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I love you. I feel as though we were never strangers, you and I, not even for a moment.
― Friedrich Nietzsche, from a letter to Mathilde Trampedach c. April 1876
The announcement over the airport speakers was almost drowned out by the noise of the bustling terminal, but Doyoung caught the key words: delayed flight. He let out a sigh, glancing down at his daughter.
“Two more hours, Minyoung,” he said, kneeling to her level. “We’re going to have to wait a little longer to get on the plane. Are you okay with that?”
Minyoung pouted but nodded, her two high pigtails wrapped in blue bows bouncing with the motion.
Doyoung gets up and begins walking through the terminal, but stops when he feels Minyoung tugging at his sleeves, her eyes bright. “Can I have some milk, Daddy? I’m thirsty.”
“Milk?” Doyoung laughed lightly, he can never resist that look. “Anything for you sweet bun, come on.” He reached for her hand, and strolled toward a nearby cafe.
The cafe smelled of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Minyoung pressed her small hands against the glass display case, her nose almost touching it as she marveled at the array of desserts.
“One milk, please,” Doyoung told the cashier, pulling out his wallet. While he waited, Minyoung’s attention was already on the pastries.
“Daddy, look! They have bunny cookies!” she exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the cookie decorated with pink frosting.
Doyoung followed her gaze and smiled. “I see them, bunbun. Do you want one?”
Minyoung hesitated, her eyes darting between him and the cookies. “But I already asked for milk,” she said, her voice small.
“You can have both,” Doyoung assured her, crouching down to her height. “Milk and a cookie. Let’s call it a treat for being so patient about the delay. Does that sound good to you?”
Her face lit up, nodding vigorously. Doyoung added the cookie to his order, and soon they were seated at a small table by the cafe’s window. Minyoung carefully held the carton of milk in her hands, taking small, deliberate sips, while Doyoung unwrapped the cookie and handed it to her.
“Thank you, Daddy,” she said, her words slightly muffled as she bit into the cookie.
“You’re welcome, bunbun,” Doyoung replied, reaching for his coffee. He watched as she swung her legs under the table, humming a tune only she knew. Her joy was infectious, and for a moment, the stress of the delay melted away.
As they finished, Doyoung glanced at his watch. They still had an hour before boarding. "Alright, ready to head back to the waiting area?" he asked.
Minyoung nodded, holding his hand as they made their way back. Her milk carton was still half-full, and she clutched it tightly, determined not to waste a drop. Doyoung couldn't help but smile.
They found seats near the gate, Doyoung carefully positioning Minyoung in a seat next to him. He placed her small backpack on the floor by her feet and handed her the carton of milk she’d been clutching since the cafe.
“Here you go,” he said, brushing a strand of her hair back. “Drink it slowly, okay?”
Minyoung nodded, already tilting the carton to her lips with gusto. Doyoung smiled faintly before turning his attention to his laptop. The presentation he’d given yesterday was still fresh in his mind, a mix of musical theory slides, detailed discussions, and enthusiastic questions from students and faculty. Now, he had follow-up emails to write: professors requesting his notes, a potential collaboration proposal to consider, and even a heartfelt thank you from a student who’d said his lecture had been the highlight of their semester.
The cursor blinked at him on the email draft. He leaned back for a moment, exhaling softly. His fingers hovered over the keys, but his eyes flicked over to Minyoung, who was kicking her legs as she sipped her milk.
“You’re doing okay there?” he asked, just to be sure.
Minyoung nodded, giving him a quick thumbs-up before returning her focus to her drink.
Doyoung chuckled and shook his head, turning his attention back to his screen. His mind was so focused on his work that he didn’t immediately notice when Minyoung began shifting in her seat. The chair creaked softly as she leaned forward, her eyes scanning the bustling terminal. People passed by with suitcases trailing behind them, the announcements echoing overhead. A group of teenagers nearby laughed loudly. Minyoung watched everything with curiosity, her milk carton now half-empty on the armrest beside her.
Doyoung glanced sideways. “Minyoung-ah,” he called, his voice gentle but firm. “Stay close, alright? Daddy’s working.”
“Okay!” she chirped, though her feet had already started tapping restlessly against the floor.
