Taeyeon was having the worst migrane. Her meeting with Taecyeon was not helping her. The revelation that she has a daughter and Soo Yeon delivered the child into this world – she’s a mother too. A real mother to a real child whom Soo Yeon has been raising.

She had implored Taecyeon to hide the truth from Soo Yeon first. She needed time to think things through and finding ways to disclose the truth to her daughter. Taecyeon agreed.

Just then, she heard her daughter’s voice screaming for her name across the hall. She glanced to her clock; it was 11pm. Yongsun ran through her mother’s bedroom door and jumped on the bed; causing Taeyeon to yelp.

“YA~”

“OMMA!!!”

“What’s wrong with you? It’s 11pm and you’re screaming like a little child.”

“I’m so happy!”

“Why? Did something happen?”

Yongsun quickly sat up and hugged her mother. Of course, she would be happy. Wheein’s mother has relented and approved of her relationship with Wheein. They can date happily now.

“Wheein’s mother approved of our relationship!”

“Oh? How come?”

“She said Wheein has changed a little. And she’s eating and her health is recovering. She would let Wheein do anything she wants just as long as Wheein’s happy and healthy.”

“And her father?”

“Her father has always been supportive of Wheein. But the one that rules their home is her mother. So, her words would be the last. Nobody could fight her.”

“Ah, that’s great!”

“I’m so happy; so thankful and everything. I thought we would have to put in more effort to win her heart but she’s really nice.”

“A mother will love her child even if it’s not what they want them to be; they would still be supportive. Now, you must look after Wheein. Don’t you dare to hurt her!”

“No way! That’s the least thing I’d do. I need her. Just like how I need Omma in my life!”

Taeyeon smiled; but it was a sad smile. But Yongsun didn’t notice. She was more excited with her newfound relationship.

“Omma, sarangheyo!”

Yongsun kissed her mother and then left quickly. Taeyeon watched as her daughter disappeared out of sight. Now, she wondered.

How would the truth hurt her precious daughter?

-

Jessica was all smiles. She had dinner with Yongsun and learnt a lot of things about the girl. She empathized with Yongsun when she shared stories about her family. Her mother single-handedly raised her, and she never knew her father.

But that didn’t deter her to have a complete family; a mother who loves her so dearly and her extended family members who have been by her side ever since she was born.

“Your mother is a great woman.”

“She is! She’s tough; her strength is admirable. She went through so much; people talked behind her back; friends bullied me in school saying that I don’t have a father and that I’m unwanted; Omma always put me first – she would debunk all those things that are not pleasant to hear. I don’t need a father. My mother is good enough for me.”

“She raised you well. You’re so pleasant and bubbly. I love talking to you.”

“Me too! I’m so happy to be able to have conversation like this with you. And I know you love Wheein a lot too. You must have sacrificed a lot for her too, right?”

Jessica nodded.

“Wheein is my world. Without her, I could never live my life till today. She’s the reason why Auntie held on. But I was too strict with her. I was afraid that I might lose her one day; and I didn’t want her to end up being like me.”

“I understand. Omma always said, that a mother would do anything to sacrifice her own happiness; her own life – just for the sake of their child just as long as that child grows up in a good environment and having the best of everything. I guess you have that vision for Wheein too.”

“That’s why I’m willing to leave my daughter in your hands. You’re sensible, mature and respectful. And I have never seen Wheein like this before; laughing heartily and having that genuine smile on her face.”

“I bring that out of her, right?”

“Of course, you did. And thank you so much for that, Yongsun.”

Yongsun gave her the cutest smile.

-

“What are you thinking of?”

A sudden intrusion jerked Jessica back to reality. She turned over and saw Taecyeon grinning at her.

“I was just thinking of Wheein. Where did you go the whole day?”

“I was busy at work.”

“Are you hungry?”

“I’ve eaten. How’s Wheein?”

Jessica smiled; recalling the moments before. The daughter was full of smiles; she didn’t want Jessica to go home at first but she saw her mother’s tired eyes – Wheein knew it was her fault. She eventually let her mother go.

