#luvilists

2025: 1.5k notes

Heeseung sighed, adjusting his hold on his chunky little boy, who refused to sit in his car seat until you returned. The mall’s parking lot was dimly lit, neon signs flickering against the windshield, but inside the car, it was warm—filled with the scent of baby lotion and the soft coos of his son.

His tiny hands, round like dumplings, grasped at anything and everything—Heeseung’s tie, shirt collar, and even the dashboard buttons. The car was off, but his baby was still fascinated by how the buttons felt under his chubby fingers, slapping them with increasing force as if expecting a reaction.

“Hey, hey—" Heeseung chuckled, gently prying the small hand away before his son could honk the horn. "You're gonna give Mama a heart attack if you do that.”

His son merely blinked up at him, drool glistening on his bottom lip, before deciding that his dad’s face was far more interesting. Chubby's fingers reached out, grabbing at his nose, jaw, and tie again, yanking it with surprising strength.

"You're strong for someone who still needs his butt wiped every few hours, you know that?" Heeseung teased, loosening his tie slightly. His son only giggled a bubbly little sound that made Heeseung’s heartache.

He softly kissed his baby’s forehead, running his hand down to his pudgy little feet, rubbing slow circles into his silky, warm skin. His son kicked in response, wiggling his toes, watching his dad with wide eyes.

The baby bag sat in the passenger seat, slightly unzipped—bottles of milk, a few stuffed toys peeking out, sleep mittens, extra tiny socks that he somehow kept kicking off throughout the day. The thought of you packing everything so carefully before they left made Heeseung’s throat tighten.

He wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was exhaustion. Perhaps it was the fact that you were just inside, probably scanning the menu one last time to make sure you got the order right. Or maybe it was the reality—that this was his life now. He had a little person in his arms who depended on him entirely.

“You love your mama, huh?” Heeseung murmured, watching his son keep glancing toward the door as if expecting you to walk out any second now. His tiny fingers had stopped their assault, now just resting against Heeseung’s chest, gripping onto his shirt.

Another pang in his chest.

“You make me wanna be better?” he whispered, barely audible, voice cracking slightly. “You and Mama.”

His son didn’t understand, of course. But he still looked up at his dad, eyes so bright, so full of wonder. Heeseung wished he could see himself the way his son did. Strong. Capable. Safe.

He swallowed the lump and kissed his baby’s pudgy little hands.

Just then, he saw you walking toward the car, carrying the takeout bag in both hands, scanning the lot for them.

“Look, Mama’s back,” Heeseung whispered, nudging his son slightly. The baby squealed, kicking his feet and making little grasping motions toward the window.

Heeseung smiled, rolling it down a little so you could hear.

“We missed you,” he said softly.

You slid into the passenger seat, setting the takeout bag down, only to be greeted by a sight that made you smile—Heeseung, struggling to strap your stubborn baby back into his seat.

"Come on, buddy," Heeseung grunted, trying to pry tiny fists off his shirt. "You've been with me this whole time. Just sit in your seat for a bit, yeah?"

The baby clung tighter, his big eyes glossy, as if he were about to start wailing. His bottom lip trembled, and Heeseung let out a defeated sigh, giving you a helpless look.

"Yeah, that’s not happening," you mused, biting back a laugh. "Looks like he's sticking with you tonight."

Heeseung exhaled through his nose, adjusting his seat to lean back. "Guess we’re eating like this then," he murmured, settling the baby against his chest. "Heavy little thing…" He kissed the top of his son's head, letting the baby nuzzle into him, his tiny hands pressing against his daddy’s chest to ensure he wouldn't go anywhere.

You dug into the takeout bag, unwrapping the warm containers of food. The smell filled the car, making you and Heeseung sigh in anticipation. You grabbed a piece of food with your chopsticks, bringing it up to Heeseung’s lips.

"Open," you said, holding back a teasing smile.

Heeseung raised a brow. "You’re feeding me?"

"You’re holding the baby."

Heeseung smirked slightly before leaning in and taking the bite. "Mm," he hummed in satisfaction. "You got the good stuff."

You grinned, taking a bite, but the moment you did, you noticed something—your baby boy staring up at you two with his mouth wide open as if waiting for his turn.

You choked on a laugh. "Oh my god, look at him."

Heeseung glanced down and let out a breathy chuckle. "Buddy, you can’t eat this yet," he cooed, tapping a gentle finger on the baby’s pouty lips. "Just milk for now."

The baby furrowed his brows, confused but hopeful, his mouth open. You couldn’t take it. He was too adorable.

"Here," you whispered, reaching into the baby bag and pulling out his bottle. You shook it briefly before placing the bib around his chubby neck, ensuring he was cozy against Heeseung’s chest.

Once Heeseung had a secure hold, he pressed the bottle to his son’s lips, watching as the baby latched on instantly and drank eagerly.

"There you go," Heeseung murmured, rubbing his son’s back as he fed him. The sight made your chest ache with warmth. Heeseung looked so natural like this—holding your baby close, his long fingers gently supporting the bottle, his eyes watching him with so much tenderness.

"You're a good dad," you said suddenly, almost without thinking.

Heeseung stilled for a second before glancing at you, eyes soft. He swallowed, looking like he wanted to say something, but he gave you a small, bashful smile instead.

You scooped up another bite of food and held it to his lips again. Heeseung took it without complaint, still cradling his son as he ate.

The baby sucked on his bottle contentedly, tiny fingers gripping the fabric of Heeseung's shirt. You fed Heeseung another bite, then brought the shared drink to his lips, tilting it so he could take a sip.

"You're spoiling me," he mumbled against the straw.

You shrugged. "You spoil me, too."

Heeseung smirked, chewing his food. "True."

You two ate like that—him holding your heavy little love while you made sure he was fed, sneaking in bites for yourself in between. The occasional quiet sighs of satisfaction, the baby's soft gulps of milk, the warmth of the car surrounding the three of you—it was all so simple, yet it felt like everything.

As the baby slowed down, eyes growing heavy with sleep, Heeseung chuckled.

"Guess we both got full," he whispered, kissing his son's temple. Then, turning to you, he reached out, brushing a thumb over your cheek. "Thank you."

You tilted your head slightly, pressing a kiss to his wrist.

"Always."

As the last bites of dinner disappeared and you set the empty containers aside, Heeseung let out a slow, contented sigh. His hand instinctively rubbed small circles on his baby’s back, feeling his tiny chest's gentle rise and fall.

It was only when he glanced down that he realized—his little boy had dozed off, completely squished against him, his chubby cheeks smushed against his daddy’s abs like a newborn scrunch, legs tucked under his belly as if he was still curled up in the safety of your womb.

Heeseung let out a chuckle, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection. “Look at this guy,” he murmured. “Sleeping like he owns me.”

You leaned in, heart melting at the sight. His little fists were still gripping Heeseung’s shirt as if he feared his daddy would move. His breathing was soft and even, and his tiny lips parted slightly. His pudgy little face was entirely at ease, peaceful, and safe.

"Well," you whispered, a teasing smile playing on your lips, "he kinda does own you."

Heeseung huffed a laugh, careful not to jostle him. “Yeah, yeah.” His voice softened as he continued, “He sleeps just like you did when you were pregnant.”

Your breath hitched slightly, and you remembered those nights when your belly was heavy, and your little one would shift, pressing close against anything warm. Heeseung had spent many nights tracing slow, soothing patterns over your skin, whispering soft words to the baby he couldn’t wait to meet.

And now, here he was—his mini shadow, still seeking the same comfort, still finding a home in his daddy’s warmth.

Heeseung exhaled deeply, adjusting his arms to cradle his son closer. “He’s so… tiny,” he murmured, almost to himself. “And he trusts me so much.”

Your hand found his, fingers lacing together as you gently squeezed him. "Because you're his home, Hee."

Heeseung turned to you, his eyes glimmering in the soft glow of the streetlights outside. He looked like he wanted to say something—something deep, something vulnerable—but instead, he just smiled, lifting your intertwined hands to his lips and pressing a lingering kiss against your fingers.

Outside, the world moved on—cars passing, neon lights flickering, life continuing. But inside that car, wrapped in warmth, in love, in the quiet sounds of your sleeping baby’s breaths—time stood still.

(-) ult group (-) I stan (-) casual listener (-) I don't stan

bias: _______

bias wrecker: _______

favourite song: _______

favourite album: _______

favourite era: _______

she'll reply when she comes back from the viewing event or when she has the time. (we can't answer for her, cuz none of us (3) are kpop stans - it's just hazelira - she's the only kpop stan among our team, we work for hazelira).

author's note: is this my way of still grieving my aunt? anyways imagine if illit stays connected to the backrooms/horror-core concept, so what if I created different zones from my dreams?

The Whimsical Dreamcore (The Breakthrough) - This zone is characterized by pastel tones, bedroom pop rhythms, teenage daydreaming, and the initial introduction of their glitchy but cute uncanny world.

SUPER REAL ME - The Lucid Room (plush toys, pastel tiles, endless looping hotel hallways, pajama parties that feel slightly too perfect)

My World is the whimsical, airy introduction to their inner universe.

Magnetic has hyper-catchy plugging beats overlaid with a surreal, magnet-pull fantasy.

Midnight Fiction is like a late-night overthinking wrapped in crazy, acoustic-pop blankets.

Lucky Girl Syndrome has high-energy, manifestation-pop full of bright, neon-pastel optimism.

I'LL LIKE YOU - The Velvet Maze (school lockers, locker rooms that loop infinitely, internal romantic dilemmas played out in liminal spaces)

I'll Like You/Cherish (My Love) are glitchy, sweet, and fiercely determined teenage affection.

