<Jiah's Mansion>

Jeonghan parked the car at the lot followed by another car which was Seungcheol's.

Jeonghan got out and walked around but before he could open the passenger's door for Jiah, Seungcheol was already standing there, with the door open.

Jeonghan held back as Seungcheol unfastened Jiah's seatbelt and brought her out in his arms.

"Seungcheol, you're spoiling her like this." Jeonghan gently rebuked as he shut the door.

"I shouldn't?" Seungcheol asked innocently.

Jeonghan rolled his eyes playfully as all of them walked towards the door.

"Wow, he won't scold you?" Jiah whispered to Seungcheol.

"Jiah, do you know, I can listen it all?" Jeonghan teased her while putting in the passcode.

"I was just asking." Jiah whined.

"Yeah yeah, I know." Jeonghan nodded as the door opened and all of them walked in.

"Now now, attention please." Seungcheol stated, putting Jiah down, "Jiah has to take a shower right? So till then, Jeonghan? Pack 2-3 set of clothes of both of you."

"What? Why?" Jeonghan frowned.

"For the outing." Seungcheol explained, "It's a weekend outing, we'll come back by tomorrow evening."

"But Seungcheol, you should have told me earlier, you know I'm a-"

"Yeah, I know you're a doctor, sir." Seungcheol nodded, "We aren't going anywhere far so if you'll be needed, you'll be here."

Jiah got excited, "Cheol, where are we going?"

"That's a surprise baby." Seungcheol ruffled her hair.

"Can we play there?" Jiah asked.

"Why do you think we're going there?" Seungcheol chuckled, "We'll play a lot."

"Really?!" Jiah exclaimed, "Yayy!!"

"Okay now, you need to bath." Jeonghan led her to her room and then the bathroom.

He was checking the temperature of the water flow, "It's fine now. I'm going out, your clothes are on the bed. If you need anything, call me, okay?"

"Yes dad." Jiah nodded as Jeonghan left the bathroom and then the room.

He came back to the hall, "Seungcheol, if we've time, let's have some coffee. I'll do the packing after Jiah is done showering."

"Alright." Seungcheol nodded as he followed the younger to the kitchen, "Shall I help?"

"No no it's fine." Jeonghan began making coffee, "Where are we going though?"

"It's a surprise." Seungcheol stated, "But if you're not comfortable, I can tell you."

"It's okay." Jeonghan nodded, "And- thankyou."

"Not again-"

"No really." Jeonghan intervened, "Jiah was asking for an outing for so long but I couldn't really make time or plans. She's really happy right now and you're the reason."

"And I love that, okay? Don't worry, I'm glad to spend time with her." Seungcheol chuckled, "Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm what is it?"

Seungcheol took a breath before continuing, choosing his words carefully. "I've noticed that you often seem tired and overworked. And I understand it's because you're focused on taking care of Jiah. But, Jeonghan, you need to take care of yourself too."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze meeting Jeonghan's. "You're doing an amazing job with Jiah, but you can't pour from an empty cup. When's the last time you truly took some time just for yourself?"

Jeonghan paused for a moment before turning to the older, "As a doctor and a father, I really can't side any of my roles, Seungcheol.

Plus, you know? Jiah is not my responsibility or someone I should feel burdened with. She's the one who has the power to releave all my stress.

I may get exhausted and sometimes annoyed due to any reason but as soon as I see her, I'm calm and I'm smiling.

There's no 'me time' in my dictionary. It's all hers. And I love every moment of that."

"I appreciate that, Jeonghan." Seungcheol's gaze softened, "But you know, the more you'll take care of yourself, the more you'll be present for her. If it's not about you, then it's about her."

Jeonghan looked down, inhaling a deep breath. Seungcheol was probably right but wording out and actually doing it were two different things.

Seungcheol stepped forward, "All I'm asking you to do, is to spend some time with yourself. Take this little trip as the beginning. Let me take care of Jiah while you get to be with yourself."

Jeonghan looked at him, "I- I can't help it. Somehow, everything in my life, revolves around her."

Seungcheol nodded understandingly, his voice gentle yet firm.

"I get it, Jeonghan. Jiah means the world to you. And that's beautiful. But I want you to understand that taking care of yourself doesn't mean neglecting Jiah or loving her any less. In fact, it's the opposite."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Taking a little time for yourself, even just for a moment, helps you be a better father. You'll have more energy, more patience, and more presence for Jiah."

Jeonghan seemed to agree with him as he looked down, "I'll try."

Seungcheol smiled slightly, appreciating Jeonghan's attempt at compromise.

"That's all I'm asking, Jeonghan. Just try. Start small. Maybe a couple of hours or a day, whatever feels comfortable for you. Take a walk, read a book, or simply do nothing at all."

