Seoul National Hospital was unusually hectic that morning.

For Kim Sunoo, however, the noise of the crowded corridors and the constant ringing of phones were strangely comforting. After three years away, he was finally back.

It was his first day returning to work in Seoul, and everyone seemed determined to make him feel welcome. Old colleagues greeted him with warm smiles, excited questions, and playful complaints about how long he had been gone.

Three years.

That was how long it had been since Sunoo had walked these halls.

Only the Nursing Superintendent knew the real reason behind his sudden transfer to the United States. The move had happened so abruptly that most of his colleagues had simply assumed it was a career opportunity. No one had questioned it too deeply.

And Sunoo had never given them a reason to.

At the time, he had convinced himself that leaving Korea was exactly what he and his children needed. Distance. A fresh start. A chance to escape the toxicity that had consumed their lives.

America had given him that.

Or at least, as much of it as it could.

But now, three years later, Seoul National Hospital was desperately short on staff nurses. Several Korean nurses who had been transferred overseas were called back, and Sunoo was among them.

He had accepted the order with a heavy heart.

Coming back to South Korea was the last thing he wanted.

But he had learned a long time ago that some things were simply beyond his control.

“Sunoo!”

Sunoo turned to find Jungwon approaching him with his usual bright smile.

“Bring the kids this Saturday,” Jungwon said enthusiastically. “Let’s have a family picnic. Jay already reserved a really nice place for us the moment he heard you were coming back.”

Sunoo couldn't help but smile.

It was comforting to know that, despite everything that had happened, his children still had people who loved them wholeheartedly.

“Sure, Jungwon. I'm sure they'll be excited.” Sunoo chuckled. “Juhoon hasn't stopped talking about you guys since dinner last week.”

Jungwon immediately placed a hand over his heart, his expression becoming dramatically emotional.

“When I think about Juhoon, I feel like I'm going to cry just from how cute he is.”

Sunoo burst out laughing.

“You're so dramatic.”

“I’m serious!” Jungwon protested.

Sunoo was about to tease him again when his phone began to ring.

He glanced down at the screen.

Unknown number.

His smile slowly disappeared.

Ever since his divorce and subsequent move to the States, Sunoo had kept his circle small. He rarely gave his number out, and even fewer people had reason to call him.

For a moment, he considered ignoring it.

But then he sighed and answered.

“Hello. Kim Sunoo speaking.”

There was a pause.

A bated breath. And then he heard it.

“Hi, Sun”

Sunoo froze.

His entire body went rigid.

He knew that voice.

He would have recognized it anywhere.

A voice that had once been his favorite sound in the world.

A voice he had spent three years trying desperately to forget.

“Sun”

His grip tightened around the phone.

“It's me. Sunghoon. I... I just…”

Sunoo hung up.

Just like that.

He stared blankly at the phone in his hand, his face drained of color.

For three years, he had wondered what he would do if he ever heard that voice again.

He had imagined anger. He had imagined tears. He had imagined demanding answers.

He had imagined a hundred different scenarios. He had never imagined simply being unable to breathe.

“Sun?”

Jungwon's voice pulled him back to reality.

He had clearly noticed everything.

“Who was it?”

Sunoo didn't answer immediately.

He closed his eyes and drew in a slow, shaky breath.

Then, almost unbelievably, he let out a quiet laugh.

A bitter one and Jungwon immediately understood and he sneered.

“That son of a bitch.”

Sunoo stared at the phone as though it had personally offended him.

“I can't believe he has the nerve to call me.”

Jungwon didn't need to ask who he meant.

He reached over, took the phone from Sunoo's trembling hand, and looked at the unknown number.

Then, without another word, he blocked it.

Sunoo watched him do it.

Three years.

Three years of rebuilding his life.

Three years of raising his children alone.

Three years of learning how to live without Park Sunghoon.

And somehow, it had taken only a few seconds for the past to find its way back to him.

But this time, Sunoo wasn't the same man Sunghoon had left behind. He is ready to hold his ground and not let his heart gets shaken by fear or hatred.

Sunoo often wondered how his life had turned out this way.

He was in his early thirties now, a single father to three beautiful boys who loved him with a fierceness that still humbled him. He had a stable job, a warm little home, and a life that, although far from perfect, was peaceful.

Over the years, he had learned to thank God for the things he still had instead of mourning everything he had lost.

There were moments that made it easy.

Whenever Taesan told him how grateful he was to have him as a father, Sunoo's heart would swell with pride.

Whenever Seonghyeon, with his quiet little voice, insisted that he didn't need anyone else in the world as long as he had his Appa, Sunoo would have to fight back happy tears.

And then there was Juhoon.

His three-year-old was all bright eyes, tiny hands, and has the most adorable bunny smile Sunoo had ever seen.

Those were the moments when Sunoo could almost forget the word that had once defined him.

Divorced.

Sometimes, however, the night was cruel.

When the house fell silent and the children were asleep, there was nothing left to distract him from his thoughts. In the darkness, doubts he had successfully buried during the day would crawl back into his mind.

Was he doing enough?

Was he a good enough father?

A good enough nurse?

A good enough person?

Sometimes, he cried quietly.

Not because he regretted his children.

Never that.

They were the best thing that had ever happened to him.

He simply wished, sometimes, that he didn't have to be strong every single day.

But morning always came.

And when it did, Sunoo got up, smiled for his children, went to work, cared for his patients, and tried again.

He had to.

His boys had no one else.

Jungwon and Jay loved them dearly, but Sunoo knew there was a difference between being family and being a parent.

And he was determined to be both.

Sunoo couldn’t sleep due to the phone call he received during the day. He was careful to not let it show on his face since his boys are so perceptive.

There was no use to try to get some shut eye so he got up from his bed and headed for the balcony with a glass of water. He sat down and took in the view and sighed tiredly when he thought about how he would have to head for work in just a few hours

“Appa?”

Sunoo was startled so badly that he nearly dropped the glass in his hand.

He turned around.

Taesan stood in the doorway, his hair messy from sleep and his pajamas still on.

“Oh, baby.” Sunoo glanced at the clock. “Why are you awake? You have school in four hours.”

Taesan shrugged as he walked toward him.

“I had a feeling you'd be out here.”

Sunoo smiled faintly.

“You did?”

“You know I always know when something's bothering you.”

There was something painfully mature about the way his eldest son said it.

Taesan picked up the blanket he had brought with him and carefully wrapped it around his father's shoulders before sitting beside him.

Sunoo's heart melted.

He opened his arms, and Taesan immediately leaned into him.

For a while, neither of them said anything.

Then Taesan suddenly spoke.

“Our P.E. teacher was asking about you today.”

Sunoo smiled.

“Was he?”

“He said you'd definitely remember him.”

“Oh?” Sunoo asked, playing along. “What did he say?”

Taesan's lips curved into a mischievous smile.

“He said you were the sweetest senior in school. Apparently, you were also very beautiful.”

Sunoo laughed.

“Apparently?”

“He also said you were always trying to stay out of the spotlight, but somehow you still attracted admirers.”

Sunoo shook his head.

“Did he really say all that?”

“He also admitted that he was one of those admirers.”

Sunoo stared at his son.

Taesan was struggling not to laugh.

“And apparently,” he continued, “he still has a huge crush on you.”

“Yah!”

Sunoo lightly slapped his son's chest.

“Park Taesan!”

“What?” Taesan laughed. “He's a good guy. He wants to take you out.”

“You're trying to set your own father up with your teacher?”

“I'm helping you!”

Sunoo burst into laughter.

The sound filled the quiet night.

Taesan eventually grew quiet again and took his father's hand.

“Appa.”

“Hm?”

“It's okay if you want to date.”

Sunoo's smile softened.

He knew his son didn't actually want him dating anyone.

Taesan could barely tolerate men looking at his father for too long. He was every bit as protective and possessive as his younger brothers.

But this wasn't about what Taesan wanted.

It was about what he wanted for his father.

He wanted Sunoo to be happy.

“Baby,” Sunoo whispered, squeezing his hand, “how many times do I have to tell you? I don't need anyone else.”

He looked at his son.

“You three are my whole world. I'm happy with you boys.”

Taesan leaned closer.

“But what if we think you need someone?”

Sunoo smiled sadly.

“You don't have to worry about that.”

Taesan was quiet for a moment.

Then he shook his head.

“Okay, Appa. We don't need anyone else either.”

He squeezed his father's hand.

“You're enough.”

Sunoo's eyes immediately filled with tears.

“More than enough,” Taesan continued. “You're wonderful. And I know nobody could ever do this better than you.”

Sunoo couldn't hold back anymore.

He pulled his son into his arms.

“I'm so proud of you, Taesan.”

He kissed the top of his head.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Appa.”

The moment became too emotional, so Sunoo did what he always did.

He punched his son's arm lightly.

“Although, seriously, slow down with the basketball and gym. You're way too young to be this muscular.”

Taesan laughed.

“I'm not that muscular!”

“You absolutely are.”

Their laughter carried into the quiet dawn.

Eventually, the two of them fell asleep on the couch beneath the blanket, still leaning against each other as they waited for morning.

“Alright, baby. Be good for your teacher, okay?”

Sunoo crouched in front of Seonghyeon the next morning, fixing his uniform.

“Okay, Appa.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Sunoo opened his arms.

Seonghyeon immediately stepped onto his toes and wrapped his little arms around his father's neck.

“I'm going to miss you, Appa.”

The words were innocent.

They were ordinary.

Seonghyeon had said them countless times over the past three years.

Still, they always made something inside Sunoo ache.

“I'll miss you too, baby.”

He kissed his son's cheek.

“But we'll see each other tonight, okay? Look at you. My handsome little boy.”

Sunoo tickled him until Seonghyeon giggled.

Taesan appeared by the door.

“Come on, Seonghyeon. Say bye to Juhoonie.”

The younger boy hurried over.

“Can we have pizza tonight?” Taesan asked, hugging his father one last time.

Sunoo laughed.

“Sure. We need to eat something unhealthy once in a while.”

Cheers immediately erupted from the boys.

“Be safe, Appa,” Taesan said before leaving. “Don't overwork yourself. And drive carefully.”

“I will.”

Sunoo straightened his son's tie.

“Is it still cool to wear your tie that loose?”

Taesan grinned.

“Apparently.”

Sunoo sighed.

“Kids these days.”

The boys laughed as they headed out.

Sunoo watched them go until they disappeared from sight.

Then he looked down at the little boy still clinging to his leg.

Juhoon.

His baby.

Unlike his brothers, Juhoon rarely spoke around strangers. He was quiet, reserved, and intensely attached to his father.

Sunoo sometimes worried about it.

But then he remembered that Sunghoon had apparently been the same way as a child.

The thought made something inside him twist.

Because all three boys had inherited so much from their biological father.

Taesan was almost an exact replica of a teenage Sunghoon.

Seonghyeon had his eyes.

Juhoon had his expressions.

Sometimes, looking at his children was like looking at ghosts from a life Sunoo had spent years trying to bury.

Yet he loved them more than anything in this world.

And he would never resent them for reminding him.

“Appa… candy?”

Juhoon held up a tiny éclair from his car seat.

Sunoo glanced at it through the rear-view mirror and smiled.

“Aww, baby. Thank you.”

He reached back carefully.

“I'll eat it later, okay?”

“Okay.”

The little boy smiled.

“Love you.”

Sunoo's heart melted.

“Love you more, baby.”

He had no idea that, only a few hours later, the past would begin knocking on their door again.

Taesan's phone vibrated during lunch.

He excused himself from his teammates and glanced at the screen.

Unknown number.

He frowned.

He had been getting enough unwanted attention lately, especially from girls who seemed to think following him around was perfectly normal.

Popularity was exhausting.

All Taesan wanted was to play basketball, get through high school, and go home to his family.

Still, something made him answer.

“Hello?”

Silence.

Fifteen seconds passed.

Nothing.

Taesan's patience ran out.

He hung up.

“Seriously?”

His phone vibrated again.

A message.

He opened it.

And immediately felt his blood run cold.

It wasn't a random number.

It wasn't a prank.

It was a message from the one person Taesan never wanted to hear from.

