short au where jm is the owner of a pink candy shop and jk catches his small daughter stealing something from the shop

______

"Papa, look. I'm a princess now," Jinae says with a big grin on her small face and looks proud at her dad as they are a few metres away from the candy shop they just visited. Jeongguk furrows his brows and looks at her, eyes widening once his gaze falls on the purple-blue crown that sits now on her hair.

He halts in his steps and grabs her hand, face morphing into a serious expression. "Jinae, this is not what we bought. We only bought some candies. Where did you get the crown from?"

It's then that Jinae's brown eyes wander to the pavement, arm swinging slightly back and forth. Her teeth nibbling on her bottom lip when Jeongguk lifts her face with a finger. Jeongguk can already imagine the reason for that and it causes him deeply exhale and pinch the bridge of his nose. Disappointment floads through his chest. Did he fail as a parent?

"Jinae..." Jeongguk peers at her at a loss of words. It's not how he taught her. He thought taught her better. "Why did you steal the crown? I told you stealing is something you shouldn't do. People work hard for their money. Be it something they sell or something it belongs to them-imagine someone took away your favourite plushy or dress without asking, how would you react?"

"But I wanted this crown..." She pouts.

"If you want something, you can ask me. If I say no it's for a reason, okay? Now let's go back before they call the police," Jeongguk mumbles the last part and tugs at her small hand, not happy about the uncomfortable situation he'll be in. He'll have to explain and then buy the crown perhaps.

Jeongguk leads them through the street and back to the pink candy shop at the corner of the street, taking a short breath as they reach the pink door. He will most likely not be able to step into the shop and face the workers after today.

Stepping into the shop, Jeongguk is immediately embraced by the sweet scent of candy. As far as the eye can reach colours of pink and other pastels strike his view. The owner must really love pink, huh?

Before Jeongguk can move forward to the cash desk, one of the employees approaches him and Jinae. "Hi, can I help you with-"

"I'm sorry, we were just in here. We just need to go to the cash desk." Jeongguk bows his head apologetically and walks straight towards the counter where the earlier cashier is now replaced by a man with blond hair. Jeongguk doesn't fail to notice how attractive he is with his black apron and his caramel-coloured sweater underneath.

The blond man lifts with a charming smile his head, lips forming into a soft "o" shape as soon as his eyes settle on Jeongguk . A nervous smile tugs on Jeongguk 's lips who tries not to panic while returning the gesture.

"Gosh, this is embarrassing, but ehm-" Jeongguk murmurs, clearing his throat. He has to hurry up if he doesn't want others to witness this scene. He takes the crown off Jinae's head and puts it on the counter, receiving a frown from the blond man.

Not to mention how Jinae's eyes fill with sadness. She can barely look at the candy shop worker, shame spreading through her body. Her other hand holds onto the material as her father speaks up,

"You see, my daughter took this crown from your shop and we came back to pay for it. I'm sorry it happened. I'll pay more attention to what she does from now on."

Jeongguk bows his head and nibbles with his teeth nervously on his lip, not knowing how the cashier will react. Maybe this pretty cashier will take them to the owner?

Peering at his daughter, he gently tugs at her hand. "This is the part where you have to apologize, baby."

"I'm- I'm sorry, sir," she mumbles and draws with her foot a pattern on the floor, intimidated by the many eyes laying on her. A tear rolls then down her cheek, while a sob makes it past her lips. "I- I just want to look like a princess."

"You always look like a princess to me, baby," Jeongguk says before the blond man interrupts with softness in his eyes.

"Thank you. I appreciate your honesty." The worker steps around the cashier desk, asking another employee to take over at the cash desk. He crouches down in front of Jinae with a small smile on his lips, causing Jeongguk 's eyes to widen at the politeness. "You want to be a princess, hm? You know even princesses can't take what they want. They have to be polite and ask when they would like something."

"Really?"

The blond man's smile widens and he nods. "Really. Can I let you in on a little secret?"

Jinae nods, shy at first but quickly finds enough courage to look at the worker, struck by how pretty he is up close. Her facial expression brightens.

"It doesn't take a crown to be a princess." He leans in, whispering in her small ear with a soft voice, "To your father you're already a princess and to me you're one as well. Can you promise me not to cause more troubles like this, hm? It might get your father into serious problems one day and a princess needs her father as a king, no?"

"Yes," Jinae eagerly nods, finding truth in the worker's words.

