2 days to wedding

Haneul’s POV

“What did you forget this time!?” I yelled as I headed towards the door.

Junhyung left the house an hour ago for work, he came back twenty minutes later because he forgot his bag.

/FLASHBACK

I almost choked on my tea because someone was knocking the door so hard.

“We have a doorbell, you know!” I shouted as I headed for the door.

I opened the door to find Junhyung grinning at me. He was panting slightly and his fringe was plastered to his forehead because of sweat.

“Excuse me, excuse me!” He pushed passed me, running into the room.

“What the hell?” I mumbled.

He came running back out with his bag.

“You forgot to bring your bag?” I asked, surprised.

“Apparently.” He laughed, giving me a kiss on my cheek.

“You’re the only one who can forget their bag!” I said.

“It’s not exactly my fault, you know.” He said, putting on his shoes.

“Why not?” I asked, wiping off his sweat.

“Because I was served breakfast by this really dazzling lady. One glance at her and everything in my head disappeared like ‘poof~’.” He smiled.

“So I became a pabo after that~” He crossed his eyes, sticking out his tongue, swaying left and right dumbly.

“Hahahaha! Go to work! You’re going to be stuck in the morning jam and will be late for three hours!” I pushed him out.

“Don’t curse me yah!!!” He yelled as he slammed his palm against the button of the elevator. 

I laughed as he hurried into the lift, but his head pop out again to send me a flying kiss with a seductive wink.

“Disgusting.” I laughed.

“You like it!” He shouted as the elevator door closed.

“Of course I do.” I mumbled as I closed the door behind me.

/END OF FLASHBACK

It has not been fifteen minutes since he left for the second time and the doorbell rang again.

“Why are you so forget…. Oh.” I stared at the person standing at the door.

I looked around awkwardly. The house was in a mess, so was my attire, and ‘Shock’ was blasting through my speakers.

“Erm…” I scratched my head awkwardly.

“Junhyung is very forgetful, isn’t he?” She asked.

“Erm… At… times.” I mumbled.

“Not going to let me in?” She asked, smiling.

She can smile?

“Oh! Please, come in.” I said, moving aside for her to come in.

She looked around the apartment like some inspector. I kicked away boxes in her way and quickly went to turn down the music. She laughed at my actions.

She can laugh?

“Sorry. Our place is in a mess.” I said awkwardly.

“Our?” She asked.

“I thought he stayed in the dorm.” She mumbled.

“Ah no. He stayed in the dorm, but he shifted here a while ago so we could prepare for the wedding together. It’s… easier that way.” I said hurriedly.

“Very nice apartment you got here.” She said.

“It’s not mine.” I said.

“Not yours?” She looked at me.

“No. It’s my parents’. But they kind of give it up for us to live in.” I said.

“Give it up? They don’t live with you?” She asked.

“No. They had always been back in my home country, and I wasn’t staying here at first. Only after we decided to get married, we shifted back here. But it’ll just be for a while. As you can see, we’re moving.” I said.

“Oh. So where have you been staying? Alone?” She asked.

“No. I live in the orphanage, where Tae Hyun and Ji Eun are.” I said.

“Oh, the two cuties.” She smiled.

“So sorry! I forgot! Can I get you a drink?” I asked, hurrying to the kitchen.

“It’s fine.” She said.

I got her a cup of tea anyway.

“Is green tea okay for you?” I asked.

“It’s fine.” She smiled, taking the cup from me.

We stood in the middle of the living room, staring at each other awkwardly. The fact she is smiling so much is quite creepy.

“Did my presence scare you?” She asked.

“No! Of course not! I mean.. erm.. I… don’t look very presentable now so…” I laughed awkwardly.

“You look just fine.” She smiled.

I looked down at my attire. Shorts, big tee and a messy bun. How is that acceptable attire for my mother-in-law’s impromptu visit?

“Haneul, right?” She asked, sitting down.

“Yes.” I said.

“Sit down, why are you standing up? Aren’t you tired?” She asked.

“Oh. Haa..” I sat down in front of her.

“Relax. I’m not going to eat you up or something. You can even put your legs up on the table if you want to. It’s your house, anyway.” She said.

“Put my legs up? No, no. I… don’t.” I laughed.

She smiled, and then looked at me seriously.

“Firstly, I want to apologize.” She said, looking at me.

I did not realize I have been holding my breath until I wanted to speak.

“For what?” I asked.

“For what? Hahaha~ You’re cute. Of course it is for my unforgiveable behavior towards you that day.” She smiled.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” I said.

