Chapter Text
“𝑺𝒐 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅; 𝒘𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆... 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒅𝒂𝒚.”
-𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒔, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺༺୨♡︎୧༺
The test sat on the bathroom sink, glaring up at him like it wanted to laugh in his face. Two pink lines. Two.
Taehyung’s hands were shaking. His breath felt too shallow, like his body had forgotten how to function properly. His head spun, his heart pounded, and his stomach twisted so tightly he thought he might throw up.
Positive.
He blinked, hoping maybe he’d read it wrong. But the lines didn’t disappear. They just stayed there, staring back at him, making everything real.
Pregnant.
His knees wobbled, and he sat down on the toilet lid before he collapsed. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was careful. He and Jeongguk were always careful. But maybe not careful enough.
His fingers dug into his thighs as he tried to think. What was he supposed to do? Tell Jeongguk? He had to, right? But how was he supposed to say something like this? Jeongguk was twenty, living his best life, surrounded by friends, partying, working as an apprentice in a tattoo-shop, going to concerts-
And 19 year old Taehyung was just… him.
A quiet, nerdy omega who preferred books over people. Someone who barely even spoke in class. Someone who always got overlooked.
Someone who wasn’t ready to have a baby.
He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to breathe. His scent was all over the place, probably sour and sharp with stress. If Namjoon (his friend whom he shared an apartment with) came home early, he’d definitely notice something was wrong. And Taehyung couldn’t have that. He wasn’t ready for questions. He wasn’t even ready for answers.
His phone vibrated on the bathroom counter. He jumped before grabbing it, his heart stopping when he saw Jeongguk’s name on the screen.
*Jeongguk: wanna grab food after your class? i’m craving ramen 🍜*
Taehyung stared at the message, his throat tightening. Jeongguk had no idea. He was out there, living like nothing had changed, because for him, nothing had.
But for Taehyung, everything had.
His thumbs hovered over the keyboard. He didn’t know what to say. ‚Hey, I can’t. I just found out I’m pregnant.‘
Yeah, right. Like he could ever text something like that.
He locked his phone and set it down, pressing his hands to his face. He needed time. He needed to think. He needed to figure out what the hell he was supposed to do now.
Jeongguk was already at their favourite ramen shop when Taehyung arrived. The place was small, tucked between two bigger restaurants, but it was always warm and smelled like home. It was the kind of spot that made you forget the world outside, even if just for a little while.
Jeongguk grinned as soon as he saw him. “There you are. Thought you ditched me.”
Taehyung forced a small smile and slid into the seat across from him. “Got held up.”
Jeongguk didn’t question it. He just waved over the waitress and ordered his usual- extra spicy ramen with a side of dumplings. Taehyung ordered something too, even though his stomach was too twisted to eat.
Jeongguk leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “You good? You look kinda…” He tilted his head, studying Taehyung’s face. “I dunno. Off.”
Taehyung’s fingers dug deep into the hem of his sweater. He tried to steady himself, to act normal, but Jeongguk knew him too well. And Taehyung wasn’t exactly good at hiding things.
“I’m fine,” he said quickly. Too quickly.
Jeongguk frowned. “You sure?”
Taehyung nodded. “Just tired.”
It wasn’t a complete lie. He was exhausted. He hadn’t slept at all last night, the thought of maybe being pregnant had left him tossing and turning until his mind felt like it was unraveling.
The waitress brought their food, and Jeongguk dug in immediately, slurping up his noodles like he hadn’t eaten in weeks. He looked happy, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside Taehyung’s head.
Taehyung picked at his food. He needed to say something. He needed to tell him. But every time he opened his mouth, the words caught in his throat.
He wasn’t ready. Not yet.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jeongguk asked again, chewing on a dumpling. “You’re quiet.”
Taehyung forced a small laugh. “I’m always quiet.”
Jeongguk smirked. “Yeah, but usually not this quiet.” He nudged Taehyung’s foot under the table, eyes playful. “Tell me what’s up.”
Taehyung stared at him. He wished he could freeze this moment, just for a little longer. Before everything changed. Before Jeongguk looked at him differently.
Before Jeongguk would hate him.
“I…” He swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his chopsticks. “It’s nothing. Just stressed about university.”
Jeongguk’s shoulders relaxed. “Man, same. My apprenticeship is gonna kill me.”
Taehyung nodded weakly, letting the conversation shift. He’d tell him. He would. Just not today. Not when Jeongguk was smiling at him like that. Not when, for once, everything felt normal.
But as Jeongguk kept talking, laughing about some stupid thing Jimin had done, Taehyung couldn’t shake the thought pressing against his skull.
For how long could he keep this a secret?
++++
The days passed in a blur, each one weighing heavier on Taehyung’s shoulders. He carried the secret like a stone in his chest. It kept pressing down on him, making it harder to breathe.
He told himself he would say something. Every time he saw Jeongguk, the words were right there, sitting on the edge of his tongue. But then Jeongguk would smile at him, carefree and bright, and Taehyung couldn’t do it. He couldn’t take that happiness away.
So he waited.
Waited for the right moment. Waited for the courage to say the one thing that would change everything between them.
But the longer he waited, the harder it became.
It was late when Taehyung finally got home that night, his body drained from pretending all day. He dropped his bag by the door and kicked off his shoes, rubbing his hands over his face.
Namjoon was in the kitchen, a cup of tea steaming in his hands. He raised a brow when he saw Taehyung. “You okay? You look like you got run over.”
Taehyung let out a tired laugh. “Just tired.”
Namjoon hummed, watching him closely. He was too perceptive, too good at picking up on things Taehyung didn’t want to say.
“You sure?” he asked after a moment. “You’ve been acting weird lately.”
Taehyung’s stomach twisted. “I’m fine.”
Namjoon didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he sipped his tea and leaned against the counter. “Jeongguk was looking for you earlier.”
Taehyung’s heart skipped. “Oh.”
“He said you weren’t answering your phone.”
Taehyung reached for his pocket, realizing he had silenced it at some point and forgotten to check. Sure enough, there were missed texts from Jeongguk, the last one sent an hour ago.
*Jeongguk: u alive?? ur ghosting me rn 😭*
*Jeongguk: i’ll come over if you don’t answer*
Taehyung quickly typed out a reply.
*Taehyung: sorry. just tired. talk tomorrow?*
The response was instant.
*Jeongguk: u good tho babe??*
Taehyung hesitated before typing.
*Taehyung: yeah. just need sleep.*
A few seconds later, Jeongguk sent a simple,
*Jeongguk: ok sleep well. night tae 💜*
Taehyung’s chest ached. He shut off his phone before he could overthink it and turned to Namjoon. “I’m gonna head to bed.”
Namjoon gave him a long look, like he wanted to say something else, but in the end, he just nodded. “Alright. Sleep well.”