IYKYK (If You Know You Know) is a fast-paced, club-pop energy based on internet slang.

Pimple is a deeply vulnerable, melancholic lo-fi R&B track treating small physical flaws as massive emotional weights.

Tick-Tack is snappy, repetitive, and playful, mimicking the erratic beat of a nervous heart.

The Weirdcore Playground (The bomb Era) - This is where the cute horror elements peak. It is a playground of surreal textures, childhood imagery turned slightly askew, and unpredictable sonic structures.

bomb - The Main Anchor (bright toys with too many eyes, retro arcade glitches, and playground games played after dark)

little monster is a darker synth-pop baselines hidden under high-pitched, sweet vocal deliveries.

Billiyeon Goyangi (Do the Dance) is a fast, eccentric, and rhythmic, capturing the hyperactive energy of a strange cat pacing in a room.

jellyous is a bubblegum-pop track sharp with jealousy, giving off a candy-coated but slightly chaotic edge.

oops!/bamsopoong are both quirky, conversational tracks that feel like tripping over your own feet in a dream and laughing it off.

The Subversive Transition (Growing Pains) - Moving away from pure childhood innocence, this zone introduced sharper rhythms, reggae pulses, and concepts about defining one's identity against the world's expectations.

NOT CUTE ANYMORE - Not Your Doll (leather boots paired with tulle skirts, low-exposure flash photography, and a defiant departure from being neatly boxed in)

NOT CUTE ANYMORE is a jarring, addictive pop track built on reggae rhythms that firmly draws a boundary around their growth.

NOT ME is an incredibly cool track interpolating The Ting Tings' That's Not My Name. Co-written by Yunah, Minju, and Moka, it serves as an anthem of reclaiming idnetity from public assumptions.

Almond Chocolate is a bitter-sweet J-pop excellence. Rich, smooth, and slightly mature, mirroring the complex flavours of growing up.

Topping/Toki Yo Tomare/Secret Quest are the soundtracks to a surreal puzzle game. Time loops, searching for hidden items in empty malls, and playful urgency.

The Complex Modern Teen (MAMIHLAPINATAPAI) - The absolute peak of ILLIT's concept depth. This zone explores the anxiety of choice, lazy perfectionism, and the silent, heavy tension of unsaid words.

MAMIHLAPINATAPAI - The Yaghan word for an unspoken look between two people who both want the other to initiate (drum and bass, techno, alternative pop rock, and the heavy atmosphere of a chaotic teenage bedroom during finals week)

GRWM (Get Ready With Me) is an anxious techno-pop energy about putting on a public face while internal thoughts are racing.

It's Me is the bold, electro-pop lead single that stripes back the magical filters to show their raw, true faces.

paw, paw! is a comforting, rhythmic alternative pop track where the members embrace their core, instinctual animal traits.

Mamihlapinatapai is a stellar pop-rock/synth-pop hybrid serving as a commentary on the suffocating stress of group projects, endless to-do lists, and stalling because of overthinking.

Love, older you is a soft, nostalgic track looking back at past versions of themselves with deep fondness and a bit of ache.

The Pure GLLIT Sanctuary (Light & Comfort) - The open windows of the backrooms. These tracks shed the uncanny tension entirely, offering breezy, acoustic, and warm spaces meant directly for the fans.

ALL FOR YOU is a sparkling, stadium-ready fan song dedicated entirely to GLLIT.

Sunday Morning is a breezy, sun-drenched acoustic track that feels like waking up with nowhere to be and no halls to escape from.

Bubee is a soft, repetitive, and profoundly cozy, the musical equivalent of a warm hug after a long, strange dream.

author's note: I'm bored guys, I've finished writing for next week's posting schedule. I'll create a separate mood map for each illit member just like my enha one, I actually might be doing more of these mood maps for other things

e n h a d a d t.list

HEESEUNG

not on the menu (#1 of 2024)

sneezy

little chaos

craving comfort

heavy little love (#1 of 2025)

sleepless

wrapped around tiny fingers

little lightning bolt

moonlight lullabies

dada, no more other babies!

clingy little luvieys

just like dada

controller down, baby up

wobbly steps

ear piercings

steps to you

no cullah??? 😭

rain-washed love

Hazey’s First Birthday

hanu's decoy ult

no cry i smi

JAY

tiny steps, warm hearts

baby assistant at dada's work (#2 of 2024)

soft fists (#3 of 2025)

little miss grumpy

sunshine & honey milk

good job, mama

call her honey

squiggle heart for you

quietly, all at once

JAKE

morning with baby rolls

love in the details

up, up!

the pwincess & the bunny

operation: save the keys

every breath

not the cat food, sweetheart

protec duty

Daddy Needs a Hug Too

let mama rest

SUNGHOON

bath bubbles

this was home.

adrift

a bigger heart

only yours, too

Workout Interrupted...by Triplets

SUNOO

tiny tempers

promises

the soft reign

squeaky shoes

they played with her one last time

JUNGWON

fries & binkies

golden glow

2 little hands, 1 heavy heart

won step closer - aeri as yn

shell yeah, I need a hug

a toddler took my sleep (and my spine)

Not Dada?

not a fan of sand

the moment he chooses me

a pinch of Jung

NI-KI

the smallest peace (#3 of 2024)

dada, stay? (#2 of 2025)*

tomorrow will be perfect!

little rebel*

tangles, tutus, and tea

always yours, hana

mine, yours, ours

apple juice and giggles

you & me & 20k hearts

papa, love us all

やで, はなちゃん

piyo

life with two rikis

his littlest lookbook

little rei-gn

sodapopforever

diary of a real baby duck

rain-washed love

02z - The Great Plush Fight of 02z

hyungz - cowboy dads & little boots

Copyright 2026 - present © hazelira all rights reserved. All writing here is fiction & not in any association with characters mentioned.

requested by: @leilamaybelyla

It was the middle of the night when you shook Heeseung awake.

"Hee," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.

He grunted, shifting in bed. "What is it, baby?"

You hesitated briefly before softly pleading, "I want ice cream."

Heeseung groaned, rubbing a tired hand over his face. "Baby, it’s…" He unquestioningly reached for his phone on the nightstand, squinting at the time. "Three in the morning."

"And?"

His lips pressed together. He was exhausted. He’d spent all day working, running errands, making sure you were comfortable. He just wanted one night of uninterrupted sleep. "Can’t it wait until morning?"

The silence that followed was heavy.

You exhaled sharply, sitting up in bed. "Forget it," you muttered, pushing the blankets off.

Heeseung turned his head, watching you retreat to the living room. He wanted to call you back, apologize, and tell you he’d go—but his body felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion.

Minutes later, Heeseung woke up to an empty bed.

His arms instinctively reached for you, but all he felt were cold sheets.

A frown tugged at his lips. Maybe you were in the washroom?

But then he heard movement from the living room.

Curious—and slightly uneasy—Heeseung pushed himself up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he stepped out of the bedroom.

His heart dropped at the sight before him.

You were sitting on the couch, struggling to put on your shoes. Your fingers fumbled with the laces, trembling slightly, frustration etched into every movement. Your lips were pressed together, a quiet exhale leaving them as your free hand cradled your belly.

"Please, baby, stop kicking, I know you're hungry." Your voice was barely above a whisper. "Just let Mommy go get our ice cream."

Heeseung’s stomach twisted with guilt.

You were really about to go.

Alone.

At three in the morning.

Because he hadn’t listened.

"Baby."

Your hands stilled. Slowly, you turned your head, eyes meeting his.

"Heeseung, go back to bed."

He ignored your words, closing the distance between you and kneeling in front of you. His hands found yours, gently prying them away from your laces. "You were really about to go by yourself?"

You looked away. "I didn’t want to bother you anymore."

A sharp pang hit his chest.

Heeseung sighed, bringing your hands to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles. "You never bother me," he murmured.

"You were tired," you said, voice small.

"I should’ve gotten up anyway," he admitted. "You asked me for one thing, and I—" He sighed heavily, shaking his head. "I’m sorry."

A beat of silence passed before you finally exhaled. "I just really wanted it, Hee."

"I know, baby," he whispered. "I’ll go get it now."

You blinked. "But—"

"No ‘buts.’ You’re not going anywhere." Heeseung gently took your jacket and shoes, returning them to the door hanger and shoe rack before returning them to you. He guided you to sit comfortably on the couch, ensuring a blanket was draped over you. "Just rest, okay? I’ll be back soon."

"…Three tubs?"

Heeseung chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "Three tubs or all of them. Any flavours you want, baby."

And as he stepped out into the cold night, he made a silent promise.

No matter how tired he was, he always got up for you.

The cold night air stung Heeseung’s skin as he stepped out of the apartment complex, hoodie barely enough to shield him from the late-night chill. He exhaled, his breath fogging in the cold as he shoved his hands into his pockets and started toward the nearest convenience store.

He should have gone the first time you asked.

That thought gnawed at him the entire walk there. The image of you struggling to put on your shoes, whispering to the baby inside you, still played in his head like a bad dream.

You didn’t want to bother him anymore.

It made him feel like the worst husband in the world.

By the time he reached the store, Heeseung was already pulling out his phone, scrolling through your texts in search of past cravings. He knew you liked vanilla, but you swore by chocolate some days. Then there was the weird strawberry and caramel combination you’d been obsessed with last month.

"Hey, man, you good?"

The cashier, a tired-looking guy around his age, raised an eyebrow as Heeseung stood frozen in the ice cream aisle, staring at the tubs like they held the answers to life itself.

