Reposted with edits. (Made this longer because it deserved it.)

"Did you pack everything, honey?" Seonghwa asked his son.

"Yes, dada! Daddy has an extra toothbrush. It's purple too." Wooyoung jumped in his backseat. Seonghwa softly smiled through the rearview mirror at his six-year-old.

The two arrived at a run-down apartment complex. Seonghwa parked the car and unbuckled his son. He carried the dark purple backpack over his shoulder and held Wooyoung's tiny hand.

"I always forget what the number is," Seonghwa muttered.

Luckily Wooyoung pulled him to the second floor, where they came to encounter some men just leaving an apartment. There were some whistles and stares.

"Damn, Seonghwa, looking good."

"Hongjoong~! Your baby mama is here."

"Wooyoungie, isn't your dad pretty?"

Wooyoung, unbeknownst to the men's intentions, smiled. "My dada's pretty!"

As soon as his eyes saw him, Wooyoung's face lit up, and he ran into his father's arms.

"Daddy!"

"Wooyoungie!" Hongjoong embraced the little boy tight.

"I missed you, daddy," Wooyoung said.

"I missed you too, baby. I promise this weekend we'll have the best time-"

"What were they doing here?" Seonghwa asked.

"They're my friends, Seonghwa. They came to visit. Stop being so uptight." Some of the men who were close enough laughed.

Seonghwa, upset, pulled Hongjoong and Wooyoung inside, locking the door behind him.

"What the hell?" Hongjoong frowned. "What's wrong with you?"

"I don't like those guys you hang out with."

"I know. We've been over this before." Hongjoong rolled his eyes.

"Wooyoung, go to your room, please. Unpack." Seonghwa handed the boy his backpack and watched him run to his small bedroom in the back.

"They smoke and drink a lot. I don't want that to be around my son."

"Our son."

"So start taking care of him correctly." Seonghwa crossed his arms.

"You're overreacting. Calm down."

"This isn't a joke, Hongjoong! If you're drunk, who's watching him?"

"I watch him! Stop doubting me as a father!"

Seonghwa didn't look away from his ex-husband's eyes. "You should be setting the example for him."

Hongjoong squinted. "The example? Like you're a good example: breaking apart this family and forcing Wooyoung only to see one father at a time."

"Because I had to," Seonghwa gritted through his teeth. "You claimed I cheated on you when I never would. I could barely sleep with you ranting on and calling me names."

"You hung out with that guy a lot," Hongjoong retorted. "Forgot you had a husband, huh?"

"That guy was my childhood friend. Wooyoung loves to play with his son. But you never understood because you were never home."

"Play the victim. I provided more for us to help the family when your job fired you." Hongjoong crossed his arms. "But I'm not going to argue with you anymore. Wooyoung's in my house now, and I'm responsible for him these three days. You can leave."

A pissed Seonghwa went around him to the bedroom, where he saw Wooyoung playing with some plush dolls he'd packed. His anger immediately faded, and his face softened into sweetness.

"Hey, baby, dada's going to leave, okay?"

"Okay."

"You be a good boy for me. Stay out of trouble."

"I know."

Seonghwa smiled and kissed the little boy's head. "I love you so much."

"Love you too, da."

"Oh, and," Seonghwa paused. He backed away to unclip a heart pendant necklace around his neck. Then he clipped it around Wooyoung and tucked it into his shirt.

"Whenever you feel lonely," Seonghwa reminded. Wooyoung smiled and hugged his father goodbye.

Hongjoong sighed from the doorway. "I'll show you out."

Seonghwa knew it was unsympathetic in the way he said it. The man was just doing it to provoke him. But even as he started to go, with Hongjoong heavily stepping behind him, he stopped with a hand on the knob.

"And I'm worried about Wooyoung."

"It's just you."

"No. He seems a little off. His mood has been different. Just watch him closely... please."

And without a goodbye, Seonghwa left the apartment, ignored the men outside, and drove home.
~

"Hey, Youngie."

"Hi, daddy." Wooyoung looked into his big toy box in the corner.

"Are you hungry?"

"No..."

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow at his soft tone. "What's wrong?"

