❝do you ever wonder,❞ jaehyun then began as he arrived in the living room and joined the japanese actor together with the others who are just gathered around the sofa just to watch a movie. ❝why are we so under our husbands?❞

that took yukhei's attention away from the flat screen, giving the doctor a look with his brow raised. ❝what do you mean?❞

❝why can't we say no to them?❞ the man who started this conversation then told him, ❝we always shit our pants when we disagree with them.❞

hearing that made yuta roll his eyes in annoyance, knowing where this is going. ❝yukhei, don't listen to him. he's going to get us in trouble again.❞

❝no, listen!❞ this is just another thought that jaehyun has that could get most of them fucked up by their own family. ❝whenever they ask us for something, we always do what they want even if we don't want it. the laundry, for example.❞

❝i don't know about you but i do my own laundry,❞ johnny butted in, but his gaze was still glued on the flat screen. ❝unless ten is too tired to do his too, i don't mind doing it for him, i also include the kids'.❞

just another normal day for them in the beach house. the whole day passed by in just a blink of an eye. some of them were chillin' inside the house, some were strolling down the beach, and most were playing all day. others spent time with their kids as this vacation was one of the rare moments they can be together due to busy schedule from work and from school. night time came and as expected, only some would want to stay in the beach house for dinner, almost all of them went out for barbeque. it's most likely because their kids asked for them to go out, or it's themselves wanting to roam around the place.

no one can force each other to stay and have everyone be gathered like how jaehyun is with his gang in the living room. they all have family time to prioritize, everyone understood that.

but somehow, staying here felt like they will be victimized by jaehyun's stupid antics once more. ❝ahh, that was such a bad example. okay, let me come up with something else to make you guys understand a clear view of what's bothering me—❞

before he can even think of what's the best scenario he can give, it's as if the god's have heard his trouble and gave him what he wanted. just in time, the park family have finally arrived from their short trip at a village not far from the resort. that was where their spent their whole afternoon and also had their dinner there at a restaurant that's twice as expensive as the ones back in the city. the kids were looking drained but still had little energy left to race up to their room, the parents left behind with the chinese father just ending a call from someone back home.

❝ji, i know it's my turn today but can you clean the mess in our room and help the kids take a bath.❞ chenle asked politely, looking like he was indeed busy with something. ❝the company is begging for a report and they want me to make one right now. i really need to do this first.❞

groaning, jisung helped in removing the older's coat and threw it up at the rack. ❝i'm tired, can i just do that tomorrow?❞

chenle's figure paused in the middle of the living room, unaware of the stares that they were having, neither did the know that they were being victims with what's happening. the taller male noticed that and began to feel nervous for his own life, knowing very well that he's going to have his grave dug out if he doesn't fix this.

but as clueless as he is, he actually thought that being sweet would do the work. which is why, jisung wrapped his arms around his husband's waist, back hugging him, and placed his chin down to the male's shoulder. ❝how about you also do that tomorrow? come on, we came here to enjoy, to rest, to have a vacation. i know little dude and chinese dumpling won't also mind not taking a bath for just one night. the water is too cold anyways and—❞

❝jisung, you've been getting on my nerves these past few days.❞ chenle didn't hesitate to remove the arms that's embracing him, facing the man that was just trying to ease the tension. ❝should i file a temporary divorce and get back to you once you have finally collected your shit?❞

raising his hands up like he's surrendering, jisung didn't think took much about it. he knew that the chinese didn't mean every single word he said, unless he does, and he also knows he went beyond the line by thinking he could get away with his duties as a father and a husband by just being sweet. ❝fine, cleaning the room and taking a bath it is, then.❞

with that being settle, the two of them then noticed their older friends in the living room with one being too focused on the movie and the others looking at them. they cared less if they had witnessed that in sight, but they still had manners and greeted them before walking away to do their own business. the ones left in the living room stared at each other with disbelief— except for johnny, he didn't care much as he knew it wasn't his problem to meddle with.

