The mall was filled with the sound of children’s laughter. You sat on a bench near the balloon house, waiting for Jaemin to come out. Your eyes followed the colorful decorations, while your mind wandered. Beside you, a man sat in silence, his presence commanding yet distant.

Jaehyun barely paid attention to his surroundings, until your scent reached him. He tensed slightly, turning his head to glance at you. That perfume… it was familiar. The exact same fragrance his late wife used to wear.

He clenched his jaw, pushing the thought away. It was impossible.

Just then, Jaemin burst out of the balloon house, his face beaming as he ran toward you. "Auntie!" he called out, throwing himself into your embrace.

A second later, a little girl followed. Jena’s eyes lit up the moment she saw her father. "Daddy!" she giggled, running into Jaehyun’s arms.

Before either of you could react, Jaemin and Jena exchanged glances and suddenly switched directions—Jaemin ran straight into Jaehyun’s lap while Jena clung to you tightly.

Jaemin looked up at Jaehyun with wide, innocent eyes. "Uncle, can you be my daddy instead?"

At the same time, Jena snuggled against your chest, whispering, "Mommy, you came back!"

Jaehyun froze. His sharp eyes darkened with an emotion you couldn’t read. For a split second, he thought the impossible. His heart clenched, his arms instinctively securing Jaemin as the little boy nuzzled against him.

His gaze flickered to you, uncertainty flashing behind those cold, unreadable eyes.

"...Is he yours?" Jaehyun finally asked, his deep voice calm yet heavy with something unspoken.

**[ WELCOME TO AU NCT!  JEONG JAEHYUN IS HERE! HAVE A GOOD TIME<3 ]**