"Wow!!" Jiah gasped as she looked back and forth between the villa and the beach.

"You like it baby?" Seungcheol asked as his hair were being ruffled by the strong wind.

"OF COURSE!!" Jiah squealed, "I love this a lot."

Jeonghan smiled while looking at her daughter jumping around as she couldn't contain her excitement.

"DAD CAN I SWIM??"

Jiah jumped around Jeonghan, her arms up with her fingers spread open

Jeonghan chuckled at his daughter's excitement, seeing her adorable, bright smile he just had to grant her wish.

"Ask your Cheol." Jeonghan ruffled her hair, "He arranged this, didn't he? Plus I won't swim."

"CHEOLLL!!"

Jiah called for Seungcheol excitedly, running to him and clinging to his legs. She looked up at him with her big, cute, pleading eyes.

"Can I swim?? Pleaseeeeee!!"

Seungcheol laughed as he crouched down on her level, "First get into the villa and settle down, okay? Then we'll go swimming together, promise."

"Yayy!"

Jiah cheered, jumping up with her arms spread open. She gave Seungcheol a tight hug and then ran to Jeonghan, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the villa

"COME ONNN!!" She whined impatiently.

Seungcheol followed both of them with a small smile as they stepped into the luxurious hall of the villa.

Jiah was still holding Jeonghan's hand but she was too impatient, looking around with wide eyes as she tugged on her father's sleeve. Jeonghan chuckled at her eager behaviour

"Baby, calm down, you have all the time for exploring later. Now we have to get all our stuff and settle in first."

"But dad!" She whined and pouted with an exaggerated sad face.

Seungcheol's voice echoed from a few steps away, "Who wants waffles?"

Jiah whipped her head around and her eyes lit up, her attention immediately shifting from the exciting villa onto waffles.

"Me!!"

She let go of Jeonghan's hand and ran in Seungcheol's direction.

Jeonghan frowned as he walked towards them, "Seungcheol no! She ate ice-creams on the way, just a while ago."

"But I want waffles!" Jiah protested, her bottom lip trembling. Jeonghan sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"You've had enough sweets already," Jeonghan explained patiently.

Jiah turned towards Seungcheol, "Please Cheol~~"

"Seungcheol, no!" Jeonghan warned, "She can have it later."

"But I want it right now." Jiah clung onto the other male, "Please Cheol!"

"Jiah, you can have waffles later," Jeonghan replied firmly. "You need to learn to wait for your treats."

Jiah's pout intensified, and she looked up at Seungcheol again, repeating her plea. "Please Cheol! Just one waffle?"

Seungcheol glanced at Jeonghan who was standing a few steps away, then looked back at Jiah who was looking up at him with pleading eyes.

He knew Jeonghan's point about her having enough sweets made sense, but he also knew that Jiah had already made up her mind.

Seungcheol scratched the back of his neck, feeling torn. He didn't want to go against Jeonghan's parenting decisions but also couldn't resist Jiah's sweet pleas.

Seungcheol looked up at Jeonghan to negotiate but he immediately glanced at him with a warning, "No means no. Enough sweets for today."

Seungcheol's shoulders slumped a little, realizing that Jeonghan wasn't going to budge. He could see the determination in Jeonghan's eyes and knew that going against his decision would only cause trouble.

He gently patted Jiah's head and smiled apologetically, "Sorry sweetie, Dad's right. You've had enough sweets for today."

"But-" Jiah began but was intervened by Seungcheol, "Shh. Anyways, Jeonghan, you can go upstairs and take a shower then you can at least join us while we both go for swimming."

"Yeah." Jeonghan nodded as he went upstairs.

"Cheol waffles-"

"Shh listen." Seungcheol crouched down, "I'll quickly make them and you'll eat them instantly okay? Then we'll clean up so that your dad won't know."

Jiah's eyes widened with excitement when Seungcheol agreed to make her waffles. She nodded eagerly, her small hand covering her mouth to keep her smile hidden.

"Yay! Thank you, Cheol!" Jiah whispered, her voice barely containing her excitement. "I won't tell Dad, I swear!"

"See, you're making me do wrong things." Seungcheol teased as he started making waffles immediately.

"Yahh! It was your plan!" Jiah whined.

