Haneul’s POV

“UMMA!!” A voice yelled from behind me.

I turned and saw Tae Hyun running towards me. I opened my arms to catch him into my embrace.

“Hey buddy! How was your day?” I asked.

“Good!” He smiled.

“Bye bye, Tae Hyun!” A few voices yelled from behind.

“BYE!!” Tae Hyun waved before crawling into the seat.

“Your friends?” I asked as I buckled him up.

“YEA!” He nodded excitedly.

I got into the driver’s seat.

“Ready to go?” I asked.

“YAY!!” He shouted.

“Why are you so happy?” I asked as I started the engine.

“Just happy!” He smiled.

“So, what did you do in school today?” I asked.

“Erm… We had boring lessons and then we played hide and seek during play time!” He said.

“Hahahaha boring lessons..” I giggled.

“Tae Hyun ah, you must treasure your friends, do you understand?” I said.

“Yes!” He smiled.

We headed over to Ji Eun’s school.

“Go bring your sister out.” I said to Tae Hyun.

He nodded and ran off. I looked around while I waited for him.

‘Are you feeling better?’ I texted Junhyung.

I haven’t seen him in a while because of his work. He has been in and out of Korea. The last time I heard from him was a few days ago before he left to some other country. He called to let me know and then he told me he was sick.

‘Much better. Miss you hur ><’ He replied.

I was about to reply him I got distracted by two loud voices.

“UMMA!!!!” The two monkeys ran towards me.

“Hi sweetie! Where is your bag?” I asked.

She pointed behind to Tae Hyun who was carrying it for her.

“Such a good boy?” I looked at him.

He smiled and put his sister’s bag into the car.

“How is my sweetie?” I asked.

“Hungwee!” She pouted.

“HAHAHAHA! Gosh didn’t they feed you?” I asked.

“The bwead was shooo small!!” She whined.

“Aigoo they starved my sweetie?” I pouted.

“YA!” She pouted.

“Kiss~” I said, pouting my lips.

She kissed me on my lips.

“FOOOOOD!!” She whined.

“Ice cream?” I asked.

“YAY!!!!” She pumped her fists in the air, punching me in my chin at the same time.

“Owww~” I ‘pretended’ to look hurt.

“Umma shorwy!” She rubbed my chin, looking worried.

“MERONG!” I stuck out my tongue at her.

“UMMA!!” She frowned and pouted.

“Hehee~” I smiled as I buckled her up.

“So, which ice cream shop?” I turned to ask them.

“BWASKIN’ ROBBINS!” They yelled in unison.

“Baskin’s Robbins, my darlings. It’s Baskin..” I said as I drove.

 When we arrived, I let them make their choice while I stood behind watching them.

“This one, oppa!!” Ji Eun whined.

“How about that?” Tae Hyun suggested.

“OPPA I WANT THISSSSS!!!” Ji Eun whined.

“Okay, okay..” Tae Hyun mumbled.

I laughed at how giving Tae Hyun is while Ji Eun just takes everything.

“Babies, we can buy both.” I said.

“RWEALLY!?” They yelled.

“Yes, yes. Just choose.” I said, but soon realized I said something wrong.

They ended up ordering a six-flavor sundae. I couldn’t take back my words, so I just paid for it.

“Enjoy.” I said, handing them their spoon.

“Umma AHH!!” They said, putting ice cream at my mouth.

As soon as I opened my mouth, I had two spoons shoved in.

“NICE!?” They asked.

“Yes. Eat, eat.” I mumbled with my mouth full.

I watch them eat, occasionally opening my mouth for them to shove ice cream in. If I were with Junhyung, the one eating ice cream would be me. I miss him.

“Babies, sit here and eat alright. I’m going to the toilet.” I said.

They nodded and smiled at me with ice cream stained mouth.

“Gosh, look at you..” I said as I wiped their mouth for before leaving.

When I came back from the toilet, I saw Tae Hyun talking on the phone while Ji Eun watched him. I sat down, looking at him.

