(a/n: please mind the timeline while reading so you guys won't be confused.)

Incheon, South Korea – December 10, 2016

LEE JIYEON | AYAKA

Growing up in a very close family, it was hard to adjust my lifestyle when I moved to Seoul. It was hard, sure, but somehow as the days pass, I was able to learn new things and to see the goodness of me, transferring to Seoul. First, I learned to be independent—independent in the sense that, I am able to do things on my own and not to rely to anybody and somehow, along the way, I became stronger. Second, I was able to meet new friends who changed my life forever—Gayoung, the sister that I never knew I had; Sehun, the best guy friend who acts like my body guard; Chanyeol, the goofy friend who’s always there to cheer you up, and Myung, my very best friend and whom I share almost all of my secrets with, he’s basically my long lost twin. And of course, lastly, I was able to meet my first, well, and hopefully my last boyfriend, Kai. In a small amount of time, Seoul became my second home and I was able to love it as much as I love Japan and that is because of the new experiences and the people who made it all possible.

Because of this people, I was able to kind of forget the gaping hole of missing my family. They were able to give that temporary fix and give me a smile everyday. But of course, nothing can replace the love a family could give. And today, I am more than thankful that finally, my family’s here again!

“Darling, I missed you!” my mom exclaimed as soon as she saw me waiting for her at the airport.

“I missed you too, mom!” I exclaimed happily as I ran to her side and hugged her tight.

“Where’s your sister? I thought she’s going to pick us up too?” she asked as she tried to find Keiko-eonni but failed.

“Ayaka!” our conversation was cut off when Ken-oppa called me and hugged me tight as soon as he got where I was, “I missed you, little nugget!” he beamed.

“I missed you too, oppa!” I exclaimed as I hugged him back, burying my nose at the crook of his neck—oh, how I miss his manly scent.

“How about me, baby?” I quickly separated from oppa’s hug and quickly raced down towards my father, who was waiting for me with open arms.

“Appa! I missed you so much!” I exclaimed happily as I hugged him tight.

“Of course, my baby missed me,” he smiled.

“So darling, would you explain to us why your sister’s not here?” mom asked when everyone finally settled in.

“Keiko-eonni has some stuffs to do and I’m the only one available so here I am,” I smiled as we started walking towards the car that I just drived.

“Wait, you drived a car, alone?!” oppa asked, surprised.

“Basically, yes,” I muttered, “I learned driving since I got to Korea but I never really had the chance to drive since the car is always with eonni. But today is different, I was able to drive alone!” I beamed happily, sounding proud of the accomplishment, “Anyway, we actually need to stop by a resto since I’m quiet starving right now and I know a great place to eat.”

The whole car ride was uneventful, we only talked about the things that we missed from each other’s lives but somehow those uneventful things are the ones that are making me happy right now. The small chats with my family or even the slightest of smiles are something to be treasured especially if you’re away from your family like I do.

We finally arrived at the restaurant that I was talking about, and now, I just can’t wait and see my family’s reaction to one of the best surprises of their lives.

“Why are we eating in such a fancy place, Ayaka?” mom asked while we were going inside the restaurant, “I could have cooked for you or something. We don’t need these pricey foods,” she mumbled and I couldn’t help but to chuckle.

To be honest, Seojoon-oppa, Kai and I set all of this up! Oppa wanted to finally tell my parents about the proposal as soon as they arrive here in Seoul so we reserved seats at one of Seoul’s most famous restaurant to get into the serious talking. I bet Seojoon-oppa is really nervous right now but heck, I am too! I just wish my family takes this well, especially the two men who are equally over protective.

“The reservation for Go Seojoon, please,” I exclaimed, smiling at the waiter.

“This way ma’am,” he smiled as he showed us inside the restaurant.

We went inside a small room that we reserved and accompanied my family inside.

“Ayaka, do you really want to eat at this extravagant place? It’s not so like you,” my father mumbled as they started settling inside the room.

Everyone was finally seated and the only thing missing for this grand event is my future brother-in-law. So I smiled as I stood up and went to the door. I quickly saw Seojoon-oppa smiling at me together with Kai.

“Mom, dad, oppa,” I started as I got their attention, “Today is one of the best surprises ever and I hope that you would accept it warmly.” I muttered that made my family crease their foreheads, “I love my sister so much and I know that she needs to be happy and that happiness can be found through her other half. I hope that you guys would listen intently and understand it,” I exclaimed as Seojoon-oppa finally entered the room, leaving Kai behind.

“Mister and Missus Lee, Jaehwan-hyung,” Seojoon-oppa started and my mom gasped as soon as he finished.

And I know, mom already knew what was happening. Tears were welling up my mother’s eyes as Seojoon-oppa went inside, sitting in front of them.

“I’ll leave now since I still have classes.” I smiled and my mom just nodded, “I hope that when you guys come home, I already have my soon to be brother-in-law.” I muttered, winking at Seojoon-oppa which he just returned with a smile.

I finally left, leaving the four of them together. Kai smiled at me as he hugged me tight.

“You did great, A,” he muttered as he tapped my back.

“This is just the beginning Kai,” I exclaimed as I break the embrace, “We still have a lot of things to do for the engagement party.” I mumbled.

He smiles and grasped my chin, “And I know that you will do well, we all will,” he exclaimed and I just nodded back.

After that talk, Kai and I left the restaurant, leaving my car as well. We decided to just commute back to the house, change into our uniforms and then leave for school. Kai and I were on our way home, riding the bus.

