Desperate Train Stop Confession

How Far Until Footprints Vanish - Undergoing Revision and Finalization

Desperate Train Stop Confession

*

           Come morning, Chansung wasn’t feeling any better. Fei and his siblings all took turns keeping him company, but what he was feeling was continuing to get worse. When the time came to leave, Chansung managed to get up but he felt pain constantly.

           “Why do I feel like this?” He asked, leaning against Min-Jun. “I don't think this is normal - I don't understand why I'm feeling this way.”

           "Well, unfortunately, Significant feelings are quite strong." Min-Jun sat him down and ruffled his hair. “Asides from that, what made you start rejecting your parents?”

           The question made Chansung huddle up and hug himself. “It's been building for a while I guess.” He admitted as his siblings all came to sit with him. “These little rascals help though.”

           “Teri is escorting Fei and your siblings to the Capital.” Min-Jun informed. "Me and you are heading someplace else."

           Surprised, Chansung looked up at the bear with confusion. “What? What do you mean? What’s happening?”

           “There’s someone we have to bring along to the Capital and I’ll need your help.” Min-Jun explained and looked over the bakery.

           “Who uncle Kim?” Serenity asked.

           “He’s an old friend of your dad’s and mine.” Min-Jun said with a smile.

           “Are you going to see Mr. Kim?” Cho Hee asked. “I think it’ll make him happy.”

           Min-Jun grinned then, “of course. I think all of us might even be together for Christmas.”

           All his siblings gasped, ears and tails conveying all of their excitement. Chansung let that fill him up with happiness, and he would hold onto it. So many things had been taken from him and his siblings over the years, he needed this moment. It was enough for now.

           Making his way back up the stairs, he came to Wooyoung’s room and remained in the doorway. Whatever his mother had done Chansung wouldn’t stand for it. Taking in all of the scents and atmosphere of the place he now considered ‘home’, he held it within him and centered himself. He knew he could come back, but he was filled with enormous amounts of dread. He had been running away from his mother for so long now. It terrified him to think about what would happen, and what would be revealed.

           He was angry at so many people: his father for being absent and negligent, his mother and all that she has done (known and unknown), Fei for going along with his mother and using his siblings to bring him back – and potentially being the one to assist in shaking the fragile connection he and Wooyoung established. Wooyoung, he was angry at Wooyoung for telling him to leave, and pushing and pulling. But, he was more angry at himself. He was trying to respect Wooyoung’s decision in telling him to go, but it was making him numb.

           There was something more to Wooyoung, something familiar and intentionally hidden all at the same time. It drove him crazy whenever he got to thinking about it now, because there was only one answer he could think of, and he didn't know how to handle if the answer was true.

           Looking out as the town whizzed by, he inhaled and exhaled deeply. He didn’t want to leave like this. His gaze caught sight of the shelter and a waterfall of emotions erupted inside of him. There was so much he didn’t know, but he needed answers now, to hopefully correct past wrongs, and finally acquire his missing pieces.

           Looking upon the station building, even more apprehension and panic rose within him. His heart began to race quickly and he held onto his siblings tighter. As Min-Jun pulled into the parking lot, his siblings and Fei filed out one by one and collected their bags. He, however, was frozen in his seat. He tried to focus on his youngest siblings’ queries, but he couldn’t. A dull ache flared in his chest and his extremities began to feel even more numb than before.

           “Chan?”

           Snapping to attention he looked up at Min-Jun, but only briefly. He was putting all his trust into Min-Jun that everything would be okay, even if he was hurting inside. He just needed to hold on.

           “I wish I could make this go faster so you could feel better.” The bear comforted and scooped up his youngest siblings. “Big brother needs lots of cuddles.”

           Ae Cha gave a really big sigh, “I’m sorry we can’t make you better, big brudder.”

           Chansung stared at her quietly and thought of all their faces this morning. “I’ll be okay. I just haven’t been home in two years, babe.” He tried to assure and climbed out of the van. “I’m nervous.”

           Nervous, surprised and scared. He now understood what Fei went through with Aaron, what being affected by your Significant felt like. It unsettled him, but definitely confirmed his feelings.