Taehyung nodded and slipped into his room, closing the door softly behind him. He climbed into bed, curling up beneath the blankets but no matter how hard he tried, sleep wouldn’t come.
The next morning, Taehyung stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, studying the dark circles beneath his eyes. He looked different. Tired. Worn. Like a ghost version of himself.
His hand drifted to his stomach.
It was still flat. Still the same. But he knew that wouldn’t last forever.
A quiet knock on the door made him jump. He quickly dropped his hand and turned. “Yeah?”
Namjoon cracked the door open, concern written all over his face. “You coming to breakfast?”
“I’m not hungry.”
Namjoon frowned but didn’t argue. “Okay. Just… take it easy today, alright?”
Taehyung nodded, forcing a small smile. “Yeah. You too.”
Namjoon hesitated like he wanted to say more, but in the end, he just nodded and left.
Taehyung exhaled shakily and turned back to the mirror. He needed to tell Jeongguk. He couldn’t keep putting it off.
Today. He’d tell him today.
But when Taehyung met up with Jeongguk that afternoon, the words still wouldn’t come.
They sat on the grass outside the campus library, Jeongguk lying on his back, one arm flung over his eyes. The september sun was warm, the air refreshing, but Taehyung felt like he was suffocating.
“Are you gonna tell me what’s going on with you?” Jeongguk suddenly asked, his voice cutting through the silence.
Taehyung stiffened. “What?”
Jeongguk turned his head to look at him. “You’ve been weird lately. Like, extra weird.”
Taehyung’s throat tightened. “I…”
Jeongguk sat up, brushing grass from his hoodie. “If you don’t wanna talk about it, that’s fine. But just know I’m here, okay?”
Taehyung swallowed hard. He wanted to say it. He really did. But the fear of Jeongguk’s reaction paralyzed him.
So instead, he just nodded and whispered, “Okay.”
Jeongguk didn’t look convinced, but he let it go. “Alright, mochi.” He poked Taehyung’s cheek. “Let’s get food. I’m starving.”
Taehyung let himself smile, just a little. “You’re always starving.”
“Exactly. Which is why we need to fix that. Come on.”
He grabbed Taehyung’s hand and pulled him up, his touch warm and easy, like always. But Taehyung knew things wouldn’t stay easy forever.
Because sooner or later, he would have to tell the truth.
And he wasn’t sure if Jeongguk would still be holding his hand when he did.
++++++++
Taehyung layd awake that night, staring at the ceiling of his darkened bedroom. The soft glow of his phone screen beamed against his face as he scrolled mindlessly, but his thoughts were elsewhere; spiraling, twisting, getting caught in the same endless loop.
It still didn’t feel real. Not just the pregnancy, but everything. Being with Jeongguk, waking up to texts filled with emojis and dumb jokes, hearing Jeongguk’s laugh in the middle of a crowded space and realizing it was for him.
Two years together, and it still felt like a dream.
A dream he was terrified of waking up from.
Because no matter how much Jeongguk said he loved him, no matter how many times he kissed him breathless and whispered promises against his skin, Taehyung couldn’t bring himself to believe it.
Not fully.
Because Jeongguk was Jeongguk. Loud, bright, confident, the kind of person who could make friends with anyone. The kind of person people wanted to be around. And Taehyung wasn’t. He was quiet, withdrawn, used to being invisible. He still didn’t understand how someone like Jeongguk could want him.
Or why he was still here tob e precise.
Was Taehyung just a phase? A safe, temporary place Jeongguk could rest in before he found something (or someone) more exciting?
That thought alone made Taehyung’s stomach twist painfully.
He knew it wasn’t fair of him to think that way. Jeongguk had never given him a reason to doubt him. He was affectionate, protective in his own reckless way, always making sure Taehyung felt safe. But even after two years, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that he was holding onto something he was never meant to have.
And now… now there was this.
A baby.
Something permanent. Something that would change everything.
He pressed a hand to his stomach, his heart hammering. He needed to tell Jeongguk. He knew that. But the fear of hearing something he wasn’t ready for; something that would confirm all of his insecurities, kept him silent.
The next morning, Taehyung met up with Jeongguk outside their usual café spot. Jeongguk was leaning against his old car, dressed in ripped jeans and a leather jacket, looking every bit the effortless young and handsome man that he was. His black hair was messily styled, a silver chain peeking out from beneath his shirt.
Taehyung swallowed hard. He still wasn’t used to the way Jeongguk looked at him sometimes- like he was the only thing that mattered.
“Morning, baby,” Jeongguk greeted, his voice warm as he reached out, tugging Taehyung closer by the hem of his sweater. “You sleep okay?”
Taehyung hesitated before nodding. “Yeah. You?”
Jeongguk grinned. “Dreamed about you.”
Taehyung’s face burned. “Shut up.”
Jeongguk laughed, pressing a kiss to Taehyung’s temple before leading him inside. They found a table near the window, the morning sun casting a golden glow over them. Jeongguk ordered for both of them, knowing Taehyung’s usual order by heart.
As they waited, Jeongguk stretched out his legs under the table, brushing them against Taehyung’s. “You seem quiet today. Something on your mind?”
Taehyung bit his lip. He wanted to tell him. But the words (like always) wouldn’t come.
“I’m just tired,” he said instead.
Jeongguk frowned but didn’t push. “Then we’ll take it easy today, yeah? Maybe go for a drive after this?”
Taehyung nodded, grateful. He knew he couldn’t keep this secret forever, but just for a little while longer, he wanted to pretend everything was normal.
Just for a little while longer, he wanted to believe Jeongguk wasn’t going to leave.
´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´
Taehyung and Jeongguk spent their time by driving aimlessly through the city, music playing softly in the background. The sky was clear, the sun casting long shadows over the streets as Jeongguk navigated through familiar roads with one hand on the wheel, the other loosely resting on Taehyung’s thigh. It was warm, loving, the kind of touch that made Taehyung’s heart ache with something he couldn’t quite name.
They stopped by a secluded park, one Jeongguk claimed to have found by accident years ago. The grass was still damp from the rain oft he day prior, but they didn’t mind, sitting side by side on a worn-out blanket Jeongguk had pulled from the trunk.
Taehyung watched as Jeongguk stretched his arms above his head, his leather jacket slipping slightly off his shoulders. He was so effortlessly beautiful, so full of life, and it made Taehyung’s insecurities pull at him like a persistent whisper in the back of his mind.
"Jeongguk," Taehyung murmured, playing with his finger nervously.
Jeongguk turned to him, smiling softly. "Yeah?"
"Why do you love me?" The words spilled out before he could stop them, quiet but heavy.
Jeongguk’s brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Taehyung bit his lip. "I mean… I’m boring. I’m quiet, I don’t go out much, I-" He exhaled shakily. "I just don’t get it. You could have anyone. Someone fun, someone who isn’t-"
Jeongguk reached out, cupping Taehyung’s face with both hands. His eyes were dark, serious, filled with something that made Taehyung’s breath catch. "Tae, you’re not boring. You’re everything."
