Bo Mi felt words of resentment rising in her throat towards Su Young, who was being stubborn unlike usual, but she swallowed them with effort.

Looking at the three men, Bo Mi felt like she wanted to run away from this place the most. It was difficult to side with any of them. Bo Mi thought it was best for Jae Kyung to play the role of father, but it was hard to ignore the two people who had made time to participate on Saturday.

At daycare events, either Bo Mi or Mi Rae would attend alone.

This was the first time so many people had gathered for Yeo Reum.

Why did Yeo Reum and Mi Rae call all these people!

“Um… I’m sorry.”

The daycare teacher was standing in front of the conflicted Bo Mi and the three bickering men. And behind the teacher, Yeo Reum and two other children were peeking out nervously.

“Yeo Reum!”

Bo Mi reached out in surprise at Yeo Reum’s appearance. Was he hurt more than it seemed, so the teacher brought him?

“Mom!”

Yeo Reum smiled brightly and hugged Bo Mi.

“My son. You were so cool, dancing so well and not crying even when you fell.”

“It didn’t hurt. No big deal.”

Yeo Reum said proudly, puffing out his chest. His knee stung from the wound, but this was nothing. Compared to being teased as a liar because his mom was a bad person, this kind of injury didn’t hurt at all.

“Teacher. Does this happen often?”

Bo Mi asked the teacher in a lowered voice.

“I’m sorry. Min Hyung can be a bit rough, so we warn him every time we see it, but… I’m truly sorry. It’s due to my lack of guidance.”

The teacher bowed apologetically while watching Bo Mi’s reaction.

“I hope this doesn’t happen again in the future.”

“We’ll be careful.”

“By the way… I heard our child was teased for not having a father. Is that true?”

“Ah… I’m sorry. It seems some children have spread such words. We have single-parent families in our daycare too, but there’s a friend who’s particularly interested in Yeo Reum…”

The teacher trailed off, seeming troubled.

Yeo Reum was popular among friends due to his doll-like pretty looks and mature personality. The girls especially adored Yeo Reum.

To the group that didn’t view Yeo Reum favorably, the small-built Yeo Reum was a good target for boys to show off their strength. The fact that Seo Rim, whom Min Hyung liked, showed a lot of interest in Yeo Reum also played a part.

Moreover, Yeo Reum stood out with his young and pretty mother and 20-year-old aunt picking him up, making him a subject of interest for other mothers too. Children’s personal attacks were largely due to their parents’ usual behavior and speech. The teacher couldn’t explain all these circumstances to Bo Mi, so she just repeated her apologies.

“Yeo Reum gets along well with other friends except for Min Hyung’s group. I try to keep them apart as much as possible… I’ll pay more attention in the future.”

The teacher continued, glancing at Jae Kyung.

“Now that the father has attended like this, the rumors about Yeo Reum will disappear. I’m sorry for causing you concern.”

Though Bo Mi wanted to quit the daycare, she had no choice but to trust the teacher if she wanted to work.

Fortunately, the effect of the three men called to play the role of father seemed significant, as the gazes of the surrounding parents had changed.

Although it felt uncomfortable to suppress rumors with such a false act, Bo Mi felt she could tell any lie if it would free Yeo Reum from bullying.

“I’ll do my best.”

In the worst case, they would have to change daycares, but Mureung Daycare received subsidies from Dowon Group, and other daycares in the area had long waiting lists, making it difficult to transfer.

Moreover, they couldn’t keep running away and changing every time the same problem occurred.

“But… mother.”

The teacher hesitated, glancing at Jae Kyung, Su Young, and Ga Jin.

“Yes?”

“Teacher, I’ll explain!”

Yeo Reum boldly walked up and tugged on Ga Jin’s hand.

“What is it, squirt?”

“Uncle! Play the role of dad!”

“Haha! Squirt. You called Do Jae Kyung dad, but in the end, you choose me.”

Ga Jin laughed loudly and looked at Jae Kyung.

Jae Kyung’s already pale face seemed to turn even whiter from shock. Bo Mi was equally flustered.

“Yeo Reum…”

“As expected, our squirt knows how to judge people! You’ll go far.”

Ga Jin was elated with a sense of victory.

Bo Mi’s mind went blank, unsure how to handle this situation. When did he ever cry and beg to meet Jae Kyung, calling him dad… And now suddenly uncle Ga Jin.

Han Yeo Reum, you’re my son but this is too much.

Bo Mi was about to call Yeo Reum while glancing at Jae Kyung.

“Uncle. You’ll play dad, right?”

“Of course. Who else would be the dad but me? Haha.”

“I’m so excited. Seo Rim, uncle says he’ll be the dad.”

Yeo Reum pulled Seo Rim’s hand.

“Hello.”

Seo Rim bowed politely.

“Huh?”

“Uncle, this is my close friend Seo Rim.”

“Girlfriend? Do kids start dating so early these days? Wow, squirt, you’re quite capable.”

“No, that’s not it. Seo Rim’s family is busy, so only her grandmother came. So, uncle, can’t you be Seo Rim’s dad too?”

Yeo Reum and Seo Rim looked up at Ga Jin with sparkling eyes. Why me? Ga Jin wore a bewildered expression at Yeo Reum’s request.

“And Uncle Su Young! Min Ah’s dad is in the hospital, so her mom came alone.”

Yeo Reum turned his target to Su Young. Ga Jin and Su Young were speechless at Yeo Reum’s pleading eyes.

Who on earth did this kid take after to be so meddlesome?

Han Bo Mi doesn’t look around enough, that’s the problem.

“Yeo Reum… The uncles came to cheer for you, so such requests…”

Bo Mi held Yeo Reum’s hand and shook her head.

“Mother, I’m sorry. It must be troublesome… Yeo Reum already told the kids, and I said it wouldn’t work, but…”

“Yeo Reum can be quite stubborn, right?”

Seo Rim and Min Ah were staring blankly at Yeo Reum beside the teacher.

Reminded of her own childhood, Bo Mi let out a small sigh.

She recalled how happy she was to see Min Jun in the audience when she gave the class representative’s speech at graduation. After her mother passed away, she was always alone at events where parents were invited.

For a child who feels the world is too big, the support of a trusted adult is love and strength.

“Mom…”

Yeo Reum’s voice dropped. He seemed to sense that he had done something wrong from Bo Mi’s expression.

To help other friends… Is his kindness inherited from Nak Won?

Whenever the elders in Nak Won village were in trouble, Won would take the initiative to lend a hand first. Winter aunt also liked this aspect of Nak Won and often took advantage of it.

He was such a good person that heaven took him early.

Seeing those eyes resembling Nak Won looking at her pitifully, Bo Mi’s heart softened.

“Su Young… I’m sorry. Can I ask a favor?”

“Of course. I wanted to join the competition anyway, so this works out. If it’s Yeo Reum’s friend, I welcome it.”

Su Young smiled kindly as he spoke to Bo Mi.

“Thank you.”

“Who’s Min Ah? Hello? I’m Ha Su Young. You can call me uncle. Let’s compete together.”

“Wow! Uncle Su Young! You’re the best! Thank you so much.”

Yeo Reum hugged Su Young and cheered.

“Hah… Fine. Alright, I’ll do it too.”

Ga Jin frowned and ruffled his hair.

“Ga Jin, thank you.”

“If you’re grateful, treat me to a meal.”

Ga Jin took Seo Rim’s hand and followed the teacher.

“Dad! Let’s go too.”

At Yeo Reum’s words, Jae Kyung unconsciously smoothed his chest.

Who would have thought it would be such a shock for Yeo Reum to ask Ga Jin to be his dad.

At first, it was for Bo Mi’s sake, but now Jae Kyung coveted the title of Yeo Reum’s dad too.

He sincerely wanted to be a pillar of support for both of them. Is it natural to come to love the child of the woman you love?

Paternal love… Of course, Jae Kyung shouldn’t have such feelings, but whenever he saw Yeo Reum, the area around his heart softened and was enveloped in warmth.

“Dad! Let’s definitely get first place.”

Seeing the bright smile of the child calling him dad without any hesitation, he couldn’t help but smile. In front of this child’s innocence, he felt as if he had become a real dad, not a fake one.

“Of course. Dad has never gotten anything but first place.”

“Oh… Wow…”

An exclamation of admiration flowed from Yeo Reum’s small mouth.

Jae Kyung smiled as he lightly touched Yeo Reum’s soft cheek with his fingertip.

“Oh my… The father and son really look alike when they smile. How heartwarming.”

The teachers watching Yeo Reum and Jae Kyung waiting for their turn in the competition smiled warmly as they spoke.