however, jaehyun had a bright smile plastered on his face as he pointed out what happened to the married couple, ❝example!❞

yuta sighed, rolled his eyes at how childish the man was acting. how on earth did he get a master's and a doctorate degree with this mindset? ❝no, that wasn't an example, that was concerning. who knows how long those two have been fighting already?❞

on the other hand, the japanese turned to his side and had his face scrunched in a confused manner when he saw yukhei looking engrossed with the topic there are having right now. ❝that also makes me wonder, what power does jungwoo hold?❞

this influence made yuta bury his face down to his palms, groaning in annoyance. ❝you've got to be kidding me.❞

and jaehyun looked like a proud father, patting the male's back like how parents cheer and encourage their kids. ❝that's the spirit lucas!❞

❝it's not that we are under them,❞ johnny then spoke, not trying to be on the japanese's side, but he was also trying to explain this situation to them. ❝it's learning how to understand when they are tired, when they're not in the mood, and learning where we should limit joking around.❞

just as jaehyun was about to say something he isn't thinking twice about, a familiar voice then stopped him. it echoed down the stairs and to the living room, making all of them turn their heads to see who it was.

❝daddy—❞ ten paused midway when he noticed eyes landing at him only now, causing him to be conscious of his choice of words.

it was too late anyways, they all heard what the thai shamelessly called his husband, and jaehyun just had to be the first to point that out. ❝could have kept your kinks in bed.❞

passing by him, ten made sure to smack his head. it earned him a scoff from the other doctor, but the thai male just stuck his tongue out at him, like a kid, before joining his husband on the other couch that he was taking all the space. the small figure then sat on his lover's lap and surprised him with a soft kiss on the lips. johnny raised a brow and had a hand rubbing gentle circles on his back, ❝everything good, babe?❞

❝yeah, just..❞ leaning to his husband's chest, the said male then snuggled close to him as he heaved out a sigh. to say that he was exhausted from meddling with hansol's and kun's problem would just be an understatement. that is the only think that's occupying him right now. ❝stressed out at what's happening. then the kids wanted to go out, but i'm too tired. johnny, can you do it for me?❞

not that he was a bad father, but johnny has poor experience when handling kids. he wasn't the type of parent to scold them when they do something stupid, unless it would lead them to danger. if he sees their children go up to a kid and start making fun of that child, he would probably just stare and not bother correcting them from their wrongdoings. he just simply doesn't care, it's probably one of the main reasons why he's secretly the favorite of the two whenever they would go out somewhere. but seeing how tired his husband is, it wouldn't hurt him to actually look after those gremlins. ❝let me finish this movie and then i'll take them out for a walk, does that sound good?❞

❝definitely,❞ ten yawned, planning to put himself to sleep while the taller man would go and handle their children. ❝thank you.❞

instead of being irked by the side, the three men that were there to witness them had their jaws dropped at how smoothly that went. no shouting, no cursing, and most certainly none of them is insulting the other. even yuta was surprised to see that, maybe because he rarely does get to a fight with that actor but once he does, the two of them would spend the night being pissed about it. ❝sicheng would honestly call me out for prioritizing a movie rather than rin and shiho.❞

jaehyun snorted, amused to see that the japanese was swooned by these two lovebirds that are openly being sweet and perfect. ❝please, taeyong will convince me that i'm not the father and i don't have kids to begin with.❞

❝but you guys have a house to stay?❞ yukhei asked the most important question for him because if he does dally his duties, he's immediately thrown to the garage.

"kim doyoung!"

with their attention being taken away once again, they removed their eyes from the married couple that cuddling on the sofa and now turned to the kitchen when the oldest of them in the group of friends is shouting a name that happens to be owned by a certain someone who just came down from the stairs.

❝you don't have to shout, taeil.❞ doyoung clicked his tongue and made his way to the kitchen. not to meet his husband, but to grab a glass of water. he planned to go back up to their shared room after this.