“I’m just really happy for my sister,” I blurted out of the blue and Kai just nodded, understanding me.

“I can see it clearly,” he mumbled, “I just couldn’t wait until the wedding and I know that you will be one of the most happiest in that day, well, of course your sister is the one who’s the happiest—you get the point, right?” he rumbled, making me laugh.

“I do, I do, babe,” I muttered, “But do you know what I’m really waiting for?” I suddenly asked as a smile crept into my face just by thinking of it.

“What?” he asked.

“I can’t wait for them to have babies.” I laughed, “It’s too soon, I know but I just couldn’t help but to imagine the little babies that they’re going to have.” I exclaimed, trying hard not to squeal.

“What?” Kai laughed.

“I just really love babies, you know,” I mumbled, suddenly getting embarrassed, “I’ve been the youngest out of my three siblings and I just want to feel what my siblings feel while protecting and taking care of me.” I muttered, my voice growing smaller as I finished my statement.

I just love babies—I just love their smiles, their laughs, their little hands and feet. I just love taking care of them and feeding them. You know maybe, I developed a mother’s heart while I was staying at the orphanage, seeing kids and babies with no parents.

“Well, you can wait with yours,” Kai smiled and I quickly turned to him, surprising me.

I was trying to find that usual grin whenever he jokes but I found none—he looks like he really meant it.

“O-of course I could,” I stuttered.

He then turned to me and held my hand, making my heart beat crazily and my stomach feels like there’s a zoo in it.

“Well, how many kids do you want to have, wifey?” he asked, causing me to cough into thin air. I was surprised and I didn’t know what to say until he burst out, laughing.

“Kai!” I exclaimed as I punched him playfully, “Stop joking,” I exclaimed, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden.

It must’ve been weird to hear something like that from a teenager. Argh, I shouldn’t have said anything to him! I guess he isn’t ready for those kinds of talks yet.

Kai chuckled and messed with my hair, “I’m not joking, A,” he exclaimed while smiling. I turned to him and he was there—smiling sincerely at me, “Well, I also want babies and talking about them now are just weird but good-thing-kind-of-weird,” he chuckled heartily, “I just don’t know how to put it in good words so I went for the joke-kind-of statement.” He explained, surprising me. So… was he serious about what he asked? “I know it’s too soon but keeping a relationship like this, we might as well have plans for the future, right? Because I can clearly see us being married and I hope you do too.” He muttered, sounding nervous all of a sudden.

“W-what?” I asked, surprised, “A-are you—“ he quickly stopped me, laughing nervously.

Is he going to propose?!

“That’s too soon, A,” he chuckled, “Not yet, but I will.” He exclaimed, knocking all of the air inside me.

“You’re surprising me too much,” I mumbled.

“Relax,” he chuckled as he kissed my forehead, “We still have a long way ahead of us, A.” he smiled and I just nodded back.

The happiness that I am feeling right now is too much. I couldn’t believe that Kai would talk to me like this… us, having a future together.

“I love you,” I exclaimed as I snuggled closer to him.

“I love you too.” He answered back, kissing the crown of my head, “But seriously though, I’m really curious about the kids that you want to have.” He mumbled and I laughed back but I was happy enough to answer back.

“I want maybe two… a boy and a girl.” I smiled, picturing my own family and of course, together with Kai.

“We’re the same then,” he exclaimed, “What names do you want?” he asked as he started playing with my hair.

I didn’t know that the ride from Incheon to home was this long, but I’m not complaining.

“Hmm, for the boy… I want Mingyu and for my girl… probably Yuna.” I exclaimed, “I have been thinking of names since I knew that I wanted a kid.” I laughed.

“Those names are wonderful, A,” Kai smiled.

The entire ride was great, it felt like everything was going to be fine and everything was falling into place. I just couldn’t believe that I’ll be able to talk about this baby-thing with the love of my life. I bet that people who are hearing us right now would probably assume that we’re already married but well, we’re not—but probably—we will get there.

Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea – March 202* (Continuation of Chapter 1 scenario)

KIM JONGIN | KAI

A tear slowly escaped from my eyes as soon as I saw the three of them but I was quick to brush it off when a small kid called my name.

“Appa!” she shouted as she started to run towards me, leaving the woman and a small boy behind but since she was still so little, she tripped, causing me to call out her name in worry.

“Yuna!” I shouted as I ran towards her, cradling her in my arms, “Are you okay, munchkin?” I asked as she turned to me, smiling as she nods her head.

I smiled as I messed with her head just like how I always did with her mother.

“Eomma?” she asked but I didn’t answer as I looked towards the woman smiling at me and the small boy that was holding her hands.

I couldn’t help but to kiss the bundle of joy in my arms as I stood up, carrying her. I smiled towards the woman walking towards me and she smiled back. The happiness that I am feeling right now is something that I couldn’t explain—a bit of happiness and a little of sadness. Because somehow, at the back of my head, I know that many of our plans didn’t come true but still, I was thankful for what I have—for what Ayaka and I had.

Author's message ♥

Hey guys, I'm back! I hope you guys liked the chapter and I also hope that you guys fully understand where my book is going. And if you're confused, feel free to chat me or something and I would gladly answer back. This is the start of the rollercoaster ride in Jiyeon and Kai's lives and I hope that you guys would stay and enjoy the ride. I really put my heart into writing and I hope that you guys would appreciate everything that I write. Please do leave a comment, subscribe and upvote! Also, bookmark this chapter so I would be able to know everyone who's reading!

With so much love, Jihyun ♣