Parent Lee In The House || ✔

Chapter Six

The clocked striked three in the afternoon and only two hours until Bo-Ah and the three kids' arrival. Taeyong sat on the bed as he was finally done preparing the mattresses for the other children.

Day One: Ten Children.

So nine more to go.

He has carefully calculated the rooms anyway so he didn't have to worry about them squeezing on one bed. The guest room still is available for three more since there is an empty mattress just beside Renjun's bed. Taeyong heaved a sigh and landed on his back, trying to recollect his thoughts.

He's too soft for these children.

The laughter and squeals could still be heard indicating all of them are still playing. They all are like music to his ears even if others says otherwise. Taeyong won't change his mind.

Maybe he's a bit thankful he didn't refuse.

Five minutes in sinking himself on his soft, soft bed. Maybe this will be the last time he'll ever use this bed as he'll let four of the kiddos use this.

He just wanted them to be comfortable.

Taeyong felt his eyes growing heavy. It was if his consciousness is slowly ebbing away from him. He felt somnolent. His body relaxed as his chest heaved up and down. The sounds of his air conditioning merely stuffing his ears. Taeyong had never realized how tired he is, he was too occupied with his thoughts that he didn't really feel the exhaustion distributing throughout his body.

Taeyong was one step away to dreamland when a knock erupted from his door. He instantly shot up, the tiredness instantly vanished. "Yes?"

"Mr. Taeyong?"

He arched a brow and proceeded to the door, opening it revealing the  shorter boy dressed in cute blue shorts and a blue striped shirt.

Jisung.

"Oh, hello bub. Need anything?" He crouched down matching the boy's level and ruffled his hair.

"Nothing really.." Jisung passed Taeyong and climbed on his bed. Taeyong stared at him in confusion and pushed himself on his two feet and followed the younger.

"Are you alright Jisung-ah?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to be with you. That's all." Jisung shyly fiddled with his fingers as he said so. His head hung low.

Taeyong didn't expect this. But he found Jisung really sweet. "I'm really happy that you took the time to take care of us.."

Taeyong continued to listen, he seemed that he wanted to say more. The male adjusted his position to a more comfortable one.

"My hyungs are still a bit shy so uhm.. Sorry if they kinda seem awkward around you."

Jisung turned to face Taeyong fully.

"Oh it's alright, I understand them." Taeyong replied with a small smile. "We can get pretty awkward at times."

Jisung giggled and adjusted his position. He sat in a indian sitting position, his body and attention fixated onto the older. "Let's get to know each other?" The younger suggested, lightly clapping his hands together.

Taeyong nodded and had his eyes focus on Jisung.

"I really like to dance. But I'm not really good at it." Jisung pouted slightly. "I'm sure you're good love. Takes time to learn."

Taeyong leaned back but is still in sitting position. "I heard from Bo-Ah noona you dance too." Jisung's eyes glittered with stars.

Yes, Taeyong loved to dance. Dancing is one of his coping mechanism. But sadly, he stopped because of work. Taeyong's smile faded into a downward one. Jisung can't tell if he's sad or dissapointed. Maybe both. He shouldn't have said that, he felt bad in hurting Taeyong's mood.

"Used to."

"Why?"  Jisung's curiosity shot up.

"Work, love. I'm too busy to dance. I haven't danced in awhile."

Jisung scooted closer and wrapped his arms around Taeyong's waist. He looked up. "Then, let's dance together if you have time." The boy smiled, his eyes forming beautiful crescents which Taeyong find so adorable.  He had this warm feeling swelling over him and it's something he didn't really feel for a long time. He's usually the one who comforts, but a five year old comforting him? Jisung's smart for his age. Taeyong chuckled softly and pulled the boy into a loving embrace. "Anything for you, love."

He smiled and was the first to pull away.

"Odd question but have you ever had a crush?" Jisung asked, interested in the topic.

"Hmm. Not really. I'm not good with those." Taeyong laughed it off.

"Me too." Jisung laughed as well.

It has been an hour since they've started chatting and by now, both of them were comfortable enough to start playing with each other, Jisung insisted first. The younger sprinted around the bed, trying to hide from the older. Laughter filled the room as Taeyong caught him and spun him around.

At this point laughter turned into blaring guffaws that could possibly break the walls of Taeyong.

Taeyong became so dizzy he fell on his back with Jisung on top of him. Both still laughing and giggling.

"This was so much fun." Jisung's chin rested unto Taeyong's clothed chest. Taeyong nodded and hugged him close.

"You're really not bad after all." Jisung spoke again as he snuggled with Taeyong. It's not even a day and the younger felt so close to him. Maybe because Taeyong's naturally like this? Or it's just Jisung found him so freely happy. Something about Taeyong that it makes Jisung feel full for no reason, to feel the sincere love and care like how a parent should make the child feel.

"What do you mean Jisung?" Taeyong arched a brow.

"You give off this scary vibe. But I didn't mind because you're really pretty." Jisung cupped Taeyong's cheeks.

"If you want a cookie or sweets then no." Taeyong laughed.

"I don't want anything though." Jisung pouted.

Taeyong may not have any parental background but one thing he's very certain about is that when kids are suddenly sweet to you, they want something. There's always a twist to candies.

He arched a brow and gently set Jisung down beside him and sat up.  "Well, thank you, Jisung-ah." The smile that tinted his lips were sincere enough for Jisung to mirror his smile.

There was silence between them. Though, it wasn't an uncomfortable one.

Jisung turned his head to speak. "Mr. Taeyong?"

Taeyong faced the laying boy.

"So.. How long will you keep us?"

How long exactly?
The new orphanage is yet to be built. It will certainly costs a long, long time. By then, he doubts he could let go of the children easily. Taeyong can get a bit too attached.

Taeyong turned on his side and pouted his lips. "I.. Dont know." He wasn't sure whether he should tell Jisung that White Orchids Home broke down and they're building a new one. But maybe it's unnecessary to do so. He doesn't need to know that anyway, he's too young.

Jisung sat up as well. "Ohh, okay." The boy nodded.

Taeyong took time to process his mind when his eyes widened. He whipped his attention towards the clock that hung over his bed and it read '4:58'.

Oh yes. He'll get an extra three later on. He rose from the bed and gestured Jisung to follow him down the stairs. "Why?" Jisung asked.

"Your three other brothers will come here." He smiled.

They both descended down the stairs and to the entrance to give the three boys and Bo-Ah a lovely welcome.

And there, they waited for two more minutes.

.
.
.