I knew I had to confront Lee Know today, and my chest ached with the news I had to give him.

"Just think about it," he hummed, eyes shining as he imagined the future we'd have together.

I intertwined my hand with his and kissed his shoulder. "I will," I promised.

We laid together in bed quietly after that, neither of us wanting to disturb the peaceful morning sun filtering through the window. We'd fallen asleep together for the first time and had woken up a bundle of entwined limbs.

We'd kissed. We'd had sex. And we'd felt feelings we shouldn't have...and I knew now what needed to be done.

"Han!" Lee Lnow flagged me down in the hall. We were meant to have dance practice later but I'd arrived early since I knew he'd be here.

"Can I have a minute?" I asked.

He nodded, looking a bit nervous, and said goodbye to the choreographer he was chatting with. I pulled him towards the recording studio and into the soundproof room where nobody would hear us.

"Han, what is it?" Lee Know asked, his voice shaky. I hated how devastating this would be for him. Hated to see him so upset already when I hadn't even given the news.

"I can't," I told him firmly.

"Why?" he asked, lip quivering though he managed to hold back tears.

"There are just so many factors, Lee Know. When you consider all the ways this could go wrong... I just think..."

"Don't think," Lee Know urged and reached for my hands desperately. "Just feel."

"Lee Know," I sighed, wishing it could be different. "If I could take out my brain and just have a heart, I would. Maybe then I could stop thinking about all the ways this could fuck it all up, but I can't. I think, Lee Know. I think, and I know we'll ruin it all by being together."

"I don't care," he shook his head and stepped closer, his voice firm but soft. "I don't care, Han. I just care about how it feels to hold you. I care about the way you look at me on days when you're mad, and I spend every hour wondering if it's my fault. Right now, I care so much about you that I can't let you put work above love and ..."

"Love?" I repeated in a whisper, afraid of the word and what it meant.

"That's what this is, isn't it?" Lee Know asked, his eyes searching mine, full of vulnerability.

My heart pounded in my chest, drawn to him, pleading with my brain for an answer. "So what if it is? We can't ask the others to sacrifice everything they've worked so hard for. Chan trained for years, Lee Know. Where will they be expected to go?" I reminded him.

"Forget about Chan for a second, Han," Lee Know pleaded, shaking his head slightly. "Forget about the fans and the group. Forget about fucking JYP and our contractual obligations. If all of that was gone..." he paused, searching my eyes for an answer before asking the question. "Would you want to be with me?"

"Lee Know," I sighed, my voice tinged with sadness as I gently cupped his cheeks. "It's not that simple, honey."

"It is," he assured me. "For me, it is that simple. I'm nothing without you," he insisted, his voice steady but laced with desperation.

"Lee Know, you're the most amazing person I've ever met. You're..."

"No, Han," he interrupted. "This isn't some self-deprecating speech. I know that I'm talented. I know I can dance well and that I have a good career. I know that I have a strong support system of friends and family. But without you... none of it matters. You make everything better."

"Lee Know..." I tried to speak, but my voice cracked, and I felt tears sting my eyes. I couldn't imagine a world where I could be an idol and be with him. JYP would never allow it.

"I love you, Han," he proclaimed confidently, his gaze unwavering. "I know what I want."

"I love you too," I finally admitted, watching a flicker of hope shine in his eyes, softening his features.

"I know," he smiled gently, his expression more serene now.

"But if we do this..."

"When we do this, everything will be okay. Chan supports us, and so do the others. Seungmin will come around eventually. Everything will be fine."

"How are you so certain?" I asked, my doubts lingering.

Lee Know took a deep breath, his eyes locked on mine, as if he couldn't believe I still hadn't seen it. "Whenever you're here... everything is good. I know we'll be okay as long as we're together."

I searched his expression for any uncertainty, but found none. "I didn't want to say no," I admitted as I grasped at his shirt, urging him closer.

"I know," he murmured and stepped forward until I was backed against the wall. "You just overthink. It's one of the many things I love about you."

"Really?" I asked in disbelief. I always found that habit annoying.

"Mhm," he hummed. "But when you're with me, you don't have to do that. You can let your brain be quiet for a while."

"God I'd love to do that," I sighed as I imagined it. Even an hour without wondering if every four-way stop would lead to a car accident or panicking that I'd accidentally forgotten to turn off my stove I never use would be nice.

"Then do it," he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine, but not making it a kiss yet.

"Make me," I smirked, daring him to continue.

"I will," he winked and fully pressed his lips to mine. He kissed me as desperately as I needed him to and I clawed at his shirt, seeking out the racing of his heart beneath the fabric.

"What if someone finds us?" I fretted.

Ella and Chan stood at the door, fussing over Jennie's diaper bag while rattling off what felt like a never-ending list of instructions. Jennie, sitting snugly in Ella's arms, looked around with wide eyes, her tiny hands playing with the edge of her mom's shirt.

"Okay, so she usually naps around 2, but if she seems tired earlier, just let her sleep," Ella said quickly, shifting Jennie from one arm to the other seamlessly. "And make sure she has her favorite blanket. The pink one. Not the blue one, she doesn't like the blue one anymore."

"And if she starts crying, she might just be hungry," Chan added, adjusting the strap of Jennie's bag. "Her snacks are in the front pocket, but make sure they're not too close to nap time or bedtime or she'll get fussy."

Han smiled, trying his best to keep up with the barrage of information. "We've got it. Snacks, blanket, nap. Food. Sleep. Don't worry."

"Also," Ella interrupted, looking more anxious now, "if she doesn't finish her bottle, just make sure she doesn't drink it too fast later. Sometimes she—"

"Ella, they'll be fine," Chan soothed, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. He smiled at Han and Lee Know. "You guys have known Jennie since she was born. She'll be in good hands."

Ella still looked hesitant, her gaze shifting between Jennie and the two men. "I know, I know. It's just... it's her first time with someone else for this long. Her first night away from me."

Lee Know, who had been standing awkwardly by the couch, looked at the two of them nervously. He opened his mouth to say something, but Han cut in, stepping forward with his usual calm confidence.

"Trust me, she'll be fine," Han said with a reassuring grin, gently reaching out to take Jennie from Ella's arms. Jennie settled into his embrace with ease, blinking up at him with her big eyes and reaching to slobber on his necklace. "See? She's totally comfortable."

Ella bit her lip. "But what if she—"

"We'll call if anything comes up," Han promised. "You guys deserve a break. Go enjoy your time off."

Chan chuckled, nudging Ella gently toward the door. "Okay, okay. Let's go before you start making up more things to worry about."

Ella nodded hesitantly as she kissed Jennie's forehead. "Have a good time little love. Don't be too hard on them."

"Bye Jennie. Mommy and Daddy will see you tomorrow," Chan kissed her cheek.

Ella sighed, glancing back at Jennie one more time before finally letting herself be led out by Chan. "Call us if you need anything. Even the smallest thing. I'll have my phone on loud all night."

"We will," Han assured her, smiling as the door clicked shut behind them.

The moment they were gone, Han looked down at Jennie, who was now chewing on her tiny fist. "Hi, cutie. You ready for your first sleepover?" He bounced slightly as he walked, trying to keep her calm. "You're a little too young for the good sleepover movies like Scream but maybe we can watch a kids' movie. Would you like that?"

Jennie replied with a giggle that made Han's heart melt.

"See, Lee Know," he said as he sat. "This isn't so bad."

Lee Know, still standing by the couch, crossed his arms. "Easy for you to say. You've always been good with kids."

Han laughed, bouncing Jennie slightly on his lap. "Come on, you've known her forever. You're not going to break her. You know how she is. She's pretty calm for a baby."

Lee Know's eyes flickered to Jennie, and he frowned slightly. "I'm just saying... what if I hold her wrong? Or she starts squirming and I drop her?"

"You won't," Han said confidently, moving closer and holding Jennie out toward Lee Know. "Here, just take her for a bit."

Lee Know took a step back, hands raised defensively. "I don't know, man... she's wiggly."

Han gave him a playful glare. "Lee Know, she's not a bomb. You've held her before."

Lee Know sighed, reluctantly extending his arms as he sat down. "Fine, but if she cries, it's on you."

With a smile, Han carefully passed Jennie over, and for a moment, everything was fine. Jennie blinked up at Lee Know, seemingly studying him. But then, her face started to crumple, and before either of them knew it, she let out a loud wail.

Lee Know froze, holding Jennie awkwardly in front of him with both hands supporting her by her armpits. "Oh no, I told you this would happen!"

Han chuckled, reaching out to take Jennie back. "Relax, she's just a little nervous because you're nervous."

The moment Jennie was back in Han's arms, her crying softened into tiny hiccups, and she buried her face in his chest. Lee Know sighed in relief, rubbing the back of his neck. "She hates me. I'll be her least favorite uncle. I'm sure when she starts talking she'll let me know that."

