characters: single dad! soccer coach! widower! Yuta x female! single mom! fashion designer! divorcee! Y/N with son! Jung Sungchan, son! Shotaro Osaki, daughter! Sachiko Osaki (OC), daughter! Sakura Nakamoto (OC)
word count: 4k words
genre: chaptered, fluff, suggestive, drama
summary: Who says one cannot fall in love once again?
warnings: single parents au, mutual pining, aged up and aged down characters, lying, secrets, a little dramatic, a lot of flirting, a lot of kisses, suggestive words, a cliffhanger, rusty writing
Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five
“You still haven’t talked to him?” Jungwoo asked, making Jaehyun shake his head. Since she had just come from the trip to Paris with Jaehyun’s family, she only checked the shop for new orders. Jungwoo was already nagging her the moment she stepped foot inside the shop.
Y/N pouted, leaning on the counter of the store. “We did talk during the first two days in Paris…” She lightly glanced at Jaehyun, who was looking at her with anticipation. “But he got mad at me again.”
“Did you at least tell him why you weren’t at his soccer game?” Sungchan’s dad asked. The only girl pursed her lips at that. “So the reason is more important than your son?”
That wasn’t it. And Jaehyun obviously knows that. It was not her secret to tell. And she doesn’t want to ruin the friendship Sungchan and Shotaro have. The girl pouted once again, fiddling with her fingers in disappointment. This is annoying.
She felt a hand on the top of her head just as Jaehyun started laughing quietly, “I’m not scolding you.” He cleared up as she looked up at him. The guy was smiling, dimples peeking from his cheek. “I know Sungchan wouldn’t resist you, so don’t take it to heart, hmm?”
Y/N had to stare at Jaehyun for a while. He hasn’t really changed, doesn’t he? She remembered how he always comforted her with the same words when they were younger. And somewhat, it does comfort her in ways she doesn’t know how.
If only he weren’t an annoying jerk.
“Yuta!” Jungwoo chirped, making the two look toward the store entrance, where the mentioned guy was standing, looking at them.
Jaehyun slowly pulled back his hand while Y/N walked to where he was with a bounce. “What are you doing here?” She asked enthusiastically. A wide smile appeared on her face as she reached for his hand. “Are classes over?”
“We only have half-day sessions to prepare for the final exams,” Yuta claimed, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand. “I thought I'd pass by to see if you were here.”
The smile on her face grew wider at that, making Yuta breathe heavily. God, she is very beautiful. And he missed her so much. He just wanted to wrap her in his arms and keep her there the entire time. This is crazy. The attraction he has for this person is off the roof. His stomach was churning as if it was doing flips. Is he hungry?
“Since Y/N’s prince is already here,” Jaehyun started snapping Yuta out of his train of thought. “Let’s leave them and take lunch, Jungwoo.”
The girl giggled, turning at the two guys with a confused expression. “I thought we were getting lunch together?”
Jaehyun and Jungwoo lightly glanced at each other before her stepbrother noted, “And watch you two lovebirds act lovey-dovey?” The two guys shook their heads. “No, thank you.”
Y/N had to giggle at that. “I’ll just go grab my purse,” she claimed. Yuta just nodded, not letting go of her hand. She tried tugging on it, but he wouldn’t budge and just gave her a teasing smile, making her giggle some more. How playful. She definitely missed this a lot.
“Eeww,” Jungwoo teased, seeing their playful flirting. “Let’s go, Jaehyun.” The other guy just chicly smiled while saying their farewell.
Yuta followed him with a stare. What was that?
—----
He should have known the moment she asked to eat steak for lunch. No, he should have known even before they started dating. “Can we go to a different place?” Yuta asked, looking really uncomfortable while looking at the menu, which he knew by heart.
Y/N stared at him in confusion. “Do you not like it here?”
How can he not like it here? This was the place where they first met. Well, not technically first. But this holds some kind of memory for the two of them. But maybe it’s just him. “It’s just a little expensive here.” Yuta rubbed the back of his neck. Might as well come clean to her now. “I don’t have the budget to eat here.”
“No worries. I’ll pay.” She looked adamant, which pissed him off. Somewhat, he wanted to transfer restaurants because of financial issues, but she looked set on eating here. “I’m really craving the lemongrass steak here. I even dreamed about it in Paris.” She claimed cutely. “So please, let’s just eat here.” There was a lot of cuteness in her voice that made Yuta more pissed off.
Why is a grown woman so cute in his eyes?
He nodded, making her beam widely.
So cute.
He settled on the same order as hers, even sharing that she should just order the sparkling water instead of the still one. When she asked why, he just answered that he worked here before, which surprised her. Does she not remember? “I waited a table for you here before.” Her eyes widened in surprise. So she really doesn’t remember. How bittersweet. “That was the first time we had a conversation. You don't remember?”
Their orders came that disturbed Y/N’s focus. Should he just drop the subject? Maybe a lot of things were occupying her mind that she forgot about that. It's not a big deal.
He asked if she wanted him to cut her steak, but she declined, claiming that the best part of eating steak is cutting through it. Yuta laughed, brushing off the awkward feeling.
The girl had to hum in delight at the bite of the steak, making Yuta smile. Was it really that good? “You have no idea how much I missed his.” Yuta smiled. He knows. It was obvious. And he knows how to miss something, or someone rather, endearingly. It was only a week, and yet he missed her so much. He might have been really crazy for her.
Yuta remained quiet the whole meal. Just watching her enjoy the meal like a kid. When she finished the whole plate, she called for a waiter to order another one, which startled the guy sitting in front of her. “You like it that much?” She nodded profusely, earning a smile from him. He asked if she wanted some of his steak but she refused. “You have an unusual craving, and you’re eating a lot. That’s weird.”
“I’m not pregnant." She vehemently protested. “Don’t be ridiculous, Yuta. You haven’t seen me naked yet.” The comment made him let out a hearty laugh. “You finally laughed. I thought you were pissed at me.” He stared at her in surprise. Does he look like it? “I stubbornly wanted to eat here even if you’re clearly uncomfortable.” Yet at this moment, he’s more annoyed at himself for showing those emotions to her. “But I liked it here because this is where I first had this huge crush on you.”
What?
Yuta laughed once again. “When you saved me back then. I thought you were really cool and amazing.” She confessed shyly. Yuta wished that her order wouldn’t come yet or she might lose focus. He still wanted to hear more. “I thought if I ever date someone again, I’ll date someone as cool as you.” He could easily feel the warmth creep up to his cheeks. He should say something, but what? How do you respond to someone confessing to you? This scenario had never crossed his mind even in his wildest dream. “I’m glad I ended up dating you.” She claimed with a grin just as her additional order came.
This is crazy. She is making him crazy. “Y/N,” he called just as she started cutting the steak. The girl glanced at him in confusion. “Do you want to stop dating?” Her utensils were instantly dropped, and Yuta was startled that her eyes started getting misty as she looked at him. Wait, his sentence sounded wrong. Immediately, he stood up and came beside her. "That's not what I meant.” He then giggled, wiping the tears from her eyes. “What I meant was, do you want to get married?”
Her sobs got so loud that people at the nearby table were glancing their way. Yuta panicked, hugging her to at least stop her from crying. “Y/N, hey. I’m sorry, that was too sudden.” He tried hushing her up. “You deserve a better proposal than this, so I’m not proposing here even if this is the place where you first had a crush on me.” He tried easing the mood, which made her glare at his teasing tone. “I missed you already when you said you’re going to Paris for the weekend. But when you said you’ll stay for another five days, I thought I’d go crazy." Yuta smiled, “I thought you’d leave me for some French man.” She glared once again as he laughed, rubbing her shoulder to comfort her. “I don’t want to miss you that much again. I wish to be always beside you, Y/N.” Yuta tucked a hair behind her ear, smiling sincerely. “Always.”
—----
Yuta was glad that she chose a restaurant far from her place of work. After her crying fit in the restaurant and apologizing to the disturbed customers, they just dropped the subject of his marriage proposal. At least, she didn’t reject him. That was a good sign.
She was holding her coffee-to-go as she walked ahead of him, stepping on some leaves like a child. “Y/N, are you alright?” He asked abruptly, which made her stop, turning to him with confused eyes. “You’ve kinda changed.” Should he just tell her that she’s acting like a child? It’s not annoying really. It’s kinda cute, actually. He’s seeing a new side to her.
But she's not usually like this. What had changed in Paris? “Was I being too childish?” Yuta wanted to nod his head but was scared of how she could take it. What’s surprising is that she’s aware of it. “Am I being too annoying?” There she is again. She's just too cute. Yuta shook his head, but she pouted. “It’s just that I was so tired of being a mom to Sungchan in Paris. He kept on losing his things. I had to take care of everything for him.” She rambled, which made him laugh. “Then even if Jaehyun’s mom was there, I also had to take care of him as well. It was annoying.” Yuta gushed at how adorable she was being. “Then when I came back, Jungwoo accepted a lot of orders that I had to sort out myself.” She sighed heavily. “I guess I am so stressed that I started depending on you like a child. I’m sorry.”
Yuta shook his head. “I understand. I do like that you’re being comfortable with me.” He claimed as she thanked him sincerely. “I’m picking up Sakura from school. Do you want to come with me? Maybe you can take a little break and de-stress.”
Y/N whined, then stopped when she realized she was acting like a child once again. “I have to go back to the shop and finish sorting the orders.”
The guy only chuckled at her dilemma. “Then do you want to have dinner tonight at our house?” She perked up at that, looking at him with hopeful eyes. “I can try cooking the same lemongrass steak.”
The girl nodded. “Can you make those hamburger patties with mushroom gravy that you cooked before instead?”
Yuta nodded. “A new craving. You must really be pregnant.” She squinted her eyes at him, muttering the same words she said back in the restaurant as if on autopilot, making the other laugh playfully. “Then stay the night tonight so I can see you naked.” He teased, making her hiss at him. “And maybe you could get a taste of my steak.” He teased with a laugh that startled her.
Y/N was laughing, lightly hitting his shoulder. “Pervert.”
“You still love me.”
“I do.” She said with a smile.
—---
Yuta could only smile to himself while making the gravy for the hamburger patties he would always cook. It’s funny how the butterflies in his stomach are tingling like a teenager in love. Should he propose here? In front of his kids? Maybe he just needed to talk to them first.
But he knew how much his children adored Y/N, especially Sakura. She would always talk to her on the phone when she was in Paris, telling her about what happened in school and all the classmates she played with. Even if he asked her to sleep, she would reject and tell her that she’s still talking to her favorite person in the world. And that would annoy him.
He also wanted to talk to his favorite person in the world.
The vibration of his phone disturbed his cooking, only to see Y/N’s name on the screen. The butterflies were starting to get chaotic in his stomach seeing her name. This is really crazy. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t stay for dinner.’ Her first message read as he leaned on the kitchen counter. Three dots appeared, meaning she’s still typing a message. ‘Sungchan said he’s making dinner tonight.’ ‘I’m sorry.’ Her recent message reads, partnered with a crying face emoji.
He should be annoyed. But somehow, he found it endearing. ‘No worries.’ ‘We can have dinner here another day.’ He replied and was quickly answered with, ‘I’m still heading there to bring the souvenirs.’ ‘I’ll drive now.’ ‘See you in a bit.’
The smiling face emoji at the end of her latest message made him smile. The butterflies were moving intensely now. “Sakura!” he called from the kitchen. “Take a quick bath. Y/N is coming.” And he could hear the small pitter patter steps running.
Let’s just lessen her stress for now.
The car engine could be heard, followed by a silence that made Yuta open the door. Sakura was running to the pathway, shouting ‘Auntie’ in her high-pitched voice. The girl smiled as she opened the trunk of her car, which was forgotten when she carried Sakura and started hugging her tight. “I missed you.” The older claimed, kissing her chubby cheek.
“I missed you too.” And to prove her point, she hugged her tight while leaning her head on Y/N’s neck.
Yuta couldn’t feel the butterflies anymore. That’s weird. But a wild stammering of his heart replaced the familiar feeling. There’s no doubt Y/N is Sakura’s favorite person. It would be devastating to break their bond apart. A smile crept onto his lips, more reasons to ask Y/N to stay by his side.
The girl put down the child. “I got you gifts,” Y/N claimed, showing the younger child a trunk full of shopping bags. Yuta looked confused. All of this was for them? That’s too much. “There are dresses and shoes for you.” She gave the two shopping bags with different famous logos written on them. “And do you remember that bag of mine that you really like?”
“The pink one?”
Y/N crouched down to reach the younger’s height and took out a tweed mini purse from another shopping bag. “I got you one.” She claimed with a grin, making Sakura squeal. “I also got Sachiko the same bag in a different color so we’re matching.” Once again, the younger screamed in happiness that made her father shake his head. The older girl noticed the dissatisfaction on his face. He’s annoyed again. “Is Sachiko home?” Sakura shook her head. “Shotaro?” She nodded. “Can you call for him?”
Sakura started running inside, and Y/N quickly took the opportunity to stand up and wrap her hands around Yuta’s nape. “You’re mad.”
He sighed heavily. “Isn’t this too much?” He gestured to the shopping bags in the trunk. “This looks too expensive. You’re spoiling them too much.”
“If it helps, I also got you something.” But Yuta just stared at her with a blank expression. “I know I overdid it. I’m sorry.” She whispered. “I can’t help it. It was Paris. And that was the first time I started shopping for girls’ stuff that isn’t mine. I think I enjoyed it too much.” Yuta pursed his lips at that. Of course, that will be her reason. “And if I get something for the girls and not Shotaro, he’ll probably feel left out, so I have to get him something. And then I’ll have to get you something.” She stated logically. “I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.”
“How can I get mad if you’re being adorable like this?”
The girl grinned, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. “Don’t be mad.” Another quick kiss. “I’m sorry.” Then another.
Yuta held her waist to pull her closer, then leaned in to kiss her. “You really know how to get me, Y/N.” He said in between kisses, making her giggle.
The girl smiled as she started catching her breath. “I’ll just wait for Shotaro to get the bags, then I’ll go.”
“Already?”
“Sungchan is waiting for me.”
“You spent the whole week with him,” Yuta claimed while sulking.
Y/N smiled. “If we spend another minute like this, I might just stay over the night.” She removed her hands from Yuta, but he remained holding her waist. “I might just eat steak.”
“You wanted hamburger patties though.”
She traced a finger on his chest. “I meant your steak, Yuta.” She claimed in an erotic tone that made him laugh.
“You’re really going to be the death of me, Y/N.”
—-------
Y/N was breathing heavily, clutching the steering wheel as she tried to ease her breathing. Why is this nerve-wracking? It’s just dinner with her son. But why so suddenly? After not talking to her during their trip?
This is scary.
It feels like she doesn’t even know her own child anymore.
Sungchan was still wearing his apron when he came out from the dining area. The girl just dropped her bag on the couch before greeting him with a smile. “You cooked?”
The tall guy rubbed the back of his head, smiling bashfully. “I tried.” She smiled at that. “I tried recreating the pasta we ate in Paris. I hope it’s at least edible.” He claimed, gesturing for her to come inside the dining area.
There were two plates on the table and wine glasses on each side. A candle was lit in the middle of the table that surprised her. What is this atmosphere? Sungchan removed his apron and quickly slid the chair for his mom to sit on. He even poured wine into her glass before sitting on the opposite side of the table. “Please dig in, Mom. I hope you like it.”
This is so bizarre.
“Sungchan…” Y/N called softly, “Do you need anything?”
He momentarily stopped pouring wine into his glass before shaking his head. “It’s just that we spent a week in Paris, but we never got a chance to have dinner with just the two of us.” That was understandable on Y/N’s part. They were with his dad’s family. She was just her son’s plus one. To be frank, she still doesn’t know why she was included in that trip. “And dad said, you really liked the pasta in that restaurant, so might as well recreate that.”
“Did your dad force you to do this?” She asked while taking pasta from the serving bowl and putting it on her plate. She twirled some, then took the fork to her mouth, humming in satisfaction while chewing. “It’s good.”
Sungchan took some, tasted it, then immediately drank some of his wine. “It’s salty.” He was about to take the serving dish when she stopped her, claiming that she wanted to eat it. “You don’t have to force yourself to like that.”
“I like salty food, Sungchan.” She claimed while taking some more pasta.
The younger one just winced, seeing his mom keep eating the salty pasta he made. He should have tasted it beforehand. “Mom, please don’t do this.” He took both the serving plate and her plate even if she kept revolting. “Don’t hurt yourself while taking care of me.” Y/N glanced at her son who was already taking out his phone while heading to the kitchen with the plates. “I’ll order some decent food.”
“Channie.” She called. She waited for him to return from the kitchen before continuing, “I’m sorry.”
Sungchan sat on the chair beside hers. “I should be apologizing. I was so immature,” he started. “I never wanted you watching my games before and I’m fine with that. Now that I see you every game, I would always feel that I have become your priority.” The older girl nodded at that. He is her priority. “Then you weren’t at the game, even if you knew it was important to me so I thought you didn't care about me anymore."
Y/N was about to revolt when he continued, “Then I found out that you were with Shotaro that day and I just became mad.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You knew?”
Sungchan nodded. “Shotaro told me the day after the game.”
“Sungchan, I’m really sorry. I didn’t really mean to miss your game. A lot of things just happened…”
“Mom, I’m just annoyed at the fact that you hid it from me instead of telling me.” He claimed that made her stop. “You tend to hide things to yourself rather than tell me about it.” She softly called his name. “I’m old enough now. I can protect you now.” Her lips quivered at that. How can her son say those words? It was just years ago when she had to do everything for him. Now, he wants him to protect her? When did he become this grown-up? “You are the most important person in my life so I don’t want to get you hurt, Mom.”
His hand held her cheek, thumb wiping the tear she didn’t know fell from her eye. “And if you’re going to pursue this future with Coach Yuta, please don’t hide things from him. He doesn’t really like being lied to.” Y/N had to let out a laugh at that. He’s worried about that? “You like him so much.” The girl had to pout at that. Was it too obvious? “I don’t want him to hurt you or make you cry.”
Y/N let out a breath. “I think you already made me cry more than any man there will ever be.”
Sungchan laughed, rubbing the back of his head. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again, I promise.” He wrapped his arms around her just as the doorbell rang. “That might be the chicken I ordered.” He claimed then tapped the top of her head. “I love you the most, Mom.” He grinned. “I won’t get married and just live with you and your boyfriend when you get married.”
“Yah, Jung Sungchan!” she called as he walked outside, laughing to himself. Y/N wiped her tears away, breathing heavily. She heard the door open, followed by Sungchan’s voice calling out Sachiko’s name in surprise.
Sachiko?
“Is your mom home?” Y/N heard which made her stand up. What is Sachiko doing here? But before she could exit the dining area, she heard a faint cry. “Hey, what…? Why?” She heard her son’s voice.
Sungchan looked startled while Sachiko was leaning on his chest, shoulders heaving up and down. What is she doing here? And why is she crying? “Sachi…” She called, making the girl look at her. She cried louder before walking past Sungchan and hugging her. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Auntie,” she called then cried louder. “Auntie…” she called once again, her body shaking. She looked scared. She seemed terrified. And Y/N braced herself for what this young girl was going to say.
characters: single dad! soccer coach! widower! Yuta x female! single mom! fashion designer! divorcee! Y/N
(with son! Jung Sungchan, son! Shotaro Osaki, daughter! Sachiko Osaki (OC), daughter! Sakura Nakamoto (OC), dad! Jung Jaehyun, uncle! Kim Jungwoo
word count: 8.7k words
genre: chaptered, fluff, drama
summary: Who says one cannot fall in love once again?
warnings: single parents au, a little mutual pining, aged up and aged down characters, violence, a lot of sexual comments, a lot of drama
Y/N wondered if it was already wedding season. Why is there a sudden influx of ordered wedding dresses? Looking at the different lace and white fabrics made her head hurt. She missed doing pastel colored rainbow dresses, not these boring plain white dresses. When her fingers grazed the material of the dress she is currently working on, a sudden feeling of nostalgia came to her. This was the same material as the dress she wore when she got married, except it was not as fancy as the dress in the display.
The nostalgia was then replaced with a bubbling feeling that she cannot pinpoint. Was it jealousy? Longing? Will she even wear these kinds of clothes again?
A chuckle escaped her lips as she shook her head. There’s no way.
“Miss Y/N,” a woman’s voice can be heard after a knock on the door. It was a well-known rule in the boutique to not disturb her when she’s in the workshop unless it’s an emergency. “I’m sorry,” the uniformed saleslady started, “But a woman is looking for you with regards to…” she lightly glanced at the piece of paper before continuing, “Sakura Nakamoto.”
Her brows furrowed in confusion. Sakura? She removed her sewing bracelet before exiting the workshop. In the middle of the store stood a woman, probably in her late thirties, and the little girl who shouted in glee seeing her, “Auntie!” Sakura ran to her side, lightly hugging her leg as she smiled at her. What is she doing here?
“I’m sorry. I’m Sakura’s teacher,” the older woman introduced herself and Y/N greeted her back. “It’s been two hours since our dismissal and I cannot get hold of her father.” Oh, Y/N gets it now. But why is she here? She’s not even Sakura’s family member. “When I asked her if she knew someone else in town, she mentioned you and this store.” Y/N only nodded. ‘I’m sorry but I have another part-time to go to and I cannot leave Sakura alone.”
When Y/N glanced at the young girl, her eyes were very glossy and puffy. She had already been waiting for two hours, she probably cried a lot. “I’ll take care of Sakura. Thank you, teacher.” Her grin was so wide that it made the older giggle.
“I’ll leave a message to her dad that she’s with you.” Y/N nodded, thanking her as she rushed to get out of the place.
Is this even alright? But she cannot leave Sakura alone as well. Yet, how can she inform her dad that she’s with her if the teacher already said that she can’t get hold of him? She also doesn’t have Yuta’s number. Maybe her siblings. Maybe Sungchan has Shotaro’s number.
It took two missed calls and five rings before Sungchan answered the phone, reasoning out that he’s at soccer practice and just took a short break. “Do you know Shotaro’s number?” Sungchan was revolting immediately, asking why that made her chuckle. “Sakura is here in the boutique. Her teacher said that she was dismissed two hours ago, yet no one came to pick her up.”
“Wait up, Coach Yuta is here,” Sungchan claimed, confusing Y/N. Coach Yuta? “My mom wants to talk to you, coach.” She heard Sungchan say before there was a huge change of voice on the other line. “Hello? This is Yuta Nakamoto speaking.”
Why is Yuta’s voice so low? Is his voice really that good in the phone? “Yeah, hi. It’s Y/N,” she said almost in a rush. “Sakura is here with me.” Her gaze fell on the girl beside her drinking a pack of orange juice. Yuta sounded confused, “The teacher said that they were dismissed early.”
“Oh shit.” Y/N bit her lip. That was hot. “I’m sorry. I forgot they have shortened class today.” Y/N nodded then hummed when she realized that they’re only talking through the phone. “Is it alright if she stays with you for maybe half an hour? I’ll end practice early and pick her up.”
“Yeah sure. No worries.
”Thank you, Y/N.”
“You’re welcome, Yuta.” Then the call was returned to Sungchan who just asked if he could go out and eat with his teammates. Y/N agreed as long as he doesn’t come home late.
The girl had to breathe hard when she dropped the call. Why is that call so tiring? It’s as if she ran a marathon with the rapid racing of her heart. This is crazy. Her gaze fell on Yuta’s daughter who was grinning so wide with her chubby cheeks. What the hell was she thinking about this young girl’s dad? Y/N must be crazy in her head.
Yuta could easily spot Sakura with Y/N seated on one of the booths of the pizza parlor. The older one was wiping the sides of the younger’s lips as she kept on babbling excitedly. When he opened the door, he saw how her daughter’s eyes lit up while shouting, “Daddy!” The older one turned to him and he just gave her a light bow while apologizing. “I waited for so long and you didn’t pick me up.” She whined as Yuta sat beside her, in front of the older girl chuckling. “I thought you didn’t love me anymore,” Sakura stated dramatically.
The older man chuckled wholeheartedly. “Who would even take you if you’re this dramatic?” Sakura pouted.
How cute, Y/N thought. Truly, daughters are different. If she tells that sentence to Sungchan, he’ll give her a deadly glare. “Auntie can take me.” The younger girl noted, brushing her fingers from crumbs. “Can I play on the slide?” She asked Y/N who only gestured at her dad who nodded immediately. They watched as the young girl ran to the play area, greeting some kids her age.
“I’m truly sorry Sakura bothered you at work.” Yuta started but Y/N shook her head. It was a nice break. She had been overwhelmed with work and when Sakura showed up, she realized how much of a break she needed. “I was stuck at practice and her siblings are in their extracurriculars.”
Y/N smiled. Everyone is busy, she understands that. “It’s fine. I was just surprised when I called Sungchan and you were there.” Yuta nodded. “So you’re the new soccer coach of the academy?”
“It was the reason why we moved,” Y/N nodded. “I have to say Sungchan is so good at soccer.”
The girl giggled, “He got that from his dad.”
That piqued Yuta’s attention. Come to think of it, he had never seen Sungchan’s dad before. Maybe one can call it curiosity. Y/N is a pretty and classy woman, she surely wouldn’t settle for less. Even her son is good-looking and so tall that his youngest daughter has a major crush on the guy. Her husband must be some kind of a God. “Is he an athlete?”
Y/N shook her head, picking the pickles off her pizza. “I would say he’s a model.” Yuta was just flabbergasted. That explains a lot of things. Must be a perfect family. “Do you think Sungchan can be a great soccer player? That was his dream when he was young.”
“He is,” Yuta claimed while nodding. “Surely, you’ve seen him play.”
“I haven’t,” she whispered while poking the pickles with her fork. “It’s always my stepbrother watching him.”
Why? Yuta wondered. And only Sungchan’s uncle? What about his dad? If Shotaro becomes interested in sports and starts playing soccer, he’ll surely be in every game and cheering him on. With Sungchan’s talent in sports, he knew he wouldn’t disappoint his parents. So why don't they come and watch his games? “We have a game this Friday. You should watch Sungchan.”
The girl only nodded. Maybe she will.
—---
Sungchan ruffled his hair, sweat dripping from his forehead as he watched the ball resting on the goal. His teammates were cheering as the point of their team increased. All because of him. Soccer had been his number one love, his favorite activity. Maybe it’s the blood running in his veins. His father, although not an athlete, taught him different kinds of ball games even at a young age. It was their bonding moment: soccer, basketball, billiards. Even his mother’s stepbrother plays soccer.
His smile faltered as his gaze fell on the crowd and where his uncle was seated. What is his mom doing here? Why is she seated next to his uncle? He purposely didn’t tell her of the game so why is she here?
“Sungchan!” He heard the coach’s voice before he felt a kick on his leg. He crouched down in pain as a whistle was blown and Yuta came running to where he was. “Are you alright?” His gaze fell on the man in front of him. Isn’t he going to ask what he was doing first? “Can you walk?” He asked before offering a hand to help him stand up.
He lightly glanced at his mom, who looked worried while he was being brought to the bleachers. “You should rest,” the coach claimed and asked one of the assistants to bring some ice. “You already did your best for the team. Thank you, Sungchan.”
With the score on the board and the sloppy playing of the other team, he knew the other team wouldn’t catch up. This is already a sure win. Maybe that’s why the coach is in such a good mood.
But Sungchan cannot deny that Coach Yuta is different from his other coaches. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be the same as those jerks from way before.
—-
“Have you seen the girl seated next to Sungchan’s uncle during the game?” Shotaro had to stop putting his earphone at the mention of his friend’s name. Why are these guys talking about Sungchan when he wasn’t even here? They’re his teammates from soccer, right? “She’s hot, isn’t she?”
“Do you think she’s his aunt? She’s sexy.”
One guy chuckled darkly before shaking his head, “That was Sungchan’s mom.”
“The MILF?” One guy shouted, making Shotaro glare. What the hell are they talking about? “Sungchan is one lucky bastard.”
“Do you think Sungchan got tall from drinking from those perky breasts?”
Before Shotaro could stop them, one guy commented. “I bet he still does.” The next thing he knew, his tall friend was landing a punch on the guy’s face.
True, he had only met Sungchan a short time ago but this was the first time he saw the calmness leave his system. Another punch and blood was already dripping on the floor. Shotaro had to reach out and stop his friend just as the teacher emerged from the door, shouting at the commotion.
—----
“Jung Jaehyun is here!” One female teacher screamed, that made Yuta’s ears perk up. Jung Jaehyun? That well-known model? He remembered Sachiko having a crush on that guy when she was young. What is he doing in this school? Maybe a promotional ad. He didn’t know this school could be so high profile.
Another teacher came to his desk, asking him to come to the headmaster’s office since ‘his players’ had a brawl in the classroom. Yuta was just shaking his head as he went his way. Before he could turn to the hallways of the headmaster’s office, the tall, fair-skinned man was standing outside the door. “Is this the headmaster’s office?” Jung Jaehyun asked and Yuta was just stunned to speak. He looks so handsome. Television and print ads don't lie when they say he looks like a God. But what is he doing in this school?
Yuta only nodded and he curtly thanked him. Wait, is he the dad of one of his soccer team players? The two entered the office at the same time, two students seated in front of the headmaster. One dad was next to probably his son, who has a cut on his face, and Yuta could not hide the surprise when Jung Sungchan called the handsome guy entering ‘dad’. Of course, Y/N mentioned that Sungchan’s dad is a model. Of course, Y/N is married to Jung Jaehyun. It makes sense.
They do have a perfect family.
Based on what he heard, Sungchan caused a commotion in class by punching the other student’s face. The other dad kept on complaining about how the cut on his son’s face would ruin his handsome face and that it was unfair. He kept on revolting that he wanted Sungchan to be kicked out of the school because he was very violent. “I’m sure my Sungchan could never do such a thing.” Jaehyun only muttered once the other man’s sentiment died down.
“Have you seen this? And you pretend that your son didn’t do anything.”
