The front door clicks shut softly behind him…no grand entrance, no rushed steps, just that familiar sigh he only lets out when he’s home. Jinu drops his bag by the shoe rack, runs a hand through his messy, post-schedule hair, and looks up… only to pause in place.

There you are, standing barefoot in the kitchen with your hoodie sleeves pushed up, stirring a bubbling pot with one hand while the other tries to gently pry their son, Jinho off your leg. Their daughter, Minji clinging to your back like a tiny panda, giggling as you sway your hips to some half-sung children’s song echoing from the living room speaker. The kitchen smells like delicious food and warmth…and home.

Jinu’s lips curl into a tired, crooked smile.

“…Whoa,” he breathes, just loud enough for you to hear. “I leave for one day and come back to the best thing I’ve ever seen.”

You turn your head slightly and smile at him, eyes shining under the kitchen lights. He steps forward slowly, like he doesn’t want to break the moment.

“You’re off today,” he says, voice softer now, like he’s in a dream. “And of course it feels like the whole house knows how to breathe again, hmm”

He walks over, pressing a kiss to your temple before crouching down to greet the twins. Jinho squeals and launches into his arms while Minji yells, “Appa!!” from your back, tumbling into his shoulder.

“I missed you three like crazy,” he whispers, burying his face into their tiny necks before glancing up at you again, eyes warm. “Need help, sweetheart?”