After dinner,
Haneul gently cleaned Haru's face, brushing away the little traces of food.
Taekyun had already left the room, leaving the two of them alone.
Haru's eyelids drooped with sleepiness, and Haneul carefully lifted her into his arms, preparing to head upstairs.
Just as he took a step,
Taekyun returned.
Haneul froze, holding Haru cautiously, but Taekyun's expression softened.
He reached out, taking Haru gently from Haneul's hands.
"I've got her,"
Taekyun said slowly.
Haneul nodded and stepped aside, watching as Taekyun carried Haru toward her room.
Haru's eyes fluttered open.
Haneul moved slowly toward his own room, glancing back at her.
Haru looked between Taekyun, who cradled her in his arms, and Haneul, standing near his door.
She shook her head in a pout.
Taekyun paused, rubbing her back gently.
"Need something?"
He asked.
Haru pointed toward Haneul.
Taekyun's gaze flicked to him, and he asked softly,
"You want to go there?"
Haru nodded eagerly.
Taekyun smiled faintly and carried her over.
Haneul opened his room door, peeking in with a small, hidden smile.
The room was cool, the air crisp.
Taekyun laid Haru in bed and scanned the room, his eyes landing on the smart heater beside the desk.
He picked up the sleek SmartHeater controller and glanced at Haneul.
"Could you"
He began.
Haneul's eyes met his, holding the gaze for a long, quiet moment before he reached out and handed the controller to Taekyun.
Taekyun tapped a few buttons, activating the heater.
Warm air flowed gently across the room, lifting the chill.
Haru, seeing the warmth and the familiar scent of her father, opened her little arms.
"Sleep okay,"
Taekyun murmured, moving closer.
He hugged her tightly and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Haru smiled sleepily, nodding as he stood.
Haneul watched them, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
Before leaving, Taekyun turned toward him.
"If she needs anything, let me know… and you.... as well. Take.... some rest."
Haneul nodded, smiling as Taekyun closed the door behind him.
Haru remained tucked under the blankets, eyes half-closed.
Haneul climbed onto the bed beside her, kissing her cheeks again and again, each touch filled with affection.
"I missed you so much, Haru,"
He whispered.
She smiled, still half-asleep.
"Today,"
Haneul continued softly,
"I'll teach you a new word. You'll say it to me tomorrow morning also too..."
"Abba,"
Haru replied, her voice small but clear.
"Yes, abba,"
Haneul nodded.
As he started teaching her.
"Now say… Sa... sarang."
She repeated it carefully, her tiny lips forming the syllables.
Haneul watched fondly as she practiced until her eyelids grew heavy, holding his finger gently as she drifted off.
He kissed her forehead one last time and fell asleep beside her.
The next morning,
Haneul awoke to a soft touch on his cheek.
Opening his eyes, he saw Haru, small and wrapped in blankets, smiling up at him with curious, sparkling eyes.
"Mo.... ngi sara.... ngha...e,"
She said, her voice pure and adorable. "Mongi, I love you."
Haneul's chest swelled.
"Haru-ah,"
He whispered, scooping her into a tight hug. "So good well done!"
He clapped his tiny hands in praise, making her giggle.
"Let's brush our teeth and wash your face but your brush this time."
Haru's face lit up, and Haneul grinned.
"It's in your room. Let's go."
He slipped on his shoes and carried her gently through the second floor.
Their footsteps echoed lightly, playful and carefree.
From the lounge, Taekyun looked up, coffee in hand, catching sight of the two of them racing like children.
A flicker of something a small smirk curved his lips before he looked back at his phone.
Upstairs,
Haneul helped Haru wash her face, brush her teeth, and dress.
Hand in hand, they descended to breakfast.
"Do you remember what to do?"
Haneul asked softly.
Haru nodded.
"Good"
"Breakfast is ready" cook said to Haneul.
"Ohhh, OK"
Taekyun already sat at the table, watching quietly.
Haneul greeted and set Haru beside Taekyun and began feeding her carefully, ensuring she enjoyed every bite.
Taekyun observed, expression unreadable but his eyes sharp.
"We'll be going to the nursery today,"
He said gently to Haru.
"Your teacher said to bring you over."
Haru's small face fell; she didn't want to go.
"I'll stay with you,"
Taekyun added, softening the blow.
"Don't be nervous."
Haneul looked between them, noting the subtle sadness in Haru's eyes.
"Eat first, I'll take you myself,"
Taekyun said,
And she nodded quietly.
Haneul leaned down, whispering in her ear,
"You'll see so many flowers there they're beautiful. You'll learn their names too."
Her eyes widened, sparkling with excitement.
She nodded eagerly.
After breakfast,
Haneul cleaned her mouth and helped her off the chair.
As she looked at Taekyun.
Taekyun opened his arms, expecting her to come to him.
As he lifted her,
Haru pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, whispering after a long while,
"Abba, saranghae. (Father, I love you)"