❝minyoung is outside, playing with the triplets.❞ busy slicing up some vegetables for the soup he's making for his youngest daughter who's sick after staying in the water for the while day, taeil decided to give this responsibility to his husband as he has no idea why he's looking unavailable as of the moment. ❝can you go and check-up on them? i'm making soup for dami because she—❞

❝no.❞ that answer was blunt, simple, but direct.

the response then startled the three that are by the sofa, just watching this drama unfold right in front of their eyes. if it were a movie theater they were in, their gasps would have echoed around the room. but since they were still conscious enough to realize that they're just around the radar, they know better than to disturb anyone with their unnecessary reactions. still, if anyone would walk up to them, they'd give them weird looks at how their mouths were wide open in shock. were they seeing a ghost?

❝i have a meeting in, like, a minute.❞ doyoung darted his eyes at the clock to check if his schedule was just on time.

scoffing, taeil dropped the knife down and faced his husband with his tongue poking in his inner cheek. ❝so you're putting more importance to your work than minyoung who's out there, alone, with boys?❞

❝if something does happen, the person best to blame is jaehyun.❞ doyoung was just joking around, totally aware of how these nosy people were butting their noses to other people's business. ❝also, we are here for a vacation, yet, you can't manage your time with me and would focus more on the kids. not that i'm comparing, but i'm just saying that you should be fair.❞

hearing his name made jaehyun flinch from his spot and be put to a stance where he was about to charge towards the ceo of an entertainment company, but was fortunately stopped by both yuta and yukhei who were still immersed in the situation inside the kitchen. the married couple on the other sofa was left unbothered with johnny finishing the movie and ten dozing off to sleep on his husband's chest. he does notice those three listening to the conversation, making him roll his eyes at how they can't just mind their own problem.

❝are we really fighting about this now?❞ pinching the bridge of his nose, taeil hissed at how this man was being stubborn to do something for him.

doyoung chuckled as he approached his husband. ❝we aren't fighting, we are just stating our own reasons as to why we can't do this certain thing. and now that you know mine, i just hope you will understand that i'm busy right now.❞

clicking his tongue, taeil looked away. he might be upset, but not that much since the younger had a point. however, he can't help but feel disappointed that even being in a vacation, this man can't seem to stop working his ass off. he also deserves to rest too, why can't he see that he's pushing himself to his limits?

❝taeil,❞ bringing his hand up, doyoung then lifted his husband's chin just so he can look at him. ❝are you mad?❞

❝just get away from my sight before i break up with you.❞ before, that threat would mean much for them. hearing that would scare them to say the least, but growing up and being mature, unlike what happened in the past, it has come to this moment that they are would make jokes here and there about their petty fights and break ups.

it doesn't need an einstein brain to tell that he didn't mean what he said, making doyoung curve his lips to a smile and settle a kiss on top of his forehead. ❝yes, principal moon, i won't overwork. and how about this, i'll come down and help you make soup for dami. how does that sound?❞

❝you better be,❞ taeil gave him a judgmental gaze, moving away from him. ❝or i'll actually forget that i have a husband.❞

this is what he gets from always watching dramas, his dramatic ass is being influenced. but since he was being threatened by that, might as well go with the flow. ❝don't worry, i'll appear to your life after eight years and make you remember that you're married to me.❞

the two finally came to an agreement and ended their conversation with jokes here and there. meanwhile, the three who were just listening looked in awe with their jaws dropped. it felt like they were watching the whole book being summarized to a couple of minutes. they meet, they fight, they kiss, a short break up, they made up, and is now making fun of how petty they were. what in the happy ending is this— but back to the main point, jaehyun was starting to get frustrated and now stood up from his seat as if he was initiating a war.

witnessing that made the japanese actor leave a comment, ❝damn, doyoung always finds his way out of an argument. i will most likely lose if sicheng and i argue like that.❞

❝i say, we rebel!❞ he then raised his voice, indeed sounding like he was at a battlefield proposing something.

unexpectedly still having some sanity left despite of also being surprised at how these married couples handled things, yuta then him. ❝might as well just prepare a coffin.❞

❝are we going to survive, lieutenant?❞ yukhei played along, also being genuinely serious with what they are planning to do.

