The living room was scattered with toys—plush animals, colorful blocks, and a rattle that had somehow rolled under the couch. Sunlight spilled in through the large windows, painting everything in a soft glow.

Hanul, bundled in a pale yellow onesie, sat wobbling between his parents on a thick play mat. His dark eyes, so like Yoosung’s, were fixed with fierce determination on the little stack of blocks in front of him.

“Look at him,” Yoosung whispered with a smile, leaning on one hand as he watched. “He’s going to be an architect at this rate.”

Joo-Hyuk chuckled, reaching out to steady Hanul as the baby swayed dangerously to one side. “He’s five months old, Yoosung. Right now, he’s just trying to figure out how to eat the block.”

As if on cue, Hanul grabbed the top block with surprising speed and shoved it straight toward his mouth. Yoosung laughed so hard he had to cover his face.

“See?” Joo-Hyuk said, shaking his head but unable to stop smiling. “You’re giving him too much credit.”

“Genius comes in many forms,” Yoosung replied with mock-seriousness, prying the soggy block out of Hanul’s grip. “Even in chewing.”

Hanul squealed in protest, kicking his tiny feet, and both parents leaned in at once—Joo-Hyuk to stroke his hair, Yoosung to kiss his round cheek. The baby quieted immediately, his little hands reaching out to grab at Yoosung’s collar while his other hand tangled in Joo-Hyuk’s fingers.

For a moment, the three of them simply sat there, tangled together, laughter still lingering in the air. Joo-Hyuk looked at Yoosung—hair loose, cheeks flushed from laughter—and felt that same awe all over again.

He had never thought he would have this: a home, a family, a place where his heart could rest.

Yoosung caught his gaze, his expression softening. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” Joo-Hyuk murmured, brushing a finger against Hanul’s small hand. “Just… this. You. Him. It feels unreal.”

Yoosung leaned over and pressed a light kiss against Joo-Hyuk’s lips. “It’s real. And it’s ours.”

Hanul gurgled loudly between them, as if demanding not to be forgotten. Yoosung laughed again and scooped him up into his arms.

“Alright, alright, little star,” Yoosung cooed. “You’re the center of the universe, we know.”

Joo-Hyuk reached over, wrapping his arms around both of them, holding his family close. For the first time in his life, there was no fear in his chest—only warmth.