"My wife’s pregnant," Heeseung explained, running a hand through his hair. "I messed up, and I need to fix it."

The cashier let out a knowing chuckle. "Ah, cravings. Been there, man. Just get one of each."

Heeseung blinked, then nodded quickly. "Right. One of each."

Moments later, he walked out of the store with a bag full of ice cream tubs—French vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, mango, salted caramel, and even cookies and cream, just in case. It was excessive, sure, but after tonight? He’d rather be safe than sorry.

When Heeseung returned home, the living room was quiet.

You were curled up on the couch, a blanket pulled up to your chin, eyes closed. Your breathing was steady, but your brows were still slightly furrowed, like you hadn’t fully relaxed even in your sleep.

Heeseung’s heart clenched.

Carefully, he set the bag down in the kitchen before reaching you. He crouched beside the couch, brushing a gentle hand over your hair. "Baby," he murmured.

You stirred, letting out a sleepy hum.

"I got your ice cream," he whispered.

Your eyes fluttered open, still groggy. "…You did?"

Heeseung nodded, smiling softly. "Five tubs. Every flavour you like."

A small, sleepy laugh escaped you. "Five?"

"I didn’t wanna risk getting the wrong ones," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just wanted to make sure you had what you wanted."

Your gaze softened as you reached up to cup his cheek. "Thank you, Hee."

Heeseung leaned into your touch, exhaling slowly. "I’m sorry for earlier," he murmured. "I should’ve gotten up the first time you asked. You shouldn’t have felt like you had to go alone."

You were silent for a moment before shaking your head. "I was just… frustrated," you admitted quietly. "The cravings are bad, and the baby kicking didn’t help. I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty."

Heeseung sighed, resting his forehead against yours. "Still. I never want you to feel like you can’t ask me for things. You and our baby come first, always."

Your fingers traced light patterns on his cheek. "You got up in the middle of the night for me."

He huffed a soft laugh. "Of course I did. I’ll do it again if I have to."

You smiled, your eyes filled with warmth now. "You’re the best husband."

Heeseung grinned. "I know."

You rolled your eyes playfully before murmuring, "Can we eat the ice cream now?"

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead before standing up. "Yeah, baby. Let me get you a spoon."

And as he watched you sit up, eyes lighting up at the sight of the ice cream tubs, Heeseung knew—no matter how exhausted he was, no matter what time it was—he’d do this for you again in a heartbeat.

You sat cross-legged on the couch, a blanket draped over your lap as Heeseung set the ice cream tubs in front of you. Your eyes sparkled with satisfaction as you reached for the first tub, quickly scooping a spoonful into a bowl.

"Wait," Heeseung murmured, watching you with an amused smile. "You're mixing all of them?"

You nodded, barely paying him attention as you grabbed another scoop—French vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, mango, salted caramel, cookies and cream. Each melted slightly into the next, creating a chaotic blend of colours and flavours.

Heeseung leaned back against the couch, shaking his head. "That’s insane."

You glanced up at him with a teasing smirk. "And yet, I’m the one carrying your baby, craving insane things."

He laughed, stretching an arm over the back of the couch as he watched you take the first bite. The second the spoon hit your tongue, you let out a slight, satisfied hum, your body visibly relaxing as the craving was finally happy.

"Is that good?" Heeseung asked, his voice softer now and filled with quiet fondness.

You nodded, eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "So good."

Heeseung chuckled, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. "Glad to know my lack of sleep was worth it."

You cracked one eye open, a guilty smile tugging at your lips. "I’ll make it up to you."

"You already did," he murmured, gaze flickering down to your belly. "By giving me our baby."

Your heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, the exhaustion, cravings, and frustration from earlier faded into something warm, something safe.

"You wanna try?" you asked, holding the spoon to him.

Heeseung grimaced playfully. "I don’t know if I trust that combination."

You rolled your eyes, scooping another bite and holding it closer. "Come on, Hee. For me?"

He groaned dramatically before leaning in, letting you feed him. The moment the flavours hit his tongue, his face twisted in confusion.

"Yeah, no," he muttered after swallowing. "That is not a normal mix."

You giggled, licking the spoon yourself. "More for me, then."

Heeseung just shook his head, smiling as he watched you eat.

A few minutes passed in comfortable silence before he spoke again, voice barely above a whisper. "Hey."

You glanced at him. "Hmm?"

"Promise me next time you want something this bad, you’ll wake me up again," he murmured, reaching for your free hand and lacing his fingers through yours. "Even if I grumble or complain, just wake me up."

Your fingers squeezed his. "I promise."

And with that, Heeseung relaxed, pressing a kiss to the back of your hand as you continued eating.

Even if he lost sleep every night for the rest of your pregnancy, it would still be worth it—because he’d do anything for you and the little life you were bringing into the world together.

As the minutes ticked by, the ice cream in your bowl slowly melted into a sugary swirl, but you were too full to finish it. You sighed contentedly, setting the spoon down with a soft clink.

"Done?" Heeseung asked, peering at your half-empty bowl.

You nodded, stretching your arms with a sleepy hum. "I think I ate too fast," you admitted, rubbing your belly.

Heeseung chuckled, gently reaching out to place his palm over your bump. "You okay, baby?" he murmured, not just to you but to the tiny life growing inside you.

As if in response, a slight kick nudged against his hand.

His eyes widened slightly before his lips curled into the softest smile. "Still active, huh?"

You giggled. "I think they liked the ice cream."

Heeseung kept his hand there, thumb rubbing slow circles against your stomach. He looked so in awe—like feeling his child move inside you was the most incredible thing in the world.

A lump formed in your throat.

You had moments like this before, but something about how he looked at you now—completely present, entirely yours—made you emotional.

"Hee," you whispered.

He glanced up at you, eyes warm and full of love. "Yeah?"

You swallowed, your free hand reaching out to touch his cheek. "I love you."

His expression softened even more, and without hesitation, he leaned in to press a lingering kiss to your lips. It was slow, full of silent apologies and promises, the kind of kiss that made you forget everything else.

"I love you too," he whispered against your lips. "So much."

You smiled, feeling sleepier by the second.

Heeseung noticed. "Come on," he murmured, carefully setting your bowl aside before helping you. "Let’s go to bed."

"But I was comfy here," you whined playfully.

Heeseung rolled his eyes fondly. "Yeah? You’re gonna be comfier in bed, baby."

You let him lead you, his arm wrapped securely around your waist as he guided you back to your shared bedroom. Once you were under the blankets, he climbed beside you, immediately pulling you close.

Your head rested against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling you into a peaceful state.

"Wake me up if you need anything," Heeseung murmured, lips brushing against your forehead.

You hummed sleepily. "Even if it’s for ice cream?"

"Even if it’s for ice cream," he confirmed, his arms tightening around you.

And with that, you drifted off, safe and warm in your husband’s embrace, knowing that no matter what—no matter how exhausted he was—he’d always take care of you.

The following day, Heeseung woke up before you.

It wasn’t intentional—he just happened to stir before the alarm, eyes fluttering open to the early sunlight filtering through the curtains. He first noticed the warmth pressed against him, your body curled into his side, one hand resting over his chest.

A lazy smile tugged at his lips.

You were still asleep, breathing slowly and steadily, and your face was peaceful in the soft morning glow. Heeseung’s heart swelled at the sight, and he carefully shifted to kiss your forehead, not wanting to wake you yet.

Last night’s events played in his mind, and he sighed quietly.

He still felt guilty for not getting up the first time you asked. He hated that you’d been so desperate for something as simple as ice cream that you were willing to go alone in the middle of the night despite how exhausted and uncomfortable you must have been.

Heeseung promised himself he wouldn’t let that happen again.

Careful not to disturb you, he slipped out of bed, padding into the kitchen. The ice cream tubs were still in the freezer, untouched, except for the ones you ate. Heeseung smirked, shaking his head at the ridiculous amount of flavours he had bought.

He could already imagine you teasing him about it later.

Instead of thinking too hard, he started preparing breakfast—something light but comforting. He knew your appetite had been over the place lately, so he settled on making soft scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and a small fruit bowl.

As he moved around the kitchen, he kept stealing glances toward the bedroom, listening for any signs of you waking up. He wanted you to sleep as much as possible. You deserved it after last night.

Just as he was about to pour you a glass of water, he heard soft footsteps.

Turning around, he saw you standing in the doorway, hair messy from sleep, eyes still half-lidded. You were wearing one of his oversized hoodies, the sleeves covering your hands, making you look even smaller despite your growing belly.

His heart squeezed at the sight.

"Morning, baby," Heeseung greeted, voice gentle.

You yawned, rubbing your eyes before blinking at him. "You left the bed."

He chuckled, setting the glass down before walking over to you. "Just to make breakfast." He reached out, pulling you close so he could press a kiss to your temple. "How’re you feeling?"

You leaned into him, arms looping around his waist. "Better. Still tired."

"Go sit down," he murmured, rubbing your back. "I’ll bring your food."

You didn’t protest, letting him guide you to a chair at the dining table. Heeseung placed the plate in front of you before sitting across from you, watching you take your first bite.

The second you let out a pleased hum, Heeseung felt his shoulders relax.

"Good?" he asked, a small smile on his lips.

You nodded, chewing happily. "You take such good care of me, Hee."

Heeseung’s heart melted at your words. Reaching across the table, he took your free hand in his, squeezing gently.

"Always," he murmured.

And in that quiet morning light, as you shared breakfast together, Heeseung knew it would always be worth it no matter how exhausted or inconvenient.

You sighed happily, the warm breakfast filling you with much-needed comfort. Heeseung sat across from you, his hand still holding yours as if he didn’t want to let go. You knew he felt guilty about last night, even if he hadn’t said it outright.

"Hee," you murmured between bites.

He looked up from his plate. "Yeah?"

You gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze. "You don’t have to feel bad about last night."

His lips parted slightly like he was about to protest, but you beat him to it.

"I get it," you continued. "You were tired. I was just being stubborn." You poked at your eggs with your fork, feeling a little embarrassed now that you were thinking about it with a clearer head. "I should’ve waited until morning instead of trying to go out alone."

Heeseung exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of your hand with his thumb. "Still," he murmured, eyes filled with guilt, "I don’t like the thought of you struggling alone, even if it’s over something small. You’re carrying our baby, Y/N. I want to be there for you—even when I’m half-asleep and grumpy."

Your chest ached at his sincerity.

"You are here for me," you reassured him. "Always. You came through last night, didn’t you?"

Heeseung let out a soft chuckle. "After being a pain in the ass about it."

You smiled, lifting his hand to press a kiss against his knuckles. "I love you—even when you’re a pain."

His expression softened, and before you could react, he was out of his chair, crouching beside you. He rested his forehead gently against your belly, hands cradling your sides.

"And I love you," he whispered, speaking to you and the little life inside you. "Both of you."

Your throat tightened, and you were overwhelmed with emotion. You ran your fingers through his soft hair, letting the moment linger.

Then, Heeseung pulled away just enough to look up at you, a teasing glint in his tired eyes.

"…So, no more midnight ice cream runs?"

You bit your lip, suppressing a smile. "I mean… I can’t promise that."

He groaned dramatically, dropping his head onto your lap while you giggled, fingers still tangled in his hair.

"Yeah, that’s what I thought," he muttered against the fabric of your hoodie.

Despite his complaint, you knew—without a doubt—he’d do it all over again if you asked.

Because Heeseung loved you.

And he would always choose you.

requested by: @leilamaybelyla

Heeseung’s voice was soft, barely a whisper, as he gently bounced his squirming baby girl in his arms. His heart ached, knowing how much he’d been away recently. The relentless demands of idol life had kept him from moments like these—simple, precious moments with his daughter. Yet here he was now, home at last, determined to make up for lost time while you rested in the other room, pregnant with their second child.

The baby’s pouty lips trembled as she squirmed harder, her little fists pushing against his chest. “Mama,” she whimpered, the word breaking Heeseung’s heart into pieces.

“I know, sweetheart, I know,” Heeseung murmured, brushing her soft hair away from her flushed face. “Mama’s just resting, baby. You’ve got me, though. Dada’s here.”

But the reassurance fell on deaf ears. She wriggled again, turning her head toward the door as if sensing you on the other side. Her chubby hands clumsily batted at Heeseung’s jaw in protest, and she let out a frustrated wail.

He sighed, adjusting her in his arms and kissing her damp cheeks. “Come on, love, don’t cry. You’re breaking Dada’s heart here.”

She wasn’t buying it.

Heeseung carried her over to her bouncy seat, gently placing her down. He shook one of the attached rattles, the soft jingle momentarily catching her attention. “Look, isn’t this fun?” he said, his voice high and playful, trying to coax a smile.

But her lower lip wobbled dangerously, and a fat tear slipped down her cheek. She reached out for him, her tiny body tensing with the beginnings of another wail.

“Okay, okay!” Heeseung scooped her up again, cradling her close. “You don’t like that. Noted.” He grabbed Mr. Flopsy, her favourite stuffed bunny, and held it before her. “Look who’s here! It’s Mr. Flopsy!”

Her chubby hand grasped the bunny’s floppy ear for a second, but her teary eyes again darted toward the bedroom door. “Mama,” she hiccupped, her voice thick with longing.

Heeseung’s shoulders slumped. He pressed his lips to her temple, his voice soft and melodic as he began humming a random tune. The notes spilled from his lips, forming an improvised lullaby, gentle and soothing. “You’re my little bunny…my sweet baby girl…”

Her cries quieted just a bit, though her sniffles lingered. She curled into his chest, burying her head in the crook of his neck. He could feel the dampness of her tears soaking into his shirt, and it made his chest tighten.

“I’m trying, sweetheart,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I know you miss Mama. I miss her too.”

He rocked her slowly, swaying back and forth as he continued to hum. Every now and then, her little hands gripped his shirt, curling into the fabric as if anchoring herself to him.

When she let out another quiet whimper, Heeseung grabbed her teething toy and offered it to her. She gnawed on it momentarily before tossing it aside with a dissatisfied grunt.

“Mr. Flopsy’s better, huh?” Heeseung said, trying to keep his tone light despite the heaviness in his chest. He handed her the bunny again, and she hugged it to her chest this time.

But then, just as he thought she might settle, her tiny head tilted up to look at him with watery eyes. “Mama,” she whispered again, her voice so small and broken that it shattered him completely.

Heeseung closed his eyes, pressing his forehead to hers. “I know, baby. I know,” he said, his voice barely audible.

And when her quiet cries turned into a full-blown sob, he sank onto the couch, holding her tight and rocking her desperately.

The door creaked open, and you appeared, your face glowing with the softness of motherhood. “What’s going on here?” you asked gently, calming the room.

Your daughter’s head snapped up, and she let out a delighted cry, reaching for you with her pudgy arms. “Mama!”

Heeseung let out a breathy laugh, his eyes misty as he handed her to you. “She’s all yours,” he said softly, a tinge of defeat.

As your daughter nestled into your arms, her cries became soft hiccups. She clung to you like a lifeline, her little body finally relaxing.

Heeseung watched the two of you with a bittersweet smile. “Guess I still need to earn back my ‘Dada’ title,” he joked weakly.

You leaned over, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You’re doing amazing, Hee,” you whispered. “She just misses me. But she loves you—you’re her world, too.”

And as Heeseung watched his little girl settle into your arms, he made a silent promise to himself: no matter how busy life got, he’d always make time for moments like these, even if it hurt sometimes. Because for his family, he’d do anything.

Heeseung leaned back on the couch, his head resting against the cushions as he watched you sway gently with your daughter in your arms. The tension in her little body had melted away entirely, replaced by the comfort only a mother could give. It was a sight that tugged at his heartstrings in ways he couldn’t quite describe.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice low but weighted with emotion.

You glanced over at him, your brows knitting together. “Sorry for what, Hee?”

“For being gone so much. For missing out on moments like this. I don’t want her to feel like I’m just some guy who shows up when it’s convenient.”

Your heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice. You walked over to the couch, sinking beside him with your daughter still snuggled against your chest. Her eyelids were fluttering, sleep beginning to claim her.

“Hee,” you said softly, reaching to take his hand. “You’re not just ‘some guy.’ You’re her dad. And she knows you love her. Even if you can’t always be here physically, she feels it. I know she does.”

Heeseung released a shaky sigh, squeezing your hand as his gaze dropped to your daughter. Her tiny fingers were clutching the fabric of your shirt now, her breaths evening out as she drifted off.

“I just hate seeing her cry like that,” he admitted, his voice thick. “It makes me feel like I’m failing her.”

“You’re not failing her,” you reassured him firmly. “She’s just at that age where she’s clingy with me. It’s normal. But she adores you, Hee. You should’ve seen her excitement when you walked through the door today. Her whole face lit up.”

A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Really?”

“Really,” you said, leaning your head on his shoulder. “You’re her Dada. Her hero. And you’ll always have a special place in her heart, no matter how often you must be away.”

Heeseung exhaled slowly, his chest feeling a little lighter. He wrapped an arm around you, pulling you and your sleeping daughter closer.

“I’ll try harder,” he promised, his voice barely above a whisper. “To be here more. To make time. For both of you.”

“We know you’re doing your best,” you said, tilting your head to look at him. “But, Hee…you’re allowed to have bad days. You’re allowed to feel like this. Just don’t ever forget that we love you, okay?”

Heeseung swallowed hard, nodding as he kissed the top of your head. “I love you too,” he murmured. “Both of you.”

The room was quiet for a while, filled only with the soft sounds of your daughter’s breathing and the faint hum of the heater. Heeseung let himself soak in the moment, his heart swelling with love and longing.

“Do you think she’ll be okay with me putting her to bed tonight?” he asked after a while, his voice tentative.

You smiled, glancing down at your daughter’s peaceful face. “She’ll be more than okay. She’ll love it. You’ve just got to keep trying, Hee.”

“I will,” he said, determination lacing his tone.

As the two of you sat there, cocooned in the warmth of your little family, Heeseung realized that while being a dad might not always be easy, it was the most rewarding role he’d ever had. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Dinner was a quiet but cozy affair. The scent of your home-cooked meal wafted through the air, mingling with the warmth of being together as a family. Your daughter sat snugly in her high chair, secured with her little bib, her chubby legs kicking softly beneath the tray. She was positioned perfectly between you and Heeseung, her wide eyes darting between you as if deciding who to focus on.

You were slowly eating your food, occasionally glancing over at the baby. Her meal—a bowl of pureed carrots and sweet potatoes—was warming up on the counter alongside her milky bottle. Heeseung, seated on her other side, was shovelling spoonfuls of food into his mouth, stealing glances at his daughter between bites.

“Alright, bunny,” Heeseung said softly, setting his chopsticks down and wiping his hands with a napkin. “Let’s see if you’re ready to eat, hmm?”

Her attention immediately shifted to him as he grabbed her food and bottle. She cooed softly, a bubbly sound that made Heeseung chuckle.

“Hang on, hang on. Dada’s getting it,” he murmured, quickly testing the temperature of her meal on his wrist before sitting back down.

He scooped up a tiny spoonful of the pureed food, his movements slow and gentle. “Okay, open up, sweetheart. Like this—ahh,” he demonstrated, opening his mouth wide exaggeratedly.

Your daughter blinked at him, then turned her head toward you with a curious little noise as if checking to see if you were watching.

You smirked, taking a sip of water. “Looks like she’s waiting for my approval.”

Heeseung groaned playfully, holding the spoon closer to her mouth. “Don’t be like this, bunny. Dada’s trying here.”

She finally turned back to him, her tiny lips parting slightly. Heeseung seized the moment, quickly sliding the spoon into her mouth. She blinked in surprise but didn’t spit it out, her little face scrunching up as she adjusted to the taste.

“There we go!” Heeseung cheered softly, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

You chuckled, watching as he scooped up another spoonful. “You’re a natural, Hee. She’s warming up to you again.”

Heeseung’s grin widened, his confidence growing as he offered her another bite. But this time, instead of taking the food immediately, she let out a happy little coo and turned back to you, her arms reaching out as if trying to climb across the tray.

“Mama,” she babbled, her voice filled with excitement.

“Oh, come on,” Heeseung groaned dramatically, leaning back in his chair. “I’m right here! Feeding you!”

You laughed, setting your fork down. “She’s just saying hi, Hee. Let her have her moment.”

He narrowed his eyes at you, but the playful glint in his gaze gave him away. “Hi? It's more like rubbing it in my face. Aren’t you, bunny?”

Your daughter cooed again as if agreeing. But this time, she turned back to Heeseung, her tiny hands slapping the tray excitedly.

“See? She’s still got Dada love in her,” you teased, taking another bite of your food.

Heeseung smiled softly, his eyes warm as he offered her another spoonful. “Yeah,” he murmured. “She’s just making me work for it.”

You watched as she leaned forward slightly, taking the food from him without hesitation this time. Her chubby cheeks wobbled as she chewed, her little noises of satisfaction making Heeseung’s smile stretch even more expansive.

“She’s a handful,” he said, glancing at you. “But she’s worth every second.”

You reached over, squeezing his free hand gently. “We both are,” you reminded him softly.

Heeseung looked at you, his expression filled with so much love it made your chest tighten. “Yeah,” he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “You both are.”

As the three of you sat together, sharing this simple but meaningful moment, Heeseung felt a sense of peace settle over him. This was his family—his home. And no matter how chaotic life got, this was the love he would always return to.

As Heeseung placed the spoon back into the bowl, he noticed the familiar signs. His daughter’s little hand started to bat at the empty tray, her face scrunching as a soft whine escaped her lips.

"Uh-oh," he muttered softly, his heart immediately going into overdrive. “You finished already, huh? Just a little more, baby…”

But she wasn’t having it. The whining grew into a louder fuss, her tiny legs kicking in protest as she squirmed in her high chair, her hands urgently reaching him.

“Okay, okay, I get it!” Heeseung chuckled nervously, glancing at you for reassurance. “She’s ready for her bottle. You’re growing too fast, bunny.”

You gave him a knowing smile, wiping your mouth as you leaned back. “I think she’s done with her dinner. Time for milky.”

Heeseung didn’t need to be told twice. He quickly unbuckled her from the high chair, easily scooping her up. She nestled her head against his shoulder, her face scrunching into a tiny pout as she continued to fuss, clearly tired but craving the comfort of her bottle.

“Shh, sweetheart. I’ve got you,” Heeseung cooed softly, cradling her against his chest. His hands gently cupped the back of her head, rocking her as he made his way to the living room.

You watched the scene unfold, your heart softening at the sight of Heeseung looking so natural with his daughter in his arms. Moments like these reminded you of how deeply he loved her, even if he had his own moments of self-doubt.

Heeseung settled onto the couch, carefully adjusting your daughter in his arms. He grabbed her bottle from the coffee table with practiced hands, ensuring the milk was at the right temperature.

“Here we go, bunny,” he murmured, gently guiding the bottle to her mouth.

Your daughter’s eyes fluttered closed as she lazily latched onto the bottle, her little fingers grasping at the soft fabric of his shirt. She was still fussy, but the comfort of being held by her father and the warm bottle quickly soothed her.

“Mm…” she hummed softly, her fussing slowly fading as she began drinking. Heeseung smiled, a deep sense of relief washing over him. His eyes softened as he gazed down at her, the light from the lamps casting a warm glow over her peaceful face.

“That’s it, little one,” he whispered. “Just relax now.”

You stood from the table, walking over to sit next to him. Your hand gently brushed through his hair as you smiled at the sight. “She’s finally calming down. You’re good at this, you know?”

Heeseung chuckled, glancing over at you with a tired but content smile. “I just don’t want to mess up,” he confessed quietly. “I don’t want her to feel like she’s not important, not enough.”

You softened, your heart aching for him. “She knows she’s important, Hee. You’re her world. She’s just a little fussy sometimes. It’s normal for babies, right?”

“Yeah…” Heeseung breathed out, his gaze flickering back down to their daughter. “It’s just so hard when she’s upset. I don’t want her to feel that way around me.”

“She won’t,” you said softly, reaching out to gently rub his back. “She trusts you, Hee. You’re the one she turns to when she needs comfort.”

Heeseung sighed deeply, watching as your daughter’s little body relaxed further in his arms, the soft sounds of her sucking filling the space.

“You’re right,” he whispered. “I just want to do everything I can for her.”

“She knows you’re doing your best,” you reassured him. “We all do.”

As you both sat there, watching her drift off into a peaceful slumber, the bond between father and daughter seemed to fill the room, quiet but undeniable. Heeseung may have been struggling with the weight of his responsibilities, but in that moment, as he held his baby girl in his arms, everything felt right.

You smiled, squeezing his hand. “She’ll always need you, Hee. You’re the best Dada she could have.”

Heeseung’s eyes met yours; his voice was soft and full of love. “And you’re the best mama.”

With a content sigh, he rested his head against the back of the couch, allowing the peaceful silence to wrap around the three of you. The soft sound of your daughter’s breathing filled the room, and for the first time in a while, Heeseung allowed himself to relax fully, knowing that this—this was everything.

The night had settled in, the soft hum of the house filling the silence as Heeseung carefully cradled his daughter in his arms. She had finished her bottle, her little belly full, and she seemed to be drifting off into a peaceful sleep, her small, warm body nestled against his chest. Heeseung smiled, feeling the weight of the day lift as he held her, the rhythmic sound of her breathing soothing him more than he expected.

Still, the task remained: putting her down for the night.

He hesitated momentarily, watching her delicate face, soft with sleep. Knowing how much she craved his warmth, his heart ached, but he also knew she needed to rest in her crib. He gently adjusted her in his arms, careful not to jostle her too much, and slowly made his way to her nursery.

As he reached the crib and carefully lowered her, her little face scrunched up instantly. Her tiny hands reached out, gripping at his shirt desperately as she whimpered softly, a frown pulling at her lips.

“No, no, baby, it’s okay,” Heeseung murmured, his voice low and soothing. “You need to sleep in your crib, okay? Dada’s right here…”

But his reassurances didn’t seem to work. The moment he pulled away, her tiny body tensed, her face scrunching as she let out a pitiful cry. Her little hands stretched out to him, her eyes filled with frustration and confusion.

Heeseung felt his chest tighten at the sound. He couldn’t bear to see her upset.

“Alright, alright,” he muttered to himself, his voice soft but firm as he scooped her back into his arms, holding her close. “I’ll let you sleep with me for a little longer. But you’ve got to sleep, okay, bunny?”

Immediately, her cries quieted as she was lifted back into his embrace. Her small, warm body melted back against his chest, her face instinctively snuggling into the crook of his neck.

“You just want your Dada, huh?” Heeseung whispered, his heart racing as he carefully rocked her back and forth. Her soft, even breaths against his skin told him all he needed to know. She was calm now, content with the warmth of his chest and his heartbeat's steady rhythm.

Heeseung’s heart swelled, knowing how much she craved the comfort only he could provide. He wasn’t sure if it was his warmth or the familiarity of his scent, but she always seemed to seek him out in those moments of need.

“Don’t worry, baby,” he murmured, brushing his nose against her soft hair. “I’ll stay right here. You’re safe with me.”

He walked around the room slowly, letting her snuggle deeper into him. His own body felt the pull of exhaustion, the weight of his daughter in his arms grounding him to the present.

“Maybe tomorrow we’ll try again,” he whispered, his voice soft and affectionate. “But for tonight… you, mama, and me, okay? Just us.”

She cooed, her tiny hands curling around the fabric of his shirt as she snuggled deeper, her face hidden against him. The smell of milk and baby lotion lingered on her skin, and Heeseung closed his eyes for a moment, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over him.

As he gently rocked her, his thoughts drifted back to the chaos of his idol life, the long hours and the never-ending demands. But at that moment, with his daughter tucked safely in his arms, Heeseung couldn’t imagine a perfect place to be.

He sat on the rocking chair in the nursery, his daughter still nestled against him, and allowed himself to relax fully. This was his world now. And no matter how busy life got, he knew that the feel of her tiny body in his arms and her breath's softness against his chest was worth every second.

As she slowly drifted off to sleep, her tiny body curled against his warmth, Heeseung realized he would never take these moments for granted. Even when the world felt overwhelming, this little family—his family—was the home he had always craved.

As Heeseung gently rocked her in his arms, a sudden, soft sound interrupted the quiet of the nursery.

💨

His eyebrows shot up, and his lips twitched as he tried to suppress a laugh.

