<Seungcheol's Apartment>

"If you've any trouble, we can drop this plan." Seungcheol looked at Jiah who was sitting on the couch beside Vernon.

"Nooo. I like him a lot." Jiah clung onto Vernon's arm, "I want to go to his place. But you're suspicious."

"Me?" Seungcheol asked.

"Yes you." Jiah nodded, "Are you sure you're not planning to have fun without me? And does dad know?"

"Yes we are." Seungcheol stated, "We'll be having a lot of fun and ice creams without you."

"What? No that's not possible." Jiah frowned.

"Exactly." Seungcheol chuckled.

"Damn baby got tricked." Vernon patted her head.

"Meanies." Jiah whined.

Seungcheol laughed as he stood up to ruffle her hair, "I'm sure you'll have fun with Vernon uncle."

"Of course!" Jiah exclaimed.

"I'll call hyung and tell him." Vernon nodded as he excused himself.

He made a call to Jeonghan but unexpectedly the call was picked up by someone else.

"Hello?"

Vernon's heartbeat raced as he clearly recognised the voice.

"Hello, Mr. Chwe, hyung is a bit busy. Oh and I'm-"

"Dr. Boo." Vernon completed, "I recognised."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, of course." Vernon paused, "How are you though?"

"I'm all good. You?" Seungkwan asked.

"I'm doing great. Oh wait, Jiah was missing you a lot."

"I know she must be." Seungkwan chuckled.

"Jiah is my responsibility today. And she was missing you as well. So I was asking, if you're free in the evening then we can take her out together."

Seungkwan halted at the proposal as he didn't say anything.

"I mean, it's fine if you don't-"

"It's okay. Where will we going to?"

"That I'll text you, don't worry. Thankyou Dr. Boo."

"No, it's thanks to you. I'll get to spend time with Jiah."

"Alright. Take care- oh wait wait!" Vernon face palmed, "I forgot the main thing. Please inform Jeonghan hyung that Jiah will be going with me today and the rest, Seungcheol hyung will tell him."

"Okay okay. Bye!"

Vernon hung up the call as he went back into the hall.

"What happened?" Seungcheol asked.

"Jeonghan hyung was busy so Dr. Boo picked up the call." Vernon sat beside Jiah again.

Seungcheol suppressed a teasing smile, "And?"

"And uh- Jiah was missing him a lot so I asked him if he could accompany us in the evening." Vernon mumbled.

"When did I say that I was missing him?" Jiah looked up.

Seungcheol laughed out loud, "Yeah Vernon? Answer?"

Vernon looked here and there for a while after which he focused on Jiah, "So you mean you were not missing him at all? Should I tell him?"

"No no no!" Jiah shook her head, "I was missing him but I never told you."

"I can read your mind baby." Vernon patted her head.

"What am I thinking right now?" Jiah asked, "C'mon, read."

Vernon looked at Seungcheol with pleading eyes.

Seungcheol grinned, "Baby he's just messing with you."

"I knew it." Jiah clapped excitedly.

Vernon smiled as he tickled her, "Yeah no one can win against you."

<Jiah's Mansion>

Seungcheol halted the car in front of the place and got our of it. He was dressed in a purple suit, a metal chain dangling around his neck.

He leaned back against the car and texted Jeonghan - I'm here.

He scrolled through his phone while waiting for a the younger.

After a while, Jeonghan came out of the door, taking slow and steady steps while fidgeting with his fingers.

He was dressed in a light blue suit, his blonde hairs brightening up his face even more.

Seungcheol walked forward with a small smile as he put forward his hand with a prince bow.

Jeonghan chuckled nervously as he held the older's hand, "You- uh- you look handsome."

"And you look breathtakingly gorgeous," Seungcheol murmured, his eyes glued on Jeonghan's face.

The night breeze gently rustled the younger's hair, and under the golden glow of the street lights, his eyes seemed to shine brighter than ever before.

"The most beautiful person I've ever seen." he quietly added, almost to himself.

Jeonghan averted his gaze for a moment. A date was probably not a big deal, but for him, it was.

Considering the internal wars he was fighting because of his past in that camp which had once ruined him completely.

