Fuck it, ILY

Pacifier

Nien's POV

I had just wrapped up a meeting with some fresh-faced fashion designers. To be honest, they were quick learners, picking up everything faster than I expected. It was refreshing to work with such eager minds, but now I was ready to unwind. After parking my car and making sure it was locked with a press of the key button, I noticed Jungkook's huge bike parked outside. Huh, he's home early? That was unexpected.

Curiosity piqued, I headed inside and was greeted by the sight of Jungkook and his mom playing with the most adorable little baby girl, who couldn't have been more than seven months old. She was dressed in the cutest outfit—seriously, I might need to take some style notes from this tiny fashionista.

I frowned, more out of confusion than anything, and plopped down next to my mother-in-law. She glanced at me with a warm smile, but before I could even ask, she said, "Why don't you go freshen up first?"

I nodded, but curiosity got the best of me. "Whose child is she?" I asked, my eyes still on Jungkook, who was making the baby giggle with some silly faces.

Jungkook turned his head towards me, a grin spreading across his face. "She's my cousin's daughter. His wife had to go in for a minor surgery, so they asked if I could look after her for a bit."

I blinked, trying to process the sight in front of me. Jungkook—my tough, bike-riding husband—was here, completely melting over this tiny human. And the way he was playing with her, it was like he'd been doing this his whole life. The baby was squealing with laughter, clearly loving every second of her time with the "best uncle ever."

I couldn't help but smile. "You know, I never pegged you as the baby-whisperer type," I teased, watching him make silly faces and noises that would've embarrassed him in any other situation.

Jungkook just shrugged, still focused on his niece. "What can I say? She's got me wrapped around her little finger." He glanced at me with a smirk. "Maybe you should be taking notes. I'm pretty good at this."

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my amusement. "Oh, please. I'm just glad she's not crying with you around."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "That's because she knows I'm the cool uncle."

"Cool uncle? More like the goofy one," I shot back, but I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face. Watching him like this was almost too sweet.

Dinner time had rolled around, and as usual, I was the last one to finish up in the kitchen. Everyone was already seated and waiting, which meant it was just me, my husband, and his parents—a small, precious little family I had grown to love so much. But even as I settled in, I couldn't help but think of my own parents. I bet they missed me just as much as they missed Jihun. Life has a way of pulling us in different directions, and we can't always change what's written.

As I made my way to the table, I noticed Jungkook holding a very sleepy Do-hee on his shoulder. She was practically dozing off, her tiny fist gripping his shirt. I couldn't help but smile at the sight; he looked so natural with her, like he'd been doing this forever. But I knew he needed a break to enjoy his meal without worrying about her.

"Here, let me take her," I whispered, gently lifting Do-hee from his shoulder. She barely stirred, just snuggling into my arms as I cradled her. Jungkook shot me a grateful look, and I nodded toward his plate. "Go ahead, eat in peace. I've got her."

Jungkook flashed me a relieved smile before digging into his dinner. Meanwhile, his mom was already offering advice, as moms do. "Nien, make sure to put some honey in her pacifier. And don't forget to boil the milk for her bottle," she instructed, her tone full of that gentle authority I was getting used to.