Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Baby, stop swinging your legs, or you’ll spill the milk,” Lina said, placing the steaming mug of coffee on the counter.

YongBok, perched on her usual chair by the dining table, scrunched her nose. “Mama, I’m not spilling anything!” she said, gripping her spoon in one hand and a half-empty bowl of cereal in the other.

“You said that yesterday too, and what happened?” Lina raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. “Milk all over the table, and I had to clean it up.”

“But I’m big girl now!” Bbokie declared, puffing out her tiny chest. “Big girls don’t spill things, Mama. Watch this!”

Before Lina could stop her, Bbokie grabbed the heavy milk carton from the center of the table. The sheer size of it made her small hands wobble, and Lina instinctively reached out to steady it.

“Let me help—”

“No!” Boki cried, twisting her little body away. “No help mama, Bbokie will do it!”

Lina stepped back with a resigned sigh, watching as her three-year-old furrowed her brows in concentration, tipping the carton precariously over her bowl. The milk poured in an uneven stream, some sloshing into the cereal, but most dripping onto the table.

“See?” Boki said proudly, setting the carton down with a triumphant smile. “I did it!”

“Hmm.” Lina grabbed a kitchen towel and began wiping up the spill. “I can see that, my independent little bunny.”

“I’m not a bunny anymore, Mama!” Boki protested, crossing her arms. “I’m a big girl!”

Lina crouched down beside her daughter, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You’ll always be my bunny,” she said softly, planting a kiss on her cheek.

“Not fair,” Boki muttered, her cheeks turning pink.

The sound of soft footsteps interrupted their moment. Seungmin walked into the kitchen, his hair adorably tousled from sleep, a yawn escaping his lips.

“What’s going on here?” he asked, ruffling Boki’s hair before leaning over to kiss Lina on the temple.

“Mama thinks I’m still a bunny,” Boki said, pointing a finger at Lina.

“Is that so?” Seungmin raised an eyebrow at his wife. “Don’t underestimate my daughter Mrs. Kim.”

Lina rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t underestimating her, I was just…” She gestured at the milk spill on the table. “Never mind. What do you want for breakfast?”

Seungmin sat down beside Boki, grinning. “I’ll have whatever our independent little bunny is having.”

“Appa!” Boki whined, her tiny fists banging on the table. “Not you too!”

The three of them burst into laughter, and Lina couldn’t help but pause for a moment, observing her little family. There was so much warmth and love between them, even in the smallest, silliest moments like this.

Boki was growing so fast. Too fast. It felt like just yesterday she was learning how to walk, clinging to Lina’s fingers for balance. Now, here she was, trying to pour her own milk and declaring her independence.

As they settled into breakfast, Seungmin caught Lina’s thoughtful expression. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Hmm?” Lina blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. “Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how quickly she’s growing up.”

Seungmin glanced at Boki, who was now determinedly stacking pieces of toast like a tower. “Yeah, she’s something, isn’t she?”

“She’s everything,” Lina murmured with a smile.

“We are going to shopping after breakfast, Bboki?” Lina asked, turning to her daughter. “You’ve outgrown most of your clothes.”

Bboki perked up immediately. “Can I pick what I want this time?"

"Sure baby", Lina replied

As Seungmin grabbed a mug of coffee and settled at the table, Lina leaned back, observing her little family. Boki was happily babbling about her plan to pour her own milk tomorrow, her tiny hands gesturing wildly, while Seungmin nodded along with exaggerated seriousness.

Lina’s heart felt full. How quickly their baby was growing—too quickly. She could see flashes of the independent girl Boki would become, but right now, she was still their little one, still giggling at spilled cereal and making a mess at breakfast.

“Bboki, hold Mama’s hand, please,” Lina said gently as they stepped into the mall, her voice soft yet firm. Bboki’s wide eyes sparkled with excitement as she glanced around at the vibrant stores and colorful displays.

“Mama, look!” Bboki squealed, pointing to a fountain nearby. “Water, Mama! It’s splish-splash!”

“Yes, baby, I see it,” Lina said with a smile, tugging her daughter’s hand lightly. “But don’t run away, okay? Stay close to Mama.”

“I big girl, Mama!” Bokki said confidently, puffing out her little chest. “I no run away.”

“Big girls still hold hands,” Lina replied, crouching down and scooping Bokki into her arms. “Come here, you.” Bokki giggled, wrapping her tiny arms around her mother’s neck. Lina kissed her daughter’s cheek and headed towards the clothing store.

Once inside the children’s store, Bokki wriggled in Lina’s arms. “Down, Mama! I walk now!”

“Alright, alright,” Lina said, setting her down. “But stay with me, okay?”

“Okay!” Bokki chirped, her little hand slipping into Lina’s as they walked toward the clothing racks.

“What do you think about this one?” Lina asked, holding up a soft pink dress with ruffled sleeves.

Bokki scrunched up her nose. “No, Mama. No pink. I want blue!”

Lina chuckled. “You and your blue,” she said, shaking her head as she reached for a light blue dress with tiny daisies embroidered on the hem. “How about this one?”

Bokki’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes, yes! Blue!”

“Alright, blue it is,” Lina said, draping the dress over her arm. “But I’m still getting this pink one too, okay? You’ll look so pretty in it.”

“Nooo, Mama,” Bokki protested, crossing her arms. “No pink.”

Lina leaned down, planting a kiss on her daughter’s forehead. “Mama decides, sweetheart. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.”

As they moved through the racks, Bokki pointed excitedly at various clothes, her tiny voice chiming with suggestions. Lina couldn’t help but laugh at her daughter’s animated opinions. She adored these moments—shopping for her little girl, watching her personality shine.

After finalizing their selections, Lina was about to head to the checkout when something caught her eye. Across the store, a pastel-colored display of tiny clothes in the toddler section seemed to beckon her. She froze for a moment, captivated.

“Bokki, let’s go over there,” Lina said, almost in a daze, her eyes fixed on the miniature outfits.

Bokki followed, tugging at her mother’s hand. “What’s there, Mama?”

As they reached the toddler section, Lina’s heart swelled. Tiny dresses, onesies, socks, and mittens were arranged neatly, each item more adorable than the last. She picked up a pair of tiny socks and mittens—white with little yellow ducks embroidered on them.

“Aww, these are so cute,” Lina murmured, running her fingers over the soft fabric.

“Mama, these no fit me!” Bokki said, tugging at the socks in her mother’s hand.

Lina smiled, crouching down to her daughter’s level. “I know, sweetheart. These are for babies.”

Bokki tilted her head. “Babies, Mama? I not a baby. I big girl!”

Lina laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face. “Yes, you’re my big girl now. But you used to be so tiny, Bokki. Just like this.”

“I no ‘member, Mama,” Bokki said, her brow furrowed in concentration.

“You wouldn’t,” Lina said, her voice softening as memories washed over her. “But Mama remembers. I used to buy clothes like these for you. You were so little back then.” She held up the tiny socks and mittens, her heart filling with nostalgia.

“Mama, you silly,” Bokki said with a giggle. “These no fit me. These for baby!”

“I know,” Lina replied, her eyes lingering on the tiny items. “But they’re so adorable, aren’t they?”

“Uh-huh,” Bokki agreed, then added, “But we no have baby, Mama.”

Lina chuckled, standing up and holding the socks and mittens close. “I know, sweetheart.”

“Why you get it, Mama?” Bokki asked curiously, her head tilting.

Lina smiled, brushing her fingers over the soft fabric. “Because… sometimes Mama just wants something cute. That’s all.”

Bokki shrugged, her attention already shifting to the next rack of clothes. Lina, however, found herself lingering for a moment longer, her thoughts swirling. The tiny socks and mittens in her hand felt like more than just a whimsical purchase—they felt like a whisper of something she hadn’t allowed herself to think about.

At the checkout, Bokki tugged at her mother’s sleeve. “Mama, can we go splish-splash now?”

“Soon, baby,” Lina said, ruffling her daughter’s hair. As the cashier bagged their items, Lina’s eyes drifted back to the toddler section one last time, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Mama, let me go! Mamaaa, I’m not a baby anymore!” Bokki whined, wriggling in her mother’s arms as Lina held her tightly on the couch.

Lina chuckled, burying her face in her daughter’s soft hair and tightening her hold. “Not a baby? Then what are you, huh? My little grown-up?”

“Yes!” Bokki exclaimed, her small hands pushing at her mother’s arms. “Mama, please, I want to play! I want to make Lego!”

“But Bokki,” Lina said, feigning a pout and snuggling her even closer, “don’t you love it when Mama hugs you like this? Look at how comfy we are.”

Bokki sighed dramatically, her cheeks puffing up. “I love it, Mama. But… I love toys more!”

