Chapter 48:

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WE WERE AT OUR HAPPY PLACE. 

It was a perfect autumn afternoon when the trees around the old hiking place were dressed in different shades of gold, orange, and yellow. The air was cool with a tinge of melancholy in the breeze.

However, he and I were both the happiest at the moment. I turned to him and saw him already staring back at me. His gaze lingered before he lifted his hands to fix my scarf as if making sure I wouldn’t feel cold in this weather.

An unstoppable upward curve painted my lips as I could not help but be amazed at how he never fails to give me the butterflies. Even the little things like that give me that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

Seeing my expression, he smiled as well. When he was done, he turned to the view in front of us.

“I thought this view was the best thing about this place.” He said as he shoved his hands inside his pants’ pockets. “But I was wrong.”

My eyebrows furrowed at his remark and silently waited for his next words.

“This.” He said, turning in my direction once more. “This is the best view.” A warm smile crossed his face as he took his hands out of his pockets this time. He added as he tucked my hair behind my right ear. “You are the best thing about this place.” He let out that cute little laugh of his. “Maybe I unconsciously kept coming back here before because I was bound to meet the love of my life here.”

The corners of my mouth subtly turned upwards due to his intentional cheesiness.

“Lucky you,” I replied. “I was able to fit in your car and you could take me home.”

We both let out a small laugh, certain that we remembered the exact moment when we talked about the view not being able to fit in his car.

“Yeah, I got very lucky.” He agreed as he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer to him.

He gave my arm a few gentle rubs before his hands trailed up to my head, tilting it gently to his before planting a kiss on my temple.

Standing with him like this, at the spot where we met for the first time, gave me genuine peace. And soon, there would be three of us who would be coming back to this special place.

“Baek?” I uttered.

“Hm?”

 “What should we name our baby?” I trailed off as I faced him.

“Oh,” He paused, thinking for a second. “I honestly haven’t thought about it, in my head, I just call our baby strawberry.” He chuckled.

I laughed at his answer acknowledging the fact that he did keep referring to our baby t.

“What do you want?” He asked me.

“Hmm,” I took a deep breath. “I’m thinking…if it’s a girl…Yeoreum?” I added, watching his reaction which somehow told me that he liked it. “Yeoreum as in summer.”

He nodded with a gentle look on his face this time.

“Because we met in summer?” He guessed right.

It was my turn to nod.

“And got married in summer,” I stated, reminding him.

“That’s right.” He smiled, approving the name. “I like it. Yeoreum it is. She already sounds like my princess.” He went on, sounding delighted at the thought. “If it’s a boy?” He asked.

“I actually…reserved that one for you,” I told him, all smiles.

“Fair enough.” He commented, letting out a small laugh. “Hm…” He thought hard, clicking his tongue.  “Yeoreum…we meet one summer day…” He went on as he pondered more, his brow raising.

I watched him and there was something so endearing about him thinking about what to name his child. He used to talk a lot about having kids and he progressed to thinking about names now. I found it cute. My breath kinda hitched when his expression turned calm. He must have thought of something already.

“Day by day.” He said which sent me wondering. “I want to remember that summer, day by day…Haru.”

Haru as in the day. I smiled, and my heart suddenly felt warm inside like I had just fallen in love with the name he had just come up with.

“Haru.” I let the name roll on my tongue for the first time.

“You like it?” He asked, waiting for my response.

I nodded in delight.

“It’s lovely, Baek.” I could not help but smile.

Suddenly my heart wells up with joy and make a mini jump, tiptoeing to hug him. I wrapped my arms around his neck while he circled his arms on my waist, pulling me closer. The familiar warmth his body gave me was one of the best things in this world. My favorite kind of warmth.

“Whether it’s Yeoreum or Haru,” I heard him speak, his words sounding like music to my ears. “I can’t wait to see our little strawberry.”

I laughed as the most real form of happiness filled my system.

“Me too,” I replied. “I can’t wait…”

“Ahhh…” He paused, tightening his embrace, slightly rocking our bodies. “This is nice.” He took a deep breath.

I knew what he meant exactly.

༺ ༻

1st Trimester

During my first trimester, Baekhyun had been very supportive. He was the best husband I could ever ask for. He always made sure to check on me, whether we were together or I was out working. He reminded me to eat on time in between his schedules and I could not help but appreciate his way of taking care of me and our baby.

2:13 AM

I couldn’t sleep. I was hungry.

I got off the bed and headed to the kitchen. I could not explain my excessive craving for strawberry Jam these past few days. This was probably because Baekhyun kept saying strawberry bub. Now, my mind was just all about the strawberry jam.

I walked to the fridge and looked for what I was hoping to find but there was none left. I instantly felt disappointment on so many levels. I was so disheartened, that my mouth unconsciously formed into a downward curve.