‘I need to see you. Please don't tell your Appa.’

Taesan stared at the screen.

His jaw tightened.

There was only one person in the world who could make him feel that much anger with a single message.

His biological father.

Park Sunghoon.

Of course he wasn’t going to talk to his appa about him. Taesan had spent so much time and energy to ensure that his father is never mentioned around his appa. He was filled with anger and frustration when he read the message and although he assumed that there was a chance that they could bump into him when they returned to Korea, he never thought he would reached out himself since he was the one who left. Taesan never understood how a father can leave just like that. He furiously blocked his number and tried his best to forget about it for the rest of the day.

Three days later

“It's so good!”

Seonghyeon's delighted voice filled the restaurant.

“Thank you for bringing us here, Appa!”

Sunoo smiled across the table.

This was what happiness looked like to him.

His three boys sitting together, eating until their cheeks were full, arguing over dessert and laughing over things only they understood.

It was payday, and Sunoo had decided to treat them to dinner in the heart of Seoul.

“Appa,” Taesan suddenly asked, “why aren't you eating?”

Sunoo looked down at his untouched food.

Three pairs of eyes were staring at him.

He laughed softly.

“I was just watching you boys.”

He picked up his chopsticks.

“Come on. Let's eat. And after this, we're getting ice cream.”

Juhoon's eyes widened.

“Yes! Appa is the best!”

Sunoo laughed and reached over to wipe the food from his youngest son's mouth.

“You're getting so messy.”

The evening continued exactly as Sunoo wanted it to.

Warm.

Simple.

Happy.

Until they reached the parking lot.

Sunoo stopped walking.

His entire body went still.

Someone was standing beside their car.

A man he had spent three years trying not to remember.

Park Sunghoon.

And he wasn't alone.

A woman stood beside him, her hand resting possessively on his arm.

For a moment, neither Sunoo nor Sunghoon moved.

The world seemed to fall silent.

Sunghoon looked just as shocked.

His eyes moved from Sunoo...

to Taesan...

to Seonghyeon...

and finally to the smallest boy.

Juhoon.

His youngest.

The baby he had left behind.

Sunghoon's face crumpled.

“Sun…baby”

The sound of his voice made Sunoo's stomach twist.

Juhoon looked up curiously.

“I'm the baby!”

His innocent declaration shattered whatever tension remained.

But Taesan wasn't smiling.

Neither was Seonghyeon.

Both boys stared at the man in front of them with unmistakable anger.

“Boys…”

Sunghoon took a hesitant step forward.

Taesan immediately grabbed Sunoo's hand and pulled him toward the driver's side.

“Let's go.”

“Sun…”

Sunghoon's voice broke.

He couldn't believe how much his children had grown.

Taesan had been twelve.

Seonghyeon had barely been four.

And Juhoon…

Juhoon had been nothing more than a newborn when he walked away.

The realization hit him harder than he expected.

“Honey?”

The woman beside him spoke softly.

Sunghoon turned and glared at her.

She immediately fell silent.

Taesan gave a bitter laugh.

“Listen.”

Sunghoon looked at him.

“Our family is having a nice evening.”

Taesan's voice was cold.

“Don't ruin it.”

Sunghoon swallowed.

“I… I just wanted to…”

He couldn't finish.

Sunoo was already buckling Juhoon into his car seat.

Sunghoon rushed forward.

“Sun, please.”

He reached for him.

Sunoo immediately stepped back.

“Don't touch me.”

His voice was quiet.

But the anger underneath it was unmistakable.

“Please let me explain.”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

“I just want to talk.”

“You had three years to talk.”

Sunoo's voice cracked.

“You chose not to.”

Sunghoon couldn't answer.

Taesan suddenly stepped between them.

“Don't touch him.”

“Taesan…my son”

“I'm not your son.”

The words hit Sunghoon like a physical blow.

Taesan's eyes were filled with years of anger he had never been able to express.

“You lost the right to call me that when you walked away.”

Sunghoon stared at him.

His little boy.

The child he used to carry on his shoulders.

The child who once ran toward him with open arms.

Now standing between him and his Appa as though protecting Sunoo from him.

“Taesan…”

Sunghoon's voice trembled.

“I just want to talk…”

“You don't get to decide that anymore.”

Sunghoon fell silent.

Sunoo's eyes had filled with tears.

Taesan noticed immediately.

He turned toward his Appa.

“Don't cry because of him, Appa.”

Then he looked back at Sunghoon.

“He doesn't deserve your tears.”

Sunghoon's breath caught.

Sunoo gently placed a hand on Taesan's shoulder.

“Baby, please. Get in the car.”

Taesan hesitated.

Then he nodded.

He opened the door for Seonghyeon and waited until his brother was safely inside.

Seonghyeon looked back at Sunghoon one last time.

His expression was quiet.

But the disappointment in his eyes was somehow worse than anger.

Sunoo secured Juhoon, closed the door, and finally turned toward the man who had once been his entire world.

For a long moment, neither spoke.

Then Sunoo shook his head.

“Don't.”

One word.

That's all he gave him.

“Just… don't.”

He climbed into the driver's seat.

The engine started.

Sunghoon stood frozen as the car pulled away.

He watched his family disappear down the street.

His children.

His husband.

The life he had abandoned.

The car grew smaller.

Then smaller still.

Until it disappeared completely.

Sunghoon finally dropped to his knees.

The woman beside him said nothing.

There was nothing she could say.

Because, for the first time in three years, Sunghoon understood something he had refused to face.

Leaving had been his choice.

But losing them was the consequence he was never able to accept.

He covered his face with his hands as the tears finally came.

“I deserve this…”

His voice broke.

“I deserve this.”

He looked toward the empty road where his family had disappeared.

“But God…”

His shoulders shook.

“Please…”

He bowed his head.

“I don't know how to fix this.”

And for the first time in three years, Park Sunghoon prayed for the family he had once so carelessly walked away from.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the past three years, Sunoo had barely allowed himself any time to breathe.

His life revolved around three things: his children, his work, and making sure the two could coexist without either one suffering.

He had spent every waking moment trying to give his boys everything they needed: financial stability, a warm home, good health, and, most importantly, a sense of security.

He wanted the four of them to remain together until the very end.

So he had done everything he could to fill the space left behind by their other father.

Their Papa.

He never wanted his children to feel the emptiness.

He never wanted them to wonder why their family was different from everyone else's.

And most of all, he wanted them to forget the man who had walked away from them.

Sunoo had become remarkably good at pretending.

He smiled when he needed to smile.

He laughed when his children needed laughter.

He told them everything was going to be okay, even on the nights when he wasn't sure he believed it himself.

For three years, he had protected them from the cracks in his heart.

Then, in the space of a few minutes, one unexpected encounter had torn through every wall he had built.

He had tried so hard not to let his children see him break.

But now, he was sitting in the ice cream parlour with his eldest son holding him tightly in his arms, while tears he had been suppressing for years finally spilled down his cheeks.

“I'm so sorry, baby.”

Sunoo's voice trembled.

“I didn't... I never wanted you to see me like this.”

Taesan tightened his arms around him.

“It's okay, Appa.”

Sunoo shook his head.

“No, it's not.”

His voice broke.

“I've always wanted to be strong for you boys.”

“You've been strong for us long enough.”

Taesan's voice was surprisingly steady.

“Let me be strong for you now.”

Sunoo closed his eyes.

His heart ached.

Taesan was only sixteen.

Sixteen.

He should have been worrying about basketball practice, school, friends, and whatever problems teenagers had.

He shouldn't have been sitting here comforting his father.

“You shouldn't have to do this,” Sunoo whispered. “I'm your Appa. I'm supposed to take care of you.”

Taesan pulled away just enough to look at him.

“And I'm your son.”

He wiped the tears from Sunoo's cheek.

“I love you. So let me take care of you sometimes too.”

Sunoo's lips trembled.

“You've given us everything, Appa. You've worked so hard for us. You've made sure we're happy, healthy, and together. We're not missing anything.”

Taesan smiled sadly.

“We're lucky to have you.”

Sunoo looked at his son.

“You're not weak.”

Taesan's voice became firmer.

“You're the strongest person I know.”

Sunoo broke down again, pulling his son back into his arms.

Taesan held him tightly.

And in that moment, Sunoo realized that perhaps he hadn't failed at protecting his children after all.

Because even after everything, they still felt safe enough to love him.

The next morning, Sunoo arrived at Seoul National Hospital earlier than usual.

He was still tired from the previous night's events, but he had managed to put himself back together.

He had patients to care for.

His children needed him.

Life had to continue.

He had barely stepped into the hospital when the receptionist called out to him.

“Sunoo-ssi.”

Sunoo turned.

“There's someone here to see you. He's been waiting for almost an hour.”

Sunoo's body stiffened.

For one terrible second, his mind immediately went to Sunghoon.

Had he really come here?

Had he actually followed him to the hospital?

Sunoo swallowed and forced himself to remain calm.

“Did he tell you who he was?”

The receptionist nodded.

“Yes. He said he is Dr. Ni-ki.”

Sunoo blinked.

“Dr. Ni-ki?”

The name wasn’t familiar to him.

But relief washed over him.

At least it wasn't Sunghoon.

“Thank you.”

He made his way toward the nurses' station.

As soon as he entered, he noticed several of his colleagues trying very hard not to stare at the man sitting on the couch.

Some were whispering.

Others were pretending to be busy.

The man himself seemed completely unaffected by the attention.

He sat quietly, his posture straight, his expression composed.

Sunoo greeted his colleagues.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Several immediately turned toward him.

“Sunoo-yah! You're finally here!”

“Did you have fun last night?”

Sunoo forced a smile.

“Yeah. The kids ate way too much.”

He tried to keep his tone light.

Then the man on the couch stood.

He walked toward Sunoo.

Up close, Sunoo noticed how young he looked.

He was clearly younger than Sunoo, yet there was something unusually serious about him. He carried himself with a quiet confidence that made him seem older than he actually was.

“Kim Sunoo?”

Sunoo nodded.

“Yes?”

The man extended his hand.

“My name is Ni-ki.”

Sunoo shook it.

“I'm the school psychologist at your son's school.”

Sunoo's smile disappeared.

“My son?”

Ni-ki nodded.

“I think we should talk somewhere private.”

Sunoo's heart began to beat faster.

“Okay.”

He glanced toward the cafeteria.

“We can talk there.”

“Of course.”

They sat across from each other near the cafeteria window.

Sunoo had ordered coffee for both of them.

Ni-ki took his cup and thanked him.

“I've been trying to reach you for several weeks,” Ni-ki began.

Sunoo frowned.

“I'm sorry?”

“Phone calls. Messages. I even came to your house twice.”

Sunoo's confusion deepened.

“I don't understand.”

Ni-ki took a breath.

“Sunoo-ssi, your son, Taesan, has been having behavioural problems at school.”

Sunoo went still.

“What?”

“He was involved in an incident last month and was suspended for two days.”

Sunoo stared at him.

“My Taesan?”

Ni-ki nodded.

“When the school asked him to bring his parent in, he brought a letter supposedly written by you, explaining that you couldn't attend because of work.”

Sunoo's eyes widened.

“That wasn't me.”

“I know.”

Ni-ki's expression softened.

“That's why I came here.”

Sunoo lowered his gaze.

“What else?”

“After the incident, Taesan was required to attend counselling sessions with me four times a week.”

Sunoo's heart sank.

“He never told me.”

“I know.”

Ni-ki folded his hands on the table.

“I came to the conclusion that he also blocked my number from your phone. I believe he did it because he didn't want me contacting you.”

Sunoo's eyes filled with tears.

“Oh God…”

He covered his face.

“This is my fault.”

“No.”

Ni-ki answered immediately.

“You're not a bad parent.”

Sunoo looked up.

Ni-ki continued calmly.

“I think your son loves you very much. He probably doesn't want to add another problem to everything you're already dealing with.”

Sunoo swallowed hard.

“But he shouldn't have to handle this alone.”

“He doesn't.”

Ni-ki leaned forward slightly.

“That's why I'm here.”

Sunoo wiped his tears.

“Why did you come all the way here?”

