(Morning turning quietly uneasy)
It was already 9:30 AM.
The house, which had been filled with soft birthday warmth earlier, now felt oddly still.
Downstairs, Haneul sat on the couch.
A careful distance remained between him and Taekyun.
His hands rested on his lap, fingers lightly curled, but they didn't stay still.
Every few seconds, they tightened then loosened again.
Something felt wrong.
He couldn't explain it.
His chest felt heavy.
Not painful way just tight.
Like something invisible was pressing against him from the inside.
His breathing came out uneven.
Slow.
Then slightly rushed.
Haneul lowered his gaze.
Why does it feel like this..
His fingers slowly moved to the side of his neck, pressing lightly against his scent glands as if trying to calm himself.
But it didn't help much.
Across from him, Taekyun noticed.
From the moment he sat down.
Haneul's pheromones
They weren't just unstable.
They were suffocating.
Thick and Uneven.
Almost like they were struggling to settle.
Taekyun's expression didn't change much.
He placed his phone down on the table.
"Haneul."
His voice was calm, but firm enough to reach him.
Haneul turned his head slowly.
Their eyes met.
For a second, Taekyun just looked at him.
Then,
"Let's go for a checkup first."
Haneul blinked.
The words caught him off guard.
His fingers pressed lightly against his neck again, trying to steady himself.
He looked at Taekyun.
Then slowly,
Shook his head.
"No…. I'm fine."
"Not...now."
His voice was quiet.
A little breathless.
"It's just..... my heart feels a bit heavy."
He looked down, taking a slow breath as if trying to prove it to himself.
Taekyun didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he shifted closer.
"I already took an appointment yesterday," he said.
His tone remained steady.
"After Haru's kindergarten…. we'll go."
He slowly nodded.
"Okay."
Taekyun's hand reached out.
Slowly, he took Haneul's hand into his own.
Warm. Steady.
Then, his pheromones spread.
Not overwhelming just enough for Haneul.
A calm, grounding presence that wrapped gently around Haneul.
Haneul exhaled quietly.
The tightness didn't disappear.
But it softened a little.
He leaned his head back against the couch, eyes closing for a moment.
Taekyun watched him.
Silently.
Something isn't right.
His gaze lowered briefly.
To Haneul's abdomen.
Is it the baby…..
Before he could speak
Soft footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Both of them looked up.
Haru was coming downstairs.
And for a moment
Everything else faded.
She wore a soft pink hanbok, small and delicate, perfectly fitted to her tiny frame.
The skirt flowed gently around her legs, light and airy with each step.
The jeogori was embroidered with fine silver thread subtle patterns of clouds and tiny blossoms woven into the fabric.
At the center of her chest, a small ornamental knot rested neatly, adorned with a hanging tassel.
It wasn't just decoration.
It symbolized protection.
A wish for a safe and long life.
Her hair was tied neatly, a small ribbon matching the pink of her hanbok.
She looked like a little girl straight out of an old Korean painting.
Soft and Bright.
Untouched by anything heavy.
Behind her, Bora and the staff followed, smiling softly, unable to hide their admiration.
"She looks like a little lady,"
one of them whispered quietly.
Haneul's eyes softened the moment he saw her.
And strangely
The heaviness in his chest eased just a little.
Haru walked forward.
Step by step.
Then stopped in front of Taekyun.
With a wide gummy smile
She bowed politely.
"Abba."
Then she turned to Haneul.
And bowed again.
Haneul smiled gently.
He bowed back.
Then slowly bent down, pulling her into a soft hug.
He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before standing again.
Haru giggled softly and turned toward Taekyun.
Taekyun looked at her.
For a moment, he didn't say anything.
Then he leaned forward, cupped her cheeks gently and kissed her forehead.
"Happy birthday."
His voice was low.
But softer than usual.
He lifted her into his arms.
Holding her carefully.
From behind, Bora stepped forward.
"Sir, we've placed all the gifts and cakes in the car,"
She said.
"For Haru's friends."
Taekyun nodded once.
"Let's go."
He lowered Haru back to the floor.
Haru didn't wait.
She immediately reached for Haneul's hand
And held his finger tightly.
