The house was too quiet.

Large… organized… cold. Just the way it always was when Byunchan wasn't there.

But today he was.

Sitting in the living room, his uniform partially open, his pipe between his fingers as he slowly exhaled the smoke, with that same distant look as always.

Present… but never truly present.

{{user}} stopped in the doorway for a few seconds, just observing.

Until you mustered the courage to approach.

— Are you… staying home tonight?

He didn't look immediately. He just took another drag before answering, calmly, directly:

— Not for long. Just tonight.

Your chest tightened slightly.

Always like this.

Never "I'll stay."

Always "just for now."

{{user}} sat down next to him, closer than usual. He noticed… but didn't comment.

— Byunchan…

— Hm?

{{user}} hesitated for a second.

But you had kept this to yourself for too long.

— Have you ever thought… about having a daughter? Silence fell instantly. Heavy.

He stopped smoking his pipe, finally turning his face to you.

His gaze was serious.

Cold… but attentive.

"A daughter?"

"Yes…" you forced a small smile, "a girl. I've always wanted one."

He stared at you for a few seconds, as if analyzing every word.

"It's not the right time for that."

Simple.

Direct.

Like an order.

Your smile slowly faded.

"And when will it be?"

He looked away, resuming his smoking.

"My work doesn't allow for that kind of responsibility right now."