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Cale sighed, leaning back against the sturdy wooden chair as the warm breeze played with his long crimson locks. The golden rays of the sun bathed the small garden, making it a perfect day for a peaceful tea time with his unusual yet beloved children. Despite his innate desire to simply enjoy the tranquility, a faint sense of unease prickled in his mind-after all, with these mischievous three around, peace was often short-lived.
Raon fluttered his glossy black wings, his round, dragonic eyes sparkling with mischief as he turned his gaze towards Hong and On. The two, in their human forms, exchanged a knowing smile that immediately set off warning bells in Cale's mind. That smile, so perfectly synchronized, held a dangerous glimmer he had come to associate with trouble-trouble that always had his name written all over it.
Breaking the momentary silence, Cale took a deliberate bite of the delicate cookie in his hand, savoring the sweetness even as his reddish-brown eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Alright, out with it. What's with those sly looks? What did you all do this time?" His tone, though calm, carried an edge of practiced wariness.
Raon giggled, the sound as carefree as a breeze dancing through leaves. "Nothing, Human! We didn't do anything!" The innocence in his voice was far too exaggerated to be believable, especially coming from someone who once declared stealing cookies to be a heroic mission.
Hong, the ever-playful troublemaker, nodded sagely, a teasing lilt in his voice as his tail swished lazily behind him. "The youngest is right, nya. Really, Cale-nya thinks too poorly of us, nya! It wounds my heart, nya." He placed a hand dramatically over his chest, though the smirk curling his lips betrayed his amusement.
Cale's brow furrowed further, his already suspicious expression deepening. "You're terrible at pretending, you know that?" he muttered, though there was no real bite in his tone. He glanced at On, the quietest and most level-headed of the trio, silently hoping for some clarity.
Unlike her brothers, On's silver hair gleamed softly in the sunlight, and her feline-like eyes remained calm. She sipped her tea with a grace that could rival any noblewoman, her composed demeanor only making Cale more uneasy. Without missing a beat, she finally looked up and offered him a faint, unreadable smile. "Why do you always suspect us, Cale? Maybe this time, we're just enjoying tea... like good children."
Her words were smooth, her tone gentle, but that faint twinkle in her eyes said otherwise. 'They're plotting something', Cale concluded with an inward groan. These three had become far too skilled at weaving webs of innocence while chaos brewed in their minds.
He sighed again, this time with a touch of resignation. "I swear, one of these days, I'll just lock myself in my room and let you three fend for yourselves."
Raon perked up immediately, his eyes gleaming as he grinned. "But you'd miss us too much, Human! Who else would eat cookies with you?"
Cale's lips twitched, but he quickly masked the fondness threatening to break through his serious facade. "Eat cookies, huh? More like eat my sanity," he muttered under his breath, though his hand unconsciously reached out to pat Raon's head.
The giggles, smirks, and playful banter continued, but deep down, Cale couldn't help but feel a small warmth settle in his chest. Trouble or not, these three were his family, and no matter how exasperating they could be, he wouldn't trade this chaotic peace for anything.
Cale turned his head slightly, his sharp gaze catching sight of Choi Han standing at a distance. The ever-diligent swordsman wore a soft smile, his ever-faithful yet ominous black sword buckled securely at his side. That smile, however, only served to irk Cale further.
He had made it painfully clear that this was supposed to be a rare moment of relaxation, a time dedicated solely to himself and the kids. Yet, here was Choi Han, as persistent as always, refusing to budge. Cale sighed inwardly, lamenting his inability to fully escape the overly loyal people surrounding him.
Deciding to ignore Choi Han for now, Cale turned back to the children, narrowing his eyes as the faint hint of a smirk tugged at his lips. "Alright, now that we've established you're up to something-let's hear it. Out with it."
Raon, practically bouncing with excitement, rummaged through his spatial pocket. After a few moments of shuffling, the young dragon triumphantly pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. His glossy wings fluttered with enthusiasm, and his bright eyes sparkled as he beamed up at Cale. "We made a song for you, Human!" he declared with pride.
Cale blinked, momentarily taken aback. "A...song?" he echoed, his tone betraying a mix of confusion and disbelief. Of all the schemes he had been bracing himself for, this was not on the list.
On and Hong nodded in unison, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and shyness. On, with her silver hair glinting softly in the sunlight, stepped forward, gently taking the paper from Raon's paws. She held it out to Cale with a quiet yet determined expression. "We... we want you to hear it, Cale," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, the hint of shyness in her tone unusual for her usual calm demeanor. "We wrote lines just for you. We'll tell you when to say them... nya." Her ears twitched slightly as she murmured the last part, her feline instincts betraying her bashfulness.
Hong, on the other hand, seemed far less shy about their endeavor. His crimson eyes sparkled mischievously as his tail swayed behind him. "We practiced in secret!" he announced proudly, his tone brimming with excitement. "No one knows about it, nya! It's our surprise!" His grin widened, a playful yet earnest glimmer lighting up his face.
Cale stared at the trio, processing their words. He was no stranger to their antics, but this... this was on an entirely different level. He glanced at the paper in On's hands, then back at Raon, whose wings twitched with anticipation, and finally at Hong, who looked ready to burst with excitement. 'A song? For me?' The idea was so bizarre, so unexpected, that he didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or run for the hills.
"...You practiced in secret, huh?" he finally said, his voice laced with skepticism. "And what exactly does this song entail? You're not about to make me sing, are you?" The mere thought of himself singing sent a shiver down his spine.
Raon giggled, his tail swishing with delight. "No, no, Human! You just have to say the lines we give you!" he chirped. "We worked really hard on this!"
Cale exhaled, leaning back in his chair as he looked at the expectant faces of his kids. He could already feel the impending headache, but at the same time, there was a strange warmth blooming in his chest. They had gone through all this trouble-just for him.
"Alright, alright," he muttered, waving his hand in reluctant surrender. "Let's hear this masterpiece of yours."
Raon and Hong practically jumped with glee, while On's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. In that moment, Cale realized two things: one, he was undoubtedly in for something chaotic; and two, no matter how absurd their surprises were, he couldn't help but indulge them. After all, they were his kids.
The trio exchanged a silent glance, a shared determination passing between them before they nodded in unison. Taking a steadying breath, they turned their gazes to their guardian-Cale.
Raon stepped forward first, his small frame glowing with an air of excitement as his mana swirled softly around him. The gentle hum of a piano resonated in the air, accompanied by the faint strum of strings. The melody was soothing yet intricate, a tune that immediately caught Cale off guard. His brows furrowed slightly in surprise. 'When did these kids learn to make music like this?'
As the melody set the stage, On stepped forward gracefully, her small hand pressed lightly to her chest. Her silver hair glinted under the warm sunlight as she took a deep breath, her feline eyes locking affectionately onto Cale's. Her voice, tender and heartfelt, resonated through the serene garden.
"I need a person (lover)... to keep me sane,
Pull me from hell, bring me back again."
Her words carried the weight of memories-memories of abandonment and resilience. On recalled the days when her own tribe turned their backs on her and her brother, leaving them to fend for themselves. The painful nights when she trudged through the forest, injured but determined, gathering firewood with trembling hands. The bitter cold as she curled into a tight ball, shielding her younger brother with her fragile body to keep him warm. It was a lonely, merciless existence-until Cale appeared, a light in the dark.
Before Cale could fully process the emotion in her words, Raon chimed in, his voice bright and full of warmth. He smiled as he fluttered his wings, his voice blending seamlessly with the melody he conjured.
"Play me the classics,
Something romantic..."
The words were deceptively simple but carried the echoes of his own past. Raon thought of the suffocating darkness, the unrelenting chains of Venion's torture, and the despair that had consumed him. He had been a broken soul, seeing nothing but cruelty in the world, his hope flickering like a dying flame. And then, his human came-Cale, who shattered his chains, who held him when he trembled, who taught him what it meant to live.
The garden fell silent for a moment, the melody lingering in the air as the two children poured their hearts into the lines. Their voices, though soft, were imbued with raw emotion, carrying the weight of their gratitude and the love they had for the man before them.
Cale sat frozen, his reddish-brown eyes widening as the words and melody washed over him. The weight of their emotions struck him like a tidal wave. These weren't just lyrics-they were confessions, a glimpse into the depths of what they felt for him. And despite his ever-present desire to remain detached, a warmth began to pool in his chest.
But, of course, Cale Henituse being Cale Henituse, he kept his expression carefully neutral, masking the whirlwind of emotions threatening to surface. For now, he would let them sing, let them tell their story. After all, how could he possibly interrupt something so precious?
Hong stepped forward, his golden eyes glistening with a quiet sorrow that belied his usual mischievous demeanor. He reached out, his small hand gently taking Cale's, his touch warm yet trembling ever so slightly. A melancholic smile curved his lips as he began to sing, his voice soft yet carrying the weight of a bittersweet memory.
"Give them (him) my all when I don't even have it,
I always dreamed of a solemn face,
Someone who feels like a holiday..."
The words were steeped in longing, his tone dipping into the depths of emotions he seldom voiced aloud. As he sang, Hong's mind wandered back to the harsh winters, where survival had been a daily struggle. He remembered the bitter stares of disgust from strangers, their whispers sharp as knives. He remembered his noona-his only constant, his anchor-holding him close on those frigid nights, her embrace the only warmth he knew.
He recalled the way she shielded him from the cruelty of the world, giving him every scrap of food she could find, even if it meant going hungry herself. She had sacrificed so much, even when they had nothing, just to see him smile.
Hong's voice faltered slightly, but he pressed on, his grip on Cale's hand tightening. His words weren't just a song-they were a reflection of the gratitude and yearning he carried within. He had always dreamed of someone who could offer them the peace they had been denied, someone who could fill the void they didn't even know existed. And though his noona had been his everything, he couldn't help but feel that Cale had become that "holiday" they had dreamed of-safe, warm, and unwavering.
His tail swished softly behind him as the melody swelled, his bittersweet smile lingering. For a moment, the young boy looked far older than his years, the weight of his memories etched into his small frame. But even amidst the sadness, there was a glimmer of hope-a hope that had only begun to bloom because of the man standing before him.
Cale's breath hitched ever so slightly as Hong's small, warm hand wrapped around his own. The boy's quiet voice, laced with a melancholy far too deep for someone his age, sent a shiver through him. Each word, each line, carried the weight of hardships Cale knew he could never fully grasp, and yet, the emotion behind them struck him with startling clarity.
'Give him my all when I don't even have it...'
Cale's chest tightened. How could a child-no, his child-carry such profound pain and still smile so sweetly? The way Hong's voice wavered but never broke, the way his golden eyes shimmered with memories of both sorrow and hope, was almost too much for Cale to bear.
He glanced down at their joined hands, his gaze lingering on Hong's tiny fingers gripping his own. That grip wasn't just physical; it was symbolic, a quiet plea, a wordless expression of trust. And that trust... it felt both fragile and unshakable, a contradiction that left Cale's heart aching.
The image of a young Hong, hungry and cold, relying solely on his sister's sacrifices to survive, flashed in Cale's mind. He could almost see it-the little boy tucked into his noona's..On's frail arms, her protective embrace shielding him from a world that had cast them aside. Cale swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.
'They've all suffered so much...all of them.' The thought clawed at him, a sharp pang of guilt rising unbidden. He hadn't been there for those moments, hadn't been the one to shield them, to offer them solace when they needed it most. And yet, here they were, looking at him as though he were their sanctuary, their holiday, their everything.
Cale's lips pressed into a thin line as a swirl of emotions bubbled within him-anger at the world for being so cruel to these children, guilt for the burdens they carried, and something softer, warmer, that he refused to name.
He glanced at Hong's face, at the bittersweet smile that somehow managed to look both fragile and radiant. The boy had endured so much, and yet he stood here, offering Cale his heart in the form of a song, a melody woven with memories and love.
Cale exhaled slowly, trying to steady the storm inside him. "Hong..." he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft, but the words caught in his throat. What could he even say to that? How could he possibly respond to something so raw, so honest?
Raon's voice turned solemn, his small body resting gently against Cale's neck. His soft, warm breath tickled Cale's skin as the young dragon nestled closer, nuzzling his face into the crook of Cale's neck.
"But now I'm in pieces, barely believing,
Starting to think that I've lost all feeling..."
The words hung in the air, heavy and raw, each syllable striking a chord deep within Cale's chest. His breath hitched involuntarily, his heart tightening as memories flashed before his eyes-memories of the countless scars crisscrossing Raon's small body. Those marks were etched not only into Raon's flesh but also into Cale's mind, a permanent reminder of the unspeakable cruelty the young dragon had endured since birth.
Raon had been born into suffering, thrust into a world that offered him nothing but pain and despair. A child, tortured so relentlessly that he had once doubted the very existence of love, of kindness, of hope. Cale swallowed hard, his throat constricting as the weight of those memories bore down on him. No child should have had to endure that.
His hand moved instinctively, his fingers brushing against Raon's smooth black scales with a tenderness he rarely displayed. He stroked the young dragon affectionately, silently promising-vowing-that no matter what, he would ensure Raon never felt that way again. If it took everything he had, if it meant defying the entire world, he would erase those memories from Raon's heart and replace them with warmth, joy, and safety.
From the corner of his eye, Cale caught a glimpse of Choi Han standing quietly to the side. The swordsman's usual serene expression was tinged with sorrow, his lips curling into a bittersweet smile as he held a recording device in his hand.
Cale's brows furrowed slightly. He should have known-Eruhaben must have tipped Choi Han off, likely instructing him to record whatever "scheme" the children were planning. The thought of Eruhaben's knowing smirk almost made Cale roll his eyes, but the gravity of the moment held him still.
Choi Han, oblivious to Cale's internal grumbling, kept his gaze fixed on the scene before him. His grip on the device tightened as he silently observed, his smile tinged with sadness. He hadn't expected this-a song so sweet, so tender, yet so heartbreakingly raw. The love and pain the children poured into their performance were overwhelming, leaving him awed and deeply moved.
Cale exhaled shakily, his reddish-brown eyes glistening with a rare, unspoken emotion. His hand continued to stroke Raon's scales as he turned his gaze to On and Hong, who stood nearby. The siblings' usually mischievous expressions had softened, their eyes reflecting a mixture of shyness and quiet determination.
There was tenderness in Cale's gaze, but also sadness-a deep, unrelenting sorrow for everything they had endured. And beneath it all, a fierce protectiveness burned in him, an unyielding resolve to shield them from any pain the future might bring.
He tightened his grip on Raon ever so slightly, his voice low but steady as he murmured, "You're not in pieces anymore. Not as long as I'm here."
It wasn't much, but it was all he could say without his voice betraying him. For now, he let the melody carry on, let the children pour their hearts into the song. And as he sat there, surrounded by the ones who had somehow wormed their way into his life and his heart, he thought to himself: 'I may not deserve them, but I'll be damned if I ever let them go.'
Raon wiggled with surprising agility, his small body squirming out of On's arms before he flitted to Hong's side. Together, the duo approached Cale, their movements synchronized as they nuzzled their faces into his abdomen, pressing against him with a quiet insistence. Their soft, almost fragile bodies fit against him in a way that made his heart ache, their warmth seeping into his very core.
"I just wanna live in this moment forever,
'Cause I'm afraid that living couldn't get any better..."
The words, soft yet filled with an undeniable sense of longing, reverberated through the air. The trio's voices intertwined in a bittersweet harmony, each line imbued with an intensity that made Cale's chest tighten.
They knew-they had seen it all, the inevitable end that awaited every living thing. The pain, the loss, the emptiness of existence. They had tasted death, whether through fear, neglect, or the cruelty of others. And yet, here, now, in this moment of fleeting peace, they were reluctant to let go. They didn't want this dream to end.
Cale swallowed hard, his hands instinctively finding their way to Raon's soft scales and Hong's back, the touch grounding him. His mind was a whirlpool of conflicting emotions, the deep bond he shared with these children surging within him, almost overwhelming him. How had it come to this? How had they, these broken souls, come to rely on him so completely, so fiercely?
A sharp pang of guilt shot through him. 'Take everything but not me?' he thought, his mind stuttering over the plea that rang so clearly in his ears. They had already lost so much, so much that Cale could never hope to comprehend. They had been abandoned, discarded, treated as less than nothing. And now, in this fragile moment of peace, they had found solace in him. 'How could I ever take that from them?'
Before he could gather his thoughts, On stepped forward, her expression soft yet tinged with an intensity that mirrored her siblings'. She slipped her arm around his, leaning into him with a quiet sigh as she looked up at him, her voice steady and full of affection.
"Started giving up on the word forever,
Until you gave up heaven so we could be together..."
Cale's breath caught in his throat, her words settling deep within him. Forever. A word he had long abandoned, a concept he had avoided like the plague. His own disillusionment with the world, with its broken promises and cruel twists of fate, had convinced him that nothing was permanent-not love, not safety, not even peace. He had long since accepted that. But hearing On speak those words-until you gave up heaven so we could be together-shattered the walls he had so carefully built around himself.
His eyes flickered down to her, to her vulnerable gaze and the strength that trembled in her small form. She wasn't asking for something grand, not in the way most people did. No, she was asking for him to stay, for him to be there, always. She understood the nature of sacrifice better than most, and even though she knew his disdain for gods and their endless schemes, she still spoke of eternity with him, her voice full of quiet yearning.
Cale's chest tightened, the weight of their love pressing against him like a heavy blanket. He wanted to respond, wanted to tell them how much they meant to him, how much he would do for them, but the words felt inadequate, too small. He could feel the tears threatening at the back of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. These children had seen too much of pain, of loss. They didn't need to see his.
Instead, he simply closed his eyes for a moment, his hand reaching up to gently stroke On's head, and then Raon's wings, and Hong's soft fur. Each gesture was a promise, a vow of protection.
"I won't leave you," he murmured, his voice rough, barely above a whisper. "Not now. Not ever."
Choi Han stood off to the side, his hands still gripping the recording device, though he barely registered the action. His usual calm demeanor had long since faded, his heart aching as he watched the scene unfold. The children's song had been a confession, a plea wrapped in love and sadness. They were offering Cale their entire world, their fragile, fractured hearts, and it was impossible not to be moved.
A lump formed in Choi Han's throat as he blinked rapidly, trying to fight back the tears that threatened to spill. He knew what the children were doing-what they were trying to express to the one person who seemed completely oblivious to the depth of his importance to them. But Choi Han could see it. He could feel it. This wasn't just a performance. This was their plea for something lasting, for something good to remain in their lives.
His gaze flickered to Cale, who stood there, surrounded by the children who had made him their light. Choi Han's heart twisted with a mixture of admiration and sorrow. 'How could you not see it, Cale-nim?' he thought, his chest tightening. 'How could you not see how much they need you?'
But perhaps, just maybe, the man would understand someday. For now, Choi Han could only watch, silently wishing that the children would always have the sanctuary they so desperately sought in the only person who could give it to them-Cale Henituse.
