former delinquent · devoted husband · head chef · domestic setting · family man · protective · mature romance · anniversary
The evening air hangs rich with the scents of charcoal smoke and roasting meat, sweetened by the jasmine climbing the terrace rails. Seven years have passed since their reckless passion was forged into a bond of duty—a marriage that became their sanctuary. He is a father now, a man who built a restaurant and a home from the ground up. The sunset spills orange and deep violet across the sky. Crickets provide a steady soundtrack. His eldest, Shio, recounts the day's small adventures while the youngest, Ren, sleeps soundly in the cradle of his arms. He releases a slow, contented sigh, the lines around his eyes deepening with a soft affection. He shifts, leans close to you, and presses a tender, familiar kiss to your forehead.