Two Faces, One bad boy prt. 17
The morning light over Jae-Hwa’s complex was golden and soft, the kind of light that made everything look like it belonged in a film reel. Dew still clung to the stone path as you walked it, bare feet pressed into the warmth of the earth. Birds chirped lazily in the bamboo trees overhead while the koi pond rippled quietly in the distance.
Jae-Hwa’s estate was vast—cleanly designed for both comfort and function, blending traditional Korean architecture with the quiet power of modern wealth. Sloped tile roofs, open wood-beamed walkways, and paper-paneled doors created a kind of silent peace. You felt it in your chest like a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding.
You held Ryoichi against your hip, your arm adjusting every few steps to shift his weight. His little hand had hooked around your shirts collar like he owned you—which, at this point, he did. You couldn’t tell if he was getting heavier or if your muscles were just starting to wear down. Either way, your grip remained stubborn.
Jae-Hwa walked beside you, posture straight, arms behind her back like a commander touring her domain.
“We want to increase direct imports.”
She said, her voice clear.
“Not from middlemen, not from corporations. From farmers—real ones. Rice, vegetables, dried herbs, meat if it meets our standards. No preservatives. No undercutting.”
You nodded as your free hand reached to tighten Ryoichi’s swaddle.
“That’s doable. The north side of my complex has terraced fields. A few families already handle the rice and beans. If we provide medicinal supplies in exchange, we can scale fast. Antibiotics, prenatal care, some trauma kits—things your healers don’t need to outsource.”
Jae-Hwa looked intrigued.
"In-house. I’ll cut a private contract with one of our pharmacists. You get access to our surplus in exchange for priority grain shipments—no one starves, and no one gets sick.”
Jae-Hwa murmured, pausing at the edge of the pond as the koi surfaced with lazy mouths.
“We’ll have to draft terms. But I like this. It feels... clean.”
Behind you, the crunch of soft shoes and hushed steps followed close. Nanami, ever the shadow, kept pace at a distance but never out of reach. His eyes weren’t on you, though—they were locked on the twins.
Kaishi and Kyoshi had strayed from the trail again, drawn to the poppies lining the edge of the walkway. Their hands touched every flower, every blade of grass, as if they were discovering color for the first time. Kaishi bent over the koi pond, his finger hovering dangerously close to the water’s surface.
Nanami reached forward, calm and wordless, gently placing a firm hand on Kaishi’s back to keep him from leaning in too far. When Kyoshi darted toward the lily pots with muddy little fingers, Nanami moved again—an unspoken barrier keeping them safe without scolding. Just…there.
You watched them for a brief second, lips curling into something soft. Then Ryoichi shifted in your arms again, adjusting with a whimper and a sleepy pout. You tried to move him into a more comfortable position, but your bicep twitched in resistance.
Jae-Hwa noticed. Her words faltered for a bit as she watched you subtly readjust, switching sides, tugging the fabric higher. You winced a little.
Nanami must’ve seen it too. Without saying a word, he stepped forward and held out his hands toward Ryoichi, open, patient, a quiet offer.
But the little prince had other plans.
Ryoichi blinked once at Nanami, looked at his palms, and then wrapped his arms tighter around your neck. His face pressed into your collarbone like a barricade. A faint, irritated noise escaped his mouth almost a growl.
Nanami didn’t react, just let his hands fall back with the same unreadable calm.
Jae-Hwa blinked…then grinned.
She said, the edges of her professional mask starting to slip.
She tilted her head with a sly smile.
“You two look like a tired couple trying to make it work while raising three unruly sons.”
You choked on your breath.
Nanami stayed still, not looking at you.
“It’s my job to assist her.”
“Sure. But even in work, chemistry shows.”
Nanami cleared his throat, eyes fixed on the twins again.
“And you looked like your arm was going numb.”
He reached out again, slower this time—patient. But Ryoichi wasn't having it. He pulled his head away just far enough to glare at Nanami from behind your shoulder, then buried himself again with a dramatic little huff.
