Years passed, and Jieun grew up surrounded by the warmth of her family. She was the light that had pulled Jungsoo out of his darkness, the small hands that had held his heart together when he thought it had shattered beyond repair.

Jungsoo never forgot the pain of losing the love of his life, but Jieun became his reason to move forward. He poured his love into raising her, doing his best to give her the childhood she deserved.

At first, he was terrified—afraid he would fail, that he wasn’t enough, that she would grow up resenting the circumstances of her birth. But Jieun never lacked love. She had not just her father, but also her uncle Junghoo, her grandparents, and the family that never let her feel alone.

By the time Jieun turned five, she was the brightest spark in the household. She had her father’s eyes and her late mother’s gentle smile. Jungkook, who had once been so angry at his son, had softened completely.

It was rare to find him without Jieun clinging to his leg or curled up in his lap. She had him wrapped around her tiny fingers, and everyone knew it.

“Grandpa, up!” she would demand, stretching her arms out.

And despite his protests, Jungkook would always lift her into his arms, grumbling, “You’re getting too big for this.”

“You’re getting old,” she would say back, and everyone would laugh, including Jungkook himself.

Yn adored her granddaughter. She saw so much of Jungsoo in Jieun—the same stubbornness, the same heart. She had been there for every first step, every new word, every scraped knee.

And in her quiet moments, when Jieun slept peacefully beside her, she would brush her tiny fingers through the little girl’s hair and think of the young woman who had given birth to her.

"You'd be so proud of her," she would whisper into the quiet night.

Jungsoo worked hard to give Jieun the best life he could. He had grown up quickly, forced to become both a father and a mother all at once, but he never let his struggles show in front of her. He woke up early, made her breakfast, took her to school, and held her when nightmares woke her up.

He had moments of doubt. There were nights when he sat alone, staring at old pictures of her mother, wishing things had been different. But then Jieun would come running into the room, her laughter filling the space, and he would remind himself that no matter how hard it was, he wouldn’t trade her for anything.

Junghoo had also grown. He had watched his brother struggle and had done everything in his power to help. Though they were both adults now, their bond had not changed. They were still brothers first, family above all.

One evening, as the sun set over their home, Jieun sat in the backyard with Jungkook. She was now eight, full of energy and endless questions. She looked up at him, her large eyes filled with curiosity.

“Grandpa, do you think my mommy watches over me?” she asked suddenly.

Jungkook’s heart clenched at the innocence of the question. He took a deep breath, looking down at the little girl who had changed all of their lives.

“Of course,” he said gently. “She’s always with you, in here.” He tapped a finger against her chest. “And in here,” he added, pointing to her head.

Jieun smiled, as if satisfied with the answer. She leaned into him, letting out a content sigh.

“I think she’d be happy,” she whispered. “Because I have the best family in the world.”

Jungkook felt a lump in his throat, but he just held her closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

And in that moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the family sat together—whole, despite their losses. They had been through storms, through heartbreak and pain, but in the end, they had each other.

And that was enough.

.
.
.

Jungsoo never thought about love again—not after what happened. His heart had been broken once, and for years, he had convinced himself that was enough. His life revolved around Jieun, and that was all he needed.

But as she grew older, things started to change.

"Daddy," Jieun said one evening as she sat beside him, hugging her favorite stuffed bear. "When are you going to get me a mommy?"

Jungsoo nearly choked on his drink. He looked at his daughter, startled. "W-What?"

"You always take care of me," she said, swinging her legs back and forth. "But who takes care of you?"

Jungsoo was at a loss for words. He wasn’t expecting this conversation—not from an eight-year-old.

"I don't need anyone to take care of me," he said softly, brushing her hair back. "I have you."

"But you look lonely sometimes," Jieun mumbled. "And I want a mommy. Someone to do my hair like Grandma does, someone to make us breakfast in the morning, someone to love you."

Jungsoo swallowed hard. Jieun was just a child, but her words hit him like a storm. Had he really been that obvious? He thought he had hidden it well—the exhaustion, the loneliness, the quiet ache in his chest.

That night, he lay awake, thinking about her words. Maybe it was time. Not just for Jieun, but for himself too.

A week later, Junghoo grinned as he looked at his older brother. "So, you're finally going on a date?"

"Shut up," Jungsoo muttered, adjusting the sleeves of his shirt.

Junghoo laughed. "I'm just saying, it's about time. You deserve this."

Jungsoo sighed. Maybe he did. Maybe it was okay to try again.

His first date in years felt… strange. He met a woman named Soojin, a kind and gentle teacher who loved children. She was sweet, patient, and understanding when he told her about Jieun and his past.

The date went well, but Jungsoo found himself hesitant. Could he really open his heart again?

As the months passed, he slowly let Soojin into his life. At first, she was just a friend—someone he met for coffee, someone he could talk to. Then, she met Jieun.

Jieun was cautious at first, studying Soojin with wide, curious eyes. But Soojin never rushed her. She spoke to her gently, played with her, and never overstepped.

One day, Jieun tugged at Jungsoo’s sleeve and whispered, “Daddy… I like her.”

Jungsoo looked down at his daughter, his heart clenching. "You do?"

She nodded eagerly. "She makes you smile."

Jungsoo hadn't even realized it. He had been smiling more. Laughing more.

And so, with time, Soojin became a part of their lives.

The first time Jieun called her “Mommy,” it was an accident. They were baking together, and Jieun excitedly called out, “Mommy, look!” before freezing in place, her eyes wide with fear.

Soojin’s hands trembled slightly, but she smiled, kneeling beside her. "You don't have to call me that if you're not ready, sweetheart."

Jieun hesitated, then slowly smiled. "I think I like it."

Jungsoo watched them from the doorway, his eyes stinging.

For the first time in a long time, his heart felt full.

He had found love again—not just for himself, but for his daughter too.

Years passed, and life found its rhythm again. Jungsoo and Soojin got married in a quiet, intimate ceremony with only family and close friends. Jieun stood between them, holding their hands, beaming as if she had been waiting for this moment forever.

Jungkook, now older but still sharp as ever, watched his son with quiet pride. He had been the hardest on Jungsoo, pushing him when he needed it most, but seeing him now—a strong man, a loving father, and a devoted husband—made every scolding, every harsh word worth it.

After the wedding, their house was filled with warmth and laughter. Jieun had a mother again, and Jungsoo had a partner who truly understood him. Life wasn’t perfect, but it was good.

One evening, as they sat in the backyard, watching Jieun play with Junghoo, Soojin leaned against Jungsoo. "Do you ever think about having another baby?" she asked softly.

Jungsoo stiffened for a moment, caught off guard. He had never thought about it—not since Jieun was born.

"I… I don’t know," he admitted. "I never thought I'd even love again, let alone start over."

Soojin smiled. "You don’t have to decide right now. But if you ever want to… I’d love to have a child with you."

Jungsoo looked at her—really looked at her. She had been patient with him, never rushing, never demanding more than he could give. Maybe it was time he stopped holding back.

A year later, Jieun had a little brother.

Jungsoo never thought he could love like this again, but when he held his newborn son in his arms, he knew—love had found its way back to him, in more ways than he had ever imagined.

And for the first time in a long time, he felt whole.

__________

Don't kill me 😭.

Please read my new story "teenage marriage" I see you all like it soo much

Love you all