“Because I'm his psychologist.”

Sunoo gave a small, embarrassed laugh.

“Right.”

Of course.

That was his job.

But there was something about Ni-ki's expression that made Sunoo feel as though there was more to his concern than professional responsibility.

Sunoo didn't know it yet.

But Ni-ki had known the Park family for far longer than Sunoo could have imagined.

Ni-ki was Park Minwoo's bastard son.

The son no one was supposed to know about.

His mother had raised him alone until her death, after which Ni-ki was brought into the Park household.

There, he grew up alongside Sunghoon.

To Sunghoon, Ni-ki was simply the son of one of his father's acquaintances.

He had never been told the truth.

He never knew that the quiet boy who grew up beside him was actually his younger half-brother.

When Ni-ki turned eighteen, he left the Park household.

He took his mother's surname and built a life completely separate from the Park family.

Park Minwoo made sure of it.

He didn't want anyone knowing that Ni-ki existed.

But Ni-ki never stopped watching from a distance.

He kept track of Sunghoon's life.

He watched him grow.

He watched him fall in love with Sunoo.

He watched them build a family.

And, from afar, Ni-ki had admired the life his older brother had managed to create.

A loving husband.

Three beautiful children.

A home.

A family.

Everything Ni-ki had never truly had.

He had once believed that Sunghoon was finally safe.

That perhaps his brother had escaped the ugliness of their father's world.

So Ni-ki had let go.

He left for university, earned his degree, and built a career of his own.

But when he eventually learned what had happened between Sunghoon and Sunoo, he was devastated.

He couldn't understand how his brother could have abandoned such a beautiful family.

And when he finally heard the truth behind the divorce, his anger toward Park Minwoo only deepened.

He had watched his father destroy his brother's happiness once.

He refused to let the damage spread any further.

And now, without Sunoo or Taesan knowing it, Ni-ki had made a decision.

If he couldn't undo what his father had done, he would at least help protect the family his brother had broken.

Jungwon had no intention of stepping foot inside the Park household.

If he had been given a choice, he and Jay would have stayed as far away from the Park family as possible.

Unfortunately, Jay was a shareholder and major investor in Park Corporation.

He also happened to have once considered Sunghoon a friend.

That friendship had ended three years ago.

After what Sunghoon had done to Sunoo, neither Jungwon nor Jay had spoken to him unless absolutely necessary.

But Park Minwoo's annual shareholder gathering was unavoidable.

And Jay had begged Jungwon to accompany him.

So, reluctantly, Jungwon entered the Park household.

The first person he saw was Sunghoon.

Standing near the entrance.

Waiting to greet the guests.

And with a woman hanging from his arm.

Jungwon scoffed.

Unbelievable.

‘How dare Sunghoon call Sunoo after everything he had done while apparently moving on with someone else?’

“Jungwon…”

Sunghoon's voice was cautious.

Jungwon smiled coldly.

“Hello, Park Sunghoon. Long time no see.”

His eyes moved toward the woman.

He looked her up and down.

“I see you've done a wonderful job moving on.”

Sunghoon's face fell.

His gaze immediately shifted toward Jay.

Jay merely shook his head.

Jungwon turned toward the woman.

“Hello. I hope your boyfriend is treating you well.”

The woman giggled and tightened her arm around Sunghoon.

“Yes! Oppa is very good to me.”

Jungwon smiled.

“That's wonderful.”

His voice dripped with sarcasm.

“I'm glad he's finally learned how to treat someone properly.”

Sunghoon immediately removed her arm from his.

“Jungwon, please.”

Jungwon snorted.

“The audacity.”

He turned to leave.

Jay caught his arm.

“Jungwonnie, please.”

Jungwon looked at his husband in disbelief.

“Why?”

Jay lowered his voice.

“He's been calling and texting me constantly.”

“And?”

“Just hear him out once.”

Jungwon stared at him.

“You want me to listen to him?”

“Please. For me.”

Jungwon sighed.

He didn't want to embarrass Jay.

“Fine.”

He turned toward Sunghoon.

“But after this, you leave us alone.”

The woman beside Sunghoon gasped.

“How dare you speak to Oppa like that!”

Sunghoon closed his eyes.

“Kimi-ssi, please. Give us a moment.”

He gestured for Jungwon and Jay to follow him.

Sunghoon led them upstairs and into his room.

The room was immaculate.

Almost unnaturally so.

Jungwon barely noticed.

His attention was caught by a framed photograph sitting beside the bed.

Sunoo.

Holding newborn Juhoon.

Taesan and Seonghyeon standing beside him.

Sunghoon had kept the photograph all this time.

Jungwon's jaw tightened.

Sunghoon closed the door.

“Please sit.”

Jay and Jungwon sat on the couch.

Sunghoon remained standing for a moment before finally sitting on the edge of his bed.

“You probably hate me.”

Jungwon laughed bitterly.

“I hate you with every part of my soul.”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

He nodded.

“I understand.”

“Don't talk to me informally”

Sunghoon froze.

“I’m no longer your friend, and I don't want to be.”

Sunghoon lowered his eyes.

“I understand.”

He took a shaky breath.

“I've missed Sunoo.”

Jungwon immediately stood.

“I can't listen to this.”

“Jungwon…”

“You don't get to miss him!”

Jungwon's voice shook with anger.

“You don't get to suddenly remember how much you love him after abandoning him and your children!”

Sunghoon remained silent.

“You have any idea what Sunoo went through?”

Jungwon's eyes filled with tears.

“He raised those children alone. He worked himself to exhaustion. He spent years trying to make sure they never felt like they were missing anything.”

Sunghoon looked down.

“And now you want to come back to their lives?”

Jungwon shook his head.

“You don't get to walk back into their lives simply because you finally regret leaving.”

Sunghoon whispered.

“I know.”

“You don't know anything!”

Jungwon wiped his tears angrily.

“You moved on. You're a CEO now. You have everything your father wanted for you. And Sunoo?”

His voice broke.

“He was left to pick up the pieces.”

Sunghoon couldn't look at him.

“Don't ever try to hurt him again.”

Jungwon turned away.

“I'll make sure he finds someone who will actually love him properly. Someone who will be a parent to his children.”

Sunghoon's face crumpled.

Jungwon walked out and slammed the door behind him.

Jay remained.

He looked at Sunghoon for a long moment.

“You really messed up.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“I know.”

“And the woman downstairs?”

Sunghoon shook his head.

“She isn't my girlfriend.”

Jay raised an eyebrow.

“My father wants me to marry her.”

Jay sighed.

“Then leave.”

Sunghoon looked up.

“What?”

“Leave your father.”

Jay's voice was firm.

“From everything you've told me I think you are really regretful but its really up to Sunoo”

Sunghoon's eyes dropped.

 “I know.”

“Then you have a choice to make.”

Jay stared at him.

“Sunoo or your father.”

Sunghoon didn't hesitate.

“Sunoo.”

His voice cracked.

“I want Sunoo.”

“Then you need to be prepared for the possibility that he may not want you back.”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

“What if he doesn't?”

Jay didn't answer immediately.

“You don't get to control that.”

Sunghoon lowered his head.

“What am I supposed to do if he doesn't accept me?”

Jay sighed.

“Accept that you made a choice three years ago, and now he gets to make his.”

Sunghoon broke down.

For three years, Sunghoon lived with questions he could never answer.

He had believed Sunoo betrayed him.

His father had given him photographs. Messages. Evidence that had seemed impossible to deny. He had been shown meetings, conversations, and images that appeared to prove Sunoo had been seeing another man.

So Sunghoon had believed them.

He had believed the lie so completely that he destroyed his own marriage because of it.

But after the divorce, something never felt right.

Sunoo had never confessed.

Not once.

He had cried.

He had begged Sunghoon to listen.

He had insisted that he had never betrayed him.

And yet Sunghoon had walked away.

For three years, Sunghoon tried to convince himself that he had made the right decision.

But the doubts never disappeared.

There were always little things that didn't make sense.

Why had Sunoo continued insisting that he loved him?

Why had he never tried to hide his supposed affair?

Why had some of the photographs felt strangely unnatural when Sunghoon looked at them now?

Why did the man who had supposedly betrayed him look more devastated than guilty?

Sunghoon had no answers.

Only questions.

And whenever those questions became too loud, he pushed them away.

Because admitting that he might have been wrong meant facing something far more painful.

What if he had destroyed his family for nothing?

He couldn't bear the possibility.

So he lived with the uncertainty.

Until that night.

Sunghoon had returned to his parents' house after seeing off Jay and an angry Jungwon.

His father had once again demanded that he marry the daughter of one of his business associates and Jungwon misunderstood it. He is sure Sunoo and his kids also misunderstood it that night at the parking lot. He regretted that night so much. He should have never agreed to take her for dinner but his father kept on insisting. Sunghoon had to get him off his back since he had been trying to contact Sunoo and Taesan. He always think he can forgive Sunoo even when he believed that he really cheated. It has been three years and it was wrong of him to leave him with their children but Sunghoon was too weak to think suitably. He was too deep into his hurt that he forgot the rest of the world. He suspected his father too as time goes on but it was his father, the man he trusted the most in the world. He had no choice but to live miserably. He wished that he could redo everything and be saner about everything because he was so selfish and could only think of himself only. And when he was ready to forgive Sunoo, Sunoo and his children already disappeared. When he learnt of their return, he wasted no time to find their contacts and reached out but Sunoo and Taesan rightfully ignored him.

And now Sunghoon had finally decided he was done listening to his father. He should have never chose to be a good son instead of being a good husband and a good father. He is disgusted of himself.

He wanted to tell his parents that he wasn't going to marry anyone.

He wasn't going to become the man they wanted him to be.

He was going to make his own decisions.

He walked toward their bedroom, anger burning through him.

But before he could open the door, he heard voices from inside.

His father's.

His mother's.

Sunghoon stopped.

He was about to knock when a sentence reached him through the partially closed door.

“…he's starting to figure everything out.”

Sunghoon froze.

His heart began pounding.

Figure what out?

He moved closer.

Then he heard his mother speak.

“Minwoo, this has gone too far. I know you lied to him”

His father's voice followed.

“ Yes, and he still doesn't know the truth.”

Sunghoon's breath caught.

The truth?

He pressed himself against the wall beside the door and listened.

“He's been questioning the photographs,” his mother continued. “He's asking why some of the details don't match and I am starting to wonder too Minwoo”

Sunghoon's hands began to tremble. It was true. Sunghoon had been interrogating his mother about the source of the evidences.

Photographs.

Sunoo’s photographs.

The ones he had spent three years believing had destroyed his marriage.

His father's voice remained calm.

“He won't find anything.”

“Did you do anything to the photos?”

“We had no choice.”

“No choice?” His mother's voice cracked. “I suspected that you did something! You destroyed his marriage.”

Sunghoon felt the blood drain from his face.

His father sighed.

“Sunoo was never going to help him become the man he needed to be.”

Sunghoon stopped breathing.

His mother's voice became quieter.

“Minwoo…”

“I did what I had to do.”

“What exactly did you do?”

There was a long silence.

Then his father answered.

“I had the photographs altered.”

Sunghoon's eyes widened.

His entire body went cold.

“What?”

“I had someone manipulate the photographs. The meetings, the messages, the images of Sunoo with another man it was all arranged.”

His mother's voice trembled.

“And the man you hired to convince Sunghoon?”

“He did what he was paid to do.”

Sunghoon staggered backward.

His hand flew over his chest.

No.

No.

He couldn't have heard that correctly.

The photographs.

The messages.

The man.

All of it.

A lie.

His father had created the entire thing.

For three years, Sunghoon had wondered whether his suspicions were nothing more than guilt.

Now he had his answer.

His father had destroyed his marriage.

His father had made him believe that Sunoo had betrayed him.

And Sunghoon had believed every word.

His mind immediately returned to the day of the divorce.

Sunoo standing in front of him with tears streaming down his face.

Begging him to listen.

Begging him not to leave.

“I didn't do anything.”

“I love you.”

“Please believe me.”

Sunghoon had remembered those words for three years.

But he had never understood them.

Now he did.

Sunoo had been telling the truth.

