#good ending

★ Enjin was used to being the center of your world, just as you were the center of his. Seeing Rudo nestle into your lap, become your shadow, sparked a silly jealousy he tried to hide. He complained a lot, of course. Deep down, you knew none of it was really serious.

"Another night this little pest is going to steal my spot in bed?"

"Did he call you ‘mom’ today? I’m nobody’s dad."

★ Enjin had his own way of showing he cared. The blond started leaving an extra portion of food for Rudo, “because he’s a starving kid and needs to eat well to grow.” He would watch with an approving gaze when Rudo fixed something broken, feeling even a little proud. That boy was stubborn, resilient, and fiercely loyal to you. Even if he wouldn’t admit it, Enjin admired that in him.

★ Enjin would never say it out loud, but he and Rudo formed a pact that your safety was the absolute priority. Enjin noticed how Rudo always positioned himself in front, and how the boy’s scarlet eyes blazed with pure hatred when someone dared to disrespect you. Once, after Rudo nearly tore out the throat of a fellow Cleaner over an unfortunate comment, Enjin dragged him by the collar, keeping them out of your sight.

"Hey, Rudo. Listen up. She doesn’t like that unnecessary violence, so get it under control. Got it?"

Rudo nodded, swallowing hard. He didn’t want to hurt you with his impulsive actions. Enjin patted his head afterward, murmuring, "That’s the spirit!"

★ After several sleepless nights coming to your room, Rudo showed up once again. He stood at the door with his teddy bear blanket, waiting for your permission to enter. You were waiting for him, leaving a smaller pillow for the boy. On the other hand, Enjin just sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. Ever since Rudo arrived, he barely had time to sleep cuddled up to his girlfriend. Despite that, he had no choice but to accept it.

"Come here, before you catch a cold and we have to listen to you sneeze all week," he grumbled, pulling the boy into the middle of the bed. Rudo curled up next to you, snuggling into your chest. You hugged him, draping the blanket over his shoulders as you stroked his hair.

★ Enjin might complain, might pretend it’s a nuisance, but in the silence of the night, watching Rudo finally sleep peacefully, nestled between the two of you, he feels a strange contentment. The idea of being a “family” still sounded odd to his ears, yet he didn’t reject it so much anymore. He was getting used to it.

★ With the boy glued to you all the time, Enjin barely had a moment alone with his girlfriend. Rudo followed you everywhere, and you allowed it. Honestly, he was tired of it by now. Sometimes, he had to shoo the boy away, claiming they had "adult matters" to discuss. However, Enjin just wanted some alone time with you.

"I get the feeling I’m competing for your attention," he said, resting his head in the crook of your neck and wrapping his arms around your waist. "I’m not letting him sleep with you tonight."

"Enjin, he’s just a child."

"He’s big enough to sleep on his own."

"So are you." He hears you sigh and his eyes widen in disbelief.

"Whose side are you on?"

★ Regardless of what your lives would be like from that moment on, Enjin would remain by your side. He didn’t see himself as Rudo’s father and didn’t intend to be anyone’s father anytime soon, but he also wouldn’t interfere with the unique bond the two of you had formed. There was beauty in the way you care for the boy, a gentleness that their world always tried to erase. And Rudo… well, Rudo deserves that care. Enjin knew, from his own skin, what it was like to be loved by you. He knew the peace it brought to a troubled soul. He would never deprive the boy of that safe haven.

★ At the end of the day, no matter what the future held, Enjin would be there. For both of you. And, above all, for you.