“So are you coming?” He asked in a really aegyo-ed voice.

“Who are you speaking to, darling?” I asked.

“J♥!” They said in unison, making the heart shape with their arms.

I could literally feel myself heat up. I would hide under anything now if it would take away the embarrassment in me. The kids were giggling like crazy.

“Give me the phone!” I gestured.

Tae Hyun handed me the phone, still giggling with Ji Eun.

“Eat your ice cream and stop laughing!” I couldn’t help but laugh as well.

This is so embarrassing.

I put the phone to my ear as soon as I walked away from them. I heard Junhyung laugh at the other end of the line.

“Yah!!” I whined.

“Sorry sorry. Just never expected my contact name in your phone to be so cute.” He said in a sore voice.

“Stop laughing, you idiot! I’m going to change it to a poop emoji now!” I said.

“What? No no no! Don’t! Okay I wouldn’t laugh.” He said, still giggling.

“Aish whatever! Laugh, laugh, laugh~” I mumbled.

“Aigoo. I had my share of embarrassment just now too.” He said.

“What?” I asked.

“I called you because you did not reply. Thinking it was you who answered I yelled ‘DARLING WHERE ARE YOU JUNNIE MWISS YOU!!!’” He yelled in his unnatural toddler voice.

“And then Tae Hyun went ‘Junnie appa… I’m not…’” He imitated Tae Hyun.

I burst into laughter just trying to picture the scene. He laughed so much till he kept coughing.

“Alright, alright. Stop laughing and go drink some water.” I said.

“And I mean water, not Coke!” I said, knowing what he would reach for.

“Gosh are you psychic?” He asked.

“I’m not. I just know you too well.” I said.

“I thought you said you’re feeling much better? Why is your voice still so husky?” I asked.

“y, right?” He said.

“SHUT IT!!” I laughed.

“Hahaha! I know I am y.” He said.

“Oh god….” I mumbled.

“Just kidding.” He said, clearing his throat.

“Did you see a doctor?” I asked.

“I didn’t. I’m fine, it’s alright.” He said.

“You’re not fine. In a few days, we will have to communicate using sign language!” I said.

“You’re exaggerating.” He said.

“Fine, whatever. We’ll see who is right in a few days. Hmph~” I said.

“Aigoo… Alright, alright. I’ll see a doctor if it gets worse tomorrow, okay?” He said.

“Whatever I don’t care hur~” I said.

“Please care! Pweaseeeee~” He whined.

He sounded funny instead of cute because of his voice.

“Okay okay! Stop straining your throat like that.” I said.

“What were you talking about with Tae Hyun just now? Why did he ask if you’re coming?” I asked.

“Oh, he asked me if I would be going to the orphanage tonight. He said he hasn’t seen me in a while.” Junhyung said.

“Oh… Don’t come. Just rest at home. They know you’re sick.” I said.

“They know?” He asked.

“Yea. Ji Eun asked me indirectly where were you.” I said.

“She did?” He asked, happiness very obvious in his voice.

“Look look~ The happiness in your voice.. Psh~” I said.

“Aww are you jealous?” He asked.

“Jealous!? She’s my daughter, come on!” I said.

“Anyway, I am coming.” He said.

“Just rest at home. They’ll understand.” I said.

“Don’t you want to see me?” He asked.

“I do, but I don’t want you to pass your virus to all the kids there.” I said.

He was silent for a while.

“I.. can wear a mask.” He mumbled.

“HAHAHA! Just kidding! Did you seriously think you passing the virus to the kids is my top priority?” I said.

“Yes.” He said.

“You’re an idiot.” I said.

“I am.” He laughed.

“Junnie pabo!” I said.

“I’m coming alright. I’ll wear a mask.” He said.

“Don’t. You’ll scare the kids.” I said.

“I don’t want them to fall sick too.” He said.

“Come on, the kids are stronger than you. And besides, I want you to rest more while you can. You really want to come?” I asked.