"Good," the man leans back and looks back and forth between her chocolate brown eyes. "Promise? I'll know if you break the promise..."

"Promise... I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

He smiles and his eyes form into a beautiful eye smile, leaving both Jeongguk and his daughter in shock. "Wonderful. What's your name dear?"

"Jinae!"

"Jinae? That's a wonderful name. Then... It was nice meeting you, Jinae. I'm Jimin by the way. Maybe we will meet ag-"

"Pretty..."

Jimin blinks. What did she just say? "Sorry?"

"You are pretty," Jinae says shyly. Uncertain if she said something wrong, her gaze wanders to her shoes, missing the blush that settles on Jimin's cheeks. He mumbles a shy 'thank you', his long eye lashes brush his cheeks before he turns his gaze on her father, who stands there with adoration sparkling in his doe eyes.

Jimin gasps, not having taken the time before to thoroughly look at him. As he stands there, one hand holding his daughter's hand and strands of brown hair covering his eyes, Jimin gets the urge to reach out and tug it behind his ear. It's like he experiences his first crush all over again.

Jeongguk , on the other hand, doesn't know what to say, being unable to stop staring at Jimin . The latter must have noticed, raising slightly an eyebrow.

"You're staring." Jimin giggles and Jeongguk could swear it was the cutest sound he's has ever heard (except for his daughter when she's giggling ofc).

"I'm not staring, I'm admiring," Jeongguk blurts out faster before he can stop himself.

He curses innerly for being so blunt, but to his surprise the other only giggles, madly blushing. Jeongguk admits he could get used to seeing this sight more often.

"Thank you for not taking us to the owner and I'll pay of course for the crown before we leave the shop. I hope I can repay your kindness someday." Jeongguk innerly hopes that this will not be the last encounter with Jimin . He has been single for quite some time, not having found someone he's interest in, especially someone who's good with children and would accept him plus a child.

Seeing Jimin and how he interacts with Jinae makes him feel more than he'd like to admit. It kind of scares him but at the same time he wants to chase this new feeling.

Jimin's giggles snap him out of his trance, and cause his heart to races faster in his chest. He's about to lay a hand above his heart when Jimin's following words make him turn pale.

"I'm actually the owner."

"Oh," Jeongguk whispers, shocked that he's been talking to the owner the entire time. It makes him not less attractive in his eyes, but now he's not that sure anymore if he can ask Jimin out after his daughter stole something from his shop. "Thank you for not calling the police. Let me pay for the crown now."

Jeongguk nervously smiles and turns to the cash desk. He gets out his wallet and puts the money on the desk, giving his daughter the crown and is about to leave when something tugs on the hem of his coat. It causes him to halt in his step and curiously let his turn his head once again to Jimin .

If Jeongguk thought he'd get away without Jimin taking advantage, then he thought wrong. Jimin doesn't know when he might see Jeongguk see again nor if this chance would come around again. He's not someone who let's this kind of opportunity slip between his fingers. He has seen Jeongguk 's gazes. There has to be something between them and he's almost sure the other must be thinking the same.

"Rather than me calling the cops, how about we go for coffee? ...or maybe... there's this wonderful ice cream shop in the near?" Jimin looks with wide and hopeful eyes at Jeongguk first and then at Jinae, hoping the other man will understand the message he tries to deliver.

"Ice cream, yess! Papa, let's go and eat ice cream," Jeongguk 's little one eagerly tugs on his hand, puppy eyes directed at him, making him grow soft. Jeongguk groans innerly, not being able to deny neither of them.

"Okay." Jeongguk breathes out and tries to mentally prepare himself for spending time with this gorgeous man and his daughter in the evening. This is so sudden but it doesn't feel wrong in any way. Besides this isn't a date, yet. Correct?

"Perfect, give me a few minutes and I'll be with you. My shift is over for today."

Shortly after Jimin has disappeared behind a door for employees, Jeongguk exhales deeply and scrunches his nose a bit irritated, contemplating if he isn't dreaming after all. But he looks at his daughter who grins which is enough for him to know that he isn't dreaming.

Coming out of the room, Jimin has taken off the apron. Jeongguk can now fully see his blue jeans and caramel-coloured sweater which fits him perfectly despite it being oversized. Jeongguk gets flustered as he's getting caught staring at him again, which causes him to avert his gaze and focus instead on his daughter.

"Let's go."

While being out on a little ice cream date, both adults feel shy at first, especially Jeongguk . That's why he's glad Jimin takes the lead in conversation, paying attention that conversation never gets boring when Jeongguk becomes more open and talkative. Both enjoy the near of the other and find out many interests they share. Jeongguk couldn't be more grateful for Jimin stopping them from leaving the shop. They decide to meet up more often after this, feeling a connection between them.

For example, Jeongguk starts to make more jokes in Jimin's present, making him laugh whereas his daughter feels ashamed sometimes for the jokes he makes, if she even understands them. Their activites in their leisure time make them grow closer, not only as acquaintances but friends until the day Jeongguk notices him falling for Jimin , something which is easy, considering Jimin is a great person. Passionate. Cute. Selflessness and cheerful.

It makes it only harder for Jeongguk to see him as a friend. Luckily he's not the only one who feels this way.

So one evening Jeongguk has enough of his silent pining, being not brave enough to speak up about his inner turmoil. There have been at least two situation where he has felt the tension between them, but he has always tried to overplay it with something else. How many nights did he lay awake in his bed, wishing that he would have handled it differently? How many nights did he lay in his bed and dreamt of kissing Jimin ? Feeling his plump lips on his?

Too many.

Yet Jimin is special. He is someone who holds a special place in his heart. Jeongguk has wanted this to be perfect as much as possible, getting rid of his insecurities and being clear of his feelings. For once he wanted to be as brave as Jimin , eventhough it went differently as he planned.

For the evening Jeongguk planned for them to have a film night. He got everything ready. Popcorn, sweets and drinks. Jinae was staying over at a friend's house. Everything has been happening like planned until they are 30 minutes into film and Jeongguk finds himself more invested in admiring Jimin's side profile rather than watching the movie.

He feels the butterfly's in his stomach, caused by the many giggles and laughs Jimin lets out or when he momentarily touches Jeongguk on his arm. Those are moments he wants to just grab Jimin's hand and not let go off.

"Kookie... you're not watching the film, are you?"

"H-huh?" Jeongguk blinks as he snaps out of his thoughts. "I'm watching, I'm watching."

Jimin leans back into the sofa and pouts slightly, a thing he must have learned by watching Jinae. It's adorable, really, how much closer Jimin and Jinae have grown over the time. He even baked a cake for her 7th birthday.

"Actually, no I'm not."

Jimin frowns and diverts his eyes from the TV to Jeongguk , only to be met with a pair of lips on his own. He's shocked how bold Jeongguk suddenly is, needing a moment to process what's happening. Jeongguk 's warm hand cradles his cheek, carefully, probably testing the waters.

The rush of emotions surging through him is overwhelming. It feels like his heart is about to pound against his ribcage. When Jeongguk 's lips touch his, his lips tingle, and a new feeling blossoms in his chest, which quickly turns to disappointment when Jeongguk begins to pull away.

Jimin whimpers and his senses kick in, reminding him that he needs to kiss back to show his feelings. And he does show him.

Their warm lips move slowly at first, Jimin notices how Jeongguk slowly leans over him and deepens the kiss. Jimin's hands run along Jeongguk 's muscular shoulders before burying themselves in the hairs on his neck. A whimper escapes his lips as he feels Jeongguk 's hands on his hips. The tension between them quickly rises and the kiss turns passionate until they both run out of air.

Jeongguk rests his forehead against Jimin's while his finger slides under his chin, their breaths mingling.

"I'm sorry I kissed you without asking you, but I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't been sure you didn't feel the least bit for me."

"It's fine." Jimin laughs with amusement, eyes darkening before the table turns and he pushes against Jeongguk 's shoulders until he's sitting on his lap. "I would have kissed you either way today."

Jeongguk's eyes widen at first, surprised by how quickly Jimin's demeanor has changed. He quickly recovers, however, and a grin appears on his face. "Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah... you know, Kookie? I'm kind of glad you went to my shop that day. Must be fate."

Jimin smiles sweetly and presses another kiss on Jeongguk 's lips while clutching his shoulder tightly. He looks back and forth between his beautiful doe eyes, which reflect the TV lights, but both have only eyes for the other. Neither can't stop staring at the other with their love sick smiles and racing hearts in their chests.

There will undoubtedly be days when they fight as well as love, but it doesn't matter as long as they have each other and Jinae, who has already accepted Jimin into her life.

"A beautiful fate which started in a pink candy shop."