Jae-Hwa laughed outright this time.
“That one is too loyal, He knows what he wants.”
Nanami gave a rare, faint exhale. It might’ve been a laugh.
For just a moment, in that little corner of the estate among business talks, medicine trades, and guarded gazes—it almost felt like something... gentle was being built. Slowly. Quietly. Without any of you realizing it.
Jae Hwa, arms crossed but her posture relaxed, continued outlining the potential of your collaboration with a gleam in her eye.
“If your fields are thriving, and we secure distribution here, it becomes an interdependent cycle. Local produce, our people benefit. You send rice, grains, vegetables—we offer advanced medicine. It's honest trade rooted in necessity.”
You nodded slowly, already visualizing the flow.
“It’s sustainable. Both sides would be strengthened by it. And as tech or needs evolve, we can tweak the contracts. Nothing fixed, everything adaptive. I want this to stay alive, not controlled.”
“Exactly what I hoped to hear,”
Jae Hwa grinned, the sun catching in the glint of her earrings.
“You’re not just leading for survival anymore. You’re leading with vision.”
Before you could respond, Ryoichi squirmed lightly in your arms, shifting his weight, tired of being carried, but refusing to be handed off. Nanami, ever watchful behind you, gently stepped forward and extended his arms again. A quiet offer. But as always, Ryoichi turned his head and clung to you harder with a soft, muffled huff.
The moment caught Jae Hwa’s eye, and a sharp laugh broke through her polished exterior.
“Nanami, you sure you’re not part of this little family already?”
She teased, tilting her head.
You shot her a warning look, but couldn’t help the smile that betrayed you.
Nanami kept his expression neutral but rolled his sleeves slightly, his tone casual.
He said, before crouching slightly and offering Ryoichi a tiny origami crane he’d somehow made from a spare leaf. The boy didn’t take it—but his gaze lingered on it.
Jae Hwa smirked knowingly, then turned to Ryoichi.
“And you! Do you like ice cream, little man?”
He didn’t answer, but Kyoshi and Kaishi instantly perked up.
They shouted in unison, half-jumping with excitement.
Jae Hwa said, pulling out her sleek phone to dial one of her drivers.
“Best soft serve this side of the city. You’ll love it.”
While she coordinated the ride, you turned to see Nanami crouched again by the koi pond with the twins, using nothing more than a leaf to amuse them. Kaishi clapped while Kyoshi tried to mimic whatever game he was inventing. The gentleness of the scene pulled at you unexpectedly.
You said, drawing Nanami’s attention as he looked up.
“You could be taking this bodyguard thing very seriously.”
He stood up slowly, dusting his hands off, and gave a small shrug.
“Guess I’m enjoying it now. Something about kids makes things feel…quieter.”
A rumble sounded in the distance and soon a sleek, black SUV curved around the garden path, stopping neatly in front of the gate. Kyoshi and Kaishi squealed at the sight, already pointing at it like it was a spaceship.
Before they could dash off, Nanami swooped in with a dramatic grunt, one under each arm, both kids squealing in laughter as he pretended to stumble from their weight. You chuckled, watching them wriggle and giggle in his grip.
Meanwhile, Ryoichi, silent as ever, pulled his face away from your shoulder to look at the vehicle. His little brows furrowed, lips pursed in thought—but he didn’t protest.
You rubbed his back soothingly and whispered near his ear.
"It’s just ice cream, sweetheart. Just something sweet.”
The car hummed along the smooth highway, cutting through a row of green hills and city structures rising in the distance. The skyline shimmered faintly under the heat haze, but inside the SUV, the air was cool and filled with chatter.
Kyoshi and Kaishi sat side by side, kicking their feet and bubbling with anticipation, while you had Ryoichi gently resting on your lap. He was quiet, as always, but wide-eyed and watching his brothers like he was keeping score.
