would ever be considering his circumstances. The thought of having Chanyeol know about Mino was stressfull since that meant his family would find out soon enough too. Not only that, but knowing he lost one job (it was obvious) was putting a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Sure, Chanyeol would help from now on, but Baekhyun hated thinking about having the giant pay for everything. He wanted to contribute equally, even if having ten jobs at once would never come close to giving him the amount of money Chanyeol had.

It was around two in the afternoon when a knock was heard on the door and Baekhyun figured it was the landlady already, pressuring him to pay up. Sighing, he stood up and opened the door regretfully. What he didn't expect was to find Luhan smiling brightly as he held on to several bags.

"Hey Baek! "He exclaimed as he slipped in without waiting for Baekhyun to react. "Chanyeol gave me your address and phone number. I wanted to surprise you. Hope you don't mind. "

Baekhyun followed after Luhan, who had stopped in the middle of the meager living room as he looked around, a thoughtful expression evident in his features. Embarrassed, Baekhyun lowered his head knowing full well that the place was disgusting no matter how much Baekhyun tried to clean it.

"So, this is Mino?" He heard Luhan ask excitedly as he set the bags down before kneeling in front of Mino, who was studying Luhan's face curiously.

"Who are you?" Asked Baekhyun's son.

Lihan smiled as he held his hand out. "Hi, I'm your uncle Luhan. "

Mino shook Luhan's hand (more like his fingers) and smiled back. "Oh, are you dad's brother? "

"I'm married to Chanyeol's brother. "

"My dad has a brother? "Asked Mino with wonder in his voice.

"Yes, and a sister."

A smile spread across his face. "And do I have a grandma and grandpa?" Luhan nodded and Mino squealed. "Really? "

Baekhyun disconnected himself from the conversation foe a moment, pain shooting through his heart. First, for knowing he couldn't give Mino a family like that, and also because he knew those grandparents and that aunt wouldn't be as excited to meet him. There was no way Baekhyun could tell him that, though, since he could never afford to hurt his son. Instead, he promised himself to protect him from their hatred when the time came.

"I brought some food. I figured we could catch up while we ate. I also couldn't wait to meet this cutie," said Luhan, forcing Baekhyun out of his reverie.

Knowing there was no use in getting mad at Chanyeol for giving Luhan his contact information or at Luhan for surprising him, Baekhyun smiled and nodded. "I was about to prepare lunch, actually. You just saved me the trouble. "

They spent the next couple of hours enjoying Mino's company, who was all too eager to tell his uncle everything in his mind. Baekhyun didn't mind either, since he felt happy to see Mino so excited and full of joy. He wouldn't deny him the chance to enjoy his family. Luhan wouldn't hurt him either, so Baekhyun knew his son's heart was safe for the time being.

Around eight, Mino fell asleep, so Baekhyun tucked him into bed before he went back to the living room, knowing perfectly well that Luhan would interrogate him.