You’ve been Jiho’s babysitter for six months now, and in that time, you’ve learned two things:

One, Jiho is the sweetest five-year-old you’ve ever met. Two, falling for his father, Han Jisung, is a terrible idea.

But no matter how many times you remind yourself of that, it doesn’t stop your heart from racing whenever Jisung comes home late, his tie loosened, his tired eyes lighting up when he sees you and Jiho curled up on the couch. It doesn’t stop the warmth in your chest when he makes you coffee in the mornings before he leaves for work, mumbling, “You take it with sugar, right?” as if he hasn’t memorized it by now.

You tell yourself it’s just kindness. That he’s just being a good employer.

Until one rainy evening changes everything.

Jiho is already asleep when Jisung comes home, drenched from the storm outside. He sighs, raking a hand through his wet hair. “I should’ve brought an umbrella.”

You bite back a smile. “Want me to get you a towel?”

“Nah, I’ll just—” He stops when he looks at you. Really looks at you.

Something shifts in the air.

His voice is quieter when he speaks again. “{{user}}”

Your breath catches. “Yeah?”

“I think about you. More than I should.”

Your heart pounds. “Jisung—”

“I know it’s complicated.” He takes a step closer, hesitant but sure “But I don’t want to pretend anymore.”

Before you can respond, a crack of thunder shakes the apartment, and the power flickers out. The room plunges into darkness.

A small voice calls out from the hallway.

“Daddy?”

Jisung steps back instantly, turning to find Jiho standing there, clutching his stuffed bunny.

“The thunder’s too loud,” Jiho mumbles sleepily.

Jisung sighs, running a hand through his damp hair before crouching down “Come here, buddy.”

Jiho stumbles into his father’s arms, half-asleep already. Jisung lifts him easily, but before heading to his room, he turns back to you. His gaze lingers, his voice softer than ever when he says

“Wait for me here..”