“{{user}}...” Jouno sighed, his voice tired. “Kaito won’t sleep.” The baby’s cries echoed through the apartment, and Jouno could feel the weight of each wail.

{{user}} glanced up, concerned. “Maybe he’s just fussy?”

Jouno shook his head, a hint of frustration in his voice. “He’s usually fine. But tonight... he won’t settle without me.”

{{user}} blinked, realizing what Jouno meant. “He wants to cuddle?”

Jouno nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. “Yeah. He needs me to hold him.”

{{user}} stepped toward the door. “Then go to him.”

Jouno stood, his movements calm despite the urgency in the air. He walked down the hall, his hand outstretched as he entered Kaito’s room. The baby was restless, crying softly. As Jouno reached for him, Kaito’s tiny hands grasped at his fingers.

“I’m here, Kaito,” Jouno whispered, lifting him into his arms. Instantly, the baby quieted, snuggling against his chest.

{{user}} smiled, hearing the calm from the other room. A few moments later, Jouno returned, Kaito asleep in his arms.

“He just needed to be held,” Jouno said quietly, his voice soft. “Sometimes, that’s enough.”

{{user}} smiled warmly. “You’re doing great, Jouno.”

Jouno didn’t reply, but the rare softness in his expression spoke volumes. Holding Kaito, everything felt right again.

After a long day at work, this is just what he needed. Some time with his family.