“You okay?” Sehun asked me worriedly, handing me a cold drink. I was in his car and we were at the stopover, on our way back to our hometown. I had been sleeping the entire drive since this morning. I was too tired because I stayed up to finish the work that was due on the weekend. I didn’t want to worry about it while I was over at my hometown.

As a response to Sehun’s question, I nodded my head, taking the drink to my hands. My head hurt a little bit but it was bearable. I drank it and swallowed before answering, “I’m fine.”

He looked at me worriedly, I felt like I was receiving a silent scolding. “What did you do?”

“Just finished my work so I’m stress free for the weekend.” I answered. “I’ll be okay if I just catch up with my sleep.”

He let out a heavy sigh. “I bought food. So, if you’re hungry, please eat.”

I smiled appreciatively. “Thank you.” Then it was my turn to ask, “Did you eat yet?”

He hummed. “I did. Mum came over this morning.”

“She did?”

He nodded. “When I told her that I would be coming with you to visit Auntie and Aeron, she came over to my place and gave me dishes to give to them. I guess, more than missing them, she must’ve felt sorry for what I did to you to them.”

I heard the lingering guilt in his voice so I felt the urge to sit properly and fix my gaze on him. “It’s okay now, Sehun. Mum didn’t really take it against you.” He looked at me unsurely, so I continued, “If you cheated on me then surely, that’s something she won’t ever forgive you with. Like me.”

“Are you sure?”

I bobbed my head, drinking more of the drink he bought me. “Yes.” I said confidently. “My Mum is more understanding and open-minded than I’ll ever be, so yes I’m sure.” Honestly, I wished it was a trait I got from Mum, but for some reason, I didn’t get it. Aeron did. Not me. I continued to sulk over that, even now I’m in my mid 20s.

By nodding his head, I assumed that Sehun now understood what I meant because if I understood him, then surely Mum did. She might’ve understood Sehun long before I did, or even long before she even heard about his reason.

“So, what did Auntie sent?” I looked at back at the rear seat, trying to see the dishes.

“Oh, it’s in the trunk.” He informed me. “It’s all the dishes and some side dishes that they used to make whenever they would meet.”

I laughed despite in the middle of waking myself up. “How thoughtful of Auntie.”

For another hour, we arrived at my Mum’s house with Aeron running towards the gate to welcome not me but Sehun. I would usually pout angrily whenever he’d greet him over me but this time I couldn’t help but chuckle and walked towards my Mum to greet her with a very warm hug.

Then as though remembering about my presence, Aeron looked around and by the second his gaze landed on mine, I had my eyebrow raised at him with a playful smirk.

“I’m here too, Aeron.” I said. “I’m about to get jealous.”

“No, you won’t be.” He doubted. Which was true anyway.

I laughed. “I’m kidding. Come,” I gestured him over, “give me a hug.”

And willingly, Aeron came to me and gave me the warmest hug a brother of mine could ever give.

Mum invited us in while I walked towards Sehun who was making his way to the car trunk to get all the food his Mum prepared for him to bring. Just when I was about to take one of the clothed bags, I saw Sehun’s eyes narrowed at me.

“But it’s okay! It’s too much for you to bring.” I reasoned, rolling my eyes as I made another attempt to grab one.

He took a step back and hissed through his gritted teeth but in rather an affectionate manner. “I can’t let you carry them. Go inside and be with your family. I’ll carry these three bags inside.”

I puckered my lips with my hands over my hips. “Fine.” I said, giving in. I knew how Sehun could be quite persistent, especially when it’s about me or us so I just let him be. It wasn’t like it was a big deal anyway.

Then, Sehun beamed up and bobbed his head towards the front door. I sighed and walked up to enter the home that I missed so much.

I helped Mum with what she was doing while I saw Aeron heading towards his bedroom. He probably went to get something. I took out some bowls and plates to put the dishes Sehun’s Mum cooked. My mother gave me a questioning look and I explained what it was for.

Next minute, Sehun entered the kitchen with all the bags from the trunk. It amazed me how he managed to carry all that in one go. Indeed, when Sehun said he can, he really could do it.

I smiled and opened the tupperwares to transfer them to the bowls and plates. Aeron then came out of his bedroom and approached Sehun. He dragged him towards his room and I heard Mum telling my brother that we would eat soon.

I lifted my head and met Sehun’s eyes, just before they got inside the room. He was wearing a fond smile. The smile a good brother would usually wear when he would bond with his siblings.

