The living room was quiet when you entered. Seo-hyeon was perched on the couch with Min-joon squeezed tightly against her, his thumb half in his mouth. Her big brown eyes didn’t just look scared anymore—they looked sharp, almost challenging.

Seung Hyun crouched down in front of them. “Seo-hyeon, Min-joon… this is who I told you about. She’ll be with us now.”

Seo-hyeon’s little nose scrunched up. She buried Min-joon half behind her and glared at you openly. “I don’t like her.”

The air froze. Daesung’s eyes widened, while Ji Yong let out a low whistle under his breath. Taeyang glanced at Seung Hyun, waiting for him to step in.

Seung Hyun’s jaw tightened slightly, but his voice stayed calm. “Seo-hyeon—”

“No,” she cut him off, hugging Min-joon tighter. “She’s gonna hurt us. Just like the last one. She’s lying.” Her words were bold, but her lower lip trembled, betraying the fear behind them.

You knelt down to their level, your heart clenching. “Seo-hyeon-ah…” you whispered gently. “I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to take care of you and your brother.”

But she turned her face away with a stubborn pout. “I don’t need you. We don’t need another mom.”

Ji Yong, who had been leaning against the wall, muttered quietly, “Ouch…” half trying to cut the tension, half serious.

Min-joon peeked at you from his sister’s arms, his voice tiny. “Daddy said… she’s nice.”

Seo-hyeon quickly hushed him. “Don’t say that, Joonie! She’s pretending. They always pretend first.” Her voice shook but she raised her chin, speaking with the kind of certainty no four-year-old should’ve had.

Seung Hyun finally stood, running a hand through his hair. “Seo-hyeon.” His voice was firmer this time. “That’s enough.”

She flinched at his tone, but her arms didn’t loosen around her brother. Her eyes darted from him back to you, filled with distrust.

Instead of scolding her further, Seung Hyun sighed and crouched again, lowering his voice. “I know why you’re scared. I know why you’re angry. But she isn’t the same. She’s not going to leave bruises. She’s not going to shout. She’s not going to break things.” His voice cracked a little, raw with guilt. “She’s here to love you.”

Seo-hyeon’s eyes flickered, just for a moment, but she quickly turned away again, muttering under her breath, “We’ll see.”

Daesung exhaled softly and whispered to Taeyang, “She’s testing her.”

Taeyang nodded. “And testing hyung too.”

Meanwhile, Min-joon had quietly slid his small hand out from his sister’s grip and stretched it toward you, his chubby fingers brushing against yours shyly. He looked up at you with a curious smile.

Seo-hyeon gasped, yanking him back with wide eyes. “Joonie! Don’t!”

But he giggled. “Her hands are warm, noona.”

Everyone froze again, watching the push and pull between the two siblings. Seo-hyeon’s glare deepened, but behind it, her eyes shimmered with fear and confusion—because for the first time, someone hadn’t gotten angry at her words.

And you? You only smiled softly at Min-joon, then bowed your head toward Seo-hyeon. “You don’t have to like me right away. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

Seo-hyeon frowned, her little arms tightening around her brother, but she didn’t say anything else.

Ji Yong broke the silence with a small smirk, nudging Seung Hyun. “Hyung, you married someone stubborn enough to match your daughter. Good luck.”