[One-Shot] Choices
Author(s): angelqmin & blurzpoo
prompt: lover100 - o86. Choices
kyumin || side: yewook|| side: haehyuk || side: kangteuk || child: henry || child: kibum || PG-13 || angst || genderswitch
Life is filled with choices you must make and those choices are what shapes your future. Make the wrong choice, your life will crumble along with everything you love.
Choices;
“I am sorry Sir. Your wife’s condition is very critical. In the event that we can only save the mother or the child, do you want us to save the mother?”
“No. Save my child.”
“But Sir, your wife….”
“I have told you my choice, Doctor. Save my Child.”
The doctor stared at him, still not believing the words she had heard from him. Nodding her head, she went back into the operation theatre. Hyun turned around and saw Wookie standing there. She slapped him hard. “I can’t believe you actually said that Hyun. What the hell is with you?”
“This is my family we are talking about. I get to make the choice.”
“I can’t believe you. Is this really who you are Hyun, a selfish, idiotic bastard, who just chose your child over your wife?”
“Yes, this is who I am,” Hyun stated, shrugging as he started walking away from her. Planting himself in the waiting room, he sat in the corner, glancing at the TV, which was showing the status of the operation.
Wookie came in behind him, in the arms of her husband. She was sobbing away and muttering some words. Hyun caught some of the words and knew that she was complaining about his decision.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Three hours later, Hyun was carrying the little angel and looking at the body of his wife. Silence engulfed him. She laid there, without making a noise, her body was stiff as if it was frozen, even her hair was in place, neatly tucked behind her ears. She was comfortably covered with the blanket, her hands neatly by herside.
Hyun carefully brought his hands to caress her cheeks. She didn’t flinch the least nor did she bring up her hands to touch his, like she usually did so. She didn’t even open her eyes nor did she give him her dazzling smile. Instead, she continued lying as still as a board.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Min, we’re home,” a man yelled from the front door. Min was in the kitchen cooking when she heard tiny footsteps pattering towards her and a tiny hand tugging the ends of her shirt.
“Ummmaaaa, I got an A+ in science today!” the little angel giggled and hugged Min’s leg. Min smiled and knelt down to hug her child.
“Henry, you make me so proud.” She pecked his little cheek and laughed at her blushing child. “You are so cute Henry.”
“I bet he got that from his mother,” the male from before said as he stepped into the kitchen and gave Min a hug.
“Hey Hae, thanks so much for picking up Henry today. I hope it wasn’t a bother,” Min thanked Hae
“Picking up Henry would never be a bother to me seeing how cute he is,” Hae broke the hug, smiled and pinched Henry’s cheeks. The younger groaned in protest and pouted.
“Why does everyone pinch my cheeks? I know my cheeks are cute, irresistible and pinch-able but it hurts!” Everyone in the room burst into laughter.
“Henry, do you think you can go up and clean up by yourself or do you want me to help you?” Min asked.
“I’ll do it by myself Umma!” Henry giggled and skipped upstairs to the bathroom.
“Hae, thank you so much for taking care of us. If it wasn’t for your wife 8 years ago, I would be dead and I wouldn’t be able to meet, play and love my children.”
“Min, I have told you numerous times that you don’t have to thank me. Instead, I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Hae walked towards Min and embraced her.
“It’s no one’s fault but Hyun’s, I myself never expected that answer from Hyun,” Min lightly smiled and went back to cooking.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Teuk, are you sure you want to ask your Son that question?” Hyuk asked.
“Yes, I need to know. I don’t think my son loves my daughter-in-law enough to take care of both her and their children,” Mrs. Cho stated.
“But Umma, what if Hyun says he wants the baby more than me,” Min panicked.
“We’ll just go with the flow,” Mr. Cho said and hugged Min.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“I am sorry Sir. Your wife’s condition is very critical. In the event that we can only save the mother or the child, do you want us to save the mother?”
“No. Save my child.”
“But Sir, your wife….”
“I have told you my choice, Doctor. Save my Child.”
Hyuk stared at him, still not believing the words she had heard from him. She nodded her head and went back into the operation room.
“So, what did my son say?” Mrs. Cho ran up to Hyuk with hopeful eyes. Hyuk could only shake her head slowly and look at Min with apologetic eyes. Teuk gasped and ran towards Woon embrace.
“I can’t believe my son is this selfish,” she sobbed. Woon slowly stroked her back, trying to calm his wife down.
“Shh Teuk, we have to be there for Min in this situation. You should stay strong yourself,” Mr. Cho whispered and dragged his wife out of the operation room. After making a long detour, they arrived in the same room whereby Hyun, Wook and her husband were seated.
“Min, what do you want to do now?” Hyuk asked.
“I want to ask two favors from you Hyuk. First, does this hospital have any Cantarella?”
“Yes… But why would you want that?”
“After I give birth to the twins, would you please give one of them to Hyun and keep the second one away from his sight? He doesn’t know that I am expecting twins.”
“Sure… But what does Cantarella have anything to do with this?”
“After I’ve given birth and seen my babies, I would like you to give me Cantarella and afterwards, show my ‘dead’ body to Hyun.”
“So he’ll think that you are actually dead but in truth, you would be alive and taking care of one of the babies?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Are you sure you want to split up the twin’s right at birth?”
“That leads to my second favor. I want you to tell Teuk mom and Woon dad to take the other twin away from Hyun’s care. I am sure that they would understand the reason for my decision and in this way, I can live and love both my children.”
“So you guys can be with each other without Hyun knowing you’re still alive. Min, since when did you become so tactical?”
“Ever since I married Hyun.”
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
After dinner, Min, Hyuk, Hae and Henry were sitting in the living room, slacking on the couch and watching ‘Spongebob Squarepants’.
“Umma, how come Bummie isn’t here yet? I wanted to show him the bunny I drew in school” Henry questioned, looking at his mother, who was happily digging into her tub of strawberry ice-cream.
“He is with Halmulnee and Haraboji today baby. He would be returning tomorrow.”
“Why does he get to go out with them so much? I want to go out with them as well.”
“If you went out with them, would they be letting you watch Spongebob and eat Ice-Cream this late at night?” Min questioned her son and saw him shaking his head with a little guilty smile pasted on his lips.
After the episode finished, Henry trudged to his bedroom with his mother behind him.
After her baby was asleep, Min made her way down to the kitchen, whereby the other two adults were indulging themselves in a cup of coffee.
“Bummie went to meet him?” Hyuk asked
Min nodded. “Mom and Dad brought him to meet up with Hyun.”
“I really wonder how come he is content with meeting his child only once every two weeks?” Hae asked, anger clearly evident in his eyes.
Min shrugged. “As much as I wonder about that, I have to say that I am blessed with lovable and intelligent children. Bummie, being the quiet and serious child he is, is able to understand to not tell Hyun about me and Henry and doesn’t mention about Hyun infront of Henry. I just wonder what Umma and Appa must have said for him to be able to keep his lips sealed.”
“As much as I would like to believe that they said something to him, I think it’s more of bribery on Woon’s part. I can imagine Woon silently slipping bars and bars of chocolate to Bum.” Hyuk said, sipping her cup of coffee. The other two adults just nodded.
The doorbell rang and Min went out to open the door. “Baby!” She said as a child came and hugged her legs. Carrying the child up, she gave a hug to the two pairs of adults with him.
“I am going to sleep Umma.” Kibum stated once he was released from his mother’s hug.
“Do you want me to tuck you in?”
“Please Umma, you should be entertaining everyone. I can sleep by myself.”
Min mentally facepalmed herself, as she watched her son make his way to his shared room, which he shared with his brother.
“Stop staring Min. He is a big boy now. He can take care of himself.”
“He is just 8, Umma. Just 8 years old.”
The other 6 adults in the room laughed. Min shook her head and closed the door behind her.
“I thought you said that you would be returning tomorrow?”
“Bum wanted to leave early.” Wookie said as she settled herself in the kitchen and started taking out the necessary ingredients to make cookies. Min, knowing that there would be no point asking her to take a seat and rest, turned her attention to Teuk and Woon.
“Umma. Appa. Does he suspect anything?”
The duo just looked at each other and shook their head. Min, though expecting that answer, couldn’t help feeling down. Teuk got up and gave her a hug. “I know you still love him Min but you know how circumstances are now.”
“You have to be strong Min. For yourself and for your babies. Henry has yet to meet Hyun. You have to be prepared for the questions he would have for you when he meets him.” Woon said as he came over and gave her a tight hug.
“Sometimes I wonder if I should dress Henry just like Bum and send him to meet his father.”
“We can do that Min, but Henry would need to be thoroughly briefed first. Therefore, if you thinking of doing that, you have to first stay strong, and anticipate the questions he would ask.” Sung said, while the others around him nodded.
Min looked at them, wiped her tears and headed into the kitchen to help Wook out with the cookies.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
After Hyun had left Min’s room with the child still in his arm, he came face to face with his parents.
“Umma……Appa….Min….She…”
The duo said nothing. Instead, Teuk moved to him and took the child in her arms before walking away. Hyun made to follow her but was held back by his father who had stepped in between him and his mother. With questioning eyes, Hyun simply watched as his mother made off with his child. When she disappeared down the corridor, he looked at his dad, whose eyes were filled with anger.
“As much as I am thankful for my grandchild being born, I am disgusted that you chose your child instead of your wife.”
“H.. How… How did you know?”
“Oh. So you were planning on keeping it a secret? I am appalled Hyun. How could you not choose to save your wife, Dammit!?”
“Appa. I… I need my child.”
“So if your wife was alive, you couldn’t have had another child?”
Hyun just kept quiet. Regret and guilt was creeping its way into him. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before he was finally able to speak. “You… There are somethings that you don’t know Appa.”
“Oh like how your relationship with Min was on the rocks or like how you have a mistress b….”
“She is not my Mistress”, Hyun hissed out at his father.
“Y…You…. I am glad that Min left you. I am really happy that she has left a bastard like you. A bastard who has no humanity in him. One who couldn’t even think about his wife for a while, before making the decision. Instead, you chose the easiest way out. You think your mother and I don’t know about You and Mi? You think we don’t know that you chose the child to get rid of the hindrance in your relationship??”
