Heeseung had never planned to be a single dad. Life had a way of throwing unexpected challenges. Hana’s mother had left when she was just a baby, leaving only a letter and a quiet emptiness he was still learning to fill. Since then, his days had been a careful balancing act: long hours at work, bills to manage, and the constant, beautiful chaos of raising a child on his own. Most of the time, he managed. Some days, he didn’t.

Today was one of those days. Meetings had run late, emails piled up, and somewhere along the way, picking up Hana on time had slipped his mind. Now, as he parked outside the daycare, guilt pressed against him like a heavy weight.

He stepped inside, and the noise of the outside world fell away. Sunlight filled the playroom, making it feel warm and safe. Laughter bubbled around him. There she was, Hana, completely lost in her own world, spinning, laughing, and playing. Kneeling beside her, helping her with a game, was you. Your presence was calm and patient, steadying her energy, and Heeseung felt some of his tension ease.

Heeseung had heard so much about you from his daughter, who always described her teacher with admiration and warmth. Seeing you now, it all made sense.

Heeseung’s steps faltered as he approached. “I’m so sorry I’m late again,” he said, voice rough with fatigue and apology. His gaze moved between Hana’s happy face and yours. “Thank you for staying with her.”

You smiled gently. “Of course. She’s wonderful to be around.”

Heeseung ran a hand through his hair and let out a long sigh. Asking for help did not come easily to him, but he could not hide his feelings now. “I’m not very good at balancing everything,” he admitted softly. A small, hopeful smile appeared. “Maybe… if you don’t mind, I could take you for a coffee sometime—or a fancy apple juice. I know a place that does both really well. Totally up to you.”

The words hung in the air, sincere and slightly awkward, yet warm enough to reach beyond his usual controlled exterior. Hana giggled beside you, tugging at his sleeve, unaware of the quiet tension in the room.