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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The morning sun was already peeking through the windows as Woo Do Hwan gently rocked his daughter, Sarang, in his arms. She was dressed in a soft, pastel-yellow dress he'd chosen carefully, its color matching the warmth he felt just holding her close. He ran his hand over her thin, dark hair and smiled softly. Today was a big day, and even though she wouldn't understand much of it, he wanted her to be part of this world of his.
"Are you ready for today, Sarang-ah?" he whispered gently, brushing his nose against her small cheek. Sarang looked up, her soft eyes brightening, her chubby hands reaching for his face with a gurgle. Her speech was still limited, with words barely forming, but her touch spoke volumes.
"Aigoo, you're my sunshine," he chuckled, adjusting her in his arms as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
As he adjusted her headband, he beamed at her. "You're going to be the prettiest one there, Sarang-ah."
She responded with a quiet, happy sound, reaching out her small hand to touch his face. Do Hwan's heart melted. Every gesture of affection from her, however small, meant the world to him.
At the venue, the event team greeted them warmly. A young woman from the team approached with a welcoming smile and a polite bow.
"Do Hwan-ssi, welcome! Thank you for joining us today," she said warmly.
"Thank you for having us," he replied, smiling back as he gently shifted Sarang in his arms.
The woman noticed Sarang and gave a gentle wave, speaking in a soft voice, "And who is this little beauty?"
"This is my daughter, Sarang," he said with a proud smile.
"Annyeong, Sarang-ah," the woman said, grinning widely.
Sarang, curious but cautious, stared at her before shyly hiding her face against her father's shoulder.
"Oh, no need to be shy," Do Hwan chuckled, gently patting her back.
They were led inside, and as they made their way through the venue, Do Hwan noticed Sarang's eyes widening at the bustle of activity around them—stylists running back and forth, models getting ready, clothes racks filled with the latest trends. The backstage energy was intense, and he made sure to keep Sarang close, covering her ears gently whenever it got too loud.
One of the stylists approached with a bright smile. "Do Hwan-ssi, we've prepared your outfit for the show. If you're ready, we can take you over to hair and makeup."
"Sounds good," he nodded. With one last look at Sarang, he said softly, "We'll be right back, okay, Sarang-ah?"
Though he had to set her down for a moment, he kept her within arm's reach, watching as she occupied herself with a small stuffed tiger toy he had brought for her. Her fingers traced the patterns on its soft fur as she gurgled happily, lost in her own world.
Do Hwan changed into his outfit—a light grey zip-up hoodie over a crisp white shirt, a matching grey tie, and dark grey trousers. In front of the mirror, he adjusted the fit of his hoodie and looked himself over, feeling the mix of professionalism and comfort that suited his style well.
As he sat down for hair and makeup, he set up a small GoPro camera on the dressing table, ready to film a behind-the-scenes video for his Instagram followers. With Sarang in his life, he had grown even closer to his fans, sharing glimpses of his journey as a single father, and he knew they would enjoy this peek into his work.
He smiled, speaking into the camera. "Annyeonghaseyo, everyone! It's Do Hwan here, and today, we're backstage at the Onitsuka Tiger fashion show." He glanced over to where Sarang sat happily, absorbed in her tiger toy. "And look who's here with me! Sarang-ah, say hi to everyone."
He laughed as Sarang looked up briefly, her expression somewhat bewildered by the camera, before returning to her toy. "Ah, Sarang-ie is camera-shy today," he chuckled.
When his hair and makeup were finished, he lifted Sarang back into his arms, and they were escorted to the seating area. The seats were a long yellow block, bright and lively, complementing the playful spirit of the event. He took a seat with Sarang on his lap, allowing her to feel the rhythm of the music and the hum of the crowd around them.
Just then, another member of the event team stopped by to check in. "Do Hwan-ssi, is there anything you need before the show starts?"
He shook his head, glancing down at Sarang, who seemed thoroughly mesmerized by her surroundings. "We're good, thank you. Just here to enjoy the show."
Sarang reached up and clutched his tie, giving it a gentle tug. "Appa," she murmured, her small voice nearly lost in the noise.
"Yes, Sarang-ah?" he replied softly, lowering his face to hers.
"Pretty," she managed, her fingers running over the silky texture of his tie. Her few words meant everything, a sign of progress in her speech development.
He smiled, a warmth spreading through him. "Yes, it's pretty, isn't it?" he whispered. "But not as pretty as you."
The vibrant lights and music filled the room, creating a world of color and movement. Sarang's eyes sparkled, her little hands clapping in delight with each model that walked by. For Do Hwan, this was more than just another event. Sitting there with his daughter, sharing this experience with her, he felt complete.
As the show began, a few onlookers glanced their way, curious to see the actor and his daughter in attendance together. He sensed the eyes on them but brushed it off, knowing that he was here for Sarang as much as he was for his work. He leaned close to her ear, describing each model as they passed.
~
A little while into the show, he felt her shifting, her movements small but deliberate as she tried to adjust her head against his chest clearly tired and falling asleep needing a nap.
Her eyelids began to droop, and he could feel her weight shift as she slumped against his chest, her breathing slowing. He rested his hand on her back, patting her in a soothing rhythm.
As the models moved down the runway, showcasing the new collection, he found himself lost in the serene moment with his daughter, her small body warm against his chest, her hair tickling his chin as he held her close.
The lights dimmed slightly as the finale approached, casting softer hues across the audience. Do Hwan noticed a few photographers snapping pictures of him and Sarang, and he nodded at them politely, acknowledging their work but gently shielding her face with his hand to protect her from the flash.
Once the show ended, applause filled the room, and Do Hwan joined in, clapping softly so as not to disturb Sarang, who was by now sound asleep, nestled against him.
They made their way to the exit, and as Do Hwan walked out into the warm night, he looked down at his daughter, his heart swelling with love and pride. Despite all the challenges and the newness of this life as a single father, each day felt like a gift, and every quiet moment with Sarang reminded him of why he would face anything for her.
As they reached the car, he carefully buckled her in, still fast asleep, her tiny hand wrapped around his finger for a brief moment before he gently freed himself. He sighed deeply, his exhaustion mingling with the deep, overwhelming joy he felt for her.
