jangmi (장미) ● taejoon

o n e .

the first time she ever called me father.

  Namjoon clapped his hands to the beat the children made in the classroom, singing happy birthday in excitement as the special little girl walked in last from recess. A gentle smile on his lips, tilting his head and looking fondly at the girl that squealed as she entered.

He held a surprise birthday party for her. She's been shy about talking about her birthday, but it was clear to him she wanted something. She wanted someone to show her someone cares, someone knows. It didn't seem like her father was going to show up and give her one anyways.

"Happy birthday to you!" Namjoon stood next to the chalkboard, pretty cursive writing that read 'Happy Birthday, Mi-Mi!' with a rose drawn along with it. "Happy birthday to you!"

Jangmi made way to her desk, where everybody scooted around to circle the big, and tall birthday cake that sat right on top of her desk. Candles danced as the children sang. "Happy birthday dear Jangmi!"

Namjoon walked over, and crouched down in front of the little girl. "... Happy birthday to you," he sang along, softly. "Make a wish and blow out your candles, Mi-Mi."

Jangmi nodded furiously, and squeezed her eyes and fists shut. Puffing put her cheeks as she took a couple moments to think deeply about it, her cheeks were turning red. Her shoulders started to shake, her eyebrows furrowed.

Namjoon laughed. "You don't need to think about it that hard."

She huffed and puffed, blowing with all the air she kept in her lungs and blew out the candles in a happy excitement. Everybody clapped their hands. She gained a couple happy birthdays from her friends. She was happy. It was clear.

She turned over to Namjoon, such a bright light in her eyes and box-shaped smile.

"The class and I got you presents, you can open mine last- oh..."

A pair of small, frail arms wrapped around his neck, brown long hair brushing against his cheek as the little girl engulfed him in the biggest hug she could give. It took Namjoon back for a moment, before he accepted it and wrapped his much bigger arms around her. He gave her a warm hug, feeling her squeeze with much of her childish might - but not enough to hurt him.

She whispers, only loud enough for the man to hear. The other kids were too busy getting little snacks and cookies off the long table for the party. Namjoon heard it clearly, leaving his eyes to grow in shock.

"My wish was for you to be my daddy."

She continued to hug him, the pride on her voice made it sound like she meant it. Namjoon's eyes softened, the smile on his lips never left. "Silly, you already have one."

She went quiet before whispering again.  "... You're a better daddy..."

He pats her small back before taking a small box out of his pocket. "Well, I guess you should open my gift first instead. Your daddy wouldn't be happy hearing this, you know?"

She pulled away again, looking at the pretty little box with her name written on it. She nodded furiously, taking the box hesitantly when Namjoon placed it in her palms.

Opening it, came a solid 24K gold angel-wing hair clip with roses at the tips of the feathers. It was beautiful, and judging by Jangmi's gaping mouth - she loved it too.

"Pretty isn't it?" Namjoon hums. "... I've noticed it's been harder for you to play outside and learn in class with your hair always in your eyes. Figured if you'd like it, you might want to use it."

Jangmi picked up the clip, looking at Namjoon shyly.

Namjoon laughed warmly, taking it out of her hands and gently brushing her hair back from her face. She sharp eyebrows and soft eyes for a kid. A little mole on her nose that wasn't very notice. With his large yet soft hands, he clips her hair in place. "See, it's much better."

"Thank you, daddy..."

Namjoon took a moment to answer. Looking at Jangmi reassuringly before smiling once again.

"You're welcome, Jangmi."

[unedited]