All along.

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

He had destroyed the person he loved most because he had trusted the wrong person.

His father.

The man whose approval he had spent his entire life chasing.

The man he had believed would never intentionally hurt him.

Sunghoon pushed the door open.

His parents turned toward him.

His father immediately froze.

“Sunghoon…”

“How could you?”

His voice was barely audible.

His mother began crying.

His father stood.

“Son, listen…”

“How could you?”

This time, his voice broke.

“You lied to me.”

His father said nothing.

“You made me believe my husband betrayed me.”

Sunghoon's hands shook violently.

“You made me believe that Sunoo was cheating on me.”

His father remained silent.

“You fabricated everything.”

Sunghoon laughed bitterly through his tears.

“For three years, I thought I had destroyed my marriage because Sunoo betrayed me.”

He wiped his face.

“But it was you.”

His voice cracked.

“You destroyed my family.”

His father finally stepped forward.

“We did it for you.”

Sunghoon stared at him.

“For me?”

“We wanted you to become stronger. You were too distracted by your family. You had responsibilities. You needed to focus on the company.”

“My family wasn't a distraction.”

Sunghoon's voice grew louder.

“They were my life.”

His father frowned.

“You were never going to become the leader you were meant to be if you kept putting them first.”

Something inside Sunghoon broke.

“I never wanted to be your CEO.”

His father stared at him.

“I never wanted your company.”

Sunghoon's tears continued falling.

“All I ever wanted was Sunoo.”

His voice trembled.

“And my children.”

His mother covered her mouth as she cried.

“You knew,” Sunghoon whispered, looking at her.

She couldn't meet his eyes.

“You knew or suspected what he did to me.”

She began sobbing.

“And you let him.”

Sunghoon shook his head.

“You both watched me destroy my family.”

His father's expression hardened.

“You're being emotional.”

“Of course I'm emotional!”

Sunghoon slammed his hand against the desk.

“You took three years from me!”

His voice echoed through the room.

“Three years with my children.”

His breathing became uneven.

“Three years with the man I loved.”

He looked at his father with tears in his eyes.

“And you expect me to forgive you because you thought you were doing what was best for me?”

His father didn't answer.

Sunghoon stepped back.

For years, he had wanted his father's approval.

Tonight, he finally realized he didn't want it anymore.

“I spent my whole life trying to become the son you wanted.”

He wiped his tears.

“But I'm done.”

His father stared at him.

“What are you saying?”

“I won't marry anyone you choose.”

Sunghoon's voice was steady now.

“I won't do the things you planned for me.”

His mother stepped toward him.

“Sunghoon…”

He looked at her sadly.

“I love you, Mom.”

She began crying harder.

“But I can't stay here.”

He turned toward the door.

His father shouted after him.

“You're throwing away everything I've built for you!”

Sunghoon stopped.

Then he looked back.

“No.”

His voice was quiet.

“I'm finally choosing what I should have chosen three years ago.”

He looked down at his wedding ring he still wore to this day.

It was glaring at him like the symbol of the family he had lost.

“I choose my family.”

Then he walked away.

For the first time in his life, Sunghoon wasn't running from his father's expectations.

He was walking toward the life he had always wanted.

Toward Sunoo.

Toward his children.

And toward the truth he should have known three years ago.

Sunghoon drove through Seoul with tears blurring his vision.

He couldn't stop thinking about Sunoo.

About Taesan.

Seonghyeon.

Juhoon.

He couldn't imagine what they had endured because of him.

And then he remembered the woman his father had forced him to meet.

The woman Sunoo had seen standing beside him.

“Damn it!”

Sunghoon slammed his hand against the steering wheel.

Of all the things Sunoo could have seen, he had seen that.

He had probably thought Sunghoon had already moved on.

Then, through the traffic, something caught his eye.

A familiar face.

Sunghoon slowed down.

His heart stopped.

Across the street, outside a restaurant, stood three children he would recognize anywhere.

His children.

And beside them was Sunoo.

But they weren't alone.

A man was walking beside them.

Sunoo was smiling.

His children were laughing.

And the sight of them together made something inside Sunghoon twist painfully.

He couldn't hear what they were saying through the car window.

He couldn't hear their laughter.

But he could see it.

They looked happy.

Happy without him.

Sunghoon stared through the glass.

And for the first time, another thought entered his mind.

Maybe he wasn't the only one who had moved on.

Maybe someone else had already found a place in the life he had abandoned.

His hands tightened around the steering wheel.

He had spent three years thinking he could simply return when he was ready.

Now, for the first time, he understood that Sunoo's life had continued without him.

And perhaps the hardest part was realizing that he no longer had any right to ask Sunoo to stop living it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “Ni-ki! I promise.”

Sunoo laughed into the phone.

On the other end, Ni-ki was once again demanding that Sunoo send him the thesis he had mentioned a few days ago.

“Yah, Sunoo. Don't laugh. I really want to read it.”

“I know. I told you I'd send it.”

“No. I want the original copies. Have Taesan bring them to me, okay?”

Sunoo chuckled.

“Fine. I'll send them.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Swear.”

“Ni-ki, you're ridiculous.”

“Swear!”

Sunoo laughed again.

“I swear.”

Only then did Ni-ki finally seem satisfied.

“Good. I'll see you tonight.”

“Okay. Bye, Ni-ki.”

“Bye, hyung.”

The call ended.

It had been four months since Sunghoon had first reappeared in their lives.

Four months since everything Sunoo had carefully built had been shaken.

And yet, strangely enough, life had begun to settle again.

His children were healthy.

They were happy.

His ex-husband had finally stopped trying to force his way back into Sunoo's life.

And Ni-ki's presence had become something Sunoo never realized he needed.

What had begun as a professional relationship between a school psychologist and a worried father had slowly turned into a genuine friendship.

Ni-ki had become a dependable younger friend to Sunoo.

Someone Sunoo could call.

Someone who listened without judgment.

Someone who cared deeply about him and his children.

And the boys had grown attached to him too.

Especially Juhoon.

Sunoo felt safe whenever Ni-ki was around.

Perhaps that was why he didn't notice the way Ni-ki sometimes looked at him a little longer than necessary.

Or perhaps he simply refused to notice.

“Good morning, Appa.”

Sunoo looked up from the kitchen counter.

Taesan stood there, already dressed for his early Saturday basketball practice.

“Good morning, baby.”

Sunoo smiled and kissed his cheek.

Taesan's eyes immediately went to the sandwiches on the counter.

“Wow. Those look good.”

“They're for you.”

Taesan grinned.

Sunoo picked up his phone.

“I'm sending some files with you for Uncle Ni-ki. Is that okay?”

“Sure.”

Taesan smiled.

“Is he coming tonight?”

“Yeah. He said he would.”

Sunoo lowered his voice conspiratorially.

“But he told me not to tell you.”

Taesan laughed.

“That old man.”

Sunoo gasped.

“Yah! Don't call him old!”

Taesan only laughed harder.

Ni-ki had somehow found his way into all three boys' hearts.

Seonghyeon was still somewhat reserved around him, but he trusted him.

Juhoon adored him.

And Taesan had become comfortable enough to tease him.

“Aren't you two cute?” Taesan said.

Sunoo narrowed his eyes.

“What does that mean?”

“Sending things to each other through a high school student.”

Sunoo's eyes widened.

“Taesan!”

He lightly smacked his son's arm.

Taesan laughed.

“What? I'm just saying.”

He leaned down and kissed his father's forehead.

“You're beautiful, Appa.”

Sunoo's expression softened.

“And Uncle Ni-ki isn't blind. The man practically has heart eyes whenever he looks at you.”

Sunoo scoffed.

“Stop it.”

“I'm serious.”

“He's like a younger brother to me.”

Taesan gave him an amused look.

“Sure.”

Sunoo pointed at him.

“Don't start.”

Taesan only laughed and hugged him.

“You're cute when you're embarrassed.”

“Yah!”

Sunoo started tickling him.

Taesan immediately tried to escape.

“Appa! Stop!”

Their laughter filled the kitchen.

For a moment, everything felt normal.

After seeing Taesan off, Sunoo went upstairs.

Seonghyeon and Juhoon were still asleep.

He quietly entered Seonghyeon's room.

His second son had always been different.

Quiet.

Observant.

Reserved.

And far more understanding than a seven-year-old should have needed to be.

Sometimes Sunoo wondered if the divorce had forced Seonghyeon to grow up too quickly.

At four years old, Seonghyeon hadn't understood why his parents had separated.

He only understood that Papa had left.

And that Appa had cried.

He had missed his father terribly.

But over time, that sadness had transformed into anger.

It was easier for a child to be angry than to admit he was hurt.

Sunoo watched his sleeping son.

Seonghyeon's lips were slightly pursed, his dark eyebrows drawn together, his little hands tucked beneath his head.

Sunoo leaned down and kissed his forehead.

Seonghyeon stirred.

His eyelashes fluttered.

Then his eyes opened.

For a moment, he simply stared at his father.

Then his face brightened.

“Appa!”

Sunoo smiled.

“Aww, my baby.”

Seonghyeon immediately reached for him.

Sunoo scooped him into his arms and covered his face with kisses.

“Did you have a nice dream?”

Seonghyeon nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes! I dreamed that you, me, Taesan-hyung, and Juhoon were eating ice cream together.”

Sunoo laughed.

“Omo. That's a very good dream.”

“Appa!”

Both of them froze.

A loud cry came from down the hallway.

They looked at each other.

“Juhoon is awake.”

They said it at exactly the same time.

Then they laughed.

Juhoon was in a terrible mood that morning.

By the time Sunoo finally got him settled, he was already fifteen minutes late for work.

He hurried into the hospital, apologizing as he made his way toward the ward.

He knew how difficult it was for the rest of the staff when someone arrived late.

But before he could even change properly, Jungwon rushed toward him.

“Sunoo!”

Sunoo immediately noticed his expression.

“What happened?”

Jungwon hesitated.

“Sunoo…”

“What is it?”

“I tried to convince the Nursing Superintendent, but she wouldn't change her mind.”

Sunoo's heart began to beat faster.

“What are you talking about?”

Jungwon swallowed.

“It's Sunghoon.”

Sunoo froze.

His stomach twisted.

“What did that bastard do now?”

“No.”

Jungwon shook his head quickly.

“It's not that.”

He took a breath.

“Sunghoon has been in a coma for four months.”

Sunoo stared at him.

“What?”

“He was admitted to a private hospital after an accident. He was transferred here last night because they believe he needs better treatment.”

Sunoo couldn't speak.

“He isn't responding as well as they hoped,” Jungwon continued quietly. “His parents requested that you take over his care.”

Sunoo's face went pale.

“Why me?”

“Because you're one of the nurses best qualified to handle his condition.”

Sunoo shook his head.

“No.”

His voice was barely audible.

“He can't be here.”

Jungwon's expression softened.

“Sunoo…”

“I thought he was fine.”

He swallowed.

“He was supposed to be fine.”

Successful.

Healthy.

Living his life.

Anything but this.

Before Jungwon could answer, a familiar voice came from behind them.

“Sunoo.”

Sunoo froze.

He turned.

Mrs. Park stood there.

The woman who had once treated him like a son.

The woman who had once been his mother-in-law.

“Sunoo…”

Her eyes filled with tears.

Then she crossed the distance between them and pulled him into her arms.

Sunoo stood frozen.

He didn't know what to do.

“I know you're confused,” she sobbed. “And you probably hate me. You probably hate all of us.”

Sunoo swallowed.

“Mrs. Park…”

“Please.”

She pulled back.

“Come and see him first.”

Sunoo stared at her.

His mind was still struggling to process everything.

“Okay.”

His voice was quiet.

“I'll change.”

Mrs. Park nodded through her tears.

“I promise, once you hear what I have to tell you, you'll understand.”

Sunoo didn't answer.

He simply walked toward the changing room.

The hospital room was filled with the steady rhythm of machines.

Sunghoon lay motionless on the bed.

Wires surrounded him.

A ventilator helped him breathe.

Sunoo stood at the doorway.

For three years, he had told himself that Park Sunghoon was nothing more than the man who had abandoned him.