You said, leaning forward slightly between them, a hand on Ryoichi’s back.
“This is very serious. We all get to pick one ice cream flavor, and we can’t copy each other.”
Kyoshi shouted immediately.
“That’s the most basic one,”
“Strawberry’s better because it’s pink.”
“It’s the boss of flavors!”
Ryoichi blinked slowly, then muttered.
“Vanilla. But the kind with little black dots. Not the fake one.”
He gave a sharp little nod.
You placed a hand over your mouth dramatically.
“This might divide the family.”
“Wait! Can I change mine?”
Kyoshi said posing a cross with his arms.
The SUV filled with laughter, the playful kind only families knew. Jae Hwa, seated across from you, had already pulled her phone out and began recording, trying not to giggle too loudly.
“You guys sound like you’re in a board meeting,”
She said through her laugh.
She zoomed in with her phone as Ryoichi crossed his arms in quiet judgment of the twins’ squabble, lips turned in a familiar scowl.
Nanami, seated beside you and clearly trying to win some ground, leaned forward just slightly.
“I think Ryoichi’s right. Vanilla bean is elite.”
Ryoichi turned toward him slowly, his brows low and mouth already pouting. He stared for a bit then narrowed his eyes.
Nanami offered a peaceable nod.
Ryoichi swatted Nanami’s hand when he reached to lightly touch the boy’s shoulder, his tiny hand surprisingly strong for his size.
You gasped, instinctively adjusting your hold on him.
“That’s not polite, baby.”
Ryoichi muttered, voice hard and tiny, looking away like nothing happened.
“His always trying to get me...”
Nanami blinked, slightly stunned, but he recovered with a chuckle and offered a light bow of defeat to the tiny tyrant.
Jae Hwa snorted behind her camera.
“I got that on video. His face—pure betrayal.”
But then her camera paused.
Her lens had caught the small marks of darker skin under Ryoichi’s eye—a distinct, half-moon birthmark that sat delicately over his cheekbone. Zooming in further, she glanced to Kaishi and Kyoshi. They had the same once.
Jae Hwa slowly lowered her phone.
She said softly, not accusing, but genuinely curious.
“Those…markings. Are they birthmarks?”
Your heart skipped, and for the briefest second, you forgot how to swallow. But the response was already formed—a quiet, planned sentence meant to glide over curious minds.
“They are, from their father's side. I thought he had face tattoos at first because his parents never had them.”
You answered calmly, brushing Ryoichi’s hair back showing the mark on the middle of his forehead and kiss the top of his head.
“But I guess his family has this trait that runs through generations.”
Jae Hwa tilted her head, eyes narrowing in fascination but no suspicion.
“Genetic markings, huh? That’s beautiful. Really rare. I don’t think I’ve ever seen ones so symmetrical.”
“They came out like that.”
You said with a faint smile.
“I used to trace them when they were babies, hoping they wouldn’t fade.”
Nanami, still sitting beside you, looked at Ryoichi again. Slowly...perhaps foolishly, he reached forward, fingers brushing just beneath the boy’s cheek to observe the mark more closely.
Ryoichi turned his head, stared him down again.
Nanami withdrew instantly, both hands raised in surrender.
Kaishi burst into giggles.
“Nanami broke rule number five: No face touching!”
The vehicle dipped slightly as the road turned, and outside the window, a vibrant street full of shops and signs began to unfold.
Jae Hwa tapped on the glass.
“We’re here. And don’t worry,”
She added, casting a glance at Ryoichi.
“I know better than to mess with the boss’s face.”
You laughed—nervously at first, but genuinely by the time the car rolled to a full stop. And as the door slid open to let in the scent of fresh waffle cones and syrupy sweetness, you realized something odd.
For a moment…this felt like a real family outing.
After the sweet chaos at the ice cream shop—sticky fingers, double scoops, and serious debates over whether mango beats chocolate—the group strolled down to a nearby boutique nestled under the shade of gingko trees. The storefront was vibrant with traditional Korean toys, local crafts, and plushies too colorful to ignore.
