Work Text:
Chan stared at his son with a smile on his face. He was the light of his life, he was an amazing kid and he made Chan less lonely.
His mother was meant to stay on vacation for a couple good weeks, just enough for Chan to worry about something important he needed to do tonight.
Tonight, the night where he had a blind date after probably more than three years.
Luck wanted that Felix, his friend of a lifetime, set him up for a blind date with one of the coolest guy he's ever met and Chan wasn't really sure what to say but what the fuck was a good start. The insinuations of the rest were out of discussion and the last word Chan said was actually thanks .
Because, sexual innuendos aside, he wanted to start dating again, but being a single dad of a seven year old boy was fucking rough.
Chan took quite a while to prepare for the night, he managed to call Felix to take care of Jeongin and luckily he knew how to take care of his son, not that Chan left the house without cleaning or making food.
He chose a casual outfit and casual cologne, he didn't want to impress but at the same time, Chan had to admit he wanted to find someone to share his life with, to leave a good impression.
It had been a while, Chan didn't have a date for a while and to be quite honest, he wasn't sure what to do when he got to the restaurant. It was a tad fancy despite it looking casual.
And he wondered where Minho was. Minho was a cool name, looking at the pics he seemed to be cool. Felix said it too and he was very talented. His band was very good too, Chan had time to browse some videos before getting there and he liked the idea of dating a man that made music. Chan dreamed of that for some time and he used to make music for fun in college.
Minho was the bassist and he was very good, Chan wondered if he played any other instruments.
"Bang Chan, right?"
Chan yelped, turning to the man leaning on the wall next to him. Looking at the face, this was definitely Minho.
"It's you, right?"
A casual black shirt and ripped jeans, a casual jacket under his arm and a very bright purple head.
At least Chan didn't dress fancy for all that…
"Yeah, I'm Chan."
They shook hands rapidly and for some reason, after Minho followed Chan inside, some weird silence fell between them.
It was that type of embarrassing silence Chan didn't feel in so long, and luckily it was ending quickly when Minho coughed.
"You probably know many things about me," Minho started when they got to their table, with a strained chuckle, "to be honest, Felix talks quite a lot."
Of course Felix did, he always liked to bug his nose in everyone's business. But Chan guessed it was ok.
"It's a pleasure meeting you actually."
Minho laughed again then moved the chair away from the table to sit as Chan already did.
"So… Bang Chan… I'm so curious to know you, Lix speaks so much about you."
Chan couldn't help rolling his eyes up.
"Lix also told you I have a kid?"
"Definitely," Minho sat down, "and I'm fine with that."
That was good, Chan was usually scared to say that because no one wanted to give him a chance since Jeongin was in his life.
His son stayed with him more these past months, it was weird to think people wanted to be his partner after finding out he was a dad. But it kept happening. When Jeongin was four, the only person he saw except for his ex wife was a man that Chan literally saw once, at a bar before said man lashed at him for having a kid.
And now, after so long, Chan was in front of another date and this one seemed pretty chill so far.
The dinner was delicious and Minho was pretty sweet; he asked questions about his son and his job, then his hobbies and Chan opened up about his old hobby and music.
Minho loved music a lot and he loved to dance too, he used to do that too and Chan found him very interesting and charming.
And Chan was really glad it went so well because Minho was really cool like Felix said.
And he wished he knew even more about him but right when he was delighting himself with Minho’s stories about his band and the fans he met around the country, Minho got a call and in a second, his face changed into a deep frown.
"What do you mean?" Minho's voice had an interesting tone, he looked pretty distressed but Chan kept minding his business.
"Fuck you Jisung, you said you had one for me too, Jesus Christ!"
Chan didn't say anything as he proceeded to drink his cocktail in silence.
"Lix can't help, he goes back to his parents for the weekend." Minho slapped his hand over his face, sliding it off dramatically and pulling his skin down like he wanted to tear it apart.
The thing might be serious and Chan didn't want to be nosy but maybe he could… help?
"Nah, I'll see, why the fuck didn't you check, you dumbass?" Minho tried to keep his voice low, they didn't need people to stare at them but Chan didn't mind, the thing was definitely a serious matter so who cared what people thought now.
Minho ended the call rapidly, "sorry, it seems I will have to look for a decent place to sleep tonight and I'm rather pissed."
