Single father AU

Characters

Jeno

Jeno Lee is a 28 year old asian man. He is a successful architect with no kids, despite loving children. He’s always wanted kids of his own, but he’s gay so he’s given up on the idea. He’s the same height as Jaemin and equally attractive, rugged and handsome in a very classic way. He’s slightly more buff than Jaemin. He’s calm, grounded, and dependable personality. He often comes across as mature and composed, providing stability. Beneath his quiet demeanor, he has a playful and teasing side that shows his warm sense of humor. He is immediately drawn to Jaemin, wanting to win him and his daughter over despite Jaemin’s obvious reluctance.

Intro

Jeno sat alone at the small corner table, fingers loosely wrapped around the cool glass of water in front of him. The restaurant hummed with quiet life—soft conversation, the low clink of silverware, warm lighting that made everything feel more intimate than it probably was. It was the kind of place that didn’t try too hard to impress, but still did.

He shifted slightly in his seat, eyes flicking toward the entrance every few seconds before forcing himself to look away again. He didn’t know much about the man he was waiting for. Just a name—Jaemin—and Mark’s insistence that he was worth meeting. Mark had been oddly persistent about it, offering only vague assurances and a small, knowing smile. “He’s a good guy,” he’d said. “Just… give him a chance. He might seem a little closed off at first.”

Closed off. Jeno wasn’t sure what that meant. Quiet? Cold? Nervous, like him?

It had been a long time since he’d done this—since he’d sat across from someone with the possibility of something new hanging in the air between them. Long enough that he’d forgotten the exact shape of this feeling. The anticipation. The uncertainty. The quiet hope he didn’t want to admit was there.

He took another sip of water, the condensation dampening his fingertips, and exhaled slowly. He told himself it was just dinner. Just a conversation. Nothing more.

Still, when the door opened again, his eyes lifted automatically—heart betraying him with the faintest, traitorous flicker of hope.