That night, Soo-yeon slept soundly in Joon-ho's arms. His breathing was steady, warm against his neck, but Soo-yeon's mind drifted somewhere else, into a dream of the past.
He was back in a hospital bed. His body heavy, his eyes slow to open. A gentle voice reached him.
"Oh, Soo-yeon, you're awake."
A young woman sat at his side, smiling softly. His mother-in-law.
Blinking against the light, Soo-yeon shifted, confused. She leaned closer. "Your father-in-law is here."
A man stepped in, sharp suit, slick hair, his whole presence radiating control. Cold eyes fixed on Soo-yeon, unreadable.
Before Soo-yeon could react, a nurse entered and placed a newborn in his arms. His breath caught at the tiny weight, his heart trembling at the fragile little life pressed against him.
The suited man came closer. His hand snapped across Soo-yeon's cheek, sudden and hard. Tears stung Soo-yeon's eyes, but then—he saw it. The man's own eyes were wet.
"My God… the first newborn omega in our family," the man whispered, voice unsteady. He reached out.
Soo-yeon hesitated, then slowly let him hold the baby. The man's cold mask shattered. His hands trembled, tears rolling down as he cradled the infant close. "He's… beautiful."
From the side, the young woman chuckled gently. "Don't take the slap to heart, Soo-yeon. When he's moved, he… reacts like that. Strange way of showing happiness."
Soo-yeon touched his cheek, then managed a faint smile. The man smiled back, proud, unguarded.
"This is our first omega child in our family," he said, almost boasting. When the baby's tiny hand curled around his finger, his face lit up like a boy. "Look! He's holding me, hah! Look at that!"
The woman reached forward, gently taking the baby. "Enough, let me hold him too." She cradled the child with soft tenderness.
The door opened again. Joon-ho stepped in, crisp in an office suit, his sharp eyes locking instantly on the suited man.
"You're here," Joon-ho said coldly. "What the hell are you doing in this room?"
The man smirked, his warmth gone. "You'll always be trash." He turned and left, his shadow trailing after him.
Joon-ho stood stiff, fists clenched, before turning to the woman holding the baby. She smiled warmly. "Your baby is a little omega."
His sternness broke in an instant. His face flushed, eyes glistened. "A… little omega…?"
"Go on, hold him."
With trembling hands, Joon-ho took the baby. The warmth in his arms undid him. Tears spilled as he whispered, "He's so small… so perfect…"
His eyes lifted to Soo-yeon's. A smile passed between them, unspoken, deep.
Joon-ho gave the baby back gently, then moved to Soo-yeon, cupping his face and pressing a long, desperate kiss to his lips.
And then the dream faded.
Soo-yeon's eyes opened to sunlight spilling into the room. Joon-ho stood at the window, pulling back the curtains. At the sound of movement, he turned and smiled.
"You're awake."
Soo-yeon rubbed at his eyes, sitting up slowly. Joon-ho came over, took his hand. "Come on, let's eat."
The house was alive with noise. Daniel and Mira chased each other around the living room. In the kitchen, Hye-mi stirred pots, while the grandmother sat on the sofa with her book.
Seo-jun shuffled in, hair messy. "Morning."
"Set the table," Hye-mi said without looking.
"Yeah, yeah…" Seo-jun muttered, but obeyed.
A moment later, Soo-yeon and Joon-ho came out, hand in hand. "Good morning," they said together.
"Morning!" everyone echoed back.
As Seo-jun set down the last plate, the grandmother leaned toward him with a sly smile. She whispered, "Grandson… did you hear your fathers moaning last night?"
Seo-jun's face went scarlet. "W-what?! N-no! What are you even—"
The old woman chuckled, clearly amused.
Joon-ho, overhearing, nearly dropped the tray in his hands. His face tightened. "Mother! Enough at the table."
"Oh? So you admit there was noise?" she teased, her eyes twinkling.
Soo-yeon ducked his head, cheeks burning, too embarrassed to speak.
Meanwhile, Hye-mi set dishes on the table, while the kids bounced in their chairs.
"Uncle, Uncle!" Mira tugged at Seo-jun's sleeve. "It's holidays! Take us out?"
"To the park!" Daniel added. "Please?"
Seo-jun sighed, but his lips curved. He ruffled Mira's hair. "Alright. After lunch."
"Yay!" both kids shouted, clapping their hands.
The table filled with laughter and warmth, sunlight pouring over them all.