Lo♡e MaTeS

~ 1~

The warm sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room where Taehyung lay buried under a soft, fluffy blanket. Usually, he was the type to wake up early—always punctual, always responsible—but today was different. Today, he was exhausted. Maybe it was the long flight from America last night or maybe the overwhelming swirl of emotions in his heart. After all, this was the first time he would be living away from his parents.

For as long as he could remember, it had been his dream to study in Korea—the same college where his parents had once been students. The stories they told him about their time there always fascinated him. Now, that dream was finally coming true. Yet, as excited as he was, a bittersweet feeling clung to his chest. His parents would return to America soon, leaving him to start this new chapter alone. That thought weighed heavily on his mind, making it harder to get out of bed.

Lisa, his mother, had already called him twice from downstairs, but hearing no response, she decided to check on her baby boy herself. As she quietly pushed the door open, a soft smile tugged at her lips at the sight before her. Taehyung was curled up on his side, his dark hair slightly tousled and falling across his forehead. The sunlight gently illuminated his face—long eyelashes resting against his cheeks, soft strawberry lips slightly parted, and a faint pout forming as he shifted in his sleep.

"My baby is so cute," Lisa whispered to herself, her heart swelling with affection. Anyone who saw him like this would agree he looked like a little angel. The cool morning breeze made his hair flutter softly, adding to his ethereal appearance. Standing there, watching her son sleep peacefully, Lisa felt a wave of pride. He was growing up so fast, chasing his dreams with such determination. She couldn’t help but think, I really did create a masterpiece—though, of course, Lucas had a little something to do with it too. She giggled to herself at the thought.

But as much as she wanted to let him sleep, there was no time for that today. It was his first day at college—a milestone she wouldn’t let him miss. With a wide smile, she stepped closer to the bed and gently shook his shoulder.

“Taetae, wake up, baby,” she cooed softly. “It’s your first day at college—you don’t want to be late!”

Taehyung groaned softly, burying his face deeper into the pillow as he pulled the blanket over his head. "Mooomiii, please… five more minutes," he mumbled, his voice muffled and sleepy.

Lisa rolled her eyes fondly but didn’t relent. “No, no, you’re already late! Get up now, Taeeee Bear,” she urged, shaking him a little more firmly.

“Mooomiii… five minutes,” he whined again, curling into a ball as if that would shield him from his mother’s persistence.

Lisa sighed dramatically, her patience wearing thin. "I swear, you’re just like your father—lazy and impossible to wake up! Like father, like son! Ugh, why couldn’t you inherit my discipline instead of just my beauty?" she huffed, shaking her head in mock frustration.

“Lucasiiiiii!” she suddenly called out, her voice echoing through the house. “Come here and deal with your lazy son before I lose my mind!”

From the hallway came the sound of hurried footsteps, followed by a breathless Lucas appearing at the door. His hair was slightly disheveled, and he held a bewildered expression. “Yes, honey? Why are you yelling so early in the morning? You’re gonna give me a heart attack,” he panted, clutching his chest dramatically.

Lisa folded her arms across her chest, giving him a sharp look. "Don’t act like you don’t know! Your son won’t wake up. Go and handle him before I lose my patience."

Lucas sighed in an exaggerated defeat. "Aish… God, please save me from my angry bird," he muttered under his breath, wiping away imaginary tears before sitting beside Taehyung.

"Taetae, Dad’s little bear,” he said softly, brushing his son’s hair out of his face. “Come on, baby, wake up. If you love your sweet and handsome dad, don’t let your mom kill me, okay?”

Taehyung stirred slightly, a small smile playing on his lips as he heard his father’s familiar voice. “Mmm… good morning, Lucasiii,” he mumbled through a yawn, his eyes fluttering open.

Lucas groaned, shaking his head. “Yah, I’m your dad—not your friend! Call me Dad, or your mom will skin me alive.”

Taehyung chuckled softly, sitting up with a stretch before leaning over to pinch his dad’s cheek. “Aww, but you’re my sweet and handsome dad. Did you know some of my friends have a crush on you?”

Lucas smirked, flipping his hair back with mock pride. “Of course they do—I’m pretty irresistible.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes, laughing. “Yeah, well, I warned them. If they dare flirt with you, my hot and scary mom will rip them apart.”

Lucas shuddered at the thought. “Damn right, bub. She’s scarier than a horror movie,” he whispered conspiratorially. “Now, hurry up and get ready before she comes back to finish us both.”

Grinning, Taehyung hopped off the bed and padded toward the bathroom. “Five minutes, Dad—I promise.”

Ten minutes later, freshly showered and dressed, Taehyung skipped down the stairs. “Mommy! I’m hungry,” he called out, following the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen.

Lisa was already plating his favorite breakfast when he arrived, and her face softened the moment she saw him. “Finally, my sleepyhead is awake. Come and eat before you’re late.”

“My mama is the best in the whole world,” Taehyung declared with a cheeky smile, clapping his hands.

“Flattery won’t get you out of trouble,” Lisa said, though the fondness in her voice gave her away. She ruffled his hair affectionately. “Now eat up, baby.”

After devouring his breakfast, Taehyung stood by the door, adjusting his backpack. “Bye, Mommy! Bye, Daddy! See you later!” he chirped, waving enthusiastically.

“Wait!” both parents called in unison, making him pause.

“Where’s our kiss, baby bear?” Lucas pouted, while Lisa tapped her cheek expectantly.

Giggling, Taehyung hurried back to peck both of their cheeks. “Love you, Mommy. Love you, Daddy,” he said sweetly before turning his face toward them. “Now my turn—give me my kisses!”

His parents laughed, each planting a loud kiss on his soft, chubby cheeks.

As Taehyung opened the door to leave, Lucas called out teasingly, “Don’t forget to find me a future son-in-law, baby! I’m waiting!”

Blushing furiously, Taehyung shot his dad a glare. “Ugh! Bye, Dad!” he huffed before stepping outside, cheeks burning bright red as he made his way to college.