“Appa.. I.. I really didn’t …”
“Shut Up Hyun! You have no idea. You have no idea of the amount of tears Min shed for you. You have no idea all the pain she suffered knowing that you were with the mistr…. the other lady instead of with her. You have no idea what Min had to go through because of you and for her child and now….. Now, you killed her off. You made her die. Now, she is left all alone without her husband and her child. Your mother and I have made a decision. Since Min is already dead, you are free to go and be with Mi. As for the child, we free you of all fatherly responsibilities towards him. Teuk and I would be the child’s parents. You are free Hyun. You are free now to go and be with Mi.” Woon said as he turned and walked away.
Hyun looked at him in shock. The words were still hanging around him, not sinking in…… What had his Dad just said to him?? What did he mean?? When he was finally able to grasp the words, he panicked. He ran out of the hospital and couldn’t find his parents. He rushed to his parent’s house only to find it locked. He sat there and waited for his parents to return. He waited and waited. Minutes and hours passed but his parents weren’t in sight. No matter how many times he called them, they wouldn’t answer. Hyun even tried calling them using the public phone but his dad slammed the phone upon hearing his voice.
8 Hours later, Hyun stood outside his parents’ house. They had still not returned yet. Dejected, Hyun made his way to the hospital. Looking for the doctor, he found Hyuk who informed him that Min’s body had been claimed by his parents.
He searched high and low for his parents but wasn’t able to locate them. Though painfully, life moved on for him. Hyun was left with nothing more than memories. From other’s perspective, though he should have been happy with Min being out of the way from his and Mi’s relationship, things were not how they seemed. Ever since Min’s departure, Hyun’s life headed downhill.
Even though he was with Mi, the daily nightmares that he had of Min and his child haunted him… and all these eventually strained his relationship with Mi. Even though the duo were friends for decades before becoming lovers, despite Hyun being married, Mi left him as she wasn’t able to take the moping Hyun, who refused to let go of memories and move on life with her.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Min, with Teuk and Woon, moved to another town with the twins. They were offered accommodation by Hyuk’s husband, Hae, who happily forced them to stay in his house. Following their shift, even Hyuk changed hospital and lived with them. Wook and Sung, stayed on, frequently visiting them.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Hey, sleepyhead. Get up. You are sleeping on my bed.”
“Come on Hen, the beds are the same. Just sleep in my bed.”
“No can do. Your bed smells of books.”
“Is that even possible?” Kibum questioned as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Mummy said you were coming back tomorrow. How come you are back early?”
“I didn’t want to stay overnight. Moreover, Gramps and granny didn’t have much to talk to him and I think they were angry with him for some reason.”
“I seriously wonder when things would go to normal for us.”
“I wonder when Mummy would be opening up to me.”
“Hen, I am sure you understand her situation right?”
“I do; I really do understand her situation and I know that she must be scared of all the questions that I would be asking her but if she were to just open up to me, everything would fall into place.”
“That is true. That is true. I am surprised that we haven’t been caught yet. Do you know how tiring it is to be so jumpy and cheery all the time? I wonder where you get your energy from.”
“I should be saying that to you. Do you know how hard it is to act as you? I wonder how you are able to stay quiet and still all the time. I am just thankful that Gramps gives me chocolate all the time which enables me to use “Sugar Rush” as an excuse to cover my being hyper.”
“Hey Hen, could you stay being me for another day? Please?”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to do my sports day. You know me, I hate sports, I have no energy and I’m tired from acting as you - all hyped-up and such today.”
“Fine on one condition, you come along with Umma to pick me up.” Henry said, as he smirked.
“I hate it when you smile like that. Where in the world did you learn that?”
“Chul-hyung.”
“Oh god.”
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Umma, you have to bring me along to pick up Bummie! I wanna see him hold his trophie!” the child whined the next morning.
“But you know I can’t bring both of you out at the same time. Henry dear, please understand,” Min smiled apologetically as she brushed his face with the back of her hand.
“I’ll promise I’ll be good! Please Umma? I’ll even wear a facemask!” Bum tried his best to pout.
“Min, just bring him with you. Teuk and Woon told us Hyun was in the next town right now. You wouldn’t bump into him,” Hyuk stated as she walked into the kitchen.
“Yeah and look at that cute pout of his! It’s absolutely adorable! How can you resist?” Hae said as he patted Bum on the head.
“Oh fine. You promise you’ll be good right Henry?” Min asked. Bum nodded his head quickly and pranced around and about like Henry would have. “Alright-y then, let’s get you dressed and ready to go.”
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Hyun sighed as he looked around the front entrance of the stadium. He hated himself so much. What kind of father wouldn’t know that his own son was having a sports day? Luckily, he overheard his parent and his son talking about going to sleep early, having to wake up early for the drive to the particular stadium and having sufficient of energy to compete in the sports day..
He slowly made his way towards the back field, assuming sports day would be held outside, but stopped briefly when he saw a familiar figure walk briskly in front of him. He stare lingered at the silhouette until it disappeared. Hyun blinked a few times and simply shrugged his shoulder, believing it was an illusion of Min because obviously, Min has been dead 8 years now. He continued his way and suddenly, saw his son running up to him. His son bowed and greeted him in a formal manner.
“Hello appa,” he bowed.
“Hello Bum, how’s your sports day going so far?” Hyun said after frowning at his own son’s formalities.
“It’s going alright; kind of boring and not really my type of event,” he slightly pouted.
“Did you win any awards so far then?” Hyun asked.
“Yeah, first place in all my events,” he shrugged as if it was nothing. Hyun looked at him, confused.
Silence took over and created an awkward atmosphere.
“Well, I should be going so I wouldn’t be late for the ceremony. Bye appa!” he quickly waved, did a small bow and ran around the corner before Hyun could respond.
Hyun sighed yet again for the nth time this day. Why was his relationship with his son so awkward? Their conversations were so formal and so non-father-son like. But at least he could be proud that his son was like him, smart and witty.
He followed the direction his son ran off to and found his way to the auditorium in which he took his place near the middle. He watched as other children received their trophies and were embraced with happiness, warmth and smiles from their parents. Guilt took over him yet again as he saw how the children would always receive a warm kiss on the cheek from their mother and a patted on the back from their father. That’s how a family should be like but his own family was far from it. There was no mother to kiss Bum’s cheek and Bum probably would appreciate it more if his father didn’t go up on stage and pat him on the back. Hyun rubbed his temples in frustration but smiled none the less when the MC’s called his own sons name. He watched his little boy walk across the stage a shook the principal’s hand as if he was an adult himself. He took the trophy and smiled at the flashing cameras before walking off stage and disappearing somewhere amongst the crowd. Hyun quickly got up and out of the auditorium to find his little boy.
As he exited the auditorium, he caught sight of the same familiar figure from before. She was standing at the main gate holding hands with a child, who was wearing the mask of Spongebob. The little boy tugged at her hand to get her attention. She turned slightly more towards Hyun’s direction and knelt down to the child’s eye level. Hyun saw her taking off the mask from the little child’s face. He gasped when he saw her talking to a child who looked just like his Bummie. Hyun stood there shocked and looked at her with eyes as big as ping pong balls before returning his gaze at the child whose hands she was holding. This couldn’t be true. That woman can’t be Min. Min died 8 years ago…… How could she be standing infront of him now? Moreover, he just saw his child in his sports attire, how could his son be standing infront of him in casual wear? He couldn’t be hallucinating now could he?
As if on cue, another boy ran out of the school, clutching a trophy his size and ran towards her and the child standing next to Min. Hyun opened and closed his mouth like a fish. He stood there in shock while Min kissed Bummie, while holding the other Bummie’s hand before she held the others hand and walked away, holding the hands of two Bums.
Snapping out of his trance, Hyun rushed towards her but only to see her driving off. Quickly halting a cab, he quickly ordered the driver to follow her car. After defeating light traffic, they drove across a large bridge only to bring them to a small town. Min’s car turned into a driveway while the cab stopped two houses away. Hyun sat there with disbelief. He saw Min with two Bums, walking up towards the patio only to be greeted by his own two parents, the doctor who helped them 8 years ago and another man. The unknown man walked up to the two children and gave them each a quick ruffle of the hair before walking to Min and hugging her. Hyun clenched his teeth and bit the bottom of his lip until he started to taste blood. The group had entered the large house before Hyun got out of the cab. He felt betrayed. His own parents hadn’t even told him that Min was still alive and that they had had twins instead of just one child. The doctor had tricked him into thinking Min had died and that mysterious man must have been Min new lover. Everyone has moved on with their life in happiness but him.
Hyun was of half mind to just barge into the house and confront them all but he knew that it would be irrational to do so. Instead, he lingered around, taking note of the place before heading back home. For the next few days, Hyun would drive himself to the town in the wee hours of the day, park his vehicle close to the house he saw Min drive to and would just wait. After a few days, he saw the pattern of the occupants who lived in the house.
The doctor would be seen dragging Min’s lover out the house and return in the evening. Min would then send the two boys, Bum and the other whose name he didn’t know of, around 8 to school and leave again to fetch them at 12. Between sending and fetching them, Min would be in the house doing chores and preparing lunch for the twins. His parents would then leave the house with the twins, who would be brought back by Min an hour later. His parents would return later in the evening just in time for dinner.
Laughter could be heard from Hyun’s spot and Hyun’s jealousy flared. He should be the one sitting beside Min at the dinner table along with his parents and children laughing and talking about anything that comes to mind not that unknown man. Setting aside his jealousy, he took note of the schedule and carried out his plan.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Hyun slowly got out of his car and smirked. It was a beautiful day outside; the sun was shining and a cool breeze would blow past him once in a while. It was a perfect day to carry out his plan. He slowly walked towards Min’s house and rang the doorbell once before waiting patiently with a smile across his face. He heard footsteps rushing towards him before the door flung open, revealing Min with an apron on. “Sorry for the wait, I was just-“ Min took a look at him and quickly slammed the door, leaving a disappointed Hyun outside.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Min was leaning against her door after slamming the door. She then realized she had slammed the door in his face so she quickly re-opened it, finding no one outside. She came outside and looked around to only be disappointed. There was nobody outside besides her next door neighbor sun tanning on her roof. Min freaked out. “Why the hell did I see him? Am I dreaming or am I going insane?” Min asked herself as she clutched the sides of her head.
