(The hospital)
Jihan entered with Kang Dan in his arms, Mrs. Kang walking closely beside them.
Taesung was already waiting near the entrance of the ward.
His white doctor's coat contrasted with the tired warmth in his eyes as he leaned in to kiss little Dan's cheek.
The child giggled, grabbing at Taesung's collar with tiny fingers.
"Mom, you go ahead first," Taesung said, brushing his hand gently over Mrs. Kang's shoulders.
"Minjoon and Taehyun are already inside with Jihyun. I'll come after I check on something."
Mrs. Kang nodded and stepped inside.
But before Jihan could follow, Taesung bent closer, his voice low and teasing.
"You're looking too pretty today, my lovely child's mother "
Jihan's ears turned red instantly.
He nudged Taesung with his elbow, whispering sharply,
"Stop it Mother's waiting."
Taesung chuckled under his breath.
"Fine, fine. Go on."
Inside the room,
Jihyun lay propped against the bed, his back cushioned by pillows. His complexion was still pale, but his eyes were clearer than the days before.
The moment his gaze landed on Mrs. Kang, something inside him softened.
Mrs. Kang rushed forward, taking his hand in both of hers.
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she kissed his knuckles.
"Oh, Jihyun-ah my heart was sinking every moment since I heard you were hurt. Yesterday, when They told me you had opened your eyes, I finally breathed again. But now, seeing you here"
her voice cracked,
"I can finally rest."
She cupped his cheek tenderly.
"You've lost weight. Promise me you'll eat properly so you can recover quickly."
Jihyun's throat tightened. He nodded faintly, whispering,
"Yes, Mother."
But then his eyes drifted, catching sight of Jihan and the baby. His breath hitched slightly.
Jihan smiled politely.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm… better,"
Jihyun murmured, gaze flickering down to the child.
Kang Dan's wide, innocent eyes lit up as he looked at Jihyun, his tiny hand reaching forward as though asking to touch him.
The adults chuckled softly at the scene.
With a weak effort, Jihyun lifted his trembling hand, and Jihan leaned closer, letting Dan press his small palm against Jihyun's.
Something about the child's smile pure, untainted hit Jihyun's chest with warmth he hadn't expected.
Mrs. Kang unpacked a food container.
"I brought this for you. I asked Taesung carefully what you're allowed to eat and prepared it myself. Promise me you'll try."
"Yes, Mother,"
Jihyun answered softly, though his gaze lingered stubbornly on Jihan and the child.
Inside, his thoughts twisted.
Taewon never came. Instead, he sent his lover? His child?
He bit the inside of his lip. They look like a family. A perfect, adorable family. And I..
The door opened again. Taesung entered with a tray, a syringe and notes in hand. "Sorry, I'm late."
"It's fine,"
Minjoon replied, standing aside to give him space.
As Taesung prepared the injection,
Dan suddenly started fussing in Jihan's lap. Taesung leaned closer, pulling faces until the child broke into giggles, laughter echoing around the room.
Jihyun's gaze lingered, his heart tightening. They're so close Dan seems more like Taesung's than Taewon's.
When Taesung finished, he wiped his hands and without hesitation scooped Dan from Jihan's arms.
"There, come to Daddy,"
he said warmly, kissing the boy's cheek. Dan squealed, clinging happily to him.
He stepped near Jihyun's bed, lifting Dan slightly.
"Look, this is Jihyun-ssi. Say hello again."
Dan's smile grew even wider, his tiny hands patting toward Jihyun.
Jihyun couldn't hold back.
"He's addicted to you," he whispered.
Taesung grinned.
"Of course. He's more attached to me than even Jihan sometimes. Since his birth, I've cared for him myself. Jihan wasn't well back then, so I raised him mostly on my own."
Jihyun's brows furrowed. His lips parted in confusion. "Then where was his father?"
The room fell silent. Taesung froze for a moment, then slowly looked at his mother, at Jihan and finally back at Jihyun.
"What do you mean,"
Taesung asked quietly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "I am his father."
Jihyun blinked, the air caught in his lungs. "You?"
"Yes." Taesung's tone was steady now, certain.
"Kang Dan is my son. And this" he glanced at Jihan, who rose nervously from the couch, "Is my wife. Kim Jihan. My partner."
The words sank slowly into Jihyun's heart. Relief strange but undeniable washed over him, as though some heavy stone had been lifted from his chest.
"Ohhh"
His head sank back against the pillow. His lips curved faintly, almost imperceptibly, into the first trace of peace he had felt in weeks.
Jihyun's lashes lowered as Taesung's words replayed in his mind.
So Jihan isn't Taewon's partner. He isn't betraying.
A bitter chuckle almost slipped out, but it stayed in his chest. I'm such a fool. I let suspicion eat me alive. But it has nothing to do with me anymore. I should let it go.
The thought lingered as the room filled with light chatter between Mrs. Kang and Taesung, Jihan playing quietly with Dan.
Minjoon leaned closer to Jihyun's bedside, noticing the faint shift in his expression.
"Do you need something, Jihyun?"
Jihyun shook his head lightly, but his voice was hushed, carrying a different weight.
"No but, Minjoon I want to see dad"
"But Jihyun "
Jihyun whispered, eyes glistening faintly.
"I want to see Dad."
Minjoon's hand froze on the edge of the bed. "Jihyun, you're not fully recovered yet. It might not be the right time. And Father isn't" He hesitated, words trailing.
Jihyun turned his head slightly, meeting his brother's eyes with quiet determination. "Tomorrow," he said.
"Just tell me his room number. I'll ask a nurse to take me there."
Minjoon sighed, torn between his brother's fragile state and his stubborn will. He pressed his lips together, giving no immediate answer. But the decision in Jihyun's eyes was clear he wouldn't let this pass.