Taehyung swallowed hard. "You don’t have to say that."
Jeongguk shook his head. "I love you because you’re you. Because you see the world differently, because you notice things no one else does. Because you make me feel safe, and real, and like I’m not just some reckless idiot who doesn’t care about anything." He brushed his thumb over Taehyung’s cheek. "You make me want to be better."
Taehyung felt something tighten in his chest, a mix of longing and disbelief. He wanted to believe Jeongguk, he really did. But the doubt still lingered, clinging to him like a shadow.
Jeongguk must have sensed it, because he sighed before pressing a gentle kiss to Taehyung’s forehead. "You don’t have to believe me right now. But I’m not going anywhere, okay?"
Taehyung nodded, though the words felt too big, too fragile inside him.
Later that evening, they ended up back at Jeongguk’s tiny apartment, curled up on his bed with the city lights flickering outside the window. Jeongguk had his arms wrapped around Taehyung, his fingers tracing heart shaped patterns on his back.
"You’re warm," Jeongguk murmured against Taehyung’s neck, his lips brushing over sensitive skin.
Taehyung hummed, his body relaxing into Jeongguk’s hold. It was easy, being like this. Familiar. Safe.
Jeongguk’s hand wandered lower, his touches growing bolder, more insistent. "Can I?"
Taehyung hesitated. He loved Jeongguk, loved the way he touched him, he was borderline addicted to it, but tonight… something felt off. His mind was too crowded, too weighed down by everything he hadn’t said.
"I don’t feel like it today," he murmured finally, turning his head away.
Jeongguk stilled immediately. Then, after a beat, he pulled back, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung’s shoulder instead. "That’s okay."
Taehyung exhaled in relief. He had been worried, worried Jeongguk would be disappointed, or worse, frustrated. But there was no tension, no hesitation in the way Jeongguk wrapped his arms around him again, pulling him close like it didn’t change anything.
Taehyung closed his eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his Alpha‘s heartbeat against his ear.
Maybe Jeongguk really meant it when he said he wasn’t going anywhere.
++++
Taehyung once again stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, his fingers tightening around the edge of the sink. His face looked the same as the past days; soft, pale, with tired eyes that held too many secrets- but everything inside him was different. There was something new growing inside him, something he hadn't dared to say out loud yet.
He had made up his mind this morning. He couldn't keep ignoring this, couldn't keep pretending nothing was changing. So instead of going to class, he found himself on a bus heading toward a small clinic on the quieter side of the city.
The waiting room was empty except for a receptionist who barely glanced up when he walked in. Taehyung's hands felt clammy as he signed in, his heart thudding against his ribs. He had told no one- not even Jeongguk. He couldn't, not yet.
"Kim Taehyung?" a nurse called, and he forced himself to stand, his legs shaky beneath him. He followed her down the narrow hallway, the sterile scent of the clinic making his stomach turn.
The doctor was an older woman with sharp eyes softened only slightly by the wrinkles around them. She scanned his chart before looking up at him, her lips pressing together. "You're quite young."
Taehyung swallowed, nodding but saying nothing. He knew what she meant. Nineteen was too young. Too young to be here, too young to have a life growing inside him, too young to be making these kinds of decisions alone.
"How far along do you think you are?" she asked, her voice gentler now.
"I'm… not sure," he admitted. "A few weeks? Not more than a Month I guess?"
She nodded, gesturing for him to lie down on the exam table. Taehyung hesitated before doing as she instructed, his hands clutching into the fabric of his sweater as she applied the cool gel to his lower stomach.
The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the machine. Taehyung held his breath as the doctor moved the probe across his abdomen, his pulse hammering in his ears.
And then…
A sound.
A tiny, rhythmic thumping filled the room, soft but unmistakable. Taehyung’s lips parted, his chest tightening as he stared at the screen.
"That’s a strong heartbeat," the doctor murmured before adjusting the probe slightly. Her brows furrowed, and she moved the device again, her expression unreadable.
Taehyung’s stomach twisted. "Is something wrong?"
The doctor let out a breath before turning to him. "Not wrong, just unexpected. You’re carrying twins."
Twins.
Taehyung’s mind blanked. He blinked at the screen, at the two tiny forms barely distinguishable from one another, and a wave of dizziness hit him all at once.
Twins.
He couldn’t even wrap his head around one, and now there were two?
The doctor kept talking; Something about early pregnancy care, something about taking care of his body- but Taehyung wasn’t sure he was absorbing any of it. He could only stare at the screen, at the tiny shapes that were already a part of him, already something he would have to think about every single day from now on.
His fingers trembled as he placed a hesitant hand over his stomach, the reality of it all crashing over him like a brutal huricane.
He had two lives growing inside him.
And Jeongguk still didn’t know.
´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´
Taehyung sat on a worn-out bench at the edge of the playground, his fingers laced together as he watched the children run across the soft, padded ground. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, stretching like thin fingers over the bright, primary colored play structures.
He barely felt the cool breeze against his skin. His thoughts were elsewhere, still stuck in the white walled clinic, in the sterile room where the doctor’s voice had been careful, neutral, as she spoke.
“It’s still early. If you don’t feel ready for this, termination is an option.”
Taehyung had only nodded back then, unable to say anything. The word itself had felt heavy, like a sharp stone sinking deep into his stomach. Abortion. It wasn’t a bad word, not to him. It was an option. One that the doctor had offered so gently, so routinely, like it was just another decision to make, like it wasn’t something that made his chest feel like it was caving in.
He’d never been someone who could destroy things. Even as a kid, he had always been too soft, too hesitant. When he was little, he once spent hours trying to free a ladybug that had gotten stuck in his windowsill, panicking when its tiny legs stopped moving. He had cried when he stepped on a snail by accident, had refused to let his older sister swat a fly buzzing near their dinner table. The thought of ending something (anything) felt like breaking a piece of himself.
So when the doctor had asked if he wanted to consider it, he had shaken his head before he even had time to think.
But now, sitting here, watching young parents chase after their toddlers, watching them lift their children high into the air, hearing their laughter carry through the crisp early-autumn air…
He couldn’t stop thinking about it.
He was nineteen. Barely out of high school. A university student who had no idea what he wanted for his future, let alone how to care for someone else’s. And yet, inside him, two tiny heartbeats existed. Two tiny beings that didn’t ask to be here, that didn’t know they were growing inside someone who had no idea how to be a parent.
His hands instinctively pressed over his stomach, as if that could shield them from his thoughts, from his uncertainty.
Would he be able to do this?
Would he be enough?
He wasn’t strong, wasn’t stable, wasn’t even sure if he knew what parental love really meant. Jeongguk-
His breath hitched at the thought of Jeongguk.
