The living room was cozy and bright, the twins bouncing lightly on the sofa cushions while Xavier sat quietly beside Yushen, observing everything with his calm little smile. I had the enrollment forms and planners spread out on the coffee table, ready for discussion.
"Okay, everyone," I began, glancing at the kids. "We need to finalize school plans. Let's make sure everyone is happy."
Xia immediately leaned forward, sparkling eyes wide. "Mom! I want gymnastics and netball! Please!"
Xayden frowned, pointing at his sister. "But I want basketball and swimming… not the same!"
Yushen chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like we have two little athletes already. That's fine. You can do your own sports, but schoolwork comes first, agreed?"
"Yes!" I added, smiling. "We also talked about languages. Chinese is mandatory, but we can choose extras—Japanese, Korean, or Spanish."
Xia clapped her hands. "Mom, I want Japanese first!"
Xayden jumped in. "Then I do Korean! But I want music in the same class as Xia!"
Yushen gave me a side glance, calm but amused. "Negotiation skills at six… impressive. But we'll balance it. No one gets overwhelmed."
"Exactly," I said, looking at the twins. "We'll let you choose what you enjoy, but also guide you. We want you to grow confident, not stressed."
Xavier, sitting quietly on Yushen's lap, nodded and said softly, "I like swimming… maybe football too?"
"Perfect," I said, smiling at him. "We'll make sure everyone gets something they love."
Yushen leaned forward, opening his planner. "Here's what I suggest. Morning routine, school drop-offs, classes, sports, and then homework. Weekends are family time—no exceptions. We all follow this together."
"Deal!" I said, glancing at the twins.
Xia and Xayden shouted in unison, "Deal!"
"Xavier?" I asked, reaching for his small hand.
He nodded, grinning. "Deal."
Yushen looked at me, a soft smile on his lips. "See? They're smart, and they understand we're a team. They feel secure. That's what matters."
"Exactly," I agreed, leaning against him. "Even at six, they can participate. It makes them confident and happy."
The twins leaned back, satisfied, occasionally bickering over which sport was better, while Xavier quietly watched, fascinated by their energy. Yushen and I exchanged a glance—our little family was finding its rhythm.
"So tonight we'll finalize the forms, uniforms, and schedules," I said. "Step by step, together, just like we planned."
Yushen nodded, wrapping an arm around me and Xavier. "Together."
For a quiet moment, the five of us sat like that—cozy, content, and ready to face the next chapter of our lives as a family, united and full of love.
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