Seungcheol chuckled as he busied himself in the kitchen, carefully making the waffles for Jiah. As she playfully protested, Seungcheol couldn't help but tease her back.

"Nah-uh, you're the one who was begging for those waffles," he replied, flicking a bit of batter at her. "This is all your fault!"

"Okay then, I'll tell dad that you planned this behind his back." Jiah pouted, "I'll tell him that you gave me waffles secretly."

"Wait, wait," Seungcheol tried to reason, "You wouldn't want me to get in trouble, would you?"

Jiah looked up at him with a sly smile, clearly enjoying her newfound power, "You want to give me waffles but you're scared of dad? Aren't you?"

"Alright, alright," Seungcheol caved in, "You win. But promise me you won't tell your dad. We're already making these waffles secretly, don't push it."

"Of course. Or else I'll get into trouble as well." Jiah giggled.

Both of them quickly finished making and eating waffles after which they cleaned up together.

They sat on the couch as they gave each other a high five.

It was when Jeonghan descended downstairs, drying his hair with a towel as he scrunched his brows, "What's this smell?"

Jiah and Seungcheol both froze as Jeonghan descended the stairs, asking about the smell in the air. Both of them tried to act nonchalantly, exchanging a quick glance.

"Uh, smell?" Seungcheol attempted to play dumb. "I don't smell anything."

Jiah fidgeted on the couch, her foot tapping nervously against the floor.

"There is- wait!" Jeonghan crossed his arms across his chest, "What are you both hiding from me?"

Seungcheol chuckled nervously as Jeonghan crossed his arms, looking suspicious. He knew Jeonghan was catching on to something.

"Hiding? Us? Nothing!" Seungcheol said with a forced smile.

Jiah, on the other hand, fidgeted even more, her foot tapping even faster. Her eyes darted from Jeonghan to Seungcheol, unsure what to say.

Jeonghan frowned, "I'm not dumb, okay? You made waffles, didn't you?"

Seungcheol's smile faded and he let out a sigh, realizing that Jeonghan had figured it out.

"Alright, alright," he admitted, raising his hands in surrender. "We did make some waffles."

Jiah looked at Jeonghan guiltily, her eyes widening with innocence.

Jeonghan scoffed in disbelief, "I told you not to! I'm not stopping Jiah from eating anything. All I said that there should be at least some break in between. She just had ice creams."

Seungcheol scratched the back of his neck, feeling a bit sheepish. He knew Jeonghan was right, as usual.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist Jiah's adorable pleading," he confessed.

Jiah, sitting on the couch, looked up at Jeonghan with big, innocent eyes, silently asking for forgiveness.

Jeonghan looked at her with his arms crossed, "So you blackmailed him emotionally, hmm?"

Jiah's eyes widened even further, her plan of cute manipulation busted. She fidgeted a bit before mumbling a small, "Maybe-"

Seungcheol chuckled at Jiah's sheepish confession, amused by how smart this little girl was.

But of course, Jeonghan was not as amused. He sighed and ruffled Jiah's hair with a mixture of annoyance and affection.

"Don't do it again. Dad wants your good only, right?" Jeonghan gently rebuked.

"Okay, I won't do it again," Jiah promised, looking up at Jeonghan with remorse in her eyes.

Seungcheol watched the exchange with a smile, admiring the way Jeonghan handled the situation with both firmness and care.

Seungcheol had to learn this. Of course, as a kid, Jiah would make numerous demands, some right and some wrong.

All that mattered was for him to explain her that a particular thing was not good for her, without upsetting her.

Indeed, Jeonghan had a way of explaining and disciplining Jiah that came from years of experience. He knew exactly what to say and how to say it to make Jiah understand, all while keeping her emotional well-being in mind.

Seungcheol observed Jeonghan with both admiration and a hint of affection in his eyes. It was moments like these that made him appreciate Jeonghan's nurturing side even more.

After that Seungcheol and Jiah went swimming while Jeonghan watched them from far, admiring how well they were bonding with each other.

The day went with laughter and giggles, three of them being bubble wrapped in their own little world.

The progress was extremely noticeable. Jeonghan was feeling a bit too overwhelmed but for the first time, he liked that feeling.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol was getting attached with Jiah. Her adorable nods and pouts, her beautiful giggles, everything was melting his heart.

