𝓑𝓵𝓾𝓻𝓫 after getting hired to work in the Jeon household, you slowly find yourself adjusting to the quiet routines of a life that was never meant to include you.
𝓟𝓪𝓲𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 Jungkook x reader.
𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮 rich husband au, nanny au, slow burn, smut, angst, domestic tension.
𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 explicit language, married jungkook
The sky outside the window having faded into a deep shade of navy as the last traces of daylight disappeared behind the city. Inside the room, the only source of light came from a bright white ceiling lamp, slightly cool in tone, spreading evenly across every surface without leaving a single dark corner untouched. Under this light, the black accents in the room stood out sharply. Frames, small decorative pieces, and metallic details catching subtle reflections that made them feel almost polished.
The walls had a faint glossy finish, something between stone and tile, reflecting the light in a soft, controlled way rather than absorbing it. It gave the entire space a slight sheen, as if the room itself had been carefully designed to respond to illumination. The grey furniture sofas, chairs, and cushions looked noticeably lighter under the white light, the fabric revealing its texture more clearly, the darker tones softened into a muted, smoky grey.
Most of the suitcases had already been packed.
The large suitcases were already lined neatly near the entrance, ready to be loaded into the car later that evening. Mrs. Jeon had apparently finished organizing everything hours ago, which wasn’t surprising. Nothing in this house ever seemed unplanned.
Yuna, however, had decided that her own packing process required additional attention.
You sat on the floor beside her while she stuffed random items into a small pink travel bag that was already struggling to close. Every few seconds she would pull something out, stare at it thoughtfully, then place it back inside as if reconsidering its importance.
A plush rabbit. A coloring book. Three crayons. A toy tiara. Another plush rabbit. You were almost certain she didn’t need two.
Then came a pair of bright inflatable arm floaties.
Your eyes followed them immediately.
Yuna seemed pleased with herself. She pushed them deeper into the bag before reaching for a handful of small pool toys.
“We are going to swim!” The announcement came with so much excitement that it sounded less like a possibility and more like an official part of the itinerary.
Across the room, Mr. Jeon was lounging on the sofa, one arm stretched along the back cushion while he scrolled through something on his phone.
A smile immediately appeared on his face. “Yes, honey. We are.”
The answer only made Yuna more excited.
She practically bounced where she sat. “We are going to have so much fun, Unnie!”
A small laugh escaped you.
The confidence in her voice was adorable.
Yuna stopped moving. “What?”
You pointed toward the floaties. “I can’t swim.”
For a moment she simply stared at you. Then she shook her head. “No.”
Her answer came immediately. “You can.”
The certainty almost made you smile wider.
“Unfortunately, I can’t.”
“Nooo.” Yuna’s face dropped so quickly that you nearly felt guilty. “But you have to!”
The dramatic complaint echoed through the room. You opened your mouth to explain again, but another voice interrupted first.
“Hold on.” Mr. Jeon’s attention finally lifted from his phone. His thumb stopped moving across the screen as he looked over at the two of you.
A faint smile was still lingering on his face.
“Are you telling me you’re planning to break a four-year-old’s heart before the trip even starts?”
You immediately looked away, trying not to laugh.
Yuna, meanwhile, looked completely validated. “Yes!”
Mr. Jeon nodded once. “See?”
The fact that he was encouraging her did not help.
You pressed your lips together.
“Really?” His eyebrow lifted slightly. “Because from where I’m sitting, it sounds exactly like that.”
Yuna crossed her arms. “Exactly.”
Somehow they had become a team. You weren’t sure when that happened. “I’m not refusing to swim with her.”
“Good.” Mr. Jeon nodded. “That’s a relief.”
His expression remained perfectly serious for about two seconds before the corner of his mouth twitched.
A quiet sigh escaped you.
“I don’t know how to swim.”
That finally earned a genuine reaction.
Mr. Jeon’s smile faded slightly. Not because he looked concerned. Just surprised. “You don’t?”
You shook your head. “No.”
For a brief moment he simply looked at you.
As if trying to imagine how someone could reach adulthood without ever learning.
Then he leaned back against the sofa again. “Well.” A small smile returned. “That’s not ideal.”
Yuna immediately agreed. “Not ideal.”
The fact that she copied him so quickly nearly made you laugh.
“Then I guess we should arrange floaties for you as well,” he said casually, like he was suggesting something completely normal, his eyes flicking briefly toward you before returning to Yuna.
You let out a quiet laugh, shaking your head slightly.
Jungkook tilted his head a little, as if considering it more seriously now.
“Why not? Safety first.” A grin lingered on his face, like he found his own comment entertaining
You didn’t take it seriously, only shaking your head in quiet acknowledgment that it was just another one of his jokes.
It wasn’t something you could actually imagine yourself agreeing to, not even as a joke. The thought alone made something uncomfortable settle in your chest, a quiet resistance you didn’t bother showing on your face. You weren’t afraid of water in a dramatic way, and you weren’t embarrassed easily either, but there was something about the image of yourself wearing arm floaties that felt… unnecessary. Childish in a way that didn’t sit right with you.
Mr. Jeon’s gaze shifted toward his daughter before returning to you. “Looks like we’re going to have a very disappointed little girl on this trip.”
“See?” He sounded entirely too satisfied with having his argument supported.
You could only shake your head.
And while the conversation eventually drifted toward other things, you didn’t miss the thoughtful glance Mr. Jeon sent your way a few minutes later before returning to his phone.
Apparently, out of everything discussed that afternoon, your inability to swim had managed to stick in his mind.
The city had already disappeared into darkness by the time everyone stepped outside.
The black SUV waiting at the curb looked almost intimidating under the streetlights, tall enough that Yuna immediately reached for Mr. Jeon before even attempting to climb in herself. Its tinted windows reflected nothing but darkness from the outside, hiding the soft blue glow that illuminated the interior. The engine hummed quietly while one of the employees loaded the last suitcases into the back and the driver waited patiently behind the wheel.
Everything felt organized.
Like this trip had been planned weeks ago.
“We’re really going?” Yuna asked again despite having asked the same question at least ten times since dinner.