           Standing at the train station was surreal. The train hadn’t arrived yet, but the crowd was large. Students were coming home for the winter holidays. Kaiden once more was seated on his lap quietly, a neglected cookie in his hand. Ae Cha sat between him and Serenity. Cho Hee and Snow were helping Fei with her bags. He had no strength to stand. He was sitting at the train stop to leave Fortune. His mind was in chaos.

           Leaning back against his seat, he shut his eyes and felt a hand tighten on his arm. Looking at Serenity, she looked like she was holding back tears.

           “Okay...I made lunch boxes!” Min-Jun said as he came through the door. He set down the bag and sat beside Serenity. “Serenity, I marked the ones for Kaiden and Ae Cha.”

           “Thank you, Mr. Kim.” She said quietly.

           Fei took a seat beside Chansung and held his hand. “Where exactly are you going, Min-Jun?”

           Chansung too looked over at Min-Jun. He had been curious about what the bear was actually planning, but he was too tired to think about it.

           “That, my dear, is a secret.” Min-Jun said with a wink. “I’m sure it’ll be a couple days but then we’ll be in the Capital. Hopefully in time for the reading and the vote for the bills.”

           Chansung hadn’t even thought about all of that. “I'm...I'm glad we'll actually be there for the vote.” He said and brushed his fingers over Kaiden’s cheeks.

           Then he heard it in the distance. The train. The train was coming. It was really coming. Feeling his heart beginning to race, he held onto Kaiden tighter.

           “I thought Teri was coming.” He said as he looked again towards Min-Jun.

           “Don’t worry, she’ll be here.” Min-Jun said.

           “You’re making me anxious.” Chansung grumbled.

           The bear laughed as he sat beside Cho Hee. “Just be patient.”

           “Uncle Kim, do you like making cakes?” Ae Cha asked suddenly.

           “Of course I do. I especially like making them for cute little kittens with silver and gold eyes.” He said as he shuffled their bags around.

           “I’m not cute, Uncle Kim.” Snow grumbled.

           “Oh, I suppose you’re cool, cute and sweet then.” Min-Jun said.

           Snow made to retort but then he was huddling into Cho Hee.

           Chansung and Fei both laughed.

           “He is indeed sweet and cute.” Fei teased.

           “Ah! Big sis, no.” Snow huffed.

           “What? Only uncle Kim can call you cute?” Fei asked.

           “Yes.”

           Then they were erupting into laughter again, and Snow was blushing and hiding himself more into Cho Hee.

           “Okay, let’s all use the washroom. Serenity help Ae Cha please.” Min-Jun said as he relieved Kaiden from Chansung’s arms.

           “He’s amazing…” Fei said as she leaned into him.

           Chansung nodded, “I’d probably be losing my mind right now if it wasn’t for him.”

           “Why didn’t you go and try and find Wooyoung?” Fei asked without hesitation.

           Chansung could tell she had been waiting to ask this question.

           “I've got something to prove to him,” Chansung said softly. "Not only that, I honestly and truly feel that nothing will change unless I deal with my mother first."

           She worried her bottom lip and held his hand tighter. “You can’t break a courtship like this in the middle, you’ll both be hurt. I’m sure it’s part of why you’re feeling really unwell.” Fei said with heavy concern.

           Chansung leaned back and shut his eyes. He couldn't tell her about the Heat or rejecting his parents. “We’re not in a courtship, Fei.”

           “Don’t be dumb, you know you are.”

           Flushing heavily, Chansung looked upon her. “What do you mean?”

           Her eyes widened, “you can’t tell? I bet you're craving to touch him, be near him - if you caught a whiff of his scent you would feel 100 times better.”

           “Fei-”

           “You could drive yourself mad, especially with your heritage and having two hybrids. Mending a courtship bond with a Significant after trauma can be tricky.” Fei turned to him fully then.

           “I know, Fei.”

           “Even if Wooyoung has his own precautions, don’t you think leaving him now while he’s also probably in a state of turmoil will make him feel insecure and your feelings disingenuous?”

           Rising to his feet he smoothed his hands through his hair roughly. “Please don’t do this to me right now. You don't know how badly I want to go to him.”

