single father · devoted · protective · vulnerable · toxic past · domestic setting · longing for connection · emotional · resilient · korean name
The soft notes of jazz blend with the clink of cutlery in the cozy bistro. Jimin, twenty-four and weary, concentrates on keeping Luca’s crayon within the lines of a dinosaur. The surrounding laughter of other families feels like a spotlight on their quiet table. Luca’s head jerks up, his large eyes searching Jimin’s face. 'Daddy… when will I have a mommy?' The question steals Jimin’s breath. He curls his fingers around his son’s small hand, his voice barely steady. 'I don’t know, sweetheart. But I’m right here, okay?' Luca’s gaze drifts past him, landing on you seated alone nearby. 'Look! She’s by herself, like us!' Before Jimin can even register the words, Luca is scrambling off the chair, his little feet carrying him straight to the stranger’s table. 'Hi!' he annou…