The trio, still nestled close to him, looked up at Cale with wide, expectant eyes. On, with a soft smile that barely touched her lips, held out the piece of paper towards him. Cale, his fingers still gently resting on Raon's wings, took the paper from her hands with an almost hesitant motion, as though he were afraid the moment might slip away too quickly. As his eyes scanned the words, his gaze faltered, and a faint tremor passed through him, but he didn't look away.
A rare, affectionate smile-so fleeting, so tender-curved his lips, a smile that was almost never seen by anyone. It was a smile meant only for those who had found their way into his heart, his rarest of expressions reserved for those he held most dear.
The words on the paper tugged at his heartstrings, each syllable laden with meaning.
"You're my angel, angel baby,
Angel, you're my angel, baby,
Baby, you're my angel, angel baby."
Cale blinked, the realization sinking in with a slow, steady beat. 'They truly are my angels,' he thought, his breath catching for just a moment. 'These three... they've been my salvation, my reason to keep going.'
In their eyes, he was the protector, the guiding light in their dark, storm-ravaged worlds. But in his eyes? They were his angels, his children-his sanctuary in the chaos of life. He would never trade them for anything, not for all the riches or power in the world. They were his heart, and nothing would ever change that.
Cale's fingers trembled slightly as he folded the paper, careful not to damage it. He looked down at them, his smile lingering for just a moment longer, the weight of his love for them visible in his gaze. They had given him something precious-something irreplaceable-and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to feel the full weight of their affection.
"I don't know about being an angel," he murmured, his voice quiet but warm, "but you three... you're everything to me."
The trio, hearing those words, couldn't help but smile brighter, their faces lighting up as if the whole world had been set right in that very moment. For Cale, the smile on their faces, the joy in their hearts, was more than enough. In their presence, he didn't need to be the slacker, the world-weary man he had once been. With them, he could be just Cale, their guardian, their father, their light.
In this small, perfect moment, nothing else mattered.
Hong, with a tenderness only he could express, gently placed his hand over Cale's chest, his fingers brushing softly against the fabric of Cale's shirt. "I'll fall in love with the little things,
Counting the tattoos on your skin..."
The words flowed from Hong's lips in a whisper, accompanied by the light, rhythmic motion of his hand, mirroring the comforting, almost meditative gesture he used in his feline form-making biscuits, as Cale had come to affectionately call it. The tender touch made Cale's breath catch, and for a moment, he was left speechless, unable to find the words to describe the swell of emotion that stirred within him. Hong's gesture was simple, yet it carried the weight of something far deeper-something Cale couldn't quite grasp.
Raon, ever the playful one, nudged Cale's neck once more, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he sought his guardian's attention. "Tell me a secret,
And human (baby), I'll keep it."
Cale's eyes widened, the weight of Raon's words landing heavily in his chest. A secret. His secret. The one he had never shared with anyone outside of a chosen few. The secret of who he truly was-the man who once lived as Kim Rok Soo. It was a part of him that he had buried deep, too afraid of what it might mean if anyone ever uncovered it.
But Raon, this little dragon who had been through so much and yet still held a heart so pure, knew it. He was one of the few who had witnessed the true depths of Cale's soul, his fears, and his longings. Cale's mind raced for a moment, the weight of his past threatening to resurface. 'Raon knows...' he thought, his breath faltering as the memories of another life-a life where he was just a man with a simple name-flashed briefly in his mind. 'Raon knows that I am not just Cale Henituse. I was Kim Rok Soo. I am a man torn between two worlds.'
He glanced down at the little dragon, whose wide eyes held a quiet understanding, as though Raon had always known, perhaps from the very beginning. How had the bond between them grown so deep, so unshakable? Raon's ability to see through the walls Cale had so carefully constructed around his past was nothing short of extraordinary.
Cale swallowed, his mind wrestling with the truth of it all. How did I get here? he wondered. His life had been full of false starts, hidden truths, and painful memories. And yet, in this very moment, surrounded by these three-his children, his angels-he realized that they knew him better than anyone ever could. Better than he knew himself.
Choi Han stood quietly at a distance, his gaze soft but intense as he watched the scene unfold. He could see the slight shift in Cale's posture, the way his breath caught in his chest when Raon spoke those words. There was something unspoken, something buried beneath the surface of the man who had so long worn a mask of indifference. Choi Han had always known that Cale carried a weight in his heart, something more than the role of guardian, more than the stoic figure he portrayed to the world. But it was moments like these, small and intimate, that revealed a different side to Cale-a side he rarely showed.
Raon knows, Choi Han thought quietly, his gaze flickering briefly to the little dragon. 'Raon, of all people... He's the one who understands the weight Cale-nim carries. And I... I wish I could take that burden from him more. But Cale-nim doesn't let anyone see it. Not truly.'
Choi Han's chest tightened as he watched the silent exchange between Cale and his children. He wanted to offer comfort, to say something that would ease Cale's burden, but he knew better than anyone that the weight of Cale's past couldn't be lifted by words alone. It was something Cale had to face in his own time, at his own pace. And for now, all Choi Han could do was stand witness to this moment, the unspoken bond between them growing stronger with each passing second.
