alnixaya🩷🩶 @nowaalnixaya - Tumblr Blog

Jan 13

fractured silence pt. 3

yang jeongin x idol!reader

synopsis: when your pregnancy complicates your secret relationship, the emotional distance between you and your boyfriend grows, leaving you unsure of where you stand and what the future holds.

warnings: idol pregnancy, lots of fluff, angst, hurt/comfort.

wc: 17,645

[part 1, part 2]

It was a quiet, still morning, the kind you usually cherished. The sun had barely climbed high in the sky, its golden rays pouring gently through the curtains of your room, casting a soft glow over the space. You had just returned from your latest check-up, now officially eight and a half months along. The visit had gone smoothly, the doctor confirming what you already knew: you were almost there. So close to the moment your life would change forever.

You’d done everything you could to stay under the radar, hoodie on, mask tight, oversized clothes hiding your growing belly. You didn’t even tell the girls you were going out. You just wanted a moment of peace, to feel like a regular person doing a regular thing. And for a little while, it worked.

Now, back in your room, you were sprawled across the couch with your feet up, absently watching a show that didn’t have enough of a plot to hold your attention. Your hand rested instinctively over your bump as you scrolled through your phone, eyes half-focused until a headline jumped out at you, bold and brutal.

“Idol on Hiatus Due to Pregnancy? Rumors Swirl Around Stardust Member, Y/N.”

You froze. Your heart dropped so fast you felt sick. Your fingers trembled as you clicked on the article. It wasn’t long, and there were no photos, no names from company officials. But the damage was already done. It was out there.

Despite your efforts, the silence, the fake reason for the hiatus, the long hours spent hiding away, someone had leaked it. Someone had taken the choice from you.

Your eyes scrolled to the comments before you could stop yourself.

“No way. I don’t believe it.”

“Is she serious? Throwing her career away like this?”

“There’s no proof, this is fake news.”

“Honestly if it’s true… I’m disappointed.”

Each word hit like a brick to the chest. You’d been prepared for judgment, but seeing it in black and white? It was worse than you imagined. You wanted to disappear.

Your phone buzzed in your hand. Jeongin.

You answered without even thinking.

“Are you okay?” he asked, voice urgent and full of worry.

You tried to answer, but the words didn’t come out right away. Your throat was tight, and your heart was racing. “No,” you finally whispered. “I’m not okay.”

“I saw it. I saw the article. I'm so sorry— I don't even know what to say.”

Before you could answer, another buzz lit up your screen, a message from Jinhee.

Jinhee: Emergency meeting. Company needs you in immediately. Please hide well when coming. No press can see you. I'm so sorry.

You stared at the text in disbelief, the room suddenly spinning just a little. Everything you’d feared for months, the exposure, the scrutiny, the fallout was unraveling before your eyes. The careful plan to take a quiet hiatus, to give birth privately and come back on your own terms, was gone.

Jeongin was still on the line, waiting. “Do you want me to come with you?” he asked softly. “I’ll go. I’ll be there.”

You shook your head, more to yourself than to him. “No. It’s better if you don’t. They’re already going to twist this. If we’re seen together right now... it’ll only make it worse.”

He hesitated. “I hate this. I hate that you have to go through this alone.”

“I’m not alone,” you said, even though the loneliness sat heavy in your chest. “But I have to do this. I have to face them.”

He exhaled shakily. “Okay. But please call me right after. I’ll be waiting.”

You ended the call slowly, reluctant to lose even that tiny bit of comfort. But there wasn’t time to cry or process, not now.

You grabbed your mask, oversized hoodie, pulled your hair into a loose cap, and stood in front of the mirror. Your eyes were puffy, your body tired, your belly unmistakable beneath the layers of fabric. But you squared your shoulders, steadied your breath, and reminded yourself of something you had to believe: You were still you, even if the world had decided to see you differently.

And now, it was time to fight for yourself.

The company building was quieter than usual or maybe it just felt that way. You were walking through the familiar halls, the sound of your shoes against the floor the only thing you could hear over the thunderous beating of your own heart. Every step felt heavier, like each one brought you closer to something you weren’t ready to face.

You reached the meeting room and paused at the door, taking one last deep breath before walking in. The girls were already there. Jinae was sitting upright, eyes glued to the table; Minsu was chewing on her bottom lip like she always did when she was nervous; and Chae, looked up the moment you stepped in, standing up to greet you with a gentle hand to your arm.

“Are you okay?” she asked, voice soft but urgent. The others turned to you, eyes full of concern.

You gave them a small nod and a rehearsed, too calm “I’m fine,” even though nothing about this felt fine. You could tell they didn’t believe you how could they, when your shoulders were so tense and your jaw so tight? But they didn’t press. They just made room for you to sit between them like they always did when they knew you needed them close.

Moments later, the door opened again. Jun entered first eyes tired, mouth set in a grim line. Behind him came Jinhee, who gave you a brief, apologetic look, followed by two more company reps you didn’t know well, faces serious and businesslike. Everyone took their places, the air thick with tension.

Jun cleared his throat and looked at all of you, but mostly at you.

“This isn’t ideal,” he began. “It’s not how we wanted this to happen. Someone seemed to have leaked information to the press. It’s already out there, and the article is spreading.”

You felt your stomach twist again. You’d already read the article, already seen the comments tearing you apart the denial, the judgment, the disappointment. You didn’t need to hear it again.

Jun sighed. “We have two options. We can deny the rumors, issue a statement that this is baseless, just speculation. But if anything comes out after that… if there's any confirmation down the line…”

“We’ll be liars,” you finished for him, your voice bitter.

He hesitated. “Yes. And that could be even more damaging. To you, to the group, to the company.”

You scoffed, leaning back in your chair. “With all due respect, this was your idea from the beginning. You told me to lie. You told me to disappear quietly and not say a word.”

The room was silent for a beat.

Then one of the company representatives, a man you didn’t even know by name spoke up from across the table.

“Why not just come clean?” he said casually, like he wasn’t suggesting the very thing that could destroy your entire career. “Tell the truth. People are going to find out eventually. Why not control the narrative now?”

Before you could even respond, Jinae turned her head so fast you thought she might’ve pulled something. Her glare was sharp and immediate.

“Do you understand what you’re asking her to do?” she asked, voice low and clipped.

Minsu nodded, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “You want her to put her life on fire so you can write a good press release?”

Chae added, “She’s not a headline. She’s a person. And she’s pregnant. Don’t forget that part.”

You swallowed hard, heart swelling at their defense even though your eyes burned with fresh tears.

The man held up his hands. “I’m just saying.. the longer we stay silent, the worse it could get. Controlling the truth is better than letting people twist it.”

Jun cut in again before things could spiral. “No one’s forcing her to do anything.” He looked at you again, more gently this time. “We just need to be realistic. The story is out there. There’s no guarantee it’ll go away.”

You looked around the room. Everyone was waiting on you. Like you were the only one who could make this call, but also the one who’d take the fall either way. Your lips trembled as you finally said, “I don’t know. I don’t know what to do.”

And that was the truth.

Because how do you tell the world something they never asked for, something you weren’t ready to give? How do you explain that you didn’t mean to hurt anyone that you were just trying to love someone, to live a little, and now everything might fall apart?

You looked down at your belly, your hand resting gently on the curve of it, the smallest kick tapping back against your palm.

You weren’t just deciding for yourself anymore.

And that made everything so much harder.

It had been hours since the emergency meeting, and though the company’s vague statement had finally gone public, nothing really felt resolved. If anything, the silence only made things worse, the uncertainty, the unspoken fear, the way people online began to fill in the blanks with their own narratives. You scrolled through social media in bed, jaw clenched, heart heavy. The statement was vague, sterile..

“We are currently looking into the situation. Please refrain from speculation until an official update is provided.”

It wasn’t exactly protective, but it was better than being thrown under the bus… for now.

Still, you couldn’t relax. The weight of everything the secrecy, the fear of what might come next, the guilt about Jeongin, the burden of protecting both your baby and your career was pressing in on you from all sides. You hadn’t been able to keep food down, and every time you tried to sleep, your mind spiraled through worst-case scenarios.

The dorm, usually lively and filled with chatter and music, had gone quiet over the past few days. Jinae, Chae, and Minsu were around for a short rest from their own schedules, and they made it a point to stay close to you. They tried their best to distract you, Jinae brought snacks and put on your favorite dramas, Minsu dragged her blanket into the living room and made a cozy space to lay down beside you, and Chae spent every free moment near you, humming gently, rubbing your back when she thought you needed it most.

But something was off today.

You’d been feeling light cramps since that morning, a low discomfort in your back that had started small, barely noticeable. At first you’d brushed it off, just another side effect of stress, right? Or maybe just normal end-of-pregnancy things. You didn’t want to scare the girls, didn’t want to worry them more than they already were, so you stayed quiet.

But by afternoon, the tightness in your stomach became more rhythmic, sharper, harder to ignore. You bit your tongue when a sharp pulse hit you suddenly, tears pricking at your eyes.

It was Chae who noticed first.

She turned from the TV to find you sitting frozen, your knuckles white from gripping the couch cushion. “Hey… are you okay?”

You shook your head quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine, just—just a cramp—”

But then your breath hitched. You let out a soft cry before you could stop yourself.

“Jinae?” Chae’s voice raised an octave, full of panic. She scooted toward you just as Jinae stood from the kitchen, her eyes narrowing.

“What’s going on?”

“She’s in pain,” Chae said quickly. “Like… real pain.”

Minsu rushed over from her room, phone already in her hand. “Do we need to go to the hospital?”

You tried to wave them off, but another contraction rolled through your body and you bent forward, gripping your belly. “Something’s… wrong…”

“No,” Jinae said firmly, already helping you to your feet. “We’re not waiting”

They helped you into a coat and shoes, supporting your arms. The car ride was a blur. Your breathing came in sharp, shaky bursts, tears sliding silently down your cheeks. Chae sat beside you in the back seat, holding your hand the entire time. Minsu drove like her life depended on it.

By the time you reached the hospital, your world had narrowed to the pain and the overwhelming fear in your chest.

The nurse who greeted you was quick, a check-in, some quick vitals, then straight into an exam room. “You’re in labor,” she said calmly, and your heart dropped into your stomach.

“No, I’m not ready,” you whispered, the words falling from your lips as panic bloomed in your chest. “It’s early. It’s too early.”

“It’s a little early, yes, but you and your baby are both okay right now,” the nurse said gently, signaling for someone to prep a room. “We’re going to take care of you.”

The girls had fallen quiet. Jinae’s hand found yours again, firm and grounding. “It’s okay,” she said softly. “We’re here, right? You’re not doing this alone.”

Minsu nodded, already halfway out the door. “I’ll call Jeongin.”

“I’ll get your hospital bag,” Chae said, disappearing down the hall toward the car without hesitation.

But you barely registered their voices.

You lay back on the hospital bed, a mess of fear and tears and pain. This wasn’t how you pictured it. This wasn’t the moment you’d imagined, no quiet nursery, no weeks of nesting, no last-minute baby prep. You still didn’t know what your future looked like, not with the company, not with the world. But the one thing you did know was this:

The baby was coming.

Ready or not.

The moment Jeongin burst into the delivery room, everything around you stilled for a second like time paused just so you could take in the look on his face. He was breathless, cheeks flushed from running, his mask barely clinging to one ear, and his hair was a complete mess under his hoodie, but none of that mattered. His eyes searched for you immediately. And when they found you exhausted, drenched in sweat, tears dried on your cheeks and hand clutched tightly in Jinae’s he rushed to your side without hesitation.

He didn’t even say anything at first. He just cupped your face, pressed a kiss to your damp forehead, and then another to your temple, before finally whispering, “I’m here. I’m here. Are you okay?”

You couldn’t speak. You were too overwhelmed with pain, fear, emotion, but your eyes watered as you managed the tiniest nod. Jinae, ever the anchor, spoke for you, her hand still resting lightly on your shoulder.

“apparently she’d been having cramps all day, but didn’t really tell us until Chae noticed she wasn’t doing okay.” she explained to Jeongin gently.

Jeongin’s jaw tensed as he turned back to you, eyes scanning every inch of your face, as if trying to read through your pain. “Why didn’t you call me earlier?” he asked, voice soft, concerned not angry, just deeply scared for you.

You gave him a tired, fragile smile, your grip on his hand tightening. “Didn’t think it was time,” you breathed, “I wasn’t ready.”

He leaned in again, brushing your hair off your forehead with a trembling hand. “You don’t have to be ready. I’ll be ready for both of us. Just hold on a little longer, okay?”

Jinae excused herself quietly, placing a hand on your shoulder in quiet support before stepping out. Jeongin looked up just long enough to mouth “thank you” to her, and the weight in his voice wasn’t lost on her.

What followed felt like the longest hours of your life.

The contractions were intense, coming faster now, every wave threatening to drown you. Jeongin didn’t leave your side, not for a second. He held your hand through every breath, whispered encouragements in your ear even when your body trembled too much to focus on his words. He wiped your tears, whispered “you’re doing so good,” over and over again, even when you felt like you weren’t.

And then it happened.

A final push, every muscle in your body straining with everything you had left and then…

A cry. Tiny, but powerful. The sound sliced through the room, filling every corner with something electric and raw and real. You collapsed back against the hospital bed, tears rushing down your face, your chest rising and falling rapidly as you tried to process it.

Jeongin let out a laugh that was really more of a choked sob. His face crumpled the moment he heard your baby’s first cry. “That’s him,” he whispered, awe painting his voice with something reverent. “That’s our boy…”

You couldn’t even answer. You just nodded weakly, tears slipping down your cheeks again as you watched the nurses clean him, measure him, swaddle him.

“He’s perfect,” Jeongin breathed. “He’s so small. So perfect…”

You felt his hand slip into yours again as he turned back to you, kissing your knuckles. “You did that,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “You did all of that. I’m so proud of you. So proud.”

The nurse finally brought him over, wrapped snugly in soft blue and white, and the moment she gently placed your baby into your arms, it hit you all over again.

This was real.

This tiny, warm, pink-faced little boy… was yours. Yours and Jeongin’s.

He blinked slowly, as if confused by the world he had just been brought into. His little fingers curled near his cheek, and his breathing was soft and even.

Jeongin sat beside you, one arm around your shoulders, the other carefully resting over yours as you both looked down at him.

“Welcome to the world, little one,” he whispered.

And for the first time in what felt like months, you didn’t feel scared. Or tired. Or anxious.

You just felt full of love, of peace, of something you didn’t know you’d been missing until that moment.

And Jeongin, still looking down at his son, said it again, this time louder, steadier:

“I’m here. For both of you. Always.”

Jeongin sat there in the hospital chair, cradling little Yejun in his arms like he was the most fragile and precious thing in the world, and to him, he probably was. His hand supported the baby’s head with practiced gentleness, and his eyes never left his son’s face. It was quiet in the room, the soft hum of monitors fading into the background, the weight of everything that had happened resting somewhere far away from this moment.

Jeongin’s voice was low, barely above a whisper as he spoke to Yejun, his words soft and sweet like a secret only they shared.

“You’ve got your mama’s nose,” he murmured with a small smile. “That’s a good thing. She’s the prettiest person I’ve ever met.”

He reached out to gently trace a tiny curve of the baby’s cheek with his finger, watching in fascination as Yejun shifted just a little in his arms, lips parting in sleep.

“You don’t even know how lucky you are yet,” he went on, glancing toward you for a second eyes warm, filled with so much love it made your chest ache. “You’ve got her. And you’ve got me. And I promise, I’ll protect you both with everything I’ve got.”

You lay in the hospital bed, head resting against the pillows, utterly exhausted but unable to look away from the sight of the two of them Jeongin, wide-eyed and reverent, and your newborn baby, bundled up and quiet in his arms. Your eyes burned as you watched them. It was surreal, after everything, this was your life now. This little boy was yours. And Jeongin... he was really here.

Jeongin finally stood up and came to your side, careful and slow with every movement as he handed Yejun over to you. You adjusted yourself slightly in the bed, cradling your baby to your chest, and you gave Jeongin a tired but utterly soft smile.

“Did the company say anything?” you asked after a moment, voice weak but steady. “About you being here?”

His smile faltered slightly, and that was answer enough. You watched the way he looked toward the floor before meeting your eyes again, hesitant.

“I... didn’t tell them,” he admitted quietly. “I kind of just left.”

Your brow furrowed. “Jeongin—”

“They’ve been calling nonstop,” he added quickly, “I know. I know. I’ll probably get chewed out later or worse, but... I just couldn’t stay away.”

You blinked at him, processing his words. “They’re going to be so angry. You know that.”

“I don’t care,” he said, firm now. His hand reached out, cupping the side of your face, thumb brushing gently against your cheek. “None of that matters right now. All that matters is you... and him.”

Your breath caught in your throat. It wasn’t just the words, it was the way he said them. So sure. So sincere. As if nothing could ever pull him away from you again. And maybe, after everything, that was what you needed most to hear.

“You’re gonna get in trouble,” you murmured again, not because you wanted to argue, but because you were scared for him, for the weight of what this moment meant in the world outside of these four walls.

“I know,” he said. “But he only comes into the world once. And I’m not going to miss that for anyone, not even the company.”

Your eyes welled up again. You looked down at Yejun, his tiny chest rising and falling against yours, his warmth settling over your skin like a blanket, and then back up at Jeongin, whose hand was now resting protectively over both of you.

“Thank you,” you whispered. “For being here.”

He leaned in and kissed your forehead again, lingering for a moment before resting his own against yours.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

The quiet calm of the hospital room didn’t last long, not that you minded. Within moments, the door swung open and the girls came rushing in like a whirlwind of excited energy and love. Jinae was first, holding a handful of light blue balloons with little white clouds and a big “Welcome Baby!” banner tangled around her wrist. Chae and Minsu followed behind, carrying a gift bag nearly half their size that was overflowing with tissue paper in pastel colors. Their faces lit up the moment they saw you sitting up in bed with your son in your arms, and the room filled instantly with warm laughter and squeals of excitement.

“There he is!” Chae beamed, her voice cracking with emotion. “Oh my god, look how tiny he is!”

Minsu didn’t even hesitate. “Can I hold him?” she asked, eyes wide, bouncing on her heels like a kid waiting for candy.

You smiled, glancing at Jeongin who was still standing by your side like a guard dog and a proud dad rolled into one. He looked at you, silently asking if it was okay, and when you nodded, he carefully leaned down and helped Minsu cradle baby Yejun in her arms.

“He’s perfect,” Minsu whispered immediately, her voice trembling slightly as she swayed side to side, instinctively rocking him. “He’s seriously perfect.”

Jeongin grinned, chest puffing up slightly. “I know, right? He’s got the tiniest fingers. Look at his ears. He yawned earlier and I nearly cried.”

Chae and Jinae gathered around Minsu, cooing at the baby and gently touching his little hands and feet. “He’s going to be spoiled,” Jinae said knowingly, eyes gleaming. “He has no idea how loved he is already.”

“He’s going to grow up with four moms,” Chae added with a laugh, nudging Jeongin. “Five, if you count you. You’ve barely blinked since he was born.”

“I’m just making sure he’s okay,” Jeongin defended with a sheepish grin. “And that she’s okay too,” he added, turning his attention back to you.

You could see it in his eyes, he hadn’t stopped worrying about you even for a second. While the girls bickered over who would hold Yejun next, Jeongin leaned in close, brushing your hair gently away from your face.

“Are you feeling alright? Do you need water? Food? I can run out and grab something if you’re hungry. Or I can ask the nurse—”

“Jeongin,” you interrupted softly, smiling up at him. “I’m okay. I promise.”

He gave you a look, not convinced, still on full alert, but he nodded anyway and reached for your hand, intertwining your fingers with his. “You scared me,” he murmured. “Going into labor so suddenly like that. I thought we had more time.”

You sighed, your body heavy with exhaustion, but your heart full. “Me too. But he had other plans.”

The girls had now passed Yejun into Chae’s arms, and she was whispering something about how she wanted to knit him a tiny beanie, while Jinae opened the massive gift bag to show you an entire set of newborn clothes, soft blankets, and a tiny framed card that said ‘Welcome to the world, Yejun.’

You couldn’t help but laugh softly at their chaos, it was comforting, grounding. Even in a sterile hospital room with all the uncertainty still looming beyond those walls, this moment felt perfect.

You leaned your head against Jeongin’s shoulder, still watching your baby get passed from arm to arm, and whispered, “This… feels like a dream.”

Jeongin kissed the top of your head gently, his voice just as soft. “Then let’s never wake up.”

The hospital room felt quieter that morning, still warm and soft with the gentle scent of baby powder and fresh linens, but quieter in a way that tugged at your chest. You sat on the edge of the bed in your discharge clothes, Yejun bundled up in his tiny baby onesie, swaddled in a blue blanket with little stars on it, asleep in your arms. Jeongin had been fussing all morning, fixing the straps on the car seat, making sure your discharge bag had everything in it, adjusting Yejun’s tiny hat over and over again, even though it was perfectly snug.

He didn’t want to leave.

You could see it all over him. The way his shoulders stayed tight, how his eyes kept flickering between you and the baby, like he was trying to memorize every last detail before he had to walk out that door. He had schedules, ones he couldn’t get out of this time, even though he’d begged. His company had drawn the line. He was lucky to have gotten this much time off to be here for Yejun’s birth at all.

“I hate this,” he finally muttered under his breath, gently pressing a long, soft kiss against Yejun’s tiny cheek. “I should be the one taking you home.”

You reached out, placing a hand on his arm with a small, tired smile. “I’ll be okay. Jinae’s almost here. She said she’s five minutes away.”

Jeongin gave a reluctant sigh and leaned down to buckle Yejun into the baby seat that sat on a small rolling cart beside your bed. He was so gentle, adjusting the tiny straps over your son's chest, making sure they weren’t too tight. “You be good, little guy,” he whispered, watching as Yejun stirred slightly in his sleep. He reached out, and his tiny hand wrapped around Jeongin’s finger in a surprisingly firm grip.

Jeongin’s lips quirked into a smile, his eyes suddenly glassy. “He’s strong,” he said softly. “Just like you.”

He turned back to you then, his expression shifting, the proud father melting into the man who had stood beside you through every high and low, the man who loved you more than he could explain. He stepped toward you and wrapped his arms around you tightly, burying his face in your hair. The warmth of his body was grounding, safe, and it made the ache in your chest spread wider.

“I’ll call you the second I get in the van,” he murmured. “And later tonight. And tomorrow morning. I’ll sneak out if I can. I swear. Just hang in there a little longer.”

You didn’t trust yourself to speak, your throat thick with emotion so you simply nodded, your arms winding around his middle just a little tighter. You didn't want him to see the tears welling in your eyes. You didn’t want to cry and make it harder for him to leave, even though every part of you wanted to ask him to stay.

“I love you,” he whispered. “I love you so much. And I love him more than I ever thought I could love anything.”

Another nod. Another squeeze. You were going to miss him the moment he walked out that door.

Right then, the door creaked open and Jinae peeked in, slightly out of breath and clutching her phone in one hand and a small bag in the other. “Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said gently, catching sight of the two of you tangled in each other.

Jeongin let out a quiet chuckle, not turning away just yet. “Perfect timing,” he said under his breath. Then, slowly, reluctantly, he pulled back. He turned to Jinae and offered a grateful nod. “Please take care of them. Both of them.”

Jinae gave him a soft, understanding look and nodded. “Of course. Always.”

With one last glance at you, eyes full of unspoken words Jeongin stepped close to Yejun and gave him one more kiss on his tiny forehead. “Appa loves you,” he whispered, voice thick. Then he leaned over and kissed you, slower this time. A kiss that said I’ll be back. I’m not going anywhere.

And just like that, he was gone.

The room felt quiet again, but this time in a different way. Not lonely, just… paused. Waiting for the next chapter to begin.

When Jinae helped you up the few stairs to your dorm door, your body still sore and heavy with exhaustion, the last thing you expected was what you saw the moment the door swung open.

“Welcome home, Yejun & Mommy!” a big banner read in bright, cheerful letters, strung across the entryway.

The entire dorm was filled with light laughter and soft squeals as you stepped inside, greeted by a sea of baby blue balloons scattered across the wooden floor like soft bubbles. Some had little stars drawn on them in silver marker, others had “Yejun” scribbled across in cute handwriting probably Minsu’s, based on the little hearts surrounding each letter. A faint sweet scent filled the air, vanilla and something a little floral. Your heart squeezed in your chest as you looked around.

“Oh my God,” you breathed out, laughing softly as your hand came up to cover your mouth, the wave of emotion washing over you all at once.

The girls stood proudly around the entrance. Chae was the first to rush forward, arms out to greet you, her voice full of excitement. “Surprise!” she beamed. “Jinhee helped us decorate! She even dropped off food for you like, a lot of food, but she had to go before you got here.”

You nodded, overwhelmed and grateful. “You guys… seriously. This is too much.”

“It’s not even close to enough,” Minsu grinned, quickly hurrying over to you and Jinae, who had just finished settling Yejun’s baby seat down on the floor gently. “You deserve everything.”

Then she leaned in and mischievously looped her arm through yours, practically bouncing. “Okay, okay we have a huge surprise for you. But you have to close your eyes.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “Another surprise? You guys already—”

“Nope!” Jinae cut in, smiling. “Eyes. Closed.”

You laughed softly, heart warm, and shut your eyes with a nod. “Alright, alright. But bring Yejun, okay?”

“Already on it!” Minsu called, and you could hear the girls giggling softly as they quietly tiptoed around, getting everything ready.

Carefully, they guided you down the hallway, past the familiar walls of your dorm, but when you stepped into your room, the air felt… different. New. You could hear a whisper-shouted “Surprise!” and opened your eyes, heart thumping.

You gasped.

The room, your room, which used to be modest and simple had been completely transformed. A brand new crib stood by the window, painted a soft gray with moon and star carvings along the sides. Next to it, a bassinet rested gently beside your bed, and an adorable white changing table stood stocked with baby wipes, diapers, tiny creams, and tiny socks rolled into bundles.

Soft blue and cream curtains now hung where your plain ones used to be, and a new fluffy rug had been laid down, plush under your tired feet. On one wall, a little wooden name sign spelled out “Yejun” in delicate cursive, and on another, picture frames had already been put up, some with little drawings, others waiting for your first family photos.

You felt your throat tighten as the tears welled up. “You guys…” you breathed, lips trembling into a smile.

“We wanted you to have a space for both of you,” Chae said gently, stepping beside you.

“If the crib breaks, Minsu built it,” she added with a laugh.

Minsu gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me! It is stable and perfect! I watched like three tutorials!”

You let out a soft, watery laugh, reaching over and gently taking sleeping Yejun into your arms from Jinae, who had been swaying slightly with him as he slept.

You brought him closer to the crib, holding him up just slightly as if showing him the room built for him with so much love. “Look, baby,” you whispered. “This is your new home.”

The girls watched quietly as you leaned down and gently placed Yejun in the crib for the first time. He stirred only slightly, his tiny hand twitching against his blanket as he snuggled deeper into sleep.

You turned back to your members, who were now leaning on the doorway and walls, beaming proudly.

“Thank you,” you whispered, voice cracking. “Really. I don’t… I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

Jinae stepped forward and hugged you, tight and warm. “You don’t have to do anything without us. We’re here. All the way.”

And in that small, glowing room with love pressed into every corner and a baby boy sleeping in a crib built by your family, you finally let yourself believe that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.

You had barely had time to soak everything up when Yejun’s little face scrunched up, a tiny whimper escaping his lips. You sighed softly, instinctively reaching for him again, but Chae was already ahead of you.

“I got him,” she said with a gentle smile, lifting him from the crib and into her arms. “You go eat. Rest. I mean it.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, eyes flicking between her and your son, who was beginning to fuss more intensely now.

She nodded confidently, brushing a thumb gently over Yejun’s cheek as she bounced him slightly. “I’m serious. If I can memorize a 5-minute dance in one practice, I can handle this tiny bean. Go eat.”

You chuckled quietly, heart warm, and muttered a soft “Thank you” as you turned toward the kitchen table where Jinae and Minsu were already seated, waiting with two warm trays of food, courtesy of Jinhee.

Jinae pushed one toward you. “Here. She brought you seaweed soup and grilled chicken with rice said it's good for recovery.”

“And there’s also some ginger tea in the thermos,” Minsu added. “Smells kinda weird, not gonna lie, but she said it helps with digestion and energy.”

You smiled gratefully, sitting down with a wince, still sore in places you hadn’t known could hurt and picked up your chopsticks. As you began to eat, the comforting warmth of the soup spreading through you, you watched Chae in the living room.

She had set Yejun down on the changing mat you kept in the corner and was expertly unsnapping his onesie. You paused mid-bite, eyebrows raised. “She’s really doing it,” you mumbled.

“Honestly?” Jinae said, leaning back in her chair. “She’s doing better than I did my first time changing my cousin.”

“She’s doing better than me and I gave birth to him,” you joked lightly, earning a laugh from Minsu.

“She’s a natural,” Minsu said with a smirk. “Already a pro.”

“I heard that!” Chae called from the living room without turning around. “Don’t jinx me!”

You were just about to respond when your phone, sitting beside your tray, buzzed sharply. You glanced down and saw the name instantly, Jeongin.

Minsu leaned over with a teasing grin. “Didn’t even give you a full two hours before checking in, huh?”

You rolled your eyes fondly, warmth blooming in your chest as you wiped your fingers on a napkin and picked up the phone. “It’s like he knew the second I set Yejun down,” you muttered before answering quickly.

“Hey,” you greeted softly.

“Hey,” Jeongin replied almost instantly, his voice a little out of breath like he’d run to a corner of the building just to call. “How are you? Did you make it home okay? Did they decorate? Was it the surprise you wanted?”

You let out a small laugh, touched. “Yes. It was perfect. They really went all out.”

“I wish I could’ve stayed longer,” he mumbled. “I barely got to hold him…”

“You were with us every moment you could be. He knows,” you reassured, your voice lowering as you leaned slightly away from the girls for a little privacy.

“Is he okay?” he asked quickly, barely giving you time to breathe. “How’s he doing? He ate, right? He’s not too cold? Did you get to rest yet?”

You smiled despite yourself, eyes drifting to the living room where Chae was now gently lifting Yejun, talking softly to him while patting his back. “He’s okay. Chae’s got him right now. She changed him and everything.

“She did?” Jeongin laughed quietly, almost in disbelief. “She’s braver than me. He screamed bloody murder when I tried earlier.”

“He fussed a little,” you said softly, watching them, “but she’s doing amazing.”

“You both are,” he said, voice quieter now. “I know you’re tired… but thank you. For doing all of this. For him. For… us.”

Your heart softened at his words, the exhaustion clinging to your bones momentarily replaced by that strange warmth again, the one that always came when he reminded you how much he cared.

You didn’t say anything right away, but your silence spoke volumes, and Jeongin didn’t press.

“I’ll call again tonight, okay?” he finally whispered. “And tomorrow. And every day until I see you both again.”

“Okay,” you whispered back, the corners of your lips lifting.

Just before you hung up, you heard him chuckle again and say gently, “Tell Yejun I miss him already.”

You stared at the phone for a second after the call ended, heart a little fuller than before.

“Everything okay?” Jinae asked.

You looked up and nodded. “Yeah… he misses us.”

Minsu reached over and squeezed your shoulder with a knowing smile. “He’s not the only one.”

And in that tiny dorm filled with baby blue balloons and quiet warmth, you finally took another bite of your soup, a little more comforted than before.

You settled into your new rhythm at the dorm, a life so vastly different from the one you had just months ago, yet somehow fuller, softer, and warmer. The air always carried a gentle hum now not just from baby monitors or lullabies playing faintly in the background, but from the constant, quiet love that surrounded you. Your members, your sisters, wrapped themselves around you and Yejun like a warm blanket.

Each of them had settled into their own roles naturally, seamlessly. Jinae, ever the grounded and calm one, took on the “mom friend” energy with ease making lists, helping you manage baby supplies, and gently coaxing you to nap even if it was only for twenty minutes while she rocked Yejun in her arms. Chae was full of chaos and heart, always ready to make you laugh, even if it meant doing a ridiculous impression while trying to bottle-feed Yejun. She was loud and energetic, but with your son, she softened, something about the way she hummed lullabies when she thought no one was listening always made your chest ache in the best way.

Minsu was the most surprising, she had this quiet affection, often expressed through little things. You’d wake up from a nap to find your laundry folded, your favorite drink in the fridge, or a new onesie for Yejun she picked up “just because it was cute.” She didn’t hover or fuss, but you always knew she was watching, making sure everything you needed was in place, even if you never had to ask.

The days blurred together a little, bottles, diapers, cries in the middle of the night, and the smallest moments that made all the fatigue worth it. Yejun’s soft sighs when he fell asleep on your chest. The way his tiny hand instinctively curled around your finger. His little yawns, and the first time he almost smiled in his sleep, those moments carved themselves into your memory like stars dotting the sky of your new life.

And Jeongin, even with the distance, even with the world between your dorm and his schedules, he never let you feel forgotten. He called every day, sometimes multiple times. His texts were random, a “did Yejun burp okay?” at 3 a.m., or a “you doing alright today?” during lunch break, but they reminded you of something simple and solid: that he was trying.

You’d often pick up his calls with a sleeping Yejun against your shoulder. He’d greet you in that soft voice he reserved only for these moments, the one that was laced with exhaustion but also love.

“I miss you,” he’d whisper. “I wish I could be there. It doesn’t feel right being so far.”

Sometimes, his calls came between music show rehearsals or as he hid in a stairwell to avoid his manager. You could hear the strain in his voice, not just the tiredness from dancing and singing all day, but the emotional weight of missing his baby boy, of missing you.

“I watched the fancams today,” you’d tell him with a small smile, voice low as you rocked Yejun to sleep. “You looked good. The fans went crazy.”

“I didn’t feel good,” he’d admit, and you could hear the crack behind the joke in his tone. “My head was all over the place. I kept thinking about if Yejun cried today. If you got any rest. If I should’ve just snuck out again…”

“You’re doing your best,” you’d whisper. “He knows. I know.”

There was always a pause after that. A moment where silence didn’t feel heavy but full. Full of all the things neither of you could say aloud, not right now, not yet, but both understood deeply.

Some nights, he’d ask you to hold the phone near Yejun while he slept, just so he could listen. And he’d stay on the line long after your responses had faded, the soft breaths of his son a lullaby he’d memorized over time.

And though the days were long and the nights often longer, with the quiet ache of what-ifs and stolen time, there was something beautiful in how love stitched all the pieces together, messy and imperfect, but unwavering.

You were figuring it out, the sleepless nights, the healing body, the balancing act of who you were before and who you were becoming. But you weren’t doing it alone. And that, somehow, made all the difference.

You were bouncing Yejun gently in your arms, the dim light from the living room lamp casting a soft glow across the dorm’s cozy silence. It had been a long day, not exhausting in the way that tore you apart, but tiring in the slow, steady way new motherhood tended to be. The girls had left early that morning, their flight whisking them off for an overseas performance that would span the weekend. They'd helped pack up everything the night before, triple-checked your fridge for food, and reminded you to text them the moment you needed anything. You reassured them like always, you were fine, Yejun was fine. It was just another weekend.

You had just laid Yejun down for a nap when your phone buzzed softly. It was Jeongin.

Is anyone at the dorm with you?

You paused briefly, thumb hovering over the keyboard. You didn’t think much of it at first, maybe he was just wondering if you had help, maybe he was worried you were alone. You responded simply.

Nope, just me and Yejun.

Less than a minute passed.

I’ll be there soon.

Your eyes widened slightly. Here? Now?

Your heart gave a small flutter, one you didn’t bother trying to suppress. You knew he missed Yejun. He hadn't seen him in over a week. Between your hiatus and his relentless schedules, time moved fast, but moments like these, being with Yejun were things he never wanted to miss.

Just be careful, you typed quickly, thumbs moving faster than your thoughts. No one can see you.

I will, came his reply. Promise.

The next thirty minutes passed in a slow rush. You straightened up a bit, tucked away a few bottles, re-smoothed the baby blanket over Yejun. You weren't sure why you were suddenly nervous. Maybe because this visit felt different. It was the first time in a while that it would be just the three of you. No girls, no distractions, no rushed hellos in the middle of the night. Just Jeongin. You. And your son.

And then, a soft knock at the door.

You opened it quietly, and there he was. Black cap low over his brows, mask still clinging to his face, eyes wide and tired but full of something warmer. You didn’t say a word. Neither did he. Not at first.

He stepped in quickly, shut the door behind him, and before you could even catch your breath, his arms wrapped tightly around you. You let yourself melt into him, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne and the soft fabric of his hoodie. He pulled back slightly just to press a rushed, messy kiss to your lips, then another, then one to your cheek, your jaw, your forehead.

“I missed you,” he mumbled against your skin. “So much.”

Your arms tightened around his middle. “I missed you, too.”

But before you could say more, a soft sound came from the side of the room, a quiet whimper. The tiniest, familiar cry.

Jeongin froze, and then smiled.

“That’s my boy,” he whispered, already moving toward the bassinet.

You watched from behind as he crouched down and carefully reached in. Yejun blinked sleepily up at him, little fists waving in the air. The moment Jeongin’s arms wrapped around him, the baby stilled. A soft hum escaped Yejun’s lips, followed by a gentle sigh, almost like he knew like he remembered this presence, this scent, this voice.

Jeongin looked down at him like he was the most delicate, perfect thing in the world. “He’s bigger,” he whispered, eyes glassy. “His cheeks got chubbier. Look at you, buddy.”

Yejun blinked slowly, nestling into his father’s chest, tiny fingers curling around the drawstring of Jeongin’s hoodie. And Jeongin just stood there holding him, eyes never leaving the tiny face resting against him.

You stood beside them quietly, taking it all in, the soft way Jeongin swayed instinctively, the low hum he offered that lulled Yejun back to a sleepy state, the way Jeongin kissed the top of his head like he’d been waiting months just to do that again.

Then Jeongin looked over at you, his voice barely audible.

“I hate not being here.”

“I know,” you whispered.

“I want more of this. I want…” he looked down at Yejun, eyes heavy with emotion. “I want to be there for everything.”

You stepped closer, resting your head against his arm.

“You are,” you told him softly. “You’re doing the best you can.”

But the guilt in his eyes didn’t waver. And still, there was so much love. So much longing.

That night, you stayed up later than you had in weeks. The three of you curled up together on the couch, Yejun tucked between you both, Jeongin’s hand on his son’s back and your hand in his. There were no cameras. No managers. No pressure.

Just your small, hidden family.

And for a little while, the rest of the world didn’t matter.

The soft hum of the night wrapped around the dorm, the only sounds coming from the subtle whirr of the heater and the gentle, even breaths of baby Yejun sleeping in his bassinet nearby. You and Jeongin sat side by side on the couch, the room dimly lit, with a warm blanket draped over both your legs. Yejun had long since drifted off, soothed by the rhythm of Jeongin’s heartbeat and your soft voice, and now rested peacefully just a few feet away. But Jeongin hadn’t said much since laying him down again, and you noticed it.

You turned toward him slightly, your eyes narrowing as you studied the side of his face. His smile was there, but it wasn’t the same. It was thin, tight. Tired.

“Hey,” you said softly, nudging him gently with your shoulder. “Are you okay?”

He blinked out of his thoughts and glanced at you, the smile still there, but sad. It wavered a bit, like he didn’t have the energy to pretend.

“I just…” he started, his voice low and a little strained. “I just hate this. Not being with you two every day.”

Your chest ached at the vulnerability in his tone. You reached out instinctively, slipping your hand into his and squeezing it, nodding.

“I know.”

He exhaled, shaking his head like he was still working out the words before finally saying them. “What if… what if we lived together?”

You blinked.

“I mean it,” he added, more sure now, sitting up straighter. “I’ll get an apartment, something simple, private. Yejun would have his own room. You’d have your space. We’d finally be together. I could come home after a long day and see both of you there… I wouldn’t miss things anymore.”

You stared at him, heart pounding not because you didn’t want it, but because you did. So badly.

And that made it hurt more.

“Jeongin…”

“I know,” he said before you could respond fully, already sensing your hesitation. “I know it’s not that easy. But just think about it. You wouldn’t have to keep going through all this alone. We could figure it out, together.”

You looked at him, into the quiet hope in his eyes, and you wanted to give in. You wanted to say yes. That idea of waking up with him there, watching him carry Yejun around in pajamas, the three of you curled up in one space that was yours, it wasn’t just tempting. It felt like the dream. Something so close it felt real.

But it wasn’t.

Not yet.

“I want to,” you admitted softly. “Yes, I want to. But I can’t, not right now.”

His face fell. Not in frustration, but in that quiet, disappointed way you knew he was trying hard not to show too much emotion.

“I still have my idol responsibilities,” you continued gently. “This hiatus is temporary. When it ends… I’ll have long days. Just like you. Busy schedules. Long hours. Rehearsals. Interviews. Performances. Everything.”

He was quiet, nodding slightly, but his jaw tensed.

“I understand that,” he said after a moment, “but… who’s going to be there for Yejun when that happens?”

You opened your mouth but had no answer.

“If we lived together,” he continued, trying to reason with it all, “we could split it. I’ll stay with him when you’re busy. And when I’m busy, you’ll stay with him. We’ll make it work.”

“It’s not that simple,” you whispered. “What if we’re both gone? What if we both have back-to-back schedules? What if it overlaps and neither of us can be there?”

Jeongin looked down, his brows drawn together.

“I know,” he said after a long pause. “I know you’re right. I’m just scared.”

You softened, leaning into him, resting your head against his shoulder.

“So am I.”

He turned his head, kissing the top of yours.

“I just want to be a good dad,” he whispered. “And I want to be with you.”

“You are,” you murmured. “You’re already both.”

And though the moment lingered in a cloud of uncertainty, the warmth of his arm around you, and the quiet, sleeping sounds of your son just a few feet away, grounded you both in a truth stronger than any plan.

You didn’t know how you’d make it work. Not yet.

But you both wanted to.

And for now, that would have to be enough.

It was a quiet afternoon, the kind you’d grown to appreciate in the chaos of your new life. The dorm was filled with soft laughter and the gentle coos of Yejun. The girls had offered to look after him for a bit so you could have some rare time to yourself, and while it was hard to pull away, the momentary silence was a relief. You stretched out on your bed with a book that had been sitting on your shelf untouched since your pregnancy, finally able to breathe without keeping an ear out for baby cries.

Then your phone buzzed.

Jeongin.

Your brows furrowed. He never called around this time, especially knowing that you were usually resting or trying to get a small break. Your heart jumped with concern, was everything okay? Was something wrong with him? Was he hurt?

You slipped out of your room quickly, poking your head into the living room where the girls sat with Yejun, who was contently playing with a soft toy in Minsu’s lap. Jinae looked up with a small smile, instantly calming some of your worry.

“Everything’s okay,” she said, reading your face. “He’s being an angel.”

You nodded in thanks, quickly ducking back into your room and shutting the door softly behind you before answering Jeongin’s call.

“Jeongin?” you asked, your voice slightly breathless, “Is everything alright?”

There was a beat of silence on the other end. Then another.

“…No,” he said finally, his voice lower than usual, almost hollow. “No, not really.”

Your stomach twisted. “What happened?”

“I… I just need you to know something before it comes out.” His tone was careful, heavy, and it made your chest tighten.

“What are you talking about?”

“No matter what happens, I hope you won’t be too upset with me,” he said. “I just… I had to do it. I needed to. For you and for Yejun. I want to be closer to you both.”

Now you were panicking.

“Jeongin, what did you do?”

“I have to go. I love you. I love Yejun so much. Please just… remember that, okay?”

And just like that, the line went dead.

You stared at your phone in complete confusion, your pulse rising like a storm starting inside your chest. What the hell did he mean by that?

Your fingers worked faster than your mind, already pulling open every app, scrolling for answers, updates, anything that could explain what he meant.

And there it was.

Your heart dropped as you saw it: the JYP Entertainment logo sitting bold and ominous at the top of a new post.

The words “official statement” made your blood run cold.

You clicked it.

And read it.

“Hello, This is JYP Entertainment.

We would like to share some personal news regarding Stray Kids’ I.N. Recently welcomed the birth of his child. While this news may come as a surprise, we ask for your understanding and support during this personal and important time in his life. To ensure that he can focus on the wellbeing of his family and spend time with his newborn son, I.N will be taking a temporary leave from his group schedules. We ask the public and media to respect the privacy of all involved.

Thank you.”

You stared at the words.

You read them again.

And again.

And with each pass, it felt like the air in your lungs grew thinner. The room felt smaller.

Your child. His family.

He announced it.

No names were used no photos, no details, but everyone would know. Everyone would connect the dots. This was huge. A JYP idol, openly admitting to becoming a parent and stepping back for it? It wasn’t just shocking, it was unprecedented.

And the worst part?

He hadn’t even warned you.

You felt the anger bloom beneath your skin, rising like boiling water. You understood why he did it.

You knew he meant well. But this? Making a public statement like that without talking to you not just as the mother of his child, but as someone whose own career, own future, was directly impacted by this? It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t okay.

He had promised not to put you or your group in jeopardy. He had promised to be careful. And now, even without your name, your fans everyone would speculate. They’d start digging. It wouldn’t be long before someone made the connection.

And worst of all… he’d done it alone. Without you.

Your phone buzzed again. A message from him.

Jeongin: “Please don’t be too mad. I wanted to tell you earlier. I just didn’t know how. I did it because I want to be there. Really be there. Not just sneak around to see you and Yejun. I want to do this right.”

You stared at the message, heart hammering, frustration swirling deep in your chest. You believed him, that part was never in question. But trust wasn’t just about intention. It was about action. And he’d made this choice alone.

And now?

Now everything was going to change.

You sat on the edge of your bed, clutching your phone, not knowing whether you wanted to scream, cry, or call him back.

Maybe all three.

Your phone buzzed again, but you ignored it. You needed a minute.

Because this time… he didn’t just step on a line, he crossed it.

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow through the dormitory windows, you found yourself alone. The girls had left for practice, leaving the apartment unusually quiet. The stillness was soon interrupted by a gentle knock at the door. Your heart skipped a beat as you approached, peering through the peephole to see Jeongin standing there, his posture slightly hunched, hands tucked into his pockets.

Taking a deep breath to steady the whirlwind of emotions within you, you opened the door. Jeongin's face lit up with a hopeful smile as he stepped forward, arms outstretched to embrace you. But the memory of the day's events was still fresh, and your feelings were too raw. You instinctively took a step back, avoiding his touch.

He paused, his arms falling to his sides, a sigh escaping his lips. "I know you're upset," he began, his voice laced with regret. "I'm sorry for not discussing it with you first, but I felt I had to do this.”

A bitter chuckle escaped you as you crossed your arms over your chest. "Had to?" you echoed, disbelief coloring your tone. "Jeongin, making such a monumental decision without consulting me, is that truly the best way to handle our situation?"

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. "The statement didn't mention any names," he argued. "I thought it would keep things private."

Your eyes narrowed, anger bubbling to the surface. "Private? Are you serious? Do you remember the article that surfaced just before I gave birth, speculating about my pregnancy? This statement only fuels those rumors. And now, Yejun is dragged into this media frenzy.”

Jeongin's expression hardened. "Why are you making this such a big deal?" he questioned, his voice rising slightly.

That was the breaking point. "Because my career is on the line!" you shot back, your voice trembling with emotion. "I'm sorry if I'm not jumping for joy over this."

A soft wail from Yejun's bassinet cut through the tension. Jeongin's demeanor shifted instantly. He brushed past you, his focus solely on his son. Lifting Yejun into his arms, he gently rocked him, whispering soothing words until the baby's cries subsided. Carefully, he placed Yejun back into the bassinet, ensuring he was comfortable.

Turning back to you, Jeongin reached into his pocket and produced a set of keys, holding them out toward you. "I thought you'd be happy," he said softly. "I wanted this to be a joyful moment. I've secured an apartment for us, a place where we can be a family. Yejun has his own nursery, fully furnished. I've moved in already. The only things missing are you and Yejun."

The weight of his words hung heavily between you. While his intentions were clear, the execution left much to be desired. The path to building a life together was proving to be more complex than either of you had anticipated.

The silence between you and Jeongin was heavy. Even after his heartfelt gesture, the storm of emotions in your chest hadn’t quite passed. You were still upset, still frustrated, but underneath it all, there was a deeper emotion simmering quietly: fear. Fear of what the future held for you, for Jeongin, for Yejun. Fear of how fragile your world felt now that everything was teetering on the edge of exposure.

You crossed your arms, your eyes avoiding his for a moment before you finally broke the silence. “I’m still really upset,” you admitted quietly. “But… I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier.” Your voice wavered, soft with exhaustion. “I was just… scared, Jeongin. Everything’s been so overwhelming, and I wish you had talked to me before making such a huge decision. I hate feeling like I’m not part of things that affect all of us.”

Jeongin’s expression softened immediately. “You’re right,” he said, stepping closer again. “I was stupid—I didn’t think it through. I just… I saw you drowning in stress, and I felt helpless. I thought maybe I could fix something for once.”

You let out a breath, and when he opened his arms again, you let yourself fall into them this time. His embrace was tight, warm, the familiar way his hand curved around your back calming the restlessness in you just a little. He kissed the side of your head, and you closed your eyes, letting yourself be in that moment.

A tiny whimper from Yejun broke the quiet, and you both turned to see his small body wriggling in the bassinet. Jeongin’s eyes lit up with the kind of joy that never failed to make your heart ache, and he pulled away from you gently, walking over to scoop his son up into his arms.

“Hey, buddy,” he whispered softly, kissing Yejun’s head. “You ready to see your new room?”

Yejun gurgled in response, his little hands reaching up toward his father’s face. You walked over slowly, watching them with a fondness that dulled some of the anxiety in your chest.

“Wait, so it’s real?” you asked softly. “The apartment? The nursery?”

Jeongin turned to you with a look of mock offense. “Why would I lie about that? Of course it’s real. I’ve been working on it for weeks.” He chuckled softly. “The members even helped. Chan-hyung built the crib, and Seungmin found the nightlight you said Yejun needed. It’s got everything, books, clothes, food, diapers… even a rocking chair.”

You sighed, half-exasperated, half-touched. Your eyes lingered on Yejun’s peaceful expression as you leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “What do you think of your crazy dad?” you murmured to him. “He does all this without even asking…”

Jeongin laughed, rubbing small circles on Yejun’s back. Then his eyes met yours, this time more serious, more vulnerable. “I meant what I said,” he told you. “I really want you both there. I want to wake up and hear his little sounds in the morning. I want you to come home to a place that feels safe. It’s ready—it’s all ready. It’s just missing you and Yejun.”

You swallowed hard, that tight knot in your throat forming again. You wanted that too, you did. But your thoughts were still scattered, clouded by the weight of responsibility and fear of what might come next. The scandal, the fans, your career, your return, it all loomed over you like a fog you couldn’t quite see through.

“I’ll think about it,” you said finally, voice quiet. “I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no. I just… I need to clear my head. My mind’s everywhere right now.”

Jeongin nodded, not pushing you further. “That’s okay,” he said, stepping forward to brush your hair back gently. “Take your time. I’ll wait. I just want you to know the door’s always open.”

And as you stood there, the three of you wrapped in the stillness of the dorm, you wondered if maybe, just maybe the future you were so afraid of might not be as terrifying with him by your side.

When Jeongin finally left that evening, there was a quietness in the dorm that lingered like the aftertaste of an emotional whirlwind. You stood there for a moment, Yejun softly gurgling in the bassinet, your thoughts caught between the memory of Jeongin’s offer and the uncertainty still clouding your chest. You barely had time to sort through them before the front door opened again, the girls pouring in one after the other noisy, chaotic, warm, and familiar.

“Where’s my baby boy?” Minsu practically yelled, kicking off her shoes as she made a beeline toward Yejun without even glancing in your direction.

“I swear, none of you care about me anymore,” you called out sarcastically, though there was a smile tugging at your lips.

Chae laughed as she finally acknowledged you, her arms wrapping around you in a quick hug. “We missed you too, mom of the year,” she teased, then pulled back just enough to study your face. “You look... thoughtful. Everything okay?”

You hesitated. It wasn’t a question you could brush off, not this time. There was too much swirling in your chest to bottle it up anymore. You gave a small nod toward the couch, silently suggesting you all sit down. Something about the way your voice softened as you said, “I want to talk to you guys,” shifted the energy in the room instantly. The chatter died down. Minsu stopped tickling Yejun’s little feet and looked up. Jinae narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she took the seat across from you. Chae sat beside you, one hand on your arm.