           Looking out beyond into the wintry landscape surrounding Fortune, Chansung kept his hands folded together behind his neck.

           “That's exactly why..." She said with hurt. "I don’t want you to go through what I did, Chansung.”

           Turning to Fei quickly, he sat himself beside her again and hugged her close. “Don’t think about that time, don’t go there. You’re not there anymore. Aaron isn’t like that anymore.”

           She shook her head and smiled sadly. “It still hurt. I don't want you to be hurt like that, Wooyoung either.”

           “I know…” Chansung said softly. He remembered it all, all the pain Fei experienced because she refused to be disrespected. He could still hear her cries and screams.

           “You finally found love, don’t let it go. I want you to hold onto him. You've both been through so much it seems. You have a choice to be together and work through everything by one another's side. You could both overcome this together.”

           This actually hurt to hear now. It wasn’t that he wanted to let Wooyoung go, but he knew unless his mother wasn’t able to reach him, the fear would always be there and this would happen again.

           The laughter of his siblings bounded around him and Min-Jun scooped up both his youngest siblings and spun them around.

           Min-Jun deserved happiness. Chansung could see it more and more now, the exhaustion the bear had been hiding. He was tired but he was still doing everything to help people. It made Chansung feel so utterly helpless and pathetic. What could he do for him to give him back what he gave so selflessly?

           Then, it wafted over him. It was relentless and Chansung breathed deeply. He knew this scent.

           Standing, he whirled around in disbelief, finding the person he least expected - but most certainly wanted - leaning against Teri and breathing heavily.

           “C-Chansung…” Wooyoung looked weak and haggard with Teri's arm around him, holding him up.

           “Cutting it close don’t you think? I thought you two weren’t going to make it.” Min-Jun sighed.

           Teri rolled her eyes. “We made it nonetheless.”

           Wooyoung was steadied on his feet. Somehow he managed to stand at full height, as tired as he looked, and met Chansung’s gaze. Wooyoung was breathing heavily still, his eyes were red and his face was a bit pale. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. Wooyoung’s hands were enclosed in tight fists at his sides and he began worrying his bottom lip excessively.

           Chansung didn’t have the courage to say anything, not when it seemed Wooyoung was made to come here. It took every ounce of restraint to stop himself from running over to him and scooping him up to comfort him.

           Wooyoung exhaled deeply and shut his eyes briefly before looking at him again. “Chan...please, I…”

           As soon as he heard those weak words his feet were carrying him forward. Halting in his tracks no more than a step away, he waited. “You told me to leave.”

           Wooyoung looked every bit of hurt at those words. “I know. I shouldn’t have, but I didn’t think you would listen to me - spirits, I’m scared of what might happen.”

           Chansung couldn’t stop himself from seething through his teeth. He managed to calm himself down enough to say calmly, “I was going to come back.”

           Wooyoung chuckled quietly, “would you have?”

           “Are you doubting me?”

           This made Wooyoung shake his head immediately, “no, never.”

           “But you did.”

           “I was wrong!” Wooyoung yelled, desperately.

           Chansung felt his hands beginning to shake.

           “I’m scared.”

           Chansung nodded, “imagine her being your mother.”

           Wooyoung smiled briefly. “I don’t want to.”

           He said it so bluntly Chansung couldn’t help but laugh.

           “It’s not funny, she’s…”

           Chansung nodded, “sorry, she’s just done so much to me, all I can do right now is laugh.”

           Slowly but surely, Wooyoung’s hand reached out and Chansung pulled him the rest of the way into his arms. Wooyoung was trembling all over, clutching him desperately, and apologising over and over. “I’m sorry, Chansung…” He choked as he looked up at him.

           Chansung brushed away his tears and smiled.

           “I...I don’t want you to leave me.”

           “It’s okay. We're together right now.” He tried to comfort but Wooyoung shook his head violently.

           “I-I’m really scared but I don’t think I can...I really want you to stay with me.” Wooyoung sniffled and held onto him tighter. “Please, please stay with me...” He was taking heaving breaths now, shaking terribly and rubbing his face against his chest. Chansung had never seen him lose his composure like this before. “I can’t stand the thought of-of losing you again-"

           “Wooyoung, calm down, please?” He leaned back, or he tried to but Wooyoung wasn’t relenting in the least.

