Second Chance [ON-going]

[16]

Dara's POV

It's been weeks since Jiyong and Jino met personally, and I can clearly see the change in my son. Jino has become happier—lighter—and undeniably more attached to Jiyong. I can't blame him. No matter how much love we shower him with, there will always be a part of him that longs for the father he was separated from for so long.

I smile as I look at my phone. Jiyong sent me the latest photo of him and Jino. He borrowed Jino for a week so they could have their long-overdue "father and son" bonding time, and also because he wanted Jino to meet his parents. I know how important that is—to both of them.

"Dara..."

I shift my gaze to the man in front of me.

"Hae... uhm... yes?" I ask, blinking as reality pulls me back.

"Aist... I'm asking you if—wait, are you even listening to me?" Donghae frowns slightly. I quickly turn off my phone, set it on the table, and give him an apologetic smile.

"Of course I am... I'm just thinking of more options." I say as I flip through the magazine, though guilt pricks my chest. I wasn't listening at all.

"Yeah... sorry. I know it's been busy lately, but I noticed you've been a bit distracted. It feels like you're not interested anymore." He says quietly. I bite my lower lip.

"H-how can you say that? How can I lose interest in my own wedding?" I force a smile, but the guilt only sinks deeper. I know I've been more focused on Jino and Jiyong lately... and less on the wedding preparations.

"It's okay. Maybe we're both just tired," he sighs. "Let's finish this, and I'll drive you home."

He tries to smile, and I appreciate his patience more than he'll ever know.

"So, how's Jino?" he asks while scanning the papers on the table.

"Well, he's okay. As of now, he's with Jiyong for a week," I answer.

Donghae nods slowly. "I guess it's for the best. Jino really wanted to meet him a long time ago."

I smile. Donghae is incredibly understanding. He always has been. And I admire him deeply for that.

Donghae drives me home after our appointment. As soon as we step into the house—

"Mommy!! Mommy!!"

Jino runs toward me, and I can't help smiling.

"Hey, young man," Donghae greets him.

"Hello, Daddy Hae!" Jino beams, throwing his arms around Donghae.

"How's your day? You look happy," Donghae says as he carries him.

"Yes!! Because Daddy visited me! We went to the zoo, and I saw many animals!" Jino says excitedly.

"That's great. But I think you're tired now... You should rest," Donghae says gently, but I can sense something off in his voice.

Jino shakes his head stubbornly. "No! I want to play with you, Daddy Donghae!" He hugs him tightly.

"Jino, Daddy Donghae is tired. He needs to go home and rest now," I say as I walk closer.

"But Daddy can sleep in my room," Jino insists.

"Jino..." I warn softly, but Donghae lifts a hand to stop me.

"It's okay. I also miss playing with Jino." He smiles and looks at the boy. "Now, young man, go to your room and wait for me, okay?" he says as he puts Jino down.

After Jino runs off, I sigh. "Sorry about that... you know how he is."

"Nah, it's okay. I miss him too. He's always with his dad now," Donghae says with a small smile. I gently touch his cheek, my heart tightening.

"Sorry about that, too. You know how much Jino wants to be with him... especially Jiyong."

"I know. I understand. But..." Donghae lets out a soft breath. "I can't help but feel jealous sometimes. All his life, I was there. I became a father to him. I'm used to being his dad—the only dad he knew."

I pull him toward the couch and gesture for him to sit.

"I know Jino craves his biological father's love. Even if we give him everything, he will always look for Jiyong—and nothing can replace that. But remember, Donghae..." I take his hand. "You will always be his dad. The first father he loved. The one who held him when he said his first word, took his first step, his first day of school—even his first crush. He loves you so much. Blood doesn't decide that. His heart does."

Donghae smiles and squeezes my hand. "Thank you... that makes me feel better. I love him so much. He completes me. And you... You're always my everything." He leans in and kisses me. I kiss him back, gently, for a few seconds—

"DAD!! COME ON!! STOP KISSING MOM!!"

We pull apart, startled. Jino stands there pouting, hands on his hips. We both laugh.

"Go on, he's very eager to play with his dad," I tease, giving Donghae a small push.

"Yeah, yeah! I'm coming!" He shakes his head, turns back to me, and gives me one quick kiss before heading toward Jino.

I watch them—my son and the man who has stayed beside us through everything. They are my life, now my happiness. I once dreamed of a family with Jiyong,  envisioning growing old with him, building a future together. But that dream was buried in the past.

This future—Donghae and our family—is the one I hold on to now, one I want.

Somewhere else...

The phone call ends with a soft click.

[Sir, everything is settled now.]

"Are you sure everything is clean?" his voice is cold, controlled.

[Yes, sir. No evidence will be found.]

"Good."

He sets the phone down and lifts his glass, swirling the liquid thoughtfully. A satisfied smirk curves his lips. Soon, everything will fall into place. Soon, he will have everything he has always wanted—the family he dreams of.

He puts the glass down and picks up the picture frame in front of him. His fingers trace the image delicately, almost reverently.

"Soon... soon, Dara," he whispers, a dark promise lingering in the air.

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Sorry for not updating for so long, I did my best, guys... I am just using my phone.

Thanks for waiting.