Destiny

The world was moving fast outside.
Birds were chirping on electric wires, children dragged half-awake bodies toward school buses, and adults rushed through routines they barely questioned anymore.

Life was loud.

But inside a small, sunlit apartment, two people slept without a single worry.
Until-

A sharp, needy cry cut through the quiet.
“Waaah—!”

Both figures bolted upright instantly.

“Oh god,” Nanon groaned, already throwing the blanket aside.

“Papa’s awake, papa’s awake.”
Chimon was faster.

They both ran toward the crib, movements practiced, automatic—muscle memory built over three years of midnight feeds and early mornings.
Nanon reached the crib first.

“Hey, hey, baby,” he murmured softly, scooping the little girl into his arms.

“Don’t cry na… papa’s here.”

The crying slowed immediately.
Big, round eyes blinked up at him, lashes still wet, tiny fingers gripping his shirt like he might disappear if she let go.
Chimon yawned, rubbing his face.
“Well,” he muttered, “good morning to you too, our little alarm clock.”
Hope sniffled, then smiled.

“Papa up,” she declared proudly.
Nanon’s heart melted in the way it always did.

“Yes, baby, papa’s up,” he said, kissing her temple. “Every day, papa’s up for you.”

He adjusted her on his hip and started humming softly—a tune she’d known since before she was born. A lullaby he used to sing when everything else in his life was falling apart.

Hope rested her head against his shoulder, calming almost instantly.

They moved toward the kitchen together.
Chimon leaned against the doorframe, watching them with a small smile.
Sometimes, he forgot this wasn’t always their life.

Sometimes, it felt like it had always been just the three of them.

“Hey,” Chimon said casually, “good thing she woke us up.”

Nanon was already opening the fridge, balancing Hope on one arm like it was nothing.
“Why?” he asked, reaching for milk.

“You forgot,” Chimon said.

Nanon paused.

Then Chimon nodded toward the wall clock. Nanon followed his gaze. 8:05 AM.
His eyes widened. “Oh shit—!”
He nearly dropped the spoon.

“Chim,” Nanon panicked, “I have an interview in an hour!”

Chimon snorted. “Exactly.”

Nanon immediately shifted Hope into Chimon’s arms.

“Take her—take her, please.

Hope protested. “Papa?”

“I’m right here, baby,” Nanon said quickly, crouching to her level. “Papa just needs to get ready, okay? Uncle Chim will take care of you.”

Hope frowned, considering this.
Chimon grinned. “I’ll give you extra strawberries.

Hope’s eyes lit up. “Deal.”

Traitor.

Nanon laughed despite himself and rushed toward the bedroom.
From the kitchen, Chimon called out,
“By the way—what company is the interview for?”

Nanon’s voice floated back as he rummaged through his wardrobe.
“Moon Industries.”

Chimon froze. “…Moon Industries?”