           “I don’t want to let you go!”

           Giving up, Chansung smiled, hugged him once more and kissed his cheek. “I understand.”

           “I’m sorry...” Wooyoung cried, though he finally allowed Chansung to tilt his head up.

           “Don’t look so pitiful,” he teased gently.

           The pout he was given absolutely stole his heart all over again.

           “I couldn’t - I can’t relax, I can’t sleep. You really turned my life upside down, you damn cat.” He groaned and collapsed against him. “I know you won’t stop but be a little easier on me, please?”

           Chansung chuckled and finally managed to swoop in and seal his lips in a kiss. Hearing that soft whimper, he delved into that lovely mouth hungrily and watched those eyes brighten silver. “Don’t ever tell me to leave again...”

           “I won’t...”

           Remembering they had an audience, especially after hearing Min-Jun clear his throat, Chansung tried to take a step back but Wooyoung wouldn’t let him.

           “Now that this part of your extreme dramafest is over, can we please get ready to leave?” Min-Jun was wiping at his eyes and facing the train.

           Feeling Wooyoung beginning to fall, Chansung held him close so he could check him over. His face was more flushed than before, and breathing even more laborious.

           “Oh Wooyoung…” He murmured and rested his hand against his forehead.

           Teri checked over them both silently, but Chansung could also see how relieved she was.

           When they were finally all settled on the train, spread out within two cabins, Chansung’s siblings all crowded around Wooyoung and began worrying over him.

           “Okay, okay, he won’t feel better if you’re all staring at him.”

           Ae Cha heaved herself up and rested her hand on Wooyoung’s arm. “Brudder Wooyoung, I love you.”

           Chansung withheld cooing loudly and gripped his coat tightly.

           “I love you, too. Brother Wooyoung just needs sleep, I promise.” Wooyoung assured and rubbed her arms.

           “Okay, but promise to play with me later?”

           Wooyoung chuckled, “I promise.”

           Satisfied, Ae Cha hopped down and took Serenity’s hand.

           “Uncle Kim promised us cookies.” Serenity said.

           Chansung snickered, “did he? Well, you’d better go sit down. The train will start moving soon.”

           “Brudder I want to sit with you.” Kaiden purred.

           “You will, I just need to look after Wooyoung first.”

           “Okay.” Kaiden said and let Snow pick him up.

           “Please don’t fight.” Cho Hee said quietly.

           “We won’t, now go on.”

           “Come on guys, let’s go.” Serenity said and began pushing them out. “Uncle Kim said you’re getting off before us, if you’re not too tired can we have lunch together?”

           Chansung smiled, “of course babe.”

           “Only if you’re not too tired,” She said, then shut the door.

           “I really don’t feel very good.” Wooyoung murmured weakly. “My body feels warm - sickly warm, it's gross.”

           Chansung felt the same, and it was a very discomforting warmth. “I’m too tired to ask now, but I would like to know what happened before I go to the Capital.”

           The fear was back, Chansung could smell it in Wooyoung’s scent, and then it became visible.

           “Don’t think about it right now.”

           Shimmery silver eyes focused on him and then Wooyoung was smiling brightly. “Can I be selfish?”

           “Only if I can too.”

           “Of course…” Wooyoung said softly. He reached up and smoothed his thumb over Chansung’s cheek.

           “What is it?” Chansung asked quietly.

           Wooyoung’s hand dropped to his neck and this thumb brush against his jaw.

           “You should get some rest, hey? Just rest, we’ll talk later.”

           Wooyoung’s scent was reeling off of him in waves. No longer completely of fear, there was bliss and contentment, but the smaller male was on the brink of fainting. Chansung wanted to do nothing more than curl up with Wooyoung and let him sleep. All of his focus was on him, all he wanted to do was make sure Wooyoung was okay, nothing else mattered. If Fei was right (and he truly knew she was), their ‘courtship’ or whatever they had started was going to need major work after all of this.

           “I’m scared to close my eyes.” Wooyoung admitted after a while.

