Pastel Palette ㅡ Taekook

thirty-four

Taehyung wakes up hearing Storm's faint sobs beside him. The kid has been clutching the hem of his pajamas tightly, his knuckles almost turning white. Albeit drowsy, Taehyung secures the little boy inside his arms, pulling him closer and he rubs soothing circles on his back, with an attempt to calm him down.

"Hey, buddy. You're okay. Everything's gonna be okay," he whispers and the child cries even more.

"W-where's daddy?" The kid asks, big doe eyes looking up at Taehyung. Fat tears keep rolling down his cheeks, and his face looks so red right now because of the way he's crying.

"Daddy went to work, buddy. He dropped you off last night. Daddy has to work for you, because he wants to buy you toys and a whole lot of food when he gets home. You want that, right, buddy?"

"B-but I want daddy more... can't he just... stay?"

Taehyung's heart breaks at the sight in front of him. Growing up with no parents, and only Yoongi and Hoseok by his side, Taehyung could relate to the longing Storm is feeling right now. He still remembers how he used to crave for attention; how he longed for his parents' love and warmth, which he didn't receive because they were long gone. Storm, on the other hand, only has his father, but to him, it seems that Jeongguk is too far to reach even if they are always together.

It's Jeongguk's work that's keeping them away from each other, not that Taehyung doesn't understand. Trust me, he does, and he's truly amazed by how Jeongguk would work his ass of 'til dawn just to give Storm the life he deserves. However, the kid just looks so broken without his dad, like someone took the whole world away from him, and Taehyung just wants to wipe the frown and the hurt present on Storm's face. He just wants the kid to laugh and be free from life's cruelty.

"Teacher Tata... I want daddy..."

"Daddy will be back tomorrow, buddy. We could do a lot of fun stuffs together while we wait for your daddy. We can go out, eat ice cream, go to arcades, and maybe even have a picnic at a nearby park! What do you say? Are you up for an adventure?" Taehyung says enthusiastically, and he thanks the heavens for a successful attempt at making Storm smile because as he looks down to take a glimpse of Storm's face, the kid already had a wide grin plastered on his face.

"I love adventures!" He giggles, making Taehyung coo and pinch his chubby cheeks. Storm reaches out to squish Taehyung on the cheeks and he gives him a big kiss on the tip of his nose.

"I purple you!" Taehyung looks at him in amusement.

"Where did you get that?'

"Well, you once told me that your favorite color is purple. Since 'I love you' is for daddy Gukkie only, I will say 'I purple you' only to you!" Oh bleep. Taehyung's heart could explode any minute now. He tries so hard to stop himself from combusting, but the little boy in front of him is so adorable, making it hard for him to contain his feelings.

"Well then, I purple you, too, buddy."

Taehyung boops Storm's nose, earning a giggle from the kid.

'I could get used to this, right?'