Weekend Stay

The week starts smoothly for Earth, or at least the first few days do. But by Friday, everything takes a sudden turn. He's informed there's a major project deadline, and it's mandatory to work through the weekend. The news immediately fills him with dread as his thoughts shift to Edin. The idea of his son spending the weekend alone, or with a sitter, pulls at his heart. He knows he can't leave Edin on his own, but his options are limited.

It's Friday morning, and Earth and Edin are in the car, getting ready to head to preschool. Edin is settled in the back seat, playing with his toy cars, oblivious to the storm brewing in his dad's mind. Earth, trying to find a solution, picks up his phone and dials a familiar number.

The call rings a few times before Khaotung answers on the third ring.

"Hello?" Khaotung's voice is light, but there's a hint of knowing concern.

"Hey," Earth replies, though his voice sounds hesitant, weighed down by the guilt of what he's about to ask. He doesn't want to burden his friends, especially not after how much they've helped him already.

But there aren't many choices left.

Khaotung, sensing Earth's dilemma immediately, sighs playfully. "What is it this time, hmm?"

Earth chuckles despite his stress, amused at how well Khaotung knows him. "Can you watch Edin this weekend? I've got a big project due at work."

From beside Earth, Edin's ears perk up at the mention of his name, his attention now fully on the conversation.

"Saturday and Sunday?" Khaotung asks.

"Yeah, I'd pick him up Sunday night after work wraps up." Earth shifts in his seat, hoping for a yes, but prepared for the worst.

On the other end, Earth hears the faint sound of voices and movement, and then Khaotung's voice comes back on the line. "Oh, bummer. We actually have plans to go out this weekend. I'm so sorry, Earth."

Earth's heart sinks a little. He forces a smile, though no one can see it. "That's totally fine, Tung."

"But," Khaotung quickly adds, "we could bring Edin along if you're okay with that."

Earth shakes his head instinctively, rejecting the offer. He doesn't want to ruin their weekend, especially since they had already helped so much with Edin last week. "No, no. It's fine. You two enjoy your weekend. You've done more than enough."

"Are you sure?" Khaotung's voice is laced with concern.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Thanks, Tung. I'll figure it out," Earth reassures him, doing his best to sound upbeat. After a quick goodbye, Earth hangs up and lets out a long breath. His mind races to come up with another plan.

Earth catches Edin watching him, the kid sitting quietly beside him. Earth forces a big grin, not wanting his son to sense his worry. "Alright, let's get you to school, champ!"

Edin's face lights up instantly, his worries melting away.

As Earth parks the car in front of the preschool, Edin excitedly picks up an extra bag they brought with them and quickly hands it to his dad, a deliberate move that makes Earth chuckle softly. They had prepared a bento that morning-well, Earth did most of the work, but Edin had insisted on helping.

The bento wasn't for Edin, though; it's for someone else.

As they approach the entrance, Edin bounds ahead, eager to greet his classmates, but before running off, he looks back at Earth and gives him a cheeky wriggle of his eyebrows, urging him to deliver the bento to Teacher Mix.

Earth stifles a laugh at Edin's antics and walks over to Mix, who is busy organizing something at the corner. "Hi, good morning," Earth greets him, his voice sounding a little more relaxed.

Mix turns to look at him, a smile already on his face, "Good morning."

Edin, now with his friends, watches from a distance, his eyes bright with excitement as he waits for the moment. Clearing his throat, Earth holds out the small bag. "Uh, we-well, Edin, made me make a bento for you."

Mix looks at the bag, then at Earth, a slight look of surprise crossing his face. "Oh, you didn't have to," he says, though a blush rises to his cheeks.

He accepts the bag, his smile widening. "But thank you."

Earth feels a flutter of something and doesn't even bother to hide his smile. He then checks at his watch to look at the time, "Well, I've got to get to work. Have a great day, Mix."

Mix nods, still smiling softly. "You too, Earth."

As Earth walks back to his car, he catches Edin giving him a thumbs-up from the window. Earth can't help but laugh, shaking his head at his son's matchmaking efforts. It eases some of the stress lingering in his chest, but the weekend still looms large over his thoughts.

After Earth's work, he drives immediately to Edin's preschool to pick up his son. His mind spirals deeper into anxiety. The weekend looms over him like a cloud, the pressure of work weighing heavier with each passing minute. He knows there's no simple solution to the problem, and it's starting to hurt, the mental strain almost too much. Bringing Edin to work has crossed his mind more than once, but he knows how much of a disaster that would be.

His boss would never allow it.

What is he supposed to do? He's so lost in thought that he barely registers pulling into the preschool parking lot. It's only when the car comes to a stop that he realizes he's already there. Earth takes a deep breath, leaning his head back for a moment. He can't let Edin see him like this-worried, stressed, and lost. He needs to reset. Gathering himself, Earth steps out of the car and heads toward the school's entrance.

The first thing he sees is Edin, standing beside Mix, holding his teacher's hand as they wave goodbye to the departing children and parents. It's a simple scene, but it eases something in Earth's chest.

At least Edin looks happy.

When Edin spots him, his face lights up.

"Daddy!" Edin calls, his voice full of joy as he lets go of Mix's hand and sprints toward Earth.

"Hey, bud," Earth says, crouching down to scoop his son into a hug. "How was school today?"

Edin pulls back slightly, beaming as he proudly shows off his shirt covered in star stickers. "I got so many stars today!"

Earth's smile widens, the warmth in his chest momentarily drowning out his stress. "Good job, champ! I'm so proud of you."

Edin grins, basking in the praise before he wriggles out of Earth's arms, full of energy, and rushes over to help clean up a pile of toys without even being asked. Earth stands up, watching him for a moment before turning to Mix, who's now approaching.

"Hey," Mix greets him with a smile. "The bento was delicious, by the way."

"I'm glad you liked it," Earth responds, feeling a little lighter at the compliment, though the weight of the weekend still presses against his chest.

"So," Mix begins, crossing his arms with a curious look, "what's going on this weekend?"

Earth blinks, confused for a moment, before he pieces together what Mix means. "How--"

"Edin asked me earlier if he could hang out at my place," Mix continues, raising two fingers to mimic Edin. "For two days."

Earth sighs, his shoulders slumping. So Edin knew about the situation already. Edin heard all of it and was even worry for his Dad. Knowing this, Earth's heart crumbles. He truly don't deserve Edin. The kid even thinks about Earth and Earth's work rather than himself.

"I asked him what was going on," Mix adds, "but he's quick to change the subject every time."

Earth swallows hard, feeling a surge of emotion he's not quite sure how to process. "I called Khaotung this morning," he explains, his voice low. "I asked if they could watch Edin over the weekend because work needs me. But they have plans, and I didn't want to burden them by tagging Edin along." He pauses, letting out a shaky breath. "I was even considering bringing him to work with me."

Mix listens quietly, his eyes filled with understanding. Then, without hesitation, he says softly, "You can leave him with me."

Earth looks up, meeting Mix's gaze. For a moment, he can't find the words. There's something in the way Mix looks at him-something that makes Earth feel both vulnerable and reassured all at once. It's like Mix is offering more than just help.

He's offering Earth a moment of peace, a chance to breathe.

"You don't have to-" Earth begins, but Mix cuts him off gently.

"I want to," Mix says, his voice steady. "Like I said, Edin's a great kid, and I don't mind at all."

Earth feels a flood of emotions. Relief, gratitude, but also something else-something more complicated. It's not jealousy of Mix, not at all. He trusts Mix completely. But it's the situation, the time he's losing. The moments he's missing. Edin is growing, changing every day, and Earth feels like he's watching it all happen from a distance. It feels like time is slipping through his fingers, and no matter how hard he tries, he can't hold on to it.

Everyone else has time but Earth is the one constantly juggling, constantly fighting to carve out space for his son amid the chaos of his career.

"Thank you," Earth finally says, his voice thick with emotion. "I really don't know what I'd do without your offer."

Mix smiles, a soft, reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. We'll have a great time."

As they both watch Edin happily tidy up the toys, Earth feels a sense of relief wash over him. He still has to face the weekend, still has to handle the pressure of his job, but at least for now, he knows Edin will be in good hands. And that thought, for the first time all day, allows Earth to breathe just a little easier.

So, the weekend begins with Earth and Edin standing outside Mix's apartment,the soft sound of their knock echoing down the quiet hallway. Earth looks down at his son, whose small frame is practically vibrating with excitement. Edin bounces on the balls of his feet, a bright smile stretching across his face. It's clear from his restless energy that he's been looking forward to this all week.

The door creaks open, and before anyone can properly react, Edin's voice fills the space.

"Teacher Mix!" before leaping forward to throw his small arms around Mix's legs. Mix crouches down quickly, catching Edin in a warm embrace, laughing softly.

"Good morning, Edin," Mix says, wrapping his arms around the child. The joy in his voice is unmistakable. Mix's eyes lift to Earth, who stands behind Edin, smiling softly. "Hi," Mix says, his voice easy and welcoming.

"Hi," Earth replies, smiling back, his hands full with what looks like Edin's overnight bag -Edin's clothes, favorite toys, and other essentials for the two-day stay neatly packed away.