           Chansung reached forward and smoothed a finger up and down Wooyoung’s neck, making him relax immediately. Stopping, he reached up and gripped Wooyoung’s hand before curling their fingers together. Chansung sat back slowly and took a deep breath. Wooyoung was with him. They weren’t okay, but they were together, and that was enough right now.

           “You...you really listened to me.” Wooyoung said as he shifted onto his side, caccooning Chansung.

           “Of course I did.” Chansung huffed and kissed his palm. Then, Wooyoung was gripping his shirt and tugging him closer.

           “I’m really sorry, Chansung. I really didn’t want you to go.”

           Shushing him with a brush of their noses, Chansung rested their foreheads together, “shh, I know, I know.” He whispered. “Just...please don’t ever do that to me again.”

           “I won’t.” Wooyoung said quietly back.

           “Get some rest.” He encouraged and kissed him again and again.

           “I...” Wooyoung succumbed over and over and gripped his hair tight. “I can’t...” He whined and tears flew down his face. He rubbed at his face furiously and groaned in frustration.

           “Why not?”

           “I can’t sleep without you.”

           Chansung swooned and held him close. “What makes you think I’m leaving?”

           Wooyoung whimpered and threw his arms around his neck. “Don’t listen to me anymore, okay?”

           Chansung chuckled and gave a shake of his head, “I’ll always listen. I’ll wait until you’re ready to share with me.”

           Wooyoung moved forward and his lips before kissing him heatedly. Chansung took absolute pleasure in opening his mouth and letting Wooyoung overpower his senses. Without needing incentive, he focused on his glands and kissed Wooyoung even deeper. Feeling as much as hearing a soft moan, Chansung shivered. Tender silver eyes watched him as Chansung leaned back.

           “Sleep.”

           “You’re never fair...” Wooyoung murmured, not being able to fight the sleep any longer.

           Waiting until he was completely asleep, Chansung sat back and brushed at Wooyoung’s hair. “Neither are you,” he said softly.

           Covering Wooyoung with blankets, he soon stepped back. Watching over him for only a moment more he then made his way into the hall and found Min-Jun.

           “You knocked him out already?” Min-Jun genuinely looked surprised.

           “I want to sleep too.” He admitted and rubbed his face.

           “Then rest, I’ll keep the babies occupied.”

           Chansung gripped Min-Jun’s arm. “Where are we going?”

           “To see someone you need to see.” Min-Jun said mysteriously while looking in upon his cub. “We also need to bring him to the Capital.”

           “What are you planning, Min-Jun?” Chansung asked tentatively.

           “While I want you in the loop, for now I just want you to sleep, too. Stay close to him, you’ll begin to feel better, and,” Min-Jun held up a satchel. “Take your damn limiter.”

           “Ah!” Teri ran out of the next cabin. “I’ll do that!”

           Chansung let her pull him into the cabin once more and sat him down.

           “You’re such a worrywart, Teri.” Min-Jun teased as he leaned in the doorway. “I’m sure he knows how to give himself a shot.”

           Teri gave him the finger and got the needle ready. “I’m upping his dosage.”

           “What? Why?”

           Teri gave Min-Jun a pointed look to which the bear shrugged. “Are you sure about what you’re doing, Min-Jun? What if he won’t help? Why don’t you just connect with Mei?”

           Chansung looked between them surprised.

           “I already did, Teri, I’m going all the way. I’m fixing this - or at least bringing all the pieces together to fix it.” Min-Jun dismissed. “Whatever happens, I’ll at least be at ease knowing I’ve stopped living the lie she tried to create.”

           “Mei..?” Chansung said slowly and looked up at Min-Jun.

           “Yes, your aunt.”

           “How do you know my auntie Mei?”

           “She was the one that helped Taecyeon and I a lot in my younger years. I got to know your father because of her.”

           “Huh…” Chansung was beginning to see just how much he was connected with Min-Jun, Taecyeon and Wooyoung, but in different ways. “I’m beginning to realise our familiarity goes very deep, Min-Jun. You’re hiding a lot from me.”

           “Oh he is, the bastard. If he wasn’t such an , I bet he would spill it all to you, but he has this all planned I’m sure.” Teri said. “Will you be satisfied when you bring it all crashing down around her, Min-Jun?”

