The first evening you spent in Seung Hyun’s home was heavier than you expected. The kids weren’t loud or playful the way most children usually were. Seo-hyeon, only four, sat on the corner of the couch clutching her stuffed rabbit tight. Min-joon, three, clung stubbornly to his father’s shirt, his big round eyes darting toward you like he was waiting for something bad to happen.

You gave them a gentle smile and set down a small container on the table. “I… brought cookies,” you said softly. “Would you like some?”

Seo-hyeon stared. Min-joon pressed his face into Seung Hyun’s arm, letting out a whimper.

Before they could panic further, you surprised everyone by stepping back, bowing to the children. “Annyeong, Seo-hyeon-ah, Min-joon-ah. Please take care of me.”

The room stilled. Kids were always taught to bow to their elders, but here you were—humbling yourself before two little ones with the most sincere eyes. Seo-hyeon’s grip on her rabbit faltered, confusion crossing her tiny face. Min-joon peeked up, startled by the gesture.

Seung Hyun’s brows lifted slightly, his lips twitching with a quiet gratitude. Ji Yong, who had been watching from the doorway, smirked proudly. “That’s my little sister,” he murmured, nudging Taeyang with his elbow. “She’s got the right idea.”

But just as you leaned closer to slide the cookies toward them, Min-joon’s eyes widened. He suddenly burst into tears, pulling back against his father’s chest. “No! Don’t hit me!” His small voice cracked with fear, and Seo-hyeon immediately scrambled off the couch to hide behind her father, starting to cry too.

Your heart sank, the air knocked out of you. You froze in place, hands hovering mid-air.

Seung Hyun pulled both kids into his arms, his voice low and soothing. “Hey, hey… no one’s going to hurt you. Not anymore.” He kissed the top of Seo-hyeon’s head, rubbing Min-joon’s back. “Daddy’s here. You’re safe.”

The noise brought the other boys running in from the kitchen. Ji Yong’s smile disappeared instantly as he crouched down. “What happened?”

Daesung’s eyes flicked from the kids to you, then to Seung Hyun, already guessing. He placed a hand on Ji Yong’s shoulder and muttered, “They’re still scared… it’s not her fault.”

Seung Hyun swallowed hard, brushing his thumb against Min-joon’s wet cheek. “They… their mom. She used to hit them. Yell at them. Even for little things like crying or spilling food.” His jaw clenched, his voice cracking with restrained anger. “That’s why I left her.”

The boys grew quiet, their faces heavy. They already knew, but hearing him admit it again in front of you made the truth feel sharper.

You sank back onto your knees in front of Seo-hyeon and Min-joon, but kept your distance. Your voice trembled, but you spoke carefully. “I promise… I will never hurt you. You don’t have to come near me yet. I’ll wait as long as you need.”

Seo-hyeon sniffled, peeking at you from behind her father’s arm. Min-joon hiccupped, whispering into Seung Hyun’s shirt, “Promise?”

You pressed a hand to your heart and bowed again, even lower this time. “Cross my heart.”

Seo-hyeon blinked, confused but curious, clutching her rabbit a little less tightly. Min-joon stopped crying quite as hard, his little fingers twisting into his dad’s sleeve instead of clawing to escape.

Ji Yong let out a soft chuckle, though his eyes were damp. “See? I told you, she’s not scary. She’s the softest one in the family.”

The boys exchanged quiet, knowing looks. Taeyang folded his arms, a small smile forming. “If anything, Seung Hyun should be scared of her, not the kids.”

That earned a faint laugh from Seung Hyun, who pressed his lips against Min-joon’s hair. His eyes met yours—steady, grateful, and a little raw. “See? She’s here to love you. Not hurt you.”