Doyoung sighed. As a professor, he prided himself on not raising an “iPad kid.” He’d always encouraged Minyoung to engage with her surroundings, to explore and observe the world rather than retreat into screens. Usually, he packed books for her—a little stack of J. Sunnyfield’s books, her favorite—but the chaos of his recent business trips had thrown him off his usual rhythm. No books, no toys. Just milk and a tiny backpack filled mostly with snacks.
The terminal, however, was a playground of its own, at least in Minyoung’s eyes.
She slid off her seat, clutching the milk carton with both hands, and began wandering a short distance away. Now, she was on an adventure. She stopped at a large potted plant near their gate, peering at the leaves before looking back at Doyoung to make sure he hadn’t noticed.
He had.
“Not too far!” he warned, his eyes briefly leaving his laptop.
“I’m just looking!” she called back innocently, her pigtails bouncing.
Doyoung sighed again but let her explore within his periphery. He trusted her to stay close, but his attention remained divided between his emails and her tiny form darting about. She was inspecting a set of luggage wheels when an airport worker walked by with a service dog. Her eyes lit up as she waved enthusiastically at the dog, who wagged its tail in response. Doyoung watched her wave, a small smile tugging at his lips. It was these moments that reminded him why he worked so hard: to give Minyoung the space to be curious, carefree, and full of life.
But her boundless energy came with its own challenges.
Minyoung spotted a vending machine near the corner of the waiting area and trotted toward it. She pressed her face against the glass, squinting at the brightly colored packaged snacks inside. “Daddy, can I have this?” she shouted, pointing at a candy bar.
Doyoung, who had just started an email response, shook his head without looking up. “You already have your milk, Minyoung-ah. Snacks can wait until we’re on the plane.”
“Okay!” she replied, retreating back toward their seats.
Except, she wasn’t watching where she was going. The milk carton in her hand tipped slightly as she walked, a few drops sloshing dangerously close to the rim. She turned a little too sharply to avoid a suitcase, and—
“Ah!”
The carton slipped from her grasp, the remaining milk splattering onto the floor before landing squarely on the cuff of someone’s jeans.
Doyoung’s head snapped up at the sound of his daughter’s startled cry, his sharp dad instincts kicking in. He immediately recognized her frozen stance and her milk carton on the ground. Doyoung quickly tossed his laptop into his bag and jumped to his feet, taking long strides to close the distance between them.
Minyoung froze mid-step, her small frame going rigid as her wide, guilty eyes traveled up the length of the victim. She stared at the man’s knees, then his torso, and finally, his face.
“Minyoung!” he called, his voice tight with alarm.
The man, who had been leaning back in his seat with headphones snug over his ears, one hand casually scrolling through his phone, frowned slightly. His eyes flickered open, and he pulled one side of his headphones off, blinking down at the milk on his pants now dripping onto his sneakers.
“Oh, no,” Doyoung murmured under his breath as he reached them. He crouched to Minyoung’s level, his hands instinctively cupping her small shoulders. “Minyoung-ah, what happened?”
Minyoung opened her mouth but only managed a soft squeak of a sound. She pointed weakly at the carton near the man’s feet.
“I am so sorry,” Doyoung began, standing and turning to the man. His eyes quickly scan for any sign of anger or irritation. “She’s usually more careful. I—I should have been watching her more closely.”
The man tilted his head slightly, looking between Doyoung and Minyoung with a bemused expression. His warm, honey-brown eyes crinkled at the corners, though his lips twitched as if suppressing a grin. He set his phone and headphones down on the seat beside him, brushing off the wet spots on his trousers casually.
“It’s fine,” he said, his voice deep yet easygoing. “I think it’s time my jeans needed a wash anyway.”
His playful tone caught Doyoung off guard. He blinked, his stiff demeanor softening a fraction.
“I still feel terrible,” Doyoung insisted, bowing slightly. “Minyoung, what do we say when we make a mess?”
Minyoung hesitated, fidgeting her fingers nervously, before stepping forward. Her head tilted back to look up at the man, her big eyes now shimmering with contrition.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice small but sincere.