Jae Hwa, always the cool aunt, ended up buying them a modest pile of toys—matching kites, handcrafted spinning tops, and keychain souvenirs carved with their names in Hangul.
"You’ll need something to show off back in Jeju."
She teased, watching Kyoshi spin his top right on the check-out counter.
When they returned to the complex, dusk had already softened the world into hues of peach and blue. The triplets, still high on sugar and overstimulation, darted down the hallway like wind-up toys. But Nanami had your back, calm as ever, intercepting Kaishi just before he collided with a side table and gently catching Kyoshi mid-hop. Ryoichi, more subdued but equally jittery, gripped your sleeve like a lifeline.
You had only one more day left in Seoul. Just one.
And somehow that thought sat heavy in your chest.
“I just remembered about those herbal seeds we talked about for your garden. I'll make sure to fetch some in the morning. You’ll grow an empire, I swear.”
Nanami helped carry the souvenirs into your suite.
Nanami said softly walking to the door.
“Get some rest. I’ll be next door if you need anything.”
You nodded, your voice light.
“Goodnight, Nanami. Thank you again.”
Later that night, you were in the bathroom brushing your teeth with the triplets. The tiny bathroom echoed with their squeaky voices and bubbles of giggles. Kaishi kept swishing too much water, Kyoshi tapped his toothbrush like a conductor’s baton, and Ryoichi, as always, brushed with utmost concentration—tongue out, brows furrowed.
They were the ones to break the peace.
“Mommy, when are we going home?”
Kyoshi asked, his voice muffled by the foam in his mouth.
“And are we taking all the bags?”
Kaishi added, eyes wide as he pointed to the pile in the corner.
“Yes, we’re taking everything. Even the troublemakers.”
Post-brushing, it was back to the bedroom. They exploded back onto the floor, already unwrapping their new toys, acting like bedtime didn’t exist. You let them, your legs tucked under you as you scrolled through your old phone for any updates from Choso. Nothing new. Just a short text from hours ago.
¬ Choso: Still quiet, Nothing New. Supplies are steady.)
You were about to type something back when you overheard them.
Kyoshi muttered, pushing his top across the floor.
“Mommy, what do you think about Nanami?”
Kaishi asked, climbing up onto the bed beside you, cheeks red and warm from all the movement.
You smiled, setting your phone down.
“He’s very helpful. He made my day easier.”
Ryoichi, who had been sitting on the floor staring at the little wooden fox Jae Hwa bought him, looked up. There was something thoughtful in his face. He crawled closer, then asked quietly:
“Mommy…does Nanami make things lighter for you?”
Your heart stalled a beat. You nodded slowly, voice softer now.
Then came the question you didn’t expect.
Kyoshi and Kaishi both blinked, turning toward their brother.
You stared, eyes wide, lips parting—but no sound came out.
“Where’d you get that idea?”
You finally asked, brushing Ryoichi’s hair back behind his ear.
“He said… dads make things safe. They help. They carry stuff. And he… he fits.”
Ryoichi only nodded. An unreadable expression moved across his small face as he fiddled with his plushie, quiet again.
That’s when Kyoshi asked.
And Kaishi added curiously.
“What about our birthmarks? Miss Jae Hwa asked earlier. You said it was from Dad's side.”
Your lips parted again—but no words came. Not yet. It was too soon to explain the tangled, dangerous, beautiful mess that was their origin.
So you did what any tired, overworked mother would do. You faked a massive yawn, stretching your arms to the ceiling.
“Ohhh, mommy’s so sleepy…”
The triplets stared, unconvinced.
“Awww, Mommy doesn’t wanna tell!”
Ryoichi said, hugging your pillow.
You laughed, diving under the blanket.
“Oh nooo! She’s gone! Where did mommy go?!”