❝i don't know, soldier, but it's worth a try—❞ jaehyun was cut off by a voice again owned by a man getting inside the beach house, carrying his youngest son.

❝yukhei,❞ it was jungwoo, arriving just in time when their stupidity was about to commence. ❝little sushi fell asleep when i was in the middle of telling him a story. can you prepare a warm bath for him?❞

with his name being called, his eyes showing fear and terror turned to the doctor who gave him a thumbs up and encouraging him to be brave. this is just once on a lifetime chance, when else can yukhei be bold and confident at where he stands. ❝no!❞

not only was his response unsettling, but jungwoo was taken aback by how his own husband raised his voice at him. but just in case, he held on to that microscopic hope that he might have just misheard it. ❝come again?❞

❝i will not!❞ this felt so wrong and slowly, both guilt and regret was eating him up. however, he has to admit, it did kind of felt refreshing to go against him. not recommended to do again, but what else will he lose in doing this now?

probably not just a house, but also his own family. an innocent and sweet smile then made its way to jungwoo's lips, startling his lover at his reaction. ❝yukhei, are there any pillows in the sofa?❞

just when yuta almost lost hope in humanity and just when jaehyun was about to correct how the chinese was dealing with it, that affectionate question caught them off guard. even johnny, who dared not to join in their shenanigans, had his ears twitch at the soft voice and kind question responding to the male's aggressive answer.

gulping, yukhei refused to believe that it's actually working, but a blessing is a blessing after all. ❝y-yeah, i think there are a lot—❞

❝good because i'm not planning on giving you one,❞ turning around, jungwoo made his way to the stairs with his sleeping baby in his arms. ❝neither am i letting you sleep in our room tonight.❞

❝wait.. what?❞ blinking his eyes in a clueless manner, it took yukhei a good minute to have everything that was said being processed inside his head. he actually thought that for a moment there, he had it all. ❝j-jungwoo, wait!❞

the movie was about to end anyways, so johnny's full attention was now on these three idiots, but he tried not to make it obvious by gluing his eyes on the flat screen. nonetheless, the disappointment on his face was evident. other than him, the japanese actor immediately shot his glaring eyes at the doctor who had a nervous smile knowing what he had done and that this was his fault to begin with.

but nothing to worry about, it's jung jaehyun, he always has a way. ❝ah, yukhei, you got steps wrong.❞ a way to get himself out of this mess.

the chinese legit looked like he was about to cry. this was one of the many things that almost everyone admired about yukhei. he looked like that one buff man that every individual should be scared about, but deep inside, he's just one soft baby that needs to be protected. though, his gullible side is something most with take advantage of, like what this jung is doing. ❝i d-did?❞

pinching the bridge of his nose, yuta clicked his tongue while shaking his head in disapproval. ❝what did i say about jaehyun and his random thoughts getting us in trouble?❞

the said male maintained that loving and supportive smile he has, but had slipped this chance to elbow the japanese who was talking shit about him. ❝here, let me show you how it's done.❞

because right at a perfect time, footsteps were heard once again from the stairs and this time, it was jaehyun's husband coming down looking like an angel, as always.

