Chapter Text
February 13 2:00 pm
Days passed by yet Dongmin had not woken up. They had removed the life support tube from his mouth and according to Dr. Young, his vitals were stable. Bin sat by Dongmin’s bedside every day, only going home when visiting hours were over but being the first one to arrive as soon as they started in the morning. The lady at the front desk had even known his name after the first 4 days of him consistently visiting. Sometimes, they would strike up conversation when he had gotten there a bit too early and he would bid her farewell whenever he left for the night.
At home, Bin would barely sleep. In the beginning, he had several breakdowns, afraid for the wellbeing of his lover. Myungjun and Jinwoo had offered him to sleep over at their house but he refused, not wanting to invade their privacy and also wanting privacy of his own. Eventually he finished packing and even cleaned his house from top to bottom. He had also managed to finish packing Dongmin’s things in his own house as well as cleaning it.
Sangmin and Donghyun often visited Dongmin to keep Bin company but Sangmin was still in school and his father still needed to work. A week had passed before Bin could muster up the motivation to go to work. They still needed the money after all, and he wanted to watch over the flower shop for Dongmin while he was still in the hospital.
Myungjun let Bin stay in the kitchen because baking required a lot of focus and would provide him with the distraction. It also meant he didn’t have to fake a smile for every person who walked in the door, giving him a bit more privacy. Bin silently thanked Myunjun for his understanding.
One day, when Bin was visiting Dongmin in the hospital, Jinwoo had stopped by. He brought a few snacks for Bin, knowing that he was having trouble eating full meals but also wanting to encourage him to eat something. Bin nibbled on the granola bar while sitting next to Dongmin’s bedside, spacing out and forgetting that Jinwoo was even there.
“Hey,” Jinwoo snapped his fingers to grab his attention. Bin’s head whipped up as he stared at Jinwoo. The older sighed through his nose before standing up from the other side of the bed and walking over to Bin. “Come on.”
“What?”
“You need to get out of here and think about something else. I want Dongmin to wake up as much as you do but you sitting here and slowly deteriorating is not gonna make him wake up faster. You have children now, and they need you to be here. So get off your ass and let's go for a drive.” Jinwoo left no room to argue, so Bin just swallowed thickly and stood up, following him outside and to his car. Once inside, Bin turned to Jinwoo.
“Where are we going?” He asked, voice barely above a whisper. Jinwoo watched him for a moment before starting the car and driving off. Bin exhaled through his nose, frustrated that he wasn’t given an answer. They drive for a bit, and as they reach a red light, Jinwoo finally responds.
“I want to ask Myungjun to marry me.” He said bluntly. Bin whipped his head to the side so fast he thought he heard a crack. Jinwoo breathed out a laugh, having caught it from the corner of his eye.
“What?!”
“I love him. So much. We’ve been together for 5 years now, and I know I want to be with him for the rest of my life. I want us to grow old together and have grandchildren to babysit… I’ve known for a long time that, he’s the one.” Silence overtook the car as Bin processed all that his hyung was saying.
“Wow, that’s..that’s a big step. And that’s coming from someone who has to raise twins.” He huffed, their drive continuing.
‘I’ve been contemplating it for a while now and I figured there’s no time like the present. Of course, I have to ask his parents for permission first…” Jinwoo trailed off, knuckles tightening around the wheel. Bin waited for a moment, sensing the tension and conflict that hung onto his words. “We don’t exactly get along. Well, more like me and Mr. Park don’t get along. His mother is more understanding.”
“So, you brought me along for emotional support.”
“And to distract you.”
Bin let out a heavy sigh at that. He was grateful that his hyung was trying his best to lighten up his mood and distract him from his thoughts, but a piece of him remained in that hospital room with his lover. His mind couldn’t help but wander back there, desperately hoping that he’d open his eyes.
“Hey.” A gentle smack on his shoulder brought him back to the current conversation.
“Sorry, I was-”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re almost to the mansion anyhow.”
