Chapte 1 : BABIES?!!
A typical morning had dawned at the izone dorm, with the girls engrossed in their individual activities. However, the tranquility was disrupted when Jangjorimz and Hiinako arrived, accompanied by six bewildered and frightened children who sought refuge by cowering behind the legs of the girls.
As Yujin was on the verge of swearing, Minju quickly intervened, exclaiming, "Oh my goodness!" She embraced the babies tightly, which, unfortunately, startled one of them into tears. Yena scolded Minju, saying, "Hey! Don't frighten the children, Minju!"
Eunbi inquired, "Hitomi, where did you come across them?"
Hiinako and Jangjorimz exchanged shrugs and explained, "We stumbled upon them sitting outside our dorm, so we thought it best to bring them in. One of the babies even started calling me 'dad.' It seems like they might have been abandoned." Hitomi glanced down at the frightened babies who were clinging to her legs and added, "I also found this." She then produced a piece of paper for everyone to see.
To Whom It May Concern,
I kindly request that you provide care and protection for my children. Unfortunately, I am unable to care for them due to imminent threats to my own safety. I hold a deep love for them and cannot bear the thought of them coming to harm. All of their belongings are packed in their bags.
Sean is the eldest, at 8 years old. Henry follows as the second oldest, aged 7. Carlisle is the third in line, at 6 years old. Justin is the first and youngest among them, at 5 years old. Sebastian comes next as the second youngest, aged 4. Finally, Hiroshi is the baby of our family and the youngest at 3 years old.
Please be aware that Justin has a peanut allergy, and both Hiroshi and Sebastian require the singing of their favorite song to fall asleep. Henry has asthma and should not engage in vigorous running activities. Additionally, Carlisle and Sean have a habit of playing before taking a bath.
I implore you to care for them and shower them with love. I have already completed the necessary adoption paperwork, so the decision to adopt them is in your hands. Please convey my profound love for them and let them know that I will dearly miss them.
With sincere regards,
Lee Yesoon
"Isn't Lee Yesoon the spouse of that wanted criminal, Lee Ho Beok?" Hyewon inquired.
"That's right, Hyewon. I believe that's why she mentioned her life being in danger, likely due to her association with her husband," Eunbi explained to her fellow group members.
"What's our plan of action?" Hitomi inquired, turning to Eunbi. The leader furrowed her brow in deep thought, then proceeded to contact their managers. After some time, their managers arrived and were taken aback to find the babies peacefully sleeping on the couch.
"Hitomi, where did you come across them?" Manager asked the Japanese member. Hitomi responded, "I found them right in front of our dorm. It seems they are the children of the wanted criminal Lee Ho Beok. Their mother left them and packed everything they need inside their bags."
The manager glanced at the sleeping babies and then back at Izone, saying, "I see. If you guys are unable to look after them, I'll find a way to place them in an adoption center." Just as the manager was about to wake the babies, Yujin spoke up, "No! I-I mean... we can take care of them. Their mother wants us to protect them, and that's exactly what we're going to do. Can we please take care of them, unnie?" she requested.
The group turned their attention to Yujin, clearly taken aback. The manager voiced concern, saying, "Are you certain about this? Caring for a child can be quite demanding, especially considering your busy schedule."
Yujin responded with a hint of humor, saying, "Oh, please, unnie. Like I can't handle taking care of a child when I'm already looking after 11 crazy individuals." She added the last part as a playful jab, which left the other girls surprised.
"We'll consider that a compliment," Wonyoung chimed in with a laugh.
"Very well... I'll entrust this to all of you. I'll inform OTR and the CEO, and perhaps by tomorrow morning, we can work on adjusting your schedules to accommodate the care of the children and help them become familiar with you. I'll get in touch if there are any urgent schedules. If you require my assistance, don't hesitate to reach out upstairs, alright?"
The girls nodded in agreement and bid farewell to their managers, then turned their attention back to the peacefully sleeping babies. "They're so adorable," Minju whispered excitedly, slapping Yujin's shoulder in her enthusiasm.
"Ow! Kim Minju, stop hurting me!" Yujin exclaimed, causing the babies to stir from their slumber. "Nice going, you two! Now the babies are awake," Yena sighed in exasperation, her gaze fixed on one particular baby with short brown hair, duck-like lips, and a distinctive nose bridge.
"Eomma?" the baby looked up at Yena and said, "What?" Yena was taken aback by the unexpected address. The baby repeated, "Eomma," while pointing at her. Yena firmly denied, shaking her head and saying, "No! I'm not your Eomma."
The baby shook his head again and pointed at the person behind Yena, indicating Chaewon. "Eomma! Uyu..." The baby extended his arms, clearly wanting to be held by Chaewon. Chaewon hesitated but eventually picked up the baby and brought him over to Yena.
Eunbi couldn't resist making a playful comment, smirking as she said, "Looks like Ssamyen already has a child." This teasing caused both Yena and Chaewon to blush deeply. In unison, they protested, "WE'RE NOT A COUPLE!" This declaration elicited laughter from baby Sebastian.
Minju approached baby Justin and playfully declared, "I claim baby Eunwoo!" She chuckled, but the 6-year-old boy crossed his arms and responded with sass, saying, "I am not Eunwoo, sunbaenim! I am Justin!"
Minju's eyes lit up with admiration, and she beamed at the boy, saying, "I already love you!" She then embraced Justin, who promptly started whining, crying out, "Nwoooo! Appa, help!" Justin gave Yujin a pleading look, and all eyes turned to Yujin, except for Minju, who remained focused on the adorable boy.
"What?" Yujin raised an eyebrow, seemingly puzzled.
"Come on, help your child, and prevent your wife from squeezing him," Chaewon chided Yujin, placing her hands on her hips. Baby Sebastian, who was in Yena's arms, mimicked Chaewon and said, "Help your child and stop your friend from squishing my hyung." His adorable imitation garnered coos from Chaeyeon.
Meanwhile, baby Carlisle watched the interaction with a curious expression on his face.
Sakura settled on the couch, and to her surprise, Carlisle crawled over and settled onto her lap. The Japanese girl was initially taken aback but affectionately patted the baby's head.
However, this gesture stirred some jealousy among the others. Chaeyeon whined, "But I want to sit on your lap, Sakura..." She attempted to cuddle up to Sakura but was gently pushed away by Lia, who playfully teased, "My eommawa! Shoo!"
Baby Carlisle didn't hesitate to assert himself, shooshing Chaeyeon away. Sakura couldn't help but smirk at the situation and decided to pick up Carlisle, saying, "You heard him, Jjaeyeon~" Carlisle playfully stuck his tongue out at Chaeyeon, who responded with a mock glare before sitting on the ground, pouting.
The rest of the group shared a laugh at Chaeyeon's playful pouting. Eunbi decided to console her, saying, "Oh, come on, Chaeyeon, don't be like that. Look, Henry took Hyewonnie away from me." Eunbi sat down next to Chaeyeon and gave her a comforting hug.
Nako, who was also feeling left out, joined them, crossing her arms and pouting as well. The two Koreans turned their attention to Nako, concerned. Chaeyeon asked, "What's wrong, Nako?" Nako simply motioned her head towards the three 'dads' who were busy playing with the babies, indicating her desire to be involved too.
"Yujin, check it out! Justin and Sebastian are having a little wrestling match!" Yena exclaimed with excitement. Both Yena and Yujin were captivated by the sight of the two-year-olds vying for the upper hand in their playful tussle.
"Go, baby Sebastian, go!" Yena cheered enthusiastically.
"Come on, Justin! You've got this!" Yujin joined in, rooting for the little wrestlers.
Sakura was engrossed in playing with Carlisle, encouraging him, "Say Gucci--" But Carlisle tilted his head and tried to mimic, "Koochi?"
Hitomi couldn't contain her laughter and burst out, "PFFT- AHAHAHAHHA KOOCHI! AHAHAHAHHA!" Sakura and Hitomi both found Carlisle's innocent attempt utterly amusing.
Feeling somewhat left out, the other girls sighed loudly. Yuri, holding Sean, commented, "You guys keep sighing, and it's irritating me..."
Chaeyeon dramatically flopped onto the ground, saying, "Our senpais won't notice us~."
Minju, with a hint of sarcasm, chimed in, "Why not just eliminate your rivals?"
Eunbi, however, took it seriously and smiled, saying, "That's it."
The others panicked, with Minju quickly retracting, "No no no no no! I'm just kidding!" This made Eunbi pout and sit back down.