He took a step closer, placing a hand on Jeonghan's shoulder. "It's not about losing yourself in Jiah's needs. It's about finding a balance between being a father and being Jeonghan."

"Can I-" Jeonghan slowly stepped closer, clutching on Seungcheol's arms, clearly asking for some shelter.

Seungcheol's expression softened as Jeonghan moved closer, seeking comfort.

He didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Jeonghan, pulling him against his chest gently yet firmly.

"Of course you can." Seungcheol spoke quietly, his voice reassuring. "You don't have to carry everything alone, Jeonghan."

"Why-" Jeonghan quitly asked, "Why are you doing all this?"

"I care about you, Jeonghan." Seungcheol spoke softly, his voice holding a hint of vulnerability. "And I care about Jiah. I want both of you to be happy and content, and I want to be there for you whenever you need me."

"That's what I'm asking." Jeonghan paused, "I can see it all, Seungcheol. Have you thought about it?

Do you really want this? I- I really don't know how to word this out but I can clearly notice Jiah getting attached to you."

Jeonghan snuggled closer to him, "And I can't hold myself back either. But have you- have you considered how it will be in the future? It will be messed up.

You might not want this, Seungcheol. It was all going fine and suddenly you're doing things for us.

I- I promise, that later on, whenever you feel burdened, you're free to stop doing all of this. It's really not your responsibility, Seungcheol."

Seungcheol tightened his grip around Jeonghan as he listened quietly. He could sense the younger's hesitation, the questions that had been weighing on Jeonghan's mind.

Seungcheol gently ran his fingers through Jeonghan's hair, reassuring him before responding.

"I understand your concerns, Jeonghan." His voice was steady and sincere. "But I want you to know that I'm doing this because I genuinely want to be a part of Jiah's life. And yours."

Jeonghan broke the hug as he looked up, "As?"

He asked the question in one single word but that one word, held an immense amount of weight.

Seungcheol knew what Jeonghan was asking, what that single word implied. And his answer might change everything.

Seungcheol took a breath, his eyes meeting Jeonghan's in earnest.

"As a family." He spoke firmly, his voice filled with conviction.

Jeonghan averted his gaze as he bit his lips, "It might get messed up later on."

Seungcheol reached out, gently tilting Jeonghan's chin to make him look up again.

"Nothing worth having is without risks, Jeonghan." His voice was gentle but resolute. "Yes, there might be challenges down the road, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

"I care about you and Jiah. I want to be there for both of you, whether it's simple as making pancakes for breakfast or facing future obstacles together."

Jeonghan turned off the stove as the coffee was done, "I trust you. I always did.

But Seungcheol, this is really different. Jiah is getting more and more attached to you.

She sees you as a friend but soon she'll start seeing you as a family. And later on, you might have to leave- I mean- I understand it, but she won't."

Jeonghan sighed heavily, "I'm blabbering. I don't know how to put it in words."

Seungcheol listened intently, letting Jeonghan express his worries without interruption.

"Jeonghan, I understand your concerns, but you have to trust me on this." Seungcheol spoke firmly yet gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I want to be there for Jiah as long as she needs me. And I want to be here for you too."

"That's what I'm saying, Seungcheol." Jeonghan nodded, "We are not at all your responsibility. I don't want to bound you here, in our little world.

You have your own life to explore a lot. I don't. And being here, means getting trapped in Jiah's heart. Escaping it eventually means hurting her.

And I don't want that, I won't be able to endure that. I'm really not doubting your intentions, I'm just asking you to think about this carefully.

It might not seem that deep right now but it's really a very huge decision."

"Jeonghan, I hear you. I understand your concerns. And believe me, I'm taking this seriously." Seungcheol's voice was soft but firm.

"You're not binding me to anything." He paused, holding Jeonghan's gaze. "I want to be here. I want to be a part of both of your lives in whatever way you'll allow me."

"I trust you." Jeonghan looked at him, "Don't mind what I'm going to say, Seungcheol. But- you can hurt me all you want, but please, don't let Jiah get hurt."

Seungcheol's heart ached, hearing Jeonghan's plea. He didn't want to hurt either of them, especially not innocent Jiah.

He reached out and placed his hands gently on Jeonghan's shoulders, his grip firm yet tender.

"I won't let that happen, Jeonghan. I promise." His voice was steady and filled with determination. "I won't do anything to hurt you, and I certainly won't let Jiah get hurt. I care about both of you too much for that."

"I-" Jeonghan began but was interrupted by a voice from upstairs.

"Dad! I'm ready!"

"Coming baby." Jeonghan answered as he looked at Seungcheol, "Have the coffee, I'll be back."

"Wait." Seungcheol picked both the cups as he smiled, "Let's go."