Then my gaze shifted to Mum, now wondering what it was that Aeron wanted to show the male. She chuckled and told me that he has a new car collection that my Uncle, my Mum’s cousin, gave to him last night.

Understanding that, my mother and I went on to really get the table set up and five minutes later, Mum told me to get Sehun and my brother so we could start eating.

I walked towards the latter’s room with light steps and with the door ajar, I carefully peeked inside and saw him and Sehun standing behind the new car collection. The taller male was inspecting one car as they both talked over it. A soft smile formed on my face, nearly forgetting about what Mum asked me.

Reminded about that, I cleared my throat to catch both of their attention. The two turned their heads simultaneously and I told them that food was ready.

With that, they packed the collection in a tidy manner before my brother making his way out with me staying behind to walk with Sehun. I nudged him slightly with my arm to make him look at him so that I know I have his attention. When he does, I asked him how was my brother and he simply replied that Aeron was okay.

As my younger brother’s older sister, I always worried about Aeron. Especially now more than ever. I didn’t get to see him every day anymore and though our video calls and phone calls were frequent, I had to see him to see if he was really doing okay. And by the looks of things, I knew my brother was doing better than I initially had worried. I almost wanted to scoff at myself— for worrying as much as I did when I clearly how he could be so capable.

Sitting by the table, all of us started eating, just like the usual. Except, my Mum seemed to be serving Sehun more than me and I am her daughter! But it was not really a big deal, because I knew how much my mother had missed him too. When we were together, a week won’t pass without him staying over for a day or two or maybe, even more.

I was amused at how she was treating Sehun. It was so much of how she did when I first introduced him to her and got her approval before dinner commenced. The reaction from male wasn’t that different either.

He looked pretty overwhelmed and his gaze looked so much like how he couldn’t believe that my own mother was being like that to her. I forgot to tell Sehun that she was never angry at him, nor she took it against him when he left me. My mother held no grudge against my ex-boyfriend. Because like how she was to me, my father, Aeron, and to our relatives, she was always so and very understanding.

The meal finished and I told Mum that I would be the one doing the dishes since she cooked and already had prepared so much when it was only us coming. As I got Mum to agree with me, Sehun then volunteered to help. I didn’t refuse and my mother didn’t either since Sehun, although he’s a guest, he wasn’t really different for us anymore. So, we cleaned the table and I wasted no time by turning to the sink and starting to wash the dishes so we could go ahead and start to catch up— and really, bond.

I was doing the dishes while Sehun did the rinsing when I turned as I heard Aeron pondering about which movie all four of us could watch. Mum was suggesting his favourites but he disagreed saying that he wanted it to be a movie that all four of us liked and not just him. I heard the older lady sigh but very affectionately and I couldn’t help but giggle.

It wasn’t until a second later when I saw the male next to me looking at me. His eyes were on me and I wondered why he was doing that. I wasn’t being weird as far as I checked.

“What?” I asked, giving him the glass that I just scrubbed.

Taking the glass, he shook his head.

“What?” I persisted.

“Well, Auntie was treating me better than I had imagined.”

Oh. I smiled. “I think you know how understanding Mum could be.” I narrowed my eyes with a pout. “A trait that I never got and never will get.” How I wish I did, really.

“You understood me, you know.” He told me. I looked at him distractedly and hummed. He continued, “You understood the most stupid decision I ever made.”

My eyebrow twitched as I focused my attention on him. “And that is?”

Usually Sehun would huff at my random naivety but he was so serious when he uttered, “Me leaving you.”

Getting a grip, I pressed my lips together. “Are you still beating yourself for that?”

He bit half of his bottom lip as he said, “I can’t help but do. I wasted nearly two years of being away from you and chose to withstand the torture of that.”

“You need to forgive yourself on that, Se.” I told him. I didn’t give him the last piece of the cutlery and rinsed it myself. I washed my hands, and shifted to him so he could do the same and turned the tap off. Reaching for the kitchen towel, I dried my hands and gave it to him. “I already forgave you. It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry for what I did. I shouldn’t have.” He said. His expression was so pained it clenched my heart.

“But it already happened.” I reasoned. “It’s okay. Don’t continuously torture yourself for it. We have now and let’s do our best with what we’ve got, okay?”

“What did I even do to still deserve you?”

I bobbed my shoulders. “I don’t know. I just know that there’s no other man like you, Sehun.” I reached for his hand so I could hold it. “You’re my one and only, Oh Sehun.”

