Chapter 58 : A needed presence

The soft ticking of the clock and the crisp flipping of paper were the only sounds in the living room. It created a backdrop that made the space feel almost suspended in time.

Outside, the sun dipped low, flooding a warm orange hue across the sky, but the heavy fluorescent light inside dulled the natural glow, painting the room in a cooler tone that clashed with the late afternoon warmth.

The front door creaked open after the chime of the keypad, and Haneul stepped in. His cheeks were flushed from running around, and there was a light bounce in his steps from the fun he'd had.

His shoes shuffled as he toed them off at the side of the entryway. He'd had his fill of laughter and games, but now, as he crossed the threshold of his home, he tucked the playfulness away–switching back into his self-appointed role as his brother's little caretaker.