Chapter 1

Another nervous glance at my wristwatch, a long deep sigh followed afterwards. Straightening myself, combing through my hair, I once again asked myself what I’ve done to deserve this.

Maybe I’ve been a villain in my past life? Maybe someone who had been evil to the core of his very soul?

She was usually an angel, or rather, most of the time. But how come she always went berserker on me whenever I wanted to fasten her seatbelt?

My brows furrowed as I looked at the 5 year old girl, sitting comfortably in her car seat. She looked content and happily went through the children’s book I had handed her five minutes ago, trying to take her mind off of the upcoming car ride.

“Let’s do this…” I muttered once more, bowing forward and reaching for the belt.

However, even before I could reach the lifesaving gadget, my daughter threw the book to the side and pressed herself up.

“No belt, daddy!” She screamed, her eyes glaring at me.

“Oh come on!” I hissed, straightening once again, hands akimbo. “Come on Yerin. You know that I have to bring you to kindergarten before I can go to work. And you are not helping at the moment…” I hummed grumpily. Actually she was never helping. Each morning we played the same old game. Expect that today she was especially persistent.

‘One more time, and if she isn’t listening, we’ll do it my way.’ I promised myself, even if I knew that I wouldn’t go through with this plan.

“But it’s not nice to drive with a belt.” She muttered under her breath, looking to the side.

“I know, honey. But we have to fasten it. Otherwise we can’t drive…” I once more leaned forward, tapping her tiny shoulders in order to get her attention. “Listen Yerin, the faster you accept the seatbelt, the faster we can go to kindergarten.” Suddenly a wicked smile made its way onto my handsome features, remembering our conversation the day before. “Don’t tell me you don’t want to play with your new friend?” I asked in a surprised voice as I remembered her telling me about her new friend. I had hoped that she would listen to me after this, but not that she would raise her hands over her head, telling me to fasten her seatbelt.

I was a little taken aback, looking at her with raised brows.

‘Seems like she really adores her new friend…’

“Oh, daddy. Faster, please? We have to go to Kindergarten.” She commanded, reaching for her book.

Biting on my lip I held back a comment about her going all ‘Diva’ on me all of a sudden. I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or feel offended about her sudden statement. She acted as if it had been her idea of hurrying up.

On the other side, she always did that, acting like a smart , just like I had taught her.

I couldn’t help but smile at her, slightly shaking my head while fastening her seatbelt without her throwing another tantrum.

I was surprised at how silent and comfortable the whole car ride had gone. Usually Yerin was the kind of girl that got bored easily and therefore I was even more stunned that she didn’t even talk or complain about something while in the car.

Minutes later we reached our destination, me still wondering what was up with my daughter.

“Say, Yerin. Is there something you are thinking about?” I gently asked her as I unfastened the belt and lifted her out of the car.

“I was just thinking about what I and Sunah should do today. You know we got a new baby and I was thinking about asking her to play with me and the baby.” My little girl answered happily, waiting for me to hand her the little blue bag.

I smiled as I heard the reason for her silence, opening the passenger seat in order to get hold of her blue Elsa bag.

“Of course, the new baby doll! It’s the one you told me about yesterday, right?” I asked, handing her the kindergarten bag. “I’m sure Sunah will be more than happy to play with you. And when I come to fetch you, you have to tell me how it went, okay?” I asked smiling, getting to my knees in order to kiss her forehead.

Her big brown eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically, grabbing my hand as I rose to my feet.

I accompanied Yerin towards the fence that separated the parking area from the playground of the Kindergarten.

As soon as we passed the gate, my daughter called out happily.

“Look, daddy, there is Sunah!” She exclaimed happily, tugging at my hand and dragged me towards a young girl standing near the entrance. She had big bright brown eyes with long lashes. Her long brown and slightly curly hair fell over the pink cardigan she was wearing along with a white shirt and a jeans skirt. She looked very girly and adorable, I had to admit.

As we neared her, the girl seemed to notice us and waved happily.

“Yerin! I’ve waited for you.” The small girl announced, high-fiving my daughter. She then looked up at me, bowing with respect and greeting me with a bright voice.

“I’m also pleased to meet you, Sunah.” I greeted back as she had finished introducing herself.

“Sorry for being late. Let’s go in?” Yerin asked as soon as both of us finished greeting each other, letting go off my hand in order to grab the equally small hand of her new best friend.

I couldn’t help but smile at the two girls entering the building while talking happily.

I followed them in order to tell Yerin’s Kindergartener that I would fetch her before lunch.

Walking past the corner, I saw the two girls nearing their group room. I wasn’t surprised as Yerin only turned in order to wave me goodbye before she entered the room closely followed by Sunah.

Yerin had never been the clingy kind of girl. She had always been rather calm and collected, even as a baby. She was rather grown up for her age. And even thought the two of us were really close, which probably was because there was only the two of us, she had barely made some friends in Kindergarten so far. As I said, she was rather calm and reserved, not making friends easily.

So you can picture how happy it made me to know that she seemed to have finally found a good friend, and hopefully they would turn out as best friends as time passes.

I shoved my hands into my jean pockets and looked around, searching for Ms Kim, who was Yerin’s Kindergartener. I figured that she was probably already in the group room, the room my daughter had went in just a few seconds ago. However, just when I was about to walk towards the door, a high pitched voice called out for me.

Well, damn. I would never get used to that sound. It was inhuman. Like, all your skin shrivelled up whenever she started talking. It was beyond me how the children could bear that kind of voice.

Yerin always said that she found Ms. Kim’s voice charming.

“Mr. Jung! How nice to see you.” The woman chirped as she exited a room that I suspected was the conference room.

“Like almost every day, Ms Kim.” I answered; a faint smile on my lips. Ms Kim was a happy and nice woman; however the behaviour she displayed towards me was rather tiresome. “I wanted to inform you that I might come a little later today. Nonetheless, I try to fetch Yerin before lunch. Of course I’ll try to get away from work as soon as possible.” I told her, bowing my head slightly in apology.

I was lucky enough that the Kindergarten was keeping up with my work schedule. It wasn’t easy to be a single dad, but I really gave my best and with the help of my family and the good will of the kindergarten I and Yerin were doing fine. At least I hoped she was doing fine. Even though she told me everything, I sometimes feared that she would keep the sadness bottled up and not tell me about her worries.

“Oh, that’s fine. I noticed that Sunah and Yerin are already good friends and since Sunah is staying a little longer today as well. I guess they won’t even notice that they are here longer than usual.” The woman told me, smiling widely.

I couldn’t shake off the persistent voice inside my brain that constantly told me that this woman wanted me to be more than just one of her ‘children’s’ father. That she was hitting on me or something like that.

Not that I was interested in a relationship at the moment, but Yerin’s Kindergartner - even thought she was really nice – really wasn’t my type.

To be honest, I had no idea what kind of ideal type I had, but I wasn’t thinking about it too much because, like I said, I wasn’t interested. I was way too busy to keep up my position at work and take care of my 5 year old daughter.

“That’s good to hear. Then I will see you later.” I bowed and hurried along the corridor as a quick glance at my watch made me aware at how late it actually was.

~.~.~.~

I had tried. I really had. Finishing my overdue lists as soon as possible, I had hoped that after handing in my report I would be able to leave immediately afterwards. Well, I had hoped.

But apparently luck wasn’t on my side because just as I wanted to grab my jacket and leave, did my boss ask for my presence in the meeting room.

After another hour of talking about the further plans with the upcoming new mission, was I able to leave for my lunch break.

I silently cursed to myself as I pulled up in the parking area of the Kindergarten.

I hurried inside, intending to grab my daughter and leave right after that. I wanted to eat dinner with her in peace before dropping her at my parents and leave for work once more. This was our usual daily routine.

Sometimes I wished my wife was still by my side, taking care of Yerin together with me.