Mr. Jeon laughed quietly.
The answer seemed to satisfy her every single time.
He picked her up before she could attempt climbing into the vehicle herself and carried her toward the open door. Her arms immediately wrapped around his neck while her small travel bag bumped against his shoulder.
Just before placing her onto the seat, he pressed a kiss against her cheek.
The gesture happened so naturally that nobody reacted to it.
It looked like something that happened every day.
Something so normal it no longer needed acknowledgment.
The inside of the vehicle felt warm compared to the evening air outside.
Soft blue LED lights ran along parts of the interior, reflecting faintly against dark surfaces and making the grey seats appear lighter than they actually were. Combined with the low music quietly playing from the speakers, it created an atmosphere that felt strangely cozy despite the luxury surrounding it.
You climbed inside after Yuna. Almost immediately, she shifted closer. As if she had already decided where you were supposed to sit.
The little space beside her had apparently been reserved. You couldn’t help smiling.
Across from you, Mr. Jeon settled into the seat beside his wife while the employee closed the door behind everyone.
A moment later, the vehicle began moving. The house disappeared behind you. For a while, nobody spoke much. There wasn’t really anything left to discuss. The luggage was packed. The hotel was booked. The flight would leave in less than three hours. Now all that remained was getting there. Your gaze drifted toward the dark window.
Seoul looked different at night.
The city felt softer somehow.
Restaurants glowed warmly against quiet streets. Small convenience stores remained lit despite the late hour. Traffic moved steadily through the darkness while reflections of streetlights stretched across the glass.
Outside, Seoul gradually changed the farther they drove. Quiet residential streets turned into wider roads filled with headlights, and somewhere in the distance, the dark surface of the Han River reflected scattered city lights like broken pieces of gold.
You still couldn’t quite believe you were going. You had never been there before. Never even imagined you would. Especially not like this. As part of someone else’s trip. Somewhere between employee and family friend. The thought made you smile faintly. Because somehow, over the past month, this place had started feeling less like work.
Yuna had become a constant presence in your days. Mrs. Jeon no longer felt intimidating. And conversations with Mr. Jeon had slowly become easier than they used to be.
More than you probably should.
Beside you, Yuna’s excitement finally began losing against exhaustion. Little by little, her movements slowed. Her words became fewer. Until eventually her head rested against your arm.
Across from you, Mrs. Jeon wasn’t doing much better. She shifted closer toward Mr. Jeon, resting her head against his shoulder while continuing to listen to the music playing quietly around the car.
Mr. Jeon glanced down briefly. Then tilted his head enough to press a light kiss against her temple before returning his attention to the road outside. The gesture was so casual it almost felt private.
You looked away immediately.
The warmth inside the car settled deeper around you. The music continued playing softly. The road hummed beneath the tires. And despite insisting earlier that you weren’t tired, your body was beginning to disagree.
You tried staying awake. At least until the airport. At least until everyone else was awake. But your eyelids felt heavier every few minutes. The seat was comfortable. The car was warm. Yuna was asleep. Mrs. Jeon was asleep. Even the city outside seemed half asleep.
Your eyes closed briefly.
When you looked up, you caught Mr. Jeon watching you. For a second, neither of you looked away. There was nothing strange about it. Nothing intense. He had simply noticed. Probably long before you had. Your expression tightened slightly, caught somewhere between embarrassment and stubborn determination.
The lie probably showed on your face.
Because the corner of his mouth moved slightly. Not quite a smile. Almost. Then he tilted his head once toward the seat and gave a small nod. Like he was telling you to stop pretending.
You stared at him for another second. Then finally gave up. Leaning your head back against the seat, you allowed your eyes to close properly this time while the quiet music continued playing and the city lights disappeared one by one beyond the dark glass.
The moment you reached the airport, Mr. Jeon gently nudged your leg with his hand, just enough to pull you out of sleep. His touch was light, brief, followed almost immediately by his voice, low and calm. “We’re here.” The way he said it wasn’t rushed or demanding. It felt steady, like a quiet notice rather than an instruction, something meant to guide you back into awareness without breaking the softness of sleep too abruptly.
By the time you fully registered where you were, everything had already been taken care of. The luggage had been handed in downstairs, and now you were upstairs in the business lounge, waiting for the flight. The space was quiet in a controlled way, large windows showing the runway outside where faint lights blinked into the dark sky. Everything felt organized and expensive, but still calm, as if even waiting had been designed to feel effortless here.
Yuna was still in your lap, completely asleep, her small body relaxed against you as if the transition from car to airport hadn’t disturbed her at all. Your hand rested lightly on her hair, moving slowly every now and then without you consciously deciding to do it. It had already become something natural.
Across from you, Mrs. Jeon was focused on her MacBook, eyebrows slightly drawn together as she worked. The glow of the screen reflected faintly on her face while her fingers moved quickly across the keyboard. She was fully absorbed, not looking up once, completely inside whatever she was doing.
Mr. Jeon, however, was sitting opposite you in a relaxed but slightly restless way. He leaned forward with his elbows resting on his thighs, one hand loosely holding an energy drink while the other occasionally ran through his hair. His posture was easy, but his attention kept shifting around the lounge, never settling on anything for too long. At one point, he even let out a faint whistle without seeming to notice it.
When his eyes eventually landed on you, you realized you had been watching him. Or maybe you had been trying not to. You lifted your eyebrows slightly, a silent question hanging between you. He caught it immediately. His brows lifted in return for a brief moment, almost amused, before he spoke.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
You nodded slightly, keeping your voice low so you wouldn’t disturb Yuna. “Yes. Just a bit tired.”
He gave a small hum in response, accepting it without question. A short pause followed, quiet and unforced.
“Long night,” he said, more like a thought spoken out loud than a comment directed at you.
You adjusted your hand gently on Yuna’s hair again. Across from you, Mrs. Jeon continued typing without looking up, only slowing for a second before resuming.
Mr. Jeon leaned back slightly in his seat, still facing you for a moment longer, then let his attention drift away again.
“Once we board,” he added calmly, “you’ll be able to rest properly.”