As if he belonged right there with her.
She started walking.
Pulling him along.
Haneul followed instinctively.
But
He wasn't supposed to go.
Taekyun noticed.
He turned slightly.
His gaze moved from Haru to Haneul.
For a second, silence.
Haneul looked back at him.
Confused.
Before he could say anything
"Haneul. Your coat."
Taekyun said it simply.
One of the staff immediately rushed forward, bringing it.
Haneul blinked.
Still confused.
But he didn't ask anything.
He just put it on quietly.
And kept holding Haru's hand.
Just as they reached the entrance
Haru suddenly stopped.
Her small hand slipped out of Haneul's grip.
Everyone paused.
She turned around.
Facing all the staff standing behind.
For a second, no one understood what she was doing.
Then,
Haru took a small step back.
Placed both her tiny hands neatly in front of her.
And bowed.
A proper, respectful Korean bow.
"Thank..you"
The staff froze.
No one expected it.
For a moment, silence filled the space.
Then soft smiles spread across their faces.
Some of them even looked emotional.
"Our Haru has grown so well"
One of them whispered quietly.
Bora's eyes softened instantly.
Mina smiled, her gaze gentle.
Before anyone could respond.
Haru suddenly walked forward again.
Straight toward Bora.
"Hmm?"
Bora blinked, confused.
But before she could react
Haru grabbed her hand.
And kissed it.
A soft, dramatic little peck.
Just like something she must have seen somewhere.
Bora froze.
Her eyes widened.
"H-Haru!"
Before she could recover.
Haru turned to Mina.
Took her hand too.
And kissed it the same way.
Mina stood there, completely stunned.
"What is this?"
"For.... Haru-ah?"
She let out a small laugh, still in disbelief.
Behind them, a few staff members chuckled softly.
"This young lady is too much today,"
Haneul couldn't help it
A soft laugh slipped from his lips.
His chest felt lighter for a moment.
Taekyun watched quietly.
There was a faint change in his expression.
Something softer.
Haru turned back again.
Looking proud of herself.
As if she had done something very important.
Then she walked back to Haneul
And grabbed his finger again.
"go."
They walked out together.
Leaving behind a house full of quiet smiles.
And hearts that felt just a little fuller.
The car ride was quiet.
Lihan sat in the driver's seat.
Another car followed behind.
Haru sat in the middle,
Between Taekyun and Haneul.
Her small hands rested on both sides.
One finger hooked with Haneul's.
She kept looking up at him.
Smiling brightly and excitedly.
Completely different from any other day.
Every time she smiled
Haneul's chest loosened.
Just a little more.
He returned each smile.
Soft almost fragile.
Between those small moments
Haneul glanced at Taekyun.
Once.
Then again after a while.
Trying to read him.
What is he thinking?
Taekyun's face remained calm.
Unreadable.
His gaze fixed ahead.
But his presence still steady and grounding.
And somehow
Haneul didn't feel alone.
As the car moved forward
The morning sunlight filtered softly through the windows.
Everything looked normal.
Peaceful.
Like just another day.
And yet
That quiet heaviness in Haneul's chest
It hadn't disappeared.
It was still there waiting.
(Around 11:00 AM)
It had already been half an hour since Haneul and Haru arrived at the kindergarten.
The place was full of movement.
Teachers were busy arranging things
plates, decorations, small gift bags.
Some were guiding children, some fixing the setup again and again to make everything perfect.
The atmosphere was lively and warm.
Filled with small laughter and chatter.
Haru was in the middle of it.
Surrounded by her classmates.
She stood there proudly in her pink hanbok, her small hands lifting the edges of her skirt slightly as she turned around to show it.
"Look!"
she said excitedly, her voice bright.
The other children gathered around her.
Some touched the soft fabric.
Some clapped.
Some just stared at her in admiration.
"She... look like a princess"
one of them whispered.
Haru's gummy smile widened.
She tried talking to them, her words slightly rushed in excitement, sometimes mixing up
but it didn't matter.
She was happy.
Truly happy.
Not far from her
Haneul sat on a chair watching.
A small, quiet smile rested on his lips.
His eyes followed her every movement.
Taekyun wasn't there.
