One week to wedding

Haneul’s POV

I sat in the car, staring at the mansion in front of me. Junhyung called me a few days ago. He seems to be having a lot of fun, which is a good thing.

/FLASHBACK

“Lionny~” He called out happily.

“I thought I said no calls.” I said.

“I know, I know. But I miss you! Don’t you miss me?” He asked, still giggling.

“Of course I do. You sound very happy. The vacation is much needed, right?” I asked.

I heard a blood-curling scream on the other line followed by an eruption of laughter. I had to put the phone away from my ear so as not to be deafen by Junhyung.

“Sorry sorry.” He laughed.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Kikwang… HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” He laughed uncontrollably.

“HYUNG! It’s not funny!!” I heard Kikwang whine.

“How is that not funny!?” Junhyung laughed.

I listened to their conversation while waiting for Junhyung to realize I am still on the line.

“Lionny, are you still there?” Junhyung asked, finally.

“Yes.” I said.

“Oh good! What was I saying just now?” He asked.

“Kikwang…. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” I imitated him.

“Oh! HAHAHAHAHA! Yah! Don’t do that! I don’t laugh like that!” He giggled.

“Really? Should I record it the next time?” I asked.

“I laughed coolly okay!” He insisted.

“How cool?” I asked.

“Like… Ha. Just one ‘Ha’. Not HAHAHAHAHA!” He said.

“Whatever, whatever. So Kikwang what!?” I yelled.

“Oh Kikwang! Haha! He wanted to trip Yoseob! But that stupid fell into the pool himself while Yoseob just walked pass without knowing what happened! So to Yoseob, it looked like Kikwang just slipped and fell into the pool! It was so embarrassing! Everyone saw!” He laughed.

I laughed trying to picture the scene. Kikwang, Kikwang… Why are you so cute? But I’m sure he’ll bring a lot of laughter to his future girlfriend, wife as well as children.

“So what time is your flight later?” I asked after we both calmed down.

“Oh yea. This is what I am calling you for.” He said.

“What?” I asked.

“Erm….” He mumbled.

“You want to extend the trip?” I asked.

“How do you know!?” He yelled in surprised.

“I have good sense, remember?” I said.

“Can we? Can I?” He asked.

I could picture him with that puppy face.

“And to think you were so reluctant to go just a few days ago.” I said, leaning back against the couch, caressing my baby bump.

“Lionny….” He called out, sounding almost like a plead.

“I wouldn’t if you don’t allow it.” He said softly.

“How many days?” I asked.

“Just three!” He said excitedly.

“Alright, I’ll help you guys change your flight and rebook the hotel.” I said.

“Oh we did it already.” He said, a little too quickly.

“What?” I asked.

“Erm… Haa..” I could picture him biting his lower lip.

“So you’re calling just to inform me, not to ask for permission. I see…” I .

“No! It’s not like that! I’ll come back if you said no!” He explained.

“But you know I’ll never say no.” I said.

“That’s… quite true.” He mumbled.

“Alright, have fun.” I sighed, closing the laptop cover with my feet.

“Are you angry?” He asked.

“I’m more than happy, Junroro. I already know.” I said.

“You know?” He asked.

“Yes. The hotel called me to ask about the extension. Did you forget I was the one who booked everything?” I asked.

“Oh.” He replied.

“So, go ahead, and have fun.” I said.

“You teased me again!?” He yelled.

“You’re sooooooo slow~” I laughed.

“Yah! How could you!?” He whined.

“It’s in my nature, Junroro.” I said.

“But I’m just glad you’re having fun.” I continued.

“I wish you were here.” He said.

“Nah, you don’t wish I was there.” I laughed.

“That’s not true!” He said.

“Alright, alright. Just have fun, okay?” I said.

“You sound tired. Are you okay? Do you feel sick?” He asked worriedly.

“No. I’m not sick, but yes, I’m tired.” I said.

“Why are you tired? You should be resting.” He said.

“Just walking around with your kid in my belly is already very tiring.” I said.

“Sorry.” I heard him mumble.

“Silly! Not as if you can carry the child. But after the child is born, the carrying job would be yours.” I said.

“SURE!” He exclaimed.

“Take care.” I said.