Mrs. Jeon had fallen asleep almost immediately during takeoff.
The moment the seatbelt sign switched off, she had adjusted the blanket over herself, exchanged a few quiet words with her husband and closed her eyes. Now she rested comfortably in her seat, completely disconnected from the rest of the cabin.
The overhead lights had been dimmed not long after. Most passengers seemed determined to spend the next several hours asleep, their conversations replaced by the steady hum of the aircraft and the occasional rustle of blankets.
Yuna, however, was still awake.
The excitement was fighting a losing battle against exhaustion.
She occupied the window seat, her small face turning toward the glass every few minutes as if she expected something new to suddenly appear in the darkness outside. Every now and then, she would point at a distant light below and whisper something to herself before sinking back into her seat again.
You occupied the seat beside her, closer to the aisle.
Comfortable enough, though your body still carried the heaviness of the late night and the short sleep from the car ride.
Across the aisle sat the Jeons.
Or rather, Mrs. Jeon slept while her husband seemed physically incapable of doing the same.
For someone who had spent the entire evening checking on everyone but himself, he somehow looked like the least tired person on the aircraft.
You had noticed it back at the airport too.
Mrs. Jeon had been working.
Yuna had been falling asleep.
You had nearly fallen asleep yourself.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jeon had simply existed in a strange state somewhere between relaxed and alert, as if part of his brain refused to fully switch off until everyone else was settled first.
A few minutes later, he unbuckled his seatbelt.
You didn’t think much of it.
Until he appeared beside your row.
Both hands lifted to the overhead compartments above your seats as he leaned forward slightly.
His weight rested against his arms.
The sleeves of his dark sweater shifted slightly up his forearms, revealing the faint lines of veins beneath his skin. Around his neck, the silver necklace he always wore slipped forward from beneath his shirt, the pendant hanging freely now and swaying gently with every small movement he made.
Your eyes caught it before you could stop them from doing so.
The smile that appeared on his face happened so naturally it almost looked automatic.
His voice was lower than usual, mindful of the sleeping passengers around them.
He glanced toward the window before looking back at his daughter. “Princess, they’re going to start the service soon.”
Yuna’s eyes widened. Excitement replacing whatever tiredness had remained. “Really?”
He nodded. “Really.” Then he tilted his head slightly. “So tell me. What would you like me to get for you?”
The answer came before he even finished speaking.
“Chocolate!” Her voice lowered halfway through the word after she remembered where they were. “And apple juice.”
Mr. Jeon laughed quietly.
The answer seemed to be exactly what he expected.
As if chocolate and apple juice had been the same answer for years.
Reaching forward, he gently caught one of Yuna’s cheeks between two fingers. The movement forced him to lean even further into the row, temporarily blocking your view of his daughter completely.
Yuna immediately squirmed in embarrassment.
A grin pulled at the corner of his mouth. One of those smiles that existed entirely because he knew he was annoying her.
Then he finally straightened. The pendant settled back against his chest. His attention shifted. Landing on you.
“What do you want?” His eyebrows lifted slightly. “For the service.”
You shook your head almost immediately. “Just water is fine.”
The answer earned a look. Not judgment. More disbelief. “Just water?”
Mr. Jeon stared for another second before exhaling through his nose. Somewhere between amusement and resignation. “Alright.”
Then he pointed toward you once. Not rudely. Almost casually. “Later, when they bring the menus, don’t do that.”
Your eyebrows pulled together. “Do what?”
“Pretend you don’t want anything.” A faint smile appeared on his face. “If you see something you like, order it.”
You opened your mouth. Closed it again.
His expression already told you arguing would accomplish absolutely nothing.
“Good.” The answer seemed to satisfy him.
Across the seat, Yuna was already watching the interaction with obvious interest.
Turning toward her, he gave her a quick wink.
The reaction was immediate. Yuna’s entire face scrunched up. A shy smile appearing despite her obvious attempt to hide it.
A moment later, he returned to his seat.
The cabin settled once again. Passengers slept. The lights remained dim. Conversation faded.
And eventually your attention drifted toward the window.
The view stole it immediately.
Far below, the lights of Incheon stretched across the darkness like scattered gold.
Roads glowed. Bridges cut bright lines through the night. Entire neighborhoods appeared small from this height, reduced to clusters of warm light surrounded by darkness. The higher the aircraft climbed, the smaller everything became.
Seoul. The Han River. The roads. The buildings. All of it slowly disappearing beneath the clouds. And for the first time since leaving the house, it felt real.
You were actually leaving.
Hours from now, you’d wake up somewhere you had never been before.
The thought lingered quietly in your mind as the city lights grew smaller and smaller beneath the wing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing shortly at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.”
The announcement slowly pulled you out of sleep. For a moment, you simply blinked at the dim cabin around you.
You hadn’t expected to sleep that well.
The flight had been surprisingly comfortable, and somehow six hours had passed much faster than you thought possible. The heaviness that had followed you through the airport was mostly gone now, replaced by the strange feeling of waking up somewhere completely different from where you’d fallen asleep.
You turned slightly toward the window. Outside, darkness still covered everything. The horizon hadn’t even begun to brighten yet. According to the screen mounted in front of your seat, it was 2:30 AM here in Bangkok.
A small smile tugged at your lips.
Thailand. You were actually here. The landing itself passed smoothly.
Soon enough, passengers were standing, gathering bags and stretching after hours of sitting. Yuna looked half asleep as she rubbed one eye with her tiny fist while holding onto your sleeve with the other.
Together, the two of you carefully checked the seats one last time, making sure nothing had been left behind. Only after you were satisfied did you join Mr. and Mrs. Jeon near the exit. The corridor connecting the aircraft to the terminal felt cooler than expected. A steady stream of passengers moved ahead of you while airport staff guided everyone forward.
Before long, the four of you found yourselves standing in a long line for passport control. Yuna’s patience lasted approximately three minutes. After that, the complaints started.
Mr. Jeon noticed immediately. Without even looking surprised, he bent down and picked her up with practiced ease. “Oh Yuna…” His voice remained calm despite the early hour. Yuna immediately wrapped her arms around his neck.
