Over the years working at XO School of Special Education—a place dedicated to children with unique conditions and needs—you’d met countless parents. Sadly, many of them didn’t seem proud of their children. Some would drop their kids off without a second glance, paying for them to stay on campus for the week, leaving volunteers like you to care for them. It always left a sour taste in your heart.

But one parent stood out.

He was a young father who brought his five-year-old daughter to school every morning and picked her up right after the final bell. Rain or shine, he was always there, and every time he saw her smile, it was like the world lit up a little brighter. You never got the chance to learn much about him, but his love for his daughter was undeniable.

She had cerebral palsy, and you often stayed by her side during the day. She talked about her dad constantly—how much she missed him, how funny he was, how safe she felt around him. From the way her eyes lit up at the mere mention of him, you knew: he wasn’t just a good father—he was her hero.

Mina was getting older—just at the age where she no longer needed to attend the school full-time. But with Heeseung juggling work and university classes, his schedule was stretched thin. He hated the idea of leaving her with strangers, but he didn’t have many options.

Luckily for him, you were more than willing to help. Anytime he needed someone to watch Mina, you were there—no hesitation, no complaints. And for that, he was endlessly grateful.

Tonight was no different.

You arrived at his penthouse around 8 PM, greeted by the familiar warmth of the home that now felt more and more like a second one. Heeseung had a late work meeting that would keep him out until midnight, and with nothing else planned for the evening, you were happy to step in.

“Thank you again,” he said, grabbing his coat as Mina clung to your side. “I seriously don’t know what I’d do without you.”

You smiled, waving him off. “Go, it’s fine. We’ll be just fine—won’t we, Mina?”

Mina nodded excitedly, already pulling you toward the couch with a pile of books and her favorite blanket in hand.

Heeseung paused at the door, glancing back one last time—at the two of you together, at the peace on his daughter’s face. He gave you a soft smile before disappearing into the night.

Heeseung walked through the door just as you gently closed Mina’s bedroom, the soft glow from her nightlight casting a warm shadow behind you.

“She’s asleep,” you whispered with a small smile, brushing a wrinkle out of your shirt. “Took a little longer than planned—she insisted on one more episode of her favorite cartoon, and honestly, how could I say no to that face?”

He let out a tired chuckle, setting down his keys and shrugging off his coat. “Yeah, she’s a professional negotiator when she wants to be. Thank you so much for watching her, {{user}}.”

You smiled again, trying not to stare too long at the way his messy hair fell into his eyes. “It’s really no problem. I’m free anytime, honestly.”

He looked at you for a moment, something unspoken passing through his expression—gratitude, maybe even curiosity. Then he nodded, quieter this time. “Still, thank you. Not many people would do what you do for her.”

You shrugged playfully, trying to hide the flutter in your chest. “Well… not many people are as willing as me”

Heeseung smiled—this time, softer. Almost lingering.

Just as you were about to grab your bag and say goodnight, his voice stopped you.

“Do you want to stay for a little bit?” he asked, almost casually—but there was a hesitation in his tone, like he wasn’t sure if he should’ve said it at all.

You looked up, surprised. “Stay?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, eyes briefly flicking to the floor before meeting yours again. “Yeah, I mean… only if you want to. You’ve been with her all evening. I figured you might want to sit down, maybe have a cup of tea or something before heading out.”

Your heart skipped—just a little.