“Thank you… for saving me and my baby..” Hakyeon said with shaky voice as once again he tried to stop himself from crying. He took on shaky breathe again before saying, “Thank you…” and right after he looked down to the blanket that was covering his lap. “I don’t know… how I can repay you… We were going to die…” He continued with helplessness lacing his voice. Hakyeon knew he was not able to even if he wanted. And judging from Taekwoon’s attire, a small reward may not be enough at all.

On the other side, Taekwoon was flustered. He was rendered speechless, only gaping once in a while in effort to say something which ended up stuck in . Hakyeon was slightly shaking while thanking him and Taekwoon’s hand that was not holding a plastic bag was reached out to touch Hakyeon’s shoulder awkwardly.

“It’s okay… It’s okay…”

Taekwoon took his seat at the chair provided by Hakyeon’s bed slowly. “You don’t have to do anything, Hakyeon-ssi… It’s fine… Just, be healthy for your baby…” He spoke very clearly, the nervousness went away with the sight of helpless Hakyeon.

Hakyeon hummed and looked away to wipe his tears that was pooling by the corner of his eyes once again. It has been so long since someone offered him with such kind words. And Hakyeon felt guilty he had to be reminded by a stranger to take care of his baby.

He had been so careless in taking care of the live he was carrying inside him. Often wallowing in self-pity and blaming others, blaming the surrounding, blaming everything that he could including himself for the struggles he faced. Yesterday was the last straw when a pick pocket stole few bills from his wallet. Not minding the excruciating pain from his stomach, Hakyeon decided to fight against the petty thief. He tried to chase after, to put up struggles to save that few bills but Hakyeon was proven to be the weaker one. He was easily pushed down, resulting in sprained ankle and him screaming in pain. Few people came to check but Hakyeon refused the help. He was foolish, he thought. Those few bills cannot be exchanged with the baby he carried. Right there and then, Hakyeon felt lost. He felt done living.

“Hey…” Taekwoon’s voice brought him back from his own thoughts. “Here..” Taekwoon offered him tissues when he noticed Hakyeon was lost in his thoughts and more tears started streaming down his face as moments passed by.

Hakyeon took them reluctantly, still silent.

“What happened, Hakyeon-ssi…? What happened that day you fainted…?” Taekwoon asked carefully out of curiosity.

It brought back painful memories of all the things Hakyeon suffered which eventually brought him to that faithful day Taekwoon saved him. He swallowed the lump in . “Nothing…” He answered, not wanting to recall them again. “I was… too tired…”

Taekwoon nodded. “I’m sorry…” He looked at the bedside table to place the food he bought. “Look, I bought you yogurt…and strawberries… It’s good for pregnancy.” He said happily and confidently trying to change the sombre atmosphere. “You should eat some aside from the hospital’s meal..” With that, Taekwoon ran his gaze to the table where Hakyeon’s meal was placed and noticed that it was untouched.

“Haven’t had lunch yet…?” He asked, worried.

“I… don’t feel good..” Hakyeon answered truthfully, shaking his head.

“But you have to… Food will help