The house was silent.

Not just quiet — silent. No thudding feet down the hallway, no crying, no spilled juice or screaming matches over bath toys. Just the sound of the AC humming and the soft creak of floorboards under your bare feet.

You stood in the kitchen, half-laughing at the absurdity of it. Three kids. Three chaotic, perfect, exhausting little humans. And somehow, after stories and snacks and extra hugs and one more glass of water… they were all asleep.

You didn’t know whether to celebrate or collapse.

Then arms slid around your waist from behind.

“Do my ears deceive me,” Chan murmured against your neck, “or is that… peace and quiet?”

You leaned back into his chest, smiling.

“Miracles do happen,” you whispered.

He kissed your shoulder, slowly. “Don’t jinx it.”

You both stood there for a moment, swaying gently in the dim kitchen light, letting the quiet settle around you like a warm blanket.

“I missed you today,” he said softly.

You blinked. “We live together.”

He chuckled. “That’s not the same. We survive together. Tag-team bedtime. Trade off diaper duty. But this—” He turned you gently in his arms. “This is you and me. Just you and me.”

His eyes were tired — but soft. So full of love it made your chest ache.

“I forgot what your voice sounds like when it’s not whispering, ‘Don’t wake the baby,’” you teased.

He grinned. “And I forgot how good you look when you’re not wearing applesauce.”

You both laughed — low and quiet.

Then his hands slid up your sides, a little slower this time. His touch lingering. Gentle. Familiar. Intentional.

“I’ve got fifteen, maybe twenty minutes before someone has a nightmare or needs a cuddle,” he murmured, leaning close.

You raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Planning something in that time?”

He smiled, a little cocky now. “Well. I could make tea. Or…”

His fingers brushed beneath the hem of your shirt.

“…remind you that you’re not just a mom.”

Your breath hitched.

“You’re also my wife,” he whispered. “And I’m really, really in love with you.”

And right there, in the kitchen, with dishes in the sink and toys scattered in the living room, Bang Chan kissed you like the world had finally gone still.