These days, Kook was straight-up obsessed with Tae—like, couldn’t keep his eyes or hands off her, always pulling her into corners for quick kisses or more, whispering how she drove him crazy. And Tae? She loved every bit of it, glowing like the sun, her skin all soft and happy, that innocent smile turning a little naughtier each time he called her his. “You make me feel so… wanted,” she’d say, blushing but pressing closer.

One afternoon, they were in the nursery, cuddled up on the rocking chair, watching Haneul sleep in his crib—his little chest rising and falling, chubby fists curled by his face. Kook had his arm around Tae, fingers tracing lazy circles on her thigh under her tiny skirt. “Tell me more about mermaids, baby… mermen too. How do you… mate down there?”