As I saw Sehun paint a smile on his face again, I felt relieved. We were so focused on each other that neither of us even noticed that Mum was already watching us from a meter and half distance.

When she noticed that I had acknowledged her presence, she started, “Before you both get any more sweeter and,” She stopped and raised an eyebrow, getting a glass, “cornier, Aeron wants the both of you. Choose which movie you want best to watch from our choices.”

And we did that. We walked towards my brother and joined him in the decision making. In the end, the three of us ended having the same movie choice out of the five movies he was previously choosing between.

Mum joined as the two boys did the set up. She brought some plates of fruits and while I got up and asked her if she kept some strawberry yoghurt for me. Or more like if she bought any, knowing how I’m coming and that it was my favourite.

I squealed in glee and sprinted off towards the fridge when she bobbed her head with a proud smile. I quickly grabbed my favourite yoghurt and returned to the sofa, where I was previously sitting.

I grabbed a square pillow and put it over my crossed legs. I beamed to Sehun when they were finished and he took the one close to me. Though, he smirked when he saw what it was in my hands.

The movie soon started and Sehun leaned over to put his arm around my shoulders, cuddling me to his side. I shifted myself so I was more comfortable and laid my head over his shoulder. By the time the intro finished, we were all silent and had our attention fixed to the film.

As the movie finished, we watched another one and by nearly the end of it, Mum stood up and said how she’s going to start preparing dinner.

I furrowed my eyebrows at that because it was far too early for her to start preparing the last proper meal of the day. Well, unless she was thinking of cooking a full feast. That usually doesn’t happen though. It only does when it was a special day.

I thought hard about it. I wondered what it was or even if the day was a special day. It took me a little over five minutes before the thought came inside my head. Wanting to confirm it, I asked Sehun if he had his phone with him because mine was still sitting at the dining area.

“Here.” He said, willingly giving me his phone.

I took it and slid my thumb across the screen only to be asked for a passcode. I got his attention again to show the screen, and as though he knew what I wanted, he merely said. “Your birthday.” He added. “Year first.”

I gaped at him momentarily until I was once again reminded of what I intended to do. I entered the code in and it lead me to the home screen. I scrolled through the apps and quickly tapped on the calendar. I stare at the date and realised, “It’s the date my parents met.”

Sehun must’ve heard me whisper when he gave me a look— an inquiring look, asking what was going on. I shifted myself properly and handed him his device back. “It’s the date Dad approached Mum for the first time.”

Yes, this wasn’t the date Mum and Dad first dated, or their anniversary as boyfriend and girlfriends or the date they got engaged or married. It was the date my parents first met as strangers with a simple approach made by my father.

No wonder Mum prepared a lot earlier than the usual hour she would. Knowing that, I stood up with intentions of helping her. I wondered if she was missing Dad. It always amazed me how strong my mother was and is after Dad passed. It wasn’t easy. I knew for sure it wasn’t easy for me, he was my father. But for Mum it was different. He was her partner— her partner in everything, from being a parent to me and Aeron, to being her husband, her best-friend. They were each other’s love of their life and I just couldn’t imagine losing someone like how my mother lost my Dad. It was so abrupt. So sudden. If it was a shock to me, how much more for her?

Many years have passed and I have to admit that I still miss Dad but what about my Mum? My Mum who had Dad as her first and last?

I looked at Sehun and smiled but him knowing me transparently, he didn’t miss the tint of sadness it gave. Though Sehun knew how little but meaningful dates like that meant to our family, this was the first time that he was with us, celebrating my parent’s first encounter. I remembered the time when I finally realised how today’s date every year, when Dad was still alive, I asked them what was so special about this date.

My Mum answered with a simple but heartfelt explanation. She said that if not for this date, she wouldn’t have the family she has and she mentioned how the simple thought already saddens her. With my Dad on the other hand, he said that this date signified how he finally had the courage to approach the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. It was cheesy and cringey but I knew how true those words meant.

“I’m going to help, Mum.” I told him. “No, stay here. Relax.” I gently pushed him with his shoulder, making lean back on the sofa again just as he was about to get up.

“What can I do to help?” He asked.

My heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. “Nothing for now. I’ll let you know later if there’s anything, okay?”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Very.”

After that, I joined Mum in the kitchen and let her have the hint that I knew what today was. She was about to chase me away but then, knowing how much of a stubborn daughter I could get, she couldn’t do anything and just let me help her. That, or Mum allowed me really because it has been so long since we spent our time together.