Another one followed.

💨 💨

“Oh, no…” Heeseung muttered under his breath, though the corners of his mouth quirked upward. “You’re relaxed now, huh, bunny?”

His daughter let out a content sigh, utterly unaware of the symphony of sleepy farts escaping her. She snuggled deeper into his chest, her tiny hand gripping his shirt as if to say, I’m not done using you as a pillow yet, Dada.

💨 💨 💨

Heeseung blinked, now fully laughing under his breath. “Okay, that was a loud one,” he said softly, glancing down at her with wide eyes. “You went all in, didn’t you?”

She stirred slightly, letting out a small, sleepy whimper, but quickly settled again as he patted her back.

“Don’t worry, bunny,” Heeseung whispered, his voice laced with amusement. “I’m not going anywhere. Even if you’re out here clearing the room.”

The telltale smell started to waft up, and Heeseung winced, his nose crinkling as he realized what he was in for.

“Oh, I knew it,” he groaned quietly, though his heart softened as he looked down at her. “You didn’t just fall asleep; you went all the way, huh? Dada’s got a full cleanup waiting for him now.”

He sat there momentarily, contemplating whether to wake her to change her diaper or wait until she was in a deeper sleep. But when she shifted in his arms, letting out one final 💨 and settling again peacefully, Heeseung sighed too, shaking his head.

“Alright, bunny,” he murmured. “We’ll wait a few more minutes. I’m letting you rest but after this? You and I are taking a trip to the changing table.”

He leaned back in the rocking chair, letting her stay snuggled against him for a bit longer. Despite the impending diaper duty, he couldn’t help but smile. These moments—messy, funny, and heartwarming—made it all worthwhile.

As she let out another soft sigh against his chest, Heeseung closed his eyes, enjoying the calm before the (diaper) storm.

Heeseung carefully laid her down on the changing table, his hands moving with practiced ease as he reached for the supplies—a clean diaper, baby wipes, and a fresh onesie.

“Alright, bunny,” he whispered, brushing her hair away from her forehead as she let out a tiny, sleepy coo. “Let’s get you cleaned up. You’re going to feel so much better after this.”

She blinked at him, her eyes fluttering open momentarily before she let out a little sigh, completely trusting her dada to take care of her.

As Heeseung undid her soiled diaper, she squirmed slightly, her chubby arms stretching upward to remind him, Hey, I’m still here.

“I know, I know,” he chuckled, grabbing a baby wipe and getting to work. “Just hang in there, princess. Dada’s almost done.”

She let out another soft coo, her lips puckering as if she were trying to protest but was too sleepy to commit to it.

Once her bottom was clean, Heeseung swiftly placed the fresh diaper under her, securing it snugly around her waist.

“There we go,” he murmured, leaning down to kiss her tummy. “Nice and fresh. Just one more step, bunny—your onesie.”

He grabbed the soft, pastel-coloured onesie with little bunnies printed on it—her favourite, or so he liked to believe. He gently slid it under her, guiding her arms into the sleeves without much trouble. But the moment he reached for her chunky legs, the real challenge began.

She kicked out, her legs moving like tiny pistons as he tried to guide them into the leg sleeves.

“Whoa, okay, I get it!” Heeseung said, laughing under his breath. “You’re not a fan of bedtime fashion, huh?”

But she wasn’t listening. Her little legs continued to kick, her toes wiggling defiantly as if she were making it her mission to keep him from completing his task.

“Alright, little ninja,” he muttered, gently but firmly grabbing one of her legs. “You’ve left me no choice.”

He managed to slip one chubby leg into the sleeve, grinning triumphantly. “Gotcha! One down, one to go.”

But as he reached for her other leg, she wiggled even more, letting out a determined squeal that made him laugh even harder.

“You’re not making this easy, bunny,” Heeseung said, shaking his head as he caught her other leg. “But Dada always wins. Remember that.”

With one swift motion, he guided her second leg into the sleeve, finally zipping up the onesie and securing it. He sat back with a dramatic sigh, pretending to wipe sweat from his forehead.

“There,” he said, looking down at her with a playful grin. “All done. You fought hard, but I’m still undefeated.”

She stared up at him, her big, sleepy eyes wide with curiosity. And then, as if to reward him for his efforts, she let out a soft, gurgling giggle, her tiny hands reaching up toward his face.

“Oh, now you’re laughing?” Heeseung teased, scooping her into his arms and pressing a flurry of kisses to her chubby cheeks. “You’re lucky you’re so cute.”

She let out another happy coo, snuggling into his chest as her little body relaxed again.

“Time for bed, bunny,” he whispered, swaying gently as he carried her back toward the rocking chair. “No more kicking, okay? Dada needs a break.”

As he settled back into the chair, her soft breaths began to slow, her eyelids growing heavier by the second. Heeseung let out a content sigh, feeling the day's weight fade away as she drifted off in his arms again.

And even though his body was tired and his mind was worn, he couldn’t help but smile. Because in moments like this, with his baby girl tucked safely against him, everything felt exactly as it should be.

Heeseung stood in front of her crib, swaying gently with her in his arms. His mind was already weighing the risks of another attempt to lay her down. She was so peaceful now, her little face pressed into his chest, her tiny breaths warm against his neck. He could feel the slight rise and fall of her belly and hear her soft sighs as she snuggled closer.

“Alright, bunny,” he whispered, his voice so quiet it was barely audible. “This is the last try, okay? You’ve got to sleep in your bed tonight. Dada needs some rest, too.”

With painstaking care, he began lowering her toward the crib. He had it all planned: gently settle her down, pull away slowly, and tiptoe out like a stealth ninja. But the moment her back touched the mattress, her tiny body tensed.

Her eyes didn’t even open; instead, she let out a whimper and immediately clutched at his shirt, her little fingers curling into the fabric with surprising strength. Her face scrunched up in protest, her lip quivering, and Heeseung froze.

“Bunny…” he started, but it was too late. A soft, pitiful cry escaped her, her tiny fists tightening their grip on his shirt as if to say, You’re not leaving me, Dada.

Heeseung sighed, defeated, gently pulling her back into his arms. Her cries stopped instantly, and she melted into him like butter, her little head tucked perfectly into the crook of his neck.

“Oh, so it’s like that, huh?” he murmured, kissing her soft hair. “You just want to stay glued to Dada all night.”

She responded with a sleepy coo, her tiny hand patting his chest to reassure him, Yes, exactly that.

Heeseung chuckled, shaking his head as he walked toward your shared bedroom. “Looks like I’m out of options. Oh well, bunny. Hope mama has some space for you in the bed.”

He nudged the door quietly, finding you sprawled out on your side, fast asleep. The soft glow of the nightlight bathed the room in a warm light, and Heeseung smiled at the sight of you, your peaceful expression a stark contrast to the chaos he’d been juggling all evening.

He approached the bed carefully, cradling your velcro baby in one arm while pulling back the blanket with the other. He climbed in slowly, settling beside you as he adjusted the baby between you.

“Alright, bunny,” he whispered, stroking her back as she snuggled closer to his chest. “Looks like it’s a family sleepover tonight.”

She let out a soft sigh, her tiny hand curling around his thumb as she finally fell into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Heeseung looked over at you, watching how your chest rose and fell with steady breaths, and he felt a wave of calm wash over him. It didn’t matter how exhausting or unpredictable the day had been—this was his happiness.

As his eyelids grew heavy, he leaned over to kiss your forehead gently, then one to the top of his baby girl’s head.

“Goodnight, my girls,” he whispered, letting himself finally relax, the weight of his world safely nestled on either side of him.

And with that, the three of you drifted off into the kind of sleep only a family wrapped in love could find.

Heeseung waited a little longer, his arm cradling her securely as her tiny body grew heavier and heavier with sleep. Her breathing slowed to that soft, rhythmic hum that told him she was finally in a deep slumber. Her little hand, which had been clutching his shirt moments ago, now lay limp against his chest.

“Okay, bunny,” he whispered, almost to himself. “Let’s try this one last time.”

With careful precision, he shifted her in his arms, her head resting against his palm as he gently leaned over to place her in the baby bassinet cushion crib nestled between you two. He kept his movements slow as if the slightest noise or jolt might undo all the effort it had taken to get her to this peaceful state.

Finally, she settled into the soft bedding, her tiny body curling slightly as he adjusted her position for comfort. Heeseung crouched beside her momentarily, watching to see if she would stir, but she didn’t. Instead, her mouth opened slightly, as it always did when wholly relaxed.

He smiled softly, reaching for her pacifier on the bedside table. He gently slipped it into her mouth, watching as she instinctively began to suckle, the motion soothing even in her sleep.

“Good girl,” he murmured, his tender voice almost cracked.

Next, he grabbed her little blankie—the one she always needed to sleep with—and tucked it snugly around her, ensuring it wasn’t too tight. Her favourite stuffed bunny, Mr. Flopsy, was placed right next to her, its floppy ears brushing her tiny hand.

“There you go, bunny,” Heeseung whispered, brushing a finger lightly over her soft cheek. “All warm and cozy now. Sweet dreams.”

Satisfied, he eased himself back into bed, careful not to make sudden movements. He glanced at you, still fast asleep, and sighed a sigh of relief.

Finally, as he lay on his back, his head sinking into the pillow, he allowed himself a moment to breathe. The sight of your baby girl, peaceful and safe in her little bassinet between you, made all the day's exhaustion disappear.

He reached over to lightly brush a strand of hair from your face, his fingers lingering on your cheek for a moment before he whispered, “She’s finally asleep. You’ve got some competition, though—she might love my chest more than you.”

He chuckled softly before closing his eyes, his hand resting protectively near the bassinet. As the three of you shared the quiet, serene night, Heeseung drifted off with a smile and a whole heart.

The room was still and quiet, save for the gentle hum of the nightlight and the soft, rhythmic breaths coming from your baby girl. Heeseung’s arm instinctively stretched out to rest near her bassinet, like a protection barrier in his half-asleep state.

Minutes passed, and the peacefulness lulled him into a light sleep. But just as he began to drift deeper, a tiny sound pulled him back—a soft, muffled whimper.

His eyes fluttered open, and he turned his head toward the bassinet. Your baby had shifted slightly in her sleep, her pacifier slipping from her mouth. Her tiny face scrunched up, her lips forming the beginnings of a cry.

Heeseung sighed, already moving before the first sound could escape.

“Shhh, bunny, it’s okay,” he whispered, leaning over and gently popping the pacifier back in place. Her face relaxed almost immediately, and she let out a small, contented sigh.

Heeseung smiled tiredly, his hand resting lightly on her belly to reassure her. “You’ve got Dada wrapped around your little finger, you know that?” he murmured.

Settling back down, Heeseung cast a glance at you. You stirred slightly but didn’t wake, your exhaustion keeping you in a deep sleep. He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he looked back at his daughter.

“Just you and me again, huh?” he said under his breath, though his words were warm. “I guess you’re my alarm clock for the night.”

He lay back down but kept his eyes on her for a while longer, watching the rise and fall of her chest, the way her little hand clutched Mr. Flopsy even in her sleep.

And then, almost as if she could sense his gaze, she let out another tiny, sleepy coo, her head turning slightly toward his side of the bed.

Heeseung couldn’t help but smile, the kind of smile from the deepest part of his heart. He leaned over one last time, kissing her forehead softly.

“Goodnight, bunny,” he whispered. “I’ll be here if you need me.”

This time, when he lay back, sleep came easier. And as the quiet night stretched on, the three of you rested together—ideally in sync, perfectly complete.

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. You stirred awake slowly, the cozy quiet of the morning wrapping around you like a blanket. Blinking a few times, you turned your head and saw a sight that swelled your heart.

Heeseung was fast asleep; his face turned toward the bassinet, his lips slightly parted in soft breaths. One arm was stretched protectively toward your baby, while the other was tucked under his head. The faintest shadow of exhaustion lingered on his features, but even in sleep, he looked peaceful.

You smiled softly, your gaze drifting to the bassinet. Your baby girl started to stir, her little legs kicking lightly under the blanket. Her pacifier bobbed as her mouth moved slightly, and you could tell she was moments away from waking fully.

Leaning over, you gently touched her chest, hoping to soothe her for a moment longer so Heeseung could rest. “Good morning, bunny,” you whispered, your voice full of love.

Her little eyes fluttered open, blinking against the soft light. She yawned, her arms stretching above her head in that adorably dramatic way she always did. You couldn’t help but smile at her sleepy antics.

“Did you keep Dada busy all night?” you asked softly, brushing a finger across her chubby cheek. She cooed in response, her eyes still half-lidded with sleep as she focused on you.

Carefully, you lifted her from the bassinet, cradling her against your chest. She was warm and soft, her tiny body curling into you as you rocked her gently. You glanced back at Heeseung, still sound asleep, and your heart ached at how hard he’d worked to care for her overnight.

“You’ve got him wrapped around your little finger, you know,” you murmured to her, your lips brushing the top of her head.

She let out another small coo, her tiny hand reaching up to grab your shirt. You held her close, swaying gently as you moved to the rocking chair in the corner of the room.

For a while, you just sat there, holding her and watching the slow, steady rise and fall of Heeseung’s chest. It was a peaceful, perfect moment—the three of you together, wrapped in the quiet love of your little family.

As your baby girl started to wiggle, signalling her readiness for the day, Heeseung groaned softly, his head turning slightly on the pillow. His eyes cracked open, squinting in the morning light.

“Morning,” he murmured sleepily, his voice rough but warm. His gaze landed on you and the baby, and despite the fatigue in his eyes, a smile tugged at his lips.

“Good morning,” you whispered, your voice soft to not startle the baby. “She’s just waking up. You can sleep a little more if you want.”

Heeseung shook his head, pushing himself up on one elbow. “Nah, I’m up,” he said, his voice still laced with sleep. He reached out, his hand brushing over your baby’s tiny foot. “How’s my bunny this morning?”

She turned her head toward him at his voice, letting out a happy coo. He chuckled, exhaustion melting away as he leaned over to kiss her forehead.

“Looks like she’s ready for round two,” he said with a grin, sitting up fully. “What about you, Mama? You okay? Is our second bunny kicking too much?”

You nodded, your heart full as you watched him interact with her. “I’m good. Our bunnies can't wait to meet each other, hehe. She’s lucky to have you, you know.”

Heeseung looked at you, his eyes soft. “We’re both lucky,” he said, his voice sincere.

And as the morning unfolded, filled with tiny giggles, warm cuddles, and sleepy smiles, you couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest family in the world.

The dim glow of the nightlight painted soft hues of pink and lavender across the nursery walls as you paced back and forth, exhaustion pulling at your every movement. Baby Haruka’s cries echoed off the walls, her tiny voice piercing through your heart. She stood near her toddler bed, fists clutching her beloved blankie, her cheeks flushed and streaked with tears.

“Please, sweetie,” you whispered, kneeling to her level. “You’re a big girl now. This is your special bed.”

But she only wailed louder, her little legs stomping against the soft carpet as she sobbed, “Nooooo! Mamaaaa!”

You sighed, brushing your hair away from your face. The ache in your back from hours of this routine was starting to set in. The maids had come and gone, their attempts to console her failing just as yours had. Each time you laid her down, she would get up moments later, trailing her blanket and searching for you or Ni-ki.

Speaking of Ni-ki.

He stood by the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed. His face was unreadable, as cold as if his daughter's cries didn’t faze him. The icy demeanour you’d grown used to pierced you harder tonight than ever.

“You could help, you know,” you muttered under your breath as you hoisted Haruka up again, her small hands gripping your shirt tightly as she continued to cry into your shoulder.

Ni-ki said nothing for a moment, his dark eyes locked on the scene before him: the baby, the struggle, you.

“I told you this would happen if you gave in to her every whim,” he finally said, his voice low and detached.

Your jaw clenched. “And I told you she’s a baby, Riki. She needs love and patience, not… whatever this is.”

Haruka’s sobs grew louder, her tiny fingers digging into your skin as she whimpered, “Dada… Dada…”

You turned to him, anger bubbling beneath your fatigue. “You hear her, don’t you? She’s calling for you, Riki. Don’t just stand there. Help me.”

Something flickered in his eyes for a fleeting moment—guilt, perhaps, or hesitation—but it was gone before you could grasp it. He pushed off the doorframe, his steps slow and deliberate as he approached. Haruka’s cries softened, her tearful gaze locking onto him as she hiccuped, “Dada…”

He crouched down, his movements stiff, and reached out to gently take her from your arms. She clung to him like a lifeline, her sobs quieting as she buried her face in his chest.

“Shhh,” he murmured, his voice still cold but softer now. He ran a hand over her hair, the action awkward yet oddly tender. “Stop crying. You'll always be our baby but you’re not a baby anymore.”

“Dada…” she whispered again, her little voice cracking.

Your chest ached as you watched the scene. Despite his detached nature, Haruka sought him out and craved his presence just as much as she did yours.

Ni-ki sat on the edge of the toddler bed, adjusting her in his arms. “This is your new bed now,” he said firmly but gently, his fingers brushing away her tears. “You have to sleep here, Haruka. No more crying. No more crib.”

She sniffled, her grip on his shirt loosening as she blinked at him. “Dada, stay?”

He froze, his cold facade cracking just slightly. His eyes darted to you as if asking for permission, though he’d never admit it.

“Fine,” he muttered, laying her down and tucking her in. He settled on the floor beside the bed, his back against the wall. “But only until you fall asleep.”

A faint smile broke through Haruka’s tear-streaked face as she clutched her blankie and closed her eyes. Her breathing evened out slowly, the room falling into an uneasy silence.

You stood by the doorway, arms crossed, watching Ni-ki as he leaned back against the wall, his eyes closing briefly.

“Thank you,” you whispered, though your tone mixed gratitude and bitterness.

He didn’t respond, his cold mask slipping back into place as if nothing had happened. But as you turned to leave, you caught a glimpse of his hand resting protectively on the edge of Haruka’s bed, a silent promise only she would understand.

The faint glow of morning filtered through the curtains, casting streaks of gold across the nursery. You rubbed at your tired eyes as you stepped into the room. The quiet was startling after the night's chaos, and you held your breath for a moment.

Haruka lay sound asleep in her toddler bed, her tiny chest rising and falling with each even breath. Her blankie was clutched in one hand, her thumb tucked into her mouth, a picture of serenity. Beside her, slouched against the wall with his head tilted back, was Ni-ki.

He looked uncomfortable, his long legs stretched awkwardly across the floor, arms folded across his chest, and yet… peaceful. His face, usually so guarded and cold, was relaxed in sleep. A soft sigh escaped your lips as you leaned against the doorway, taking in the sight.

The man who always kept his emotions locked away had stayed with her all night. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes.

You stepped closer, your bare feet padding softly across the carpet. Kneeling beside him, you hesitated before reaching out. For once, he seemed vulnerable, almost human, as he slumbered. You gently touched his arm.

“Riki,” you whispered.

