"What are you doing?!" – Eunwoo

Author’s P.O.V

Riel sat serenely on the plush couch in the living room, her fingers gliding over her phone screen. Her face, a mask of calm elegance, betrayed no emotion. With a soft sigh, she locked her phone and rose gracefully, intending to check on Inho.

As she approached the back garden, she paused, captivated by the sight before her. Inho was playing joyfully with Inyeop, their laughter filling the air. Riel leaned against the glass door, her eyes softening as she watched them. Unbeknownst to her, a gentle smile curved her lips.

Inyeop’s P.O.V

I felt a pair of eyes on us and turned to see who it was. It was Riel! She was watching us with a smile! Did I just pass the first level?

I smiled back, but she quickly reverted to her usual blank expression and looked away, making me chuckle. I turned my attention back to Inho, who was brimming with excitement.

“Innie Hyung! Look at this flower! It's mom’s favorite. Let's collect it and make a tiara for her!” Inho exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with joy as he jumped up and down.

“Sure, Champ!” I replied, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Author’s P.O.V

Riel watched them for a moment longer, her heart warming at the sight of Inho’s happiness. She stepped outside, the cool breeze brushing against her skin.

“Inho, Inyeop, what are you two up to?” she asked, her voice gentle yet curious.

Inho ran up to her, holding a handful of flowers. “Mom! We’re making a tiara for you! Innie Hyung is helping me!”

Riel knelt down to his level, her smile widening. “That sounds wonderful, sweetheart. I can’t wait to see it.”

Inyeop walked over, a playful grin on his face. “We’re almost done, Riel. Just a few more flowers and it’ll be perfect.”

Riel stood up, her eyes meeting Inyeop’s briefly before she turned away, focusing on Inho. “Thank you, Inho. This means a lot to me.”

Inyeop’s smile faltered slightly, but he nodded. “Anything for you and Inho.”

As they continued to gather flowers, Eunwoo appeared at the doorway, his eyes wide with mock horror. “What are you doing?!” he exclaimed, pointing at Inyeop. “Are you actually making a flower tiara? I never thought I’d see the day!”

Riel laughed, shaking her head. “Yes, Eunwoo, we are. And it’s going to be beautiful.”

Eunwoo walked over, inspecting the flowers with exaggerated seriousness. “Well, if you need any expert advice, you know where to find me,” he said, winking at Riel.

Inho giggled, holding up a particularly large flower. “Look, Uncle Woo! This one’s perfect for the center!”

Eunwoo nodded sagely. “Indeed, Buddy. You have an eye for these things.”

Riel and Inyeop exchanged a brief glance before she turned her attention back to Inho, the moment lightened by Eunwoo’s playful antics.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, Riel admired the nearly finished tiara. “It’s beautiful, Inho. You and Inyeop did a wonderful job.”

Inho beamed with pride. “Thanks, Mom! Can we put it on you now?”

Riel nodded, kneeling down so Inho could place the tiara on her head. “How do I look?” she asked, smiling at her son.

“Like a queen!” Inho declared, clapping his hands.

Eunwoo chuckled. “A flower queen, indeed.”

Inyeop watched the scene with a soft smile, his heart aching with a mix of joy and longing. He stepped back, giving Riel and Inho their moment.

Riel stood up, adjusting the tiara slightly. “Thank you, Inho. This is the best gift ever.”

Inho hugged her tightly. “I’m glad you like it, Mom.”

Eunwoo cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Alright, flower queen, how about we celebrate with some ice cream?”

Inho’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Ice cream!”

Riel laughed, nodding. “Sounds like a perfect idea.”

As they headed inside, Inyeop lingered for a moment, watching them with a wistful expression. He knew he had to keep his distance, but moments like these made it difficult. With a sigh, he followed them inside, determined to cherish the time he had with his son, even if it was from the sidelines.

Inside the house, Eunwoo took charge of the ice cream, scooping generous portions into bowls. “Alright, who wants chocolate and who wants vanilla?” he asked, holding up the tubs.

“Chocolate!” Inho shouted, bouncing on his toes.

Riel smiled. “Chocolate for me too, please.”

Inyeop hesitated, then quietly said, “Vanilla for me.”

Eunwoo handed out the bowls, making sure everyone had their favorite. “To the flower queen and her loyal subjects,” he toasted, raising his bowl.

They all clinked their bowls together, laughing. For a moment, everything felt perfect. Riel looked around at her makeshift family, feeling a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time.

As they enjoyed their ice cream, Inho chattered excitedly about his day, his happiness infectious. Riel listened, her heart full. She glanced at Inyeop, who was watching Inho with a tender expression. Despite everything, she was grateful for these moments of joy and togetherness.

Eunwoo, ever the joker, couldn’t resist one last quip. “So, Inyeop, when’s the next tiara-making session? I need to clear my schedule.”

Inyeop chuckled. “Anytime, Eunwoo. Anytime.”

Riel smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. No matter what the future held, she knew she could face it with these people by her side.

—————————
To Be Continued
Word Count: 906

I wrote this chapter because I felt it was time to ease the tension between Riel and In-Yeop. Poor In-Yeop has been on the receiving end of Riel's cold treatment for too long. But finally, he has made some progress and passed the first level. Just four more levels to go, I guess...

– Author Eun
– Love Ya!