Things calmed down for the next two months.

Sunggyu stayed busy at work. So did Woohyun. Myungsoo turned seven years old.

Aside from their little one turning a year older, it was uneventful for the most part.

True to his word, Sunggyu spoke to his mother, telling her everything that happened that prompted Woohyun’s request (read: demand). And wanting nothing more than to please her beloved son-in-law, Mrs. Kim immediately got to work.

Mrs. Patricia Wang was a half-Chinese, half-Korean woman who was in her late 50’s. She recently moved from Daegu to Seoul and was looking for work. A widow with 3 grown children who all worked overseas and left her alone with nothing to do, she applied for the position as she had previously worked in childcare and could better assist a pregnant Eunseo.

Their arrangement was simple: Mrs. Wang would arrive at Eunseo’s apartment every morning at promptly 9am. She would take care of all the cooking, cleaning, and daily errands. On some days, she would accompany Eunseo out for a walk or shopping or any activity she desired to do for the day. In the evenings, she would leave for home at exactly 8pm. Her day off was every Sunday.

Mrs. Wang, in Sunggyu’s opinion, was a Godsent from heaven. With her around, he didn’t need to go and see Eunseo as much as he used to. He visited every few weeks, just to check up on things and he never stayed for long. Sometimes, he brought food for them and little gifts and necessities for the baby. During Eunseo’s doctor’s appointments, he brought Howon and if Howon wasn’t available, Mrs. Wang would accompany them.

He made sure that he was never left alone with Eunseo and thus, easing Woohyun’s worries every time Sunggyu left the house.

He knew that in making his husband more comfortable, he was being cold and distant with the mother of his child. But, he was at his wit’s end. He didn’t want to pay too much attention to Eunseo, but he didn’t want to isolate and abandon her either. She didn’t have any trusted friends in Seoul nor had she told her family that she was pregnant. He had offered several times to accompany her to tell them but she refused each time.

“I’ll tell them when the time is right, but not right now,” she told him once.

Meanwhile, after his breakdown a few months ago, Woohyun was starting to get back to himself once more. His staring blankly into space had been happening less and less. He was attentive to Sunggyu and Myungsoo like the good housewife he was (don’t tell him Sunggyu said that; he would just hit him). He was doing well at work, his food often getting compliments from customers. He would hang out with his brother or Dongwoo or take Myungsoo out shopping for no reason.

But, he still looked terrified every time Sunggyu told him he was visiting Eunseo. Every mention of the woman still made him tense and made his mood plummet so much that Sunggyu avoided saying her name as much as he could. He even pulled Myungsoo aside one day, telling the little boy not to talk too much about his sibling around Woohyun (“Papa is just really busy these days, we don’t want him to worry anymore,” he told him, though he never specified exactly what worried Woohyun).

Sometimes, he really couldn’t help but mentally hit himself for the predicament that he put himself and his family in.

His mother had excellent advice when he got together with her for tea one day. (Yes, she was now talking to him and had stopped throwing things at his head whenever he came to visit her.)

“No matter how you look at it, Woohyun and Myungsoo are still your priority as they are your family, legally too, mind you,” she said to him. “So, you have to make them feel that way. I know you’re torn and your father and I are too. Don’t get us wrong, we’re thrilled that we’re having a new grandchild, despite the circumstances. But, we won’t forget to let Myungsoo know that we don’t love him any less, just because he’s having a sibling. He’s our grandbaby, our first, and that will never change.”

“Even though you’re technically not related to him?” he had asked, absentmindedly.

It was then that his mother hit him in the head with a magazine. “Blood does not make family!” she shrieked at him. “He’s our grandbaby!”

And that was that.

Woohyun was his husband and Myungsoo was his son. They were his priority.

So, he was doing his best to compensate.

For example, that day, they were out, spending the day as a family at the mall. He felt like he owed it to them after being busy with work for so long. He even missed a few events at Myungsoo’s school. So, today, he swore it was going to be just them.

They explored the mall, not really having a plan or destination in mind, just window shopping and buying a few snacks. Skipping along in front of them was Myungsoo, leading the way to wherever he desired to go.

Sunggyu was holding hands with Woohyun, a gesture so simple yet it sent tingles all over his body.

They were normally a very affectionate couple, but in the last few months, things between them felt so cold and empty. There was a kind of distance between them, though not as wide as it was at the beginning, but it was noticeable. Sunggyu was doing everything he could to bridge that gap and let them go back to the way they were before all this… before his mistakes.

Suddenly, he felt Woohyun’s hand leave his grasp, as the other paused in his tracks, his head turned towards something that caught his eye.

“Gyu, look, it’s so cute,” he stated, a small smile on his lips.

Sunggyu called for Myungsoo to stop and come back because his Papa found something. Following his husband’s gaze, his eyes met the wide, window display of a baby store.

The corporate man raised an eyebrow. “What’s cute?” he asked as Woohyun left his side to approach the store.

Taking Myungsoo’s hand, they followed. The younger had his face practically pressed up to the window.

“The mobile,” he said pointing at it, looking excited. “Isn’t it cute?”

It looked just like any other baby mobile. Its base color was white and hanging from it were four animals: a gray elephant, a brown gorilla, a red monkey, and an orange tiger. It was pretty cute, but Sunggyu didn’t get why it caught Woohyun’s eye.

“It would be so cute for your baby,” the younger said, eyes still on the toy.

Sunggyu’s eyes widened.