“I promised him.” He said.

“Alright then. But I’m feeding you medication.” I said.

“Shall we play nurse and patient?” He asked.

“EWWWW!! You disgusting thing!” I yelled.

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!? I really meant nurse and patient like those in the hospital! Where did your dirty little mind wander to, my lionny?” He chuckled.

Feeling embarrassed, I hung up the call and went back inside the shop.

“Finished?” I asked the two of them.

They nodded, mouth and hand extremely dirty.

“Goodness..” I mumbled as I wiped them clean.

“Shall we go?” I asked.

They hopped off the seat and took my hand at each side.

“Why are we going to the palmacy, Mommy?” Ji Eun asked.

“It’s a pharmacy, darling. We’re going to buy medicine.” I said as we headed inside.

“I DWON’T WANT!!!!” She covered , on the verge of tears.

“What is it, sweetie? What do you not want?” I asked.

“Medicine!! Dwon’t want!” She whined.

“It’s not for you, silly.” I laughed.

“Ouh. Okay, buy more.” She said, wandering off to the chocolate section.

“Did she just ask me to buy more?” I mumbled to myself as I headed over to the pharmacist.

I asked for medication for fever, flu, cough, sore throat and painkillers. She looked at me weirdly but handed them to me still.

“Anything you two want?” I asked, their backs facing me.

They turned to me holding chocolate bars in their hands, showing me a pleading face.

“I want that.” I pointed at one.

Tae Hyun quickly took it for me.

“Shall we pay?” I asked.

They raced to the counter. Tae Hyun was winning but he slowed down, letting Ji Eun catch up. I paid and we headed back. When we got back, everyone else was already home.

“What took you so long?” Jace asked.

“Took them for ice cream.” I said.

“What’s this? Are you sick!?” He asked, feeling my forehead.

“No~ It’s not me.” I said.

“Then? Tae Hyun? Ji Eun?” He asked.

“Junhyung.” I said.

“He’s still sick?” He asked.

“Apparently.” I sighed.

“You’re going to look for him? Are you having dinner?” He asked.

“Junhyung is coming.” I said.

“He’s sick but he’s coming?” He asked.

“He promised Tae Hyun. So he’s coming.” I said.

“Ouh..” Jace mumbled, looking away.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“No.” He mumbled.

“Come on, Jace.” I said, poking his arm.

“Nah~ Just feeling a little weird. But I know, I know.” He forced a smile.

 “What are you saying?” I asked.

“I’m feeling a little jealous of Junhyung.” He confessed.

“Hahaha! Gosh! Please don’t!” I hugged him.

“It’s like watching my kids show more love to someone else. It’s just weird. But I get it, I really do.” He said.

“They love you as much as they always have! Junhyung and you are different.” I said.

“Of course we’re different. I look better.” He said.

“Whatever!” I slapped his arm.

“They still call you Daddy~” I said.

“Tae Hyun calls Junhyung Appa too.” He said.

I sighed and looked at him.

“Just kidding. Really, I am fine.” He ruffled my hair as he walked off.

“Ahjumma..” I called out.

“Yes?” She turned to me.

“Junhyung is coming over.” I said.

“Oh, for dinner?” She asked.

“Guess so. But cook him something light please.” I said.

“He’s still sick?” She asked.

“Yea, he doesn’t sound too good.” I said.

“That poor thing.” She mumbled.

“Thank you.” I said.

“No problem. And Haneul..” She said.

“Yea?” I looked at her.

She gestured to the mop standing at the corner.

“IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR NECK!?” I yelled, running towards her.

“Don’t play dumb with me, little girl.” She laughed.

“Junhyung’s fault.” I mumbled as I grabbed the mop.

I was mopping the floor in the living room when I heard a car pull over. I looked up and saw Junhyung getting out of it. He looked slightly thinner and a whole lot paler. When he saw me, he took off his mask and smiled at me.