Lina gasped, pulling back to look at her daughter with mock hurt. “What did you just say? You love toys more than your Mama?”

Bokki giggled, her small hands coming up to cover her mouth. “No, Mama! I love you more!”

“Oh really? Then why are you running away from my hugs, huh?” Lina teased, tickling Bokki’s sides.

“Ahhh! No, Mama! Stop!” Bokki squealed, her laughter filling the room as she squirmed in her mother’s lap.

“Say you love Mama the most, and I might let you go,” Lina said, her fingers still wiggling against her daughter’s sides.

“I love Mama the most!” Bokki managed to gasp out between giggles. “Stop, Mama! Pleeease!”

Finally, Lina relented, releasing her daughter with a playful sigh. “Alright, alright. Go play with your Legos, you little bunny.”

Bokki hopped off the couch, her energy boundless as she ran to the carpet where her colorful Lego pieces were scattered. She plopped down, immediately engrossed in her world of building castles and towers.

Lina watched her for a moment, leaning back into the couch with a wistful smile. Her arms felt empty now, and her heart ached just a little as she thought about how quickly her baby was growing up.

“You’re just like your father,” she murmured, half to herself. “Neither of you gives me attention anymore.”

“Mama, I do give you ‘ttention!” Bokki called out without looking up from her Legos, her small hands expertly clicking pieces together.

Lina chuckled, shaking her head. “Oh, do you? You just told me you love toys more.”

“No, Mama. I love you and toys,” Bokki replied, glancing up briefly with a proud grin. “But toys no tickle me.”

Lina laughed softly, her gaze softening as she watched her daughter. She remembered the days when Bokki was just a tiny bundle in her arms, when all she wanted was to be held, snuggled, and rocked to sleep. Those days felt like yesterday, yet they were slipping away so quickly.

Now, her little girl was growing—full of opinions, energy, and independence. Lina’s heart swelled with pride, but a part of her longed for the time when Bokki’s world revolved solely around her.

“Bokki,” Lina called out gently.

“Yes, Mama?” Bokki replied, still focused on her Lego creation.

“Promise me you’ll never grow too big to hug your Mama, okay?” Lina said, her voice soft but filled with emotion.

Bokki looked up, her bright eyes meeting her mother’s. “I promise, Mama. But not now, okay? I busy.”

Lina laughed, shaking her head. “You really are just like your father.”

And as Bokki returned to her Legos, Lina leaned back on the couch, her heart full of love for the little girl who had already given her so much joy.

Lina stood in front of Bokki’s little cupboard, humming softly as she folded and arranged her daughter’s freshly washed clothes. The new purchases they had made earlier were neatly set aside on the bed, waiting to find their place. She reached out, picking up the blue dress Bokki had chosen and smoothing out the fabric with her hands. A smile spread across her face, her heart full of joy at how her little girl had been so adamant about her favorite color.

As she folded the dress and placed it in the cupboard, her fingers brushed against a smaller bag tucked into the corner. Pulling it out, she opened it to reveal the tiny socks and mittens she had impulsively bought at the toddler section.

Her breath caught for a moment. The soft pastel shades of the socks and mittens seemed to glow in her hands, their delicate size a reminder of just how small babies were. Lina sat down on the bed, holding the mittens in her palm and running her fingers over their softness.

“They’re so tiny,” she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with wonder. “How beautiful and precious babies are.”

Her thoughts drifted back to when Bokki was a newborn, fragile and tiny in her arms. She remembered the late-night feedings, the way Bokki would cling to her finger with her little hand, and the endless hours spent just staring at her. A lump formed in her throat as the memories flooded back, filling her chest with warmth and longing.

Suddenly, Bokki’s small voice broke through her thoughts.

“Mama, what are you doing?”

Lina looked up to see her daughter standing at the doorway, her head tilted in curiosity.

“Come here, Bokki,” Lina said, patting the bed beside her.

Bokki climbed up eagerly and peered at the mittens in her mother’s hands. “What’s that, Mama? Let me see!”

Lina handed the tiny mittens to her daughter, watching as Bokki’s little fingers ran over the soft fabric.

“It’s so soft, Mama!” Bokki exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. Then she frowned slightly, holding one mitten up to her hand. “But it’s not my size. It’s too small for me.”

Lina chuckled, her heart swelling with affection. “That’s because it’s not for you, silly.”

“Then who’s it for?” Bokki asked, looking up at her mother with wide, curious eyes.

“Well,” Lina said with a playful smile, “you know magic, right?”

Bokki nodded confidently. “Yeah, I know magic!”

“Then,” Lina continued, “why don’t you use your magic and make your hands smaller so it’ll fit?”

Bokki burst into laughter, clutching the mittens to her chest. “Mama, you’re so funny! I can’t do that!”

“Why not?” Lina teased, tickling her daughter’s sides.

“Because, Mama, these are for a baby! Not for me!” Bokki giggled, squirming away from her mother’s playful fingers. “You need a baby for these, Mama!”

Lina froze for a moment, her smile softening as she stared at her daughter. Bokki, still giggling, handed the mittens back to her and hopped off the bed, returning to her Lego blocks on the carpet.

As Lina watched her, she clutched the mittens to her chest, her thoughts swirling. Bokki’s innocent comment had tugged at something deep within her. She adored her daughter with all her heart, but a part of her couldn’t help longing for the tiny, quiet moments of babyhood again.

She sighed softly, tucking the mittens back into their bag and placing them carefully in the cupboard. Her fingers lingered on the edge of the shelf, her heart heavy yet full as she whispered to herself, "Maybe someday".

Lina lounged on the couch, her phone pressed to her ear. Her voice was quiet but full of determination as she spoke, “I want a baby, Innie.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Iyen, her younger sister, replied with a laugh, “You already have one, Unnie.”

“No, Bokki’s older now! She doesn’t even let me snuggle her without complaining,” Lina retorted, pouting even though Iyen couldn’t see her.

“Dare you say anything about my precious niece,”Iyen said, feigning offense. “She’s perfect and growing up exactly how she should.”

Lina let out a dramatic sigh. “That’s the problem. You’re all on her side—her, Seungmin, even you! You’ve all teamed up and left me alone. No one understands me anymore.”

“Aw, my poor sister,”Iyen teased. “Why don’t you talk to Seungmin about it? I mean, he doesn’t have a problem with the idea of another baby, does he?”

“No, he doesn’t,” Lina admitted reluctantly, “but he’s so busy, Yen. He’s either at work or on his laptop. He barely notices me these days.”

Iyen hummed in sympathy. “You’ve actually tried talking to him?”

“I’ve tried, but he doesn’t get it,” Lina said, frustration lacing her voice.

“How do you know?” Iyen asked curiously.

“I’ve been sending him reels—cute ones, you know, with babies giggling, toddlers waddling around, and all that stuff,” Lina explained. “He watches them, reacts with a heart or a laugh, and sometimes he even makes comments like, ‘That baby’s cute.’ But that’s it! He doesn’t say anything meaningful!”

Iyen burst out laughing. “Wait. Hold on. How long have you been sending him these reels?”

“Two days,” Lina said matter-of-factly.

Iyen’s laughter only grew louder. “Two days? Unnie, come on! You really thought two days of sending baby reels would work? Oh, my sweet, impatient little sister.”

“Why are you laughing?” Lina huffed, crossing her arms. “Two days is enough! If he really understood me, he’d have picked up on the hint by now.”

“Lina, you know how Seungmin is,” Iyen said, trying to stifle her laughter. “He’s not the most... perceptive. He’s probably clueless that you’re even trying to tell him something.”

“Well, he should know!” Lina snapped, sounding adorably grumpy. “I’m his wife. He should know what I’m feeling without me having to spell it out.”

Iyen sighed dramatically. “Lina, listen to me. Stop sending reels. Sit him down, look him in the eye, and talk to him like an adult.”

“No, I don’t want to talk about it,” Lina said, shaking her head even though Iyen couldn’t see. “He should already know what his wife feels! I’ve done enough. Now it’s his job to figure it out.”

Iyen chuckled softly, her voice full of affection. “You’re such a child sometimes, Unnie. But, hey, if Seungmin’s as clueless as you say, this might take more than reels and grumpy pouting.”

Lina sighed, leaning back into the couch. “You think I’m overreacting?”

“I think,” Iyen said playfully, “that you’re adorable. And maybe just a tiny bit dramatic.”

Lina let out a small laugh, the tension in her voice easing slightly. “I just... I really want this, Iyen. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“I know, Unnie,” Iyen said warmly. “And you’ll get there. Just don’t give up on talking to Seungmin. He’s a little slow, sure, but he loves you. You just have to guide him sometimes, you know?”