“It’s not fine. You could have gotten seriously hurt.” She said.

“Well.. But I didn’t.” I smiled.

“I thought over your words that day.” She said.

“I am indeed unforgiveable. Whatever I did to Junhyung, and you’re right in saying I am insecure.” She said softly.

I did not say anything. I would be deceiving her if I said she was not.

“But at that point of time, I was scared. I… I shall not give myself excuses. I have been giving myself excuses for the past years. Whatever you said to me was like a slap in my face.” She smiled.

“Sorry.” I mumbled.

“No, don’t be. If not for you, I would not have realized what a failure I am.” She said.

I shook my head.

“You’re right, you know. You’re everything I can never be, maybe that’s why I didn’t like you. I was jealous.” She said.

I looked at her, not knowing what to say.

“After I left Junhyung, I kept deceiving myself that it was okay and that he would be okay. His father and brother hated me for it, so did I hate myself. I am a terrible mother, aren’t I?” She said.

“Yes, and no.” I said.

She looked at me, surprised.

“Most people would say no.” She laughed.

“Sorry.” I looked down.

“Don’t be! You’re honest, and I like it.” She smiled.

“But why yes and no?” She asked.

“You’re terrible for leaving him to fend for himself, yes. But I don’t think you could live with it.” I said.

“I couldn’t.” She said softly.

“That’s why no. Because deep down you still love him.” I smiled.

“Of course. He is my flesh and blood. He is my baby.” She said.

I smiled at her description.

“Why? All kids will always be their parents’ babies no matter how old they are.” She said.

I nodded.

“I admire your guts.” She said.

“Huh?” I looked at her.

“I would never have dared to curse in front of my mother-in-law.” She said.

I could feel my cheeks heating up. How embarrassing.

“Sor.. sorry.” I mumbled.

“But I cursed in my heart. Lots of times.” She said.

I looked at her, and then we burst into laughter. She suddenly stood up and came very close to me. She stared at my eyes, but was not looking at me. I did not know where to look.

“You have… very nice brown eyes.” She said, sitting back down.

“Oh. Haha~ Thank you.” I bit my lower lip.

“And very nice inner double eyelids too.” She said.

I smiled like a fool, not knowing what to say.

“May your baby have the same.” She smiled.

“About that day, I am really sorry.” I said.

“I was a to start with.” She said.

Did she just call herself a ?

“Well… I was pretty y too.” I said.

“I may not be the best mother-in-law in the world. But I promise I’ll try to make you love me.” She said.

I shook my head.

“I should be the one making you love me.” I said.

“I already love you.” She patted my head lightly.

“So, can you cook?” She asked.

“Cook?” I looked at her.

She nodded.

“You know what is cooking, right?” She laughed.

“Yes, yes. I… I can make some stuff. But it . I mean, it taste bad.” I said.

“You know what, if you want to curse or swear, just do it. I think you look cute while cursing, for some reason.” She smiled.

“No, my mom will murder me.” I said.

“Who would murder such a cute girl?” She pinched my cheek.

I laughed. It was awkward, but it felt quite good.

“So? Can you cook?” She asked.

“Erm… I can cook ramen very well.” I said.

She looked at me, and then burst into laughter.

“As expected! But you know, you shouldn’t be eating so much instant food now. It’s not good for you or the baby.” She said.

“But I am a terrible cook.” I mumbled.

“So do Junhyung and you always eat out?” She asked.

“Most… of the times. But whenever I cook, he’ll just… force the food down his throat or something.” I said awkwardly.

She laughed and shook her head. Junhyung must have got his laughing expression from her.

“My Korean food making skills is terrible, but… I think I can make okay pasta.” I said.

“You can make pasta!?” She looked at me with wide eyes.

I nodded once.

“Teach me!” She said.

“Oh. Sure. It’s.. not difficult.” I said.

“You know what, go and get change. Then let’s head to the supermarket. I’ll teach you how to make simple Korean food and you’ll teach me how to make pasta.” She said.

“Really?” I asked.

“Of course! Go on~ I’ll wait for you.” She said.

“Erm… then.. Make yourself at home. I’ll be quick.” I said.

“No worries, take your time.” She smiled.

I hurried to shower and change. I got ready in the shortest time possible.

“That’s fast.” She said as I walked out.

“And, no makeup?” She looked at me.

“Do I look terrible?” I asked, looking into the mirror.

“No, no. I’m just surprised. Usually girls your age would pile makeup on their face.” She smiled.

“I don’t usually use them. In fact, I think Junhyung uses makeup more than I do.” I said.

She laughed and nodded.

We walked to the supermarket nearby. As we walked, she asked me a lot about myself and told me a lot about Junhyung when he was younger. When she was not being all angry and y, she actually feels like a mother.

“Look, when you choose the carrot, it has to be fat. Only like that would it be sweet and juicy.” She said, showing me an example.

She went on to teach me how to choose fresh vegetables, meat and fish.

“I don’t think you caught everything I said.” She said, looking at me.

“Opps.” I chuckled.

“It’s okay! It takes practice! Soon, you’ll be able to just pick without even thinking.” She smiled.

“Hopefully.” I said.

After we bought whatever we need, we headed back home. On the way back, we shared some street food and continued talking. When we arrived, we got down to work in the kitchen almost right away.

She taught me how to make kimchi and other simple side dishes.

“Try this.” She said, feeding me a bit of the kimchi.

 “How is it?” She asked as I chewed on the vegetable.

“A bit… salty.” I said.

She tried some on her own.

“Maybe I have not mixed it well yet.” She made a disgusted look.

“But at least it still tastes like kimchi!” I smiled.

She nodded and we continued to mix whatever side dishes we made. After we were done with the side dishes, she taught me how to make simple food like kimchi stew, bibimbap , ddeokbokki, kimchi fried rice, seaweed soup and gamjatang while I taught her how to make pasta and tiramisu.

“Oh, so you add oil and salt into the water. I usually just boil the noodle. No wonder it didn’t taste good.” She said.

“Yeap, oil and salt. But not too much.” I said, letting her try a strand of noodle.

“Nice~” She smiled.

“If you want to make the tomato sauce one, then don’t bother yourself too much. Just buy the premade one, the bottled one I showed you just now. I hardly use that because Junhyung and I both like the plain ones.” I said, frying the ingredients.

“Tiramisu is pretty easy too, since it’s no bake.” I said, preparing the ingredients.

“Go easy on the alcohol huh~” She said.

“Hee~” I smiled.

After we were done with the cooking, we stared at the table of food.

“That’s… a feast.” I said.

She nodded.

“Stay for dinner?” I asked, looking at the time.

It was close to 7PM. Junhyung would be back any time.

“No. Junhyung and you can enjoy the food.” She smiled, taking her bag.

“Eh no~ Stay, please? Call his brother and his father. We’ll have dinner together, as a family.” I said.

“Junhyung would not like it.” She said.

“He would. If he doesn’t, I’ll make him like it.” I said.

She shook her head.

“Please.” I pleaded.

 “I don’t wish to upset him. I never thought I would be here till so late, honestly.” She said.

“He’ll be back soon. He’ll not mind. Please.” I pouted.

“Using aegyo now?” She laughed.

“If I have to go on my knees, I would do it too.” I said.

She shook her head.

“I’ll leave. See you at the wedding.” She smiled.

“No, no, no! I’m not letting you go.” I blocked the door.

She laughed and looked at me.

I smiled when I heard the sound of someone keying in the password to the door.

“He’s back.” I said.

She looked at me with a sad look that made me feel a tad bit guilty.

I moved away from the door so Junhyung would not bang into me when he opens the door.

“Lionny, did you miss me?” He asked, focusing on taking off his shoes.

“Of course I did. Junroro, look up.” I said.

“Why? Can’t wait to see my handsome face already?” He smiled, looking up.

His smile faded when he saw who was behind me.

“Why are you here?” Junhyung asked his mom.

“I…” She mumbled.

“Junhyung, don’t be rude. She came to teach me how to make proper Korean food so I can feed you better in future.” I smacked his stomach lightly.

He looked at the table of food, and then at her.

“Junhyung, I… I am sorry.” She said softly.

“Really? You’re sorry?” He said.

I glared at Junhyung. He looked at me, and then pushed pass and went into the room.

“I should leave.” She said.

“NO! I mean, no. Please. Stay. I’ll just… talk to him.” I said.

“It’s alright, Haneul ah~ It was fun today. I’m leaving.” She said.

“NO NO NO! Please! Do I really need to kneel down?” I asked.

“I…” She looked at me.

“Just give me a few minutes. If he is not convinced then…” I looked down.

She nodded.

“Thank you!” I smiled, running into the room.

I saw Junhyung sitting at the dressing table, hugging his knees.

“Junroro~” I called out, walking towards him.

I sat on the bed, looking at him.

“Junroro, I’m sorry. I should have told you she was here.” I said.

“But Junroro, you cannot be like this forever.” I poked his arm.

“That woman outside insulted you and hated you. Why are you speaking up for her?” He asked.

“Firstly, that woman is your mother. You don’t address your mother as ‘that woman’. Don’t be rude. And, why am I speaking up for her? Is that even a question?” I asked.

“Don’t you hate her, the slightest bit?” He asked.

“Of course. But what I hate is the things she did to you. But it’s over, Junroro. Deep in your heart, you have already forgiven her, am I right?” I asked.

“No.” He said.

“Ha! Right. If you want to continue deceiving yourself, then so be it.” I said.

“You’re not three anymore. I can coax you like how I would coax Tae Hyun and Ji Eun, but what’s the point? At the end of the day, you’re still not going to forgive her wholeheartedly.” I said.

“Forgiving someone is never easy, but I know that as long as you’re willing to take that one step, it is going to make a difference. If only you’re willing to try, Junroro.” I continued.

“And, you have your faults too, you know.” I said.

He looked up at me.

“I have faults? She abandoned me damn it!” He shouted.

“You didn’t look for her too, did you?” I said calmly.

“I didn’t? I didn’t? You weren’t even there during that time!” He glared at me.

“You did, but you gave up eventually, and instead you turned all your emotions into hatred. Even now, you kept holding onto that hatred. She did not do her part as a mother to protect you and be there with you when you needed her, but you are not doing your part as a son too now.” I said.

“So it’s my fault now?” He asked.

“It’s not about faults here, Junroro. She abandoned you, it’s a fact. It can’t and wouldn’t be changed, no matter how much you try to turn the clock back. Why are you holding onto that hatred? Why can’t you just let it go?” I asked.

“You were not abandoned! You were so love! You don’t understand the pain I went through!” He yelled, tears b in his eyes.

“I’m not going to argue with you on that because indeed, I cannot understand that pain. And I’m sorry. If I could, I would have chosen to be with you at that point of time.” I said.

He looked down, tears dripping onto the floor.

“I know it’s tough, but I just don’t wish to see you regret in future.” I hugged him.

“It’s your choice, Junroro. I am not going to force you to forgive her. But know that you have the choice.” I said.

“And one more thing. It’s not just other people we need to forgive. We also need to forgive ourselves, for all the things we didn’t do, all the things we should have done.” I wiped off his tears.

“Don’t cry. Please.” I rubbed his back, calming him down.

“What if…. I can’t ever find it in myself to forgive them?” He asked in between his sobs.

“Then at least, you tried.” I said.

“Was that some sort of book quote?” He asked.

“What?” I looked at him.

“That forgive thing. Is it some sort of book quote?” He asked.

“You caught me there again.” I chuckled.

“How do you remember all those stuff?” He asked, blowing his nose.

“I’m jjang, that’s why~” I smiled.

“Right, right.” He laughed.

“Let’s go out, okay?” I asked.

He nodded.

Just as we opened the room door, we heard the front door close.

“Oh no.” I mumbled, looking at him.

He had the ‘lost child’ look in his eyes.

“What are you waiting for!?” I shoved him forward.

Junhyung’s POV

I ran out of the house just in time to see the elevator go down. What movie or drama are we filming here? I raced down the stairs, missing a few steps a few times, almost falling flat, but thankfully, it did not happen.  Haneul is right, perhaps. If I do not at least make the effort to forgive them, I may regret in the future. And, maybe I just hated them for the sake of hating them, because the abandoned me.

“UMMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I shouted as I ran out of the building.

Fortunately, it was a long walk to the main gate from the building we live in. It gave me a bit more time to run after my mother.

“UMMA!!!!” I shouted as I ran around.

“UMMA!!!!!!!” I yelled at the top of my voice when I spotted the familiar figure.

She stopped and turned to me. I ran towards her as fast as I could, just in case she decides to leave again.

“UMMA!!” I panted.

“Be careful there, boy.” She said, holding me.

“Umma…” I panted, looking at her.

“Yea?” She looked at me.

“Stay… Umma.. Dinner.. Eat..” I said, unable to make out my words clearly.

She let out a smile.

“Look at you.” She said, pushing my fringe to the side, wiping my forehead with her palms.

“How is it that my baby boy is going to be a husband to someone in two days?” She said, looking at me.

Baby boy sounded much better coming from my mother than Jace.

“How is it that you’ve grown so much? You’re so handsome and independent now.” She said.

“I’m so sorry, son. Because of my own insecurities, I…” She said.

I shook my head, smiling at her.

“I missed out such a big part of your life. And now, you don’t need umma anymore. You’re all grown up.” She said.

“I would always need my umma.” I said.

“I… I cannot say that I have put down all the unhappiness now, but I’ll do my best, Umma. And also, I’ll work hard to become the son you can be proud of.” I said.

“Are you silly or what? I’m already very proud of you. Not because you are a famous celebrity or that you have a beautiful wife, but because you’re Yong Junhyung, my son.” She said, cupping my cheeks.

“But umma, promise me something.” I said.

“Anything for you.” She smiled.

“Don’t ever leave me again. Please.” I said.

“Never. Not even if there is some other weird problems with you. Not even if it means I have to give up my life. I’m never leaving you.” She hugged me tight.

“I am weird?” I asked.

“Of course not! Wrong word choice. Sorry. You’re my son, my precious son.” She said.

“Hee~” I hugged her tighter.

It felt nice to be hugging my mother again. It was different from hugging Haneul or Tae Hyun, Ji Eun. Not that I did not like their hugs, but this was just different.

“Omo!” She exclaimed, pulling away from me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Aren’t your feet cold? Why didn’t you wear shoes?” She asked, pointing at my bare foot.

I looked down and laughed.

“No wonder something was missing.” I laughed.

“Let’s get you back up quickly before your toes fall off.” She said, linking arms with me.

We walked back up to the apartment slowly. We did not say anything, but the silence was good. When we arrived back home, Haneul was not around, instead there was a note on the table.

‘Gone for a while~ Off to bring the remaining two pieces of puzzle here to complete the family portrait ^^’

“What if you didn’t find me? So confident of her.” Umma laughed as she read the note.

“Haneul never fails.” I said.

“Meaning?” She asked.

“Haneul, for some reason, always succeed in whatever she do. She only does things that she is confident about. She wouldn’t let herself fail. So even if I couldn’t find you, she would find you and bring you back here.” I said.

“A strong girl you have there.” Umma smiled.

“A very strong girl, in fact. Sometimes I feel apologetic towards her. Like.. I am too weak or something.” I said.

“My son is not weak.” She poked my cheek.

We washed the dishes left from the cooking they did just now and heated up the food while waiting for Haneul to come back. It did not take long for the door to click open. Did Haneul speed or something?

“HYUNG!!!!” I heard the familiar voice yelled.

“HYUNG WHERE ARE YOU!?” Junsung shouted.

“The house is not very big you know, and I am not deaf.” I said, sprinkling water on his face.

“HYUNG!!!” He yelled, hugging me tightly.

“Yah yah! Don’t choke your hyung two days before his wedding!” Umma scolded, smacking Junsung on his arm.

Junsung pouted but let me go anyway.

“Appa.” I greeted the man standing near the doorway.

“Hi.” He smiled.

“Sit down! Let’s have dinner!” Haneul said, dragging him over to the dining table.

We sat around the table, looking at the table full of food.

“Haneul and I were just teaching each other how to cook. So erm.. yea~” Umma said.

“More like you cooked and I watched.” Haneul smiled.

“Whoever cooked does not matter! It looks damn delicious and I am so hungry. Can we start eating already?” Junsung whined.

I smacked his hand when he picked up the chopsticks.

“Appa, Umma, please eat.” I said.

“Let’s all just eat.” Appa said, smiling at me.

“How long have you been starving!?” I asked Junsung who already started shoving food into his mouth.

“Since you left!” He said.

I looked at him.

“Because I miss you, hyung!” He pouted.

We burst into laughter at his sudden aegyo.

“Then eat more.” I ruffled his hair as I fed him more food.

It felt like last time all over again. In the past, it was always Junsung being the mood maker of the family, but now there is Haneul too. Everything she says can make my parents laugh, make us laugh. And when she smiles and laugh, the whole house just seem to brighten up.

After dinner, she took out the tiramisu she made with my umma just now.

“You’re not eating it.” I said to her, taking her plate away from her.

“WHY!?” She looked at me, shocked.

“Because there’s alcohol.” I said.

“SO!?” She asked.

“So? So it’s not good for you at this point of time.” I said.

“How can you not let me eat the things I made?” She asked.

“It’s not good for you now.” I repeated.

“I’ll take the part without alcohol.” She said.

“Lionny, the whole thing has alcohol.” I said, bursting her bubble.

She pouted at me, crossing her arms angrily.

“Omo don’t do that. You’re so cute I want to put you in my pocket!” Junsung said, poking Haneul’s puffed cheeks.

“Yah!” I smacked his hand away.

“Why not you put me in your pocket huh?” I asked.

“No, thank you.” He said, concentrating on his food.

“Why!? Am I very terrible!?” I asked.

“You’re not cute.” He said.

Haneul laughed and they both hi-fived.

“Fine.” I mumbled.

“LET ME EAT!!!” Haneul whined, smacking my arm.

My parents and Junsung laughed at her sudden outburst.

“Hanuel ah, he is right. You should not be eating this now.” Appa said.

Haneul pouted and sank into the couch.

“I’ll get you ice cream?” I tried to coax her.

“Forget it. I’ll wash the dishes.” She mumbled, going into the kitchen.

My umma looked at me, and then gestured me to go over.

“Aie~ What a baby.” I mumbled as I went after her.

“Darling~” I hugged her from behind.

“Go away.” She said with a pout, elbowing my ribs.

“Oww…” I pouted at her, tiring to look as pitiful as ever.

“Not cute.” She said.

“Of course. You’re the cutest.” I pinched her cheek lightly.

“How can you compare me to you?” She said.

“I wouldn’t dare.” I kissed her cheek.

“Come on, give me some face. My family is here. We’ll go for ice cream later on, okay?” I said.

“Whatever.” She mumbled.

“Aww, don’t be angry~” I poked her.

“Wash the dishes.” She pushed me towards the sink.

I looked at her, and then the pile of plates.

“Sure! It’s my hobby!” I smiled as I washed the damn dishes.

After dessert, we chatted for a while more, mostly on wedding stuff. We sent them back after that although they insisted that it was okay. But Haneul already grabbed the keys, so they did not have much choice after all.

“Thank you for dinner.” Appa said.

“Thank you for coming.” I smiled.

“What are you talking about? You’re my son.” He said.

“Then what are you talking about? You’re my appa.” I said.

We looked at each other and then started laughing.

“And I am your brother!” Junsung yelled, jumping onto my back.

“Yea, yea~ The most annoying brother ever.” I said, smacking his .

“It’s late. Go back, both of you. Get off your brother’s back. Do you not have legs?” Umma said, pulling Junsung down.

“I knew it! You always loved hyung more!” Junsung pouted.

“Junsung!” Umma frowned.

“But it’s okay. Because I know hyung loves me more~” Junsung leaned against me.

I am really starting to suspect he does not have a backbone.

“Oh. I hope I’m still in time for this.” I said, taking out my wallet.

I handed them my credit card.

“What’s this?” Appa asked, looking at me.

“To buy clothes for the wedding.” I said.

“We have money, Junhyung ah~” Umma said, pushing the card back to me.

I shook my head.

“Please, take it. It’s the least I can do, for now.” I said.

“Just take it.” Haneul said, putting the card in my umma’s palms.

“But…” Umma looked at me.

“I’m your son.” I said.

Umma nodded and smiled at me.

“We’ll be presentable on that day.” Appa said.

“Just be my parents, that’s enough.” I smiled.

“I’ll make sure umma and appa look even better than you! And I wouldn’t buy too fancy clothes because I don’t wish to take away your limelight.” Junsung smiled.

“You can just come or something, I don’t care.” I said.

“Really!? I can come !?” He beamed.

“Are you really my brother? Or did something happen in the States?” I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders.

“Okay, it’s late! Go on back!” My umma pushed us both lightly.

We bid them goodbye before heading for ice cream as I promised Haneul. By the time we arrived home, we were both tired. We took a quick shower and lied down on the bed, cuddling.

“Thank you.” I said.

“For what?” She asked.

“Everything. It’s been so long since dinner was so… warm.” I said.

She nodded.

“But you are tired, aren’t you? Doing so much.” I kissed her hair.

“Everything is worth the smile on your face, Junroro.” She said.

“Everything is worth the smile on your face too.” I said.

She did not answer me. I looked down to find her chewing on my shirt.

“What are you doing!?” I looked at her.

“Hee~ I am a t-shirt monster!” She showed her two front teeth.

She sank her teeth into my shoulders, biting me.

“OWWWW!!!!” I whined, but she kept on biting me all over.

Tiredness can make one go crazy, Haneul proven it. 

***
Junhyung: Why are you here?

Junhyung: UMMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!