“Min, are you alright?” Hae hugged her after overhearing her panic attack.
“Hae, I think I saw Hyun again,” Min stuttered.
“Shit, I’ll go get Teukie right now,” Hae said. He ran back into the house only to return with a worried Teuk in front of him after a minute.
“Min dear, calm down. You must have been imagining things,” Teuk reassured. Hae walked up to Min again and wrapped his arms around her.
“But he seemed so real Umma,” Min sobbed and buried her face in the crook of Hae’s neck.
Unknown to them all, someone was watching the scene from the window, while standing at the corner of the house, tears rolling down his cheeks with his hands curled into a tight fist. Somehow, he managed to bring himself to his car, where he slammed his hands against the steering wheel of his car before letting his screams and tears roll out freely in his car.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
The next day, Hyun followed Min’s car when she was driving the twins to school. After sports day, something about his twins lingered on his mind. He thought back to all the meetings and scolded himself for not realizing the difference. Sometimes the child would be quiet even after eating chocolate while other times, the child would be brimming with energy, being impatient and such even before having eaten chocolate. Also, what shocked him the most was when Bum won first place on sports day. If he could remember correctly, Bum had told him he loves Math class and hates PE. How could a child who hates PE win first place on sports day? Hyun guessed the saying ‘sometimes those close to us fail to notice some details or our actions which could be easily caught by strangers.’ was true after all.
Hyun waited until it was Bum’s break period to approach him. The child was playing basketball, with his friends at the time. He went over and leaned against the fence, beckoning his son to come over by curling his fingers up. Bum excused himself from his friends and rushed over to him.
“Hey Bummie,” Hyun smiled.
“What are you doing here appa? How did you find out where my school was?” Bum asked.
“That was quite rude. Didn’t Teuk-umma and Woon-appa teach you to return ones greetings?” Hyun frowned.
“Sorry Appa, I was just curious,” Bum pouted.
“It’s alright Bum. I took a brochure of the school on sports day. I do have the right to know where my child is, right?” Hyun said as he ruffled Bums hair.
As if on cue, the bell rang informing all students to return back to class. Hyun bid his farewell and told Bum to take care before returning to his car.
However, once Bum disappeared into the building, Hyun did an 180degrees turn and headed to the school office. He asked for permission to meet his son and was lead to his son’s classroom. When Bummie came out, Hyun was thankful for the fact that this was the other twin. Hyun sat and chatted with his son.
“How come you are here Appa?” Bum questioned him. Hyun face palmed himself. What was with his two kids asking him the same question?
“No Hi. No Hello?” Hyun managed to whisper out. It was heartbreaking for him that his children weren’t really happy to see him. Instead, all that they were concerned with was why their dad was visiting them in school. Though he was hurt, Hyun knew that the question was brought about by his own action. He had, till date, never really bothered much about his child. Instead, he was always content seeing him fortnightly for dinner with his parents. However, as he recently saw more and more of his colleagues having children and having a glow of happiness around them, jealousy sunk into him, demanding him to know more about his only family who was left. Hence, that was the thought that brought Hyun to his son’s sports day. He never knew that his one step would bring him to his wife, whom he thought was dead and another child, whom he didn’t even know had been born.
“Appa, wh.… Appa!” Bum shouted, as quietly as he could.
“Sorry. Sorry. I was just thinking about something. What were you saying?”
“I was asking if you have anything to say. If not, I should go back to class,” Bum whispered softly, head handing low.
Hyun felt the stinging pain once again. Putting the pain down, he asked his son. “How are you Bum?”
“I am fine appa.”
“It’s been long since we met right?”
“Yes Appa.”
“When was the last we met Bummie?”
“At the dinner with Teuk Halmulnee and Woon Haraboji.”
“Oh yea, that’s right… Appa is getting old and forgetful. I just missed you. It seems as if ages since we last met.”
Just then, the bell rang. Bum looked at his appa, said his goodbye and ran off to his class.
Hyun walked off, praying that his children would not pay that much heed to his sudden appearance. Luckily for him, his children did just that. Henry and Bum forgot about their dad’s visit by the time their mother came to pick them up, especially Henry. He had forgotten about having met his dad at the sports stadium the moment he had received his trophy. Though it was surprising to them that their dad had suddenly dropped by, they just bought his excuse.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
For the next three days, Hyun would follow his wife around. Whenever she was home, he would stand at the corner of house and peep in occasionally, taking note of the surrounding at the same time, he didn’t want anyone to call the police on him. When he knew it would be time for her to leave or when it was time for others to come back home, he would hide in his car, only to come back and peep through the window, looking in to see the perfect family, of which, most of the members were his. Every single day, he would seethe in anger, pain and jealously. He would shed tears at seeing his place being occupied by another man. His fist would dig into his skin until blood dripped whenever he saw the interaction between Min and her lover. On the third day, when he saw the duo hugging and the lover planting a kiss on Min’s forehead, he forced himself to walk away. He reached his car and gave a kick at the tires, only to wring in the pain he received at his action. He sat in and drove off.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Min was never able to get over the feeling of having seen Hyun in front of her. She knew that it was no illusion of hers. She knew that it was really him or did she really only imagined it? For the whole week, Min questioned herself on why was she thinking about him and why she was constantly feeling his presence around him. Min questioned herself on what she thought of Hyun.
She had known about the relationship between Hyun and Mi. She remembered all the pain and suffering she had to go through at the point. She was shattered when she saw Hyun meeting Mi, when she saw Mi in Hyun’s arms and she was further broken when she saw the duo kissing.
Min knew that the duo were college friends, but she failed to recognize the moment when Hyun’s love for her transferred over to Mi. However, when she knew about their relationship, no matter how badly she tried to get him back in her life, she was only given failures. Over time, Min realized that she was tired of trying to win Hyun over. When she knew that she was pregnant, she realized that she didn’t want to share the happiness with Hyun. However, over time, Hyun noticed the bump and asked her about it. When she informed Hyun that they were expecting the arrival of their children, Hyun simply hugged her before walking away. Min sat on her bed and cried.
When Min knew that she was expecting twins, she didn’t bother telling Hyun about it. Over time, Min found comfort in Hyun’s parents. They were her support and strength. They brought her to the gynecologist; they bought supplements for her and took care of her and her unborn children.
When Min felt coldness on her cheeks, she brought her hands up to wipe away her tears. She was crying without realizing it, while thinking about the past. Despite all that happened, despite the fact that Hyun had chosen her child over her, Min knew that she still loved him. He was the only one for her, otherwise, why would she still be single? She had heard from Woon and Teuk that Hyun and Mi had broken months after the children’s birth. She wanted to rush over to him at that moment only to be held back by her parents who reminded her that she was dead.
Min sat at the kitchen table and cried. She still loved Hyun, despite all the pain and suffering he caused her. She still loved him.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Henry dear, do you want to meet your father for the first time?” Teuk asked one afternoon. To hide the fact that he had already seen and talked to his father before, Henry bounced around in excitement so his grandparents would suspect of anything. “But first things first, you have to discuss things with Bummie before going so your father wouldn’t suspect anything of this.” With that, Henry ran up the stairs as fast as any normal child could go and burst into their shared room only to find Bum reading on his bed.
“Sheesh, you are such a nerd Bum,” Hen laughed before he jumped onto his own bed.
“What do you want Henry?” Bum stuck out his tongue.
“Haraboji and Halmunee want me to go and see Appa today this time,” Henry bit his lower lip as he watched his short legs swing back and forth.
“Yay, I don’t have to go this time!” Bum cheered as he threw his book to the foot of his bed.
“Why are you so happy? Don’t you like Appa?” Henry frowned.
“Well if it wasn’t for Appa, we would have to pretend to be each other in front of him and if it wasn’t for Appa, Umma wouldn’t be so lonely,” Kibum stated.
“True,” Henry looked down at his hands with a sad expression. Bum quickly got off his bed and hugged his brother.
“It’s okay Henry, Umma has us right?” Bum smiled and patted the younger’s head. The younger only nodded and returned the older’s hug.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Hyun had arrived at the restaurant 45 minutes before the set time. He was going to have dinner with his parents and child soon and was extremely anxious. Which one of the twins will be coming to see him today? Would it be Bum or the other he still did not know the name of? Would it be that all mighty, smart, witty and evil Bum he frequently saw or would it be the other who was more like Min, hyper, energetic and filled with fun? He hoped it was the other, not because he was like Min, but because he would finally find out his name. He had this dinner planned out weeks beforehand. He would wait until his parents arrive, finish eating, bring the child to the play area, bribe the caretaker to find out the name of the child and then ask his parents to move in with him. He hoped his parents would respond in the way Hyun had planned.
His parents walked in 10 minutes late but to Hyun’s dismay, the child was dressed up like Bum so he couldn’t tell if it was Bum or the other. He shrugged and got up to ruffled the child’s hair before hugging his parents. His parents were astonished at the sudden gesture but recovered seconds after and sat the child on the chair.
“Hello Bum, how are you?” Hyun asked.
“I’m alright Appa, yourself?” the child fidgeted.
“I’m fine myself, thanks. Oh by the way Bum, I bought you a box of chocolate and a book about your mother,” Hyun smirked and gave both gifts to the child. The child thanked Hyun and quickly opened the box of chocolate, paying no attention to the book and setting it aside as he ate the chocolate. Teuk and Woon looked at him in confusion and Hyun only smiled as he watched his child eat the chocolate. He was happy to find out that his plan would go smoothly.
After finishing up dinner, Hyun brought the child to the play area of the restaurant and bribed the caretaker to find out the child’s name like planned. When he was returning, his parents were discussing something until they saw Hyun coming and they immediately closed their mouths. “Umma and Appa, I was wondering if you could move in with me along with Bum. I want to take my responsibility as a father back from you guys. Bum has already been a burden to you guys for 8 years now, I think I should take that responsibility back.”
“Bum is not a burden at all! Have you seen the kid Hyun? He’s smart, witty, and independent and is our grandchild; what grandparent would think of their grandchild as a burden?” Woon hissed through clenched teeth.
“Calm down Woon dear, we’re in public,” Teuk patted Woon on the back before turning her attention back towards Hyun. “Why would you want this responsibility back all of a sudden Hyun? After 8 years?”
“I j-just want to be a good father to him. I want him to brag to his friends at school about having the best father in the world. I also want to make up for the time I’ve neglected him, it’s not fair to him,” he sighed.
“Well you should have thought of that beforehand Hyun,” Woon snapped and got up to retrieve the child from the play area to return home. Teuk shook her head and rushed after them, leaving Hyun sitting there disappointed. Couldn’t his parents at least give him another chance? He’s only human and humans make mistakes.
After paying the bill, Hyun walked over to the caretaker to retrieve the information he requested. “His name is Henry. He sure is quite the hyper, cheerful little one; absolutely adorable!” the caretaker exclaimed before returning behind her desk. At least one good thing came out of this dinner; he found out his other child’s name.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Mommy, I’m home!” Henry yelled as he hugged his mother.
“I can see that Henry,” Min laughed. “What did you think of your father?”
“He’s really nice! He gave me chocolate and a book about you,” Henry smiled and handed the book to Min. Min raised an eyebrow. Hyun gave Henry a book about her? Since when did Hyun care enough to take notice of her? “Mommy, I’m going to go to my room and tell Bum about everything!” Henry giggled before skipping up the stairs. Man, did her child have energy.
Curious, Min opened the book to reveal a few pictures she took with Hyun. There were so few pictures that it only took up 4 double sided pages. After flipping to the fifth page, a sheet of paper fell out and Min bent down to get it. Min gasps and drops the sheet of paper yet again. There was a time, date range and location written neatly in the middle - obviously in Hyun’s best writing. She picked it up yet again to stuff it harshly into her pocket when she heard footsteps heading her way. “Min, have you seen- Are you okay Min?” Hyuk rushed to her best friend’s side. “Did something happen?”
“No, I was just surprised Henry said his father was nice that’s all,” Min lightly laughed and faked a smile to her best friend. Hyuk, not 100% convinced, shrugged and chose to not push any further.
“Did you need something from me?” Min asked.
“Oh, never mind. I bet Hae just ate it or something,” Hyuk laughed and patted Min’s shoulders before disappearing into the kitchen. Min sighed in relief and returned to her room to sleep.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
After dropping the kids off to school, Min arrived to the location written on the paper. She had to apply a bit more make-up then ever just to cover up the black circles she had from not sleeping well last night. She just couldn’t stop thinking about Hyun. How did he find out she was still alive? Does he plan on taking the kids away from her? If so, she would have to move immediately. She entered the tiny building with a sigh and was greeted by a handsome looking young man. “Morning miss, may I help you with anything?”
“Uhmm… My friend told me to meet him here,” Min looked away.
“Oh? Who is your friend?”
“Cho… Cho Kyuhyun.”
“Oh, you must be mistaken. He is waiting for his wife, not a friend.”
“Well, legally I’m his wife.”
“Alright, follow me.”
Min sighed in relief and followed the man. She was brought to a beautiful garden where everything was practically green besides the small stone pathway and the ponds, waterfalls and river which spread across the whole garden.
“Mrs. Cho, please follow this pathway and you’ll see your husband,” the man bowed respectfully and walked out of the garden. Min flinched at being addressed as Mrs. Cho but shook it off nonetheless. She walked down the pathway and stopped to gaze at the beautiful sight laid out before her. The sun was in the middle of the sky, causing the river to glisten like millions of crystals. A quiet hum of rushing water could be heard along with the rust of leaves been blown gentle in the wind. Min would have called this paradise if she didn’t realize the two people laughing and talking happily to each other near the river farther down. Min swore she could hear her heart shatter for the umpteenth time.
Looking at the duo infront of her, Min understood. Min finally understood why Hyun had wanted to see her. He wanted to take the kids back; he wanted to raise them with Mi as their mother. So the news about them breaking up was ju…just a lie. She just wanted to back off and leave them alone.
Without realizing, two tiny stream of her own were running down on both sides of her cheeks. She covered her mouth to muffle out the wail threatening to escape. Mi chose that time to leave and Hyun turned to see her crying. He immediately shook his head frantically and ran towards Min. Upon arrival, his head whipped to the side at the sudden impact of Min’s hand and Hyun felt the stinging pain burning his cheek. He could care less about the pain at the moment. When he returned his gaze at Min, she had already started to run away. Hyun chased after her and caught up in no time, seeing how she was stumbling because of the tears fogging her view. Hyun grabbed hold of Min’s wrist and wrapped his arm around her waist to bring her towards him for a hug. She cried even more and started pounding her fists against his chest. “Why Hyun, why!?” she screamed.
“It’s not what you think Min. Please listen to me, I beg of you,” Hyun begged. Seeing that Min had stopped struggling against his hold, Hyun continued. “Min, I was young and foolish. I hadn’t realized how important you were and how much I loved you when the doctor came out and asked me to save you or the child. I admit that back at the time, I truly wanted to save the child and raise it alongside with Mi but I would have never anticipated my parents taking the child away from me.
Even before my parents took the child, I realized I love you. Just seeing you lying on the bed seemingly lifeless was enough to rip my hearts to shreds mercilessly. I then realized that I would miss your small I-love-you’s, which I never responded to, your warm embrace, your light touches and most of all, the atmosphere you created around the apartment. Even knowing I didn’t love you back, you stayed by my side in the rough times and never complained about me leaving you in the shadows in the good times.
I assume Appa and Umma must have told you before that I broke up with Mi a few months after your ‘death’ and it was true. Mi couldn’t take my moping self and left me. She went back to China and found herself a partner. What you just saw was her wishing me luck with you today. Min, please forgive me.” Hyun’s voice cracks and Min realized Hyun was on the verge of crying. She could feel the sincerity in his words and decided to wrap her arms around him. She looked up at Hyun and collided their lips together. She allowed herself to bask in the warmth she had missed so much throughout those 8 years.
Only separating because of the desperate need of oxygen, Min smiled at Hyun and allowed Hyun to cup her cheeks in between his two palms. “I take it that you’ve forgiven me Min?” he smiled. Min giggled, while nodding and brought her arms around Hyun neck to bring him in for another kiss.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Min, are you sure about this?” Hyun nervously asks.
“I’m 100% sure Hyun that they’ll love you. And besides, they both have met you before and you should have seen Henry’s face when he came home with the book and that box of chocolate you gave him,” Min laughed and pecked Hyun’s lips for encouragement. “Now let’s get your butt inside before you chicken out.”
She unlocked the front doors and took a step in with Hyun tailing close behind her. “I’m home!” she shouted and placed her shoes on the rack before instructing Hyun to do the same. To Hyun’s dismay, the first person to greet them was Min’s lover. He jogged into the front hallway from the living room and immediately pulled Min away from Hyun’s grasps the moment he saw him. Hyun narrowed his eyes dangerously, as if silently threatening the other man. Min giggled and patted his arms before returning to Hyun. Hyun quickly hugged her possessively, eyes never relaxing his intensive glare at the other. Min and Hae looked at each other and returned their gaze at Hyun, only to start laughing.
“Hyun, did you think Hae was my lover or something?” Min giggled.
“Isn’t he?” Hyun raised an eyebrow.
“Oh of course not! He’s just a very close friend silly! Remember that doctor 8 years ago who help me give birth? Well, he just so happens to be the husband of that doctor,” Min explained.
“Hyun, nice to meet you. My name is Lee Donghae but please call me Hae,” the said man raised his hand for a shake. Hyun quickly returned the gesture with a sheepish smile.
“Sorry about that,” Hyun mumbled.
“And I’m Lee HyukJae, Min’s number one best friend and this dork’s wife,” the doctor suddenly said as she hopped down the stairs with the two twins on either side of her.
“Appa!” they both exclaimed before dashing towards him to each claim one of his legs (because they were too short to properly hug him).
“Hyun, what a surprise…. Though I have to say, it’s great to see you together with Min again,” Woon said as he joined them with Teuk close beside him.
“It’s great to be together with Min again. I will never let her leave me ever again,” Hyun said before reclaiming Min’s lips for the fourth time that night.
“Yah Hyun, leave all the intimacy for inside your bedroom, and especially don’t do anything improper in front of the kids!” Teuk scolded.
Everyone laughed and Henry chirps up, “Ooohhh…I know what’s going to happen later!”
“Henry-ah, I think we should be expecting a sibling 9 months from now,” Bum laughed as he looked at everyone’s expression.
Henry had his face scrunched together as if trying to find out what Bum was implying while everyone else was shocked that a kid would know such a thing already.
“What? I read a lot of books you know!” Bum defended and pouted.
“Bum-ah, what do you mean by expecting a sibling 9 months from now?” Henry asked.
“You’ll find out when you’re older,” Bum smirked and ran away from the whining Henry. Everyone followed the two children around the house - everyone but Hyun and Min. Hyun turned Min around and brushed away a few loose hairs.
“Thank you so much for such wonderful kids Min,” Hyun whispered against her ears.
“I think Bum has been around you too much. He shouldn’t know such a thing at a young age,” Min pouted but laughed nonetheless.
“I think we should make Bum’s theory a reality,” Hyun laughs and kisses Min square on the lips again before the latter could complain.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“I’m going to have a sibling soon!” Henry shouted with glee around the house. It’s been three months since the incident and everything had gone merrily. Teuk and Woon were on their vacation fully knowing that Hyun would be taking care of Min while Hae and Hyuk were in their fifth month pregnancy. It was an understatement to say everyone has happy. Wook and Sung were dropping by more often, with their 3 children, who would be in their tank.
Bum laughed at his brother’s reaction and brought his hand to slap his face lightly. Why was he so smart compared to his brother?
-fin-
prompt: lover100 - o86. Choices
kyumin || side: yewook|| side: haehyuk || side: kangteuk || child: henry || child: kibum || PG-13 || angst || genderswitch
Life is filled with choices you must make and those choices are what shapes your future. Make the wrong choice, your life will crumble along with everything you love.
Choices;
“I am sorry Sir. Your wife’s condition is very critical. In the event that we can only save the mother or the child, do you want us to save the mother?”
“No. Save my child.”
“But Sir, your wife….”
“I have told you my choice, Doctor. Save my Child.”
The doctor stared at him, still not believing the words she had heard from him. Nodding her head, she went back into the operation theatre. Hyun turned around and saw Wookie standing there. She slapped him hard. “I can’t believe you actually said that Hyun. What the hell is with you?”
“This is my family we are talking about. I get to make the choice.”
“I can’t believe you. Is this really who you are Hyun, a selfish, idiotic bastard, who just chose your child over your wife?”
“Yes, this is who I am,” Hyun stated, shrugging as he started walking away from her. Planting himself in the waiting room, he sat in the corner, glancing at the TV, which was showing the status of the operation.
Wookie came in behind him, in the arms of her husband. She was sobbing away and muttering some words. Hyun caught some of the words and knew that she was complaining about his decision.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Three hours later, Hyun was carrying the little angel and looking at the body of his wife. Silence engulfed him. She laid there, without making a noise, her body was stiff as if it was frozen, even her hair was in place, neatly tucked behind her ears. She was comfortably covered with the blanket, her hands neatly by herside.
Hyun carefully brought his hands to caress her cheeks. She didn’t flinch the least nor did she bring up her hands to touch his, like she usually did so. She didn’t even open her eyes nor did she give him her dazzling smile. Instead, she continued lying as still as a board.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Min, we’re home,” a man yelled from the front door. Min was in the kitchen cooking when she heard tiny footsteps pattering towards her and a tiny hand tugging the ends of her shirt.
“Ummmaaaa, I got an A+ in science today!” the little angel giggled and hugged Min’s leg. Min smiled and knelt down to hug her child.
“Henry, you make me so proud.” She pecked his little cheek and laughed at her blushing child. “You are so cute Henry.”
“I bet he got that from his mother,” the male from before said as he stepped into the kitchen and gave Min a hug.
“Hey Hae, thanks so much for picking up Henry today. I hope it wasn’t a bother,” Min thanked Hae
“Picking up Henry would never be a bother to me seeing how cute he is,” Hae broke the hug, smiled and pinched Henry’s cheeks. The younger groaned in protest and pouted.
“Why does everyone pinch my cheeks? I know my cheeks are cute, irresistible and pinch-able but it hurts!” Everyone in the room burst into laughter.
“Henry, do you think you can go up and clean up by yourself or do you want me to help you?” Min asked.
“I’ll do it by myself Umma!” Henry giggled and skipped upstairs to the bathroom.
“Hae, thank you so much for taking care of us. If it wasn’t for your wife 8 years ago, I would be dead and I wouldn’t be able to meet, play and love my children.”
“Min, I have told you numerous times that you don’t have to thank me. Instead, I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Hae walked towards Min and embraced her.
“It’s no one’s fault but Hyun’s, I myself never expected that answer from Hyun,” Min lightly smiled and went back to cooking.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Teuk, are you sure you want to ask your Son that question?” Hyuk asked.
“Yes, I need to know. I don’t think my son loves my daughter-in-law enough to take care of both her and their children,” Mrs. Cho stated.
“But Umma, what if Hyun says he wants the baby more than me,” Min panicked.
“We’ll just go with the flow,” Mr. Cho said and hugged Min.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“I am sorry Sir. Your wife’s condition is very critical. In the event that we can only save the mother or the child, do you want us to save the mother?”
“No. Save my child.”
“But Sir, your wife….”
“I have told you my choice, Doctor. Save my Child.”
Hyuk stared at him, still not believing the words she had heard from him. She nodded her head and went back into the operation room.
“So, what did my son say?” Mrs. Cho ran up to Hyuk with hopeful eyes. Hyuk could only shake her head slowly and look at Min with apologetic eyes. Teuk gasped and ran towards Woon embrace.
“I can’t believe my son is this selfish,” she sobbed. Woon slowly stroked her back, trying to calm his wife down.
“Shh Teuk, we have to be there for Min in this situation. You should stay strong yourself,” Mr. Cho whispered and dragged his wife out of the operation room. After making a long detour, they arrived in the same room whereby Hyun, Wook and her husband were seated.
“Min, what do you want to do now?” Hyuk asked.
“I want to ask two favors from you Hyuk. First, does this hospital have any Cantarella?”
“Yes… But why would you want that?”
“After I give birth to the twins, would you please give one of them to Hyun and keep the second one away from his sight? He doesn’t know that I am expecting twins.”
“Sure… But what does Cantarella have anything to do with this?”
“After I’ve given birth and seen my babies, I would like you to give me Cantarella and afterwards, show my ‘dead’ body to Hyun.”
“So he’ll think that you are actually dead but in truth, you would be alive and taking care of one of the babies?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Are you sure you want to split up the twin’s right at birth?”
“That leads to my second favor. I want you to tell Teuk mom and Woon dad to take the other twin away from Hyun’s care. I am sure that they would understand the reason for my decision and in this way, I can live and love both my children.”
“So you guys can be with each other without Hyun knowing you’re still alive. Min, since when did you become so tactical?”
“Ever since I married Hyun.”
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
After dinner, Min, Hyuk, Hae and Henry were sitting in the living room, slacking on the couch and watching ‘Spongebob Squarepants’.
“Umma, how come Bummie isn’t here yet? I wanted to show him the bunny I drew in school” Henry questioned, looking at his mother, who was happily digging into her tub of strawberry ice-cream.
“He is with Halmulnee and Haraboji today baby. He would be returning tomorrow.”
“Why does he get to go out with them so much? I want to go out with them as well.”
“If you went out with them, would they be letting you watch Spongebob and eat Ice-Cream this late at night?” Min questioned her son and saw him shaking his head with a little guilty smile pasted on his lips.
After the episode finished, Henry trudged to his bedroom with his mother behind him.
After her baby was asleep, Min made her way down to the kitchen, whereby the other two adults were indulging themselves in a cup of coffee.
“Bummie went to meet him?” Hyuk asked
Min nodded. “Mom and Dad brought him to meet up with Hyun.”
“I really wonder how come he is content with meeting his child only once every two weeks?” Hae asked, anger clearly evident in his eyes.
Min shrugged. “As much as I wonder about that, I have to say that I am blessed with lovable and intelligent children. Bummie, being the quiet and serious child he is, is able to understand to not tell Hyun about me and Henry and doesn’t mention about Hyun infront of Henry. I just wonder what Umma and Appa must have said for him to be able to keep his lips sealed.”
“As much as I would like to believe that they said something to him, I think it’s more of bribery on Woon’s part. I can imagine Woon silently slipping bars and bars of chocolate to Bum.” Hyuk said, sipping her cup of coffee. The other two adults just nodded.
The doorbell rang and Min went out to open the door. “Baby!” She said as a child came and hugged her legs. Carrying the child up, she gave a hug to the two pairs of adults with him.
“I am going to sleep Umma.” Kibum stated once he was released from his mother’s hug.
“Do you want me to tuck you in?”
“Please Umma, you should be entertaining everyone. I can sleep by myself.”
Min mentally facepalmed herself, as she watched her son make his way to his shared room, which he shared with his brother.
“Stop staring Min. He is a big boy now. He can take care of himself.”
“He is just 8, Umma. Just 8 years old.”
The other 6 adults in the room laughed. Min shook her head and closed the door behind her.
“I thought you said that you would be returning tomorrow?”
“Bum wanted to leave early.” Wookie said as she settled herself in the kitchen and started taking out the necessary ingredients to make cookies. Min, knowing that there would be no point asking her to take a seat and rest, turned her attention to Teuk and Woon.
“Umma. Appa. Does he suspect anything?”
The duo just looked at each other and shook their head. Min, though expecting that answer, couldn’t help feeling down. Teuk got up and gave her a hug. “I know you still love him Min but you know how circumstances are now.”
“You have to be strong Min. For yourself and for your babies. Henry has yet to meet Hyun. You have to be prepared for the questions he would have for you when he meets him.” Woon said as he came over and gave her a tight hug.
“Sometimes I wonder if I should dress Henry just like Bum and send him to meet his father.”
“We can do that Min, but Henry would need to be thoroughly briefed first. Therefore, if you thinking of doing that, you have to first stay strong, and anticipate the questions he would ask.” Sung said, while the others around him nodded.
Min looked at them, wiped her tears and headed into the kitchen to help Wook out with the cookies.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
After Hyun had left Min’s room with the child still in his arm, he came face to face with his parents.
“Umma……Appa….Min….She…”
The duo said nothing. Instead, Teuk moved to him and took the child in her arms before walking away. Hyun made to follow her but was held back by his father who had stepped in between him and his mother. With questioning eyes, Hyun simply watched as his mother made off with his child. When she disappeared down the corridor, he looked at his dad, whose eyes were filled with anger.
“As much as I am thankful for my grandchild being born, I am disgusted that you chose your child instead of your wife.”
“H.. How… How did you know?”
“Oh. So you were planning on keeping it a secret? I am appalled Hyun. How could you not choose to save your wife, Dammit!?”
“Appa. I… I need my child.”
“So if your wife was alive, you couldn’t have had another child?”
Hyun just kept quiet. Regret and guilt was creeping its way into him. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before he was finally able to speak. “You… There are somethings that you don’t know Appa.”
“Oh like how your relationship with Min was on the rocks or like how you have a mistress b….”
“She is not my Mistress”, Hyun hissed out at his father.
“Y…You…. I am glad that Min left you. I am really happy that she has left a bastard like you. A bastard who has no humanity in him. One who couldn’t even think about his wife for a while, before making the decision. Instead, you chose the easiest way out. You think your mother and I don’t know about You and Mi? You think we don’t know that you chose the child to get rid of the hindrance in your relationship??”