Of course I still had my mother and my father by my side, even my older brother loved to take care of his niece whenever he had time, but they were all running the family business so it sometimes happened that one of my parents maids had to look after Yerin. And even though I knew she was in good hands, I still wished there was someone more than a maid taking care of her. Like someone who was always by her side, someone who wouldn’t leave all the time - like I did. A person she could rely on.

To say that I was feeling like a bad father was an understatement. I felt horrible whenever I had to leave her behind. I felt like the worst father on this planet.

However, I loved my job as well, and this was the problem.

It wasn’t as if I had a ‘normal’ job like a teacher or a businessman, no. Not only was I very busy, leaving my daughter at my parents, I also had a very dangerous job.

For the past months I’ve been thinking about what to do in the future. I feared for my daughters safety and I had already decided that something had to change.

I didn’t want my precious Yerin ending up without a mother and dead father.

I often thought about quitting, for my daughters sake.

But whenever I was near to quitting work, something happened that made me realised that what I did was important. My chief had promised me to spare me from any dangerous missions until I was ready to go onto the field again.

I had no idea how long my boss would accept me not doing field missions, since it’s been already 3 years, but for now, I was happy with just working in the office, where nothing major could happen to me.

I knew, that if my boss asked me to come back to the team, I would quit. And I didn’t want to quit. But I would, for Yerins sake.

Passing the Kindergartens conference room, I was heading for Yerins Kindergarten group.

Opening the door, I wondered why no one was inside, however, as I heard happy cheers that were seeping through the open window, did I realise that the remaining kids were probably playing outside.

I walked towards the glass door - which led to the backyard - noticing that not many children were left.

‘No wonder, I’m rather late…’ I thought, twisting my lips into a displeased smile.

Looking over the rather big garden, I detected Yerin with her bouncing pigtails, excitedly playing with Sunah who was as well still here.

“Rini!” I called out to my daughter, waving at her while stepping outside and towards the sandbox.

My brows rose as Ms Kim suddenly stepped towards me and greeted with sparkling eyes.

“Hello Mr. Jung! I see you started your lunch break?” She asked excitedly, getting rid of a loose strand of her black hair while looking at me.

“I did. I see Yerin already has her bag and her shoes with her?” I asked, indicating that I was intending to leave as soon as possible.

“Of course. We took her things with us so you could leave right away. I know you are a busy person, Mr. Jung.” She said, sounding rather proud. As if she had done the most amazing thing in the world.

I only nodded, politely smiling at her while waving towards my daughter once more while walking towards to hear, stopping in front of the sandbox.

“Are you ready to leave, Rini?” She didn’t seem all to happy, however, suddenly she seemed to have an idea.

“Daddy, can you come closer?” She chirped happily, pointing at me.

I just chuckled and moved closer, sitting down comfortably at the edge of the sandbox.

“Hello Mr. Jung.” The soft voice of Sunah greeted me, and when I turned towards she bowed politely.

Apparently he wasn’t the only one who thought his daughter to be polite to elders. Sunah was really a very polite and nice girl. He was more than glad that his daughter had befriended her.

“Hello Sunah. I hope the both of you had a good day?” I asked, gently patting her head.

She happily smiled and nodded at me before turning towards Yerin.

“Can you ask him now?” The girl gasped excitedly.

My brows rose at the sudden change of topic, looking at my daughter for explanation.

Yerin smiled and indicated for me to lean forward. She then stepped closer, whispering into my ear.

“Daddy, me and Sunah were wondering if she could come to visit tomorrow?”

I wasn’t sure what to say since we had hardly ever other children over, much to my displeasure. Therefore I was more than happy, since Yerin really seemed to adore Sunah.

Pursing my lips I started to go through my work schedule for this week.

Yerin looked so sad when I suddenly shook my head. She was about to ask why, when I smiled and ruffled her hair.

“Hey, I wasn’t saying that she couldn’t come, just not tomorrow. You know I have to work, Rini. But the day after tomorrow is my free day, so if Sunah wants, she can come over on Friday?” I asked, looking from Yerin to Sunah. Both nodded enthusiastically at me and I couldn’t help but laugh at both of them.

