"Taewon, hand him over. He's coming with me tonight."
Taemi stood at the door with her hands on her hips, her tone leaving no space for argument.
Hyunwon was half asleep in Taewon's arms, his tiny cheek resting against his father's chest, fingers curled around the fabric of his suit.
Taewon adjusted the baby's blanket, his voice calm but firm.
"He had a little fever last night. I'd rather keep him with me, just in case."
Taemi sighed, already sensing where this was going.
"Chairman Kang, it's your wedding night, not a father–son slumber party.
You've been holding him since morning, let him rest."
Before Taewon could answer, Jihyun looked up from where he was fixing his dress.
"You're right, but… maybe just tonight he can stay?"
His tone was light, eyes soft.
"He won't sleep properly if we send him away suddenly."
Taemi turned to Jihyun with narrowed eyes. "You too, Jihyun? Don't start. The both of you look like you're married to the baby, not each other."
Jihyun laughed softly.
"He's our baby. Can't help it."
"Exactly,"
Taewon agreed, though his expression remained serious.
"I just don't want him waking up without us around."
Taemi rubbed her temples.
"I swear, I've seen less attachment in dramas about twins who were separated at birth. Give. Him. To. Me."
Taewon stayed still, silent for a few seconds before exhaling a soft sigh.
"Fine. But if he cries"
"I'll call you," Taemi interrupted dryly, already reaching for the baby.
"And if you cry, I'll block your number."
That made Jihyun chuckle.
Hyunwon barely stirred as Taemi lifted him gently into her arms, whispering something soothing.
At the door, she turned back with a look. "Now don't make me come back here and remind you two what tonight actually means."
The door closed, leaving only the soft sound of the rain against the window.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Taewon's arms felt strangely empty.
Only the soft rhythm of rain against the glass could be heard, blending with the faint hum of the heater.
Taewon stood near the crib, his arms unconsciously folded, as if still feeling Hyunwon's small weight against his chest.
For the first time in months, his arms felt empty.
Jihyun, now done changing into a soft white robe, turned toward him with a small smile.
"You're acting like someone stole your heart."
Taewon turned slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting.
"Maybe she did."
He looked at Jihyun.
"You really trust her to handle him?"
Jihyun walked closer, brushing his fingers over Taewon's sleeve.
"She's taken care of him before. And he's safe. Let it go for tonight."
Taewon exhaled slowly, his eyes softening as he looked at Jihyun.
his newlywed spouse, his everything.
"You're right," he murmured quietly.
"Maybe I should start learning how to focus on my other responsibility."
Jihyun tilted his head.
"Responsibility?"
Taewon stepped closer until their faces were only a breath apart.
"You," he said simply.
Jihyun blinked, his lips curving shyly.
"That's not responsibility. That's a full-time job."
Taewon chuckled, the low sound filling the room like quiet thunder.
He lifted his hand, brushing his thumb along Jihyun's jaw. "Then I'll never retire."
Jihyun's breath caught when Taewon leaned in, their foreheads touching.
For a long second, neither spoke just breathing, feeling, existing together.
The tension that had lingered for months the distance, the struggles, the tears all seemed to melt in that quiet space between their lips.
When Taewon finally kissed him,
It was deep and slow, a promise whispered through warmth of lips.
Jihyun's hands slid up his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt, feeling the steady heartbeat underneath.
Taewon wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer, their breaths mingling.
"Taewon-ah," Jihyun whispered softly against his lips,
"you don't always have to thank me."
"I know," Taewon murmured back, his voice low.
"But I still will."
He kissed him again, longer this time, until the room seemed to spin gently around them.
The soft light from the lamp painted their shadows across the wall two figures moving slowly, carefully, like they were learning each other all over again.
Jihyun's robe loosened slightly as Taewon's fingers brushed against his neck, trailing down to his shoulder.
Every movement was tender, deliberate filled with quiet awe rather than urgency.
The rain outside grew heavier, and the faint sound of thunder rolled somewhere far away.
Inside, only their breaths remained.
Taewon whispered against his skin,
"I love you, Jihyun."
And for once, it wasn't a confession it was a truth spoken by a man who had already proven it a hundred times.
Jihyun's arms tightened around him.
"I love you too… even when you act like a worried dad more than my husband."
Taewon smiled faintly, resting his forehead against Jihyun's.
"Then I'll just have to remind you which one I am tonight."
Jihyun laughed softly, his cheeks warm as Taewon lifted him gently, carrying him toward the bed.
The lights dimmed slowly, the rain outside a lullaby against the glass.
And as their hands found each other again fingers intertwining like they always belonged
The night closed around them softly, warm and calm.
A night that wasn't about passion alone,
but about finding peace in the person who once felt lost to them.
Their second beginning sealed not with vows,
but with the quiet heartbeat of two souls finally at rest.