Understandable, Chan didn't feel like judging but he had an idea and those words didn't linger much on the tip of his tongue.
"I don't even know if I can get with them in the room even more since we're three and… fuck." Minho kept mumbling to himself, trying to consider the possibilities and maybe it was overstepping but Chan couldn't help himself.
"If you need a room, I happen to have a spare one."
Minho blinked in shock at those words and for a moment Chan thought he didn't hear correctly and he was about to repeat himself before Minho sighed with a soft smile.
"Fuck… you're also so fucking kind, do me a favor and stop being such a–"
"For how long do you need it?" Chan cut him off and took the glass from the table, trying to play it cool.
It had been quite a while since Chan had someone in his house except for Felix and maybe Hyunjin and now he just invited his date over. A bit irresponsible but also… Minho seemed so cool and he needed a room so how bad could that be?
"Jesus…" Minho sighed, his shoulders dropping, "probably a couple days I don't know, our concert got delayed."
"It's fine for me," Chan started with a soft smile, "I usually work from home these days and my son is at school all day so if you need to play or anything, my neighbours are chill and you will have peace."
"Very sweet…" Minho huffed but he looked affected by the offer, "I know you aren't supposed to on a first date but I would kiss you right fucking now." He then leaned his chin on the palm of his hand and eyed Chan finishing his drink with a smile.
Chan chuckled, not surprised by those words but they were having an effect on him for sure.
"So, deal?"
Minho nodded, "Imma pay you."
"Sounds cool but don't stress over it."
Was it a good idea?
Probably yes, Minho was cool. And Chan liked him.
♡
Chan opened the door of his apartment to Felix carrying Jeongin to sleep and it was very cute to see, he loved to see his friends taking care of his son, he felt less alone in all that.
And Felix assured Chan that Minho was a good guy again and added that Minho used to work with kids too so he was trustworthy.
Well, Chan already invited Minho to stay so it was a little late to find out but it was ok too because Minho cared to tell Chan a lot of details about himself and his life.
Chan looked at his son sleeping and he felt relieved, he wanted to make him happy and give him everything he needed and wanted.
♡♡♡
Chan woke up and his usual routine didn't even get delayed by a second. He checked on Minho for a moment and it was actually interesting seeing his son have his eyes on another person that wasn't any of his usual friends.
Minho had breakfast rather quickly and got out to meet with his bandmates and Chan drove his son to school.
Everything was fucking normal and Chan found it weird for a moment. Minho didn't really say much, but he always smiled at Jeongin and he was extra nice to Chan, saying he'd be back by noon.
And he truly was back by that time, when Chan finished working Minho opened the door with a yawn and Chan, for some reason was happy to see him.
Minho was very chill, he sat at the table with a smile that Chan found charming. And the way Minho already offered to make food for them made him soft… Minho was soft in a way, Chan was glad he met him.
"I heard you play…" Chan mumbled as he typed on the laptop, not looking up from the screen.
Minho chuckled, finishing his drink.
"Had a meeting?"
"Nah, I'm mostly correcting articles at the moment."
Minho hummed, leaning closer on the table and getting Chan’s attention.
"So you enjoy being a journalist?"
"Yea."
"Cool," Minho leaned back on the chair, fingers clicking on the table and looking distracted, "you're free now?"
Oh?
"Hmm, pretty much," Chan finally looked up from the screen, "Jeongin is at school for another couple hours."
"Wanna meet the band?"
It was sudden, but Chan kind of wanted to, he was curious to meet the other ones and listen closely to the music Felix enjoyed so much.
"Sure." Chan agreed, closing the laptop with a half smile and Minho’s one grew into a satisfied one.
Driving there was cool and the band was as well, Chan had to admit he liked the music.
And he loved the thought of them making their own music and proudly stating it. Minho was a great leader and Changbin was a very interesting musician. It had been a while since Chan had a good time like this. A rock band was a dream Chan had when he was in high school and to hear their stories through their music made him rather nostalgic. They were amazing, Chan wanted to spend so much more time with them.
Felix was right, Minho and his band were amazing.
♡♡♡
Days went by rather quickly and Chan ended up watching the concert and even going backstage, lucky for him Jeongin’s mother was in town and spent some time with their son that night.