Sungchan looked bored. Yuta wondered what this brought on. He’s usually calm, very mischievous. But right now, he looked so different. A knock on the door shut the males inside, followed by Y/N coming in a rush. She introduced herself as Sungchan’s mother, making her son sigh heavily. “You see?” The other student, with a bruised face, muttered at his dad who only laughed.
Now, it all makes sense.
“I finally get what you mean, son.” the other dad said loud enough for everyone to hear. Sungchan glared at the father-son next to him. “Maybe they’re both taking her at the same time.” Everyone’s eyes turned to him in disdain and Sungchan was about to stand up but his father held his arm, stopping him in the process.
Y/N had to bow at the headmaster. “I’m sorry for the trouble our son caused,” she mumbled nicely. “We’ll accept the punishment you’re going to give Sungchan. We’ll also make sure that he’ll learn a lesson from this.”
“Are you going to punish the boy? How? Can I watch? I bet it will be hot.” The other father asked. Sungchan hissed in annoyance. “Maybe I could join and touch that smoking body.” The headmaster had to call out the other man’s name to stop him.
Yuta watched as the girl smiled at the man’s way. “Oh, you’re going to get it, mister.” She said in a coy voice. “Talk to our lawyer and the next thing you’ll be touching is the hard, cold prison cells.” There was a smile on her face that made Yuta scoff. A smile appeared on his lips, that was adorable.
The family of three exited the office with the headmaster’s permission, leaving Yuta shaking his head. Why is he so deeply impressed by this woman?
—---
“Channie,” Y/N called once they’re outside the office. Jaehyun was just standing on the side, arms crossed. “You know better. Why do you have to do that?”
There was a heavy sigh on the taller guy. “You should have punched all his teeth off.” Jaehyun supplied that made the girl glare at him. “I mean if you want to be expelled, you should have done better.”
“Jaehyun!” she called pointedly.
“Why is it my fault?” Sungchan shouted, that made Y/N step back. “I repeatedly asked you not to go to my games. Why do you think I refused your offers of driving me to school?"
“How is it my fault? I just wanted to…”
Sungchan breathed heavily before mumbling, “I always wished you gave birth to me later.” Y/N was surprised at the confession, clutching her bag a little tighter. “I always wished you weren’t my mom.”
“Sungchan!” Jaehyun called in his booming voice.
“I hate you.” Then the younger one stared at his parents before bolting out of the place.
Y/N staggered that she had to reach for a nearby wall to balance herself. What was that? “You know he doesn’t mean that, right?” Jaehyun asked, holding her arm to help her stand. No, he meant it. All this time, he hated her.
“Go to him,” Y/N whispered, removing Jaehyun’s hold on her. “I need to be alone.” Jaehyun called her name before she continued, “Your son needs you more, Jaehyun.”
Of course, Sungchan hates her. It was a fact that Y/N had been trying to bury for herself. She knew the signs were there but she refused to believe them. His sweet Channie cannot hate her. But he’s now all grown up and he’s his person now. He’s not her Channie but his very own Sungchan. Of course, he would hate her. She made his life miserable by bringing him into this world when she didn’t know anything about how to be a proper mom. She ruined her relationship with his dad. She’s making her son’s life miserable.
“Y/N,” she looked up to see Yuta looking at her in worry. She didn’t realize she was lost in thoughts. “Are you crying?” She didn’t realize that she was crying so much. Yuta handed her a handkerchief and that’s when she realized the tears. Why is she crying this much when it was entirely her fault? “I’m picking Sakura up from school. Do you maybe want to go with me?”
Maybe she’ll just try to distract herself from reality.
When was the last time she came to this elementary school? A lot has changed that she wondered if this was the same school her son went to. She remembered how she would always wait for her son to come out of the school gates along with the other moms who would only look at her. Y/N would always be shy standing in the middle of the crowd of moms who knew what they were doing but that inferior feeling would change whenever a fair-skinned, doe-eyed boy would run to her and call her “Mommy!” excitedly as if they hadn’t seen each other for months. A moment she would always look forward to. A moment when she and Sungchan only mattered in the world.
A moment she knew wouldn’t happen again.
“Auntie!” Instead, a high-pitched, starry-eyed kid with chubby cheeks called. “You’re here!” Sakura exclaimed while laughing in glee, waving at her excitedly.
Y/N had to smile, “Yeah, I wanted to see you.” The smile on the younger’s lips grew wider, which Y/N mirrored. How is Sakura so cute? “Did you have fun in school?”
The younger nodded, handing her unicorn backpack to her father. “I did! We made bracelets today.” And she showed her wrist full of colorful beads. “I shared some bracelets with my classmates.” She shared excitedly while removing one pink bracelet. “You can have this, auntie. I made this.”
“Are you sure I can just take this?” Sakura nodded, claiming that she’ll just make Sachiko one later.
The bright pink beads of the bracelet were twinkling with the sunlight as Y/N braided Sakura’s unruly hair. Yuta just sloppily put Sakura’s hair in a bun when the young girl asked if she could play in the playground, earning a whine from the young girl. Y/N had to take a hair tie from her purse, offering to braid the young girl’s hair much to her glee. Sakura was grinning so brightly when she showed her what her hair looked like. “It’s just like my classmates but better.”
“What are you going to say?” Yuta asked strictly.
“Thank you, auntie,” The younger girl said with a hug. “I hope you always fix my hair like this.”
The older had to giggle at that. Sakura was running to the playground, her squeals of excitement heard from where Y/N and Yuta were seated. She’s so cheerful and full of energy. “I probably should learn how to braid Sakura’s hair. She will never shut up about it.” Y/N only laughed in response. “You should have been a girl mom.”
The comment made Y/N lightly glance at Yuta. “I should have,” she muttered quietly. “But I ended up having a son who hates me as his mom.”
“So that is what it was all about?”
The girl sighed, “I’ve never seen Sungchan that mad. Maybe he does hate me so much.”
Yuta shook his head. “It’s teen angst. We all passed a point in our life where we think we know everything and say mean words.” He claimed then chuckled lightly. “I don’t think Sungchan hates you. He’s a nice kid, he probably doesn’t mean saying those words to you.”
Y/N pursed her lips at that. “I think he does.” She whispered. “When he was young, I was always the best mom. The person he loves the most in the world.” She smiled timidly at the memories. “Then he suddenly became too grown up and got embarrassed of me.” The girl watched as Sakura slid on the huge slide, waving at them as if showing off. “I wish he never grew up.” The guy beside her started laughing, which made her glare. “Do you think that’s so funny?”
“Well, you cannot stop him from growing up. He’s still your son.” Yuta claimed. “Sungchan isn’t embarrassed by you. Do you remember at Kura’s birthday? He looked so proud when my daughter chose you as the prettiest mom.” Y/N pouted. “If I were in Sungchan’s shoes, I wouldn’t do anything. But he never cared about himself and he just straight up protected you.” He continued, “And I think that’s more admirable, Y/N.”
The girl looked so lost in thought. Yuta smiled, she is so lovely. “Being a boy mom suits you.”
“You just said I should have been a girl mom.”
“I think you’re just a great mom overall.”
Y/N had a small smile on her face, “You mean that?” Yuta nodded, even teasing that it’s not teen angst talking. The girl had to laugh at that, “Thank you, Yuta. That means a lot.”
The guy held up his hand. She gave him a high five and just like before, he threaded their fingers together. “You’re welcome, Y/N.”
Sakura came running to where they were, followed by two girls, “Auntie, can you also fix their hair like mine? They said it looks pretty.” Y/N nodded.
“Truly, a girl mom.” Yuta teased while shaking his head.
—----
“Is she still not answering her phone?” Sungchan asked, seated on the kitchen stool while glancing at his dad who only shook his head. “Do you think she went to work? Should I call Uncle Jungwoo?”
Jaehyun shook his head. “You should call her.” But Sungchan only glared. “If I knew your mom better, I’d say she’s crying her eyes out in a park while beating herself for it.” The younger gave the older a death glare but Jaehyun just shrugged. “You did hurt her feelings.”
“I said I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, to me. Not to her.” Jaehyun claimed. Sungchan put down his phone after creating a message to his uncle, asking for his mom. “If I were a traditional dad, you should be grounded by now.”
The younger guy sighed once again, “But you understand me right?” Jaehyun lightly glanced at his son. “This isn’t the first time this happened.” Sungchan was reminded of all the soccer coaches and male teachers who would always praise him and give him special treatment just because they wanted a chance with his mom. As he grew up, it became more intense to the point that his classmates would always make these sick fantasies about him and his mom.
“You cannot blame your mom for that, Sungchan.” Jaehyun started before sitting on the adjacent stool as his son. “When you were still young, your mom would always spoil you that she often forgot about herself. She would come out of the house with tattered and worn-out clothes. She never really cared about how she looked as long as you’re well.” In Sungchan’s point of view, that is so hard to believe. When he first heard this story, he thought his dad was only tripping with him and making him guilty. But his uncle would often share the same story as how his mom suffered a lot when he was young. “The kids wouldn’t play with you because they thought you’re the maid’s son and that broke your mom, big time.”
“So she promised herself that she would look good,” Sungchan finished for his dad.
“That’s why we don’t blame mom for anything. I saw that woman almost dying just to bring you to this world, be grateful.” The older claimed ruffling the younger’s hair. “You’re lucky she’s your mom. You wouldn’t grow up well if not.” Sungchan sighed at that. “Apologize to your mom.” The younger nodded.
Both guys were in the middle of preparing for dinner when the car could be heard parking in the garage. Somewhat Sungchan’s insides were shaking. How is his mom? Where has she been? How can he talk and apologize to her?
“You’re home!” It was Jaehyun who greeted her. “We’re making pasta for dinner.”
“I already ate,” she said in monotone. “I’ll sleep early.” Then she just walked away without staring at the two guys.
Sungchan glanced at his father in worry but he only shook his head. “Just let her sleep on it. Apologize to her tomorrow.”
—--
When Y/N woke up that morning, she just groaned at the pain in both her head and eyes. Maybe she’ll just inform Jungwoo that she cannot go to work today. Her throat was so parched but she tried to feel if there was someone in the house. Is she alone? Did Sungchan already go to school? But he might be expelled right now so he’s probably somewhere in the house. And somehow, she doesn’t want to face him yet.
When was the last time she cried this much? Y/N wondered. When she broke up with Jaehyun? When her father died? And now because of Sungchan. Why does she always cry because of a man? “Good morning!” She almost screamed hearing Jaehyun’s voice but the other just laughed. “You look so bad.” Y/N had to roll her eyes at that which only made her head throb some more. “I’ll reheat the pasta so you can eat it.”
“Where is Sungchan?” She asked, sitting on the kitchen stool. “And why are you still here?”
Jaehyun smiled as he turned on the stove. “Your son went to school. Apparently, his classmates were claiming that Sungchan didn’t start anything so the school will probably review the punishment they’ll give him.”
“You didn’t even come with him?”
The guy shook his head with a laugh, “He said I should just stay at home and take care of you.” There was an evident surprise on Y/N’s face. There’s no way Sungchan said that after what happened yesterday. “He felt bad for the things he said, Y/N.”
“Jaehyun, do you think I’m making our son’s life miserable?”
“You’re not,” he claimed. “But if it helps, both of us made his life miserable.”
“He should have stayed with you.” She whispered making Jaehyun laugh wholeheartedly.
“Did you forget that Sungchan chose to be with his mommy rather than live with the robots in Japan? My mom is still salty about it.” Y/N had to breathe heavily at that. Another nostalgia creeping up on her. Why does she miss Sungchan more? “Your son loves you so much that he’s willing to protect you at all costs yet you wanted him to stay with me?” Jaehyun put down the plate of pasta. “If I was in Sungchan’s shoes and someone talks like that about my mom, I wouldn’t care. That’s not worth getting expelled for. But the kid straight up just punched someone for you. He cares for you so much to do that, Y/N.”
Y/N finds it weird because that was what Yuta exactly said. Was that really a man’s wisdom? The tears unconsciously fell as she took a bite of pasta. “You’re doing a great job as a mom, Y/N,” Jaehyun whispered while gently tapping the top of her head. “Now, great mom, can you bring Sungchan his phone?” Y/N had a curious look on her face. “I asked him to leave the phone so you two could talk.”
The girl only had to glare at the man, “You are so annoying!”
“That’s why we got a divorce, honey,” Jaehyun muttered, laughing as he exited the kitchen.
Y/N doesn’t know how to return Sungchan’s phone without facing him. Mentally, she wasn’t ready. What if he’s still mad at her? What if it could only lead to more shouting and mean words? Emotionally, she cannot handle anything as of the moment. She even had to force herself to come out of the house so physically, she wasn’t available as well. Jaehyun repeatedly told her that she looked like a mess but she didn’t care. Instead of her usual dresses and high heels, she’s wearing jeans and an old, worn-out t-shirt of a band Sungchan likes way back. She’s only wearing flipflops and eyeglasses, then a light lip tint to at least look a bit presentable.
She knew she could not enter the school after what happened yesterday. That’s just awkward. So giving Sungchan his phone while he’s in class is a huge no. Maybe she could contact some of his friends to give it on behalf of her. But then, who were his friends that she knew of? Maybe this is the reason why her son never introduced her to his friends.
Shotaro, she remembered. She knew Shotaro and they belonged to the same class. But how can she contact Shotaro without making it weird? Hurriedly, she looked for the contacts on her phone for the recently added person. This is her only choice for now.
With a wide, teasing smile, Yuta came out of the school gates and she immediately apologized for taking his thing. Good thing Sakura asked for her number yesterday, that earned her Yuta’s number as well. “Is this your teen angst?” She rolled her eyes as Yuta chuckled. “You still haven’t talked to him?”
Y/N only shook her head before handing her son’s phone. “Did you know what punishment he received?”
“I only heard that it isn’t expulsion. The class said that it was the other guy who started and he provoked Sungchan.” Yuta explained as she nodded. That’s a relief. “Will you still let Sungchan play soccer?”
“Are you going to kick him out of the team?”
Yuta looked startled. “God, no. He’s my star player.” He then startled, fiddling with his thumbs. “I just thought maybe you decided to ground him as punishment.”
“His dad didn’t say anything,” Yuta only nodded. “And I can’t do that. He already hates me enough.” The guy had to laugh teasingly. “Thank you Yuta and I’m sorry for bothering you. I have to go back home.”
The guy held his hand up for a high five, which she returned and he threaded their fingers together like what he usually does. “You look better wearing these clothes. You seemed human.”
“Am I not a human before?”
“You’re a Goddess,” Y/N was startled. “That’s what Sakura calls you.”
The girl had to laugh at that. “Can I just trade your daughter with my Sungchan?”
“In ten years, when she starts telling me that she hates me, I might just give her to you for free.”
—--
Yuta was supposed to go to their homeroom to hand over the phone. Maybe he’ll talk to Shotaro and ask him to give the phone. But instead, he saw Sungchan seated on the bench overlooking the soccer field. Are classes over already? Why is he outside? “Jung Sungchan,” he called which made the younger turn to him in surprise. “Are classes over? Where’s Shotaro?”
“I skipped,” he confessed in a soft voice as Yuta sat beside him. “I’m sorry, coach. I might stop playing soccer.”
“Why?” he asked then handed him his phone. “Your mom just said that you’re not being punished so why would you quit soccer?”
Sungchan looked so surprised. “She came here?” Yuta nodded, “Then you probably knew what happened?”
“Not everything,” Yuta confessed. “All I know is that it heavily affected your mom.” Sungchan nodded. It did. She didn’t eat dinner with them and he cannot miss those bloodshot eyes. “And it’s heavily affecting you too.”
Sungchan had to lean his back on the bench, crossing his arms. “I feel like an evil child for hurting mom like that.” He whispered, “But in my defense, I was just so mad that time that I lashed out at her.” The younger breathed heavily. “She’s probably so mad and disappointed at me.”
Yuta mirrored the same posture the younger had before shaking his head. “I don’t think that’s the case.” He mumbled then smiled at the past interaction he had with Y/N. “I think your mom just misses you.”
“Miss me?”
“We, as parents, really cannot stop you from growing up.” Yuta started, “But as you grow up, your parents grow older as well.” He started tapping Sungchan’s back, “You’re a nice kid, you grew up well. You know what to do.” The older stood up while brushing his pants, “Skip practice today but you’ll have to run double the lap tomorrow.”
Sungchan nodded, “Thank you, coach.” The older smiled. “I hope you’re not doing this because of my mom.”
Yuta had a small smile on his face, “You’re my player. Not your mom.”
—----
The house was too quiet when Sungchan came in. His mom’s car was in the garage, meaning she didn’t go to work today. She’s probably in her workshop and designing dresses again. His dad’s car isn’t here so he probably left. He should have gone home earlier if he knew this is the scenario. How can he face his mom alone? What if she’s mad? What if she cries? He doesn’t know what to do.
Maybe he should call his uncle Jungwoo.
But the fact that he hasn’t bombarded him with messages about hurting his mom only meant that he doesn’t have any idea about what happened. And letting him know is scarier than apologizing to his mom.
Sungchan breathed heavily, a tub of ice cream on hand as he knocked on the door. Just apologize, Sungchan. Don’t make her cry. He heard a hum on the other side of the door, “Mom, it’s Sungchan. I bought ice cream, it might melt if we don’t eat it now.” He heard her agreement before he shakingly opened the door. His mom was seated on her desk, papers scattered on the floor while some were taped on the wall.
What struck him the most was the small yellowish paper pinned on her corkboard. Sungchan had been in this room a couple of times before, but this is the first time he took note of that paper. “Where’s your dad?” She asked as she moved to the small couch in the room.
“He’s gone. You didn’t know?” he asked while handing her the small bowl and spoon. “I didn’t know you still have that card,” Sungchan started pointing at the piece of paper on the corkboard. “How long was that? When I was in first grade?”
“Second grade,” Y/N claimed curtly. “The first year your father and I got a divorce.” Oh, he remembered now. “Do you still remember that paper?”
Sungchan nodded, “Grandma wanted me to go live with her someplace with robots but I chose to be with you and she wanted proof of that.” Y/N smiled timidly, nodding at him. “I love mommy more than robots,” he whispered, remembering what was written on that piece of paper. “And I still do,” he said in a soft voice, staring at the slowly melting ice cream.
“You’re already past the robot age, Sungchan.”
“But if given the same choices, I’ll still choose to be with you.”
“Even if you hate me as your mom?”
“I’m sorry,” Sungchan started kneeling on the carpeted floor. “I didn’t mean any of those words, I didn’t know what possessed me to say those things. I’ll forever repent my actions.” he kept on rubbing his palms together as if asking for forgiveness. “It’s fine if you don’t forgive me, I just hate that I hurt you and made you cry.” When he looked up, his mom was sobbing, which made him whine. “Mom!” he revolted. “I can’t calm a crying girl. I don’t know what to do.”
He sat beside her on the chair, wrapping his arms around her as she leaned in to cry on his chest. When did his mom become so small? He remembered hugging her when he was young and she seemed so big. But now, she felt so small in his arms. He had truly grown up. And maybe the coach is right. His mom just missed him. The young him. “Did you hate me as your mom?”
“No,” Sungchan said in a low voice. “But I hate how people perceive you as an awful mom because you’re young and pretty.” He rubbed her back to calm her down. “I’m thankful that I’m your only child because you’ve always showered me with your love and I promise I’ll repay you by taking care of you in the future.” Y/N had to stare at him in confusion. “I wouldn’t get married and would just take care of you.”
The older lightly slapped her son’s arm. “Ya!” she shouted, making Sungchan laugh. “Are you stupid?” She started wiping her tears from her face. “I already told Sakura you’ll wait for her to grow up.”
“That’s crazy,” Sungchan claimed while shaking his head. “The ice cream is all melted. I’ll ask dad to get us a new one.”
“And ask him to cook dinner. He can’t live in this house for free.” Sungchan laughed, nodding at her. He’s glad everything worked at its best. He just had to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
—----
The weather wasn’t too hot and since both his uncle and dad were here in town, Sungchan decided to invite the three adults to play basketball. When he was young, the four of them would often play basketball in the nearby court just for fun. His uncle and dad were usually partners, while he’s always with his mom. Before, they were all taller than him and he felt it was unfair to play with them and team up with his mom. But now that he’s towering over the three adults, maybe he and his mom could finally defeat the two older guys.
But as their family of four neared the court, he could see a group of three guys playing basketball in the court. Sungchan’s face lit up at the sight of his friend, “Shotaro!” he called as the group turned their way.
Sakura, who was seated on the bleachers earlier, came running to him while squealing, “Sungchan-oppa!” She even waved to the only girl from the other group then hid behind Sungchan, tugging his leg. “Oppa, who are they?”
“That’s my dad, Jung Jaehyun.” The taller introduced, pointing at the fair-skinned man with dimples popping from his cheek. “And that’s my uncle, Kim Jungwoo.”
The younger girl’s eyes were so wide as she innocently asked, “He is your dad?” Sungchan nodded proudly. “That’s why you’re so tall and handsome.” The wonder and realization in her voice made the older guy laugh.
“Why didn’t you mention that your dad is Jung Jaehyun?” Shotaro asked.
Sungchan shrugged, taking the ball from his hands. “I didn’t know you know him.”
The other guy then glanced at his twin sister seated on the bleachers, who was ogling at the celebrity walking past her. “Sachiko has a huge crush on him growing up.” The son of the said person looked surprised. He didn’t know his dad could be that famous.
The adults were introduced to each other: Jungwoo was remembered by both Sachiko and Sakura as the man in the boutique with Y/N while Johnny was the waiter in the restaurant which Y/N mentioned. Sungchan was the one who suggested playing against each other with four players each, but Y/N stepped back, claiming that she’s not playing because it’s too hot.
“You have to play, you’re already in your jersey,” Jaehyun claimed, which made her glare. “We brought you outside to exercise.”
The girl scrunched her nose, “What am I? Your dog?” She asked before dragging Sakura and Sachiko, “We’re getting ice cream.”
Jaehyun shook his head and whispered, “Such a kid.”
Yuta was just watching the interaction. He had never seen such a perfect couple before. A beautiful mom and a handsome dad, with a very good-looking son. What a perfect family. And somewhat, Y/N looked so much lovelier in his eyes this instance. Maybe because this is the first time he had seen her as a wife. Why did God love Jung Jaehyun so much?
When the girls left the court, they decided to have a three versus three half-court game. Since they came first, Yuta’s team was the first offense. What Y/N said before about Sungchan’s talent in sports coming from his dad makes sense. He knew Jaehyun isn’t an athlete, he is a model. But his agility and speed made him amazing at the game. The first point was created by Johnny and then Shotaro.
The court was so loud with the sound of their rubber shoes, all the calling, and the laughs from both Shotaro and Jungwoo. Jaehyun kept on shooting consecutively, making Yuta more competitive. Even if the other team was significantly taller, Yuta’s team scored more mainly because of their teamwork and Johnny’s endless rebounds. The older didn’t realize that his son could be good in basketball as well.
Feeling tired, the six men were lying on the floor of the court after Yuta scored the seventh point for their team. Why is basketball this tiring? He lightly glanced around. But moreover, where are his daughters?
Sakura kept on groaning as her hair kept on blocking her face from eating the ice cream. Y/N had to chuckle, stopping the two girls and asking Sachiko to hold her ice cream so she could tie the younger’s hair. “Auntie, how did you find a handsome husband?” Y/N laughed at the innocent question. “Do I have to be as pretty as you?”
“You are pretty,” Y/N complimented while rubbing her chubby cheeks. “And Jaehyun is my friend before so I don’t think he finds me pretty.”
“That’s nonsense.” Even Sachiko revolted at that. “Where can he find a girl as pretty as you?”
The older of the girls shrugged, “Her girlfriend is prettier.” Both girls stared at her in surprise. “Oh, I should have started with Jung Jaehyun is my ex-husband.” Sachiko looked startled at that. “We divorced a long time ago.”
The teenage girl shook her head at the shock. “More reasons not to believe in love.” She mumbled under her breath that startled Y/N. Did she just ruin this girl’s idea of love? She’s being such a bad influence on this teenager.
When the three came back to the court, the six boys were still playing basketball. Sweat was dripping on their foreheads so Y/N just guided the two girls to sit next to their things on the bleachers. She had never been a fan of sports. Never really understood anything in these games, but she knows that the game is intense. Maybe someone provoked her ex-husband’s competitiveness because there’s no sign of the cheerful Jaehyun from before. Sakura was cheering for her dad who was dribbling the ball and then shooting it from behind the half-circle.
Wow, Y/N thought, Yuta is good at sports. There’s no doubt he’s the soccer coach.
The moment Shotaro rebounded the shot done by Yuta, Jaehyun announced that the game was done. Even Jungwoo was surprised that the other team got six points already. Sungchan immediately ran to the girls, then took a bite of his mom’s ice cream, making the older whine. “I’m so tired!” he complained while leaning on his mom. Y/N had to laugh while she finished her ice cream.
“Sungchan oppa, you play so well and you’re so tall,” Sakura claimed, walking to where the older guy was. He only chuckled before asking if she wanted to shoot the ball to the ring, earning a nod from Sakura.
Y/N had to repeatedly tell Sungchan to be careful as he carried Sakura on his shoulders so the young girl could be as tall as the ring. The older one was standing next to her son, holding Sakura’s back so she wouldn’t fall as she kept calling her son’s name. The younger girl’s giggles filled the whole court. All eyes were on the three of them: Johnny. Shotaro, and Jungwoo were laughing, Sachiko taking a picture with her phone camera, while Yuta was just focused on the scene before him.
How can a girl just look so lovely as a mom? Y/N is proving to him that she’s neither a boy mom nor a girl mom. She could be both and she would surely do her best as a mom. Now he wonders why they only had Sungchan as a child. Does Jaehyun not want another child? What a waste of good genes. His gaze fell on Jaehyun who only smiled at him knowingly. What was that? Did he catch him checking out his wife? Wait, was he even checking out Y/N?
Maybe Yuta is sick in the head.
“Y/N!” Jaehyun called, “Let’s have a barbecue party at home and invite them over,” Sakura shouted that she liked barbecue before he glanced at Yuta.
Yuta feels like he’s in trouble.
The initial impression of this woman being wealthy came to Yuta once again when they reached the Jungs’ place. It is a huge house with a two-car garage. How can their family be that perfect? The kids were immediately playing Sungchan’s PlayStation while both Jaehyun and Jungwoo were already preparing for a barbecue party on their lawn. Johnny didn’t come, excusing himself that he had a part-time job to go to. He promised to attend the next barbecue party though.
Y/N, on the other hand, hurriedly went to the kitchen to prepare some ingredients. “Hey,” Yuta greeted, making his way to the kitchen. “Do you need help?”
The girl shook her head, “I’m sorry Jaehyun had to drag you here. You probably have some other plans with the kids today.”
“No, it’s not.” Yuta shook his head. “I am sorry for making you prepare this much.”
The girl giggled at that. Y/N was washing the vegetables, which made Yuta help her by peeling the onions. “Your house is amazing.”
“Sungchan’s grandfather is an architect,” she claimed. “He made all these for his only grandson.”
Yuta had to put the onion on a plate, “Why don’t you give him another grandchild?” Y/N only laughed. “I think Sungchan is ready to be an older brother.” He gestured to the older guy helping Sakura with the controller of the PlayStation.
The girl breathed heavily while leaning on the counter and watching her son. Truly, he is gonna be a great older brother. “I almost died giving birth to Sungchan. I was young and it was a complicated birth.” Yuta just nodded and her eyes widened, “Oh shit, I’m sorry. It’s not…”
“Oh, no worries.” Yuta shook his head with a smile. “I’m actually amazed at what women can do and endure. I personally think giving birth is the most painful feeling in the world.” There was a small smile on his face, “Moms are amazing.”
Y/N giggled. “I think Sungchan is already enough.” She then turned to face the counter and cut the vegetables. “He loves me the most in the world, you know.”
Yuta laughed, “He does.” Then whispered, “I’m glad you two are okay now. You both look like a mess during your fight.” Y/N only laughed wholeheartedly.
The meat looks delectable, the smell tingling their senses. Jaehyun had probably done this a couple of times before. Not only is he handsome and famous, he’s also a great cook. What a complete package. No doubt a lovely and classy girl as Y/N would fall for him. Additional brownie points for Jaehyun for how attentive he is to both Sachiko and Sakura.
He probably also wants a daughter just like Y/N.
He didn’t expect a guy like Jaehyun to succumb to his wife’s request. Maybe he is the type to fall head over heels for a girl. But in Y/N’s case, who wouldn’t? If he were her husband, he'd probably worship her on her feet.
Yuta shook his head. That was a bad thought.
Both families were seated on a long table in the yard. Maybe they hosted barbecue parties like this before, since they have all the things needed. “I didn’t know you have these many plates, Y/N.” Jaehyun joked as he sat on the head of the table while his husband sat opposite him on the other side of the table. “Probably from all the tea parties and neighborhood meetings you have.”
“You are so annoying!” Y/N revolted.
Jaehyun laughed, “That’s why we got a divorce, honey.” The statement startled Yuta so much that he almost dropped the glass he was holding. Divorce? Jaehyun and Y/N? But she still wears her wedding ring. When he glanced around, he was the only one who looked shaken at the statement. Do his kids know? But why is he so shaken about it? “Yuta,” the other called, making him cough lightly. Don’t be suspicious, Yuta. “Is the food alright?”
He nodded, taking another bite of the meal. “It is.” Jaehyun nodded with a smile.
For every bite of the meat, Yuta had questions forming in his head. Why did they get divorced? Why is she still wearing her wedding ring? How long have they been divorced from each other? Why is Jaehyun here if they’ve already broken up? His head just kept on throbbing with questions. Is she open to falling in love again?
Once again, Yuta had to shake his head. That is a bad thought. A crazy thought. He should stop himself before he acts on that thought of his.
Sungchan had never washed these many plates before. If he’s normal, he would easily lash out at his parents for inviting a lot of people over for their little party. Yet, somehow, his heart was happy. He knew how much this little party meant for his mom. He’s somewhat glad that she found a person with the same situation as hers, with whom she could easily talk to. Not like those other women in the neighborhood who only gossip. He’s also glad that his family could know a lot about his best friend's family. He hopes these hangouts will be frequent.
