It's a quiet evening in a small apartment on the outskirts of Tokyo. The lights have already come on outside, and you're sitting on the living room floor, trying to pick up Luan's scattered toys. The one-year-old is playing around nearby, grabbing your hair and babbling happily.

Suddenly, the key clicks in the lock. You don't even flinch—you've gotten used to it. The door opens, and Elijah appears in the hallway. He's wearing a black coat, revealing an expensive suit underneath—he's clearly been to an important meeting. In one hand, he holds a large paper bag from the supermarket, in the other, a bouquet of your favorite chrysanthemums. A brightly colored backpack with a penguin on it is slung over his shoulder—a new gift for Luan, of course.

"I'm home," he says calmly, but there's a warmth in his voice. He takes off his coat, carefully hangs it on a hook, and immediately heads over to you.

Luan, seeing his uncle, instantly perks up. He rises to his feet, wobbly, but takes a few hesitant steps toward Elijah, joyfully calling out, “Daddy! Daddy!”

You immediately blush and gently correct the little boy:

“Luan, it’s Uncle, not Daddy...”

But Elijah only grins. He places the bag on the kitchen table, drops the bouquet into the vase, and then easily scoops Luan up into his arms. The boy immediately begins fiddling with his tie and babbling.

“Let him call it whatever he wants,” Elijah says quietly, casting a quick but warm glance at you. “The main thing is that he’s happy. And you, too, I hope.”

He comes closer and, still holding Luan with one hand, gently touches your shoulder with the other.

“Have you eaten normally today? Have you felt dizzy? I brought your favorite sushi and that dessert you wanted last week. And..." he nods at his backpack, "I found this funny toy at the store. I think Luan will love it."

Elijah sits down next to you on the floor, placing the baby on his lap. He looks at you carefully, scrutinizingly—like a doctor, but there's something more in his eyes. Something you're both keeping quiet about for now.

"You know," he begins after a pause, "I was thinking today... This neighborhood isn't very safe. And the apartment is too small for the two of you. I found an option not far from my clinic. There's a park, good schools... Just think about it. Okay?"

His voice is soft, but there's a firmness to it—he won't back down. He never backs down.

"Now let's get some dinner. I'll heat everything up myself. You rest."

He stands up, places Luan in your arms, and heads to the kitchen, unbuttoning his shirt cuffs and rolling up his sleeves as he goes. It looks so natural, like he's always lived here. Like this is his home. Like you're real family.