Seungcheol held Jeonghan's hand gently, his thumb brushing against the younger's smooth skin. He could feel the slight tremble in Jeonghan's hand and knew the younger was nervous.

He squeezed Jeonghan's hand reassuringly, and his lips curled into a soft smile.

"It's okay, you know," he said. "No pressure. We're taking things at our own pace. This," he gestured between them, his voice dripping with sincerity, "is just us, enjoying a beautiful night together."

Jeonghan nodded as he slowly walked forward and embraced the older abruptly, "I'm trying."

Seungcheol wrapped his arms around Jeonghan, pulling the younger against his body. He tucked his chin over Jeong-han's shoulder, holding him tight.

"That's more than enough," a quiet murmur escaped from his lips.

They stayed like that for a few moments, the world around them quiet and serene. As the night air swirled around them, Seungcheol realized that with Jeonghan in his arms, everything felt right.

Seungcheol backed away to look into the younger's eyes, "Do remember Jeonghan, you're trying for yourself. Not for Jiah, not for me, not for anybody else."

Jeonghan looked down for w moment and then faced the older again, "I'm trying for myself."

Seungcheol smiled widened, as he gently cupped Jeonghan's face.

"That's right. For yourself. Because you deserve happiness, Jeonghan." He caressed the younger's cheek, his fingers lingering on on the soft skin. "You deserve love, peace, and joy. Never forget that, okay?"

He pressed a soft kiss on Jeonghan's forehead, a gentle reassurance.

"Let's go enjoy our date, okay?"

Jeonghan accompanied the older towards the car.

Seungcheol's heart pounded as the younger walked alongside him. Excitement and nervousness danced within him.

He opened the car door for Jeonghan, watching as the younger smoothly slipped into the passenger seat.

Seungcheol moved to the driver's side, taking a moment to steady his breath, before slipping into the seat and starting the car.

As he pulled out of the parking lot, a soft smile played on his features, anticipation coursing through him for what lay ahead.

"Your place, right?" Jeonghan confirmed.

Seungcheol nodded, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Yes, we're going to my place," he confirmed, his hand resting on the steering wheel. "I've planned everything out, don't worry."

He glanced over at Jeonghan, a hint of anticipation in his eyes, "You'll love it."

"I know that." Jeonghan grinned.

The car ride continued with a comfortable silence, the hum of the engine and the soft glow of the city lights providing a backdrop to their journey.

Finally, they reached Seungcheol's apartment, the familiar building rising before them.

Seungcheol got out of the car and then reached towards the passenger's seat. He funbled with the door for a moment after which he opened it.

"I think I'm a bit nervous if you'll like it or not." Seungcheol scratched the back of his neck.

Jeonghan got out, "I understand."

He smiled with a small hint of sadness, "Even I had planned our first date once so excitedly, so eagerly, with so much love and happiness.

And now after about eight years, I'm a person who is finding hard to be happy somehow."

He turned to face Seungcheol, "I changed so much. And not for good. Thankyou Seungcheol. For at least bringing these moments back to my life."

The sadness in Jeonghan's expression pierced through Seungcheol's heart like a dagger, but his words brought a flicker of hope.

Seungcheol reached out and gently touched the younger's cheek, his thumb gently tracing his cheekbone.

"No, Jeonghan, I'm thankful that you're allowing me to bring happiness back into your life," he murmured.

He stepped closer, his arms wrapping around Jeonghan's waist. He held him close, his voice a near whisper.

"I won't ever let go."

"I promise I won't say these things again now." Jeonghan muttered, "I won't ruin all of this."

Seungcheol gently cupped Jeonghan's face, tilting the younger's head up slightly so that their eyes met. He shook his head softly.

"You're not ruining anything," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Don't ever apologize for how you feel or for sharing your thoughts. That won't ever ruin anything, okay?"

His thumbs gently brushed against Jeonghan's cheeks, wiping away invisible tears. A small smile played on his lips, tender and warm. "You're doing perfectly right now. Don't change a thing."

"Come." Seungcheol held Jeonghan's hand and guided him in. He avoided everything on the way, taking the younger to the terrace.

The terrace was a sight to behold. Soft, warm fairy lights adorned the surrounding area, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the space like a million twinkling stars.

