Leo blinked, then chuckled softly. "I already did," he said, leaning forward.
Kulture pouted. "Say it again!"
Daisy tried to hide her smile, but it tugged at the corners of her lips.
Leo turned to Daisy and said gently, "I'm sorry, Daisy. Truly."
Kulture giggled. "Now hug!"
Daisy gasped, "Kulture—!" but before she could finish, Kulture pushed Leo closer with her little hands.
Leo smiled softly and wrapped his arms around Daisy. He was careful this time, holding her as though she were something fragile and precious. She stiffened at first, but when his warmth surrounded her, her heartbeat grew uneven.
Then, before she could speak, Leo leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on her lips — tender, slow, filled with unspoken apology.
Daisy's eyes widened, her breath catching. It wasn't rough like before. It was gentle — the kind of kiss that said I'm sorry more than words ever could.
Kulture giggled again, clapping her hands. "Yay! Mummy and Daddy are friends again!"
Leo chuckled quietly, pulling back slightly but still holding Daisy close. Her cheeks were warm, and though she tried to hide it, a faint smile broke through.
"Alright, little one," Daisy said, brushing Kulture's hair to cover her flustered face. "Let's get you ready for breakfast."
After their small moment of peace, Leo helped Daisy stand up carefully, making sure to be gentle this time. He guided her to the bathroom door, his hand steady at her back.
"I can manage from here," she said softly.
He nodded. "Alright. Take your time."
Then he carried little Kulture Help her with her bath, please," he said with a smile, brushing Kulture's hair gently before leaving.
When Daisy finally came downstairs, she looked refreshed, dressed in a simple cream blouse and light jeans. Leo and Kulture were already waiting at the dining table.
"Mommy!" Kulture called out happily.
"Morning, baby," Daisy replied, smiling as she took her seat beside her.
They ate together quietly — warm bread, eggs, and juice. The air between Daisy and Leo was calm now, softer than before. Every so often, Leo's eyes would find hers, and though she tried not to look back, a faint blush always betrayed her.
As they ate, Kulture's eyes suddenly widened. She pointed at Daisy's neck.
Daisy froze for a moment, her cheeks heating up. She instinctively touched the spot and tried to smile casually. "Oh… it's nothing, sweetheart. Just a mosquito bite."
Kulture squinted, unconvinced, but nodded slowly. "Mosquito?"
"Yes, a mosquito," Daisy repeated, brushing her hair over it.
Leo, sitting across from them, stifled a quiet chuckle at Daisy's flustered expression. Kulture looked back and forth between them, fascinated by the reaction.
"Mommy, it's red," Kulture said seriously. "Mosquito?"
Daisy quickly nodded again, trying to sound convincing. "Yes, baby. Mosquito." She smiled nervously at Leo, who only raised an amused eyebrow.
Leo leaned back in his chair, letting the moment pass, but the small, teasing glint in his eyes made Daisy's cheeks burn even more.
Kulture giggled, satisfied with the answer, and continued eating, while Daisy tried not to squirm in embarrassment — secretly aware that Leo was watching her every move.
Breakfast ended with Kulture's cheerful humming as she skipped off to the living room to play with her toys. Daisy started clearing the table, wanting to keep herself busy.
Leo leaned against the counter, watching her with a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"You're unusually quiet today," he said lightly.
Daisy didn't look up. "Maybe I just don't have anything to say."
Leo crossed his arms, his eyes lingering on the spot she had tried so hard to hide. "Hmm," he hummed softly. "Or maybe someone's embarrassed about a mosquito bite?"
Daisy froze mid-step, glaring at him over her shoulder. "Leo…"
He chuckled under his breath, walking closer until he was standing just behind her. "Relax. I didn't say anything." His voice dropped, teasing but warm. "But next time, maybe you should use a scarf."