And Jiah, of course loved Seungcheol's company. Slowly, he was becoming her favourite person alongside Jeonghan.

It was beautiful, maybe exactly what all three of them wanted and needed.

Jeonghan's coping mechanism.

Seungcheol's loneliness vanishing.

Jiah's unknown longing for one more special person along with Jeonghan.

"Seungcheol, what is this?" Jeonghan frowned while standing outside the room.

"Shh." Seungcheol whispered, "Now, you go and check if I made Jiah sleep nicely or not."

Jeonghan let out a scoff, "And what is this whole idea for?"

"To make sure that I did well." Seungcheol stated, "So that her dad can trust me a bit."

Jeonghan looked at him in disbelief after which he went into the room. He sat on the bed beside Jiah as he patted her head and kissed her forehead.

He looked around the room, temprature set, curtains shut, lights dim, blankets tucked, pillows well organised and what not.

Everything was perfect.

Seungcheol peeked through the door as he showed a thumbs up, asking for approval.

Jeonghan smiled lightly as he passed him an assuring look.

Seungcheol sighed in relief as he closed the door again.

Soon enough, Jeonghan cautiously walked out of the room, finding Seungcheol roaming in the corridor.

"Everything was nice?" Seungcheol instantly asked.

"You're worrying too much." Jeonghan retorted.

"It was my first time, setting up everything for a kid." Seungcheol scratched the back of his neck.

"You did well." Jeonghan chuckled.

"Uh-" Seungcheol hesitated a bit, "Do you want to spend some time in the balcony? The weather is nice."

Jeonghan contemplated for a while after which he nodded, "Let's go."

Both of them reached the balcony. The breeze was strong as the curtains were flowing along with it.

Avoiding the chairs, both of them reached the railings, observing the night sky and the sea.

Both of them stole glances of each other not knowing what to say or what to talk about.

"The sky looks great." Seungcheol cleared his throat.

"Yeah." Jeonghan agreed, "It does."

Use the sleeves of my sweater
Let's have an adventure
Head in the clouds but my gravity centered
Touch my neck and I'll touch yours

"Jeonghan-" Seungcheol paused, "I wanted to talk."

"Sure." Jeonghan turned to him, "What is it?"

Seungcheol took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "It's about us." he said, his voice low and hesitant.

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I know we've been through a lot, and things between us aren't easy, but-" He took another deep breath. "I can't ignore my feelings for you, Jeonghan. I still care about you, despite everything that's happened.

I know it's way to early to say these things but I don't want to lie to you. I just want to stay true to you all the time."

Jeonghan looked down as he fidgeted with his fingers, "I- I'm trying, really. But- it's messed up, I'm messed up."

Seungcheol held his shoulders to make the younger face him, "Trust me, you aren't messed up. Just answer one question of mine, Jeonghan. I know it's not easy for you right now.

But, do you want this? Do you want me? At some point of time in the future?"

Jeonghan gulped as he nodded slowly, "I never stopped wanting you."

Seungcheol brought his palm on the younger's cheek, "Then just trust me. I'll make your heart race for me again, I promise."

Jeonghan blinked as he stared at the older, "Why do you want to endure it all for me?"

Seungcheol looked into Jeonghan's eyes, his gaze filled with a mixture of determination and tenderness. He gently caressed Jeonghan's cheek with his thumb, feeling the warmth of his skin against his palm.

"Because you're worth it." he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "Everything you've been through, every struggle, every pain. None of it defines who you are. You are not your past, Jeonghan. You are so much more than that. And I want to help you see that."

Nothing that I wouldn't wanna tell you about, no
'Cause it's too cold
For you here
And now, so let me hold
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

The lightening struck and rain started. The sound was clearly audible in the balcony but Jeonghan didn't flinch by the slightest as he kept looking at the older.

Seungcheol stepped closer, keeping his moved cautious and gentle, "Jeonghan? Do you feel like pushing me away right now?"

Jeonghan gulped hard. His trauma might have hit him again but he rather felt a strange feeling, "No."

Seungcheol took another step while carefully studying the younger, "Now?"

Jeonghan slowly nodded in denial.

Seungcheol's heart pounded in his chest as he took another step closer, his movements slow and deliberate.