Jinwoo clenched his jaw as he turned the corner, the giant fence and house in all its glory coming into view. Bin watched his hyung’s nerves take over him as they pulled up the gate, and eventually the front door.
“I feel like I’m gonna throw up..” All of the confidence that usually surrounded Jinwoo had been sucked dry, leaving a nervous, fidgeting man in its wake.
“Hyung, relax. You’ve been with Myungjun-hyung this long, even if they say no, he’ll say yes for sure.”
“Great, so you think they’ll reject me.”
“N-No! What I meant was- well I mean um.. They have no reason to reject you right? I’ve known you guys for almost a year now and you treat him so well. Who wouldn’t want you to marry their only child?”
Jinwoo shakily inhaled while wringing his hands. Bin could tell his brain was running all over the place and a part of him felt bad for his hyung. He wished he could reassure him more but nothing he said would make Myungjun’s father like him all of a sudden. They both knew that he was the real problem.
Before Bin could comfort Jinwoo, the doors to the mansion opened, revealing Taek, the head butler. He made his way down to the car and knocked on Jinwoo’s window, waiting until the window was fully rolled down to speak.
“Mister Park, how lovely it is to see you again. May I ask, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?” Jinwoo tried to swallow, only ending up choking due to his dry throat. Bin pat his back until he calmed down enough to finally answer the question.
“U-Um, I’m here to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Kim. Are they home?”
“Why yes, they are. I shall alert them to your presence. If you don’t mind waiting in the family room until then.” He gestured towards the house as both men climbed out of the car and followed him up the familiar marble stairs.
Once situated, Jinwoo began fidgeting, finding the closest mirror and fretting over his appearance. As for Bin, he took this time to take in the room. The first time he was here they were too busy setting up for the baby shower that he hadn’t had time to actually appreciate all of the detail of Myungjun’s childhood home. Everything was spotless and nothing was out of place; it looked like anyone’s dream house.
“How do I look? I’m not frumpy am I? And I don’t look like I work a minimum wage job do I? At least, to some extent?” Bin’s attention was back on his hyung’s, noticing for the first time since they’ve been together that he actually dressed up a bit.
“You look fine, hyung-” Bin began as he got up to make his way over to Jinwoo.
“Fine? Just fine?” He asked anxiously, turning back to the mirror. “I don’t need to look ‘fine’ I need to look like I’m worthy of marrying a rich couple’s one and only son. God, I shouldn’t have worn these pants. They look cheap don’t they?”
“What else can you expect from someone who works in a Video Game shop?” A deep and commanding voice laced with disgust boomed through the room. Both men whipped the heads around to find the source, eyes landing on the couple who were walking in. Jinwoo tried his best not to sneer at the comment, choosing to clear his throat instead.
“Mr. Kim.” He responded bluntly. “Mrs. Kim.” He said more softly than before.
“Don’t mind my husband. I’m so glad to see you again Jinwoo!” Mrs. Kim joined Jinwoo and Bin near the mirror, engulfing him in a hug. “And you Bin, as well. I heard from Myungjun about Dongmin. I pray for you both everyday.” She said as she hugged him tightly for a moment.
Mr. Kim cleared his throat from his place on the couch, catching the small group’s attention.
“Right,” Mrs. Kim began, “So what brings you two here?” She asks as she joins her husband on the couch, the other two sitting on the couch opposite of them.
“Well uh, I came to talk to you about Myungjun.” Jinwoo started off. He could feel them shift slightly and hurried to continue. “I-It’s nothing bad! It’s good, actually.” Seeing them relax a bit encouraged him to push on, so he swallowed thickly and cleared his throat.
“As you know, Myungjun and I have been together for nearly 5 years now. We live together and well,” He felt himself smile before saying the next part, “We’re gonna be having a child arriving soon.” Mr. Kim clicked his tongue at that, not masking his distaste over the fact that his son had gotten knocked up by someone he didn’t approve of. Jinwoo bit back his response to that, choosing to ignore it.