"No you won't," Han supported, gently swaying Jennie. "You'll get used to holding her, and you'll find other ways to bond with her."

"Won't he Jennie?" Han cooed.

Jennie smiled up at him with wide eyes and grasped for him to lean forward. When he did, she took fistfuls of his hair in her hands and laughed when he croaked in pain.

"Jennie, don't hurt Uncle Han," Han winced.

"Let me try to hold her again. You should get the travel crib set up."

Han nodded and carefully transferred Jennie again who gripped his hair until it slipped painfully through her fingers.

Lee Know tried to calm himself down by talking to Jennie like an adult instead. "Did you know we have a comeback coming up?"

Han grinned with twinkling eyes at Lee Know bonding with Jennie without freaking out before he headed to set up the crib. When he came back, Jennie was laughing and clutching his finger.

"I know!" Lee Know gasped. "And then I got kicked off the show. Uncle Han even cried."

"Hey!" Han called. "So did everyone else."

"Everyone else didn't send me flowers and bulgogi to try to cheer me up," Lee Know retorted.

"But then I came back. And Uncle Han never left me alone again," he smiled.

Han sat back down and took Jennie again. She yawned and Han asked Lee Know to find her blanket. "Hey, Jennie, you ready for nap time?"

Lee Know gave the blanket to her and she began to cry. Her scream was so shrill Lee Know had to cover his ears. "Fix her!"

"You brought the wrong blanket! She likes the pink one!" Han explained.

"What a drama queen," Lee Know rolled his eyes and collected the correct blanket for her. When he offered it to her, she instantly grabbed for it. "You and Hyunjin are going to be best friends," Lee Know joked.

"Nope! I'm her favorite uncle," Han claimed. "Jennie, can you say 'Uncle Han'? Come on say, 'Uncle Han,'" he begged as he exaggerated every syllable.

Jennie blinked, her little mouth opening and closing as she babbled something unintelligible.

"Uncle Han," Han repeated, encouraging her with a soft grin. "You can do it. Say 'Uncle Han' and I'll give you a million dollars."

Jennie cooed and reached for his finger to bite.

"'Uncle Han.'  Say it. Come on. 'Uncle Han.'"

Suddenly, Jennie babbled, "Unca!"

Han's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "Did you hear that?! She said 'Unca!'"

"Unca," she repeated upon seeing how happy it made Han.

Lee Know's eyes widened in shock. "No way... was that her first word?"

"Her first word," Han repeated, his grin growing wider by the second. He looked down at Jennie, his heart swelling with pride, but then his excitement faded a bit. "Oh no... Chan and Ella missed it. I can't tell..."

Lee Know raised an eyebrow. "You're not seriously thinking about not telling them, are you?"

Han hesitated, biting his lip. "I don't know... they're going to be upset they weren't here for it."

"They're going to find out eventually," Lee Know pointed out. "Might as well hear it from you."

Han glanced down at Jennie, who was now giggling happily in his arms, oblivious to the excitement she'd just caused. "Yeah, you're right. I guess they'll just be happy she's talking."

Lee Know smirked. "And that her first word was about her favorite uncle."

HAN POV

In the grand ballroom of the Bridgerton estate, the air was thick with chatter and the soft strains of a waltz being played by a skilled quartet. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm, golden glow on the lavish scene. It was a night meant for celebration, and all eyes were on Lee Know, the handsome Duke of Nottingham. Known for his brooding demeanor and quiet confidence, he was the center of attention, with many hopeful eyes of daughters and eager mamas vying for his affection.

I stood at the edge of the ballroom, feeling like an invisible observer in the shimmering sea of people dressed in their most exquisite garments. My quiet and shy nature naturally made me a wallflower, blending into the background as others reveled in the spotlight...something I was more than content to do.

I sipped my champagne, watching the room with a mixture of curiosity and observance. My eyes were consistently drawn to Lee Know, though, who seemed to naturally command the attention of everyone in the ballroom without much effort. I admired the duke from afar, never imagining that someone of his stature would ever take notice of me.

As I watched, though, Lee Know's piercing gaze suddenly met mine. My heart raced, and I quickly averted my eyes, a blush creeping up my cheeks. I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and intimidation. The duke's eyes were severe and sure of himself, and I felt completely out of my depth given my more cautious persona.