“Sungchan,” Jaehyun called, entering the kitchen which made the younger man hum. “I’m leaving.”
The guy turned to his dad in surprise. “Suddenly?”
“I have to meet your grandma.” Sungchan only nodded. “Your mom is already in her workshop so I cannot bother her.” Once again, he nodded.
Jaehyun leaned on the counter, “Son, will you be alright with your mom marrying again?” The sentence surprised Sungchan. Where is this conversation heading? “Will you let her fall in love again?”
He turned off the faucet, hands on the counter to help with his balance. “I don’t know why you’re asking that but I cannot stop her if she does want to marry again.” Then he sighed, “But dad, that is highly impossible. You know mom still wears your wedding ring.”
“To scare unwanted suitors,” Jaehyun claimed with a laugh. “I taught her that technique.” The taller guy just shook his head while rolling his eyes at his dad. “Sungchan, promise me that you will never stop your mom from falling in love and marrying again.”
It was a weird request, yet Sungchan can’t say no to his dad. But where is this conversation leading to? Is his mom seeing a guy that he doesn’t know about? And does his dad know about it? How? That was very weird.
He shook his head. Sungchan was sure that it wouldn’t be a problem with his mom.
characters: stripper! Yuta x female! Y/N
genre: chaptered, smut, fluff, angst
word count: 2.5k words
summary: Y/N has everything in her bitter life, not until she meets a sweet-looking stripper.
warnings: matured theme, stripper au!, third person POV, rusty writing, curse words, shirtless guys, degrading words
Bachelorette parties.
If there is any event that Y/N hated going to, this would be it.
The girl hated to socialize. Hated mingling with girls her age, even younger than her, who wouldn’t stop talking about finding a nice husband or the newest Birkin from Paris.
But bachelorette parties are better than attending board meetings.
This is much better than the blind date her mother kept on pushing her through.
That was the thought running through Y/N’s mind as she drank the pink bubbling liquid in her champagne glass, settling on one corner of the huge hotel room. She knew very well that it wasn’t champagne. And she was smart enough to know not to drink alcohol in these crazy events.
The star of the night, a rich family daughter - although Y/N forgot whose daughter she was - was dancing non-stop along to the music. Y/N drank her juice to hide a smile. She knew that type very well, certainly a wild child.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if a man in a police outfit entered the room and started stripping.
As if on cue, one of the girls entered the door giddily and announced that ‘the main event is here’. Y/N had to chuckle to herself, how predictable.
One guy, with dark hair and tall height, entered wearing a black jacket without a shirt underneath. He started swaying his body along the sultry music which earned the excitement of the women around. Well, he has a nice muscular body. Another guy, wearing a sleeveless leather tank top, entered and started grinding his body at one of the bridesmaids. This guy is handsome.
Wow, Y/N thought, they managed to book two strippers. How extravagant.
The music got louder along with the screams of the girls at the party just as another guy with blonde hair entered the door. Unlike the other two who were dancing with the girls, he entered the door and took the center. The same as the first guy, who completely removed his jacket, he was wearing a leather jacket with no shirt underneath. His body was rolling, hips seductively swaying against the music. He isn’t even that muscular. Certainly, Y/N had seen better. But the way he projected himself, the way he felt himself along the music is rather sexy. Erotic, perhaps.
The girl found herself focused on the third man, watching his toned skin and taking note of the butterfly tattoo peeking from his waist. He is rather handsome, almost the same as the second guy. Where did they manage to book these guys? They don’t seem like low-class strippers like from other bachelorette parties she had been to. Instead, they look like high-class escorts. If there is something like that.
Y/N shrugged, shaking her head, then finished her juice.
Before she came here, she thought this bachelorette party would give her a reason to hate these events more. Watching the sensual performance in front of her, she was thankful that she chose to be here rather than elsewhere.
—-----
“And tell the manager that we’ll be back tomorrow,” Johnny claimed, which made Yuta nod. “Yuta, be careful when going back to the club.” He rolled his eyes at that. He’s not a kid. He can go back himself.
While heading down to the lobby, he started counting the money he had. One-third of the payment from the dancing gig and some cab fare. He’ll probably reach home, right? Why did the club decide to send the three of them to this far-flung place? When coming here, he saw how far the hotel building was from the entrance. And he doubts, at how high-class this establishment is, that there would be cabs waiting in the lobby. He could ask for a car, but that would cost so much, and Yuta hated to let go of his hard-earned money.
To be real, he wouldn’t be in this job if not for Lee Taeyong. When he came from Japan with nothing but his dream to be a dancer, his friend helped him by offering to be a dancer in a strip club. It wasn’t the dream but it’s not too far from it. Besides, it gives him food on the table and a roof above his head. But all he does is dance, no extra services, unlike his two friends who left him alone.
Yuta felt that he had been walking for some time now but all he could see was the endless road ahead, the lush gardens, and the lights of the hotel building. Who made this establishment? Why is it so anti-poor? It also doesn’t help that it’s late at night and he’s wearing tattered jeans with a shirtless jacket. Will there still be cabs outside the hotel at this late hour? Should he just book a hotel room? But that would cost so much.
He’ll just continue this walk and pretend that he’s hiking like he does in Japan.
He was startled when a midnight blue car stopped at his side, stylish and looking really expensive. The driver put down the tinted window, “Do you want to ride?” He was more surprised that it was a female driver. “It’s a long walk. I can drop you off at the gate.” Yuta glanced at the long road ahead then at the driver who was only looking at him in question. It is a long walk and she’s heading that way anyway. Nothing bad can happen, right?
The guy gently opened the door and entered the car carefully before putting on his seatbelt. Even if this woman decides to kidnap him, he doesn’t have any money to give her. And she looked well-off. There isn’t anything else that he can offer to her. The girl might have sensed his nervousness as she lightly chuckled, “Are you really planning to walk that far? You didn’t have a ride coming here?”
Yuta shook his head, “We took a cab here.”
“We?” The girl repeated before lightly glancing at him. “Oh, you were one of the dancers earlier.”
“You were there?” The girl nodded. Damn, she really is well-off.
Yuta felt like shrinking in his seat. What is he doing in this car? And knowing that she had seen him earlier, made him embarrassed. “Why are you alone?” She asked to cut the silence.
Maybe she doesn’t know anything about his line of work. Or maybe she’s testing him. “They have a booking.” The girl repeated his term in a questioning manner, “Some girls from the party booked them for tonight.”
“To dance?”
“For sex," he blurted out loud before hissing at himself.
“They can do that?” Yuta wondered if she was really innocent. Or maybe she’s part of the population who never cared. But her amusement is rather refreshing. “Then why aren’t you part of the booking or whatever you call that?” He bit his lip to prevent himself from smiling. She’s adorable. “I’m sorry. I’m too curious, aren’t I? You don’t have to answer that.”
He cannot help but release a chuckle at that. “It’s fine,” he claimed, shaking his head. “I don’t do extra services. Besides, those two were more famous with girls.”
The girl had to lightly glance at him before making a small sound of wonder. “Really? I thought you were more famous than the two of them.” Yuta had to raise an eyebrow at that. “I mean you were a great dancer, you’re as handsome as the guy with the cap, and you have a nice body. A complete package.” The sides of Yuta’s lips curled up at the compliment. That’s such a confidence boost. “And you have such a nice smile. If it was my bachelorette party, I would have paid for your extra service.”
“Then will you book me for your bachelorette party?” He then stopped before staring straight at her, “If you haven’t had one.” He tried to check if she had a ring on her finger then sighed in relief seeing that there wasn’t.
She laughed wholeheartedly and Yuta thought that she was very pretty at that moment. “I’m sorry but there will be no bachelorette party. Please don’t jinx it.” Yuta shrugged. He’s not in the position to ask but why? She’s pretty, she’s rich. And to be honest, she’s hot. Guys would surely go to war for her. He definitely will.
To his dismay, he can see the gates of the hotel nearby which means that he had to get out of the car. But he’s still enjoying talking to her.
—---
The night was so dark. Y/N never realized that it was this late. There weren’t any cars around which is typical in this part of town. The headlights of her car kept blinking as she waited for the man earlier to get a cab or any ride to where he was heading. “You can leave me here. Thank you for the ride.” He insisted but she shook her head, reasoning that the CCTVs of the hotel saw her taking him, and if something happened, she would be the prime suspect. He laughed in response, making her swoon at the mischievousness of his smile.
“Where are you heading anyways?” she asked, shouting through the whole passenger seat between them. She was seated in the car in front of him by the curb. The man pointed at the direction to the left and she giggled. “I can drive you. That’s also my way home.” But it was he who kept on shaking his head, not wanting to bother her. “Come on. You might not get home and I can’t just leave you here.”
In the end, he went back in the car and promised to pay her the cab fee. The man claimed that he’s heading to their club named Neo as she hummed in answer. She remembered passing by that club once. And it made it pretty clear that they are some high-class strippers. “I’m Yuta, by the way.” he introduced.
That was a nice name, Y/N thought. Japanese? Maybe a codename. “I’m Y/N Y/L/N.”
“Y/L/N? Are you related to the owner of the Mozart Museum?” She nodded, whispering that it was her mom. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “You are rich rich.”
“My parents are.”
“That’s what rich people always say.” The girl giggled at that. “So what do you do in life, Miss Y/N?”
She had to drum her fingers along the steering wheel while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. “I work in a research company.” Yuta only gave her a questioning look, “I oversee the company.”
Wait, isn’t that…? “Like a president of the company?”
“More of a manager,” she claimed casually then flashed a timid smile. “My dad is still the president.” Once again, an exclamation of awe can be heard coming from Yuta’s lips. “Hopefully, I can achieve his position soon.”
She’s not just pretty, hot, and rich, she’s also very successful. God damn, she is truly the complete package. “And you are still single?” The girl gave him a knowing smile. How is she still single after all that? And the thought of not wanting to have a bachelorette party, meaning not wanting to be married, made Yuta think that it was a waste. “Don’t you feel lonely?”
Oh shit! That came out wrong. But it was too late to take back those words. She obviously heard it, evidence was the way she gripped the steering wheel. “Sorry. You don’t have to answer that.”
The girl bit her lip before breathing heavily. “I think it isn’t that lonely. I have the freedom to still do whatever I want.” The muscles of her face eased as she smiled. “And trust me if you encounter those rich spoiled mommy’s boys, you’d rather be single.” Yuta giggled. He knew a few and he could attest to it.
It was weird how Yuta felt like he could empathize with the world above him, the world of the rich, with every second he talked to this girl. She doesn’t seem like those stereotypical rich trust fund babies who would check their hair and make-up at all times and yap about finding rich husbands. She’s a well-established woman who knows what she wants. Totally admirable.
Y/N, on the other hand, thought that she knew everything about the world. In her line of work and the society she belonged to, she obviously met a lot of interesting and intriguing people. But nothing prepared her for the mystery named Yuta. If he truly is Japanese, why is he here? What does he do for work? Dancing? Stripping? Why is he so humble and inferior when he looks way more handsome than those narcissistic men who were products of plastic surgery clinics? He is such a wonder.
The girl pulled the handbrake of the car when they reached the front of a lighted building with a huge marquee that reads Neo. “It’s fancy,” Y/N claimed that made Yuta laugh, nodding.
“Have you been inside?” The girl shook her head. “Do you want to go inside?”
“I’d rather not. It’s late and I have some appointments tomorrow.” That’s too bad, Yuta thought. He doesn’t mind working a little extra tonight.
The guy started fishing his wallet from his pocket, handing her some cash. “It isn’t much but thank you for driving me back.” But the girl shook her head, rejecting his money and claiming that it was not a big deal. Yuta felt embarrassed. Of course, she’s rich. This money would be nothing to her. Why did he offer it in the first place? “But I don’t like owing people anything.”
The girl smiled warmly, “It’s fine. Think of it as saving me from worrying about someone tonight.” The guy laughed. “Besides, it was nice talking to you.”
He asked for some pen and paper which she reached out from the glove compartment. Yuta started scribbling something on a piece of paper, “Then, if you feel lonely. Please come by the club and I’ll drink with you.” He handed her the piece of paper, “Free of charge.”
“A lap dance?” She asked, reading his note.
He smiled shyly. “That’s the only service I can offer that would allow me to use the private rooms. I can’t let a rich manager drink publicly in a stripclub, can I?” Y/N gave a small giggle before folding the paper and putting it in her handbag. “Just give the paper to the club manager and look for me. You do remember my name, right?”
“Yuta.” she answered quietly.
“Yuta Nakamoto.”
Is that his full name? Then he must be really Japanese. And aren’t they using codenames in the strip club? Does his parents know his job? She lightly shook her head to stop the questions forming in her mind as he exited the car. What is it to her anyway? “Thank you for the ride, Ms. Y/N Y/L/N. Have a safe trip home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Yuta Nakamoto. Have a good night.”
“See you later?”
“Later.”
And she sped off with him waving goodbye like a small child. Yuta smiled to himself as he started walking to the strip club.
characters: single dad! soccer coach! widower! Yuta x female! single mom! fashion designer! divorcee! Y/N with son! Jung Sungchan, son! Shotaro Osaki, daughter! Sachiko Osaki (OC), daughter! Sakura Nakamoto (OC)
word count: 7.9k
words genre: chaptered, fluff, suggestive, drama
summary: Who says one cannot fall in love once again?
warnings: single parents au, mutual pining, aged up and aged down characters, secret dating, lying, secrets, mention of blood, trauma, (risking the plot twist) miscarriage, kissing, touching, gambling, bailing from jail (sorry, this was too sensitive), teen angst, family drama
“If Auntie and Daddy get married, will I have a younger brother?”
“Sakura!” Both Sachiko and Yuta shouted at the same time. The young girl looked unbothered, swinging her feet on the chair while shaking her head.
Y/N had to giggle at that, even fixing the younger’s skirt since she was sitting next to her. “Do you want a younger brother, Sakura?”
The youngest at the table nodded, “I want both a younger sister and brother, but I don’t want to share my clothes, especially if they came from you.” She grinned at that then continued, “So I’m fine with a younger brother.” The oldest girl had to laugh at that. It makes sense, actually.
“But I can’t have another baby,” she claimed quietly, wiping the chocolate from her lips. Even before Sakura could ask why, Yuta glared at the younger while shaking his head. “You’ll be my baby instead. Is that alright with you?” Sakura nodded cheerfully as Y/N grinned.
The awkward silence at the table was replaced with Sungchan’s hearty laugh. “Mom, you obviously like this too much.” The girl scrunched her nose at her teasing son while Yuta had to hide his smile by drinking his water.
Apparently, the Saturday date became a whole family dinner. When Y/N told Yuta about Sungchan’s decision, he shared that he also told Sachiko and she seemed fine with them dating. The girl then confessed that she talked to Shotaro about it, even raising the question ‘when,’ which was never answered, but he easily shrugged. The two decided to just have a small dinner with each other’s families to tell Sakura.
He thought it would be awkward, but it felt the same as the last time they had dinner together. Perhaps this dating thing will work out just fine. The teens interacted well with each other; even Sachiko, who had to look at her phone a lot during dinner, interacted with Sungchan as if they were real siblings.
“Sakura, do you want to go to the restroom?” The female teenager asked but the younger shook her head, eating her ice cream. “Let’s go, please.” The younger one was even complaining that Sachiko could not do anything without her, making the teenage boys laugh. “Auntie, do you want to come with us?” Sachiko asked, looking at the older with hopeful eyes.
Y/N wasn’t sure how she understood Sachiko’s intention. It must be a girl's instinct. But the moment Sakura went inside one of the stalls, the teenager turned to her asking for help. “Eunseok asked me to go on a date,” she whispered, surprising the older girl. Y/N was about to exclaim in excitement, but the younger gestured for Sakura. “Auntie, I don’t want Dad to know that I’m going out with a guy just yet.” The older sighed. She understood that idea. Isn’t that what she and Yuta were doing last time? But Sachiko is still a young girl. Isn’t this dangerous? “Please help me leave early.”
She nodded before Sachi was called by Sakura from inside the stall. Y/N had to breathe heavily, prepping herself at the counter of the sink for balance. This is for Sachiko’s happiness, she told herself.
When the three girls came back to the table, the boys were already preparing to leave. Sachiko lightly glanced at her as Y/N called for Yuta. “I think Sachiko needs something from the mall. Can the two of us leave early so we can go grab it?” She then turned to her son, “Can you go home alone, Channie?”
“But Mom, it’s already late,” Sungchan commented then shook his head. “I’ll come with the two of you.”
Both girls stared at each other in surprise. “But that is kind of a girl thing.” The teenage girl whispered as if embarrassed.
Sungchan chuckled, “I grew up in these girl things, Sachi.”
Y/N doesn’t know whether to feel proud or annoyed at her own son. Why is Sungchan suddenly so pushy? Does he know? Did he perhaps do the same things? “Maybe we can just go to the mall all together?” Yuta suggested as Sachiko looked visibly stunned. “Or if not, Shotaro could come with you.”
“I’m sorry, Dad, I also have to leave early for a part-time job.” Shotaro gave the older woman a knowing look and she nodded. Why does she know the secrets of these twins? But maybe she could just talk to them to let their dad know about the things in their life. As a parent, she doesn’t want her son hiding these huge things from her. She side-eyed Sungchan who was busy staring at the people at the table. Is he hiding something from her?
“Then it’s settled,” Sungchan claimed, “I’ll come with Sachi and Mom.”
—
“They look so cute together,” Y/N commented, smiling at the teenagers talking a couple of tables away from them.
Sungchan just smiled, shaking his head as he put down the tray of hot chocolates and strawberry cake on the table. “Stop staring at them. That’s weird.” The younger man started cutting the cake as his mom pouted at what he said. “You should have told the coach that you’re chaperoning Sachiko on a date.”
The girl had to lightly glance at Sachiko and Eunseok’s table. They truly look so cute, even if they still seem awkward with each other. She felt somehow glad that she had convinced Yuta to let his daughter go with them. At least, this date happened. “It was Sachiko’s secret to tell.” She shrugged, then thanked the younger one for the plate he handed her. “Maybe she isn’t ready to tell her dad.”
“If there is one thing I learned about your boyfriend,” he mentioned the last word in a teasing manner, which made her glare playfully. “It’s that he hates being lied to.” Sungchan continued then took a sip of his hot chocolate. “Whenever my teammates lie to him, he gets really angry.”
Y/N once again pouted at that. “Has he ever gotten angry at you?” Sungchan shook his head which made her smile in relief.
This isn’t even lying, she thought. Maybe she can easily say that this is just her hiding the truth from him. Yuta could understand, right? This is exactly what they did to the kids earlier. Y/N puffed her cheeks, fiddling with her thumbs. Was she doing something wrong? “Mom, I’m not scolding you,” Sungchan claimed with a lot of cuteness in his voice. There was confusion on the older’s face, making the younger laugh. “You always make that face whenever grandma scolds you.” The girl only drank her chocolate. “I’m telling you this because I don’t want Coach Yuta to get mad at you.” The girl regarded her son’s expression for a while.
Sungchan is worried about that?
“You look really happy with him,” he whispered then continued in the same hushed tone, “I don’t want you to lose that happiness, Mom.”
When did Sungchan get so big? She remembered carrying him in her arms years ago, but now he’s acting as if he were the parent, lecturing her about dating. How did the little kid whose first word was ‘mama’ talk like an adult? How did time fly so fast? When did her son grow up?
“Channie,” Y/N called, making the younger guy hum. “Will you get mad at me if I tell you that you sound like your dad?”
Sungchan laughed wholeheartedly.
Since the reason the two girls came up is that Sachiko was buying some ‘girl stuff’ in the mall, Sungchan suggested that they should be buying those things. Y/N was ecstatic when Sachiko asked her to help buy some makeup products while the only guy strolled around to get something for Sakura.
“Auntie,” Sachiko started as the two girls were in front of different tubes of lipstick. “Thank you for coming with me on the date.” She said with a wide smile. “Eunseok is so dreamy.”
Y/N only giggled at that. She looks so in love. It was so cute. Teenage love is truly dreamy. “He is,” She claimed then handed a pale shade of red for Sachiko. “But Sachiko, you should probably tell your dad that you’re going on dates with Eunseok.” The girl stared at her in surprise. “He’s a great guy. I don’t think your dad will hate him.”
“I just don’t want to disappoint Dad.” She swiped the lipstick on her lips, making the older smile. Sachiko is very pretty. “I don’t think he’ll understand that I’m growing up and I’ve changed,” The girl then continued in a soft voice, “A lot.”
Y/N had to breathe a heavy sigh. She had heard those words before, even muttering the same exact words before. It feels like deja vu. How could Sachiko resemble her from way before? “Just always be careful, Sachiko. At least promise that.” The younger bit her lip before nodding as the older smiled warmly at her.
This will be fine for now.
The mother and son drove the younger girl to their home. The two didn’t get out of the car but watched the girl be greeted by her dad at the doorway of their home. When both father and daughter waved goodbye, Y/N drove off their driveway. Sungchan leaned on his chair in the passenger seat, watching his mother drive. “Mom,” he called, “Can I tell Grandpa that you’re currently dating someone?”
The girl stared at him in confusion. “Why?”
“It’s his birthday next Saturday, right?” Y/N nodded. Jaehyun reminded her of that day. He’ll pick up Sungchan to have dinner with his parents. “Grandpa wanted you to come to dinner as well.” There was a visible surprise on the girl’s face. Even if her ex-husband’s father was warm to her, she knew very well that staying out of that family would be better. “He’ll be ecstatic to hear that you’re dating again.”
Y/N shook her head. “Sungchan, I’m not invited to that dinner. Let’s just continue the original plan and wait for your father to pick you up.”
“I’ll just ask Grandpa to message you so you will believe me.” The younger claimed as he started typing on his phone.
The older decided to shrug it off. There’s no way she’ll be part of that dinner anyway.
—-
If there was one place Y/N hated the most, that would be the gym. She would always note that this was one of the annoying things Jaehyun had bestowed upon their son. He hadn’t gone to the gym before, but spending two summers with his father had made him somewhat of a gym rat. He claimed it was helpful in sports but all she could see was how her son’s arm was getting wider the more he spent time in this place.
“Come on, Mom, you can do another five sets.” Sungchan cheered, guiding her as she pulled the bar filled with weights.
She didn’t know why she was doing this in the first place but she didn’t want to be called too skinny by her former mother-in-law, so her son suggested bulking up a bit. “This is so hard.” She whined making the younger laugh at that. Whatever possessed her with the idea that this was beneficial for her had been thrown out of the window. “Can I stop now?” She asked as she pulled with all her might.
“Two more.” Y/N sighed.
The gym is such a scary place.
But her former in-laws’ place is scarier.
She could still make a run for it, Y/N thought. Pretend that she had something to do that day, and then she can skip dinner. But that would just earn more hate on her. Besides, it was the birthday boy himself who personally invited her. Whether his wife knows or not, she isn’t sure. But what is the deal with Jaehyun’s parents all of a sudden?
The girl had to almost drop the equipment after the younger boy assured her that she had finished her set. She can’t even see any improvement in her body, just pain and sweat. And she hated how she was getting some creepy looks from other males in the room. Is it unusual for a female to come here? Luckily, she had her son who wouldn’t leave her side. But what about the other girls who come here? The gym is truly a scary place.
“Sungchan.” Someone called which made Y/N turn to the owner of the voice. He knows this guy. Yuta’s friend. The one from the restaurant. The guy who played basketball with his son before. What was his name again? Isn’t it a foreign name? Her son called him ‘Uncle Johnny,’ which made her nod. So that was his name. And the two men in front of her seemed so comfortable talking as if they had known each other for so long. “I’m here with your coach.”
The mentioned person brought a shiver down Y/N’s spine. Yuta is here? Quickly, she wiped her forehead of sweat, leaving the younger boy laughing at her actions, Johnny looked confused. Then his voice echoed along the gym, calling for Johnny’s name, followed by a surprise in his voice when he spotted Sungchan. “Mom is here as well.” The girl had to rush in fixing her ponytail before standing up from the bench. Sungchan smiled as if teasing her.
“Hey,” she greeted as Yuta smiled, greeting her with a simple ‘Hi’. Y/N isn’t sure where to look. Why does Yuta look so good in a tank top? His hair was damp with sweat, yet he still looked very cool. She honestly never felt this awkward with him before. Is she turned on by this gym image of him? Truly, the gym is such a scary place. “What are you doing here?” And she hissed at herself at that question. Isn’t it obvious, Y/N?
Yuta smiled then gently tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “Johnny just forced me to go.” He said as if it were a secret. “I didn’t know you worked out, Y/N.”
There was a faint smile on her lips as she gestured to her son, “Sungchan just forced me to go.” She said in the same tone that he had, making Yuta smile in response, eyes not leaving Y/N. Why does she look good with her sleeveless top, baggy jogging pants, and ponytailed hair? Her sweat glistened against the gym lights, making him mentally curse that he glanced too long at the spot between her neck and shoulders. She looks so…
“Oh, shit,” Johnny exclaimed, which startled Yuta. “Are you two dating?” Instead of the two adults, the only teenager nodded enthusiastically. “Oh shit, Yuta. Is that why you seemed nicer lately?” He gave his friend a death glare, Y/N giggling at the two.
Sungchan was the one who excused his mom since they had to prepare for dinner at his grandparents’ place. “I’ll message you about Tuesday night,” Y/N claimed and Yuta nodded before surprising him when she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah,” Yuta answered quietly. “Later.”
The younger was even teasing his mom as they turned into the hallway. Yuta was just stunned, standing as if he were made of stone. Why is his heart beating so fast suddenly? His face feels too hot. And he could feel everyone in the room staring at him. “You’re one heck of a lucky guy,” Johnny claimed, lightly punching his shoulder.
Yuta smiled warmly, touching the spot on his cheek. “Yeah, I am.”
—-
As the car parked in the garage of the Jung mansion, the person seated on the passenger seat was already removing his seatbelt giddily. He must be excited to see his grandparents already. When was the last time Sungchan was in this house? Months ago? And he’s still so giddy about arriving in this place. Why can’t she share at least half of that excitement when it’s been years since she last stepped foot in this house? “Mom, are you alright?” Sungchan probably sensed her lack of movement.
Slowly, Y/N removed her seatbelt. “Yeah,” she answered timidly, nodding to herself. “I’m fine.” And she’s probably telling that to herself instead of her son. “Don’t forget the gift you picked for your grandfather.” Sungchan nodded as he got out of the car and opened the backseat where the large frame was. Y/N breathed heavily. She’ll be fine. She did this before. Her gaze fell on the rearview mirror, showing her son. She’ll be fine. For Sungchan.
Jung Jaehyun was on top of the stairs leading to their doorway, laughing at the enormous wrapped frame Sungchan was carrying. The older asked one of the uniformed employees next to him to carry it instead. “You really got Dad that painting he wanted?”
Sungchan nodded. “One of Mom’s clients was the curator of the art gallery.”
The older man shook his head at how coincidental it was. “They’re waiting for you inside.” Sungchan smiled widely and then dashed inside. Jaehyun then reached out for the girl, smiling warmly. “Are you alright?”
Y/N shook her head. “I feel like I’ll faint.” He smiled. “Did you bring your girlfriend? Maybe your mom wouldn’t notice me if she’s here.”
“Mom told me not to invite her…”
“And I’m invited?” She reacted immediately, a look of horror present on her face. “What is your mother planning, Jung Jaehyun?”
Jaehyun held the top of her head. To comfort her? She doesn’t even know. All she knows is that this is too bizarre. “Maybe Mom wants to apologize to you.” Y/N breathed heavily then shook her head. That’s not even possible. After everything that happened?
Surely, this is a disaster waiting to happen.
The Jung residence hasn’t changed even one bit. The first impression that it looks like a museum rather than a house is still stuck in Y/N’s mind. The last time she was here, that statue of Hera by the door gave her a lot of strength. The Goddess of marriage, family, childbirth, and women. She stared at her in agony, praying that she’d bless her with the strength to keep her marriage, her family, and the child inside her.
Now, she was staring at the statue that seemed as if it was mocking her. Just like the matriarch of this household, she’s jealous and vengeful.
Maybe Y/N was asking for too much.
The reason why she lost everything she was praying for.
“Jaehyunnie,” A stern female voice called sending shivers down Y/N’s spine. Her gaze remained on the statue in front of her, refusing to turn around. “Your son is already in the dining area. Let’s go.” Even the way she said those words held so much authority that frightened the girl.
The guy nodded, “We’ll be there, Mom.” Y/N could hear the sound of footsteps getting fainter and somehow, she started breathing in relief. “Dandelion,” Jaehyun called, “Your son and I are here.” That statement made the girl stare at Jaehyun. “Sungchan and I wouldn’t leave you.”
She nodded, taking his hand as she stepped farther to the Hera statue. This time, she wouldn’t helplessly beg from the useless statue. She’ll face everything. For Sungchan’s sake.
The teenage boy was already seated on the long table filled with food, next to his grandfather who only smiled at the woman’s entrance, and across from his grandmother who remained expressionless. Their faces haven’t changed even if it has been years since she last saw them. Jaehyun’s father still looks like him, with his dimpled cheek and those doe-like eyes that Sungchan has. His mother still looks so stern. She remembered how Jungwoo would always note that she looked like a strict schoolteacher. And it didn’t change.
“Y/N,” the older man greeted and she approached his seat then greeted him. “You look as lovely as ever.” The girl smiled in response, sitting next to her son and across from her ex-husband. “I saw your dress being featured in a wedding magazine.” He complimented and she thanked him curtly. “I always remember your father telling me how you liked to draw dresses even at a young age,” He blabbered which startled Y/N. Where is this conversation even heading? “We should visit him sometime.” That statement was intended for the woman beside him, startling Y/N much more. Even Jaehyun stared at the girl opposite him in confusion. What is happening with Jaehyun’s parents?