“Ah, so you two sort of reconciled?”

“Yeah, I allowed her to continue dating Yongsun.”

Taecyeon’s expression changed. The girls may not be blood-related, but their mothers were lovers and the girls were kinda interrelated with these two women. He was scratching his head; he was a little concerned, but he had promised Taeyeon not to reveal. He didn’t even reveal to Taeyeon who her daughter was because Taeyeon didn’t seem to know the truth either.

He stared at Jessica for the longest time; the woman was surprised to find him staring intently at her.

“Why? Is it weird for me to finally give in to Wheein?”

“No, you should have done that a long time ago.”

“Shut up, Oppa. You were never supportive of me in the first place.”

“Well, does it feel good to have a smiling and happy Wheein?”

“Yeah, it does. She’s full of aegyeo too. She has never done that.”

“That’s because you were too strict. She’s always showing her aegyeo to me. Not only me; Soo Jung too.”

“Soo Jung was so annoyed when I told her Wheein was in the hospital few days ago; and now when I told her I relented, she was suddenly crying on the phone and prayed to God for my changes. What’s wrong with the people around me? Am I that really bad?”

“You have your reasons. Although we don’t agree, we didn’t stop you.”

Taecyeon paused. Then he sighed.

“We have our faults too. We pampered you too much.”

“Shut up and go shower. You stink.”

Jessica stood up and left the room; Taecyeon was laughing away but soon stopped when Jessica was gone.

Damn, Wheein is dating Yongsun who is actually Jessica’s daughter. Wheein is Taeyeon’s daughter. Why must things get so complicated like this? And he couldn’t tell Jessica.

Her relationship with Wheein had just mended. He wouldn’t want to spoil it for now.

-

“What?!”

Heechul’s eyes were so huge that Taeyeon thought they might pop out any time.

“Wait, so you have another daughter who is your flesh and blood and Soo Yeon is raising her now?”

Taeyeon nodded.

“WHAT?!”

“Unnie, are you serious about this?”

Yoona was there too. The husband and wife were having headaches when Taeyeon nodded again.

“Do you know who she is?”

“No, I don’t dare to find out. I mean, the thought of having my own flesh and blood daughter around me and I have no freaking idea scares me.”

“Does Soo Yeon know about Yongsun then?”

“No, only Taecyeon did. And I forced on him to keep it a secret until I sort things out first.”

“He agreed?”

“He said he’s having headache thinking about this. But he did mention to settle this as soon as possible.”

“Taeyeon ah, you need to find out who’s your daughter.”

“Then Yongsun? What am I going to tell her?”

Heechul slapped his forehead again. Another round of headache hit him and he raised his hands. He surrendered.

“I need to lie down. This is just too much.”

“Unnie, this is so complicated. What are you going to do?”

“I have no idea. Yongsun is happier now. I don’t want to spoil it for her.”

The 3 adults were completely lost. They had no idea how they should approach this matter and especially Yongsun. She would be broken-hearted if she realized she’s not Taeyeon’s biological daughter.

-

Wheein was getting ready to discharge. After a week at the hospital, she was finally allowed to go home. Thanks to Yongsun, Wheein had gained some weight and has been smiling so much. The nurses loved this happy Wheein because she was full of aegyeo. The cuteness of this 21-year-old was the epitome of happiness for her caregivers.

Her grandparents were there to pick her up. They were furious when they found out about Wheein’s admission to the hospital. Of course, Jessica got the full loads of nagging and scolding from her parents.

“Wheeinie, everything is packed?”

“Haraboji~~!”

“Aigoo, woori princess~”

Jessica was there too. She was the designated driver; she asked Ahjussi to pick up Yongsun instead. She invited the girl for lunch earlier on. And she has told her parents about Wheein’s relationship with Yongsun. They were surprised at first but of course, it was natural for Wheein to like her own gender.

“Her mom is a pure lesbian; her biological mother is equally the same. All your genes have flowed into Wheein. I couldn’t say anything much.”

“Appa, are you mad with me again?”

“No, I’m mad because you made your daughter sick.”