"Why are you and dada always loud?"

Hongjoong blinked. He knew his son was trying to ask: Why did they always argue?

"I... It's complicated, baby."

"That's what dada says." Wooyoung quietly pulled out a stuffed bear and dragged it to his bed.

"Have you named that one?" Hongjoong pointed at the bear. Wooyoung nodded.

"Jongho. I told you."

"Oh... Right, I'm sorry." Hongjoong took the bear's paw. "Nice to meet you, Jongho."

"Jongho is my little brother." Wooyoung hugged the stuffed animal and crawled into bed. He pulled the covers over, surprising his father.

"You're going to sleep?"

"'M tired," Wooyoung mumbled. He curled up with his plushies, hugging Jongho incredibly tight. His back faced away from Hongjoong.

"Okay... I'll be in the living room." Hongjoong crouched to kiss him and left.

Things became a little strange when later, Hongjoong called Wooyoung for a shower. Usually, the little boy enjoyed showers; only this morning, he didn't feel like it.

"What do you mean no?"

"I'm clean already," Wooyoung protested.

"Wooyoung, please," Hongjoong stated in a firm voice. The little boy knew he couldn't argue with that.

"...Okay."

As Hongjoong washed his son's hair, he couldn't help but notice a small bruise on his thigh. It was a little bit purple, a little green. It looked ugly.

"Youngie, what happened here?"

Wooyoung's expression became more alert. "I slipped at school, daddy. It was PE."

"Oh."

The weekend went by as quickly as it came. Monday morning, Hongjoong was dropping off Wooyoung at school.

"Kiddo, guess what?"

"Hm?"

"Seonghwa's working late, so I'm going to take you out to eat and play after school today." Hongjoong looked in the rearview mirror.

Wooyoung had his hands in his lap, looking out the window at the various kids leaving their buses or parents' cars. "Okay, daddy," he softly said.

Hongjoong eventually stopped right at the entrance. "I'll pick you up later, Wooyoungie. Have a good day. I love you."

"Bye, dad," Wooyoung muttered and got out of the car quickly. The father was a bit surprised at the tone as he drove off. Seonghwa's cautions were repeating in his head.

He thought to call the other but didn't know what else to say. Yeah, Wooyoung was acting strange, but Seonghwa knew that already. The man could probably yell at him again for his lack of responsibility, and Hongjoong grimaced because he knew, at some level, he deserved it.

Hongjoong works shorter hours at the studio now. One, to pick Wooyoung up from school, and the other because there wasn't anyone else to provide for anymore. On the days Wooyoung wasn't in his care, he would return home, heat up dinner, pop open a beer, and watch TV until he passed out.

That was his divorced, single life.

So after finishing up work, Hongjoong went with the guys for some drinks and a game at a bar. He figured there was still some time before picking up Wooyoung, and the school was nearby.

With all the yelling, Hongjoong didn't bother to check his phone. When he did, his eyes widened. Nine missed calls from Seonghwa and twenty urgent texts. He pressed the call button and nervously tapped his thigh.

"Seonghwa?"

"Hongjoong, where are you? Why haven't you answered my calls?!" Seonghwa cried over the phone.

"I was busy. S-Sorry." The word felt new to Hongjoong's mouth. "What's wrong?"

"Wooyoung's in the hospital. I need you to come quick." Seonghwa's voice sounded full and about to burst.

Hongjoong quickly gathered his things.

"Hey, man, who was it?"

"My h- Seonghwa. I... I need to go." Hongjoong attempted to detach himself from his friends.

"Was that a booty call?" One of them caught his attention. "If you don't mind me saying, he looks like he needs a dick to put him in his place."

Hongjoong turned to the man, mouth twitching and ready to yell. He wasn't even thinking about it too much before it opened.

"Don't talk about my family that way." And with that, the father was out.

Hongjoong didn't even think about what he said as he turned on the ignition. The sentence had fired up a dead spark of protection.

Hongjoong was lying if he said he didn't miss it.

The front desk lady was almost expecting him because as soon as Hongjoong gasped out Wooyoung from running into the lobby, she pointed him in the right direction.

