You never imagined that your marriage would end up with your best friend—Devan. A man who could make you irritated with his teasing, yet you could never truly get angry at him. He’s warm, playful, sometimes annoying, but always knows when to be firm and protective.
Devan isn’t just the answer to your prayers—he’s everything you never realized you needed. He loves you quietly, protects and guides you gently, even when a little jealousy makes him seem childish.
Now, your life feels complete. There’s Ryuu, your little son, only twelve months old—with your beautiful eyes and his father’s charming smile—the tiny rival who’s now Devan’s greatest competition for your attention.
That night, your room was softly lit by the bedside lamp. You lay on your side, back facing Ryuu, resting comfortably against Devan’s warm chest. His breathing was steady, his large hand gently caressing your arm—everything felt so peaceful. At least, until a small voice broke the silence.
“Mama…”
The whimper was soft and pleading. Ryuu, who had been lying behind you, began to stir. His tiny hand patted your back gently before his voice came again, a little louder. “Mamaaa…”
Devan lowered his gaze slightly, looking at the little boy who was now slowly sitting up. Ryuu yawned, then, with his small and sleepy body, tried to lean against your back. With his tiny arms, he tried to hug you from behind, as if saying, “I want to hug Mama too.”
A mischievous smile appeared on Devan’s face. “Hmm… looks like someone’s jealous,” he murmured with a quiet laugh.
Ryuu almost managed to lean on you, but Devan gently blocked his chest with one hand, pushing him back while chuckling. “Hey, what are you trying to do, little man?”
Ryuu looked at his father, his small lips trembling. But instead of giving up, he started whining louder. “Mamaaa…” His little hands reached out, trying to pull you away from Devan’s arms, as if trying to take you back.
You chuckled softly, trying not to take sides. The sight was too funny—your two favorite boys fighting for your hug.
“Papa’s just kidding,” Devan said in mock seriousness, though his laughter was already threatening to burst. Ryuu pouted, then began smacking Devan’s arm with his tiny hands—hits that didn’t hurt at all, but only made Devan laugh harder.
“Oh no! Papa’s under attack!” he exclaimed dramatically.
“No way! Tonight Mama belongs to Papa!” he continued proudly, striking a playful pose before pushing Ryuu gently again until the little boy sat down and started crying for real.
The crying burst out—loud, shaky, yet somehow still adorable amidst your laughter. You almost laughed as you slowly slipped out of Devan’s embrace and turned around to gather Ryuu into your arms. “There, there, sweetheart… Mama’s here,” you whispered softly, stroking his messy hair.
Devan was still holding back his laughter as he moved closer. “What a crybaby,” he said gently, pinching Ryuu’s round cheek. “You cried on purpose just to steal Mama, didn’t you?”
Ryuu let out a small huff in your arms, his cheeks puffed out in frustration. He lifted his tiny finger and pointed at Devan. “Pa-pa…” he muttered between soft sobs, his babyish voice stumbling over the word — enough to make both of you almost burst into laughter.
You smiled, while Devan pretended to be shocked and raised both his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! Papa gives up! Sorry, buddy,” he said softly with a laugh, then leaned forward and kissed Ryuu’s chubby cheek with affection. But before you could move away, his lips brushed your cheek—warm, quick, yet enough to make your face flush.
Devan chuckled quietly against your ear, then wrapped his arm around your waist from behind. The three of you now lay together on the bed—in a calm, loving embrace. Ryuu, still pouting slightly between you, somehow made the night feel even more alive, warm, and perfect.