[ Really, it's not as if he isn't used to this.. In fact, it's almost more rare for his parents to come pick him up on time from school than it is for this situation to end up happening. At first they had been pretty good about it, but they got worse at it until it's like this - Inho sitting here sometimes even hours after school has already ended and all the other kids have gone home a long time ago, still waiting for his parents to show up.
They've told him they're busy and that he should understand, and understanding Inho does - maybe a little bit too much for a kid his age. They say they're busy with work, but he's seen small things around the house that imply something else. Receipts from dinners out, plane tickets, all that stuff. They're just off to have fun somewhere by themselves without him, and they don't want to tell him that directly since grownups are just like that. You can't rely on them.
He already knows. He tried telling his teacher once that those were his views on grownups, but she had said he shouldn't look at things so cynically.. What, like he can help it if it's the truth? Should he just tell her about his parents, would she believe him them?
.. probably not. Who would believe a kid? That's exactly what the world of grownups is like, after all.
So instead Inho waits. Some days he just decides to go home by himself when the teacher isn't looking to see if he's still there, no matter how dangerous they say it is for a kid his age to walk all the way home alone. It's better than sitting here and looking absolutely pathetic. The forgotten kid, sitting there every day after school waiting for people who won't show up until way later.. Who wants to be known as that kid?
Sure not this kid over here. Honestly, he's pondering just leaving by himself again. It's not as late as it gets sometimes yet, but it's already past the time the school has ended.. all the other kids are already gone, and the teacher has already come to him twice to ask if his parents are coming after all or not.
But for now Inho is still sitting there in front of the school, wiggling his legs back and forth a little in his impatience. His small backpack is already on his back, and he glances around as if he's trying to spot his chance to leave and just walk home by himself. Anything is beter than this, anyway. (Because it makes him feel kind of sad, and kind of lonely-- but those are emotions that are better to not admit if he wants to look strong in the eyes of the grownups, huh.) ]
[It's almost funny...when Jihan first agreed to a babysitting job, he never thought it'd be anything more than that. Just a job- a way to earn some money that happened to involve a small child. He's never thought of himself as being good with kids or anything...most of them just annoy him, or think he's boring. But if there's one thing he's good at, it's acting like a responsible old man, and that's what the parents usually like about him.
But...well...seems like things never turn out the way you expect them to. Because it wasn't just a job anymore, was it?
Inho's parents had called him at pretty much the last second- asking if he could do a pick up from school. They've called him spontaneously like that before...Jihan even had a night out planned this time (yes he has a social life!). But thinking of the kid waiting alone at school...he'd cancelled. Then asked if he could take Inho out instead...even though he knew he didn't need to ask. Of course they'd say yes. They weren't going to be home either way, right? That's fine...he can do some impromptu planning.
So he'd gone straight to the school, as fast as he could. And good thing- when he spots the tiny figure sitting alone out front, Jihan feels a strong tug in his chest. It doesn't make sense to him...how to people could choose to have a child, and then let that child...end up like this? Waiting for someone to come and get him, for who knows how long. It was irresponsible...but more than that, it was just cruel. He's glad he'd cancelled the plans...it feels like a no-brainer.
Because whether or not Jihan'd meant to...he'd already become a part of Inho's life. Job aside. He knows he'd come now, anytime. Pay or no pay...that's not important anymore.
He walks up to the kid- keeping his steps quiet. It's not until he's right in front of Inho that he pops his head down into the little guy's field of vision-]
Hey.
[Followed by a gentle poke on the forehead.]
Look at you! Sitting still and everything...Minus the wiggling.
[He kneels down in front of Inho with a small smile on his face- looking the kid over to make sure he seems alright. It's pretty late though by now though...damn. How long had he been alone like that? How often has this happened before...?
Well...at least he's here now. So Jihan holds out a hand- the same one he always does whenever the two of them walk together.]
[ It's true that Inho doesn't even notice the other's presence until suddenly, out of the blue, Jihan's face enters his field of vision from pretty close by.
It's enough to startle him by itself, his eyes growing wide, but the poke against his forehead only makes it worse-- Inho leans back so much that for a moment it almost seems like he'll lose his balance, but then he manages to upright himself again. At least the surprised expression is at this point replaced by something a little more grumpy (or more accurately pouty, as expected from such a little kid) instead. Inho grabs at his forehead as if to protect it from further pokes, no matter how gentle.
He just doesn't like being caught off guard, okay! These things are important when you're trying real hard to be a tough person despite being so tiny and young still. He has to at least try to look strong and independant, and Jihan poking him in the forehead and surprising him aren't supposed to be part of that.
But he is still surprised at it.. Why did Jihan show up? His parents forgot him, sure, but he figured that if no one showed up by now, no one would show up anymore. He'd already surrendered himself to that fate, and yet.. ]
Hyung! [ It's half-surprised, half-offended because of the poke.. and that joke about him, don't think he didn't notice that!! ] What are you--..
[ His words trail off though. Asking what he's doing here sounds kind of too sad and pathetic and abandoned for his tough kid image, so he swallows the words back in the best he can.
Instead he hops up to his feet as if he wasn't surprised at all just now, grabbing the hand Jihan is holding out to him with his own.
Inho lets out a small huff, making up an issue to be fake offended about to hide all of the real, more pressing things. ] If you're gonna be so late next time, you better pick me up with a car! A huge one! Geez, what am I going to look like in front of the other kids like this, hyung..
[As hard as Inho might try to look tough, he's still a little kid. And even if Jihan wasn't good at picking those signs up, it's easy enough to see through them. Sitting alone at school after everyone else left...it's a sad sight on it's own anyway. He can't even imagine how two parents could see a sight like that once, and let it happen again.
He won't let it happen again. It doesn't matter if Inho's his own kid or not...he won't let this scene play out a second time.
Jihan flashes a little grin at him though- feeling relieved to see him acting lively, at least.]