“Hi, Lionny.” He greeted.

“You told me you were much better, liar.” I said, cupping his cheeks.

“I am feeling much better.” He said.

“No you’re not!” I frowned.

“I am feeling better now because I saw you.” He smiled.

“What are you doing with the mop?” He asked.

“It’s your fault I am cleaning!” I said.

“My fault? How?” He asked.

“Just know that it is your fault! Go in and say hello. And don’t wear that, isn’t it hot!?” I snatched the mask from his hand.

“I don’t want to pass my virus around.” He said.

“I think that with the mask, it’s like inhaling back in all the bacteria.” I said.

He sighed, obviously not in much mood to argue with me.

“Go in and say hi, then go to my room to sleep or something. I’ll come in after I’m done here, alright?” I pat his cheek. He nodded and headed inside.

When I was done, I went inside and saw him dozing off on the sofa with Tae Hyun and Ji Eun beside him, watching some cartoon.

“LOOK AT THAT!” Tae Hyun slapped his arm frantically.

Junhyung jumped a little but managed to look as thou he had been awake all the while.

“Oh yea~ Hahaha~” Even his laughter sounded weak.

I walked over and tap him on his shoulder.

“You’re here~” He looked up and smiled at me.

“I thought I asked you to sleep in my room?” I said, feeling his forehead for a fever. Fortunately, he felt okay.

“It’s alright. I can’t be coming here to sleep, right?” He said.

“But…” I mumbled.

“It’s fine. Oh, can you help me go get something from the car? I forgot.” He said, handing me the key.

“What is it?” I asked.

Just open the boot and you’ll see it.” He said.

“Okay.” I said, heading for his car.

I opened the boot and laughed when I saw a bouquet of red roses lying there. There was a card slot in between the stalks of roses. I opened it and read it.

‘9 stalks of roses means together for as long as we live. Let’s be together forever, my loveeee~~’

I shut the boot, still smiling to myself. I jumped when I turned to find him sticking his face at me.

“Like it?” He asked, grinning.

“Go away~” I pushed passed him and headed for the kitchen.

“Flowers again?” Ahjumma teased.

I ignored her as I continued to admire my roses.

“Junhyungie looks really unwell.” She commented.

“I know.” I sighed.

“Take him to the doctor.” She said.

“I’ll give him medication first. After dinner or something.” I said.

Junhyung’s POV

I felt someone on me. I opened my eyes to meet with Tae Hyun’s big eyes. I looked down and saw him trying to cover a blanket over me. I must have fallen asleep while watching the cartoon with him. This sweet boy.

“Sorwy.” He pouted.

“For what?” I asked, but almost no sound came out.

I cleared my throat and smiled at him.

“Why are you apologizing?” I asked.

“Woke you up..” He mumbled.

“Silly. It’s fine. Thank you for this. So warm~” I snuggled my face into the blanket, making him laugh.

“YAH! DINNER!!” Haneul shouted.

“Let’s go.” I said.

He took my hand and dragged me along.

“Junhyungie, you have to eat this.” Ahjumma said, putting a bowl of porridge down.

I looked at it, then at her.

“I know you wouldn’t like it. But I’ve made it as tasty as it can be. If Haneul can eat it, I’m sure you can too.” She said.

“But Haneul eats the blandest stuff and finds it super nice.” I said.

Ahjumma laughed at that statement.

“Yah! What do you mean by that!? Tsk! Just eat. Come on, it’s nice!” Haneul said, putting a spoonful of the porridge at my mouth.

I tasted it and it was indeed nice.

“It’s nice.” I said.

“Nice, right? Eat it on your own.” She handed me the spoon.

It has been long since I joined them for dinner, but it did not feel awkward at all.

“I’ll get you more.” Ahjumma said.

“Eh no no. It’s alright. I’m full already.” I said.

“But just now I just gave you half a bowl because I wasn’t sure if you would like it. It’s so little. You should eat more now that you’re sick. You look so pale.” She said.

