In Every Memory

Chapter 10

Ni-ki took a deep breath.

“IF YOU KISS HEESEUNG, YOU'RE DEAD.”

Jungwon and Sunoo burst out laughing.

Jake smirked. “Oh? Then I should tell you about last night—”

“STOP. TALKING.” Ni-ki tackled Jake.

Complete chaos broke out in the living room.

Jungwon leaned back, enjoying the show. “This is better than TV.”

Sunoo nodded. “Honestly.”

Jake, pinned down by Ni-ki, just sighed.

Dating Heeseung was easy.

Surviving Ni-ki? Not so much.

---

Later That Night

Jake sat outside on the balcony, phone in hand. He hesitated before finally calling Heeseung.

Heeseung picked up instantly. “Took you long enough.”

Jake smiled. “You were waiting?”

“Maybe.”

Jake leaned back, looking up at the sky. “Ni-ki is threatening me again.”

Heeseung chuckled. “As he should.”

Jake groaned. “Why does everyone bully me?”

Heeseung’s voice softened. “I don’t bully you.”

Jake closed his eyes, smiling. “That’s why I like you.”

A pause. Then Heeseung’s quiet laugh.

“I like you too, loser.”

.......

The sun cast a warm glow as Heeseung and Jake drove toward the orphanage, the trunk of their car filled with food, toys, and supplies for the children. Heeseung had brought up the idea a few days ago, his voice filled with an unexplainable warmth when he said, "I want to visit an orphanage, Jake."

Jake didn’t hesitate to make it happen. He knew how much Heeseung cared for kids, how his heart always softened around them. And now, as they pulled up to the small, welcoming building, Heeseung’s eyes lit up in a way Jake hadn’t seen in a while.

As they distributed food and gifts to the children, Heeseung's eyes landed on a little boy sitting in the corner, quietly observing everything around him. There was something about him—the way his eyes twinkled with curiosity, the small pout when he was thinking, and even the way he played with his fingers absentmindedly. It was as if Heeseung was looking at a younger version of himself.

Intrigued, Heeseung walked over and crouched down. "Hey there, what's your name?"

The little boy hesitated before answering, "Evan."

A smile tugged at Heeseung’s lips. "Evan, huh? That's a cool name."

Evan blinked up at him before suddenly wrapping his small arms around Heeseung’s neck. "You feel warm," the boy mumbled against his shoulder, making Heeseung freeze for a moment.

Jake, who had been watching, chuckled softly. "Looks like he likes you."

Heeseung laughed, hugging Evan back. "Well, I like him too."

For the rest of the visit, Heeseung spent his time with Evan, playing with him, helping him eat, and even carrying him around when the boy clung to him. The attachment was instant and undeniable.

As they finally got into their car to leave, Heeseung was unusually quiet. He kept looking back at the orphanage, his fingers lightly tapping against his lap. Then, after a deep breath, he turned to Jake.

"Jake... I want to adopt Evan as our son." His voice was soft but certain.

Jake glanced at him, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh? And how do you plan on doing that?"

Heeseung frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Jake smirked, leaning closer. "For that, you have to marry me first."

Heeseung’s face turned red. "Yah! I’m being serious here!"

Jake chuckled, reaching over to squeeze Heeseung’s hand. "And so am I." His voice turned softer, more serious. "I promise, Hee. We’ll adopt Evan as our son. No matter what, I’ll make it happen."

Heeseung’s heart swelled at those words. He turned to the window, hiding his smile, but his fingers tightened around Jake’s. For the first time in a long while, he felt like everything was falling into place.