He still didn’t know. Taehyung had walked out of that clinic alone, carrying the knowledge of his pregnancy by himself. And now, he had an even bigger secret weighing on his chest. It wasn’t just one. It was two.
Jeongguk would what? Be shocked? Disappointed? Angry? Would he leave?
The thought made Taehyung’s throat tighten. He knew Jeongguk cared about him. Loved him, even. But loving someone didn’t mean staying.
A sharp squeal of laughter pulled him back to the present. He looked up just in time to see a little girl tumble onto the soft ground, only to be scooped up instantly by her mother. She was young, mid-twenties, maybe but she held the child so securely, pressing kisses to her temple as if she could take away all the pain with just that.
That kind of love. That kind of certainty.
Could he ever be like that?
His phone buzzed in his pocket, snapping him out of his thoughts. He pulled it out with shaking fingers. A text from Jeongguk.
*Jeongguk: where u at babe? thought u had class till 5?*
Taehyung hesitated, staring at the screen. His heart pounded, but he forced his fingers to move.
*Tae: class ended early. just out for a bit.*
He wasn’t ready to tell him yet. Not now. Not when everything inside him was still a tangled mess.
His phone buzzed again almost immediately.
*Jk: wanna meet up? I can come get u*
A lump formed in Taehyung’s throat. Jeongguk had always been like this. Always offering to be there, always making space for him.
But would he still do that if he knew? If he knew that Taehyung wasn’t just Taehyung anymore, that he was carrying young souls with him, would that change everything?
*Tae: not today. just wanna be alone for a bit.*
This time, there was a pause before the reply came.
*Jk: ok. just let me know if u need anything my love.*
Taehyung exhaled shakily, gripping his phone tightly. He could picture Jeongguk frowning at his screen, probably worried but giving him space anyway.
He closed his eyes, listening to the laughter of children around him, and let the weight of his decision settle deep into his bones.
++++++
Jeongguk sat at the edge of the worn leather couch, his fingers drumming impatiently against his knee as his friends chatted around him. The room was dimly lit, the soft hum of a bass heavy song playing from someone’s speaker, but Jeongguk wasn’t paying attention to any of it.
He was thinking about Taehyung. Again. Like always. But not in this way, not in this worried state.
"Dude, you good? You’ve been weird lately," Jimin said, nudging him with his elbow. "Zoning out every two seconds."
Jeongguk exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. "I don’t know, man. Something’s off."
Namjoon, who had been casually flipping through a magazine, raised a brow. "Off how?"
Jeongguk hesitated, biting the inside of his cheek. He didn’t want to sound paranoid. Didn’t want to say out loud the thoughts that had been holding onto him for days now.
"It’s Taehyung," he finally muttered, staring at the half empty beer bottle in his hand. "He’s… different lately."
Jimin leaned back, crossing his arms. "Different how?"
Jeongguk let out a frustrated sigh. "He’s distant. He barely answers my texts, and when he does, it’s just short replies. He’s always tired, he doesn’t hang out like he used to, and-" He stopped himself, hesitating.
"And?" Namjoon prompted.
Jeongguk’s grip tightened around the bottle. "And he won’t touch me."
There was a pause before Jimin let out a low whistle. "Whoa. That’s serious."
Jeongguk’s jaw clenched. "You don’t get it. Tae’s… he’s not like that. He might seem quiet and soft, but he’s actually-"
"Super needy?" Jimin supplied with a knowing smirk. "Yeah, we know."
Jeongguk shot him a glare, but Jimin only shrugged. "Come on, it’s not exactly a secret. Our Tae isn’t as innocent as he looks. We know."
Jeongguk huffed, slumping further into the couch. "Yeah, well, that’s the thing. He’s not like that anymore. He barely even lets me kiss him for more than a second before he pulls away. It’s like he doesn’t want me at all."
"Damn," Their other friend, Hoseok, muttered. "That’s weird."
Jeongguk nodded, pressing his lips together. "And he’s been skipping classes. I thought maybe he was just overwhelmed, but he won’t talk to me about it. Every time I try to bring it up, he changes the subject or says he’s just tired."
Namjoon exchanged a glance with Jimin before leaning forward. "Have you considered that he might be… you know… seeing someone else?"
Jeongguk felt his stomach drop. He had been trying so hard not to think about that possibility, but it had been lurking in the back of his mind like a shadow.
"No," he said, though it didn’t come out as confident as he wanted it to. "I mean, I don’t think so."
"But you’re not sure," Jimin said carefully.
Jeongguk swallowed, shaking his head. "I don’t want to believe that. Tae’s not like that."
"People change," Namjoon said gently. "Especially when they’re going through something. Don’t get me wrong I think none of us would ever think that Taehyung ist he type to cheat. Stometimes you just have to brace yourself with the worst."
Jeongguk knew that. He knew something was happening with Taehyung. Something big. But if it wasn’t another person, then what was it?
He sighed, staring down at his hands. "I just… I don’t know what to do. If I push him too much, he’ll shut down completely. But if I don’t, I might lose him."
Jimin clapped a hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder. "Well, there’s only one way to find out. Talk to him. Really talk to him."
Jeongguk nodded slowly, determination settling in his chest.
Whatever was going on with Taehyung, he was going to find out.
+++++
Jeongguk sat in his bedroom, sprawled out on his bed with his phone resting on his chest. His mind was running in circles, thinking about Taehyung and how distant he had been. It hurt, not knowing what was going on in his boyfriend’s beautiful head. He had always been able to read Taehyung like an open book, but lately, it felt like there were pages missing, whole chapters he wasn’t allowed to see.
Determined to change that, Jeongguk sat up and grabbed his phone. He scrolled through his contacts before clicking on Jimin’s name. Within seconds, the call connected.
"Hey, what’s up?" Jimin’s voice came through the speaker, slightly muffled.
"I need your help," Jeongguk said, running a hand through his hair. "I want to plan something special for Taehyung. Something romantic."
There was a pause before Jimin whistled. "Damn, you’re really going all out, huh?"
Jeongguk sighed. "You know that he’s been so closed off lately. I just… I need to remind him that I’m here. That he can trust me."
Jimin hummed thoughtfully. "Alright, what kind of date are we talking about? Fancy dinner? A trip somewhere? A quiet night in?"
"I want something personal. Something that shows him how much I love him."
"Got it," Jimin said. "Leave it to me. We’ll plan the perfect date."
Over the next couple of days, Jeongguk and his friends worked together to set everything up. Namjoon helped secure a private spot near their favourite spot at the Han River, a quiet place where they wouldn’t be disturbed. Jimin and Hoseok took care of decorations, setting up fairy lights, blankets, and a small picnic table with Taehyung’s favorite foods. Even Yoongi pitched in, creating a custom playlist filled with soft songs that Jeongguk knew Taehyung loved.
