Chapter Text
𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 12
He never grew out of it. Keeping his pure innocence, barely hanging on the thread. Namjoon smiled brightly, cheering up anyone who passed by him. The six-year-old hummed, skipping with each step "Noona, can we get ice cream?" he asked, looking at his older sister. His older sister smiled warmly "Alright, Joon-ah. Let's go," she said, taking her younger brother's hand.
Namjoon giggled softly "Okay, noona," he said, smiling widely until his dimples appeared. Namsoo smiled softly "What flavour do you think about getting Namjoon-ah?" she asked, pushing open the door to the ice cream parlour. Namjoon looked across the pints of ice cream, some filled to the brim, some almost gone.
The younger puffed his cheeks, staring intently at the flavours. Namsoo giggled softly behind her palm. The cashier looked at the adorable child, smiling warmly "I know right, there are too many yummy flavours to choose from," they said, smiling gently. Namjoon looked at the cashier and nodded, lip jutted cutely "There's too many," he said in agreement.
The cashier chuckled softly "Do you want my recommendation?" they asked, smiling softly at the younger. Namjoon fidgeted with his shirt "Joonie doesn't want to burden you," he mumbled softly. The cashier's eyes widen, taken aback by the younger's choice of words "Oh honey, it wouldn't burden me to pick a flavour it'll be my pleasure," they said, reassuring the younger.
Namjoon bit his lip softly, "Okay, Joonie believe you," he whispered. The cashier smiled "Thank you, I'll go prepare your treat," they said, scooping certain flavours for the younger to try. Namsoo sighed softly and carried her younger brother "You're alright, Joon-ah," she said, rubbing the younger's back. Namjoon whined softly, burying his face into his sister's neck.
The cashier handed Namsoo the cup, "There's an empty booth over there, the ice cream's on the house," they said, smiling warmly. Namsoo looked at the cashier with surprise evident on her face "Are you sure?" she asked, worried. The cashier smiled gently, "I'm sure, just indulge in the treat," they said, a gentle smile stayed etched on their lips.
Namsoo nodded "Thank you so much," she said, bowing softly. The cashier chuckled "Hurry before it melts," they said, waving the duo off. Namsoo slowly slid into the booth with Namjoon sitting on her lap "Joon-ah," she sing-song. Namjoon slowly raised his head from his sister's shoulder "Can noona feed me?" he asked, jutting his lips as he pouted.
Namsoo giggled, scooping out the ice cream "Here you go," she said, feeding her younger brother. Namjoon tasted the subtle sweetness from the strawberries seeping into his taste buds "Noona, it's strawberry and vanilla!" he cheered, taking another bite as Namsoo continued to feed him. Namjoon hummed, "Noona, try some too," he said, gently holding his sister's wrist so that she could try some.
Namsoo smiled warmly "Alright, noona will try some," she said, taking a bite. She hummed "You're right Joon-ah, it is strawberry and vanilla," she said, nodding. Namjoon giggled and took another bite as his sister fed him "I told you so," he said, puffing up his cheeks. Namsoo giggled, gently pressing the younger's cheek "Go on and finish up your ice cream, Joon-ah," she said, ruffling her brother's hair.
Namjoon whined, glaring playfully at his sister "Eomma, did my hair neatly today," he mumbled, taking another bite of his ice cream. Namsoo froze "Did she?" she asked cautiously. Namjoon nodded "Yup, she had time before she left today. Joonie likes it when eomma does his hair," he said, grabbing the tissue box from across the table.
The older ran her fingers through Namjoon's hair "Don't you like it when noona does your hair?" she asked, a gentle smirk playing on her tone. Namjoon shook his head "Joonie likes it when noona does it but it's different from eomma," he said, grumbling gradually as his voice got softer. Namsoo nodded "I know, Joon-ah. Maybe later appa will be back as well, I heard that he's coming back today," she said, smiling warmly.
Namjoon gasped "Appa's coming back from Japan today?" he asked, eyes beaming. Namsoo chuckled "Unless there's a delay he should be home in time before dinner," she said, pinching the younger's cheek. Namjoon giggled "Noona, can we have family dinner night today?" he asked, giving the older his best puppy eyes. Namsoo chuckled softly "Of course, Joon-ah," she said, rubbing the younger's back.
"Do you want to head home now?" she asked, looking at the younger. Namjoon hummed "Can we cuddle at home?" he asked back, holding the older's hand. Namsoo smiled "Sure, but you can only choose one plushie to nap with," she said, poking the younger's cheek. Namjoon gasped "But Joonie needs them all," he whined softly. Namsoo giggled "Joon-ah, noona doesn't want to roll off the bed again," she said, waving her finger.
The younger sulked but agreed nonetheless "Fine, Joonie promise," he whispered, throwing the ice cream cup away. Namsoo chuckled behind her palm "Good boy, Joon-ah," she praised, holding the younger's hand. Namjoon puffed his chest "Joonie's a good boy, clean the table all by himself," he bragged, smiling brightly.
Namsoo shook her head, a fond smile etched on her lips. The older sighed quietly, 'I can't protect you in the long run but I hope memories like these help you through your rough times, Joon-ah,' she thought, watching her cheerful brother.
***
"Love, are you alright there? You zoned out for a second," Yoongi said, running his fingers down Namjoon's back. Namjoon hummed, curling into Yoongi's warmth "I'm alright," he whispered, taking Yoongi's hand into his own. The older stroked Namjoon's cheek "Don't let any worry consume you. We're always here as your shoulder to cry on," he reassured, kissing Namjoon's forehead.
Namjoon smiled, warmth feeling his heart "Thank you, hyungie," he whispered, kissing Yoongi's cheek. Yoongi chuckled, "It's my pleasure, love," he said, holding Namjoon closer. The younger yawned, rubbing his eyes. Yoongi smiled "You had a rough night, little one. Get some rest," he whispered, tucking the blankets under Namjoon's chin.
Slowly the younger blinked, letting sleep envelop his body.