The man finally let his grin surface, crouching forward to meet her gaze. “It’s okay, little one,” he said warmly. “Spills happen. What’s your name?”
“Minyoung,” she said proudly. “And this is my Daddy.” She pointed at Doyoung, who smiled apologetically.
“Nice to meet you, Minyoung, Daddy,” the man grinned, preparing to get up his seat before extending his hand out to Doyoung.
“It’s Doyoung,” he corrected, shaking the man’s offered hand. “And again, I’m really sorry about the milk.”
The man waved a hand dismissively. “Seriously, it’s no big deal. I’m Johnny, by the way.” He stood up to his full height, towering slightly over Doyoung, who tilted his head to properly meet Johnny’s gaze.
Doyoung’s immediate thought was that Johnny seemed unfairly handsome for someone dressed so casually. Tousled hair with slight curls, a broad smile that was impossible to dislike, and an effortless warmth in the way he carried himself.
Before Doyoung could say anything, Minyoung tugged at his sleeve.
“Daddy, he’s really tall,” she murmured, as if Johnny couldn’t hear her.
Johnny chuckled, “I get that a lot. But you know, Minyoung, you’re pretty tall for your age too. Maybe one day, you’ll be as tall as me.”
Minyoung giggled at the thought, her earlier nervousness dissolving into delight.
Doyoung sighed, with a trace of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Again, I’m so sorry for the mess. I can—um, buy you coffee to make up for it or some napkins to help clean up—”
Johnny interrupted him with a wave of his hand. “Really, it’s okay. Why don’t you two sit for a bit?”
Minyoung didn’t need any further invitation. She plopped herself down beside Johnny, her small hands resting on her lap as she tilted her head to look up at him. Doyoung hesitated before reluctantly taking the other seat beside her. The three of them sat in a row, with Minyoung comfortably nestled in the middle.
Johnny glanced between the two, his lips forming a small smile. His eyes landed on the bunny motifs on their outfits. Doyoung’s cream cardigan with a big pink bunny patch embroidered on the front pocket, and Minyoung’s blue sweater decorated with a cheerful bunny family across the front.
“I’m curious though, what’s the story behind the bunny theme? Did you lose a bet or something?” his tone slightly teasing.
Doyoung chuckled, “Do you want to hear the silly reason or the serious reason first?”
Johnny raised an eyebrow. “Silly reason, of course. Always start with the fun stuff.”
Doyoung sighed, though there was a playful glint in his eyes as he nudged Minyoung gently. “She thinks I look like a bunny,” he admitted, giving her a fond look. “She even calls me ‘Daddy Bunbun’ sometimes. And she insisted we match today. You know, I couldn’t say no to her sweet face.”
Johnny blinked in surprise “Daddy Bunbun? Really?” He looked at Minyoung, who nodded enthusiastically, clearly proud of her nickname for her father.
“Yep!” she chirped. “Daddy looks just like a bunny, especially when he’s all worried.”
Johnny grinned, reaching into his pocket for his phone. “Hold on, I gotta see this for myself.” He quickly searched for a picture of an anxious-looking rabbit and turned the screen toward them.
“See?” Johnny said, pointing at the image. “Spitting image. What do you think, Minyoung?”
Minyoung leaned closer, her big eyes lighting up as she inspected the photo. “That’s Daddy Bunbun!” she declared, clapping her hands.
Doyoung groaned, covering his face with one hand. “I can’t believe this is happening,” yet the corners of his mouth betrayed a smile.
Johnny was enjoying himself far too much, his laughter drawing the attention of a few nearby travelers. “You’ve got to admit,” he said, his voice still tinged with amusement, “it’s a pretty accurate comparison.”
“Go on then, laugh it up,” Doyoung said, shaking his head, but his tone lacked any real bite.
Johnny leaned back in his seat, catching his breath. “Alright, now I have to know the serious reason. What’s the story there?”
“She loves animals,” Doyoung’s voice softens, caressing Minyoung’s back. “Her dream is to become a veterinarian one day.”
Minyoung beamed at the mention, sitting up a little straighter. “I want to take care of bunnies, and puppies, and kitties, and—”
Johnny held up a hand. “Hold on, hold on. That’s a pretty big list, but I think you can do it.” He glanced at Doyoung. “That’s really sweet. You must be proud of her.”