           The bear had a look of determination now. “You have no idea.”

           Chansung couldn’t help but shiver.

           As Teri administered the limiter, Chansung looked over Wooyoung once more.

           “That fox, Min-Jun, who was he?” His gaze never strayed, but his vision was becoming blurry.

           “Don’t worry about it right now.”

           Collapsing against Teri, Chansung heard them exchanging words but they didn’t make sense. He was still looking at Wooyoung. He did until he succumbed to the exhaustion. He didn’t want this to be a dream.

*

           Someone was calling him. He felt groggy and irritated, but he soon opened his eyes and found Min-Jun seated beside him.

           “Hey sleepy cat.”

           “I don’t wanna wake up.” He growled and covered his eyes.

           “We’re getting off in ten minutes.”

           Chansung shot up immediately, “what?”

           Noticing Snow and Serenity at the door his lips curved into a smile.

           “Miss Teri said you needed sleep.” Serenity said, worried. “Brother, will you be okay?”

           Nodding, Chansung adjusted himself and beckoned them inside. “Uncle Kim will be looking after me.”

           Both looked at Min-Jun as they came to stand before them. “Will you, Uncle Kim?

           “Of course, you don’t trust me?”

           Serenity looked upon him again before running into his arms. “Come home soon.”

           “I will.” Chansung said and kissed her cheek and forehead.

           Snow joined them.

           Rocking them back and forth Chansung hummed. “Thank you for giving me lots of strength.”

           They both nodded.

           “Take care of your brother and sisters. They need you a lot.” He said and rose to his feet.

           “Kai and Star should stay with you though.” Serenity said. “I want them to stay with you.”

           “Please bro…” Snow said quietly.

           Unsure of what to make of their request, Min-Jun stepped in.

           “You know, I think that’ll be a good idea.”

           Chansung gave him a generous sidelong glance. “If Uncle Kim is okay with it, I don’t see why not.”

           “Thank you uncle Kim!” Both cheered and raced out of the cabin.

           “I’ve got all that we need. Let’s get ready.” Min-Jun said as he too made to exit.

           “Is there a reason you’re keeping this secret from me?” He couldn’t help but ask.

           “Yes, because it would be better to explain with both you and Wooyoung, as well as him.” Min-Jun said. “Plus, I don’t need you getting into one of your moods until we get there.”

           “Yah…” Chansung didn’t press. He followed Min-Jun and found everyone in the next car except for Wooyoung and Ae Cha. Kaiden and Cho Hee leapt into his arms and he hugged them both.

           “I’m glad you’re bringing Kai and Star with you.” Cho Hee said.

           “This is going to be terrible.” Fei grumbled. “Aurora will probably spike my nerves so hard over all this I’ll go into labour.”

           “Don’t say that, I’ll be there to help.” Teri assured.

           “You and Aurora in the same room, since what, 18 or 16 years ago?” Min-Jun chuckled nervously.

           “Likely,” Teri said. "It was one of Chansung's birthdays."

           “What?” Both Fei and Chansung asked at the same time.

           Teri shrugged, “It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

           Chansung had no time to inquire more as the train finally came to a stop. As he got off, holding Kaiden, he was soon followed by Min-Jun, Wooyoung and Ae Cha. They waved to the others until the train began to depart.

           “Okay,” Min-Jun sighed deeply, seemingly collecting himself. “Are we ready?”

           Wooyoung adjusted Ae Cha in his arms, “are you? What’re you doin’, psyching yourself up?”

           “Oh my cub, shush.” Min-Jun seemed mildly irritated.

           Wooyoung didn’t say anything else, but he did follow after Min-Jun obediently now.

           They piled into a taxi and Min-Jun provided the directions. The town was much smaller than Fortune, and the further they went, the more deep and country-like it became. Soon enough they arrived at a relatively huge house with large trees in the background all covered in snow.

           Chansung felt the same headache he always did, and the memory of the house before them in summertime came to his mind. “I know this place…”

           Min-Jun turned back surprised, “you remember?”

           Chansung shook his head, “just...a fragment, like so many of my memories.”

           Upon arrival, Chansung stepped out before reaching back in to take Kaiden. Wooyoung came to stand beside him along with Ae Cha.