Jeonghan chuckled as he began walking upstairs while taking one of the cups in his hands.

Both of them reached Jiah's room who did a dramatic bow, "How am I looking?"

Jiah stood in front of them, a twirling little bundle of energy, waiting for their reaction to her outfit as the kept their respective cups on the table.

Seungcheol smiled widely at her cute antics, tilting his head and squinting his eyes as if thoughtfully studying her appearance.

"Hmmmm..." he hummed, feigning deep contemplation. "I'm not sure. I think you need something more."

He looked at Jeonghan, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Jeonghan frowned slightly, not understanding what the older was upto.

Jiah's smile faltered, "What is it?"

Seungcheol pretended to look serious, trying to hold back a smile as he put a finger on his chin, pretending to think hard, "I think you're missing something- some accessory-"

He looked at Jeonghan again, giving him a subtle nod, silently asking him to play along.

Jeonghan didn't really know what Seungcheol meant but he nodded, "Yeah, I think so too."

Jiah whined, "Tell me!!!"

Seungcheol stifled a chuckle as Jiah's impatience for an answer kicked in. He exchanged another glance with Jeonghan, enjoying the game.

"Well," Seungcheol said, feigning seriousness again, "I think a crown would complete the look. A princess needs a crown, don't you think, Jeonghan?"

"Oh right, she does." Jeonghan nodded.

Jiah smiled as she came forward and hugged Jeonghan, "My crown."

Jeonghan crouched down as he cupped Jiah's face and kissed her forehead, "I didn't expect that."

Seungcheol chuckled at the sweetness of the moment. Seeing Jiah's affection towards Jeonghan and how natural he was in responding to her melted his heart.

He walked closer, feigning a mock offended look on his face, "Hey, and what about my crown?"

Jiah turned to him, "Your crown?" She turned to Jeonghan, "Dad, we need to get one crown for Cheol too~~"

"Ask him, what crown does he want." Jeonghan gently caressed her back.

"Cheol, what's your crown?" Jiah asked, "I'll get you one."

"Well, if I get a hug from a pretty little girl." Seungcheol dramatically stated.

Jiah chuckled as she gestured Seungcheol to lower down a bit.

Seungcheol bent down at her level as Jiah wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

Seungcheol was quick to lift her up in his arms and twirl her in the air before resting her in his embrace, "I got the prettiest crown."

"No!" Jiah whined as she pointed at Jeonghan, "My crown is prettier."

"Well-" Seungcheol looked at Jeonghan with a small smile, "That's tough. Both are really beautiful."

Jeonghan's eyes widened slightly as he got the secret message and admiration from the older.

"No! Dad is the best." Jiah protested.

Seungcheol laughed, enjoying the playful banter with Jiah.

"You can't just crown your dad as the best, darling." He said, "Everyone knows I'm the coolest one here."

He poked Jiah's nose lightly, a playful smirk on his face.

Jiah pouted, "Right. Then you both are equally cool. No comparison."

Seungcheol raised his eyebrows, a mock look of shock on his face.

"Equally cool? That's a tough one to swallow." He teased, pretending to be hurt.

He looked at Jeonghan, a playful gleam in his eyes. "You hear that, Jeonghan? We're equal."

Jeonghan chuckled, joining in on the fun, "Guess we'll have to share the coolness now, Seungcheol."

Jiah abruptly kissed Seungcheol's cheeks.

Seungcheol was taken aback by the unexpected display of affection from Jiah. Her kiss was a sweet surprise, leaving him a little flustered.

He glanced at Jeonghan, a mixture of surprise and fondness in his eyes, before looking back at Jiah.

Seungcheol smiled, a hint of a blush on his cheeks. "Where did that come from, sweetheart?"

Jiah leaned in to hug him, "Because I like you a lot. You love me like dad loves me."

Seungcheol's heart felt like it was going to overflow with her words. He held her close, her small form fitting perfectly against his chest.

"Of course I do, baby." He said softly, gently stroking her hair. "I care about you a lot."

He looked at Jeonghan, his gaze holding affection and a silent understanding.

Jeonghan chuckled, admiring both of them in each other's embrace.

"I hope my princess is not leaving me behind." Jeonghan teased.

Jiah giggled at Jeonghan's playful jab. Without letting go of Seungcheol, she stretched out her arms, reaching out to Jeonghan as well.

"No, Dad! I'll never leave you behind!" She exclaimed, trying to hug both Jeonghan and Seungcheol at the same time.

Jeonghan leaned in as both Seungcheol and Jiah included him ine the hug with their spare arms.

"Yay!" Jiah exclaimed as both Seungcheol and Jeonghan smiled while looking at each other.

A/n : The outing was going to be in this chapter but it got stretched lmaoo.

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo