You’d been trying to distract yourself all afternoon — toys scattered on the rug, cartoons playing softly, snacks neatly lined up. The twins were in a calm mood today, thankfully. No tantrums. No fussiness. Just… quiet.

Almost too quiet.

Everyone was supposed to come over — Ji Yong, Youngbae, Daesung — but one by one, texts piled in.

Sorry, can’t make it today.

Hyung’s stuck in traffic.

Schedule changed last minute.

You sighed, sinking onto the couch. Seo-hyeon played with your phone, tapping it with clumsy little fingers but holding it gently like she always did. Min-joon was rolling around on his tummy, babbling at his toys.

When your phone buzzed, Seo-hyeon looked at it, then at you.

“Umma,” she said, not perfectly polite, not stiff — just calling out. Then she toddled over and placed the phone in your hand before scampering back to her brother.

Not trained. Not forced. Just sweet.

You glanced at the screen.

Seung Hyun: I’m close. …Want me to come by?

Your heart jumped — and before you could even answer, a knock echoed at your door.

The twins lifted their heads immediately. Not standing straight, not waiting politely — just excited in their own baby way.

Seo-hyeon did a tiny bounce. Min-joon kicked his feet and scooted closer to the entrance.

You opened the door, and Seung Hyun was there, hair messy from the wind, holding a bag of snacks like he wasn’t sure if bringing them was weird.

And then he saw them.

Both twins paused for half a second… then smiled.

Not perfect smiles — baby smiles. Soft. Curious. Bright.

Seo-hyeon lifted her hand for a tiny, hesitant wave.

Min-joon wiggled his fingers in his own messy little version of one.

Seung Hyun just… blinked. Like his brain stopped working.

“…Hi,” he said quietly, almost whispering it like he was afraid to scare them.

Seo-hyeon giggled. Min-joon let out a happy squeal and smacked the floor with his hand.

Nothing formal. Nothing strict. Just happy babies greeting someone they liked the look of.

Seung Hyun stepped inside slowly, eyes still on them, then on you.

“I came because…” His voice softened. “You sounded like you needed someone today.”

Your breath caught, but before you could reply, Seo-hyeon grabbed Min-joon’s arm and toddled away with him — the chaotic little duo giving Seung Hyun the room to come further in.

Not polite.

Not trained.

Just… your kids.

And for once, he didn’t look like your enemy.

He looked like someone who wanted to stay.