“Appa.. I.. I really didn’t …”
“Shut Up Hyun! You have no idea. You have no idea of the amount of tears Min shed for you. You have no idea all the pain she suffered knowing that you were with the mistr…. the other lady instead of with her. You have no idea what Min had to go through because of you and for her child and now….. Now, you killed her off. You made her die. Now, she is left all alone without her husband and her child. Your mother and I have made a decision. Since Min is already dead, you are free to go and be with Mi. As for the child, we free you of all fatherly responsibilities towards him. Teuk and I would be the child’s parents. You are free Hyun. You are free now to go and be with Mi.” Woon said as he turned and walked away.
Hyun looked at him in shock. The words were still hanging around him, not sinking in…… What had his Dad just said to him?? What did he mean?? When he was finally able to grasp the words, he panicked. He ran out of the hospital and couldn’t find his parents. He rushed to his parent’s house only to find it locked. He sat there and waited for his parents to return. He waited and waited. Minutes and hours passed but his parents weren’t in sight. No matter how many times he called them, they wouldn’t answer. Hyun even tried calling them using the public phone but his dad slammed the phone upon hearing his voice.
8 Hours later, Hyun stood outside his parents’ house. They had still not returned yet. Dejected, Hyun made his way to the hospital. Looking for the doctor, he found Hyuk who informed him that Min’s body had been claimed by his parents.
He searched high and low for his parents but wasn’t able to locate them. Though painfully, life moved on for him. Hyun was left with nothing more than memories. From other’s perspective, though he should have been happy with Min being out of the way from his and Mi’s relationship, things were not how they seemed. Ever since Min’s departure, Hyun’s life headed downhill.
Even though he was with Mi, the daily nightmares that he had of Min and his child haunted him… and all these eventually strained his relationship with Mi. Even though the duo were friends for decades before becoming lovers, despite Hyun being married, Mi left him as she wasn’t able to take the moping Hyun, who refused to let go of memories and move on life with her.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Min, with Teuk and Woon, moved to another town with the twins. They were offered accommodation by Hyuk’s husband, Hae, who happily forced them to stay in his house. Following their shift, even Hyuk changed hospital and lived with them. Wook and Sung, stayed on, frequently visiting them.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Hey, sleepyhead. Get up. You are sleeping on my bed.”
“Come on Hen, the beds are the same. Just sleep in my bed.”
“No can do. Your bed smells of books.”
“Is that even possible?” Kibum questioned as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Mummy said you were coming back tomorrow. How come you are back early?”
“I didn’t want to stay overnight. Moreover, Gramps and granny didn’t have much to talk to him and I think they were angry with him for some reason.”
“I seriously wonder when things would go to normal for us.”
“I wonder when Mummy would be opening up to me.”
“Hen, I am sure you understand her situation right?”
“I do; I really do understand her situation and I know that she must be scared of all the questions that I would be asking her but if she were to just open up to me, everything would fall into place.”
“That is true. That is true. I am surprised that we haven’t been caught yet. Do you know how tiring it is to be so jumpy and cheery all the time? I wonder where you get your energy from.”
“I should be saying that to you. Do you know how hard it is to act as you? I wonder how you are able to stay quiet and still all the time. I am just thankful that Gramps gives me chocolate all the time which enables me to use “Sugar Rush” as an excuse to cover my being hyper.”
“Hey Hen, could you stay being me for another day? Please?”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to do my sports day. You know me, I hate sports, I have no energy and I’m tired from acting as you - all hyped-up and such today.”
“Fine on one condition, you come along with Umma to pick me up.” Henry said, as he smirked.
“I hate it when you smile like that. Where in the world did you learn that?”
“Chul-hyung.”
“Oh god.”
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Umma, you have to bring me along to pick up Bummie! I wanna see him hold his trophie!” the child whined the next morning.
“But you know I can’t bring both of you out at the same time. Henry dear, please understand,” Min smiled apologetically as she brushed his face with the back of her hand.
“I’ll promise I’ll be good! Please Umma? I’ll even wear a facemask!” Bum tried his best to pout.
“Min, just bring him with you. Teuk and Woon told us Hyun was in the next town right now. You wouldn’t bump into him,” Hyuk stated as she walked into the kitchen.
“Yeah and look at that cute pout of his! It’s absolutely adorable! How can you resist?” Hae said as he patted Bum on the head.
“Oh fine. You promise you’ll be good right Henry?” Min asked. Bum nodded his head quickly and pranced around and about like Henry would have. “Alright-y then, let’s get you dressed and ready to go.”
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Hyun sighed as he looked around the front entrance of the stadium. He hated himself so much. What kind of father wouldn’t know that his own son was having a sports day? Luckily, he overheard his parent and his son talking about going to sleep early, having to wake up early for the drive to the particular stadium and having sufficient of energy to compete in the sports day..
He slowly made his way towards the back field, assuming sports day would be held outside, but stopped briefly when he saw a familiar figure walk briskly in front of him. He stare lingered at the silhouette until it disappeared. Hyun blinked a few times and simply shrugged his shoulder, believing it was an illusion of Min because obviously, Min has been dead 8 years now. He continued his way and suddenly, saw his son running up to him. His son bowed and greeted him in a formal manner.
“Hello appa,” he bowed.
“Hello Bum, how’s your sports day going so far?” Hyun said after frowning at his own son’s formalities.
“It’s going alright; kind of boring and not really my type of event,” he slightly pouted.
“Did you win any awards so far then?” Hyun asked.
“Yeah, first place in all my events,” he shrugged as if it was nothing. Hyun looked at him, confused.
Silence took over and created an awkward atmosphere.
“Well, I should be going so I wouldn’t be late for the ceremony. Bye appa!” he quickly waved, did a small bow and ran around the corner before Hyun could respond.
Hyun sighed yet again for the nth time this day. Why was his relationship with his son so awkward? Their conversations were so formal and so non-father-son like. But at least he could be proud that his son was like him, smart and witty.
He followed the direction his son ran off to and found his way to the auditorium in which he took his place near the middle. He watched as other children received their trophies and were embraced with happiness, warmth and smiles from their parents. Guilt took over him yet again as he saw how the children would always receive a warm kiss on the cheek from their mother and a patted on the back from their father. That’s how a family should be like but his own family was far from it. There was no mother to kiss Bum’s cheek and Bum probably would appreciate it more if his father didn’t go up on stage and pat him on the back. Hyun rubbed his temples in frustration but smiled none the less when the MC’s called his own sons name. He watched his little boy walk across the stage a shook the principal’s hand as if he was an adult himself. He took the trophy and smiled at the flashing cameras before walking off stage and disappearing somewhere amongst the crowd. Hyun quickly got up and out of the auditorium to find his little boy.
As he exited the auditorium, he caught sight of the same familiar figure from before. She was standing at the main gate holding hands with a child, who was wearing the mask of Spongebob. The little boy tugged at her hand to get her attention. She turned slightly more towards Hyun’s direction and knelt down to the child’s eye level. Hyun saw her taking off the mask from the little child’s face. He gasped when he saw her talking to a child who looked just like his Bummie. Hyun stood there shocked and looked at her with eyes as big as ping pong balls before returning his gaze at the child whose hands she was holding. This couldn’t be true. That woman can’t be Min. Min died 8 years ago…… How could she be standing infront of him now? Moreover, he just saw his child in his sports attire, how could his son be standing infront of him in casual wear? He couldn’t be hallucinating now could he?
As if on cue, another boy ran out of the school, clutching a trophy his size and ran towards her and the child standing next to Min. Hyun opened and closed his mouth like a fish. He stood there in shock while Min kissed Bummie, while holding the other Bummie’s hand before she held the others hand and walked away, holding the hands of two Bums.
Snapping out of his trance, Hyun rushed towards her but only to see her driving off. Quickly halting a cab, he quickly ordered the driver to follow her car. After defeating light traffic, they drove across a large bridge only to bring them to a small town. Min’s car turned into a driveway while the cab stopped two houses away. Hyun sat there with disbelief. He saw Min with two Bums, walking up towards the patio only to be greeted by his own two parents, the doctor who helped them 8 years ago and another man. The unknown man walked up to the two children and gave them each a quick ruffle of the hair before walking to Min and hugging her. Hyun clenched his teeth and bit the bottom of his lip until he started to taste blood. The group had entered the large house before Hyun got out of the cab. He felt betrayed. His own parents hadn’t even told him that Min was still alive and that they had had twins instead of just one child. The doctor had tricked him into thinking Min had died and that mysterious man must have been Min new lover. Everyone has moved on with their life in happiness but him.
Hyun was of half mind to just barge into the house and confront them all but he knew that it would be irrational to do so. Instead, he lingered around, taking note of the place before heading back home. For the next few days, Hyun would drive himself to the town in the wee hours of the day, park his vehicle close to the house he saw Min drive to and would just wait. After a few days, he saw the pattern of the occupants who lived in the house.
The doctor would be seen dragging Min’s lover out the house and return in the evening. Min would then send the two boys, Bum and the other whose name he didn’t know of, around 8 to school and leave again to fetch them at 12. Between sending and fetching them, Min would be in the house doing chores and preparing lunch for the twins. His parents would then leave the house with the twins, who would be brought back by Min an hour later. His parents would return later in the evening just in time for dinner.
Laughter could be heard from Hyun’s spot and Hyun’s jealousy flared. He should be the one sitting beside Min at the dinner table along with his parents and children laughing and talking about anything that comes to mind not that unknown man. Setting aside his jealousy, he took note of the schedule and carried out his plan.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Hyun slowly got out of his car and smirked. It was a beautiful day outside; the sun was shining and a cool breeze would blow past him once in a while. It was a perfect day to carry out his plan. He slowly walked towards Min’s house and rang the doorbell once before waiting patiently with a smile across his face. He heard footsteps rushing towards him before the door flung open, revealing Min with an apron on. “Sorry for the wait, I was just-“ Min took a look at him and quickly slammed the door, leaving a disappointed Hyun outside.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Min was leaning against her door after slamming the door. She then realized she had slammed the door in his face so she quickly re-opened it, finding no one outside. She came outside and looked around to only be disappointed. There was nobody outside besides her next door neighbor sun tanning on her roof. Min freaked out. “Why the hell did I see him? Am I dreaming or am I going insane?” Min asked herself as she clutched the sides of her head.
