"So You're My Dad?"

Thirty Three

The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the bedroom. Hyunjin lay beside Jhiye, the faint sound of her breathing bringing a sense of peace to the morning. He watched her sleep, the gentle rise and fall of her chest soothing his restless mind. The night had been filled with thoughts of his family and the weight of his decision.

As the sun climbed higher, Hyunjin felt the urge to get up and start the day. He slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb Jhiye. In the kitchen, he prepared a simple breakfast—toast with jam and freshly brewed coffee. The familiar routine was grounding, a reminder of the life they were building together.

When Jhiye emerged from the bedroom, her hair tousled and eyes still sleepy, Hyunjin couldn't help but smile. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he said, pouring her a cup of coffee.

"Morning," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep. She took the cup from him, her fingers brushing against his, and took a sip. "Mmm, just what I needed."

As they enjoyed breakfast together, Hyunjin felt the calm of the moment wrap around them. But he knew he had to share his decision with her. It was time to confront the reality of his life and the legacy he was meant to uphold.

"Jhiye," he began, his voice serious but soft. "About what we talked about the other night... I've made a decision."

She looked up from her plate, her brow slightly furrowed in concern. "What is it?"

"I'm going to stay with the mafia," he said, his heart steadying as he spoke the words. "I know it's dangerous, but as my parents' only child, it's my duty to represent our family and uphold its traditions."

Jhiye's expression shifted from concern to understanding, her eyes searching his. "Hyunjin, I just want you to be safe. Our family needs you."

"I know," he said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "But it's more than just me. It's about everything my family has built. It's a legacy I can't turn my back on."

She nodded slowly, her expression softening. "I understand. Just promise me you'll do everything you can to protect us."

"I promise," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "And I'll make sure to keep you and the kids out of this world as much as possible."

They finished breakfast, the conversation easing into lighter topics, and soon it was time to get Sam ready for school. Hyunjin loved watching Jhiye with their son, the way she made even the simplest tasks feel filled with joy and laughter.

"Morning, Daddy," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes with his small fists.

"Morning, champ," Hyunjin replied, kneeling to give him a big hug. "How did you sleep?"

"Good!" Sam smiled, his face lighting up as he settled into a chair. "Can we have pancakes today?"

Hyunjin chuckled. 

"Yay!" Sam exclaimed, bouncing in his seat. "I can't wait to see my friends!"

With everyone pitching in, they whipped up a breakfast fit for champions. Sam's laughter filled the kitchen as he helped pour the pancake batter, a little messiness adding to the morning's charm.

After breakfast, they helped Sam get dressed in his new school uniform, which made him look so grown-up. Hyunjin felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him, remembering his own first day of school.

"Do I look cool?" Sam asked, twirling around in his outfit.

"Coolest kid in the world," Hyunjin affirmed, ruffling his hair.