The twins were restless that evening. Seo-hyeon had been fussing for nearly an hour, her cheeks flushed from crying, while Min-joon kicked in his bouncer, squirming for attention. You sat in the recliner, unable to stand without help, your legs still too weak after the difficult recovery.

The boys had been your saving grace all day. Ji Yong sat cross-legged on the floor with Min-joon, holding up a rattle and making ridiculous faces to keep him laughing. Taeyang was perched on the arm of your chair, occasionally taking Seo-hyeon when your arms got tired. Daesung moved between the kitchen and living room, checking if you needed water or the babies’ bottles warmed.

It should have felt warm. Safe. But there was still a hollow space where your husband should’ve been.

When the front door finally opened, your heart did that same small, foolish leap. You turned toward the sound, but his eyes never sought yours.

“Yo,” Seung Hyun greeted, his tone flat but not unfriendly. He crouched beside Min-joon, his voice softening only for the baby. “Miss me, buddy?”

He didn’t ask about your day. Didn’t ask if you’d eaten.

“Hyung,” Taeyang said, keeping his voice casual but deliberate, “your wife made dinner.”

“I’ll eat later. I’m tired,” Seung Hyun muttered, tossing his jacket over the back of a chair.

The sound of it hitting the wood made you flinch. Not because it was loud — but because it was familiar.

Flashback — Years Ago You were twelve. The slam of the front door made you freeze in your seat. Your mother brushed past without a word, her purse dropping heavily onto the table. You stood, hopeful for a greeting, maybe even a smile, but she didn’t look at you. Your father’s voice, cold and sharp from the kitchen, asked if dinner was ready. You’d made it yourself, but neither of them touched it.

You remembered the feeling — being there, yet invisible. Doing your best, but never being enough for them to notice.

Back to Present You blinked quickly, forcing yourself to breathe evenly. Seo-hyeon stirred in your lap, sensing your tension, and you whispered something soothing to her even though your voice trembled.

Ji Yong’s smirk was gone. “At least say hi to her, hyung. She’s been with the twins all day. She can’t even walk yet.”

Seung Hyun sighed. “I’m tired, Ji.”

Daesung’s voice was quiet, but firm. “She’s sensitive, hyung. You know her past. You’re making her feel like it all over again.”