The man he hated.

The man who had broken his heart.

But seeing him like this made something inside Sunoo ache.

Because beneath all the anger was the truth.

Sunghoon had once been his best friend.

His husband.

His lover.

The father of his children.

The person he had once planned to grow old with.

And now he couldn't even open his eyes.

Mrs. Park stood beside him.

“It wasn't his intention to hurt you.”

Sunoo looked away.

“But he did.”

His voice shook.

“He left me.”

Mrs. Park began crying.

“I know.”

“He left me confused. He left me alone with three children.”

“I know.”

“And now he's back in my life like this.”

Mrs. Park took a shaky breath.

“Please listen to me.”

Sunoo closed his eyes.

She reached for his hand.

“Please, for the sake of the family we once were, listen.”

Sunoo swallowed.

“Okay.”

Mrs. Park nodded.

“Sunghoon's father wanted him to become the successor of the company. He wanted him to marry someone wealthy, someone who would strengthen the family's business connections.”

Sunoo's eyes hardened.

“I knew he didn't like me.”

“He hated that Sunghoon chose you.”

Sunoo looked toward the unconscious man.

“Sunghoon chose me?”

Mrs. Park nodded.

“Every time his father asked him to put the company first, Sunghoon chose you instead.”

Sunoo's eyes filled with tears.

“Then why did he leave?”

Mrs. Park hesitated.

“Because he was deceived.”

Sunoo frowned.

“What?”

“You were set up.”

His heart stopped.

“Park Minwoo hired people to manipulate photographs and videos.”

Sunoo stared at her.

“He made it look as though you were seeing another man.”

Sunoo's breath caught.

“He even arranged for someone to meet Sunghoon and convince him that you were cheating.”

Sunoo's entire body began to tremble.

“No…”

“He believed it.”

Mrs. Park's voice broke.

“He believed the person he loved most had betrayed him.”

Sunoo looked at Sunghoon.

He suddenly understood.

Sunghoon's insecurity.

His fear of not being enough.

His fear of losing the people he loved.

But still…

“He should have asked me.”

Sunoo's tears spilled over.

“He should have trusted me.”

“He should have.”

Mrs. Park lowered her head.

“But he was convinced that you had betrayed him.”

Sunoo wiped his tears.

“And the divorce?”

“He couldn't bear to hear you deny it.”

Mrs. Park cried quietly.

“He thought hearing the truth from you would destroy him.”

Sunoo's heart broke all over again.

“He still left.”

“I know.”

Mrs. Park took a shaky breath.

“And after he left, he was miserable.”

Sunoo looked at her.

“He never found anyone else. He stopped believing in love.”

Sunoo's eyes drifted toward the bed.

“He later discovered the truth when his father accidentally confessed.”

Sunoo's face crumpled.

“He learned that you had never cheated.”

A tear slid down his cheek.

“He was furious with his father. He cut ties with his family and went looking for you.”

Mrs. Park covered her face.

“But before he could reach you, we received the call.”

Sunoo looked at Sunghoon.

“He had been in an accident.”

He slowly approached the bed.

His hand trembled as he reached for Sunghoon's.

“Sunghoon…”

His voice broke.

“You idiot.”

He squeezed his hand.

“You should have come to me.”

Mrs. Park began crying behind him.

“I know I have no right to ask this of you,” she whispered. “But please…”

Sunoo didn't look back.

“Give him another chance.”

Sunoo closed his eyes.

He couldn't promise that.

Not yet.

But he couldn't let go of Sunghoon's hand either.

It was getting late.

Taesan glanced at the clock.

Their babysitter had already left, after making sure the boys were ready for bed.

Juhoon was whining.

Seonghyeon was sitting on the couch with a pout.

“Hyung…”

Juhoon tugged on Taesan's shirt.

“Appa isn't home.”

“I know.”

Taesan crouched down.

“Appa will be home soon.”

“I miss Appa.”

“I know.”

Juhoon pouted.

“Let's get you into your pajamas, okay?”

“Okay.”

Taesan carried him upstairs.

After getting both his brothers ready for bed, he finally picked up his phone.

His father was never late without a reason.

And if he couldn't make it home, he always called.

After four rings, Sunoo finally answered.

“Appa?”

“Aww, baby. I'm sorry I haven't called.”

Taesan smiled.

“It's okay appa.”

 “Has Uncle Ni-ki called you?”

There was a pause.

Taesan frowned.

“Appa?”

“Taesan…”

Sunoo's voice sounded strange.

Hoarse.

Weak.

Taesan immediately sat upright.

“Appa, are you okay?”

Silence.

Then a quiet sob.

Taesan's heart dropped.

“Appa?”

“Taesan…”

His father's voice trembled.

“Please get yourself and your brothers dressed warmly.”

“Why?”

“Uncle Jungwon is coming to get you.”

“Appa, what happened?”

“I'll explain when you get here.”

Taesan's mind filled with terrible possibilities.

“Just tell me you're okay.”

“I am, baby.”

Sunoo's voice broke.

“I promise.”

Taesan didn't believe him.

But he knew his father.

If Sunoo wasn't ready to talk, pushing him wouldn't help.

“Okay.”

He swallowed.

“We'll come.”

Jungwon arrived soon after.

Taesan sat in the front passenger seat.

Seonghyeon and Juhoon sat behind them.

Taesan noticed immediately that Jungwon's eyes were red.

His heart sank.

“You're crying.”

Jungwon looked at him through the rear-view mirror.

“No, I'm not.”

“You are.”

Jungwon sighed.

“Your Appa is okay.”

Taesan stared out the window.

He wanted to believe him.

When they arrived at the hospital, Jungwon parked and turned toward his nephew.

“Taesanie.”

Taesan looked at him.

“I know this is going to be difficult.”

Jungwon's voice shook.

“But please stay strong.”

Taesan nodded.

Jungwon pulled him into a hug.

“I'm so proud of you.”

Taesan hugged him back.

Then Jungwon whispered,

“You're allowed to feel whatever you feel.”

Taesan nodded.

They reached the hospital room.

Jungwon opened the door.

Taesan froze.

Sunoo was sitting beside the bed.

His hand was intertwined with someone else's.

Taesan's eyes moved to the man lying there.

His Papa.

Sunghoon.

“Appa!”

Juhoon immediately rushed toward Sunoo.

Taesan let him go.

Sunoo looked up.

His eyes were swollen from crying.

“Aww, my babies.”

He opened his arms.

The boys crowded around him.

Taesan remained where he was.

“Appa…”

Sunoo looked at him.

“Come here, baby.”

Taesan finally walked over.

Then his eyes returned to the bed.

“What are you doing here with him?”

His voice was filled with anger and confusion.

Sunoo sighed.

“Taesanie, please listen to me.”

“I don't understand.”

“I know.”

Sunoo looked at his sons.

“I'll explain everything.”

He gently kissed Juhoon's forehead.

“Can you take your brothers outside to Uncle Jungwon for a few minutes?”

Taesan hesitated.

Sunoo squeezed his hand.

“Please.”

Taesan nodded.

But Seonghyeon didn't move.

“I want to know too.”

Everyone looked at him.

Seonghyeon's little face was serious.

Sunoo sighed softly.

“Okay, baby.”

Seonghyeon looked toward the bed.

The last time he had seen his Papa, he had been standing beside their car.

Tall.

Healthy.

Strong.

Now he looked completely different.

Fragile.

Unconscious.

Seonghyeon slowly approached the bed.

Taesan stopped him.

Seonghyeon looked at his brother.

“Papa hurt us.”

Then he looked toward Sunghoon.

“But that doesn't mean we have to be happy that he's suffering.”

Taesan sighed and nodded and led Juhoon outside with Jungwon.

Sunoo explained everything.

The lies. The photographs. The manipulation. The truth about the divorce.

Taesan listened.

His anger slowly turned into confusion.

Then hurt.

Then something he didn't want to name.

“He should have trusted you.”

Sunoo lowered his gaze.

“I know.”

“He should have talked to you.”

“I know, baby.”

“He left us.”

Sunoo's eyes filled with tears.

“I know.”

Taesan's voice broke.

“Why are you defending him?”

Sunoo looked at his son.

“I'm not defending what he did.”

“Then why?”

“Because I know the truth now.”

Taesan stood.

“He still left!”

His voice cracked.

“He left you. He left us.”

Sunoo reached for him.

“Taesanie…”

But Taesan stepped away.

“He should have called.”

Tears streamed down his face.

“If he loved us, he should have called.”

Then he walked out.

“Taesan!”

Sunoo called after him.

But his son didn't turn around.

Seonghyeon sat quietly beside Sunghoon's bed.

The room felt strangely peaceful.

He looked at his Papa.

The man who had once carried him around the house.

The man who had read him bedtime stories.

The man who had played chess with him.

The man who had disappeared.

Seonghyeon reached for his hand.

“It's okay, Papa.”

His little fingers curled around Sunghoon's.

“I understand.”

He didn't know if Sunghoon could hear him.

But he kept talking anyway.

“I'm scared of people not liking me too.”

He looked down.

“Sometimes I run away from kids at school because I think they won't like me.”

He smiled faintly.

“So I understand being scared.”

He squeezed Sunghoon's hand.

“Please get better.”

He looked toward the door.

“Then you and Taesan-hyung can talk.”

A small smile appeared on his face.

“Maybe he'll forgive you.”

Sunoo entered the room.

He stopped when he saw Seonghyeon holding Sunghoon's hand.

His eyes immediately filled with tears.

“Come here, baby.”

Seonghyeon climbed into his father's arms.

“Is Papa going to be okay?”

Sunoo kissed his forehead.

“Yes.”

He wasn't sure if he could promise that.

But he needed his son to believe it.

“Thank you for understanding him.”

Seonghyeon wiped the tears from his father's cheeks.

“It's okay, Appa.”

He looked toward Sunghoon.

“When people get hurt, they sometimes do stupid things.”

Sunoo smiled sadly.

“That's true.”

“Is Taesan-hyung okay?”

“He's with Uncle Jay.”

Seonghyeon nodded.

“Can I stay here with you?”

“Of course.”

Sunoo held his son close.

His gaze returned to Sunghoon.

“Please wake up soon.”

He gently kissed his forehead.

“We still have a lot to talk about.”

Outside the hospital, Taesan sat beside Jay.

He was silent.

His eyes were red.

Jay placed a hand over his.

“You know, you were always your Papa's boy.”

Taesan looked at him.

Jay smiled sadly.

“When you were little, Sunghoon couldn't stop talking about you.”

Taesan said nothing.

“He remembered your first word.”

A tear slipped down Taesan's cheek.

“He got crazy about your first step.”

Jay continued.

“He knew which stories you liked. Which lullabies made you fall asleep. What food you hated.”

Taesan's lips trembled.

“He loved you very much.”

“But he left.”

Taesan whispered.

“I know.”

Jay squeezed his hand.

“And you're allowed to be angry about that.”

Taesan lowered his head.

“Appa forgave him.”

“Your Appa understands something you don't have to understand yet.”

“What?”

“That forgiveness doesn't mean pretending nothing happened.”

Taesan looked at him.

“It means deciding what you want to do with the pain.”

Jay sighed.

“There is something else you should know.”

Taesan looked up.

“Your Papa was insecure for most of his life.”

He explained what Mrs. Park had told him.

Sunghoon had spent years trying to earn his father's approval.

He had never felt like he was enough.

Until he met Sunoo.

“He loved your Appa deeply,” Jay said.

Taesan's expression softened.

“And when he was convinced that the person he trusted most had betrayed him…”

He paused.

“He broke.”

Taesan's eyes widened.

“Your grandmother told me he tried to hurt himself several times.”

Taesan stared at him.

He hadn't known.

“He was miserable without you.”

Taesan covered his face.

“I was so cruel to him.”

“You were hurt.”

Jay pulled him closer.

“You were a child who lost his father.”

Taesan cried silently.

“Now you know the truth.What you are going to do is completely upto you”

He nodded.

“I want to see him.”

A little later, Sunoo found his eldest son waiting outside the room.

“Taesanie…”

Taesan turned.

His eyes were swollen.