“Maybe,” Lina said softly, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. “Thanks, Innie.”

“Anytime,” Iyen replied. “Now, go pester your husband in person instead of bombarding him with reels. And give my love to Bokki!”

“I will,” Lina said with a smile. “And don’t forget, I’m your favorite sister.”

“Obviously,” Iyen teased, before hanging up.

Lina set her phone down, a small smile playing on her lips as she thought about Iyen’s words. Maybe she would try talking to Seungmin again—but in her own way.

Chapter Text

Seungmin’s phone buzzed repeatedly on his desk, interrupting his focus as he reviewed a contract. Without glancing up, he reached for it, assuming it was just another notification from his assistant. But as he unlocked it, he noticed Lina’s name lighting up the screen with several new messages.

He frowned slightly, scrolling through a series of links she’d sent. Reels? Again? He thought. Clicking on the first one, he was greeted with the sight of a toddler wrapped in a fluffy pink towel, giggling as they ran away from their older sibling, who was chasing them with a hairbrush. The video ended with the toddler collapsing into their mom’s arms, laughing uncontrollably.

Seungmin chuckled, shaking his head at the silliness. He quickly reacted with a laughing emoji and moved on to the next reel. This one showed a baby trying to eat spaghetti with both hands, ending up with noodles his hair while his dad in the background exclaimed, “That’s not where it goes!”

He reacted a laughing emoji, he dived into his document when his phone buzzed again.

Lina’s typing bubble appeared almost immediately, and within seconds, his phone started vibrating. He sighed but couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at his lips as he answered.

“Hello, he says, leaning back in his chair.

“Excuse me? Is that the way to greet your wife!” she shot back, her voice bubbling with excitement. “How can you even say me that after I sent you such adorable content?”

Seungmin rolled his eyes, though he was smiling. “Yes, very adorable. Babies eating spaghetti. Life-changing.”

Lina gasped dramatically. “You’re impossible! Did you not see how cute that little baby was? And what about the first one? The pink towel? I mean, come on, Seungmin, do you even have emotions!”

“How am I even suppose to react to some random babies whom i don’t even know,” he said. “Plus you’ve sent me six reels in a row, Lina.

“You’ll thank me later when you’re stressed and remember these videos,” she said with mock seriousness. “And you know what”!

“Go on”, he replied. 

 I was just talking to Hyunjin yesterday. Did you know Chan and Binnie had a huge fight because Channie broke Binnie’s crayon?”

Seungmin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. “Let me guess—Channie cried,

Binnie frowned and Hyunjin almost cried?”

Lina giggled. “Close! But no, Binnie had another set, and then last night, Hyunjin told me she found them cuddling in bed like nothing happened. Can you believe it? Kids are so cute.”

Seungmin hummed in agreement, though his attention drifted to the clock. He had about five minutes before his meeting started, but Lina’s excited voice made it hard to interrupt.

“You know,” Lina continued, her tone softening slightly, “I think kids are just naturally sweet. Like, no matter how much they fight, they can’t stay mad for long. I just think… watching these videos, hearing Hyunjin’s stories, it’s just… it makes me think a lot, you know?”

“ Then think something about my phone storage and stop sending me weird kids reels”. Seungmin said, laughing.

Seungmin had always been like that, joking and teasing her all time. She loved it, and played along. But something about that reply made her heart clench.

Can’t he understand anything

 Before she could respond, his assistant knocked on the door. “Sir, the meeting is starting in five minutes.”

Seungmin straightened in his seat, his tone becoming brisk. “Okay, I’ll be there.”

Turning back to the phone, he said quickly, “Lina, let’s talk later, okay?”

“Wait, wait!” Linacalled out, her voice laced with playful urgency. “You’re just going to leave? What about me?”

“What about you?” he asked cluelessly, already.

She hanged up the call. She thought talking to her husband would make her feel better, instead she felt a heaviness in her heart. She snuggled in the cushion and sobbed.

Her hands trembled as it reached the phone, swiping up to see the reels she sent to Seungmin. She sniffled, closing her phone and throwing it on the side.

Was it normal? She felt like a grumpy baby for crying for what she wanted. It’s just a feeling, just a thought. She wants nothing but a baby.

She went to her bedroom, her heart feeling heavy. She opened her closet and took out those tiny, beautiful mittens she had bought.

She clutched them into her hands and cried. It was just a feeling, just a desire. The mittens looked so delicate, so beautiful.

She imagined the tiny little fingers, the feet, the cries, the smiles. It felt surreal to have a bundle of joy in her arms again. Tears welled up her eyes.

“Mommy”?

Lina quickly wiped her tears, and kept the mittens back. She cleared her voice,

“ Yes, what happened dear”.

“ Are you crying,”? Bbokie asked. She went to her mother.

“Com-on, it’s lunch time, we’ll go to the table”. Lina shifted the topic, clearly avoiding her daughter’s questioning face.

The silence in the house was almost unsettling as Seungmin stepped inside. The soft clinking of his keys echoed in the entryway as he placed them on the counter. The lights were dimmed, the faint aroma of freshly cooked food lingered in the air, and everything looked perfectly arranged—too perfectly. The house, usually buzzing with laughter or the sound of small footsteps running around, felt unusually quiet.

Seungmin’s eyes immediately darted to the dining table, where his dinner was neatly set, covered to keep it warm. The sight made him smile faintly; Lina never missed taking care of him, no matter how busy her day was. But something felt off. Where is everyone? He thought, his brows furrowing slightly.

Loosening his tie, he walked further into the house, his shoes barely making a sound against the polished floor. The living room was spotless, with Bbokie’s toys stacked neatly in a corner. That was odd too—his little princess never let the toys stay in their place for long.

He made his way toward the master bedroom, his pace quickening slightly. His first instinct was to check on Lina. Quietly, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. His gaze landed on the bed, and there they were—Lina and Bbokie, curled up together.

Lina was fast asleep, her arms wrapped protectively around their daughter. Her face, illuminated softly by the lamp, looked peaceful but also a little tired. Bbokie, on the other hand, had her small frame tucked into Lina’s side, her long lashes resting against her chubby cheeks.

“Lina,” Seungmin whispered softly, approaching the bed. He crouched down beside her, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. She didn’t stir, her breathing even and deep.

Before he could say anything more, Bbokie’s little eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the sight of her father so close.

“Daddy?” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Seungmin’s lips curved into a warm smile as he reached out and scooped her up into his arms, careful not to wake Lina. “Hi, princess,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “Why are you still awake, hmm?”

Bbokie wrapped her tiny arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. “I wasn’t awake. You woke me up,” she said with a small pout, her voice still drowsy.

Seungmin chuckled softly, cradling her close as he carried her out of the room. “Shh, let’s not wake Mommy, okay?” he said, gently closing the door behind him.

Once they were in the living room, Seungmin sat her down on the couch and knelt in front of her, brushing a hand over her messy hair. “So, princess, why is Mommy sleeping so early? Did you make her upset?”

Bbokie shook her head, her pigtails swaying slightly. “No, Daddy! I didn’t do anything.”

“Are you sure?” he teased, raising an eyebrow. “You didn’t bother her with your questions? Or make a mess she had to clean up?”

“Noooo,” she insisted, crossing her arms and pouting dramatically. “I was good today! Mommy said so!”

Seungmin laughed softly at her defensiveness and ruffled her hair. “Okay, okay, I believe you. But why is the house so quiet? What did you two do all day?”

Bbokie swung her legs idly, thinking for a moment. “Mommy and I played tea party. Then she made dinner, and we watched a movie. But then she told me to sleep early and slept with me. I didn’t want to sleep, Daddy,” she added, her tone turning whiny.

“You should always listen to Mommy, princess. She knows best,” Seungmin said, standing up to warm his dinner in the microwave.

As the soft hum of the microwave filled the room, Bbokie climbed off the couch and padded over to him. She tugged at his sleeve, making him look down at her.

“Daddy,” she said quietly, her big eyes looking up at him.

“What is it, sweetheart?” he asked, crouching down to her level again.

“Mommy was crying today,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Seungmin’s heart sank. “Crying? When?” he asked, his tone more serious now.

“In the afternoon,” Bbokie replied, fiddling with the hem of her pajama top. “I asked her why, but she didn’t tell me. She just told me to eat my food.”

Seungmin frowned, his mind racing. Why was she crying? Was it something I said? Something I did? He pushed the thought aside for now and focused on his daughter, who was still looking at him with concern.

“Princess,” he said gently, taking her small hands in his. “Let’s always make Mommy happy, okay? No matter what.”

Bbokie nodded earnestly. “Okay, Daddy. Pinky promise!”