He had stepped out earlier with Lihan, saying he had something to handle nearby.
Haneul remained seated.
Still.
"Excuse me"
A soft voice came from beside him.
Haneul turned his head.
One of the teachers stood there.
She bowed slightly with a bright smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Haneul immediately tried to stand up.
But she quickly shook her head.
"No, no....please, sit,"
she said, waving her hands lightly.
"Sit, sit."
She pulled a chair and sat beside him instead.
"I'm Yeon-su,"
she introduced herself, her voice carrying a slight shyness.
Haneul smiled gently.
"I'm...."
Before he could finish
"You're Haru's mother, right?"
She said it with a wide, friendly smile.
Haneul paused for a second.
Then nodded slowly.
A small smile returning to his face.
Yeon-su looked at him carefully.
Then hesitated.
"Can I.."
Haneul blinked slightly.
"Huh?"
She shifted awkwardly.
"I don't know how to say this"
she said, almost embarrassed.
"But you're really cute."
She laughed nervously.
"Like…. really, really cute. I can't even explain it properly."
Haneul was caught off guard.
But he nodded slightly.
A faint smile forming.
Before he could react
She reached out.
Gently patting his head.
Then,
She leaned a little closer.
And lightly poked his cheek.
"You're really adorable,"
she said honestly.
A second passed.
Then realization hit her.
She immediately pulled her hand back.
Her face turning slightly red.
"I'm sorry!"
she said quickly, lowering her head.
"I know you're not a kid
I shouldn't treat you like this."
She hesitated.
"But I just couldn't hold back."
"You're really unique."
Haneul waved his hand lightly.
"No… it's okay,"
he said softly.
"Thank you "
She looked at him again.
"Really?"
He nodded.
After a small pause, Haneul asked quietly,
"You're new here?"
Yeon-su nodded.
"Yes. I joined a few days ago."
Her face lit up as she spoke.
"All the kids here are so adorable,"
she said with excitement.
"I didn't expect it to feel this nice."
She seemed young.
Energetic.
Her emotions easy to read.
Haneul smiled at her.
"No wonder Haru caught my attention so quickly,"
Yeon-su added.
"She's really adorable just like you."
"And I'm really glad I met you."
Haneul's smile softened.
"Can we be friends?"
she asked suddenly.
Haneul hesitated for a brief moment.
Then nodded.
Her face brightened instantly.
She grabbed his hand and shook it enthusiastically.
"Thank you!"
Time passed slowly.
Soon,
Haru stood in front of the table.
A small cake placed before her.
Teachers gathered the children around.
"Okay, everyone"
They sang together.
Clapping.
Haru cut the cake carefully.
Her small hands slightly clumsy but determined.
After that, she started handing out pieces.
To her classmates.
To the teachers.
Then,
She distributed the small gifts one by one.
Her smile never faded.
Haneul watched everything.
But,
Something started to feel wrong.
A wave of dizziness hit him.
Sudden and heavy.
He stood up slightly
But his balance shifted.
He quickly moved back and sat down again.
His hand pressed against the edge of the chair.
His breathing felt off.
Yeon-su noticed immediately.
She walked toward him quickly, holding a plate.
"Haneul-ssi"
She placed the cake in front of him.
"Please eat something."
Haneul nodded lightly.
"Thank you"
But he didn't touch it.
His gaze shifted again.
Toward the door.
Still no sign of Taekyun.
His fingers tightened.
Why isn't he back yet
Haru ran toward him suddenly.
Her small hand grabbing his finger.
"Umma"
Her voice carried a hint of concern.
Haneul looked at her.
For a moment, everything softened again.
"It's okay,"
he said gently.
"You go play."
"Abba will be here soon."
Haru stared at him for a second.
Then nodded.
She lifted his hand slightly
And placed a soft kiss on it.
Then she turned and ran back toward her friends.
Haneul watched her go.
His chest tightened again.
Nearby, one of the teachers stepped aside and made a call.
"Sir,"
she said carefully,
"I think Haneul-ssi isn't feeling well.
He looks very pale."
On the other side
Taekyun's voice came steady.
"I'll be back in ten minutes."
The call ended.
Around them,
Everything continued.
