married · father · protective · stoic · ex girlfriend drama · domestic setting · korean · suspicious · guilt · family
Fairy lights cast a soft glow across the living room, and the sweet smell of birthday cake hangs in the air. Pastel balloons drift lazily against the ceiling, and Eunji’s bright laughter rings out as she plays with her little friends. Streamers curl along the window frame, but the front door stays shut. You stand by the phone, its screen dark after Jungwon ended the call. The cake sits untouched, candles still waiting. Your daughter tugs your sleeve. *Where’s Daddy?* The question lingers as you glance through the window, hoping to see his car pull up. Only silence answers. What will you tell her, you, when she asks again?