[M] Chapter 9 (1/1)

Later on that night, just before dinner, Dongwoon told Narsha some of the things that were concerning the teenager. He didn’t tell her everything, because he wasn’t malicious and just wanted to help Gikwang feel better. Narsha thanked him graciously and went upstairs immediately to talk to her dongsaeng, who was sitting up in bed, looking much happier than he had done before Dongwoon’s visit. He waved at her and patted the space on the bed next to him.“Hello, baby!” Narsha said happily, relieved to see the boy looking so much healthier.“Hello, Narsh!” he replied, copying her excited tone and laughing. The young woman stroked his sticking-up black hair endearingly as she sat next to him.“So, I hear Woonie came up to visit you earlier. How did that go?” she started.“It went really well. Thanks to him, I feel so much better than I did before and I feel like I have more people to talk to. He’s a really nice guy! We talked out a few things and although I’m still feeling a bit strange about everything that’s happened, I think I can get used to living here. I know that my baby is in good hands here.”“Your baby would be in good hands wherever you were, Kiki. You’ll be an excellent parent. You just have to make sure you live your life, instead of wasting it because you’re grieving. You must talk to someone- we will all listen- whenever you feel sad about Doojoonie. If you get depressed, then there will be a problem. You owe it to Doojoonie to be happy and to bring up your baby properly. He would never want you to be unhappy because of him.” Narsha said gently. Gikwang nodded.“I know that now. It’s going to take some time before I can properly get used to it, but I love this baby, I love Doojoonie and I love my new family. I can do it with you all with me.” He replied determinedly. Narsha kissed his cheek.“Exactly the right attitude, baby. I’ll always be here if you need me. Now, dinner will be ready in a minute. Are you coming down? Or do you want me to bring your food up like usual?”“I’d like to come down, if that’s ok?”“Of course! I was hoping you’d come down. I’ve missed my cheery Kiki-bear.” She pinched his cheeks and gave him a quick cuddle before hopping off the bed and walking round to his side to help him up.After struggling for a while to get the teenager out of bed, Narsha finally did it, helping the boy stand up properly on his feet. They linked arms so that he was supported and made their way slowly downstairs to the kitchen to eat.Taecyeon cheered at seeing Gikwang finally downstairs and jumped up and down on his seat, which was next to Dongwoon, who he had seemingly taken a huge liking to. Dongwoon gave Gikwang a smile and gestured for him to sit on his other side. The teenager smiled back and gladly took the seat after bowing politely to Mr and Mrs Son. His mouth watered at the sight of the food.“This looks delicious, thank-you Mrs. Son!” he enthused. Mrs. Son beamed.“Thank-you sweetheart! Do call me eomma, though. You’re family!”“Don’t mind eomma, she’s always been overbearingly sweet.” Dongwoon said cheekily, nudging Gikwang and grinning as he put some rice on his plate. Mrs. Son glared at him and he blew a kiss to her. She shook her head but smiled. Gikwang and Taecyeon giggled and Narsha smiled brightly. The next day, Mrs. Son took Narsha out to town to buy her some new clothes and so that they could decide on new clothes for Taecyeon and Gikwang too. Mr. Son had gone out to work, too, so the three boys were left alone in the house.Taecyeon slept like a baby, deciding to have a lazy morning and not wanting to get up. Dongwoon had moved back into his bedroom because of how much better Gikwang was doing and he sat on his double bed cross-legged, a book open and resting in his lap while he flicked the pages. The teenager sat next to him, intently watching the older boy read and chuckling as he pulled faces of deep concentration.“You really like reading, huh?” he said quietly. Dongwoon nodded and looked at Gikwang, smiling.“They really are incredible- books, I mean. I mean, just how they’re put together and that there are so many different ones that each teach you something different. Knowledge is totally invaluable and you gain so much of it just by reading a few books.” He sighed wistfully. Gikwang’s eyes turned up into little crescents as he listened to Dongwoon speaking so passionately. The older boy flushed. “I’m being weird again, aren’t I?” Gikwang giggled and nodded.“But it’s a good kind of weird. Reading makes you happy and it’s been a while since I last saw someone look so peaceful and content. It’s nice.” He admitted.“I can always stop reading if there’s something else you’d rather do? I could show you around or something if you wanted.” Dongwoon offered. Gikwang shook his head, still smiling.“No, no. I like watching you read, It’s calming.”“Now who’s the weird one?” Dongwoon teased.