Children playing.
Teachers managing.
Noise filling the space.
But for Haneul
It felt distant again.
Yeon-su returned.
This time with water.
"Drink this,"
she said softly.
Haneul took it.
His hands slightly unsteady.
She stayed beside him.
Watching carefully.
Bringing small things.
Trying to help.
But,
It didn't help.
The heaviness in Haneul's chest
It increased.
Like something approaching.
Something he couldn't see.
But could feel.
Time didn't feel normal anymore.
The noise of children
The soft chatter
The movement around him
Everything slowly started fading.
Blurring.
Haneul's fingers tightened against the edge of the chair.
His breathing grew uneven.
No…
I'm not asleep.
He knew it.
His eyes were open.
He could feel everything.
And yet
The world in front of him disappeared.
A figure appeared.
Walking toward him.
Too familiar.
Haneul's lips parted slightly.
His body froze.
"Umma?"
She stood right in front of him.
The same face.
The same eyes.
The same presence that used to comfort him.
But now
It felt cold.
"Haneul-ah"
Her voice was soft.
But it carried weight.
"I told you to decide, son."
Haneul's breathing hitched.
"I told you to come back."
A step closer.
"But you never listened."
His eyes started shaking.
"I waited for you."
Her voice lowered.
"And it hurt me."
She slowly opened her arms.
"Come."
A faint smile.
"Let's go."
"Umma is here to take you."
Haneul shook his head immediately.
"No"
His voice trembled.
"No…. I won't go."
Tears rolled down his cheeks.
"I won't"
His breathing broke.
"Please…. don't take me"
Outside the vision
A teacher frowned.
"Haneul-ssi?"
Another one stepped closer.
"He's…. crying?"
They looked at each other.
Concern rising.
But Haneul couldn't hear them.
Couldn't see them.
Inside,
He clutched his chest.
"Umma…. please"
His voice cracked.
"Let me stay"
A sharp pain suddenly shot through his lower abdomen.
Haneul gasped.
His body bent slightly.
"Ah"
His hand pressed against his stomach.
"No…. no"
Tears streamed faster.
"It hurts"
"Please.... don't take it"
His voice broke completely.
"Umma it hurts"
His mother's expression didn't change.
She looked at him quietly.
"I'm not taking it."
Haneul froze.
His breath stopped.
Then,
She turned.
And Haneul followed her gaze.
His eyes widened instantly.
"No"
Haru.
She was there.
Standing beside her.
Haneul's whole body trembled.
"No…. no, umma"
His legs weakened.
"I said don't take it!"
"I'm not taking it,"
she repeated calmly.
Her eyes met his.
"But I'll take her."
A pause.
"Until you decide."
Everything inside Haneul collapsed.
"No!"
His voice finally rose.
"Not her!"
Tears blurred his vision.
His legs refused to move.
He couldn't reach her.
"no… not Haru"
His mother's voice turned distant.
Cold.
"Return to your world, Haneul."
"You don't belong here."
"Don't break the rules of the universe."
Her gaze sharpened.
"This is not your world."
Her voice echoed.
"Return to Eunoia."
"Return."
"Haneul!"
A sharp shake.
Strong this time.
His body jerked.
The vision shattered.
Everything came rushing back.
Noise, voice and reality
"Haneul-ssi!"
"Are you okay?!"
A teacher was holding his shoulders.
Shaking him.
But Haneul didn't respond.
Didn't hear.
Didn't speak.
His eyes moved slowly.
Searching.
And then they found Haru.
Sitting on her small chair alone.
The other children had moved away.
Gathering on the other side.
Laughing,talking and unaware.
Haru stood up.
A bright smile on her face.
A small storybook in her hands.
She turned toward one of her friends.
Lifted the book slightly.
"친구"
(Chinku mean friend)
Her voice was soft.
"Look"
And then,
Something shifted behind her.
Haneul's eyes widened.
His entire body froze.
A tall metal bookshelf.
Heavy packed with books.
It tilted.
Just slightly.
"No"
The word never came out.
It fell.
A loud crash echoed through the room.
Children screamed.
"Ahhh!"
One of the teachers shouted,
"Haru!!"
The metal bookshelf had completely collapsed.