The family obstacle race was divided into 4 courses. After the father runs holding the child’s hand through the first course of hurdles, a balance beam appears.

The father walks alongside while the child walks on the balance beam until safely landing.

For the third course, the child crawls through a curtain of layered cloth obstacles, and finally, the father piggybacks the child to run to the goal and grab the medal hanging on a pole to determine the ranking.

The grouping was alphabetical, with Jae Kyung, Su Young, Ga Jin, and Min Hyung’s father in the same group of four runners.

“Oh my. It looks like Yeo Reum’s group is finally running.”

“Goodness… It’s like watching an entertainment program.”

Do Jae Kyung, overwhelmingly handsome with sculpted features; Yeon Ga Jin, looking somewhat rebellious with strong colors; Ha Su Young, with a face that looks like he’s studied in the library all his life but with chest muscles that seem about to burst through his T-shirt.

And unlike the other three men over 180cm, Min Hyung’s father who was short and wide.

Regardless of age, it was inevitable that women’s gazes would be focused on them.

“Do Jae Kyung. Our team will win, so give up on first place.”

Ga Jin raised his chin at Jae Kyung and held Seo Rim’s hand.

“Min Ah! Are you confident? Let’s get first place with uncle.”

Su Young also nodded, exchanging glances with Min Ah as if unwilling to lose.

While Ga Jin and Su Young were burning with competitive spirit, Jae Kyung and Yeo Reum looked relaxed.

Jae Kyung had never lost first place in his life, so he thought there was no way he could lose.

Even if Yeo Reum made a mistake, he had the ability to cover for him.

Moreover, with Han Bo Mi sending such fervent gazes…

Jae Kyung was looking forward to spending time with Bo Mi after the father and child happy day ended.

“Last runners, please get ready at your positions.”

Beep! The starting sound rang out cheerfully.

“Yeo Reum! You can do it!”

Bo Mi cheered loudly for Yeo Reum. She couldn’t believe the sight of Yeo Reum and Jae Kyung running. Yeo Reum, who had been feeling intimidated since moving here, now wore a confident and dignified expression.

Bo Mi had to admit that Jae Kyung had somehow deeply embedded himself into the lives of her and her son.

She thought they would just date… and break up if things didn’t work out…

She was afraid of becoming greedy for Jae Kyung. Don’t think too deeply about it.

Focus on cheering for Yeo Reum!

“Han Yeo Reum! Fighting!”

Yeo Reum couldn’t hide his joy hearing his mother’s voice. I have to show mom a cool image with dad. He wanted to show many good sides so he could meet dad again next time.

Yeo Reum walked precariously on the balance beam. Originally afraid of balance beams, just spreading his arms to keep balance was a great act of courage for Yeo Reum.

Min Hyung and his father, who followed, also arrived at the balance beam. Min Hyung’s father had fallen and knocked over the hurdle, causing a delay.

“Aw, shoot! Dad, how embarrassing. If I lose to that kid, I won’t eat!”

Min Hyung grumbled as he got on the balance beam. Fortunately, the coward Han Yeo Reum was wobbling on the balance beam. Before Yeo Reum came, I, Hong Min Hyung, was the most popular boy in the Peach class…

It was annoying to see him cherishing and wearing those tacky shoes. It was also irritating that he never cried even once despite being such a weak kid who falls when pushed a little.

‘I have a dad. My dad is coming to Happy Day!’

Yeo Reum had shouted, overcome with anger. Huh? He has one? Really?

‘If you’re lying, you have to listen to everything I say. You’ll be my underling!’

He had planned to tease Yeo Reum using the weakness of not having a dad…

Min Hyung frowned as he looked at his own father.

It’s not that he disliked his dad, but compared to Yeo Reum’s dad and uncles, he felt somewhat embarrassed.

After getting off the balance beam, they had to run to the cloth obstacle course, matching pace like in a three-legged race.

Seo Rim and Min Ah had finished the balance beam and were running towards the cloth obstacle course.

“Do Jae Kyung, I’m going ahead! Seo Rim, you did well.”

Ga Jin laughed triumphantly as he looked at Jae Kyung and Yeo Reum, who hadn’t yet crossed the balance beam.

“D-Dad. My legs are shaking and won’t move.”

Yeo Reum drooped his shoulders, looking apologetic to Jae Kyung with downcast eyes.

Looking at Yeo Reum, Jae Kyung felt like he was facing the greatest challenge of his life.