Mr. Jeon pressed a long kiss against her temple before gently rocking her from side to side. His lips remained resting against the side of her head afterward while one hand rubbed her back in slow circles.
The effect was immediate. The complaints disappeared. Within seconds, Yuna looked significantly happier. By the time they reached the front of the line, she was practically asleep again. Passport control passed without issues.
Afterward, the airport itself immediately caught your attention. It was huge. Far larger than you expected.
Bright luxury boutiques lined parts of the terminal. Designer storefronts sat beside cafés that were somehow still busy despite the hour. Warm lighting reflected off polished floors while travelers moved in every direction around you.
The atmosphere felt completely different from Seoul. Different language. Different air. Different energy. Everything felt unfamiliar in the best possible way. Without wasting much time, the group followed the signs toward the arrivals exit.
The moment the automatic doors opened, warm tropical air greeted you. And waiting directly outside was a long black luxury van. Its windows were completely tinted, reflecting the airport lights back like black glass.
A driver immediately stepped forward.
Mr. Jeon noticed him first.
Yuna was still resting comfortably against his shoulder. Despite that, he seemed completely unbothered when the driver extended his hand. Keeping his daughter balanced on one arm, he reached out with the other and shook the driver’s hand.
“Mr. Jeon.” The driver bowed respectfully. “Welcome to Bangkok.”
Mr. Jeon lifted his eyebrows. A grin appeared almost immediately. “Hello.” His voice sounded noticeably louder than it had all morning.
The driver smiled politely before looking toward the rest of you.
“Welcome to Thailand. I’ll be taking you to your hotel. The drive should take approximately twenty-five minutes.”
“Alright.” Mr. Jeon nodded once. “Let’s do it.”
The relaxed response somehow made the driver smile wider. “Your luggage has already been loaded into the trunk.”
Another nod. Simple. Satisfied.
Then Mr. Jeon finally lowered Yuna from his shoulder.
The second her feet touched the ground, she attached herself directly to his leg. Both arms wrapped around him. Refusing to move.
You had to bite back a smile.
Mr. Jeon looked down. Then placed both hands on his hips. The expression he gave her looked suspiciously like a warning. Yuna stared right back. Neither moved.
“Baby.” His voice remained patient. “You need to let go of me.”
Nothing. Yuna only tightened her grip.
Mr. Jeon sighed dramatically. “Unless you don’t want to go to the hotel and swim.”
Yuna released him so quickly it almost looked rehearsed. A second later she had already abandoned him entirely and moved toward you instead.
Mr. Jeon laughed under his breath.
The driver stepped forward and opened the rear passenger door. One by one, everyone climbed inside. The vehicle felt cool compared to the humid air outside. As the door closed behind you, the driver moved toward his seat.
A few moments later, the car pulled away from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Twenty-five minutes until the hotel.
Twenty-five minutes until Thailand truly began.
The hotel lobby had been just as impressive as the pictures online promised, with tall glass walls, warm lighting and the faint scent of expensive flowers mixing with the cool air from the air-conditioning, everything looking polished and almost unreal in its perfection after hours of travel that had left all of you drained. After check-in was completed and room cards were handed out, the group finally made its way upstairs, Mrs. Jeon already looking like she could fall asleep standing while Yuna had somehow regained energy and you were simply running on exhaustion as the thick carpet muffled every step in the long hallway.
“Right here,” Mr. Jeon stopped in front of two neighboring doors, explaining without much ceremony that one room was for him and Mrs. Jeon and the other for you and Yuna, conveniently placed right next to each other. After brief goodnights, everyone separated, and the moment you entered your room, the space immediately softened around you—warm wooden furniture, soft yellow lighting and a wide window stretching almost from floor to ceiling that revealed Bangkok’s night lights glowing far in the distance like a living skyline.
Yuna immediately dropped her bag and threw herself onto one of the beds with a dramatic sigh. “Wow,” she said as the mattress swallowed her, then pointed lazily. “This one’s mine.” “Okay,” you answered simply, not even bothering to argue as you watched her get comfortable instantly, like she had already claimed the room in her mind before even entering it.
After bringing in your luggage, you finally let your body relax as both of you changed into something more comfortable, Yuna ending up in an oversized shirt while you chose something light suitable for the lingering heat outside, because even though it was already late September, Bangkok still felt warm enough to cling to your skin the moment you stopped moving.
After unpacking a few essentials and helping Yuna settle her things, time passed quietly until the room fell into a calm silence that only travel exhaustion can create, until a knock broke through it. Yuna glanced at the door but didn’t move, so you stood first, walking over and opening it.
When you opened the door, Mr. Jeon was already standing there, but he looked different from earlier, hair slightly damp like he had just showered, a faint clean scent of soap and something fresh slipping past him into the room, his shirt replaced one hand resting against one side of the doorframe and the other against the opposite side, his head slightly lowered as if he had been leaning forward while waiting, and as his eyes landed on you he straightened slightly, gaze flickering briefly over you before returning to your face as he subtly wet his lips.
“Uhm…” he paused for a second, collecting himself. “Everything alright in here?”
You nodded. “Yeah. We’re good.”
“Good.” His eyes shifted past you for a moment, landing on Yuna already half buried under the blanket, which made his expression soften slightly.
“If you need anything, we’re right next door,” he said casually, thumb pointing toward the adjacent room. “Literally right there.”
You nodded again. “Okay.”
Then he continued in the same easy tone, “Now you girls have some time to rest. Make yourselves comfortable.” His hand gestured loosely toward the room. “Our first meeting starts at nine tomorrow, so don’t miss breakfast.”
Yuna groaned from the bed, making him chuckle under his breath.
After a short pause, Mr. Jeon nodded once as if wrapping things up. “Alright. Everything’s handled.” And he stepped away from the doorway.
You stayed there for a moment, expecting him to fully leave, but after a few steps he slowed slightly. He stopped, turned his head back toward you, lifted his brows briefly, and without saying anything else simply pointed sideways toward the corridor with a small thumb gesture before making a light “we’re next door / let’s go” motion in the air (more like a casual sign to himself than something directed at you).
