It was lunchtime, and the air buzzed with the clinking of utensils and laughter as everyone gathered in the dining room, enjoying their meal together.
"By the way, our school family day is coming," Cedie suddenly announced, drawing attention from the table. "You will be attending, right?" he inquired, turning to Kurtis.
"When is it again?" Kaye interjected.
"It's this coming Tuesday," Cedie replied with excitement evident in his voice.
Kurtis glanced at his phone, checking his schedule for any conflicts. "I'm free that day. Kaye and I will attend," he confirmed, eliciting cheers from Cedie.
"Really? Yes!!!" Cedie exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he continued devouring his meal.
Kaye smiled warmly at Cedie's enthusiasm and affectionately patted his head.
"I want to attend too! I want to watch your event," Haru chimed in eagerly.
"You can't come!" Cedie protested.
"And why not? It's a family day, right? We're family," Haru argued playfully.
"And what will you say to the teachers? That you're Kaye's husband as well?" Raon teased, taking a sip of his juice.
Haru scratched his head, pondering for a moment. "Then I will act as his brother!" he declared, pointing to himself.
"That's a good idea!" Isaac exclaimed. "And I will play the role of the handsome uncle!"
"If you guys are coming, then count me in too," Tristan chimed in with a smile.
"Cedie, you have quite the extended family: a mom, a dad, a brother, and some handsome uncles," Haru joked, earning a round of laughter.
"Hehe, guys... Do you think it's okay for you to attend? Don't you have work?" Kaye interjected, concern evident in her voice.
"We'll clear our schedules," they all chimed in unison.
Kaye was momentarily stunned by their determination.
Kurtis chuckled, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Let them be," he advised.
With a resigned smile and a nod, Kaye acquiesced.
....
Days had passed, and Cedie's family day had finally arrived. Cedie beamed with joy as he held Kaye and Kurtis's hands together.
"Wow! This is the first time I'll attend family day!" Cedie exclaimed, his excitement contagious.
"Too many people. What time do the games start?" Kaye inquired.
Kurtis looked at the program outlined on the invitation. "It says 8 am."
"We still have an hour. Can we visit the booths first? They're selling lots of food today!" Cedie suggested eagerly.
"Alright, let's go," Kaye agreed with a smile.
"Wow... I had no idea family day would be like this. I thought it was just a simple event. It looks more like a festival," Haru remarked as they strolled around.
"Are you sure you won't be recognized with your disguise? I don't want us to get caught because of you," Raon said.
"Ha! Who's walking without a disguise? You're only wearing sunglasses. Do you really think people won't recognize you?" Haru retorted playfully.
"Guys, let's just enjoy the event," Tristan interjected, trying to diffuse the banter.
"I'm hungry... Let's buy some food," Isaac suggested, breaking the tension.
"Oh! A photo booth!" Troy exclaimed, pointing to a nearby attraction.
They all gathered at the photo booth and snapped pictures together before indulging in snacks and settling into the bleachers to watch the family games.
"Whooo!!! Go, guys! You can do it!" Haru cheered enthusiastically, drawing attention from onlookers with their striking appearances.
"You're more excited than they are," Tristan remarked, amused by Haru's fervor.
Haru simply smiled and waved at Kaye, Kurtis, and Cedie, who reciprocated the gesture.
"Hey.. Doesn't he look familiar?" whispered one of the participants' sisters.
"Yeah, I think I've seen him somewhere," another muttered, causing Haru to adjust his sunglasses, cap, and face mask discreetly.
While engrossed in the game, an old man approached Raon and Shin.
"I know you guys, you're the CEOs of ******," the man stated.
"I don't think so. We're just tourists here," Raon responded calmly.
"You're right, we're from a different city and came here solely to watch our nephew's event," Shin added politely.
The man scratched his head. "Is that so? My apologies," he said before walking away.
"You guys are so handsome. Are you models or part of a boy band?" a mother gushed, approaching Ivan, Troy, Tristan, and Rein.
"We're just ordinary people," Tristan replied modestly as a group of mothers surrounded them.
"If you don't mind, can we take a picture together?" another mother requested eagerly, prompting the four to exchange glances.
On the other side of the bleachers, no one dared to approach Mikhail, Benjamin, and Warren, as Mikhail exuded an intimidating aura.
"Mama, who are they?" a child asked, curiosity evident in their voice.
"Don't look at them! They're bad people," a mother cautioned, swiftly leading her child away.
Mikhail raised an eyebrow in response to the mother's reaction, while Benjamin sighed and continued watching the game.
Isaac and Kyle returned from the men's comfort room and joined them, their excitement palpable as they cheered when Cedie's team emerged victorious.
After the game events, the overall winner was announced—Cedie's team. The men approached them for a family picture, and they happily took lots of pictures together before making their way to the school gate.
"Damn it! It's so hot wearing this mask," Haru complained, removing his mask as they walked.
"People have been staring at you since earlier," Rein remarked, observing the attention Haru was receiving.
"Thankfully, the event is over. Shall we go to a restaurant to celebrate your win?" Haru suggested eagerly.
Before Kaye could respond, a group of teenagers spotted Haru.
"Kyaaahhhh!!!! It's Haru!!!" they exclaimed, their voices filled with excitement as they rushed towards him, quickly surrounding him.
"Dude! Isn't that the racer, Rein?" a teen boy exclaimed, pointing towards Rein as the boys eagerly ran to him, requesting photos.
Meanwhile, some parents also approached Shin and Raon after recognizing them, adding to the commotion of the moment.
"Hey, aren't you the famous musician, Ivan Ricafrente?" a teacher suddenly appeared and asked Ivan, adding to the flurry of attention.
As people continued to approach them, Kaye and her husbands felt overwhelmed. The crowd only dispersed when they noticed a group of stern-looking men in black approaching.
"M-Mafias?" someone whispered nervously, making way for Mikhail's group.
"Tsk. You guys are taking too long," Mikhail grumbled, casting a disdainful glance at the onlookers. "Let's go. I hate crowded places."
As they walked out to the gate, nobody from the crowd dared to meet Mikhail's gaze, and whispers followed their departure.
They headed to one of Raon's restaurants and were in the midst of enjoying their meal when Kurtis's phone rang.
"Hello?" Kurtis answered, his brows furrowing in concern as he listened to the caller on the other end. "What do you mean?"
The group glanced at Kurtis, their curiosity piqued.
After the call, Kurtis sighed heavily.
"Is something wrong?" Kaye inquired, sensing Kurtis's unease.
"It's the orphanage," Kurtis began, his voice somber. "They said Cedie's real parents came looking for him. They want to take Cedie."
"What???" they all exclaimed in shock, their meal momentarily forgotten.
Cedie's spoon clattered to the ground as the news sank in.