“Min, are you alright?” Hae hugged her after overhearing her panic attack.
“Hae, I think I saw Hyun again,” Min stuttered.
“Shit, I’ll go get Teukie right now,” Hae said. He ran back into the house only to return with a worried Teuk in front of him after a minute.
“Min dear, calm down. You must have been imagining things,” Teuk reassured. Hae walked up to Min again and wrapped his arms around her.
“But he seemed so real Umma,” Min sobbed and buried her face in the crook of Hae’s neck.
Unknown to them all, someone was watching the scene from the window, while standing at the corner of the house, tears rolling down his cheeks with his hands curled into a tight fist. Somehow, he managed to bring himself to his car, where he slammed his hands against the steering wheel of his car before letting his screams and tears roll out freely in his car.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
The next day, Hyun followed Min’s car when she was driving the twins to school. After sports day, something about his twins lingered on his mind. He thought back to all the meetings and scolded himself for not realizing the difference. Sometimes the child would be quiet even after eating chocolate while other times, the child would be brimming with energy, being impatient and such even before having eaten chocolate. Also, what shocked him the most was when Bum won first place on sports day. If he could remember correctly, Bum had told him he loves Math class and hates PE. How could a child who hates PE win first place on sports day? Hyun guessed the saying ‘sometimes those close to us fail to notice some details or our actions which could be easily caught by strangers.’ was true after all.
Hyun waited until it was Bum’s break period to approach him. The child was playing basketball, with his friends at the time. He went over and leaned against the fence, beckoning his son to come over by curling his fingers up. Bum excused himself from his friends and rushed over to him.
“Hey Bummie,” Hyun smiled.
“What are you doing here appa? How did you find out where my school was?” Bum asked.
“That was quite rude. Didn’t Teuk-umma and Woon-appa teach you to return ones greetings?” Hyun frowned.
“Sorry Appa, I was just curious,” Bum pouted.
“It’s alright Bum. I took a brochure of the school on sports day. I do have the right to know where my child is, right?” Hyun said as he ruffled Bums hair.
As if on cue, the bell rang informing all students to return back to class. Hyun bid his farewell and told Bum to take care before returning to his car.
However, once Bum disappeared into the building, Hyun did an 180degrees turn and headed to the school office. He asked for permission to meet his son and was lead to his son’s classroom. When Bummie came out, Hyun was thankful for the fact that this was the other twin. Hyun sat and chatted with his son.
“How come you are here Appa?” Bum questioned him. Hyun face palmed himself. What was with his two kids asking him the same question?
“No Hi. No Hello?” Hyun managed to whisper out. It was heartbreaking for him that his children weren’t really happy to see him. Instead, all that they were concerned with was why their dad was visiting them in school. Though he was hurt, Hyun knew that the question was brought about by his own action. He had, till date, never really bothered much about his child. Instead, he was always content seeing him fortnightly for dinner with his parents. However, as he recently saw more and more of his colleagues having children and having a glow of happiness around them, jealousy sunk into him, demanding him to know more about his only family who was left. Hence, that was the thought that brought Hyun to his son’s sports day. He never knew that his one step would bring him to his wife, whom he thought was dead and another child, whom he didn’t even know had been born.
“Appa, wh.… Appa!” Bum shouted, as quietly as he could.
“Sorry. Sorry. I was just thinking about something. What were you saying?”
“I was asking if you have anything to say. If not, I should go back to class,” Bum whispered softly, head handing low.
Hyun felt the stinging pain once again. Putting the pain down, he asked his son. “How are you Bum?”
“I am fine appa.”
“It’s been long since we met right?”
“Yes Appa.”
“When was the last we met Bummie?”
“At the dinner with Teuk Halmulnee and Woon Haraboji.”
“Oh yea, that’s right… Appa is getting old and forgetful. I just missed you. It seems as if ages since we last met.”
Just then, the bell rang. Bum looked at his appa, said his goodbye and ran off to his class.
Hyun walked off, praying that his children would not pay that much heed to his sudden appearance. Luckily for him, his children did just that. Henry and Bum forgot about their dad’s visit by the time their mother came to pick them up, especially Henry. He had forgotten about having met his dad at the sports stadium the moment he had received his trophy. Though it was surprising to them that their dad had suddenly dropped by, they just bought his excuse.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
For the next three days, Hyun would follow his wife around. Whenever she was home, he would stand at the corner of house and peep in occasionally, taking note of the surrounding at the same time, he didn’t want anyone to call the police on him. When he knew it would be time for her to leave or when it was time for others to come back home, he would hide in his car, only to come back and peep through the window, looking in to see the perfect family, of which, most of the members were his. Every single day, he would seethe in anger, pain and jealously. He would shed tears at seeing his place being occupied by another man. His fist would dig into his skin until blood dripped whenever he saw the interaction between Min and her lover. On the third day, when he saw the duo hugging and the lover planting a kiss on Min’s forehead, he forced himself to walk away. He reached his car and gave a kick at the tires, only to wring in the pain he received at his action. He sat in and drove off.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Min was never able to get over the feeling of having seen Hyun in front of her. She knew that it was no illusion of hers. She knew that it was really him or did she really only imagined it? For the whole week, Min questioned herself on why was she thinking about him and why she was constantly feeling his presence around him. Min questioned herself on what she thought of Hyun.
She had known about the relationship between Hyun and Mi. She remembered all the pain and suffering she had to go through at the point. She was shattered when she saw Hyun meeting Mi, when she saw Mi in Hyun’s arms and she was further broken when she saw the duo kissing.
Min knew that the duo were college friends, but she failed to recognize the moment when Hyun’s love for her transferred over to Mi. However, when she knew about their relationship, no matter how badly she tried to get him back in her life, she was only given failures. Over time, Min realized that she was tired of trying to win Hyun over. When she knew that she was pregnant, she realized that she didn’t want to share the happiness with Hyun. However, over time, Hyun noticed the bump and asked her about it. When she informed Hyun that they were expecting the arrival of their children, Hyun simply hugged her before walking away. Min sat on her bed and cried.
When Min knew that she was expecting twins, she didn’t bother telling Hyun about it. Over time, Min found comfort in Hyun’s parents. They were her support and strength. They brought her to the gynecologist; they bought supplements for her and took care of her and her unborn children.
When Min felt coldness on her cheeks, she brought her hands up to wipe away her tears. She was crying without realizing it, while thinking about the past. Despite all that happened, despite the fact that Hyun had chosen her child over her, Min knew that she still loved him. He was the only one for her, otherwise, why would she still be single? She had heard from Woon and Teuk that Hyun and Mi had broken months after the children’s birth. She wanted to rush over to him at that moment only to be held back by her parents who reminded her that she was dead.
Min sat at the kitchen table and cried. She still loved Hyun, despite all the pain and suffering he caused her. She still loved him.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Henry dear, do you want to meet your father for the first time?” Teuk asked one afternoon. To hide the fact that he had already seen and talked to his father before, Henry bounced around in excitement so his grandparents would suspect of anything. “But first things first, you have to discuss things with Bummie before going so your father wouldn’t suspect anything of this.” With that, Henry ran up the stairs as fast as any normal child could go and burst into their shared room only to find Bum reading on his bed.
“Sheesh, you are such a nerd Bum,” Hen laughed before he jumped onto his own bed.
“What do you want Henry?” Bum stuck out his tongue.
“Haraboji and Halmunee want me to go and see Appa today this time,” Henry bit his lower lip as he watched his short legs swing back and forth.
“Yay, I don’t have to go this time!” Bum cheered as he threw his book to the foot of his bed.
“Why are you so happy? Don’t you like Appa?” Henry frowned.
“Well if it wasn’t for Appa, we would have to pretend to be each other in front of him and if it wasn’t for Appa, Umma wouldn’t be so lonely,” Kibum stated.
“True,” Henry looked down at his hands with a sad expression. Bum quickly got off his bed and hugged his brother.
“It’s okay Henry, Umma has us right?” Bum smiled and patted the younger’s head. The younger only nodded and returned the older’s hug.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
Hyun had arrived at the restaurant 45 minutes before the set time. He was going to have dinner with his parents and child soon and was extremely anxious. Which one of the twins will be coming to see him today? Would it be Bum or the other he still did not know the name of? Would it be that all mighty, smart, witty and evil Bum he frequently saw or would it be the other who was more like Min, hyper, energetic and filled with fun? He hoped it was the other, not because he was like Min, but because he would finally find out his name. He had this dinner planned out weeks beforehand. He would wait until his parents arrive, finish eating, bring the child to the play area, bribe the caretaker to find out the name of the child and then ask his parents to move in with him. He hoped his parents would respond in the way Hyun had planned.
His parents walked in 10 minutes late but to Hyun’s dismay, the child was dressed up like Bum so he couldn’t tell if it was Bum or the other. He shrugged and got up to ruffled the child’s hair before hugging his parents. His parents were astonished at the sudden gesture but recovered seconds after and sat the child on the chair.
“Hello Bum, how are you?” Hyun asked.
“I’m alright Appa, yourself?” the child fidgeted.
“I’m fine myself, thanks. Oh by the way Bum, I bought you a box of chocolate and a book about your mother,” Hyun smirked and gave both gifts to the child. The child thanked Hyun and quickly opened the box of chocolate, paying no attention to the book and setting it aside as he ate the chocolate. Teuk and Woon looked at him in confusion and Hyun only smiled as he watched his child eat the chocolate. He was happy to find out that his plan would go smoothly.
After finishing up dinner, Hyun brought the child to the play area of the restaurant and bribed the caretaker to find out the child’s name like planned. When he was returning, his parents were discussing something until they saw Hyun coming and they immediately closed their mouths. “Umma and Appa, I was wondering if you could move in with me along with Bum. I want to take my responsibility as a father back from you guys. Bum has already been a burden to you guys for 8 years now, I think I should take that responsibility back.”