“Anyway,” he cleared his throat. “Um, well the thing is..I really love Myungjun. A lot. And it would mean the world to me if..you would give me your blessings when I ask for his hand in marriage.” The room went silent as Myungjun’s parents stared at Jinwoo in disbelief. From the other side of the room, Bin could see Mr. Kim begin to seethe with anger.
“Absolutely not!” He stood abruptly. “I will not have my son marrying some- some criminal!”
“Kyungsoo!” Mrs. Kim tried to calm her husband down but to no avail.
“No! I have had enough out of you! How dare you walk into my home asking for my blessing to marry off my one and only son to some two bit thug who can’t even hold a decent job?!” Jinwoo scoffed before standing as well.
“Excuse me?!”
“Darling, let's talk in another room.” She began pushing Mr. Kim towards the dining room. Jinwoo began seething and pacing the room trying his best to calm down and not start a physical fight with his boyfriend’s parents.
“Hyung, don’t listen to him. Myungjun loves you just the way you are.” Bin visibly flinched at the way his words sounded.
“Yeah, that doesn’t make me feel any better.” He messed up his hair a bit with his hands. “God, I could really use a drink right about now.”
Just then, Taek entered the room, tray in hand that held the very thing Jinwoo had been wishing for. He poured a glass of whiskey for both men before making his exit, leaving the bottle on the countertop. Jinwoo let out a long exhale as he grabbed one of the glasses and downed the burning liquid. When he didn’t see Bin immediately join him by the alcohol, he motioned him over.
“You need this as much as I do.” The younger male bit his lip in contemplation before settling on joining his hyung and copying what he did earlier. Jinwoo clapped him on his shoulder a bit roughly and poured them both another drink as they waited for Myungjun’s parents to return from the other room.
They didn’t have to wait long before Mrs. Kim rejoined them in the family room, a smile on her face. Jinwoo met her halfway, in the middle of room, shoulders relaxed a bit without the presence of Mr. Kim.
“Jinwoo, I know how much you love Myungjun, and I know just how much my son loves you. You two were meant to be together, you were made for each other.” She held both of his hands as her smile widened. “I talked to Kyungsoo, and you have our blessing to marry Myungjun.” Jinwoo let out a breath, a smile overtaking his face.
“Really?” Mrs. Kim nodded before Jinwoo pulled her into a hug. “Thank you so much. I know you had to convince him to agree so I appreciate it a lot.” He pulled back but kept her in his embrace.
“Well, I’d do anything for my son and his happiness. And you make him happy.” She pulled him back into a hug and squeezed him with as much motherly love as possible. Bin smiled from his place near the counter, happy for his hyungs.
—-
3:35 pm
“Where are we going? This isn’t the way to the hospital.” Bin asked as he looked through the passenger window.
“I thought it’d be nice if we went out for a bit before heading back. I know there’s some questions on your mind from today and I want to answer them. Besides, after drinking that whiskey I need something on my stomach.” Bin was silent for a moment, watching his hyung hesitantly.
“Hyung, you don’t have to-”
“It’s fine. I want to.” Bin nodded slowly and they sat in silence until they pulled up to their destination. It was a hole-in-the-wall burger joint. “They’ve got the best burgers in town.” Bin snorted.
“I know many people who would disagree with that statement.” Jinwoo just chuckled and shoved him gently.
They walked into the restaurant and picked a booth to slide in, ordering quickly and settling in. Once they’re drinks came, Jinwoo began the conversation.
“So, what would you like to know?” He sipped his soda as he waited for Bin to talk. Bin sipped his drink as well, letting a moment pass before he settled on the question.
“Well, I’ve been wondering for a while now about your tattoos. I know you cover them up for obvious reasons but, after what Mr. Kim said, I can't help but to wonder..” He trailed off a bit at the end. He had joked to himself about Jinwoo being in a gang but now it seemed real. Jinwoo took another sip of his drink.
