It had been a perfectly ordinary day.

It was a Friday so as usual, when school ended, Myungsoo picked up Donghyun from the kindergarten a block away from his middle school. Then, the two took the bus to the ToHeart café, where they would wait for Woohyun to get off of work at 6pm. In there, Myungsoo did his homework while Donghyun charmed the guests. And right on time, Sunggyu arrived to pick them all up and drive them home.

It was a routine that they had adopted after they enrolled Donghyun in kindergarten. Mrs. Wang still worked for them but she was getting older, so they had opted to start giving her the weekends off. So far, this routine had never been disrupted.

So, it was to both Woohyun and Sunggyu’s surprise when they saw an unfamiliar figure standing around outside their home – a silhouette of a woman.

Sunggyu parked the car at the curb and Woohyun got out, immediately to approach and ask if the woman needed help or assistance.

“Excuse me, Miss? Do you need help?” he asked, politely.

The woman’s back visibly stiffened. Slowly, she turned around and Woohyun’s eyes widened as he got the shock of his life.

“E-Eunseo?”

She looked different… definitely older but still the beautiful woman that she was four years ago. She was dressed nicely in a suede coat and leather boots and in her hand was an expensive-looking handbag. She looked quite the upper-class woman now.

Eunseo smiled, slightly and bowed to him. “Hello, Woohyun-shii. It’s been a while.”

Woohyun swallowed the lump in his throat as fear enveloped him. Why was she here? She wasn’t planning on taking Donghyun… was she?

Before he could voice out his questions, Sunggyu and the kids were approaching. At the sight of the woman, Sunggyu stopped.

“Eunseo?” he also said in disbelief.

The woman bowed to him. “Hello, Sunggyu-shii.”

“W-What are you doing here?” Sunggyu asked, suddenly pulling the curious-looking Donghyun behind him.

Meanwhile, Myungsoo was staring at Eunseo, his eyes unreadable.

The woman’s gaze had fallen on the little boy behind Sunggyu now, her expression softening at the sight of him.

“Donghyun…”

That seemed to break whatever spell took over Woohyun and he immediately stepped up to the gate and unlocked it while saying, “Myungsoo, bring your brother inside. Now.”

Without questioning him, Myungsoo took Donghyun into his arms and quickly walked past the woman to get inside. The whole time, Eunseo didn’t move from her spot nor did she take her eyes off the 5-year-old.

“Hyung, who’s the pretty lady?” they heard Donghyun ask.

Woohyun swallowed another lump in his throat as he felt Sunggyu at his side.

Eunseo was still looking at the gate, even if the front door was now closed. “He’s grown so much,” she said, in a low voice. “And so handsome.”

“Eunseo-shii,” Sunggyu said, coldly. “Why are you here?”

The woman turned to them now, looking calm and collected.

She was so different from the soft-spoken and frightened woman whom they knew four years ago. She seemed much taller and more confident, with her head held high. But, one thing hadn’t changed: the sadness in her eyes when she looked at Donghyun.

“How did you even know where we moved to?” Woohyun couldn’t help but ask.

They had moved out of their old condo unit when Donghyun turned two. The place just wasn’t big enough anymore and sooner or later, they knew that Donghyun would need his own room and so did Myungsoo.

“I got the address from Dr. Jang,” she answered. “Please don’t be mad at him, I begged him for it. I… I just needed to talk to you both.”

Woohyun made a mental note to give Dongwoo a piece of his mind tonight as soon as he was in the safety of their home. He was his friend but he had no right to give such information to anyone!

“I’ll ask you again… why are you here?” Sunggyu asked.

To their surprise, she smiled widely and held up her left hand. On her ring finger, a white gold band with a shining diamond glinted back at them.

“I’m getting married,” she stated, genuine joy reflected in her eyes.

Woohyun could not recall ever seeing her with that expression before.

“I met him in America,” she continued. “And he proposed three months ago. He… He’s a good man and he makes me happy. I love him and he loves me, unconditionally. I… I told him about Donghyun.”

Woohyun felt his protective instincts flare. “If you’re here to take him away-.”

“No!” she immediately interrupted, waving her hands. “Not at all! No, of course not. I…” She bit her lip. “Even if I wanted him back, I know I have lost every right to do so. When I left him with the two of you, I knew he’d be well-loved and taken care of… and I was right. He’s grown so well… thank you.”

She bowed to them in gratitude.

“I’m not here to take him away,” she continued. “But… I am here to ask for a favor.” Her voice now held a hint of fear and uncertainty. “My fiancé… After I told him about Donghyun, he suggested that I come back to Korea and… see him… At first, I protested. I didn’t want to disturb your peaceful life again. But, I thought about it and realized that… I want to see him… To hold him just once more and tell him that I love him and that I’m sorry for leaving him…” She swallowed. “I know I have no right to ask you… But… please… give me a chance to be with my son, even if it’s just for an hour.”

And to the couple’s further astonishment, Eunseo bowed at 90-degrees.

Woohyun turned his head to Sunggyu who was also looking at him with an equally questioning look. Neither of them was sure on how to answer.

“Woohyun, are you sure about this?”

“If I wasn’t, I wouldn't have said, ‘yes’.”

“But-.”

“Kim Sunggyu.” Woohyun put his knife down to stare at his husband. “I told you I was fine with this. When I asked you if you were, you said you were too. Are you changing your mind?”

Sunggyu ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I guess I’m just… worried?”

His heart softening, Woohyun asked, “What are you so worried about? It’s only for a few hours. And we agreed to do this for Donghyun.”

It had been a week since Eunseo came to ask them if she could see Donghyun. And finally, after three days of talking and deliberation, they told her that she could come on Saturday and spend the afternoon with them. She had agreed, immediately.

Woohyun had calmly accepted the whole thing, but Sunggyu was a bundle of nerves every time it was brought up. Woohyun figured it was because seeing Eunseo again brought back all the memories of the past. After all this time, Sunggyu had still not forgiven himself.

His husband released a deep sigh. “You know how Donghyun is. He gets attached to people really fast. And you know that Eunseo is not here to stay. I don’t want Donghyun to be left behind again. When he was a baby, he didn’t realize it. But, he’s five now. He might forget about it in the future but what about at the end of the day? The following days? What if he’ll keep asking for her to come back? He’ll get hurt and upset and…” He sighed. “I’m just worried.”

Sunggyu looked like he was going to start hyperventilating so Woohyun placed both hands on his husband’s cheeks and kissed him. He felt his husband loosen up and relax. Nothing else could calm Sunggyu down as well as Woohyun's kiss.

When the kiss broke, he offered the older a reassuring smile. “It will be okay. We just have to explain to Donghyun the situation as much as we can. We promised not to keep secrets from him, remember?”

“I just didn’t think it would happen this soon,” Sunggyu mumbled but sighed again. “Alright.”

“Are you calm?”

“A little.” Then, he grinned. “Maybe one more kiss will do the trick?”

Woohyun rolled his eyes and indulged him with another peck. Sunggyu made an excited noise as he pushed Woohyun back against the counter, intending to deepen the kiss.

Right then, the doorbell rang. Woohyun sighed in relief as he pushed, gently, at his husband’s chest. “It’s probably her. Go get the door. I’ll finish up here and follow you.”

Nodding, Sunggyu left the kitchen to greet their guest.

Turning back to the carrots for his japchae, he cut them up quickly before setting them aside to be fried later. He wiped his hands and took off his apron. Smoothing his hair to look a bit presentable, he left the kitchen to the living room.

Eunseo, Sunggyu, and Myungsoo were standing in the middle of the living room, awkwardly, while Donghyun was nonchalantly playing in his little corner with his toys. The little boy threw the adults and his brother a few curious look as he played.

Woohyun shook his head and stepped up. “Eunseo-shi, hello,” he greeted with a bow.

She bowed back to him before her eyes fell on Donghyun again, who was watching her with curious eyes.

It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath, Woohyun waved the little boy over. “Donghyunnie, come here, please.”

Immediately, the little boy got up and walked over, still wary of the unfamiliar woman with them. Once he reached Woohyun’s side, the man lowered himself to the floor.

“Donghyunnie, do you know this lady?” he asked, first.

Donghyun shook his head, but shyly smiled at Eunseo before bowing politely and saying, “Hello. I’m Kim Donghyun.”

Her eyes lit up at the acknowledgement as her hands twitched at her sides. She was itching to hold him, Woohyun could tell. So he opted not to beat around the bush anymore.

“This is Eunseo-shii,” he said. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he added, “She’s your umma.”

Donghyun perked at that. “Umma?”

Woohyun nodded.

"I've never had an umma before."

Meanwhile, Eunseo looked just about ready to cry as her smile widened with joy. “H-Hi, Donghyun.” She kneeled on the floor in front of him. “It’s nice to see you again. You’re so big now. When I last saw you, you were only one.”

“I’m 5 years old now!” the little boy announced, proudly.

“I… I know. I remember your birthday. I actually brought you a late gift. Is it okay if I give it to you?”

Donghyun’s eyes lit up at the mention of a gift. He nodded, excitedly and Eunseo took a gift bag from beside her and handed it to him. Donghyun immediately opened it, ripping the tissue paper to reveal the gift: a stuffed bunny.

“Bunny!” he exclaimed, hugging the toy. “Now, Momo has a friend! Momo is my bunny. Harabeoji and Halmeoni gave him to me,” he explained to Eunseo.

“What will you name this one?”

“Hmm, I haven’t decided yet. But I will later.” He tilted his head to the side. “You’re my umma?”

Eunseo nodded.

“Where do you live? How come you don’t visit? Appa says you live far away.”

The woman looked guilty now but she nodded anyway. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry that I haven’t visited you. I do live far away. In America.”

Donghyun gasped. “Where Disneyland is? Do you live there? I want to go there but Appa says he’ll take me and Soo-hyung to the one in Tokyo when I’m older.” He looked up at Sunggyu. “Appa, when can we go to Disneyland?”

Sunggyu, who had been frozen during the entire interaction, looked suddenly startled at the question. “Oh… Um… Soon, Donghyunnie. When you’re a little older. Okay?”

The boy nodded before turning back to Woohyun and whispered in his ear, “Papa, Umma is pretty.”

At the shyness in his son’s voice, Woohyun chuckled. “Really? Why don’t you show her some of your favorite toys, hmm? You can play with her while Papa gets lunch ready, okay?”

“Okay!” Donghyun piped before turning to Eunseo and taking her hand. “Come, Umma, I want to show you my robots!”

A surprised on her face at the turn of events, Eunseo allowed Donghyun to drag her to his play corner with all his toys.

Meanwhile, Woohyun, Sunggyu, and Myungsoo stayed rooted to their spot, watching them.

“That went… better than I expected,” Sunggyu stated, with disbelief.

“Like you said, Donghyun attaches to people really fast. Maybe, he feels some sort of connection.”

Sighing, Woohyun turned to their 12-year-old who had not spoken a word the entire time. Normally, he would have played with Donghyun too and entertained their guest. But, this time, he hadn’t left Sunggyu’s side.

“You okay there, Myungie?” he asked.

Myungsoo nodded, his eyes still trained on the mother and son duo.

“Do you… remember her?” Sunggyu asked, warily.

The boy furrowed his brows. “A little… I think… Did I used to call her noona?”

Sunggyu nodded. “You did. We went to her house a lot to visit Donghyun. Do you remember?”

Myungsoo nodded.

Though, he never really asked, Woohyun and Sunggyu sometimes wondered if the 12-year-old had finally realized the absurdity of how their little family had formed. He was so young when Donghyun came into their lives and his memories of the time were vivid, but he didn’t understand them before. They swore that if Myungsoo asked, they wouldn’t lie to him. But, they also worried about how this would affect his relationship with Donghyun… and Sunggyu.

Woohyun placed a hand on his shoulder with a reassuring smile. “Want to help me with lunch?”

He hoped that helping in the kitchen would distract the middle schooler for a bit.

And it did. They spent a good half hour cooking and Myungsoo seemed back to his usual cheerful self. But, when lunch came around and they all gathered at the table, he appeared to close off again, only speaking when spoken to and often staring off into space, in his own little world.

After lunch, Donghyun made himself comfortable in Eunseo’s arms on the couch as she read him a story. Myungsoo sat on the other end of the couch, watching and listening. Woohyun and Sunggyu excused themselves to clean up the dining table together.

And Sunggyu had ulterior motives as he pressed Woohyun against the counter, kissing him and not allowing him a second to breath.

“You’re insatiable,” Woohyun complained as the older nipped at his neck. “We have a guest! And our children are here!”

“That’s why we have to do this quickly and quietly, yeobo,” Sunggyu whispered before kissing him again.

Woohyun indulged him for a few moments more before pushing at his chest. “If you help me clean up, quickly, I’ll reward you tonight.”

Sunggyu’s eyes glinted with mischief. “Promise?”

Woohyun smacked his arm. “ert… and promise.”

Happy at the reward, Sunggyu released him and they returned to cleaning up and putting the leftovers away. Woohyun placed a couple in containers for Eunseo to take with her. She mentioned how much she missed authentic Korean food while she was in America and that Woohyun’s japchae was the best she had ever tasted.

This Eunseo was definitely not the same Eunseo that Woohyun and Sunggy knew four years ago. She spoke out her thoughts more and was no longer avoiding their eyes when they spoke to her. The only person she was really shy with was Donghyun, but throughout the entire time she was around him, she could barely keep her eyes off her son for more than a minute… as if she was memorizing his face and embedding it into her memory.

Woohyun couldn’t help but marvel at the change. Under any other circumstances, if it wasn’t for their past, he would probably like her and want to be friends with her.

Unfortunately, they had a painful past. Perhaps, someday, he could offer her friendship. But, for today, he could be amicable.

Once the dining area was clean and the food in the fridge, they went back into the living room. Eunseo and Donghyun were still cuddled on the couch but Myungsoo was gone.

“Where’s Myungsoo?” Woohyun asked.

“Hyungie went to his room,” Donghyun answered, pouting. “He looked sick. Donghyunnie asked if he needed a hug but he didn’t say anything.”

That was quite strange. Their eldest rarely rejected a sign of affection from his brother. Woohyun was worried.

“I’ll check on him,” he said before excusing himself and heading upstairs to the bedrooms.

He knocked on Myungsoo’s door before opening it and announcing himself.

“Myungie-ah?”

Myungsoo was sitting on his bed, fiddling with his camera.

“Are you okay, baby? Do you feel sick?” Woohyun asked, as he walked towards the bed and sat beside his son.

Myungsoo shook his head without saying a word and only continued to go through his photos.

Now, Woohyun knew his son. He knew his habits, knew what he needed before he even asked, and knew when something was bothering him. And something was definitely not right at the moment.

“Are you upset about something?” he couldn’t help but ask. “You know, I’m always here to listen if you need me to. You can count on me.”

Myungsoo paused right then, appearing to contemplate. Then, sighing, he turned the camera off and put it on his side table.

He turned to Woohyun. “Papa… you’re married to Appa… so why is Donghyun’s umma someone else?” he asked.

It was the day he and Sunggyu had dreaded the most. And they swore that they would never lie to him. Woohyun wasn’t going to break that vow. But, perhaps, it would be better if Sunggyu was with them.

“We can discuss it later with Appa,” he answered. “It involves him too so… I don’t want to talk about your Appa behind his back. Not about this. We want to tell you together. Is that okay?”

Myungsoo nodded.

“And whatever you hear from us, I want you to know that your Appa loves you and me and Donghyun so much. Never forget that.”

Myungsoo nodded again. “Can I ask another question?”

Woohyun smiled reassuredly as he patted he his head. “Of course. What is it?”

The 12-year-old appeared to hesitate. He twiddled his fingers at his stomach, swallowing a few times. Woohyun waited, patiently.

Finally, Myungsoo took a deep breath and asked, “How come my umma never came to visit me?”

The question caught Woohyun off-guard so he could only stare at his son… his heartbroken son. He could finally see it in the boy’s dark brown orbs, the only trait he inherited from his mother. People may say that he had Woohyun’s eyes but Woohyun knew better; Myungsoo had Sangmi’s eyes.

“My umma doesn’t love me, does she?” the 12-year-old said, his tone resigned… defeated.

That broke Woohyun from his stupor as his eyes widened at the declaration. “No, that’s not true. Your umma loved you.”

“Then why did she leave me? Why didn’t she stay? Or visit? And you can’t tell me it's because she lives far away. I’m not a kid anymore, Papa. I know that’s not why she hasn’t come to see me. It’s because she doesn’t want me.”

“Myungsoo…”

But, Woohyun couldn’t say another word because it was true. Sangmi didn’t want Myungsoo. But, she didn’t hate him either.

Myungsoo’s eyes were glistening. He was close to tears. Ever since he was a baby, Woohyun hated seeing his son cry.

He sighed. “Myungsoo… listen to me, baby. Will you listen?”

The boy nodded.

Woohyun wrapped an arm around his shoulder and brought him to his side. Myungsoo curled up against him, as he slung his own arm around his father’s waist and looked up at him, ready to hear him out.

Woohyun smiled at his son. “You know… I always tell you that when you were born, I cried because I was so happy that I finally had my baby, my son, in my arms. But, I never told you that your umma cried too.”

Myungsoo’s eyes widened in surprise. “She… she did?”

Woohyun nodded. He remembered it well and decided that Myungsoo needed to finally hear the story. The real one.

He had been in the middle of a baking class when the hospital called him to let him know that Sangmi was in labor. Kibum had driven him to the hospital and he had arrived right on time to hold her hand. He thought she would break his fingers at how strong her grip was but it made the pain worth it when he heard those piercing cries. And when his son was first placed in his arms, he cried. When he showed the baby's face to Sangmi, the tears she had cried during the labor multiplied tenfold.

“He’s so beautiful,” she had whimpered. “Woohyun, he’s so beautiful.”

Myungsoo had arrived a month early, so he had to be incubated for a while. Sangmi never failed to visit him while he was in there. Woohyun was often with her and heard her whispered apologies to the baby. Often, during those times, he wondered if she would change her mind. But, she never did. And when Myungsoo was deemed healthy enough to leave the hospital, she signed away her rights, visited him, held him, and kissed him one last time before she finally walked out of their lives. He had not heard from her ever since.

“When she made the decision to leave you with me, I knew it wasn’t an easy one for her,” Woohyun continued, bringing his son closer to him and kissing his forehead in comfort. “She had dreams, big ones. And she knew that she couldn’t fulfill them and be your mother at the same time. She loved you so much that she decided that the best thing to do was to leave you with me because she knew that I would take care of you and love you in her stead. And I do, baby.” He kissed his forehead again. “I love you so much, Myungsoo.”

The 12-year-old sniffled as he finally allowed his tears to fall. “I love you too, Papa.” He looked up at him. “Is Donghyun’s umma taking him away?”

Woohyun shook his head. “No, she’s only visiting. She missed him, that’s why. Donghyun stays with us.”

“Do you think… my umma misses me too?”

Woohyun smiled at him. “I have no doubt that she does. Maybe… she’s not ready to face you, yet. Maybe she regretted it and she thinks that you hate her. Or maybe, she knows that you’re happy and fine with your life and doesn’t want to disturb it. Whatever the reason why she has not visited you, I’m sure that she wishes she could. And Myungsoo, someday, if she does decide to come around and visit, I won’t deprive her of you and you shouldn’t either, okay? She’s still your umma, no matter what.”

Myungsoo nodded and swallowed. “What if… she tries to take me away from you and Appa?”

Woohyun placed a hand on the little boy’s cheeks and said, strongly, “Then, I’ll fight for you. I won’t let you leave us. Unless, of course, you want to.”

Myungsoo gasped at the insinuation. “Never! I’ll never leave you and Appa!”

“Good! Because we don’t want our baby to leave us either!” Woohyun playfully messed up his hair.

“Papaaaa!” Myungsoo whined, trying to break away from his hug now.

Woohyun laughed and let him go, watching fondly as his not-so-little-anymore boy tried to fix his unruly curls.

“Myungsoo, no matter what anyone else says, I’m still your Papa, Sunggyu is your Appa, and Donghyun is your brother, alright?”

With a smile, Myungsoo nodded.

“Are you feeling better?”

He nodded again.

“Do you want to go back out there? Your brother looked sad when you left.”

The boy looked worried at that. “I’ll wash my face and follow.” His eyes and nose were all red and puffy.

“Alright.”

“Papa.”

“Hmm?”

“You don’t have to tell me about what Appa did. At least, not right now. Maybe in the future, I’ll ask again. I..." He bit his lip. "I remember when we lived with Halmeoni for a while. You said you two had a fight. But, we went back to him because you loved him. So... if what he did was that bad and you forgave him and he’s still with us, then that’s all I need to know. I still love Appa.”

Ahhh, his son was really growing up. Woohyun's heart warmed at that. He nodded. “Okay. But, if you change your mind, you let us know. We’ll tell you the truth.”

With that, Woohyun left him to freshen up and go back downstairs.

Donghyun and Eunseo were back to playing with his toys while Sunggyu was sitting on the couch, watching a variety show. Woohyun sat next to him, curling up to his side.

“Is Myungsoo okay?” he asked.

“He’s fine. But… um…”

Woohyun proceeded to tell the older what he and Myungsoo talked about. His face got worried when he told him about Myungsoo asking about Donghyun’s mother, but softened when Myungsoo said he still loved him.

“What did I ever do to deserve you both?”

Woohyun pecked his nose. “You were probably some great military general in the past who saved thousands. And we are your reward.”

The adoration shined in Sunggyu’s eyes as he kissed Woohyun’s forehead.

Myungsoo arrived, his face less red and puffy like they were earlier. At the sight of the two of them on the couch, he smiled. Sunggyu held out a hand and he took it, giving Sunggyu a hug.

“You’re the best, Appa,” he whispered before pulling away and heading over to Donghyun’s play corner.

He sat cross-legged next to his brother. “Donghyunnie, did you show your umma your animals?”

Donghyun gapsed in horror. “No, I didn’t! Umma! I’m gonna go get my animals!”

He got up and toddled over to Sunggyu. “Appa, help me, please!”

Sunggyu chuckled but nonetheless got up, picked him up, and brought him upstairs.

“Myungsoo-ah, you’re all grown now. And so handsome too.”

Woohyun perked his ears, even as he kept his eyes on the television.

“Thank you, Noona. How have you been?”

“I’m alright. I live in America now.”

“Is it nice there?”

“It is. You should all visit me some time.”

“Sure.”

“Donghyun told me that you’re the best big brother in the world because you take care of him so well. Thank you.”

“Because I love Donghyun. He’s my baby brother.”

“That, he is.”

Just then, Donghyun came rushing down the stairs, Sunggyu behind him holding a box of plastic animal figurines.

“Umma! Here are my animals! Look! Look! I can name them all! Hyungie taught me! He’s the best!”

Sunggyu sat back down next to Woohyun, looking exhausted. All the stress of the day must have caught up to him.

“Tired?” Woohyun asked.

His husband laid his head on his shoulder. “A little. Let me close my eyes for a bit.”

Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep. Woohyun let him nap, knowing he was exhausted from all the worrying. His silly husband. But he loved him so.

At the end of the day, it was time for Eunseo to leave. Donghyun had gotten upset at that and was currently pouting as the woman was putting on her coat.

“Will you visit again?” he asked. “I had fun today.”

Eunseo appeared to hesitate to answer before sighing. Getting down on the floor on her knees, she brought Donghyun into her arms.

“I have to go back to America soon,” she said to him, blinking back tears. “And I don’t know when I’ll be able to visit again. But, know that I love you, okay? I love you so much, my Donghyunnie.”

She kissed his forehead and hugged him again, tightly. When she was ready, she let him go with a smile.

“Be good, okay?”

Donghyun nodded and kissed her cheek. “I'm going to name my bunny Dubu."

The woman smiled. "That's a perfect name. Always keep Dubu by your side, okay? If you miss me, you can hug her sometimes. I'll feel it."

"I'll hug her lots and lots! Bye bye, Umma.”

Eunseo sniffled as she held back her tears. “Goodbye, baby.”

Woohyun and Sunggyu walked her outside to the gate. When she reached it, she turned around to them.

“Thank you so much, both of you. This day means a lot to me. I’ll forever be grateful to you for everything you’ve done for Donghyun. And… I’m sorry… Again… For everything.”

“You’re welcome to visit him any time, Eunseo-shii,” Sunggyu said. “He’s your son too. And he had fun playing with you today.”

She nodded with a smile. “I know.”

Woohyun could tell that they might not be seeing her for a while. Perhaps, Donghyun might even forget her after today. That thought saddened him.

He stepped up with the bag of food he had packed earlier. “This is for you, please enjoy them.” As her hands reached out to take the bag, he held her hands and flashed her a smile. “We mean it. Come visit him when you can. Introduce him to your future husband too.”

She looked surprised at that but nodded. “I will. Thank you. So much.”

With one last bow and a flying kiss to Donghyun who was standing by the front door with Myungsoo, Eunseo left.

“Quite a day we had, huh?” Woohyun said as they got ready for bed. “Donghyun was exhausted. He fell asleep right away.”

Sunggyu watched as his younger husband fluffed the pillows.                                                                

“But you know what he said to me when I was putting him to bed? He said that even if his umma asked to take him away, he wouldn’t go with her. Because he loves us and Myungsoo.” Woohyun smoothed out the blankets. “I think he sees Eunseo more as a playmate than an actual mother. It would be nice if she could see him more. But, isn’t the flight from America to Korea really long? Probably expensive too. I wonder if-.”

Sunggyu wrapped his arms around his husband, digging his nose into his neck to inhale his scent. Woohyun was freshly showered; he smelt like his favorite sea breeze-scented body wash.

“Yeobo? You okay?”

“Mmhmm…” Sunggyu kissed his neck. “Don’t mind me. I guess I’m just feeling sentimental.”

Woohyun turned around in his arms. “Why?”

Sunggyu shrugged. “I guess after today, I realized how good I have it. With you, our sons… my life is… great. Sometimes, I feel that I don’t deserve it.”

Woohyun placed a hand on his cheek. “Isn’t it time you forgive yourself?” he asked, his eyes sorrowful. “I forgave you a long time ago, you know. And we’re so happy now. Myungsoo and Donghyun are growing well. And Eunseo finally found love and happiness…. Isn’t it time, Sunggyu?”

Sunggyu felt his chest ache with pain and guilt. He had thought about it numerous times in the last four years. He felt like he didn’t deserve this happiness or his own forgiveness. But, after today, he couldn’t help but realize that everyone had moved on.

His parents. His in-laws. Woohyun. Even Eunseo. They had all moved on with their lives… except for him.

He felt a hand on his other cheek and made eye contact with Woohyun’s loving gaze.

“I love you, Sunggyu,” he declared. “So, please… forgive yourself? I’m not saying we forget the past. But, yeobo, you have to stop punishing yourself by saying that you don’t deserve us. You do. And we love you, no matter what.”

Something wet trickled down his cheeks and Sunggyu realized it was his tears. He was crying. Oh, good Lord, he was crying in front of his husband!

Woohyun chuckled as he wiped away the tears. “Don’t cry. Be happy. Okay, yeobo?”

Sunggyu pressed his forehead against the younger’s. “I love you, Woohyun.”

His husband was right. It was time to move on and face the future with a clean slate. His past mistakes would never be forgotten. But, now, instead of making them his weakness, he would use them to be stronger.

He would be strong for Woohyun. For his sons. For himself.

He was ready.

Bring it on, life.

A/N: Surprise! Did I shock you, guys? Lol, I had been planning this extra chapter since Chapter 8, actually. I knew how it was gonna go down and had parts of it already written and laid out. I thought I'd give the focus on Myungsoo this time since we saw more of Donghyun in the Epilogue. Plus, you learn a little bit about Myungsoo's mom and know that she really did love her son; it's just, he wasn't part of her plans and she couldn't be a mom to him. Just like Eunseo. And a couple of you were curious about Eunseo in your comments and I felt so bad that I couldn't answer them cause I didn't want to spoil the surprise!

But, anyway, I hope you guys liked that!

The title of this Extra comes from Infinite's "Thank You." 

And, once again, a huge, huge, huge, HUGE thank you to every single one of you who read this through the end!

'Til the next one!