I knew there was none but I kept the fridge open and stared at it as if a jar of strawberry jam would miraculously appear in front of me. I only closed it after a minute before I gave my attention to the bread on the counter. I moved from my spot and sat on the stool next to it. I didn’t know how long I just stared at the poor bread until I heard his voice.

“Baby?” He called in an absolute sleepy voice.

I turned to him and watched how he rubbed his eyes, his hair fresh from the bed. He was in one of his plain white shirts and blue plaid pajamas. He walked toward me, his eyes slightly squinting adjusting to the lights in the Kitchen. He silently sat on the stool next to me and faced my direction. He just stared at me at first before he lifted a hand to my face and gave my cheek the softest caress using his thumb. That felt absolutely wonderful it made me forget how frustrated I was.

“What are you doing here at this time staring at some bread?” He asked, obviously trying to tease me.

I turned to him, not being able to hide how I felt. The look on his face never shifted as fast as it did now. The dear look of wonder was quickly replaced with some instant realization.

“Oh no,” He paused what he was doing and hesitantly retrieved his hand.

I took a deep breath, looked away, and tilted my head down bringing my long hair to fall to my face before I brushed them off my face.

“How could you forget the strawberry jam of all things?” I could not help but be annoyed. “You could have just told me you were busy and couldn’t buy it.” I face him once more. “Then I could have bought it earlier.”

“I’m sorry.” He apologized right away, taking one of my hands to his. “I forgot baby.”

I couldn’t understand why but my frustration had somehow peaked as I saw a subtle amused expression on his face.

“Yes.” I retrieved my hands from him. “Maybe you should forget that your wife is pregnant then.” I stood and attempted to walk away from him. “You think it’s funny,” I murmured, whining.

However, his hands were fast. He held my chair, holding me in prison.

“Baby, I’m sorry.” He said once more. “I wasn’t laughing at you I promise, you were just too cute getting all pouty like that.” He reasoned out, his tone gentle.

“Well, I don’t feel cute wanting to eat the damn strawberry jam but couldn’t.”

He was suppressing a laugh, I was sure of it. I memorized his face too well, he wouldn’t be able to lie about it.

“Baekhyun.” I stomped, annoyed at him. “I don’t intend to be cute or funny at all, stop laughing at me.”

“Okay, okay.” He nodded as he urged me to sit on the chair once more.

When I did, he pulled my chair closer to him, his legs spreading to make room. I looked down to avoid his eyes, I was annoyed.  

“Baby,” He trailed off as he tilted his head to meet my eyes. “You seem to get mad at me for all the little things lately,” He told me, tilting his head to meet my eyes. “They said if you do that our kid will likely resemble me.”

I rolled my eyes at him.

“Well, what gives you an idea that I don’t want our kid to look like you?” I answered, in a matter-of-fact tone. “Who wants otherwise when the father is you?”

He let out a small laugh again as if finding my remark unexpected.

“But I want our baby to look like you.” He reasoned out, looking at me like some puppy while he resisted the urge to smile.

I almost smiled at him and forgave him but my craving was too intense I just couldn’t let it go. Looking down, I sighed as my shoulders slumped.

“Baek…” I trailed off in a small voice before I looked up to make eye contact. “I don’t don’t want to continue sounding like some whiny preggo but I want to eat this bread with the strawberry jam.” I sighed once more.

His hand trailed up to my arm.

“Of course Baby.” He said gently as he stood and headed to the kitchen door.

“Where are you going?” I asked, wondering.

“To look for what my two babies want.”

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We went out of the house together after I persuaded him to take me with him. We drove to the nearest convenience store. Wearing his black bucket hat, he went inside the store to look for what I asked. After about a couple of minutes, he came back empty-handed.

“They don’t have it here.” He informed me right away as he turned to engine on. “Let’s try the next store.” He added as we immediately drove to the next convenience store.

I nearly believed that luck was not on our side after we visited about 4 stores and did not find a single strawberry jam. I sighed and sank to my seat in silence. I could feel his eyes on me the whole time before I noticed him take his phone out and call someone. I asked him who he was calling and he answered by mouthing Kyungsoo.

“Soo,” He muttered probably as soon as his best friend picked up. “Do you have a strawberry jam?”

I waited in anticipation, hoping Kyungsoo had some. However, what happened next was pretty obvious. He shut his eyes, his mouth forming into a thin line like he was irritated before he ended the call.

“What did he say?” I was curious.

“He said not to ing call him again.” He hissed. “How dare he call himself my best friend.” He remarked, displeased.

I could just imagine how Kyungsoo must have sounded. Baekhyun and I exchanged looks before we burst into laughter at the same time.

“Come to think of it...” I paused to laugh. “He was probably sound asleep and then he received a call from his best friend asking for a strawberry jam.” I could not stop smiling so hard. “Oh, I feel bad for Soo, I’m so sorry.” I went on feeling a bit guilty.

“Just wait till he wears my shoes in the future, I will make sure to erase his existence from the face of the earth.” He exaggerated the angry expression on his face.

I laughed even harder at his delivery. He’s so funny, I swear. Which explained why I could not resist the urge to cup his face with my hands before I leaned closer and at the same time pulled his face closer for a kiss on the lips. His soft lips perfectly molded with mine as soon as the contact took place. I felt his smile on my mouth which made me do the same thing.

“You’re not mad at me anymore?” He asked as soon as I leaned away, my hands still on his face.

I shook my head.

“Sorry I was mad at you earlier, I just really want the jam,” I reasoned out.

He smiled at me as he placed a hand over mine before tilting his head to the right to kiss my palm.

“Let me call Mr. Yoo.” He said as he checked his phone once more.

He placed his phone next to his ear, waiting for Mr. Yoo to answer when I spoke.

“Baek, it’s okay,” I told him. “Let’s not disturb anyone anymore, it’s a quarter past three already…” I trailed off when I heard him talk on the phone.

“Hey Mr. Yoo, I’m sorry to disturb you but I’m somewhat in a kind of emergency right now…ah no no nothing bad happened…uh, yeah I wanna ask if you might have some strawberry jam in your house right now?”

I feel a bit embarrassed and guilty having him go through this. I bit my lower lip as I watched and listened to him.

“Yeah, how did you know that it’s for Haewon?” He smiled as he nodded. “We checked some stores but failed to find one…you’re kinda my only hope.”

He let Mr. Yoo talk on the other line for a bit before his face lit up. He looked at me and signaled to me that Mr. Yoo had it. I was instantly delighted at the thought I almost clapped my hands.

After they talked, we drove on the way to Mr. Yoo’s house and reached it after thirty minutes. Mr. Yoo was already outside the building when we arrived. As soon as Baekhyun rolled the window down, Mr. Yoo handed the small paper bag to him.

It was the first time I saw him dressed down. We must have woken him up as well, I had to apologize.

“Mr. Yoo, we’re sorry to bother you.” I apologized from my seat, making an effort to make him hear me. “I feel bad for all the trouble.”

“No problem Miss Park,” He smiled at me. “We all have to make sure the Bub is okay.” He added.

His remark made us all laugh.

“Thank you, Mr. Yoo.”

He nodded at me he turned to Baekhyun.

“Seems like I have to wish you luck Baekhyun.” He .

“Yeah,” Baekhyun answered. “I just hope she won’t ask me to take her to Narnia next.”

Mr. Yoo laughed out loud as I gave Baekhyun a pinch on his sides.

“Ow.” He exclaimed, taking my hand and holding it.

༺ ༻

2nd Trimester

It was getting tougher as months went by.

My baby bump got bigger and everyone could instantly tell I was pregnant. Baekhyun and I agreed that by the time I reached the 6th month of my pregnancy, I’d have to file for an early maternity leave from work. I would have stayed longer and worked for a couple of months more but Baekhyun, as well as my family, wanted me to stop working for now. Long story short, we all agreed.

It was my last day of work today. I heard the elevator ding indicating that I had reached the parking lot of my workplace. Stepping out, I heard my phone ring inside my purse. Fishing for it, I took it out and found out that it was my husband who was calling me.

“Baby.” He muttered almost right away.

“Baek?” I wondered. “Shouldn’t you be recording right now? Manager Kang will give you the look if you keep calling me.”

“Keep calling?” He probably found my remark absurd, I could just imagine how his eyes grew wide. “The last time I called you was two hours ago.”

“See.”

He chuckled as if getting what I meant.

“Well, I can call you every hour and no one can blame me.” He reasoned out. “I just wanna make sure my babies are okay.”

I laughed at his remark.

“Well, we’re fine,” I assured him, smiling. “In fact, I just finished work and I’m about to leave now.”

“Yeah. I can see that.” He replied quickly.

“What?” I panicked. “What do you mean you can see that?” I roamed my attention around to look for a familiar black car.

Then, all of a sudden right at the corner, I found the black Audi that I was well acquainted with. I watched how the tinted windows of the driver’s seat rolled down and revealed his handsome face. Well, he was wearing his black bucket hat but everyone knows what he looks like without it. He smiled at me and it made my heart warm.

“Hi, babies.” He said, the previous subtle curve on his mouth turning into a full smile.

I couldn’t help but smile and let out a laugh.

“What are you doing here, Hm?”

“I missed you, I haven’t seen you for two days.” He replied with a fond tone.

I smiled at his honesty.

Forgetting about my car, I took a detour to where he was. Nearing his car, I noticed that he attempted to go down probably to open the passenger’s seat for me.

“No, it’s okay.” I extended an arm to signal him to stop. “Just unlock the door for me please.”

He just laughed at me as he proceeded to get out of the car anyway. He walked toward me and immediately gave my head a gentle ruffle. I smiled at his gesture. Then he opened the door of the passenger’s seat for me and helped me get in. He even placed a hand over my head to make sure I didn’t hit it by the car.

As soon as we were both inside, he took off his bucket hat, freeing his soft, full black hair. I went on to watch him as he asked for my things so he could place them in the backseat before he leaned closer to help me with the seat belt. Right then, I had full access to his familiar scent that I surely didn’t wanna miss for a day.

He must have sensed what caused my quietness when I saw the corners of his lips turn up, paying me a glance that made way for eye contact. As soon as he leaned away, he stretched a hand to touch my cheek accompanied by a fond look on his face, his act instantly making me feel at home.

He proceeded to rev the car while I lingered on what happened seconds ago. He rested his arm behind my chair and he looked behind for a bit as he slowly drove back to leave the parking spot. Minutes later, his other hand was busy with the steering wheel.

“How was your schedule?” I asked curiously, but naturally admiring him at the moment.

“It went well.” He replied reaching for the gear while a playful smile crossed his face. “How was your day?”

“It was fine, things got sorted out. But I feel a bit sad having to leave my work in the meantime.”

“That’s okay, you’ll be able to return when the time is right.” He said, comforting me. “For now you’ll just have to focus on both yourself and Bub.” He added as he placed a hand on my baby bump before he made a turn in the corner. “And me.”

I chuckled at his last two words, that smile on his face was too adorable not to appreciate.

“Hm.” He reached for my hand before he brought it to his mouth for a peck while his eyes were still on the road.  “But kidding aside baby, it’ll be harder for you to drive to work now, so you should stay at home.” He explained.

“What if I get bored?” I asked jokingly.

He laughed, glancing at me.

“Well, if you get bored maybe we can spice things up a bit…” he trailed off, a playful smile on his face. “The doctor said we’re still allowed to…ow!” He had to cut his statement short when I gave him a small pinch on the leg.

“You’re crazy.”

“Yes,” he agreed briefly. “You drive me crazy.” He went on with a y eyebrow raise.

I shook my head, unable to stifle a smile.

“And…” He took my hand and held it with his free hand while the other remained on the steering wheel. “If you think for one second that pinch could discourage me…” He paused and took his attention off the road for a moment to look at me. “You’re very wrong, baby.” He went on, winking at me with a cocky, handsome smile on his face.

Gosh, he’s crazy I love him with all my heart.

༺ ༻

We arrived home and he was the first one to get out of the car then walked towards my seat to open the door for me. I thought that he was going to get inside the house with me but thought otherwise when he leaned closer to hug me.

“Aren’t you getting inside?” I asked, sounding a bit disappointed.

“Mm.” He muttered as he tightened his embrace. “As much as I wanted to, I have a few more songs to record today.” He added before breaking the hug, bringing his palms to cup my face before he dipped to give my mouth a firm kiss.

“What time are you going home?” I must admit, I sounded sadder than I should have especially when he let go of me to get my purse from the backseat. “Maybe we can have dinner together. Do you want me to cook your favorite?”

“No.” He sighed in front of me as he handed me my purse. “I’m sorry baby, I think I’m going to be home late again.” His apology came with gentle rubs on my arm. “Make sure you eat well, okay?”

I nodded with a sad smile knowing that this was the third night in a row that he wouldn’t be home for dinner this week.

“Ah.” He clicked his tongue. “I feel bad making you eat alone again. Maybe I should call manager Kang and tell him to record the songs instead?”

“What?!” My eyes grew wide at his remark.

“I’m sure no one would notice the difference anyway. Well except for the falsettos and high notes probably.”

By the time he finished his sentence, I was already laughing. I did not expect however for him to remain quiet and just openly watch me. When I looked up to face him, I saw a hint of guilt in his eyes.

“It’s fine Baek.” I wanted to assure him. “Hm?” I lifted a hand to his cheek. “I promise I’ll eat well.”

His eyes fell on my tummy.

“I’ll make sure I get to spend more time with you soon.” He said. “But tonight, please don’t wait for me. Don’t sleep on the couch anymore okay, just go to bed as soon as you feel sleepy.” He removed a strand of hair from my face. “I’ll be there when you wake up.”

I nodded once more.

“Love you, Babymommy.” He said giving my mouth another kiss before he bent to kiss my baby bump next. “Love you bub.”

“We love you, too,” I replied naturally, my heart fluttered at the sight of him talking to the baby.

༺ ༻

10:42 PM

It was around a quarter past ten when I finished getting ready for bed. I already felt a bit sleepy and my eyes were slowly turning heavy. I sat on the