Doyoung nodded fondly. “I am. She’s always had such a big heart for animals.”
“And for you, clearly,” Johnny said, gesturing at their matching outfits again. “The bunny theme is adorable.”
“It’s cute until people start agreeing with her rabbit comparisons,” Doyoung chuckles dryly, betrayed by the warmth in his eyes every time he glances at Minyoung.
“I’m just saying, Minyoung has an eye for these things,” Johnny teased. “And she’s not wrong.”
Minyoung giggled, leaning over to whisper loudly to Johnny, “Daddy gets embarrassed when people call him a bunny.”
Johnny feigned a serious nod. “Well, we’ll have to be extra careful not to call him that…too much.”
Doyoung rolled his eyes, but the laughter bubbling in his chest couldn’t be contained. It had been a while since a stranger—no, anyone—had managed to put him at ease so quickly. He wasn’t sure if it was Johnny’s easygoing charm or the way he treated Minyoung like she was the most interesting person in the room. Either way, he found himself smiling more than he expected.
“Alright, enough about me and my embarrassing nicknames,” Doyoung said, a soft laugh escaping him as he shifted the focus of the conversation. “What about you? Why are you at the airport today?”
Johnny’s expression turned thoughtful. “I was in Dallas for a photo exhibition. My best friend, Jaehyun, is the artist. He’s been working on this project for years, so there was no way I was going to miss it. It was incredible.”
“Sounds like a good friend,” Doyoung said. “Was it worth the trip?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Johnny replied. “Jaehyun’s insanely talented. His portraits...they kind of just pull you in. It was like looking at stories frozen in time, you know? The kind of stuff that makes you stop and think for a second.”
“It’s always impressive when someone can evoke that kind of emotion with their work.” Doyoung pressed on, “You haven’t answered my question though, where are you headed now?”
Johnny chuckled, “Heading home to Chicago. It’s back to the grind, baby.”
Doyoung’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Chicago? That’s where we’re headed too. Small world.”
“Really?” Johnny asked, his grin widening. “Guess it’s a lucky coincidence.”
Doyoung laughed slightly, shifting in his seat. “You could say that. I’ve been in Austin for the past week, giving a presentation at UT Austin about a music theory project I’ve been working on. Been a long week.”
Johnny raised an eyebrow, visibly impressed. “Music theory? That’s not something you hear everyday. Are you a musician?”
Doyoung smiled faintly, shaking his head. “Not exactly. I’m an assistant professor at UIChicago, so most of my work revolves around research and teaching. The trip was great, but balancing work and taking care of Minyoung while preparing for it? Let’s just say I’m ready for a 12 hour nap.”
“Whoa, a professor? That’s impressive. And here I was, thinking you were just a chill dad in bunny cardigans.” Johnny gestured toward Doyoung’s laptop bag, decorated by a couple of bunny pins.
Doyoung laughed. “Minyoung’s the culprit, and yeah, the bunny pins don’t exactly scream ‘professor,’ do they? But hey, they keep my kid happy, and that’s what matters.”
“I think they make you memorable,” Johnny teased, his grin widening. “So you’re some notable music professor who also makes time for matching outfits with his kid. That’s a pretty solid flex.”
Doyoung shook his head, smiling despite himself. “I wouldn’t call it a flex. It’s just life.”
Johnny leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “If we end up on the same flight, I might start thinking the universe is trying to tell me something.”
Doyoung didn’t reply, a smirk tugging at his lips.
The announcement for their flight came over the speakers, and Doyoung immediately shifted into dad mode, gathering Minyoung’s belongings and his own.
“Well,” Doyoung said, standing and adjusting the strap of his laptop bag, “it was nice meeting you, Johnny. Hopefully, our paths cross again someday.”
Johnny nodded, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his features. “Yeah. Safe travels.”
He watched as Doyoung guided Minyoung toward the gate, her tiny hand clung to her father’s sleeve. Minyoung waved back at him with her free hand. Johnny waved back, chuckling to himself.
