Divorce Contract C125

Chapter 125

At the calm resonance of his voice, Go Igyeol’s face showed as if he had been struck. The distance he had instinctively placed between them closed as he stepped nearer. As though changing his mind, he raised his hand and knocked softly. Tok, tok. From within the nursery came a reply, and the door opened. The babysitter, holding Seo Ihyeon, recognized Go Igyeol at once and bowed with a smile.

“You’ve come at the right time. Ihyeon has been crying, perhaps because he missed his father.”

Without delay, she placed the baby in his arms. With practiced ease, Go Igyeol gathered Ihyeon close, his expression softening as he wiped the jewel-like tears clinging to his lashes.

“Did you cry?”

His voice was tender as he caressed the child’s eyes, trailing down to tap gently at his plump cheeks. As though understanding, Ihyeon parted his lips in a small motion before nestling into his father’s chest, letting out a tiny yawn. Go Igyeol’s gaze lifted to the clock on the wall—it was long past bedtime. Carrying Ihyeon, who smelled sweetly of fabric softener, he stroked his small back and began walking slowly through the house.

“Just stay with Daddy a little while.”

The babysitter watched them with warmth before slipping out, leaving behind the sound of the door closing. Now only Seo Dohyeon, Go Igyeol, and Ihyeon remained. The baby’s occasional fussing was the sole interruption to the silence. Igyeol paced naturally, rocking the child with steady pats. Glancing at Seo Dohyeon, who stood motionless in the center of the living room, he opened his lips as if to speak.

“Um…”

“……”

“I don’t see the other person around.”

“Ah, Kwon Seunggyu-ssi.”

Realizing at once who he meant, Seo Dohyeon quickly apologized for his oversight. From between his firm lips slipped an uncharacteristic word of regret. Igyeol blinked in surprise, then looked away, unsettled by the strangeness of hearing such words from him. Unaware of how unnatural it seemed, Dohyeon berated himself for forgetting to explain earlier, the day having been too frantic. With a grim expression, he rubbed his dry face, sorted his thoughts, and spoke.

“Kwon Seunggyu-ssi will resume work starting Wednesday. Oh Sontae-ssi has decided to leave, effective Wednesday morning.”

“…So suddenly?”

“He said his family member’s hospitalization will be prolonged, so he cannot continue caring for Ihyeon. I tried to offer accommodations, but Oh Sontae-ssi would not change his mind. He told me he intended to inform you himself, but neither of them found the time today.”

“Ah…”

Igyeol had been asleep, while Oh Sontae had been busy settling Ihyeon back into this house. Hugging the child closer, Igyeol nodded. How could one possibly stop a man leaving to care for his ailing son?

“I meant to tell you earlier, but when I’m standing before you, my mind goes blank. I forgot. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Oh Sontae-ssi… it can’t be helped. Family must come first.”

It was not without regret, but he accepted it quickly. At least Ihyeon had bonded well with Kwon Seunggyu. Perhaps because of his attentive care, the baby never resisted his arms.

“On Kwon Seunggyu-ssi’s days off, you and I will care for Ihyeon together. I’ll also prepare for emergencies and continue studying childcare, so you don’t need to feel anxious.”

Reassuring words—but only one thing lodged in Igyeol’s ears: they would be alone with Ihyeon, together. His eyes widened.

“Wait—just the two of us? Alone?”

“If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ve prepared alternatives. Please, say so freely.”

“What… alternatives?”

Seo Dohyeon’s gaze lingered on the drowsing child, then he replied.

“I’ve already hired another babysitter to cover Seunggyu-ssi’s off days. So, you needn’t force yourself to spend the day with me if it troubles you.”

“……”

“You don’t need to feel pressured. Just tell me what you want—anything at all. I’ll accommodate it.”

“It’s not that I feel pressured…”

Moistening his lips with his tongue, Go Igyeol continued softly.

“It’s just… neither of us has experience raising a baby, so I worry. I don’t know much.”

In truth, Dohyeon had already devoured every childcare book he could find and consulted a pediatric specialist multiple times a day to prepare for this. But Igyeol knew none of it, and his worries only mounted.

“…There will be none.”

“…Pardon?”

“You won’t have to worry, or be disappointed. I won’t let it happen… Trust me.”

There was a pleading note in Dohyeon’s voice. At last, Igyeol shifted his gaze to meet his, finding it filled with quiet desperation. He parted his lips to reply, but just then, the opening of a door cut short their exchange.

Having finished tidying, Oh Sontae approached. With familiar ease, he reached out to take the now-slumbering Ihyeon.

“He just fell asleep.”

“So he did. He’s been fussier at bedtime lately—you must be tired.”

“…Not at all.”

“Isn’t he angelic when he sleeps.”

With a gentle smile, Oh Sontae stroked the baby, then excused himself. Bowing in turn to both men, he departed. The door shut softly, leaving only the two behind once more. The silence was broken first by Igyeol.

“…I’ll step out for a bit.”

“It’s late for that.”

“I just… thought I’d walk to the convenience store. But… you’re right, it is late. Perhaps I should stay in.”

His muttered voice carried unease. Seo Dohyeon sighed quietly. No matter how gently he tried to phrase things, they always seemed to fall harshly. With a strained smile, Igyeol turned away, heading for his room. Just before entering, Dohyeon spoke.

“Not like that—may I come with you?”

“…What?”

“I’d worry, letting you go alone.”

Rather than excuses, he confessed the truth. He could have claimed he wanted fresh air too, or that he needed something from the store, but none of it felt right. He didn’t want to hide, not even the smallest things. These shared moments were too fleeting, too precious, to taint with lies.

“…I’ll be back quickly.”

“Still.”

While Dohyeon fetched his coat, Igyeol lingered by the door. At the sound of his footsteps, he quickly stepped outside, as though unwilling to be caught waiting. As the entrance doors slid open, the sound of the inner door followed behind—Seo Dohyeon was close. His hurried steps closed the gap.

Igyeol halted, lifting his face to the sky. At once, Dohyeon drew near, shaking out the scarf he carried and wrapping it around his neck. Snowflakes drifted faintly in the air.

“You always dress too lightly, don’t you.”

“It’s not that cold.”

“…Still, keep warm.”

Bundling the scarf up to cover his nose, Igyeol glanced at him sideways, then resumed walking. The night air was sharp, but bracing. At the nearby convenience store, he picked up a yogurt with chocolate rings, a bar of chocolate, and a pack of gummy bears.

Dohyeon followed, noting each item in his small hands, and at the counter, he paid before Igyeol could draw his card.

“Five thousand two hundred won. Would you like a receipt?”

“No.”

Taking the bag, Dohyeon shoved the change into his pocket carelessly and looked at Igyeol, silently asking if he wanted anything more. A shake of the head was his only reply. Igyeol stepped out first.

The walk back seemed unnervingly short. It hadn’t felt this close on the way out. Anxiety gnawed at Dohyeon. The plastic bag rustled with every swing of his hand. Inside the villa complex, Igyeol suddenly turned back.

“I slept so much today my head aches… I’ll walk a little longer. You go in first.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll walk with you.”

“……”

“Even if you say no, I don’t think I could leave you alone. I’d worry.”

The lamplight shone brightly, the CCTV covered every corner, and yet Dohyeon could not feel assured. With a faint shrug, he masked his unease. Igyeol moved forward again. Stubborn though he seemed, walking together did not feel so bad. In truth, Dohyeon had known it from the moment they stepped outside.