Then he turned away properly and walked off down the corridor, disappearing around the corner. The hallway fell quiet again, and you stood there for a second before gently closing the door, letting the calm of the room return as Yuna settled in and the night lights of Bangkok continued glowing beyond the window.
The private conference room on one of the hotel’s upper floors was noticeably quieter than the bustling hallways outside. Thick carpet softened every footstep, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Bangkok’s endless skyline, and a polished wooden table occupied the center of the room beneath warm golden lighting. Nearly fifteen people were already seated when Mr. Jeon and Mrs. Jeon entered together. Several representatives from the partner company immediately stood from their seats, their expressions brightening the moment they recognized him. One of the senior executives stepped forward first, extending his hand with visible enthusiasm. “Mr. Jeon, it’s truly a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Thank you for coming. Having you here means a great deal to us.” His tone carried genuine respect rather than simple business courtesy. Mr. Jeon accepted the handshake firmly and offered a polite smile. “Thank you for inviting us.” The executive nodded repeatedly before gesturing toward the table. “We’ve been looking forward to discussing this project with you.” Mr. Jeon glanced around the room once, acknowledging the others before slightly extending his hand toward the available seats. “Please, have a seat.”
For the next hour, discussions moved steadily from one topic to another. Presentation slides illuminated the screen at the front of the room while diagrams, projections, schedules, and marketing strategies were explained in careful detail. Questions came from every side of the table. Some were directed toward Mr. Jeon. Others toward Mrs. Jeon. The atmosphere remained professional but increasingly collaborative as ideas bounced back and forth between both companies. When one of the managers asked whether a particular launch strategy would be effective in overseas markets, several heads automatically turned toward Mr. Jeon. He studied the proposal silently for a moment before responding. His observations were calm, precise, and surprisingly detailed. He pointed out strengths they had overlooked, weaknesses hidden beneath attractive numbers, and opportunities that could significantly improve the project’s reach. Every time he spoke, people listened carefully. Several participants hurried to write notes. Others exchanged impressed glances. Even those who had entered the meeting confident in their plans found themselves reconsidering certain decisions after hearing his perspective. Beside him, Mrs. Jeon occasionally contributed her own thoughts, clarifying details and raising practical concerns that helped shape the discussion further.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the hotel, the atmosphere could not have been more different. The breakfast cafeteria buzzed with relaxed morning energy as guests wandered between buffet stations carrying plates and cups. The scent of freshly baked pastries mixed with coffee, fruit, and warm breakfast dishes. You and Yuna stood together in line, slowly moving between the various food displays while Yuna stared at everything with wide curious eyes. Every few seconds she pointed at something new. “What’s that?” she asked. Before you could answer, she pointed somewhere else. “And that?” Then another. “Can I try that one too?” You couldn’t help laughing softly. Helping a four-year-old navigate an international breakfast buffet turned out to be far more complicated than expected. Carefully balancing a plate in one hand, you crouched slightly beside her and helped select foods that seemed safe enough for her to enjoy. Small pancakes. Fresh fruit. A few pastries. Nothing too overwhelming. Yuna looked entirely satisfied with her choices by the time you reached the drinks section.
While she focused on carrying her plate without dropping anything, you prepared a coffee for yourself. Normally you avoided coffee whenever possible. The bitterness had never been something you particularly enjoyed. Unfortunately, exhaustion had other plans. Between traveling, unpacking, and adjusting to a completely different environment, your body still felt half asleep. This morning caffeine seemed less like a choice and more like a necessity. You stared at the steaming cup for a second before sighing quietly. “I really don’t want this.” Yuna blinked up at you. “why?”
“Because sometimes being awake is more important than being happy.” Yuna considered that answer seriously before nodding as if it made perfect sense. Together, the two of you finally found an empty table near one of the large windows and settled into your seats.
Breakfast passed surprisingly quickly. Yuna proved to be much more entertaining company than most adults. Between bites of pancakes, she told you random stories, asked unusual questions, and occasionally invented answers before you could respond yourself. At one point she became deeply concerned about whether fish ever got thirsty. Five minutes later she was explaining an imaginary business plan involving ice cream and dinosaurs. You found yourself laughing more than expected. The coffee remained unpleasant, but at least it was working. “Appa is still working?” Yuna suddenly asked while swinging her legs beneath her chair. You glanced toward the ceiling as though you could somehow see through several floors. “Probably.” “Meetings boring.”
“Most people would agree with you.”
“Appa says they’re important.”
Yuna thought about that while chewing another bite of pancake. “unfair.” You couldn’t argue with her logic.
Back upstairs, the meeting had finally reached its conclusion. The final presentation slide disappeared from the screen, leaving the room noticeably quieter than before. Anticipation settled over the table. Everyone seemed aware that the most important moment had arrived. The company’s president folded his hands together before looking directly toward Mr. Jeon. “So,” he said carefully, “what do you think of the project? Are you ready to work with us?” The room became almost completely silent. Nobody interrupted. Nobody moved. Mrs. Jeon remained beside her husband without speaking, patiently waiting for his response. Mr. Jeon leaned back slightly in his chair. His gaze drifted toward the documents spread across the table. For several seconds he appeared lost in thought. Then he finally looked up. His eyes settled on the president. A small smile touched the corner of his mouth. “This deal is done.” For a brief moment nobody reacted. Then relief and excitement spread around the room almost instantly. The president’s face brightened. “Thank you, Mr. Jeon. You have no idea how much that means to us.” He quickly stood and extended his hand once more. “We won’t disappoint you.” Mr. Jeon rose from his seat and accepted the handshake firmly. “I look forward to working together.”