“Still you~” Gikwang quipped.Dongwoon shook his head, laughing. He returned to his book and instantaneously fell back into his trance of concentration. Gikwang smiled and watched him for a few more minutes before feeling a sharp pain in his side. He yelped and grabbed at where it hurt, doubling up. Dongwoon looked up at the sound of the teenager in pain and threw his book to the side, shuffling closer to the boy and putting an arm around his shoulder.“Are you ok? Is it the baby?” he asked, his voice panicked. Gikwang groaned and rocked forwards, fingers clutching at his side.“I.. don’t.. know!” he gasped. Dongwoon wasn’t sure what to do.“Shall I get some water?” he suggested doubtfully. Gikwang shook his head violently, his eyes scrunched up from the pain.“Just.. stay..” he panted through gritted teeth. Dongwoon did as he was told and massaged the younger’s shoulders to ease him through whatever was happening. Suddenly, Gikwang sat upright again and blew air into his fringe. “Well that was strange. It’s gone.”“Well, you are getting further along now. Maybe it’s just another symptom? I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with the baby.”Dongwoon said, not really knowing what he was saying but trying to offer some intelligent answer. Gikwang nodded.“Maybe baby wants me to walk around. I’ve been in bed for pretty much a whole week. That must be boring for the little thing.” He said, making to get up. He suddenly looked at Dongwoon with wide eyes. “Hey, I don’t feel like being sick! Is that normal?”“Honestly, I’m not the right person to ask..”“I’ll have to ask Narsha when she gets back, then.” Gikwang said, sighing. He wanted to know what was going on right then just in case there really was something wrong with the baby.“Eomma’s a nurse, you know. She should be able to help too.”“Is she? Well that’s handy! Anyway, I’m going to walk around the room a bit to give baby some variety, don’t mind me.” The teenager warned, padding slowly around the room and rubbing his bump. Dongwoon smiled and didn’t pick his book up, wanting to watch in case the boy tripped and needed him or something. The hours that the three boys spent alone seemed to pass restlessly. Gikwang couldn’t seem to get comfortable no matter what position he put himself in and Dongwoon was too anxious about the younger boy to relax himself. As for Taecyeon, he woke up in the early hours of the afternoon and followed Dongwoon and Gikwang wherever in the house they ventured to. There was no doubt that the little boy was bored, but his worry for Gikwang outweighed that boredom and he didn’t complain, despite how much he wanted to go outside or play.“Taecyeonnie, I promise when eomma and Narsha get back you can do something more fun.” Gikwang said apologetically as he sat on the sofa downstairs, Taecyeon swinging his short legs beside him on his left and Dongwoon situated nervously on his right. Gikwang felt very guilty about depending on Dongwoon so much, because it meant that neither of the other two boys could do anything that didn’t involve him. However, without consulting Mrs. Son first, the teenager couldn’t stop worrying that something had happened to his baby. He needed Dongwoon by his side in case there were any other weird feelings or advancements, so that the older boy could send for a doctor or his mother.“It’s ok, Kiki hyung!” Taecyeon chirped happily. “Baby needs looking after, I understand!”“You’re such a good boy, Taec.” Gikwang replied, ruffling the infant’s hair and smiling gratefully. Dongwoon watched the two interact and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.“You’re going to be brilliant with this baby, Gikwang.” He noted. The teenager blushed.“Ah, I’m not so sure. I will do my best, but it’s not going to be easy.. Not on my own, anyway.” He sighed, sadness flashing across his chocolate-coloured eyes.“Who says you’ll be on your own?” Dongwoon questioned. “I’m sure Narsha has already explained that we will all be here to help you, no matter what it is that you need. Even Taecyeon will chip in; isn’t that right, big man?”“You bet!” The little boy exclaimed, beaming.“You know,” Dongwoon lowered his voice. “Just because Doojoon isn’t here doesn’t mean the baby will have any less of a family. Plus, I just know he’s looking down at you now. I’m sure he’s missing you just as much as you miss him. Just remember what I said yesterday, ok?” he said, rubbing soothing circles into Gikwang’s back. The teenager took a deep breath and grinned.“Sorry, it gets to me sometimes. I’m going to make him proud. We can do this.” He said firmly. Dongwoon nodded, giving the boy’s hand an encouraging squeeze. Taecyeon’s eyes wandered to their connected hands and his smile grew a little wider.   A/N: some more lovin'~~ I know what's going to happen in the rest of the story and you don't yet~~~ XD *mehrong* just teasing~ I hope it's still enjoyable! Next chappie will be uploaded before too long :)