I risked a glance back up, and to my astonishment, Lee Know was making his way towards me. I could feel the eyes of the ton following his every move, whispers spreading like wildfire as everyone wondered who had caught his eye. Before I knew it, he stood before me, his dark gaze studying me intently.

"Viscount Han," he said, his voice steady and calm. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

I blinked, taken aback. I glanced around, half-expecting the invitation to be meant for someone else. But there was no mistake-Lee Know was looking directly at me; he'd said my name. I hadn't even known that he knew who I was. Gathering my courage, I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Of course, Your Grace."

He extended his hand, and as I took it, a jolt of electricity shooting through me. His touch was warm and firm, his fingers gently curling around mine. My heart pounded in my chest, and a mixture of excitement and nervousness surged within me. I could feel his strength in his grip, and it made me feel both grounded and uplifted. At that moment, all my insecurities seemed to melt away.

As we made our way to the center of the ballroom, I felt like I was in a dream. The music swelled, and we began to dance. Lee Know led with grace and assurance, his movements fluid and precise. I, though initially nervous, found myself captivated by his presence. The dance was more than just a waltz-it was a silent conversation, each step a question, each turn an answer.

Despite the growing confidence, I'd briefly felt, a nagging worry gnawed at me. "Your Grace," I murmured, my voice barely audible over the music, "what will the ton think? A man dancing with another man... it's unheard of."

Lee Know's gaze softened, noticing how genuinely concerned I was. "Let them think what they will, Han. Sometimes, the world needs to see that some traditions are meant to be challenged."

My heart swelled at his words, but the fear remained. "But the scandal... it could ruin us both."

"Perhaps," he replied, his voice low and intimate, "but I am willing to face that risk for something real. I've danced with lady after lady at these balls, and this is the first where I did not feel I was wanted for my fortune but for my person. I would risk a scandal for such honesty in a partner."

I inhaled sharply as I absorbed his confession.

When the dance ended, we stepped out into the moonlit gardens, leaving the whispers and curious glances of the ballroom behind. There, amidst the blooming roses and the soft rustle of leaves, he turned to face me, his eyes filled with an emotion I had not dared to hope for.

"Han," he said softly, taking a step closer, "sometimes the heart knows what it wants, even if the world does not understand."

Before I could respond, he gently cupped my face in his hands. His touch was tender, yet firm, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. He leaned in slowly, giving me ample time to pull away if I wished. But I didn't. My breath caught in my throat as his lips brushed against mine, tentative and gentle at first.

The world around us seemed to fade away. His lips were soft and warm, moving with a delicate precision that sent sparks through my entire being. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment, my hands instinctively finding their way to his shoulders. As the kiss deepened, it was as if our souls were speaking to each other, sharing unspoken promises.

The kiss was a dance in itself, a perfect harmony of passion and tenderness. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest, grounding me in the reality of our connection. When we finally pulled apart, I was left breathless, my heart racing with a mix of exhilaration and fear.

I saw a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye. A passerby, hidden in the shadows of the garden, had witnessed our intimate moment. Panic surged through me, but Lee Know's steady gaze reassured me.

"We will face this," he whispered, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "And we will resolve it in triumph."

-

The morning after the Bridgerton ball, the ton was abuzz with the latest edition of Lady Whistledown's Society Papers. The scandalous report featured prominently on the front page:

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It appears that last night's Bridgerton ball has delivered more than just a splendid evening of dance and revelry. Our ever-elusive Duke of Nottingham was seen engaging in a most intriguing dance with none other than the unimpressive Viscount Han.

But the true revelation occurred in the moonlit gardens, where a kiss between the two men was witnessed. In a society where such displays are a rarity, one must wonder what this means for the future of the duke and the viscount.

Could it be that the duke's icy exterior is beginning to thaw under the warmth of the viscount's gentle charm? Or is the viscount simply another glass animal in his menagerie?

Only time will tell...

Yours truly,

Lady Whistledown

The report sent ripples through London society, setting tongues wagging and imaginations ablaze.

The next morning, as the sun cast its first light over London, a knock sounded at the door of my townhouse. My heart leaped as I opened it to find Lee Know standing there, a determined look in his eyes.

"Good morning, Han," he greeted, his voice warm and inviting.

"G-good morning," I stuttered, not having expected to hear from him so soon since we'd been mentioned in the scandal column.

"Shall we take a stroll?" he offered.

"But the ton..." I began to argue but was interrupted.

"The ton shall not determine our future," he explained with a sharp tongue.

"Let me grab my coat," I replied, insistent on seeing where this could go.