When the movie finished, well, we knew that the movie finished when we heard Sehun and my brother chatting. Mum and I glanced at each other and smiled, hearing and feeling how well bonded the two male remained to be even after two years. As the lady involved between and to each of them, I was so pleased to see that. I was so glad that Aeron still found a big brother with Sehun. As a sister, how could I be any less happier than that?

A little over an hour later, they both looked over the counter and checked out what we have done. I raised an eyebrow at them upon me turning. I just knew what those looks meant so I muttered a “No", totally not allowing them to touch any of the food yet. They both made a face and it made me giggle.

“Oh,” Sehun started, catching my attention. “Can we go out for a little bit?”

“Yeah, Mum,” Aeron followed. “Can we?”

Mum turned from the stove and faced them. We were all facing each other with the high kitchen countertop between us. “Where are you guys going?” She asked and I focused my gaze back on them, wanting to know too.

“We are just going to see the vintage car exhibition.” Sehun answered. “It’ll be quick, Auntie.”

I frowned a little bit. A vintage car exhibition? How come I’ve never heard of it? I mean, I never knew that there would be an exhibition today. But then my mother seemed to know about it when she acknowledged it by saying, “Oh yes, there is one today. I forgot about it.” The two male smiled. Aeron was looking hopeful. “I promised that I’ll let him go if Sehun is willing to come with him. So yes,” She bobbed her head. “But you two would need to be back before dinner time.”

The smile on their faces grew. “Yes, Auntie.” Sehun promised.

Mum turned to me. “Do you want to come along?”

I looked at her, then to Sehun then to my brother. I pressed my lips softly, pondering over it until I finally came to a decision. “No, I’ll stay. I’ll let the boys bond.” Then I beamed to my mother sincerely, “Gives us more time together alone, right?”

She chuckled and then Aeron cheered and jogged towards his room to change. I caught Sehun’s eyes looking at me, wearing a soft smile. “We’ll be back.” He said.

“Be careful, okay?” I reminded them. “Look after my brother, please.” I knew how Aeron could get so excited around cars.

“I will.” He assured me. “I’ll just go and help him.”

I nodded, really grateful, before focusing my attention back on what I was doing. Couple minutes later, they both came out and said that they were ready to go. My mother gave her final and usual reminders and then, they went on.

With that Mum and I continued working together and for the next two hours, I felt like it brought me back to the time when Dad was still around. Us, ladies, would be busy at the kitchen while he would try to sneak and get some of the dishes before having it set on the table.

Within that, Mum and I caught up. She talked mostly about Aeron and when they went to visit our relatives or when our relatives came to visit them. I talked about what happened for the time I was gone — the things that I hadn’t told her when we were talking on the phone or if not, the little details I didn’t give.

Just in time, when the table was set and all, the two male got back. It was my brother who came in first and he looked so happy. It delighted us to see that. Then behind him came Sehun, except, he was carrying a box of cake and two set of flowers: One was a simple, mall but elegant bouquet and the other was single stemmed red rose.

Aeron took the bouquet of flowers while the other male kept his eyes on me with a fond and soft smile. He made his ways towards me and gave the radiant rose to me.

Accepting it, I let my fingers of my other hand brush through the soft petals. I was wearing a bright smile as I looked at him, slightly upwards, looking through my lashes. “What’s all this?” I eyed on the cake box. “And that, too.”

“Aeron and I came up with the idea to do something more for the day. I’m sure the two of you miss Uncle so much. Your brother, too. So we thought, maybe we could replace Uncle for now.” He bobbed his head towards my mother and my brother, who were hugging each other. He looked back to me and continued, “Him to your mother and me…” He paused for a quick second, “for you.”

When I hadn’t said anything, too speechless and happy, I felt my heart swell warmly.

He must’ve taken my silence as negative though when he broke out, “I know we… I can’t ever replace Uncle but I just want you to feel happier and that you’re never alone even at times you feel you do.” He placed the box down and took my hand. “I left you on your own once and that’s never going to happen again.”

I smiled at him, this time making sure that he would feel that I trust him. I squeezed his hand as reassurance. “Okay…” I said softly followed with a very appreciative tone and words, “Thank you.”

“Anything for you.” He said.

“I’m going to hold on that promise for my daughter now, Sehun.” My mother said jokingly, reminded of their presence once again.