His eyes fluttered open, his gaze meeting yours. For a brief moment, he looked disoriented, his cold facade nowhere to be found. Then, like clockwork, the walls came back up. He straightened, rubbing the back of his neck with a grimace.

“She’s still asleep,” he said, his voice gruff from exhaustion.

“I can see that,” you replied softly. “You stayed all night.”

Ni-ki stood, brushing off invisible dust from his pants. “She wouldn’t have stopped crying otherwise,” he said as if to downplay the effort he’d made.

You rose to your feet, crossing your arms. “You could’ve gone back to bed and let the maids handle it, but you didn’t. Why?”

He turned to face you, his expression unreadable. “Because you were exhausted,” he said after a long pause. “And she needed someone.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his admission. It wasn’t an apology but the closest thing to an explanation you’d ever gotten from him.

“She doesn’t just need someone,” you said, quiet but firm. “She needs you, Riki. Not just when it’s convenient or I can’t handle it anymore. She needs her father.”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, you thought he might walk away. But then his shoulders sagged, and he let out a sigh.

“I’m not good at this,” he admitted, his voice barely audible. “Being… there. I don’t know how to be what she needs.”

Your expression softened, and you reached out, touching his arm. “You just have to try,” you said. “She doesn’t need you to be perfect. She needs to know you love her. That’s enough.”

Ni-ki’s eyes flickered to Haruka, still sound asleep in her bed. For once, the cold mask cracked, and you saw the faintest glimmer of warmth in his gaze.

“I’ll try,” he murmured, almost to himself.

It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

As you turned to leave the room, you glanced back to see Ni-ki sitting on the floor again, his hand resting lightly on the edge of Haruka’s bed. Maybe the husband you’d grown accustomed to was beginning to thaw.

© hazelira | tumblr 2025

2025: 0.5k notes

Jake leaned against the front door frame, arms crossed as he checked the time on his watch. His usual composed expression softened with the slightest hint of amusement—and maybe just a little bit of exasperation. Grocery shopping. That’s all this was supposed to be. A quick run, in and out. But here he was, waiting in the foyer like he was about to walk a red carpet, except the show's real star hadn’t even made her entrance yet.

The distant sound of your voice floated down the hall.

“I know, baby, but you can’t wear all the tutus.”

A high-pitched whine followed.

Jake pinched the bridge of his nose, suppressing a chuckle. His daughter—his bossy baby—was already making demands before she had even stepped foot outside. Like mother, like daughter.

And then, finally, the moment came.

You emerged, holding your toddler’s tiny hand. She waddled beside you, her pink tutu bouncing with every determined little step she took. Her chubby cheeks were slightly flushed, her dark lashes still heavy from sleep, and her messy baby hairs framed her face like a crown.

Jake’s brow arched.

“…Are you serious?”

Your daughter blinked up at him, completely unaware of the sheer ridiculousness of her outfit. A complete, fluffy pink tutu, glittery socks that barely stayed up, and a matching pink cardigan with a bunny embroidered on the pocket. She looked like a tiny ballerina who had just rolled out of bed and decided today was her day.

“She refused to get out of bed without it,” you sighed, adjusting the packaged diaper bag slung over your shoulder. “She threw a fit, Yunie. You know how she gets.”

Jake exhaled slowly, his gaze flicking between the two of you: his exhausted but beautiful wife and his daughter, who looked like she had just stumbled onto the set of a ballet recital but had no clue what was happening.

“Sweetie, do you even know where we’re going?” he asked, crouching slightly to meet her big, sleepy eyes.

His daughter sucked on her thumb for a second, deep in thought, before deciding it didn’t matter. Instead, she toddled forward and wrapped her arms around his leg.

“Daddy, up up.”

That was it. That was the final order.

Jake sighed dramatically, though his lips twitched as he bent down to scoop her into his arms. Her tiny hands fisted his blazer, her cheek pressing against his shoulder, and he felt her let out the most minor, sleepiest sigh.

“Bossy little baby,” he murmured, kissing her forehead.

You grinned, stepping closer to adjust her tutu so it didn’t get squished in his hold. “Well, what do you expect? She’s your daughter.”

Jake rolled his eyes, but how he held her—gentle, firm, completely wrapped around her little finger—told you he wouldn’t have it any other way.

With a resigned sigh, he shifted his daughter comfortably in one arm, then reached for your hand with the other.

“Alright, princess. Let’s go get some groceries.”

And just like that, the Sim family exited the door.

The drive to the grocery store was mostly quiet, except for the occasional backseat babbling. Jake glanced at the rearview mirror, watching his daughter absentmindedly gnaw on her milk bottle, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She was oblivious to how ridiculous she looked, pink tutu fluffing around her tiny legs like she was heading to a gala rather than a supermarket.

Conversely, you were scrolling through your phone, double-checking the grocery list you’d made.

“You know,” Jake started, lazily resting one hand on the steering wheel while his other tapped against the gear shift, “we could’ve just left her at home with my mom.”

A scoff left your lips as you turned to him. “She would’ve burned the house down.”

Jake let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “She’s a toddler, not a monster.”

“She’s our toddler, Yunie. She was ready to throw hands over a tutu.”

At that, he gave a single nod. Fair point.

From the backseat, a soft whine.

“Pink,” your daughter mumbled as if offended that she wasn’t included in the conversation about her beloved outfit.

Jake sighed, flicking on the turn signal as he pulled into the grocery store parking lot. “Yeah, yeah, we know. Tutu supremacy.”

When you unbuckled her from the car seat, she reached out for her dad again. “Up, up.”

Jake gave you a look. “You walked to the car by yourself.”

She blinked, utterly unbothered. “Daddy, up up.”

He scoffed, but there was no real fight in him. Jake wasn’t not going to carry her. So, with a deep sigh—his signature chill but entirely at her mercy Dad moved—he hoisted her onto his hip.

With one arm securely wrapped around his tiny dictator, he grabbed a shopping cart and nodded for you to lead the way inside.

The moment you stepped into the store, your daughter perked up.  

Her sleepy haze was gone.

Now, she was pointing at everything—bright-coloured cereal boxes, neatly stacked fruits, random strangers who weren’t paying attention to her but who she seemed to think needed her approval.  

You reached for a pack of strawberries, tossing them into the cart. “Yunie, can you grab—”  

Before you could even finish, Jake sighed. “Yeah, I got it.”  

He knew. He always knew. You needed milk. It was an unspoken rule in your household that there had to be at least two cartons in the fridge at all times, and after years of grocery runs together, he was already making his way toward the dairy aisle like it was second nature.  

You watched him go, but your daughter latched onto him, babbling about absolutely nothing.  

And then—  

A tiny gasp.  

She wiggled in Jake’s arms, her chubby hands smacking against his chest.  

“Daddy! Look!”  

She pointed dramatically to the pinkiest thing she could see—a massive display of Hello Kitty snacks, cookies, and juice boxes.  

Jake looked at the shelves, then at you, then back at his daughter, who was practically vibrating in his arms.  

“You don’t even know what that is,” he deadpanned.  

She was unbothered. “It’s pink.”  

You bit back a laugh, giving him a knowing smirk. “She makes a solid argument.”  

Jake stared at you, then at the display, and then at his daughter, who was now blinking at him with those big, round, pleading eyes.  

“…You’re killing me,” he muttered under his breath before grabbing a pack of pink Hello Kitty cookies and tossing them into the cart.  

Your daughter clapped her hands in victory. “Pink tutu and cookies!”  

“Unbelievable,” Jake groaned, but there was no real bite. He pressed a quick kiss to her temple before sighing dramatically. “What have I gotten myself into?”  

You grinned, leaning in to peck his cheek. “Welcome to fatherhood, love.”  

And just like that, Jake accepted his fate—wrapped around the little finger of his tiny, bossy ballerina, pink tutu and all.

As the grocery run continued, Jake found himself trapped in what could only be described as a pink-fueled hostage situation.  

Your daughter, still securely in his arms, had taken complete control. Jake obeyed every aisle she pointed at. He sighed before grabbing every snack she eyed. You, meanwhile, were watching it all unfold with barely contained amusement.  

“Yunie, she doesn’t need that many cookies,” you murmured, crossing your arms as you eyed the growing collection of pink-themed snacks in the cart.  

Jake, looking thoroughly exhausted despite it only being twenty minutes into the trip, ran a hand through his hair. "Tell her that.”  

You turned to your daughter, who was now happily snacking on a teething biscuit you had packed. She blinked at you, completely innocent—except she wasn’t. You knew that tiny brain of hers was already scheming.  

“Sweetheart,” you said gently, tucking a stray baby hair behind her ear. “We’re only getting one treat today, okay?”  

She considered your words for a moment, tilting her head. Then, slowly, she turned back to Jake and, in the softest, most manipulative voice possible, mumbled:  

“…Daddy?”  

You nearly snorted. Oh, she knew what she was doing.  

Jake stared at her like he was fighting for his life. “Don’t daddy me,” he warned, shifting her in his arms.  

But the damage was done.  

She reached up, patting his cheek with her tiny hand. Then—the move that sealed his fate forever—she rested her head against his shoulder and nuzzled into him.  

You swore you saw your husband malfunction on the spot.  

His shoulders tensed, his grip on the cart tightened, and he let out a long, suffering sigh. Then, without a single word, he grabbed a second pack of cookies and tossed it into the cart.  

You gaped at him. “JAKE.”  

“She’s—” He gestured wildly to the tiny human in his arms, now humming happily like she hadn’t just emotionally manipulated her father. “She’s so small! How does she have this much power?”  

You couldn’t hold back your laughter anymore, shaking your head as you pushed the cart toward the checkout.