It seemed as if they had not played enough with each other the whole midmorning.

“But Sunah has to ask her parents first. If they say it’s, fine she can come with us.” I added, strictly looking at them.

Once again both nodded. And just when I was about to ask Sunah when her mother or her father would arrive so I could talk with them, did a voice call out her name.

Turning around, I watched a middle aged woman coming towards the sandbox, bowing towards me as soon as she noticed me.

“Oh, hello. Ah, you have to be Yerins father!” The woman called out while bowing one more time. Her eyes scanned me up and down and she somehow seemed pleased as she ended her survey.

I nodded, smiling.

“Neh, I’m Jung Yonghwa, nice to meet you.” I greeted back, bowing as well.

“Ah, no wonder Yerin is so polite. She already told me that you are very strict when it comes to things like these.” I raised my brows as it doomed on me that this woman already met my daughter, probably as she had picked up Sunah before.

The woman then turned towards the young girl that was sitting in the middle of the sandbox.

“Come, darling. Your mom is waiting at home with your favourite meal.” The woman announced.

“Coming, granny.” Sunah immediately stood up and cleaned herself from the sand. Well, as good as she could.

They were just about to grab her pink Kindergarten bag as I remembered our previous conversation.

“Ah, Mrs.,” I called out, cursing at myself that I didn’t know her last name. Luckily Yerin came to my rescue, whispering to me. “Mrs. Park! I was just talking to the kids and they asked me if Sunah could visit us on Friday.”

The woman smiled and nodded.

“I’m pretty sure your mother has nothing against it, Sun.” She said to her granddaughter. Turning back towards me she smiled. “Should we bring her over on Friday?”

“Ah, no. I have my day off on Friday, so if you want I can take her with me when I fetch Yerin from Kindergarten.”

“You send her to Kindergarten on your day off?” She asked surprised. She didn’t sound offended or displeased, just surprised.

I smiled and shook my head.

“Usually not. But I have to buy some ingredients and I also have an important appointment. Therefore she’ll have more fun in Kindergarten than sticking with me the whole morning.” I told her and she seemed confused. I immediately knew why. Her eyes seemed to ask: Why isn’t your wife buying ingredients or watching your daughter.

“A single father has to do what a single father has to do.” I added, laughing a little as she seemed to be embarrassed.

“I see. I’m sorry for interfering…” She bowed her head and I just laughed some more.

“No need to apologise. You didn’t say anything. I just happen to know that reaction quite well and act on it without thinking about it. I should be the one apologizing for making assumptions and assuming to know what you think.” I bowed my head as well, making the woman smile.

“A single father, I see.” Her smile grew and I had the bad feeling that it was not a good one. Why, I couldn’t tell.

“Y-Yeah. So it would be okay for me to get both before lunch.” I continued where we left off. “Oh, and I would be glad if you could leave her car seat here…” I trailed off and looked down at my daughter who was laughing.

“Yes, because my dad really loves car seats.” She laughed some more and I couldn’t help but laugh with her.

“I do.”

“No problem. I’ll tell my daughter. She’ll fetch Sunah around 5 pm if that’s okay?” The woman asked happily. Mrs. Park seemed as if she was in high spirit, much to my confusion.

“Of course. I’ll write down our address at home and give it Yerin so she can hand it Sunah tomorrow.” I bowed once more, grabbing my daughters hand while wishing Sunah and her Grandmother a nice day.

A/N:

Hello~
I really hope you liked the first chapter?
I know it's not that interesting, and I guess the whole story won't be that thrilling and original all in all. But, I rather enjoyed writing the first chapter n I hope at least a few of you will like the boring stuff I'm gonna write lol xD

I'm not new to fanfic writing, but this is my first CNBLUE fic n I'm really excited abt it :)
Even though I'm not new to writing, english isn't my first language. Therefore, please bear with me if there are some grammar mistakes, ne? >.<

Lastly, I would really love comments n feedback from ya guys~
Even if it's only to tell me I wrote something wrong lol

See ya in the next chapter :D