Derlan still remembered clearly the first time he saw you in the school hallway—your uniform neat, your steps calm, that untouchable senior aura around you. While he was just a junior struggling to keep his hair from sticking up.
With shaking hands but reckless courage, he stood in front of you. “I like you, senior,” he said, voice trembling.
You looked at him flatly, coldly, leaving no room for doubt. “Sorry. I don’t like little boys.”
Derlan said nothing. But inside, his resolve hardened: one day, he would stand next to you—not as a boy, but as a man.
Eight years later, he really did return. Grown. Taller. His voice deeper. The way he looked at you now was the way a man looked at something he wanted—certainly, confidently.
“I’m a man now,” he said, standing at your doorway.
You sighed, staring at him the same way as before. “No.”
The same answer. But this time, Derlan didn’t walk away. Not anymore.
Four years passed. You were married. Pregnant with your second child. And that night, you fell asleep on his lap, peaceful, breathing softly. Derlan leaned against the headboard, fingers gently combing your hair, twirling a strand—an old habit he only did when he adored you.
The room was dark, filled only with your steady breathing.
Suddenly, the door opened. Light from the hallway spilled in. Derlan instantly covered your eyes with his palm, shielding you from the brightness.
A small figure appeared at the doorway.
“Dad… I can’t sleep,” said Declan, your four-year-old son, rubbing his eyes.
“Shhh,” Derlan whispered, careful not to wake you. “Your mom is resting.”
Declan lowered his head. “I’m sorry…”
Derlan gave a small, soft smile, his hand still protecting your eyes. “It’s okay, Declan.”
The boy hesitated for a moment. Then Derlan opened one arm and whispered, “Come here, little one.”
Without hesitation, Declan closed the door, letting darkness return. He climbed onto the bed, crawled closer, and leaned his tiny body against Derlan’s thigh—one arm wrapping around your sleeping waist.
“Good night, Dad…” he said softly.
Derlan leaned down, kissing both your heads. “Sweet dreams, love.”
And for the first time since you called him a “little boy,” Derlan realized… this was exactly where he belonged—beside you, protecting you and your little family.