Huge cars cost money, you know. I think walking suits us just fine. Exercise is good...I'm all for exercise.
[It's a teasing tone, though. He doesn't have a car yet. If he'd had a job that paid enough to let him afford a car, maybe he never would've needed to start up babysitting in the first place. Besides, he's still in school and doesn't really have the time to do more than something part time after school hours. At least it means he does have time for Inho for cases like this.
And he still has at least a little spending money to use. Most of it goes right back to use on the kid who's supposed to be the reason he's getting paid. Well...when you're responsible for a kid, they're always the ones who're going to come first. And it's not like there's much he'd do with the money aside from putting it into savings.
He squeezes Inho's hand before getting back up on his feet, and tugging him along to start walking.]
How about some dinner instead? To make up for being late.
[As long as it cheers Inho up, he's happy to play along.]
[ Even though he's acting like nothing is up - poorly, but still trying - of course Inho feels incredibly relieved that at least someone came to pick him up. He's already learned long ago that he just can't trust his parents when it comes to things like these, they would just have left him sitting there.. but Jihan still came to pick him up. Even though he wasn't even supposed to babysit him today, he still showed up.
It feels like a relief.. and Inho really is glad. It's such a sudden wave of energy that he should feel glad he's not the kind of kid to cry easily, since the emotion is strong enough to have caused as much with most kids.
Not with him though. He just clings onto Jihan's hand a little tighter, finding comfort in it. It's not as if he didn't already know his babysitter was more fun than his actual parents - at least Jihan went along with his playing and was always there during the moments he almost felt the most lonely. But for him to show up even now almost feels as if he can rely on the other to always be there when he needs it.. a strange feeling to Inho, no matter how young he might be. He's a realistic kid, and he thought he had his situation figured out, but this shakes everything up. (For the better, though.)
Maybe it's why he doesn't complain about having to walk, it's actually not all that bad when he's walking with Jihan like this, the older guy holding his hand.. ]
No boring vegetables.
[ It's half-mumbled, partially since Inho is busy staring at his feet as he walks. But after the statement leaves his mouth, he at least bothers to look up at the other. ]
It has to be something yummy if you really wanna make up for it. [ Not that he blames Jihan for anything, but it's easier to hide the sheer amount of relief he feels behind that sort of shield for now. He has to convince Jihan he's a tough kid, after all. One that isn't bothered by being left alone like that. ]
[Jihan doesn't need to think Inho's a tough kid. Even if he did fall for it (somehow), it wouldn't stop him from coming here again. No matter how tough he might act, Inho's still a kid who should be picked up from school, and taken care of properly. And honestly...there's no way he'd believe that wasn't lonely. And if he can ease a little kid's loneliness just by picking him up from school? Of course he's going to do it.
Even the walk itself feels nice...and feeling the little hand squeeze against his own makes him sure Inho will be alright now. Instinctively, he squeezes back a little too- still smiling softly to himself.
Already- he's plotting everything out in his mind. Adding trips to the school down, to fit into his schedule. As far as Jihan knows...he's lucky Inho's parents actually called him this time. Otherwise he might not've ever known this was happening. It might even be easier to just tell the couple that he'll do it all on his own starting now- that way he won't be stuck, wondering if Inho did actually get picked up or not.
But he keeps all of that to himself- staying focused on cheering the little guy up. And as much as "responsible" is a word to describe Jihan, he's not as strict as you might guess. And that means he's willing to bend the rules a little, on occasions like this one.]
Alright...just for tonight, I'll let you pick what you want. Any place to eat.
[Yes...even greasy fast food, or desert. He won't make a habit of it, but one time is fine.]
It'll stay be between us, okay?
[Not that he thinks Inho's parents would even react badly to finding out...they'd probably be thrilled to know he already fed him. But kids like keeping secrets, don't they?]
[ Inho is completely unaware of Jihan planning out that far in advance. After all.. why would he guess at any of that? It was already enough of a surprise that Jihan went out of his way to come pick him up here in the first place. If his parents didn't even do that sort of thing, then why would Jihan? Sure, he's his babysitter and all, but he's just doing that since he gets paid for it, right.. There's no need to go further than what he has to do for that.
Not that it means Inho doesn't feel a weird warm feeling in his chest that Jihan showed up. No matter how tough he pretends to be, it's not like it's fun to sit there by himself, and going out to eat snacks for dinner with Jihan is definitely better than anything sitting there more by himself before walking home alone ever could have given him. He's glad Jihan is here.. and he'd even be more glad and surprised if he could guess at the other's plans to make sure he wouldn't have to be alone like that again.
For now.. well, Inho is a simple kid, so Jihan's idea is spot on. He's just excited about the idea of eating something non-healthy - like breaking the rules of Good Kid Conduct even slightly are already enough to get him all excited, and the idea of keeping it a secret from his parents is even better.
Slowly, bit by bit, Inho starts to bloom a little again.. not that he didn't try to not look sad before, he tried his best to look unfazed and all, but it can't beat the genuine joy that's starting to appear on his face at all this. His grin practically spreads from ear to ear, and there's a small excited bounce in his step as he clings tighter to Jihan's hand. ]
You'll keep it a secret from mom and dad, hyung? [ Not that Inho really.. cares whether they find or not. It's not about that - they abandon him most of the time, so why would he really care that much about their opinions? It's more the secret part itself that's so exciting about all of this as he looks up expectantly at Jihan towering over him. ]
You have to make it a real promise! 'cause if you break it then, you'll have to get a punishment. You can't break a promise..!
[Jihan definitely isn't bad with kids, but he's not naturally great with them either. He just doesn't necessarily click with them immediately...probably because he's got the mentality of an old man. His idea of fun, and a kid's idea of fun are usually a few miles apart from each other. But that doesn't mean Jihan is awkward with them, or completely dense to what kids would consider fun...he just has to work at it a little bit more.