“Bum is not a burden at all! Have you seen the kid Hyun? He’s smart, witty, and independent and is our grandchild; what grandparent would think of their grandchild as a burden?” Woon hissed through clenched teeth.
“Calm down Woon dear, we’re in public,” Teuk patted Woon on the back before turning her attention back towards Hyun. “Why would you want this responsibility back all of a sudden Hyun? After 8 years?”
“I j-just want to be a good father to him. I want him to brag to his friends at school about having the best father in the world. I also want to make up for the time I’ve neglected him, it’s not fair to him,” he sighed.
“Well you should have thought of that beforehand Hyun,” Woon snapped and got up to retrieve the child from the play area to return home. Teuk shook her head and rushed after them, leaving Hyun sitting there disappointed. Couldn’t his parents at least give him another chance? He’s only human and humans make mistakes.
After paying the bill, Hyun walked over to the caretaker to retrieve the information he requested. “His name is Henry. He sure is quite the hyper, cheerful little one; absolutely adorable!” the caretaker exclaimed before returning behind her desk. At least one good thing came out of this dinner; he found out his other child’s name.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Mommy, I’m home!” Henry yelled as he hugged his mother.
“I can see that Henry,” Min laughed. “What did you think of your father?”
“He’s really nice! He gave me chocolate and a book about you,” Henry smiled and handed the book to Min. Min raised an eyebrow. Hyun gave Henry a book about her? Since when did Hyun care enough to take notice of her? “Mommy, I’m going to go to my room and tell Bum about everything!” Henry giggled before skipping up the stairs. Man, did her child have energy.
Curious, Min opened the book to reveal a few pictures she took with Hyun. There were so few pictures that it only took up 4 double sided pages. After flipping to the fifth page, a sheet of paper fell out and Min bent down to get it. Min gasps and drops the sheet of paper yet again. There was a time, date range and location written neatly in the middle - obviously in Hyun’s best writing. She picked it up yet again to stuff it harshly into her pocket when she heard footsteps heading her way. “Min, have you seen- Are you okay Min?” Hyuk rushed to her best friend’s side. “Did something happen?”
“No, I was just surprised Henry said his father was nice that’s all,” Min lightly laughed and faked a smile to her best friend. Hyuk, not 100% convinced, shrugged and chose to not push any further.
“Did you need something from me?” Min asked.
“Oh, never mind. I bet Hae just ate it or something,” Hyuk laughed and patted Min’s shoulders before disappearing into the kitchen. Min sighed in relief and returned to her room to sleep.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
After dropping the kids off to school, Min arrived to the location written on the paper. She had to apply a bit more make-up then ever just to cover up the black circles she had from not sleeping well last night. She just couldn’t stop thinking about Hyun. How did he find out she was still alive? Does he plan on taking the kids away from her? If so, she would have to move immediately. She entered the tiny building with a sigh and was greeted by a handsome looking young man. “Morning miss, may I help you with anything?”
“Uhmm… My friend told me to meet him here,” Min looked away.
“Oh? Who is your friend?”
“Cho… Cho Kyuhyun.”
“Oh, you must be mistaken. He is waiting for his wife, not a friend.”
“Well, legally I’m his wife.”
“Alright, follow me.”
Min sighed in relief and followed the man. She was brought to a beautiful garden where everything was practically green besides the small stone pathway and the ponds, waterfalls and river which spread across the whole garden.
“Mrs. Cho, please follow this pathway and you’ll see your husband,” the man bowed respectfully and walked out of the garden. Min flinched at being addressed as Mrs. Cho but shook it off nonetheless. She walked down the pathway and stopped to gaze at the beautiful sight laid out before her. The sun was in the middle of the sky, causing the river to glisten like millions of crystals. A quiet hum of rushing water could be heard along with the rust of leaves been blown gentle in the wind. Min would have called this paradise if she didn’t realize the two people laughing and talking happily to each other near the river farther down. Min swore she could hear her heart shatter for the umpteenth time.
Looking at the duo infront of her, Min understood. Min finally understood why Hyun had wanted to see her. He wanted to take the kids back; he wanted to raise them with Mi as their mother. So the news about them breaking up was ju…just a lie. She just wanted to back off and leave them alone.
Without realizing, two tiny stream of her own were running down on both sides of her cheeks. She covered her mouth to muffle out the wail threatening to escape. Mi chose that time to leave and Hyun turned to see her crying. He immediately shook his head frantically and ran towards Min. Upon arrival, his head whipped to the side at the sudden impact of Min’s hand and Hyun felt the stinging pain burning his cheek. He could care less about the pain at the moment. When he returned his gaze at Min, she had already started to run away. Hyun chased after her and caught up in no time, seeing how she was stumbling because of the tears fogging her view. Hyun grabbed hold of Min’s wrist and wrapped his arm around her waist to bring her towards him for a hug. She cried even more and started pounding her fists against his chest. “Why Hyun, why!?” she screamed.
“It’s not what you think Min. Please listen to me, I beg of you,” Hyun begged. Seeing that Min had stopped struggling against his hold, Hyun continued. “Min, I was young and foolish. I hadn’t realized how important you were and how much I loved you when the doctor came out and asked me to save you or the child. I admit that back at the time, I truly wanted to save the child and raise it alongside with Mi but I would have never anticipated my parents taking the child away from me.
Even before my parents took the child, I realized I love you. Just seeing you lying on the bed seemingly lifeless was enough to rip my hearts to shreds mercilessly. I then realized that I would miss your small I-love-you’s, which I never responded to, your warm embrace, your light touches and most of all, the atmosphere you created around the apartment. Even knowing I didn’t love you back, you stayed by my side in the rough times and never complained about me leaving you in the shadows in the good times.
I assume Appa and Umma must have told you before that I broke up with Mi a few months after your ‘death’ and it was true. Mi couldn’t take my moping self and left me. She went back to China and found herself a partner. What you just saw was her wishing me luck with you today. Min, please forgive me.” Hyun’s voice cracks and Min realized Hyun was on the verge of crying. She could feel the sincerity in his words and decided to wrap her arms around him. She looked up at Hyun and collided their lips together. She allowed herself to bask in the warmth she had missed so much throughout those 8 years.
Only separating because of the desperate need of oxygen, Min smiled at Hyun and allowed Hyun to cup her cheeks in between his two palms. “I take it that you’ve forgiven me Min?” he smiled. Min giggled, while nodding and brought her arms around Hyun neck to bring him in for another kiss.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“Min, are you sure about this?” Hyun nervously asks.
“I’m 100% sure Hyun that they’ll love you. And besides, they both have met you before and you should have seen Henry’s face when he came home with the book and that box of chocolate you gave him,” Min laughed and pecked Hyun’s lips for encouragement. “Now let’s get your butt inside before you chicken out.”
She unlocked the front doors and took a step in with Hyun tailing close behind her. “I’m home!” she shouted and placed her shoes on the rack before instructing Hyun to do the same. To Hyun’s dismay, the first person to greet them was Min’s lover. He jogged into the front hallway from the living room and immediately pulled Min away from Hyun’s grasps the moment he saw him. Hyun narrowed his eyes dangerously, as if silently threatening the other man. Min giggled and patted his arms before returning to Hyun. Hyun quickly hugged her possessively, eyes never relaxing his intensive glare at the other. Min and Hae looked at each other and returned their gaze at Hyun, only to start laughing.
“Hyun, did you think Hae was my lover or something?” Min giggled.
“Isn’t he?” Hyun raised an eyebrow.
“Oh of course not! He’s just a very close friend silly! Remember that doctor 8 years ago who help me give birth? Well, he just so happens to be the husband of that doctor,” Min explained.
“Hyun, nice to meet you. My name is Lee Donghae but please call me Hae,” the said man raised his hand for a shake. Hyun quickly returned the gesture with a sheepish smile.
“Sorry about that,” Hyun mumbled.
“And I’m Lee HyukJae, Min’s number one best friend and this dork’s wife,” the doctor suddenly said as she hopped down the stairs with the two twins on either side of her.
“Appa!” they both exclaimed before dashing towards him to each claim one of his legs (because they were too short to properly hug him).
“Hyun, what a surprise…. Though I have to say, it’s great to see you together with Min again,” Woon said as he joined them with Teuk close beside him.
“It’s great to be together with Min again. I will never let her leave me ever again,” Hyun said before reclaiming Min’s lips for the fourth time that night.
“Yah Hyun, leave all the intimacy for inside your bedroom, and especially don’t do anything improper in front of the kids!” Teuk scolded.
Everyone laughed and Henry chirps up, “Ooohhh…I know what’s going to happen later!”
“Henry-ah, I think we should be expecting a sibling 9 months from now,” Bum laughed as he looked at everyone’s expression.
Henry had his face scrunched together as if trying to find out what Bum was implying while everyone else was shocked that a kid would know such a thing already.
“What? I read a lot of books you know!” Bum defended and pouted.
“Bum-ah, what do you mean by expecting a sibling 9 months from now?” Henry asked.
“You’ll find out when you’re older,” Bum smirked and ran away from the whining Henry. Everyone followed the two children around the house - everyone but Hyun and Min. Hyun turned Min around and brushed away a few loose hairs.
“Thank you so much for such wonderful kids Min,” Hyun whispered against her ears.
“I think Bum has been around you too much. He shouldn’t know such a thing at a young age,” Min pouted but laughed nonetheless.
“I think we should make Bum’s theory a reality,” Hyun laughs and kisses Min square on the lips again before the latter could complain.
~₪~₪~₪~₪~
“I’m going to have a sibling soon!” Henry shouted with glee around the house. It’s been three months since the incident and everything had gone merrily. Teuk and Woon were on their vacation fully knowing that Hyun would be taking care of Min while Hae and Hyuk were in their fifth month pregnancy. It was an understatement to say everyone has happy. Wook and Sung were dropping by more often, with their 3 children, who would be in their tank.
Bum laughed at his brother’s reaction and brought his hand to slap his face lightly. Why was he so smart compared to his brother?
-fin-