Toddler - [TAEBIN FF]

Chapter 44

"That's a good idea."

"We'll make it work..."

As the adults were talking, Soobin couldn't help but notice how awfully quiet Taehyun was this whole time.

He looked in his direction, and saw the deep sadness in his eyes, which were rimmed red, as if tears were threatening to fall.

It was a look Soobin could recognize anywhere.

The look of guilt.

"Boo yah!!"

Yerim shrieked and giggled as Juhyeok threw a snowball at her. Snow exploded everywhere, and the girl's black hair was speckled white.

"Juhyeok 5, Yerim 2!"

"Make it 3!!"

Yerim threw a snowball at his stomach, and Juhyeok fell on his bum, laughing.

"Fine, fine, you win."

The girl chuckled, and then looked at the window. Even from there, the two kids could see the adults conversing in the living room, having a deep and long discussion.

"It's taking them a while," she commented.

Juhyeok glanced in the direction she was looking.

"Hmm?"

"They're talking a lot."

"Well... Dad said it's about us. Our parents, my uncles, and Coach Choi are worried."

Yerim sighed, and sat down in the snow. Juhyeok joined her.

"That makes me feel bad."

"Why? It's not our fault."

"I know but... Juhyeok, will we ever move on? Are we gonna have to live this way, i-in fear, constantly having nightmares forever?"

"Hey."

Juhyeok took Yerim's hand into his and looked her deeply in the eye.

"We'll be fine. I said this yesterday, and I'll say it again, and as many times as you need me too. One day... we'll be okay. We won't be afraid, and we'll be even stronger."

If my dad could do it, so can we.

Yerim exhaled, before smiling weakly.

"Okay..."

The two friends leaned back in the fluffy whiteness, creating snow angels and building a snowman, until it was time to go.

Soobin bid everyone goodbye, asking Kai to tell Juhyeok he can still play outside for a while, and then closed the door.

The house was quiet.

But Soobin knew that their minds were a frantic storm.

He looked back to see Taehyun hanging his head low. The sight broke his heart, and he joined his boyfriend on the couch.

Taehyun glanced at Soobin for a moment, giving him a glimpse of the moisture pooling in his eyes, before closing them.

"I'm sorry."

"Darling," Soobin nearly whispered.

Taehyun covered his eyes with his hand as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Darling, please look at me."

The brunette glanced up when he heard Soobin's voice beginning to break. After making eye contact, Soobin took Taehyun's hand into his, and caressed it with his thumb.