Junhyung’s POV

We were in the airport, awaiting the arrival of Haneul’s parents. We sat in the car in silence, not even looking at each other. It has been three days since our meeting with my parents and me telling her I want to tell her parents entirely about me. We have not been talking much ever since.

“Do you know why… I want to tell them?” I broke the silence.

She looked out of the window, ignoring me.

“Lionny… We are getting married. We will become a family soon. It’s not just me and you. It’s all of us. I don’t wish to be hiding anything from them. I want to present myself as Yong Junhyung. The one with nothing to hide.” I said.

“It’s not that you cannot say it, but just, why now?” She asked, looking at me.

“Not now, then when?” I asked.

“I don’t know!” She snapped.

I guess the mood swings are coming.

“What if they cannot accept!? What if they don’t allow us to get married!? What if they say mean stuff!? I mean, I don’t know! It’s just! What if!?” She yelled.

“Honestly, I have no confidence of the outcome, Lionny.” I said.

“Then why do you want to do it still!?” She shouted into my face.

“But you accepted me.” I mumbled.

“Because that’s me!!! I love you! That’s why!” She shouted.

“Well, they love me too, no?” I asked.

“It’s just!!! Not the same!” She frowned.

“I’m going to say it anyway, okay?” I said, losing a tad bit of my patience.

“Why are we even discussing this huh!? You’ve already decided!” She shouted.

“You know what? You can just pretend you don’t know about it and then when I say it, you’ll just act as thou you’re hearing it for the first time. It’s good this way, isn’t it?” I said.

“What?” She looked at me.

“I’m asking you to just pretend you do not know about it!” I shouted.

“What are you trying to imply by getting me to do this?” She asked.

“Since you aren’t going to support me, I’m just giving you an easy option. Shouldn’t you thank me!?” I asked.

“I dare you to repeat that again.” She said dangerously.

I wouldn’t have dared. I knew I said something wrong. When has Haneul never supported me? She must have her reasons for not wanting me to tell her parents so soon. But… I was out of my mind.

“I said, since you’re not going to support me, I’m giving you an easy option. Shouldn’t you thank me?” I repeated.

Anger was clearly written on her face. She raised her hand, almost slapping me, but she slapped the dashboard instead.

“Damn you, Yong Junhyung. Trust you to say something like that. Yes, I’m not supporting you. I never have. You might as well go find someone else who would huh?” She said, taking off the ring and throwing it into my face.

She grabbed her stuff and stomped out of the car.

“Damn you, Yong Junhyung!” I banged my head hard against the steering wheel.

I picked up the ring and ran out after her.

“HANEUL!!! HANEUL!!!!” I shouted.

“Haneul! Please! I’m sorry! I said the wrong stuff! I’m stupid! I’m sorry!” I grabbed her hand.

She pushed me away roughly.

“Don’t touch me.” She hissed.

“Haneul…” I tried to hold her hand, but she slapped me away.

“Seriously, Junhyung. Would I stop you from doing something I know is beneficial to you? Has it ever happened before? Touch your heart and answer yourself, when have I ever stop you from doing whatever you wanted unless it is stupid?” She said.

“I can understand from your point of view as to why you want to tell my parents. But I know my parents better than you do. I don’t wish for you to be viewed differently by them! Why can’t you understand me from my point of view?” She continued.

“Call me selfish or what. But I just don’t wish to lie to them. I don’t wish to hide anything. I want them to see me as Yong Junhyung, my traits and flaws.” I said.

“Have you thought of the consequences then?” She asked.

“I don’t know if they can accept me being… like this. Neither do I know what is going to happen, really. But I know… People are accepting to the truth. Honesty. I just want to be honest to them.” I said.

She was about to say something when her phone rang.

“Mom?!” She smiled.

“Oh, you’re here already!? Alright! We’re coming up! Wait for us huh!” She said.

“They are here?” I asked, smiling at her.

“Yes.” She said, looking angry still.

“Haneul, please. I’m sorry.” I said.

“Suit yourself, Junhyung. Do whatever you want.” She said, walking off.

I followed  behind her, trying hard to catch up.

“Your ring!” I said, running in front of her to stop her.

She looked at the ring, and then at me. She rolled her eyes and pushed passed me.

“Why are we arguing at this point of time!?” I asked.

She stopped, turning back, glaring at me.

“Did I start the argument?” She asked.

“No. No, you didn’t.” I said softly.

She turned and continued walking. The heavy sole of her shoes stomping on the floor loudly, like my heart, beating widly.

I followed closely behind her.

“HANEUL! JUNHYUNG!” We heard someone shout.

We turned and saw her parents waving at us. Haneul smiled brightly, running towards them.

“Mom! Dad! I missed you!” She smiled as they kissed her.

“We missed you too, sweetie!” Her mom smiled.

“Hi, Junhyung.” Her mom smiled at me.

“Hello.” I bowed slightly to them.

“He is still with the bowing thing?” Her dad asked.

Haneul took a glance at me.

“It’s their culture, Dad.” She smiled.

“Anyway! Let’s go get some food! I’m so hungry!” Haneul said, putting her arms on both her parents’ shoulders.

“I’ll hold them!” I said, taking their luggage from them.

“It’s alright, Junhyung! We can manage!” Her mom said.

“It’s fine! Let me hold it!” I said, taking it from them anyway.

“Come on, let’s go!” Haneul said, walking off with them, ignoring me totally.

“Thanks, Junhyung.” Her dad smiled.

I took their luggage, following behind them.

We settled in a Japanese restaurant in the airport itself. I stared at the menu while Haneul talk to her parents.

“Junhyung,” Her mom called out suddenly.

“Huh?” I looked up from the menu.

“Why are you so quiet today? Are you okay?” She asked.

“Oh. I’m fine.” I smiled.

“Really?” Her dad asked.

“Yea. Perfectly fine. Just wondering what to eat. Haa~” I lied. So much for honesty.

 “He is fine. You know Junhyung is an honest man.” Haneul said.

I smiled awkwardly.

“I see. What happened to your forehead? Why is there a bruise? Did you two fight?” Her mom asked, reaching out to touch the bruise on my forehead.

“I just… accidentally hit my head.” I lied, again. A lie to cover up another lie. It never ends.

Haneul looked at my forehead, frowning but did not say anything.

“Sure?” Her mom asked.

“Yea.” I said.

“I said, didn’t I? Junhyung is honest.” Haneul said again.

She looked at me with those eyes that hurt me like a blade.

“Sorry, I need to go to the toilet.” I closed the menu, hurrying out of the restaurant.

I ran to the toilet. Luckily for me, it was empty. I punched and kicked the cubicle doors to vent my anger. I hated it when Haneul treated me like that, but I know I was in no position to say anything because I am at fault.

My knuckles were red and skin peeled from the punching. I stared at myself in the mirror, trying to calm myself down.

“Yong Junhyung, if you cannot take something like that, you don’t have the rights to even marry her. You know her temper and you know you’re at fault. You said hurtful things to her, you deserve this.” I told my reflection in the mirror.

I splashed water on my face, trying to look as normal as possible before stepping out. I half expected to see Haneul, but she wasn’t there. I sighed and walked back to the restaurant. Haneul and her parents were chatting happily.

“Oh, you’re back. Are you feeling okay?” Her mom asked.

“Yes.” I nodded, hiding my hands in my pockets.

“We ordered randomly. I hope it's okay with you.” Her dad said.

“Anything is fine. I eat anything.” I smiled.

They continued to chat while waiting for food to come. I commented occasionally so as not to look too upset. The food came shortly. I was reluctant to take out my hands from my pockets. I did not want them to question, but I could not just keep staring at the food and not eating. I tried to look at normal as possible despite the pain from bending my knuckles.

“What happened to your hands!?” Her mom asked, pulling my hand towards her to have a closer look.

“I… I…” My brain did not churn out a fast enough answer.

Haneul looked at my hand, and then at me. She frowned.

“I… accidentally hurt myself.. a few days ago.” I lied. Third lie of the day. So honest of you, Yong Junhyung.

“It wasn’t there just now!” Her mom said.

“And the wounds look fresh! Is something going on with the both of you? You two are usually bickering endlessly but today you’re just minding your own business.” Her mom continued.

I looked at Haneul, who was busy eating.

“We’re fine. Really. Maybe just tired. And I really hurt myself some days ago.” I said, smiling.

Her parents did not look convinced, but did not press on as well.

“We have something to say.” I said, halfway through the meal.

“What is it?” Her dad asked, looking up.

I looked at Haneul, she was still busy eating. Should I say it, or not? I felt afraid out of a sudden. What if she denied it?

“So?” Her mom looked at me.

“Erm… Haneul and I… We… We are getting married.” I said.

I glanced at Haneul for a response, but she gave me none.

“Really!? Is that true!? Oh my god! Hahaha!” Her mom laughed, slapping her dad’s arm.

“Skye!? Really!?” Her mom asked.

Haneul smiled and nodded, still eating.

“I imagined this day all the time. Now that it’s here, I don’t know how to handle it.” Her dad smiled.

“I’ll take very good care of her, I promise.” I said.

“Would you stop eating, Skye?” Her mom said.

“I’m hungry.” Haneul said, shoving a piece of beef into .

“Congratulations to the both of you. Marriage is not going to be easy, but it’s a matter of give and take.” Her dad said.

“I understand.” I smiled.

“And also… We plan to adopt Tae Hyun and Ji Eun. The two kids from the orphanage.” I continued.

“Oh that two! Skye’s son and daughter! Skye talked to me about it before. It’ll be nice that you two adopt them together. Like a family.” Her dad smiled.

Haneul was still totally unbothered about the conversation. It was hurting to see her behave like this. I feel like I am the only enthusiastic one about the wedding.

“One more thing.” I said.

Haneul put down her chopsticks, finally.

“Haneul is…” I was cut off by her.

“I’m pregnant.” She said.

Her parents looked at us with shocked expressions.

“Sorry, what?” Her dad asked.

“I said, I’m pregnant.” Haneul said.

Her dad stood up, grabbing me roughly by my shoulders, pushing me against the wall roughly. I winced at the sudden impact on my back.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?" He shouted, pulling me forward by my shoulders and slamming me against the wall again.

"I.... I...." I stuttered.

“Stop it, Daddy! Let him go!” Haneul shouted, trying to pull me back.

"Let him go, you crazy man!!!!" Her mom tried to yank her dad's arm away from me but his grip was tight.

“Tell me you’re not marrying her out of responsibility.” He hissed into my face, nails digging into the side of my neck.

“I… I… I am not… I…” I stuttered, shaking badly at his sudden outburst.

“Stop it! You’re overreacting! And you’re hurting him!” Haneul’s mom slapped her dad’s arm.

“I really am not… I really love her. It’s not responsibility. I mean, yes, I’ll be responsible for the child and her, but I love her too. I would have proposed anyway.” I said hurriedly.

"LET GO! NOW!" Her mom shouted, glaring hard.

I was instantly let go. I almost collasped onto the floor if not for Haneul holding me up.

"SIT BACK DOWN!" Her mom shouted again.

I jumped at her voice, almost running back to my seat but I was stopped.

"Not you, sweetie." Her mom laughed.

"YOU!" Her mom pointed at her dad.

Her dad got a shock. He nodded quickly and sat back down.The power of the women in this family~

Lucky we had a room to ourselves, or else we’ll be creating a scene.

“I’m sorry.” I mumbled.

“It’s a bit disappointing to hear, honestly. But… I trust that the both of you are in love.” Her mom said.

“We did it willingly, mom. No one forced anyone.” Haneul said.

“I did not expect this.” Her dad grumbled.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized again.

“Stop apologizing! You’re making it sound like a mistake!” Her dad shouted at me.

Today seems like ‘Junhyung pisses off everyone’ day. Everyone is just getting angry at me.

“Why are you yelling at him!?” Her mom snapped.

Her dad said nothing, but just looked away angrily. Now I am starting to have doubts. Should I still say it?

“It’s okay. You guys are in love and that’s the point. The baby…. came early, but I know you two can handle it. I trust you guys.” Her mom said.

“Thanks mom.” Haneul smiled.

“Dad, please.” Haneul pleaded.

“I get it, I get it. Just take care.” Her dad said, smiling slightly.

“And Junhyung, sorry about that. Did I scare you?” He asked.

I shook my head.

“But I’ll murder you if you let Skye down.” He said.

I nodded.

“I’ll provide you with the chopper.” I said.

He laughed, ruffling my hair.

“Do you guys have anything else to say? Since we’re in this shocked state still, we can continue talking.” Her mom said.

“Yes.” I said.

“Yes?” Her mom asked.

“Yes.” I said, looking at Haneul, hoping she would just give me a brief glance as a form of support, but she stared at her food only.

It’s alright. I would say it anyway.

“This… is about me.” I said, hiding my hands under the table so they would not see me tremble.

“What about you?” Her dad asked.

“I…. I….” I mumbled.

“Hmm?” Her mom looked at Haneul, and then at me.

“I’m… a bit different.” I said.

“In what way?” Her dad asked.

“I… I…” I couldn’t get those words out.

I could feel my whole body shaking. My hands were very cold. My heart was going crazy.

Her parents looked at me, waiting for me to continue.

“I….” I ‘I’ for the umpteen time.

I felt a squeeze on my thigh, and then a warm hand clasp over mine. Haneul. Despite still not looking at me, I felt confident just by that gesture already.

“I… I have a period, like girls do.” I said.

Her dad coughed and her mom spit on her green tea onto the plate. They looked at me with the ‘tell me it’s an April’s Fool joke’ expression.

“Very funny, Junhyung.” Her dad said.

“I’m not kidding.” I said.

“But… How is this possible? I mean… Like how? Just how?” Her mom asked.

“I have no idea too.” I said.

“Skye?” Her dad called out.

“What?” Haneul said, looking up.

“Do you… know?” He asked.

Haneul looked at me, and then back at her parents.

“Of course.” She said simply.

“Wait. I need to… You know..” Her mom said, getting up from her seat and out of the room. Her dad followed behind, leaving us alone.

“Haneul…” I called out.

“Eat.” She said, putting food on my plate.

I did not have the appetite to eat at all. My hands were still shaking badly. Haneul must have saw it.

"Ahh~" She said, putting food at my mouth.

Her parents came back awhile later, looking at me.

“So… you are saying.. you have a period?” Her dad asked.

I nodded.

"Is it some kind of... weird illness?" He asked.

"Maybe." I said quietly.

“That doesn’t make him any different, okay? He’s still a guy. And damn, he suffers more than we do. I’ve seen him in pain and it’s just… heartbreaking.” Haneul spoke up.

“Don’t judge him just because of this. It took him a hell lot of courage to break this to the both of you. And, he doesn’t need any more people abandoning him in his life.” Haneul continued.

I looked at her, smiling slightly, but she did not even look at me.

“Did we say we’re not going to accept him?” Her mom asked.

“I just have one question.” Her dad said.

“Yes?” I asked.

“You’re… 100% a guy, right?” He asked.

I nodded frantically,

“I’m 101% a guy. Apart from the monthly period in which I have no idea how it happen, I don’t have s and neither can I get pregnant or anything like that. I’m not a transual, if that’s what you’re thinking. I can show you!” I said.

“No! It’s fine. No need to show. We trust you.” Her dad said.

“If Haneul can accept you, I don’t see why we should make a big fuss out of it. It feels unreal and I still cannot imagine it happening to a guy, but I guess… it’s not that important. You’re still that cute Yong Junhyung we met the other time, right?” Her mom asked.

“I don’t know if I’m cute… But I’m still Junhyung.” I said awkwardly.

“Junhyung~” Her mom smiled, pinching my cheek slightly.

“When did you find out?” Her dad asked.

“When I was about… 18…” I said.

He looked down at his food awkwardly.

“And your parents…? Do they know?” Her mom asked.

“Yea, they do.” I said.

“And they left me because of this.” I continued.

“Oh. I.. I’m so sorry, Junhyung ah~” Her mom squeezed my hand.

“It’s fine. I learn to cope.” I said.

“I don’t mean to be a busybody, but how does it feel?” He asked.

“It hurts. A lot.” I smiled.

“Isn’t there any way to… you know.. get rid of it?” Her dad said.

“I could.” I said.

“And then why… not?” He asked.

I looked at him.

“I’m not asking you to go, I’m just asking because I am curious.” He said hurriedly.

“He did try, but I stopped him.” Haneul said.

Her parents looked at her.

“Because if he did it, you might never get to see Junhyung at all.” She said.

Her parents’ eyes widened.

“It’s just… complicating.” I said.

We stopped on the topic, talking about something else as we ate. After food, I sent them back to their apartment.

“We can go up on our own. You two perhaps, should talk or something.” Her mom smiled.

“I’ll bring these up for you.” I said.

“It’s fine. I can handle it.” Her dad said.

“Alright then.” I nodded.

“See you soon, mom, dad.” Haneul smiled, kissing them on their cheek.

“You too. Take care. You’re not alone now, understand?” Her mom said.

“And Junhyung.” She called out.

I looked up at her.

“Thank you for being honest, and thank you for being brave. I cannot say I understand how you feel totally because while it is normal for me and Haneul to have a… you know.. period… It must have been hard on you. And I believe it still is difficult now. But Junhyung, don’t lose hope. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re different, because you’re not. You’re normal, like everyone else and you deserve to be treated nicely.” Her mom said.

“Thanks.” I mumbled, fighting back my tears.

“Come here and let me hug you.” Her mom said, opening her arms wide.

She embraced me tightly, and so did her dad.

“You’re a strong and brave boy. You’ll go far.” Her dad said.

“Thank you so much.” I said, allowing my tears to flow.

“Oh please. Don’t cry!” Her mom laughed, wiping off my tears.

I shook my head, looking down.

“You don’t know how much those words meant to me.” I said.

“Silly boy!” She laughed, patting my back.

“Skye! Why are you still standing there? Come and hold your crying boy… no.. fiancé, I mean.” Her mom smiled.

Haneul came over, pulling me away from them.

“Stop crying. No one is dead.” She whispered as she wiped off my tears.

We bid her parents goodbye, but even after they left, we were still there.

“Are you going to stop crying?” Haneul asked.

“I’m sorry.” I said, wiping off my tears.

She sighed and circled her arms around my waist.

“Not everyone is accepting to the truth, you know.” She said.

“But most people are accepting to honesty. So I guess you’re partially right.” She smiled at me.

She looked up, kissing me on my left cheek.

“For being brave.” She smiled.

“For tolerating my behavior.” She said, kissing me on my right cheek.

“And… for loving me.” She kissed me on my lips.

“I was just thinking in my point of view. I’m sorry. You were very scared just now, weren’t you?” She asked.

“I was. But you held my hand, it made everything much bearable.” I said.

“I would not have the rights to marry you if I didn’t.” She smiled.

“But I would have married you anyway.” I said.

“Do you feel better now?” She asked, poking my chest.

“I feel like those rocks were lifted off my shoulders.” I said.

“Good, good.” She smiled.

"The cubicle doors in the toilet called me just now." She said, touching the wounds on my knuckles lightly.

"Huh?" I looked at her.

"They told me some mad man kept on hitting them, and it hurts a lot." She said.

"How did you OWWWW!!!" I yelped when she slapped a piece of alcohol swipe onto my fresh wound.

"Painful, right? Remember the pain, and never hurt yourself like this again." She said with an evil smirk.

I couldn't speak at all.

"How did.... you know...?" I choked out.

"I heard you. I was outside." She said, blowing on my wounds to ease the stinging pain.

"You were???" I asked.

"Of course. Did you think I would be okay with you just running off like that? No matter how angry I am, you know I can't get angry with you for long." She said, still focusing on dressing my wounds.

I looked at her, not saying anything. So she did come after me after all. 

"There, done. You're lucky my mom is like a walking first aid kit, or else I would have to use hot water to kill those bacteria." She said.

"Hot water!?" I exclaimed.

"YA!" She laughed.

"But this, what happened here?" She asked, pushing my fringe away, brushing the bruise on my forehead lightly.

"I.... I haa.." I smiled.

"There's like a bump.. What exactly did you do, mad man?" She frowned.

I pointed to the steering wheel.

"You did not!" She looked disgusted.

"I did. I was guilty alright. I needed to slap some sense into my head." I pouted.

"Stop inflicting injuries on yourself, crazy!" She slapped my arm.

"You could have cracked your skull!" She scolded.

"Sorry. But I really needed to wake myself up." I said.

"Then get me to do it for you next time! I'll slap you, punch you with the correct strength!" She crossed her arms.

"What is the correct strength?" I asked.

"That means it's strong enough to knock sense into you and maybe even knock you out but not strong enough to kill you." She said.

I nodded.

"Alright. We'll do it next time." I said.

"THERE IS A NEXT TIME!?" She yelled.

I shook my head frantically.

"No no no no no!" I said hurriedly.

"Nah~ Don't lie~ There will be a next time." She smiled.

"Why are you saying this?" I asked.

"Because if there isn't arguement in a relationship, it's not exactly healthy?" She said.

"But...." I mumbled.

“Alright. Enough on this. Did we miss out anyone we have not told our wedding about?” She asked.

I nodded.

“Who?” She asked.

“The media. The fans. The whole damn world.” I smiled.

“I’ll… leave that to you.” She chuckled, going into the car.

“Haneul!” I called out.

“Yea?” She looked at me.

“Do you… want this back?” I asked, taking out her ring from her pocket.

“Do I?” She asked.

“I mean, can you… wear this back.. please?” I asked.

“Haha! Can I say no to that face?” She laughed, stretching out her left hand.

I slipped the ring onto her finger.

“Never take it out again, okay? Please? Despite anything, we’ll talk it out. You can stomp off or hit, whatever. Just don’t ever take it out again. Don’t ever throw it back to me again, okay?” I asked.

“But my hand feels lighter without it.” She said.

I pouted, not exactly liking what she said.

“But then again, it’s nice to have some weight on my hand. Because only like this, it feels real.” She said softly.

“What feels real?” I asked.

“Us.” She intertwined our fingers together, smiling at me. 

***

Junhyung: "Can you… wear this back.. please?