They rarely talked about the baby. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought Woohyun forgot that there was even a baby coming in just another month.

“Papa! Let’s look inside!” Myungsoo piped.

Before Sunggyu knew what was happening, Woohyun had agreed and the three of them were entering the store.

They were greeted by shelves upon shelves of various toys and baby accessories. Hanging from racks were baby clothes of all colors and sizes. A couple of bookshelves displayed baby books and parenting books. Strollers and prams were lined up neatly, waiting for inspection by prospective parents. And in the further back were various cribs and cots in different colors and materials.

Woohyun immediately headed for a saleslady, asking her about the baby mobile on the display. She led him through a line of shelves to a display of mobiles.

“We actually allow parents to customize these,” she said, picking up one of the bases and showing him baskets upon baskets of animal toys. “So you get to pick the base and the animals. We have about fifteen choices, so feel free to mix and match.”

Woohyun thanked her before waving Myungsoo over. “Let’s pick some animals for your dongsaeng,” he told him, pointing at the baskets.

Myungsoo cheered and began going through the baskets to make his choices. Naturally, the first one he picked up was a gray cat.

Meanwhile, Sunggyu was still standing there, stunned at the sudden turn of events. He was so shocked that he could barely move, unsure about how he was supposed to feel at that moment.

Woohyun picked up a purple bunny and showed it to him. “Cute, right?” he asked Sunggyu with a grin. "Since you decided not to find out the of the baby, we can do neutral colors. But, I think this shade of purple is still nice even if it's a boy."

“Yeobo, what are you doing?” the latter couldn’t help but ask.

Woohyun blinked. “Picking animals?”

Sunggyu gave him a pointed look. “Woohyun.”

At that moment, Myungsoo came skipping, holding two animals in his hand: the gray cat and an orange hamster.

“Good job, baby! Why don’t you ask the nice noona from earlier for a basket? We have lots of things to buy for your dongsaeng.”

“Okay!” Myungsoo scampered away, excitedly calling for the noona.

Now, Sunggyu was really confused. They were buying more things?

“Woohyun,” he said again, trying to get his husband’s attention.

Woohyun was busy rummaging through the baskets before taking out a pink duck. “I like this one too,” he stated.

“What is this about?” Sunggyu said, firmly.

At his tone, Woohyun sighed before finally facing him. “Your mother and I were talking the other day…” he started before pausing, looking a little sheepish.

Sunggyu urged him to continue, curiosity nagging at him.

“And we thought about… perhaps… maybe… throwing a… baby shower…” he finished.

He sounded so nonchalant about it that Sunggyu wondered if he had perhaps heard wrong or that his imagination was playing with him. Because, surely, Woohyun didn’t just say he and Mrs. Kim had talked about a baby shower.

Woohyun scoffed at his expression. “Don’t look at me like that! It’s not like it’s a bad thing! And… well… isn’t it about time Eunseo met the family?”

Again, Sunggyu could only stare in confusion because surely, Woohyun didn’t just say that Eunseo should meet the family.

Woohyun only sighed before turning to the shelf of mobile bases behind them. “If you want, you can talk to your umma. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just a simple get-together-.”

“You don’t have to do this, Woohyun.”

The chef paused, his hand hovered in the air towards a base.

Sunggyu continued, “I know how uncomfortable this whole thing is for you and I don’t want you to subject yourself to another emotional breakdown. Yeobo, please. Just having you by my side through this… it’s enough. You don’t have to do more than you’re supposed to.”

“But I want to,” was the response.

Somehow, Sunggyu still had doubts about that. But, before he could voice them, Myungsoo had returned with a basket. Apparently, along the way, a few toys had caught his eye and he put them in.

Woohyun laughed at the struggling little boy before taking the basket from him. “Baby, we’re supposed to be getting things for your dongsaeng.”

“But these are for my dongsaeng, Papa!” Myungsoo pointed at the toys. “I can’t decide which ones I want to give him so I took them all!”

“Oh, dear. Well, we can’t buy all these. We still have to get clothes. Why don’t we pick just one from these and you can help me pick clothes? Okay?”

“Okay!”

In a daze, Sunggyu followed his husband and son around the store.

They had decided on a stuffed duck as Myungsoo’s present for the baby (the little boy insisted on paying back his parents someday when he was older and had money).

Before Sunggyu knew it, in between Myungsoo insisting on getting a “Big Brother” and “Baby Brother” pair shirts (written in English letters; they told him they didn't know if he was getting a brother, but he wouldn't relent) and Woohyun picking up a set of baby bottles with a binky that had pictures of ducks on them, the basket had been swapped for a cart. And somehow, Sunggyu ended up pushing it, following the two everywhere as they explored the store.

In addition to the baby mobile, the pair of shirts, the baby bottles, and the toys, Woohyun and Myungsoo also picked out baby onesies, a few pairs of cute little shoes and booties, and matching sets of hats and mittens.

“Woohyun,” Sunggyu whispered as they watched Myungsoo decide on which baby books to buy. “Are you sure about this?”

His husband merely chuckled. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t make you push that cart around,” he replied. Facing Sunggyu, he took both of his hands in his. “Look, yeobo, I’m doing this for you and your baby, okay? Even though…” He took a deep breath. “Even though it’s not me having your baby, I still want to be a part of it somehow. And, come on, don’t tell me you weren’t having a little fun, even just a little?”

