Almost two weeks passed, filled with moments that brought Jaehyun and Woonhak even closer, if that was even possible. They spent nearly all their time together -going to school, hanging out with Jaehyun's friend group (which now was Woonhak's too), helping Jaehyun's mom cook, doing homework, watching movies, walking Japchae, and talking late into the night.

They also had a few appointments at the office where they had to answer questions and fill out and submit forms regarding custody. So far everything has gone smoothly.

Woonhak was genuinely happy. His days were filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of people he cared deeply for.

Yet, something felt different lately. For days now, he couldn't stop thinking about Jaehyun. The smallest things the older boy did -his laugh, his smile, the way he called Woonhak's name- sent his heart racing. He found himself blushing more, feeling shy in ways he couldn't quite understand.

And today was Jaehyun's birthday.

Saturday

Jaehyun's eyes fluttered open, he was greeted by the soft chirping of the birds outside. He felt the familiar warmth beside him and smiled faintly. Woonhak was already awake, lying on his side and watching Jaehyun with bright, sparkling eyes. The younger boy's face broke into a wide grin as their eyes met.

"Happy birthday, Hyunnie-hyung!" Woonhak said cheerfully, his voice filled with warmth.

Jaehyun blinked, momentarily surprised, then laughed softly.

"Thanks, Woonie," Jaehyun murmured, his heart swelling at the way Woonhak's smile could light up the whole room.

They made their way downstairs together, the scent of something delicious pulling them into the kitchen. Jaehyun's mom was already at the stove, flipping pancakes with a smile on her face.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," she said, giving him a quick hug before plating the pancakes. "Sit down, both of you. Breakfast is ready."

They ate together, the warmth of home and the comfort of familiarity wrapping around them like a cozy blanket. Jaehyun couldn't help but steal glances at the younger every once in a while. He loved seeing how happy and relaxed Woonhak, the boy he liked, had become.

After breakfast, Woonhak turned to Jaehyun with a hopeful look. "Do you want to go to the park with me and Japchae? It's really nice out."

Jaehyun tilted his head, curious but amused. "Sure, why not?"

They leashed up Japchae and headed out. The park was alive with spring - the grass a lush green, leaves rustling gently in the breeze, and flowers in full bloom. The air felt fresh, almost cleansing. Japchae happily trotted alongside them, as always sniffing at everything in sight.

They strolled through the park, enjoying the beautiful spring weather and talking to eachother about random things.
After a while of walking, Woonhak's phone buzzed, interrupting Jaehyun mid-sentence. The brunette glanced at the screen, answered quickly, and nodded a few times before hanging up.

"Who was that?" Jaehyun asked, while lazily stretching his arms above his head.

"Oh, it was just your mom," Woonhak said casually, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "She asked us to come back home." (by Oneus)

Jaehyun frowned slightly, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Why? Everything okay?"

Woonhak smiled, his eyes betraying nothing. "Yeah, everything's fine. Come on, let's go."

They started walking back, Japchae trotting ahead. Jaehyun felt a comforting sense of normalcy, but something in Woonhak's expression told him there was more waiting for him at home.

When they stepped through the front door, Jaehyun froze.

"Surprise!"

A chorus of familiar voices rang out. Jaehyun's friends - Donghyun, Sanghyuk, Sungho, and Dongmin - stood in the living room, grinning widely. A homemade chocolate cream cake sat on the coffee table, candles already flickering, and colorful balloons were scattered around the room.

Jaehyun's eyes widened. He turned to Woonhak, who was grinning like he'd just won the lottery.

"You planned this?" Jaehyun asked, his voice soft with disbelief.

Woonhak nodded. "With your mom's help."

Jaehyun's heart swelled, his eyes prickling with unshed tears. Before he could say anything, Sanghyuk bounded over, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

"Happy birthday, Myungjae!" Sanghyuk exclaimed. "You really thought we'd forget?"

Jaehyun laughed, the joy bubbling up inside him. "No, as if I'd ever let you."

They all gathered around the cake, lighting the candles once more.
"Blow them out and make a wish!" Donghyun said excitedly.
As Jaehyun blew them out, he glanced at Woonhak, who smiled back, his eyes filled with warmth and something deeper, something unspoken.

I wish we'll stay together like this forever.

***

The scent of vanilla cream and chocolate filled the room as they dug into the cake, laughter spilling out with every bite. Donghyun shoved a forkful of frosting into his mouth and hummed dramatically, eyes rolling back.

"This is too good," he said, crumbs on his lips. "Hyung, your mom really is a baking genius!"

Jaehyun rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. "You're acting like you've never had cake before."

Sanghyuk leaned back in his chair, a sly grin forming. "Well, maybe he's just happy for you because you've finally brought a boyfriend to your birthday party."

Jaehyun's cheeks flushed red immediately. "How many times do I have to tell you he's not my-"

But before he could finish, Woonhak piped up, his voice surprisingly steady, "I'm not his boyfriend, but I'm definitely his favorite person." He flashed a cheeky grin and took a bite of his cake, leaving Jaehyun sputtering.

Donghyun choked on his laughter. "Ooooh! The little one's got confidence now!"

Jaehyun glared at him. "Don't call him that."

Woonhak chuckled softly, nudging Jaehyun's knee under the table. He seemed so at ease, so himself, that Jaehyun couldn't help but smile back. Seeing Woonhak happy felt like the best gift he could ever receive.