"Seonghwa!" Hongjoong called, running into the waiting room. He saw the older with his head in his hands, clearly sobbing. "I'm so sorry."

When Seonghwa raised his head, Hongjoong swore the sight made his heart ache. His eyes were strained and puffy, his muscles tired from the continuous straining on his face. Tear streaks stained his inner cheeks, and his lips were swollen and red.

"Y-You're here..." Seonghwa could only choke out. He wiped his eyes with his wet sleeve and tried calming his breathing.

"I am." Hongjoong awkwardly sat down beside him. "What happened?"

"I don't fully know," Seonghwa croaked. "But I got a call from the school telling me they had sent Wooyoung to the hospital. A group of fifth-graders surrounded him and his friends. He was bullied for a long time, and it didn't get physical until now..." Seonghwa tiredly blinked.

"I haven't been able to see him yet. But they told me his injuries were big. Who would do this? He's so small and pure. My baby, my angel, my whole world..." Seonghwa started to cry again.

Hongjoong winced. He looked at what Seonghwa was clenching in his right fist. "What is that?"

"The chain I gave him on Friday, remember? The kids ripped it off." Seonghwa handed it to Hongjoong. "You want to say I don't care about us? Open the pendant."

Inside the heart-shaped pendant was a tiny photo of the family. Hongjoong and Seonghwa were holding a baby Wooyoung in their arms together. The day they adopted him. Hongjoong remembered that day very clearly.

"I wear it every day because I miss you, Hongjoong. When Wooyoung leaves, I give it to him so he can carry me when he's with you."

"Seonghwa," Hongjoong softly called. His eyes ran over the features on Seonghwa's face. They were red and puffy from crying. His hands seemed to be shaking too.

Hongjoong began to reminisce about the beauty that Seonghwa was. Not only of his physical appearance but his personality too. He had always loved his family, and he would never fail to find some way to keep them whole, even after the separation.

So Hongjoong missed the laughs they shared on late nights when they chased Wooyoung who refused to change, the pointless arguments about raising a baby so young, and the soft kisses on each other's skin when they had only been dating for a year. This, and more.

"I'm sorry." Hongjoong embraced the man tight, entirely pulling Seonghwa into his chest. Seonghwa cuddled into the hug.

"He's a strong boy, babe. He'll be alright."

"I hope so, Joongie."

"We'll be alright, okay?"

"Okay."

When they broke apart, Seonghwa leaned his head on Hongjoong's shoulder to finally breathe.

"I'm sorry."

"...Sorry?"

Seonghwa waited and hummed. "I think I could've made things right a long time ago, but I didn't. Maybe we wouldn't be here, in the hospital. Maybe Wooyoung could've told us if I wasn't always arguing."

Hongjoong took his shaky hands and caressed the knuckles softly. "If that's true, then I'm guilty too. It was a double-sided issue. All we need to worry about now is Wooyoung's condition. Because he's the most important... for the both of us."

"The both of us," Seonghwa repeated, eyes feeling heavy.

Hongjoong didn't mind Seonghwa's head leaning into his nape. Instead, he made them both comfortable by wrapping an arm around his waist, just like he used to.

Hongjoong protectively watched Seonghwa as the older slept, trying to move as little as possible. He couldn't imagine how tired he must've been waking up early in the morning and then bursting into tears for the last hour or so. And when the doctor finally approached them, he gently shook Seonghwa awake.

"Mr. Park, Mr. Kim. Wooyoung's stable now. Kids made a few scratches and bruises on his face and body. His right leg is sensitive, so we don't recommend he walk much. He can be seen now, but he's sleeping. I'm not sure if you want to go in or..."

"Just wanna see him..." Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong nodded and squeezed his palm.

"We'll see him now."

As soon as they entered the hospital room, Seonghwa began tearing up again. But Hongjoong was there to comfort him now. They walked to one side and observed their little boy.

"The bruises on his cheek, Hongjoong. And the scratches on his arm-" Seonghwa turned around and hugged the younger.

"Shh, it's okay," Hongjoong soothed.

"Dada? Daddy?" a voice peeped.

"Honey." Seonghwa crouched down and kissed Wooyoung's nose. The boy leaned into his touch.