The dinner was mostly the oldest man conversing with his grandson. The oldest woman was just quiet, as she naturally was. Only speaks whenever her husband or grandson asks her some questions. Even Jaehyun was just quietly eating his meal, probably making sense of everything.
When the dessert was served, Y/N became more suspicious. No one in the family likes chocolate. “I especially asked the baker to make this really good since Y/N loves chocolate.”
But the older just shrugged as if he wasn’t doing anything. Sungchan was just busy staring at all the adults in the room. “I just wanted Y/N to go to our outing.” The older claimed. Y/N’s eyes trailed on the older woman who was still expressionless. Is she alright with all of these? “Please free your Saturday for a trip to Paris.”
“I can’t go this Saturday,” It was Sungchan who answered. “I have an important soccer game.” Y/N nodded. He wouldn’t stop talking about that game. “Maybe you and grandma could go and watch me play?”
“Yes, I’ll go.” The older woman said in a monotone.
Y/N’s head was aching. What is happening with this family?
First, they invited her to the older man’s birthday dinner. That doesn’t usually happen. It’s always just Sungchan. Then, they served the dishes that she liked. And now, she’s invited to their trip abroad? Again, it doesn’t happen usually. It’s usually just Sungchan coming with them. So why is she suddenly included?
“I’m sticking to my initial belief that my mom wants to apologize to you,” Jaehyun claimed. She was honestly relieved that she wasn’t the only one thinking that what was happening was weird. The dinner was done and Jaehyun was the one who drove the mother and son to their house. Sungchan was already in his room while Y/N and Jaehyun were seated in the living room, still heavy in thought. “Do you think she told Dad what happened?”
Y/N leaned her back on the couch as if she wanted to disappear. “I doubt that.” She then breathed heavily. “She even convinced you to believe her.”
Jaehyun heaved a breath. “I know and I’m sorry.” The girl bit her lip to prevent herself from crying. The memories came to her like a wave: the older woman’s disgusted stare, Jaehyun’s accusatory look, and the two-year-old Sungchan crying on the side. The statue of Hera. And blood. “Do you think things would have changed if that didn’t happen?”
Y/N shook her head. “Your mom doesn’t really like me even from the start.”
“She doesn’t like everyone,” Jaehyun interjected.
“Bringing another girl into the family would only make her hate me more.” Y/N then had a timid smile on her lips. “I’m just glad Sungchan is experiencing being the older brother he should be.” She muttered in a hushed tone. “But I sometimes think about her, Jaehyun.”
The tears fell just as he moved closer to her, wrapping her in his arms while stroking her hair. “I do too, Y/N.” He whispered, a quiver in his voice as he continued, “And I know Sungchan would have loved little dandelion.”
—-
Yuta had woken up early and did his usual Sunday jog. He didn’t know why his twins went home late last night but he let it slide knowing that he had extra time to head out without waking up the kids. An extra time to himself since he had been occupied lately. The weight of the soccer championship game lay heavily on his shoulders. This is his first year coaching the soccer team of the academy, so he wanted to bring the school team to victory. He never doubted his players but the pressure was too much for him.
He needed to calm down. Maybe distract his mind.
His feet stopped in front of a flower shop, the roses on display looking so lovely with their bright red color. Y/N, he thought, she loves flowers. Maybe she’ll like these roses as well.
Yuta should probably go home first. Have a shower and wear nice clothes, not this sweaty shirt. But somehow his feet were dragging him to Y/N’s residence. She’s probably awake by now and he could just tell her that he saw the flowers during his jog and thought of her. An idea he kept on repeating in his mind as he knocked on her door.
The smile on his lips was replaced by a confused look. What is Jung Jaehyun doing in their house this early and opening their door? “Oh, Y/N is still sleeping,” he noted. “I could wake her up.” Did he stay the night? Why?
“No, no,” Yuta claimed, shaking his head before handing the other guy the bouquet of red roses. “I just passed by the flower shop and thought she’d like the roses.” He was glad that he had somehow said what he was rehearsing in his mind. But now, what should he do? He should have thought of that earlier. “I’ll get going.”
“Are you sure?” Jaehyun asked, holding the bouquet. “You could come inside and wait for her to wake up.”
Once again, Yuta shook his head. “I have to make breakfast for my kids at home.” The other guy nodded in understanding. “I’ll just message her later.” Why is this so awkward? Will he feel this way all the time because of her ex-husband’s presence?
Jaehyun nodded. “I’ll tell her to message you when she wakes up.” Yuta nodded.
Yuta knew he should leave but shouldn’t he say more? But what? This is so awkward. “Yuta,” Jaehyun called which made him stare in question. “I don’t know what it is but you did something to heal Y/N, and I thank you for that.” Heal Y/N? From what? “She’s an amazing girl.” Yuta nodded. She is. “And I hope you won't give her a reason to cry every night.”
He never knew why Y/N and Jaehyun ended their marriage. The details are very vague and he doesn’t know if it was right for him to ask that question at this stage of the relationship. But he knew Jaehyun cared so much about Y/N. Maybe he still has some lingering feelings for her. Does she still have the same feelings? Yuta smiled. Whatever it was, he knew there was only one thing he could do. “I promise I won’t hurt her, Jaehyun.”
The guy’s dimple was seen on his cheek as the side of his lips curved up. Jaehyun held out his hand and Yuta took it, shaking with a tight grip. “Thank you, Yuta.”
As he jogged back to his place, Yuta could feel relief in his system. That experience feels like a father allowing his daughter to see him. Very surreal.
A promise Yuta knew he needed to keep going.
–
Soccer practice was so hectic that Yuta was worried that he was pushing his players too hard. Yet, his ace player kept on practicing as if his life depended on this game. He didn’t know why but Sungchan isn’t usually like this. Yes, he’s an amazing player who always gives his best. But now, he just seemed so desperate.
Yuta was worried, not only because he was his star player but because he might get in trouble with his mom.
“His dad and grandparents will be watching the game,” Y/N supplied that Wednesday night. Yuta nodded in understanding. Oh, that’s why. “I’m sorry if he’s pushing you too hard.”
The man just raised an eyebrow at that. “He’s not,” he claimed immediately. “If it helps, I think I might be the one pushing Sungchan too hard.” Y/N had to giggle at that, placing two plates on the table. “Where is he anyways?”
Their usual Tuesday date night came a day late because she was busy with a dress and he was busy with practice. Yuta was thankful when Y/N insisted on cooking for him in her home instead of going out. Now, he was seated in her dining area while staring at the roses he bought sitting in a vase. “He stayed over at his dad’s tonight,” she claimed while placing the whole plate of pasta in the middle of the table. “I did tell him you’re coming, though.” She shrugged as she sat in front of him.
Yuta nodded and in a quiet voice claimed, “Maybe he hates me.”
The girl shook her head, “You can’t possibly think that. You are his soccer coach,” she claimed while getting pasta from the plate and putting it on his. “Sungchan adores you too much. He keeps on talking about you.” The guy had to chuckle at that before thanking her for the food, “Please pray that it’s at least edible.”
The guy had to smile before taking a bite of the food, “It is good.” Her eyes twinkled, making Yuta smile. She’s so lovely. Quietly, he had thanked the Gods for bringing him to this place on a Wednesday night. All the stress and tiredness he had felt over the past days were gone the moment he saw her smile. It’s as if nothing else matters when there’s just the two of them together.
A fact that didn’t leave his mind the moment dinner was over. The coldness of the water, as he washed the plates, didn’t help with overthinking. There are just the two of them in her house. A lot of things could happen.
He should have left after dinner. That was what a normal human being would do. But he still wants to spend more time with her so he sat beside her on the couch, scrolling through channels. This is so calming, different from the usual dates where he needed to rush to get her home safe. Staying over is better than going out.
Yuta shook his head, that was a weird thought.
But she’s so close that he could feel the warmth of her body. He could even smell her perfume. His senses betrayed him as everything about her seemed so strong: her warmth, her smell, and how she looked. Maybe he is too deprived of a female’s touch. And there’s just so much temptation that his body could control.
In his defense, he did ask permission before kissing her. What’s surprising was her agreeing to it and kissing him back. She felt so soft, and his body felt scorching hot that he wanted to take off everything. This is crazy. At this rate, he needed to stop himself before he could do something dangerous.
But why is he pulling her closer in his lap while slipping a tongue between her lips? His fingers trailed inside her blouse, feeling her smooth skin. His thumb trailed on her waist, feeling a particular part of the skin. Did she have surgery? What was that long bump on her waist? But he trailed his hands north, feeling the edge of her brassiere. His lips went to her neck, moans of satisfaction spilling out of her lips. “Yuta,” she whispered, which brought fire in his system.
This is fucking dangerous.
Before his fingers could undo the strap of her brassiere, she gently pushed her body away from him, removing the contact between each other. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, then glanced at something behind them. Yuta was just confused as he repeatedly blinked to get his senses back. Did he hurt her? Was that too much? “I’m sorry, Yuta.” Y/N whispered as she sat back on the couch, next to him. “It’s not…” She started, breathing heavily. “I can’t…”
“Did I hurt you?” He asked quietly, fiddling with his thumbs. Why is this so awkward?
Y/N shook her head frantically, sitting cross-legged on the couch to face him. “Sachiko flashed in my mind.” Then she glanced at the picture frame hanging behind the couch: Sungchan. “I want you to spend the night here but we already have teenagers.” She claimed, making Yuta squint his eyes at her. What does that have to do with anything? “They’re in an age where they’ll probably date someone and I don’t want to be a bad influence on them.” He grew more curious. If anything, she had been a great influence on Sachiko. “I don’t want them to think that it was alright to spend nights at their partner's places just because we do it.”
Yuta smiled before giggling, making her whine and hide her face on the headrest of the couch in embarrassment. “Yuta,” she whined. “Please stop. It’s embarrassing.”
The guy had to shake his head. “Y/N,” he called, making her look at him with a frown. Yuta smiled while taking her hand and kissing the back of it. “I never thought I’d fall more deeply in love with you.” Her eyes widened in surprise. “Why do you always make my heart beat crazy like this?” The girl had to once again hide her face in embarrassment as Yuta chuckled. She’s so cute.
Y/N had to repeatedly ask him to take her car, but Yuta insisted on walking since he needed to calm himself down. The girl had to apologize with a pout, but he only shook his head, pulling her by the waist. Yuta placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Let’s do these dates more often, Y/N.” She nodded and he kissed her once again. “Lock the doors well.”
The girl nodded, “Message me when you get home, Yuta.” He nodded. Yuta had to let go of her as he walked to the gate of her home. “Yuta, again, I’m sorry,” she exclaimed and he shook his head.
“I’ll think of it as dessert.” He claimed playfully, waving goodbye to her. As Yuta walked to his place, a smile kept playing on his lips.
How is he overly attracted to a woman with such high motherly instincts? Truly, his type in a woman had improved so much. He didn’t know it would be highly possible to fall in love this deeply.
—-
Y/N was humming along to the music on her wireless headphones as she finished the details of the ordered wedding dress. A faint knock on the door disturbed her focus. She put down her headphones, telling the person to come in as her eyes stayed on the dress in front of her. “Are you done?” It was Jungwoo, leaning by the door of her workshop. “We have to go to Sungchan’s game.”
The girl nodded, “Do you think something is wrong with the dress?” Jungwoo shook his head, claiming that it looked fine but Y/N tilted her head to the side. “I feel like it will suddenly rip.”
“Rip?” Jungwoo asked in surprise. “It looks intact.” But Y/N shook her head, checking the hem of the dress. She took her sewing bracelet, making the guy sigh. “You can do it tomorrow, Y/N. We have to go to Sungchan’s game or we’ll be late.”
Y/N nodded. “You can go first so we can secure great seats.” She claimed, waving him off. “I’ll be there.” Jungwoo gave her a stern look which made the girl giggle, “I’ll just finish the lining, then I’ll stop.” She claimed, already working on the dress. “I promise I won’t miss Sungchan’s game.”
The girl only heard the door close after Jungwoo’s voice shouted to her that he was leaving first, even reminding her not to be late for Sungchan’s game. Y/N knew very well not to be late for this specific game. Sungchan had been talking nonstop about it. Another factor was that his grandparents were coming to watch him. She still didn’t know why they were extra caring for her and Sungchan but it probably is for the better.
Her gaze on the dress was intense. She did everything she could but it still feels like something is wrong with the dress. Is she losing her touch? Maybe she’ll think about it later. Lightly, she glanced at her wristwatch and saw that she had enough time to head over to the stadium where the game would happen.
She was in the middle of arranging her things when her phone rang with an unknown number. It wasn’t unusual but when she answered and asked who it was, the answer startled her. “I’m from the downtown police, and your son is here in our station.” Her son? Sungchan? He should be at the stadium warming up for the game. What is he doing in a police station? Oh my God, did something bad happen to him? “We caught Shotaro Osaki in an illegal gambling raid.” Y/N didn’t know whether to feel relieved that it wasn’t Sungchan. But Shotaro? In a police station? “We would like you to come to the station.”
This is probably about the dance competition in the hotel basement. Maybe that is why he called for her and not his dad. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”
Y/N could feel her heart beating in her ear. She had never been to a police station before. The handbook about parenting she read before doesn’t mention anything about what to do whenever your child gets arrested by the police. Should she call a lawyer? Should she call Yuta?
All the uniformed personnel in the station were looking at her in surprise as she asked to see Shotaro. Some were shaking their head, even noting that she was not his mom and probably his sugar mommy. They explained that he was caught in the raid and needed bail money so they could release him. Is it that easy? Y/N thought this was probably just a police scam.
Money isn’t really an issue; she saved some money as her savings fund for emergencies. Yet she didn’t expect that this was the emergency the money was heading to. It took some time to withdraw a huge amount of money from the bank and a lot of paperwork for Shotaro’s release. The teenager had his head hanging low when he came out of the hall, hands shaking on both sides. He might be scared.
As an adult, she held his forearm for support while nodding as if assuring him that everything was fine. Shotaro thanked the men in uniform who were still looking at the two in a questioning gaze. The younger hasn’t raised his head even though they left the station. She just asked him to get inside the car so they could leave the place.
Y/N noticed how his hands were still shaking and as she reminded him of his seatbelt, he whispered in a sobbing voice. “I’m sorry, auntie.” Tears were falling on his lap which panicked the older. Quickly, she took some tissues from the glove compartment and handed them to him. “I’m sorry.”
The girl shook her head, tapping his shoulder for comfort. She’s used to seeing Shotaro always smiling. The first time she saw him without a smile on his face was when he was dancing in the hotel. Sungchan was a crybaby who usually cried at small things but they’re way different. She doesn’t know how to comfort this guy in front of her. “Sho, did they do something bad to you?” The guy immediately shook his head. “Are you sure?”
“They didn’t,” he cleared up which made her nod. “But I wish they did.” What? Is Shotaro a masochist? “Maybe I could learn my lesson.” The woman gently tapped his shoulder to at least calm him down. “My dad is going to kill me.”
Y/N had to shake her head. “We should tell him, he’ll be worried.” Shotaro shook his head, fright evident in his eyes. “Shotaro, don’t go to that place again.” There was a question in his features. “I know you’re doing this for your dad but Sho, there are other ways to earn money while enjoying your passion. Not in this gambling den.” The younger nodded. “This will be a secret between us but promise me you won’t go to that place again.”
“I promise, Auntie,” Shotaro muttered, wiping his tears. “Thank you for not calling my dad. I was supposed to call him but he might be busy with…”
He stopped and then glanced at the older’s way who had a surprised expression. “Oh shit!” Y/N exclaimed before driving as fast as she could.
Of all the things that could slip her mind, why Sungchan’s game? She knew that his father and grandparents would be watching him. She knew how hard she had practiced for this specific game. She knew how much this meant for her son. Yet she just forgot about it. What kind of a mother was she?
Y/N was already running to the receiving area of the bleachers, opposite the crowd that was leaving the area. No, she cannot be late. She has to watch her son. But as she exited the hallway, half the crowd was already gone. Some of the players were still on the field, cheering. And they have a different colored uniform from Sungchan. When she glanced at the scoreboard, she found out why.
“Where have you been?” Jungwoo asked, grabbing her by the forearm so he wouldn’t lose her in the crowd. “I’ve been calling you.”
Y/N had to glance at her stepbrother worriedly. “I missed it, didn’t I?”
Jungwoo nodded. “And they lost the game.”
Her son must be devastated. She needed to find him. Shotaro was panting heavily as he came beside the woman, Jungwoo eyeing the two of them. “Seriously, where have you been?” The older man asked once again but the girl just shrugged. She glanced at Shotaro before telling him to go look for his dad. When the younger left, Jungwoo inquired, “Were you with Shotaro?”
“It’s a long story.” She said, eyes glancing around. “Should I call Sungchan?” But as she took out her phone from her handbag, among the missed calls Jungwoo made was Sungchan’s message, ‘I’ll go with grandma. See you at home later.’ Y/N had to sit down on the nearby bleacher seat in surprise.
He’s mad at her, isn’t he?
—-
Y/N had to erase the outline of the dress she was sketching for the fourth time. It’s really not coming together. She probably lost her touch. Or maybe she’s just heavily distracted.
Lightly, she glanced at the clock. It’s been almost two hours since Jaehyun messaged that he’s driving Sungchan back but he’s still not home yet. Where could they have been? Should she call her son? Was he still mad at her?
Was he mad at her?
He probably is. That’s not even a question.
Gently, she bumped her forehead on the table. What kind of a mother was she?
A sound of a car engine can be heard as she immediately perked up to glance out the window. She could see her tall son coming out of the car and opening the gate of their house. Y/N stood up abruptly to open the door and greet her son but he showed no reaction. “Have you eaten?” she asked, taking his duffel bag but Sungchan refused which made her stop. “I can heat up some pasta I bought…”
“Dad’s girlfriend made some sashimi for me,” he answered curtly. “I’ll go to sleep.”
Y/N nodded, “Yeah, sure.” She said quietly. “Goodnight, Channie.” But there’s no response.
Sungchan was tossing on his bed. He hated that he was being cold to his mom but he couldn’t help it. Why wasn’t she at the game? It was important for him. Even the coach kept asking where she was. His father messaged him before the game that he would just pick him up after since he still had some schedules which ruined his motivation. Then, she wasn’t there. Maybe he wasn’t that important to his parents anymore.
Is this because he’s a grown-up already? Do parents' affection only show until you’re a kid? He witnessed how his mom was very fond of Sakura. He also knew how much she adored Sachiko. Maybe she does badly want a daughter.
Instead of waiting for her to wake up, he left early and just messaged her. He needed to let off some steam; that was what his father suggested. He doesn’t want to shout at her just like before; he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, so not facing her would be better for him for now.
Sungchan was just staring at the straw that he kept poking in his milkshake. What should he tell his mom when he comes back? Pretend that nothing happened? Is she mad at him? She should be, shouldn’t she? Maybe he could message her and ask her out for lunch. Has she eaten? Was she at home? Maybe in the boutique? Was she smiling?
Or worse, was she crying because of him once again?
“Sungchan,” he looked up to see Shotaro looking at him in confusion. He returned the same gaze, even offering a chair for him to sit. When he asked what he was doing in this coffee shop, the Japanese guy muttered, “I’m applying for part-time jobs.”
The taller guy looked surprised. “What about the part-time job you had before?”
Shotaro looked startled, obviously shifting in his seat. “Have you talked to your mom?” He asked, which left Sungchan baffled. Is it obvious that they aren’t talking? “I’m sorry.”
It only made the other guy confused. Why is Shotaro apologizing? Is something wrong? “No, we’re fine.” He claimed quietly. “Why are you apologizing?”
“Sungchan, I didn’t mean to hold your mom for too long. We totally forgot about your game…”
What? Sungchan almost stabbed the glass with the straw. “You were with my mom yesterday?” Shotaro’s eyes widened, obviously surprised at the turn of events. “What the fuck, Shotaro? That was my mom.”
The other guy shook his head. “That was not… It wasn’t…” Then the realization can be seen in his face. “You haven’t talked to her. She didn’t tell you.”
“Tell me what?” Sungchan gritted his teeth at the stillness of the guy in front of him. “You and my mom are hiding something from me?”
Shotaro hissed, “It’s not like that.” But Sungchan slammed the table in anger. “She saw me at the hotel once joining an underground dance battle.” He started in a soft voice, “She bailed me out of jail yesterday.”
“What?” the guy shouted.
“Sungchan, I’m really sorry. Your mom is the only adult I could call…”
“You have a dad!”
“I can’t tell my dad, he’ll kill me.”
Sungchan grinned. A devilish grin that even startled Shotaro. He pushed his hair back, sighing while shaking his head. “Ever since my Mom became close to the two of you, she’s been hiding a lot of things from me.” Shotaro stared in curiosity. Even Sachiko has a secret?
“It’s not your Mom’s fault.” Shotaro cleared.
“I know.” Sungchan started fixing his things, standing up so that he was towering over Shotaro. “Maybe my mom dating your dad was a terrible idea, Shotaro.” With his bag hanging on his shoulder, he left the coffee shop without looking back.
characters: single dad! soccer coach! widower! Yuta x female! single mom! fashion designer! divorcee! Y/N
with son! Jung Sungchan, son! Shotaro Osaki, daughter! Sachiko Osaki (OC), daughter! Sakura Nakamoto (OC)
word count: 8.3k words
genre: chaptered, fluff, drama
summary: Who says one cannot fall in love once again?
warnings: single parents au, mutual pining, aged up and aged down characters, teen angst,
A two-week suspension. That was Sungchan’s punishment for punching a classmate. Normal teens would be bummed out with the school’s decision but he’s somewhat glad that this is the only punishment he had. That is compared to the other student who was removed from the soccer team and even got sued by his father. The same father who gave him the punishment of cleaning his mother’s workshop for a week. Usually, his mom disliked him touching her things in the workshop. This is her own workplace at home but with the state of the room, with scattered papers all over the place and her cluttered materials, she agreed to let him in and clean the place.
A lot of memories were in this place starting with the little note on the corkboard with the words ‘I love mommy more than robots’ in a seven-year-old crayon handwriting to the graduation picture of his mom while the ten-year-old him stood next to her. It was amazing, Sungchan thought, how his mom juggled studying, working, and being a mom.
Sungchan knew, even at a young age, the story of his parents. His mother’s mom left them for some rich guy leaving her and her dad fending for themselves. She was in middle school when her dad remarried his uncle Jungwoo’s mom and they became close. His dad, Jaehyun, was a close friend of Jungwoo and he remembered his uncle saying that his parents were inseparable ever since they first met. It’s not surprising that they got married early and had a child together.
The first hurdle of their relationship was his father’s parents who seemed to hate the idea of his mother being their daughter-in-law. Sungchan could always hear his grandmother tell his father he was too good for Y/N. But he knew that wasn’t the case. Sungchan was sure his mom was too good for his dad.
And that may be the reason why she hasn’t fallen in love once again. His father had entered a lot of relationships, with countless girls that Sungchan decided not to remember their names. But his mom had never entertained a suitor before.
It’s not like she’s not attractive. Heck, the majority of his male teachers would always be in his favor just because they wanted to have a chance with his mom. But she never batted an eye for them. Maybe her standard is too high. And she deserves it, to be honest. She deserves a better guy, a nice guy who would protect her and love her. But where could Sungchan even find a person like that? A person who will love his mom more than his dad and him? Surely, there’s no one.
Hopefully, his dad wasn’t right and his mom wouldn’t have to marry again. He doesn’t want her to get hurt because of a guy once again.
Although he was suspended from school, the soccer coach still allowed him to play in the inter-school game. Maybe it was the perks of being his son’s best friend but the coach is really great at hiding that fact. The game was too easy and Sungchan knew he could easily deliver their team to victory. It was a nice thing because he could not let his mom down especially since she was watching him from the bleachers.
Maybe it was another punishment for him. Since he didn’t want her attending his games before, she’s now all-out supporting him even in the smallest game. At least, though, he wouldn’t mess up and could actually make his mom proud.
As expected, their team won in a landslide victory. The coach was ecstatic as he handed Sungchan their trophy and started posing for group pictures. Once done with the basking of their win, the older asked the players to head to showers so they could go back. Sungchan just grabbed his duffel bag from the locker room and headed out to check on his mom. To his surprise, the coach is conversing with the person he is looking for. She was laughing at what the older male was saying, covering her mouth as she laughed wholeheartedly. He had never seen his mom this carefree with someone else before.
Sungchan was aware that the coach and his mom were acquaintances, maybe friends. It’s probably the fact that they’re parents of teenagers which connects them but this is different. When the coach held his hand high, palm facing the older woman’s, his mom grinned and gave him a high five. As if it were natural, they grasp each other hands while mirroring the same smile.
No, it can’t be. There’s no way, right?
“Mom,” Sungchan called, and very subtly, the elders let go of each other's hand. “Let’s go?” He claimed as he pulled his duffel bag closer to him.
“You’re not going to take a shower?” She asked while trying to take the bag from him but he refused. “I think the coach wants to take the team out for a meal.”
Yuta nodded but Sungchan shook his head, “I’m not feeling well, I just want to lie down.” He mumbled, making the older woman step closer to him and attempt to feel his forehead but he dodged her. “Let’s just go home, mom.” Y/N nodded, bidding farewell to the coach after thanking and apologizing to him then wrapping her arm around Sungchan’s arm to help him walk to the car.
It’s probably just the heat getting in his head.
-------
His mom cannot fall in love. Especially with the soccer coach.
That thought ran through Sungchan’s mind as he nibbled the straw of his milkshake while watching the twins argue about what to order for lunch. Maybe if he falls in love with Sachiko then there’s no reason for his mom and her dad to fall in love and be together. If that happens, Shotaro might become his relative in the future. But Sachiko isn’t his type and his bestfriend as a brother-in-law is just chaos waiting to happen. He should learn from his father and uncle’s mistakes.
Jungwoo and Jaehyun used to be best buddies. That was what both her parents said. But after the divorce, it seemed like a wedge split their brother-like closeness. And to be fair, he doesn’t want that to happen with Shotaro.
“Why the hell are you staring at my sister?” Shotaro asked, glaring at him. Sachi excused herself to pick up Sakura and there were just the two of them left seated on the table. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop it!”
“What?” Sungchan revolted. He didn’t know Shotaro was a protective twin brother. “I’m not thinking of anything.” But the Japanese guy just squinted his eyes at him. “Taro,” he started while repeatedly poking his milkshake with his straw. “Do you want your dad to remarry?”
The other’s eyes seemed to widen at that question. “That is a weird question.” Sungchan had to agree. He isn’t sure why he was asking the question as well. “But if Dad wants to get married again, who am I to stop him?”
The taller cocked his head to the side. It was alright with him? “Sakura had always wished to have a mom.” Sungchan nodded. “I think Dad is considering dating so Sachi and Kura could have some female guidance as they grow up.”
The other nodded, aggressively poking his straw on the milkshake. Shotaro is very considerate and smart in thinking of that reason. Both a teenager and a young girl needed a female in their life just like how he needed his father’s guidance as well. “Why did you ask?”
“Nothing.” He shouldn’t think much about it.
“What is this really about?” Maybe Shotaro already knows too much about him.
The guy had to stop for a moment before breathing hard, “I don’t want my mom to get married again.” Shotaro looked confused, “I don’t want to see her hurt. I don’t want to see her cry because of a man ever again.” Flashbacks of nights when he could hear his mom crying from the cracks of her door kept appearing in his mind. “We’re fine this way, I don’t think a man could ever change my mom.”
Shotaro shrugged. “I don’t know why you’re stressing about that but they’re adults. They know what’s best for them.” He then continued, “Whether they remarry or not, they’re still our parents.”
Sungchan nodded. He cannot stop her if she wants to get married again, he promised his dad. But maybe he could at least prevent that from happening.
Because, right now, no one could protect his mom better than him.
Shotaro chuckled lightly, “Are you asking me this because you think my dad and your mom had something going on?” Sungchan surprisingly stared at his friend. So it isn’t just him who noticed their closeness? “I can assure you nothing is going on between them.” Maybe Shotaro knows a lot of things.
“How are you so sure about that?”
Shotaro just smiled.
----------
Y/N stared at herself in the mirror, for the tenth time tonight. She doesn’t know why she’s making a big deal out of this but she doesn’t want to dress up too much since it’s a simple dinner yet she doesn’t want to dress down since it is a simple dinner.
She felt weird when Sungchan messaged her with a simple ‘Let’s have dinner at Shotaro’s place’. Why does it have to be in Shotaro’s place? Does the dinner include a family of four? Then Yuta will be there, right? But why that place? Is it something special?
Maybe it’s Shotaro’s birthday. Then it’s also Sachiko’s. But Sungchan should have told her about it and they could have prepared something, maybe a gift or a dish if they were going to have a party. Should he ask him if he wanted her to bring anything? Maybe she should just message Yuta. Is that it? The twin’s birthday? And if not, does he know why they’re having dinner at his place?
The female sighed. Why is she thinking so hard about it? Before she could create a message to Yuta or Sungchan, the older's name popped up on her notifications. “Kura and I are on the way to the convenience store. We’ll just meet you there.” With a heavy sigh, she took a last look at herself in the mirror. She shouldn’t think so much about it.
The moment she entered the convenience store, she easily spotted the father-daughter. Sakura insisted on buying the hamster pudding since it looked so cute but Yuta was arguing that she would just eat it so it doesn’t matter. Y/N giggled, making the distressed man stare at her in defeat, “Just let Sakura get the hamster pudding. I’ll also get one since Sungchan also likes this pudding.”
“Can we also get Sachiko one?” Sakura asked, wide eyes staring at the older pleadingly.
Y/N smiled, nodding. “Let’s get Shotaro one also.” Yuta chuckled silently, shaking his head. Sakura ran to the counter with two of the pudding at hand. “Is there an occasion? Why are we having dinner at your place?”
Yuta took both the jelly pudding Y/N was holding before shaking his head. “I wanted to ask you the same question,” The girl gasped in surprise. “Sungchan was the one who asked permission if he could use our kitchen.”
“My son cannot cook.”
The guy laughed, “Don’t worry. I trust Sachiko in the kitchen.”