❝hubby?❞ taeyong called with his voice soft as ever, it seems like he was about to ask something from the man. ❝our three beans are craving for some ice cream. i remember seeing a convenience store not far from here. if you're not busy, can you go buy those small cups for them?❞

❝no, i won't.❞ confident with his voice, but making sure it was the same loving and sweet tone that his husband is using. though he was looking so sure with his answer and the decision he's making, jaehyun was shaking badly deep inside.

taeyong's smile then twitched at the response he got. ❝no? but it doesn't seem like you are that busy though.❞

❝i still won't go out,❞ jaehyun remained his ground, not backing out. and on the side, you can see yukhei looking like he was admiring his favorite hero in a cartoon, and yuta witnessing something only stupidity can comprehend. ❝just because i don't want to.❞

❝oh, you just don't want to? not because you're busy.❞ a chuckle was heard from taeyong, along with clasping his hands and admitting that it was his fault indeed for not knowing that. ❝my bad, then.❞

nudging the chinese by his elbow, jaehyun leaned down with a victorious smile as he whispered. "see? based on my observations a while ago with my eagle eyes, this is the way."

and yukhei being the type to be easily fooled, he was also astonished by how the plan actually worked. he then whispered back with some exaggerated hand gestures, "dude, you're so cool."

❝jung jaehyun,❞ cutting the two off, taeyong still stood there with his genuine smile. it's honestly to die for, he still looks like an angel. ❝may i ask where your car keys are?❞

it then took the said doctor by surprise, a nervous laugh escaping from his mouth. ❝a-are you going to drive to the convenience store instead?❞

❝of course!❞ there were no hints of hatred and annoyance in taeyong's tone, maybe it actually did work. this is going to be the start of something new. ❝i wouldn't want to ruin your busy moment of doing nothing, that would be so rude of me.❞

this is so strange. with how life is treating him right now, jaehyun didn't expect that this plan of his would actually work. ❝oh, then, do you want me watch over the kids while you're away—❞

his sentence was stopped with taeyong's innocent giggle. that smile dropping to a frown then scared the shit out of him. ❝what kids? you don't have kids, you don't have a husband either.❞

❝i.. wifey, hey.❞ but before jaehyun can even explain himself quickly, the latter didn't even bother finding the car keys and went immediately out of the beach house. the convenience store isn't far from here anyways, it'll just a fifteen-minute walk for him. ❝taeyong!❞

but as for these two grown men who just got dumped, there are just standing there looking like their souls were being sucked out by some powerful being— which is their one and only husbands. on the other hand, yuta was left grumbling at how these two actually stooped low to their idiocy. then again, it was still fun to see that despite of them not hanging out that much anymore, they are still the same as how they were before, stupid.

❝yuta, can you—❞ but even if he was in the moment to appreciate the friendship they are having, there is one thing he can't ever risk.

and that his marriage life with dong sicheng. ❝what was that, baby? you need me up there? no problem! i'll be right over in just a second.❞

with the japanese actor sending them winks, the two looked so betrayed, as if this was cheating they went through. jaehyun scoffed in disbelief, turning to his side in hopes that he'll have another victim wrapped in his finger. ❝johnny, did you just see that? did you see how—❞

❝will you look at that, ten is already sleeping and i remember i still have to take my kids out for a walk.❞ pausing the movie, the suh stood up smoothly while not waking his husband up, managing to still carry him in his arms like a baby he is. ❝looks like i can't finish the movie after all.❞

even yukhei wasn't able to use his last resort in convincing people, which is that puppy eyes of his. the both of them stood there looking like stones, they weren't able to move, and even their minds were affected by it as it wasn't working anymore. for god's sake, this was just a harmless plan, not they ended up sleeping in the living room for the night.

but jaehyun knew he should take responsibility of the trouble he has caused. by this, using his way of comforting the latter. he then places both his hands on his shoulders and gave the chinese a look of determination. ❝soldier, you were brave back there.❞

❝you too, lieutenant.❞ and since he was already hopeless to begin with, yukhei didn't bother putting this to heart and just went to the flow. ❝you too.❞

❝if the words dumb and dumber are a person, it would be you two.❞

flinching with widened eyes, they followed where the voice is coming from, landing their gaze by the door frame that's separating the kitchen from the living room. the man that stood there with a smirk finished his water before going back inside the kitchen just to place the empty cup down the sink. he then went out once more only to see these two idiots still standing there and not moving away from their position.