"My leg hurts."

"I know, baby." Hongjoong patted Wooyoung's chubby hand while his other hand rested on Seonghwa's shoulder.

"The nurse brought you a sandwich in case you woke up hungry." Seonghwa turned to stand, but Hongjoong touched the back of his shoulder.

"I got it." Hongjoong opened the packaging and approached Wooyoung's other side. "Rest your arms, baby. It's okay."

"Is that tomato?"

"Yes, it's tomato."

"Don't want tomato."

"I'm sorry, baby, but this is how it came. Can you try it for me? Please?"

Wooyoung jutted his lips. "I don't know, daddy."

"You've tried it before. Please~?" Hongjoong pouted his lips and feigned a sad look. "Pwease, Wooyoungie?"

"Fine!" Wooyoung laughed. "Okay, I'll eat it, daddy. Only for you."

"Only for me?" Hongjoong rubbed his forehead against Wooyoung's temple. "I'm so lucky."

The entire time, Seonghwa watched, entranced, as his ex-husband fed Wooyoung. The feeling pulled at his heartstrings. Honestly, he never stopped loving Hongjoong. Everyone knew that. He couldn't drive without hearing Hongjoong's voice hum the songs on the radio, couldn't sleep without someone's weight on the other half of the bed, couldn't take Wooyoung to dinner without thinking the other side of the booth deserved to be complete.

Hongjoong caught Seonghwa staring, but he only smirked. The action made Seonghwa all bubbly inside, as if he was back in high school where they first met.

"Daddy?" Wooyoung asked.

"Hm?"

"Wanna hug."

"You want a hug? I don't know if I can, baby. How about a kiss?" Hongjoong leaned in, but Wooyoung cutely placed a hand to separate them.

"No! Hug!"

Seonghwa shook his head. "Sweetheart, we really shouldn't when you're hurt-"

"No! Daddy hug dada!" Wooyoung looked at them both. "Pleaseee!"

"Oh." Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa. "Can I hug you, babe?"

The older smiled and walked over. Hongjoong's arms wrapped around Seonghwa's waist. The latter leaned forward and pecked his cheek.

"I missed you, Hongjoong."

"I missed you too, Seonghwa."

"Is he still watching?" Seonghwa whispered.

"I think he's waiting for us to kiss." Hongjoong grinned.

"I don't think so."

"Yes I am," Wooyoung blurted. He covered his cute smile with one hand.

Seonghwa laughed before leaning in. Their lips softly touched and warmed up. It had been a while, but it didn't take long for them to get used to it. When Hongjoong slipped his tongue in, Seonghwa patted his shoulder and backed away. His face was a blushing mess.

"Woo's still here," he whispered. The two turned to see Wooyoung blinking sleepily at them. Seonghwa leaned down to kiss his forehead.

"Dada?"

"Hm?"

"Does this mean daddy can live with us again?"

Seonghwa smiled, eyes welding with happy tears. "Yes, baby. If he wants to." Seonghwa turned to Hongjoong, who looked at him with an equal amount of love.

"Yeah, Wooyoungie. I will."

"Okay. But I still want forts."

Hongjoong chuckled. "Alright, Wooyoung."

The parents smiled with all the love they could give as Wooyoung drifted back to sleep.

"You could use some more sleep too, Seonghwa." Hongjoong sat on a couch to the side. He motioned over. Seonghwa sat beside him and then laid his head on Hongjoong's lap. The younger draped an arm over his shoulder.

"Do you remember when we first adopted him?"

"He was so small. He wouldn't stop hitting me." Hongjoong laughed.

"He's always had some attitude."

Hongjoong playfully rolled his eyes. "I wonder where it comes from."

"Shut up!" Seonghwa smacked Hongjoong's arm, lips jutted. Hongjoong laughed and pinned him down for a kiss, which the other accepted.

"Seonghwa, can we go back to those times again? I miss them."

"Yes, Hongjoong. I miss them too."

A few months later, when Wooyoung arrived home from school holding Hongjoong's hand, he was asked about a baby brother and immediately accepted.

Wooyoung then ordered his name to be Jongho, which his parents laughed and accepted.