By the time the evening arrived, everything was perfect. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the water. The fairy lights twinkled softly, and the air was cool but not too cold. Jeongguk stood there, waiting, heart pounding in his chest as he sent Taehyung a simple text.
*Jeongguk: Meet me at our favourite spot by the river. I have a surprise for you babe.*
It took a few minutes, but eventually, Taehyung’s reply came through.
*Taehyung: Okay. I’m on my way.*
Jeongguk exhaled slowly, shaking off his nerves. This was it. He needed to make tonight count.
When Taehyung finally arrived, he looked around in awe, his wide eyes taking in the setup. "Jeongguk… what is all this?"
Jeongguk smiled, stepping closer and taking Taehyung’s hand in his. "It’s for you. For us."
Taehyung swallowed, his gaze flickering between Jeongguk and the beautifully arranged picnic. "Why?"
"Because I love you," Jeongguk said simply. "And I need you to talk to me, Tae. I need to know what’s been going on with you."
Taehyung’s fingers tightened around Jeongguk’s hand, his expression torn. He looked like he wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out.
Jeongguk led him to sit down, keeping his grip gentle but firm. "No more running away, okay? Just tell me. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together."
Taehyung’s breath hitched, and for a moment, Jeongguk thought he might shut down again. But then, slowly, Taehyung nodded, his lips pressing together as his eyes shone with unshed tears.
"Okay," he whispered. "I’ll tell you."
Jeongguk squeezed his hand. "I’m listening."
Taehyung sat there, fingers trembling slightly as he traced patterns into Jeongguk’s palm. The air between them was thick, filled with something Taehyung could no longer ignore. The fairy lights cast a soft glow over Jeongguk’s face, his dark eyes filled with worry and something more, something Taehyung had been too scared to believe in.
Love.
Jeongguk loved him. Even now, when he had been distant and secretive. Even now, when Taehyung knew that what he was about to say could change everything.
Taehyung stared down at their hands, at the way Jeongguk’s fingers curled protectively around his own. How was he supposed to say this? How did you tell the person you loved that your entire future had just shifted overnight?
"I… I’ve been skipping classes," he admitted first, testing the waters. "Not because I wanted to. But because I had to."
Jeongguk frowned but didn’t say anything, waiting.
Taehyung’s throat felt dry. He swallowed hard. "I went to the doctor."
A sharp inhale from Jeongguk. "Are you sick? Is something wrong? Tae-"
"No," Taehyung said quickly, shaking his head. "I mean, yes. I mean… I don’t know. I-" He exhaled harshly, trying to gather himself. "I’m pregnant."
The words hung between them, sinking into the space where Jeongguk’s heartbeat thundered in his chest.
Jeongguk blinked. Once. Twice. Then again.
"What?" he whispered.
"I’m pregnant, Jeongguk," Taehyung repeated, barely able to hear his own voice over the sound of the river behind them. "And it’s not just one. It’s twins."
Jeongguk’s entire body went still. Completely, unusually still.
Taehyung’s stomach twisted violently. He had imagined so many reactions; Anger, disappointment, shock, but this blank silence was worse than any of them. He felt his breath catch in his throat, the weight of Jeongguk’s gaze making his chest tighten painfully.
"Say something," he begged softly. "Please."
Jeongguk exhaled, his eyes flickering over Taehyung’s face as if trying to piece together a puzzle that didn’t make sense. "You’re… serious?"
Taehyung nodded.
A heavy pause.
Then Jeongguk suddenly stood up, running both hands through his hair before turning away, facing the river. Taehyung’s heart sank.
Of course. This was too much. Too soon. Jeongguk had dreams. Huge ones. He wanted to make it as a tattoo artist, to open his own studio, to travel and create art on skin that told stories. He had never once mentioned settling down, never once talked about wanting a family so young.
"I knew it," Taehyung whispered, voice breaking. "I knew this would ruin everything."
Jeongguk spun around so fast that Taehyung flinched.
"Ruin?" Jeongguk repeated, his voice raw. "Tae, what the hell are you talking about?"
Taehyung wiped at his eyes furiously. "You’re upset. You’re freaking out. You can’t even look at me."
Jeongguk stepped forward, crowding into his space, forcing Taehyung to meet his gaze. "I’m not upset," he said, voice trembling. "I’m scared. And overwhelmed. But I’m not upset."
Taehyung’s lips parted, confused. "You’re not?"
Jeongguk exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "No. I mean, yeah, this is a lot. But Tae, you’re carrying my- no- our babies. How could I be upset about that?"
Taehyung blinked up at him, searching his face for any sign of a lie, but all he saw was honesty. Fear, yes. But also something warm, something that made Taehyung’s chest ache.
Jeongguk let out a shaky laugh, running a hand down his face. "Twins? Holy shit."
Taehyung sniffled, nodding. "The doctor said they’re healthy. It’s still early, so we don’t know the gender yet."
Jeongguk suddenly crouched down, pressing a hand to Taehyung’s stomach. His touch was hesitant at first, barely there, but then he flattened his palm fully, warm and steady.
"Hi," he whispered, voice thick with emotion. "I… I guess I’m your dad. That’s crazy, huh?"
Taehyung let out a choked laugh, covering his mouth. "You’re such an idiot."
Jeongguk grinned up at him, though his eyes were still glossy. "Yeah, but I’m your idiot. And now I’m theirs too."
Taehyung sucked in a shaky breath. "So… you’re not mad? You’re not going to leave?"
Jeongguk’s expression softened completely. "Tae. Baby. Look at me."
Taehyung did.
Jeongguk reached up, cupping his face. "I love you. I have loved you since the moment you walked into my life, all quiet and nerdy and too damn beautiful for your own good. Nothing. Nothing could make me leave you."
Taehyung felt something inside him crack, the insecurity and fear crumbling under the weight of Jeongguk’s words.
"We’re gonna figure this out," Jeongguk promised. "It won’t be easy. But I swear to you, you are not doing this alone."
Taehyung let out a soft sob, throwing himself into Jeongguk’s arms. Jeongguk caught him effortlessly, holding him close, pressing kisses to the top of his head as Taehyung cried against his chest.
"I was so scared," Taehyung admitted between shaky breaths. "I thought you wouldn’t want this. That I’d have to… do this alone."
Jeongguk pulled back just enough to press their foreheads together. "Never. I want everything with you, Tae. Everything."
Taehyung inhaled deeply, allowing himself to believe it.
And for the first time since seeing those two pink lines on the pregnancy test, he felt like everything would be okay.
Taehyung sniffled, curling further into Jeongguk’s embrace as the importance of their conversation settled between them. The world felt a little different now. Still uncertain, still terrifying, but no longer something Taehyung had to face alone.
"This… this wasn’t part of the plan," Taehyung murmured, his fingers clinging to the fabric of Jeongguk’s hoodie. "I mean, we never even talked about kids, let alone-"
"Twins," Jeongguk finished for him, letting out a soft, incredulous laugh. "Yeah. Definitely not part of the plan."
Taehyung pulled back slightly, looking up at Jeongguk with wide eyes. "Are you… really okay with this? I mean, I know you said you are, but-"
Jeongguk cupped Taehyung’s face, his thumbs brushing away the remnants of his tears. "Tae, I won’t lie and say I’m not scared. I’m terrified. But I love you, and that’s all that matters to me. We’ll figure this out together."
Taehyung let out a shuddering breath, nodding slowly. "Together."
Jeongguk hesitated for a moment before he sighed. "But there’s something I need you to do for me."
Taehyung frowned. "What is it?"
Jeongguk took his hands, squeezing them gently. "Move in with me."
Taehyung’s breath hitched. "What?"
"Move in with me," Jeongguk repeated. "Your place with Namjoon is great, but I don’t want you going through this pregnancy without me right there. I want to take care of you, Tae."
Taehyung’s lips parted in shock. "But your apartment is so small."
Jeongguk huffed a laugh. "Yeah, but it’s big enough for us. We’ll make it work."
Taehyung hesitated. "I don’t want to be a burden."
Jeongguk frowned. "Tae, you’re not a burden. You’re my boyfriend. The father of my kids. I want you with me."
Taehyung swallowed hard, emotions swirling in his chest. He had spent so long feeling like he was too much, like he was something people tolerated rather than wanted. But here Jeongguk was, looking at him like he was the most precious thing in the world.
"Okay," he whispered. "I’ll move in."
Jeongguk’s face lit up, and before Taehyung could say anything else, he was pulled into a tight embrace, Jeongguk’s warmth wrapping around him like a promise.
"We’ll figure this out," Jeongguk murmured against his hair.
"Every step of the way. Together."
Taehyung closed his eyes, breathing him in. Maybe this wasn’t planned. Maybe it was messy and complicated and so, so terrifying.
But with Jeongguk by his side, he thought that they could make it work.
+++++++++
Taehyung stepped into Jeongguk’s apartment, the space feeling even smaller now that he was really looking at it. The walls were covered in sketches, old ticket stubs, and photos pinned up haphazardly, each one telling a story of Jeongguk’s life. The couch doubled as a bed when necessary, the kitchen barely had room for two people to move around, and the single window let in just enough light to keep the place from feeling too cramped.
But it was warm. It smelled like Jeongguk—like cedarwood and ink and something faintly sweet. It felt like a place Taehyung could get used to.
Jeongguk pulled him in by the hand, squeezing it before letting go to grab his notebook from the cluttered coffee table. “I’ve been thinking,” he said, flipping through the pages. “We need to figure out finances.”
Taehyung sat down beside him, watching as Jeongguk started scribbling down numbers. His brows were furrowed, his lip caught between his teeth, deep in concentration. “I’ve got some money saved up for whatever,” Jeongguk muttered, “but it’s not even close enough to cover everything.”
Taehyung reached out, running his fingers over the back of Jeongguk’s hand. “We’ll manage.”
Jeongguk sighed, leaning back against the couch. “Hospital costs, baby clothes, diapers… it adds up fast.”
Taehyung hummed, resting his head against Jeongguk’s shoulder. “We don’t have to get everything brand new.”
Jeongguk nodded, flipping to another page. “I looked up some second-hand stores that sell baby stuff. There are a few places where we can get discounts too.”
Taehyung smiled softly. “You’re really thinking about everything, huh?”
Jeongguk exhaled, wrapping an arm around Taehyung. “Of course I am. I want to make sure we’re okay. That you are okay.”
Taehyung nuzzled into his side, warmth blooming in his chest. Jeongguk might not have a lot of money, but he had love, determination, and a heart big enough to carry them both.
Jeongguk’s brows were still furrowed, deep in thought. “So, let’s go over this again,” he muttered. “You want to pause university for a year?”
Taehyung nodded, playing with the sleeves of his sweater. “Yeah. I want to work full-time at the bakery I currently work at part-time. Just until I can’t anymore.”
Jeongguk sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Tae, you shouldn’t have to put your dreams on hold.”
Taehyung smiled faintly. “It’s not forever. I just want to make sure we have enough saved up before the babies come. Plus I also don’t think I could concentrate the way I want so it’s better to just pause for a year.”
Jeongguk nodded compassionatley. He stared down at his notebook, flipping through the pages filled with scribbled calculations. “I was thinking about using my savings for the shop,” he said slowly. “We could stretch it.”
Taehyung shook his head immediately. “No. That’s your dream. I don’t want you giving that up.”
Jeongguk exhaled sharply. “But the babies-”
“We can still get help from our parents if necessary,” Taehyung said gently, though his own voice wavered. “Once we tell them.”
Jeongguk went quiet. That part scared him the most.
Taehyung reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. “I know it’s terrifying. But we won’t be alone in this.”
Jeongguk let out a breath and squeezed his hand. “Yeah. One step at a time.”
Taehyung smiled softly. “One step at a time.”
Jeongguk watched Taehyung carefully, his fingers still interlocked with his, thumb tracing slow, soothing circles against the back of Taehyung’s hand. The room felt smaller, quieter, like the world outside didn’t exist for a moment. Just them. Just the warmth between them, the way Taehyung’s lips parted slightly as if hesitating on words he wasn’t ready to speak yet.
So Jeongguk didn’t push. Instead, he lifted his hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from Taehyung’s face before letting his fingers drift lower, tracing the curve of his jaw, his thumb ghosting over his bottom lip. Taehyung’s breath hitched, his dark eyes flickering up to meet Jeongguk’s, and something inside of him melted at the sight.
“You okay?” Jeongguk murmured, his voice gentle, filled with nothing but patience.
Taehyung swallowed, nodding slowly. “Yeah… just-” He hesitated before exhaling softly, eyes darting away. “It still doesn’t feel real sometimes. That you really want me, only me forever.”
Jeongguk frowned at that, his heart clenching in his chest.
“Tae-„
Before he could finish, Taehyung leaned forward, closing the space between them as his lips pressed against Jeongguk’s, soft at first, but growing bolder the moment Jeongguk responded. A soft hum vibrated from Jeongguk’s throat as he pulled Taehyung closer, arms wrapping securely around his waist, deepening the kiss.
Taehyung whimpered into the kiss, fingers twisting in Jeongguk’s shirt, pulling him in as if afraid he might disappear if he let go. He was desperate for this, for Jeongguk’s touch, for the reassurance that this was real, that Jeongguk still wanted him even with the changes happening to them adn their lifes. Even with the reality of everything pressing down on them.
Jeongguk’s hands slipped lower, gripping Taehyung’s waist gently before pressing against his back, guiding him onto his lap. Taehyung hesitated for a second, his fingers tightening in Jeongguk’s shirt as his body pressed against his. His belly had the slightest bumb- almost impossible to even notice, and yet for a brief moment, insecurity crept in, making him hesitate.
But Jeongguk sensed it, pulling back just enough to rest his forehead against Taehyung’s. His hands never left him, thumbs brushing along his sides in slow, comforting strokes.
“You’re beautiful,” Jeongguk whispered, breath warm against Taehyung’s lips. “Always.”
Taehyung bit his lip, looking away, but Jeongguk cupped his cheek, guiding his gaze back. “I mean it,” he murmured. “Every part of you.”
A shaky breath left Taehyung’s lips before he kissed him again, deeper this time, pouring every ounce of emotion into it. He needed this. Needed his Alpha. And Jeongguk gave him everything, hands roaming, lips trailing along Taehyung’s jaw, down his neck, pressing soft, reverent kisses against every inch of skin he could reach.
As Jeongguk’s hands found the hem of Taehyung’s sweater, he paused, searching his gaze for any sign of hesitation. Taehyung met his eyes, cheeks flushed, lips swollen, but there was no fear. Only trust. Only love.
And when he nodded, Jeongguk moved slowly, undressing him with the same kind of care he always had. As if Taehyung was the most precious thing he’d ever held in his hands.
Jeongguk’s fingers skimmed over Taehyung’s bare skin, slow and deliberate, like he was worshipping every inch of him. They moved to (now their) tiny bedroom. The room immediatley felt warmer, wrapped in the quiet hum of their breathing, in the soft rustling of sheets as Jeongguk shifted, pressing his lips to the slope of Taehyung’s shoulder.
Taehyung trembled beneath his touch, his fingers brushing through Jeongguk’s hair, tugging just slightly as he gasped softly. His body was sensitive, more than usual. The pregnancy had changed things, made him more aware of every brush of Jeongguk’s skin against his own. But it wasn’t just that. It was the way Jeongguk touched him, like he was something sacred, something cherished.
Jeongguk kissed up his neck, lips brushing against the sensitive spot just beneath his ear. “I love you,” he murmured, voice thick with emotion. “So much.”
Taehyung let out a shaky breath, eyes fluttering shut. “Show me,” he whispered.
And Jeongguk did.
He moved slowly, taking his time as he worshiped Taehyung’s body with his hands, his lips, the warmth of his breath ghosting over every part of him. He whispered sweet words against his skin, promises laced with devotion. There was nothing rushed about this. Not tonight. Tonight, it was about them, about the love they had built, the trust they had nurtured.
Taehyung arched beneath Jeongguk’s touch, his body pliant, open. His insecurities faded under Jeongguk’s careful hands, his gentle reassurance. Eventhough the pregnancy had been a big shock, Jeongguk didn’t hesitate, didn’t run away like most Alphas would have done. Instead, he stayed and now -at this very moment- cradled him, traced slow circles against his sides, pressing kisses against the tiny bumb of his stomach.
“You’re everything to me,” Jeongguk whispered against his skin, his hands framing Taehyung’s face as he kissed him deeply. “Always.”
Taehyung melted into him, into the warmth of his touch, the depth of his love. And in that moment, there was no fear, no doubt. Only them, wrapped up in each other, lost in the quiet but passionate moment that spoke louder than words ever could.
Jeongguk’s hips moved with a reverence he had never quite shown before, fingertips tracing over the delicate curve of Taehyung’s body with the lightest touch. His lips followed, warm and lingering against flushed skin, whispering silent praises against every inch he explored.
“Is this okay?” Jeongguk murmured, his breath fanning over Taehyung’s collarbone as he pressed soft kisses there. He could feel the way Taehyung shivered beneath him, how his body arched instinctively into the the slow thrusts, desperate for more, yet still so vulnerable.
Taehyung nodded, his fingers digging into the sheets before reaching up to brush through Jeongguk’s hair again. “Yeah,” he breathed, voice barely above a whisper. “You feel so good.”
Jeongguk smiled against his skin, hands smoothing down over Taehyung’s sides, gentle yet firm. Usually, their sex was filled with hunger, with desperation, rough edges and the kind of wild passion that left them breathless. But tonight, it was different. It had to be.
Tonight, Jeongguk fucked his Omega carefully, tenderly, mindful of the life growing inside Taehyung. He took his time, tracing kisses over the entirety of Taehyung’s face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his lips. He wanted Taehyung to feel cherished, adored, to understand without a doubt how much he meant to him.
“You’re so beautiful,” Jeongguk moaned, voice thick with emotion. “Every part of you.”
Taehyung swallowed hard, his heart twisting at the depth of love in Jeongguk’s eyes. He had been felt a tinge of insecurity about the fact that his body was going to change, about how things would be different now, but his Alpha erased every doubt with every kiss, every touch, every whispered reassurance.
Jeongguk’s movements were slow, unhurried, savoring every reaction he pulled from Taehyung, every whimper and moan. He held Taehyung like he was something precious, something fragile and irreplaceable. And in that moment, Taehyung felt once again that he was loved. He was loved and he was wanted in a way that went beyond the physical.
+++++
Jeongguk and Taehyung slowly began to adjust to living together, their routines shifting to accommodate each other in ways both big and small. Jeongguk would wake up earlier than usual to make breakfast, knowing Taehyung struggled with morning nausea. Taehyung, in turn, would stay up late to keep Jeongguk company when he returned home from his tattoo apprenticeship, his gentle presence offering comfort after long, tiring hours.
Their tiny apartment that at first felt a little cramped, now felt warm, lived in, filled with the soft hum of their growing life together. Jeongguk found himself smiling more, watching Taehyung fuss over their shared space, folding his clothes neatly, arranging small decorations, making it feel more like a home.
One morning, they finally made the trip to the clinic together. Jeongguk held Taehyung’s hand tightly as they sat in the waiting room, his thumb drawing slow circles against Taehyung’s skin in an attempt to calm his nerves. When the nurse called Taehyung’s name, Jeongguk stood instantly, following him into the consultation room without hesitation.
The doctor greeted them with a kind smile, asking Taehyung a few routine questions before conducting an ultrasound. The sight of the tiny lifes growing inside Taehyung brought an overwhelming wave of emotion crashing over them both, and Jeongguk squeezed Taehyung’s hand even tighter, his eyes glassy with unshed tears.
After the check-up, the doctor handed them a journal. The cover was soft and warm toned, decorated with little footprints and pastel illustrations of twin babies.
“This is for you,” the doctor said, placing it in Taehyung’s hands. “It has information about each stage of pregnancy, little challenges, and facts about what’s happening to your body and the babies each month. It can also serve as a place to jot down thoughts, cravings, and any concerns you might have.”