“Geez. Are you still going to harp on this?”

“You’re lucky Wheein is fine now. Thanks to her girlfriend. You better be nice to both girls. If not, I don’t mind giving you another round of nagging and scolding.”

“Thanks, Appa for being supportive.”

“Soo Yeon ah, you have raised Wheein well. If you think this relationship will make Wheein happy, then just give her your support. Let her deal with it by herself. She will grow stronger after that.”

“Yes, Omma.”

Her daughter was all prepared to go home and said her goodbyes to the doctors and nurses who have been taking good care of her. She snuck her arm around her haraboji and both went off ahead of Jessica and her mother. Jessica took her daughter’s bag and her mother carried all the well-wishes gifts Wheein had received from her friends and family.

Jessica watched as her daughter and her father joked around with each other. She had never seen her father like that; and she had never seen Wheein being so child-like. Her mother patted on her arm gently.

“Wheein has always been like that with your father whenever you’re not around.”

“So, she’s showing her aegyeo to everyone but me.”

“She’s terrified of you. She knows you’re a no-nonsense person.”

“Looks like I have missed out a lot from her childhood till now.”

“It’s not too late. You can still see these sides of her if you allow her to be who she is. Jessica, I know you’re afraid that history might repeat once again. But it wont if you give yourself a chance to accept that reality and live your life forward; not backwards.”

Jessica nodded; as she glanced to the floor. She understood her mother’s words completely.

“You still think of that person?”

“All the time.”

“Then why don’t you look for her? I think you need a closure so that you can move on properly with your daughter.”

“Omma, Wheein is not my daughter. She’s Taeyeon’s daughter. What if she asks about Wheein, what am I supposed to say?”

“Tell her the truth. Wheein deserves the truth too.”

“Then what about Wheein? How am I supposed to tell her that I’m not her biological mother? Will she hate me if she finds out?”

Mrs Jung kept her silence as her mind processed all the things Jessica just had mentioned. She finally understood why Jessica was running away from her reality.

“Omma, it’s too complicated to be truthful. For Wheein’s sake, I must bury this truth forever. It’s not that I’m afraid to lose her; but I’m afraid if I did tell her, then I might lose her and Taeyeon forever.”

-

“Taeyeon?”

“Omma, I need to have a word with you.”

“Sure, come in.”

“Appa?”

“He’s out with his friends.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll just have to share it with you.”

“What happened? Did something happen?”

“Omma, do you remember Soo Yeon?”

“Yongsun’s biological mother? Why?”

“She’s back.”

Mrs Kim was surprised.

“You two met?”

“No, her husband did.”

“She’s really married?”

“On paper. Both did not agree with the arranged marriage, but something happened, so they just got married on paper.”

“So why did he meet up with you?”

“Omma, I wasn’t the only one who got pregnant.”

Mrs Kim’s eyes were so large that Taeyeon was taken aback. She had never seen her mother’s eyes that big before. But like Heechul and Yoona, her mother had the same reaction.

“Wait, wait. Let me digest this properly.”

“Sure.”

“You were pregnant with Yongsun via that procedure called IVF.”

“Yes.”

“And Soo Yeon went the same procedure as you?”

“Yes, she did.”

“And she was pregnant too?”

“Uh huh.”

“KIM TAEYEON! SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH YOUR CHILD?!”

“Yes, she was pregnant with my baby and I have a daughter too.”

Mrs Kim slumped to the sofa; completely stunned. Her fingers were already caressing the sides of her forehead.

“The two of you would be the death of me. Both you and Soo Yeon! Why did you go for the procedure in the first place?!”

“Because we thought we would be together forever.”

“Now what? What are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know. Soo Yeon has no idea about Yongsun. Her husband didn’t mention to her.”

“Your dad might faint of heart attack. Don’t tell him about this first. I will break the news to him.”

Taeyeon nodded. For once, Taeyeon regretted going for that procedure.

-

Meanwhile the two younger girls were having the ball of the time. Wheein was back to school after 2 days of rest. Lunch at her house after her discharge was a wonderful memory for her. Her grandparents and Auntie Soo Jung were present; Yongsun was there too. Her family loves Yongsun.

