After his discharge from the military he was welcomed back and settled back into his normal life and routine just as before but one night for Do Hwan that quickly changed. What happens when he is attacked and a few weeks later discovers he is a carr...
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Do Hwan stood in the early morning light, looking out at the glimmering pool in the backyard of the villa where he and Sarang would call home for the next two weeks. Though the calm water had a serene beauty, Do Hwan's mind was on work and keeping Sarang close at hand, especially with the day's plans already swirling in his head. Yet, at the moment, he couldn't help but feel a pang of unease as he watched Sarang, tiny and full of energy, gripping her little walker as she toddled around the patio, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Sarang-ah," he called gently, kneeling down a few feet away, "Appa's here. Be careful, okay?" He signed the word "careful" with his fingers, something they'd been learning together to help bridge her developing speech. His tone softened even more as he added, "The pool is close, remember?"
But Sarang's bright gaze was fixed on the shimmering blue water, her little lips parting in wonder. At almost three years old, she had a quiet fascination with the world—each sight, sound, and colour seemed to capture her in a way that both amazed and terrified him.
"Appa... bu!" she murmured, reaching out, her words soft and halting as she wrestled with the shape of each syllable.
"Yes, it's blue," Do Hwan affirmed warmly, fighting the worry that tightened his chest. He knew this world, full of edges and drops, presented challenges for her, especially as she sometimes struggled to stay balanced, even with the walking frame.
Sarang giggled, clearly not understanding the caution in his tone, and inched a bit closer to the pool's edge. Before he could call out again, her little foot slipped, and in an instant, she was tumbling forward, her tiny frame plunging into the deep end with a splash.
Time slowed, his breath catching as he froze. In a swift movement, he tore off his shirt and dove in, the cool water engulfing him as he swam down to where Sarang's small body was suspended just below the surface, eyes wide with surprise, her little legs kicking in confusion.
As he reached her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her toward the surface, he whispered reassuringly, "Sarang, Appa's here." His voice was steady, though his heart pounded fiercely in his chest.
"Appa's here, baby," he whispered, his voice shaking as he held her against his chest, feeling her little heart pounding. Her tiny hands clung to his shoulders, her breaths coming in short, frightened puffs, but she was safe in his arms. "You're alright, Sarang-ah. Appa's got you."
They moved slowly to the shallow end of the pool, where Do Hwan could stand. He held her in his arms, rubbing soothing circles on her back as her breathing calmed. She nestled into him, her fingers gripping his damp hair as he murmured gentle reassurances.
"Hey, hey... it's okay. Appa's got you, my little brave girl," he soothed, stroking her wet hair. As her breathing slowed, Do Hwan settled her on the side of the pool, wiping away the drops of water from her cheeks.
"Did you have a scare?" he murmured, brushing his thumb over her cheek. She blinked up at him, her dark eyes full of confusion but already settling with his calm. He pulled her in for a hug, pressing a gentle kiss on her damp forehead. "That's why Appa said not to go too close," he reminded her softly, his fingers signing the words to emphasise the lesson.
Sarang, still catching her breath, glanced at him, her little fingers pressing against his chest. "Soy, A - Appa..." she managed, her voice fragile but sincere.
Do Hwan softened, his chest tight with both love and relief. "Shh, no, no need for that." He kissed the top of her head, breathing in her familiar scent. "You don't have to be sorry, sweetheart. Appa just got a little scared, that's all. You were very brave." He tilted her chin up gently so she would meet his gaze. "But next time, let's listen a bit more closely, alright? We have to be careful near the water."
"Mm... careful," she repeated slowly, her gaze serious as she mimicked his tone.
Pride and relief warmed his heart as he carried her out of the pool, wrapping her in a soft towel he had grabbed on his way. "There we go, warm and safe," he murmured, rubbing the towel over her wet hair.
Sarang seemed content, her curiosity momentarily sated. She nuzzled against his shoulder, her hand patting his chest as she murmured, "Appa ave w - wolf."
Do Hwan chuckled, touched by her choice of words. "Wolf, hm?" He grinned, recalling how much she also loves is wolf form. "Well, Appa will do his best for you, Sarang-ie. Strong and brave, no matter what."
Her hand found his as she smiled, her face lighting up, though the brief ordeal had clearly tired her. She yawned, nestling against his shoulder clearly needing a nap.
"Let's get you changed, hm?" he murmured, carrying her back into the house and up to their room. He laid her down on the soft bed, drying her off completely before dressing her in her favourite pyjamas—a set covered in small, colourful stars. Her NG tube had been displaced in the chaos, but he gently readjusted it with practiced ease.
Once she was settled, he lay down beside her, watching as her eyelids grew heavier. She snuggled close, and he wrapped his arm around her tiny frame, his fingers tracing small circles on her back.
As Sarang's breathing slowed, he whispered, "You make Appa so happy, you know that?" His voice was barely a murmur, just loud enough for her to hear if she was still awake. "I'll always keep you safe, Sarang-ie. No matter what. I promise."
She shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, he thought he felt her nod. He lay there beside her, feeling her warmth, each breath a reminder of how lucky he was to have her. In that quiet, peaceful moment, with her in his arms and the villa silent around them, he knew that being her father was the most important role he'd ever have.
Her small hand patted his chest, her way of asking for a very specific comfort. Sarang loved it when he shifted. Somehow, his wolf form brought her a sense of warmth and safety that went beyond words. He didn't know why she took to it so naturally, but he suspected her intuition was sharper than most.
"You want Appa's wolf, huh?" he murmured, a soft smile playing on his lips. She looked up at him with those wide, innocent eyes and nodded, her lips pressing into a tiny pout.
Taking a deep breath, Do Hwan let the wolf within him come forward. He felt the familiar, tingling sensation as his irises shifted to a deep, molten yellow, and the black veins began to snake their way up his hands, his neck, until they just reached his cheeks. He could feel his bones and muscles reconfiguring, his senses sharpening as his wolf took form. In a blink, he was her Appa, but also her wolf guardian, her protector.
Sarang's eyes lit up as she reached out to stroke the soft fur around his neck, her small fingers burying into the thick, silver-red coat. She nuzzled closer, leaning into him with a trust and love so deep, it almost undid him. He let his body curl around her protectively, a low rumbling purr vibrating from his chest as he watched her, his golden eyes softening.
In his wolf form, Do Hwan had no words, but she understood him nonetheless. She snuggled into the warmth of his side, and her eyes finally began to flutter shut, her tiny breaths evening out as she drifted into sleep, feeling completely safe.
Moments like these reminded him of why he had fought so hard to bring her into this world, even against odds that had once seemed insurmountable. She was his light, his heart—his Sarang. He stayed close, his wolf's form wrapped around her, watching over her as she dreamed, vowing to protect her always.