He was acutely aware of Jeonghan's vulnerability, of the trauma he had endured, and he didn't want to push him too far.

"Still no?" he asked again, his voice gentle and low.

Jeonghan's breath hitched, "No."

Seungcheol was standing directly in front of Jeonghan now, their bodies so close that he could feel the heat radiating off of Jeonghan's skin. The rain continued to fall around them, the sound a constant, comforting presence.

And if I may just take your breath away
I don't mind if there's not much to say
Sometimes the silence guides a mind
To move to a place so far away

He reached out and carefully wrapped his arms around Jeonghan, pulling him closer, their chests almost touching. He could feel the tension in Jeonghan's body, his muscles taut and stiff, but he didn't let go.

"You can push me away anytime." Seungcheol assured.

Jeonghan slowly rested his head against the older's chest, a low sniffle escaping his mouth, "Don't leave me, please."

Seungcheol's heart ached as Jeonghan's words reached his ears, and he tightened his arms around the younger in a protective embrace.

"I won't," he promised, his voice filled with reassurance and determination, "I won't leave you, Jeonghan."

He ran his hand gently through the younger's hair, feeling the weight of Jeonghan's head resting against his chest as the rain continued to fall around them.

Jeonghan closed his eyes, trying to feel the warmth of the older over his own scarred self. He instinctively clutched on the older's shirt tightly.

Seungcheol continued to gently run his fingers through Jeonghan's hair, trying to soothe the younger with his touch. He could sense Jeonghan's emotions - the fear, the pain, the longing - all of it laid bare in the younger's actions.

The goosebumps start to raise
The minute that my left hand meets your waist
And then I watch your face
Put my finger on your tongue 'cause you love to taste, yeah
These hearts adore, everyone the other beats hardest for
Inside this place is warm
Outside it starts to pour

"I-" Jeonghan tried to speak, "I want to forget it all. The camp. The taunts. The judgements. Everything."

Seungcheol listened quietly, his arms still holding Jeonghan close. He could feel the younger's body trembling slightly, the pain and trauma still raw and fresh.

"I know it's not that easy, Jeonghan," he said quietly, "But we'll work through it together. You won't have to face it all alone anymore."

"You're here." Jeonghan repeated, as if assuring himself, "Yes, you're here."

Seungcheol's heart ached at Jeonghan's repeated words. It was as if the younger was trying to convince himself of his presence, to remind himself that he wasn't alone anymore.

He held Jeonghan even tighter, letting his actions speak louder than words. "I'm here," he affirmed, his voice firm and gentle, "And I'm not going anywhere."

Jeonghan tightened his grip on the older, nuzzling his face into the older's chest, "I did nothing wrong. It- it wasn't a sin to love you. I'm not an unworthy person."

Seungcheol held Jeonghan even tighter, his hand still gently running through the younger's hair. "You did nothing wrong," he confirmed, his voice filled with conviction. "And you're not unworthy. You never were, and you never will be."

Jeonghan leaned back slightly to look at the older. He said nothing and did nothing as he simply stared at Seungcheol.

Seungcheol looked back at Jeonghan, his gaze meeting the younger's with intensity. They were silently lost in each other's eyes, the moment filled with a strange and fragile kind of intimacy.

He gently cupped Jeonghan's face in his hands, his thumbs tracing slow, soothing circles on the younger's cheeks. Neither of them spoke, but the silence was filled with a thousand unsaid words.

Jeonghan ran his fingers against the older's face very gently as if trying to believe that he was really there.

It wasn't a dream or hallucination, Seungcheol was actually there, standing by him, "Not alone."

Seungcheol let Jeonghan explore his face with his fingers, understanding the younger's need to confirm his presence.

"Not alone," he repeated, his voice a gentle yet firm reassurance. "You're not alone anymore, Jeonghan. I'm here, and I'm staying."

He continued to hold Jeonghan gently, his eyes never leaving the younger's face. He could see the confusion, the need, the vulnerability in Jeonghan's eyes, and it only made him want to hold him tighter.

Jeonghan's thumb caressed the older's cheeks, "I'll not get hurt again."

Seungcheol's heart ached as Jeonghan spoke, the younger's words filled with a mix of uncertainty and determination. He wanted so badly to reassure Jeonghan, to make him believe that he would be safe and protected.

