Dedicated to
Soft_Hobii

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It's been two months since Areum was discharged home. They have been quite short. BTS has been working in full swing ever since her accident. Hoseok has spent quite some time in the practice studio coming up with choreography for their next album. They were super excited. Their official break had ended and now they were releasing a couple songs for the album.

Map of The Soul: 7, the new album to be released officially in a week, was almost ready. They also had came out with tour dates set up in April. Excited, Hoseok had been setting the boys up with dance practice after dance practice. They were working very diligently.

As for his home life, Areum had been taking care of Hobi. Hobi had been growing so much already. The sweet child always showed off his features, that were much like his father's.

"Good Evening, " Hoseok smiled at Areum, upon seeing Hobi in her arms.

"How was practice?" She mumbled, barely acknowledging him and preoccupied by the squirming child.

"It was exhausting, I'm going to make us dinner," Hoseok announced.

"Already made it, your plate is in the microwave," she said, finally looking up at him; within a second Hobi had lifted his arms, stuck her hair in his mouth and he tried yanking on it, but only failed as his teeth haven't grown in.

Hoseok smiled at the sight as Areum turned around to take her hair back, telling Hobi not to do that.

Hoseok stepped into his kitchen and opened the microwave to see that Areum had ordered takeout. He suddenly felt in the mood to eat takeout, rather than the bulgogi he had set to marinate earlier in the day. He decided that he could wait for bulgogi until lunch tomorrow as he didn't have practice or a studio session.

Seeing that the food was still warm, he sat down in the living room and watched his son giggle while tugging Areums hair with his hands. Hoseok loved coming home to see his baby and his friend. It was his favorite part of everyday. Just watching them filled his heart with love for his child and something he just couldn't put his finger on for Areum. It was close to what he felt for Hobi, yet it was completely different all at the same time.

Hobi soon started crying; Hoseok knew it was because he was tired. Areum excused herself as Hoseok finished his dinner.

"I can put him to bed," Hoseok told her.

"Okay," she said and carefully gave up the baby to him.

Hoseok took the baby with great care and headed upstairs. The nursery door was already open and Hobi nuzzled his face in Hoseok's shirt. Hoseok carefully placed the baby down inside if his crib and petted the baby's feathery hear. Hoseok waited a couple minutes to assure himself that the child was asleep.

Finally, Hoseok headed down stairs to see Areum putting dishes in the dishwasher. He smiled unknowingly; he headed over to where she was standing and pulled her into a hug from behind. Areum let out a small gasp.

"Thank you. Thank you so much for coming into me and Hobi's lives," Hoseok muttered into the crook of her neck.

"You're welcome," she said turning around, so she could hug him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in.

Hoseok pulled away when he felt his shirt dampen. He pulled away and looked into Areum's brownie colored eyes. They were so sweet and rich, just like the desert. Areum had tears on her cheeks, but she was smiling. Hoseok heart grew. She reminded him so much of his mother, yet there was apart of him that said she was nothing like her at the same time. In short, Areum confused him.

"You're so difficult for me to understand," Hoseok muttered. Areum's smile disappeared and was hidden away by a frown.

"You're trying to fit me into your mother again, aren't you?" She whispered.

"No," Hoseok lied.

"Liar," she scoffed.

"Fine, I am, but I know you aren't her. I just can't understand you," Hoseok admitted.

"Get to know me then tomorrow," she whispered. "Its the best way to understand someone. Get to know me better."

"But I already know you," Hoseok sighed. "Your favorite color is yellow because that's the way the sun is depicted. You love fluffy kittens and tiny dogs because they remind you of your childhood. Your favorite song is 'We fell in Love in October' by Girl in Red because it calms you down."

"That's more than most of the world, but what makes me laugh? Am I ticklish? My favorite romance novel?" She suggested

"Are you asking me on a date?" Hoseok asked.

Areum thought for a minute. Hoseok tried to read her, but her eyes were closed.

"Yes, Jung Hoseok, I'm asking you on a date."

[Published October 16th]

<Thank you for reading book 1: episode 1 of my soloist series!>