“I do? I am actually much better. It’s fine. I’m really full.” I said.

“Liar.” Haneul mumbled, sticking out her tongue at me.

I poked her cheek and smiled at Ahjumma.

“You sure you don’t want anymore?” She asked.

I shook my head.

“Alright then.” She said, sitting back down for dinner.

After dinner, I stood near the counter top, watching Haneul clean up.

“Why are you cleaning?” I asked.

“It’s your fault.” She said.

“How is it my fault?” I asked.

“She lost a bet with me.” Ahjumma said, appearing behind.

“What bet?” I asked, looking at Haneul and then her.

“Ahjumma!” Haneul hissed.

Ahjumma gestured me forward and whispered into my ear.

‘Just pretend to say something to make her think you knew.’

“YOU LOOKED DOWN ON ME!?” I yelled, pointing at Haneul.

“Don’t yell! And yes, I didn’t think you could do it. But you did~” She said, scrubbing the dishes.

“What makes you think I couldn’t do it?” I asked.

“You were never good with kids! The kids were all afraid of you and Ji Eun simply hated you! How was I supposed to know you would win her over in less than a month!?” She shouted.

“Oh, so you bet on my relationship with Ji Eun.” I said, hi-fiving with Ahjumma.

“Huh? YAH!! GET OUT! BOTH OF YOU!!” She shouted, pushing us out.

“So what was the bet?” I asked Ahjumma.

“If I won, she’ll do everything for a month. If she won, I would do anything she say.” Ahjumma explained.

“So Haneul has been doing all the housework?” I asked.

She nodded.

“Ouh.. Ahjumma, but maybe… You can.. you know.. help her out a bit..” I said.

“Why? Does your heart hurt knowing that she has to do so much work? Aiee how unfair.” She said.

“Ah no no~ I don’t mean it that way. I mean.. Haneul she.. I..” I was lost for words.

“I get it, I get it. I never intended to let her do it for long. Just teasing her for a bit. I’ll do all the work and let your girlfriend rest, okay?” She said.

“I don’t mean it that way.” I said.

“Then I let Haneul do everything and I rest, okay?” She said.

“Huh?? No.. I mean..” She covered my mouth and laughed.

“You’re fun to tease.” She said.

I just smiled.

“Junhyung appa!” Tae Hyun yelled for me.

“Your son is calling you. Go~” Ahjumma said.

“Hehe alright.” I smiled.

“Just look at your smile!” She teased me.

I went over to Tae Hyun.

“Yea?” I said, sitting down beside him.

“Let’s watch together!” He pointed at the TV.

“Sure.” I said. We watched Pororo together.

Halfway through the show, Ji Eun walked over, clutching the teddy I got her under her arm, holding a cup of water in one hand and something else in her other hand. She climbed onto my lap, handing me the cup of water. I took the cup and looked at her, unsure of what she was trying to do.

“Ahh~” She said.

“Huh?” I asked.

“AHHH!!” She yelled.

“Oh oh.. Ahh~” I opened my mouth.

She popped two tablets into my mouth. She pointed at the cup of water and gestured me to drink it. I swallowed the tablets and she gave me a kiss on my cheek and patted me on my head before climbing down my lap, leaving me in shock.

Someone snapped his or her fingers in my face, slapping me back into reality.

“So, how did the medicine taste like?” Haneul asked.

“Like chocolates.” I smiled.

“Oh my goodness~” She laughed.

I couldn’t, or rather, did not bother to hide my happiness.

“Come, I’ll send you back.” Haneul said.

“Eh? I drove, remember?” I said.

“I’ll drive you back.” She said.

“Then how are you going back?” I asked.

“Cab or something. Come on, let’s go.” She said.

“But we’re not done watching Pororo.” I said, pointing at the screen.

“Then after Pororo.” She said, watching as well.

The medicine took effect pretty quickly. I was feeling drowsy already.

“Let’s go.” Haneul said, tugging onto my arm.

