Chapter 33: Together as One

[Before Entering the Stadium]

Seo-woo had made it just in time, but he was drenched in sweat from the frantic rush. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from running but from the overwhelming pressure building inside him. He had promised his children, and he had to keep that promise—no matter what.

But there was a problem. His disguise was ruined.

His once carefully applied tan makeup had melted away, his wig was damp, and his fake mustache was gone. There was no time to fully redo it. He had to think fast.

With a deep breath, he splashed cold water onto his face, washing away the remnants of his disguise. He patted his skin dry with a towel, then quickly applied a few fake freckles and adjusted his prosthetic nose. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough. Finally, he grabbed a fresh wig, secured it tightly, and threw on his fairy costume.

His hands trembled as he fastened the final pieces of his outfit. He knew the risks of appearing like this—what if people recognized him? What if someone exposed him in front of his children? But he clenched his fists and steadied himself.

If anyone tried to ruin this moment, he would protect his children no matter what.

With that final thought, Seo-woo sprinted toward the stadium.

---

[Back to Present]

Seo-woo gave a subtle signal to the sound system operator, and in an instant, the background music filled the air. The stage lights dimmed, and a magical atmosphere settled over the audience.

Their performance began.

Seo-jin, dressed as a fierce but clumsy dragon, let out a playful roar that sent laughter rippling through the crowd. Seo-min, playing the fairy's loyal companion, gasped dramatically and clung to Seo-woo, who stood in the center of the stage as the brave fairy.

From the side, Seo-jun, the director, adjusted the background music with the operator, his little face serious with concentration.

The skit unfolded beautifully—a tale of a misunderstood dragon feared by all, including magical creatures. When the fairy and his companion stumbled upon the dragon's cave, fear struck them... but the fairy, bold and courageous, challenged the dragon to a game.

The audience watched with fascination as the game between the dragon and fairy played out—a mix of riddles, quick reflexes, and a final playful duel. The once "cruel" dragon, having lost the game, agreed to the fairy's condition: he would allow himself to be tamed.

In the final scene, Seo-woo and Seo-min climbed onto the dragon's back, and together, they "flew" across the stage, using clever props and lights to simulate soaring through the sky.

The moment was magical—the perfect blend of childlike wonder and heartfelt storytelling.

And then... cheers erupted.

Parents and children alike clapped and cheered, the stadium filling with delighted laughter.

But amidst the applause, whispers began to spread.

One of the parents suddenly leaned forward, squinting at the stage.

"Wait a second... Is that Ryu Seo-woo?"

Another parent turned their head. "Oh my god... It's him."

Seo-woo's heart nearly stopped. Had they recognized him?

But then, he followed their gazes and saw something unexpected—a young girl in the crowd holding a large banner.

It was a poster of Ryu Seo-woo.

The girl holding it? Nam Jae-hee, the older sister of Jae-hoon

The parents, confused by the poster, whispered amongst themselves. "Why is that girl holding a banner of a former celebrity? There's no celebrity here, right?"

Jae-hee, unfazed by the murmurs, waved her banner proudly and cheered for Seo-woo and the triplets. Beside her, Jae-hoon pumped his fists in the air, his little voice ringing across the stadium.

"Go Seo-min! Go Seo-jin! Go Seo-jun!"

Seo-woo froze.

His heart pounded. Had Jae-hee recognized him? Oh, I guess Jae-hoon told his older sister my identity, what a cheeky boy!

But as he looked closer, she wasn't staring at him with suspicion. There was no shock or accusation in her eyes—only genuine support.

Something inside Seo-woo softened.

Even if the world eventually recognized him... maybe not everyone would see him as a scandal. Maybe, just maybe, some people would cheer for him just as he was.

Taking a deep breath, Seo-woo smiled. Then, with all the love in his heart, he turned to his children and whispered, "We did it."

But Seo-woo and the triplets weren't finished yet.

As the final scene of their skit ended, the stadium filled with applause. However, instead of stepping down from the stage, Seo-woo and his children stood in a horizontal line, their smiles unwavering.