With Inho though, it's much easier. Mostly, just due to the fact that they've spent plenty of time together...and through trial and error, he's found out what the kid likes, and what makes him happy. Keeping a secret from his parents seemed to be one of those things he'd like, so Jihan's glad he was right.
Seeing Inho starting to bloom again is all he'd wanted. Maybe if Jihan just keeps up with this, he'll be back to his usual self soon.]
Oh? And what kind of punishment would that be?
[Said with the hint of laughter in his voice at the idea of a child's punishment. But won't be telling them anyway, it's true. In all honesty, he'd be less concerned about the consequences from Inho's parents, and more from Inho himself if he did that. Even something small like this...he's always been upfront with the other before, so he'd never want to break the simplest promise. It's just a matter of not wanting to do anything to jeopardize the trust the two of them had started building up...not even something that would risk it.
He leans down and slides his arm underneath Inho's- scooping him up off the ground and lifting him into a gentle grip. They're coming up closer to the nearest restaurants anyway, so it won't be too difficult for him to carry the other until they pick a place.]
You really think I'd tell? You should know me better than that.
[Just because he's a responsible guy doesn't mean he's not capable of bending a few rules. And he does always keep his promises.]
Hey, hyung, you're not taking it seriously! [ Because Inho can definitely hear that hint of laughter in Jihan's voice, okay, and he knows it means that he isn't very threatened by whatever punishment Inho might be able to hand out. Which is a logical thing, considering Inho is but a little kid and can't do all that much punishment-wise, but he isn't really thinking logically right now.
Which is why he childishly puffs up his cheeks in a huffy mood while still glancing up to Jihan. It's not like he's really mad at the other - it'd take a lot for Inho to ever feel that way - but he's going to have a childish huffy fit anyway. ]
It's gonna be a real bad punishment, you know! I'll--
[ Except he's interrupted in the middle of his very intimidating huffy sentence by the fact that Jihan just straight up scoops him up into his arms. It makes the sentence cut off with a squeak of surprise. It's not like Inho really minds this.. he likes acting independant and all that, yes, but Jihan carrying him actually feels sort of nice. All of Jihan's little caring gestures do, since it's not like Inho has ever felt anything like that before with his parents. It's only when Jihan comes to babysit him that he gets stuff like this, so he should at least enjoy it while he has the opportunity.
It's why, once his surprise ebs away, he slowly moves his arms to wrap them around Jihan's neck and cling to him that way to make sure he won't fall. Not that he doesn't trust Jihan to carry them - there really has been a sense of trust building up between the two of them - but it just makes him feel a little more secure.
.. a little too secure. Because even though it feels like he's going a little too far and opening himself up a little too much to Jihan, leaving open the risk of the other hurting him if he'd ever abandon him too.. but Inho is a little kid, he can't help it. It feels so nice to be literally picked up by Jihan after having to sit there and wait all by himself as all the other kids left with their parents that he leans his head against Jihan's shoulder, his eyes closing for a moment.
It's nice. He kind of wishes he could just always have this, instead of having to wait for Jihan to come around.. ]
I'm trusting you, hyung..
[ It's half mumbled, like Inho himself isn't too sure whether he really wants to say it or not. ]
[Jihan is at least taking it seriously enough that he's trying to make Inho laugh, and feel generally more relaxed. But it is hard to be afraid of a punishment from this little guy who lets out such a cute squeak.
It's funny- he's not really the type to usually think of things as being "cute", but it's impossible not to think of that here.
For a moment, he's not sure exactly what Inho means- trusting Jihan not to drop him? Or maybe something more than that? But honestly, it's all the same in the end anyway. His arms squeeze a little bit tighter against Inho, and he leans down to rest his head against the other's tinier one. Feeling those arms wrapped around his neck makes a sense of warmth blossom in his chest...hearing those words does too.]
I know.
[There's still enough of the smile in his voice to keep things feeling light. But he it's clear enough that he is taking this seriously too, and he also means "I won't let you down". No matter what it's for, he doesn't want to do anything to break that trust. Especially when he already understands how independent this kid is, and how much it means for him to place his trust in someone.
He gives Inho's head a gentle nudge with his own-]
Hey. Eyes open though if you want to pick out your own food. Don't say anything, and you'll lose your chance. Then I get to pick where we eat.
[And then there will be boring adult food on the horizon. OK, to be fair, pretty much any place they pick should have a kid's menu... but some could have slim pickings. He's not making a serious threat anyway.]
[ There's a small whine coming from the kid, and although he doesn't immediately open his eyes again, his body wiggles in Jihan's grip. As if that's his own way of saying that it's not like he's falling asleep, no matter how comfortable it is to be carried like this. ]
Hyuuung! [ His tone is a little more whiny instead of gentle again, at least. ] You can eat boring adult food every day!
[ Okay, so maybe it's not every day. Inho's parents have slowly started to become a bit more sloppy with the care for Inho the more they knew Jihan was there to rely on when it was necessary - it's how things ended up the way they did today, with Inho waiting at school for so long by himself until Jihan heard about it last minute and could come. It's why Inho has ended up eating dinner together with Jihan one way or another quite a few times lately. And Jihan does at least always take him into consideration, even if it means not every day can be fun fun snacks and desserts day. ]
Don't you get bored of it too?
[ .. maybe Jihan doesn't, he realises. Jihan is pretty much the most boring adult he knows in some ways, or at least when it comes to responsibility and all the boring things that come with adulthood. So he's probably the type that actually likes eating vegetables.
The horror. Maybe he's a lizard in disguise after all.
Inho opens his eyes now, planting his small hands on Jihan's shoulder to shake it just a tiny bit, trying to get this important love for unhealthy food through to him. ]
Don't you ever think "geez, I wish I was eating yummy snacks with Inho right now"?
[It's not like Jihan's never had any experience with kids before at all, but it was always pretty casual interactions at most. Sometimes with his little cousins at family gatherings, but those weren't very frequent. Inho is absolutely the first little kid he's ever gotten so close with...and there're still some small wonders about it that he keeps discovering. Even Inho's body wiggling against him just...makes him feel strangely giddy.