“But… Poro..ro..” I mumbled, struggling to stay awake.

“Pororo is asleep. It’s time for Junroro to rest too. Come~” She said, holding onto my arm.

I looked around and did not see Tae Hyun or Ji Eun.

“They are both asleep. Now it’s your turn to sleep, Junroro.” She said.

I nodded and let her pull me along.

Haneul’s POV

It is either he is really that tired or the medicine is really strong. He fell into a deep sleep even before I started the car. I drove around, allowing him to sleep. He woke up hours later, looking at me blurrily.

“Junroro is awake?” I asked, smiling at him.

“What Junroro? Where are we?” He mumbled, looking around.

“Now that you’re up, we can head back to your dorm.” I said.

“What’s the time now?” He asked.

“About 3AM.” I said.

“How long have I slept?” He asked sounding a little surprised.

“I don’t know. Three hours or so?” I said.

“And then you just kept driving?” He asked.

“No. I stopped at traffic lights.” I said.

“I’m sorry.” He poked my cheek.

“It’s fine. I like driving anyway. Close your eyes and rest for a while more, I’ll wake you up when we’re there.” I said, patting his chest lightly.

“No no~ I’ll accompany you.” He mumbled.

“We’ll see..” I mumbled to myself.

He fell back into sleep in no time.

“Junroro.. Junroro..” I called out softly, patting his cheek lightly.

“Hmm..” He opened his eyes slightly.

“We’re home. Come~” I unbuckled his seat belt.

“Oh.” He got out of the seat and smiled at me.

“Can you walk?” I asked.

He nodded his head, rubbing his eyes.

“I’ll call one of them down to accompany you up? Or do you want me to go up with you?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“Go back.” He said, his voice strained.

“Take these.” I said, handing him the bag of medication.

“Remember to eat them every day. Read the instructions. I’ll check on you huh.” I said.

He nodded and patted my head.

“Thank you.” He said.

“No drinking Coke until you’re fully recovered, understand?” I said.

He nodded.

“Go on up. Your car key.” I said, handing it to him.

He shook his head.

“Drive back. Don’t take a cab. It’s dangerous.” He said.

“What are you going to use if I take your car?” I said.

“I don’t exactly need the car. Go on.” He said.

“I’ll leave when you go up.” I said.

“No no. I must watch you leave.” He said.

“Alright, alright.” I said.

“Get well soon. I don’t like seeing you so frail.” I said, hugging him.

He buried his face into my neck. I could feel him nod.

“I will.” He said.

“I’ll be leaving. Sleep, okay?” I said, kissing his cheek.

“You too. Text me when you’re back. I’ll be waiting.” He said.

“Don’t wait. Sleep. I’ll be back, definitely.” I said.

“No, I’ll be waiting. How can I sleep peacefully without knowing you’re safe?” He said.

“Okay, but sleep first.” I said.

“Go on~” He opened the door to the driver’s seat and shoved me in.

“Drive safely. Or maybe I should drive you instead.” He said.

“Are you trying to be funny? I send you back and then you send me back? When is it going to end?” I laughed.

“Oh right.” He smiled.

“Okay, bye.” I waved to him.

I drove off but could still see him standing at there, watching me drive off. In the past he would do all sort of funny action, but today he just stood there. He really did not feel good, right?

When I got back, I texted him as promised.

‘Junroro! I’m home! You better be asleep. Get well soon! Seeing you sick makes my heart hurt …….. :’(‘

I got changed and got ready for bed. I was about to sleep when my phone vibrated. It was a message from Junhyung. Wasn’t he supposed to be asleep?

‘Idprom;ise I’ll g84net welsl s0lon. Lveejcn ymmou. Gomcod nigjn758ht.’

I laughed at the message. I guess he was really asleep. That silly Junroro~

***
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Junroro when he got kissed by Ji Eun, again~

Haneul: How did the medicine taste like?
Junroro: Like chocolate!