After some negotiating with Jeno, Jaemin successfully made him agree to his generous offer.

Although Jeno had told him he can help as he's always grateful for it, he can still be stubborn and change his mind last minute, guilt bubbling up in his gut for hassling Jaemin.

The offer is simple: Jaemin will be joining them for dinner more often now, slowly but surely.

Of course not every night, maybe some day though. But for now, perhaps three or four times a week. Could be two if things aren't peaceful or their schedules are packed.

Which brings us here tonight, Jaemin standing in front of Jeno's main house door waiting patiently for someone to answer the door and kindly let him in.

Jeno had went home earlier than him, Jaemin didn't need to question him that much anymore when the brunet man comes by his office to announce his leave, kissing him goodbye with that endearing sweet smile.

The only time Jaemin asks him is when he looks stressed and worried, lips curled down into a frown as he rushes off after bidding goodbyes.

Unbeknownst to him on what's happening inside Jeno's house, the brunet man is currently drying his hands on his crooked apron and rushes to the door.

"Jaemin, good evening." Exhaling deeply, Jeno smiles faintly as he steps aside letting the elder man in.

"Good evening, love." Smiling back, they share a quick yet sweet kiss before Jeno pushes him away gingerly on his chest.

"Hold on, I'm cooking something." Flashing him a sheepish smile, Jeno runs back to the kitchen to check on the food.

Jaemin follows a second later, peering over Jeno's shoulder to see what he was preparing for dinner. Giggling at his slight struggle, "here, let me help you."

It's cliché, some might say.

But you can't deny how absolutely amazing it feels to have that fluttery feeling with those butterflies being awaken just by an affectionate physical gesture by your lover.

Blushing, Jeno mumbles a thank you as he takes a platter for the food. Jaemin glances at the empty dining table and frowns, "who's preparing the table?"

"Oh, that would be me." Jeno answers him calmly, not meeting his eyes as he's carefully pouring the food on the platter.

"What about the kids?" Jeno pauses just in time before the food starts spilling on the edges of the platter, placing the pot down and covers it up since there's still leftovers.

He purses his lips, "I tried calling them and asked for their help..."

"And what was their reasons for not helping their Papa who just got back from a tiring day at work and has to prepare food for everyone?" Jeno gulps at Jaemin's honesty.

He doesn't blame him, he can see where Jaemin is coming from.

Jaemin is known to be well-mannered and strict. Yet is also very kind and understanding to others.

Jaemin grew up in a household like that, when he was young he didn't understand it and thought it was stupid.

But now, as a grown adult. He is thankful and doesn't regret his parents' discipline on him as he grew up.

He's thankful for having parents to be strict yet are still open-minded and understanding, won't take things too far and abuse their powers against him.

He hopes to be like them one day.

Helping your parents is a must, even after getting home from school or wherever you came from, you repay their hard work that was specially for your well-being.

So it saddens Jaemin, to hear Jeno's reply as to why his kids aren't helping him prepare dinner. "Jisung is cranky today and Chenle said he's doing homework."

"I'm not going to question if Chenle's lying to you or not just so he can escape from helping you right now," Jaemin firstly says.

"Regardless, if he is actually doing homework. He can try to pause for a moment and come here to help you, at least prepare the table."

"It doesn't take much to help your parents, and I'm sure you know that, honey." Jaemin eyes him carefully, Jeno nods and tears his gaze away.

He's embarrassed. For his kids' immoral behaviors and his lack of control, and then his ex spouse's actions and gaining more power than him to the point using it against him.

And most importantly, Jaemin has to go through this hassle. Although he was willing, Jeno feels bad.

"I just- I didn't want to argue with Chenle tonight... He seemed cranky as well and even though I try to be strict on them, the times they disrespect me hurts..."

"And I guess I'm afraid to possibly make that happen. You could say I'm weak for not being that tough parent." Jeno forces out a chuckle.

Frowning, Jaemin frames his face gently. "Stop belittling yourself, darling..."

Sighing, Jaemin bites his inner cheek. "Okay... Okay, since you don't want to argue with them tonight... We can try something small first."

"Like what?" Jeno perks up at that, lifting a brow as Jaemin smiles at him softly.

"We can practice "please", "may I", "thank you ", and "you're welcome" and other basic polite words while having dinner."

Jeno slowly smiles, nodding his head in agreement. "That would be nice..." It's obvious how he's both excited and nervous at the possible scenarios.

He's excited to finally get some help and teach his kids on how to be polite, he trusts Jaemin can and will do his best to make that happen.

But he's also nervous for their negative reactions, throw a tantrum if they really have to.

As if Jaemin can read his thoughts, he leans in to kiss the furrow between his eyebrows away and sooth him.

"It's okay if things won't immediately go as planned. They're new to this, that's why we're practicing slowly but surely."

"I'm just afraid they might push you away, like- literally. And you'd give up like I sometimes would and break things off and-"

"Hey hey hey, none of that." Jaemin cuts him off and caresses his cheek gently. "Don't overthink, Jen, I wouldn't leave you because of that."

"You... Won't?"

"Never." Pulling him in for a hug, Jaemin caresses the back of his head as Jeno inhales the perfume Jaemin manages to still have on after a long day at work.

"Now, before the food gets cold, let's call the kids down shall we?" Jaemin says, pulling away slightly to meet his eyes again.

Jeno coughs awkwardly, "they uh..."

Trailing off, Jeno quietly cringes at the look Jaemin has on. "I'm assuming we have to go up to their rooms if they're ignoring our calls?"

"Yeah..."

"Is that why you were the one who answered the door?"

"I'm sorry..."

Jaemin shakes his head and interlocks their hands, "don't be." Kissing his knuckles, he flashes him his signature charming smile.

"Come on, I'm sure they're starving too."

𖢻

Thoughts???

Questions perhaps??

Tmi for today-

One thing: JENSTAGRAM?? POSSIBLY??

istg if those spammed Jeno posts on the group's account is a tease or a hint that JENSTAGRAM could happen soon- imma cri out of happiness.

Like ik he said he wasn't sure on doing it bc he thinks he might not be good enough for it or something like that bc he doesn't take a lot of photos like the others.

But HAVE YOU SEEN HIS PICS??? Jeno Lee we don't give a fuck abt pic quality as long as we know you're good. You don't have to be really active on Instagram to please us.

Low pic quality is nothing bc Jeno Lee makes up for it. Plus it's a thing too nowadays, blurry pics are cool <3

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