“What’s going on?” Minsu asked, brows already furrowing.

You took a breath, trying to find the right way to say it. “Jeongin got a place,” you began slowly, your eyes flicking from face to face. “An apartment. It’s already furnished, has a nursery for Yejun… everything.”

Chae tilted her head, cautious. “Okay... and?”

You fiddled with the hem of your sleeve, voice quieter now. “He asked me and Yejun to move in with him.”

There was a moment of stunned silence, the weight of your words hanging in the air.

“I haven’t said yes,” you added quickly, before they could jump to conclusions. “I just… wanted to talk to you guys first. I needed to know how you’d feel if I moved out.”

Their reactions came gradually. Jinae blinked a few times, processing. Minsu leaned back with a soft ‘huh.’ Chae’s lips parted slightly, her eyes flicking toward the bassinet.

“You’re serious?” Jinae finally asked. “Like… fully move out?”

You nodded, biting your lip. “Yeah. He says he wants to be around more for Yejun. And I get that. I want that too. I really do. But I also don’t know what this means for me, for the group, for all of us.”

Chae placed her hand over yours again, gentler this time. “Do you want to go?” she asked carefully.

You were silent for a second before answering. “Part of me does,” you admitted. “He’s Yejun’s dad, and… he’s trying so hard. He made this whole place just for us. But the other part of me is terrified. What if people find out? What if this all backfires? I love you guys, I love living here with you. But I don’t want to hold Yejun back from having both of his parents close.”

Minsu sat up straighter, her voice sincere. “Hey. First of all—no matter where you live, we’re always going to be your family. That doesn’t change. Second… it sounds like he really wants to step up. And maybe, maybe that’s not such a bad thing. You’ve been doing this on your own for a while, and you’ve done it so well. But you don’t have to do it alone.”

Jinae gave you a small smile. “We’d miss you like crazy. But you wouldn’t be abandoning us. You’d be doing what’s best for you and your son.”

Chae leaned her head on your shoulder. “Just promise us that when you need us any hour, any day, you’ll still call. We’re not going anywhere, okay?”

Tears welled in your eyes, and you nodded slowly, overwhelmed by the love they still offered you so effortlessly. “Okay,” you whispered. “I promise.”

And just like that, the tension in your chest loosened a little. Maybe you weren’t ready to say yes yet. But at least now… it didn’t feel so impossible.

You spent the whole night thinking lying in bed, eyes on the ceiling while the soft hum of the dorm quieted around you. Yejun had finally drifted off after his last feeding, and the soft rise and fall of his little chest next to yours should’ve been enough to lull you into sleep too. But your mind wouldn’t stop racing.

The apartment. The nursery. The idea of waking up in the same space as Jeongin every day, raising Yejun together, making a life not just as co-parents, but something more, something real. It was terrifying. It was overwhelming. But maybe… it was also the right step forward.

By morning, the apartment was still tugging at the back of your mind. You stood at the threshold of the living room where the girls were already immersed in their morning rituals. Chae was stretched out on the floor, baby Yejun bundled up beside her as she took picture after picture of his squishy cheeks and sleepy yawns, giggling softly every time he blinked. Jinae and Minsu were curled up on the couch with steaming mugs of coffee, their quiet chatter mixing with the hum of the morning news on low volume.

You stood silently for a moment, letting the warmth of the scene fill you, savoring it because you knew what you were about to say might change things.

You cleared your throat. “Hey,” you said, a little too quietly at first. They barely heard you. “Guys?”

Chae glanced up first. “What’s up?”

You walked toward them, hands nervously brushing against your thighs. “I’ve been thinking about what we talked about yesterday.”

That made everyone go quiet.

You took a deep breath. “And I think… I think I’m going to do it. I’m going to move in with Jeongin.”

The silence stretched for a beat longer than expected.

You rushed to add, “Not just for me, or for him. But for Yejun. I think it’s what’s best for him to have both of us around. As much as I love it here, as much as I love you guys, I think it’s time.”

Minsu slowly set her mug down, a grin creeping onto her face. “Okay, now that was a plot twist.”

Jinae stood up, walked over to you, and pulled you into a warm hug. “We knew it was coming. We just wanted you to be sure.”

Chae gently scooped Yejun up from the blanket and waddled toward you dramatically, hugging both you and the baby at once. “We’re going to miss you so much, it’s ridiculous.”

Then the others joined, creating a tight, messy, emotional group hug, Yejun half-asleep in the middle, mumbling a soft noise of protest that made all of you laugh through the lump in your throat.

“You have to send updates,” Jinae sniffed.

“Daily updates,” Minsu said firmly.

“Hourly,” Chae corrected, making you laugh.

“I promise,” you said, your voice warm with gratitude. “You can visit any time. I’ll be back all the time too.”

You excused yourself shortly after, heart racing as you pulled out your phone and dialed Jeongin. The second he picked up, you could hear faint ambient sounds in the background, some muffled traffic, a dog barking in the distance, maybe even the quiet buzz of a fridge.

“Hello?” he said, voice low but hopeful.

“Hey,” you said softly. “Are you home?”

“Yeah… I’m at the apartment right now,” he replied, a nervous chuckle in his voice. “Just… soaking it in. Wondering if maybe today’s the day.”

You smiled to yourself, nerves settling with each word. “It is,” you said.

There was a beat of silence. “Wait—what?”

“I said yes,” you repeated, laughing a little. “We’ll move in with you. Me and Yejun.”

He was completely silent, then let out a loud breath of disbelief. “You’re serious?”

“I am.”

“Wait—are you messing with me?” he asked quickly. “Don’t play with me right now. I’m standing in the middle of the living room and I just looked at the rocking chair and almost cried.”

“I’m not messing with you,” you promised, smiling so hard your cheeks ached. “We’re really coming home.”

And on the other end of the line, Jeongin was quiet for a few seconds before you heard him whisper, “I can’t believe it.”

Then, louder, a grin in his voice: “I swear, this is the best day of my life.”

You chuckled through the warmth filling your chest. “Better than the day Yejun was born?”

“That’s top-tier, but this? This is real. This is our future.”

And you couldn’t help but believe him.

It had been nearly four months since you moved into the apartment with Jeongin and baby Yejun, and life had begun to take on a quiet kind of rhythm beautiful, messy, soft. The kind of rhythm that didn’t need music because Yejun’s baby giggles filled the air instead. Each morning started with Jeongin’s sleepy hair and your baby's bright smile, and the rest of the day unfolded like a delicate routine you had built together: diaper changes and coffee breaks, stolen kisses over the baby monitor, and late-night cuddles when Yejun couldn’t sleep unless he was nestled between you both.

Yejun had grown into a playful little bundle of energy, always giggling, always grabbing at anything near his chubby hands, always watching the two of you with wide, adoring eyes. He was curious about everything, especially Jeongin’s voice and your fingers. And every morning, without fail, he would reach for you the second you leaned close enough to kiss his forehead. Today was no different.

You had to head out for your first official company meeting in what felt like forever. Your nerves danced under your skin as you crouched in front of Yejun, kissing his cheeks over and over while he squirmed and laughed and grabbed at your hair, his soft little hands refusing to let go.

“I’ll be back soon, baby,” you whispered. “Be good for daddy, okay?”

He gurgled a response, and you smiled, even though your chest ached at the thought of leaving.

Jeongin, ever the calm in your storm, scooped Yejun up with a laugh and gave you a long, slow kiss. “We’ll be fine,” he promised as he pulled away, brushing a thumb against your cheek. “I’ll call if anything happens. But today? Today is daddy and Yejun bonding day.”

You smiled, nerves still lingering, and nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you both soon.”

The ride to the company building felt longer than usual, even though the streets were quiet. Your heart hadn’t raced this fast since you stood backstage at your last show, stomach fluttering with nerves, mic in hand, lights waiting to warm your face. You’d missed that feeling. You missed being on stage.

When you finally stepped into the meeting room, it was strangely calm. No cameras, no full room just a small group: Jun, Jinhee, and a few key company staff. They welcomed you warmly, genuine smiles on their faces, and a few even congratulated you on Yejun with soft, surprised laughter.

Jun gave you a firm nod. “You look good,” he said. “Well-rested.”

You laughed a little at that, maybe it was the makeup hiding the tiredness. “Yejun lets us sleep most nights. It’s a miracle.”

Jun smiled faintly before his tone shifted. “So, how are you feeling about everything? About returning?”

You inhaled slowly and said the truth. “I miss it. I miss performing. The fans, the stage… the energy of it all. I want to come back.”

Jinhee gave you a proud, but slightly sad smile like she already knew the weight of the words you’d just spoken.

Jun leaned forward. “That’s good to hear. Because… and I’ll be honest, if you had said otherwise, the company was already considering plans to remove you from the group.”

Your smile faltered.

The silence in the room thickened for a second before Jinhee, quickly sensing the shift in your mood, interjected gently, “But that’s not going to happen. You made your choice and you’re here. They just wanted to be sure your heart was in it. That you weren’t feeling forced.”

You nodded slowly, even though your hands felt cold. “I understand,” you said quietly. “I… I love being a mom. I love Yejun. But I’ve worked so hard for this career. I know it’s going to be hard, balancing everything, but I want to try.”

Jun stood then, gathering his things, his voice brisk but not unkind. “Then I’ll let them know. Thank you for coming today.”

You gave him a soft smile. “Thank you.”

As he and the other reps filed out, Jinhee moved closer, sliding a printed schedule in front of you.

“These are the upcoming commitments you’ll be reintegrating into,” she said. “It’s staggered, we’re easing you in for the next few weeks some rehearsals, choreography updates, variety prep, then eventually stage performances.”

You took the paper with a shaky breath. It was real now. Not just an idea. Not just a maybe.

“Do you want to tell the girls yourself?” Jinhee asked gently.

You looked up at her and nodded. “Yeah. I think I need to.”

She gave you a knowing smile. “They’re going to be so happy.”

You smiled, but this time it was laced with both excitement and fear. This new version of you, a mother, an idol, a woman in love was stepping into unfamiliar territory. But even with the fear, there was something else blooming in your chest.

Hope. For yourself. For your dreams. And for the family waiting at home.

Your fingers lingered on the printed schedule Jinhee had given you. It felt surreal to see your name on a line-up again real, tangible proof that your comeback was happening. It wasn’t just a daydream in your head anymore. You were returning not just as the same person, but as someone entirely new reshaped, stronger, a little softer, and full of purpose.

Jinhee smiled as she gathered her things, then paused at the door and turned back toward you. “The girls are in the practice studio right now. You should go surprise them.”

You blinked. “Right now?”

She nodded, a grin forming. “Yes! Go on—it’ll make their day. They’ve missed you more than they let on.”

You exhaled a nervous little laugh, heart thumping as she pointed toward the direction of the studio. “Okay… I guess it’s time.”

Your footsteps echoed quietly down the hallway, memories flooding back as you passed the familiar walls. The sound of music thumping behind the studio door brought a rush of nostalgia and nerves. You paused for a second to compose yourself, brushing your hands against your sides and letting out a steadying breath before slowly pushing open the door.

The moment the door creaked open, four heads snapped toward you and then, chaos.

Squeals erupted from every corner of the room as Minsu, Jinae, and Chae rushed toward you, shouting your name with uncontainable joy. You barely had time to laugh before their arms wrapped tightly around you, almost knocking the breath out of your lungs.

“Wait, wait—don’t crush me!” you giggled, your cheeks already aching from the smile you couldn’t hide.

“Where’s Yejun?!” Chae immediately demanded as she pulled back just enough to look at you.

You laughed, holding up your hands. “He’s okay! Still the same dramatic little baby you saw last week. I promise, he’s safe at home with Jeongin.”

They all let out a breath of mock disappointment and cooed anyway, clearly already missing their honorary baby group member.

Jinhee stepped into the room behind you with a wide grin, arms crossed proudly. “Well? Don’t you want to tell them something?”

You raised a brow, feigning a dramatic sigh as you stepped to the center of the room, the girls hanging on your every word.

“Okay,” you started solemnly, biting your bottom lip. “So… I actually came here to let you all know… I’m leaving the group.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Their faces dropped, joy flickering out like a candle snuffed too soon. Jinae’s eyes widened, and Minsu let out a tiny, heartbroken “what?”

You couldn’t hold it anymore you burst out laughing. “I’m kidding! I’m kidding!”

“Hey!” Chae shouted, smacking your shoulder playfully as the rest of them groaned in relief. “Are you serious?!”

“You should’ve seen your faces!” you said between laughs, tears starting to pool at the corners of your eyes from the overwhelming emotion.

“So what’s the real news?” Jinae asked, breath still catching.

You took a soft breath and met their eyes, heart thumping again, but this time from happiness. “I’m coming back. Officially. I’m joining you again.”

The room erupted again, this time with shouts of joy and relief and laughter as they rushed you a second time, pulling you into the tightest, warmest group hug imaginable.

“I knew it,” Minsu said through a sniffle. “I just knew you’d come back.”

“You belong with us,” Jinae whispered, resting her chin on your shoulder. “And we missed you so much.”

You held onto them tightly, overwhelmed by their love.

And though you had changed in many ways, one thing remained constant: this group was still your family too.

When you stepped through the front door of the apartment, it felt like the world slowed down for a moment. The scent of baby powder and Jeongin’s cologne greeted you first, familiar, comforting, like home had been waiting for you to walk in. The soft hum of the TV played in the background, but it was the sound of laughter that truly filled the space. Not just any laughter, Jeongin’s, light and playful, mixed with the sweetest baby giggles.

You walked into the living room to find them both on the couch, Jeongin sitting cross-legged, holding Yejun up in the air like he was the most precious thing in the world. Yejun’s little fists were curled, cheeks full, and there were smudges of yogurt around his mouth. He looked so proud, like he knew he had his dad wrapped around his tiny finger.

They were snacking on the small yogurt melts you kept in a container for Yejun, except Jeongin was clearly sneaking bites too.

You raised a brow, crossing your arms as you leaned against the doorframe with a teasing smirk. “Those treats are for Yejun, you know.”

Jeongin turned to look at you with that signature sheepish grin, shrugging as he popped another one into his mouth. “They’re good! You shouldn’t have left them in plain sight.”

Yejun caught sight of you and his entire face lit up, his little legs kicking in excitement as he stretched his arms toward you. You melted instantly, hurrying over to him with open arms.

“Hi, baby,” you cooed, lifting him into your arms and showering his chubby cheeks with kisses. He erupted into happy squeals, his tiny hands patting your face.

Jeongin scooted closer to you on the couch, his hand resting on your leg as he looked at you expectantly. “So… how did it go?”

You let out a soft sigh, glancing down at Yejun, who was now busy grabbing your necklace with intense concentration. “They’re ready for me to go back,” you said gently. “My first day back is next week.”

His expression faltered slightly, just for a second but you caught it. The subtle downward curve of his lips, the way his shoulders sank just a little. He gave you a small pout, shifting closer. “Four days,” he mumbled. “That’s all we have left with you home all day.”

You turned toward him, resting your cheek against Yejun’s head and reaching out to take Jeongin’s hand in yours. “I know,” you whispered, squeezing his fingers. “But I promise, I’ll spend every single minute I can with you two until then.”

Jeongin leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek before brushing his lips against your temple. “I know. I’m proud of you, you know? You’re doing all of this, for yourself, for Yejun, for us. I just wish we had more time.”

You smiled through the soft ache in your chest, your fingers brushing over his knuckles. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

And in that quiet, warm little apartment, surrounded by half-eaten yogurt melts and the smell of baby wipes, you held onto each other. Because even if time was short, love wasn’t. And with every moment left, you planned to soak in every second, together.

The morning of your long-awaited comeback arrived sooner than you were emotionally ready for. It crept up through the quiet of dawn, with the soft light pouring in through the apartment windows and the buzz of the city waking up just beyond the glass. You stirred awake before your alarm even had the chance to go off, nerves already prickling beneath your skin. This was it, the day you’d return to the life you’d once lived so comfortably, before everything changed. Before Yejun.

You moved through your morning slowly, with care. There was something heavier about this day than any other. It wasn’t just your comeback, it was your first step back into the world as both an idol and a mother. That balance had seemed so distant and uncertain when you first held Yejun in your arms, but now here you were, standing at the edge of it.

Jeongin was already awake, moving around the apartment with practiced quiet, holding Yejun against his chest as he gently patted his back. You smiled softly at the sight, his sleepy face, his mussed hair, the way he looked down at Yejun like he was made of gold.

He turned toward you as you walked into the room, giving you a smile that was warm and proud and a little sad. “You look good,” he said, voice hushed as not to stir the still-drowsy baby in his arms.

You walked over to him, pressing a kiss to Yejun’s fuzzy head before leaning in to kiss Jeongin. It was soft and slow, full of unspoken words how proud you were of each other, how hard this was, how strong you’d both been.

Jeongin gently shifted Yejun’s hand, making him wave it toward you. “Say good luck, Mama,” he cooed, and your chest tightened.

You exhaled shakily, running a hand through your hair as you whispered, “I’ll be back before dinner.”

Jeongin nodded, even though his eyes said he didn’t want you to go. “We’ll be right here.”

With one last glance back at your boys, the ones who had become your entire world, you stepped out the door.

Back at the company, the moment you walked through those familiar halls, the atmosphere shifted. People turned to look, some surprised, others smiling, a few tearing up as they spotted you. It was like you’d never left, yet everything was different now. You were different. More grounded, more weathered, more… whole.

Jinhee was waiting for you near the main studio, her arms immediately wrapping around you in a tight hug. “You’re really here,” she whispered, her voice cracking just slightly.

“I’m here,” you said softly, holding her back. “For real this time.”

Jun and the rest of the staff were already gathered in the conference room, and when you stepped inside, they greeted you with genuine warmth. The energy was familiar, comfortable, but it didn’t erase the knot in your stomach.

Jun offered you a seat beside him and began going over the schedule, rehearsals, shoots, variety shows. It was a lot, but it was nothing you couldn’t handle. Not now. Not after everything you’d already been through.

“You sure you’re ready for this pace again?” one of the staff asked, concerned but not condescending.

You looked around the room at everyone who had supported you, some from a distance, others closely and you nodded. “I missed performing. I missed being with the girls. I think it’s time.”

Jun gave you a small nod of approval. “Then let’s make this comeback one to remember.”

And as you sat there, surrounded by the people who had once only seen you as a performer, now acknowledging all the different pieces of you the artist, the partner, the mother, you felt it. You were ready. Nervous, but ready. And in the back of your mind, you could already picture Yejun’s gummy smile waiting for you at the end of the day.

Your limbs ached, every muscle humming from exertion, but the familiar burn beneath your skin was something you hadn’t realized how much you missed. You were sprawled out on the cool floor of the practice room, cheeks flushed and breath still coming in soft pants. The other girls surrounded you in similar states, some laying down beside you, others sitting up, all of you basking in the rare moment of rest after your first full day back.

It had been long. A full day of rehearsals, catching up with the choreography, syncing with the others, adjusting to the pace that once had felt second nature to you. But now, it was different. And every beat, every turn, every breath reminded you of how much your body had changed and grown.

Still, through all the sweat and exhaustion, you felt proud.

Jinae nudged you with her foot from where she lay beside you, grinning. “You didn’t miss a beat.”

“Okay, well maybe one or two,” Minsu chimed in playfully, earning a soft laugh from everyone.

You smiled, heart warm. “It’s good to be back,” you said quietly, the truth of the words settling gently over your chest.

Just then, the door creaked open and in walked Jinhee, holding a bottle of water in each hand and wearing a proud smile. “Look at you all,” she said, handing one bottle to you and the other to Chae. “Like nothing’s changed.”

You sat up slowly, brushing some hair off your damp forehead. “Almost nothing,” you said with a small laugh.

Jinhee nodded. “It’s really good to see you here again,” she said sincerely. “I know it’s not easy coming back after everything… balancing everything.”

Before you could respond, Minsu beat you to it. “She fits right back in. Like she’s the missing piece to our puzzle.”

Your heart fluttered at that, and you offered Minsu a grateful look. “Thanks,” you said softly.

Jinhee let the moment settle before she cleared her throat lightly. “Actually… there’s something I wanted to ask.”

You turned to her with raised brows, the others sitting up more attentively too.

“The company’s planning something small, a little welcome back celebration,” she said. “Nothing big, no press, no cameras, just a private gathering. A way for the staff and everyone close to you to say congratulations, not just for returning, but for becoming a mom.”

Your lips parted in surprise, and Jinhee quickly added, “Totally your call, of course. But we thought maybe it’d be nice. If you’re okay with it… we’d love for you to bring Yejun. And Jeongin too.”

You blinked, the words settling into you slowly. A welcome back party. For you. For all of you.

The girls immediately lit up around you.

“Yejun at a party? Yes please,” Chae grinned.

“Finally, everyone gets to meet the little prince,” Jinae added, excitement twinkling in her eyes.

You felt yourself smile, warmth spreading through your chest at the thought. Yejun had been your quiet world for months, a secret you’d held close and dear. The thought of introducing him, really introducing him to the people who had become your second family felt… right. Special.