They squealed in delight, instantly forgetting the heavy topic, diving under the covers after you.
The room erupted in warmth again—light, laughter, and the sweetness of knowing for just a little longer… they didn’t need to know everything.
The morning sunlight filtered gently through the glass walls of Jae Hwa’s office-library, casting a mellow glow on the polished floors and shelves lined with old books and sleek gadgets. The triplets laughter could be heard faintly from outside the sliding doors, the sound light and genuine, carried in by the summer breeze.
You were seated on a leather seat across from Jae Hwa, who was now typing with sharp focus, her expression professional as ever. The contract was almost done—each clause carefully structured, detailing the shared resources between both complexes. You watched quietly as her fingers flew across the keys, adding clauses about sustainable farming, medicinal supplies, and rotational training.
It felt… monumental. A real future being formed in front of your eyes.
You said softly, arms loosely folded, your voice still filled with quiet awe.
Jae Hwa smiled without looking up.
“It’ll be adaptable too. Industry trends change, alliances shift. We stay flexible, open. Your positivity's refreshing, you know that?”
You smiled, glancing outside.
Through the clear panels, you caught sight of Nanami sitting on a low bench near the garden. The triplets were clustered around a simple spinning ride made of wood and ropes, a playground feature. Surprisingly, Ryoichi was among them—his high-pitched laughter rising as he clung onto the edge, cheeks flushed. Nanami gave the structure a gentle spin, careful yet playful, and the boys screamed joyfully.
You softened at the sight.
Back inside, Jae Hwa closed her laptop and stretched.
You were about to speak when she added.
“There’s something I want to bring up. It’s about the syndicate gathering next week at Sotdae Hall.”
Your face stiffened instantly.
“It’s not like that. It’s strictly exclusive. Women-led only. The event’s private and secure. And… honestly? Showing up with your boys could be a powerful image.”
“They’ll go crazy in there. Cry. Fight. Flip tables, probably.”
“Exactly. That’s the beauty of it. Unfiltered. Real. You’re a mother, and a damn good one. It’s about legacy, not performance.”
“Not sure I want their tantrums to be part of my legacy.”
“Well…Nanami will be there.”
You flicked her arm with a playful slap.
“There is nothing going on.”
Jae Hwa made a face, mocking innocence.
“Oh, of course. He just babysits, lifts heavy things, and walks into fire for you.”
You rolled your eyes as she stood, chuckling, and began packing up.
“Oh! I almost forgot, I won’t join you guys for dinner.”
“We’ve got guests arriving. But I’ll take you to the airport tomorrow morning, no matter what.”
You were now left alone with Nanami and the triplets, the late afternoon sun casting golden patches on the area.
Nanami asked, setting down a tray of snacks on the coffee table.
You shrugged, bouncing Kaishi on your hip.
“No idea. Any brilliant suggestions?”
Nanami paused for a moment.
“There’s a mini Lotte World not far from here. It’s small—geared for kids. Could be a nice send-off.”
You looked at the boys, already jittery and nodded.
It was chaos—but the good kind.
The tiny theme park buzzed with lights, chimes, and cotton candy stands. You walked hand in hand with the boys, each step met with a loud gasp from one of them. First was the carousel, where Kaishi and Kyoshi insisted they were in a horse race. You spun slowly beside them while Ryoichi sat up front, looking serious as he pretended to command a cavalry.
Then came the paddle boats. Nanami got in one with the twins, while you climbed into the other with Ryoichi, who tried paddling like a warrior despite barely reaching the pedals. They ended up splashing each other halfway through, water flying into your face as you laughed, really laughed, for the first time in a while.
Later, they found the water gun section. You watched them get soaked, laughing their heads off, until Nanami joined in and got hit square in the chest by Kyoshi. Even he couldn’t hide a grin.
At a souvenir stall, Nanami picked out a set of plush lamb horn headbands.
He said deadpan, already putting one on Kaishi.
