Radiant Short Story Collection

Little traitor

The only sound breaking the nursery’s stillness is the low murmur of afternoon rain hitting the window. The room is dim, and only the warm amber mood light glowing in the corner lights the space, casting soft shadows over the baby crib. I’m leaning back in the plush cushion of the rocking chair, and every muscle in my body aches from the awful, heavy exhaustion, to the point my hands are shaking uncontrollably.

The sound of light, quiet footsteps on the wooden floor rings softly, and Chanyeon slips into the room. He’s wearing a simple, boxy gray knit sweater, and his dark hair is tousled, falling loosely over his eyes.

He stops right beside the chair. A gentle, unbelievably warm smile spreads at once across his face as he looks down at the tiny bundle swaddled in my lap. The baby has sunk into a deep sleep, breathing in small, shallow rhythms with a tiny fist clenched against soft cheeks.

"Here, give me that." Chanyeon whispers in a deep voice laced with a playful, teasing rhythm. As he bends down, his big hand reaches over my lap, and his broad build completely fills my space. "You look like you’re about to fall asleep and tip over with the rocking chair."

"It only just fell asleep." I mutter in a dry, tired voice, giving him a weak glare. "Be careful. It’s really, really tiny."

"Hey, I’ve got insane reflexes." He breaks into a soft laugh. A confident, affectionate smile brushes the corners of his mouth.

He takes the baby with perfect, steady tenderness. His long fingers slide carefully under the swaddle, one palm supporting the tiny body below the waist while the other gently cradles the fragile weight of the newborn’s head. He rises slowly, pulling the baby fully against his broad chest.

I sit in the chair and smile softly at the strange feeling of that visual contrast. Chanyeon has such a huge, broad-shouldered, athlete-like build, but he’s holding this tiny baby with hands so careful they seem almost delicate. He holds the little bundle close to his collarbone and completely cups the back of the baby’s head with one big hand, keeping it safely supported.

The baby gives a tiny, contented sigh and buries its face deep into the soft gray knit of Chanyeon’s sweater.

"Wow, look at this tiny traitor." Chanyeon murmurs. Bright, happy light dances in his dark eyes as he starts gently rocking on his feet. He looks down at the baby, his face warming with unhidden, pure affection, completely captivated. "I’ve only been here for two minutes, and you’ve already ditched me completely because you like my sweater. I get it, though—this is seriously soft."

"You’re just using him for your body heat, oppa." I whisper with an exhausted smile that can’t be helped.

"Hey, winning is all that matters." He shoots back in a breathless, happy voice as he comes up in front of my chair. Still holding the baby firmly against his chest, he kneels on the carpet right beside my lap and brings his face down to my eye level.

He reaches out with his other hand, the one not holding mine, and taps the tip of my nose playfully with warm, long fingers before gently brushing back the hair fallen over my tired forehead. His thumb strokes the skin of my cheek with an almost dizzying tenderness, and his touch is full of quiet, reassuring affection.

"You really worked hard." he says softly. His teasing tone melts completely into deep, sincere warmth, tickling the very depths of my heart. He looks back and forth between the sleeping baby and me, his chest rising and falling in an even, comfortable rhythm. "And by the way, this little nose of theirs—it’s a tiny nose that looks just like yours, stubborn and all. I kept smiling the whole time I was watching them while you were resting."

"Perfect." I let out a breath and reach out to lean against his broad shoulder. My fingers clutch tightly at the wool of his sweater while his body heat spreads fully through my skin.

"It really is." Chanyeon murmurs with his thumb resting lightly along my jawline. He holds my gaze with a beautiful, devoted warmth that washes away the stress I had left completely. He lowers his head and gently presses his forehead to mine, and in the dim amber light, his breath blends softly with mine. "Now close your eyes and don’t worry about anything. I’ll take perfect care of both the two people I love most. Come on, sleep."

I let out a low, satisfied breath and rest my head against his shoulder. In the heavy darkness of the rainy afternoon, his presence—full of teasing warmth and protective care—fills our little family with a perfectly safe space.