Henry and Carlisle approached Chaeyeon and Eunbi. Henry pointed towards Eunbi while casting a glance at Hyewon. Hyewon chuckled and nodded in agreement. Following this, Henry turned to Eunbi and settled on her lap, embracing her affectionately.
"Don't worry, Eommwa! I wuvvv you!" Henry declared with a bright smile. Eunbi blushed and returned the smile, replying, "Awww, you're such a cutie!" She warmly hugged Henry back, feeling touched by his sweet gesture.
Hiroshi enthusiastically tugged on Nako's hand, saying, "Let's go play, eommwaaa!" He continued pulling the surprised Japanese girl along, prompting her to exclaim, "What?? Eomma? Me?"
Hiroshi clarified, "Nwe! You're Eommwa. She's appwa," pointing at Hitomi, who was engrossed in her phone.
Nako blushed in astonishment, not expecting this role assignment. Minju intervened, shaking her head and helping Nako regain her composure. She advised her, "Stand up straight, chin up. Be confident. Don't scare Hitomi." With a gentle push from Minju, Nako stumbled and ended up falling onto Hitomi.
Hitomi quickly put down her phone and, with concern in her eyes, asked, "Oh! Nako-chan, are you okay?" Nako blushed even more, stammering, "E-Ehh..."
Lucas, taking advantage of the situation, hopped onto Nako's back, exclaiming, "Yeeha!" This prompted Hitomi to join in the laughter, saying, "Yeeha, cowboy Hiroshi!" She playfully added, "What a cute steed you've got here, sheriff~," winking at Nako, who blushed yet again, leading to more laughter from both Lucas and Hitomi.
Chaeyeon remained sulking on the floor until Sakura approached her, calling her name. Chaeyeon looked up and saw Sakura holding Carlisle. Curious, she asked, "What is it?"
Sakura settled beside Chaeyeon and directed Carlisle to face her. She sternly told him, "Say sorry, Carlisle..." crossing her arms in a motherly manner. Carlisle pouted and hesitated, wondering, "Do I have to?"
Sakura settled beside Chaeyeon and directed Carlisle to face her. She sternly told him, "Say sorry, Carlisle..." crossing her arms in a motherly manner. Carlisle pouted and hesitated, wondering, "Do I have to?"
Sakura nodded firmly, saying, "Yes. Apologize to your Eomma, or else there will be no cookies before bed." Carlisle gasped in alarm and promptly hugged Chaeyeon, pleading, "I'm sorry, eommwaaa! Please forgive Carlos~" Chaeyeon blushed but smiled warmly, replying, "It's okay, baby Carlisle~," which brought a smile to Lia's face as well.
Sakura couldn't resist teasing, "Look at my two babies being cute." Chaeyeon turned to Sakura, perplexed, asking, "W-What?"
Sakura quickly corrected herself, "Nothing! I just meant you guys look cute." Carlisle, not to be left out, looked from Sakura to Chaeyeon and insisted, "Appwa, Eommwa. Ppo ppwo! Now!"
"P-po ppo?" Chaeyeon looked at Lia, a bit perplexed. Lia clarified with a bright smile, "Nwe! Kwiss! Mwah! Wig~," making kissing gestures.
Chaeyeon blushed and stammered, "B-but we're not--" but she was interrupted when Sakura leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her cheeks. This unexpected act made Chaeyeon blush even deeper.
"Yeyyy!" Carlisle clapped his hands in delight, celebrating the adorable moment.
Yuri and Wonyoung kept a watchful eye on the members as they interacted with the kids. Suddenly, Sean tugged on Yuri's dress, prompting her to smile down at him with a maternal warmth. "Yes, baby Sean?" she responded as she crouched down to his level.
Sean, with an adorable tilt of his head, asked, "Are you guys sure you want to take care of us? You guys are idols after all..."
Yuri's smile remained comforting as she reassured him, "It's okay, baby Sean. You and the other kids are part of our family now. Me, Minju, Yujin, Chaewon unnie, Yena unnie, Eunbi unnie, Hyewon unnie, Chaeyeon unnie, Sakura unnie, Hitomi, Nako, Wonyoung, your siblings, and Wizone, we're all one big family. Don't worry." She gently patted his head, which brought a smile to his face.
"Okie, Eomma! Hiroshi, let's play!!" Sean declared, and Jake, his brother, joined him eagerly.
Yuri and Wonyoung smiled once more and expressed, "This marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for IZONE."