For the first time in a while, he found himself wishing he’d been a little braver. Maybe he could’ve asked for his number or found a way to stretch the conversation a little longer. Still, as he picked up his bag and waited for his boarding group to be called, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this might not be the last time he’d see the handsome dad and his sprightly daughter.
Stepping onto the plane, Johnny immediately scanned the rows, searching for his seat. He glanced at his boarding pass, then back up at the numbers above the seats. Row 21. His footsteps slowed when he noticed a familiar set of pigtails tied with blue ribbons poking up from one of the seats.
Johnny squinted, a smile already forming as he got closer. Sure enough, it was Minyoung, bouncing slightly in her seat, the ribbons in her hair bobbing with the movement. Doyoung leaning over to adjust her sweater while murmuring something to her.
“Well, would you look at that,” Johnny said, stopping at their row. He rested a hand on the top of the seat, grinning down at them. “Didn’t think I’d run into you two again so soon.”
Minyoung’s head whipped around at the sound of his voice. “Mr. Johnny!” she squealed, scrambling up to her knees on the seat to face him.
Doyoung looked up, surprise flashing across his face before it softened into a smile. “Johnny? You’re here too?”
Johnny grinned, holding up his boarding pass. “Looks like we’re neighbors for this flight.” He gestured to the window seat beside Minyoung. “This one’s mine.”
“Fate really has a sense of humor,” Doyoung said, shaking his head as he helped Minyoung climb back down to sit properly.
Johnny chuckled, stowing his carry-on in the overhead compartment. “I’ll be your in-flight entertainment today, Minyoung-ah.”
Minyoung clapped her hands. “Yay! You’re sitting with us!”
Doyoung gave him an apologetic look, though the corners of his mouth were tugging upward. “I hope you’re ready to put up with two hours of endless questions.”
“Are you kidding?” Johnny said, settling into his seat and adjusting his belt. “I’ve got plenty of energy for this bunny.”
Minyoung giggled and turned to her dad, tugging on his sleeve. “Daddy, Mr. Johnny is going to sit with us the whole way!”
“I can see that,” Doyoung said, shooting Johnny a look of mock exasperation. “And I thought I might get a quick shut-eye on the plane.”
Johnny leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret with Minyoung. “Don’t worry, we’ll team up on him.”
Minyoung gasped, eyes wide with excitement. “Yeah!”
Doyoung sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up. “Great. Now I’m officially outnumbered.”
Johnny laughed, but he couldn’t help but marvel at the coincidence. Of all the rows, of all the flights, here they were.
Johnny turned to Doyoung with a playful glint in his eye. “So, about that whole fate thing you mentioned earlier, what do you call this?”
Doyoung tilted his head, pretending to think. “An extremely inconvenient coincidence?”
“Ouch,” Johnny said while clutching his chest in mock offense. “I was going for something more like, I don’t know, serendipity?”
Minyoung frowned up at him, the word clearly unfamiliar. “What’s seren…dipty?” she asked, stumbling over the pronunciation.
“It’s like a happy accident,” Johnny explained, shooting a grin at Doyoung. “Something good that happens when you least expect it.”
“Like spilled milk?” Doyoung deadpanned, an eyebrow raised.
“Hey,” Johnny said, holding up his hands in defense. “If getting milk on my jeans led me here, I’d say it was worth it.”
Minyoung leaned over the armrest, holding a pencil in one hand and tapping Johnny’s arm with the other. “Can you draw me bunnies, Mr. Johnny? But not just any bunnies. I want one hopping, one eating a carrot, and one... um… riding a bike!”
Johnny chuckled, grabbing a small drawing pad from his bag. “Bunnies on bikes? You’ve got quite the imagination, Minyoung.” He began sketching, his hand moving fluidly over the paper. The first bunny came to life mid-hop, its long ears flopping as it headed toward a carrot patch.
“This one’s hopping into a carrot patch,” Johnny narrated, holding up the sketch. Minyoung gasped in delight, clapping her hands.
“And this one,” Johnny continued, starting on the next, “is the coolest bunny in town, riding a bike with heart sunglasses .” He added tiny details. A red heart balloon tied to the back of the seat, a bell on the handlebar.