He chuckled softly, locking his pinky with hers. “Pinky promise.”

After finishing his dinner, Seungmin carried Bbokie back to her room. He tucked her in, pulling the covers snugly around her.

“Good night, my little princess,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

“Good night, Daddy,” she mumbled, already drifting off.

Once she was settled, Seungmin returned to the master bedroom. Lina was still in the same position, her breathing even and steady. He stood by the bed for a moment, just watching her. The faint light from the window cast a soft glow over her features, making her look even more beautiful.

He leaned down, his fingers brushing gently against her cheek. His heart ached at the thought of her crying earlier, but seeing her now, he felt a wave of love and tenderness wash over him.

Seungmin pressed a kiss to her forehead, murmuring, “I’ll make it better, Lina. I promise.”

Switching off the lamp, he slipped into bed beside her, careful not to disturb her. His arm draped protectively over her waist as he closed his eyes.

But little did he know, Lina was awake the entire time, her heart silently swelling with love for the man she had chosen.

Seungmin leaned back in his office chair, staring blankly at the stack of files on his desk. The words on the pages blurred as his thoughts kept circling back to last night—to Lina. Something was off, and no matter how much he tried to distract himself with work, the uneasy feeling wouldn’t go away.

Finally, he let out a frustrated sigh and grabbed his phone. His thumb hovered over the contacts list for a moment before he scrolled down and clicked on Hyunjin’s name. If there was anyone who could make sense of this, it was her.

The phone rang a few times before Hyunjin picked up. “Seungmin? What’s up? You never call me during work hours. Did the world end or something?”

Her playful tone brought a faint smile to his face, but it quickly faded. “Hey, Hyunjin. Are you busy right now? I just… I need to talk.”

The slight hesitation in his voice didn’t go unnoticed. “I’m just wrapping up some things at home. What’s going on? You sound off,” she said, her tone shifting to one of concern.

Seungmin hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s Lina. Something’s wrong, and I… I don’t know what to do.”

 “Lina?” Hyunjin’s voice immediately grew serious. “What do you mean? Did something happen between the two of you?”

“No,” Seungmin replied quickly. “At least, I don’t think so. Last night, Bbokie told me Lina was crying in the afternoon. But when I got home, she was already asleep, holding Bbokie. I didn’t want to wake her, so I left it. And this morning…” He paused, guilt creeping into his voice. “This morning, she wasn’t home. She left a note saying she went grocery shopping.”

Hyunjin’s tone shifted to one of slight disbelief. “Okay, but grocery shopping doesn’t take all day. Did you call her?”

“I… I didn’t,” he admitted hesitantly. “I got caught up with work. There were some important documents I needed to finish.”

There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the line. “Seungmin,” Hyunjin began, her tone sharper now, “do you hear yourself? Your wife was crying, and instead of checking in on her, you buried yourself in work?”

“I didn’t mean to ignore it,” Seungmin defended, his voice faltering. “I just… I thought I’d talk to her when she was ready.”

Hyunjin let out another sigh, but this time it was laced with understanding. “Seungmin, listen to me. Lina isn’t someone who cries easily, you know that better than anyone. If she’s crying, it’s because something is really bothering her. And instead of being there for her, you prioritized work. Do you see the problem here?”

Seungmin lowered himself into his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what I was thinking,” he muttered.

“You weren’t thinking,” Hyunjin corrected gently. “You were just reacting. But Seungmin, you can’t fix everything by working harder. Sometimes, what your family needs isn’t the perfect life you’re trying to build—it’s you, just being present. Lina doesn’t need grand gestures. She needs you to notice her, to be there when she’s not okay.”

Seungmin swallowed hard, her words cutting deep. “You’re right,” he said quietly. “I just… I didn’t want to push her if she wasn’t ready to talk.”

“Seungmin,” Hyunjin said softly, her tone warm but firm, “she’s your wife. You’re her partner. It’s not about pushing her—it’s about being there, showing her she can lean on you, even when she doesn’t say it outright. Lina isn’t the type to demand attention, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t need it.”

He exhaled, nodding to himself as if she could see him. “I’ll talk to her tonight,” he said, determination creeping into his voice. “I’ll make it right.”

“Good,” Hyunjin said, her tone lightening slightly. “And Seungmin? Don’t overthink it. Just be honest and listen. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.”

“Thanks, Hyunjin,” he said, his voice softer now.

“Anytime,” she replied warmly. “Now go fix this, okay? You owe it to her—and yourself.”

As Seungmin placed his phone down on the desk, Hyunjin’s words lingered in his mind like a persistent echo. He had been so consumed by work lately—so focused on the next deal, the next project—that he had unintentionally sidelined the most important part of his life: Lina. The thought of her crying while he wasn’t there to comfort her gnawed at his chest, filling him with guilt.

He pushed the files aside, no longer able to concentrate. The clock on his desk read 4:30 PM. There were still a few hours left in the workday, but for once, he didn’t care. Standing up, he grabbed his jacket and told his secretary, “I’m heading out early today. Cancel my evening meetings.”

The surprised look on her face almost made him laugh—he rarely, if ever, left work early. But this wasn’t something he could put off anymore.

Seungmin stepped into his home earlier than usual that day, the faint orange hue of the evening sunlight casting a warm glow over the living room. It was just past six, an hour when he would usually still be buried under files and contracts in his office. The sound of soft giggles from the playroom brought a small smile to his face as he set his briefcase down.

“Daddy!” Bbokie’s voice rang out as she spotted him from the doorway, her tiny feet padding quickly toward him.

Seungmin crouched down, catching her in his arms with ease. “Hey, princess! Did you have fun today?”

She nodded enthusiastically, holding up a crayon drawing. “Look what I made!”

“Wow,” Seungmin said, exaggerating his amazement as he examined the colorful scribbles. “You’re an artist already, huh? Should I frame this and put it in my office?”

“Yes!” Bbokie giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck.

As he carried her toward the living room, he noticed Lina standing by the kitchen counter, chopping vegetables with quiet focus. She looked up briefly, her surprise evident. “You’re home early,” she remarked, her tone neutral but questioning.

Seungmin set Bbokie down and walked over to her, leaning slightly on the counter. “Yeah, I had to,” he said simply, offering her a small smile.

Lina raised an eyebrow but said nothing, turning her attention back to the vegetables.

“Come on, princess,” Seungmin called to Bbokie. “Let’s play for a while before dinner.”

For the next hour, Seungmin fully immersed himself in his daughter’s little world—building castles, hosting tea parties, and listening to her endless stories about her day. The sound of her laughter filled the house, but his eyes kept darting toward the kitchen, where Lina worked quietly, her back turned to them.

By 8 PM, Bbokie was tucked into bed after a story, her tiny hands clutching her favorite stuffed toy. Seungmin kissed her forehead and turned off the lights, closing the door softly behind him.

Seungmin walked into the kitchen, his footsteps soft against the tiled floor. Lina was there, wiping the counter with slow, deliberate movements, her shoulders slightly hunched. The warm kitchen lights reflected off her hair, but there was something about her posture that made his heart tug.

“Hey,” he said softly, leaning against the doorframe.

Lina looked up briefly, her expression neutral, before turning back to her task. “Hmm?”

Seungmin crossed the room and stopped beside her. “You’ve been here for a while. Aren’t you tired?”

She shrugged, not meeting his gaze. “I’m fine. Just cleaning up.”

He tilted his head, studying her. “How about I make us some hot chocolate? It’s been ages since we had it together.”

Lina shook her head without turning to him. “No, I’m fine. I don’t want any.”

Seungmin frowned slightly, his brows furrowing. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she replied quickly, her tone clipped. She set the cloth down and started to walk past him. “I’m just sleepy.”

Seungmin gently caught her wrist as she tried to leave. “Lina, wait.”

She stopped but didn’t turn around, her shoulders stiffening under his touch.

“Talk to me,” he urged, his voice softer now. “What’s going on?”

She sighed and finally turned to face him, her expression guarded. “I said it’s nothing, Seungmin. I’m just tired.”

He searched her face, his concern deepening. “Lina, I know you. Something’s bothering you. You were crying yesterday, weren’t you?”

Her eyes widened slightly before she quickly looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I wasn’t crying,” she muttered, but her voice wavered, betraying her.

“Lina,” he said firmly, stepping closer. “I know you better than that. Please, just tell me what’s wrong.”

“I said it’s nothing,” she repeated, her voice rising slightly. “Why can’t you just drop it?”

“Because I care about you,” he said, his tone laced with frustration and worry. “And because you’re not acting like yourself.”

Lina’s shoulders slumped, and she ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know what you want me to say, Seungmin.”

