Part 1

The garden, enclosed within high stone walls and iron gates, bloomed with early spring flowers violets, marigolds, and soft pink peonies gently bowing in the breeze.

And in the center of it all danced a boy made of sunlight.

Taehyung, six years old, darted through the tall grass barefoot, chasing the floating trail of a butterfly. His laughter rang out, light and pure, like wind chimes in the wind. His oversized cream shirt fluttered around his small frame, streaked with dirt and crushed petals, but his wide smile made everything look perfect.

He crouched low to the ground, cupping a daisy in his palms like it was a magical gem. That's when he heard the sound.

Footsteps. Slow and heavy on the garden stone.

Taehyung looked up, brushing his fringe out of his eyes. A split second later, recognition struck.

Uncle Jeon!! he cried.

His small legs launched into a sprint as Mr. Jeon, dressed sharply in a dark blue blazer and polished shoes, stepped into the garden with a briefcase in one hand and sunglasses tucked into his shirt collar.

He barely had time to brace himself before Taehyung jumped at him.

The older man laughed, effortlessly catching the boy midair and lifting him high into his arms. Woah! Someone missed me, huh?

Taehyung wrapped his arms tightly around his neck, grinning from ear to ear. Did you bring chocolate for me?

Mr. Jeon blinked, pretending to think. Hmm… Chocolate? Oh no, I think I forgot it this time.

Taehyung leaned back, lips pulling into a dramatic pout. What?! Uncle Jeon! he huffed, crossing his arms like a tiny storm cloud. Taetae is angry now! You said you’d bring it!

Mr. Jeon let out an exaggerated sigh, eyes twinkling with mischief. Oh no, not Taetae's anger! Anything but that!

He glanced left and right like checking for danger then slowly reached into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out a shiny, golden wrapped packet of chocolates.

Surprise, he whispered, winking.

Taehyung gasped in joy, grabbed the pack, and wriggled down from his arms. Yayy!! I forgive you now! he squealed, taking off toward the flowerbeds with the chocolates clutched like treasure.

Mr. Jeon chuckled, brushing invisible dirt from his sleeve. That kid,he muttered fondly.

The sound of sliding glass doors drew his attention. Taehyung's mother stepped out onto the garden patio carrying a polished tray with two steaming teacups, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

You're spoiling him again, she said warmly, setting the tray down on a small wicker table beneath the shade of a tall cherry blossom tree.

He walked over and took a seat with a grateful nod. You know I can't help it. He's like sunshine on legs.

She chuckled softly, brushing her hair behind her ear as she poured the tea. I say the same thing every day, but you really treat him like your own.

Mr. Jeon took a sip, letting the warmth settle through him. And if I had a son like him, I'd be the luckiest man alive.

She smiled at that, though a flicker of sadness passed through her eyes too fast for him to catch. He's growing up fast. Sometimes I feel like if I blink, he'll vanish.

Mr. Jeon leaned back, watching Taehyung try to hide his chocolates behind a rose bush. I was hoping to see your husband before leaving. Is he home?

She sighed and looked toward the grand mansion. No… there's a case he can't shake off. He left for court early this morning. Said it might run late.

A lawyer's curse, Mr. Jeon muttered with a knowing nod. Always in the middle of someone else’s battle.

He'll be sorry to miss you, she said gently. You've always been like family.

Mr. Jeon smiled faintly. That's why I came. I'm leaving for Singapore tonight. Business meetings, some trade negotiations. Probably won't be back for a few weeks.

The wind stirred gently around them, scattering a few petals to the ground.

He would've loved to see you, she murmured. He still talks about the college days you two spent arguing over who was better at chess.

Mr. Jeon smirked. He cheated.

She laughed, and for a moment, everything felt still. Safe. Familiar.

Out in the grass, Taehyung let out a giggle as he crouched down, popping a chocolate into his mouth and pretending to be invisible. His cheeks puffed out like a squirrel's, and his eyes squinted at the sun.

Mr. Jeon looked at him quietly, something soft tugging at his chest.

I hope life never takes that smile away from him,he said suddenly, almost to himself.

Taehyung's mother followed his gaze, her expression unreadable.

No one could know how short that golden hour would last.

No one could guess how quickly the shadows would fall

              Thank you for reading 💫

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