Thinking about it too...little kid or not, Inho is one of the most important people in his life. He already thinks about him- worries about him plenty enough during the day. And yes...that's even including things like this. Making sure he eats well, but also giving him treats like this. As young as Jihan himself is, he's still old enough to realize that Inho's parents have been putting more responsibility onto him, and he can't afford to not consider things like this.
Inho's questions make him chuckle again, and he presses a small kiss to the top of the little kid's head.]
Don't you worry...you'll learn to love vegetables. It'll be just like a switch. As soon as you're old like me, you won't be able to get enough of them.
[Despite the fact that Jihan is literally still a teenager. He's more or less gotten used to calling himself old when he's around the other, and he's at least self aware enough to know that some of his tastes are boring. To other people, not to him. He does happen to like vegetables, thank you very much.
He turns Inho around in his arms to let him face outward again- to get a better look at the area nearby.]
But until then, I still like snacks. We're going to eat those now, aren't we? Or are you already eager for some of that boring stuff?
[ Inho makes a loud and obviously exaggerated grossed out sound at Jihan's words. Or maybe it's at the kiss, considering the kind of age Inho is at where cooties are still a big no no. (If only he could know what lies in store for him once he grows up...) Asking Jihan to stay next to his bed or even scoot over to get the other all cramped up into his bed when he's had a nightmare and can't sleep is something else entirely, okay. That goes outside of the cootie rules. Clearly.
Not to mention that the thought of longing for vegetables like that is just disgusting to him. Inho can't even imagine what it would be like to live a boring life like that. Eating vegetables, doing other boring adult stuff.. how does anyone live that way, honestly?
But as long as he's still getting snacks now, then he won't complain too much. He doesn't want to give up his chance for those snacks to begin with, after all, even though even as a kid Inho already knows that Jihan won't just go back on his promise to let him have some snacks now. ]
Of course we're eating snacks! [ Not that it means he doesn't puff up his cheeks childishly anyway, stilling a little into Jihan's grasp once he's turned enough to be able to see the area around them as well.
It takes a moment of looking, but then he carefully stretches out a tiny arm to point at a junkfood place nearby. ]
How 'bout we go there? They always have fun toys with the kids meals.
[ And if there's anything Inho loves in this world more than anything, it's playing.
.. well, with the way Jihan always comes to him when he needs it the most, Jihan might be somewhere near the top of that list too. Close to it, anyway. But it's not like he has to admit that while he still wants to feel like a proud independent kid, right? ]
[Whether Inho's grossed out about cooties or not, he's still going to be getting kisses from Jihan. Kisses, and hugs, and cuddles when he has a nightmare...it's all a package deal, so long as he's looking after the little kid.
It's almost funny, since Jihan isn't normally the most affectionate guy in the world...anyone who knows him might raise a few eyebrows at a scene like this. Maybe it's just he's weak to little kids, or maybe it's just his kid...But either way, it's simply a way to let Inho know he's loved. No matter how small a gesture it is, or how cheesy it seems, it's important to keep this up for Inho's sake. But that's not to say Jihan doesn't just like doing it without any other reason behind it either.
Even if he can't quite compete on the same level of how much Inho loves playing, he does want his affection for the other to be mutual. He bends down and rests his chin on top of the little kid's head- following his gaze towards the junkfood place and squinting at it.
Well...he did say he'd go for snacks. Up and at em, then.]
Toys it is, then. And junkfood. Should I get a kids meal too? Then you'd have extra toys.
[It's not like he's particularly craving anything there, even as he walks towards it...but since he's resigned himself to it anyway, the least he can do is seize the opportunity to make Inho even happier.]
[ He immediately lets out a sound of excitement at the suggestion. No matter how much of a boring old man Jihan can seem like at times, especially to a little kid like Inho, even Inho would have to admit that he's a lot more fun than his own parents are. He can't even remember the last time they took him to one of these places, let alone offered to get a kids meal as well just so Inho could get an extra toy. Half of the time they prefer to ignore that he even exists, after all - so there's no way they would go out of their way the way Jihan does.
But it just serves to make Inho more excited about this. It seemed like today wasn't going to be all that great with having to try and make his way home from school by himself and all.. but it's instantly better now. Jihan came when his parents didn't bother, and now he's even getting him something yummy to eat and helping him get toys. It's a total reversal, and despite the fact that Inho seems more excited than necessarily grateful in this moment, he is grateful for having a good babysitter. It's just hard for him to express, no matter how young he still is - a side-effect of having grown a little jaded already thanks to his parents' behaviour.
He wiggles in excitement in Jihan's grasp, although not enough so to pose any risk of accidentally falling, his eyes almost sparkling. ]
You should play with me too then! [ Not that the other is necessarily as much of a playing type as Inho... which makes complete sense, considering their age difference and all. Jihan is too old for the kind of toys that Inho loves, but he can't help but be bold and cheeky enough to ask for it regardless. ]
You'll come home with me after this and then we'll play together, right?
[ Because Inho isn't sure if his parents will be even home if they didn't show up at school. And no matter what kind of appearances he might put up, he hates the idea of being brought to his house and being left alone there. He'd put on a brave face and all, and he'd definitely tell Jihan he'll be alright if that had to happen, but he also knows he'd probably just end up sitting on the floor watching some movie he's too young for and doesn't quite understand while idly playing with his toys. None of the joy he's showing off now in the excitement of the moment. ]
[It doesn't matter if Jihan's too old for toys like these- you don't offer to be a babysitter if you don't expect to be playing with a little kid at least somewhat. And even though Jihan's normally kind of hard to wrangle into some types of games, he'll definitely agree to this. The whole point of this day is to make Inho happier, and he'd never turn him down now.
Besides, playing with Inho is fun for him too, even if Jihan doesn't necessarily care about the toys themselves. It warms his heart to see the other starting to get so excited...Hopefully, he'll be able to just have a good rest of the day.