Seungmin tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle. “Come on, are you pregnant or something? Having mood swings?”

Lina froze, her head snapping up to look at him. For a moment, there was silence, and then she let out a bitter laugh.

“Pregnant?” she repeated, her voice trembling.

Seungmin blinked, sensing the shift in her mood. “Lina, I was just joking. I didn’t mean—”

“Do you think this is funny?” she interrupted, her tone sharp. “You think I’m having mood swings? Pregnant? When was the last time you even touched me, Seungmin?”

Her voice cracked on the last word, and Seungmin felt like the air had been knocked out of his lungs. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out.

“You come home late every day,” she continued, her voice rising with emotion. “You’re always busy with work, and when you’re here, it’s like you’re not really here. And now you’re joking about something like this?”

“Lina, I didn’t mean it like that,” he said quickly, his tone pleading. “I was just trying to make you smile—”

“Smile?” she cut him off, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Do I look like I want to smile right now?”

Seungmin stepped closer, his hands reaching out to touch her shoulders, but she flinched away.

“Lina,” he said softly, his voice breaking. “I didn’t realize you felt this way. I swear, I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

Her lip quivered as she shook her head, tears finally spilling over. “You don’t even see it, do you?” she whispered. “How lonely I’ve been. How much I’ve been trying to hold everything together while you’re off—”

She stopped abruptly, pressing her hand to her mouth as a sob escaped her. Seungmin stood frozen for a moment, guilt and helplessness washing over him.

“Lina,” he said again, stepping forward and wrapping his arms around her despite her resistance. This time, she didn’t pull away. She let him hold her as she cried into his chest, her tears soaking through his shirt.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t know, Lina. I didn’t see it. But I’m here now, okay? I’m here.”

But she was already storming off, her footsteps echoing through the hallway as she headed to their bedroom.

“Lina!” Seungmin called after her, hurrying to follow.

When he reached the bedroom, he found her standing by the window, her back to him, her shoulders shaking as she tried to suppress her sobs.

Without a word, he walked up to her and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Lina,” he whispered, his voice heavy with guilt and concern. “What’s happened? Tell me.”

She shook her head, her hands coming up to cover her face as the tears finally spilled over. “Nothing,” she choked out.

Seungmin turned her around gently, guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. Kneeling in front of her, he took her hands in his, his eyes searching hers. “Please, baby,” he said softly. “Talk to me.”

The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the quiet bedroom. Lina sat at the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her shirt. Seungmin knelt in front of her, gently resting his head on her lap. For a moment, the world outside seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them cocooned in the warm stillness of the room.

Lina’s fingers unconsciously ran through his dark hair, her touch tender and absentminded. Seungmin let out a small hum, the sound of contentment, but his sharp senses weren’t entirely at ease. He could feel the hesitation in the way her hand lingered, the way her breathing faltered every now and then.

“Seungmin,” she finally whispered, her voice soft yet hesitant.

He lifted his head, propping his chin on her lap to meet her eyes. His brow furrowed with gentle concern as he asked, “What’s the matter, love?”

Her gaze darted away, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but she seemed to rethink her words. Instead, she let out a nervous sigh, shaking her head.

“Lina,” Seungmin said softly, sitting up fully now. He took her hands in his, his thumbs grazing over her knuckles. “You know you can tell me anything, right? Whatever it is, I’m here.”

She bit her lip, her eyes glancing at their joined hands before she finally spoke. “Do you… do you ever feel like you’re missing something?” she asked, her voice shaky.

Seungmin tilted his head slightly. “Missing something? What do you mean?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s not that I’m unhappy, but… I just feel like there’s something more I want. Something I can’t stop thinking about.”

He frowned slightly, his worry deepening. “Lina, if I’ve done anything wrong, if there’s something you need from me—”

“No, no!” she interrupted quickly, her hands tightening around his. “It’s not you, Seungmin. It’s me.”

“Then tell me,” he urged gently. “Please.”

She hesitated again, her eyes filling with uncertainty. After a long pause, she took a deep breath and said, “I want a baby.”

Seungmin blinked, his expression softening with surprise. “A baby?” he echoed, his voice filled with curiosity rather than judgment.

Lina immediately stood, a nervous energy taking over her. “I know it’s sudden, and I don’t even know why I feel this way so strongly,” she said, pacing a little. “But I keep thinking about it, Seungmin. I see kids everywhere, and I just… I want to give Bbokie a sibling. I want us to have another child. I can’t stop imagining it.”

Seungmin stood as well, watching her with a mix of affection and amusement. He stepped closer, gently grasping her wrist to stop her pacing. “Lina,” he said softly, turning her to face him. “You could’ve just told me this earlier.”

She looked up at him, her lips trembling. “I didn’t know how,” she admitted. “And I… I thought you wouldn’t understand.”

“Not understand?” he repeated, his brow lifting. “Lina, I’m your husband. I’d understand anything when it comes to you.”

She cupped his face with both hands, her thumbs brushing lightly over his cheekbones. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I’ve just been all over the place, emotionally. I don’t know what’s happening to me.”

Seungmin’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Are you sure you’re not pregnant already? These mood swings…” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Lina’s jaw dropped in mock offense. “Seungmin!” she scolded, giving his chest a light smack. “I’m being serious here, and you’re joking?”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. But his grin didn’t fade, and he added, “You know, you looked so beautiful when you were pregnant with Bucky. Glowing, radiant… Maybe I just want to see that again.”

Lina’s cheeks flushed, and she tried to pull away, but he held her firmly, his laughter filling the room. “You’re incorrigible,” she muttered, though a small smile played at her lips.

“I’m just being honest,” he said, leaning down until their foreheads touched. “But seriously, Lina, you could’ve told me this anytime. You know I’d do anything for you.”

She sighed softly, her nervousness melting away under his warmth. “I feel so silly now,” she admitted. “I kept sending you all those reels, hoping you’d get the hint…”

He laughed again, his hand reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “So that’s what all those reels were about,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m sorry for being dense, okay? I promise to pay more attention next time.”

“You’d better,” she said, though her tone was light and playful. She gave his chest another playful smack. “You’re such a bad husband sometimes.”

“I’m the best husband,” he countered with a grin. “And to prove it…” He leaned in, kissing her cheek, then the corner of her lips, and then her temple. Each kiss was slow and deliberate, filled with affection.

Lina giggled, her heart swelling with joy. “You’re impossible.”

“I know,” he replied, his voice full of warmth. “But I’m also yours. And if you want another baby, then of course I’m ready. As long as it’s with you.”

Her breath hitched at the sincerity in his words. “I love you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

“And I love you,” he replied, capturing her lips in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, their emotions pouring into each other in a way words couldn’t express.

When they finally pulled apart, Lina rested her head against his chest, a contented smile on her face. “I feel like we’re ready for this,” she said softly. “It just feels right.”

Seungmin smiled, his arms wrapping around her protectively. “Then let’s do it, love. Together.”

Chapter Text

The morning sunlight shone through the bedroom windows, casting a soft glow on the neatly made bed and the open wardrobe spilling with Seungmin’s suits. He stood before the mirror, adjusting his blazer, but his tie hung loosely around his neck.

“Lina,” he called, his voice carrying the familiar warmth of his tone.

 Lina appeared in the doorway, her hair slightly tousled from her morning routine. She wore one of his oversized shirts over a pair of leggings, her casual look making her even more cute in his eyes.

“Yes?” she replied, arching an eyebrow as she crossed her arms.

He turned to her with a small, boyish smile, holding up the loose tie. “Help me?”

Lina sighed but couldn’t hide her smile as she walked toward him. “You’re so clueless at times, you know that?” she teased, taking the tie from his hands.

“Better say helpless,” he said, watching her intently as she looped the fabric around his neck. “and Just spoiled. You’ve ruined me, Lina. I can’t even do this myself anymore.”

She rolled her eyes, the blush creeping up her neck betraying her calm face. “Flattery won’t save you everytime you know”

“Oh, I don’t need saving,” he replied smoothly, his voice dipping as his eyes lingered on her face.

She focused on tying the knot, avoiding his intense gaze. But he wasn’t one to miss an opportunity. As she tightened the tie and smoothed it over his chest, his hands lightly grazed her waist, pulling her closer.

“Speaking of ruining me,” he murmured, leaning down slightly. “How are your, or better our…trials going on?”

Her fingers froze mid-adjustment, her head snapping up to look at him. “What?” she asked, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink.

“You know,” he said innocently, though his mischievous grin betrayed him. “Trials. Experiments. Whatever you’d call them.”

“Seungmin!” she scolded, her voice half a whisper, half a squeak. She smacked his chest lightly, though her embarrassment only made him chuckle.

