The quiet of the Shin Group headquarters had settled in after a long day of meetings, calls, and countless tasks that needed Saejoon’s undivided attention. Despite the demands of running a multinational conglomerate, he always kept an eye on Hana, who had fallen asleep on the couch in his office. Her soft breaths, the way her head rested against the plush throw pillow, were the only signs of peace in the otherwise bustling world around him. He had gotten so used to this—working while she rested nearby—since their parents had passed.

As the final reports were signed and the last call concluded, Saejoon looked over at Hana one last time. The exhaustion on her face was unmistakable, but there was a certain comfort in knowing she had chosen to spend the day with him, even if she had initially tried to feign illness. He smiled softly to himself, walking over to her and kneeling down to lift her gently in his arms.

Her small body, though no longer the little girl he once carried around easily, still felt light to him. The sense of responsibility that weighed on his shoulders had never once faltered. He had promised their parents he would take care of her, and despite everything, he kept his word.

The drive back to the Shin Mansion was quiet. The car glided through the dimming streets, the city lights reflecting off the sleek exterior of the luxury sedan. Saejoon sat in the back seat with Hana in his arms, watching her sleep peacefully. He was glad for these moments when the chaos of life could momentarily fade away. She was his world now—his responsibility, his family.

When they arrived at the Shin Mansion, the house was still, as it often was at this hour. Saejoon carefully carried Hana through the grand front doors, his movements quiet as he navigated the familiar halls. The house, once filled with laughter and the energy of their parents, now felt empty in comparison. Yet it was moments like these, when he could care for Hana like this, that reminded him why he kept going.

He reached her room, pushing open the door softly and stepping inside. The room was warm, the curtains gently drawn, and the soft golden light from the bedside lamp created a peaceful atmosphere. He gently placed Hana back into her bed, making sure she was tucked in snugly before pulling the covers up to her chin.

Hana stirred slightly, blinking her eyes open as she slowly came to. She was still groggy from sleep, the soft pillow beneath her head coaxing her back into slumber. But as her eyes focused, she realized she wasn’t in the office anymore.

Her gaze immediately shifted to Saejoon, who was standing beside the bed, a faint smile on his lips. “Saejoon?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. “How did I…?”

“You fell asleep in my office,” Saejoon replied gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I brought you home.”

Hana blinked again, trying to make sense of it. Her mind was still foggy, but she slowly recalled the events of the day. She had pretended to be sick, but Saejoon had taken her to the office anyway. And now, here she was, back in her room, tucked into her bed as if nothing had changed.

“You didn’t have to carry me,” she muttered, still a bit embarrassed. “I could’ve walked…”

Saejoon chuckled, shaking his head. “You were asleep, Hana. I wasn’t about to let you wake up in the office and wander home on your own.” His voice softened, almost teasing. “Besides, you’re still my little sister, no matter how old you get.”

Hana blinked again, feeling a warm smile tug at her lips. She felt safe here, in the mansion, in Saejoon’s care. She was still growing up, still figuring out what the world meant for her, but she knew, deep down, that Saejoon would always be there for her.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice quieter now, the exhaustion from the day catching up to her again. “For always being there, Saejoon.”

Saejoon smiled down at her, a rare softness in his eyes. “I’ll always be here for you, Hana. You don’t need to thank me for that.”

With one last look, Saejoon turned and quietly stepped out of her room, pulling the door closed gently behind him. The house felt still again, but in the silence, he felt something like peace. For as long as he had Hana by his side, nothing else seemed to matter.

Hana’s eyes fluttered shut once more, the rhythmic sound of her breathing the only thing that could be heard in the quiet night. As sleep claimed her again, a sense of calm washed over her. Even if things weren’t perfect, even if the world outside was demanding and chaotic, Saejoon’s presence was enough. She was home.