He’s a Father (Jongho)
content warning: none
Masterlist
word count: 1672
You could feel the energy of the crowd even from where you stood backstage. The power of ATEEZ's performance radiated through the venue. It was a special night, not just because of the concert, but because your daughter, Nari, was here to see Jongho perform for the first time. You held her hand, her excitement radiating off of her as she waited for the moment she could finally see him.
The massive headphones she wore to protect her ears were slightly too big, bouncing on her head as she danced along to the songs. Her tiny frame was a whirlwind of energy, her movements uninhibited and joyful. Every beat of the drum seemed to echo in her steps, and you couldn't help but smile at her pure, unfiltered happiness.
When Jongho stepped forward to perform Everything, you saw Nari's excitement shift to awe. She stood still, her eyes wide and fixed on her spotlit father as he sang with all the emotion and power that he was known for. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she reached for your hand, squeezing it tightly. Even if the emotions were too big for her to fully grasp, she felt it deep down. You could see how much the song meant to her, how it connected her to her father in a way words couldn't.
As the first chorus ended, you noticed Nari starting to fidget. Her attention began to waver, and she tugged on your hand. "Mommy, can I go play with Uncle San and Uncle Wooyoung?"
You turned around and saw San and Wooyoung waving at Nari, their faces lit up with playful smiles. You nodded, giving her a gentle push towards them. "Go ahead, little star. Have fun."
Nari darted off, her little legs carrying her swiftly to her uncles. San scooped her up, twirling her around and making her giggle. Wooyoung joined in, pulling funny faces and keeping her entertained.
You turned back to the stage, letting yourself fully immerse in Jongho's performance. His voice, rich and perfect, captivated you. Each note resonated with the depth of the lyrics, and you felt tears prick at your eyes. This was a side of him that not everyone got to see, and you cherished these moments when his passion shone so brightly.
As the song came to an end, Jongho's gaze swept over the crowd before turning to you. His eyes softened when he saw your tear-streaked face, and he gave you a small, reassuring smile. It was a moment that seemed to stretch on forever, filled with love and a sense of togetherness.
After the concert, the energy backstage was electric. You saw Jongho sprinting towards you, his eyes lighting up with pure joy as he scooped Nari into his arms, twirling her around despite the exhaustion from his performance.
"Daddy!" she squealed, her laughter a sweet melody amidst the chaos of the backstage crew.
Jongho hugged her tightly, his smile wide and genuine. "Did you enjoy the show, my little star?"
She nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining. "You did so good, Daddy! I loved every song!"
Jongho's eyes met yours, his need for you evident. He reached out with his free hand, pulling you into the embrace. "I'm so glad you both were here," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth.
Then, without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed you softly. The kiss was soft and full of love, a moment that connected the three of you in a way that words couldn't express.
"Eww!" Nari exclaimed, her face scrunching up in disgust as she tried to force your faces apart. "Mommy, Daddy, no kissing!" She shouted and quickly kicked free from Jongho's hold to run off to find San, who was, of course, waiting with open arms.
You and Jongho shared a laugh, watching as Nari darted around San, dodging his hugs. He finally caught her and lifted her onto his shoulders, spinning around and making her giggle even more.
"Are you ready to head to the hotel?" Jongho whispered, his voice thick with desire.
You nodded. "Let's get Nari."
Rallying Nari proved to be an adventure in itself. She used all of her uncles as shields, darting between Seonghwa's legs before being scooped up by Wooyoung only to be passed to Hongjoong. Her giggles filled the room as he tickled her. She wriggled free from him and then ran towards Yunho, who urged her on with enthusiastic cheers.
Just as she was about to reach him, Mingi intercepted her, lifting her and flying her around the room like an airplane. "Whee! Where's Nari going to land?" he called out, making airplane noises as Nari squealed in delight.
"Mingi Airport, ready for landing!" Yunho announced, catching Nari as Mingi gently set her down. She hugged Yunho tightly, wrapping her little arms around his neck as much as she could. "Uncle Yunho, I'm tired," she yawned.
Suddenly, Yeosang emerged. "Rawr! I'm the tickle monster!" he growled playfully, his hands making clawing motions.