“What?” he said, showing innocence. “It’s a valid question!”

“You’re a teasing idiot,” she muttered, stepping back to fold her arms. But before she could turn away, his hand caught hers, pulling her back toward him.

“Wait,” he said, his tone softening slightly, though the teasing glint remained in his eyes. “You’re blushing. Does that mean…”

She hesitated, her lips parting as if unsure how to answer. Finally, she sighed, letting her shoulders relax. “I checked yesterday,” she said quietly.

His brow lifted in curiosity, his grip on her hand tightening ever so slightly. “And?”

She glanced at him, her eyes holding both excitement and nervousness. “It’s positive,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, his eyes widened, but instead of the over-the-top reaction she expected, his lips curved into a slow, knowing smile.

“I knew it,” he said, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him. “We’ve been working very hard, haven’t we?”

“Seungmin!” she exclaimed, flustered beyond belief. She pushed at his chest, but his hold on her didn’t budge.

“What?” he teased, his grin widening. “I’m just sayiag, i knew  it will happen.”

“You’re supposed to act surprised!” she scolded, her cheeks burning. “When I told you about Bbokie, you were so dramatic. Where’s that energy now?”

He tilted his head, pretending to think. Then, with exaggerated expression, he gasped and placed a hand on his chest. “Oh my gosh, Lina! You’re pregnant? This is the best news ever! How did it happen? Did you and your hus-”

She couldn’t help but laugh, swatting his arm playfully. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I try,” he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “But seriously, I’m so happy, Lina. You’ve made me the luckiest man again.”

Her heart softened at his words, and she smiled up at him. “I was worried you’d think it’s too soon,” she admitted.

“Too soon?” he repeated, shaking his head. “Never. As long as it’s you, Lina, I’d have a hundred kids.”

She laughed, her nose scrunching in amusement. “A hundred? Let’s not get carried away.”

He grinned, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. “So, The glow is because of that huh?”

Her smile widened at his compliment. “I don’t know. It’s a special glow, though. It makes my husband love me more isn’t it?”

He nodded, then his eyes lit up. “I always love my wife. She always glows for me.”

Lina’s eyes sparkled. “She’d love you.”

“I love her too,” he said, kissing her forehead. “And for now…”

“For now?” she asked, her brow lifting.

“For now, we celebrate,” he said, pulling her into his arms and spinning her lightly. Her laughter filled the room, and for a moment, everything else faded away, leaving only their joy.

Bbokie sat on the edge of the steps, her little legs swinging back and forth as blabbered. Seungmin knelt in front of her, one knee on the ground, attempting to tie her shoelaces while she kept shifting her feet.

“Hold still, princess,” Seungmin huffed, tightening the loops. “Unless you want to trip and make Daddy’s heart stop.”

Bbokie giggled. “But, Daddy, it tickles!”

Seungmin sighed . “This is why I need good pay for being your dad.”

Lina walked out of the house, adjusting the sleeves of her cardigan. “Still wrestling with the shoelaces, huh?”

“Your daughter has restless feet,” Seungmin muttered, finally finishing the knot. “There. All done.” He patted Bbokie’s tiny shoe proudly.

Bbokie clapped her hands. “Yay! Now where are we going?”

Lina crouched in front of her, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Daddy is taking us for an ice cream treat.”

At that, Bbokie gasped, eyes wide with excitement. “Really?!” She turned to Seungmin, bouncing on her feet. “For real, Daddy?!”

Seungmin grinned, ruffling her hair. “Thought you’ll like it, my little marshmallow”

Bbokie squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. “Let’s gooo!”

Seungmin laughed, scooping her up in his arms as he stood. “I know, I know. Now, let’s go before someone gets mood swings.” He smirked, looking at his wife.

“Shut up!” Lina giggled, cheeks pink by his statement.

Seungmin chuckled as he went to the car. Once inside, Seungmin started driving, and as expected, Bbokie’s curiosity kicked in.

“Daddy, why is the moon following us?” she asked, peering out of the window.

“Because it loves you,” Seungmin said smoothly.

Bbokie gasped. “The moon loves me?”

“Of course,” Lina added. “Just like we do.”

Bbokie beamed, clearly satisfied with that answer. A few minutes passed before another question popped into her head.

“Daddy, can ice cream get lonely?”

Seungmin exchanged an amused glance with Lina. “Why do you ask, princess?”

“Because…” Bbokie’s tiny hands gestured animatedly. “If I eat all the other scoops except one, won’t that scoop be sad?”

Lina bit her lip to keep from laughing. “I think that’s why people eat the last scoop quickly, so it doesn’t get time to be sad.”

Bbokie gasped again, as if the logic made perfect sense. “Ohhh.”

When they arrived at the ice cream stall, Bbokie practically bounced in her seat as Seungmin unbuckled her. “Strawberry, Mom! I want strawberry!”

“Of course, it's permanent,” Seungmin teased, lifting her out of the car.

Bbokie stuck her tongue out playfully. “Mama, what flavor do you want?”

Lina smiled. “I’ll share with Daddy.”

Bbokie made a face. “You always share. You should get your own!”

“Sharing is caring,” Seungmin said, squeezing Lina’s hand.

Bbokie happily licked her strawberry ice cream, her small fingers clutching the cone as she kicked her little legs under the bench. Seungmin and Lina sat beside her, sharing a cup of vanilla ice cream, occasionally feeding each other tiny spoonfuls.

Bbokie had her own ice cream, licking the pink swirls thoughtfully. After a few seconds, she perked up.

“Daddy!” she called, tugging at his sleeve.

Seungmin turned to her. “Yes, my little marshmallow?”

Bbokie tilted her head. “Do ice cream have a family?”

Seungmin blinked before laughing. “Ice cream having a family? That’s a new one, princess.”

Bbokie nodded seriously, her round eyes wide. “Yes! My ice cream has a big part”—she held up the top of the scoop—“and then little drips!” She pointed at the melted Bbokie running down her cone. “They are the babies!”

Lina and Seungmin exchanged amused glances.

“That’s actually pretty cute,” Lina admitted with a chuckle.

Seungmin nodded, playing along. “So, the big scoop is the mommy, and the little melted parts are the babies, huh?”

“Uh-huh!” Bbokie licked the side of her ice cream. “But… where’s the daddy ice cream?”

Seungmin pretended to think deeply. “Well, maybe the cone is the daddy. He holds everyone together, right?”

Bbokie gasped. “Ooooh!” She looked down at her ice cream cone, clearly impressed.

Seungmin took this as his chance. He smiled softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You know, princess… just like your ice cream family, our family is getting bigger too.”

Bbokie blinked at him, mid-lick. “Huh?”

Seungmin chuckled. “What if I told you… that soon, you’re going to have a little someone? Like how your ice cream has tiny drips?”

Bbokie furrowed her brows. “Little someone?”

Lina gently took her tiny hands in hers. “You’re going to be a big sister, baby.”

Bbokie’s jaw dropped. She stared at them for a moment, then down at her ice cream. “My ice cream… getting a baby?”

Lina let out a soft laugh, squeezing her hands. “Not your ice cream, sweetheart. Us.”

Seungmin leaned closer. “Daddy and Mommy are having a baby. There’s a little baby growing inside Mommy’s tummy.”

Bbokie gasped dramatically, her eyes as round as marbles. She immediately turned to Lina, staring at her stomach like something was about to pop out.

“Daddy! She ate it?!”

Seungmin burst into laughter while Lina giggled, stroking Bbokie’s cheek. “No, baby. I didn’t eat the baby. The baby is growing inside me, like a tiny seed growing into a flower.”

Bbokie’s mouth formed a small “o,” but she still looked a little suspicious. “How it get there?”

Seungmin and Lina exchanged glances.

“Uh… well,” Seungmin started, rubbing the back of his neck. “Remember how we told you about angel stories?”

Bbokie nodded eagerly. “Uh-huh! Angel babies fly in the sky!”

“That’s right,” Lina said, smiling. “And sometimes, when mommies and daddies really, really love their little family, an angel brings a tiny baby and puts it in Mommy’s tummy.”

Bbokie gasped again, now fascinated. “Angel put baby in Mommy?”

“Yes,” Seungmin said, tucking a curl behind her ear. “And after some time, when the baby is ready, we’ll get to meet them.”

Bbokie kicked her legs excitedly. “Ooooh! I have baby now!”

Lina and Seungmin laughed.

“Not yet, love,” Lina corrected gently. “The baby is still growing, so you have to wait a few months.”

Bbokie frowned. “Months is long…”

Seungmin chuckled, kissing the top of her head. “I know, princess. But it’ll be worth it.”

