The night air was crisp as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the Shin Mansion. The grand estate, once filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, was now quiet—save for the occasional rustle of leaves outside. Inside, the atmosphere was different tonight. It wasn’t the same sterile, business-like environment that had taken over since Saejoon had become the chairman. No, tonight was something more—something that felt like a return to a semblance of family.

Hana’s footsteps echoed softly in the hallway as she skipped down the stairs, a radiant smile lighting up her face. The meeting had gone better than expected. Saejoon had kept his word. He had attended, something that many had doubted. It wasn’t just about the meeting itself; it was the fact that he had shown up—for her. For the first time in what felt like forever, Hana felt a glimmer of warmth in her chest, the kind that had been missing for so long.

She found Saejoon in the grand living room, sitting near the fireplace, his eyes downcast as he reviewed paperwork. He was the same Saejoon, yet entirely different. His presence was stronger, quieter—more settled. But in that moment, as she watched him, Hana couldn’t stop the rush of gratitude that filled her heart.

With a soft sigh, she walked over to him, her small hands clutching the edge of her dress.

"Saejoon…" she began, her voice barely a whisper.

Saejoon looked up at the sound of her voice, his lips curving into a small, warm smile. He set the papers down, taking a deep breath as he met her gaze.

"You’re back already?" he asked, his voice steady, yet soft.

Hana’s smile widened as she stood in front of him, her arms wrapped around herself as if trying to hold onto the moment. "Thank you, Saejoon. Thank you for coming to the meeting. It… it made me really happy," she said, her voice trembling slightly, though her joy was unmistakable.

Saejoon didn’t say anything at first. Instead, he reached out for her, his strong hands gently pulling her into his lap. Hana’s eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t resist. Her small frame settled easily against his chest, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.

"I’ll always be here for you, Hana," Saejoon murmured softly, his voice filled with an unwavering sincerity. "No matter what happens, you don’t have to face anything alone. I promise you."

Hana, her face buried in his chest, felt the warmth of his words seep into her heart. She had never heard him say anything so certain, so unconditional. Her fingers tightened around the fabric of his shirt, as if trying to hold onto the moment forever.

"I know," she whispered back, her voice muffled by the fabric. "I know, Saejoon. You’re the only one I have left."

For a brief moment, Saejoon stayed silent, holding her close. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their shared space. He could feel Hana’s small breaths, the way she clung to him as though he were her anchor. In that moment, he knew he had made the right choice. He had no regrets. He was her guardian now, her family—and he would do whatever it took to protect her.

"You don’t have to thank me," Saejoon finally said, his voice quiet but firm. "You’re my sister, Hana. I’ll always be here. Always."

Hana lifted her head slightly to meet his eyes. There was a quiet sincerity in his gaze, the kind of sincerity that could only come from someone who truly meant their words. She smiled, her face lighting up with a joy that had been missing for far too long.

"Thank you," she said again, but this time, her voice was full of affection. "I love you, Saejoon."

Saejoon’s heart tightened at her words, but he didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he simply tightened his hold on her, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

"I love you too, Hana," he whispered, his voice soft with emotion. "I’ll always be here."

And for the first time in a long while, as he held his little sister close, Saejoon felt a sense of peace. The weight of the world that had once burdened him, the responsibilities, the loss—none of it seemed as heavy in this moment. He had Hana. And that was enough.