Right over her.
"Haru!!"
A teacher dropped to her knees.
Another rushed forward.
"Move it quickly!"
Security ran in immediately.
Hands gripping the heavy metal frame.
Lifting it with force.
Dragging it away.
And then,
She was visible.
Haru lay there.
Her hanbok
That soft pink from the morning
Was no longer visible.
It was soaked red.
Blood spread beneath her.
Her hair stuck to her forehead.
Her small face pale.
Her eyes were still open.
Barely.
Unfocused and shaking.
And they slowly stopped on Haneul.
Haneul stood there.
Not moving.
Not even blinking.
His lips parted.
But no sound came out.
Around him,
Teachers shouted.
"Call an ambulance!"
"Quick bring towels!"
"Careful....careful!"
Someone tried to lift Haru.
But no one knew how.
No one knew where to touch.
She was too small.
Too fragile.
Too covered in blood.
"Haneul-ssi!"
"Say someth
But Haneul didn't respond.
He couldn't.
His mind was empty.
His body numb.
His voice gone.
Footsteps rushed in.
Fast and heavy.
Taekyun.
He entered with Lihan behind him.
His eyes immediately found Haneul.
Standing there.
Frozen.
"Haneul"
He stepped toward him.
Grabbed his shoulders.
Shook him lightly.
No response.
Taekyun frowned.
Something felt wrong.
He made Haneul sit down.
"Stay here."
And then,
He looked around.
"Where's Haru?"
No one answered.
Then,
A voice shaking.
"Sir"
Yeon-su stepped forward.
Her hands trembling.
Her face pale.
Tears already falling.
"Haru"
Her voice cracked.
Taekyun's heart dropped.
He turned
And saw
Everything stopped.
For a second
No sound, movement.
No breath.
His daughter.
On the floor.
Covered in blood.
Something inside him shattered.
"Haru?"
The word came out broken.
Unreal.
He walked forward.
Slowly.
Like his body didn't belong to him anymore.
His knees hit the floor.
He reached out
Hands shaking
And lifted her carefully into his arms.
Too light, cold and still.
Her blood soaked into his shirt instantly.
Warm.
"Haru"
His voice trembled.
"No"
His mind refused to accept it.
Refused to process.
From outside,
The sound of an ambulance approached.
Loud.
People moved.
Voices overlapped.
Everything became noise.
But Taekyun heard nothing.
He only saw her.
Only felt her.
He stood up.
Holding her tightly.
Like if he let go
She would disappear.
Lihan stood near the door.
Frozen.
One hand covering his mouth.
Eyes wide.
Taekyun walked past him.
Without stopping.
Past everyone
Past Haneul.
He didn't look at him.
Didn't see him.
Didn't feel anything except
Her.
The ambulance doors opened.
Taekyun stepped inside.
Still holding her.
Refusing to let anyone else touch her.
"Sir, please"
"Let us"
"No."
His voice came out low.
Broken but firm.
They didn't argue further.
They started emergency treatment immediately.
"Pulse is weak"
"Careful"
"Head injury"
Taekyun stayed beside her.
One hand gripping hers tightly.
"Haru"
His voice cracked.
"Stay awake"
"Don't close your eyes"
Her lashes fluttered weakly.
Her lips moved slightly.
He leaned closer instantly.
"Say it again"
"Say something"
Her small fingers twitched in his hand.
"Umma"
Barely a whisper.
Taekyun frozen
"Umma"
And then,
Her eyes slowly closed.
"No"
The monitor sounds filled the space.
The staff moved faster.
Urgency rising
"Sir, please step back"
But Taekyun didn't move.
His hand still held hers.
Tightly.
Like it was the only thing keeping him alive.
Outside,
Lihan helped Haneul into the car.
"Let's go."
Haneul moved.
But not really.
He sat inside.
Like a body without a soul.
His eyes empty.
His mind gone.
Nothing registered.
Not the screams, the blood.
Not even her voice.
Inside the ambulance,
Taekyun's head lowered.
His shoulders trembled.
For the first time,
He looked small.
Helpless.
Not the man everyone feared.
Not the man in control.
Just a father breaking.
The hospital doors burst open.