Bbokie seemed to think for a moment. Then, suddenly, her eyes widened, and she gasped again. “Wait! Wait!” She grabbed Seungmin’s sleeve in panic. “But if baby comes, do I have to share… Daddy and Mommy?”

Lina felt her heart melt. She pulled Bbokie onto her lap, hugging her close. “Oh, baby, no. You will always be our little girl. No one can take that away.”

Seungmin nodded, cupping her tiny cheeks. “Princess, we will love you just as much as always. Maybe even more because you’ll be a big sister.”

Bbokie sniffled, then wiped her nose on Seungmin’s sleeve. “Okay…”

Seungmin sighed. “Really? My sleeve, princess?”

Bbokie giggled, her worries disappearing. Then, she gasped for the hundredth time. “Ooooh! Channie and Binnie are big brothers too! Right, Daddy?”

“That’s right,” Seungmin said, ruffling her hair. “Just like Binnie has a little brother, you’ll have a little sibling too.”

Bbokie suddenly perked up. “Can I tell Channie?!”

Lina and Seungmin quickly shook their heads. “Nooo, no, princess,” Lina said gently. “It’s a secret for now.”

“A secret?” Bbokie’s eyes widened in awe. “Like a mission?!”

“Exactly,” Seungmin whispered, holding out his pinky. “Secret mission. No one can know until we tell them, okay?”

Bbokie grinned, linking her tiny pinky with his. “Promise!”

Seungmin kissed the top of her head. “Good girl.”

Lina wrapped her arms around both of them. “You’re going to be the best big sister, my love.”

Bbokie giggled, cuddling closer. “And the baby… can have my ice cream drips!”

Seungmin and Lina laughed, holding their little girl close.

“Let’s go back”. Lina said, standing up and ruffling on her husband’s hair lovingly.

“No, no, not that way, Binnie”, Hyunjin said, helping her son.

Changbin, thirteen, stood on his toes, leaning slightly over the counter. A bowl of halved grapes sat before him, and he held a tiny knife carefully—just as his mom had shown him. He tilted a grape piece, then looked up with curious eyes.

“Like this, Mom?” he asked, holding it up proudly.

Hyunjin smiled warmly from across the counter as she garnished the tray of glasses with mint. “Almost perfect, Binnie. Just a little slant... see? If you cut it like this—” she took one gently from his hand and tilted the knife at an angle, “—you’ll get a heart. Try again.”

Changbin’s eyes sparkled. “Hearts are for special people, right?”

Hyunjin nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “That’s why we’re making them today.”

From the living room, tiny feet padded across the floor. “Mamaaa,” five-year-old Channie called out, his face half-buried in the living room curtain. “When is Bbokie coming?”

“She’s coming soon, baby,” Hyunjin called back. “Just be patient a little more.”

“But I cleaned my dinos for her!” Channie exclaimed. “All of them! Even the big blue one!”

Changbin snorted. “You always clean that one.”

Channie ignored the tease and skipped back toward the window. “I’m gonna stand here till they come!”

Meanwhile, in the living room, Grandma Innie arranged tiny cushions on the couch while Grandpa Lix flipped through an old photo album, grinning. “Bbokiee must be all grown up by now,” he murmured fondly. “Last time she called me ‘Gwampa’...”

Innie chuckled. “She still might.”

Just then, the soft hum of a car pulling into the driveway caught everyone’s attention.

Channie gasped. “They’re here! They’re here!” he shouted, running toward the door.

Hyunjin wiped her hands and peeked out the window. “Jisung went to pick them up, remember?”

The front door swung open before anyone could even knock.

“Grandpaaa!” Bbokie squealed with excitement, dashing in with her tiny arms outstretched and her little backpack bouncing on her back.

Felix barely had time to straighten up before the three-year-old jumped into his arms. “Whoa! There’s my sunshine!” he laughed, lifting her up and twirling her once. “Did you grow taller on the flight?”

“I’m big now!” Bbokie declared proudly, patting her own head. “I eat carrots!”

Grandma Innie walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “And you’re even cuter than last time. Come give Grandma a kiss!”

Bbokie wiggled out of her grandpa’s arms and ran to hug Innie’s legs before grabbing her hand. “Grandma, I saw clouds from the plane! Like, cotton!”

As they fussed over Bbokie, Han stepped inside, dragging in one of the suitcases with a smirk. “I swear she didn’t even say hi to me at the airport. Straight-up forgot I existed.”

Hyunjin, peeking from the kitchen door, chuckled. “That’s what you get for not making grape hearts fast enough.”

“Hyunjin,” Seungmin greeted as he entered behind Han, his hands casually stuffed in his pockets. His eyes scanned the room quickly until they found Lina, who was still by the doorway, brushing invisible dust off her dress.

“Lemme help my wife with her bag, right Jagi?,” Seungmin teased, dropping the suitcase with a thud.

But before he could even turn, Lina raised a brow. “Excuse me, I’ve got it—”

“No, you don’t,” Seungmin said smoothly, walking past Han and taking the bag from her shoulder without asking. “You’re not lifting a finger today.”

Their hands brushed during the exchange, and Lina gave him a quick smile while murmuring, “Control yourself, someone might catch on.”

“I’m very subtle,” he whispered back, before throwing a casual glance.  “I’m just being a gentleman,” Seungmin said, all innocence.

Bbokie, meanwhile, had plopped herself on the couch and was already calling out, “Where’s Channie?! He say he make juice!”

“I made the grape hearts!” Changbin appeared from the dining area holding a tray of small glasses with carefully cut heart-shaped grape slices floating on top. “And Channie made a mess, but also helped.”

Five-year-old Channie peeked from behind him. “Bbooookkiiiiii!” he screamed and ran to tackle her in a hug that almost knocked her off the couch.

“Channie!” she squealed. “I fly in sky! Did you see?”

“You fly? Really?” he asked wide-eyed.

“Yeah! I saw clouds and trees and one bird!”

As the kids chattered, Grandma Innie brought in a plate of cookies, setting it on the table. “Snack time, little ones. Let’s not let our grape hearts melt while you two fly to the moon.”

The room was buzzing with warmth. Hyunjin offered Lina a spot on the couch, and she sat down with a soft sigh. Seungmin sat beside her, casually resting his arm on the couch behind her, his fingers just brushing her shoulder.

“Com-on guys, we’ll construct this on the carpet”, Changbin said, taking the bridge lego set with him and behind two little babies following him.

“Binnie,” Bbokie asked, holding up a red piece, “this one go here?”

Changbin glanced over and adjusted her piece. “No, no, not like that. Look—like this. You have to press this one down here first.”

Bbokie blinked and followed his instructions. “Like this?”

“Yeah, yeah! Good job!” he nodded approvingly, then added with a mischievous grin, “Even though you’re the smallest one here, you’re not that bad.”

Bbokie froze. “Nooo, I’m big” she asked, eyes wide.

“I said you’re the smallest! You’re tiny!”

Bbokie stood up immediately, hands on her hips. “I am NOT small!”

“You literally are!” Channie laughed, holding a Lego piece like a trophy. “My mom said Bbokie is the baby of our family!”

“I am not!” she puffed, dramatically. “I am a big sister!”

Both Binnie and Channie paused. “What?” Channie said with a tilt of his head.

“You’re the youngest one in this house, Bbokie,” Binni said slowly. “That makes no sense.”

Then suddenly, Bboki’s eyes widened, as if her brain had just caught up with her mouth. She clapped both hands over her lips. “Uh-oh,” she mumbled through her fingers. “No-no-no-no-no…Secret spilled”

Binni sat up straighter. “What?! What?! What you say? Tell me!”

Channie was now leaning in way too close, whispering, “What happened to your mouth?”

“I... I have to tell you guys a secret,” Bboki said in a whisper-shout, looking around suspiciously like a cartoon spy.

Binnie leaned in, matching her whisper. “Okay, what secret?”

She looked at both of them very seriously. “You can’t tell anyone, okay?”

“We swear!” Channie said immediately, raising his hand.

“Pinky promise,” Bbokie ordered, holding out her smallest finger.

Three tiny pinkies locked in the most sacred of deals.

Bbokie took a breath, then pointed to her own belly dramatically. “Mama has a baby in here!”

Channie blinked. “...Inside you?!”

“NO!” she cried. “In mama’s tummy! I’m gonna be a big sister!”

Channie gasped, eyes wide. “Like a real baby?! Like the kind that cries and makes poo?!”

Bbokie nodded proudly. “Yes! A tiny baby. But I’m the older one, okay?! So I’m not small anymore!”

“Mama is p-pwwegnent” Bbokie said, kind of thinking what her parents addressed it.

“Pwwegnent”, Channie muttered.

