Jin gently lifted Mia from the hospital bed, cradling her in his arms as he made his way to the car. She felt light against him, her head resting against his shoulder, and for a moment, he cherished the intimacy of the moment. He could feel the warmth of her body, and it brought him a sense of comfort and protectiveness he had never expected to feel.

“Ready to go home?” he asked softly, looking down at her.

Mia smiled weakly but nodded, her eyes still a bit heavy. “I can’t wait to be back in my own space.”

As he reached the car, Jin carefully settled Mia into the passenger seat, ensuring she was comfortable before moving to the back to strap Jiwoon into his car seat. The little boy was practically bouncing with excitement, his eyes wide with joy at the thought of having Mia back home.

“Daddy, is Mia okay now?” Jiwoon asked, concern lacing his voice.

“She will be, buddy. She just needs some rest, okay?” Jin reassured him, fastening the buckles securely.

Jiwoon nodded, his small face scrunching up in determination. “I’ll make sure she gets better! I’m gonna be her best friend!”

With a smile, Jin closed the door and made his way to the driver’s seat, his heart swelling with affection for his son and the woman he was rapidly growing closer to. He started the car and began the short drive home, the familiar route easing his mind as he considered the changes that had taken place in their lives.

Once they arrived home, Jin helped Mia out of the car, wrapping an arm around her waist to support her as they walked inside. She leaned into him slightly, and Jin’s heart raced at the intimacy of the gesture.

“Let’s get you settled on the sofa,” he said gently as they stepped inside.

Jin carefully adjusted her on the couch, arranging the pillows so she could lay comfortably. He draped a soft blanket over her, wanting her to feel cozy and secure. Once she was settled, he turned to Jiwoon, who was already climbing onto the sofa next to Mia, his little hands clutching a snack.

“Hey, buddy! Can you share that with Mia?” Jin prompted, watching as Jiwoon beamed at the suggestion.

“Here, Mia!” Jiwoon exclaimed, offering her a handful of crackers. “You need to eat so you can get better!”

Mia’s heart melted at the gesture. “Thank you, Jiwoon! You’re so sweet!” She took a few crackers, munching on them as she smiled at him.

Jin felt a rush of affection at the sight of them together, Jiwoon’s innocent excitement making the atmosphere feel light. He watched as Jiwoon nestled in next to Mia, offering her more snacks and settling into the blankets beside her.

“Are you comfy?” Jin asked Mia, still standing by the sofa.

“I am, thank you. This feels wonderful,” she replied, her voice soft.

Seeing her relaxed and happy, Jin took a chance. He carefully lowered himself onto the sofa next to Mia, creating just enough space for himself while still being close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her body. To his surprise, she didn’t protest. Instead, she adjusted slightly, allowing him to inch closer.

“Is it okay if I cuddle you?” he asked, his heart racing a little.

Mia looked at him, her eyes searching his for a moment. “I’d like that,” she finally said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Jin let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, feeling a sense of warmth flood through him. He shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her gently against him. Mia leaned into him, and Jin felt his heart swell with a mix of comfort and desire.

Jiwoon watched them, a big grin plastered across his face. “You two look like a real family!” he exclaimed, his innocent excitement filling the room.

Jin chuckled, feeling a mixture of pride and something deeper stirring within him. “We’re just taking care of each other, right?”

“Yeah!” Jiwoon replied, looking very pleased with himself. He leaned in closer to Mia, resting his head on her lap as he munched on his crackers.

Mia looked down at Jiwoon, her expression softening. “You’re the best little helper, Jiwoon,” she said, stroking his hair gently. “I’m lucky to have you.”

The bond they were forming felt so natural, so right, and Jin couldn’t help but think how easy it was to fall into this rhythm of being a family. They shared laughs, stories, and snacks as the afternoon wore on, the comfort of each other’s presence wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the living room, Jin felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew he had been carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders, but in this moment, it felt lighter. He could see a future filled with joy, laughter, and love, and he wanted to embrace it fully.

“Mia,” he said softly, breaking the comfortable silence that had enveloped them. “Thank you for everything you do for Jiwoon and me. It means more than you know.”

She looked up at him, her expression sincere. “I love spending time with you both. You make it easy to care,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jin felt a surge of emotion at her words. “I’m glad,” he said, leaning closer, their eyes locking in a way that made his heart race. “You’ve become so important to us.”

Mia smiled, and for a moment, it felt as though time had stopped. They were suspended in a moment that held so much promise, so much potential. Jin wanted to take that leap, to express what he felt stirring deep within him, but he hesitated. The last thing he wanted was to complicate things or scare her away.

Suddenly, Jiwoon shifted, breaking the moment. “Can we play a game after I finish my crackers?” he asked, looking up at them with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Of course, buddy,” Jin replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. “What do you want to play?”

“Maybe we can build a fort?” Jiwoon suggested excitedly, bouncing slightly in his seat.

“Sounds like a great idea!” Mia said enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I can help you with that!”

Jin smiled at the two of them, feeling a warmth in his heart. “Okay, let’s finish these snacks and get started on the fort then.”

As they settled back into their cozy routine, Jin felt a sense of belonging he had longed for. In this moment, surrounded by Mia and Jiwoon, he realized that maybe, just maybe, they were building something beautiful together.

And he hoped that when the time was right, he could find the words to express the depth of his feelings for Mia. For now, he was content to enjoy the simplicity of their bond and the happiness that radiated from both of them.