❝are you guys going to stand there the whole night?❞ though it might be impossible, these two can probably do it if they want to.

❝hansol,❞ yukhei then called him out just to ask a genuine question. ❝we're you kicked out of the room too?❞

the oldest between them three almost choked from the water he already gulped down. ❝excuse me? i'm the one who insisted not to sleep with them.❞

❝come on, don't be shy,❞ jaehyun now moved away just to face the man and open his arms wide for him, as if he's welcoming him. ❝join the gang.❞

yukhei laughed at how enthusiastic this jung can still be despite of almost undergoing a divorce, it also concerned him at the same time. ❝by the way, how long have you been standing there?❞

❝i was just talking to taeil, so i guess,❞ having a finger tap his chin, hansol tilted his head with a hum before mustering out the answer, not forgetting that smirk. ❝since the start of your stupid plan.❞

❝you're a man that handles blood and guns, but is afraid of your husband nagging at you.❞ preparing himself down the sofa, jaehyun rolled his eyes bitterly. ❝welcome to the club, ji hansol.❞

❝so, you're the president here?❞ telling him back, the said man took the largest sofa in the living room. ❝i can see why.❞

❝guys,❞ yukhei's voice then managed to stop the two from provoking each other. ❝can we just cuddle?❞

🕊

with no noise being heard, aside from the palm trees and the beach, kun made sure to carefully step down from the bed. he double checked to see if he woke the little boy from his sleep. upon seeing that he was adorably hugging his blankets, a smile made its way to the chinese's lips before finally getting out of the room and was met with a dark corridor. the moon shining from the window was the only light he has, hurrying his way down the stairs only to meet a sight of his husband being squashed in between other two grown men.

it wasn't the sight he witness that made him click his tongue, it was what how his mind addressed the man. ❝husband my ass.❞

he didn't know what got to him that he stuck his tongue out at the sleeping male, huffing before once again quietly making his way towards the front door. he didn't tell anyone that he was going out, neither did he inform his thai friend about this. he knows he'll get a scolding from him, but he cared less about that since what's occupying his mind is to get some fresh air and clear his thoughts out.

closing the door silently, kun made sure to walk far and being a distant away from the beach house that he's sharing with a bunch of adults— even when he's one himself.

crouching down and facing the see, his lips formed to a frown. ❝i don't belong here.❞

he couldn't believe he was saying this, but he wants to go home.

not because he hated everyone that he met, not at all. in fact, these people are so nice, pretty chaotic, but they are fun to get along with. he met new faces and despite literally missing a lot in most of his life in this timezone, he felt like he could still relate with them talking about their past. he wasn't left out, but it also didn't feel right.

he was well aware that he has grown attached to them.

this scared him, because deep inside, he really doesn't want to go back. but the thought of getting attached to these people frightened him knowing for a fact that he might not want to go back again.

just then, he could then hear a branch snap, making him flinch. but then, he heaved a sigh in thought that it might be one of the people from the living room. he did step on someone's hand on his way out of those men being sprawled on the floor.

and with little hope, kun was thinking that it must be him who trailed outside. ❝hansol, fine, i'm sorry.❞

the most stupid and regretful thing he didn't do was turn around. he just let that figure hover over him from behind while he continues his apology.

❝i did hear you and ten talk back at home, and you guys didn't even bother telling me when i deserve to know, i'm the one going through it.❞ kun played with his fingers, his eyes just settled down on the sand. ❝it just made me upset, and you can't blame me for that, can you?❞

❝wrong person.❞

❝what—❞

hansol's eyes then went wide open as he could feel something bothering him. it caused him to wake up from his sleep, but as he turned to his side, he could only utter a curse before taking jaehyun's arm away from his waist. with that, he managed to go back to sleep, unable to hear muffled screams coming from outside.

⚊ t b c ⚊