Binnie stared at her, then slowly grinned. “So that’s why Uncle Minnie is acting all caring with Auntie Lina! He was carrying her bag like a bodyguard!”

“I knew something was weird!” Binnie chimed in. “She gets the softest pillow now!”

“Shhh!” Bboki panicked. “You swore! No telling! Promise again!”

They all slapped their pinkies together again.

“Fine, fine,” Binnie smirked. “But now you’re baby Bbokie the big sister. That’s double trouble.”

Bboki tossed a Lego at him. “I’m serious!”

“I’m scared for the new baby already,” Channie muttered, ducking another Lego. “Poor thing’s gonna get bossed around from day one.”

They all burst into giggles, the Lego bridge forgotten as they flopped onto the carpet, whispering theories about whether the baby would like dinosaurs, grapes, or cartoons—and if it would cry louder than Channie on a bad day.

 The kids were halfway through their meals—except Bbokie, whose plate had been suspiciously cleared with maximum enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Lina, seated quietly beside her daughter, kept fussing over her—cutting food, refilling water, wiping her chin—without touching much on her own plate.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, noticing. “Lina, you’re not eating at all.”

Lina glanced up with a sheepish smile. “I’m fine… just not feeling very hungry.”

Instantly, silence trickled in around the table like a ripple. Mrs. Kim—the ever-watchful mother-in-law—put down her chopsticks, eyes narrowing just a bit.

“Are you okay dear? Did you not like the food?”

“No, no! It’s not that!” Lina waved her hands quickly. “Just... uh, a little nauseous. Maybe the spices…”

Seungmin cleared his throat and gently placed his spoon down. “Well... actually, there’s something....a secret news that we wanted to tell you all.”

Bbokie, wide-eyed with her spoon in her mouth, immediately gasped and smacked the table with her tiny hand. “Papa! You’re not supposed to tell!”

Everyone blinked at her. “What?”

“You said it’s a secret!” Bbokie declared, puffing her cheeks. “We’re not allowed to tell anyone yet!”

Seungmin stifled a laugh. “Sweetheart, we agreed to tell today. You knew this.”

“Nooo,” she said stubbornly. “You said we tell only when Mama says yes! And Mama didn’t say yes!”

Jisung leaned in, grinning. “Okay, okay. What’s going on here? Secret mission?”

“Oh, you’ll see,” Seungmin said with a wink.

“But papa-

Suddenly, Channie, holding a carrot stick like a microphone, announced: “Aunty Lina is pwwegnent!”

SPLASH!

Han, who had just taken a big gulp of water, choked and spat it right out—unintentionally spraying half of it onto his poor brother, who shrieked, “Yah! My shirt!”

The entire table turned chaotic.

Lina hid her face in both palms as Bbokie turned to glare at Channie. “It was a secret! I told you not to say it!”

“You never pinky-promised properly!” Channie argued, poking his tongue out.

“Because your pinky is sweaty!”

“It is not! It’s just moisturized!”

“Sweetheart, wasn’t it supposed to be a secret?” Lina asked Bbokie.

“Mom Binnie called me a baby, but you only said that the baby is the baby now.” Bbokie complained.

Before anyone could interfere, Bbokie was already yanking his hair lightly. “Youu cheated!”

“Ow, ow! Help me, hyung!” Chani yelled, ducking behind Binnie, who had been trying to eat peacefully.

“I’m not getting involved,” Binnie said, shoving a bite of rice into his mouth. “I like my hair.”

The adults, meanwhile, were either laughing or gasping. Mr. Kim was already up hugging Seungmin, while Mrs. Kim pulled Lina into a warm hug, beaming. “A grandchild again! Oh my god, oh my god, I was waiting for this day!”

“I knew you looked glowing lately!” Hyunjin added, grinning.

And just when things settled a bit, Hyunjin asked, “So when did you find out, huh?”

“Two weeks ago”, Lina said, with a subtle smile on her face.

Grandma Innie, still giggly, dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “But when did this happen? I mean—how long have you known? Why didn’t you tell us earlier?!”

Seungmin leaned back in his chair with that unmistakable glint in his eye, turning ever so slightly toward Lina.

“Well… someone was getting a bit too desperate for another baby…” he said, dragging the word too playfully, with a sly side glance at Lina. “Kept talking about tiny socks and nursery colors and baby names... so what was I supposed to do?”

Lina’s eyes widened as she immediately gave him a light smack on the arm, her face glowing red. “Seungmin!” she hissed.

The whole table erupted in laughter. Even Hyunjin almost dropped her spoon, laughing into her napkin.

“Yah, yah, don’t blame her!” Jisung joined in, grinning. “Baby fever is real, huh?”

“I did not have baby fever!” Lina defended weakly, now hiding half her face behind her hands, while Bbokie giggled loudly from beside her.

“Yes, you did, mama!” Bboki chimed in innocently. “You used to say I’m so big now, you miss the small baby things.”

Seungmin chuckled and leaned closer, just enough for Lina to hear, voice warm and low. “Not my fault you look extra cute when you’re daydreaming about baby's scent.”

“Seungmin!” she muttered again, hiding her smile now behind her palm.

“I ship them again,” Bieaid loudly, chewing on a slice of cucumber. “Even though they’re already married.”

Seungmin looked at Lina and shrugged playfully. “You wanted a baby… I gave you one. Teamwork, right?”

Lina, blushing furiously, just buried her face into her napkin while everyone teased her in the softest, most loving way possible.

Bbokie, meanwhile, stood proudly on her chair, hands on hips. “I’m gonna be a big sister now. So I want my own room and my own candy jar. And no one touches it. Especially Channie.”

“I didn’t touch it! Last time it fell because your jar was slippery!” he cried.

“I will pull your hair again!”

“Okay, okay! Sorry! Don’t do that again!”

Chaos resumed. Laughter, cheers, teary eyes and playful shouts blended like one big, warm blanket of family madness.

It just felt like home.

The bedroom was dim, bathed in the soft amber glow of a side lamp. Lina sat quietly on the bed, her knees curled, a tender smile resting on her lips. In her hands were the tiny cream-colored mittens—the same ones she’d bought from the mall . She was caressing them gently, almost like holding a memory in her palms.

Just then, the bathroom door creaked open.

Seungmin walked out, drying his damp hair with a towel, shirtless and freshly showered. “Ah, finally,” he exhaled, tossing the towel aside.

He walked to the bed, catching sight of Lina lost in her little world.

“Where’s Bbokie?” he asked, sliding under the covers beside her.

Lina chuckled softly, still looking at the mittens. “She went to sleep with her cousins. Channie and Binnie refused to let her go.”

Seungmin raised a brow and smirked. “Wow, wow, wow… I have my wife all to myself tonight?”

Lina gave him a side-eye, stifling her laugh. “Look at you. You’re about to become a father of two, and you’re still behaving like a teenage boy.”

He leaned closer, a playful grin tugging at his lips. “Doesn’t matter how many babies come, I’ll always be your first baby, right?”

She didn’t answer—only blushed, biting her lip.

He noticed, his eyes softening, then shifted his gaze to the mittens in her hands. “These are for the new baby?”

Lina nodded. “Yeah. I… kept them with me. Thought it would make me feel the feeling of my little one.”

“Give me,” he said, reaching out. She placed the mittens in his hands gently.

He turned them over, admiring the delicate fabric. “So soft…” Then, as expected of Seungmin, he tried to poke his hand through. His fingers barely made it past the opening.

“They’re not fitting,” he announced with mock confusion.

Lina laughed. “Because you’re a very big baby.”

He grinned and leaned over, resting his head gently on her bump. “This baby’s going to get so much love…”

He was quiet for a moment, still holding the mitten in one hand. Then in a softer voice, he added, “I never got these… mittens. Or this kind of love.”

Lina reached out, cupping his cheek. “You’re getting it now, aren’t you?”

He looked up, smiled. “Noo...i got once, More than I ever imagined when you-you became pregnent with this cherry pie and gave me gratitude remember?”

“How do you come up with this cutesy name?”

“Learnt from the cute mom of the cherry pie,” Seungmin grinned.

She tugged his hand. “What? Come here now. Sleep.”

He slid under the blanket, curling into her side as she wrapped her arms around him.

She kissed his forehead, letting her lips linger. “You’re such a baby, Seungmin.”

“Mm,” he hummed, cuddling closer. “Your favorite one, I hope.”

She laughed into his hair. “Always.”

“Wait no”, Seungmin bolted awake. “Did you drink water?”

“Yes yes, Mr husband, now sleep?"

Seungmin kissed her and her belly, bidding what sweet senseless things but all that matters is now she has a life, growing in her, like she anticipated and with this, she cuddled to sleep, gratitude in heart.