“You too. Have you been eating? When I mean eat, I mean real food.” He said.

“Of course. You know I can’t live without food.” I said.

“I’m sure you can live on air, alright? I don’t mean eat things like ramen and cereal!” He said.

I looked at the empty bowl in front of me. I just had cereal. Is he psychic?

“I…. I ate.” I said.

“What did you eat?” He asked.

“Erm…. I forgot.” I mumbled.

“You forgot!?” He yelled.

I rolled my eyes.

“Cereal.” I mumbled.

“Again!? Please don’t tell me that have been your meal for the past four days.” He said.

“Not… really.” I said.

“Would you make the effort to go out and buy some proper food? Or go to Ahjumma! Or your mom! I’m sure they’ll feed you better than you feed yourself!” He said.

“I’ll do it, soon.” I said.

“You know what? I’m coming home.” He said.

“Why!? No! I mean.. what for? Okay! I’ll go eat! Like now!” I yelled.

I did not want him to spoil his vacation because of me. He is being paranoid. Cereals are healthy and filling. What is his problem?

“You better do it! Snap a photo and send it to me as proof! No. Photos can be deceiving. You! Video yourself eating and send it to me!” He demanded.

“VIDEO!?” I burst into laughter.

“I’m being serious here, Lionny.” He said sternly.

“You’re like… the first ever pregnant woman I’ve seen living on food like that!” He yelled.

“You’ve seen other pregnant woman?” I asked.

“I… I…” He stammered.

“No! Aish!! But I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who eats like that!” He yelled.

“When I start waking you up at 3AM, requesting you to go out and buy me some weird food, you better not complain.” I said.

“I’ll be so glad to do that!” He said.

“Remember what you say today, and we’ll see.” I smirked.

“I want the video!” He yelled.

“Yea, whatever. Have fun! Bye!” I hung up the call.

I did not send him the video, of course. I did not even record it. I must be crazy to do that. However, I sent him a photo of my dinner that night. He was still unhappy about it and demanded the video. He is crazy. But I miss him so much. Another three days without him, thinking about it makes me sad, but I am glad he is having a lot of fun.

/END OF FLASHBACK

He will be back tonight. The wedding is almost in order, now we just need to wait for the day to come and hopefully nothing will go wrong.

I got out of the car. I pushed open the gates of the mansion and let myself in. I stood at the door, in a deep breath before I pressed on the doorbell. The door clicked open. I pushed the door open slightly, my heart beating wildly against my chest as I stepped in.

“Hello. Haneul, right?” A voice said.

I looked up and smiled.

“Yes. Hello.” I smiled, bowing slightly.

The owner of the voice looked behind me, as thou hoping for someone else to appear.

“You’re…. alone?” Junhyung’s father asked.

I nodded.

“Junhyung is… still angry?” He asked.

“Junhyung is not around. He is on a vacation.” I said.

“Vacation? Without you? And a week before the wedding?” He asked, surprised.

“I kind of… sent him away. He needed it. Him as well as the other boys. I mean, Beast members.” I said.

“Oh. They have been busy, haven’t they?” He said.

“Very, very busy. In fact. A lot of things are going on at the same time and he’s very stressed up.” I said.

“Please, come in and sit down. What brings you here, anyway?” He asked.

“I came to…” Before I could finish, I heard someone from behind yell Junhyung’s name.

“Is it my Junhyung!?” The voice shouted excitedly.

I turned around and stood up, bowing slightly at his mother as I greeted her.

“Oh, it’s you.” She said, sounding a little disgusted. Maybe I was just being sensitive.

“Yes, it’s me. Hello.” I smiled.

She shot me a glare. There was an awkward silence before his father broke it.

“Let me get you a drink.” He said.

“It’s fine. Really.” I said, stopping him.

“Oh. Erm, then…” He mumbled, looking at his wife.

“What are you here for?” She said in the harshest tone she could make out.

I expected it.

“This.” I said, holding up an invitation card.

“What’s that?” His father asked.

“Wedding invitation.Our wedding invitation.” I said.

His mother sneered at the word ‘our’. I guess she was hoping for a reaction from me but she does not know how capable am I of blocking out insults like that.

“Oh.” His father mumbled, stretching out his hand to take it from me.

But I tore it up.

He looked at me with wide eyes.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” She screeched.

 I was pulled by my hair and roughly shoved backwards. I fell onto the couch, fortunately. But I could not stop myself from shaking. The thought of landing on the floor just scared me. If I weren’t pregnant, it would be fine even if I fell off a flight of stairs.

 “What are you doing!?” His father roared, not at me, but at her.

“She’s pregnant! You stupid woman! Does our son not hate us enough!? Do you want him to hate us further!? How could you do this to his wife!?” He shouted.

“SHE TORE UP THE INVITATIONS, IDIOT! SHE DOESN’T WANT US AT THE WEDDING!!” She shouted back.

“Whatever! You still shouldn’t have done that! If Junhyung sees this, do you even think we stand a chance to be forgiven by him!? And to think you call her uncivilized! How civilized is this action of yours!?” He yelled.

I look at the both of them argue.

“I… I am fine.” I said, standing up.

“Really? You sure?” His father asked, looking at me with concerned eyes.

Junhyung has the same look whenever he is worried too.

I nodded. I turned back to his mother who was still staring at me.

“Could we… talk? Alone.” I asked his mother in particular.

“You… sure?” His father asked.

I nodded.

“You better not do anything stupid. I’m warning you.” He said to her.

He shot me an apologizing look before heading upstairs.

I took a few steps backwards away from her, just in case she attack me again.

“I tore it up, not because I didn’t want you two at the wedding.” I said.

She looked at me, as thou waiting for me to continue.

“No parents should be invited to their child’s wedding. Parents do not need an invitation. Parents should be there, as parents, and not guests.” I said.

“That’s why I tore it up. You guys need no invitation at all.” I sighed.

“Why are you trying so hard?” She asked, arms crossed.

“Why am I trying so hard?” I repeated her question.

“Yea. Why? You know I don’t like you, and I wouldn’t like you no matter what you do.” She said.

“I did not come here to be rude, you know.” I said.

She looked at me with a slight smirk.

“I just want him to be happy, that’s all.” I said.

“Happy?” She asked.

“Yes. Happy.” I said.

“Do you know what that means?” I asked.

I really did not want to be rude. But she left me with no choice.

“What is that question supposed to mean?” She narrowed her eyes at me.

“I mean, do you know what being happy means? You took it away from him, with that pair of hands.” I pointed.

Her nostrils flared in anger.

“You said I am not the one for him. You said you don’t like me and never would.” I said.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I ever would like you too, honestly.” I said.

Her face reddened with rage.

“You insulted me about things I could not change. You called me too modern like for your liking and so on. At first I did not understand why. Now I guess I do. You’re jealous of me, aren’t you?” I said.

“I am jealous of you? HAHAHA!” She laughed, but her glare told me she was raging inside.

“Yea. You’re jealous. Because I get to behave the way you can’t, and most importantly, I’ve got Junhyung and you don’t.” I said

“Seeing me is like seeing someone else’s shadow. Someone better and more daring than you. Someone you can step on, yelled at, insult, but would never be you. And also, you’re afraid I would ‘steal’ him away from you.” I continued.

“Who wants to be like you!? And, Junhyung. Is. My. Son.” She hissed.

“But you abandoned him.” I said.

“I came back!” She shouted.

“So?” I laughed.

“If I did not plead you, would you come back? No. Scratch that. You should never have left him in the first place!” I raised my voice.

“You did not even bother to look for him! You gave birth to him, yes. You took care of him, yes. But when his world came crashing down, where were you!?” I asked.

“You left him, because you don’t know how to handle the situation. You were scared and perhaps, embarrassed. You left him, because of your own insecurities. And now, you want to break us up because of your insecurities again?” I said.

“Any mother out there would be in a much more suitable position to be his mother than you are.” I said.

She slapped me across my cheek. It hurt like crazy, but I smiled at her.

“Is this all you can do? Slap me, slap him, slap everyone BUT YOURSELF!” I shouted.

“You know who needs a slap the most? It’s you!!! You are his mother! You said you are his mother! But how could you leave him!? If not because I know Junhyung wants the both of you, especially you, so much. I wouldn’t even care! He is better off without the both of you!” I yelled.

I tried to calm myself down. I was going overboard with my speech, and even our baby agrees. My stomach hurt, but not that kind of pain that would send me collapsing onto the floor.

“You can hate me all you want, because honestly, I don’t think I would forgive you for what you did to Junhyung. I saw his pain. I was there every time his… period.. tortured him. He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t even get out of bed sometimes. Even the boys were there with him. Seungho especially. But where were you? How could you even bear to just leave him like that?”I asked softly.

“Maybe you should witness him during one of the time where the cramps attacked him. Then perhaps you’ll understand what a grave mistake you’ve made by leaving him all alone to fend for himself.” I said.

I was crying unconsciously. My head was filled with images of Junhyung in pain, images of him calling out to his mother in his sleep whenever he was unwell.

“I did not come here to tell you all these today. I’m sorry for my rudeness.” I said, wiping my tears away with the back of my hand.

“Whatever. It all comes down to the…” I cut her off before she could finish. I knew what she is going to say anyway. ‘You’re not Korean.’’ You’re too modern like.’

 “ the ’You’re not Korean’ . Is this all you can say!? That’s not something I can change. We’ll have a really cute baby with natural double eyelids, okay?!” I yelled.

Her eyes widened. Did I just curse at my mother-in-law? Haneul, you ought to bang your head against the wall. You just apologized for being rude, and then you reacted with a even ruder reaction.

 “I’m not Korean, it’s not something I can change. I’m too modern like, I am actually very traditional and I come from a family like that. Junhyung and I will be getting married in a week, that is not going to change too. I’m going to be your daughter-in-law, and you’re going to be my mother-in-law, whether you liked it or not.” I said.

“I hope our relationship would be better, even if not for us, for Junhyung. But I doubt it’ll happen. Whatever. I don’t care. As I said, I don’t like you too. Not because you’re a bad mother-in-law, but because of the things you’ve done to Junhyung. It’s unforgivable. If you think my nationality and my character is a sin, then perhaps you should think back on your actions.” I said.

She stared at me as thou I just told her the world is going to end in three minutes. But I guess what I said to her was like the end of the world.

“I really hope to see you at the wedding, and I believe Junhyung too.” I said, grabbing my bag.

“Not as guests, but as parents.” I said.

“And… I hope our relationship would be better as the time passed.” I said.

“Sorry for being so rude. I’m not usually like this, okay, maybe I am. It’s not because of my nationality or me being too modern like, don’t start judging me again. I just lost it badly today. It hurts being judged like that. I’m sorry for my rudeness. Please forgive me.” I bowed.

“I love Junhyung. Really. Being modern like and being a non-Korean would not change that.” I said, heading for the door.

I sat in the car and bawled my eyes out for what seemed like forever. I looked at the time and got a shock because the flight Junhyung and the rest are on would be landing soon. I sped to the airport and checked myself in the mirror before getting out. My eyes were puffy and swollen. There is no way I could hide it. For once, I really wish I used make up.

I slapped my cheeks a few times, cleaned my face with a wet tissue and tried to smile my best smile before getting out of the car.

When I arrived at the terminal, they were already out. It was not difficult to spot them because firstly, they were walking in a group like mafias, and secondly, Junhyung had a huge red bow on his head. Everyone was staring. He should count himself lucky no one recognized them.

He seemed to be looking around for me and when our eyes met, he open his arms wide, shoved his bag to the one next to him, who happened to be Doojoon, and ran towards me.

“Your present!!!!” He said excitedly, bear-hugging me, spinning me around.

“Hahahaha idiot! Put me down!” I smacked him lightly.

“I miss you.” He whispered, kissing me on my cheek.

I avoided his eyes because I did not want him to find out I had been crying, but it seems like my actions made everything more obvious.

Junhyung’s POV

I tried to look at Haneul in her eyes but she kept avoiding me. Something was wrong. It did not take a genius to figure that out.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“Come on, Lionny. Even Kikwang can tell that something is wrong.” I said.

She chuckled slightly, but did not look at me.

“Look at me.” I said.

She took a brief glance at me, and then stared back down at her feet.

“Look up.” I said in a more demanding tone.

The boys were walking closer and people were staring, most likely because of the bow on my head.

“Hi, Haneul.” Doojoon greeted, as well as the other boys.

“Hi.” Haneul smiled.

“Should we go for…” Haneul said, but I cut her off.

“No.” I said.

“No?” She looked at me finally.

Her eyes were slightly puffy and red. Had she been crying?

“No. Wherever you’re suggesting, we’re not going. We’re all tired. I am tired. I want to go home.” I said.

Haneul looked at me, and then at the boys. I guess they got my message because they nodded.

“Yea, we’ve eaten on the plane, if you’re asking for dinner, that is. You can go eat with Junhyung. I’m sure he would love to have dinner with you.” Hyunseung smiled.

“Oh. Erm.. But I..” She mumbled.

“Thank you for arranging the vacation. We had fun. We owe you dinner. But not today.” Doojoon smiled, patting Haneul on her head and returning my bag to me.

“We’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.” He winked.

“See ya at da wedding~” Yoseob smiled.

We bid goodbye and separated ways.

“Why did you do that?” Haneul mumbled.

I pulled her to a corner and pushed her lightly against the wall. I blocked her from leaving with my arm.

“What the hell are you doing? We’re in public.” She hissed.

“Tell me what’s wrong?” I pleaded.

“Nothing is wrong.” She mumbled, looking down.

“Then look at me in my eyes and tell me nothing is wrong.” I said.

She did not look up.

"Who bullied you? I'll beat them up! Like that!" I swing my fist, hoping for a reaction, but I got none. How embarrassing.

“Come on, Darling. What’s wrong?” I asked, squeezing her arm lightly.

"You can't punch them." She pouted.

"Why not?" I asked.

“I…” She mumbled.

I waited for her to continue.

“I… I went to look for your parents today, okay?” She said, looking at me.

Oh she's right. I can't exactly... punch my parents.

“You went to look for my parents? What for?” I asked, calming myself so as not to shout at her. She does not deserve being yelled at. She did something for me I did not have the guts to do myself.

 “I showed them the wedding invitations, and then I tore it up.” She said softly.

“You what?” I asked, wanting to reconfirm the words I heard.

“I tore up the invitations in their face. Not because I didn’t want them at the wedding, but because I wanted them as your parents and not guests! Parents do not need any invitation to their child’s wedding!” She said, a little agitated.

I rubbed her arms to calm her down, although I wanted to laugh out at the scene in my head. I could picture the look on my parents’ face. It is so typical of Haneul.

“It’s okay.” I assured her.

“It’s NOT okay!” She yelled, tears rolling down her cheeks.

People around were started looking over. Now I look as thou I was the cause of her tears. But come to think of it, indirectly, it is my fault.

“Shhh~” I wiped the tears off her cheeks.

“Don’t shh me!” She slapped my hands away.

“Sorry.” I mumbled, pushing her hair away from her face.

“It’s really fine, Lionny. I am not angry.” I said.

“Wait till you hear more.” She mumbled in between her tears.

“There’s more?” I asked, surprised.

“I told your mother off.” She said softly.

“HAHAHA!” I laughed out. That is so typical of Haneul. Why am I not surprised?

“IT’S NOT FUNNY!” She stomped on my foot, pushed me away and kicked me hard on my shin. She was wearing Dr Martens.

“Ouch… Ouch… Ouch…” I whined, squatting down, rubbing my shin.

I looked up at her. She had her back against the wall with a pout plastered on her face, tears rolling down her cheek. How can I get angry and yell at that face? I stood up after I felt better and pulled her into my embrace.

“It’s fine, Darling. I ought to be angry, but I don’t know why I am not. Maybe because I really needed someone to yell at my mom, curse at her or what.” I said, caressing her back.

“I cursed at her!” She cried loudly.

“What?” I asked, pulling her away so we could see each other.

“I said mean things to her. I said any mother on the street would be a more suitable mother to you than she is. And then she… And then I went on yelling at her. When she wanted to tell me about my nationality and all, I told her to it because it’s not something I can change and that we’ll have a really cute baby with natural double eyelids!” She said all that pouting and crying. Why do I find it so cute?

I could sense that she censored some information, but I believe she had her reason in doing so.

“Hahahaha silly girl~” I hugged her, kissing her cheek, whispering ‘It is okay’ into her ear until she calmed down.

“I’m so rude.” She pouted.

“Yea.” I said, wiping her tears with a tissue.

“But… Well… Maybe Umma needed it.” I said, pressing a piece of tissue against her nose.

“Blow your nose, Baby.” I smiled.

She did as she was told.

“Good girl.” I pat her head lightly.

“Your mom is going to hate me so much now.” She sighed, pouting at me.

“But I love you even more now.” I smiled.

“Why? Why do you love me? I’m so rude!” She said.

“Maybe because… I never expected this? I expected you to either persuade me to go apologize to my parents, or go plead my parents on my behalf. Well, you did plead. But you did not bootlick like most people would. You… You stood up for me, again, and again, and again.” I said.

“But that doesn’t mean I had any rights to say those.” She said.

“What if she hates me more? Never mind that. She wouldn’t ever love me. But what if she hates you? I made your relationship with her even worse than it is already. What have I done?” She cried.

“Thank you.” I hugged her.

“Don’t be sarcastic with me now please!” She punched my back as she cried into my chest.

“I am sincere. I’m very sincere. Thank you. Thank you for loving me so much.” I said.

“You always said and did the things I did not dare to do on my own. How could I still yell at you? I have to thank you. Thank you for doing all the things you should and should not have done. It was never in your agenda to patch the relationship I had with my family. But you did. In the past you did. Now you did. You love me more than I love myself, more than you love yourself. Thank you. I never felt so much love in my life. You pretty much made up for all the love I lost and gave me all the love I should never have deserved. You did so much, why are you still crying? Why are you sorry? I am sorry.” I said.

“But I was rude to your parents. What if they get angry and don’t appear at the wedding?” She asked pitifully.

“Then so be it, Lionny. I just need you to be at the wedding. That’s all.” I said.

She shook her head.

“You don’t want to be at the wedding?” I .

She nodded her head. I raised my brow at her, and then she shook her head. It was funny watching her do all that while still pouting.

“Hahahhaa stop it.” I held onto her head.

“It’s fine that they don’t come. Really. Okay, maybe not. But… It’s not something I can control. Just like how they abandoned me. It’s not something I can control. They are my parents, yes. But… I can’t force them to do things they don’t wish to do.” I said.

“Of course, I would want them at our wedding, as my parents. But… that’s not the most important part. Honestly, I don’t have much feelings for them anymore. Maybe it all died, the day they left me. I just thought I still had them all these years. Until that day I snapped, I kind of realize I actually don’t mind not having them in my life.” I said.

“You’re lying. Everyone, no matter how old, wants their parents.” She said, resting her cheek against my chest.

“That’s true. But more than I want my parents, I want you. I want to be a better parent to my children, and a better husband to you.” I said.

"And to think I thought you were crying because you missed me too much." I .

"I miss you!" She pouted, stomping her foot like a child. 

"Alright, alright. Just teasing you. Stop crying already. The whole airport is looking at me with those glares that say 'You stupid man! How dare you make this beautiful girl cry like that in public?!' I am pretty sure my life's worth is being evaluated by them right now, and I bet it's zero. No, it's a minus~ Aiee~" I said, wiping away her tears. 

She giggled, slapping my chest weakly.

"There, so much prettier with a smile!" I kissed her forehead.

“What do we do now?” She asked, hiccupping from her sobs.

“Firstly, we’ll get you some water to ease those hiccups. And then we’ll go for food because I’m so damn hungry. I did not eat on the plane. After that, we’ll go for ice cream, to make my crying wife-to-be smile again. And lastly, we’ll go home and open your present.” I winked at her.

She chuckled, slapping my chest.

“ert.” She mumbled, walking away.

“Wait up!” I caught up with her, intertwining our hands together.

“You sure you don’t want your present?” I whispered into her ear.

“NO! And take off that stupid bow, the whole world is staring. Besides, it's supposed to be a pink bow, why is it red? Are you colour blind!?” She giggled.

“It’s not stupid okay! They don't sell pink in Jeju aish! Red is the stronger pink! It's pink still! I said so! And if you take off the bow now, the wrapper of your present will come off. You want that to happen? You want to share your present with the whole world?” I asked.

“I… Aish!” She yanked me forward, dragging me along as she walked at full speed.

I expected her to dare me to strip, but I guess, she was still confused from all that crying. Lucky me.

“Or should we skip to the last step and just go home and open your present?” I when we were in the car.

“Should I open my present here?” She grabbed the collar of my shirt.

“What!? No no no!” I said.

“No. I think I want to open my present here.” She said, grabbing the bow on my head.

“No no! Have mercy on me! I can’t drive ! I’ll be cold! And I’ll be arrested if the police sees me!” I pouted.

“Then stop trying to tease me!” She said, letting me go.

“But you’re cute when teased.” I smiled, pinching her cheek.

She glared at me and I quickly started the engine so she cannot attack me.

“But is that the only present you got me?” She asked suddenly.

“What?” I asked, surprised by her sudden statement.

“Is that the only present you got me?” She asked, slightly frustrated.

“What’s that?” I played dumb.

“Are you going to start teasing me again?” She asked dangerously.

“No. I’m just confused. What’s that?” I asked.

She kept quiet.

“Well.. If you’re not going to say it, then I can’t answer you.” I said.

“THAT!!” She yelled.

“What’s that?” I asked.

I could like that all because I am driving. Haneul is violent but she has sense and would not hit or disturb my driving physically even if she is frustrated or angry.

“ThatoneandonlyintheworldveryhottoplessmanlysmellingygorgeousYongJunhyung!” She yelled.

Oh my, she remembered everything.

I laughed out, earning a deadly glare from her, but I really couldn’t control myself.

“Yes.” I said.

She rolled her eyes at me, and then looked away.

“Are you angry because thatis the only present I got you? I asked.

“Am I that kind of person!?” She yelled.

“If not because you’re driving, you would be as flat as a flatfish by now!” She glared.

“I know. That’s why. Luckily I am driving.” I pat my chest.

She laughed and looked away.

“Call me that again.” I said.

“That.” She said.

“Not like that! I mean… that name you said in one breath.” I said.

“The one and only in the world,” She said.

I never expected her to say it. I waited for her to continue.

“Very disgusting, narcissistic, gross, greasy, cheesy with double cheese, rubbish smelling, united six pack, talks too much Yong Junhyung.” She smiled.

I stopped the car at the side and looked at her.

“What!?” I yelled.

“The one and only in the world very disgusting, narcissistic, gross, greasy and erm.. I forgot.. something something united six pack.. Yong Junhyung.” She said, smiling.

I couldn’t even get angry at her.

“For insulting me like that, I’m going to kiss you, very, very roughly.” I said, removing my seat belt.

I climbed over to her side, slamming our lips against each other. She did not struggle, but willingly opened for my tongue to slid in. I said I would kiss her roughly, but it ended up a sweet, gentle kiss. How can I kiss her roughly? Even if my body allows me to do it, my heart wouldn’t.

We pulled apart, panting slightly for air.

“Seven days without you.” I said.

“It was four. You added three days on your own.” She said.

“Fine. Whatever.” I said.

“Ai…goo.” She said, holding her stomach.

“What’s wrong!? Where hurts!?” I asked worriedly.

She looked at me, not saying anything.

“Lionny! Haneul! Say something!” I shook her.

“I think…” She mumbled.

“Uh huh? What do you think!?” I asked.

“I think… I am hungry.” She giggled.

“YAH! Tsk!” I sat back down on the driver’s seat.

We were silent for a while. It was cute, but how could she scare me like that?

She poked my arm. I refused to turn over but she kept poking until I did. She pouted at me.

 “Your hand.” I said.

“No.” She said.

“Your. Hand.” I said sternly.

“No.” She pouted.

“Now.” I said.

She pouted, stretching out her palm.

I pulled her palm closer to me.

“No.” She pouted.

“How can you be so naughty?” I slapped her palm lightly.

“Ouch.” She pouted.

“How can you scare me like that?” I slapped her palm lightly again.

“Hmph!” She looked at me like how Ji Eun would if I punished her.

“Say sorry.” I said.

“No.” She said.

Ji Eun must have learned it all from her.

“You did something wrong. You have to apologize.” I said.

“You do wrong things all the time.” She said.

“I apologize.” I said.

“You… We’re different hmph!” She tried to pull her hand back but I was stronger than she was.

“If you’re not going to apologize….” I said.

“Then what are you going to do!? Merong!” She stuck out her tongue.

Merong?! How old is this girl?

“You leave me with no choice then.” I smirked.

I went closer to her.

“I… am going to…” I whispered into her ear.

“Tickle you.” I said, tickling her.

She struggled and laughed like crazy while I tickled her. I was careful not to tickle her too roughly. I did not want to hurt or scare our baby. Her hair was all over the place and she just look mad. If not for my palm against her head, she would have banged onto the window countless times.

“Stop it stop it stop it hahahahhaa!” She laughed, throwing punches on my back.

I am supposed to be ‘punishing’ her, but why does it feel like I am the one being punished?

“Say sorry!” I demanded, still tickling her.

“Okay okay!” She laughed.

“Say sorry! Not okay!” I laughed.

“Sorr HAHAHAHA!” She kicked wildly.

Fortunately for the small space in the car, or else I would have been kicked in my face or worse still, down there.

“Sorry! Sorry!” She yelled.

I stopped tickling her.

“That’s a good girl.” I said.

“And you’re a very naughty boy!” She yelled.

Without any warning, she got up and pushed me against the window, pinning me with her palms against my shoulders.

“Please. Sit down. You’re pregnant.” I said.

“It’s okay.” She panted, flipping her hair to the side.

“It’s not okay.” I said.

I hope our baby would not feel all his or her mother’s sudden actions. I reckon it is worse than a roller coaster ride inside her belly.

“Sit. Down.” I said, pushing her gently to sit back down.

“Why is it that you can tickle me and I can’t tickle you?” She pouted.

“Tickle me at home then.” I sighed.

“You said it!” She pointed.

“Ah yea yea~” I mentally slapped myself for saying it.

“I’m going to tie you up and tickle you with a broom.” She said to herself, but loud enough for me to hear.

“Oh my god.” I mumbled as I started the engine, heading to wherever that has food.

“You really only got me that as a present, cheapo?” She asked on the way.

And to think she says she is not after any presents. Girls.

“What do you mean by cheapo!? I am not a cheapo! Andthat is very expensive okay! It’s priceless! The one and only in the world!” I said.

“Yes, it’s priceless if other people say it. But if you say it yourself, it’s called narcissism. Cheapo~” She laughed.

“We’ll go home and look at your presents.” I sighed.

“I don’t want that!” She laughed.

“It’s not!” I glared playfully at her.

“Oh. Then let’s have a look at it.” She laughed.

“Materialistic girl.” I pinched her cheek lightly.

“Come on, we’re all materialistic, baby!” She yelled, putting her legs up on the dashboard out of a sudden.

“What did you just do?” I laughed.

“I don’t know.” She covered her face, putting her legs back down.

“Well… At least like that I know you’re my Haneul.” I smiled.

“I’m not Haneul!” She made a weird face at me.

“Oh. Then who are you?” I asked.

“I… I am Skye!” She said.

“Aie~ Skye is Haneul. Haneul is Skye. Pabo~” I laughed.

“No!” She said.

“Yes.” I said.

We continued with this ‘No’ ‘Yes’ game all the way till we reached a restaurant. The moment she saw the menu, whatever I said, be it whether it is‘Haneul is a pabo’ or ‘Haneul is very cute’, it is a yes. How long have she been starving herself? This terrible girl.

***
Junhyung: Who bullied you? I'll beat them up! Like that!

Haneul: I said mean things to her. I said any mother on the street would be a more suitable mother to you than she is. And then she… And then I went on yelling at her. When she wanted to tell me about my nationality and all, I told her to it because it’s not something I can change and that we’ll have a really cute baby with natural double eyelids!

Haneul: ThatoneandonlyintheworldveryhottoplessmanlysmellingygorgeousYongJunhyung!

Haneul: The one and only in the world very disgusting, narcissistic, gross, greasy, cheesy with double cheese, rubbish smelling, united six pack, talks too much Yong Junhyung

Junhyung: For insulting me like that, I’m going to kiss you, very, very roughly