Nari's eyes widened, and she let out a shriek, running as fast as her little legs could carry her straight into Jongho's arms. "Daddy, save me!" she shouted playfully, clinging to him.
Jongho caught her, lifting her up and cradling her close. "Don't worry, Daddy's got you. No tickle monsters here," he reassured her, kissing her forehead.
Fully exhausted now, Nari yawned and snuggled into Jongho's chest, her energy finally spent. You shared a smile with Jongho, feeling a wave of tenderness wash over you.
"Let's get you to bed, little star," you said softly, reaching out to stroke Nari's hair.
Back at the hotel, the mood began to shift. Nari, who had slept the whole drive, was wide awake now, and you could see the sadness creeping into her eyes as she realized she'd have to say goodbye to Jongho tomorrow so he could tour. Jongho noticed it too, and he gently set her down on the bed, kneeling in front of her.
"Hey, little star, what's wrong?" he asked softly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.
"I don't want to say goodbye, Daddy," she murmured, her voice small and filled with emotion. "I want to stay with you and Uncle San, and Uncle Yunho, and Uncle..." she sniffed, too sad to continue her list.
Jongho pulled her into a tight hug, his eyes closing as he held her close. "I know, baby. I don't want to say goodbye either. But I promise I'll be back soon, and then we can all have so much fun together, okay?"
Nari sniffled against his shoulder. "Are you mad because I didn't listen to Mommy? I'm sorry Daddy. I'll hold her hand when we cross the street every time. Please stay," she sobbed.
"Nari, little star, Daddy isn't leaving because you were bad. You're my perfect girl," he promised. "You know how people were watching Daddy sing?"
She nodded, sucking her thumb like she always did when she was anxious.
"Daddy just has to go sing for more people with your uncles to make them happy. But then Daddy will come back home. And Mommy is bringing you to a couple more shows so you can see everyone again."
You sat down beside them, wrapping an arm around Jongho and resting your hand on Nari's back. "And Mommy will be home with you," you reminded her. "We can call Daddy every night."
"Promise?" she asked.
Jongho nodded. "I promise. I can even read you a bedtime story."
Nari's eyes lit up a little at the suggestion. "Can you read one now? With the funny voices, Daddy?"
Jongho chuckled, wiping away her tears. "Of course, I can little star. Come on, let's get you ready for bed first."
You helped Nari change into her pajamas and brush her teeth while Jongho picked out her favorite storybook. Once she was tucked into bed, he settled down beside her, opening the book and clearing his throat dramatically.
"The brave princess set out on her grand adventure..." Jongho began, his voice shifting into a high-pitched tone to do the princess's voice. Nari giggled, her earlier sadness momentarily forgotten.
As the story progressed, Jongho switched between silly voices for the different characters, making exaggerated faces and gestures that had Nari squealing with laughter. You watched them, your heart swelling at the sight. Jongho had a unique way of connecting with Nari, his playful nature balancing perfectly with his nurturing side. You felt so lucky to have him.
By the time the story ended, Nari was fighting to keep her eyes open, her laughter giving way to yawns. Jongho kissed her forehead and whispered, "Goodnight, my little star. Sweet dreams."
Nari mumbled sleepily, "Goodnight, Daddy. I love you."
Jongho smiled, his eyes glistening. "I love you too, Nari. More than anything."
You both stayed by her side until she drifted off to sleep, her breathing steady and peaceful. Jongho gently got up from the bed, taking your hand and leading you to the adjoining room. You could see the weight of the impending goodbye in his eyes.
In the quiet of the hotel room, you wrapped your arms around him, holding him close. "She loves you so much," you whispered, your voice nearly cracking. Tour was always hard on her.
"I know," Jongho replied softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "And I love her. I hate having to leave."
You nodded, understanding the struggle. "We'll be here when you come back."
Jongho kissed you gently. "Thank you. For everything."
"It's your dream Jongho. You don't have to thank me for being lucky enough to watch you achieve it."
He shook his head, unwilling to let you go without the praise. "You have to sacrifice so much when I'm gone...just let me tell you thank you."
"I prefer you show me how thankful you are," you muttered, your tone switching the mood.
"Oh I'll show you," he replied, his voice desperate. "I'll show you all night long."
