Aster scrolled through his phone with a faint scowl, half-sinking into the couch while Finn slept soundly in his lap, one tiny hand clinging to the hem of his hoodie.
His feed was flooded with glitter edits, romantic captions, and fan videos.
#MinsterIsReal
#AsterAndMinjiMoments
#SupportPrinceCharmingAndHisPrincess
He clicked on one clip of him and Minji during the variety show—the one where he carried her bridal-style through the obstacle course. The video slowed down at the exact moment Minji giggled and leaned into him. Hearts sparkled across the screen. The caption read:
"The way he looks at her... I'm crying."
Aster deadpanned. "I was looking at the camera crew tripping over a tripod."
Still, he didn't stop watching. Another post screamed:
"HE SMILES DIFFERENTLY WITH HER 😭"
Aster raised a brow. "I smile the same way when Finn asks for a second cookie."
The door opened behind him. He didn't look up—until the couch dipped beside him and a very familiar hand gently took the phone out of his grip.
Adrian.
Fresh out of the shower, in black silk pajamas that did unspeakable things to Aster's self-control, with damp hair pushed back and a thundercloud for an expression.
He scrolled once, twice, then froze on a slow-mo of Aster helping Minji hold a cooking spoon from behind.
"...You were hand-feeding her now?" Adrian asked coolly.
Aster sighed. "It was a blindfolded cooking challenge. She nearly stabbed me."
"She should have."
Aster snorted. "Are you seriously jealous right now?"
Adrian narrowed his eyes. "I'm not jealous."
"You are extremely jealous."
"I'm emotionally wounded." Adrian handed the phone back with exaggerated offense. "You owe me compensation."
Aster raised a brow. "Compensation?"
Adrian leaned in, voice a low purr. "Sexual."
Aster gave him a flat look. "I'll sue you for Indecency."
"I'm collecting for emotional damage," Adrian said, resting his chin on Aster's shoulder. "You've been parading on national TV with another woman while your actual man sits at home, unloved, uncooked for—"
"You literally hired a private chef."
"—and sexually deprived."
Aster's lips twitched, amusement bubbling up despite himself. "You're shameless."
"I'm devastated."
Before Aster could throw a pillow at him, Finn stirred against his chest with a soft, "Brother... stop talkin'..."
Both men froze.
Aster looked down. Finn blinked sleepily at them, then squinted up at Adrian. "Uncle... too loud... shhh..."
Adrian immediately lowered his voice, brushing the boy's hair. "Sorry, buddy."
Aster gently sat up. "Come on, munchkin. Let's get you to your bed."
Finn let out a small, sleepy grumble but obediently latched onto Aster like a baby sloth. They carried him into his room, where Dani had already turned on the soft nightlight and laid out his favorite stuffed animal beside the pillow.
"Night night, Finn," Aster whispered.
"G'night..." Finn mumbled, already snuggling into the covers.
Once they were back in the master bedroom, Aster collapsed into bed with a sigh. "You're insufferable," he muttered, reaching for the blanket.
Adrian followed him down, pinning him with a smirk and a single sentence whispered low into his ear—
"Now... about that compensation."
Aster turned toward him with a warning glare, though his cheeks were already turning pink. "If you wake him up again, you're the one putting him back to sleep."
Adrian grinned, sliding closer, his lips brushing Aster's temple. "Challenge accepted."