The evening had settled over the city, painting the skyline with soft hues of orange and pink. The twins were busy with their little LEGO project inside, and the quiet hum of the apartment made it feel almost serene.
I poured two cups of coffee, the rich aroma filling the balcony. Yushen was already there, leaning on the railing, watching the city lights gradually flicker on.
"Thanks for this," I said, passing him a cup.
"No problem," he replied, taking it with a small smile. "It's nice… quiet. Just us."
I sank into the chair across from him, taking a small sip and letting the warmth spread through me. For a moment, we just watched the city, letting the calm linger.
After a few quiet minutes, Yushen finally spoke, his voice soft but steady.
"They're… really something, your kids," he said, eyes following the faint giggles from inside.
I smiled, a little bittersweet.
"Yeah… they keep me busy, but they make life so full."
He took a slow sip, then looked at me with something thoughtful in his eyes.
"I… noticed how much they remind me of someone," he said carefully, his voice low.
I felt my heart skip, but I kept my tone calm, almost casual.
"Yeah… I've been thinking the same," I admitted.
He leaned back, studying me.
"Anna… I need to ask… am I… their father?"
The question hung in the air, simple yet heavy. My chest tightened. I took a slow breath, staring into my coffee cup for a moment before looking up.
"Yushen… yes," I said quietly, letting the words land. "You are their father. I didn't… I just couldn't tell you before. I didn't know how you would react… and I wanted to protect them, and you too."
His eyes widened slightly, then softened, the careful calculation I knew so well giving way to a quiet vulnerability.
"I… I see," he said slowly, taking a deep breath. "I should've known. Some of the little things… it just felt familiar."
"I know…" I said softly. "I didn't want to make it harder. I just… stayed away because I loved you, and I didn't want you to feel trapped or forced. But I couldn't take you out of their world completely either."
He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, and just watched me for a long moment.
"They… they really are you, Anna. And… me," he said quietly. "In small ways. It's… striking."
I felt warmth in my chest, both from his words and the quiet acknowledgment between us.
"Yeah," I whispered. "And now… I guess we can start figuring out how we fit together again. Not just for me or you… but for them too."
He nodded, a soft, almost hesitant smile touching his lips.
"I'd like that," he said. "For all of us."
The city lights twinkled around us, and for the first time in years, I felt a sense of calm—like the pieces of our past were finally starting to line up, carefully, gently, and maybe… just maybe, perfectly.
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