He tilts his head to give Inho a grin and then uses his arms to bounce the kid in his arms a tiny bit. Also not anything that would make ]
Yes and yes.
[Considering Jihan had to pick him up in the first place, he knew he'd be going back to Inho's home anyway. And he'd figured he'd be staying there either way...Honestly, even if Inho's parents were home, there's no way he could say not to that. Especially not after Inho was already left alone at school...there's no way he's letting this kid feel abandoned a second time.
And besides, he wouldn't spend so much time with Inho if he didn't love it himself too. ]
What good is it to get new toys if you can't even use them?
[He gets up to the fast food place- nudging the door open with his elbow to get them inside.]
[ See, this is the good part about having Jihan there. Not that they aren't a lot of good parts, but the main thing is that no matter how unreliable his parents are, Jihan is a lot more reliable than that. It's still a little scary to just trust any adults with how often his parents let him down, but it feels a little easier with Jihan. Enough to rely on him a little anyway, despite his strong urge of wanting to seem independant despite how young he still is.
And it also makes it a little easier to show physical affection. Inho isn't really the type for it... he never got it much when he was even younger before Jihan started properly babysitting him, after all, and so he's never really grown used to it. Pouncing on people, sure, being roughly physical is still easy for Inho.. but stuff like hugging or giving cheek kisses like normal kids is a little more difficult. It almost feels oddly embarrassing.
But with how much Jihan is doing for him, he's at least willing to try it a bit in return. He moves his tiny hands to cling to Jihan, like he's giving him a small hug while the older guy is carrying him, even closing his eyes for a moment while he's lying against Jihan's chest and shoulder.
It doesn't last too long, since after a moment or two he's moving back to sitting a little more in Jihan's grasp with his eyes open again, but it definitely did just happen - despite the verbal lack of a "thank you" or anything coming from the little kid. This is his own way of saying thanks, of showing how much Jihan means to him.
But he's quickly distracted by the bright colors inside of the fast food place, staring at the lit up signs with all the pictures of food that looks incredibly more yummy than any vegetables Jihan might try to feed him ever.
His eyes do fall on a certain picture up there though, and he gives the other a slightly cheeky grin. ]
Hyung, you're not gonna eat salad, right? [ Who does that at a place like this!! Only boring adults. And while Jihan definitely has a boring adult side like that to him, he's got to at least be better than that, right? Come on. ]
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They've told him they're busy and that he should understand, and understanding Inho does - maybe a little bit too much for a kid his age. They say they're busy with work, but he's seen small things around the house that imply something else. Receipts from dinners out, plane tickets, all that stuff. They're just off to have fun somewhere by themselves without him, and they don't want to tell him that directly since grownups are just like that. You can't rely on them.
He already knows. He tried telling his teacher once that those were his views on grownups, but she had said he shouldn't look at things so cynically.. What, like he can help it if it's the truth? Should he just tell her about his parents, would she believe him them?
.. probably not. Who would believe a kid? That's exactly what the world of grownups is like, after all.
So instead Inho waits. Some days he just decides to go home by himself when the teacher isn't looking to see if he's still there, no matter how dangerous they say it is for a kid his age to walk all the way home alone. It's better than sitting here and looking absolutely pathetic. The forgotten kid, sitting there every day after school waiting for people who won't show up until way later.. Who wants to be known as that kid?
Sure not this kid over here. Honestly, he's pondering just leaving by himself again. It's not as late as it gets sometimes yet, but it's already past the time the school has ended.. all the other kids are already gone, and the teacher has already come to him twice to ask if his parents are coming after all or not.
But for now Inho is still sitting there in front of the school, wiggling his legs back and forth a little in his impatience. His small backpack is already on his back, and he glances around as if he's trying to spot his chance to leave and just walk home by himself. Anything is beter than this, anyway. (Because it makes him feel kind of sad, and kind of lonely-- but those are emotions that are better to not admit if he wants to look strong in the eyes of the grownups, huh.) ]
Don't act like you don't love it ;)
But...well...seems like things never turn out the way you expect them to. Because it wasn't just a job anymore, was it?
Inho's parents had called him at pretty much the last second- asking if he could do a pick up from school. They've called him spontaneously like that before...Jihan even had a night out planned this time (yes he has a social life!). But thinking of the kid waiting alone at school...he'd cancelled. Then asked if he could take Inho out instead...even though he knew he didn't need to ask. Of course they'd say yes. They weren't going to be home either way, right? That's fine...he can do some impromptu planning.
So he'd gone straight to the school, as fast as he could. And good thing- when he spots the tiny figure sitting alone out front, Jihan feels a strong tug in his chest. It doesn't make sense to him...how to people could choose to have a child, and then let that child...end up like this? Waiting for someone to come and get him, for who knows how long. It was irresponsible...but more than that, it was just cruel. He's glad he'd cancelled the plans...it feels like a no-brainer.
Because whether or not Jihan'd meant to...he'd already become a part of Inho's life. Job aside. He knows he'd come now, anytime. Pay or no pay...that's not important anymore.
He walks up to the kid- keeping his steps quiet. It's not until he's right in front of Inho that he pops his head down into the little guy's field of vision-]
Hey.
[Followed by a gentle poke on the forehead.]
Look at you! Sitting still and everything...Minus the wiggling.
[He kneels down in front of Inho with a small smile on his face- looking the kid over to make sure he seems alright. It's pretty late though by now though...damn. How long had he been alone like that? How often has this happened before...?
Well...at least he's here now. So Jihan holds out a hand- the same one he always does whenever the two of them walk together.]
Ready to go?
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It's enough to startle him by itself, his eyes growing wide, but the poke against his forehead only makes it worse-- Inho leans back so much that for a moment it almost seems like he'll lose his balance, but then he manages to upright himself again. At least the surprised expression is at this point replaced by something a little more grumpy (or more accurately pouty, as expected from such a little kid) instead. Inho grabs at his forehead as if to protect it from further pokes, no matter how gentle.
He just doesn't like being caught off guard, okay! These things are important when you're trying real hard to be a tough person despite being so tiny and young still. He has to at least try to look strong and independant, and Jihan poking him in the forehead and surprising him aren't supposed to be part of that.
But he is still surprised at it.. Why did Jihan show up? His parents forgot him, sure, but he figured that if no one showed up by now, no one would show up anymore. He'd already surrendered himself to that fate, and yet.. ]
Hyung! [ It's half-surprised, half-offended because of the poke.. and that joke about him, don't think he didn't notice that!! ] What are you--..
[ His words trail off though. Asking what he's doing here sounds kind of too sad and pathetic and abandoned for his tough kid image, so he swallows the words back in the best he can.
Instead he hops up to his feet as if he wasn't surprised at all just now, grabbing the hand Jihan is holding out to him with his own.
Inho lets out a small huff, making up an issue to be fake offended about to hide all of the real, more pressing things. ] If you're gonna be so late next time, you better pick me up with a car! A huge one! Geez, what am I going to look like in front of the other kids like this, hyung..
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He won't let it happen again. It doesn't matter if Inho's his own kid or not...he won't let this scene play out a second time.
Jihan flashes a little grin at him though- feeling relieved to see him acting lively, at least.]
Huge cars cost money, you know. I think walking suits us just fine. Exercise is good...I'm all for exercise.
[It's a teasing tone, though. He doesn't have a car yet. If he'd had a job that paid enough to let him afford a car, maybe he never would've needed to start up babysitting in the first place. Besides, he's still in school and doesn't really have the time to do more than something part time after school hours. At least it means he does have time for Inho for cases like this.
And he still has at least a little spending money to use. Most of it goes right back to use on the kid who's supposed to be the reason he's getting paid. Well...when you're responsible for a kid, they're always the ones who're going to come first. And it's not like there's much he'd do with the money aside from putting it into savings.
He squeezes Inho's hand before getting back up on his feet, and tugging him along to start walking.]
How about some dinner instead? To make up for being late.
[As long as it cheers Inho up, he's happy to play along.]
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It feels like a relief.. and Inho really is glad. It's such a sudden wave of energy that he should feel glad he's not the kind of kid to cry easily, since the emotion is strong enough to have caused as much with most kids.
Not with him though. He just clings onto Jihan's hand a little tighter, finding comfort in it. It's not as if he didn't already know his babysitter was more fun than his actual parents - at least Jihan went along with his playing and was always there during the moments he almost felt the most lonely. But for him to show up even now almost feels as if he can rely on the other to always be there when he needs it.. a strange feeling to Inho, no matter how young he might be. He's a realistic kid, and he thought he had his situation figured out, but this shakes everything up. (For the better, though.)
Maybe it's why he doesn't complain about having to walk, it's actually not all that bad when he's walking with Jihan like this, the older guy holding his hand.. ]
No boring vegetables.
[ It's half-mumbled, partially since Inho is busy staring at his feet as he walks. But after the statement leaves his mouth, he at least bothers to look up at the other. ]
It has to be something yummy if you really wanna make up for it. [ Not that he blames Jihan for anything, but it's easier to hide the sheer amount of relief he feels behind that sort of shield for now. He has to convince Jihan he's a tough kid, after all. One that isn't bothered by being left alone like that. ]
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Even the walk itself feels nice...and feeling the little hand squeeze against his own makes him sure Inho will be alright now. Instinctively, he squeezes back a little too- still smiling softly to himself.
Already- he's plotting everything out in his mind. Adding trips to the school down, to fit into his schedule. As far as Jihan knows...he's lucky Inho's parents actually called him this time. Otherwise he might not've ever known this was happening. It might even be easier to just tell the couple that he'll do it all on his own starting now- that way he won't be stuck, wondering if Inho did actually get picked up or not.
But he keeps all of that to himself- staying focused on cheering the little guy up. And as much as "responsible" is a word to describe Jihan, he's not as strict as you might guess. And that means he's willing to bend the rules a little, on occasions like this one.]
Alright...just for tonight, I'll let you pick what you want. Any place to eat.
[Yes...even greasy fast food, or desert. He won't make a habit of it, but one time is fine.]
It'll stay be between us, okay?
[Not that he thinks Inho's parents would even react badly to finding out...they'd probably be thrilled to know he already fed him. But kids like keeping secrets, don't they?]
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Not that it means Inho doesn't feel a weird warm feeling in his chest that Jihan showed up. No matter how tough he pretends to be, it's not like it's fun to sit there by himself, and going out to eat snacks for dinner with Jihan is definitely better than anything sitting there more by himself before walking home alone ever could have given him. He's glad Jihan is here.. and he'd even be more glad and surprised if he could guess at the other's plans to make sure he wouldn't have to be alone like that again.
For now.. well, Inho is a simple kid, so Jihan's idea is spot on. He's just excited about the idea of eating something non-healthy - like breaking the rules of Good Kid Conduct even slightly are already enough to get him all excited, and the idea of keeping it a secret from his parents is even better.
Slowly, bit by bit, Inho starts to bloom a little again.. not that he didn't try to not look sad before, he tried his best to look unfazed and all, but it can't beat the genuine joy that's starting to appear on his face at all this. His grin practically spreads from ear to ear, and there's a small excited bounce in his step as he clings tighter to Jihan's hand. ]
You'll keep it a secret from mom and dad, hyung? [ Not that Inho really.. cares whether they find or not. It's not about that - they abandon him most of the time, so why would he really care that much about their opinions? It's more the secret part itself that's so exciting about all of this as he looks up expectantly at Jihan towering over him. ]
You have to make it a real promise! 'cause if you break it then, you'll have to get a punishment. You can't break a promise..!
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With Inho though, it's much easier. Mostly, just due to the fact that they've spent plenty of time together...and through trial and error, he's found out what the kid likes, and what makes him happy. Keeping a secret from his parents seemed to be one of those things he'd like, so Jihan's glad he was right.
Seeing Inho starting to bloom again is all he'd wanted. Maybe if Jihan just keeps up with this, he'll be back to his usual self soon.]
Oh? And what kind of punishment would that be?
[Said with the hint of laughter in his voice at the idea of a child's punishment. But won't be telling them anyway, it's true. In all honesty, he'd be less concerned about the consequences from Inho's parents, and more from Inho himself if he did that. Even something small like this...he's always been upfront with the other before, so he'd never want to break the simplest promise. It's just a matter of not wanting to do anything to jeopardize the trust the two of them had started building up...not even something that would risk it.
He leans down and slides his arm underneath Inho's- scooping him up off the ground and lifting him into a gentle grip. They're coming up closer to the nearest restaurants anyway, so it won't be too difficult for him to carry the other until they pick a place.]
You really think I'd tell? You should know me better than that.
[Just because he's a responsible guy doesn't mean he's not capable of bending a few rules. And he does always keep his promises.]
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Which is why he childishly puffs up his cheeks in a huffy mood while still glancing up to Jihan. It's not like he's really mad at the other - it'd take a lot for Inho to ever feel that way - but he's going to have a childish huffy fit anyway. ]
It's gonna be a real bad punishment, you know! I'll--
[ Except he's interrupted in the middle of his very intimidating huffy sentence by the fact that Jihan just straight up scoops him up into his arms. It makes the sentence cut off with a squeak of surprise. It's not like Inho really minds this.. he likes acting independant and all that, yes, but Jihan carrying him actually feels sort of nice. All of Jihan's little caring gestures do, since it's not like Inho has ever felt anything like that before with his parents. It's only when Jihan comes to babysit him that he gets stuff like this, so he should at least enjoy it while he has the opportunity.
It's why, once his surprise ebs away, he slowly moves his arms to wrap them around Jihan's neck and cling to him that way to make sure he won't fall. Not that he doesn't trust Jihan to carry them - there really has been a sense of trust building up between the two of them - but it just makes him feel a little more secure.
.. a little too secure. Because even though it feels like he's going a little too far and opening himself up a little too much to Jihan, leaving open the risk of the other hurting him if he'd ever abandon him too.. but Inho is a little kid, he can't help it. It feels so nice to be literally picked up by Jihan after having to sit there and wait all by himself as all the other kids left with their parents that he leans his head against Jihan's shoulder, his eyes closing for a moment.
It's nice. He kind of wishes he could just always have this, instead of having to wait for Jihan to come around.. ]
I'm trusting you, hyung..
[ It's half mumbled, like Inho himself isn't too sure whether he really wants to say it or not. ]
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It's funny- he's not really the type to usually think of things as being "cute", but it's impossible not to think of that here.
For a moment, he's not sure exactly what Inho means- trusting Jihan not to drop him? Or maybe something more than that? But honestly, it's all the same in the end anyway. His arms squeeze a little bit tighter against Inho, and he leans down to rest his head against the other's tinier one. Feeling those arms wrapped around his neck makes a sense of warmth blossom in his chest...hearing those words does too.]
I know.
[There's still enough of the smile in his voice to keep things feeling light. But he it's clear enough that he is taking this seriously too, and he also means "I won't let you down". No matter what it's for, he doesn't want to do anything to break that trust. Especially when he already understands how independent this kid is, and how much it means for him to place his trust in someone.
He gives Inho's head a gentle nudge with his own-]
Hey. Eyes open though if you want to pick out your own food. Don't say anything, and you'll lose your chance. Then I get to pick where we eat.
[And then there will be boring adult food on the horizon. OK, to be fair, pretty much any place they pick should have a kid's menu... but some could have slim pickings. He's not making a serious threat anyway.]
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Hyuuung! [ His tone is a little more whiny instead of gentle again, at least. ] You can eat boring adult food every day!
[ Okay, so maybe it's not every day. Inho's parents have slowly started to become a bit more sloppy with the care for Inho the more they knew Jihan was there to rely on when it was necessary - it's how things ended up the way they did today, with Inho waiting at school for so long by himself until Jihan heard about it last minute and could come. It's why Inho has ended up eating dinner together with Jihan one way or another quite a few times lately. And Jihan does at least always take him into consideration, even if it means not every day can be fun fun snacks and desserts day. ]
Don't you get bored of it too?
[ .. maybe Jihan doesn't, he realises. Jihan is pretty much the most boring adult he knows in some ways, or at least when it comes to responsibility and all the boring things that come with adulthood. So he's probably the type that actually likes eating vegetables.
The horror. Maybe he's a lizard in disguise after all.
Inho opens his eyes now, planting his small hands on Jihan's shoulder to shake it just a tiny bit, trying to get this important love for unhealthy food through to him. ]
Don't you ever think "geez, I wish I was eating yummy snacks with Inho right now"?
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Thinking about it too...little kid or not, Inho is one of the most important people in his life. He already thinks about him- worries about him plenty enough during the day. And yes...that's even including things like this. Making sure he eats well, but also giving him treats like this. As young as Jihan himself is, he's still old enough to realize that Inho's parents have been putting more responsibility onto him, and he can't afford to not consider things like this.
Inho's questions make him chuckle again, and he presses a small kiss to the top of the little kid's head.]
Don't you worry...you'll learn to love vegetables. It'll be just like a switch. As soon as you're old like me, you won't be able to get enough of them.
[Despite the fact that Jihan is literally still a teenager. He's more or less gotten used to calling himself old when he's around the other, and he's at least self aware enough to know that some of his tastes are boring. To other people, not to him. He does happen to like vegetables, thank you very much.
He turns Inho around in his arms to let him face outward again- to get a better look at the area nearby.]
But until then, I still like snacks. We're going to eat those now, aren't we? Or are you already eager for some of that boring stuff?
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Not to mention that the thought of longing for vegetables like that is just disgusting to him. Inho can't even imagine what it would be like to live a boring life like that. Eating vegetables, doing other boring adult stuff.. how does anyone live that way, honestly?
But as long as he's still getting snacks now, then he won't complain too much. He doesn't want to give up his chance for those snacks to begin with, after all, even though even as a kid Inho already knows that Jihan won't just go back on his promise to let him have some snacks now. ]
Of course we're eating snacks! [ Not that it means he doesn't puff up his cheeks childishly anyway, stilling a little into Jihan's grasp once he's turned enough to be able to see the area around them as well.
It takes a moment of looking, but then he carefully stretches out a tiny arm to point at a junkfood place nearby. ]
How 'bout we go there? They always have fun toys with the kids meals.
[ And if there's anything Inho loves in this world more than anything, it's playing.
.. well, with the way Jihan always comes to him when he needs it the most, Jihan might be somewhere near the top of that list too. Close to it, anyway. But it's not like he has to admit that while he still wants to feel like a proud independent kid, right? ]
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It's almost funny, since Jihan isn't normally the most affectionate guy in the world...anyone who knows him might raise a few eyebrows at a scene like this. Maybe it's just he's weak to little kids, or maybe it's just his kid...But either way, it's simply a way to let Inho know he's loved. No matter how small a gesture it is, or how cheesy it seems, it's important to keep this up for Inho's sake. But that's not to say Jihan doesn't just like doing it without any other reason behind it either.
Even if he can't quite compete on the same level of how much Inho loves playing, he does want his affection for the other to be mutual. He bends down and rests his chin on top of the little kid's head- following his gaze towards the junkfood place and squinting at it.
Well...he did say he'd go for snacks. Up and at em, then.]
Toys it is, then. And junkfood. Should I get a kids meal too? Then you'd have extra toys.
[It's not like he's particularly craving anything there, even as he walks towards it...but since he's resigned himself to it anyway, the least he can do is seize the opportunity to make Inho even happier.]
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[ He immediately lets out a sound of excitement at the suggestion. No matter how much of a boring old man Jihan can seem like at times, especially to a little kid like Inho, even Inho would have to admit that he's a lot more fun than his own parents are. He can't even remember the last time they took him to one of these places, let alone offered to get a kids meal as well just so Inho could get an extra toy. Half of the time they prefer to ignore that he even exists, after all - so there's no way they would go out of their way the way Jihan does.
But it just serves to make Inho more excited about this. It seemed like today wasn't going to be all that great with having to try and make his way home from school by himself and all.. but it's instantly better now. Jihan came when his parents didn't bother, and now he's even getting him something yummy to eat and helping him get toys. It's a total reversal, and despite the fact that Inho seems more excited than necessarily grateful in this moment, he is grateful for having a good babysitter. It's just hard for him to express, no matter how young he still is - a side-effect of having grown a little jaded already thanks to his parents' behaviour.
He wiggles in excitement in Jihan's grasp, although not enough so to pose any risk of accidentally falling, his eyes almost sparkling. ]
You should play with me too then! [ Not that the other is necessarily as much of a playing type as Inho... which makes complete sense, considering their age difference and all. Jihan is too old for the kind of toys that Inho loves, but he can't help but be bold and cheeky enough to ask for it regardless. ]
You'll come home with me after this and then we'll play together, right?
[ Because Inho isn't sure if his parents will be even home if they didn't show up at school. And no matter what kind of appearances he might put up, he hates the idea of being brought to his house and being left alone there. He'd put on a brave face and all, and he'd definitely tell Jihan he'll be alright if that had to happen, but he also knows he'd probably just end up sitting on the floor watching some movie he's too young for and doesn't quite understand while idly playing with his toys. None of the joy he's showing off now in the excitement of the moment. ]
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Besides, playing with Inho is fun for him too, even if Jihan doesn't necessarily care about the toys themselves. It warms his heart to see the other starting to get so excited...Hopefully, he'll be able to just have a good rest of the day.
He tilts his head to give Inho a grin and then uses his arms to bounce the kid in his arms a tiny bit. Also not anything that would make ]
Yes and yes.
[Considering Jihan had to pick him up in the first place, he knew he'd be going back to Inho's home anyway. And he'd figured he'd be staying there either way...Honestly, even if Inho's parents were home, there's no way he could say not to that. Especially not after Inho was already left alone at school...there's no way he's letting this kid feel abandoned a second time.
And besides, he wouldn't spend so much time with Inho if he didn't love it himself too. ]
What good is it to get new toys if you can't even use them?
[He gets up to the fast food place- nudging the door open with his elbow to get them inside.]
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And it also makes it a little easier to show physical affection. Inho isn't really the type for it... he never got it much when he was even younger before Jihan started properly babysitting him, after all, and so he's never really grown used to it. Pouncing on people, sure, being roughly physical is still easy for Inho.. but stuff like hugging or giving cheek kisses like normal kids is a little more difficult. It almost feels oddly embarrassing.
But with how much Jihan is doing for him, he's at least willing to try it a bit in return. He moves his tiny hands to cling to Jihan, like he's giving him a small hug while the older guy is carrying him, even closing his eyes for a moment while he's lying against Jihan's chest and shoulder.
It doesn't last too long, since after a moment or two he's moving back to sitting a little more in Jihan's grasp with his eyes open again, but it definitely did just happen - despite the verbal lack of a "thank you" or anything coming from the little kid. This is his own way of saying thanks, of showing how much Jihan means to him.
But he's quickly distracted by the bright colors inside of the fast food place, staring at the lit up signs with all the pictures of food that looks incredibly more yummy than any vegetables Jihan might try to feed him ever.
His eyes do fall on a certain picture up there though, and he gives the other a slightly cheeky grin. ]
Hyung, you're not gonna eat salad, right? [ Who does that at a place like this!! Only boring adults. And while Jihan definitely has a boring adult side like that to him, he's got to at least be better than that, right? Come on. ]