Not long afterward, the meeting room emptied. Conversations continued in smaller groups as people exchanged final greetings and promises for future cooperation. Eventually only Mr. Jeon and Mrs. Jeon remained. Together they stepped into the elevator and allowed the doors to slide closed behind them. The silence that followed felt completely different from the meeting room’s professional atmosphere. For the first time that morning, there was nobody watching. Nobody waiting for answers. Nobody expecting decisions. Mr. Jeon slowly leaned back against the elevator wall and released a long breath through his nose. His shoulders dropped slightly. The tension he had carried throughout the meeting finally became visible. Mrs. Jeon immediately noticed. Her expression softened as she stepped closer. “Is something wrong?” she asked quietly. Mr. Jeon shook his head. “Nothing’s wrong.” His voice sounded tired. “We’ve just been busy lately. It’s starting to catch up with me.” Mrs. Jeon moved even closer and rested her hands gently against the front of his suit jacket. “I understand, sweetheart. Don’t worry. This is the last intense stage. After this, things will calm down.”
For several seconds neither of them said anything else. They simply looked at each other. Then Mr. Jeon’s hand tightened slightly around Mrs. Jeon’s waist as he drew her closer, eliminating the last bit of distance between them. For a moment, he simply stood there, his shoulders finally beginning to loosen as he lowered his head and buried his face against the side of her neck. He took a slow, steady breath, quietly pulling in the familiar scent of her skin as though trying to hold onto the moment for a little longer. The tension that had followed him through meetings, schedules, and endless responsibilities seemed to soften piece by piece. Neither of them spoke. There was no need to. Then, without lifting his head, he pressed a long, lingering kiss just below her ear, the quiet sound echoing softly within the otherwise silent elevator. Only after several seconds did he finally pull back enough to look at her. His gaze remained heavy with exhaustion, his eyes half-lidded as they settled on hers. For a brief moment, neither of them moved, simply holding each other’s gaze before the elevator’s gentle slowdown reminded them they had reached their floor. The doors opened.
A few minutes later, they entered the cafeteria. From across the room, Mr. Jeon immediately spotted you and Yuna seated together near the window. Neither of you had noticed them yet. Yuna was in the middle of an animated explanation involving dinosaurs and breakfast pastries while you listened with obvious amusement. A faint smile appeared on Mr. Jeon’s face. Unlike the serious businessman from the conference room, he suddenly looked far more relaxed. Much lighter. Quietly, he began approaching from behind Yuna’s chair. You noticed him first. The moment your eyes met his, he raised one finger toward his lips. A silent request. Don’t say anything. Amusement instantly flickered across his expression. You pressed your lips together, fighting a smile.
Still completely unaware, Yuna continued talking. “And then the dinosaur opened a bakery and—” She never finished the sentence. Mr. Jeon leaned down from behind and pressed a quick kiss against her cheek.
Yuna jumped so hard her chair nearly moved.
The surprise vanished immediately, replaced by pure excitement.
Mr. Jeon let out a short laugh.
Just a brief, warm sound.
Yet somehow it carried a deep, unmistakably masculine roughness that caught your attention instantly.
Yuna was already reaching for him before he had even finished speaking.
Yuna practically launched herself into Mr. Jeon the moment she saw him, her small body moving with such unfiltered excitement that it looked as if she had been holding it in for hours and could no longer contain it any longer, and Mr. Jeon reacted instantly without even needing to think, his arms already lifting in anticipation as her tiny hands wrapped tightly around his neck and her legs kicked slightly in the air before he adjusted his hold with practiced ease, one arm sliding securely under her while the other steadied her back so she would not slip, his movements calm and controlled in the way only someone deeply used to her energy could manage, and as she settled against him he gave a soft, amused breath of laughter that barely escaped his lips while he looked down at her with an expression that softened almost immediately into something warm and familiar.
He adjusted his grip again to make sure she was comfortable, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary before shifting toward the table where the morning light from the hotel windows spilled softly across the polished surfaces and quiet atmosphere, giving everything a calm yet slightly formal feeling that contrasted with Yuna’s endless energy.
“So,” he began casually, still holding Yuna securely as if she weighed nothing at all, “what have you two decided to do today?” but before either you or Yuna could even fully process the question, he continued in the same composed tone, already shifting into problem-solving mode, “If you’d like to explore the city, I can arrange a bodyguard to accompany you so you can move around comfortably without worrying about anything,” and the moment those words reached Yuna’s ears her expression completely transformed, her eyes widening with pure excitement as if he had just offered her the entire world in one sentence.
“Really?!” she asked immediately, leaning forward slightly as much as her position allowed, and Mr. Jeon simply nodded once, calm and certain, “Really,” he confirmed, and that was all it took for Yuna to spin her attention toward you almost instantly, her small hands still lightly gripping her father’s shirt as she shifted her body, “I want to go somewhere with Unnie!” she declared loudly, without hesitation, as if the decision had already been made in her mind long before she said it out loud, and the suddenness of it caused a small ripple of laughter around the table, soft and natural, like everyone already expected her to say exactly that.
Mr. Jeon’s gaze moved toward you slowly at first, assessing in the quiet, observant way he often did, and then back to Yuna, and a faint, knowing smile formed on his face as he slightly tilted his head, “And Unnie will definitely go with you, right?” he asked, not pushing but clearly expecting confirmation, and you smiled automatically in response because there was really no hesitation in your mind at all, Yuna’s excitement was far too contagious for that, but before you could even answer properly, Mr. Jeon lifted one eyebrow slightly, patient, waiting, as if he was making sure you would respond verbally rather than just through expression, and that subtle pressure made you laugh lightly before you finally answered, “Of course, I’ll definitely go with Yuna.”
The moment you said that you would definitely go with Yuna, the atmosphere around the table softened in a way that was almost imperceptible but still present in the way Mr. Jeon’s expression eased, his earlier questioning gaze finally settling into quiet satisfaction as if your answer had resolved something he had been silently calculating all along, and without any unnecessary hesitation he gently lowered Yuna from his arms, carefully adjusting her position as she landed back on her feet with the kind of practiced attentiveness that made it clear he never allowed even the smallest chance of her losing balance, his hand briefly steadying her shoulder before releasing her completely, while Yuna immediately stayed close to the table with that same bright energy still radiating off her as if she had already mentally stepped into whatever adventure was coming next.