Minyoung squealed with joy. “Daddy, look! Mr. Johnny is so good at this!”
Doyoung leaned in, clearly impressed himself. “Wow,” he admitted. “How are you so good at this? They look just like J. Sunnyfield’s drawings, Minyoung’s favorite books!”
Johnny only grinned. “Well, an artist never reveals his secrets,” he said lightly, holding up as Minyoung nodded in awe.
Doyoung watched them interact with amusement. “Do you work with kids?”
Johnny shook his head. “Not directly. But I write children’s books. It’s kind of in the job description to understand how they think.”
“That makes sense,” Doyoung said, nodding. “You’ve got a natural charm that draws them to you. Minyoung doesn’t usually warm up to people this quickly.”
Doyoung adjusted Minyoung’s blanket as she continued to trace over Johnny’s bunny sketches, her eyelids starting to droop.
It didn’t take long before her energy waned completely. She yawned as her fingers stopped tracing and Doyoung chuckled. “Looks like someone’s ready for a nap.”
“Mr. Johnny…” Minyoung mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes. “Will you draw more bunnies later?”
“Of course,” Johnny whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “We’ll have a whole bunny zoo ready when you wake up.”
Soon after Minyoung drifted off, her cheek squished against the headrest, clutching her blanket tightly. Doyoung adjusted her blanket once more, a habit born of equal parts parental instinct and sheer love.
“She’s amazing,” Johnny said softly, adjusting his seat to lean closer. His gaze lingered on Minyoung, his smile warm and genuine. “You’re doing such a great job with her. It’s not easy, raising a kid and balancing everything else.”
Doyoung glanced at Johnny, surprised but touched by the sudden sincerity. “Thank you. But, honestly, it’s not just me. My mom helps out a lot back in Korea, she’s the real MVP.” He chuckled softly, “But even with her support, I knew I had to step up. Minyoung needs her parent to be there for her, especially at this age when she’s learning so much, figuring out the world. I couldn’t leave that responsibility to someone else.”
Johnny’s expression softened, admiration evident in his eyes. “That’s incredible, Doyoung. Not everyone would make that choice. It says a lot about you.”
Doyoung only let out a small laugh, “I wasn’t always like this, you know. Before Minyoung, I was... different. Carefree, maybe too much so. I had a social life, a love life—” He paused, his gaze flickering down to his hands. “But then her mom left, and everything changed. I had to grow up fast and get a proper footing in the world to become someone Minyoung could rely on.”
Johnny didn’t interrupt, letting the quiet hum of the plane fill the space between them.
“I guess I just... got wary of the world,” Doyoung continued, his voice quieter now. “Of people. Of love. It’s easier to keep my little world small, just me and Minyoung. That way, I can protect her and myself.” He looked up, meeting Johnny’s gaze. “It sounds silly when I say it out loud.”
“Don't be embarrassed ,” Johnny said immediately, his voice steady. “It makes perfect sense. You’ve built something beautiful with her, something worth protecting. But...” He hesitated, his lips curling into a faint smile. “You don’t have to shut everyone out to keep it safe. Some people—some coincidences—can make your little world even better.”
Doyoung felt his chest tighten, not with discomfort but with something warmer, something unfamiliar. There was an affection to Johnny’s words that made him feel seen in a way he hadn’t in years. “It’s been so long,” Doyoung said, his lips turning into a small, tentative smile. “and I don’t know where to even start.”
Johnny’s grin softened, his eyes holding Doyoung’s for a beat longer than necessary. “Well, lucky for you, I’m pretty good at navigating new territory.”
Doyoung chuckled, shaking his head, a fond grin across his face.
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the conversation shifting to topics like travel stories, favorite foods, silly anecdotes from work. Doyoung found himself laughing more than he had in a long time, drawn in by Johnny’s easy charm and warm humor.
As the plane began its descent, Doyoung couldn’t ignore the thought that had been quietly forming in the back of his mind. There was something about Johnny—his openness, his kindness, the way his words felt like a balm for old wounds—that made Doyoung feel as though they’d known each other forever.
When Doyoung stepped into the airport that morning, he’d been counting down the hours until he could collapse into bed. But now, sitting next to Johnny, he realized he wouldn’t mind another minor delay if it meant spending just a little more time with him.