“I have tattoos all the way from my wrists to my shoulder on both arms and a chest one of a lion within a crown.” Bin raised his eyebrows at that. “I got them in college when I was in a gang.” A moment of slightly tense silence passed by, neither of them speaking. It was only broken when the waitress came by and delivered their food. Jinwoo continued the story while Bin chewed on his fries.
“I joined the gang during my first year of university. My mom was sick and I was the only one who could even attempt to help pay off the hospital bills so that she could get the help she needed. I had a job while in school but it wasn’t enough money to pay both my tuition and her bill so I started looking for ways to make quick cash. That’s when I ran into a bad crowd.” He paused to take a sip while Bin ate a fry slowly, absorbing the information.
“At first I rejected their offer, not wanting to get involved with those types of people. But then..my mom’s condition got worse and the treatments became more expensive. I was gonna drop out of college and get a full-time job but my mom didn’t want me to. That’s when I decided to accept their invitation. I did all sorts of things for them just to earn enough money to help my mom. She was skeptical in the beginning but I lied and convinced her that it was clean money.”
Bin listened to his hyung, scared to even shift in his seat and focusing on every word he spoke. He hadn’t realized that he had it so rough and he wished that he hadn’t asked his earlier question. Jinwoo gently kicked the other’s leg, noticing how deep in thought he was.
“Relax. I told you I wanted to tell you my history.” The younger of the two turned pink from embarrassment at being caught and nodded at his statement. “Anyway, long story short but, my mom ended up passing away and without Myungjun by my side I don’t know what I would have done. He made an honest man out of me and I never want to let him go. I promised him I wouldn’t get into any fights or cause any problems like I did in the past.”
“Is that the reason you two fought a few months ago? You know, when you kicked my ass in the parking lot?” It was Jinwoo’s turn to groan and flush in embarrassment. His hands hid his face while Bin snickered from across the table.
“Oh God, I almost forgot about that.” He peeked through his fingers before dropping his hands. “I’m so, so sorry about that. I just saw red after finding out that you had upset him. He doesn’t have a very good history with guys and I guess I got a bit overprotective of him…Will you ever forgive me..?”
“Of course! I know you were just protecting him and I can’t fault you for that.” Jinwoo let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and gave the younger male a smile, one that he returned. “Honestly, I feel better knowing you’d go that far for him. If anything were to happen to me and I wasn’t able to be there for my family, well…” Bin trailed off, throat suddenly getting tight and eyes glossing over with fresh tears that threatened to fall. Jinwoo’s heart clenched for him, sympathizing with the thought of not being there for your family.
“Hey, don’t think like that. You’re gonna be there for them. You and Dongmin.” He tried to reassure him. Bin bit his lip and took in a shaky breath, wiping a stray year from his face and looking out the window.
“I think I want to go back to the hospital now..” He whispered out, just loud enough for Jinwoo to hear. The older male sighed through his nose and nodded, paying for their food before they headed out and into the car.
The ride was silent until Bin’s phone rang. He hurriedly answered when he recognized the number that flashed across the screen.
“Yes? Hello?” Curious, Jinwoo sneaked glances at Bin as we waited to see what the call was about. “Oh my God.” The younger said exasperatedly while leaning into his seat, a hand covering his eyes as his lip quivered. “Yeah-Yeah, I’m on my way back to the hospital now…Thank you. So much.” As he hung up, Jinwoo was quick to ask about the call.
“Hey, what’s up? Is everything okay? Is Dongmin okay?” He felt his heart speed up, unsure if it was good news or bad news considering the other was nearly crying form the phone call.
“He’s fine. Everything is fine. They called because he just woke up..” Bin smiled through the tears and covered his face as Jinwoo let out a sigh of relief.
“Oh thank God.” He reached over to grab Bin’s shoulder. “See? I told you everything would work out.” Bin smiled at him and wiped his face as best as he could as they pulled up to the hospital.
“Thanks, hyung. Really.”
—-
4:20 pm
The nurses were finishing up making sure Dongmin was okay when Bin and Jinwoo burst through the door, nearly knocking a nurse over. Jinwoo apologized for them both while Bin rushed to his lover’s side.
“Dongmin-oh my God..” Tears poured down his face as he held Dongmin’s hand against his face. “I’m so glad you’re awake. I-I thought I was gonna lose you-”
“Bin..” Dongmin used his other hand to rub his head soothingly. “I’ll never leave you. I promise.” Bin let out a sob before they shared a sweet kiss.
“You had us worried for a second there.” Jinwoo said, moving to the other side of the bed right before Dongmin’s father and brother came through the door.
Tears and words of relief were shared around the room, even Myungjun, who Jinwoo called, cried because Dongmin was now awake. Once everyone had calmed down a bit, two nurses entered the room, holding a baby each. There was a hitch in Dongmin’s breathing as he watched them carefully bring over his children.
“Are they…?” Dongmin whispered, scared to raise his voice and be disappointed if they weren’t. Bin smiled softly and squeezed the hand he was holding before planting a kiss on the back of it.
“Yeah. Our kids.” He also said in a whisper, feeling Dongmin take a big shaky breath as he was approached by the nurses.
The first nurse hands Dongmin the baby she was holding with a wide smile, watching his eyes light up as he cooed at them.
“It’s a boy.” She said. Dongmin gasped and looked towards Bin.
“It’s a boy.” He repeated to his lover, a giggle forcing its way past his lips. Bin reciprocated it with a chuckle of his own.
“Can you guess what the other one is?” Bin asked Dongmin, excited to know before him. He watched as Dongmin tried to think of an answer but eventually gave up.
“I’ll be happy with whatever gender they are.” With that, the second nurse walked over as Bin took the first baby from Dongmin’s arms. She handed the second baby to him and he gasped again, eyes tearing up a bit. “It’s another boy!” He looked at Bin, “Bin, we have twin boys!”
“Yeah we do.” Bin laughed at his excitement, staring and cooing at the child in his own arms. They sat like that for a moment, everyone taking turns holding the babies.
“So, have you guys chosen names yet?” Sangmin spoke up. Bin and Dongmin shared a look before Dongmin smiled and nodded at his brother.
“Wooyoung and Sooyoung.”
“Aw, those are so cute!” Myungjun’s voice came through Jinwoo’s phone, his boyfriend wanting to include him in the festivities. Agreements echoed around the room before the nurses stepped back in to help Dongmin and Bin sign the birth certificates.
“The babies will stay with you tonight, as procedure.” One of the nurses said. “Nurses will periodically check in with you throughout the night to make sure everything is okay, so don’t worry about anything too much. We’re here to support you.” She smiled.
“Thank you. So much. For everything.” Dongmin replied, watching them as they left the room.
“Actually,” Bin started, fidgeting with his hands. “I was hoping we could talk. Now.” Tension entered the atmosphere as the other people in the room sensed that they should step away. “Oh no! Not like that!.” Bin quickly inferred, waving his hands in the air to ease the tension. Everyone immediately sighed in relief, air quickly losing its thickness. “It is something important.” Bin turned to look at Dongmin intently.
“Is everything alright?” He asked hesitantly.
“Now that you’re awake, yeah.” Bin grabbed Dongmin’s hands and held them in his own. “Dongmin, I love you. So much. And up until a few hours ago, I thought I lost you. It scared me to think of a life without you and I don’t ever want to experience that. I want to be with you, permanently.” He reaches into his pocket with one hand and holds it out to Dongmin.
“Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”
Dongmin gasped, and as tears pricked his eyes, he grabbed one of Bin’s hands and nodded vigorously.
“Yes, yes! Of course I’ll marry you!” The room erupted in cheers as Bin slipped the emerald encrusted golden ring onto his lover’s finger. He didn’t think he’d be using his mother’s ring quite so soon, yet here he was.
They shared a few kisses and held each other close for a short while. Bin felt a hand clap onto his back and when he looked up, he saw Dongmin’s father smiling at him and nodding in approval. Bin smiled to himself first, then smiled at Dongmin.
Happy that his family was back again.