It was only a second later that Mrs. Jeon spoke, her voice calm but firm in a way that subtly redirected the entire flow of the moment, turning her attention toward her husband as she said that he really needed to call Mr. Min as soon as possible and explain the full plan without delay, emphasizing that the schedule should be properly arranged before anything else could interfere, and Mr. Jeon gave a short nod in response, already reaching for his phone without argument, clearly understanding the weight of what she meant even if it was said in a gentle tone, while the background noise of the cafeteria continued around them, creating a strange contrast between the quiet coordination of their conversation and the normal life moving around them.
At the same time, Mrs. Jeon shifted her focus completely toward Yuna, stepping closer with a softness returning to her expression as she bent slightly to meet her daughter at eye level, gently smoothing a few strands of hair away from Yuna’s face again as if it was a natural instinct rather than a deliberate gesture, and her tone immediately became warmer.
“I heard there’s an amusement park nearby,” Mrs. Jeon continued, and that single mention was enough for Yuna’s entire body to practically light up, her attention snapping immediately toward her, “Really?!” she repeated again, this time even more excited than before, and Mrs. Jeon nodded, “Maybe you and Unnie can visit it,” she added, lightly tapping Yuna’s nose in a playful gesture, before continuing in a gentler but more serious tone, “But don’t go near anything dangerous, okay?” and Yuna nodded so fast it almost looked exaggerated, “Okay!” she replied instantly, and Mrs. Jeon added, “And listen to the bodyguard,” another nod, “Okay,” and finally, “Stay with Unnie,” “Okay!” until Mrs. Jeon finally smiled, clearly satisfied, and leaned down to kiss her forehead softly, “Good girl. Mommy loves you,” she whispered, and Yuna’s response came out softer this time but still bright, “I love you too.”
Not long after, Mr. Jeon and Mrs. Jeon left together, their presence fading down the hallway as the atmosphere slowly shifted back into something more relaxed, and Yuna immediately turned toward you the second they were out of sight, her excitement returning full force as she bounced slightly on her feet, “We’re going to the amusement park!” she declared as if confirming something life-changing, and you could only smile at her energy, already knowing the rest of the day would be entirely dictated by her excitement.
Twenty minutes later, after getting ready and organizing everything, a knock sounded on the door, sharp but polite, and Yuna was already halfway to sprinting before you gently stopped her, opening it first yourself, revealing a man dressed in a professional dark outfit standing calmly outside, his posture straight and respectful as he gave a small bow, “Hello,” he greeted, and after you returned the greeting, he introduced himself as Minho, explaining that he would be accompanying you for the day, and Yuna immediately grabbed your hand without hesitation the moment the introduction was done as if that alone had already secured her comfort.
The drive to the amusement park was filled with music the moment Yuna discovered the controls, and what started as curiosity quickly turned into a full performance of princess songs played at a volume that filled the entire car without mercy, her voice joining every lyric with full confidence regardless of pitch or tone, while you tried your best not to laugh too obviously and Minho maintained an expression of professional calm that barely hid how used he was to unpredictable situations, and through all of it Yuna never let go of your hand even once, as if afraid the moment she released it the entire experience might disappear.
When the amusement park finally came into view, it looked almost unreal with its bright colors, moving rides, and constant energy, and the moment the car stopped Yuna was already pressing forward with excitement, pulling you along as if she had been waiting her entire life for this exact moment, immediately choosing the carousel as her first destination, where she rode happily in circles waving every few seconds with absolute delight, completely absorbed in her own small world of imagination and joy, before moving on to ride after ride without hesitation, each one more exciting than the last in her eyes.
At some point, while walking between attractions, her attention locked onto a candy stand almost instantly, her steps stopping so abruptly that you and Minho had no choice but to stop as well, and before anything could even be said she was already negotiating in her own enthusiastic way, and somehow, despite every initial refusal, she ended up holding a large candy apple with a victorious expression that made it clear she had already won the argument before it truly began, even if her interest in it only lasted about half an hour before she grew bored and passed it to you without a second thought.
Eventually, the Ferris wheel stood in front of all three of you, massive and slow-moving, rising high above the entire park, and Yuna immediately pointed at it with excitement, “That one!” she insisted, and even though you instinctively hesitated because of your discomfort with heights, her expression made it impossible to refuse, so within minutes all three of you were seated inside a cabin as it began to rise slowly, steadily, higher and higher until the entire amusement park stretched beneath you like a miniature world full of lights, colors, and movement.
Yuna pressed her hands against the glass at the highest point, eyes wide with pure amazement as she whispered “Wow,” and for a moment everything else faded away except her reaction, the way she looked at the world below as if it had suddenly become something entirely new, something magical, while you sat quietly beside her trying not to focus on the drop beneath you, your hands resting tightly in your lap, your attention deliberately fixed on anything except the height, yet even then you couldn’t help but glance at her expression again and again, because despite everything, this was the reason you were here, and for her, this moment truly felt like magic
The evening had already settled over the hotel like a soft, warm blanket, the kind of tropical night that didn’t truly cool down but instead wrapped itself around everything with humid ease, and inside the softly lit lounge area where Mr. Jeon and Mrs. Jeon stood together, the atmosphere felt momentarily quieter than the rest of the busy hotel. Mrs. Jeon adjusted the strap of her handbag and glanced toward her husband with a composed expression that only someone who knew her well would recognize as slightly focused, slightly preoccupied, before she finally spoke, her voice calm but certain, “I have an important meeting to attend regarding the project,” she said, pausing just long enough to let the weight of her words settle, “It’s better if I handle it myself. You don’t need to come with me. You can stay and rest with Yuna and Y/N.”
Mr. Jeon, who had been standing beside her with one hand loosely in his pocket, immediately turned his head slightly toward her, his expression shifting into something more attentive, more careful in that quiet way he always seemed to adopt when it came to her decisions, “Are you sure?” he asked, his tone low but steady, not pressuring, only concerned, “I can come with you if you want. It’s not a problem.” Mrs. Jeon shook her head almost immediately, a small but firm gesture that left no room for doubt, “No, really,” she said, softening just slightly at the edges of her voice, “I can handle it myself. It will be quicker this way.” There was a brief pause after that, the kind that held understanding rather than disagreement, and Mr. Jeon exhaled gently through his nose, nodding once as if accepting it fully, “Alright,” he said at last, his voice easing into something warmer, more resigned in a gentle way, before he stepped closer and placed a soft, almost absent-minded peck against her lips, brief and natural, followed by his hand rising instinctively to brush his thumb along her cheek in a small, familiar gesture of affection that lingered for just a moment longer than necessary.
