It was around ten in the morning,
when Taekyun left his residence, heading toward his parents' home the Gwanrim Hanok Estate.
Lihan was driving, glancing at him through the mirror before finally asking,
"Sir, what are you planning by keeping Haneul?"
Taekyun, dressed in his usual black shirt, leaned back, eyes cold and distant.
"I'll keep him," he said flatly.
"There's still a lot I need to know."
Lihan frowned, his confusion clear.
The man who once couldn't stand the Omega's presence now wanted to keep him close?
The same person who sent Haru away his own daughter, whom he loved more than anything was now allowing that Omega to stay under his roof.
Nothing was making sense anymore.
Trying to change the subject, Lihan said,
"Sir, Mongi is still at my place. Since Haru's coming back home, should I bring him over today?"
He was referring to Haru's little dog, who had escaped from the house days ago.
Taekyun didn't look up.
"Keep it for a while. Not now."
"But sir, Haru will..... "
"She won't,"
Taekyun cut him off, his tone cold enough to silence any further words.
By the time they reached the Hanok Estate, it was already noon.
The servants welcomed Taekyun quietly, leading him inside toward Haru's room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kim just left," one of them said softly.
"They went to meet the Seo family."
Taekyun gave a silent nod.
"Is she ready?"
The servant nodded and opened the door.
Inside, Haru was sitting on the couch, a small teddy in her arms.
A maid was fixing her hair gently.
As soon as she saw Taekyun, her small face brightened into a shy smile.
She stood up quickly, and the servant bowed, stepping aside.
Taekyun walked toward her, eyes softening without him realizing.
He bent down and picked her up, holding her close.
Haru's little arms instantly wrapped around his neck, her cheek pressing against his shoulder.
"Are you feeling better now?"
He asked quietly.
She nodded, still clutching her teddy.
"Did you miss me?"
Another nod, a little stronger this time.
Then Haru raised her small hand and gestured toward the door, asking silently to leave.
Taekyun gave a small nod.
The servants quickly gathered her luggage and followed them outside.
When they reached the car, Lihan smiled at Haru.
"You've gotten even prettier,"
He said playfully, reaching out to shake her hand.
Haru smiled shyly and shook back before Taekyun sat down with her on his lap.
Even in the car,
Taekyun didn't let go of her.
His chin rested on top of her head as she leaned quietly against his chest.
For the first time in days, something inside him felt less heavy.
He knew he was the one who had sent her away, yet having her in his arms again made him realize how much that decision had cost him.
The ride home was peaceful.
They stopped for lunch along the way because Haru pointed outside, insisting she wanted to eat.
Later, they dropped by a mart, where she filled the cart with toys and treats most of them for her dog.
By the time they returned, it was already half past three.
The servants lined up at the entrance, smiles spreading across their faces as Haru stepped out.
"Welcome home, young miss!"
They hugged her one by one, laughing softly.
Bora came forward and embraced her tightly before leading her inside.
Another servant followed behind with all the things Haru had bought.
It almost felt like the house had come alive again.
But then Taekyun's phone rang. The screen flashed one name Jina.
Without saying a word to anyone, he picked up and walked away.
Haru turned back, watching his retreating figure until he disappeared from sight.
Her small fingers clutched the teddy tighter.
Once again, he was leaving her behind.