But Y/N can’t help but think why. If this was Sungchan’s plan and he had some announcement to make, isn’t it better to just have dinner at home or even dinner, with just the two of them, outside? Why does Yuta’s family have to be involved?
Is it Sachiko? Maybe they’re dating. That’s very plausible since Sachi is a nice and pretty girl. Sungchan is close to her brother, so there is a high chance that he could fall for her. Isn’t it a familiar love story? But that could only mean that Sungchan and Sachiko might end up like her and Jaehyun. “Yuta,” Y/N called as they paid for the pudding and the snacks Sakura had bought. “Do you think my son is dating your daughter?”
“Sakura?” he asked in a light mood which made her squint her eyes at him as he laughed. Yuta opened the door of the convenience store for her and the younger girl before continuing, “I don’t think so. Besides, I don’t think Sachiko likes guys.” Y/N looked startled at that. Sakura was walking ahead on the sidewalk, jumping on some leaves. “She’s always wearing those boyish clothes and doesn’t wear make-up. I’ll be very surprised if she dates a guy.”
Now that Yuta mentioned it, Shotaro and Sachiko had the almost style of dressing up. She even hated the idea of wearing a dress during Sakura’s birthday. And if his older daughter is indeed uninterested in boys, it was very cool for Yuta to accept his daughter the way she is.
Y/N gasped at the realization. If it isn’t Sachiko, then it must be Shotaro.
If she weren’t that occupied with her thoughts, Y/N would have noticed that the Nakamoto residence was just blocks away from their place. Yet she never cared about the sidewalk they were walking to because of the thumping of her heart. How could Yuta be so cool of Sachiko liking the same gender as her? If Sungchan announces that he’s dating Shotaro, she’s more than worried about what his father and his family might say.
The Nakamoto residence looks very modern outside but it is a traditional Japanese house inside. By the end of the hallways, Sakura was running and bowing to a picture of her mom while saying ‘Tadaima’ in a cheerful way. Looking at it closer, she looks very much like Sachiko with her classic beauty. “Mom!” Sungchan called, greeting her by the entrance of the family living room. He was wearing an apron that surprised her. Since when did Sungchan cook? “I’m glad you made it.”
“Hi,” she greeted awkwardly, then greeted Sachiko who was leaving the plates on the table. Shotaro was talking to Sakura about the pudding and when they locked eyes, he gave her an eye smile while greeting her. Maybe Sungchan fell for that charming smile. Is she even ready to hear his announcement? She needed to calm herself first. “Can I use your restroom?” Yuta nodded, pointing at the left hallway which she followed.
Y/N’s heart was stammering really bad as she gazed at herself in the mirror. What should she say when Sungchan reveals the truth? ‘It’s alright, son. I accept you for who you are.’ Yeah, she can do that. ‘Why? You are the only grandson. What will your grandparents say?’ But what about his dad? His grandparents? They'll probably hate her more. She shook her head in distress, breathing heavily. Let’s just be cool about it, Y/N.
The oldest male was just eyeing her as she sat on the table next to Sungchan. There was a lot of food on the table, delicious food in fact. But she felt as if she could not swallow the meal with all the nervousness and anticipation. It’s nothing, Y/N. It’s not a big deal. What’s wrong with your son liking a guy? It’s not like he committed a crime. He’s still Sungchan, your son. He is still Channie.
“Mom,” Sungchan called, which snapped her out of her thoughts. He glanced a little at Shotaro’s way which made the older woman hold her breath. “Will you let me join a weekend dance workshop with Shotaro?”
Y/N could feel her heart dropping in her stomach. That was it? She gulped all the water in the glass and a small voice whispered, “Dance workshop?”
Shotaro was the one who nodded and continued, “It was from the camp where we met. It’s a boys-only dance workshop happening this weekend.” He even claimed that it was happening to a different city which startled Yuta. “I thought it was nearby so I agreed to chaperone you two.” Wait, Yuta knows about it in the first place? “I don’t think I can allow you to go. I can’t leave Sachi and Kura here all alone.”
Both Shotaro and Sungchan looked bummed out. They must have wanted to come to this workshop, Y/N thought. “I can stay with Sachiko and Sakura.” She suggested that made the teenagers look at her. “You’ll chaperone my son so I wanted to help.”
“A weekend with auntie?” Sakura chimed in. “It will be like a girls’ only party.” Sachiko nodded.
Y/N wasn’t sure if the idea was fine but it was the most plausible. She’s used to hanging out with her son, how could she spend the weekend with two young girls? Should they just hang out at home? Play videogames? Do they like that? Barbie dolls? But she isn’t sure how to play with dolls anymore, she’s used to playing with robots. Is that even the same? “You don’t have to do that,” Yuta claimed, gesturing to the dishes Y/N was washing. She shook her head. The kids already cooked and Yuta was a great host so she needed to at least help with something. “I could also call the girls’ grandmother so you wouldn’t babysit them.”
“It’s fine, Yuta. I have nothing to do this weekend and hanging out with your daughters would be a new experience.”
The guy chuckled, leaning his back on the refrigerator next to the sink. “Well, Sakura likes ice cream and Sachiko would pretty much join her sister on anything.” Y/N nodded, taking a mental reminder of what he was saying. “Also, can I ask a favor?” The girl nodded, fully focused on the guy in front of her. “This is pretty huge but could you ask Sachiko what her current interests are.” Yuta rubbed the back of his neck, smiling timidly as if embarrassed. “She never tells me anything and every time I ask her, she doesn’t answer me. I think she just doesn’t want to open up to me because I won’t understand her. I’m not a woman so I don’t think I could understand her.”
Y/N smiled at that. It must be hard being a single dad with a teenage daughter. “I’ll try my best, Yuta.”
He raised his hand and in instinct, the girl high-fived him. Yuta threaded their fingers together, smiling widely. “Thank you so much, Y/N.”
------
The setup is pretty simple. Y/N and Sungchan drove to the Nakamoto residence using her car since it will be used by Yuta to drive Shotaro and Sungchan to the venue of the workshop. “I promise to take care of your car, Y/N,” Yuta claimed making the girl laugh.
“I also promise to take care of your house and your daughters.”
The older male turned to the youngest girl, rubbing the top of her head. “Don’t be a troublemaker to Y/N,” he warned which made Sakura pout. “And don’t fight with Sachiko.”
“She’s the one who keeps fighting with me.” The older only raised an eyebrow that made Yuta shake his head. Y/N only giggled at that, how adorable. Sakura suddenly tiptoed to huge Yuta’s leg. “Daddy don’t miss me too much, okay?”
Yuta chuckled, carrying the seven-year-old then kissing her on the cheek. “I hope you don’t grow up too fast, Sakura.” And Y/N caught a little glimpse of Yuta’s soft glance at Sachiko’s way.
Maybe Sachiko did change a lot. Compared to Sakura, who is very cheerful and energetic, Sachiko remains stoic. The younger was just munching on her strawberry ice cream while Sachi just kept on playing with her chocolate one. “Sachiko, do you want any flavor? Do you not like ice cream?” The older asked but she just shook her head, eating the ice cream. Sachiko probably just hates opening up, regardless of gender.
Sakura wiped her mouth before blabbering, “Sachi likes coffee.” Oh, maybe Y/N could just order coffee ice cream for Sachiko. “She loves going to this coffee shop near our school.”
“Sakura!” Sachiko called. “I told you not to tell anyone.”
“Auntie isn’t anyone.”
“I won’t bring you to that shop ever.”
Y/N smiled. Does this mean Sachiko likes someone? “He looks like Sungchan oppa’s dad so Auntie could help you,” Sakura claimed which made Sachiko turn to the older woman who looked surprised. Sachiko likes a guy who looks like Jung Jaehyun?
The teenager sighed hard. “It’s not like he would notice me,” she claimed in a soft voice. “He’s handsome and the basketball team captain.” Oh, Y/N thought, Sachiko is opening up. “Besides, I’m not that pretty.”
“Sachiko, you are very pretty.” Y/N claimed, “You look like your mom and she’s very pretty.”
“That’s what dad always says!” Sakura chimed in.
The mentioned girl shook her head, “He thinks I’m a guy.”
The youngest laughed. “Because you’re always wearing boy clothes. And you always had your hair in a ponytail.” Her sister just glared at her. Is this the fight Yuta mentioned? Why is it so endearing?
But Sakura has a point. “Have you ever tried putting your hair down?” Sachiko shook her head, reasoning out that she’s tired of managing her unruly hair so she often hides it. She also shared how going to a salon to get her hair treated is very expensive so she doesn’t dream about it. “Then should we go to the salon today?”
“I also want to go to the salon!”
“Dad will get mad if I spend too much money on…”
“It’s my treat, Sachi.” The younger stared at her nervously. “I can’t do this with Sungchan. He’s always complaining that he waits too long when I go to the salon.” She shared with a small laugh. “And since it’s us just girls, I was hoping you and Sakura would let me experience a girls’ trip to the salon?” The siblings both look at each other. “Please?”
It was a moment Y/N was so sure she wouldn’t experience it even if she wanted to. But as she watched Sachiko interacting with the hairdresser and Sakura giggling at the nail technician, she was glad a chance like this happened. So this is what mothers with their daughters in the salon feel like. She’s once again wishing that she gave birth to a daughter.
As she listened to Sakura admiring her newly painted fingernails, she couldn’t help but smile widely. This is such a surreal experience. Maybe she could ask Yuta to borrow the girls next time she wanted to be this relaxed and happy. It is fulfilling to see two young girls enjoying their salon trip, a money well spent.
When the curtains of the salon opened, both Sakura and Y/N gasped at the timid Sachiko walking to where they were. “I look weird,” she whispered, shoulder hunched down in embarrassment.
The older one stood up while shaking her head, “It looks good on you.” Her hair was cut in layers, framing her face. She looks very much like the picture of her mom. “Do you like it?” The younger girl nodded, smiling shyly. Indeed, it’s money well spent.
To further enjoy their girls’ trip to the mall, Y/N treated the two girls to a shopping spree. She realized how fashionable Sachiko truly was as she kept on choosing clothes that fit her body type. The girl was even hesitant to get the clothes she wanted, reasoning that her dad might get mad if she bought too much. Yet Y/N kept on asking her to try different clothes, along with Sakura.
Since they bought a lot, the three just decided to take a cab heading to Y/N’s place since Sakura wanted to try her makeup products and see her closet. The younger had a feast on her dresser filled with beauty products and a room full of clothes and shoes. Instead of cooking dinner, the three were eating delivered pizza while wearing dresses and seated on the closet’s carpeted floor.
Y/N could easily call this one of the happiest days of her life. She never realized how therapeutic it is to hang out with girls. They have so much to talk about and so much in common. It made her want to have a daughter so badly. Is it too late to give Sungchan a baby sister? Should she just adopt a young girl so this experience could happen again?
She was busy scrolling through adoption processes on her laptop when a knock on the door could be heard. Sakura entered the room holding a pillow. “I can’t sleep,” the younger one claimed. “I miss daddy. Can I sleep beside you, Auntie?” Y/N chuckled, nodding while tapping the space on her bed.
Sakura quickly lay down beside her and then hugged her torso. “You smell so good.” She claimed that it made her smile. “Is this what mommies smell like?” Y/N threaded her fingers on Sakura’s hair which made the younger hum. “You’re softer than daddy. I like hugging you. I want you to be…” The older one had to glance at her but her eyes were already closed. Is she asleep already? Y/N smiled before pulling the blanket up.
Daughters really are different. And the same as Yuta, she hoped Sakura wouldn't grow up too fast.
Unlike her usual Sundays where she runs with Sungchan and then plays video games with him, the girls are pretty chill while designing dresses in her workshop. Sachiko had some insane talent in drawing that the older is considering making her work part-time in the boutique. Sakura is so good with color combinations that she wondered if their family has some artistic genes. She knows their dad is sporty and Shotaro dances, but the girls are more inclined in the arts. Did they get it from their mom? Their family is so perfect.
As nighttime came, Y/N heard her car enter the garage just in time for dinner. She had informed Yuta earlier that the three of them stayed at her house and she just checked on their residence that morning to get the girls some of their things. Sungchan was the first one who entered the door, leaving his duffel bag on the floor and giving his mother a tight hug. Sakura did the same with her dad and brother. “Where’s Sachi?”
The boys were all surprised when Sachiko, in a light blue dress, came out of the dining room. “Hi Dad,” she casually greeted then wrapped her right arm around his back to hug him. “Hey Sho!” Shotaro had to blink repeatedly. “Dinner is served, let’s go Sakura.” The two girls exited the hallway followed by the two teenage boys.
“What happened?” Yuta asked. “That’s Sachiko, right?”
Y/N nodded, biting her lip. “I kinda brought her to the salon and shop for clothes. I’m sorry, I should have told you.” She claimed quietly. “But I was so excited hanging out with the girls that I forgot to ask for your permission.”
“Did you enjoy it?” Yuta asked with a faint smile on his lips. Y/N nodded guiltily. “You really should have been a girl mom.”
The girl sighed heavily, carrying her son’s duffel bag to the couch. “You have no idea.” She claimed helplessly then continued mindlessly, “I have been having crazy thoughts about adopting a young girl because of your daughters.”
Yuta laughed, “I’m sorry.” She glanced at him in confusion. “If it helps, I can just give Sakura to you when she stops talking to me.” Y/N giggled at that.
Dinner was amazing with stories from Sakura about the girls’ shopping trip and both Shotaro and Sungchan were sharing about the workshop. Y/N noticed how the oldest guy on the table kept glancing at his daughter. Is he mad about the sudden change in Sachiko? “Sachi,” he called, which made everyone at the table stop. “Did you have fun hanging out with Y/N and Sakura?” The younger lightly glanced at the older girl before nodding. Yuta just nodded, pursing his lips with obvious disappointment.
It was then decided that the family of four would be staying at Y/N’s house for the night. Shotaro will be sharing a room with Sungchan, Sakura sleeping in Y/N’s room, Sachiko in the guest room where she slept the night before, and Yuta on the couch. The house owner came to the living room with blankets that startled Yuta. “It’s kinda cold and I felt bad that you’re sleeping here,” Y/N explained, placing the linens by the foot of the couch. “Should I just ask Sachiko to move to my room?”
“Sachiko doesn’t really like rooming with her sister. Sakura is a snorer and Sachi sleeps lightly.” Y/N nodded, sitting on the adjacent single couch. “Maybe you cannot sleep because of Sakura’s noise?”
The girl giggled, “She’s way better than my son, no worries. When he was young, he would always kick me in his sleep.”
“He used it for soccer anyways.” The girl laughed at that. “Sungchan is an amazing dancer. I’ll send you a video.” He claimed as he took his phone to send the video he took from the workshop. "I wonder where he gets that from.”
“Certainly, not from me.“ Yuta giggled. “Oh, can I invite Sachi to work for me in the summer? She’s so good at drawing.” Y/N claimed then in a teasing manner, continued. “I wonder where she gets that from.”
There was a dreamy smile on Yuta’s face as he stared at one spot on the floor. For a moment, Y/N thought that he was really handsome, smiling like that. “Her mom,” he whispered. “She liked to draw a lot when we were still in middle school.”
“You met her in middle school?”
Yuta shook his head, “Kindergarten.” Y/N gasped. That was so cute. “It’s so cheesy but I promised her I’ll marry her the first time I saw her.” The girl smiled widely, that is just so adorable. “Of course, the twins happened first and I didn’t give her her dream wedding but it still happened.”
Oh. “Is that why the twins have a different surname than Sakura?”
“When the twins turned eighteen, they changed their surname to Osaki to remember their mom.” Yuta smiled, “If Sakura wanted to change her surname when she grows up, who am I to stop her?”
The sides of Y/N’s lips curled up at that. Is he for real? Yuta is such a great dad and an amazing husband. She wanted Sungchan to be exactly like him when he grew up, a loving dad and a loyal husband. “Your wife is very lucky to meet you.” Yuta shook his head, claiming that he was the lucky one. “I hope every girl falls in love with a man like you.” She whispered mindlessly then stopped, realizing what that meant. “I mean your daughters are very lucky to have a dad like you. They surely wouldn’t settle for less.” She hissed at that explanation. What the hell was she saying?
“I hope they won’t.” The guy held out his hand, palm up. Y/N stared at him confused before he gestured at his hand once again. The girl placed her hand on top of his and he threaded their fingers together. “Thank you, Y/N.” She grasped his hand a little tighter. “For saying those words and for everything you do for my children, especially Sachiko.”
Y/N had to let go a breath before answering, “It’s nothing.” Her stomach was twisting and turning as she could feel her heart stammering hard against her chest. Does Yuta hear her heartbeat? She hoped not. It’s not normal. Y/N had to slip her hand away from him as she could feel the heat rising to her face. “I’ll get some rest. I hope you rest well here.”
Yuta shook his head, smiling to himself. “No worries.” The girl stood up, “I’ll cook breakfast early tomorrow morning for the kids.” Y/N hummed in response, holding the rails of the staircase as she felt her knees turning into jelly.
Yes, dear. She wanted to answer while staring at the hand he held earlier.
What is this crazy feeling?
------
“Why do we need to pick up Sakura from school?” Y/N asked, starting her car as Sungchan entered the passenger seat. It’s not like she doesn’t want to pick up the younger girl, she’s ecstatic. But that means she’s going to be in the presence of Yuta Nakamoto and she just can’t handle it right now.
That morning, she woke up to the noise of someone in her kitchen and the smell of eggs being cooked. Her mouth dried at the sight of Yuta, in a tank top, stirring the scrambled eggs in the pan. “Oh, good morning.” He greeted her when he caught sight of her. Did he even notice her ogling at him? She hoped not. “I hope you don’t mind that I used the eggs from the fridge.” Oh, you can certainly use anything you want. Y/N just nodded in response.
That was such a crazy thought. Is she deprived of a male? Maybe dating isn’t that bad of a thought.
“Shotaro is still in dance class,” Sungchan started, “Sachiko went out with some friends and Coach had some after-school work to do.” Y/N nodded. “Sho claimed that his grandma is home but she doesn’t know where Sakura’s school is.” Oh, that makes sense.
Sungchan was just playing on his phone the whole ride and Y/N knew that it was still early for dismissal. When they passed a certain coffee shop, she felt curious. Is this the coffee shop Sakura mentioned? If it is, then does Sachiko's crush work here? “Channie,” the older one called, “Do you want some coffee?”
The shop is relatively small but it’s cozy. She knew it wasn’t for the teenagers but for the kids in the elementary school since there were more sweet drinks than the plain coffee from usual coffee shops. Y/N was astounded when her son greeted a guy by the counter, “I didn’t know you worked here, Eunseok.” Is he the guy? Sakura did say that he looked like Jaehyun and Y/N could see some resemblance. “Oh, what are you going to have?”
“Iced choco.”
“You said you wanted coffee.” But the girl just smiled. She took her wallet out but Sungchan already gave the other guy cash for their two drinks. When she pushed her wallet at him, the younger muttered “You told me not to let a woman pay for my meals.”
The guy by the counter was smiling to himself. Y/N was now sure why Sachi liked this guy. He is handsome. But is he the guy? “Two iced chocos for Sungchan and his girlfriend.” the guy by the counter announced with a teasing smile.
“Don’t be weird, Eunseok. She’s my mom.” The other guy looked surprised and Y/N was quick to greet him while taking her iced choco. “And stop staring at her.” Y/N giggled, rolling her eyes at her son’s comment.
“I’m not!” Eunseok revolted. “But why are you here? Do you have a younger sibling at the Elementary school?”
Sungchan shook his head. “We’re here to pick up Shotaro’s younger sister.”
“Sakura?” he asked that made Y/N look at him. He knows Sakura? “Where’s Sachiko?” Wait, he knows her? Sungchan explained that she was out with friends and Y/N caught a faint smile on the other’s face. “I guess I won’t be making their orders now.” He lightly glanced at the two tall cups by the working station which had strawberry and caramel drizzle.
Y/N had to take a sip of her drink just to prevent a smile. Oh, he knows her alright.
“Channie, do you think that friend of yours looks like your dad?” Y/N asked which made Sungchan choke on his drink. Instead of taking the car, they were walking from the coffee shop to Sakura’s school. “Does he play sports?”
The tall guy squinted his eyes at that, “He is the captain of the basketball team.” He is that guy! “Mom, he’s the same age as me. Don’t be like this.” Y/N looked confused. What is Sungchan even talking about? “I love you, you know that right? And I don’t want you to get hurt so please don’t meet other guys.”
“What are you talking about?”
He sighed heavily, “I promised Dad that I’d let you date again but I can’t. Men are trash, they don’t deserve you.” He then sipped on his iced chocolate. “I’m still hoping that you and Dad could still end up with each other.”
“Sungchan…” But before she could continue her sentence, the younger guy was briskly walking to the front to welcome the kids coming out of the building.
Y/N had always been aware of how difficult this set-up was for Sungchan. And to be fair, she wanted to make the relationship better but some things are not supposed to be together; just like her and Jaehyun’s parents.
Sakura kept on sharing about what she did at school today while Sungchan, who was seated next to her in the backseat of the car, kept on responding enthusiastically. A faint smile appeared on Y/N’s face. Because of Sakura, she had a chance to see her son in a new light. Although he never experienced being an older brother, he’s very gentle with kids. Y/N was sure that he’d be a great older brother.
The car stopped in front of the Nakamoto residence, a woman standing by the gate of the house and smiling as she saw her granddaughter exit the car with the teenage boy next to her. The grandmother even greeted Sungchan warmly. Y/N wondered if her son was very close to the family. She offered Sungchan to get inside much to Y/N’s surprise and even walked to her car. “You must be Miss Y/N?” the older woman asked, which made her nod. She immediately turned off the engine of the car to get out and greet her. “Sakura talks a lot about you.” She hoped it was nice things, though. “And my son-in-law is right. You are very pretty.”
As they walked inside the familiar house, Y/N tried to think of that statement. Yuta is her son-in-law? Meaning, she’s the mother of the children’s mom. It must be very nice of her to stay and take care of them. And he thinks she’s pretty? Yuta? How? That is weird.
The house smells like cinnamon tea which Sungchan was immediately captivated by. Y/N had been discovering a lot of things about her son today. She found out that she was the grandma who came with Shotaro to camp, and that's why she knows Sungchan. There were a lot of conversations in the small table of four but more of what Y/N does for work. When she offered to make a dress for the older, since she would be attending the wedding of a friend, Sakura’s grandma seemed very delighted.
When Yuta came home that night, the lights were already out and his mother-in-law was the only one in the living room. “Have you eaten?” she asked which made the man nod. He sat on the couch, sighing heavily. “Sachiko and Sakura are already asleep. Shotaro hasn’t come home yet.” He did say that he’s going out with some friends. “And I met Y/N today.” The guy had to sit up properly at the mention of the name. “She picked Kura up from school apparently.”
He leaned his back on the couch, nodding. “She’s a nice lady.” The older woman started and he nodded once again to gesture to her that he was listening. “Both Sakura and Sachiko seemed so fond of her.” They do. It probably started after that weekend they spent together. Even Sachi who never talks would often interject positive words about Y/N whenever Sakura talks about her. “She’s a very nice girl, Yuta.”
“Okasan?” He lightly glanced her way. “Where is this conversation heading?”
The older woman breathed heavily before sitting properly. “I just want to say that there is nothing wrong with trying again. To meet nice girls. To fall in love again.” Yuta had to sit up in surprise. He cannot believe he’s having a conversation like this with his mother-in-law. “My daughter would want it if you find your happiness again, son.” He lightly glanced at the picture of his wife by the hallway. Does she? “Besides, it seems like that woman loves your children as well. Why don’t you just try it out for now?”
The guy sighed heavily at the thought. This is too much all of a sudden. Yes, he finds her attractive and very likable but there’s so much at risk. This isn’t just a simple she and him entering a relationship, there are children involved. “I’ll think about it, Okasan.” He whispered, “You can go to rest first, I’ll wait for Sho to come home.”
The older gave him a light shoulder squeeze before disappearing to Sakura's room. Yuta leaned his back on the couch, breathing heavily.
Shotaro leaned his back by the door. So there is a reason why Sungchan asked him that question. Maybe there is something really going on with their parents. Should he stop it or let his dad do what he wants? Will their family change a lot?
Maybe he just needs to find out for himself.
------
Soccer seemed very boring for Shotaro. Imagine spending all your strength and stamina just to run and kick that small ball in the goal. He cannot understand the beauty of the sport. And maybe that is the reason why he never really felt too close to his dad. He had always been a soccer prodigy in Japan and a lot of people thought Shotaro, his son, would end up in the same field as him. But he felt a passion for dancing more than in any sports. An idea that his mom perfectly understood but not much with his dad.
Watching Sungchan, in all his sweating glory, running across the field with the ball on his feet made Shotaro realize that he must be the son his father had always wanted. He lightly glanced at his dad who was standing and shouting to his ace player. Surely, he will like Sungchan more as a son.
His friend’s team won and he saw how his dad ruffled the taller’s hair, smiling widely at him. If his dad does pursue Sungchan’s mom, his ace player will end up becoming his stepson. They’ll be an unstoppable duo in soccer.
And maybe that was what his dad wanted.
“I’m pretty good, aren’t I?” Sungchan asked his friend, lightly elbowing him. Shotaro only nodded in response. “This is the first time I saw you watching the game.”
The other guy smiled timidly. “I thought your mom would be here.”
“My mom?” Sungchan asked before lightly hitting his friend’s shoulder. “I told you not to think weird things about my mom.”
Shotaro chuckled, lightly dusting his shoulder. “That’s not what I mean.” He reasoned out and in a soft voice continued, “I just want to see how my dad reacts when she’s around.” The taller stopped in his tracks, looking at his friend in confusion. “It’s nothing. I just want to confirm if my dad is open to dating or not.”
“You said it was fine.”
He nodded, “As long as it’s not your mom.” Sungchan looked offended so he cleared up. “I don’t want us to be stepbrothers. We see each other all the time.”
The taller guy laughed and then ruffled his hair. “I don’t think they like each other like that.”
“Hopefully, they don’t.”
---------
Sachiko informed Yuta that they’d be heading to the mall and visiting Y/N’s boutique since the girl offered to make their grandmother a dress for the upcoming wedding she was attending. He left the game early, telling the team members that he’d just treat them to a meal later. Yuta even told Sungchan that he was going to his mom’s workplace but he refused to go and just decided to hang out with Shotaro. It was weird but maybe the two teenage boys are up to something.
Jungwoo was greeting Yuta when he entered the boutique, gesturing for him to sit on the couch while explaining that the three girls were inside Y/N’s workshop. He was just glad that the guy still knew him after the basketball game and the barbecue party. From inside a well-decorated door, he could hear a child squealing in glee. “Sakura is having the time of her life,” Jungwoo teased, handing a cup of coffee to Yuta.
The other smiled, nodding. “I hope she isn’t troubling Y/N with her work.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about it.” Jungwoo claimed, “My sister could use the distraction.”
Yuta had finished half the cup when the door slid open and out came Sachiko followed by Sakura who was skipping to him. The guy had to stand up to hug the younger girl before his mother-in-law came out the door followed by Y/N. “Are you done?” It was Jungwoo who asked after the designer placed her sketchpad on the countertop. “You should get your lunch break.”
The man holding Sakura looked confused, "You haven’t had lunch yet?”
“I think I forgot to eat,” she claimed just as the older woman held her arm. “Let’s go eat outside, my dear.” Y/N had to lightly glance at Jungwoo as he nodded, even waving her off. “Sure, okasan,” Y/N answered which startled Yuta.
Even if Y/N wanted to come with Sachiko and her grandmother to buy shoes, Yuta had to force her to at least eat something first. It’s already afternoon, very late for lunch. Does she always starve herself for work? Sakura was running to the mini playground by the food court by the mall, leaving the two adults seated opposite each other. “You’ve been working all morning?” Yuta asked, which made the woman nod, eating the pasta she ordered. “That’s why you weren’t at Sungchan's game today.”
There was surprise on the woman’s face then realization. “Oh gosh, I totally forgot about that.”
Yuta chuckled, “He’s with Shotaro so I guess he’s fine.” Y/N only nodded, nibbling on a fry as she typed a message to her son as an apology. “They won by the way.”
“There’s no doubt. The team is amazing.”
The guy had to smile at that, taking a bite of the burger he ordered as well. “About Okasan’s dress, I’ll pay for it.”
“No, no.” Y/N shook her head. “I already talked to Okasan about it. It’s been taken care of.”
Yuta had to lean closer, “You call her Okasan?”
The girl nodded, “I can’t call her grandma or auntie so she suggested calling her Okasan.” She took another fry from the plate, biting on it. “What does Okasan mean?”
“Mom,” The side of Yuta’s lips curled up at the surprise in her expression. “To be fair, we call a friend’s mom Okasan in Japan.”
“But calling your mother-in-law Okasan feels inappropriate.”
He laughed, too loud, that Y/N lightly glanced at the people around. Why is he so carefree? “She just likes you so much.”
“I’m not really good with mothers so I’m not entirely sure about that.”
“You’re very likable, Y/N.” She kept on shaking her head. “Okasan likes you, the kids like you.” Y/N had to lightly glance at Sakura who was energetically playing on the slides. “I think I like you.”
The girl had another surprise in her life. Is she hearing him correctly? And why is that so casually coming out of his lips? “But this is just me admiring you Y/N,” Yuta explained with her loss of words. “I don’t want to bother you with my feelings if you’re not open to developing feelings again.” Y/N had to blink twice at that statement.
She can’t seem to wrap her head around the fact that Yuta has feelings for her. How? Why? This is so confusing. “I get it," He claimed with a laugh, "You’re straight up rejecting me with your reaction.”
The girl vehemently shook her head, “I’m not,” Then realized what she said. “I think you’re great, Yuta. But this is just too overwhelming.” She leaned her back on the chair she was sitting on. What Sungchan said to her before came to her like a wave. “But I don’t think I can do this.”
“Is it Jaehyun?” She shook her head, "Sungchan?"