Truth be told, Sunggyu did have fun. It was adorable watching the two pick out things and debate which ones were better. He, himself, had looked at a few things, feeling the thrill of seeing his baby use what he picked.

Smiling slightly, he nodded.

Woohyun grinned. “When umma, Boohyun-hyung, and I were shopping for Myungsoo, we really wanted to buy the whole store!” he narrated. “We couldn’t afford much for him back then, but the experience itself was just so… satisfying. And seeing Myungsoo wear what I picked or play with the toys I picked, it made everything worth it.” He stepped closer to Sunggyu, the latter wrapping arms around his waist. “I want you to get the full of experience.”

There was only sincerity in the younger’s eyes and it made Sunggyu want to kiss him. So, he did. A soft and sweet kiss, conveying his gratitude and adoration.

“Every day, when I think that I can’t fall in love with you anymore, you prove me wrong,” he whispered against the plump lips.

Woohyun laughed before leaning in again to peck his lips. “Me too,” he replied before stepping away to help Myungsoo.

Sunggyu could only stare after him in wonder, once again questioning what he did in a previous life to deserve such a kind soul for a husband.

Sunggyu thought he hadn't been serious. In fact, he probably forgot about it, eventually. But, Woohyun was quite serious when he said he would throw a baby shower.

He, Mrs. Kim, and Sunggyu’s noona, Sohee, all put their heads together and planned it. The food, guest list, presents – all took careful planning. Mrs. Kim volunteered the Kim home for the venue. As a chef, Woohyun took charge of the food. Sohee did the guest list (not that there were many people to invite to begin with).

At first, Sunggyu heavily protested, saying that it was unnecessary.

“You don’t need to do this,” he told him, almost begging. “Please don’t force yourself to do this, yeobo.”

Woohyun felt touched that his husband was seriously taking his feelings into account. He, himself, was unsure at first, if he could truly plan this without breaking down. But, there was a part of him that really wanted to do this.

He had heard from Mrs. Wang how lonely Eunseo was, sometimes. Her family was in Busan and she still hadn’t told them about the baby. She was completely alone in this. And Woohyun had no doubt that she was scared.

It wasn’t that he had forgiven her. He hadn’t. Thoughts of her still made him go into a frenzy. The picture in his head of her touching his husband still made him want to punch a wall.

But… he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. His brother was right – his kind heart was his downfall.

On the day of the shower, Sunggyu had the job of picking up Eunseo and Mrs. Wang and bringing them to the house. He was accompanied by his father, as the older man wanted to meet the woman and, in his words, “size her up to see how he matches to my son-in-law.”

Dongwoo and Howon arrived at some point and made it their mission to entertain a bored Myungsoo. Mrs. Kim had been anxiously pacing around the house, randomly picking up vases and various knick-knacks and putting them in different places.

Mrs. Nam and Boohyun and his family were invited but had declined the invitation. Boohyun mentioned something about not being able to hold himself back and Mrs. Nam simply didn’t want to accidentally say something snarky to their guest.

Mrs. Kim couldn’t blame them but had promised to invite the other woman for tea later on in the week (most likely to gossip about the shower).

Meanwhile, Woohyun spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, cooking with the help of the Kims’ young maid, Iseul. The chef stuck to traditional Korean dishes for the menu: kimchi mandu, japchae, bulgogi, galbi, ox bone soup, kimchi fried rice, and various side dishes. For dessert, he made a simple cheesecake, which was now in the oven, baking quite nicely.

It seemed like quite a lot of work for one man, but for Woohyun, cooking had always been more than a hobby. It was a way of life.

Growing up, he would help his mother in the kitchen as they made food together which Boohyun would deliver to various homes and offices; it was a way for them to make extra cash. It was pretty second nature to Woohyun by now. And when his mind was muddled with unpleasant thoughts, he would cook. If he was in a good mood, he would also cook. When he was bored, he would, again, cook.

And at that very moment, he was feeling a myriad of emotions and what better way to let them out by cooking?

“Woohyunnie!”

He turned around from the stove to smile at his sister-in-law. It was the fifth time she had popped in to check his cooking and taste test.

“Noona,” he greeted as she approached.

She peered into the pot of ox bone soup, inhaling deeply. “Ahhh, I’m hungry,” she whined, her eyes turning into slits, just like her brother’s when they were excited.

Woohyun chuckled as he added a few spices to the soup. “Did you check in with Gyu? They should be on their way back by now.”

Sohee was silent for a minute or so, just watching him.

“Are you really okay with this, Woohhyun-ah?” she finally asked.

“Hmmm? With what?”

“Don’t play dumb, you know what I mean. Are you okay with throwing this thing for that woman?”

Woohyun chuckled again as he stirred the soup. “You’re just like your brother. He keeps asking me the same thing.”

“Because this is something you have no obligation to do!”

“And I’ll tell you the same thing I told your brother.” He turned to her. “I’m doing this because I want to.”

Sohee sighed, leaning against the kitchen counter. She flashed him a gentle look. “You can tell me the real reason why you’re doing this.”

Woohyun’s hand stirring the pot slowed but he remained quiet.

Sohee turned to the maid who was minding her own business with plating the rest of the food. “Iseul-ah, do you mind leaving us for a bit? You can take some of the food to the table now.”

The maid nodded and picked up some of the plates and leaving the kitchen.

Once they were alone, Sohee turned back to him. In a softer voice, she said, “I know that you think you’re hiding your feelings really well from Sunggyu. But he’s not fooled, you know. He can tell you’re not okay. But, he let you do this because you insisted, but he’s not exactly happy you’re forcing yourself.” She tilted her head to the side. “So, why are you really doing this?”

Realizing that she wasn’t going to let it go, Woohyun sighed in resignation. He turned the stove off, knowing he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on finishing the soup. He took the spot beside his sister-in-law, also leaning against the counter.

“I’m trying to be okay with this,” he began, his hands playing with the hem of his apron. “I want to be okay with this because… well… what else can I do but accept it? She’s practically ready to pop and Myungsoo is excited about his sibling and he may not try to act like it around me, but I know Sunggyu is too. I saw him looking at those ultrasound pictures from time to time when he thinks I’m not looking. So… I really… really want to be okay with this.”

Sohee nudged his shoulder with hers. “But you’re not.” It wasn’t a question. “And there’s something else… isn’t there?”

Woohyun swallowed. “Noona? Am I a good person?”

She tilted her head to the side. “Of course, you are.”

He swallowed again. “Then, why do I feel like an awful person?” His breath caught in his throat, his heart feeling like a hand is squeezing it to bits. “You ask me why I’m doing this? Because… Because I want to feel like I’m still a good person… That’s the reason why Gyu fell in love with me, right? Because I’m a good person? So, if I’m not a good person anymore, then would he stop loving me?” Something wet trickled down his cheek and he wiped it away, quickly. “I… I want to feel like I’m a good person… That I’m a better person than she is. That’s why I’m doing this.”

He turned to see Sohee’s mouth had fallen open, shocked at his confession.

“Do you think I’m a good person still for thinking that way, Noona?”

Instead of answering, Sohee wrapped an around his shoulder, bringing him close for a sisterly hug. “You are, Woohyun,” she reassured him. “Trust me, you are.”

Woohyun chuckled despite the tears falling from his eyes. “Thanks, Noona.”

She patted his shoulder, comfortingly and he felt somewhat better. Sohee was a good sister when she needed to be. He was thankful for her these past few years.

Just then, they heard the opening and closing of the front door and Sunggyu’s, “We’re back!”

Sohee pulled away and straightened up.

Meanwhile, Woohyun couldn’t stop the heavy battering of his heart against his chest. She was here. In the same house as his family. She was meeting his family.

Sohee must have noticed the uneasiness on his face. “Take some time to compose yourself,” she said, kindly. “I’ll go meet them.”

With another reassuring pat on his arm, she left the kitchen.

Woohyun turned back to the stove, turning it on, and continued to finish making the soup. It was almost done and he was supposed to leave it to simmer for a bit, but he couldn’t leave it by itself.

Well, that was the excuse he used. He just didn’t want to go out there. Not so soon.

He took several, steady breaths, calming down the beating of his heart which slowly slowed to its normal pace. Yet, the uneasiness just wouldn’t leave him.

At some point, Iseul returned and kindly offered to watch the soup for him so he could greet their guests. He had no choice then but to remove his apron and leave the kitchen.

Everyone was gathered in the living room. Sunggyu was making introductions when he entered.

“… this is Dr. Jang Dongwoo, Howon’s partner,” he was saying, gesturing to the doctor, who gave a friendly wave. “He’s the pediatrician we spoke to you about.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Eunseo greeted with a slight bow.

Little arms wrapped around Woohyun’s waist and he looked down to see Myungsoo at his side. The 7-year-old was looking at Eunseo with a mix of shyness, curiosity, and a little fear. They had told him beforehand that he was meeting his dongsaeng’s umma that day and he had shown some excitement at finally meeting her. Right at that moment though, his shyness and wariness towards strangers had taken over the excitement.

Feeling protective, Woohyun wrapped an arm around his shoulders, rubbing softly.

Finally, Sunggyu caught sight of them by the doorway. “Woohyun-ah,” he called, his eyes flashing in concern at him.

Eunseo suddenly looked uncomfortable at the sight of him, but her eyes flashed to the little boy at his side.

Swallowing his nerves, Woohyun took a step forward. The whole room seemed to hold their breath, wondering what he was going to do.

“Myungsoo-ah, this is Eunseo-shii. She’s…” He swallowed. “She’s a friend of your Appa’s… She’s your dongsaeng’s umma.”

Myungsoo’s eyes widened and his grip on Woohyun loosened a little, but he still kept close, staying silent.

On the other side of the room, Sunggyu didn’t say anything, allowing his husband to take charge of this.

“Myungsoo-ah, why don’t you say ‘hello’?” Woohyun continued. He prodded the little boy on the back, encouragingly.

Myungsoo slowly released his grip on him and took a few steps forward, bowed, and said, “Hello. My name is Kim Myungsoo. It’s nice to meet you.”

Woohyun felt a hint of pride stirring in his heart as he watched his polite son.

Eunseo smiled at the little boy and returned a bow. “It’s nice to meet you, Myungsoo. You can call me noona, if you want.”

The little boy shuffled on his feet, looking at the floor before looking up and saying, “Your tummy is big. Jongie says the baby is inside. Can I touch?”

“Myungsoo!” Woohyun exclaimed.

Mistaking his shock for a scolding, Myungsoo added, “Please.”

Woohyun was about to step up and take him away and apologize when Eunseo nodded and gestured for the little boy to come to her.

Everyone in the room watched with bated breath as Myungsoo bounded forward and oh-so-gingerly placed his hand against Eunseo’s stomach.

“Is my dongsaeng in there?” he asked, eyes wide in wonder.

Eunseo laughed, lightly. “Yes, it is.” Then, she looked up at a still-shocked Woohyun. “You have a very polite son. He’ll make a wonderful big brother.”

It wasn’t said with any malice. Woohyun could see that. She was sincere.

He looked away and cleared his throat. “Dinner is ready. Iseul and I will bring everything to the table.”

“Oh, yes! Let’s all go to the dining room now,” Mrs. Kim announced with a clap. “Oh, I can’t wait to taste Woohyun’s cooking again! He’s a wonderful cook!”

Everyone shuffled out of the living room, passing Woohyun who stepped aside to let them pass. Mrs. Wang had one arm wrapped around Eunseo’s and the kind doctor Dongwoo was on her other side, chatting to her with Howon right behind him. Sohee took Myungsoo’s hand and walked out with him. Both his in-laws patted him on the arm, giving him reassuring smiles before following everyone out.

Then, it was just him and Sunggyu in the room. His husband smiled as he went up to him and wrapped his arms around him. Woohyun instantly calmed down at his presence, leaning into his touch.

“You did well,” Sunggyu said, referring to how he introduced Eunseo to Myungsoo. “I know this isn’t the most… ideal… situation. But, I’m still thankful to you.” He pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Ahhh, I feel like my heart is gonna jump out and run away,” Woohyun joked as they pulled away. “I was so scared at how Myungsoo would react.”

“Our son is kind.” Sunggyu pecked his nose. “Just like his Papa.”

Woohyun smiled, “We did a good job.”

With that, they left the living room, hand-in-hand.

Dinner was served and small talk was done at the table. Most of the questions were directed at Eunseo. The Kims asked her various questions about herself, where she was from, what she studied in university, her hobbies. They politely stayed away from asking how she and Sunggyu met and all related questions; they already knew the answers and had no intention of hearing it again.

Meanwhile, Woohyun busied himself with feeding his son, making sure he was eating well and not getting distracted by all the conversation. It was never a problem to feed him; the kid loved food as much as he loved cats.

“You parents must be proud that you’ve made it in Seoul,” said Mr. Kim to Eunseo.

The woman tilted her head slightly. “They are. I hope to make them prouder someday. Right now…” Her eyes fell on her protruding belly.

Noticing, Mr. Kim had to ask, “Do they not know yet?”

Biting her lip, Eunseo shook her head. “I… I haven’t found the right time to tell them.”

Before Mr. Kim could ask another question, Mrs. Kim interjected. “If you need any of us to help you with explaining, please feel free, Eunseo-shii. We have no intention of being greedy with our grandchild.” She looked at Myungsoo and smiled. “I mean, we wish that we could have Myungsoo to ourselves, but sadly, we can’t. But, you love sleeping over with us, right Myungie-ah?”

Myungsoo looked up, cheeks full of food, and nodded enthusiastically. He politely swallowed first before saying, “It’s fun being with halmeoni and harabeoji! They let me eat ice cream at night and harabeoji makes the best pillow forts!”

On Myungsoo’s other side, Sunggyu frowned. “You never made pillow forts with me!” he whined.

“That’s because you were always more interested in reading than making pillow forts,” Mr. Kim retorted with a laugh. “Myungie is more my style, right, Myungie-ah?”

“Harabeoji is the best!”

The conversation soon revolved around Sunggyu and Sohee’s childhood, the two siblings making jabs at each other. Woohyun contributed a story or two about him and Boohyun. Even Mrs. Wang spoke about her children.

Throughout this, Eunseo quietly ate her dinner. Woohyun noticed her simply listening in to the conversation. She looked incredibly uncomfortable. He felt a little bad that she was unintentionally being excluded.

But, Mrs. Kim saved him from feeling guilty when she, too, noticed the woman’s quietness and asked her if she had siblings. She did – two of them in high school. She had been sending part of her salary to help them with their needs for school, even now while she was on maternity leave since she was still getting paid for the 12 weeks.

Woohyun made a mental note to add to her weekly allowance. For her siblings, he told himself.

After dinner, they moved back to the living room where they presented Eunseo with gifts for the baby. She sat on the couch, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Wang on either side of her. Mr. Kim was next to his wife, Sohee was on the loveseat and on the floor at her feet was Sunggyu with Myungsoo cuddled in between his legs.

The first gift Eunseo opened was from Myungsoo, who insisted on going first. She giggled at the stuffed duck and the little shirt that said “Little Brother”, thanking him. The little boy proudly proclaimed that he had a matching pair that said, “Big brother.”

Sohee had gifted a stroller. Mr. and Mrs. Nam gave a crib, which they told Sunggyu to assemble.

(“Why me?!” he had whined.

“You’re the father!” Mrs. Kim simply replied, threatening to hit him with a couch pillow.)

Howon and Dongwoo had given her various toys for when the baby started teething (apparently Dongwoo’s unique idea as he believed that no one else would have thought of getting teething toys).

Even Mrs. Wang brought a gift in the form of some baby clothes.

Woohyun watched all this happening from an armchair near the doorway. It was the farthest away from everyone else. He didn’t really feel like sharing in the festivities and excitement, even though he was the one who arranged for it.

When Eunseo got started on the presents he and Sunggyu had gotten (everything they had bought from the baby store), Woohyun quietly stood up and headed out of the living room. He needed some fresh air.

He paused in the hallway, wondering if he should go to the front yard or through the kitchen to the backyard. All he heard were footsteps and then he was enveloped in a back hug by a familiar pair of arms.

“Where are you going?” his husband whispered in his ear, his breath tickling him.

“Just needed some air,” he responded turning around. He smiled at Sunggyu. “Wanna join me?”

Sunggyu’s eyes burned with something akin to desire. “I have a better idea,” he whispered, slowly pushing Woohyun against the closest wall before planting his lips on his.

The younger let out a squeak, quickly followed by a moan as his arms instinctively wrapped around Sunggyu’s neck. Warmth bubbled in his chest and stomach as his husband’s lips moved seductively against his.

It somewhat surprised Woohyun to see him acting like this, especially in his parents’ house and with the risk of someone walking in on them during such an intimate moment.

That thought caused Woohyun to force his lips away, only for Sunggyu to latch on to his ear, nibbling gently.

“Y-Yeobo-ah,” he moaned, quietly. “S-Someone c-could see us…”

“Should we hide in the closet then?” Sunggyu whispered in his ear.

Woohyun laughed at that. “What are we, in high school?”

Sunggyu didn’t answer, only kissing him again, so passionately that Woohyun’s mind went blank.

“I love you,” Sunggyu gasped against his lips.

Those words made Woohyun’s heart feel fuller than it had ever been before.

“I love you too.” He barely got all the words out before Sunggyu claimed his lips again.

They kissed for god-knows-how-long, no longer concerned about anyone walking in on them.

Woohyun tried to be quiet by holding back his moans, but a few gentle nips on his lips tore one right out of him. He felt Sunggyu smile against his lips, the older’s fingers gently his sides.

All he could feel under his fingertips was his husband’s warm skin and he didn’t want to let go. He didn’t want this bliss to stop.

THUD!

“Oh!”

Woohyun pulled away at the same time Sunggyu did and both their heads swiveled towards the sound.

Eunseo was standing there, eyes wide. She had bumped into a table that made the loud noise. She turned red at their gaze and turned away. But, Woohyun didn't miss the flash of hurt in her eyes.

“Um… I was just looking for the bathroom,” she said, sheepishly.

Slowly, Woohyun untangled himself from his husband and cleared his throat, fighting his own blush. “I’ll take you,” he offered.

Giving Sunggyu’s hand one last squeeze, he led Eunseo down the hall. She quietly followed him.

“Here we are.” He gestured to the door. “Do you want me to wait for you?”

She shook her head. “I can find my way back, thank you.”

He nodded and turned to walk away.

“Woohyun-shii?”

He turned back around.

She bit her lip before saying, “Thank you. Mrs. Kim told me that this baby shower was your idea. I… I really, truly appreciate it.”

“I did it for the baby,” Woohyun replied, instantly.

Eunseo nodded. “I know… And I still appreciate it.” She paused, hesitating, before continuing. “I know that the last time we met, it didn’t really end very well. And I… I just want to apologize… For everything. Please, believe me when I say that I truly am sorry for everything.”

They stood there for some time, simply watching each other. Woohyun didn’t quite know what to say in response. He couldn’t say that he accepted her apology because, well, he couldn’t. At least, not yet. He had accepted the fact that she was having his husband’s baby but that didn’t mean he accepted her.

So, instead of responding, he simply nodded and left her to her own devices.

He wasn’t as good of a person as Sunggyu believed him to be. He still held grudges. He wondered how long he could remain cold to her or if he was going to be like this forever, with his heart encased in ice.

The thought frightened him.

On Children’s Day, Myungsoo had the day off. To celebrate, Woohyun and Sunggyu both took day offs from work and took him out to lunch at his favorite pizza café and then to the Pororo Indoor Theme Park. They were doing a Children’s Day special and although Kim-Nam couple knew the park would be crowded, they caved under Myungsoo’s pleading eyes.

It was the right decision because Myungsoo was having a blast!

Sunggyu watched as he ran around, with Woohyun closely trailing behind, making sure that he didn’t lose sight of him. There were many parents and children around, so it wouldn’t do to lose him.

The little boy went straight for the ball pit, jumping in with the other kids and sliding down the slides. Then, he went for the bumper cars, carefully driving around, not really bumping into anyone. They explored Pororo’s house and Loopy’s house.

Like a typical parent, Woohyun took out his phone and started taking pictures and videos. Sunggyu just let him, happy to see his husband content and enjoying himself. He still felt that he owed him a lot and he wanted to see the smile back on his face, which had become rare in the last few months.

After exploring the giant houses, they went to the live show. Myungsoo had a ton of fun with that as he clapped and sang along and answered Pororo’s question the same way he would when he would watch the show at home.

After the show, Myungsoo announced that he wanted to ride the train. He had heard from the other kids he had met at the ball pit that it was fun so he wanted to go on it.

“Gyu, take photos,” Woohyun told him before getting on the ride with their son.

Obediently, Sunggyu snapped a couple from his spot just outside the little gate. Myungsoo and Woohyun waved at him as the train went on its round.

He was just about to send the photos to his mother when a call came in. It was from Mrs. Wang.

Wondering why she was suddenly calling, he immediately answered.

“Mr. Kim?!” She sounded distressed.

“Mrs. Wang, is something wrong?” he asked, feeling worried.

“Eunseo’s water broke. We’re at the hospital now.”

Sunggyu almost dropped the phone.

Eunseo’s water broke. She was about to give birth. His baby was going to be born.

His voice shaking, he quickly told her that he would be right there and hung up.

He looked up at the train. It hadn’t come back around yet. He knew he had to go, but he couldn’t just leave Woohyun and Myungsoo here.

Oh god, how was Woohyun going to react to this? For the past few weeks since the baby shower, they hadn’t really discussed what would happen after the baby arrived. He knew they should have planned, but he didn’t want to upset his husband more than he already did.

Why today of all days? It was supposed to be their day with Myungsoo!

He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t notice that the ride had arrived and its passengers were disembarking.

“Gyu? What’s wrong?” Woohyun was suddenly in front of him, looking concerned.

Sunggyu looked around. “Where’s Myungsoo?”

Woohyun pointed back to the train where their son was talking to a few kids his age, possibly making friends.

“What’s wrong? You look pale.”

Sunggyu swallowed. “Mrs. Wang called… Eunseo’s water broke.”

Woohyun’s eyes widened. “T-Then… you should go.”

He hesitated. “But, Myungsoo…”

Woohyun took his hand. “It’s fine, I’ll tell him that you had to go. We’ll stay for a little longer and then we’ll go. You’re…” He swallowed but managed a smile. “You’re needed there.”

Sunggyu pulled him towards him and planted a firm kiss on his lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now, go. And call me if anything, okay?”

“Okay.”

And with that, Sunggyu rushed out of the theme park, his blood pumping in his veins.

This was it. He was going to be a father for the second time.

Woohyun tried to stay up all night and wait for Sunggyu to come home. However, the day had exhausted him so much that he had fallen asleep on the living room couch. In the morning, he woke up in bed, the space beside him empty but a note had been left.

According to his husband’s note, Eunseo was in labor for over eight hours and the baby was finally born just a little before midnight. Sunggyu had returned home around 2am and found him asleep in the living room. There was no information about the of the baby or anything else, only a notification that he was going back to the hospital that day to meet his parents and noona who wanted to see the baby.

Woohyun wasn’t exactly sure what to make of it or what he was supposed to do. Was he supposed to just stay put and wait for news or go to the hospital to see the baby? Could he even handle it? More importantly, what was he going to feel when he finally laid eyes on his husband’s child?

While serving Myungsoo breakfast, the little boy innocently asked where his Appa was. Absentmindedly, Woohyun replied, “Your dongsaeng was born last night. Your Appa is at the hospital.”

Of course, he should have known that Myungsoo would want to go and see his new sibling. And he was never one to deny his son something. Besides, it was the weekend so he was off from work.

So, while the little boy got dressed, Woohyun called his husband.

“How’s Eunseo?” he asked.

“She’s still asleep. Mrs. Wang stayed with her all night. But, Appa, Umma, and Noona are coming by later.”

Woohyun cleared his throat. “Myungsoo wants to come too. Is it okay?”

There was a pause. “I’m fine with Myungsoo coming, I know he’d want to meet his dongsaeng… But, are you okay with it?”

Woohyun didn’t want to tell him that he didn’t know what he was feeling, exactly.

“Well, it’s not like I can send Myungsoo to the hospital by himself.”

“Umma and Appa can pick him up.”

“Sunggyu, it’s fine. No need to have them come all the way here. I’ll take him.”

“Yeobo-.”

“We’ll see you, okay?”

“O-Okay… But, Woohyun?”

“Hmmm?”

“I love you.”

Woohyun smiled at that. “I love you too.”

They hung up.

Woohyun then got himself ready for the day.

With Myungsoo safely in the backseat, chattering excitedly a mile a minute, he drove them to the hospital.

It was a private hospital, one that ensured complete security and anonymity for its top clients. Mrs. Kim had connections there, as she represented many huge names in Korea’s high society who were patrons of the hospital. So, it was the best place for Eunseo to give birth.

The father and son briefly stopped by the hospital gift shop to purchase a teddy bear and a card of “Congratulations” before taking the elevators to one of the top floors, which had the private rooms. Sunggyu had texted him the floor and room number.

Finally finding it, he stood before the sleek piece of wood, trying to control the pace of his heart, which was wildly beating in his chest. His throat suddenly felt dry and he wished he had some water within reach.

Myungsoo tugged at his hand. “Papa, let’s knock.”

Squaring his shoulders and putting on a smile, he knocked, feeling the sound reverberate throughout the empty hall and in his ribcage.

The door opened and they were greeted by Mrs. Wang’s kind but tired face. “Mr. Nam, welcome,” she greeted, bowing before stepping aside to let them in.

Myungsoo bounded inside and Woohyun followed at a much slower pace.

Eunseo was awake, propped up with pillows. In her arms, was a bundle of white blankets with the hospital’s logo stitched on the side. Sunggyu was sitting on the chair next to her bed. He looked up when they entered.

“Yeobo, Myungsoo-ah,” he greeted.

His husband’s lit up expression and pure joy caught Woohyun off-guard. He had been smiling his biggest smile prior to them even entering the room.

“Appa!”

“Myungsoo-ah, shhhh. Your brother is sleeping.”

The little boy gasped. “I’m sorry!” He placed two hands over his mouth.

So, it was a boy. Sunggyu had a son.

Woohyun watched as his husband gestured for Myungsoo to come closer before lifting him onto the bed, next to Eunseo so he could see the baby.

The 7-year-old’s eyes widened in wonder at the sight. “Noona, he’s so small.”

Eunseo chuckled. “He is, for now, but when he’s older, I’m sure he’ll be as big as you.”

Myungsoo raised a finger to poke the baby’s cheek. “So soft!”

Meanwhile, Woohyun swallowed the lump in his throat as he moved to the corner of the room to put the teddy bear and greeting card down. He spotted a bottle of mineral water and took it, drinking half of the bottle to soothe his parched throat.

“Can I hold him?”

“Okay, but you have to be careful.”

Woohyun turned to see both Eunseo and Sunggyu helping Myungsoo hold the baby properly. Sunggyu kept his hands under Myungsoo’s arms, making sure the head was secured. The little one made a little noise at the movement, but otherwise remained asleep.

“Appa, he’s so cute,” Myungsoo cooed, smiling widely at the baby.

The sight was precious. Innocent. A picture worth thousands. Woohyun couldn’t help but smile at it, despite the slight ache in his chest.

He only watched as Myungsoo cooed softly at the baby, making promises to be a good hyung and to play with him all the time. He promised to share his toys and desserts and to protect him if his friends were mean to him.

When the 7-year-old’s arms got tired, Sunggyu carefully took the baby from him, cradling the bundle gently in his own arms and swayed to soothe the little whines.

And then, Sunggyu turned to Woohyun with a smile. “Woohyun-ah, would you like to hold him?”

Taken by surprise, Woohyun stood frozen on his spot. Did he want to? He felt afraid of what he might feel about an innocent child if he held him.

He turned his gaze to Eunseo. “If it’s okay with Eunseo-shii…”

The woman smiled and laid back against the pillows. “Go on, Woohyun-shii. Please.”

Nodding his head in thanks to the invitation, Woohyun slowly shuffled forward, opening and closing his fists; his hands felt sweaty all of a sudden.

When he reached Sunggyu, he held his arms out. His husband gently placed the babe in them and the rest was instinct. Woohyun immediately prioritized the head and neck, making sure they were secure in his arms.

Finally, he gazed upon his husband’s son… and was utterly mesmerized.

The baby was small and light in his arms, just about the same as Myungsoo when he was born. His little face was square-shaped, slightly red, and quite chubby. He had inherited the Kims' fair skin and his ears were slightly a little big for a newborn, and underneath that little yellow cap was most likely a tuft of dark hair.

Without realizing it, Woohyun had begun to sway and hum, lulling the little one to sleep. Memories of holding Myungsoo for the first time played in his mind, of the moment he fell in love with that sweet little being he called his son.

“Sunggyu…” he whispered, unable to keep his eyes off the baby. “He has your nose.”

Oh, god, he was so beautiful. He looked just like his husband. And he had no doubt that once those eyes opened, Sunggyu’s eyes would be staring back at him.

He looked back up to Eunseo this time, who was watching him with an unreadable expression. He smiled at her.

“Your son is perfect,” he said and he meant it. “Congratulations.”

Looking surprised yet returning the smile, she replied, “Thank you.”

“Appa, what’s his name?” Myungsoo asked, his legs swinging back and forth on the bed.

Sunggyu looked at Eunseo. “Have you thought of a name, Eunseo-shii?”

To both of their surprise, she shook her head. “I figured that you would like to name him, Sunggyu-shii.”

Sunggyu seemed taken aback at that. He looked back at the baby still peacefully slumbering in Woohyun’s arms before making eye contact with his husband. He was asking for his permission.

Woohyun simply smiled and nodded. It was only right that Sunggyu got to name his son.

Sunggyu cleared his throat. “I thought about it for a while… I… um… looked at a few names over the last couple of months…” He paused before smiling softly at the baby. “Donghyun. I want to name him Donghyun.”

Feeling a stirring in his chest, Woohyun looked back at the baby in his arms. Donghyun. It fit.

Without realizing it, he had brought the baby closer to his chest, feeling the warmth of the little gift close to his heart, slowly melting the ice around it.

“Welcome to the family, Kim Donghyun.”

A/N: Did I catch you guys by surprise? Bet you didn't think I'd be introducing the baby this soon, huh? That's kind of why this took a little longer for me to post; there was a lot happening and the chapter is a bit longer than the rest. Plus, work was BRUTAL... but I survived the week. Lol.

But, baby Donghyun is here! His character is based on Golden Child's Kim Donghyun, whom many fans say (and I agree) looks a lot like Sunggyu. Take a look!

He's so precious! Doesn't he look just like our leader?! So, I thought that he was perfect for the role of Sunggyu's son!

Plus, I did a little research and found that the hangul for "Hyun" of his name is just like Woohyun's! They both have 현 in their names, which is pretty symbolic in my story because it means Sunggyu named his son after Woohyun! (Correct me if I'm wrong, though, but for the sake of the context of my story, let's assume it is correct.)

So, now that the baby is here, things will only get more complicated for our couple, especially for Sunggyu! Donghyun being born means that he would be seeing Eunseo more. How will this affect their relationship? How will this affect Myungsoo? And how will Eunseo and Donghyun establish themselves in the family?

And, it can't just be Woohyun being jealous all the time now, right? I'll be introducing a somewhat new character in the next chapter so I hope you guys anticipate that!

The inspiration for the title of his chapter is from "You Were Beautiful" by Day6.

'Til the next one!