Sungho leaned forward, smirking. "Jaehyun, you've been awfully protective lately. You sure you don't have some feelings to declare?"

Jaehyun groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Can you guys give it a rest?"

"Nope," Dongmin chimed in for the first time, his calm demeanor cracking into a smile. "This is way too fun."

Woonhak laughed, the sound bright and clear. He looked around at the group, his eyes shining. "You guys are ridiculous."

Donghyun gasped dramatically. "We're ridiculous? You're the one who claimed to be Jaehyun's favorite person just now!"

Jaehyun glanced at Woonhak, a blush creeping up his neck, but Woonhak didn't shrink away from the teasing. Instead, he shrugged, while he casually put his arm around Jaehyun's shoulder. "Just stating the truth."

The room went quiet for a split second before everyone burst out laughing again. Jaehyun couldn't stop himself from grinning. The warmth in his chest was undeniable, a mix of pride, happiness, and something else he couldn't quite name.

As the jokes and chatter continued, Jaehyun found himself watching Woonhak. The way he laughed freely, the sparkle in his eyes, the way he fit in so effortlessly -it was like he'd always belonged here. Jaehyun's heart squeezed.

He wanted to protect this, to protect Woonhak, not just because of what the younger boy had been through, but because Woonhak had become an irreplaceable part of his world.

"Hey," Woonhak whispered, leaning closer so only Jaehyun could hear. "Thanks for this. For everything."

Jaehyun smiled, his eyes softening. "I told you, you don't have to thank me, Woonie."

Woonhak's fingers brushed his under the table, a subtle touch that sent warmth up Jaehyun's arm. "I know. But I want to."

And in that moment, surrounded by laughter, crumbs, and the joy of friendship, Jaehyun knew that this -these small, precious moments- were everything he needed.

***

It was late in the evening, and the warm glow of the fairy lights in Jaehyun's room gave the space an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Jaehyun sat cross-legged on his bed. Woonhak sat beside him, fidgeting nervously.

"Hyung," The brunette said softly, his voice unsteady.

Jaehyun looked up, his gaze warm but curious. "Hmm?"

Woonhak hesitated, his fingers clutching something hidden behind his back. "I... I also have gift for you."

Jaehyun tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "You didn't have to get me anything, Woonie. Just having you here today is more than enough."

Woonhak shook his head, cheeks flushing. "It's not much, but... it's important to me." Slowly, he brought his hands forward and held out a small envelope and a box wrapped in soft blue fabric.

Jaehyun blinked, surprised, before gently taking the envelope. He carefully opened it and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. Woonhak looked away, biting his lip nervously as Jaehyun began to read.

Happy birthday, Hyung!

You've done so much for me, more than I could ever put into words. I don't even know where to start, but I wanted to at least try. You're the kindest, most thoughtful person I've ever met. When I thought I had no one, you showed me I wasn't alone. You gave me a home, a family... and I'll always be grateful for that. Thank you for approaching me and talking to me. Its the best thing that could've ever happened to me. Thank you for not giving up on me, thank for fighting for me. I don't know where I would've been without you.

I made these for you because I wanted to give you something that came from my heart. I hope you'll wear yours and think of me, just like I'll wear mine and think of you. Thank you for being you, Hyung. Thank you for everything.

Woonhak

Jaehyun finished reading and looked up, his eyes glassy with emotion. "Woonie..."

"Open the box," Woonhak urged, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jaehyun did as he was told, carefully took the box and untied the ribbon, lifting the lid to reveal two beautiful bracelets made of blue beads. Each bracelet had three silver charms dangling from it - a star, an anchor, and an infinity symbol. They were simple, yet perfect.

"Did you make these?" Jaehyun asked, his voice tinged with awe.

Woonhak nodded, still avoiding his gaze. "Yeah... I thought it could be something to, you know, always remember each other."

Jaehyun's chest swelled with emotion as he picked up one of the bracelets. "This is amazing, Woonie. I love it."

Woonhak finally looked at him, his shy smile spreading into something brighter. "Really?"

"Of course," Jaehyun said, slipping the bracelet onto his wrist. Then he took the other and carefully tied it around Woonhak's wrist. "Now we match."

The simple gesture made Woonhak's heart race. His chest felt warm, almost too full to contain. Without thinking, he leaned forward and pressed a soft, fleeting kiss to Jaehyun's cheek.

Jaehyun froze, eyes wide in surprise. Woonhak pulled back instantly, his face bright red. "I-I'm sorry! I don't know why I-"

"Woonie," Jaehyun interrupted, his voice soft. "It's okay."

Woonhak looked at him hesitantly, and to his surprise, Jaehyun smiled -gentle, fond, and just a little flustered.

"Thank you," Jaehyun said quietly, touching the bracelet on his wrist. "For everything today."

They sat in silence for a moment, the air between them filled with something unspoken but deeply felt. Jaehyun's heart fluttered as he glanced at Woonhak, the warmth in his chest spreading.

Woonhak didn't say anything more, but the small smile on his lips stayed as they sat together, the bracelets a quiet promise between them.

---

Word count: 1819

That's the longest chapter I've written so far. I could've made two out of it, but I decided not to. So I hope you don't dislike long chapters :D

Also, I know that Myungjae's BDay is in December, but I changed it for the story :)