“He still believes that I can end up with his dad.” There was a smile on Yuta’s face. Of course. “It’s already complicated since you’re his best friend's dad and his soccer coach at that.”
“I understand, Y/N.” The girl had to bite her lip in contemplation. This is frustrating. And really? She’s rejecting this amazing man in the middle of the mall food court. What the hell is wrong with her? “Do you think I could change Sungchan’s mind?”
Once again, the surprise. Whoever came up with the phrase ‘three times a charm’ hasn’t been in this situation. Why does this guy in front of her keep surprising her like this? “If Sungchan could see that I’m serious about you, do you think he could reconsider?”
Y/N’s heart kept on stammering hard in her chest, her face feeling warm at the seriousness of the question. “What if he doesn’t?”
“Then I’ll just keep trying.” She could feel her heart jump in her chest. What is this feeling? Is she dying? “Is that alright with you?” Yuta raised a hand, asking for a high five that he usually does.
“Okay.” The girl raised her hand but before she could have contact with the guy, he threaded their fingers together. Yuta had a smile on his face, which she mirrored.
characters: single dad! soccer coach! widower! Yuta x female! single mom! fashion designer! divorcee! Y/N
with son! Jung Sungchan, son! Shotaro Osaki, daughter! Sachiko Osaki (OC), daughter! Sakura Nakamoto (OC)
word count: 7.1k words
genre: chaptered, fluff, drama
summary: Who says one cannot fall in love once again?
warnings: single parents au, mutual pining, aged up and aged down characters, teen angst, secret dating, talks about death, misogynistic comments, gambling(?), language
“Yuta, can I at least pay for mine and Sungchan’s meal?” Y/N asked, holding her wallet, standing next to Yuta in front of the restaurant's counter. She didn’t know what happened, but somehow, their families ended up having dinner all together. Maybe it was Sungchan’s idea since he forced her to go outside for dinner.
The older male shook his head, laughing to himself, as he took his card and receipt. Y/N squinted her eyes at him in annoyance, but he smiled, “You can buy me dinner later.” The girl had to purse her lips at that. “How does Tuesday night sound?”
“Tuesday night?”
Yuta nodded, “The kids don’t have extracurriculars.” Oh. “Are you free Tuesday night?” Is this like a date? That was so smooth of him to invite her like this. “There’s a new cheap ramen shop just outside town.”
Y/N smiled. He might have thought about this too well. “Okay,” she claimed while nodding. “Ramen on Tuesday.”
He raised his hand and she did the usual high-five. Instead of threading their fingers together, Yuta squeezed her hand gently. “It’s a date then.”
And for the first time, she’s excited to go on a dinner with a guy. A date? When was the last time she’s been on one? She even tried to remember if Jaehyun even took her out on a date.
She had a lot of clothes but she didn’t know what to wear that night. Should she be more feminine? A dress? But isn’t that too much? Maybe a pair of simple jeans and a shirt. But that is too casual. She cannot ask Sungchan for his opinion, he cannot know about this yet. Certainly not Jungwoo or she will never hear the end of it.
It’s just a ramen date. She shouldn’t think so much about it.
Y/N only wore casual clothes, a light purple button-down blouse and white pants. She also tied her hair in a ponytail and wore her white sneakers instead of heels. It was even surprising for her to see Shotaro seated on the couch, playing video games with her son. The younger one immediately greeted her. “Are you going out?” Sungchan asked. “A date?”
That is weird. How can she say that she’s going on a date with the other guy’s dad? “I’m meeting a client.” And she took her briefcase, just in case. Y/N placed some cash on the table, “Order some food.”
“Do you want to eat ramen?” Shotaro claimed which made Y/N gulp. Does he know? Sungchan shook his head, “We ate ramen yesterday. How about chicken?” The other nodded.
Y/N could feel her heart beating faster so she excused herself to leave first. That was so nerve-wracking. Should she tell the boys that she’s going out on a date with Yuta? Isn’t that too soon?
Maybe she’ll just see what can happen.
The restaurant was a little crowded as she parked her car in front. Yuta was already standing by the entrance wearing casual clothes: a dark jacket, a white tee underneath, and faded jeans. She was glad that she didn’t dress too much for this so-called date. “Hi,” he greeted, “Let’s go inside.”
Yuta shared that a friend from Japan owns the restaurant so he could easily vouch that the meal she’s going to have is authentic ramen. “Great!” she exclaimed as they sat in a booth. “I’ll get my money’s worth.” Yuta chuckled, “You’ll let me pay tonight, right?”
“Only the ramen.” She rolled her eyes at that.
The Japanese man was sharing everything he knew about ramen and even the side dishes they ordered. It was a nice dinner filled with stories of Yuta and the children’s childhood. It was a nice experience for Y/N as she got to know the family, even his wife, better. “I forgot to tell you Shotaro was at our house when I left.”
Yuta nodded, “He did say he’s meeting Sungchan.”
“I was so nervous about what to tell them.” She whispered, mixing the teriyaki sauce using her chopsticks in nervousness. “Should we tell them?”
“It’s a little early to let the kids in. If this goes well, we’ll tell them together. Is that okay with you?” Y/N nodded. “I think Sakura is the only one who will be delighted with this set-up. The teenagers, not so much.”
“I think so too.”
Maybe Yuta was right. It’s better to just see where it goes.
The night was still young so when the man offered to walk in the park, Y/N eagerly agreed. It’s calming to be out here, without thinking about her son’s safety or her work. Her mind was blank yet she was overthinking a lot of things at the same time. What if Yuta doesn’t want a second date? What if he thinks she’s not that attractive? What if this doesn’t work out?
A shiver ran down her spine at the thought. Was she overthinking all of this? “Are you cold?” Before she could respond, Yuta was removing his dark jacket that he was left with the white tee he had. Y/N had to stop herself from ogling too badly at the shirt tightly hugging his torso and arm muscle. “Wear this.”
The girl thanked him, placing his jacket on her shoulders. His perfume smells so good, very manly. Y/N had to remove her ponytail, putting her scrunchie in the pocket of Yuta’s jacket. All of a sudden, she felt warm. Maybe it was the jacket or maybe just the fact that they were walking towards the rails of overlooking city lights with this comfortable silence between them. Are dates usually like this nowadays?
“I’m sorry,” Yuta muttered under his breath, startling her. “You might have expected too much on this date. It’s been so long, I really don’t know what to do.”
The girl had to lightly giggle at that. How adorable. “I was just thinking about it earlier and realized I’ve never been on a date before.”
“Even with Jung Jaehyun?”
She shook her head, “We go out but it’s always with Jungwoo.” Then she sighed, leaning on the rails. “The only time we were alone, Sungchan happened.” Yuta had to chuckle at that. “Do you always go on dates with your wife?”
There was a faint smile on his lips while nodding, “Especially in spring. She loved drawing the cherry blossoms.” Then he smiled widely. “Sakura.” A whisper in his voice.
“That’s where her name came from?”
“Her favorite flowers,” Yuta claimed while sighing. “It was her who wanted to name the baby Sakura. She was really excited to meet her.” His demeanor changed which made Y/N hold on to his jacket. “I used to hate her when she was born but the twins both adore that little one.” The girl had to stare at him in surprise. He hated Sakura?
“When the doctors gave me a choice, I chose my wife over Sakura.” Y/N gasped. Just the mere thought of him choosing from the two is already heartbreaking. “But my wife didn’t even listen to me and chose Sakura instead.” There was a bitter smile on Yuta’s lips. “The twins became mad at me for ignoring Sakura,” He shook his head, one side of his lip turning up in a sarcastic smile. “I guess that's why the twins never talked to me again.”
“Yuta, you cannot blame yourself for that. You call it teen angst, remember?” The guy had to smile at that thought. “If it helps, I never told my dad anything growing up, but I greatly appreciate him.” Y/N flashed an assuring smile. “It’s hard to be both a mom and a dad at the same time. I bet your kids think the same way, they just don’t know how to express it.”
The guy had a faint smile on his lips showing his hand, palm up, which made the girl smile. She placed her hand on top of his, squeezing gently. “Thank you, Y/N.”
-----
Shotaro was usually the first child to wake up every morning but since he went home from Sungchan’s late at night, Yuta wasn’t surprised that Sachiko was the first one to come out of the kitchen. This is better though, he needed to talk to her after what he found out from Y/N last night. “Do you want me to wake up Sho and Kura?” she asked, watching her father stir the fried rice in the pan.
“It’s fine,” Yuta quickly answered, “It’s still early.” He then hummed as if thinking of what to say next. Why is this suddenly so awkward? “Do you want me to make you some orange juice?” Sachiko looked startled at the question. She’s used to making orange juice on her own. Why is her dad suddenly volunteering to make it for her? “Sachi, since Sho isn’t here, I want to tell you something.” The girl nodded, sitting on the chair to brace herself for the inevitable. What is her dad going to say now? Should she hold onto something for comfort? “I am raising your allowance but can we not tell anyone about it?”
Sachiko’s eyes widened in surprise. This isn’t a bad thing, right? “Why?”
“I’m sorry I’ve been buying you simple shirts and jeans as clothes,” he claimed with a chuckle, pouring the orange juice he made into a glass. “From now on, you have the freedom to choose your clothes. If you want to completely change your wardrobe, just tell me so we can budget some money for it.”
The younger was just staring at the man in surprise. What is this all about? What brought this sudden conversation? She had been fine with the clothes she had although they were a little boyish; they were still comfortable. Even Y/N had suggested that she just upscale the clothes so it’s still fit for her aesthetics. Then it clicked, “Were you with Auntie Y/N last night?”
It was Yuta’s turn to be surprised. Did he say something weird? The teenage girl smiled, “She told you to tell me those things?” Well, it was her idea in the first place. To talk to Sachiko. “Are you two dating?”
The older sighed. When did Sachiko become so clever? “Can we also not tell anyone about it?”
“Call!” The girl had a wide grin on her face, “But can you add some extra to that allowance, Dad? I wanted to buy some make-up.”
Yuta laughed, lightly pinching his daughter’s nose. “You got it, pumpkin.”
Sachiko smiled to herself. She missed that nickname.
-----
Sungchan was finishing his cereal when his mom went to the dining area wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans. Instead of her usual high heels, she’s wearing rubber shoes that made him wonder. Is she not going to work today? “Channie, I cannot pick you up today.” She claimed which made him nod, watching her every move. “Just eat out for dinner.” She placed bills on the table.
“Are you going somewhere?”
“To your grandfather,” she answered casually. Sungchan had to glance at the calendar on the fridge. It’s not his death anniversary, not even his birthday.
“Mom, are you alright?” The woman had to look at him in confusion, “You visit Grandpa whenever you have something huge going on.” But the girl only stared in more confusion. What? “When you divorced Dad, when you opened the boutique, and when you bought the car.”
Oh. That was all coincidental but it’s so weird that Sungchan could make that connection. Was her son always this observant? “I’m fine, honey. I just miss my dad, that’s all.” But the younger just stared at her in worry. “It’s nothing, Channie.” She reassured him with a smile, tapping his shoulder.
As the car slowly went out of sight, Sungchan breathed a heavy sigh. Should he call his uncle and tell him about his mom acting weird? Or maybe, he should just listen to her and shrug it off.
After class, Shotaro left early so he hung out with another friend from his class, Song Eunseok. Since the other is heading to his part-time job, maybe Sungchan can just pick up Sakura from school and treat her to some snacks. Also, maybe this could help him ease the decision his mom is about to make.
“Eunseok, you have a sister right?” The other guy nodded, wiping the glasses on the counter. The coffee shop isn’t as crowded as Sungchan thought. Or maybe because it’s not yet time for dismissal in the nearby elementary school. “What’s it like to have a sister?”
“My sister is older and she’s already married,” Eunseok explained. “Aren’t you an only child?”
Sungchan nodded, leaning his chin on the table. “I might get a sister soon.”
“Your mom is pregnant?”
He had to bump his forehead on the table before shaking his head, “She’s thinking of adopting.” The other guy had a confused look. “I saw her web history and she’s been checking on orphanages to search for a young girl.” He even looked embarrassed as he explained that. He knew it was wrong but when he borrowed her laptop, he just saw one tab about adopting opened.
“What did your dad say about this?”
His dad? Sungchan raised his head at the realization. Does he know? Surely, his mom wouldn’t act on this on her own. How would she take care of a child if she’s all alone? “I don’t know if he knows.” Maybe that was it, Sungchan thought. Maybe he just needs to let his dad know about it.
“But lately, you’re being an older brother already,” Eunseok commented which made Sungchan stare at him in wonder. What does he mean by that? “Sakura,” he noted. “You’re dating Sachiko that’s why you’re always picking her up from school, right?”
“What?” Sungchan almost stood up in shock. “We’re not dating.” Eunseok visibly breathed in relief while nodding to himself. The taller guy stared at him, squinting his eyes. “Do you like Sachiko?” The guy didn’t answer but there was a faint blush on his cheeks which made Sungchan smile. He does like her. “Yah Song Eunseok, Sachiko is a nice girl. Even if you are our friend, you know Shotaro and I can hurt you right?”
The other guy chuckled nervously, “Don’t worry, I’m not planning to hurt her.” Eunseok smiled in a teasing manner, then continued, “Look at you being an older brother.”
Maybe having a younger sister isn’t such a bad idea after all.
------
Y/N had just finished a meeting with a client in a high-end hotel. Luckily, she had a spare heeled shoe in her car and the briefcase she brought last night was still in the backseat. Maybe Sungchan knows that she went on a date last night that’s why he’s acting so weird.
To be fair, she just missed her dad. After Yuta shared his worries about being a single dad with daughters, she realized how truly hard it was for her father. Sachiko mirrored the relationship she had with her dad in her teenage years. She used to never tell him anything and would always be pissed off at his presence. Y/N could still remember how his dad was so mad and even shouted at her when she told him that she was pregnant. A huge regret she felt even if years had passed.
If only she was a better daughter, then maybe Sungchan had a chance to meet his maternal grandfather.
Her client was a nice lady so even if she felt underdressed for the poshness of the hotel restaurant, she closed the deal immediately. It was great that she had a new project since she just finished Okasan’s dress. Maybe she could just message Yuta to pick up the dress tomorrow if he’s not busy.
Y/N smiled to herself. Is this her way to see Yuta again? But then, why not?
As soon as she placed her phone in her handbag, the elevator doors opened to the lobby of the hotel. From where she was standing, she noticed a familiar face entering the door of the hotel and passing the lobby as if he had been there a couple of times already. Y/N cannot be mistaken; the way he walks, his height, and the boyish style with faded jeans and a dark hoodie. What is Shotaro doing in this hotel?
The lights were so bright, bass music blasting through the speakers, and bodies dancing against each other. Y/N never thought that there would be a club in the basement of this hotel. Obviously, the crowd here is filled with young people with their choice, rather a lack of, clothes. If she felt underdressed in the restaurant upstairs, she felt too dressed even if she was just in a t-shirt and jeans. She’s honestly so glad she didn’t have a teenage daughter or she might just shave all her hair if she caught her here. But what is Shotaro doing in this kind of place? Has Sungchan been here? Or worse, has Sachiko been here?
“Yo, mama!” a guy called, motioning for her which she found rude. He looks like he’s in his late twenties. Too old to be hanging out with the young crowd. “What’s a hot stuff doing here?”
Y/N rolled her eyes at that. But if she needed to find Shotaro, she should ask someone. “Do you know someone named Osaki Shotaro?”
“Never thought a kid like him would snatch a sugar mama this hot,” Y/N wanted to strangle him to death. But is this a hub for sugar babies? And is Shotaro one? No, he can’t be. “If you’re so desperate to look for him, he has a dance set later.” A dance set? He then shook his head while staring at her. “Maybe that kid is packing.” What a creep!
Y/N had no choice but to walk away from the guy, squeezing herself between gyrating bodies to get a spot by the bar. Should she stay and wait for Shotaro to come out? But what if she discovers something sinister about her son’s bestfriend? As an adult, maybe she can just shield the teenager by taking him out of this place.
It was a stupid plan in her head. If she caught sight of Shotaro, she’ll come over and drag him out of this place. The crowd started making a huge space in the middle as bills were slowly shown everywhere, handed to an older guy. What the hell is this place? The DJ started playing an upbeat song, turning up the volume as the lights shone on the guy standing in the middle of the empty space.
The hoodie and faded jeans. The height. As the music started and the guy in the middle started moving, Y/N was sure that she could not execute her plan. Shotaro was in the center, dancing.
Shotaro looks so different from the usual smiling boy he is. Seriousness was written on his face yet he looks like he’s enjoying what he’s doing. It’s truly charming. A different side to this boy that Y/N witnessed at the moment. She had never been a fan of dancers but with the crowd’s reaction and the way the teenager moved along the music, she knew Shotaro was a great dancer. Y/N had been hearing that compliment from Sungchan repeatedly but this was the first time she saw it for real. Shotaro is indeed an amazing dancer. How is their family so talented? Did he get it from his mom like his sisters’ talents? Or from his dad?
The crowd was cheering so loud, chanting ‘Taro’ as he started interacting with the crowd in his usual cheery aura. How can the guy dancing earlier be the same as this little fluffball running around while giving high-fives? When their eyes met, his eyes widened. Maybe her plan could still happen.
Y/N wasn’t even waiting that long when Shotaro tapped her shoulder. “What are you doing here, auntie?” He asked then glanced around, “Are you with Sungchan?” But the girl shook her head. He looked so worried that he kept glancing around. “Do you want to leave? We can grab coffee outside.”
But before both of them could stand up, the guy from earlier slung his hand on Shotaro’s shoulder pulling him close to him. “Tell me, kid, how did you manage to get a sugar mommy this hot?” Y/N had to glare at the older man.
“Don’t be weird, sunbae,” Shotaro claimed with a smile on his face. “She’s my mom.” He immediately stood up and then gestured for the startled woman to follow him outside the club. “Auntie, do you want some coffee?” Y/N had to blink twice as she regained her senses. “I’m sorry I called you mom, Sungchan would hate me if he found out someone assumed we’re in a relationship.” The girl had to nod at that, smiling. He’s such a nice friend.
Y/N knew that the price of one coffee in this hotel coffee shop was off the roof but somehow Shotaro had treated her to a cup of cappuccino. He’s probably earning a lot from that club. But how? By dancing? The younger explained that it was his dance teacher who told him about these underground dance battles. When the older woman asked about the legality of this work, Shotaro just shrugged. “I only dance and they pay me.” But still, isn’t this bad? Shotaro is only eighteen. Although he’s considered legal and an adult, being exposed in that environment, especially in gambling, is detrimental. “I just want to save up to buy Dad a car and then I’ll stop.”
“A car?” Y/N asked in surprise. “For your dad?”
Shotaro nodded then drank his chocolate milkshake, “I think Dad at least needs a car to go on dates.” Y/N had to prevent herself from smiling at that. That was an adorable thought. But she remembered how Yuta had the same dilemma last night. He kept on apologizing that he could not at least drive her back to her place.
“Then what are you going to tell your dad if he asks where the money came from?”
Again, the younger shrugged. “A part-time work?” That’s very considerate of him.
Y/N had always seen Shotaro as this very cheerful boy. Sometimes she would wonder if he was really the same age as her son, surely Shotaro is way younger than Sungchan. But talking to him, made her realize how mature this guy is. Maybe he’s truly way older than Sungchan. And can she forget how amazing he moved earlier? “Sho, you were so great earlier.” The younger grinned, eyes shaped like half-moons. Now, he looked so young. “Your dad must be so proud watching you dance.”
Shotaro had to sip his milkshake before shaking his head, “He had never watched me dance.” What? But the workshop before. “Dad would probably like it more if I played sports rather than dancing.” Then in a quiet voice, he continued, “Like Sungchan.”
The girl looked at the younger in worry. It was part of the conversation she had with Yuta earlier. How worried he is that Shotaro won’t talk to him because he’s closer to his mom even at a young age. Y/N realized that it wasn’t the case. Maybe Yuta was in the wrong here. “My dad would probably really love it if Sungchan became his stepson. They’re like an unstoppable duo.” There was a lot of pain in those words. Was Shotaro feeling inferior to her son? But wait, Shotaro said stepson. Does he know?
Yet he was right. Sungchan and Yuta’s interests are so identical that she sometimes thinks her son would probably grow up like the older. But, when you look at it closely, Shotaro and his dad don’t have anything in common. “I’m sorry,” the younger whispered, looking worried. “I often say things I don’t really mean. I don’t want you to overthink about it.” But it’s too late. And he probably knows that. “You and Dad are dating, right?” He knows? Did Yuta tell him? Or did she say something? “I saw your scrunchie inside his jacket pocket.”
Oh, she had forgotten about that scrunchie. The girl sighed heavily, rubbing the rim of her cup in nervousness. This feels like coming clean in front of your dad. “We’re still just getting to know each other.” she whispered then continued, “We still haven’t told you yet because we’re still unsure how things would work out and where this is heading.”
Shotaro had to lean on his chair, nodding to himself. “My dad actually likes you.” Y/N had to glance at him but the younger was just staring at the glass of half-filled milkshake in front of him. “I’ve never seen him interact with any other woman the same as you, Auntie. Usually, my dad would just shrug any woman but he seemed so smitten about you.” Y/N wanted to stop him. What is he saying all of a sudden? “And I understand not telling us yet. My sisters will get excited and probably expect a lot, I don’t want them to get hurt.”
Y/N smiled at that. “You’re very mature about this, Shotaro.” She complimented. Somehow, Yuta’s worries that Shotaro might be the only one who would dislike this set-up between them came to her. Maybe he underestimated his only son. “I hope Sungchan understands this relationship the same way as you.” The younger one just smiled in response. “Thank you, Shotaro.”
“You’re welcome,” Shotaro started then in a soft voice, continued, “Mom.”
-----
Yuta was fixing his hair, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He shouldn’t put too much effort into this but he doesn’t want to act careless about this as well. “Are you going out?” One of his co-teachers asked, smiling teasingly. “A date?”
He sighed, “I’m picking up my daughter from school.”
“This early?” The co-teacher asked, staring at his watch. “Are you dating an elementary school teacher?”
The guy glared at him, fixing his hair one last time. “I’m picking up my daughter.” he emphasized before facing the guy, “How do I look?”
“She’ll like you, no worries.” And Yuta gave him a death glare.
The soccer coach came out of the faculty room, surprised that he almost bumped into his ace player carrying a bunch of papers. “Coach,” Sungchan greeted. “Are you leaving early?” He nodded before the co-teacher teasing him earlier ushered the student to come in while saying, “He’s going on a date. Don’t bother your coach.”
The student looked startled at that statement. “I’m not!” Yuta shouted, waving goodbye while claiming that he’d be late. But the younger stared at his coach, watching his back disappear to the hallway. He did look like he spent hours making himself more presentable so he understood where the whole dating idea came from. He shook his head, do the twins know about their dad dating? The older man’s mood will surely improve in the coming days.
Even before he could enter the mall, Yuta kept on checking his reflection. Why is he so nervous? Get the dress then ask her if she had lunch yet, Yuta repeated in his mind. It’s simple, Yuta. Jungwoo was in front of the shop when he came in and he greeted him warmly. “Y/N told me you’re coming.” The other guy noted before gesturing to the couches. “I’ll go get her.” He even told one of the sales ladies in the shop to give Yuta something to drink on which he shook his head.
He breathed heavily, rubbing his palms on his jeans. Get the dress then ask her if she had lunch yet, Yuta repeated once again. The male first exited the door of her workshop followed by Y/N who was carrying a huge box and two paper bags. Yuta immediately stood up, taking the box from her and placing it on top of the table. “Hi,” she greeted with a smile and he mirrored the same expression as her. This was the first time they saw each other after last Tuesday’s night dinner so why is it suddenly so awkward? “You’re early.”
Ask her for lunch. “I have to pick up Sakura from school.” And he mentally kicked himself at that answer.
The girl nodded, “This is Okasan’s dress.” she noted, tapping the box. “And these are something for Sachiko and Sakura.” She handed the paper bags to him. “I have some extra fabrics so I thought I’ll make them dresses as well.”
“This is too much,” he noted but the girl just shook her head while smiling brightly. No doubt, she loves what she’s doing. “I’ll pay for Okasan’s dress.”
“Yuta, I told you it’s taken care of.”
This is your cue to ask her for lunch. But before Yuta could say another word, someone entered the boutique which startled the girl he was talking to. “Jaehyun?” There was an obvious surprise in her face and voice. The model was walking to where Jungwoo was, placing the plastic bags on the counter. “Give me a sec,” she claimed and he nodded as he watched Y/N stand up in front of the other guy.
Jaehyun handed the bouquet of yellow and white flowers to her. Yuta pursed his lips, they looked so perfect together. “I saw these in the flower shop downstairs,” the guy said with a smile. “Reminds me of you.”
“What are you doing here all of a sudden?”
“Your son called me.” Y/N had to squint her eyes at him. That’s it? “Do I have to ask him or you, dandelion?” The girl scrunched her eyebrows at that. What’s with the sudden nickname?
“Oh, the flashbacks.” Jungwoo teased.
Jaehyun leaned on the counter, explaining that he bought Chinese take-out for lunch before stopping when his eyes met Yuta’s. The other looked startled and then stood up in panic. “I’m sorry, I might have ruined your plan, Y/N,” Jaehyun claimed then gestured to the guy picking up the box and paper bags.
Yuta was shaking his head, “I just picked these up.” he claimed. “I have to pick up Sakura from school.”
“Carrying that?” Y/N asked, walking to where he was.
He muttered that he had to go home first and drop everything off. “The payment,” Yuta started, taking his wallet from his small crossbody bag but Y/N was shaking her head. “Y/N, let me pay.”
“You can just treat me to dinner,” she claimed, startling him. His gaze subtly went to Jaehyun and Jungwoo who were trying to hide their smiles. “Saturday?” He’s free on a Saturday. But he can’t believe that she’s the one asking this from him. “Dinner on Saturday,” she repeated.
“It’s a date, then.” He raised his hand for the usual high-five as she grinned, “A date.”
When Yuta went out and Y/N turned to the two guys, they were just grinning widely. The girl just rolled her eyes before Jaehyun muttered, “Little dandelion is in love once again. How cute.” But she just stuck her tongue out, taking one plastic bag from the counter. Jaehyun’s teasing laugh echoed through the whole boutique.
-----
He should have brought her flowers. That was the thought ringing in Yuta’s mind as he stood at the entrance of the elementary school. Of course, girls like flowers. He told her about his ex-wife’s favorite flowers but he never asked her what she likes. How stupid of him. What were those yellow and white flowers Jaehyun gave her? Dandelions? He called her that. Maybe a nickname when they used to date? But why?
Is Jaehyun planning to come back into her life? But isn’t that what Sungchan wants?
Sakura kept on sharing things about what happened in school and Yuta tried his very best to listen to everything she said. But his mind was still trailing on what happened earlier and what might happen later. At least he can still hold on to that Saturday dinner. Maybe he’ll just see what will truly happen.
When Yuta entered their living room, he was surprised to see Shotaro and Sungchan doing assignments on the small table while seated on the floor. Sakura greeted the two, even hugging Sungchan which made the teenager ruffle the young girl's hair. If his parents do get back together, he’ll probably get a younger sister. “Sungchan, does your mom know you’re here?” Yuta asked as he headed to the kitchen. Since there are three kids, he needed to make them at least some snacks.
“Yes, coach,” Sungchan answered and he hummed in response. “She said she’ll pick me up after her work.” Work? Yuta very much knows that work isn’t what’s keeping her busy. But why is this bothering him so much? They’re ex-lovers who have a son together, it’s nothing, right?
It was a typical day. Yuta made sandwiches for the kids and even helped a little with the older boys’ homework. Sakura was also minding her own business, coloring in her book. Sachiko informed him that she was going out with her friends which earned a debate between the two boys. The older was once again amazed at how Sungchan could be so protective. Surely, it was from his upbringing.
A knock on the door can be heard and it was Yuta who stood up to open it. Must be his mother-in-law, Sachiko, or even Y/N. He made sure to even fix his wrinkled shirt before opening the door but was disappointed that the model Jung Jaehyun was standing on their front porch. “Hi,” he greeted. “I’m here to pick up Sungchan.”
Yuta nodded before opening the door fully. “Sungchan, your dad is here!” he shouted inside the house then turned back to the person with a shining aura by the door. “Do you want to come in?”
Jaehyun shook his head, placing both his hands in the pocket of his jeans. “Sungchan’s mom is in the car. She said she didn't want to come out since she wasn’t wearing any make-up.” He teased making Yuta look at the black Toyota parked in front of their home. “So you and Y/N, huh?” he casually asked then continued, “Since when?”
The guy had to casually step out of the house. “We just went out for dinner. The kids don't know yet,” he explained and Jaehyun nodded. “Look, if you’re not alright with me going out with her, it’s fine. I can still keep my distance…”
“No, no,” Jaehyun exclaimed, frantically waving his hands to emphasize a point. “Please keep on dating her. She looks so happy talking about you and your kids.” He faintly chuckled, “If Sungchan is your problem, I’ll talk to him.” What? Wait, hold up. This is confusing him. Jaehyun is alright with all of these? Then why is he here?
Footsteps approaching can be heard so Yuta just nodded, visibly heaving a sigh of relief. “What are you talking about so seriously?” Sungchan asked, slinging his bag on his shoulder while opening the door widely.
Jaehyun shook his head, “Just asking your coach how you are in soccer.” He smiled at Yuta, “Let’s go, your mom is waiting.” Yet, before Sungchan could walk away, the older man held his backpack, turning Sungchan to face Yuta. “Aren’t you going to say anything to your coach?”
The younger rubbed the back of his head before bowing down. “Thank you for letting me stay, coach.” Yuta nodded and Sungchan grinned widely. Looking at them side by side, he realized how Y/N resembled the younger more. Jaehyun said his greeting before watching the father-son leave their area and enter the car.
What a perfect family.
-----
Sungchan was confused. How could these two people seated in front of the car made him? It was new seeing both his parents in the same place, especially this small of a distance. His mom looked confused as she followed the instructions on the map app from his dad’s phone. Where are they heading?