After that, the evening split into separate paths.
Mr. Jeon eventually made his way toward the private pool area of the hotel, a secluded space reserved for guests staying in the higher floors, where the lighting was dim but golden and the water reflected the soft glow of the surrounding lamps like liquid glass. He had changed into simple swim shorts and a plain black T-shirt, the kind that clung lightly to his frame without trying too hard, practical and effortless, as if he had not overthought it at all. As he approached, he already assumed he would find Mrs. Jeon there, perhaps joining later, but instead, the first thing he saw was you and Yuna already occupying the space, the atmosphere between you both completely relaxed in contrast to the structured world just a few floors above.
You were sitting near the edge of the pool, your legs dipped halfway into the water, the surface rippling gently around your ankles each time you moved slightly, wearing short denim shorts and a loose, open layer over your top that matched the casual comfort of the warm night air. The humidity clung softly to everything, making even simple movements feel slower, more relaxed. Yuna, on the other hand, was completely immersed in her own little world, happily floating nearby on a brightly colored inflatable duck, her small hands gripping the handles as she giggled every few seconds at the sensation of drifting across the water. When Mr. Jeon arrived, his presence was calm and unhurried as always, and he stopped at the pool’s edge for a moment, looking between the two of you before speaking casually, “Oh… enjoying yourselves?”
As he said it, he bent slightly forward and slipped his feet out of his sandals, letting his bare toes touch the cool tiled edge of the pool before lightly testing the water with the tip of his foot as if confirming its temperature. Satisfied, he turned slightly and walked over to a nearby lounge chair, where towels had been neatly placed, and adjusted them briefly without really needing to, more out of habit than necessity. That was when Yuna’s voice suddenly rang out brightly from the water, “Appa! Are you here to swim with me?” she asked excitedly, her whole body bouncing slightly on the inflatable duck as it bobbed in place. Mr. Jeon immediately looked toward her and smiled, the expression softening his entire face in an instant, “Yes, princess,” he said easily, “I’m going to swim with you now. We’ll have fun together.”
Without hesitation, he pulled his T-shirt over his head in one smooth motion and placed it neatly on the lounge chair beside the towels. The moment he turned back toward the pool, stepping closer to the edge again, the water reflecting against his skin under the warm lighting made the scene shift slightly in atmosphere, not in a dramatic way, but enough that it was noticeable if one paid attention. He paused at the edge, watching Yuna carefully as she splashed lightly in place, and then stepped into the pool with a controlled, steady movement rather than diving in, adjusting himself carefully as if already anticipating her reactions. As soon as he entered, a quiet groan of relief escaped him under his breath, a low sound of ease as the warm water enveloped him fully, releasing the tension from the long day.
For a moment, he simply moved through the water on his own, swimming a few slow laps across the pool with effortless technique, shifting between strokes with practiced ease, disappearing briefly beneath the surface before resurfacing farther away, only to return again in a smooth rhythm that seemed almost automatic. Then, without warning, he resurfaced right beside Yuna, his sudden appearance making her burst into laughter as water splashed lightly around them both. He laughed too, the sound matching hers, warm and unrestrained, before gently reaching out and steadying her inflatable duck, guiding it carefully so she wouldn’t drift too far while still letting her feel in control of it.
“Wooooh!” Yuna shouted excitedly as he pushed her slowly through the water, her laughter echoing around the pool area while Mr. Jeon guided her with careful hands, making sure every movement was slow enough for her comfort but playful enough to keep her entertained. He occasionally splashed lightly beside her just to make her laugh harder, and every time she did, his expression softened even more, as if that alone was enough to make the entire evening worthwhile.
After a while, Yuna’s energy began to shift into that familiar kind of childhood restlessness, where excitement slowly turned into boredom without warning, and she started leaning back slightly on the inflatable duck as if she was done with it for the moment. Noticing immediately, Mr. Jeon carefully lifted her from it with both hands, supporting her securely before bringing her into his arms, and then carried her gently toward the pool edge. He placed her down where you were already waiting with a towel, and you immediately wrapped her up, guiding her small body toward one of the lounge chairs, making sure she was warm and comfortable as she settled down.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jeon remained in the water, continuing to swim slowly for a few more moments, his movements now more relaxed, less playful, more grounded. When he eventually noticed you returning toward the pool after settling Yuna, he approached the edge as well, placing both arms on the tiled border and leaning forward slightly, staying half-submerged while his gaze quietly followed your movements. You sat down again at the edge, dipping your feet into the water once more, and this time he stayed closer, not intruding, simply present, resting his arms comfortably on the edge as droplets of water ran down his forearms and he absent-mindedly pushed his wet hair back from his forehead.
For a brief moment, he stayed silent, watching the way you lightly moved your feet in the water, the ripples forming small patterns around your ankles, before he spoke again, his tone more thoughtful this time, “Do you want to learn how to swim?” he asked casually, as if it were just another simple suggestion in passing. You didn’t immediately process the weight of the question, assuming it was just conversation, so you answered naturally, “Yes… I would love to.” That was when he tilted his head slightly, studying you for a moment before speaking again, his tone shifting into something more intentional, more focused, “Then how about we teach you now?” he said.
The question landed differently this time.
You blinked, caught off guard, your thoughts momentarily freezing as you tried to process what he had just suggested, “W-what? You’re going to teach me?” The words came out slightly broken, not from fear, but from disbelief at how suddenly the conversation had shifted. Mr. Jeon didn’t laugh this time. Instead, he simply looked at you with a calm, steady expression, completely serious, “Yes,” he said, “Right now. You have the opportunity, so it’s better not to waste it.” He paused briefly, then added in the same composed tone,
“Come on. It’s not as difficult as you think. I’m sure you’ll learn quickly.”
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