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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: The Affection Ranking
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Returning from the playground, Brown Black and Seojun first washed their tear-streaked faces.
Hwang Yejun, who had diligently practiced storytelling, sat Seojun on his lap and read aloud, looking at the pictures together.
Seojun loved fairy tales. The main characters were often not humans but animals like pigs, dogs, or tigers, and sometimes even plants, which made him feel a strange sense of nostalgia.
"Gahhh!"
Seojun shrieked with delight and clapped his hands. With Seojun's enthusiastic response, the storytelling session came to an end. Hwang Yejun smiled brightly as he put the book away.
"It was worth practicing since Seojun liked it so much!"
Ding-dong—
"Ah, it's time for Seojun's meal and then his nap."
As the alarm rang, Choi Siyun, who had been dozing on the sofa, shot up and spoke.
After dancing hard, crying their eyes out, washing up, and listening to a gentle fairy tale, their eyes grew heavy. Kevin let out a big yawn.
"Hmm."
Park Seojin pondered as he observed the members' condition. In his hand was a baby bottle filled with formula at the perfect temperature, which he had prepared in advance. He had become a veteran in just two days.
"Since Seojun is eating and then napping, should we take a nap too?"
"Sounds good!"
"I'm in!"
"I'll lay out the blankets."
Kevin quickly got up and spread out Seojun's and the members' blankets in the living room. Park Seojin placed the bottle's nipple in Seojun's mouth.
As the formula flowed in without missing a beat, Seojun's eyes curved into half-moons. The other members gathered around, sitting in a small circle in front of him.
"Eheheh."
"Ah, Seojun is so cute."
"I think he's cutest when he's eating."
Seo Eunchan quickly brought over the camera and filmed up close. When he made eye contact with Seojun through the camera screen, Seo Eunchan clutched his heart. *Gasp! Is this how one becomes a doting uncle?*
The nap was short but sweet. After sleeping soundly, Brown Black and Seojun woke up full of energy.
They did some sensory play with the glutinous rice flour and seaweed Park Seojin had brought. Bathing the messy Seojun afterward was finished in a flash, thanks to Brown Black's brilliant teamwork, honed by studying N-tube videos all night.
The fun time flew by. It was already the second night with his hyungs.
"Round eyes and a little black nose—"
"Dressed in a black fur coat—"
*Hmm.* Lying on the cozy blanket, Seojun thought. *Aren't these hyungs just using my lullaby as an excuse to sing?*
He could see Brown Black leaning over his crib, just like yesterday, looking down at him.
Seeing them all grinning and singing nursery rhymes, he figured his guess wasn't wrong.
"A pretty baby bear."
[The Orchestra Conductor's Connection is activated.]
*'Well, their singing skills have improved by 0.3 times in just a day or two. It must be fun for them to sing.'*
*Haaam.*
Still, unlike yesterday, they didn't sing all six songs from their upcoming album. Instead, a continuous stream of gentle nursery rhymes they had practiced filled the air.
Seojun slowly drifted off to sleep.
Unbeknownst to the man downstairs, who sat with his window open in the cold wind, waiting for a song that would never come, the final night of Brown Black and Seojun's 48 hours passed.
* * *
Morning came. Unlike the vibrant energy of yesterday, the atmosphere was a bit somber.
Even with their slightly gloomy expressions, Brown Black perfectly handled their duties.
Seojun drank his formula, played, and took a nap as usual. Then he ate his baby food and played excitedly. The time that had once seemed daunting and endless had passed in a flash.
"This is the last time we'll be making formula, Yejun-hyung."
Choi Siyun, who was preparing the formula, spoke without thinking.
"Don't say that. It's sad."
Hwang Yejun, holding Seojun, said with drooping eyes. Seojun, who had been resting his chin on Yejun's shoulder and staring intently at Siyun making the formula, let out a shriek.
Ding-dong—
"Sharp as a knife!"
As Seojun's alarm and the phone alarm went off, Choi Siyun quickly checked the temperature and placed the nipple in Seojun's mouth.
*Suckle, suckle.* Hwang Yejun held Seojun comfortably so he could eat and walked toward the living room.
"Once we decorate the Christmas tree, it's really over."
Park Seojin and Kevin were neatly arranging the Christmas tree decorations in the living room.
The two of them would place the twinkling lights on the floor and sigh, then place a small ornament on the floor and let out a deep sigh.
"Is the ground going to collapse from all your sighing?"
"You guys are just sad about it too."
Park Seojin looked at Seojun, who was happily drinking his formula.
"At first, it felt so overwhelming…"
"Yeah. Changing diapers was really tough, too."
"Diapers are still tough."
"Parents are amazing."
*Ehehehe.* As if shy from the hyungs' gazes, Seojun smiled. This time, Brown Black didn't fluster and returned a gentle smile.
Hwang Yejun recalled how they were just two days ago. A single baby's laugh had caused a commotion, and a single teardrop had them looking for a doctor.
"It really feels like the 48 hours passed in the blink of an eye."
Park Seojin, who had spent the past three days studying childcare in between singing and dancing practice, placed his index finger in Seojun's tiny palm. Seojun instinctively gripped Park Seojin's finger tightly.
"At first, I just thought of it as a shoot to get our name out there…"
It felt like they had become a real family.
Choi Siyun looked at Seojun with teary eyes. Thanks to this little baby, his stagnant singing and dancing skills seemed to have improved by leaps and bounds.
"I feel like we're leaving with so many happy memories."
Kevin gently stroked Seojun's hair. It was a boisterous and happy break from their daily routine, which had been filled with nothing but practice, practice, practice.
"It's going to feel empty when we go back to the dorm."
Everyone laughed at Kevin's words, their laughter a sign of agreement.
"It'll feel empty, but we'll be busy. We have to be on music shows in a month."
Seo Eunchan, who was scribbling something on a piece of paper in a corner of the living room, said. Brown Black nodded in response.
Seojun, who had been listening to Brown Black's conversation while happily drinking his formula, held the empty bottle for a moment before letting it go.
"Woah!"
Before the empty bottle could hit the living room floor, Park Seojin caught it in one swift motion.
"Gyahahahaha."
"Nice catch, leader?"
"He drops it so often, I'd be in trouble if I couldn't catch it by now."
The scene seemed to showcase the familiarity they had built over 48 hours, and both Seojun and Brown Black smiled brightly.
"Alright, lights out."
They closed all the curtains, plunging the living room into darkness. The once-bright room became as dark as night. The blackout curtains Park Seojin had brought did their job well.
Hwang Yejun held up the heavy blackout curtains, his eyes filled with genuine bewilderment.
"Why did you bring something like that?"
"Better to have more than you need than not enough."
Little did Park Seojin know that in the future, whenever he appeared on a variety show, a caption would read: 'Park Seojin, who believes it's better to have more than not enough, has brought 'this much' again!'
"Let's have Seojun turn on the switch!"
Sitting on Choi Siyun's lap and looking at the Christmas tree set up in a corner of the living room, Seojun's small hand gripped the switch for the colorful lights. Choi Siyun's hand was placed over his.
Seojun, who had been watching them decorate the tree with a 'what are they up to now' expression, tilted his head.
They had stuck dolls, a star, and some ball-like things onto the tree, but now they'd turned off the lights before he could even get a good look at it. They even blocked the sunlight coming through the window with curtains.
"Euing?"
"Now, now, Seojun. Watch closely."
Seojun started patting Choi Siyun's arm with both his palms, and Hwang Yejun, sitting next to Siyun, stopped him. Park Seojin and Kevin also sat down beside Choi Siyun.
Sitting in the pitch-black living room, everyone gazed at the Christmas tree.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
Choi Siyun flipped the switch. Seojun's fingers moved along with his.
Click!
Twinkle!
The tree lit up. It sparkled with red, blue, green, and yellow lights.
Seojun stared at the tree in surprise. The yellow star at the very top was spinning and shining!
The ornaments that were invisible before now glittered, reflecting the light from the string lights wrapped around the tree. The decorated dolls were also clearly visible.
"Eheng?"
*'What is this?'*
With a click, the lights came on. Not a white light like the living room lamp, but colorful, multicolored lights.
He couldn't take his eyes off the brilliantly shining tree. It's pretty!? It's so pretty!
"Seojun, Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!"
"Now that's a native accent!"
Everyone cheered and clapped for the early Christmas. Seojun, who had been staring blankly at the tree, joined in when he saw his hyungs clapping. He didn't know what they were saying, but it was awesome! The best!
"Gyaaaahahah."
"Isn't it pretty, Seojun?"
"Eung!"
Wiggling his bottom as he watched the sparkling tree, Seojun looked at the amazing switch between his and Choi Siyun's hands.
*So, if I click this.* Seojun put strength into both his hands. While Choi Siyun was still saying, "Uh-oh."
The living room was plunged into darkness in an instant.
"What, what?!"
"Siyun?"
"No, it wasn't me! It was Seojun!"
"What?"
Seeing his hyungs' startled reactions, a mischievous streak welled up in Seojun. He giggled and squeezed his hand again.
Flash!
The tree lit up. The colorful lights danced once more.
All of Brown Black's eyes turned to Seojun, sitting on Choi Siyun's lap.
Seojun smiled cutely. In response, Brown Black couldn't help but smile too.
*Heehee, that was a fake-out!*
Click!
It went dark again.
Click!
The lights flickered on.
"Aigoo. Seojun. Let's stop now."
"That's enough!"
"The curtains! Get the curtains first!"
Kevin threw open the curtains. Bright sunlight flooded in. It was winter, but the midday sun was brilliant. No matter how many times he flicked the switch, the sunlight was too bright for any dramatic change.
"Ehihihing."
Seojun, on the verge of tears, held up the switch. *Turn this on.* His eyes sparkled. Brown Black deliberately looked away. Hwang Yejun and Kevin whispered quietly.
"He's cute, but."
"We can't."
Hwang Yejun quickly diverted Seojun's attention.
"Should we give Seojun his Christmas present now?!"
At the word 'present,' Seojun put down the switch. *A present! I love presents!* Seojun threw his arms up in a cheer.
"Ehehehe."
"Thank goodness he's simple."
Choi Siyun quickly moved the light switch out of Seojun's sight.
Brown Black searched their luggage for the presents they had each bought for Seojun.
Just then, the clueless uncle, Seo Eunchan, who was busy filming, fanned the flames. He couldn't miss such an entertaining opportunity!
"Weren't you guys going to decide on an affection ranking?"
They froze.
The living room, which had been rustling with the search for presents, fell silent in an instant. The four men slowly raised their heads and exchanged glances. Each wore a confident expression.
"Alright."
"Let's do it."
Brown Black quickly tidied up the living room. Then they sat Seojun down in front of the sofa. Sitting in a row opposite Seojun, each member of Brown Black hid their prepared Christmas present behind their back. Park Seojin spoke up.
"Whoever Seojun goes to first is the winner. You can use your present however you want."
"I don't need this to be number one!"
"I'm the best."
"We won't know until we try."
While the four men eyed each other warily, Seojun sat there blankly.
*The tree… It was so much fun… It was so sparkly! Being with my hyungs is so much fun, and so new!*
"Seojun!"
Brown Black called out to Seojun, who was still basking in the afterglow of the Christmas tree. They decided to show him their presents one by one.
"Eung?"
*Huh? What are you guys doing over there? You said you were giving me a present?*
"Here, it's a super cute bunny doll!"
First up was Hwang Yejun, who had won at rock-paper-scissors. He cheered and pulled something out from behind his back. It was a doll.
Unfortunately, Hwang Yejun's doll looked identical to Todori, the attachment doll Seojun had already abandoned at five months old. Seojun pouted. *That one's boring.*
Seeing Seojun's poor reaction, Hwang Yejun was devastated. *Hey, mister from the doll shop! You said this was the most popular one!*
Next was Choi Siyun's turn.
"Seojun, look at this! Isn't it amazing?"
Choi Siyun took out a snow globe. When he turned it upside down and set it back, snow would fall inside. *Oh, that…* Seojun's head turned toward the display cabinet. There were about ten snow globes there. Behind a startled Choi Siyun, Seo Eunchan's quiet voice could be heard.
"Sorry. I bring him a snow globe as a present every time I visit."
"Ah, Hyung!"
Next was Park Seojin's turn.
A bag appeared from behind Park Seojin's back. It was snacks. Baby snacks. Confident of his victory, Park Seojin shook the bag of snacks.
"Seojun, you're hungry, right? Here are some yummy snacks. There's banana flavor and apple flavor."
*Crinkle, crinkle.* The sound of the bag could be heard, but Seojun didn't react much. He just tilted his head.
While Park Seojin, wondering, *Why? Why?*, pulled out more snack bags from his luggage and made a mountain of them, Choi Siyun, who had figured out the reason, showed him his phone.
"It was a great gift that perfectly matched Seojun's taste, but the timing is bad, Seojin-hyung. It's still a long time until snack time."
"Da… Damn biological clock!"
*Curbing the profanity.* Next was Kevin's turn.
With all three having failed, Kevin gulped. *Hmm. This is a problem.*
"I give up."
"Forfeit? Why?"
In response to Park Seojin's question, Kevin held up the present from behind his back. Hwang Yejun's bunny doll, Choi Siyun's snow globe, and Park Seojin's snacks were all there. Kevin shrugged.
"You never said to only buy one."
"You shameless…"
Hwang Yejun pointed a finger at him. With Seojun there and the cameras rolling, he couldn't say it out loud, but his face was cursing. Choi Siyun and Park Seojin had the same expression.
After cursing with his face for a while, Park Seojin came to his senses.
"Well then. It'll be an affection ranking in the purest sense."
"Right. Trying to lure him with presents is just relying on the gifts!"
Their spirits lifted again, Brown Black put away all the presents and sat down in a row once more.
"Alright, again—"
Ding-dong.
Just as they were about to start, the doorbell rang. At the sound, Brown Black's gazes instinctively flew to the clock.
2 PM sharp.
Brown Black and Seojun's 48 hours were now over.
*Hey. Hyungs. It's 2 PM, aren't you forgetting something?*
"Waaaah!!"
"Ah! Seojun's formula!"
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