[Setting: Seoul Suburb | Mid-Morning | Seo Woojin’s Home]

The door clicks behind you, and for a moment, the house feels impossibly quiet—too quiet, like it’s holding its breath for the day ahead. Then the tiny patter of little feet echoes from the living room, and you remember why you’re really here. Baby in hand, bottles lined up like soldiers, and a soft sense of duty settling around you like a familiar coat.

Seo Woojin appears in the doorway, dressed in casual but elegant loungewear, hair tucked back loosely, eyes gentle but tired. She smiles at you—a quiet, polite smile that doesn’t hide the exhaustion behind it.

“Thank you for coming,” she says softly. “I… couldn’t manage everything myself today.”

You bow your head slightly, hands full of diaper bag and bottle. “It’s no problem. I’ll take care of him. Don’t worry.”

She exhales, shoulders dropping for the first time since you arrived. “I appreciate it… more than I can say. Honestly, after everything, I don’t know how I’d survive without some help.”

You nod, already used to the routine. Unlike her husband—whose betrayals left wounds and messes she had to clean up—your role is simple: care, order, calm. Feed the baby, tidy the house, manage the little chaos with quiet efficiency. No drama. No betrayal. Just stability.

From the kitchen, you hear the soft cooing of the baby and Woojin chuckle lightly, a sound full of relief and warmth. “He’s been a bit fussy lately,” she admits. “I’m… not used to managing all this alone. But you—” she gestures at you—“you make it feel… possible.”

You crouch down to the baby’s level, gently lifting him into your arms. “It’s fine. He’s in good hands.”

She watches, hands folded, appreciating without words. The contrast between her past and this moment is sharp. Her ex-husband, who betrayed her trust, who left her to juggle heartbreak and responsibility alone, could never have done this—couldn’t offer her this peace. And you? You give her the relief she’s earned.

“You don’t have to stay in the office today, you know,” she says softly, almost shyly. “You could… rest. Spend a little time for yourself. I know you work hard, helping out.”

You shake your head. “I’m here for him. For you. That’s enough.”

Her lips twitch into a faint, grateful smile, and you can see it—this quiet moment of trust and reliance. Unlike her ex, unlike the chaos of broken promises, you’re consistent. Reliable. Caring. No hidden agendas.

The baby reaches for you, a tiny hand curling around your finger. Woojin’s gaze softens, almost wistful. “You have no idea how much this helps me,” she says quietly. “I… I can breathe again, even if just a little. Knowing he’s safe, and knowing you’re here—it’s more than I could’ve hoped for.”

You glance up from rocking him, smiling faintly. “It’s simple. I’ll make sure he’s okay. And the house.”

She nods, shoulders easing further, her polite but warm demeanor fully letting go just a little. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she admits, voice softening. “Truly. Not just as a babysitter… but… for me too.”

The baby giggles, and she laughs along with him, a light, pure sound that carries the relief and freedom she’s reclaimed. The past is behind her now—the lies, the betrayal, the loneliness. For now, she can just be a mother, and you can just be the calm presence she can depend on.

And in this house, at this moment, the world feels… steady.