The weekend came, and with it, Minyoung’s incessant excitement about the book signing event for J. Sunnyfield. She’d been counting down the days all week, leaving sticky notes around the house as reminders.
“Daddy, we can’t be late,” she said for the fifth time that morning, standing by the edge of Doyoung’s bed with her bunny backpack already strapped on.
Doyoung groaned, rubbing his face. “Minyoung, the event starts at eleven. It’s barely nine. We’ll get there, I promise.”
“But what if there’s a long line? Or what if he leaves early?” Her eyes widened, and she gripped the straps of her bag like her world might end.
Doyoung laughed, ruffling her hair. “Okay, okay. Let me get my morning coffee first, and we’ll go early, okay?”
She beamed. “Okay!”
The bookstore was filled with kids clutching books and parents chatting while they waited in line. Doyoung and Minyoung were near the middle of the queue, inching closer to the signing table. Minyoung was practically vibrating with excitement, her hands gripping her copy of Bunny & Kitty’s Big Adventure.
“Daddy, do you think J. Sunnyfield is nice?” she asked, craning her neck to try and catch a glimpse of the author amongst the crowd.
“I’m sure he is,” Doyoung replied distractedly, glancing ahead. When he finally got a clear view of the signing table, he froze.
No way.
Johnny. Sitting there, casually signing books, chatting with fans, and smiling like he belonged in the middle of all this chaos.
Doyoung blinked, convinced he was imagining things. But as the line moved forward, reality set in. It was definitely Johnny.
“What’s wrong, Daddy?” Minyoung asked, tugging on his sleeve.
“Nothing bunbun,” Doyoung said quickly, trying to compose himself. “Just...thinking.”
He spent the rest of their wait in a daze, replaying their interactions on the plane. He didn’t say a word about being J. Sunnyfield!
When it was finally their turn, Minyoung practically sprinted to the table, holding out her book with wide eyes. “Hi, Mr. Sunnyfield! I love your books!”
Johnny looked up, his warm smile widening into a grin when he saw her. “Why, thank you, Minyoung,” he said, taking the book from her. Then his eyes flicked to Doyoung, and his grin turned into something more playful. “And hello to you too, Doyoung.”
Doyoung cleared his throat, his voice coming out slightly strangled. “Johnny. Or should I say...J. Sunnyfield?”
Johnny chuckled, looking up at Doyoung, the golden rays seemed to dance in Johnny’s irises. “Guilty as charged.”
Minyoung’s jaw dropped. “Wait! Johnny, you’re J. Sunnyfield?!”
Johnny winked at her. Minyoung gasped, looking between him and her dad. “Daddy, did you know?!”
“I had no idea,” Doyoung said, shaking his head, a small laugh escaping. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
Johnny handed Minyoung her book, now signed with a personalized message and a quick sketch of a bunny. “I like to keep things interesting.”
Minyoung giggled, holding the book close. “You’re so cool!”
“So,” Doyoung began, a teasing lilt in his voice, “you’ve got this whole secret life as a best-selling children’s author, huh? Never would’ve guessed it.”
Johnny chuckled, leaning slightly on the table. “What can I say? I contain multitudes.” He tilted his head toward Minyoung, who was still flipping through her book with wide-eyed excitement. “Looks like your little bunny approves, so I must be doing something right.”
Doyoung glanced at Minyoung, her small hands clutching the book like it was a treasure. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he turned back to Johnny. “Well, you definitely made her day. And, I guess, mine too…in a roundabout way.”
Johnny arched an eyebrow, his grin playful. “Is that your subtle way of saying thank you? Or are you just buttering me up to get more bunny doodles out of me?”
“Take it however you want,” Doyoung shot back, his grin matching Johnny’s. There was a moment of easy silence between them before he added, his tone lighter, “What do you say we grab lunch after this? My treat. Promise there won’t be any milk incidents this time.”
Johnny’s smile spread, his eyes sparkling with amusement and something warmer. “How could I say no to my favorite bunny duo?”
Maybe, just maybe, fate had more plans for the (now) bunny trio.