And her grandfather gave her thumbs up when he saw Yongsun for the first time. He thought she had good taste. Yongsun’s beautiful.

She is, indeed. Everything about Yongsun is beautiful. The way she smiles; the way her nose wrinkles when she smiles; her cute little dimples at the corner of ; and the way Yongsun wraps her arms around her – she feels protected.

“Wheein, I miss you.”

Yongsun whined as she wrapped her arms around Wheein from the back. Wheein leaned against her chest; rubbing her nose against Yongsun’s cheeks. Her lavender scent was so addictive.

“I miss you too.”

Wheein whispered softly. God, she never thought she could experience this closeness; being Yongsun’s girl and being in love with the one person she wanted to be with so badly.

“Stop it. The two of you. Just stop it.”

“I want to puke!”

“Jung Wheein, since when you become so cringey?!”

Irene, Moonbyul and Hyejin wanted to escape from the couple so badly. Ever since the day they got back together; the two lovers were just so lovesick and annoyingly greasy.

“Irene, stop being jealous.”

“I’m not jealous. I’m feeling icky.”

“Hey, I had to endure your moments with Jennie. So, it’s my turn now.”

“Jennie and I are professionals.”

“The two of you flirt with your eyes. You think I don’t know? There was so much .”

“Shut up, Moonbyul. You’re worse than Yongsun by the way.”

“WHAT?!”

“Baby, Irene is right. You’re equally annoying.”

Hyejin was teasing her girlfriend. Moonbyul pouted her lips but never fight back. Wheein was grinning away.

“Looks like you got Moonbyul under your skin.”

“What do you mean?”

“She never fights back. This Moonbyul is a fighter when it comes to arguments.”

“I respect Hyejin.”

“No, she’s scared of her.”

“Yongsun, I will kick you if you’re not careful.”

“You dare to kick my girlfriend?”

“Woah, Jung Wheein is protective!”

“Don’t you come near my girlfriend. And stop hugging her for god sake! She’s mine!”

“Yongsun never complains!”

“Now I do. Stop hogging me!”

It was crazy for that few seconds. The girls were arguing among themselves. It was the same as the old days. Yongsun watched as her friends were arguing with each other but she welcomed that now. Wheein was arguing with her best friend, Hyejin over something.

It seemed normal to argue among themselves. Irene then leaned closer to Yongsun.

“I’m so glad to have the old Yongsun back.”

She whispered.

“I’m glad to be back too, Irene. Thank you so much for being by my side”

“I didn’t do this alone. Moonbyul worries for you the most.”

“I know. I should thank her.”

“Yup, I’m so glad that you got Wheein back in your life.”

Yongsun nodded. Then another war ensued. Green eye monster Wheein saw what Irene did. Irene was hugging her girlfriend for too long.

“Irene, Yongsun’s my girlfriend! Stop whispering things with her!”

Irene rolled her eyes.

“You can take your girlfriend back.”

“Ya, since when this girl becomes so possessive?”

Hyejin was amazed at her best friend’s changes. Wheein was supposed to be this cool, laidback kid. Now she was just possessive and edgy.

“Yongsun’s mine!”

“Before she has you, I was the one she loves!”

Moonbyul suddenly declared. Yongsun rolled her eyes while Wheein narrowed her eyes at Moonbyul. Hyejin was just minding her own business. Her girlfriend is a dork anyway.

Moonbyul edged Wheein even more. She jumped on Yongsun and hugged her tightly. She attempted to kiss Yongsun too; Yongsun struggled for her life and Wheein. Well, she kicked Moonbyul really hard.

“OW!”

“Serve you right!”

“Come back here!”

When would all the madness stop?

-

The girls were on the bed; Wheein was in Yongsun’s embrace and Yongsun tucking her beloved under her chin. They were back in their dorm; combined their single beds together and just enjoyed that moment together.

“This feels so good.”

Wheein whispered. Yongsun smiled and then nodded. She agreed with Wheein.

“Yes, it feels surreal that you’re next to me now. Two weeks ago, we were dying softly.”

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I made you worry.”

“Don’t ever do that again, Wheein ah. I cannot take it.”

Yongsun pulled Wheein closer and Wheein snuggled deeper into her embrace. She shook her head as she fought back her tears.

“I’m sorry, baby. I regretted my actions. I was such a coward; I didn’t have the courage to face you; or face this situation. I couldn’t do it because I wasn’t strong enough to overcome this. But now, I know I have you. I won’t let anything come in between us anymore. I’ll never give you up so easily.”

“Same here. I’ll not let anything; not even our mothers to stop us again. I’m going to do all I can to keep you here with me; I need you to live.”

Wheein smiled and then nodded. She then rested her forehead against Yongsun’s. She closed her eyes; the other girl followed suit. It was this intense connection they had; Wheein vowed not to give up; not to give in so easily.

For once, she knew she had to fight for her happiness. Yongsun did all she could to keep them together; for them to be back as lovers again. So, now it was her turn to keep this relationship going.

No, nothing could tear her apart again.

“I love you so much, Kim Yongsun. I promise you. I’ll not let you slip from my grip anymore.”

“I’ll love you for a lifetime, Jung Wheein. Even after our deaths, I’ll find my way to get to where you are.”

Wheein kissed her tenderly.

-

Jessica just ended her phone call with her daughter. Wheein called her before she turned in for the night.

“How are you feeling, Wheein?”

“I’m fine, Mommy. How about you?”

“I’m fine; looking through the files.”

“I’m sorry, Mommy. You didn’t work for two weeks because of me, right?”

“Nah, you’re more important than my work. I can always go through it now. But if I lose you, I can never find another Wheein; another daughter like you.”

Jessica heard a soft sigh on the other end of the line. Wheein then spoke up again.

“Mommy, Wheein is still your daughter. I’ll always be your girl. You won’t lose me. Trust me, Mommy. You’re the only Mommy I have.”

“Thank you, Wheein ah.”

But if only her daughter knows that she’s not her biological daughter, how would Wheein react? Would her daughter hate her for lying? And she didn’t have the best childhood; she didn’t have good memories growing up with Jessica holding a leash on her. How could Wheein still want to be her daughter if she finds out that Jessica is her not Mommy after all?

“Wheein ah, I’m sorry baby. I can’t tell you the truth. There’s no way I could ever tell you that your real mother is Kim Taeyeon, a brave woman with a big heart.

-

“Omma! Can I head home this weekend with Wheein?”

“Bring your other friends too. I’ll cook for you.”

“Really?! Can they bring their girlfriends too?”

“Eh? You girls are not seeing guys as your other partners anymore?”

“We belong to the same species. Of course, our radar will pick up people who just like us.”

“Fine, fair argument. You girls are so lucky.”

“Omma, what did you say? I cannot hear.”

“Nothing, just come by this weekend. I’ll cook for you.”

“Yay~~”

Yeah, her daughter was lucky. People now were more receptive; they were more open and accepting special people like herself; like her daughter; like Soo Yeon. And she was lucky to be surrounded by friends who were like her. They understood each other better and had some support somehow.

While she and Soo Yeon struggled back then; not many people were receptive; they were often ridiculed. Some guys tried to break them apart. But they stood strong together.

So, what went wrong in that last fight? Why did they crumble so easily despite standing strong for so many years?

Taeyeon blamed herself for giving up so easily. She should have fought for Soo Yeon. At least tried to maintain a friendship with her but she realized she was pregnant.

She couldn’t continue to live like that. Her stomach would show and how would other people see her? And she probably thought it would be easier to handle this by herself since Soo Yeon would be leaving her and getting married to a guy.

Never did she realize, Soo Yeon was pregnant too. Why did they had to fall apart; and then raising each other’s daughter in loneliness and all alone? She probably could feel Soo Yeon’s pain.

Because she felt hers. But at least Yongsun made it easy for her.

And she hoped her biological daughter would have made it easy for Soo Yeon too.

-