He immediately walked toward his father.

Sunoo opened his arms.

Taesan collapsed into them.

And for the first time since Sunghoon had left, he allowed himself to cry for the father he had missed.

Years earlier

“It's okay to lose, buddy.”

Nine-year-old Taesan sat on the bench, staring at the basketball court.

He looked worried.

“I promised Appa I'd bring home the trophy.”

Sunghoon crouched in front of him.

“Listen to me.”

He gently lifted his son's chin.

“Your Appa and I love you regardless of whether you win.”

Taesan looked at him.

“Really?”

“Really.”

Sunghoon smiled.

“We're proud of you because you're our son. Not because of trophies.”

Taesan smiled.

“What if I lose?”

Sunghoon peppered his face with kisses.

“Then Papa will still love you.”

Taesan giggled.

“Always?”

“Always.”

Sunghoon pulled him into his arms.

“Because you're Papa's favorite boy.”

A month passed.

Sunoo continued caring for Sunghoon.

After learning the truth, the people around them had slowly begun to soften.

Even Jungwon had started coming around.

But Sunoo knew better than anyone that forgiveness did not erase three years of pain.

He didn't know what their future would look like.

He only knew that Sunghoon was getting better.

His vital signs were improving.

His responses to treatment were becoming stronger.

And Sunoo was grateful for every little improvement.

That morning, Sunoo sat beside his bed.

“Good morning.”

Sunghoon remained still.

“I dropped the kids off with Ni-ki.”

Sunoo smiled.

“They wanted to come here, but Ni-ki insisted they spend some time with him too.”

He paused.

“You should meet him when you wake up.”

Sunoo smiled to himself.

“He's a really good person.”

A quiet laugh came from the doorway.

Sunoo jumped.

“Jungwon!”

Jungwon grinned.

“You talk to him like he's awake.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes.

“I hope he can hear me.”

Jungwon glanced at Sunghoon.

“You know, Ni-ki might be a little too interested in you.”

Sunoo sighed.

“Stop it…”

“I swear, the man practically has heart eyes whenever he looks at you.”

Sunoo shook his head.

“Ni-ki is my friend.”

“Sure.”

“Stop it.”

Jungwon laughed.

Then the monitor suddenly changed.

Both men froze.

The heartbeat had accelerated.

Sunoo immediately turned toward the bed.

“Sunghoon?”

Sunghoon's fingers moved.

His eyelids fluttered.

“Jungwon, call the doctor!”

Jungwon rushed out.

Sunoo leaned closer.

“Sunghoon?”

Slowly, Sunghoon opened his eyes.

His gaze was unfocused.

Confused.

Then it settled on Sunoo.

“Sun…”

Sunoo's eyes filled with tears.

“I'm here.”

Sunghoon stared at him.

“You're here…”

Sunoo smiled through his tears.

“I'm here.”

The doctors rushed in.

Sunoo stepped aside, but Sunghoon suddenly tightened his grip around his hand.

Panic flashed across his face.

“Don't…”

Sunoo immediately understood.

“I'm not leaving.”

He squeezed his hand.

“Let the doctor check you, okay?”

Sunghoon reluctantly relaxed.

The doctor examined him.

After several minutes, he finally smiled.

“This is an incredible improvement.”

The unnecessary equipment was gradually removed.

Once the medical team was satisfied, they left the family alone.

Jungwon approached the bed.

“Hey.”

Sunghoon looked at him.

“Get better.”

Sunghoon nodded.

There were no apologies yet.

No explanations.

Not yet.

But there was an understanding between them.

They would have time for that later.

Sunoo sat beside Sunghoon.

“You should rest.”

Sunghoon stared at him.

“I love you.”

Sunoo's eyes filled with tears.

“I know.”

“I'm sorry.”

His voice cracked.

“I'm so sorry.” He repeated.

Sunoo gently wiped the tears from his face.

“I know the truth now.”

Sunghoon shook his head.

“I still left.”

“Yes.”

Sunoo's voice was soft.

“You did.”

Sunghoon closed his eyes.

“I hate myself for it.”

“Don't.”

Sunoo squeezed his hand.

“Not right now.”

He smiled gently.

“You need to get better first.”

Sunghoon opened his eyes.

“I missed you.”

Sunoo's lips trembled.

“I missed you too.”

“I'm sorry.”

“I know.”

Sunghoon's eyes slowly closed again.

“Stay?”

Sunoo nodded.

“I'm staying.”

And for the first time in three years, Sunghoon fell asleep peacefully knowing Sunoo was beside him.

Taesan couldn't believe the words when his father called.

“Papa is awake.”

For a moment, he couldn't speak.

Then he immediately gathered his brothers.

Jay came to pick them up.

As they drove toward the hospital, Taesan stared out the window.

He was happy.

Terrified.

Confused.

He didn't know what his father waking up meant.

Would they become a family again?

Would Papa come home?

Could they ever forget the past?

“You look troubled.”

Jay's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Taesan sighed.

“It's just… weird.”

Jay nodded.

“I won't pretend to know exactly what you're feeling.”

He glanced at him.

“But I know this. You've been carrying a lot for someone your age.”

Taesan looked down.

“You love your Appa.”

“Yes.”

“And you love your Papa too.”

Taesan was quiet.

“I think I do.”

Jay smiled.

“You don't have to choose between them.”

Taesan looked at him.

“Your Papa hurt you. You're allowed to be angry.”

He paused.

“But you're also allowed to love him.”

Taesan nodded slowly.

“You were always your Papa's boy.”

That made Taesan laugh quietly.

“Yeah.”

When they reached the hospital room, Taesan hesitated outside.

Jay opened the door.

Juhoon rushed inside.

“Papa!”

Seonghyeon followed.

Taesan remained frozen for a moment.

Then he stepped inside.

Sunghoon was holding his two younger sons.

Tears streamed down his face.

“My boy…”

He hugged Seonghyeon tightly.

“I'm so sorry.”

Seonghyeon buried his face against him.

“It's okay, Papa.”

Sunghoon kissed his forehead.

Then his gaze moved toward Juhoon.

His youngest.

His baby.

Juhoon smiled brightly.

“Papa!”

Sunghoon broke down.

He pulled the little boy closer.

“My baby.”

Sunoo stood beside the bed, crying quietly.

Then Sunghoon looked up.

And saw Taesan.

His eldest.

His first son.

The boy who had once run into his arms.

“Hey, buddy.”

Taesan stood still.

“Are you okay?”

Sunghoon smiled through his tears.

“I'm okay.”

Taesan nodded.

“Good.”

He looked away.

“That's good.”

Sunghoon swallowed.

“Taesanie…”

His voice trembled.

“Can you come closer?”

Taesan hesitated.

Sunghoon opened his arms.

“Please.”

Taesan finally moved.

He walked toward the bed.

And the moment Sunghoon's arms wrapped around him, every wall Taesan had built over three years collapsed.

He sobbed.

Sunghoon held him as tightly as his weakened body allowed.

“Oh, son…”

He cried into his son's hair.

“I'm sorry.”

Taesan clung to him.

“I'm sorry, Taesanie.”

They stayed like that for a long time.

Neither noticed Sunoo standing at the doorway with tears streaming down his face.

Then a tiny hand tugged at his shirt.

Sunoo looked down.

It was Seonghyeon.

“Aww, baby.”

He scooped him into his arms.

Seonghyeon smiled.

“Appa.”

“Hm?”

“We're going to be together now, right?”

Sunoo smiled.

“Yes, baby.”

Seonghyeon's eyes brightened.

“Will Papa come home with us?”

Sunoo's heart tightened.

He thought about the conversation he had recently had with Sunghoon.

“Sun…”

Sunghoon had looked at him nervously.

“Will you let me come home?”

Sunoo had been quiet.

“Are we ready for that?”

Sunghoon lowered his gaze.

“I know I don't have the right to simply come back.”

He swallowed.

“But I don't want to live without you and the boys.”

Sunoo's heart ached.

“I have a home.”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

“I know.”

He looked at him.

“But that penthouse isn't my home.”

Sunoo said nothing.

“You are.”

His voice broke.

“You and the boys.”

Sunghoon reached for his hand.

“If you're not ready, I'll wait.”

He smiled sadly.

“I'll wait as long as you need.”

Sunoo squeezed his hand.

“And the divorce?”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with hope.

“I want to fix it.”

He whispered.

“If you'll still have me.”

Sunoo looked down at Seonghyeon.

His son was waiting patiently for an answer.

“Yes, baby.”

He kissed his forehead.

“Papa's home is with us.”

Seonghyeon smiled.

Sunoo looked toward the hospital bed.

Sunghoon was holding Taesan.

Seonghyeon was in his arms.

Juhoon was happily chattering beside them.

And for the first time in three years, the five of them were standing in the same room again.

It wasn't the same family they had been before.

Too much had happened for that.

There were wounds that would take time to heal.

Trust that would have to be rebuilt.

Conversations that still needed to happen.

But Sunoo no longer feared the future.

Because perhaps love wasn't about returning to the life they had lost.

Perhaps it was about building a new one.

Together.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ni-ki had always thought life was unfair.

But as he grew older, he learned that waiting for life to become fair was pointless. He had spent years allowing other people to make decisions for him—his father, his circumstances, even his own fear.

This time, he decided he would be the one making his choices.

When Sunoo finally told him that Sunghoon was coming back into their lives, Ni-ki had no choice but to be honest.

“Why didn't you tell me you already knew us?” Sunoo asked quietly.

Ni-ki sighed.

“Would you have let me stay close if you'd known I was related to your ex-husband?” he asked. “I wanted to be there for you. For the kids. But I knew you'd shut me out before I could explain.”

Sunoo lowered his gaze.

“I understand, Ni-ki. It's just…” He rubbed his forehead. “Everything is happening so quickly. Sunghoon suddenly came back into our lives, and then I found out the reason I hated him for all these years wasn't even true. Now he's going to live with us, and I don't know if we're ready.”

Ni-ki's heart tightened.

He hated hearing Sunghoon's name.

For months, he had allowed himself to imagine a future with Sunoo and the children. Somewhere along the way, Taesan, Seonghyeon, and Juhoon had become like his own family.

But deep down, Ni-ki knew the truth.

That place had never belonged to him.

It had always belonged to Sunghoon.

Still, he wasn't going to disappear again.

“I'm going to be here for you, Sunoo,” Ni-ki said gently. “Whatever happens, you can count on me.”

Sunoo smiled tiredly.

“Thank you.”

Before Ni-ki could say anything else, a small voice rang through the cabin.

“Uncle Ni-ki!”

Juhoon came running toward him with his little arms stretched wide.

Ni-ki immediately crouched and caught the three-year-old in his arms.

“There you are, my little guy.”

“Uncle Ni-Ki! I have a new Papa!”

Ni-ki forced a smile.

“Really?”

“Yes!” Juhoon beamed. “I have two fathers now!”

His innocence made Ni-ki's heart ache.

“Am I not your favorite anymore?”

Juhoon immediately cupped Ni-ki's cheeks.

“Uncle Ni-ki is always the best!”

Ni-ki laughed softly.

“That's my boy.”

Taesan approached them with a smile.

“You're late.”

“Traffic,” Ni-ki replied.

It was a lie.

He had spent most of the drive wondering whether he could truly handle seeing Sunghoon again.

Taesan studied him.

“My father is getting impatient. You should come inside.”

Ni-ki nodded.

But the moment he stepped through the door, he stopped.

Sunoo was sitting beside Sunghoon, helping him eat.

Sunghoon looked healthier though he was still recovering.

Ni-ki's chest tightened.

Why did everything have to change now?

“Appa! Papa! Uncle Ni-ki is here!”

Juhoon announced proudly.

Sunghoon looked up.

His eyes widened.

“Ni-ki…”

Ni-ki met his gaze.

“Hey, Sunghoon.”

There was an awkward silence.

Sunoo, unaware of the tension, smiled brightly.

“You're finally here! I was getting worried.”

“Sorry, Sun. I couldn't call while driving.”

Sunghoon's eyes shifted between them.

He had already known about Ni-ki's place in their lives, but seeing their closeness in person was different.

Sunoo was comfortable with him.

The children adored him.

And Ni-ki clearly belonged in their lives.

“I'm glad he's okay,” Ni-ki said eventually.

Then his expression hardened.

“Sunghoon has already missed so much of his children's lives. Are you actually planning to stay this time?”

The room fell silent.

Seonghyeon was the one who answered.

“Uncle Ni-ki, Papa is going to live with us now.”

Sunghoon looked at his son gratefully.

Ni-ki forced a smile.

“That's good, Seonghyeon.”

His gaze returned to Sunghoon.

“Let's hope he's here to stay.”

Sunghoon lowered his eyes.

Ni-ki's words hurt, but he knew he had earned them.

Sunoo noticed the tension immediately.

“Sunghoon, do you want to change? We'll be able to leave once you're ready.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“Will you help me?”

“Of course.”

Ni-ki stood abruptly.

“I'll take the kids to the cafeteria. Call me when you're ready.”

Sunoo looked surprised.

“Ni-ki…”

“It's fine.”

Ni-ki forced a smile before walking away.

Sunghoon watched him leave.

“He doesn't like me.”

Sunoo sighed.

“He's angry on my behalf”

“I don't blame him.”

Sunghoon looked down at his hands.

“I always admired him when I was younger. I thought he was someone I could look up to even though he was much younger.”

Sunoo smiled faintly.

“He's good with people. He's a psychologist, after all.”

“He seems very close to you.”

Sunoo nodded.

“He is. He helped us when things were difficult. He was especially worried about Taesan.”

Sunghoon's expression changed.

“Why?”

Sunoo hesitated.

“It's complicated. We'll talk about it later.”

Sunghoon noticed the hesitation but didn't push.

“Okay.”

In the cafeteria, Taesan watched Ni-ki repeatedly glance toward the cabin.

“You're worried.”

Ni-ki sighed.

“Am I that obvious?”

“Yes.”

Ni-ki laughed quietly.

“You're becoming too perceptive.”

Taesan looked down.

“I wanted you and appa to be together once.”

Ni-ki's smile faded.

“I know.”

“I'm sorry but now...”

“Don't apologize for loving your family.”

Taesan looked at him.

“But you're hurt.”

Ni-ki gave him a small smile.

“Maybe I am.”

Later, Ni-ki drove the children home while Sunoo drove Sunghoon.

Sunghoon stared through the window.

“He has a child seat in his car.”

Sunoo smiled.

“Juhoon loves riding with him. Ni-ki drives us around sometimes, especially when we go out together.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“He really became part of your lives.”

“He did.”

Sunghoon swallowed.

He had no right to be jealous.

Ni-ki had been there when he wasn't.

And that was exactly what hurt.

Dinner was strangely comforting.

Sunoo served Sunghoon first, filled his glass when it was empty, and sat beside him throughout the meal.

It reassured Sunghoon more than words could.

He still loved him.

“Papa, will you come to Hyungie's basketball game tomorrow?” Seonghyeon asked.

Sunghoon's face immediately brightened.

“Taesan has a game?”

Taesan smiled shyly.

“Tomorrow night.”

“He's been doing incredibly well,” Ni-ki said proudly.

Sunghoon smiled.

“I know. He was always good at basketball.”

Taesan looked at him.

“You remember?”

“I remember everything about you.”

For a moment, Taesan's expression softened.

Ni-ki watched them.

Then Sunghoon added quietly, “I wish I had been there to see more of it.”

Sunoo reached for his hand beneath the table.

“You're here now.”

Ni-ki looked away.

The conversation continued until he finally said something he shouldn't have.

“He's a Park. He's good at everything.”

Sunoo winced.

“Ni-ki…”

Ni-ki shook his head.

“I didn't mean anything harmful”

“You did.”

Sunghoon's voice was calm but firm.

Ni-ki looked at him.

“Don't pretend everything is fine.”

“I never said it was.”

“You've been gone for years and now you're suddenly back.”

Sunghoon's jaw tightened.

“I know.”

“They're my family too.” Ni-ki claimed.

Sunghoon stared at him.

“They're my family.”

“They're mine too!”

Juhoon startled at the raised voices.

Taesan immediately pulled his younger brothers closer.

Sunoo stood.

“Enough.”

Both men fell silent.

Ni-ki looked at Juhoon and immediately regretted losing his temper.

“I'm sorry.”

He turned away.

Sunoo followed him onto the balcony.

“Ni-ki.”

Ni-ki wiped his eyes.

“I'm sorry.”

“You're hurting.”

“I know.”

Sunoo sat beside him.

“You're allowed to hurt. But you can't hurt Sunghoon or scare the kids.”

Ni-ki nodded.

“I know.”

“I still want you in our lives.”

Ni-ki closed his eyes.

“That makes it harder.”

Sunoo looked at him sadly. He knew more than he let on Ni-ki figured.

“I'm sorry.”

Ni-ki shook his head.

“You didn't do anything wrong.”

Inside, Sunghoon sat quietly.

Taesan approached him.

“Papa.”

Sunghoon looked up.

“Are you okay?”

“I will be.”

Taesan sat beside him.

“Uncle Ni-ki really loves appa.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“I know.”

“But appa loves you.”

Sunghoon looked toward the balcony.

“I know.”

And somehow, knowing that made the situation even more complicated.

That night, Sunghoon sat with his children upstairs in their room.

Taesan watched him carefully.

“I think Uncle Ni-ki is confused.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“So am I.”

Taesan looked down.

“I wanted appa to be happy. That's why I thought maybe he should be with Uncle Ni-ki.”

Sunghoon's heart ached.

“He deserves happiness.”

“But he doesn't want anyone else.”

Sunghoon looked at him.

“How do you know?”

“Because even when appa hated you, he still loved you.”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

“I'm sorry for everything I did to you.”

Taesan shook his head.

“We've already talked about it.”

“I should've trusted him.”

“Yes.”

The blunt answer made Sunghoon laugh sadly.

“You're right.”

Taesan smiled.

“But we're trying again.”

Sunghoon pulled him into a hug.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Papa.”

Juhoon and Seonghyeon soon joined them.

“Why are you crying, Papa?”

Sunghoon laughed through his tears.

“Happy tears.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Sunoo came upstairs a little later.

“Why are all my boys hiding up here?”

“appa!”

Juhoon and Seonghyeon ran to him.

Sunoo hugged both of them.

“Did you have fun with Papa?”

“Yes!”

Taesan smiled.

Sunoo looked around.

“Where's Ni-ki?”

Juhoon immediately asked, “Is Uncle Ni-ki still angry?”

Sunoo's smile softened.

“He just needs some time.”

“Will he come back?”

“He loves you too much not to.”

The boys seemed satisfied.

When they finally left for dessert, Sunghoon and Sunoo were alone.

“Sun…”

Sunoo walked toward him.

“We’ll be fine Sunghoon”

Sunghoon looked at him.

“I know.”

“I don't want you to feel like you have to compete with Ni-ki.” Sunoo gently says.

Sunghoon swallowed.

“I saw him with you.”

“He told me how he felt.”

Sunghoon's heart sank.

“But I made my answer clear.”

Sunghoon looked at him.

“You still love me?”

Sunoo smiled sadly.

“I never stopped.”

Sunghoon closed his eyes.

“Thank you.”

Sunoo pulled him into a hug.

“We have a lot to rebuild.”

“I know.”

“And we're not going to rush it.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“Okay.”

The family spent the evening together.

Sunghoon sat beside Sunoo while the three boys crowded around them.

Juhoon climbed onto Sunoo's lap.

“Appa, you're pretty!”

Sunoo laughed.

“Thank you, baby.”

Seonghyeon immediately joined in.

“Appa, am I handsome?”

“Of course!”

Sunoo kissed his cheeks.

Taesan watched them with amusement.

“Yah, you've hogged appa long enough.”

Sunoo grinned.

“Does my big baby want kisses too?”

Taesan groaned.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No!”

Sunghoon laughed and caught his son.

“Come here.”

“Papa! Noooo”

Soon the whole room was filled with laughter.

Later, they watched a movie together.

When it ended, Taesan was going to carry his siblings upstairs.

“I'll put Seonghyeon and Juhoon to bed,” Sunghoon said.

Taesan paused.

“Okay, Papa.”

Sunghoon carried the younger boys upstairs and tucked them in.

He kissed each of their foreheads.

“Goodnight, my babies.”

Then he went to Taesan's room.

His son appeared to be asleep.

Sunghoon smiled.

“Goodnight, little man. Papa loves you.”

He quietly left.

Taesan opened his eyes.

He had heard everything.

His tears slipped down his cheeks.

Papa was doing the things he used to do when he was little.

For the first time in years, Taesan allowed himself to feel like Papa's little boy again.

Sunghoon carried Sunoo to their bedroom after the younger man fell asleep on the couch.

He carefully settled him into bed.

“Goodnight, Sun.”

He was almost at the door when Sunoo stirred.

“Where are you going?”

“I was going to sleep on the couch.”

Sunoo lifted the blanket.

“Don't be ridiculous. Come here.”

Sunghoon smiled.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Sunghoon quietly joined him.

They settled beside each other.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Sun.”

For the first time in a long time, they fell asleep in the same room.

The next morning, Sunghoon woke to find Sunoo sleeping beside him.

He smiled.

“Good morning.”

Sunoo opened his eyes.

“Morning.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Very.”

Their plans for the day changed when Sunoo received an emergency call from the hospital.

“I have to go.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“Don't worry about us.”

Sunoo kissed the children's heads before leaving.

Sunghoon was disappointed but determined to make the most of his day with his sons.

He helped Juhoon and Seonghyeon get ready.

“Appa isn't coming?”

“He has to work.”

Juhoon pouted.

“I want Appa.”

“I know.”

Sunghoon kissed his forehead.

“He'll be home as soon as he can.”

Juhoon nodded reluctantly.

At the basketball game, Sunghoon sat with the boys.

Taesan's team was playing their biggest rival.

Sunghoon watched proudly as his son dominated the court.

He couldn't stop smiling and he applauded loudly when Taesan's team won.

After the game, while they waited outside, someone approached them.

“Hi.”

Sunghoon turned.

It was a girl who was probably only a little bit older than Taesan's age.

“Can I help you?”

She smiled nervously.

“Could I have your number?”

Sunghoon blinked.

“I'm married.”

The girl looked surprised.

“Really?”

“Yes. And I'm here for my son.”

Taesan appeared behind him.

“Papa.”

Sunghoon smiled and turned towards his son.

“Ready?”

Taesan nodded.

The girl walked away embarrassed.

Once they were in the car, Taesan laughed.

“You really scared her.”

Sunghoon shook his head.

“I'm not interested in anyone else.”

Taesan smiled.

“Appa would like that.”

Sunghoon smiled.

“He's the only person I want.”

Sunoo watched Sunghoon sleeping peacefully beside him.

He smiled.

They had survived something that had nearly destroyed their family.

The wounds were still there.

But they were healing.

There was only one thing that continued to weigh heavily on Sunoo's heart.

Ni-ki.

He picked up his phone and looked through old photographs of Ni-ki with the children.

“I hope you're okay,” he whispered.

Later, Sunoo and Sunghoon took Juhoon to the park.

Juhoon ran around chasing butterflies while his parents watched.

Sunghoon noticed the distant expression on Sunoo's face.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Ni-ki.”

Sunghoon sighed.

“Oh”

“I want him back in our lives” Sunoo said with a bit of melancholic mists in his eyes.

“I understand.” Sunghoon confessed.

“He was there for us when you weren't.”

Sunghoon looked down.

“I know.”

Sunoo took his hand.

“I don't want you to feel threatened by him.”

“I do sometimes.”

Sunoo smiled.

“But you're irreplaceable.”

Sunghoon looked at him.

“Really?”

“Really.”

After a moment of contemplation, Sunoo finally told him the truth about Ni-ki.

“Sunghoon… Ni-ki is your brother.”

Sunghoon froze.

“What?”

“Your father had a son after you”

Sunghoon stared at him.

“I knew he could be related to me. I had my suspicions but I never thought my father would…” he trailed off.

“He wanted to hide him from the world”

Sunghoon's eyes filled with tears.

“Why didn't he tell me?”

“Your father made him keep it secret.”

Sunghoon looked away.

“He was my brother all this time.”

Sunoo pulled him into his arms.

“You still have a chance to know him.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“I want that.”

Ni-ki sat alone in the house that had once belonged to his grandmother.

The house was quiet.

Too quiet.

He had spent his life helping other people through their problems.

But now he was the one who needed someone.

He missed Sunoo.

He missed the children.

Ni-ki could recognize Sunoo anywhere.

So when he saw him approaching, he immediately stood.

“Sun?”

Sunoo hurried toward him.

Ni-ki caught him in a hug.

“What happened?”

“The kids are okay.”

Ni-ki sighed with relief.

Sunoo pulled back.

“Why did you disappear?”

Ni-ki lowered his eyes.

“I thought giving you space was the right thing to do.”

“You scared me.”

“I'm sorry.”

Sunoo's voice trembled.

“Just because Sunghoon came back doesn't mean I don't need you anymore.”

Ni-ki looked at him.

“You still want me around?”

“Of course.”

“But you know how I feel.”

Sunoo nodded.

“I know.”

“I can't just turn those feelings off.”

“I know.”

Sunoo took his hands.

“But our relationship is bigger than that.”

Ni-ki looked away.

“You don't understand.”

“I do.”

“No, Sunoo. You have everything. You have your family. Your children. Sunghoon.”

“Yes, but I also want you in our lives. Don’t disappear”

Ni-ki's expression softened.

“You really mean that?”

“Yes.”

Sunoo smiled sadly.

“You're my family.”

Ni-ki closed his eyes.

“And Sunghoon?”

“He wants you to be in our lives too. I told him the truth”

Ni-ki looked shocked.

“He knows?”

“He knows you're his brother.”

Ni-ki's breath caught.

“He do?”

“Yes.”

Ni-ki looked down.

“So he don’t resent me?”

“No. He is excited to know you again. This time as his brother”

Sunoo squeezed his hands.

“You both lost so much because of your father. Don't let him take away the chance for you to have each other now.”

Ni-ki was silent for a long time.

Finally, he nodded.

“I'll try.”

Back at home, the children were arguing.

Seonghyeon's drawing had been ruined after Juhoon accidentally spilled water over it.

“I hate him!”

Sunghoon immediately turned.

“Seonghyeon. Don’t say that” He scolded.

The seven-year-old froze.

“No.”

Seonghyeon's eyes filled with tears.

“No one is ever on my side!”

He ran upstairs.

Sunghoon stood there, stunned.

Taesan looked equally shocked.

“Papa…”

“Taesan please take Juhoon for ice cream or something.” Sunghoon requested.

Taesan nodded, eager to make peace between his younger brothers who had been screeching for the past ten minutes.

Sunghoon followed Seonghyeon upstairs.

The bedroom door was locked.

“Baby?”

Silence.

“Papa's sorry for shouting.”

Nothing.

Sunghoon's voice softened.

“You're allowed to be angry. But please talk to me.”

Inside, Seonghyeon cried into his pillow.

He loved Juhoon.

He loved his family.

But sometimes he felt invisible.

Juhoon was always the baby.

Taesan was the oldest.

And Seonghyeon was the quiet one.

He didn't want to be forgotten.

When Sunoo came home, the house was unusually quiet.

“Babe?”

He found Sunghoon sitting outside Seonghyeon's room.

“What happened?”

Sunghoon explained.

Sunoo's eyes filled with tears and worry. Seonghyeon was the most sensitive sibling and Sunoo knew he must feel so bad right now.

“Oh, baby…”

He knelt beside the door.

“Seonghyeonie. Appa's home.”

There was silence.

“Please open the door.”

Sunoo's voice broke.

“I didn't know you were feeling this way.”

Small footsteps approached.

The door opened.

Sunoo immediately pulled his son into his arms.

“I'm sorry.”

Seonghyeon cried.

“I just want to be someone's favorite sometimes.”

Sunghoon's heart broke.

“You are.”

Seonghyeon looked at him.

“You're my favorite little boy,” Sunghoon said.

Sunoo smiled through his tears.

“You're everyone's favorite.”

“But Juhoon is the baby.”

“And you're our Seonghyeon.”

Sunoo held his hands.

“We love all three of you differently, but never less.”

Seonghyeon nodded.

“Really?”

“Really.”

Sunghoon kissed his forehead.

“Papa promises to listen better.”

Seonghyeon finally smiled.

Several months later, Taesan was playing on his skateboard outside when Ni-ki pulled up outside their house. He stopped and stared when he saw Ni-ki getting out of his car.

“Uncle Ni-ki!”

Ni-ki turned.

Taesan ran toward him.

“You got a new car?”

Ni-ki laughed.

“Unfortunately, yes. I had to”

“What happened to your old one?”

“Long story.”

Taesan laughed at the vague explanation.

“Are you back for good?”

Ni-ki nodded.

“For good.”

Taesan smiled contentedly and hugged him.

“Good.”

Inside, Sunghoon paced around the house.

“I'm nervous.”

Sunoo laughed.

“You've said that about twenty times.”

“What if he still hates me?”

“He doesn't.”

“What if he doesn't forgive me?”

“Give him time.”

Sunghoon sighed.

“I should've known what my father was doing to him.”

“You didn't know.”

“I should have.”

Sunoo took his hand.

“Stop punishing yourself.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“I trust you.”

When Ni-ki arrived at the door with Taesan, Seonghyeon ran to the door.

“Uncle Ni-ki!”

Ni-ki caught him.

“You've grown!”

Seonghyeon laughed.

Then Juhoon came running.

“Uncle Ni-ki!”

Ni-ki hugged him too.

“I missed you.”

“We missed you!”

Taesan smiled at his awkward father hanging back.

He gestured toward Sunghoon.

Sunghoon stood nervously.

“Hi Ni-ki”

Ni-ki stared at him.

For a moment, neither moved.

Then Sunghoon took one step forward.

“I don't know what to say.”

Ni-ki smiled sadly.

“You don't have to say anything.”

Sunghoon's eyes became shifty.

“I've missed you.”

Ni-ki finally broke.

He pulled his brother into a hug.

Sunghoon held him tightly.

The brothers cried together.

Sunoo watched with tears in his eyes.

The children looked confused.

“Why are they crying?” Juhoon asked.

Sunoo smiled.

“Because they're brothers.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Ni-ki had spent most of his life without a real family.

But now he had one.

It wasn't perfect.

It didn't need to be.

Five months passed after his reconciliation with Sunghoon and the family.

During that time, Sunghoon repeatedly tried to introduce Ni-ki to people.

Ni-ki refused.

Until, by chance, he met someone named Jake.

Jake was kind, funny, and patient.

And, unlike Sunghoon's previous attempts, this relationship developed naturally.

One evening, Ni-ki arrived at the restaurant with Jake.

“I'm nervous,” Jake admitted.

Ni-ki smiled.

“Why?”

“Because your family matters to you.”

Ni-ki squeezed his hand.

“You'll be fine.”

At the restaurant, Sunghoon was practically bouncing with excitement.

When Ni-ki arrived, Juhoon immediately shouted,

“Uncle Ni-ki!”

Ni-ki laughed.

“Hello, little guy.”

Then he turned toward Jake.

“Everyone, this is Jake.”

Sunoo smiled warmly.

“It's nice to meet you.”

Jake bowed.

“It's nice to finally meet you.”

Sunoo laughed.

“You don't have to be nervous.”

Jake relaxed.

The evening went surprisingly well.

Jake and Sunoo quickly discovered that they had plenty to talk about.

Sunghoon watched them from across the table.

He leaned toward Ni-ki.

“See? I told you he'd like him.”

Ni-ki rolled his eyes.

“You're annoying.”

A few weeks later, Sunoo and Jake had become close friends.

One evening, Sunghoon watched from the couch as Sunoo talked to Jake on the phone.

He sighed dramatically.

Taesan glanced over.

“Papa, you're jealous.”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I am not.”

Taesan laughed.

Sunoo finally noticed.

“Are you sulking?”

“No.”

“You're definitely sulking.”

Sunoo ended the call and walked over.

“Come here.”

Sunghoon smiled despite himself.

“I just missed you.”

“I was right here.”

“I know.”

Sunoo laughed.

“Then stop pouting.”

Sunghoon pulled him into a hug.

“Okay.”

The house was loud again.

Full again.

And for Sunghoon, that was enough.

Taesan knew he was in trouble the moment he stepped through the front door.

His parents were waiting.

It was nearly three in the morning.

“You're still awake?” He said awkwardly as he closed the door carefully.

Sunghoon sighed.

“Go to bed, Taesan.”

Taesan looked at Sunoo.

“Appa…”

Sunoo didn't even look at him.

That hurt more than being yelled at.

“Okay.”

He went upstairs.

The next morning was even worse.

Sunoo served breakfast without saying a word to him.

Taesan finally sighed.

“Appa…”

Nothing.

“Appa?”

Still nothing.

After breakfast, Sunghoon took the younger boys into another room as he figured the duo needed to talk.

Taesan finally approached Sunoo.

“I'm sorry.”

Sunoo continued washing dishes.

“I should have answered your calls. I shouldn't have stayed out so late.”

Silence.

“Please don't ignore me.”

Sunoo finally turned.

“You scared me.”

Taesan's eyes filled with tears.

“I know.”

“You were supposed to be home hours earlier.”

“I know.”

“You're growing up. I understand that. I want you to have friends and enjoy being a teenager. But you cannot disappear without telling us where you are.”

“I won't do it again.”

Sunoo sighed and pulled him into a hug.

“I forgive you.”

Taesan hugged him tightly.

“Thank you.”

Sunoo kissed his forehead.

“You'll always be my baby.”

Taesan smiled.

“Even when I'm sixteen?”

“Especially when you're sixteen.”

That night, Sunghoon woke to the sound of Juhoon crying.

He quietly got out of bed and went to his son's room.

Juhoon was flushed and feverish.

“Papa…”

“I'm here.”

Juhoon reached for him.

“Want Appa.” He wailed.

“I know baby”.

Sunghoon carried him to their bedroom.

Sunoo immediately woke.

“Juhoonie?”

He took the little boy into his arms.

“Appa's here.”

Juhoon calmed almost immediately.

Sunghoon brought what they needed and stayed beside them.

Sunoo checked his temperature and reassured him.

“He'll be okay. We'll keep an eye on him.”

Sunghoon kissed his son's forehead.

“You scared Papa.”

Juhoon sniffled.

“Sorry.”

“You don't have to apologize for being sick.”

Sunoo smiled.

“See? We're a team.”

Sunghoon nodded.

“The best team.”

Several weeks later, Seonghyeon stood backstage preparing for his class speech.

“Are you nervous?”

Sunghoon asked.

“A little.”

“You'll be amazing.”

The entire family had come.

Ni-ki and Jake were there too, holding an enormous banner that read:

SEONGHYEONIE! WE'RE PROUD OF YOU!

Seonghyeon laughed when he saw it.

“Uncle Ni-ki! This so cool” he had exclaimed when he first saw it.

Ni-ki waved.

“Go show them what you've got!”

Jake laughed.

“I think the banner is bigger than him.”

Everyone smiled.

When Seonghyeon finished his speech, the entire family erupted in applause.

Sunoo rushed toward him.

“My baby!”

He hugged him tightly.

“You were amazing!”

“Really, Appa?”

“Really!”

Sunghoon pulled him into another hug.

“Papa is so proud of you.”

Juhoon waved the banner enthusiastically.

“HYUNGIE!”

Taesan recorded everything on his phone.

Ni-ki stood beside Jake, smiling.

Sunoo looked around at them all.

His husband.

His three sons.

Ni-ki and Jake.

He thought of Jay and Jungwon who were preparing a surprise party at their home.

They are people who had somehow become part of their lives.

The road ahead wouldn't always be easy.

There were still scars.

There were still things to heal.

But the family had survived.

And for the first time in years, Sunoo wasn't afraid of what tomorrow would bring.

He simply smiled.

Because whatever the future held, they would face it together.