Then, music began to play.

The lights softened, casting a warm glow over them, and Seo-woo raised a microphone. He tapped the small voice changer hidden in his sleeve, adjusting it just enough to smooth out his hoarse voice.

And then, they began to sing the verses of the song until the pre-chorus.

"Together as One"

🎶Waking up to morning light,

Laughter echoes, hearts feel light,

Hand in hand, we start the day,

Side by side, we find our way.

Through the highs and through the lows,

Love's the seed that always grows,

No storm can shake, no wind can break,

This bond we hold, it won't forsake. 🎶

Seo-jun led the first verses, his young voice steady and filled with emotion. Seo-min and Seo-jin followed their innocent tones blending harmoniously.

🎶No matter where we go, we know,

Together is the place called home,

With open arms, we stand so tall,

United, we can have it all! 🎶

As the chorus hit, Seo-woo joined in, his disguised voice blending perfectly with his children's. They swayed to the music, their dance steps synchronized yet playful as if they were truly singing from their hearts.

🎶We're a family, strong and bright,

Through every challenge, we will fight,

With a smile and a song, we belong,

We will shine, we will rise, all day long!

Oh-oh-oh, we stand as one,

Oh-oh-oh, the love's not done,

Through thick and thin, through dark and light,

Family keeps us shining bright! 🎶

The audience watched in awe.

There was something about their performance—something genuine, unfiltered, and pure. It wasn't just a show; it was a glimpse into their world, their bond.

On the final note, the entire stadium erupted in deafening applause.

Seo-woo barely had time to react before three small bodies threw themselves at him.

"Daddy! We did it!"

"We sang so well!"

Seo-woo laughed, his heart swelling as he hugged his children tightly. He kissed each of them on the forehead, whispering, "You were amazing."

The cheers continued as they stepped down from the stage, the triplets practically bouncing with excitement. They scanned the crowd, eager to find Auntie Song.

But then—Seo-woo's eyes landed on two familiar figures.

And his entire body froze.

Standing just a few feet away was Ye-joon.

And next to him... Jung-woo.

Seo-woo's breath caught in his throat. His younger brother.

His estranged younger brother.

For a moment, the entire stadium faded away. All the noise, all the lights—it all blurred into the background as Seo-woo stood, rooted in place, staring at someone he never thought he'd see here.

Why? Why was Jung-woo here?

Seo-woo's mind spun with questions. He gritted his teeth, debating whether to confront Jung-woo or ignore him entirely.

In the original story, Jung-woo was one of the male leads alongside Ye-joon. He had despised Seo-woo—hated him so much that he prayed he would never return to their home.

Seo-woo remembered it clearly.

Jung-woo first met Yu-jin at a birthday party and immediately took a liking to him. But when he discovered that his own older brother had bullied Yu-jin in the past, he had gone out of his way to ruin Seo-woo's career.

He had failed, of course. Their other siblings had punished him for his reckless actions, and in the end, Jung-woo had been sent to the U.S. to handle overseas business.

So what was he doing here?

Seo-woo clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm.

Then, suddenly—

He felt eyes on him.

A cold shiver ran down his spine. Someone was watching him.

He turned slightly but saw nothing. Still, the feeling wouldn't go away.

Standing abruptly, Seo-woo muttered an excuse to Auntie Song. "I'll just use the bathroom."

Without waiting for a response, he quickly walked away.

The moment Seo-woo stepped into the bathroom, he splashed cold water on his face, gripping the sink tightly.

His mind was still reeling.

Jung-woo.

Ye-joon.

The past he had tried so hard to escape was suddenly standing right in front of him.

Just as he exhaled, the door behind him creaked open.

Seo-woo stiffened.

Then—

A voice. A voice he hadn't heard in years.

"Hyung."

Seo-woo's grip on the sink tightened.

Slowly, he raised his head, meeting the reflection of the man standing behind him through the mirror.

Jung-woo.

And he was staring directly at him.