Cale finally let out a slow breath, his eyes locking with Raon's. A small, wistful smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he spoke, his voice barely more than a whisper, "There are some secrets even I can't share. But... you, little one, you're one of the few who knows."
Raon nuzzled against him, his eyes sparkling with understanding, as though he knew, without a doubt, that Cale didn't need to say more. They didn't need words to communicate-the bond they shared was deeper than that.
On, with an impish glint in her eyes, tugged gently at Cale's cuff, her small hand pulling at it with an almost exaggeratedly adorable motion. Her eyes, wide and innocent, shimmered with a playful, mischievous light as she gazed up at him-puppy-kitten eyes that seemed to hold the promise of both trouble and joy. Her voice, soft and teasing, broke the silence as she sang, "And maybe we can play house for the weekend..."
Cale felt a sudden, unexpected shiver run down his spine. The thought of playing house, of indulging in such a simple, domestic fantasy, set his nerves on edge. It wasn't the idea itself that unsettled him, but rather the overwhelming feeling of responsibility that came with it. 'A house, a family... a life. What have I gotten myself into?'
Despite the unease twisting in his gut, he couldn't help but let out a stifled snort-a quiet laugh that betrayed the softness creeping into his heart. She knows how to get to me, he thought, resisting the urge to ruffle On's hair.
But there was no escaping it. His heart swelled at the thought of his children, these three who had made him their world. He was their guardian, their protector, and if that meant pretending to play house for a weekend, so be it. He would do it.
With a half-grin, Cale leaned down slightly, his expression a mix of fond exasperation and reluctant affection. "You sure about that, Ohn?" he teased, his voice dripping with a playful edge. "I'm not sure your 'house' would let me get any rest, if I'm being honest."
On tilted her head, her expression utterly unbothered by his teasing. She simply smiled brighter, her playful tone never wavering. "Oh, you'll enjoy it, I'm sure. Besides, you're the best at making things fun."
Cale rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his chest betrayed him. He gave a sigh, pretending to be exasperated, but inside, he knew this was exactly what he wanted-this bond, this shared moment of innocence and joy, this life with them.
'Maybe it'll be fun after all,' he thought, glancing at the other two. Raon and Hong were looking at him with the same hopeful expressions, as if daring him to make this little moment of their lives something special. And in his heart, Cale knew there was no choice but to go along with it.
"Alright, alright," he finally conceded with a chuckle, shaking his head at how easily they had won him over. "But only for you three."
On's face lit up, her mischievous smile now matching her eyes, and with a bounce in her step, she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist. The others joined in, their hands tugging at him, each pulling him into this little dream they had woven.
For the first time in a long while, Cale's heart felt lighter, and he realized that maybe, just maybe, these little moments were what made life worth living. They have a way of making everything better, he thought with a soft smile, allowing himself to be pulled into whatever whimsical adventure they had planned for their weekend.
The trio, full of boundless energy, tugged at Cale's arms from both sides, pulling him up from the chair with surprising strength. Cale, who had been sitting for far too long, felt the sharp sting of numbness in his legs, making him stagger slightly as he tried to regain his balance. He grunted softly, his feet stiff from the prolonged stillness.
Raon, ever the watchful guardian, let out a quick noise of concern before swiftly using his mana to steady Cale, his small body vibrating with an innate urgency. The familiar warmth of Raon's mana flowed through Cale, grounding him. With a sigh of relief, the trio stepped back, their faces alight with a combination of mischief and affection as they watched their guardian fumble to regain his composure. There was something almost absurdly endearing about their antics-their silly smiles and the way they seemed to delight in their guardian's every move, no matter how clumsy or endearing.
Cale, though still slightly disoriented, couldn't help but chuckle softly at their antics. 'They really have no filter, do they?' he thought, his lips twitching into a smile despite himself. They had a way of turning even the most mundane moments into something extraordinary.
The trio, seemingly in perfect unison, began to tug at Cale again, pulling him forward with eager energy. As if rehearsed, they began to sing in harmony, their voices sweet and full of emotion, their words almost an incantation as they filled the air with their melody:
"You came out the blue on a rainy night, no lie,
I'll tell you how I almost died,
While you're bringing me back to life..."
The familiar tune wrapped around Cale like a warm embrace, and for a moment, he felt his heart ache with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. It was a song of remembrance, of change, of how they had come into his life-how they had healed him, just as he had healed them in return. The words struck a chord deep within him, and Cale felt something soft stir within him, as though the walls he had so carefully constructed around his heart were beginning to crumble, just a little.
Raon, always the performer, used his mana with a flourish, conjuring a stunning field of flowers beneath their feet. The petals shimmered in the light, floating gently to the ground, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors. Cale blinked in surprise, momentarily forgetting his numb legs as his attention was drawn to the magical display. The scene felt so surreal, like something out of a dream, and for a moment, he simply stood there, watching in awe as the petals danced on the breeze.
