family | ateez au | (under editing)

*part twenty-three*

third person pov
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two weeks later

"so how was it"

"he still wouldn't talk to her"

seonghwa and mingi just got home from therapy. about a week or so after the pool day everyone noticed that mingis behavior was changing, he was eating a little less, he wasn't jumping around being all happy, he just wasn't the little sunshine everyone knew him as. so seonghwa and hongjoong decided it was best to take him to see someone, thinking that if he won't talk to them, maybe he'd be comfortable around someone that is professionally trained to due so.

but after five appointments the therapist told the parents that he's probably not going to speak about it and to keep bring him to therapy, but also keeping an extra eye on him. so appointment six and obviously nothing changed

"did she say anything new? like she has to understand what's happening right?" hongjoong was getting stressed and more worried by the minute

"she can't figure anything out unless he talks joong-"

"i want to know what's wrong with my kid seonghwa!" hongjoongs voice boomed throughout the house. thankfully the kids stayed in their rooms. but they knew they were going to have to explain it later

"and you think i don't?! honey, we're trying our best, everyone is doing everything we can. but unless he speaks, we can't do anything. i hate it too but we have to live with it for now. all we can do is be there for him, be patient, and be ready for when he is ready to speak" seonghwa spoke as softly as he could

hongjoong just hung his head low, now crying "i miss him..."

"me too babe, it's gonna be okay" seonghwa brought the younger into a hug, holding him, kissing his head

"papa..." before anyone could even comprehend the voice, mingi ran up and hugged hongjoong. he picked up the boy, embracing him as if it was his last day on earth.

"my sweet boy" hongjoong whispered. seonghwa walked to the side table of the couch to grab tissues. handing one to hongjoong, he kissed mingis head, then his husbands before whispering "i'll let you two bond" with a soft smiled. mingi stopped him and kissed his cheek before letting him go again.

"i'm sorry" mingi cried. hongjoong carried him to the couch and sat down letting the boy fall to his lap

"it's not your fault, it's okay min"

"i don't feel comfy"

"with talking?" hongjoong rubbed his back while swaying them back and forth slightly

"mhm. i don't know why." mingi said

"it's okay baby, take your time"

"but-"

"it's okay. at the end of the day, me and mama have always told you that your guys' comfort and happiness is all that matters"

"but... i don't feel happy" mingi looked his father in the eyes. hongjoongs breath hitched. he let out a deep breath before looking at his son again. the last thing you want to hear is that your six year old doesn't feel happy