Six months.
That was the mark they'd been waiting for.
Six months left until Hyunjin walked through their front door again, laughing, crying, lifting his boys into his arms and pulling his two lovers into a hug that would probably last all night.
But for now, they celebrated halfway.
And they did it the way Hyunjin would've wanted — with warmth, giggles, snacks, and the kind of quiet love that needed no spotlight.
YoungBok had planned the evening.
He wore one of Hyunjin's soft black sweaters — the one that swallowed his frame but still carried his scent faintly. His blonde hair was tied in a half ponytail, and the gentle smile never left his lips.
Sherri, wrapped in an oversized blanket with little yellow moons stitched in the corners, was making popcorn in the kitchen. The sound of popping filled the air as Youngjin bounced in his playpen, babbling to himself, while HyunBok lined up his action figures in perfect rows across the coffee table.
"Movie night is starting in ten minutes!" YoungBok called from the living room, placing a big beanbag on the floor.
"Appa's spot in the middle," HyunBok said proudly, patting the space. "We save it always."
YoungBok blinked, his heart swelling. "Always, baby."
They dimmed the lights and snuggled into a big heap of pillows and fuzzy blankets.
Youngjin sat in Sherri's lap, sleep already tugging at his little eyes.
YoungBok sat on the other side of Sherri, shoulder against hers, arms gently brushing. He let out a soft sigh. "It's been six months."
Sherri leaned her head against him. "Six more to go."
Their fingers intertwined quietly.
The Movie:
They chose a simple animated movie — one Hyunjin used to love as a child, the kind that made him giggle and tear up every time. It told the story of a magical fox and his family waiting for him to come back from the stars.
Halfway through the movie, HyunBok whispered, "The fox is Appa."
YoungBok kissed the top of his head. "That's right. And the little foxes are you and Youngjin."
Sherri smiled, wiping a tear. "And we're waiting with love."
After the movie, they sat in silence for a moment, soaking in the warmth.
Then YoungBok stood up slowly. "Wait here."
He disappeared for a minute, then returned holding a small, carefully wrapped gift.
"What's this?" Sherri asked, eyes curious.
YoungBok smiled shyly. "A halfway gift… from Hyunjin."
She gasped.
Inside the box was a handwritten letter, two little necklaces with "H" charms, and a small bottle of perfume.
> To my loves,
You've made it this far. I'm so proud of you.
I miss your hands, your laughter, your warmth.
I miss movie nights. I miss falling asleep between you two. I miss kissing the babies goodnight.
Wear these necklaces until I'm home. And don't forget to take care of each other.
You are my heart.
— Yours forever, Hyunjin.
Sherri covered her mouth, tears slipping down her cheeks — but not out of pain.
Out of love.
YoungBok wiped her face gently, whispering, "Hey… he's coming back. We're almost there."
They lay down again, this time all four cuddled together.
YoungBok curled around HyunBok and Youngjin, his hand resting on them.
HyunBok tugged the blanket up to his chin and whispered, "When Appa comes back, can we do this again?"
YoungBok nodded. "We'll do this every week."
Sherri smiled. "We'll never stop."
Before drifting off to sleep, YoungBok whispered into the quiet, "I love you, Hyunjin… so much it hurts sometimes."
Sherri kissed the necklace around her neck and added softly, "Come home, my love. Your place is still right here."
And just like that, in the warmth of their little home, with two sleeping angels and two hearts beating for the same man — the night wrapped them in a hug.
Halfway there.
And already full of love.