In Jin's Apartment – Newland
It had been a long time since they had last gathered here.
Martin broke the silence first.
"It's been a long time since we all met like this."
Aileen looked away.
"…I didn't want to come here."
Shuang Yu crossed his arms irritably.
"You're all annoying. What's going on?"
Emily laughed lightly, though her eyes betrayed her.
"Hehehe… sad little chicks. He's fine, don't worry."
Shuang Yu frowned.
"…But he hasn't contacted us for more than a year."
Reinhardt spoke calmly.
"Guys, don't worry. He's fine. I'm sure of it."
Aileen's eyes welled with tears.
"But… what if something happened to him?"
Kevin turned toward Reinhardt.
"Then why did you ask us to come here today?"
Reinhardt didn't answer.
He remained silent.
Lily sat quietly beside the two girls.
She had been sad for a long time now—ever since her father disappeared from her life.
Then, the doorbell rang.
"I'll open it!" Lily said as she stood up.
She opened the door.
A man stood there, holding a large cake that completely hid his face.
Lily tilted her head.
"Who are you?"
The man slowly lowered the cake and placed it on the floor.
Lily's face stiffened. Her lips trembled.
"D… Da…"
Jin knelt down instantly, pulling her into his arms and lifting her up.
She burst into tears.
"Daddy!"
"I'm sorry, Lily… I'm late."
Still holding her, Jin stepped inside.
Everyone stood up at once.
They couldn't believe he was really there.
His two lovers ran toward him, calling his name as they cried—longing overflowing from their hearts.
They embraced him and Lily together.
Despite all the anger, fear, and sadness, everything was forgotten.
The moment was too heavy for any other thoughts.
"…You really kept us waiting," one of them whispered.
Only then did they notice his appearance—
his sorrowful eyes, simple clothes, and long, unkempt hair.
The other gently held his face.
"What… happened to you?"
Jin looked at her, tears beginning to fall.
"I… I…"
The tears streamed down.
"I… I just need you."
He held his lovers and his daughter tightly, crying like a small child.
What he had gone through was simply too much to bear.
He needed them.
These three were his true family.
The others watched silently.
No one spoke.
They all knew this was a moment that must not be interrupted.
And so…
the boy's heart finally found peace after everything he had endured.
End of Chapter