"No, you won't," he said, his voice firm and steady. "I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. You're safe with me, Jeonghan."

"Really?" Jeonghan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, really." Seungcheol nodded.

Jeonghan finally smiled slowly. Even though it was a really subtle one, it was enough to bring some hope between them.

"There's that smile I love so much," Seungcheol said, his voice filled with warmth. "You're so strong, Jeonghan."

"Come closer." Jeonghan whispered, "Please."

Without hesitation, Seungcheol closed the distance between them, wrapping Jeonghan in a tight embrace.

He could feel Jeonghan's heart beating against his chest, the steady rhythm echoing his own. "I'm here," he murmured, his chin resting on Jeonghan's head. "I've got you."

Jeonghan nuzzled his face into the older's chest, "I waited for more than seven years for this comfort and I didn't even know."

"I'm sorry," Seungcheol whispered, his voice filled with guilt and regret. "I wish I could have been there for you sooner. I wish you didn't have to wait so long."

"It's not your fault." Jeonghan muttered, "If you would have known, you would've been there. It was just me who couldn't even speak."

Seungcheol gently ran his fingers through Jeonghan's hair, his touch gentle and soothing. "It's okay," he mumbled. "You're talking to me now, and that's what matters."

"I don't know why I'm asking this again?" Jeonghan rested his chin on the older's chest to look up, "Are you sure about being a part of mine and Jiah's life?"

Seungcheol met Jeonghan's gaze, his expression filled with sincerity. He reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Jeonghan's ear.

"Of course, I'm sure," he said firmly. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. Jiah too. And you."

He gently caressed Jeonghan's cheek, his touch filled with tenderness.

"But how will you deal with all this?" Jeonghan asked, "The sudden 'intrusion' in your life."

Seungcheol chuckled softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're not an intrusion, Jeonghan," he said, his voice filled with affection. "You're a welcome addition to my life. And as for Jiah, she's an absolute joy."

He gently pinched Jeonghan's cheek, his touch lighthearted but affectionate. "I'm not just dealing with it, I'm embracing it."

Jeonghan slowly nodded as he looked down. Apart from Jiah, no one in his life had ever made him feel so important.

All he was told that he was a person who had always been at the wrong side, doing absolutely trash things.

Seungcheol could see the doubt and insecurity in Jeonghan's eyes, and it broke his heart. He could only imagine the kind of negative messages the younger had internalized over the years.

He gently lifted Jeonghan's chin with his fingers, forcing the younger to meet his gaze. "Don't listen to what other people say," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "You are important, Jeonghan. You are worth loving, and you deserve happiness."

Seungcheol leaned in to press a kiss on Jeonghan's forehead. As he backed away, he saw Jeonghan's wide eyes.

Seungcheol gasped when he realised what he had done in the flow of the moment, "Sorry- sorry I- I'm really sorr-"

"It's fine, don't worry, please." Jeonghan muttered, "I was just taken aback."

Seungcheol let out a shaky breath, his heartbeat slowly returning to normal. "Are you sure? I didn't mean to-"

"You didn't mean it?" Jeonghan asked, looking directly at the older.

Seungcheol could feel Jeonghan's gaze on him, and he swallowed hard. The younger's question caught him off guard, and he felt a wave of nervousness wash over him.

He hesitated for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. "No, I did mean it," he said finally, his voice quiet but firm. "I just didn't mean to do it without asking for your permission first."

Jeonghan smiled softly, "It's alright."

"You smiled," Seungcheol mumbled, his voice filled with tenderness. He gently caressed Jeonghan's cheek, his touch soft and loving. "It's been a while since I've seen that apart from when you're with Jiah."

Jeonghan's smile widened as he snuggled into the older's embrace again, "Someone has been trying a bit too hard for me to find myself. I'm- I'm happy."

"That's all I want." Seungcheol caressed his back, "I'm happy too. You don't even know, how much."

A/n : Guys, please don't misunderstand the point where it said Jiah's unknown longing for one more special person.

For her, Jeonghan was always enough but having Seungcheol too, was just another beautiful factor in her life.

That sentence NOT at all means that Jeonghan wasn't enough for her, so please don't misunderstand!

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo