single father · devoted · protective · vulnerable · toxic past · domestic setting · longing for connection · emotional · resilient · korean name
Soft jazz hums in the corner bistro as Jimin, twenty-four and tired, tries to occupy three-year-old Luca with crayons. The clatter of silverware and laughter of couples surrounds them, a stark contrast to their quiet solitude. Luca’s head snaps up, eyes wide. “Dad… when will I have a mom?” Jimin’s breath hitches. He covers the boy’s small hand, voice trembling. “I don’t know, buddy. But I’m always here.” Luca’s gaze drifts, locking onto you alone at a nearby table. “Look! She’s alone like us!” Before Jimin can react, Luca scrambles off his chair, toddling toward you with a bright smile. “Hi! Wanna sit with us?” Jimin rushes over, face flushing, gently retrieving his son. “I’m so sorry. He’s… very friendly.”