You looked at Jinhee, eyes soft. “Yeah,” you said after a pause. “I think… that would be really nice.”

She beamed, clearly relieved. “We’ll keep it intimate, promise. Just the people who matter.”

And suddenly, despite the exhaustion in your bones, despite the ache in your muscles and the overwhelmingness of this transition, you felt grounded.

The sun had just begun to set, casting a soft golden hue over the city as you made your way back home. The day had been long, your body aching from your first full schedule back with the group, but your heart raced with one singular thought: Yejun. All day long, his smile, his little giggles, the warmth of his tiny arms around your neck, those thoughts had kept you grounded through every choreography run, every vocal warm-up, every debriefing. And of course, there was Jeongin, too. But if you were being honest with yourself, your heart was set on one thing, finally holding your baby again.

As soon as you stepped through the front door, the familiar sound of little claps met your ears. You turned your head quickly to see Yejun in his playpen, his chubby hands slapping together in excitement the moment his eyes met yours. Your lips parted into the biggest smile as a soft laugh escaped your chest.

“Hi, baby,” you whispered, emotion already swelling in your throat.

Jeongin appeared from the hallway just moments later, having heard the door open. He looked relieved, happy, and maybe a little tired too. Still, he reached you with a soft peck to your lips and effortlessly took the bag from your shoulder.

“Welcome home,” he murmured.

“Thank you,” you said quickly before making a beeline toward the playpen, already crouching down to scoop Yejun into your arms.

“Oh my god, I missed you,” you whispered, holding him close as he wrapped his small arms around your neck, squealing in delight. His tiny fingers grabbed at your cheeks, and he smiled so widely it made your heart swell.

Jeongin leaned against the doorway, arms crossed and gaze fond. “He noticed the door before I did,” he said with a chuckle.

You looked up from Yejun and asked, “How was today?”

Jeongin walked closer, gently brushing some hair behind your ear. “Started off rough. He got pretty fussy after you left. Wouldn’t nap, wanted to be held constantly. I think he missed you,” he said softly.

You gave Yejun a small bounce, smiling. “Did you miss me?” you cooed. Yejun reached for your face again, giving a soft hum and another wide smile.

“But,” Jeongin added, “once he finally fell asleep, he woke up in a much better mood. We had a good day. Played a lot.”

You kissed your son’s cheek a few times, earning giggles that melted your tiredness like butter on a hot pan. Only then did your eyes drift toward the dining table and you blinked in surprise.

“You cooked?” you asked, your tone full of pleasant shock.

Jeongin nodded like it was no big deal. “Yep. Just waiting for you to get home so we could eat together.”

You walked over slowly, Yejun still in your arms, and took in the spread: a mix of all your favorite comfort foods. You turned toward him again, touched. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he said simply.

He took Yejun from your arms and gently settled him into his high chair, buckling him in before sitting beside you. You both began eating, taking turns making sure Yejun was munching on his soft, steamed veggies and fruits. It was peaceful, domestic, normal. And in that moment, you felt whole.

Midway through your meal, you glanced up at Jeongin. “By the way… I wanted to talk to you about something.”

He looked up, attentive. “Hmm?”

You poked at your rice. “The company’s throwing a little welcome-back thing for me. Nothing major, no press or cameras. Jinhee says it’s just close staff, team members… and they invited you and Yejun to come, too.”

Jeongin didn’t hesitate. “Of course we’ll go.”

You blinked, taken aback by how quickly he agreed. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to,” he interrupted gently. “I would’ve gone even if there were cameras. I don’t want to hide anymore, not you, not Yejun. I know it’s complicated… but I’m proud of you. Of us. I want people to see that.”

His voice was steady, his eyes sure. There was no wavering in his conviction.

You lowered your gaze slightly, chewing on your bottom lip. “I’m just… not sure if I’m ready. Even if people are already speculating, it’s still different when it’s real, when it’s confirmed.”

He reached across the table and took your hand in his. “I get it. Really, I do. And I’ll never pressure you. But just know… whenever you are ready, I’ll be right there beside you.”

You looked up at him, heart full, and gave a small nod. “Okay,” you whispered. “Thank you.”

Yejun let out a soft squeal, smacking his little palms against his high chair tray, and both you and Jeongin turned to look at him, laughing. His cheeks were puffed with a piece of carrot he hadn’t swallowed yet, and his eyes darted between you both, so full of joy.

You leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. “What do you think, baby? Should we show you off a little?”

He giggled, and you took it as a sign.

Even if it wasn’t tomorrow, even if the world wasn’t ready to accept it yet, you were getting closer. And you’d be ready, in your own time.

The morning of the welcome-back party felt different. There wasn’t the usual rush of early schedules or the sleepy shuffle of new parents just trying to survive the day. No, this morning was special. It was quiet, warm, filled with excitement and nerves. You and Jeongin were finally attending something as a family.

You both had gotten up a bit earlier than usual, taking your time between breakfast and morning snuggles with Yejun, easing into the day with quiet conversations and soft kisses. But once the clock started ticking closer to the afternoon, the calm faded into chaos.

Specifically, chaos over outfits.

“No, this one’s cuter,” you insisted, holding up a soft beige romper with tiny bear ears on the hood, smiling at the cozy, cuddly look of it.

Jeongin wrinkled his nose playfully. “It’s adorable, but this one’s cooler,” he said, lifting up a tiny button-up shirt with suspenders and matching little pants. “He’s gonna look like a baby model.”

You crossed your arms. “He’s a baby, not going to a photoshoot.”

Jeongin smirked. “Says you. The world deserves to see his fashion era begin now.”

You both stood there for a moment in your shared bedroom, each of you holding up your candidate outfit like you were presenting evidence in a court case. Yejun, sitting in the middle of the bed with a soft bib around his neck, watched the scene unfold like a tiny judge, babbling and kicking his legs, occasionally squealing when either of you turned to him.

“Fine,” you finally said, lifting your eyebrows. “Let’s let him pick.”

Jeongin’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Democratic parenting.”

You laid both outfits down on the bed in front of Yejun, who immediately reached for Jeongin’s pick, the tiny suspenders and button-up shirt, though mostly because it crinkled the loudest.

“See!” Jeongin said, grinning triumphantly. “My son has taste.”

You rolled your eyes, amused. “Okay, okay. But now we have to match him, not the other way around.”

“Already ahead of you,” he said, moving over to the closet and pulling out his own cream shirt and tan slacks. “I thought we could all wear warm tones. Like… subtle, matching without being cheesy.”

You blinked at him, a little caught off guard. “You thought about this?”

He turned and gave you a small smile. “Of course I did. I want us to look like we belong together.”

Your heart fluttered just a little at that. You didn’t say anything, just nodded quietly and went to pick your own soft-toned outfit to complete the trio.

As you finished getting ready, you gently changed Yejun into his chosen outfit. He wiggled and squirmed on the bed, letting out a giggle when you blew raspberries on his belly, tiny fists waving in the air. Jeongin leaned over as you snapped up his buttons, reaching for Yejun’s feet and giving them a playful tickle.

Yejun burst into another round of giggles, kicking his legs and clenching his little fists, his round cheeks flushed with joy. You both laughed along with him, caught in that quiet, golden moment where time seemed to slow and nothing else mattered.

“Okay,” you said softly, scooping Yejun up and placing a kiss on his forehead. “I think we’re ready.”

Jeongin stood next to you, slipping one arm around your waist as you balanced Yejun on your hip. He looked between the two of you, your matching tones, your smiles, the way your bodies leaned into one another without even trying and gave a small, content sigh.

“Perfect,” he whispered.

You were on your way to something new scary, maybe, and uncertain, but you were doing it together.

You hadn’t been nervous, not really. Not during the car ride, not while getting dressed, not even as Jeongin adjusted Yejun’s little bowtie for the fifth time before you left the apartment. Everything had felt calm, like just another moment in your new normal. But as soon as you stepped into the company building and stood just outside the glass doors of the office, your stomach twisted.

This was the first time you were appearing as not just an idol, not just a group member, but as you. As a woman who had quietly taken on the biggest change of her life and was now walking through those doors with everything out in the open.

You paused just before reaching for the handle.

Jeongin, who had Yejun in his arms bouncing him lightly, murmuring soft nonsense into his ear to keep him calm, glanced at you. He immediately noticed your hesitation. Without a word, he reached out and rested his hand on the small of your back, his thumb rubbing slow, reassuring circles.

You looked over at him. His face was soft, his smile calm and certain. Like there wasn’t a doubt in his mind about being here with you. About walking in like this. Like you were exactly where you were supposed to be.

He leaned in just a bit. “Hey,” he whispered. “You’re doing amazing. And we’re right here with you.”

You nodded, lips trembling a little, before leaning in to kiss his cheek. Yejun let out a little coo at the motion, his big eyes looking between the two of you as if sensing this was a moment of some kind. You reached up to gently stroke his back, and then with a slow breath, you turned back to the door and pushed it open.

The moment you stepped inside, it was like a wave of warmth rushed to meet you.

“Welcome back!”

“There’s the little guy!” another voice chimed in as heads turned and a few people rushed forward, all beaming.

The small office space floor had been rearranged a bit for the casual celebration. A table in the corner had some snacks and drinks. Soft decorations hung loosely from the ceiling, in warm neutral colors, not flashy, just cozy. One sign in particular stood out, handwritten but neatly framed: Welcome Back.

You were still processing when Jinhee appeared through the crowd, eyes shining as she reached out to give you a hug. “I was hoping you’d really come,” she said softly.

“Of course,” you replied, your voice a little hoarse from emotion. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

People were already cooing over Yejun, who blinked at the new faces with curious eyes, resting comfortably in Jeongin’s arms. He gave a small squeal when one of the stylists gently waved at him, his cheeks puffed out in a gummy smile. Jeongin laughed under his breath, bouncing him a little.

You glanced around at everyone, the familiar faces of your team, your managers, a few other idols who had slipped in, and your girls who were already waving you over from the corner with teasing grins. For a second, it didn’t feel like a company party. It felt like family.

Like maybe… everything was going to be okay.

masterlist.

❌proofread

(a/n: didn’t realize that y/n’s group didn’t have a name til i was writing this part lol. I hope everyone likes the group name stardust. i literally wrote the first thing that came to mind. they’d probably have the typical girl crush concept 🙉🙈)

[fs taglist: @laine2353 @emilyywhyy @d3kstar @lenfilms @st4rv3lly @mbioooo0000 @puppymsworld @vangoghsear0 @vixensss @artist2181 @jazzissilly @jessxxxfwd @anastasiiiiaaaaa @nchhuhi @jae-n0 @beomgyusluver @bearseuming @maxidential @cristy-101 @kochothehoe @iristrrsgn ..]

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