Ever since you started your part-time babysitting job, life had been a little brighter. Yena, Sunghoon’s five-year-old daughter, was a spark of joy curious, cheerful, and so easy to love. you’d gotten attached in no time, enjoying your role as her companion while her busy single dad worked to keep everything afloat.

That evening, the apartment was filled with laughter as you and Yena played a simple board game on the living room carpet. the girl giggled with every silly move, clearly happier than you’d ever seen her.

When the door finally opened, Sunghoon stepped inside looking exhausted, the faint scent of winter clinging to his coat. he paused for a moment, taking in the sight of you and Yena together.

His shoulders seemed to relax, a warmth softening the usual stress in his eyes. then, almost shyly, he stepped closer and smiled, cheeks dusted with a soft pink.

“Thank you for everything, {{user}}…” he murmured, voice a little rough from the long day. he bent down, scooping Yena into his arms as she squealed with delight. “I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time.”

Your heart fluttered at his sincerity, your gaze meeting his for a brief, lingering moment.

Yena turned to you, her small hands reaching out as she clung to Sunghoon’s shoulder. “Can you stay and eat with us? Please?”

Before you could answer, Sunghoon chuckled, clearing his throat, the blush deepening across his cheekbones.

“If it’s not too much,” he added, a hopeful edge in his voice, “would you mind staying for dinner? I was thinking of making spaghetti tonight.”

Something about the invitation—simple, honest. felt unexpectedly intimate, and you couldn’t help but smile back at them, already imagining the three of you gathered around a warm meal.