To be quite honest, Chan was glad he took the night form himself, even if he didn’t give that woman many details. Knowing Jeongin, he'd probably tell his mother that Chan had a man in their house. Nothing new for them, they were free to see whoever they wanted and Chan supported his ex wife's new partner too. They were fine and Jeongin was safe, which was the most important thing.
But after these days were well spent, he wished he had more time with Minho. They didn't go on any other date but Minho cooked for him today and he was so sweet, it was a dream.
Although Chan was a bit sad because he had to see Minho go, that room was about to be empty again. Part of him even wanted to refuse the money Minho gave him but the bassist insisted.
If there was something Chan adored of him so far was the way he made music and the way he followed it with his body. He saw him play live and his eyes were different, in tune with the music and Chan found it perfect.
He was great and Chan really wanted him to stay closer some more, they barely talked all night but now they were sitting together while the others were deciding where to stay for the rest of the month.
Apparently there were some things to decide but Chan wasn't really following the conversation, he was so distracted by Minho leaned close to him and their thighs rubbing together as Minho took another shot from the table, barely sparing the glass a glance as he eyed the others arguing.
"I live far away and it's such a mess but they want to stay and I want to make them happy," Minho mumbled, eyes flying to Chan and meeting his for a brief moment before he looked away, "they deserve a break and to work here at the moment, I missed being in town."
The town was pretty, yes, and they got invited to many gigs and Minho was satisfied their name was getting known.
Maybe this was the right opportunity for Chan too.
"Hey, you can stay longer, you know?" Chan whispered in his ear, one hand over his shoulder.
Minho laughed softly, leaning back on Chan and tilting his head to the side, whispering back.
"I'm a roommate now?"
He kind of was, Minho had been there for enough time to make Chan feel happy having someone else in the house, even if it had been three days.
"I mean, you met my son," Chan scratched his head, "he's ok with you and at least you are sure you got a place to stay till you find another apartment."
"At the moment, Changbin found one with Seungmin and Jisung is staying at Felix’s flat, I don't really know where to go so… if you're fine with me here, I wanna stay."
"You wanna ?" Chan asked, he wanted to make sure he heard it right.
"I do, you're very cool."
"And sweet." Chan added for him, sort of proud because Minho kept saying he was sweet.
Chan wasn't sure about it but he hoped he was, he wanted to be. It was in his nature.
"Very… and a great dad, he's very comfortable around you and I bet he's happy to stay with you."
Oh.
So Minho overheard that… he wasn't really open about his insecurities when it came to being a parent but the more Jeongin grew the more Chan wasn't sure he was ready to do all that alone, but he wanted to give her all the time she needed, it was unfair that she prioritised everything for a child and she was barely able to focus on herself now, Chan wanted to take care of their son, he wanted to have Jeongin in his life more too, because he loved his son deeply.
"His mother is pretty busy and she needs a fucking break."
Minho looked at him finally, placing the full glass on the table without spilling a drop.
"It's a seven year old Chan, he's in a very delicate moment of his life."
Minho was right but it was scary, being a parent and making sure Jeongin was growing healthy and safe without neglecting himself as well… It was tough.
"I can't even imagine how he'll behave when he grows more, or worse, when he hits puberty."
Minho huffed, leaning closer.
"With you as his dad, it's probably going to be fine."
The puff of air into his ear made Chan almost combust but he liked the closeness, he wanted to think Minho liked him a lot.
"I'm not saying this to get in your pants," Minho laughed, his face a little red, "I'm seriously thinking that."
The reassurance made Chan chuckle, it was weird to hear but comforting in some kind of way.
Minho wanted him but he was careful and that calmed Chan down because he could see that Minho didn't want to rush that.
He suddenly felt like he was loved, like his whole life was getting better only because he had people that cared for him by his side.
Minho was another one of them.
"I'm glad I met you Minho, thank you." Chan whispered back, letting go of Minho’s shoulder and scooting closer to him, eyes on the others too as they laughed at something Jisung was saying.
"I'm glad I met you too, you're the best person I've met through Lixie so far."
Chan hoped he was the last one. It was foolish how easily he got attached to Minho but he truly hoped Minho stayed more in his life.
♡♡♡
The following two weeks had been very quiet and good, the gigs went well and coming back together to see Jeongin already in bed where Felix or Hyunjin put him was a great feeling.
Jeongin wasn't as stubborn in doing his homework as he was at first but of course the boy was still very energetic and full of questions as always. Chan loved him even when he was exhausted or too tired to answer and Minho was a great hand with that because he kept Jeongin busy those times he didn't have time to breathe.
With the thought of two people waiting for him at home, Chan finally finished work and he was on the way home.
He was late, he knew it and he was glad Minho was there earlier to keep an eye on his son. Minho was very good with Jeongin and his son liked Minho – he probably liked the fact Minho was very patient and always treated Jeongin like he was his age, giving him answers and acting like a child at times, it was cute to see.
And that stuff worked wonders because it put Jeongin in a good mood and he acted better.
He was glad to finally be back home, even if he hoped Jeongin was already in bed because it was quite late.
Chan opened the door slowly, trying to not make too much noise and stopped at the door, loosening the tie he had on as his eyes focused on Minho keeping the kid next to him on the couch, laughing about something on the TV and Chan had to admit, he's never seen Jeongin giggle so much in his whole life.
Minho was really great, he was sweet .
"Need to go to sleep, Jeongin?" Minho placed his hand over the boy's head gently, ruffling his hair as the other shook his head.
"I wanna wait for dad to come home."
"He's home," Minho pointed at the door, eyes meeting Chan's, "he's just staring at us because he's too tired to talk."
Jeongin gasped and sat up on the couch then stood up, running to his dad.
"Hi dad."
Chan took him in his arms, taking off his shoes rapidly.
"You should be asleep."
"Minho was showing me something," Jeongin pouted, "I'm going now."
Minho stood up as well, arms folding on his chest and watching the boy walk to his room.
The way Minho looked at him was probably his imagination but Chan was so happy to know Minho was taking care of him.
"Thank you." Chan said rapidly, placing the bag down and unbuttoning his blazer off.
"It's nothing."
It was so much actually, Minho was such an amazing man. And he couldn't resist when he placed his hand on his shoulder, causing Minho to smile slightly.
"It's maybe too early– or actually late, I don't know, but I really feel like kissing you now."
Minho chuckled under his breath and leaned closer, "it's a good call, Channie."
Oh, he really hoped so because he didn't know how he resisted without kissing this man for so long.
"Stay."
That word was out before he leaned down though, did it feel right to say it?
Chan wasn't sure but it was late to take it back for sure.
"You want me to?"
"I truly do," Chan nodded, "I feel so happy having you here, I know it's a little early."
"Man, you'd be surprised," Minho sighed, tension leaving his shoulders as his arms slid down his body, "but I'm chill with it, I'm used to taking care of kids and I love them, I never thought of taking care of one all the time but… I like it, I like you."
"Kiss me."
Minho laughed at the urgency, "close his door first," then he pointed at the door of the bedroom with his chin, "you don't want him to roam around the house asking why you are eating with a man in your lap at midnight do you?"
Chan chuckled but the moment the door clicked Minho's lips were on his and Chan never felt better.
There was something in that kiss that completely melted Chan and made him so happy all of a sudden, despite it being pretty soft and Minho didn't dare deepening it.
"So," Minho said in the kiss, barely a peck now, "nothing spicy but can I cook something for you at least?"
He was so perfect, Chan liked Minho so much.
"You're gonna be the death of me."
Minho rolled his eyes up, leaving a tiny kiss on Chan’s nose, "I've been told before, so?"
"I want noodles."
Another rapid kiss on the lips.
"Will do sir."
And another one on his cheek and Chan was about to explode.
He slowly started unbuttoning his shirt, to distract from how his skin was burning under Minho’s eyes.
"I'm gonna take a shower in the meantime, ok?"
"Need a hand?" Minho winked, hands reaching for Chan’s and helping him with the buttons before he ripped them off.
Chan couldn't help but smile back, "I actually need two."
♡
Minho was very gentle when he washed Chan's hair, he wasn't used to such a touch and it was so relaxing, almost an invitation to close his eyes.
"Don't fall asleep." Minho laughed, rinsing his hair off of all the shampoo and bubbles.
"It's difficult when you're so slow."
Minho giggled, fingers combing his hair back.
"Should I pull your hair then?"
Chan shook his head as he tried to keep his eyes open, Minho humming a song he knew by heart was a tiny moment of peace he felt like he deserved.
For once, someone made him feel like he deserved to be taken care of. And Minho of all the men he met was one of the best things that happened to him.