Taehyung stared down at it, running his fingers over the cover before carefully flipping through the pages. Each section was filled with little illustrations, prompts like ‘Come up with the names for your babies’ or ‘Describe how you felt when you first heard their heartbeats.’
Jeongguk peeked over his shoulder, a small, fond smile tugging at his lips. “This is really cute,” he murmured, gently touching one of the pages. “We should fill this out together.”
Taehyung nodded, pressing the journal close to his chest. The doctor continued explaining what they should be aware of, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, rest, and emotional well being. Jeongguk listened intently, occasionally asking questions, making sure he understood everything. His seriousness about it all made Taehyung’s heart heat up with nothing but pure love for his Alpha.
By the time they left the clinic, the journal was tucked safely in Taehyung’s bag and Jeongguk’s fingers were still laced tightly with his. They weren’t quite ready to share their secret with the world just yet, but at least they had each other. And for now, that was enough.
That evening, after dinner, Taehyung curled up on the couch with the journal in his lap. Jeongguk sat beside him, one arm draped over the back of the couch, watching as Taehyung flipped through the pages, a soft hum escaping his lips.
"It's week six," Taehyung murmured, eyes scanning the section dedicated to this stage of the pregnancy. "Do you want to hear what it says?"
Jeongguk nodded, shifting closer, his fingers playing absentmindedly with the hem of Taehyung's sweater. "Of course, baby. Tell me everything."
Taehyung cleared his throat and began reading. "At six weeks, your babies are the size of sweet peas. Their hearts are already beating, and their tiny arms and legs are beginning to form. Right now, their faces are developing. Small indentations where their eyes, nose, and mouth will be. They are rapidly growing and you might start feeling more tired than usual, as your body is working hard to support them."
Jeongguk let out a small, amazed breath. "That’s incredible. Their hearts are already beating?"
Taehyung nodded, his fingers grazing over his lower belly. "Yeah… It’s kind of surreal, isn’t it? They’re already so real, even though we can’t feel or really see them yet."
Jeongguk placed his palm gently over Taehyung’s hand, his touch warm and supportive. "They’re real. And they’re ours."
Taehyung smiled softly, then turned to the next section of the journal. "There's also a challenge for week six."
"A challenge?" Jeongguk raised an eyebrow. "What kind of challenge?"
Taehyung read aloud, "For week six, write a letter to your babies. Share your thoughts, dreams, and how you feel about their arrival. Keep the letter safe and look back on it in the future."
Jeongguk grinned. "That’s actually really sweet. Do you want to do it now?"
Taehyung hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Let’s do it together."
Jeongguk reached for a notebook and pen, settling in beside Taehyung as they began to write, their hearts full of love for the tiny lives growing inside him. The weight of their secret felt a little lighter, knowing they were facing this journey together, one challenge at a time.
(Taehyung’s Letter)
Dear little ones,
I don’t know your names yet, or what you’ll look like, or if you’ll have my nose or Jeongguk’s eyes. But I know that you’re already so, so loved. It still feels unreal, knowing you’re growing inside me. You’re so small right now, but your hearts are already beating, and that thought alone makes mine ache with a love I’ve never known before.
I wonder what kind of people you’ll become. Will you love music like Jeongguk? Will you be shy like me? Will you have his energy, his bright, unstoppable spirit, or my quiet way of seeing the world? Whoever you are, whatever you become, I hope you always feel safe. I hope you always know that you were wanted, even if this was unexpected.
Right now, it’s just me and your father, keeping you a secret. Not because we aren’t happy, but because we want to figure out how to give you the best life we can. I won’t lie. I’m scared. I worry about whether I’ll be enough for you, if I’ll be strong enough, wise enough, good enough. But Jeongguk reminds me every day that we’ll do this together, that we’ll learn as we go, that love is what matters most. And love? That we have so much of already.
I hope you hear Jeongguk’s voice sometimes when he talks to my belly, even if it’s silly. He’s already so excited for you. I catch him looking at baby clothes sometimes, even though we haven’t bought anything yet. I think he’s dreaming of holding you already, just like I am.
I promise to do my best, to love you more than anything in this world. No matter what happens, you will never be alone. You are ours, and we are yours.
Lot’s of love,
Your Appa Tae
(Jeongguk’s letter)
Dear my little mochis,
It’s crazy to think that you’re already here, growing so quietly, so gently inside Taehyung. I don’t know if you can hear me yet, but I talk to you anyway. Maybe you’ll recognize my voice when you finally arrive. I hope you do.
I don’t know what kind of father I’ll be, but I know I want to be a good one. I want to be someone you can trust, someone you can run to when you’re scared, someone you can laugh with when you’re happy. I want to protect you, always, but I also want to give you space to become whoever you’re meant to be. I’ll be learning right alongside you, figuring out how to do this step by step. I hope that’s okay.
Your appa and I talk about you all the time. We wonder what you’ll be like, what kind of things you’ll love, if you’ll have his soft heart or my stubborn streak. He’s already been writing letters to you, did you know that? That’s just the kind of person he is. So full of love he can’t help but pour it out in words. I hope you inherit that part of him. The world needs more love like his.
It’s strange, you know. I always thought I had my whole life planned out, that I had years ahead of me before I even thought about being a dad. I mean I only just turned twenty. And then you happened. You changed everything, but in the best way possible. The moment I found out about you, I felt something shift inside me. I realized that life doesn’t always go the way you expect, but sometimes, the unexpected things turn out to be the most beautiful.
I wonder about the little things. Will you like music as much as I do? Will you find comfort in the sound of a guitar late at night, the way I do? Will you love art? Will you sit beside me in the tattoo shop one day, watching me work, maybe even picking up a pencil to doodle on a scrap of paper? Or will you be more like Taehyung, lost in books, dreaming up poetry and stories, seeing the world in a way that no one else does? Whatever you love, I want to be there to support you. To encourage you. To be your biggest fan.
I think about what it’ll be like to hold you for the first time. I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous about anything in my life. Will you be tiny? Will you cry the moment you see me? Will I cry the moment I see you? Probably. I get the feeling that the first time I hold you in my arms, nothing else in the world will matter. Just you and me and Taehyung, our little family, finally together.
I want you to know something very important: you were not a mistake. You were not an accident. Even if you weren’t planned, even if we didn’t expect you this soon, you are loved beyond words. You were meant to be. I truly believe that. There are so many things I don’t know, so many uncertainties ahead of us, but my love for you? That’s the one thing I am sure of.
I promise to be here. To try my best, even when I make mistakes. To give you a home filled with warmth and love, even if it’s small. To show you what it means to chase your dreams and work hard, even if it takes time. To always remind you that you are never alone.
You have two parents who will do everything for you, who will love you through every mistake, every victory, every single thing that makes you who you are. You are already our greatest adventure, and we haven’t even met you yet.
See you soon, my little mochi soldiers.
Your biggest fan,
Your super cool Dad Ggukie.