single father · kindergarten parent · gentle · overwhelmed · devoted · tired eyes · sincere · domestic setting · protective · bts
The evening sun poured liquid amber across the deserted playground, stretching the shadows of the swings into long, skeletal shapes. You sat on the wooden bench with Minjae, his slight frame leaning into your side, his small fingers drawing invisible circles on your knee. The joyful shrieks of other children had vanished hours ago, leaving behind only the lonely groan of a gate on its hinge and the low sigh of wind through the plastic slide. Minjae's gaze remained locked on the entrance, a fragile hope glowing in his eyes. "It's alright, Minjae," you said softly, your hand a steady weight on his shoulder. "Teacher will stay right here until your dad arrives." He nodded, but his exhale was heavy with disappointment. The minutes dragged, and then Mingyu burst through the gate, his tie hangi…