They started to fall into a routine. Jimin created an office space in the house for himself where he worked on his designs while at the same time, trying to improve at being domestic. It was uncountable how many times he burnt the foods he was cooking but later, he started to improve. He wasn't perfect but at least his meals started to get more eatable. Jimin started to pick Mintae up from school but he was always quiet and would never engage in any conversation with either the principal or the staff before he left with Mintae in a hurry. It was always a puzzle.

Taehyung grew closer to Sunmi. They started to go out trying to know each other better. It was good and he enjoyed their little dates and trysts but whenever he came home, he felt a strange feeling in his chest like he wasn't doing the right thing but he ignored that feeling. Despite all his problems, he deserved to be happy. Jimin had someone who made him feel happy. Didn't he also have the same right?

Things got remotely better. At least now, they weren't screaming each other's heads off. There was a mutual understanding between them and a line they both knew they should never cross. It was all about taking care of Mintae but then things started to change.

The first time was this. Every night when Taehyung came back from work, he would see Jimin with his office doors open scribbling away at a note pad, pieces of cloths thrown all around him and his mind heavy in concentration as he tucked a pencil behind his ears studying his note pad judgementally.

"Hey you!" He would call to distract him.

"Hi! You're back?" Jimin would say without looking at him.

"Yes! How about Mintae?" He would say trying to make sure his voice was detached from every kind of emotion.

"He's asleep. He has already taken his dinner" came the reply.

Then Jimin would look at him with a small smile on his face.

"There's some leftover food in the microwave. If you want some..."

Taehyung would shake his head. "No... I'm full" he would say.

"Oh...okay" Jimin muttered before paying his full attention on his work then Taehyung would drag his feet upstairs feeling a bit empty. This continued for three more days until one day Taehyung decided to just stay and eat. It won't hurt would it?

He came back from work as usual and there was Jimin in his office looking tired and stressed. As usual, the conversation started like always until Jimin said. "I haven't eaten yet. Would you like to join me?"

Taehyung was about to hesitate again when Jimin rolled his eyes. "Taehyung, this cannot work unless you're open to me. Really this is awkward for me too so can you just try to get along with me?"

He sounded tired and Taehyung just gulped.

"Okay fine!" He said sighing in resignation as he walked towards the dining table. Jimin followed behind him and when they arrived, they sat together to eat. Jimin brought out the kimbap he had prepared and served it on a plate. He watched Taehyung intensely as he took a bite.

There was no reaction from the latter and Jimin innerly panicked and it showed on his face even though he was trying his best to hide it.

"Is it that bad? Mintae seemed to like it though" he said pouting.

Taehyung suddenly laughed to himself and put up a thumbs up sign.

"It's good. Wow! You really have improved. You used to be a really bad cook"

Jimin squeezed his face as his cheeks turned red. "As if you're any better. This weekend, you're taking charge"

"Why do i have to? "

Jimin scoffed. "Well, because I'm not your maid and I'm definitely not your husband or your lover...."

But then he stopped talking because an uncomfortable silence filled the atmosphere but Jimin didn't let it last because he cleared his throat trying to ease the tension.

"So will you take charge of the house or not"

"Whatever" Taehyung muttered dryly as he munched his food in silence. Jimin followed. The awkwardness started to settle in and Jimin was starting to regret asking him to eat dinner with him when they heard the sounds of footsteps approaching them. They turned and saw Mintae. The boy's eyes expanded when he saw Taehyung and he quickly ran to him.

"Tae...." He whispered falling into his outstretched arms. Taehyung patted his head lovingly.

"How is my son doing?" Taehyung asked gazing at the boy with tenderness.

"Fine but i miss you. You are never home"

Taehyung looked up and met Jimin's gaze but the latter looked away like he didn't want to get involved at all.

"I'm sorry Min, I'm just busy at work"

Mintae nodded but then he grinned.

"So, why don't we all go to the beach!" He exclaimed. Jimin finally returned his attention to them, his eyes spread wide open.

"The beach?"

Mintae turned to him with an adorable smile.

"Appa, remember you promised me that we'll go to the beach after we go to the amusement park"

Jimin scratched his head thoughtfully as he shared eye contact with Taehyung.

"So, you still remember?" He said.

Mintae just nodded studying his face curiosly as Jimin took a deep breath.

"You know what, fine! We'll go to the beach this weekend. How does that sound?"

Mintae jumped up and down exposing his boxy smile.

"I love it very much" he said and pecked Taehyung on the chin. He suddenly froze, lips pouting.

"What is it?" Jimin asked.

"I had a bad dream. Can i sleep with one of you?"

"Don't worry Mintae, you can sleep with me" Jimin said with a soft voice.

"No, you can sleep with me" Taehyung interjected.

"No, he's sleeping with me" Jimin said now frowning hard at the other.

Taehyung scoffed. "Why?"

"Well, because i say so!"

Mintae who was trapped between the two of them just shook his head tiredly.

"Stop fighting, I'll stay with the two of you. We can have a sleepover"

Taehyung and Jimin just looked embarrassed that they weren't able to control themselves in front of the boy and completely avoided looking at each other.

Mintae sighed in resignation.
"Can't you just be friends and stop fighting?"

They both said nothing still ignoring each other. Then Mintae went upstairs and while they were both pondering on why he had left all of a sudden, he suddenly returned bundling up some blankets and pillows in his arms.

They stared at him wordlessly as he spread the sheets in the middle of the living room and lay down and then with a big bright smile, he told them to stay beside him.

"You two should stop fighting all the time" he murmured as they sat on either sides of him.

"You are both my parents and no matter what, we are family" he muttered again and the air went completely still. Mintae slowly began to close his eyes.

"I love you both" he said until he finally closed his eyes and let sleep carry him away.

Their eyes met and in them was tremendous guilt. They both didn't know but they where thinking the same thing in their minds. They had to do better, try harder for the sake of their son. This game they where playing had to stop but the problem was neither of them was ready to give in to the other.

Jimin kissed Mintae's head softly. "I love you too" he whispered.

He laid down and looked at Taehyung who was still sitting on the sheets with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Come sleep Taehyung" he said.

Taehyung shrugged but then found himself lying on the other side of Mintae while also facing Jimin. They both closed their eyes and slept off each with thoughts in their minds but a certain ten year old opened his eyes and glanced at his sleeping parents whose hands where unconsciously touching each other's on top of his chest. His lips broke into a satisfied smile as he grinned and finally slept off.

I have been enjoying my Christmas holiday but now I'm back. This is a shorter chapter. It's a bit lacking because i wasn't ready to write so much but i hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading everyone.