The morning light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Unit 3502, casting a soft glow over the sleek, high-tech furniture.
Jin-woo checked his watch, the rhythmic ticking a stark contrast to the quiet of the penthouse.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his sharp silhouette reflecting the discipline of a self-made CEO.
Walking down the hallway, he entered a room that felt like a different world—a sanctuary of soft blues and childhood wonder.
Shelves lined with storybooks and advanced math puzzles stood near a small, white study table where a tiny backpack sat waiting.
Jin-woo approached the bed and looked down at Hajun, whose small face was peaceful in sleep.
"Hajun... Hajun, wake up," he whispered, his usually firm voice softening into something gentle.
The boy stirred, his long lashes fluttering as he looked up at his uncle with a sleepy pout.
"Uncle... let me sleep five more minutes," Hajun murmured, clutching his blanket.
"No, big guy," Jin-woo replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Today is your first day at the new kindergarten."
Hajun opened his big, soulful eyes for a moment, but the weight of sleep was too heavy, and they drifted shut again.
Carefully, Jin-woo scooped the boy into his arms, carrying him toward the bathroom to start their morning routine.
The large apartment felt incredibly still; with no housekeepers or family around, it was just the two of them navigating this new life.
After a quick call to the building's premium service staff, a warm breakfast was delivered to their door.
They ate in a comfortable silence—the CEO and the little prodigy—fueling up for the big day ahead.
Soon, they descended to the private basement, where Jin-woo's sleek Mercedes-Maybach S650 waited in the shadows.
The drive through Gangnam was smooth, the city blurred behind tinted glass as they approached Little Mozart International Kindergarten.
When they arrived, Jin-woo stepped out and opened the door for Hajun, taking the boy's hand as they walked toward the grand entrance.
Standing near the gate was a young woman who immediately caught Jin-woo's logical, observant eye.
She wore a delicate pink blouse tucked into a crisp white skirt, her long, elegant legs making her look more like a model than a teacher.
Her hair was a beautiful cascade of light brown and black, shimmering under the morning sun.
Jin-woo noted that her clothes didn't look like a typical uniform; there was an expensive, refined quality to her style that felt out of place.
As they drew closer, she turned toward them, a warm and genuine smile lighting up her face.
"Are you Hajun's father?" she asked, her voice as soft and soothing as a melody.
Jin-woo didn't feel like explaining the complexities of his grief or his new role as a guardian.
"Yes," he replied simply, his voice steady and brief.
The woman nodded kindly, reaching out to take Hajun's small bag from Jin-woo's hand.
With a gentle pat on the boy's shoulder, she led him inside, leaving Jin-woo standing alone in the morning breeze.