Kyoshi wore his proudly, but Ryoichi scowled at his and crossed his arms.
“You need it to wear it to ride the bumper bees.”
He sighed like a grumpy old man, but kept it on.
You and Nanami watched them zoom off toward the next baby ride. Despite everything, you felt calm. Content. Like time had slowed and given you one brief breath in the middle of a storm.
As the sun began to set behind the glass buildings, the lights of the park flickered on. Warm and whimsical.
It was a day for the kids but maybe it had been healing for you and Nanami, too. A day of being children again.
Night had wrapped the city in a comforting hush, the glows of neon signs melting into the pavement as you waited near the sidewalk.
You rocked lightly on your feet, hands in Nanami's coat that he let's you borrow as you waited for him to park the car. It had been a long day one of the good kinds that left your limbs sore but your chest full.
The engine purred softly as Nanami rolled up, parking just outside the gate. You opened the passenger door and the interior light revealed the quiet chaos, the triplets were knocked out cold, heads tilted, mouths slightly open, cheeks flushed from laughter and too many sweets.
Instinctively, your hand moved toward Ryoichi. But Nanami beat you to it—carefully reaching over to cradle him first before unbuckling Kyoshi with his other hand.
He said in a low, almost reverent tone, as if the children were something delicate and precious.
You teased under your breath, lifting Kaishi—who didn’t even stir.
“You always go for Ryoichi even though he scowls at you like you stole his lollipop.”
Nanami gave a breathy chuckle.
“That’s what makes him interesting. The way he keeps his guard up—it’s admirable, in its own way. It’s… kind of endearing.”
You raised an eyebrow, amused.
“Endearing? You really like stressing yourself out, huh?”
Nanami adjusted Ryoichi against his shoulder with practiced care, then glanced at the boy’s sleeping face.
“He’s not hard to understand. Ryoichi’s always watching—reading the room. He’s in protective mode all the time. It’s not that he doesn’t trust us… I think he just doesn’t know how to stop being on defense.”
That made you pout. The chill of the night barely registered anymore.
“It’s like… psychological. Some boys overcompensate in masculine energy. ”
He explained, keeping his voice quiet as they walked down the dimly lit path.
“They feel responsible for safety. Even if no one told them to. When there's no male figure they swing too far into protector mode. Meanwhile, Kaishi and Kyoshi, they’re bubbly because they feel safe. Ryoichi feels like he has to be the one who keeps it that way.”
You stopped mid-step surprised by his words.
Nanami noticed and immediately turned to you, face full of concern.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep—”
Somehow it does make sense. The absence of a male figure. You understood how that can be true but at the same it gutted you that Ryoichi doesn't see you as someone strong enough to protect him and his brothers.
You shook your head quickly, offering a tight smile.
“No. It’s fine. I just… didn’t realize he saw himself that way. That he felt like he had to take care of us. He’s only four.”
Nanami looked down at Ryoichi, whose little hand was still curled into his shirt collar even in sleep.
“He probably doesn’t even realize it himself. But he’s got that in him.”
You both continued walking in silence for a moment, comfortable, thoughtful silence.
As the 012 minka complex came into view, you passed by one of the glass-walled meeting rooms where a sudden outburst of laughter made you both glance over. Male laughter, loud and boisterous, echoed from inside. You frowned slightly.
“I thought Jae Hwa said this place was an all-women syndicate thing?”
Nanami followed your gaze, shifting Kyoshi gently.
“It is. But some women send male associates to represent them—it’s kind of a power play. Makes it clear that even men answer to them.”
“So those guys in there?”
“Probably just the muscle.”
“The real bosses are upstairs.”
You smiled slightly at that.
He gave you a sideways glance.
You reached the front door of the minka and carefully shifted Kaishi in your arms to open it. The warm scent of tatami, wood polish, and sleepy childhood welcomed you home.