The younger could feel the sweat forming on his palms. Are they going to announce that they’re adopting a new kid? Why is he so nervous and scared of it? “Mom,” he started, which made the girl hum. “When you were Sachiko's age, did you hang out with girls in your class?”
It was Jaehyun who laughed. “How can she? She was already taking care of you.” Oh, yeah she does. The girl had to glare at the man beside her. “Why do you ask? You’re the same age as Sachiko, right?” His dad asked before grinning widely, “Don’t tell me you like Sachiko.”
“No, that’s crazy Dad!”
“Then a friend of hers?”
Sungchan shook his head, “A girl from her new friend group asked me once if I could come to her place since her parents are away.”
The only girl looked visibly shaken, “Did you go?”
“Of course not, Mom.” he claimed then sighed, “I’m just worried Sachiko is hanging out with girls like her.” Jaehyun and Y/N both looked at each other. “So if you want me to have a younger sister, please not a girl in her teens or even a baby. I don’t want to take care of a toddler. Sakura’s age is maybe good.” He rambled on with a nervous laugh as the car stopped on the side of the highway. “Maybe we can just adopt Sakura, that would be better.”
“Do you want a younger sister, Channie?” Y/N asked, turning her body to face Sungchan. Even Jaehyun turned to face him. “Is that why you wanted me to get back with your dad?”
The younger pursed his lips, “You seemed to like the idea of wanting to have a daughter, Mom.” Jaehyun leaned on his seat, sighing heavily. “Isn’t it your ultimate dream, to have a daughter?”
Y/N had to shake her head before starting the car once again. Sungchan could notice how tight she was holding on to the steering wheel. Maybe what he said was wrong. He can’t believe he’s upsetting his mom again. But before he could say something, his dad raced him to it. “Let’s talk while eating, hmm?”
The restaurant was too fancy and driving far was really worth it. What’s even more mind-blowing for Sungchan was the fact that his father reserved an exclusive VIP room. Even the prices of the food stunned the younger guy but the older, who was seated next to him, just urged him to get whatever he wanted. This is too posh for just a simple family dinner. Maybe they are really adopting a kid.
“So are you thinking of adopting a younger girl?” The younger asked quietly. Why is he so bothered about this idea? Both his parents seemed okay with the idea.
Y/N easily explained that it was a fleeting moment. She was just charmed by both Sachiko and Sakura that she thought of adopting a daughter. She kept on apologizing to the younger one who was scolded by his dad for making his mom feel bad and checking her web history. “But you were right, Channie. I’m too old to be a mom again.” She then grinned, “Maybe I could be a grandmother.”
“Don’t be weird, mom.”
Jaehyun laughed in his low voice, “So now that both your issues are resolved, I have something important to tell the both of you.” Both mother and son looked at each other and then at the man speaking. “I’m planning on proposing to my girlfriend this month.”
Both Sungchan and Y/N looked shocked. Jung Jaehyun, the guy who doesn’t want to settle down? The ultimate bachelor in town? “What did grandma say?”
“I haven’t told her yet.” He claimed then shook his head. “You know she hates everyone.” Y/N even pursed her lips at that. She did. “I told the two of you first because I want to get your blessing.” He muttered then turned to the younger one. “Is that alright with you, Sungchan?”
He nodded, “Whatever makes you happy Dad.”
Jaehyun grinned, “Good!” He then clapped. “Then let your mom go on a date.” What? Y/N almost choked on the drink she sipped. What is Jung Jaehyun doing? Sungchan lightly glanced at his mom and then nodded, surprising Y/N. “Even if she’ll date your coach?” The girl glared at the older male but he just shrugged, unbothered, which annoyed her much more.
The girl was just so nervous. What if Sungchan says no? And why does Jaehyun open this up today of all days? He just announced that he has plans on getting married and now, he’s asking his son's permission for her to date. Isn’t that already hurtful for her son? “Channie, you really don’t have to answer that,” she claimed, shaking her head while smiling reassuringly at him.
“If you like each other, I don’t have any say on that right?” He claimed that startled the older. He’s fine with it? “On a brighter note, we don’t have to adopt Sakura if you two end up together.” He laughed then shook his head. “But Mom, please talk to Sachiko and forbid her from seeing those girls. If I become her brother, I might just shave all her hair for hanging out with those kind of girls.” Jaehyun gave a low laugh, even noting that his son was a scary brother. “But the coach is dating someone though.”
Both Jaehyun and Y/N stared at him in confusion. What? “He went out very early earlier and even kept on checking himself in the mirror. I haven’t seen him spray that much cologne even if we’re sweaty from the training.” The girl just laughed. She didn't know his son was such a blabbermouth.
Jaehyun shook his head, pointing at the only girl seated on the table. “He went to your mom’s boutique earlier.”
“Oh,” Sungchan whispered, nodding. “Then congratulations Mom and Dad,” he muttered, raising his glass of orange juice. “For finding love again. I hope both of you find happiness this time.”
Both Y/N and Jaehyun clinked their glasses at the younger one. The woman smiled to herself, Sungchan is growing up and maturing so well.
gif by @noyuta I can't find the gif I always include in the story so just saved it and uploaded it. I'm sorry.
characters: ex-stripper! company vice-president! Yuta x female! ex-wealthy! secretary! mom! Y/N
genre: chaptered, smut, angst, fluff
word count: 3.5k words
summary: Y/N has everything in her bitter life, not until she meets a sweet-looking stripper.
warnings: matured theme, ex-stripper au!, third person POV, alcohol consumption
taglist: @cherrymotodude @tenjyucat @justsomekpopstuff @ilhoonseyeballs @whyme11 @a-bts-world @amazinggraxia
Part Twelve
It must be a dream. A very crazy fever dream.
Come to think of it, even when he first met her, it felt like a dream. A hazy fairytale. How could a pretty, wealthy, successful girl hang out with a low-life stripper? Even when she was in his arms, he felt as if he was floating and just dreaming of the moment. When they got separated and he never saw her for years, it felt like a dream-like trance.
Maybe this is still a dream. He probably just missed her so much.
Yet when Yuta pinched his arm so hard, hurting himself in the process to at least wake himself up, Y/N was still in front of him. And she looks even prettier, glowing even. He can’t take his eyes off her. He had to get his eyes checked twice just to make sure that what he was seeing was true and not a hallucination.
But why? How?
Why would the wife of a globally esteemed company chairman work as a secretary in their small company? How did Y/N end up here, in his office, of all places?
It must be a plot. Maybe she works as a spy for their own company. But why Suzaki company? Does she know that he’s been doing this to defeat Jung Tradings?
He’s getting crazy just thinking of her reason when his original reason for opening the company is to be more successful than Jung Jaehyun. Then maybe, just maybe, he’ll have a chance to steal his first love from her husband.
Is this a sign of mockery from them?
That he’s now tied up to his dad who he despised the most. He’s running a small company. That the girl he yearned for is so close yet feels so far. Even if he can always see her, laughing with his very own secretary, he cannot touch her. That even if she calls him ‘sir’, he cannot have her.
He hated this feeling, he’d rather die.
All his hard work is now slowly going down the drain because of these stupid feelings.
The money Y/N had given him the night they last shared was all poured into opening this small business. It was a deal he proposed to his biological father, Mr. Suzaki, when the elder's henchmen caught him. He had been running really well from him, avoiding him at all costs for years. But it only took Y/N’s mother for him to get discovered and be sent back to Japan.
Yuta knew, even at a young age, that his biological father was the well-known yakuza in town. Growing up, the people around would tell him that he resembled the old man’s eyes. It also doesn’t help that he used to frequent the Geisha house to visit his favorite, Yuta’s mom.
He knew his father had money. But ever since Yuta was born, the yakuza leader never once came into the Geisha house again. He never once visited him, never even bought his mother out. The first time Yuta saw him was when his mother died and he just casually bought him out of the Geisha house. A young boy living in a house full of women with raging hormones isn’t a great sign, that was what he told Yuta. But a young boy living in a house full of violent men isn’t a great sign either. He saw people being killed, and blood splattered everywhere in the house. His father is ruthless and does not spare any life.
When Yuta was sixteen, he decided to run away from everything and live a new life.
It was a well-thought-out plan. He never knew if his father did look for him all those years but he didn’t care, as long as he could stay away from the old man’s life. As long as he wouldn’t be tagged as a yakuza’s son.
Now, he is the vice president of the Suzaki group. And now that he’s back, Yuta is determined to get the president position from his father.
A heavy sigh escaped his lips. But now that Y/N is on his team, his desire to be the company president has become less. He just wants to be the vice president and keep Y/N as his secretary. She seemed closer to him this way.
Yuta thinks that he has an upper hand from Jung Jaehyun this way. His wife works for him eight hours daily. Technically, they spend more time together than she does with her husband. If possible, he saw her more this past week than when they were hanging out back then. And she didn’t change. Y/N would always forget to eat lunch especially when she’s immersed in her work so Yuta had to call for Haechan’s attention for him to ask his fellow secretary to eat. She would always stay at work late and come to the office so early. She wouldn't even complain even if he kept asking her for revisions.
Does she still have time for her husband? Is Jaehyun not clingy for her time? Because if that was him, if Yuta is the lucky person she got married to, he’d probably go to the office late and go home early to spend more time with her. He’ll probably just attach her to his hip just so they can spend all their waking moments together. Is Jaehyun already sick of her? Maybe Yuta still has the chance to snatch her away from him.
It was a mystery. This is her husband’s party yet Y/N had told Haechan that she’ll just be waiting for them outside the hotel gates. She could easily just go inside the hotel with her husband. Besides, she knew about this hotel right? Yet, seeing her in that gorgeous black dress, he was glad that she didn’t come inside with her husband. His cheeks flared up, heart beating crazily in his chest as if it would burst. Even after all these years, it’s still her.
Yuta casually opened the door of the backseat for her, letting her sit beside him in the car. Y/N obviously looked startled and Haechan, who was seated on the passenger seat, greeted her by saying that she looked lovely. For the first time, Yuta was grateful to have a chatty secretary in his life. The younger was sharing about how amazed he was at the hotel, even gasping at how far the gate was from the entrance.
“It used to be farther,” both Y/N and Yuta claimed at the same time. Haechan’s eyes widened as the two just glanced at each other. “Have you been here before?” Both nodded which made Yuta lightly smirk. How could he forget that this was the exact place where they first met? But maybe that was just him. Surely, Y/N had more memories other than him in this place. She probably spent more time here with her husband, with its posh room and quality service. And that fact, itself, pissed him off.
The driver opened the door for him and Haechan opened the door for Y/N. When the only female of their team held on to Haechan’s arms, he pursed his lips in annoyance. Even in the elevator heading to the ballroom, the two were just very chatty with each other. Y/N shared that the escargots are amazing and that Haechan should try them out but what she said next confused him, “I don’t know if they’ll serve wine, they have amazing red wine here.”
Shouldn’t she know? This is a party held by Jung Jaehyun, her husband. Or, are they still married?
He had always seen Jaehyun on the covers of magazines as the youngest chairman or one of the most successful multi-billionaires but there’s nothing about his wife or their married life together. He just assumed that she wanted their relationship low key but that would be impossible since with her intelligence and beauty, they could be tagged as the most powerful business couple. If the was him, once again, he would show off how amazing his wife is.
Yuta lightly glanced at her as she talked to the receptionist. Maybe they have broken up. He now has the best chance.
“You can come in, Chairman Jung is ecstatic to meet you Mr. Suzaki.” Both Haechan and Yuta stared at the only girl who looked startled as well. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Nakamoto.”
The high ceiling of the ballroom amused the youngest in the team, exclaiming that he had never been inside something as fancy as this. There were a lot of people, some were familiar faces from way before his nightclub days. Faces he had seen in magazines or newspapers. People who probably know Y/N from way before. But she remained glued to Haechan’s side, engaging in talks with the younger secretary. Is this her way to avoid these people? She could have declined to come here if she wanted to.
Yuta thought that Jaehyun already knew who he was. Obviously, Y/N would have shared something about him right? That the stripper she once fooled with is now her boss. She even cried to her husband the first time they met, Yuta overheard that conversation. But the look on Jaehyun’s face is rather comical. He looked surprised and then confused at the same time, his eyes squinted as if taking a clear image of him.
“Mr. Suzaki.” The party host greeted them and then glanced at the girl behind the person he just addressed. Jaehyun looked confused before smiling, dimples popping out that annoyed Yuta. He lent out a hand to shake, “I’m Jung Jaehyun from Jung Tradings.”
“Yuta Nakamoto.” he introduced, shaking his hand.
Jaehyun’s smile grew before he slipped his hand off him and then faced the other guy, shaking his hand. “And you must be Lee Haechan.” The younger one smiled widely. “You truly are a ball of sunshine.” Y/N giggled at the younger’s shocked face. “If you don’t mind, can I borrow Y/N for a second?” He lent a hand for her to take, claiming that he wanted to show her something.
Haechan looked confused as Yuta carefully watched the couple walk while holding hands across the ballroom. “Does he know noona?” the younger asked as the older took a glass of champagne.
Yuta downed the drink before taking another glass, “They’re married.”
The secretary almost spat the drink he just took then stared at his boss as if he was joking then at the couple. “They look good together,” Yuta downed another glass of champagne. “Y/N noona hit the jackpot with a rich and handsome husband.” The older just rolled his eyes at that. He’s also handsome and rich. “But why would she work in our office if she’s the chairman’s wife?”
He pursed his lips at that, “I don’t know.” Yuta claimed then stared deadpan at Haechan. “That’s why I want you to watch her every move.”
“Oh, is that what you were doing?” Haechan asked which confused the older. “I thought you were smitten by noona. You can’t take your eyes off her.” What? That’s not true. What the hell is Haechan talking about? “There are rumors that you finally moved on from your first love because of noona.” Yuta chuckled before drinking his champagne. “Your favorability in the office came up when they thought you like a single mom then it turns out she’s married.”
Huh? “A what?”
“A single mom,” Haechan claimed as a matter of fact. “You do know that she has a son, right?”
Yuta’s eyes were on the couple greeting someone. A son? They have a son together? Then it’s game over, right?
True, this is Yuta’s first social event as a vice president of a company. As a Suzaki. But he’s not in the mood to mingle with some businessman or even introduce himself in their circle. Instead, he was seated in the hotel bar with a bottle of whiskey almost empty. How could one word affect him this much? A son.
Y/N, the girl he loves, is now a mom.
Her worry from way before is now a reality. Is that why she was glowing? Why she looks prettier? Motherhood might have looked really good to her. He just hates that he wasn’t there when that happened. He hates that all his reasons are now gone. He cannot do much to defeat the Jung tradings because realistically, he’s fairly a small company. He cannot steal the girl because they have a son together.
Y/N as a mom would be such a lovely thing to see.
Yuta hissed in annoyance before finishing the last gulp in his cup. Quickly, he tried to fill the glass when someone took the bottle from him. “You’re drunk.” He took the bottle away from the other’s grip but the girl just glared at him. “Stop drinking, sir.”
He had to laugh while shaking his head. “Where is Haechan?”
“I told him to look for you in the male restroom. I’ll call…” But before she could put the phone on her ear, he stopped her. Yuta leaned his head on her shoulder. His last attempt to find out if she was really true. That she’s now in front of him after all these years. His last attempt to keep his feelings for her. “Why did you drink so much, Yuta?”
Yuta? He looked up at her, fingers of his right hand threading on her left hand. “I…”
“Noona!” Haechan called. Yuta sat up, removing his hold from her as if they were boiling hot. “You found hyung.”
Y/N nodded. “Let’s take him home.”
“Haechan can. You stay.” The girl wanted to revolt at that but the vice president continued in a cold voice, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The younger guy was once again confused but followed his boss’ orders, leaving his fellow secretary looking at them in worry.
Yuta took a heavy sigh, dragging his own feet away from her. This is it, huh? His last goodbye to his last love. How heartbreaking.
—----
Y/N had been staring at her left hand the entire time she was inside the cab. She could still feel how warm those hands were. She could still smell his sweet scent. She thought he had changed a lot. But that guy earlier was still Yuta. Sweet, handsome, sexy, and warm Yuta. Maybe it was the pressure of being a vice president that turned his attitude colder. But there’s still the Yuta she knows inside that person. If possible, she thinks this new Yuta is even hotter.
The girl shook her head. What the hell was she thinking all of a sudden?
In those years apart, she was pretty sure that Yuta had found the girl of his dreams. He knocked her out pregnant in just a night together, he probably has a family of his own now. Because seriously, who would ever resist that gorgeous face and hot body?
Even that morning, with the warm cup of black coffee with a hint of caramel in her hands, she could still feel the warmth of his hand threaded on hers from last night. It’s even warmer than the coffee itself. She probably just missed him so much.
Haechan entered the office, apologizing for working on a weekend. “On a brighter note, we could leave before lunch if we get the work done.” He chirped, confusing her. Even if it is a weekend, isn’t that against the company rules? Secretaries cannot leave without their boss’ permission. “Hyung is too hammered to come in today. He also cried a lot from being too drunk last night.”
Y/N didn’t know whether to be jealous or be relieved. She had always wanted to see Yuta drunk. He did witness her in her drunken state once and he promised that one day he’ll show it to her, ending in just a night together. She was curious about whether he gets aggressive when he drinks or just sleeps as if nothing is happening. She was relieved that he only cried when drunk and that Haechan was there to take care of him. But what does he cry about? The company? His frustrations? She’s now curious about that.
The younger secretary was so great with computers that the task of doing a presentation for Monday morning and inventory of products were instantly done. Y/N was glad that she had an amazing co-worker and that their teamwork was great. “Are you eating out for lunch?” Haechan asked, fixing his backpack.
Y/N nodded, closing her computer. “My son is coming by so we’ll grab lunch together.” The younger only nodded, “Do you want to come with us?” The sentence came before she could even think about the situation. She wanted to take it back but Haechan was grinning widely. She didn’t want to break his heart but she didn’t want to explain anything to him as well.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips, “Haechan, whatever you’re going to see…” she started then bit her lip in contemplation. How should she say this to him? “Could you please hide it from anyone?” The guy tilted his head to the side looking at her in confusion.
The girl was grateful that the younger had never asked anything. She introduced Mark to her co-worker, even sharing that he takes care of her son whenever she’s at work. The story of when she was in Canada and his parents were her adopted family there was also brought up. Her talkative son was the one who brought up that Mark wanted to be a performer in the country so he came with them.
Y/N thought that Haechan would be surprised. She even expected him to be mad. But his nonchalance in the situation scared her more. When he introduced Kenshin, he just smiled widely and then greeted the kid as if they had known each other for a long time. The young child even asked if their boss was evil which made Haechan nod at him.
Haechan had a young boy charm. His energy is off the roof and he jived really well with her son. Maybe it was also one of the reasons why she grew comfortable with the younger guy. Contrary to Mark’s calm energy who was strict with her son like a real brother, Haechan had a cheerful approach to him like a playmate. Even their interaction reminded him of her brothers from before. How were they? Are they still as close as before? She wished she had taken notes on how to take care of a young child. She wished she had seen Junyoung grow up.
“Does hyung know?” Haechan asked then lightly glanced at Mark who was listening. He probably knows right? The older woman shook her head, drinking her coffee. “Do you plan on telling him?” But she only shrugged in response.
It isn’t that she doesn’t want to tell him. That would save her an earful from Ken who kept on asking for his dad. But the said father has already reached a high status in his life. New money rich. And with the current situation, she doesn’t want him to think that she’s after his money. Kenshin was her mistake, her decision. She didn’t follow his number one rule. He asked her for condoms and she declined. She needed to take the consequences of her life decisions. Besides, if Yuta isn’t ready to have a child, she doesn’t want her son to endure a heartbreak caused by a person he badly wants to meet the most.
They’re fine living this way.
When Mark decided to leave, excusing that he had a small busking gig, Haechan came with him. The mother-son was just walking in the opposite direction when the young secretary asked, “Shouldn’t we do something?” Mark just gave him a puzzled look, raising his eyebrow at what the other claimed. “Help noona and hyung get back together.”
“Do you think they’ll both appreciate that?” Mark claimed in a soft voice. “I heard your boss likes to torment noona. The other day she even cried because he asked her to repeat the report four times and then submitted the first one she had done.”
Haechan rolled his eyes. “I’m not saying my boss is an amazing man. He’s an annoying jerk.” The younger complained, making Mark smile. “But I recently discovered that he’s only like that because he was jealous of noona and Jung Jaehyun.”
“Jaehyun hyung?”
“They’re married, right?"
Mark even stopped in his tracks. “They’re not.” Haechan stared in question. “Something about Jaehyun hyung stopping the wedding and noona running away that they didn't get married.”
The younger’s eyes were wide in shock. “No way. Hyung thought they got married and she moved on from him that’s why he’s acting like a pathetic jerk.”
“And noona thought that your boss did move on from her that’s why he’s been cold towards her.”
“When clearly he hasn’t.”
The older squinted his eyes at the secretary, “How did you know?”
The younger had a faint smile on his lips. “He kept on crying her name, saying that he missed her so much, when he was drunk last night.” The smile grew wider, “Mark, we can definitely do something to get them back together.”
“How?” Haechan smiled knowingly, making Mark sigh. “But if Y/N noona or Kenshin gets hurt, I’m out of it, Lee Haechan.”
The younger shook the older’s hand, nodding his head. “Welcome onboard, Mark Lee.”
“We will bring back Yuta hyung and Y/N noona together.”
characters: ex-stripper! company vice-president! dad! Yuta x female! ex-wealthy! secretary! mom! Y/N
genre: chaptered, smut, angst, fluff, a little humor
word count: 8k words (sorry)
summary: Y/N has everything in her bitter life, not until she meets a sweet-looking stripper.
warnings: matured theme, ex-stripper au!, third person POV, a lot of cursing, an attempt at humor, a lot of crying, sexual talk, romantic stuff, mentions of killing and dying
a/n: Thank you for your suggestions. And because of how warm you received Caramel, I wanted to post this quickly. I remember starting this fic without any plot in mind but here we are, in the last chapter of this story. Thank you so much for encouraging me to write this story and just being here. I know it doesn't mean much but I realized a lot in life while writing this piece and I'm very thankful to the readers who waited patiently for this fic. And just like the main character, I hope you find the Caramel in your dark coffee.
“Mommy, I just want to live here,” Kenshin exclaimed while bouncing on the Pororo bed making Yuta chuckle. “This room is so cool and it’s all mine.”
The girl had to glare at Yuta before asking the young boy to get down the bed. “You’ll break the bed, Ken.” She reasoned out.
“I can buy him another.” Yuta blurted out earning another glare from Y/N. “But Kenshin, mommy is right you’ll hurt yourself if you keep jumping on your bed.” The kid stopped, staring at both his parents who were standing by the doorway. “You can jump on the bouncy house in the next room.”
“A bouncy house?” Ken exclaimed, eyes wide and sparkling. Yuta nodded, gesturing to him to follow him. The younger exclaimed in awe as his father opened the room adjacent to his, with a huge bouncy house in the middle and different arcade games on the side.
Y/N opened her jaw at how extravagant all this was. Yes, Yuta has a huge house. But she didn’t expect a gaming room in one of the rooms. The younger ran to the bouncy house, squealing in excitement. “Yuta,” Y/N called, “I told you not to go overboard.”
“I didn’t.” He even raised his hands to revolt but she just glared. “I’m sorry, I can’t resist. Kenshin looks so happy in the bouncy house and the arcade games.” He reasoned out then stepped closer to her, “I’m really sorry, I just want to see my son happy.”
Y/N hated that Yuta always knew exactly what to say. She gets it. He’s just a father yearning for a son. It was her fault, she did deprive him of a chance to be a parent. But this is just too much. “It’s unfair that I can make my younger siblings happy but not my own son. I’m sorry, Y/N. I’ll tone it down I promise.”
“Can we get pizza for dinner?” Kenshin shouted from inside the room.
“No.” “Yes.” Both adults exclaimed at the same time, Yuta earning another glare from Y/N. “Last time, I promise.” He pleaded while taking his phone from his pocket. The girl only sighed. There’s really nothing she could do, right?
Y/N was always curious about why her son loves pizza. She wasn’t that fond of the said food, it’s too much oil. But watching as the two males in front of her devoured the slice of pizza, she came to the conclusion that Kenshin was indeed Yuta’s younger version. How could two people look and act the same? And how did that young kid come from her? Maybe she had to feel the pain of childbirth since that was the only contribution she had over Kenshin. Everything about him just screams Yuta.
“Why?” Kenshin whined, hiding his head with the pizza slice. “Mommy, you’re creeping me out.”
The girl had to laugh at that, apologizing. “You just look exactly like your dad. It’s weird.” The younger kid had to grin, making the older annoyed. “Sometimes I wonder if I am really your mom.”
Yuta chuckled at that but the lower lips of the child started quivering. He put down his pizza slice, got down from his chair then climbed on his mother’s lap. “Of course you are.” He wrapped his arms around her neck. “You’re my only mommy.”
Does he also get this trait from Yuta? Y/N wonders. Even at a young age, she was well aware that Kenshin was so clingy with the people around him. He kept on kissing her cheek as she whined that he was rubbing the pizza oil on her, making the child giggle. “Finish your pizza so we could go.”
“Wait, you’re not staying for the night?” Yuta asked. “It’s Sunday tomorrow, you can stay here for the night.” Kenshin even complained that he didn’t want to leave and that he wanted to sleep on his new Pororo bed.
The girl pursed her lips before staring at her son. He’ll probably have a fit if they do come home right now. That bed is amazing, she had to admit. He really knew how to entice his son to live with him. “Will it be alright if Kenshin stays tonight?” The child nodded but Yuta had a curious look on his face. “I’m supposed to meet Jaehyun early in the morning.”
Yuta put down his pizza slice as he watched Y/N talking to Ken about behaving while he stayed here with his dad. Why does she have to meet Jaehyun early in the morning? They already established that they were not together, so why? Is it that important for her? Why is he so pissed off? “You could just ask Jaehyun to come here in the morning. I’ll prepare breakfast.” He claimed before he could even think of it. Wait, is that too weird to say? He doesn't sound too jealous right? “It’s late and your apartment is too far.” He reasoned out. “You could stay in my room.”
It was dangerous, Y/N knew. She shouldn’t have agreed but how can she not when even her son is pressuring her to stay the night? Kenshin settled in his own room which surprised Y/N. When they first moved back from Canada, he was a crying mess. Maybe the Pororo bed did its magic. Yuta pointed at the door beside Kenshin’s claiming that it was his room and that she could settle in. The girl was surprised at how huge the room was, another door which he pointed to as the bathroom was by the corner of the room. The large bed and rows of cabinets and drawers made up half the room. “There’s an extra towel and toothbrush in the cabinet above the sink and then you can get some clothes in the drawer,” Yuta claimed making her nod.
The guy took two pillows from the bunch of pillows by the headboard of the bed. “Where will you be sleeping?”
“Outside,” he shrugged. “The bouncy house if it gets cold.”
Y/N chuckled at that, imagining his huge body sleeping in the small bouncy house. "Well, I feel bad taking your room.” Yuta shook his head but stopped at what she said next, “It’s a huge bed, we can share.” The guy sighed hard, staring at her as if she was a lunatic. “It’s not like I’ve never shared a bed with a guy before.”
Yuta was fucking annoyed that he kept punching the bathroom tiles as he took a shower. The fact that those words came out of her lips meant it must be true. Has she fooled around all these years? Is that why she’s meeting Jaehyun? Maybe they have more than a friend relationship. Has she shared a bed with Jaehyun? Maybe that kid who lives with them. Mark Lee? Maybe that was why she wanted to go home. But Haechan claimed that it was Mark’s parents who adopted her when she lived in Canada and their relationship is highly platonic. His head was just aching at all the possibilities there were.
He was busy placing a pillow fort in between the bed, the sound of the shower running in the bathroom making him more nervous. Is the space enough for Y/N? Should he move the pillows to take some of his space? Can he even fall asleep knowing that the girl he had been yearning for so long is so close, on his bed even? Yuta shook his head. He should be cool about this.
The emails were answered and he was just scrolling on his phone, seated by the foot of the bed, when she came out of the bathroom while ruffling her damp hair. His jaw fell open at how pretty she was. This is unbelievable. Yuta might be crazy. She was just wearing one of his sweatpants and a plain gray shirt, for crying out loud, yet he felt his whole system broke down.
He’s sharing a bed with this gorgeous woman? He should go to church tomorrow because God damn, he might just sin so bad.
“You can take that side of the bed,” Yuta pointed at the wider space that startled her. “I wouldn’t trespass, I promise.”
The girl giggled, sitting on the bed. “I hope you don’t mind I used your body wash,” she started which made him shake his head. That’s why she smelled familiar the moment she went nearer. His mind was going haywire. He can’t seem to wrap his head around the fact that she smelt just like him. Now, he wanted to bury himself in her scent. “I’ve always wondered what your perfume was. It turns out your body wash is Vanilla Caramel.” She claimed then sniffed her wrist. “It smells so sweet.”
“Johnny gifted me a bottle once and I have been using it since then.”
Y/N nodded. “That’s why I cannot find your perfume.” She said it more to herself than out loud. “It smells good, different from other guys with musky scents.” She claimed with a shrug.
Yuta put down his phone. Other guys? She really has hung out with other guys. “Y/N,” he called facing her. “Are you dating someone?” She looked confused before shaking her head. “You mentioned that it wasn’t the first time you shared a bed with a guy.”
“Now that you said it out loud, the statement does seem weird.” She said, cocking her head to the side. “I meant, I share the bed with Kenshin so it’s not new to share a bed with a guy.” Yuta gasped then nodded. So that was what she meant, why is he over his head and overthinking it? “Besides, it’s not like we never shared a bed before right Yuta?” She claimed with a giggle. “We even made Kenshin.”
Seriously, she’s just going to say that? Y/N was lucky he was in his right state of mind or they might even made another Kenshin. Yuta shook his head, he’s not the same testosterone-filled adult as his dad. Thinking of her sexually is so wrong, he really should go to church. “Is Jaehyun coming for breakfast tomorrow? Does he have any request?”
