One month later

Jaehyun and Woonhak stepped through the door of their home, their laughter filling the air after another long day at school. Japchae walked over to greet them, his tail wagging as always.

Jaehyun's mom was waiting for them in the living room, her expression unusually radiant. She stood as they entered, clasping her hands together as if barely containing her excitement.

"Mom?" Jaehyun asked, raising an eyebrow. "What's up? Did something happen?"

She nodded, her smile growing wider. "Yes, something wonderful happened." Her gaze shifted to Woonhak, softening. "I got the call this afternoon. The court approved it. I've been granted full custody of you, Woonhak."

The room fell silent as the words sank in. Woonhak's eyes widened, his lips parting slightly in disbelief. "You mean... I get to stay here? For good?"

Jaehyun's mom stepped forward and cupped Woonhak's face gently. "Yes, sweetheart. You're officially part of this family now."

A tear slipped down Woonhak's cheek as he flung his arms around her. "Thank you... Mom," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

The word "Mom" made her freeze for a moment, and then her own eyes filled with tears. She hugged him tighter, stroking his hair. "Oh, Woonhak," she said softly. "Hearing you call me that is the best gift I could ever receive."

Jaehyun watched the scene unfold, his chest swelling with a mix of pride and happiness. This was officially his family now, and it felt perfect.

His mom finally pulled back, wiping her eyes and smiling brightly. "I think this calls for a celebration. How about we go to the beach? It's a beautiful day, and I know Japchae would love it too."

The boys agreed enthusiastically, and soon enough, they were on their way.

***

As soon as they arrived at the beach, Japchae bolted toward the waves, barking excitedly. The warm sand pressed beneath their feet as Jaehyun, Woonhak, and Jaehyun's mom followed close behind, laughing and kicking off their shoes.

Without hesitation, all three ran straight into the water, the cool waves splashing up around them. Jaehyun's mom joined in the fun, shrieking as Japchae sent a spray of water her way. Woonhak splashed Jaehyun playfully, earning a mock glare before Jaehyun retaliated with a wave of his own.

"You're going down, Woonie!" Jaehyun shouted, lunging at him. Woonhak's laughter rang out, bright and unrestrained, as he dodged Jaehyun and ended up behind him, splashing more water his way.

After they were thoroughly soaked and out of breath from laughter, they retreated back to the blanket they'd laid out on the sand. The three of them sat down to enjoy their picnic, the ocean breeze adding to the peacefulness of the moment. Japchae settled beside them, his tongue hanging out as he panted happily.

Jaehyun's mom pulled out her phone and insisted on taking pictures. "Come on, boys, smile!" she said, holding up the camera.

Jaehyun wrapped an arm around Woonhak's shoulders, grinning widely, while Woonhak threw up a peace sign with his free hand. Japchae stuck his nose into the shot, earning laughs from all three of them.

"This one's going in a frame," Jaehyun's mom said, examining the photo and smiling warmly.

After finishing their meal and tidying up, Woonhak tugged on Jaehyun's arm. "Let's go back to the water!"

Jaehyun didn't need convincing. The two of them raced back toward the waves, their laughter carried by the wind. They splashed each other relentlessly, their playful battle reigniting as the setting sun cast golden hues over the water.

Jaehyun's mom stayed on the blanket, a book in her hands. Japchae rested beside her, occasionally lifting his head to glance toward the boys. She looked up from time to time, watching as Jaehyun and Woonhak laughed and played like carefree kids.

Her heart swelled with joy. They were both her boys now, a real family. The thought brought a tear to her eye, one she quickly wiped away before returning to her book. The waves and laughter blended into the perfect soundtrack for the start of this new chapter in their lives.

***

As the sun dipped closer to the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Jaehyun and Woonhak finally stopped playing. The cool ocean breeze brushed against their damp skin as they stood at the edge of the water. Gentle waves rolled over their feet, retreating back into the sea before returning in a soothing rhythm.

Jaehyun slipped an arm around Woonhak's shoulders, pulling him close.

Woonhak stared at the sunset, his eyes wide and filled with wonder. "It's beautiful," he said softly, his voice almost carried away by the breeze.

Jaehyun glanced at him, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "Just like you."

Woonhak let out a laugh, nudging Jaehyun's chest. "Jaehyun!" he exclaimed, shaking his head in embarrassment.

But Jaehyun turned to face him fully, his expression serious yet gentle. "No, I mean it, Woonhak," he said, his voice steady and sincere. "You're beautiful."

The teasing smile on Woonhak's face faded, replaced by a softer, shyer one. Before he could respond, Jaehyun leaned in, his lips capturing Woonhak's in a tender kiss.

The world seemed to stand still around them, the sound of the waves and the rustle of the breeze fading into the background. When they pulled apart, their foreheads rested against each other, and their breaths mingled in the salty air.

"I love you, Sunshine," Jaehyun whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with so much emotion it made Woonhak's heart swell.

Woonhak wrapped his arms around Jaehyun, holding him tightly as if he never wanted to let go. "I love you too, Hyunnie," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "More than anything else."

They stayed like that for a moment longer, basking in the warmth of each other's presence and the glow of the setting sun. In that perfect, quiet moment, with the ocean stretching endlessly before them and the sky ablaze with color, they knew they had found their forever.

---

Word count: 1003

I'm gonna miss this story a lot, I kinda wish I could write it all over again..🥲

But, I started working on my next one :D

Maybe I'll see you guys there when I finished it^^