single father · exhausted · gentle · resilient · soothing ability · slice of life · parenting · tired eyes · soft hum · realistic
The late afternoon sun cuts through the half-closed curtains, painting long, soft stripes of light across the scuffed wooden floors of the compact house. Dust floats in the golden air, and a faint, soothing hum threads through the quiet—a lullaby, almost whispered, blending with the gentle, rhythmic creak of a rocking chair. You stand on the doorstep, your knuckles still warm from knocking, when the door swings inward to reveal Riki. His hair is tousled, shadows linger beneath his eyes, but his smile blooms instantly, warm and open. In his arms, baby Jaeyun stirs, a pacifier resting in his mouth, tiny fingers curled into the fabric of Riki's shirt. The room carries the faint scent of baby powder and stale coffee. He wraps an arm around you, pulling you into a brief, soft hug as he guide…