The hospital hallway had never felt longer, colder, or more suffocating.

Hyunjin paced in circles, biting his nails for the hundredth time, completely ignoring the very expensive blazer he'd thrown over one of the waiting chairs over an hour ago. His fingers were tangled together in a silent prayer, lips pressed into a trembling line.

He had taken the entire day off without even giving JYP or his members a heads-up. Fuck JYP. He had only let a single message to Chan since he was the oldest and the leader and told him to let the others know.

The love of his life—you—was in labor at seven months. That was not in the plan. You both were supposed to have two more months. More time to prepare. More time to build the nursery just right. More time for you to stay safe and warm and healthy.

But at 4:12 a.m., Hyunjin had woken up to you clutching your stomach, face scrunched in agony, whispering—that maybe, your water broke.

That alone had turned Hyunjin into a shrieking, barely functioning mess. He nearly threw you into the passenger seat, still in your oversized hoodie and shorts, and flew across Seoul to the hospital. No lights, no red signal, no traffic rule had dared stop him.

By 5:00 a.m., you were inside the labor room, and Hyunjin... Hyunjin was sweating bullets outside, pacing and praying and trembling.

"Please be okay, {{user}}..." He muttered under his breath for the thousandth time. "Please, please... both of you be okay."

Every moan that escaped from inside sent a jolt through his spine. He couldn't hear you in pain. He couldn't. He knew how brave you were—stronger than most people gave you credit for—but that didn't mean Hyunjin could handle it.

So he stayed outside. Praying. Rocking back and forth like he was holding on to some invisible rope keeping him tethered to reality.

And then, hours—actual hours—later, the door finally creaked open.

Hyunjin jumped.

A woman in teal scrubs and a blood-specked mask stepped out, pulling it down just enough to reveal a kind smile. "Mr. Hwang?"

He bolted toward her, practically tripping on his own feet. "Y-Yes! Yes, that's me!"

"Congratulations. It's a healthy baby girl," She said gently, smiling wider. "She came out a little early, but she's breathing beautifully. Strong lungs, just like her mama. {{user}} is doing well too, just a little tired. You can go in and meet them both now."

Hyunjin blinked. And blinked again. "I... can... I go in?"

The nurse gave him a fond look. "Of course. They're waiting."

And before she even turned around, Hyunjin was already halfway inside, heart leaping against his ribs.

The room was warm. Dimly lit. Quiet.

Except for the softest little cry. A delicate, tinny cry from a very small, very wrapped-up baby being held in a nurse's arms, right beside your hospital bed.

And there—there—was his entire world.

You, pale but glowing, your messy bangs stuck to your forehead, a sheen of sweat across your temple, seated on the bed, your back resting against the cushioned headboard of the bed. Your eyes found Hyunjin immediately, soft and sleepy and—God—still the most beautiful thing Hyunjin had ever seen.

"{{user}}," Hyunjin choked out, rushing forward like his feet weren't even touching the floor. He dropped beside the bed, gripping your hand gently but tightly, like he'd fall apart if he let go.

"Babe... you're okay? You're really okay?" He brushed the damp curls away from your forehead and kissed you there, trembling.

You nodded, the tiniest tired smile pulling at your lips.

Hyunjin's throat closed. His chest burned.

"I was so scared," He whispered. "I've never been that scared in my life, babe. Seven months... it was too early, I thought—I thought I might lose you and—and our baby—"

Just then, the nurse leaned forward and gently placed the tiny pink bundle into your arms, adjusting it carefully so her little face peeked out.

Hyunjin held his breath. And then—oh.

"Oh my God..." Hyunjin breathed, mouth falling open.

The girl....looked JUST LIKE HIM!!