“He’s not going here tomorrow.” Yuta looked surprised. But she’s adamant about meeting him tomorrow so he thought it was important. “He had to meet a client in the morning but he promised that he’ll just buy the gift for Junyoung.” The guy furrowed his eyebrows in confusion and she stopped, obviously surprised that she had said so much. “It’s Junyoung’s birthday tomorrow.”
“Is he having a party tomorrow? Or are you just having dinner together?” He then smiled, “Junyoung might be tall now.”
Y/N hummed in answer. “He probably is,” The answer confused Yuta. “I haven’t seen him since I went to Canada. The last time I saw Junyoung was at the wedding.” In a soft voice, she continued. “I haven’t seen anyone else except Jaehyun.”
Yuta wanted to learn more. Why? How? Does that mean she hasn’t seen Doyoung or Jungwoo as well? Is this because of her mom again? He knew what happened to the family, it was global news at some point. There was a time when he wanted to check on her. This was the company she worked hard for and now it’s crumbling in the ground but he assured himself that she probably doesn’t need him. He thought she was married and with Jaehyun’s swift take-over of the company, he was given the reassurance that she had all the support system she needed. He even saw Doyoung performing in New York once and Jungwoo in magazines.
He thought they were fine. That they were happy. Because Y/N is happiest when she is with her brothers.
A happiness that he wanted to return to her.
—-
Y/N believed that sleeping in the same bed as Yuta wouldn’t make her fall asleep. How could she? When his scent was twice as intense in stimulating her senses. An addicting sweetness along with an addicting warmth. In surprise, she opened her eyes and Yuta was just centimeters in front of her. What happened to the pillow fort? Was she moving actively while sleeping? Why is she wrapped in Yuta’s arms this morning?
She should get away, that is the right thing to do. But she cannot. Not when his body was warm, not when his arms were wrapped around her tight, not when he smelled so good. Maybe she should just let this moment stay, pretend that she’s still sleeping. She squirmed a little bit to move closer to him.
It seemed like a long time that they were in the same position when the door opened and Kenshin started climbing on Yuta’s torso. He had to turn his body around to give space for the younger kid and was annoyed at the sudden loss of body heat from Y/N. “Good morning,” he greeted, making Kenshin smile. “You woke up early.”
“I miss mommy,” he whispered as Yuta placed him in between their bodies. Ken had to hug his still-sleeping mom, nuzzling his cheek on her breasts. The girl had to hum, hugging the younger guy. Yuta doesn’t know he’ll get jealous this early morning. And with his son? He might be crazy. “What are we getting for breakfast?”
Since Jaehyun isn’t coming for breakfast, Yuta just suggested eating outside. Y/N tried to revolt at first but seeing the cafe where they went, she was glad Yuta pushed for them to go out. The cafe had changed a lot, she remembered that this was where Yuta and Y/N first had breakfast together - the cafe where he sold caramel.
The girl was surprised that they both had the same coffee order, black coffee with caramel. When Ken asked, Yuta reasoned that it was addicting before glancing at the girl in front of him who seemed to understand what he meant.
The whole Sunday was a blast for the young kid who got everything he wanted in the mall. Of course, Y/N was once again reminding Yuta not to spoil his son but he kept revolting that it was just for today, which she knew would be impossible. The older guy drove Y/N and Kenshin to their apartment where Mark was waiting with a wide smile on his face. “I thought you were going to live with your dad.” he teased the young child.
Y/N glared. It’s obviously not the kid who he was teasing.
She thought the whole dynamic in the office would change. Even if they have a child together, which the whole office knows now, she is still his second secretary. A position that she was badly reminded of when he asked Haechan to join him for a lunch meeting. She was left in the office working on another proposal for a new company, a marketing event to invite more investors. When both Haechan and Yuta came back, the older walked briskly to his office while the younger placed a paper bag on her desk. “Mark said this is your favorite food.”
Mark? Y/N opened the paper bag and the smell of lobsters filled her senses. But this is expensive. “I think Yuta hyung feels bad that he left you here all alone so he called Mark to ask about your favorite food.” The girl lightly glanced at Yuta’s office. He’s so unpredictable.
Before they could leave the office, the vice president had to call the girl inside the office. He inquired her about a dinner meeting and that he’d just pay for her overtime work. Y/N was just startled that it was her who he was bringing along and not the first secretary. “It’s at Tulip Row.” She knew that restaurant. It sells amazing ice cream that it was one of Junyoung’s favorites. “I’ll pick you and Ken up at eight pm.”
With Ken? Now she’s just confused. A dinner meeting with Kenshin? Isn’t that trouble? This is still work, not a family dinner. Yet before the clock struck eight, Yuta came knocking on their door. It’s also confusing how Yuta looked so casual in his red polo shirt and jeans. If this is a dinner meeting, shouldn’t he be wearing something more business-like? She seemed more formal than him in her pantsuit.
The restaurant was almost empty which is confusing for Tulip Row, reservations here are difficult. What is this? He’s not proposing, isn’t he? Y/N shook her head. What the hell was she thinking? But someone was standing in the middle of the room, making Ken immediately run to him while calling him, “Uncle Jaehyun.” What is he doing here? When Jung Jaehyun stepped to the side, she saw someone else then everything clicked.
The man sitting behind Jaehyun stood up immediately and in the same manner as Kenshin, ran to his older sister. “Noona,” Junyoung called, wrapping his hands around her. “Y/N noona.” He called once again. Her eyes went to Yuta who was only smiling at her then at Jaehyun, carrying his son, who was nodding.
The restaurant choice. The dinner meeting. The reservation. The two of them together in this place. Is this their plan? Her hands wrapped around the younger guy, whispering his name. “Junyoungie.” The tears fell from the younger’s eyes as his hug got tighter.
Who would have thought that the young boy she used to carry around was now carrying her own child? Yuta was right, Junyoung got taller now but his childhood features are still there. He’s wearing glasses now which makes him more alike their dad. She then realized how these two in front of her were the only blood-related relatives she had. Her only blood-related family. “Jungwoo hyung called me yesterday. He said he’s opening a store in Paris.” Junyoung shared, “Dad video called last night. He’s walking after therapy now.” That’s great news. “And Doyoung hyung is busy with his new musical.” The girl had to smile at that. They’re really doing well in life.
“They’ll be happy to know that I saw you again, noona. They have been asking a lot about you.” Her face fell at that. She missed them as well. But after everything that happened, she doesn’t have any courage to see them again.
“Mom hasn’t been well but Dad told me not to visit her anymore.” The mention of her startled Y/N. Junyoung had been visiting their mom? “She tried to hurt me when I visited her once.” Even Yuta visibly jerked at that statement. “She said I was the one who killed her son.”
“Oh my God,” she exclaimed.
“I’m sorry, noona.” That made her look at him. He was the one who was hurt, why is he apologizing to her? “When I was young, I didn’t understand why you didn’t like to stay at our house. I thought you hated me.” She shook her head. To be honest, it was Junyoung who was the reason why she kept returning to their house. “I didn’t know Mom hurt you so much.” He reached out to hug her as tears welled in her eyes, “You don’t deserve that because you’re the best noona I have.”
“I’m your only noona.”
Junyoung nodded, brushing her hair. “I’ll always choose you as a big sister even in the next life.” The tears fell in her eyes. How could Junyoung say these words to her? “I’m sorry I was born too late but I promise I’ll do my best to take care of you now, Y/N noona.”
Because she had been crying too much, Yuta suggested that she and Kenshin stay in his place since it was nearer. The younger was already sleeping soundly when they arrived at his house, Y/N just tucking him to sleep and then closing the door of his room quietly. “He might have tired himself playing with Junyoung,” Yuta whispered while chuckling. He then stopped when Y/N hugged him, hands wrapped around his torso. “Hey, are you alright?” He asked, brushing his hand on her back to calm her down from crying.
“Thank you for doing this Yuta.” She cried which made him hug her. “I didn’t realize how much I miss Junyoung. Thank you.”
The guy had to tap her back, “You deserve to have all the happiness in the world, Y/N.”
She lightly pushed him, glancing up to stare him in the face. Y/N breathed heavily, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do Yuta.”
He smiled, “Then let’s get you to bed.”
Y/N’s heart was stammering really hard as she was sitting on the edge of Yuta’s bed, the man arranging the pillows. “Yuta,” she called quietly. “You should know that it’s been so long since I had sex with someone. The last time was with you.”
The guy giggled at that. “I’m not doing anything to you, Y/N.” He fluffed the pillows. “I want you to sleep. Your eyes are very puffy.” He took two pillows from the pile. “Take a lot of rest and skip work tomorrow.”
Before he could leave the room with the pillows, she held his hand. “Where are you going?”
“Sleeping outside.”
“You could sleep here,” she whispered, moving to the side of the bed while taking one pillow. “It’s a huge bed.”
Yuta smiled, putting back the pillow. “I’ll arrange the pillow fort…”
“Don’t bother. You know it will be gone in the morning.” He gulped at that. Why is she making him crazy like this? “It’s fine, you said you wouldn’t do anything to me.”
The guy had to lightly smile at that. This girl, really. He lightly tapped the bed, “Then get some sleep.”
“Goodnight, Yuta.”
“Goodnight, Y/N.”
—-
Yuta can’t take his eyes off her. He had watched her in these board meetings presenting her ideas and proposals but every time she just gets prettier and prettier. It seemed like she was born to do this job, to run a company of her own. A trait that made her so charming.
The stakeholders congratulated Y/N for a presentation well done, even tagging her as the gem of Suzaki company. “If this Suzaki kid doesn’t marry you, I’ll introduce you to my son.” One of the company presidents claimed making Yuta glare at him. Y/N only laughed at that. Why isn’t she saying no and rejecting their offers?
The girl was standing in the middle of Yuta’s office room, twiddling her thumbs together. “You wanted to take a leave for a week?” The vice president asked, looking at the letter she submitted. “You’re going to New York?”
She nodded, “I think it will be a great gift for Junyoung, to see Dad and Doyoung.”
“Are you bringing Ken on your trip?” The girl shook her head, reasoning out that her money could only pay for her ticket and Jaehyun was paying for Junyoung’s. “I could pay for Kenshin’s.”
Y/N sighed. She wanted to bring Kenshin along. This is her chance to introduce her son to her stepdad and stepbrother. But bringing the hyperactive kid and her teenage brother to a foreign place is a little difficult for her. But then, that was what happened when she moved back to the country with Ken and Mark. Maybe she could do it.
Her boss allowed her for a week break but she’s already freaking out. The tickets were already in her purse but she kept on checking on it to not forget anything. Y/N had kept on reminding her son not to run away from her and to just stay where she could always see him. Yet she knew that would be false hopes especially whenever he sees anything related to Pororo.
The girl was just breathing hard, Junyoung following his nephew. They’re still in the airport but she feels like she cannot do this. Someone turned the corner while carrying her son, making her stop in her tracks. “Mommy said not to run, why are you running away from your uncle?” Yuta asked, making Ken apologetic.
“What are you doing here?” The girl asked, eyeing Yuta’s backpack.
He handed her his plane ticket and passport, “I’m coming to New York.” Her eyes widened in surprise. “It’s a business meeting so I won’t bother you but you clearly need help with these two.” Y/N only nodded, breathing in relief, thanking him.
It was a heartwarming reunion. Their dad was seated in his wheelchair but he tried standing up to hug both Y/N and Junyoung. He kept on apologizing for not being a good father and just leaving the two to fend for themselves alone. Junyoung kept on crying, whispering that he was thankful to have him as his father. Jungwoo also came from Paris, which launched another crying fest from the family.
They all complimented Y/N for Kenshin’s adorable antics, even stating that they were proud of her for not giving the younger boy up for adoption. “Did Yuta ask you for marriage yet?” Doyoung asked, making Jungwoo nod curiously. “I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t let you go now.”
“By the lengths of what Yuta can do, I’m sure marriage is your endgame.” Y/N stared in confusion. “He was the one who bought me the ticket for this trip.”
It’s not like Y/N had never thought of that before. With the endless days she spent with Yuta lately, she was getting used to a life with him. Everyone at work was teasing them about getting married, even Kenshin had been asking her why his parents were not together. But they are not together, to begin with. They’re just co-parenting Kenshin and that’s all.
“If he hasn’t asked you for marriage yet, maybe you could ask him instead.” Her dad suggested.
—-
Yuta was rubbing his temples, staring at the Excel file in front of him as if it would magically fix itself. He did attend business school but why is this application just so damn difficult? Should he call Y/N? She’ll know what to do since she has solved countless of these problems before. But she’s with her family and it’s her leave, he cannot just bother her with work.
But he wanted to call and ask her what happened. Surely, she would cry and he wanted to calm her down. Maybe he just misses her voice. He stared at the time on the bottomside of his laptop then shook his head. It’s late. Maybe tomorrow. He’ll call in to check on her tomorrow. Meaning, he had the whole night to fight with this impossible file. He was ready to give up and close the laptop when a knock on his hotel door could be heard. He did put up the ‘Do not Disturb’ card, didn’t he? Yuta was startled seeing Y/N standing outside. “Hi,” he greeted. “What are you doing here?” He then glanced around for someone in particular, “Where’s Ken?” But Yuta let her in anyhow.
“Dad asked if Kenshin could stay at their place. With Jungwoo arriving, the house is very crowded.” Oh, Yuta understands. But why is she here? “Can I spend the night here? I’ll take dibs on the couch.”
The guy had to chuckle, disappearing to the kitchen to get her something to drink. He was just thinking about her. Is this the power of manifestations? Then should he just start manifesting a life with her? Maybe that would come true as well. “Are you working on something?” She asked, which made him hum. When he returned to his receiving area, she was seated on the couch and looking at his laptop. “The formula for this cell is wrong.” she pointed then stared at Yuta who was just watching her, “Can I?”
He nodded as she sat down on the floor and started typing on his laptop. Yuta put down the drinks on the table next to the laptop, watching what she was doing. It’s truly amazing, the things she could do. Obviously, it’s not something that she learned from school. It really is from her experience.
An advantage that makes her the most eligible for the presidential position.
“You’re really great at this,” Yuta complimented as the Excel file showed the results he had been yearning to achieve. “Do you want to be the president of the company?” Y/N laughed. “Dad is resigning soon.”
“Wait, you were serious?”
Yuta nodded. “My dad and I have the same 35% stocks while the stakeholders have 10%. I can’t let some stakeholder take away the Suzaki company even if I hate that name.”
“Then you should do it,” Y/N stated as a matter of fact. “Where’s the other 20% of the stocks though?”
“Yours and Kenshin’s,” he claimed that startled her, even choking on her orange juice. “I did mention that the money you gave me was used to start the company.”
The girl pursed her lips at that. The company is slowly progressing to a global market earning hundreds of thousands each day. That was a huge amount of money for Kenshin to even inherit. Yes, Yuta is his dad and he is the vice president of the company. But that is still huge to think about. “Yuta, you do realize that Suzaki company is a family-owned business, right? I think you would be the best candidate for the president position.”
“I can’t.”
“Your department had brought in a lot of investors.”
“But that was because of you.” He reasoned out. “And no one in my brothers or sisters would bother running a company. You are my only hope, Y/N.”
The girl sighed. “I told you it’s a family business. I’m not even a Suzaki.”
“Then let’s get married.” Yuta blurted out. He blinked realizing what he said, “Though you’re not a Suzaki by blood, you will be on paper.”
“Let me make this clear,” She started, “You're going to marry me so I could be the president of your company?” Wow, Y/N thought, that kind of stings. And she thought they could be together somehow.
Yuta was quick on his feet, kneeling on the floor in front of the table that even startled her. “Wait, wait. That’s not what I meant.” He immediately cleared up, shaking his hands frantically. “God, I would love to get married to you but only if you wanted to, Y/N,” he exclaimed. “It’s not because I wanted you to run the company, I want to marry you because I want to be with you.” He rumbles. “I want to start my day seeing you, I want to end my day with the image of you. I want to see you smiling and happy all the time. I want to give you all the love you deserve, Y/N.” He claimed then stopped to take a breath. “I might sound like a crazy man right now but I’ll be the happiest man in the world if you agree to marry me.”
Y/N furrowed her eyebrows at the cute rant. “Is that your marriage proposal?” She asked making Yuta sigh as if defeated. “It was cute but very unprompted.” She teased making him glare at her while pouting. How cute. “But Yuta, you cannot marry your secretary. That’s against company rules.”
The side of his lips turned up, “And you cannot marry a low-life stripper you just picked up in the street, Y/N. That’s against societal rules.” The girl mirrored the same smile as him. “But here we are, Y/N. Two people sitting on the floor at a hotel in New York.” She giggled at that. Yuta placed both her hands on his shoulders, his hands holding her waist. “Can I kiss you?”
She leaned in for a quick kiss, “You don’t have to ask every time.”
Yuta moved closer, his lips devouring hers. It still feels like the first time. As if fireworks were popping around and butterflies in his stomach wanting to be set free. He felt his lungs constrict with air while his heart kept stammering harder by the second. He felt like dying yet being alive at the same time. How weird is this feeling? How could this moment feel so familiar yet so different, more intense, at the same time? “I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, forehead against hers. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Yuta.”
—-
There was a huge shift in their relationship after going back from New York. Haechan made sure that the couple knew what it was when he kept reminding the two that they seemed like a married couple already. Everyone in the office, even Yuta’s father, kept on asking when they would hear the wedding bells making the two just smile at them. It’s not that they’re not planning or even wanting to, but there are a lot of things going on at the moment. There are more company projects that they need to prioritize.
Y/N kept on presenting her ideas to make the company larger and known in the global market. In her effort, they had made millions in just a month. She even urged Jaehyun to invest in the company, earning high-status recognition from other companies. And Yuta was just amazed at how she did it. Truly, it is a gift. No one could run this company but her.
And he’s willing to do everything to give her the position she deserves.
There were countless date nights before. They would often leave Ken to Mark or Haechan’s care, sometimes Jaehyun and Junyoung’s. So it isn’t new that Yuta was driving Y/N in town. Maybe they’ll eat at another fine-dining restaurant. But the road he was traveling to was so familiar, she had been driving her car countless times in this place. When they entered a majestic gate, her confusion grew. Is there a party they need to attend? Why this hotel? She’s clearly underdressed for this hotel.
Yuta was driving so slowly, even stopping at some point and then shaking his head before driving a little bit forward. “What’s wrong?” He then stopped the car that confused Y/N. Is his car broken? Why are they stopping in the middle of the hotel's driveway?
The guy breathed hard before facing her, “I saw you here exactly six years ago.” Y/N glanced at the place and then gasped. They did. “I did plan on walking the entire driveway but you came and offered me a ride.” Yuta smiled warmly as if reminiscing that moment, “A car ride I knew I wouldn’t forget.”
“I knew you said the proposal in New York is enough but it’s not,” He took a box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a simple ring. “And you hated tacky things like a diamond stone on your finger so this is the simplest I could buy.” The girl giggled at that.
“Y/N, I want to spend all my mornings and evenings with you. Whenever you feel tired, I want to take care of you. Whenever something happy or sad happens in your life, I want to be the first person to hear all about it.” His hand came to her cheek, wiping the tears falling from her eyes. “I’ll give you the moon and the stars if you want to. I’ll remain loyal to you even if you share a bed with other guys.” She chuckled at that, lightly hitting his chest in a playful manner. “I will love you until my last breath, Y/N.”
The girl gasped at that. How did he come up with those words? “So, Miss Y/N Y/L/N, will you do me the honor of marrying this crazy guy who only loves you the most in the world?”
“Yes, crazy man.” Y/N smiled. “I will marry you.”
The guy had to hug her first, assuring himself that this wasn’t a dream like the one he had days ago, before slipping the ring on her finger. The girl even praised him for picking the right size which made him beam in delight. “I’m always holding your hand, I feel like your hand is already molded on mine.” The girl giggled before he placed their foreheads together, “I love you, Y/N.”
“I love you too, Yuta.”
“Can I…?”
“I told you, you don’t have to ask.” She claimed, holding his cheeks to kiss him.
—---
“And then we should utilize the reach of Jung Tradings to advertise the collaboration project with Hikari Studios,” Y/N explained before tapping her pen on the vice president’s desk. “Were you listening to me?” Yuta shook his head and she rolled her eyes, shifting her weight on another leg. “This is kind of important.”
“I know,” he claimed while standing up. He wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek. “But you’re distracting. Why are you so pretty?” The girl had to turn her body to face him, giving him a glare. “Let’s take a break, hmm?”
“Yuta, you said that ten minutes ago.” She shook her head, holding his shoulders. “I haven’t moved past the third slide of my presentation.”
He chuckled, pulling her closer. “I don’t have to hear it to know how great your ideas are.”
When they said that it’s dangerous to have a relationship with your boss, Y/N doesn’t believe that crap. Of course, there’s a huge wall between being professional and being personal. Yet Yuta is proving her otherwise. It’s not a bad thing though, it’s endearing actually. But he’s becoming more clingy ever since they got engaged.
The guy kissed her neck which earned a small squeak from her. “Yuta, not here. Haechan is outside the door.”
“He already left,” The girl looked startled. But it’s still early. “He’ll just force me to have a bachelor party.”
“Then why don’t you?” Yuta had to let go of the girl as if she was burning hot. Is she crazy? Is she really asking that question? “You’ll enjoy that more instead of fucking your secretary in your office.”
Yuta let out a hearty laugh. “Then will you be having your bachelorette party?”
The girl shook her head with a pout. “First, I don’t have female friends. Second, I’ve seen better.” She grinned. “If it’s Johnny dancing, I might reconsider.”
His arms were back on her waist, tickling her sides which made her giggle. “But you promised me that you’d hire me for your bachelorette party.”
“Oh yeah,” she mumbled as if just remembering it. “I did, didn’t I?”
“I think I still have my skills left,” he claimed. “A little rusty because of lack of practice.” She raised an eyebrow at that. “But I could give you a lap dance for free.”
Y/N giggled, giving him a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll avail that service after you bend me on your desk, sir.”
Yuta smirked. She does know how to make him crazy.
Crazily in love with her.
—--
The wedding hall looked majestic and everything was in the right place. Jaehyun even claimed that this was better than the wedding they almost had. Even Kenshin was well-behaved as he wore his suit and tie. A lot of emotions were running in his veins at the moment, excitement leading the bunch. He cannot wait to see his very lovely bride walking on the aisle. He can’t wait to finally call her his wife.
Jungwoo was walking along the aisle, looking like his runway self but his eyes were focused on Yuta. Anxiousness filled his chest. Something isn’t right. “She’s frantic.” The other guy claimed that confused Yuta. “Junyoung is trying to calm her down but I don’t think she wants to go out of the room.”
Doyoung tapped his shoulder, “You should go see her.”
This was a bad omen, right? A groom shouldn’t see his bride before the wedding. That would ruin the surprise, the anticipation of getting married. But what is happening to her? He’s more worried about her than this growing anxiousness in his chest. Is she sick? Is she suddenly regretting saying yes to him? Yuta shook his head while briskly walking to where the bridal room was. Her younger brother was pacing back and forth then looking relieved when he saw him. “Noona is freaking out so bad.” The guy opened the door after thanking Junyoung.
There she was seated on the couch looking as beautiful as ever. If he saw her walking the aisle looking like this, he would have easily cried. But right now, he just looked worried. Y/N was biting her thumb, her left knee bouncing up and down. “Hey,” he called softly, placing a palm on her cheek. “What happened?”
She rubbed her hands together before taking both Yuta’s hands and asking him to sit down. The guy could feel his heart dropping from his chest. She might really be regretting her decision to agree to marry him. But why? Did he do something? Is it because of the lap dance? Because they had been too sexually intimate the past nights? Did he force her? “Y/N, I’m…”
“You’ll say ‘I do’, right?” Wait, what? “You still want to marry me, right?”
Yuta had to blink twice. What the hell is she saying? “Of course.” He held both her hands, “Do you have any regrets?” She shook her head at that. “Then what’s wrong?”
“I feel like all of these happened before.” Damn, Yuta thought, Jung Jaehyun traumatized her this bad? “You’re not going to stop the ceremony just to tell me that I deserve better, right?”
He laughed to avoid showing how annoyed he was at Jaehyun at the moment. “If you want, we can just skip the ceremony and tell the officiant to proclaim us husband and wife already.”
“You still wanted to marry me?” She repeated.
“Of course, Y/N.”
“Even if I’m pregnant.”
“Of course…What?” Yuta’s eyes were wide. “You’re what?” She handed him the pregnancy test. “Since when have you known?” His eyes were focused on the two red lines appearing on the small rectangular object.
Y/N stared down at the lace of her dress, “I’ve been feeling weird a couple of days ago. It’s a familiar weird, so I checked.” Her fingers started rubbing the material of her skirt. “I understand if you don’t want to marry me now. Who would even want a pregnant lady?”
Yuta had to hide a smile. Is this because of her pregnancy? Why is Y/N suddenly so adorable? “Are you kidding me? This makes me want to marry you much faster.” He held her hand, kissing the back of her palm. “Let’s do this ceremony first then let’s go to the hospital after.” He wrapped his arms around her, “Y/N, I never thought I’d be more happy today but you just made me the happiest man alive.” He did his usual action, putting their foreheads together. “I love you so much, Y/N.”
“And I love you too, Yuta.”
He stood up, lending a hand for her to take. “Let us be officially husband and wife, hmm?”
She smiled, taking his hand. “Yuta,” she called quietly which made him hum as an answer. “I hate how your perfume smells.” The guy only cocked his head to the side. But he’s not wearing any perfume.
—--
“I’m sorry, I’m late.” One of the executives muttered, putting down his bag and then a cup of coffee above the conference table. Yuta had to lightly glance at the girl in front of them before calling for his secretary. “I’m sorry,” Haechan started, taking the cup of coffee. “President doesn’t like the smell of something sweet.”
Yuta sighed. With the first child, she had to suffer by not eating seafood which was her favorite. Now, with the second baby, they had to remove everything sweet-smelling at home. He even had to change the body wash he had been using for years. But the worst of it all, is her hating the smell of caramel. She loves caramel: in her coffee, on donuts, on his body. But the pregnant Y/N would always get sick just smelling the sweet treat.
Pregnancy is so bad on Y/N. He shouldn't do this to her once again.
Yet whenever he wakes up and just stares at her, he can’t help but fall deeply in love. How deeply can you love a person? Yuta doesn’t know if he’ll ever have the answer to that question, he can’t seem to find the deepest point of his love for her. It just seemed endless. She was always glowing, prettier each day, and he was glad for that bump on her stomach to assure himself that she was his.
Pregnancy looks very good on Y/N. He might consider another one.
When she ended her presentation, everyone was just clapping for her. Yuta was just seated on his chair, taking it all in. He must be a really lucky man. How could this gorgeous goddess standing in front of him be his? Everything must be a dream. A dream he doesn’t want to wake up from.
“Congratulations, President Y/N.” Jaehyun greeted, before asking if he could touch her baby bump. Yuta glared but the girl only nodded. “But shouldn’t you start your leave? Isn’t it your due date already?”
“Next week,” she answered. “And I just finished this presentation. I don’t want Yuta to worry so much.”
The dimples on Jaehyun’s cheeks can be seen that annoyed Yuta, “You’re a lucky dude.”
Yuta smirked. Of course, he is. “My girlfriend is the best.”
“I’m your wife, Yuta.” She claimed as a matter of fact.
The guy's eyes widened, a wide grin painted on his face. “My wife? That’s even better.” The girl giggled making Jaehyun shake his head. Y/N had to stop and then grabbed her husband by the shoulder. “Why? Are you dizzy? Do you want to sit down?”
Her grasp on his shirt got tighter as she kept breathing heavily. “You should call my doctor,” She said calmly, blowing heavy breaths. “I think Kazi wants to come out.”
“What?” Water started spilling on the floor of the conference room as Jaehyun held on Y/N’s other arm. “Don’t panic!” Yuta shouted, letting go of his wife then paced around the room while repeatedly whispering where he left his phone. Both Jaehyun and Y/N were looking at him in worry.
“Love, your phone…” She was pointing at the device on top of the table but Yuta shouted from the other side of the room, “Y/N, I said don’t panic!”
—---
“Black coffee with caramel for my lady,” Yuta claimed, handing her a warm cup making Y/N smile. “Are you sure you can drink coffee now?”
The girl nodded, he was there when the doctor assured her that she could return to her normal routine. Besides, she already missed caramel. She took a sip and then hummed at how tasty it was. The perfect coffee taste. Maybe she just missed the taste of coffee or probably it’s just Yuta’s amazing coffee-making skills.
“They look very happy,” Yuta claimed, sitting beside her while kissing the side of her head. Her gaze fell on the crib where Kazi was lying down, Ken playing with her by covering his face and shouting peek-a-boo. The younger girl’s laughter echoed across the room. Y/N nodded.
She can’t believe that these two kids are her own. Her flesh and blood, her children. Why are they so perfect? How could two gorgeous beings come from a woman deprived of a mom’s love and a man who grew up deprived of a father? How ironic. She giggled at that making Yuta confused. “We did come from troubled parents, didn't we?” Y/N whispered which made Yuta laugh, nodding. “But look at them.” The girl had to stare at her husband, smiling warmly. “I think we’re doing better than our parents.”
“I think we’re just great parents together, love.” He whispered, holding her shoulder to hug her closer.
Y/N held the cup of warm coffee in her hands. Before, she would always see the darkness in every cup and sip the bitterness coffee had to offer. Just like her life: dark and bitter. But after knowing him, her caramel, the dark color became lighter and the taste richer, indulgent. Her life had become worth living in.
Hearing the giggles of her children, she figured it wasn’t just the caramel making her coffee richer and tastier. There's the presence of water. Warm water. As she held onto the cup, she realized her life had become like this cup of coffee.
Coffee, caramel, warm water.
Y/N. Yuta. Kenshin. Kazumi. Her family.
And just like her cup of coffee, everything is perfect in her life.
