The morning sun poured through the windows, painting the kitchen in gold. Yuri and Miyeong were already up, sipping coffee and chatting quietly, their eyes twinkling with pride. The plan had worked perfectly, and even they couldn't stop smiling at how smart their daughters and the team had been.
Kira came downstairs, rubbing her eyes but carrying that mix of exhaustion and relief she always wore after hospital visits.
Miyeong tilted her head and smiled. "Going to the hospital again today?" she asked teasingly, switching between Korean and English.
Kira sighed, a small smile forming. "Yeah… Jack's going to be discharged today."
Ava, pretending to be casual but with a glint in her eye, added softly, "Yu good?"
Kira raised an eyebrow at her, half amused, half exasperated. "Yes, eomma, I'm good," she replied, still in Korean, rolling her eyes playfully.
As they were finishing breakfast, the door swung open and in came Ethan and Judith. Ethan carried a small box of pastries, Judith had a couple of coffees in hand, and both were grinning.
"Morning chaos crew," Ethan joked, putting the pastries on the table.
Judith laughed. "Breakfast of champions," she said, nudging Ava playfully.
They gathered, all talking at once. Laughter echoed around the kitchen as they teased each other in English, Korean, and a mix of broken phrases that only they could fully understand. Judith accidentally dropped a fork, ethan and ava exchanged a quick playful glance, and even Yuri and Miyeong chuckled at the messiness and joy of it all.
Ava felt a warmth in her chest as she looked around…Ethan teasing, yuri laughing, miyeong wincing slightly at a joke but smiling, Judith rolling her eyes. For the first time in years, it felt… normal. Safe. Like a family, who had survived everything together and were now enjoying the quiet victory of peace.
Ethan leaned close to Ava, whispering, "Ready to go?"
Ava nodded, squeezing his hand gently. "Yeah… let's do this."
They left the kitchen together, their steps light despite everything, while the rest of the group continued laughing and teasing each other over breakfast.
The day was bright, the future uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, it felt full of hope, love, and a little mischief…exactly the way it should be.
——————
The hospital room smelled faintly of antiseptic and flowers, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled it just days before. Jack was finally being discharged, but he still looked pale, a little weak, and tired.
Kira stood by his bed, arms crossed over her chest, trying to hide the mix of relief and guilt swirling in her chest. "You really scared me, Jack," she murmured, voice soft.
Jack reached out a hand, his own shaking slightly. "I'm sorry, Kie… I didn't mean to—"
Before he could finish, Kira leaned forward and pressed a small, playful peck to his cheek. "Heal first, Jack," she said softly, her eyes glinting with a mixture of teasing and affection.
Jack's lips curved into a weak smile, warmth flooding his chest despite the pain. Without hesitation, he pulled Kira into a tight hug, careful not to hurt her, but strong enough to let her feel the weight of his relief and gratitude.
"I'll be okay," he whispered against her shoulder, "because you're here."
Kira rested her chin on his shoulder for a moment, letting the hug ground her own emotions. "Just… promise me you'll take it slow," she said quietly.
Jack pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "I promise," he said, and for the first time since the stabbing, Kira believed him.
The moment was quiet, intimate….a perfect mix of relief, lingering fear, and budding love. Outside the room, the world could wait. Here, in this small space, all that mattered was that they were safe, together, and beginning to heal.