“Auntie…” He lowered his head as he called, slightly abashed.

“I’m joking, young boy.” She chuckled. “Let’s go and eat.”

I nodded and expected that we all should be heading to our seats. But just right after my mother directed Aeron where to sit, I heard Sehun say something firmly.

“Please never forget my promise to your daughter, Auntie.” I looked at him and he did the same with me a second later. “This time, I’m never ever really going to leave her.”

And the last two words he said after felt like a seal of promise to my ears and down to my heart.

“Never again.”

After dinner, sharing the cake they bought and cleaning up after, I went to shower. I left Sehun to watch his movie but then when I finished, I saw that he was on the phone.

He beamed at me and then I heard him answer, “Yes, Mum. Everything went well and Auntie can’t wait to see you too.”

I smiled and sat next to him. I crawled across to put the laptop away, seeing how he was finished with it. Then, I went to my mirror and fixed my hair in a quick bun. I applied some moisturiser on my face and by the time I was about to finish with my skin care routine, I saw Sehun walking towards me and he bent over. He smiled over my shoulder.

“Done talking with your Mum?”

He hummed. “She’s happy.”

“That’s good.” I nodded and breathed out, satisfied.

“Are you done?”

I nodded. With that, he slipped my hand and held on it as he gently dragged me to the bed. I gave him a look and felt like something was up.

When we were comfortable with our seats, I asked him curiously. “What?”

“Were you ever mad about me?” He asked.

I focused on his eyes and I saw pain and anguish. I realized, I may have been vocal about forgiving him to him but I hadn’t said about anything on why I already have and what more ran inside me when I was so confused about everything. Perhaps, his questions were coming from them.

I understood. Sehun gave me the explanation and honesty I deserved. It’s about time to I give him mine as well.

“To be honest,” I started, “I was. I was mad at you because I thought, how could you just drop and leave me just like that after four years being together. Not to mention, I was confused too. I even had doubts if you really loved me. I started to think what we had was nothing real. I was so mad at you.” I confessed. “But I don’t know what it was about you that I just couldn’t keep being really mad. You made it hard. Or maybe, love made it hard. I even remembered wondering if I’ll ever regret it….”

“Do you?” He asked, quite apprehensive.

I shook my head. “I don’t.” And that was the truth. “Yes, what you did was selfish. It was selfish and stupid for the relationship we both had. I was upset and slightly mad because looking back, you hadn’t really given me a choice. You decided what you thought was best for both of us. You did not ask me but believe me or not, I understand.” Just to reassure him again, I repeated, “I really do.”

“Because as I reflected, I thought even when you had asked me back then, I would choose the option for us to be apart for some time being.”

As I looked at Sehun, I was dying to hug him and just tell him that he doesn’t have to punish himself for the mistake he did then but no, I knew I have to continue.

“You’ve got to admit, I was starting to feel so pressured with what I got myself into. I was starting to get cold and irritable— not with you, although it may have seemed to be like that— but I was irritated with everything. I was abusing you that I didn’t realise I started making you look down on yourself and I didn’t even see that. It wasn’t you just at fault, Sehun. I was too. And I’m sorry for that.” I smiled and finished light-heartedly, hoping to brighten up the ambiance a little bit. (Although, it’s not all negative.) “We’ve got our fair share on that, don’t you think?”

But he caught me off-guard when he said something so sincerely I didn’t expect. “I love you.” He confessed. “I love you so much and you have to know that.”

“I do, Sehun.” I nodded. “I do.”

And with that, we looked at each other in the eyes and we both leaned in sharing a kiss with our lips for the first time after more than two years.

The kiss to us, to me, was meaningful. It held so many feelings, so many meanings and it signified everything. Because I knew from that moment on, neither Sehun and I were on a journey on our own anymore, we were starting a new one and as one.

Breathless, we pull away and I hugged him, snuggling my face on his broad shoulders. I whispered, “I love you, Sehun.”

Then, he leaned back slightly and cupped my face. He pressed his lips on my forehead and our gazes locked. “Together?”

I nodded. “Together.”

---

Author's note:

This took far too long for a simple update like this. I feel sorry. I am sorry. But I had really been busy and I barely could find time to write even though I want to so much. But yes, I think we are reaching the end. In about two chapters, I think. I can't promise when the next update would be but *sigh* I really hope I would get the time in the future. AND I hadn't proofread this yet. For others who follows my other stories, you know how expert I can be with errors. *runs away*