The doors to the meeting room opened with a sharp wooden creak, a burst of laughter spilling out into the night before being silenced again when it shut. Toshi stepped out into the cool corridor, the sliding door closing softly behind him. He exhaled through his nose, fingers slipping into his jacket pocket to retrieve a cigarette—only to freeze mid-motion.
Down the lantern-lit walkway, A man and a woman were moving slowly, each carrying a sleeping child, with a third slung gently over the woman’s shoulder. The children’s heads lolled from exhaustion, cheeks pink from sleep and cold. The woman’s hair fell like a curtain around her tired profile. She kept glancing at her boys like she was counting them in her head while the tall one just walked beside her—probably their father, Toshi assumed.
He found himself pausing, the unlit cigarette hanging forgotten between his fingers. For a second, he just watched, struck by something warm yet inexplicably distant.
The meeting room door slid open again with another brief burst of chatter.
Jae Hwa's voice was sharp, but teasing. She stepped out, heels clicking softly on the wooden platform. Without hesitation, she reached over and plucked the cigarette from his hand.
“No smoking in here. Not while I'm in charge.”
She quipped, tucking the cigarette behind her ear like a confiscated toy.
Toshi raised an amused brow.
“So you're the boss now?”
She replied, folding her arms smugly.
“And it’s good to finally meet the man behind the text messages.”
Toshi chuckled, brushing the back of his neck as his gaze drifted again toward the walkway—now empty. The family had disappeared beyond the corner. But something lingered in the air. Something soft and nostalgic.
Jae Hwa noted, following his eyes.
“Do you miss your family?”
He glanced at her sideways, lips curving faintly.
“Never had much of one. Just my grandmother and my mom. That’s about it.”
Jae Hwa tilted her head, the candlelight catching a gleam in her eyes.
“Hmm. Raised by women. That explains the manners.”
Toshi snorted under his breath, blushing faintly.
“Is that your way of flirting?”
He didn’t answer—just looked at her with that same amused smile, cheeks colored like cherry petals in spring.
At the break of dawn, silence reigned in the 012 complex.
You knelt beside your three boys, zipping up their tiny jackets one by one, careful not to wake them fully. Kaishi’s eyes fluttered but stayed closed, lips puckered in sleep. Kyoshi leaned his weight against your thigh while Ryoichi rubbed his face into your coat sleeve, mumbling something sleepy and unrecognizable.
Your breath fogged lightly in the chill. The world felt hushed, like it was holding its breath just for you.
Nanami walked silently behind you, lifting two of the boys with practiced ease—Ryoichi and Kyoshi, just as he'd insisted. You looked at him, about to reach for Ryoichi, but Nanami gently intercepted.
You raised a brow, amused.
“Your favoritism is showing again.”
He gave a quiet smile, eyes flicking down at the boy in his arms.
The sun had finally crested, throwing pale orange light across the airport’s broad glass windows. Jae Hwa was hugging you tightly, eyes shiny but stubbornly refusing to cry.
“You were supposed to be my client.”
“Not my best friend. I’m gonna miss you.”
You held her tightly, fighting your own tears.
“I didn’t expect it either.”
Meanwhile, Nanami knelt beside the boys, saying his soft goodbyes—ruffling Kaishi’s hair, bumping foreheads gently with Kyoshi. Even Ryoichi allowed a quiet farewell, though he didn’t say much. Just a mafia boss type of a nod.
Jae Hwa suddenly said, pulling something from her tote.
“Pink, Matches mine. Yours was from the dark ages. This has all our contacts already...including Nanami’s—just in case you change your mind.”
You laughed and slapped her arm lightly.
She said, giving you one more crushing hug.
Nanami walked up next, offering his own brief embrace.
He nodded once, gaze warm but unreadable.
With a final wave to them both, you turned with the triplets toward the boarding gate. Their little hands held tight to your coat, their footsteps sleepy but trusting. You didn’t look back—but you felt them both watching, two presences that had come into your life like soft waves.
And just like that, Jeju called you home once more.
