The few days that followed felt like they were moving in slow motion. The investigation was underway, but there was little for Woonhak and Jaehyun to do except wait. Both of them did not have to attend school. Each morning brought the same tense anticipation - waiting for phone calls, for updates, for news that could change everything.

Jaehyun's mom tried to keep the atmosphere as normal as possible. She made sure the boys ate proper meals, let them do little tasks to distract themselves, and she gave them space when they needed it. Japchae stayed close, sensing the uncertainty, his tail always wagging gently as he rested his head on their laps.

But no matter how much they tried to keep things calm, the weight of the unknown lingered.

Friday

It was early afternoon, the sun casting lazy rays through the living room window. Jaehyun and Woonhak were sitting on the floor, books and homework scattered around them. Jaehyun was trying to focus on the sheets in front of him, pencil tapping restlessly against the paper. Woonhak stared blankly at his textbook, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Jaehyun glanced up and sighed. "Woonie, you don't have to force yourself."

Woonhak looked up, the shadows under his eyes more pronounced. "I just... I want to feel normal again. Like none of this happened."

Jaehyun's chest tightened. He reached over and took Woonhak's hand, his grip firm and steady. "I know. And we'll get there. It's just going to take a bit time."

Woonhak nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I hate waiting."

Jaehyun let out a small, humorless laugh. "Me too."

A sudden knock at the door startled them both. They exchanged a nervous glance before Jaehyun's mom called out, "I'll get it!"

They heard the murmur of voices in the entryway. A moment later, Jaehyun's mom stepped into the living room, her face a careful mask of calm.

"Boys," she said softly, "can you come here for a second?"

Jaehyun's stomach dropped. He stood up, pulling Woonhak with him. They walked to the entryway, where a familiar figure stood- Officer Jackson Wang, with a clipboard in hand and a unreadable expression.

"Hello, Woonhak, Jaehyun," Officer Wang greeted them. His eyes were kind, but his voice held a seriousness that made Woonhak's grip on Jaehyun's hand tighten.

"We have an update on your case," Officer Wang continued. He paused for a moment, making sure they were ready to hear it. "Your aunt and uncle have been contacted and informed of the allegations. They denied everything, but based on the evidence and your statements, the investigation is progressing."

Woonhak's breath caught in his throat. "What does that mean?" he whispered.

"It means," Officer Wang said gently, "we're working to make sure you're safe. For now, you'll stay here with Jaehyun and his family while we finalize everything."

Relief and fear collided in Woonhak's chest. He wasn't going back - at least not yet? - but the thought of his aunt and uncle fighting back terrified him.

Jaehyun squeezed his hand. "You're safe here," he said firmly. "We won't let them hurt you again."

Woonhak looked at Jaehyun, his eyes glassy with tears. He nodded, unable to speak.

Officer Wang smiled faintly. "You're both doing great. Stay strong, okay? We'll keep you updated." He turned to Jaehyun's mom. "Thank you for your cooperation and support."

She nodded. "Of course. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe."

As Officer Wang left, the door closing with a soft click, a heavy silence settled over them.

Jaehyun's mom took a deep breath and smiled, though her eyes were filled with worry. "Why don't you two go relax for a while? I'll make some snacks."

Jaehyun nodded, gently tugging Woonhak toward the living room. They sank onto the couch, exhaustion weighing them down. Japchae trotted over, his big brown eyes full of concern. He rested his head on Woonhak's knee, letting out a soft huff.

Woonhak managed a tiny smile, running his fingers through Japchae's fur. "He always knows when something's wrong."

Jaehyun watched them, his heart aching. He leaned his shoulder against Woonhak's.

"We'll get through this," he said softly. "Together."

Woonhak let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Together."

***

The soft, rhythmic tick-tock of the living room clock filled the quiet space. Jaehyun and Woonhak sat side by side on the couch, their legs tucked under them. Japchae lay curled up at their feet, his tail occasionally thumping softly against the floor. The tension from the earlier conversation with Officer Wang still lingered, and neither of them seemed to know what to say.

After a few moments, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Jaehyun's mom returned, carrying a tray of snacks - apple slices, rice crackers, and some homemade cookies - balanced carefully in her hands. She placed it on the coffee table in front of them and took a deep breath before settling into the armchair across from them.

Her smile was gentle, but there was a seriousness in her eyes that made Woonhak's heart pound with uncertainty. She clasped her hands together, her fingers threading tightly as if holding onto an invisible thread of resolve.

"Woonhak..." she began, her voice soft but deliberate.

He stiffened slightly, his fingers automatically reaching for Jaehyun's hand, which was waiting, warm and reassuring. He nodded, trying to steady his breath. "Yes?"

Jaehyun's mom hesitated for a second, as though weighing every word before she spoke. "I wanted to talk to you about something important." She paused, her gaze flicking to Jaehyun, who gave her an encouraging nod; it seemed he knew what she wanted to say. Then she turned back to Woonhak. "I know things have been overwhelming lately, and there's still a lot to figure out. But... if we win this case - if the custody is taken away from your aunt and uncle - you're going to need a stable, safe place to live."

Woonhak's throat tightened. He blinked, trying to understand where this was going. The anxiety was plain in his eyes.

Jaehyun's mom leaned forward slightly, her voice warm but trembling with emotion. "I've been thinking about this a lot. I talked to Jaehyun yesterday, and we both agree... we'd like to officially become that safe place for you. I want to file a request for custody. If you'd like that."

Woonhak's eyes widened in shock, the words hanging in the air like an impossible dream. He looked back and forth between Jaehyun and his mom, his brain struggling to catch up. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.

She continued, her voice softening even more. "We really care about you, Woonhak. You've been through so much, and you deserve a family that loves and supports you. We'd love for you to be a part of our family."

Jaehyun squeezed Woonhak's hand, his gaze steady and full of hope. "She means it, Woonie. We really want you to stay with us. Not just for now - for good."

Woonhak's vision blurred with tears. His heart raced, emotions crashing over him like waves. For so long, he'd felt like he didn't belong anywhere, like he was drifting through life without an anchor. The idea that Jaehyun's mom - this kind, caring, patient woman - actually wanted him, that she saw him as part of her family, was almost too much to process.

"Y-You'd really want me?" he whispered, his voice shaky and disbelieving. "Even after everything?"

Jaehyun's mom's eyes glistened. "Yes, Woonhak. Especially after everything."

A sob escaped him before he could hold it back. He got up and threw his arms around Jaehyun's mom, the tears spilling freely now. She held him close, her hand gently stroking his back, her embrace warm and reassuring. He breathed in her scent, vanilla, cotton and cinnamon - savety, warmth, home.

"You're not alone anymore, sweetheart," she whispered. "We're here for you. Always."

Woonhak pulled back, wiping his eyes with the back of his sleeve, a watery smile on his face. He turned to Jaehyun, who grinned and nudged his shoulder playfully. "Welcome home, Woonie."

A laugh bubbled up through Woonhak's tears. He couldn't believe it - this warmth, this acceptance, this family - was it really going to become his now?

"Thank you," he said, his voice trembling but full of hope. "I'd love that. I'd really, really love that."

The three of them shared a moment of quiet relief, the weight of uncertainty lifting just a little. Japchae, sensing the change in the air, barked softly and wagged his tail, as if giving his approval.

Woonhak felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

---

Word count: 1437