Jimin's steps grew slower and weaker as the weight of the day pressed heavily on him. He had gone to two interviews, and both had ended in disappointment. The words kept echoing in his mind: "You do not meet our qualifications." It stung each time, more so because he had tried for positions that he hoped he could handle—Barista and cake maker. But in both cases, the employers sought experienced, certified people. Jimin had neither.
As he walked, head down and lost in thought, a small voice broke through his haze.
"Appa!" It was Jae's voice, loud and filled with urgency. His son had noticed his absence.
Jimin's heart immediately fluttered with guilt and love. "Jae," he called back, his voice soft but tinged with relief. He quickened his pace, running to find his little boy.
When he reached Jae, he swept him into his arms, holding him tightly as if he could protect himself from the harshness of the world through the warmth of his son’s embrace. He kissed Jae's cheeks over and over, desperate to comfort himself through his child.
"I missed you so much," Jimin whispered between kisses.
"Appa, you left me," Jae responded, his small face showing a slight pout.
Jimin's heart clenched. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. You were sleeping, and I didn’t want to wake you." He cupped Jae's cheek. "What are you doing now?"
"Picnic and sunbathing," Jae said with a smile, his innocent joy a balm for Jimin's weary heart.
Jimin smiled softly at his son's happiness, but deep inside, he couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of failure. Despite the love of his son, he still felt the weight of not being able to provide as he had hoped. But for now, he focused on the moment, holding Jae a little tighter, knowing his presence was all that mattered to his son.
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"Sunbathing with an umbrella?" Jimin asked, raising an eyebrow as he saw the small umbrella shading Jae.
"Jae said it's too hot," Jungkook explained with a smile.
"Hot," Jae confirmed, pouting a little. Jimin chuckled softly and wiped the sweat from Jae's forehead, feeling the stickiness from the heat on his skin.
"How was your interview?" Jungkook asked, his tone careful, sensing Jimin’s low spirits.
Jimin sighed and looked away for a moment, then forced a smile. "Not my lucky day."
Jungkook placed a hand on Jimin's shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. "It's okay, you can try again. But for now, let's join us and relax. You need a break."
"Yes, Appa, let's sit and eat!" Jae chimed in with excitement, his little hands clapping as he looked up at his father.
"Eat?" Jimin repeated, not expecting his son to be this enthusiastic about something so simple.
"Pancakes! Kookie Appa made strawberry pancakes. They’re sweet and tasty!" Jae said, his eyes lighting up with joy. His innocent happiness made both Jimin and Jungkook laugh, their worries momentarily fading at the sight of their son’s pure excitement over pancakes.