"Emergency!"
Voices echoed.
Footsteps rushed.
The stretcher disappeared inside.
Doctors surrounded Haru immediately.
Machines.
Taekyun stood there.
Still.
Covered in blood.
Not just anywhere
His hands, shirt and chest.
All stained with Haru's blood.
This wasn't how today was supposed to be.
They were supposed to come here
For Haneul.
A simple checkup.
Same hospital.
Same time.
12 in the afternoon.
But the universe
Had other plans.
Behind him,
The car door opened.
Haneul stepped out.
His legs trembled with every step.
His breathing uneven.
Eyes red.
Unfocused.
He walked toward Taekyun.
Slowly.
Like every step was pulling him down.
Taekyun stood there
Completely different.
Not cold, controlled, distant.
Just empty.
His eyes met Haneul's for a brief second.
But this time
There was no anger.
No blame or sharpness.
And that,
Scared Haneul even more.
Taekyun reached out.
Held his hand tightly.
"Haneul"
"I.… I"
Haneul's voice trembled.
His lips shook.
Words broke apart.
"It's…. because of me"
Taekyun's grip tightened.
"I'm the one"
Haneul's breathing turned uneven.
"It's…. my mom"
Taekyun pulled him closer.
Trying to steady him.
But
Haneul pushed him away hard.
"No!"
His voice broke loudly.
For the first time
He screamed.
Nurses nearby turned immediately.
"Don't say anything!"
Haneul cried out.
"Don't say she's gone!"
"My mom took her!"
"You don't understand!"
His whole body shook violently.
Tears falling uncontrollably.
"I…. didn't mean it"
Before he could finish
His body gave up.
Everything went dark
Haneul collapsed.
Taekyun caught him instantly.
"Han....!"
His body went limp in his arms.
"Sir!"
Nurses rushed toward them.
Taekyun didn't hesitate.
He lifted Haneul into his arms.
Holding him tightly.
"Prepare room!"
A doctor shouted.
Just then,
Another doctor approached.
The same one Taekyun had booked for Haneul's checkup.
He froze for a second.
Seeing Taekyun.
Covered in blood.
Holding an unconscious omega.
"Prepare another emergency room. Now."
Nurses ran.
Taekyun walked fast.
Carrying Haneul.
They placed him onto a stretcher.
Machines were brought in.
Doctors surrounded him.
Taekyun stepped back.
But his eyes
Never left Haneul.
His chest felt tight.
Everything was slipping out of his hands.
Time passed Haneul still layer unconscious
After the examination
A doctor walked out.
Taekyun stood up immediately.
"How is he?"
His voice was low.
The doctor spoke calmly,
"He's unconscious due to extreme stress and shock."
"He's physically weak and his body is under heavy pheromonal strain."
A small pause.
"The fetus is safe."
Taekyun's eyes flickered.
"But,"
the doctor continued,
"It's weak."
"And so is he."
"We'll keep him under observation."
"When he regains consciousness, you can meet him."
A small part of Taekyun's chest eased.
But only slightly.
Because,
The other door.
Still hadn't opened.
The operation room.
Time felt endless.
Then,
The door opened.
Taekyun and Lihan moved forward instantly.
The doctor stepped out.
Removed her gloves.
Her expression serious.
Taekyun's voice came out quiet.
"My daughter?"
The doctor looked at him.
Carefully.
"She lost a significant amount of blood."
His heart dropped.
"She's very young."
Every word felt heavier.
"And the injury"
The doctor paused slightly.
"She suffered a strong impact to the head."
"The bookshelf struck the upper side of her skull."
Lihan's breath hitched.
"There is trauma to the brain,"
the doctor continued.
"It caused swelling and temporary disruption in brain function."
Taekyun didn't move.
Didn't blink.
"We've controlled the bleeding."
"She's stable for now."
A pause.
"But"
Taekyun's fingers curled tightly.
"There is a high possibility"
"that she may remain in a coma."
"for at least six months."
Everything stopped.
The world, noise, air.
Taekyun stood there.
Frozen.
Six months.
His daughter.
On her birthday.
Lying between life and silence.
Behind him,
The hospital corridor stretched endlessly.