In the center, a table was set with a crisp white cloth, elegant cutlery and shimmering glassware. A centerpiece of roses, carefully arranged, stood tall and proud.

In the far end, a canopy draped majestically in sheer light fabric, creating a cozy little nook for privacy and intimacy.

It was a breathtaking display, an effort to capture the essence of timeless beauty and romance.

Jeonghan gasped as his eyes glinmered along with all those lights and the stars, "This is so beautiful."

"But nothing compares to you." Seungcheol chuckled, "C'mon, I put so much efforts here, you could've at least let all this compare to you."

Jeonghan laughed lightly, "You had to say that."

"I'm simply stating facts." Seungcheol retorted as he walked forward and turned around to face Jeonghan, "Look up.

Jeonghan immediately looked up as he scrunched his brows, "What happened?"

"Doesn't the sky look so free, vast and beautiful?" Seungcheol asked.

"It does." Jeonghan nodded.

"That's what I want for you, Jeonghan." Seungcheol looked at him, "Break all of the strings with your past. Your emotions are too vast for them to be bottled into your past.

Don't let anyone supress your beautiful self and pull you into self doubt by constantly harming that one insecurity which has been forcefully scarred into you.

You're free and insanely gorgeous, inside out. Know your worth Jeonghan, you're so precious to me, to your daughter, to the people who care for you.

And over all of that, you're precious to yourself. You've a beautiful soul Jeonghan, no one in allowed to throw shade on it, never."

Beautiful soul.

The words rang in Jeonghan's ears, echoing through the chambers of his heart. He swallowed hard, fighting back the emotions welling up within him.

His eyes were drawn to the sky, the vastness of it all felt like a mirror of his soul - endless, uncertain, and full of possibilities. For years, he had denied himself those possibilities, believing he was undeserving of them.

But standing there, under the starry sky, with Seungcheol's words pouring over him like a gentle stream, he felt a glimmer of hope.

Seungcheol walked back to the younger to gently wipe off his tears. Jeonghan was so lost that he flinched to the slightest touch.

Seungcheol held his breath, his hand pausing mid-air. But he knew he couldn't stop there, knew he had to help Jeonghan snap out of his overwhelming emotions.

Quietly, he reached out again, gently wiping away Jeonghan's tears with the pad of his thumb.

Jeonghan quickly snuggled into the older's embrace, sniffling silently, "Why are you doing this to me?"

Seungcheol wrapped his arms around Jeonghan, pulling him close and rubbing soft circles on his back. He rested his chin on top of Jeonghan's head, his voice a soothing murmur.

"Doing what?" he asked, his tone gentle yet curious. "Giving you love, affection, and support? Loving you the way you deserve to be loved?"

He pressed a soft kiss on Jeonghan's hair, his arms tightening around the younger in a comforting embrace.

"Yes." Jeonghan mumbled in a very low voice.

Seungcheol pulled away slightly, just enough to look into Jeonghan's eyes. He lifted the younger's chin, his gaze sincere and unwavering.

"Because," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken words, "I love you."

So much.

He let his words hang in the air for a moment before continuing, his thumb tracing soft circles on Jeonghan's cheek.

"And I want to see you happy. You deserve happiness, Jeonghan."

Jeonghan gulped as he calmed himself. He paused for a brief moment after which he leaned in to press his lips against the older's.

Seungcheol felt time stand still as Jeonghan's lips found his. An electric shiver ran through him, a mixture of surprise and undeniable joy.

He gently, tenderly kissed the younger back, his fingers tangling in Jeonghan's hair.

"I love you," he murmured against Jeonghan's lips, a soft, heartfelt declaration. "I love you so much."

He wrapped his arms around Jeonghan, deepening the kiss, expressing all the love, longing, and relief through it.

Seungcheol poured all the affection and longing into the kiss. He cherished each moment, tasting the sweetness of Jeonghan's lips, feeling the softness of his skin, and taking in his comforting scent.

His hands held onto Jeonghan's waist, pulling the younger closer, as if to never let him slip away again. Their hearts beat in harmony, their emotions intertwining like vines around a tree.

Slowly, he pulled back, his forehead resting against Jeonghan's, their breaths mingling in the moonlight.

"I love you too." Jeonghan breathed out.

