Toddler - [TAEBIN FF]

Chapter 8

He glanced back to see Soobin standing there, his expression firm and gentle all at once.

"Pardon me, I don't mean to interfere in personal matters, but please be kind to your son. Know that he had no ill intent."

Taehyun shook his hand off.

"I won't."

"Good, I hope you take your word for it and don't frighten the kid more than he already is."

The brunette simply gave him a few words in return.

"Thank you for your concern."

With those words, he left the library with his son, feeling someone bore holes into his back.

+x+

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

Taehyun was driving them home. No music was playing, the atmosphere was tense; it felt like dancing on eggshells.

He looked into the rear mirror to see Juhyeok sitting in his booster seat, looking guilty.

"I'm sorry."

Seeing him look so remorseful broke Taehyun's heart, but he had to discipline him.

Otherwise, the parents ought to get him for his child's "violence". 

"You should be. Juhyeok, I completely understand you were defending Yerim and I have no problem with that, but you cannot punch someone, regardless of what they may do! You started school just two weeks ago; the last thing you need is making enemies so early on!"

What if that kid manages to turn everyone's backs on him? Then he'll be bullied again!

Juhyeok was surprisingly not having the same thought as him.

Instead, he smiled for a moment, thinking about something else.

"Juju, I'm talking to you about something important; you have to listen!" Taehyun exclaimed.

"Okay Dad!"

Taehyun turned the steering wheel to the left.

"I expect you to apologize to Rowoon. Because what I don't need is his father or mother to request a talk with me and then question your upbringing!"

"But you said—"

"What did I say?"

"That I shouldn't be afraid to punch a meanie."

At that comment, Taehyun couldn't reply. He was trying to come up with something clever or to disagree with, but he couldn't.

Juhyeok was right.

Taehyun said that to him, and he took his word for it.

So he could only sigh.

"You're right..."

Taehyun lifted his arm backwards to place his hand on Juhyeok's knee.

"I'm sorry."

Ugh... Mihye... I could really use your gentle guide here on how to handle conflict. He inherited my hotheadedness sadly.

"It's okay Dad, trust me."

Juhyeok grinned.

"Besides, I know that if anything happens with Rowoon again, it won't be like in kindergarten again this time!"

"How are you so certain Juhyeok?"

A smile formed on his face.

"Because through detention, I met another nice teacher to report bullies to! He believes that I did the right thing!"

After tucking his son into bed to take an afternoon nap, Taehyun laid on the couch, staring at the ceiling as thoughts consumed his mind.

Is it really just me who's still thinking about it? Because Juhyeok does not seem to care about what happened anymore, or is he just covering up his true feelings for me again? I can't even tell; he's so hard to read sometimes.

Taehyun exhaled as another thought crossed his mind.

What will I say if Rowoon's parents contact me? It's best to play it safe, and not say anything... about Mihye; I don't want to risk them using this against us. God... why did you take her away?

Suddenly, a certain black haired man cut into Taehyun's mind. Soon enough, his head was filled with thoughts of him.

Of his face.

Of his charming voice, how he said his name.

But the thought occupying Taehyun the most was... when he set eyes on Mr Choi, it felt like... everything faded into nothingness.

It was like it was just the two of them, even though Juhyeok was right next to him.

Taehyun cannot remember the last time he felt this way.

Would Juhyeok have met Mr Choi if it weren't for him getting into detention? Wait, why am I even thinking about this stranger?! Why is he even in my head— why the hell is he making me go crazy?! This is absolutely absurd, ridiculous even!

Taehyun groaned out loud.

"What do I do now that you're in my head?"

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A/N: Taehyun needs a therapist asap, but this stubborn mf is just... stubborn 💀 and oblivious too