The tour had brought them to Busan for two nights, and after weeks of high-energy performances and little sleep, tonight was a rare gift: no interviews, no rehearsals, just peace. The hotel suite YoungBok and Hyunjin shared felt like a quiet island away from the buzzing world outside.
Hyunjin had flown in on a surprise short leave from his military service—an unannounced break that left both YoungBok and Sherri in stunned joy. Tonight, though, was just for the two of them. Sherri had lovingly insisted, "Take the night. You two need it. I'll hold the fort with the boys." Her soft smile stayed in Hyunjin's mind the whole ride over.
The suite was dimly lit, a soft golden glow from a few scattered lamps reflecting off the sheer curtains swaying gently with the coastal breeze. YoungBok stood near the window, arms folded, eyes watching the moonlight dance on the water. He didn't hear Hyunjin come up behind him until he felt warm arms wrap around his waist.
"YoungBok…" Hyunjin whispered, resting his chin on his shoulder.
YoungBok leaned back into him immediately, eyes closing. "I thought I'd never feel you like this again."
Hyunjin's voice was quiet, but firm. "I'm here now. Even if for a night. I wanted this. I needed you."
They turned to face each other, forehead to forehead, breaths soft and warm between them. No rush. No tension. Just the comfort of presence.
They made their way to the bed, still tangled in each other's arms, laughter slipping in between kisses and whispered teases about how the other hadn't changed a bit. Hyunjin ran his fingers through YoungBok's soft hair, murmuring, "Still like silk…" while YoungBok traced the curve of Hyunjin's jaw, memorizing every line.
Later, lying side by side under a light blanket, the two lay in silence for a while, watching the ceiling. The city sounds were distant. All they heard was the rhythm of their breathing.
YoungBok turned slightly. "Do you think they'll ever understand what this is? What we are?"
Hyunjin took a long breath. "Maybe not all of them. But the ones who matter? They already do. Sherri. Our sons. Our brothers in the group. That's all we need."
YoungBok nodded. "You're right."
A knock of laughter escaped Hyunjin. "Of course I'm right. I'm your husband."
YoungBok laughed too, then rolled on top of him and said with a smirk, "And I'm yours."
They talked late into the night—about the kids, about Sherri's strength, about future concerts, about silly memories from trainee days. Eventually, their voices trailed off, fingers still interlocked between them, hearts at ease.
When dawn arrived, light broke through the curtains and fell gently on the two figures still fast asleep, wrapped in the same blanket, peace etched across their faces.
The next morning sun bathed the hotel suite in a soft golden hue, the sounds of the ocean gently filtering in through the slightly open balcony door. Hyunjin stirred first, blinking against the light. For a moment, he forgot where he was—until he felt YoungBok's steady heartbeat beneath his palm.
YoungBok was still asleep, his lips slightly parted, arms loosely draped around Hyunjin's waist. His presence was warm and grounding, as if the night had carved a quiet world just for the two of them to exist in, untouched by noise, fans, or fear.
Hyunjin smiled and gently brushed a strand of hair from YoungBok's face. "Beautiful," he whispered. He wanted to freeze this moment—no military, no cameras, no distance. Just them.
A knock interrupted the quiet.
He groaned softly and nudged YoungBok. "Babe, I think breakfast's here."
YoungBok stirred, eyes still half-closed. "Tell breakfast to come back in an hour…"
The knock came again—gentle but rhythmic. Hyunjin chuckled. "That's not room service. That's Sherri's knock."
YoungBok's eyes opened wide. "What?! She's here?!"
Hyunjin laughed as he threw on a robe. "She told me last night she might drive down today to surprise us with the kids."
Opening the door, Hyunjin was immediately greeted by two tiny bodies launching into his arms—HyunBok, with his curly black hair and sleepy eyes, and YoungJin, barely six months, cradled securely in Sherri's arms.
"Appa!" HyunBok cried happily, wrapping his arms around Hyunjin's leg. "Appa home!"
Hyunjin dropped to his knees and held him close, tearing up instantly. "I missed you so much, buddy."
YoungBok appeared behind him, now fully awake, his voice soft. "Sherri…"
She smiled gently, setting YoungJin in YoungBok's arms. "I thought this morning needed a little more love."
YoungBok held the baby close, pressing his lips to his tiny forehead. "You're perfect," he whispered, then glanced up at her. "You both are."
They moved inside the suite together, the morning now glowing brighter than ever. Breakfast arrived soon after—a table full of pancakes, fruit, eggs, and coffee. The five of them sat together—YoungBok feeding YoungJin, Sherri cutting tiny bites for HyunBok, and Hyunjin just watching them all with quiet awe.
In the middle of the meal, Sherri reached across and touched both of their hands. "You two looked so peaceful when I arrived last night. I didn't want to wake you. I just… covered you both. Kissed your foreheads. You needed rest."
YoungBok chuckled. "You always know what we need before we do."
Hyunjin looked at her with affection. "You hold us together, Sherri. We don't say it enough."
Sherri blinked back tears. "We're all holding each other. That's the only reason this works."
The rest of the morning was filled with laughter. HyunBok insisted on putting stickers on YoungBok's face. YoungJin babbled nonstop. YoungBok teased Hyunjin about his cooking skills, while Hyunjin mock-pouted and demanded compliments. Sherri recorded clips on her phone—little memories to treasure.