"Kiss me more, Seungcheol." Jeonghan looked into his eyes, "Hold me so close that I won't remember anything that happened to me. All I want to cherish is you."

"I'll kiss you all you want," Seungcheol murmured, his words a promise of eternal affection. His lips brushed against Jeonghan's, almost teasing. "And I will hold you so close that you'll forget the world exists, but you will remember only the feeling of my arms around yourself."

Without any hesitation, Seungcheol's lips crashed onto Jeonghan's once again.

This time, the kiss was fueled by the depth of their feelings, their lips moving urgently and hungrily against one another.

One hand of Seungcheol's was on Jeonghan's waist, pulling him closer, while the other cupped the younger's face, the angle allowing for deeper, more fervent connection.

Seungcheol let the feelings wash over him, kissing Jeonghan with all the love and desire.

After what felt like an eternity, Seungcheol pulled away, allowing them both to catch their breath. His eyes remained fixed on Jeonghan, watching how the younger's chest heaved with the exertion of their passionate embrace.

A softness flickered in his gaze as he reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind Jeonghan's ear. His fingers lingered for a moment, as if reluctant to withdraw from the intimacy that had just unfolded.

"Jeonghan-" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jeonghan looked at the older, "Hmm?"

Seungcheol sighed, his eyes falling to Jeonghan's mouth, still swollen from their passionate kiss. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Is it possible to fall deeper in love with you?" he murmured, his eyes returning to meet Jeonghan's.

His fingers slowly traced down Jeonghan's face, from his brow, over his cheekbone, and finally, resting under the younger's chin. He cupped Jeonghan's face, his thumb gently brushing along Jeonghan's lower lip.

"Because each day, I find myself falling for you more and more." Seungcheol continued, "The moment I feel there's no more left, I lose myself even more, surrendering my soul to you."

Jeonghan chuckled as he looked away, avoiding the intensity of the older's gaze, "Do you not want it to happen?"

Seungcheol's smile widened. He gently turned Jeonghan's face back, the gesture as tender as ever. "I want it," he said softly. "I never want to stop falling for you."

As if emphasizing his point, he leaned closer, his lips brushing against Jeonghan's once more. "Each day," he murmured, just before capturing Jeonghan's lips in a soft kiss.

He leaned back, his touch gentle, his eyes filled with adoration. "I'll fall for you anew each day."

"And what if I say I'm no better?" Jeonghan asked, "Even I can't help but fall for you over and over again, with each word you say, with your every touch, with all of your assurances, everything."

A soft, heartfelt smile spread across Seungcheol's lips. His thumb traced along Jeonghan's jaw, his fingers finding their way to the younger's hand to intertwine their fingers.

"Then it means we're both helplessly in love," he murmured, his thumb brushing over Jeonghan's palm. His eyes remained fixed on Jeonghan, his gaze overflowing with tenderness.

"And that, Jeonghan," he whispered, bringing the younger's hand up to his lips, pressing a tender kiss on the back of his hand, "is the most beautiful thing in the world."

"It is." Jeonghan smiled, "I love to love you and to be loved by you."

Seungcheol reached out to play some soft music as he approached the younger again, "Dance?"

Jeonghan chuckled as he held the older's hand, "Sure."

Seungcheol took Jeonghan's hand lightly, pulling him closer as they began to move with the rhythm. The older gently placed his other hand on Jeonghan's waist, guiding him into a slow, swaying dance.

His eyes remained fixed on Jeonghan's, a tender smile playing on his lips.

Jeonghan couldn't help but grin at the older's loving gaze, "Stop staring me like that all the time."

Seungcheol chuckled, "Why should I?" he remarked, his thumb gently rubbing over the younger's skin.

As they swayed slowly to the music, his gaze never wavered, his eyes still fixated on Jeonghan's face, memorizing every detail, every curve, every nuance of the younger's expression.

"I love looking at you," he murmured, his voice softer than the gentle breeze blowing around them.

His hand on Jeonghan's waist pulled the younger closer, minimizing the distance between them to almost nothing, their bodies nearly pressing against each other.

"You just love to be cheesy." Jeonghan laughed.

"Is it working?" Seungcheol chuckled softly, gently swirling Jeonghan around.