On and Hong, not to be outdone, shifted into their cat forms with playful grace. They bounded into the flower field, their movements fluid and carefree, their bodies weaving through the blossoms like ethereal beings. The petals fluttered in the wind, carried by the magical energy Raon had summoned, filling the air with a soft, fragrant melody. Cale stood frozen, captivated by the sight of his children so free, so full of life. It was like a fleeting moment of beauty-pure, untainted by the world's chaos.
The trio looked at him with expectant, sparkling eyes, clearly eager to see his reaction. The playful mischief in their expressions only deepened the affection Cale felt for them. They've turned my world upside down, he thought, his chest tightening with emotion. But in the best way possible.
He finally let out a breath, a soft laugh escaping his lips, filled with a mix of awe and love. "You three... You always know how to surprise me," he said, his voice soft with affection. As he gazed at the flower field, the petals fluttering around them, he felt a deep sense of gratitude welling up inside him. 'This moment... I'll hold onto it forever. These children... they're my heart, my reason for everything.'
As he stood there, surrounded by the fluttering petals and the joyous energy of his children, Cale couldn't help but feel like, just for this moment, everything was perfect.
He breaks into a smile.
Cale, feeling the weight of the moment and the love surrounding him, walked forward with open arms. His heart, beating a steady rhythm of tenderness, ached with the beauty of what he was experiencing. Raon, wings fluttering with gleeful enthusiasm, rushed toward him, though as if to savor the moment, he slowed his pace, making his approach soft, almost reverent. The baby dragon landed gently into Cale's embrace, his small form warm against Cale's chest.
On and Hong, too, wasted no time in leaping into Cale's arms, their fur shimmering in the light as petals swirled around them in the air. The scene was like something out of a dream-three children, their souls intertwined with his, creating a moment of perfect serenity. Cale held them close, his heart swelling as the three little souls melted into his arms, their warmth grounding him, filling the hollow spaces he never knew existed.
As the familiar, haunting melody began to rise again, the trio sang together, their voices harmonizing like a chorus of angels, each note filled with emotion. Cale had already read the words on the paper, knew the lyrics by heart, and in that moment, something in him-something deep and unspoken-urged him to join. His voice, though steady and soft, resonated with the love he held for these children, for this family they had become.
"I just wanna live in this moment forever,
'Cause I'm afraid that living couldn't get any better,
Started giving up on the word forever,
Until you give up heaven so we could be together."
The words felt like a promise, a vow spoken not just through voice, but through the very fabric of their bond. Cale felt a lump rise in his throat, the tenderness of the moment almost too much to bear. He pulled the trio closer, his arms enveloping them as they nestled against him. The air around them seemed to stand still, the fluttering petals a soft whisper against the ground, the only sound the steady rhythm of their breaths, and the tender melody they sang together.
Cale, unable to resist the warmth that spread from his heart through his entire being, sank softly to the ground, gently lowering himself with his children still in his arms. They cuddled close, the feeling of their small forms pressed against him grounding him in ways he never imagined. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the weight of the moment wash over him, the love and trust of his children filling every corner of his being.
'This is what it means to be home', Cale thought, his voice barely a whisper as he looked down at the trio with a soft smile. 'This... this is everything.'
In that moment, surrounded by the petals, the soft hum of their song, and the unwavering love of his children, Cale felt like he had everything he ever needed. The future didn't matter, not here, not now. All that mattered was this moment, this love-an everlasting bond he would never let go of.
The sudden shift in the trio's demeanor caught Cale off guard. Their faces, once bright with joy, now clouded with a mixture of anger and sadness. Their little hands, which had been gently holding him moments ago, now lightly struck his chest in a display of frustration, their expressions far more mature than their age should allow. Despite the tenderness in their actions, there was a fire in their eyes-an emotion deeper than the innocence they usually wore so proudly.
Raon, with his wings slightly furrowed, fluttered back, his small form trembling with unspoken words. Hong's golden eyes, usually filled with teasing light, now burned with a sadness that made Cale's chest tighten. Ohn, the quietest of the trio, looked up at him with such intensity, her hand brushing off the petals that had settled on Cale's clothes-petals that now seemed to carry the weight of a thousand unsaid words.
"All the sick and twisted nights that I've been waiting for ya,They were worth it all along, yeah."
The words hit Cale like a wave, and for a moment, he could hardly breathe. His mind flashed to the countless nights they had spent watching over him, their faces stained with tears, their bodies trembling with the fear of losing him. The nights he had fallen unconscious after sacrificing himself, when they had stayed by his side, unwilling to eat or move away, waiting for him to wake. The nights they had rebelled against sleep, against hunger, because they couldn't bear the thought of being alone again.
Cale's throat tightened, and his heart ached with the weight of their words. He had never wanted them to experience such pain, such fear. He had always hoped to shield them from it, to be the protector, the one who could make everything right. But here they were, showing him the truth in their own way-the truth of the nights they had spent alone, terrified and heartbroken.