As Edin pulls away from the hug, his eyes, wide with excitement, turn up toward Mix. "Can I come in?" he asks with the politeness of someone who has been raised well, despite his eagerness to dash inside.

"Of course, sweetie," Mix responds, stepping aside to let Edin in.

The boy walks in eagerly, eyes wide as he takes in the cozy warmth of Mix's apartment. As always, the warmth of Mix's home seems to captivate him, and he takes it all in as if seeing it for the first time. Mix straightens, standing now, and gestures for Earth to come in as well, reaching out to help with the bags. Earth hands them over gratefully, offering Mix a small, appreciative nod.

"You really do have a place right out of a storybook," Earth comments as he steps inside, his eyes scanning the room. "No wonder Edin is so drawn."

The soft glow from the lamps, the plush sofa, and the neatly arranged bookshelves give the space a homey, inviting feel. His gaze lands on a familiar drawing-a picture Edin made last week, proudly displayed on the wall beside Mix's graduation photos. The sight warms Earth's heart, a bloom of pride and affection swelling within him.

Mix gestures for Earth to sit on the sofa, where Edin is already perched, flipping through the pages of a book he had shown interest in during his last visit. "I made something," Mix announces as he walks to the kitchen, his tone brightening. "Did you both already eat?"

"I did!" Edin pipes up eagerly, his attention snapping away from the book. "But Daddy didn't!"

Earth chuckles, glancing at his watch. "I would love to stay and eat, but I'm already cutting it close." There's a tinge of regret in his voice, like he's torn between wanting to linger and the reality of work pulling him away.

Mix's smile turns knowing, and he disappears into the kitchen for a moment before returning with a familiar bento box in hand-the same one Earth had given him last time.

"I figured you might say that," Mix says, handing it to him.

Earth's ears flush a light pink as he takes the box, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Thank you for this, Mix. I'll enjoy it later," he says, his voice sincere. Earth then informs Edin that he's going and Edin immediately abandons the book he's reading and goes to walk Earth out to the door.

Turning back to Edin, Earth crouches down to his son's level. "Alright, buddy, I'm heading out now. Be good to Teacher Mix, okay? No causing him any headaches."

"I'm always good boy!" he chirps, bouncing on his feet.

Earth smiles, his heart swelling with love. He leans in, pressing a kiss to Edin's cheeks. "That's my boy." Then, glancing back at Mix, he adds, "He's got everything he needs in the bag."

Mix nods, mentally cataloging the information.

Earth turns back to Edin, his face softens and Edin wondering confused. He presses another kiss, this time on Edin's forehead. "That last kiss is for Teacher Mix. Will you give it to him for me?" Earth whispers to Edin.

Edin's face brightens with mischief, and without missing a beat, he turns to Mix, signaling for him to crouch down again. As Mix bends, Edin mimics his father's gesture, kissing Mix on the forehead.

Mix's cheeks flush a deep pink, caught off guard by the sweet act, and Earth can't help but laugh at the sight, his heart swelling with warmth. "Thank you, Edin," Mix says softly, his voice tinged with emotion. He stands up slowly, still touched by the gesture.

Earth steps toward the door, feeling a bittersweet mix of emotions-happiness, contentment, but also a sense of missing them both already. "Take care of each other," he says with a smile, his voice soft. And with one last glance at his son and Mix, standing side by side, Earth walks out the door, his heart full but already longing to be back with them.

On the other hand, Mix and Edin's day is filled with laughter and creativity.

They start by sitting side by side at the kitchen table, both of them busy sketching on sheets of paper. Mix watches as Edin, his little face scrunched in concentration, draws an oddly shaped creature. Every few minutes, they swap their papers, giggling as the drawings morph into weird, nonsensical images.

Edin erupts into laughter as Mix adds a pirate hat to what was once a cat, now barely recognizable.

Their shared joy fills the room.

Later, they move into the kitchen to bake cookies. The small space soon becomes chaotic but joyful. Edin has flour smeared across his cheeks and nose, the fine powder dusting the countertops. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he swipes his flour-covered hand across Mix's face, leaving a trail of white on Mix's cheek. Mix laughs and retaliates quickly, wiping flour back on Edin's arm. Soon, they are both covered in flour, giggling like children.

As Mix prepares to add what he thinks is sugar to the dough, Edin's sharp eyes catch the mistake.

"Teacher Mix! I think that's salt," Edin exclaims, his face full of concern but a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

Mix pauses, looking down at the white crystals in his hand.

"Is it, really?" he asks, dumbfounded, and dips his pinky finger into the substance to taste it.

His face scrunches in disgust as the intense saltiness hits his tongue, confirming Edin's observation. They both burst out laughing, the kitchen filled wiih their shared silliness.

Despite the minor missteps, their cookies turn out okay-not great, but good enough.

Mix and Edin sit together later that evening, munching on their slightly burnt cookies. They dip them into a rich chocolate sauce Mix made, and while Mix enjoys a cup of coffee, Edin happily drinks his milk. The living room is cozy, illuminated by the soft glow of the TV as a movie plays in the background. It's the perfect way to end a fun-filled day.

As night falls, they both change into their pajamas, ready to wind down. Sitting comfortably on the sofa, Edin leans into Mix, eyes growing heavy but still wide with excitement from the day.

The peace is momentarily broken when Mix's phone rings. Glancing at the screen, Mix sees Earth's name and quickly picks it up.

"Edin, it's Dad," Mix says, handing the phone to Edin, who eagerly swipes the screen to answer. The FaceTime screen lights up with Earth's tired but smiling face.

"Hi, Daddy!" Edin greets with boundless energy, his voice filled with the kind of happiness only a child can muster.

"Hi, baby. How are you?" Earth's voice is soft, loving, though Mix can detect the weariness in his tone.

"I'm really great!" Edin replies enthusiastically, his grin wide.

Earth sighs apologetically. "I'm sorry I just called now. Daddy's had so much work to do."

"It's okay, Daddy. Edin understands," Edin reassures him with a smile that's too mature for his age.

"Where's Teacher Mix?" Earth asks.

Without hesitation, Edin adjusts the phone, squishing his cheek against Mix's face so that both of them appear on the screen. Their faces, side by side, beam up at Earth.

"Hi," Mix greets, his voice warm but a little shy.

"Hi," Earth replies, his tired expression softening as he looks at them. The smile on his face tells Mix that despite the exhaustion, he's happy to see them together.

Edin, with the same excitement as earlier, begins recounting the day to his father. He talks about their drawing game, the flour fight in the kitchen, and how they almost put salt instead of sugar in the cookie dough. Earth listens intently, laughing at all the right moments, his laughter filling Mix with warmth as he sits quietly, content to listen.

But as the call stretches on, Earth's voice becomes a little more serious. "It's getting late now. You need to sleep, okay?" he tells Edin gently, though the command is softened by the affection in his tone.

Edin lets out a little yawn, nodding.

"We're going to brush our teeth and then go to sleep," Mix says, his voice soft.

Earth nods approvingly, smiling at both of them. "Good night, Edin. Good night, Teacher Mix," he says.

"Good night, Daddy!" Edin chirps, pressing a kiss to the phone screen, sending his love across the virtual distance. He stands up, handing the phone back to Mix.

"I'm hanging up now," Mix says with a smile.

"Okay," Earth replies, his voice lowering. "Good night, Mix. And thank you for today."

"Good night, Earth. And really, it's no biggie," Mix says, his smile kind but a little bashful. "Take care of yourself."

The call ends, and Mix follows Edin to the bathroom, brushing their teeth together, their reflection in the mirror showing a pair of sleepy but happy faces. Once they're done, they return to the bed, and Mix tucks Edin in with care, smoothing out the blankets around him.

"Did you have fun today, Edin?" Mix asks softly as he sits beside him, gently running a hand over Edin's hair.

"Yes, Teacher Mix! So much!" Edin replies, grinning from ear to ear. He pauses, his smile softening into something more heartfelt. "I like being with you."

Mix's chest tightens with emotion at the confession, a warmth spreading from his heart. "I like being with you, too," he whispers back, his voice tender.

Then, out of nowhere, Edin adds, "Daddy likes being with you too."

Mix freezes, his heart skipping a beat. His pulse quickens, and he's momentarily speechless. "Really?" he manages to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Edin nods confidently, his small face serious. "Mmm-hmm. Daddy smiles when he's with you, just like how he smiles when he's with Edin. Daddy is happy when he's with us."

Mix's throat tightens as the weight of Edin's words sinks in. He pulls the boy into a hug, holding him close under the blanket, feeling overwhelmed by the child's innocence and the truth in his observation.

"So, we stay with Daddy always, so that he's happy, right, Teacher Mix?" Edin says, his voice muffled as he snuggles into Mix's chest.

Mix can only nod, his heart heavy yet warm. Edin's simple, heartfelt words stir something deep within him, making him overthink. He wonders what Earth really feels, unsure how to process the conversation.

The uncertainty lingers, but for now, he focuses on Edin, holding him close as the boy drifts off to sleep, leaving Mix alone with his thoughts and the echo of Earth's smile lingering in his mind.