His arm wrapped around Jeonghan's waist, pulling the younger back against his chest as they continued to dance.

The moonlight illuminated their figures, casting a soft glow over their faces. Their hands still intertwined, Seungcheol's breath warm on the younger's neck.

The music played quietly in the background, the mellow notes complementing the soft sway of their bodies. As they moved, Seungcheol's lips brushed the skin of Jeonghan's neck, leaving a trail of fluttery touches.

Jeonghan clutched the older's shoulder tightly as he closed his eyes shut, "Seungcheol-"

Seungcheol gently ran his fingers over Jeonghan's waist, the motion soft and soothing.

"Yes?" he murmured against Jeonghan's neck, pressing a gentle kiss against the younger's skin, his lips barely grazing the sensitive area.

The music continued playing in the background, carrying the weight of the moment. It was just them, swaying gently in each other's arms, the world around them seemingly fading away.

"You-" Jeonghan gulped, "My heart is beating so fast. All the feelings I thought that had disappeared from myself, ars coming back to me. I feel goosebumps and overwhelmed but I love it."

The older's lips curled into a soft, loving smile, his fingers tracing gentle lines along Jeonghan's waist, sending pleasant shivers down his spine.

"That's a good sign, isn't it?" he murmured, nuzzling his face against the younger's neck.

The soft words and tender touches felt like a gentle rain caressing Jeonghan's skin, soothing the remnants of his wounds and replacing them with a flicker of hope.

The world seemed to quiet down, leaving only them swaying to the soft music that played in the background.

Seungcheol turned the younger around and clasped his arms around his waist from behind, "Ignore what anyone else says to you, Jeonghan. Just trust and believe me.

Listen to what I say. You're the one I long for and crave for. I'm grateful to have you, never forget that."

"I won't." Jeonghan agreed, "I promise."

Seungcheol rested his chin on the younger's neck, "If I ever lose you Jeonghan, I lose myself too.

I won't be able to think straight and I don't even know what I'll do. I'll probably transform into a danger to myself and everyone around me.

That's the hold you have on me, Jeonghan. That's the power you hold in my life."

"I won't let anything like that happen, for sure." Jeonghan turned aroun to face the older, "We'll be together, forever."

Seungcheol chuckled, "With our little princess."

Jeonghan's eyes widened at the implication, "O-our?"

Seungcheol gently intertwined his fingers with Jeonghan's, pulling him closer.

He pressed his forehead against the younger's, his voice filled with unwavering certainty. "Yes, our daughter," he murmured, his thumb tracing a gentle circle over Jeonghan's palm.

A flicker of joy sparked within him as he confessed, "I want all of it, Jeonghan-the love, the companionship, creating a family with you. Becoming Jiah's second dad. Being there for her and for you. It's all I want."

"And-" Seungcheol halted, "I'm not asking you to pressure her with all this. I'll patiently wait for the day when she herself acknowledges me as her other parent."

Jeonghan gulped hard as he looked at the older. He opened his mouth to speak but halted again.

"Say something, please," Seungcheol murmured, his voice gentle, yet filled with a hint of pleading.

He needed to hear something, anything from the younger right now.

"It's beautiful to hear." Jeonghan muttered, "But- but how will all this fall into place?"
Seungcheol let out a soft chuckle, his thumb gently tracing a soft circle over the younger's palm.

"We'll make it work, Jeonghan. Together," he murmured, pulling the younger closer, their bodies barely touching.

"We'll find a way to make it work. For us, for Jiah, for our future. We have each other, and isn't that enough?"

"It will, yes." Jeonghan assured himself, "I trust you more than myself. If you say so, then it will definitely fall into place."

Words failed Seungcheol in moments like this, where emotions overpowered him entirely.

So he opted for something much more effective.

With a tenderness rarely seen on his face, he leaned in and pressed his lips against Jeonghan's again. His fingers gently cradled the younger's face, holding the moment in the palm of his hand.

His kiss was tender, a soft whisper of longing, a silent promise that echoed through every gesture. He pulled back only when the need for air became irresistible, resting his forehead against Jeonghan's, their breaths intertwining.

"I love you."

This time, both of them together and giggled immediately, loving the way they meant so much to each other.

A/n : Finally, an update😭😭

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo