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It was early evening on a Tuesday and Yoongi had kindly given Seokjin the night off from cooking dinner. Yoongi had been in the process of teaching Jeongguk how to make bibimbap – the boy was always eager to learn anything from his Hyung, and Yoongi was a willing teacher. Taehyung had initially been “helping” too, but had very quickly lost interest, not surprising anyone. The beef was already marinading and they’d set about slicing vegetables when Yoongi had realised they were out of eggs. Luckily Hoseok had kindly offered to run down to the store, Jimin choosing to tag along with him.
Meanwhile, Seokjin had been sat on the couch in the lounge, alternating between organizing plans with Namjoon and scrolling through social media on his phone, when Taehyung had left the kitchen and unceremoniously dumped himself on Seokjin’s lap, despite the expanse of available space on the couch. Taehyung reclined instantly, back pressing firmly against Jin’s broad chest.
Both of the youngest boys had only recently recovered from winter illnesses and Taehyung had been especially clingy to the eldest ever since. Not that it was unusual for Taehyung to want hugs and attention from any willing warm body at any given time. But when he felt under the weather, he seemed to crave constant contact from the eldest above all others, for which Seokjin was more than happy to oblige. Seokjin didn’t react to his sudden lapful of dongsaeng, other than to wrap his free arm around him, resting his hand on the boy’s stomach as he continued his conversation with Namjoon.
“I’m hungry Hyung.” Taehyung whispered in Jin’s ear, interrupting Namjoon’s listing of train schedules for the following day’s activity.
“I know baby, but dinner will be ready soon. Just be patient okay?” Seokjin replied softly, patting the boy’s thigh and returning his attention to Namjoon. Taehyung grumbled, reaching for the phone in Seokjin’s other hand to distract himself from his famished belly.
Luckily it wasn’t long before for Hoseok and Jimin made their way back home.
“We got icecream!” Jimin declared to the house, kicking off his shoes.
“But did you get eggs?” Yoongi asked, appearing from the kitchen.
“Of course, Hyung.” Hoseok laughed, passing the plastic bag to Yoongi before directing his attention to Seokjin and Namjoon. “I picked up the mail from the lobby too.”
Hoseok passed a handful of envelopes to Namjoon before turning back to Seokjin, “And you got a package.” He handed the small, rectangular box to Seokjin before disappearing down the hallway.
“Hyung! Can I open it?” Taehyung asked, sitting up straighter. Seokjin shared knowing eyes with Namjoon when he remembered what he’d ordered the previous week.
“You can if you want baby, but I don’t think you’ll like it.”
Jimin sat down beside Jin, forgetting the formerly important icecream, in favour of knowing what was in the box. Taehyung tore the cardboard tab before yanking the box open.
He paused in confusion, taking in the dark grey material and thick plastic buckles. ‘What is it Hyung?”
In a moment of understanding, Jimin burst out laughing, throwing his whole body against the back of the couch. “It’s another baby carrier!”
“What?! No!” Taehyung pushed the box off the side of his lap in disgust. Jimin carried on laughing, now smacking Taehyung on the arm in amusement.
“Jimin you better pipe down before I rethink ordering a third one. Go set the table please.” Seokjin reprimanded. Jimin got up to follow instructions, but couldn’t contain his giggles and was ultimately led out of the room by Namjoon’s firm grip on his arm.
“I don’t like it Hyung, it’s embarrassing.” Taehyung pouted now they were alone; arms folded across his chest in a look that was not helping his case of being treated like a grown up.
“I know you don’t sweetheart, but it’s only to keep you safe. I love you to bits baby, but you have the attention span of a goldfish.”
“But I’ve been good!”
“But I don’t want a repeat of what happened at the farmers market.”
“You said that wasn’t my fault!”
“And it wasn’t. But that whole situation was really scary wasn’t it?”
“Yeah.” Taehyung muttered in concession. Seokjin wrapped both arms around Taehyung’s waist.
“It scared me too, honey. It broke my heart when we lost you! But look, I only got it to replace the broken one. How about I make you a deal. If you boys promise to behave yourself all day tomorrow, I won’t use them anymore.” Seokjin bartered.
After over a month of begging (delayed only by the fact the two youngest had been struck ill and Seokjin had refused to let them outside in the cold), Seokjin and Namjoon had finally agreed to take Taehyung, and by extension, Jeongguk, to the art gallery, which was currently hosting an exhibition in homage to Vincent Van Gogh.
“For real?” Taehyung asked, eyes widening at the prospect.
“For real.”
“Okay Hyung, I promise.” Taehyung allowed, though still suspicious of a catch.
“Good boy. Now can you go wash up for dinner?” Taehyung nodded and peeled himself off Seokjin’s lap as Seokjin himself stood up to go see if he could assist in the kitchen. He found Yoongi standing over the chopping board, holding a paper towel around Jeongguk’s finger.
“Yoongi would you care to tell me why my baby is bleeding?”
It was finally the day. After a month it was finally happening! At 6:55am Taehyung had burst through Seokjin’s bedroom door and jumped onto his bed.
“Ow! Tae!”
“Hyung it’s today! Get up, we have to go! Come on!”
Seokjin groaned and rolled over onto his back, attempting unsuccessfully to pull the blankets over his head.
“Hyunggggggg” Taehyung whined, throwing his body over the top of Seokjin’s.
“Why are you up so early baby?” Seokjin grumbled, eyes finally adjusting to the low morning light. He took one look at bags under the younger boy’s eyes and knew exactly why.
“Honey did you sleep at all last night?” Seokjin asked in concern.
“I was too excited Hyung!”
“If you’re too tired sweetheart we can go another day?” Seokjin suggested, hoping to get a few more hours sleep himself.
“What? No! You promised Hyung!” Taehyung whined, on the verge of tears.
“Okay, okay, we’ll go. Let me get showered and I’ll get you kids some breakfast.”
Taehyung grinned widely, flashing all his teeth. He jumped off Seokjin’s supine body and ran out of the room, presumably to go wake Namjoon.
Seokjin grimaced knowing what a handful an overly tired Taehyung could be, especially with a long day planned. He was just hoping the boy’s excitement could outweigh his fatigue.
“Fuck Tae!” Seokjin heard Namjoon yell out in anger. He quickly climbed out of bed and made his way into the next bedroom, pulling the younger boy off Namjoon’s bed.
“Sorry Joon.” Seokjin apologized quietly, leading Taehyung back to the hall and closing the bedroom door.
“You’re gonna wake the whole house baby!” Seokjin softly chided. “Go get dressed okay? Wear something warm. And bring your scarf, I don’t want you getting sick again.”
“Okay.” Taehyung nodded, practically bouncing up the hallway to his room.
Seokjin crossed the hall and opened Jeongguk’s door, surprised to find the boy actually asleep in his own bed for once. No doubt Taehyung’s overnight jitters became too much for the maknae. Seokjin knew the youngest wasn’t super keen to go to the exhibition, but it was hard for him to deny anything Taehyung wanted. Seokjin moved over and sat on the edge of the bed, stroking the boy’s hair softly.
“Time to get up sweetheart.”
Jeongguk stretched and groaned. “Five more minutes Hyung.”
“Alright baby, five more minutes. But if you don’t get up soon, I’m sending Tae in.”
It was peak hour when they arrived on the subway platform; commuters running every which way. A man in a suit dashed by in a hurry, harshly bumping Namjoon’s shoulder. Seokjin saw Taehyung tense up out of the corner of his eye. He knew the boy had anxiety when it came to large crowds. Seokjin had wanted to leave home later for that very reason, hoping to avoid the morning rush, but Taehyung had been too excited and physically dragged everyone out the door the second the breakfast dishes were done.
“We better hurry Hyung, the train’s about to leave.” Namjoon said. Seokjin nodded and proceeded to herd the small group onto the crowded train, making sure everyone got aboard safely. There was only standing room available, and even that was sparse. Seokjin squeezed in, grabbing hold of an overhead handle with one hand while wrapping his other arm around the back of Taehyung’s neck, pulling the boy close to his body. Taehyung’s building tension seemed to dissipate slightly in his Hyung’s firm hold. A few passengers over, Namjoon had also managed to squeeze into a free space with Jeongguk gripping tightly to Namjoon’s backpack straps.
Luckily after only a couple stops, a few scattered seats opened up. Seokjin managed to snag one, dragging Taehyung onto his lap. Across the carriage, Jeongguk also managed to sit down with Namjoon standing protectively over him.
It was going to be a fairly long journey, an hour on the train with a further 20-minute walk to the gallery, but it was still easier than trying to find parking in the middle of the city. Once a spare seat opened up beside Seokjin, Taehyung moved next to him. Seokjin had encouraged Taehyung to rest his head on his shoulder and close his eyes for the rest of the trip, but the boy was too wound up with nervous energy. He ended up playing games on his phone for the majority of the ride.
“Hyung we’re here.” Namjoon had said, rousing Seokjin from his daydream, staring blankly out the window. Seokjin looked up, realizing they’d reached their intended stop. Namjoon was already standing up with Jeongguk beside him. Seokjin noted Taehyung still playing on his phone, so he grabbed hold of the younger’s wrist as the train pulled to a stop and led the boy out of the carriage, onto the crowded platform.
“Tae, put the phone away.” Seokjin directed as he looked around the platform, locating the exit.
“I’m almost finished the level.”
“Now Tae.” Seokjin instructed sternly. Taehyung pouted, but quickly deposited the phone in his pocket, finally realizing how many people now surrounded them. He suddenly grasped the hem of Seokjin’s jacket as the group began to move to the exit. Seokjin of course noticed the panicked grab and instead took Taehyung’s hand in his own, entwining their fingers, without saying a word.
An icy blast hit them when they eventually reached street level.
“Jeonggukkie, zip up your coat please. Tae, where’s your scarf?” Seokjin asked, concern rising for his two recently-recovered babies.
“I forgot it.”
“Aish – I just told you this morning to bring it!” Seokjin scolded as Namjoon dug his phone out of his pocket, taking the lead as he began to navigate their walk. Everyone else fell into step behind him.
“I need you both to stay close today. It’s a big place and I don’t need anyone wandering off, got it?” Seokjin directed his two youngest, still hating that they were currently outside in the cold.
“Yes Hyung.” Jeongguk replied dutifully. Although the youngest wasn’t the one Seokjin was most worried about. Taehyung had been looking forward to this exhibition for ages, he knew it was going to be difficult for the boy not to get distracted. Seokjin made eye contact with Taehyung, who nodded and gripped Jin’s hand tighter. Despite the fact the crowd had dispersed now they were out on the street, Taehyung didn’t seem to want to let go of the eldest. Seokjin just smiled and squeezed back.
They walked mostly in silence, with the odd bit of idle chatter, reaching their destination inside of 20 minutes. When the gallery came into view, Taehyung could no longer contain his excitement and let go of Seokjin’s hand to run ahead.
The three others soon reached the entry, only to have a distressed Taehyung return to them.
“It’s closed!” He cried out.
Namjoon looked down at his phone. 9:48am. “Calm down Tae, it doesn’t open for another ten minutes.”
Seokjin watched Taehyung breathe a sigh of relief, before ushering the group to a nearby park bench to wait.
“I’m hungry.” Jeongguk commented.
“You just had breakfast!” Namjoon stated incredulously.
“That was two hours ago!” Jeongguk whined.
“It’s okay, I packed some snacks in the bag.” Seokjin said, gesturing towards Namjoon’s backpack. Namjoon shrugged the bag off, placing it on the bench. Jeongguk and Taehyung descended like seagulls, pulling out various packets of honey butter chips and crispy seaweed, along with a couple bottles of water. Taehyung reached into the bag searching for more treasures when he pulled out the two baby carriers that were stashed at the bottom.
“Hyung!” He uttered in disbelief, brusquely jamming the carriers back into the bag.
Seokjin sighed. “Remember your promise baby? If you behave, they’ll stay right there in the bag.” Seokjin stated nonchalantly, taking a sip of water.
Taehyung frowned, despising their existence, but didn’t say anymore as Namjoon handed him a packet of chips. Next to him, Jeongguk tore open his own bag.
“Wait! Hand sanitizer first!” Seokjin suddenly exclaimed.
It had already been a long three hours. The massive exhibition consisted of pieces from various artists recreating, reinterpreting or inspired by the works of Vincent Van Gogh. While Namjoon took a minor interest in the artwork, the others had simply allowed a buzzing Taehyung to lead them between the works with no rhyme or reason, darting between two pieces before doubling back to another. He had been brimming with excitement, interspersing his preferences for certain pieces with random Van Gogh trivia.
They were currently stopped in front of a piece obviously inspired by Starry Night. Taehyung stepped up to the painting, analyzing it closely. The others stood back, Jeongguk leaning against Seokjin.
“Did you know Van Gogh painted Starry Night while in an insane asylum in France?” Taehyung commented.
“Is that right baby?” Seokjin enthused. “Where is the actual Starry Night?”
“I think it’s in New York?” Namjoon replied, fact-checking on his phone.
“Can we go see it sometime Hyung?” Taehyung asked, turning back to Seokjin.
“Sure sweetheart, I’ll take you there one day.” Seokjin smiled. Taehyung beamed, about to dart off to another room. “Hold up baby. I think it might be time to stop for lunch.”
“Yes!” Jeongguk cried eagerly, displaying the most enthusiasm he had had for anything the entire day.
They had found a cafeteria inside the gallery. Seokjin stood in line holding an empty tray as Namjoon dutifully loaded it up with different dishes for them all to share. Seokjin kept an eye on his two youngest, now seated at one of the tables. Jeongguk was reclined in his chair, scrolling through his phone. Taehyung lay with his entire upper body across the metal table. It seemed the fatigue was catching up with him. Seokjin frowned, there were still two areas of the exhibition left to get through.
“Damn, this fruit salad has mango.” Namjoon examined, about to put the plastic container back.
“No, it’s okay, get it – Tae eats mango, it’s Jiminie who doesn’t.” Seokjin stated, returning his attention to Namjoon. Namjoon nodded and placed the container on the tray.
“I’ll go pay for this; can you get some drinks? I’m dying for a coffee.”
After purchasing the food, Seokjin carried the tray back to the table. “Lunch time little ones.”
Taehyung sat up, allowing Seokjin to place the tray down on the table.
“Jeongukkie can you go get some cutlery.” Seokjin asked and the younger sprang to his feet.
Taehyung yawned widely as Seokjin took a seat beside him.
“You okay baby?”
“Uh-huh.” Taehyung rubbed his eye.
“You know we’ve seen a lot today. We don’t have to go through the entire gallery. We can go home if you’re too tired hon.”
“No! I wanna see it all Hyung! Please!”
“Alright, alright, I was just putting it out there.” Seokjin soothed, reaching out and stroking Taehyung’s arm. “Let’s just eat first, yeah?”
After lunch, Namjoon and Taehyung continued looking around the penultimate area, while Seokjin sat on a long, cushioned bench in the middle of the room. Jeongguk lay across the bench, head in Seokjin’s lap. The youngest had hit his art quota for the day a while back and just wanted to go home. Normally Seokjin would scold the boy for putting his shoes on the seat, but the place was fairly deserted now, and Seokjin knew the maknae had had enough. Instead, he gently stroked his baby’s hair, all the while keeping a close eye on Taehyung from his seat. He knew Namjoon was watching him too, but it never hurt to have two sets of eyes wherever Taehyung was concerned. Although, rather than the buzzing excitement from when they arrived, Seokjin noticed the boy now dragging his feet, moving through the room at an increasingly slower pace. He was obviously tired but determined to see everything.
Seokjin sighed as he made a decision. He waved to gain the attention of the other two and beckoned them over.
“What’s up Hyung?” Namjoon asked. Jeongguk sat up as Seokjin reached out for Taehyung’s hand, pulling the boy to sit next to him, so he was sandwiched between the two youngest.
“Tae honey, I can tell you’re tired.”
“I don’t wanna go home Hyung!” He interrupted quickly.
“I know, I’m not suggesting that. But Jeonggukkie is tired too.” Seokjin took a breath before introducing his next thought. “Which is why I think it would be better if you boys let Joonie and I carry you.”
“No way, it’s embarrassing!” Jeongguk whined instantly.
“But I’ve been good!” Taehyung argued.
Seokjin took hold of each of their hands. “You’ve both been so good. I’m so proud of you.” He squeezed their hands and looked at Taehyung, “So, we can definitely stay and see everything.” He turned, looking at Jeongguk, “But I think we could get through everything a lot faster if we carried you.”
“Jin-hyung’s right kids, we know you’re both tired.” Namjoon added.
The boys each frowned, sharing looks between each other. Seokjin was hoping they’d voluntarily agree. He really didn’t want to have to enforce his decision.
A moment passed before a quiet voice spoke up. ‘Okay Hyung.”
Seokjin smiled as both boys reluctantly agreed. Namjoon was quick to remove the backpack and unzip it, handing a carrier to Seokjin, and they each buckled one around their waists. Namjoon reached out and pulled Jeongguk towards him.
“Come here baby.” Seokjin motioned to Taehyung.
Taehyung sighed dramatically – he knew the drill by now. He stood up, hugging his arms around Seokjin’s neck. Seokjin lifted the boy underneath his thighs and Taehyung obediently wrapped his legs around Jin’s waist. Once Taehyung was held firmly against his chest, Seokjin reached down and lifted the bulk of the carrier through Taehyung’s legs and up against the boy’s back. He inserted his own arms through the arm holes and reached behind himself to clip the buckle against his upper back, securing the boy in place.
As soon as each boy was snugly attached to a hyung, Namjoon picked up the backpack and they continued through the gallery at a much brisker pace. It didn’t take long for Jeongguk to stop blushing and squirming and become comfortable, resting his head against Namjoon’s shoulder, as the steady motion lulled him to sleep. Namjoon couldn’t help but coo at their baby. But Seokjin still made sure they stopped briefly at each piece for Taehyung to take in. He gently caressed the boy’s back through the carrier, as they paused in front of a version of Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear.
Taehyung was an adult; he should hate this. And yet, he didn’t. Instead he felt so safe and small pressed tightly against his Hyung’s chest. It was hard for Taehyung to admit just how much he actually loved being held close by his Hyung. So, he didn’t mention it. But Seokjin knew anyway.
“You know he didn’t cut his whole ear off? Just the lobe.” Taehyung commented.
“My smart Taehyungie.” Seokjin smiled, placing a kiss on his boy’s cheek.
Later that night, Seokjin was putting away clean laundry when he heard a soft knock on his bedroom door.
“Yeah?”
The door opened to reveal a pajama-clad Taehyung.
“Hyung?”
“Hi my baby. Ready for bed?” Seokjin asked, closing a drawer and taking a seat on the edge of his bed, motioning for Taehyung to join him. Taehyung’s bare feet padded across the carpet before he sat beside him. Seokjin instinctively wrapped an arm around the younger boy’s waist, thumb drawing small circles on his hip.
“I wanted to say thank you for taking me today.” Taehyung said, looking into Seokjin’s eyes.
“Anytime, little one. Did you have fun?”
Taehyung nodded enthusiastically.
“You know I was so proud of you today sweet boy. I was going to wait and give this to you tomorrow, but I got you something.” Seokjin said, reaching across Taehyung to his bedside table and retrieving a white bag. He handed it to Taehyung. Taehyung opened it to reveal a heavy hardback book, full of glossy images of Vincent Van Gogh’s complete works.
“Hyung! When did you get this?” Taehyung asked, eyes lighting up.
“When Joon took you kids to the bathroom this morning.” Seokjin said. Taehyung hugged the book to his chest.
“Thank you!” He put the book aside to wrap his arms tightly around Seokjin’s neck. However, once he released the elder, Taehyung soon began wringing the hem of his pajama shirt in his hands.
“Is something the matter baby?”
“I was just thinking…”
“What were you thinking?” Seokjin gently prompted. Taehyung stared down at his hands.
“Maybe… maybe you should keep the baby carriers… You know… just in case.”
“Just in case huh?” Taehyung blushed but nodded softly. “Okay sweetheart, I think that’s a good idea.”