His voice, usually steady and calm, faltered as he looked down at them, his heart heavy with regret.'How could I have let them suffer like this?' he thought, guilt rising in his chest. 'I promised I would protect them, yet...'
"I-" Cale's words caught in his throat. He couldn't form the apology, the words that could fix the cracks in their hearts. Instead, he reached out slowly, his hands trembling as he brushed each of their faces with the gentlest touch. They had been through so much, and he had failed them in ways he couldn't even articulate.
The trio looked up at him with eyes that spoke volumes-hurt, longing, and the unspoken desire for him to never leave them again. They weren't angry at him-not really. They were angry at the world that had forced them to wait, to endure the pain of his sacrifice. They were angry at the helplessness they had felt, the times when they had feared they might lose him forever.
Cale's heart cracked open, his emotions overwhelming him. 'I'm so sorry', he thought, his chest tightening. 'I promise... I'll never leave you again.' He didn't know if those words would ever be enough to heal their wounds, but he vowed in that moment that he would do everything in his power to make it right.
Pulling them closer, Cale whispered softly, his voice raw with emotion, "I'm so sorry... for making you wait. But you're not alone anymore. Not ever again."
The trio, despite their tears, seemed to find comfort in his words, their little bodies relaxing against him. Cale held them tight, feeling their warmth, their heartbeat, knowing that, for now, that was enough. The past couldn't be undone, but he would be here, always, to make sure they never felt alone again.
The soft sobs echoed in the distance, breaking through the tender silence. The trio, still nestled in Cale's arms, looked up in confusion, their noses twitching as they sniffed the air. Slowly, their gaze shifted to where Choi Han stood, tears streaking down his face. His sobs were soft but raw, like the cry of a child who had carried too many burdens for far too long.
Cale blinked, his eyes softening at the sight. He couldn't help but smile tenderly, as the weight of the moment dawned on him. Even someone like Choi Han, so strong and stoic, had a childlike vulnerability-someone who had suffered abandonment, someone who had always carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. It wasn't surprising that the walls he built up would eventually crumble.
"Choi Han," Cale called softly, his voice carrying across the distance, his heart already understanding what his words could not.
Choi Han hastily wiped at his tears, his hands trembling with embarrassment. His eyes fell to the ground as the video device he had been clutching slipped from his grasp, clattering to the earth without any regard. But he didn't care. His emotions surged forward in waves, and without a moment's hesitation, he took a step forward.
Cale, sensing the vulnerability that surged within Choi Han, opened one arm in invitation. The action was so simple, yet it spoke volumes.
Choi Han's breath hitched as he stepped closer, his sobs shaking his frame, but despite the tears that blurred his vision, he couldn't stop himself. Without thinking of any shame, he sat down next to Cale, pulling himself into the embrace with the kids. The warmth of the shared closeness, the comfort of the moment, enveloped them all. The trio, now surrounded by Cale's arms, looked at Choi Han with wide eyes, their expressions shifting from confusion to quiet understanding. And then, as if the weight of the moment suddenly broke the dam of their emotions, the kids couldn't help but chuckle through their own tears. The sight of Choi Han, usually so composed, now blubbering like a child, had them in a mix of tender humor and affectionate sympathy.
Cale, his heart full of a love that words could scarcely describe, let out a soft, amused chuckle as he patted their backs. His hands moved gently over the group, as though offering comfort to everyone present. He could feel the emotions swirling around him-the grief, the love, the tenderness, the growth. How strange it was, how beautiful, to see the fierce warrior and the vulnerable children brought together by a bond that transcended age or strength.
As Cale looked at the four of them-Choi Han, who was sobbing softly against his chest, and the children, still clinging to him with a sense of security-he couldn't help but smile, even though his heart ached. 'Everyone, regardless of how old they are, carries the heart of a child underneath', he thought quietly. It's the part of them that's always waiting to be held, to be loved, to be seen.
The kids, noticing the soft chuckles that escaped Choi Han, couldn't hold back their own laughter. There was something so endearing about the stoic warrior now, his face flushed with embarrassment as he tried to compose himself. The mix of emotion and humor was almost too much to bear, and despite the tears, their laughter filled the air.
Cale, feeling the weight of everything they had shared in that moment, decided to close the chapter with his own voice. His words came softly, but with a sense of finality, as he sang the next lines of the song:
"You're my angel, angel baby,
Angel, you're my angel, baby,
Baby, you're my angel, angel baby,
Angel, angel baby (You're my angel, baby)
Angel, you're my angel, baby,
Baby, you're my angel, angel baby."
The words hung in the air, a comforting balm for their souls, a reminder that despite all the pain and suffering they had faced, they had found each other. They were no longer alone. They were a family. And in that moment, Cale realized that this, this fragile and beautiful moment, was more than enough.