           “It smells familiar here.” Wooyoung shared.

           Chansung nodded, “very.”

           Min-Jun joined them soon and once more he seemed to be trying to to calm himself.

           “Are you sure you want to do this, Min-Jun?” Wooyoung asked.

           That seemed to be the motivation Min-Jun needed because he moved forwards and up the stairs. Chansung and Wooyoung followed close behind and they came to the door. Min-Jun pressed the doorbell and then they waited. Soon the porch light came on and the door swung open.

           A warmth akin to the kind Chansung only ever felt from his parents or Min-Jun wafted over him.

           A tall man greeted them. He very much towered over everyone, and his reddish-brown eyes narrowed upon Min-Jun. His soft brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and his slender form was adorned in a comfy-looking sweater with black slacks.

           “I can’t believe you’re actually here.”

           “You look spiffy.”

           The man glared, but then he looked behind at both Chansung and Wooyoung. His expression, his body language, and even his scent all changed in that instant. Apprehension, fear, and...longing, all filled his scent.

           “You didn’t tell me you were bringing anyone else.”

           “Well, if it were just me you wouldn’t let me in. We have two little ones who I think you’ve never had the chance to meet.” Min-Jun stepped aside.

           Chansung felt the pull, the draw to want to be close to whoever this man was. This house, the smell of the air, and the man, he knew them but he didn’t know how. A part of Chansung, deep within, hurt. He knew this man. He knew him deeply.

           “Who are you? Why do I feel like I should know you?”

           This made the man’s eyes shimmer.

           “Chansung, Wooyoung, this is Yong-Sun.” Min-Jun introduced.

           “Min-Jun-”

           “He’s Chung-Hee’s Significant.”

           Chansung’s whole body stilled. It felt like his heart had even stopped.

 

           "Cho Hee found a picture of someone with your father and she freaked out. She said the name on the back was Yong-Sun. Ring any bells?"

 

           The man before him, Yong-Sun, turned angrily to Min-Jun. “Damnit you tactless bear, can’t you do things more gently?!”

           Chansung held onto Kaiden even tighter.

           “Chung-Hee...as in Chansung’s father?” Wooyoung asked.

           “Yes.” Min-Jun answered.

           Chansung turned his gaze towards Min-Jun. Now he knew why he wanted him to come, why he waited to say anything, and so many things about his parents made sense. Now he understood, but had even more questions, hundreds of questions.

           Yong-Sun sighed, “why have you brought them here, Min-Jun?”

           “No more hiding, otherwise I’ll have another cub whose blood parents didn’t want him. I’m not seeing this happen, so let us in or I’ll barge in. You know I will, especially with babies.”

           “Min-Jun, don’t be rude!” Wooyoung hissed.

           “Well, come inside if you like,” Yong-Sun welcomed tensely, ”Make yourself at home.”

           Min-Jun didn’t hesitate.

           “I’m sure we could stay somewhere else. I don’t want us intruding...” Wooyoung said as he adjusted Ae Cha in his arms.

           Yong-Sun shook his head. “You’re most welcome.”

           Wooyoung made his way to the door and looked back at him. “Chan, come inside. You and Kaiden will get cold.”

           Chansung wanted to say so many things, ask so many questions, but he just felt pain. “But...are we really welcome here?” He finally managed. “I’m sorry…I...”

           The tall man came forward, a tender expression on his face. Chansung could practically feel the comfort radiating off of him and Kaiden even reached out to Yong-Sun without hesitation.

           “You are most welcome here, Chansung.”

           Chansung let Kaiden go into Yong-Sun’s arms. He smelled so familiar, Chansung felt like he knew him, but he didn’t know how. He couldn’t remember anything. Holding his head, he felt the headache again. A sadness he didn’t know how to describe filled his entire being.

           “Chansung?”

           Gasping, his vision began to blur. "Who am I..?" He managed before succumbing to darkness.

*

Next Chapter...The Ones Who Have Been Patient

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gummimoon
Story update - Mar 1 2024: revisions with major and minor updates have been made in chapters 18-34.

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brat2104 #1
Chapter 50: Please post the extra chapters and the conclusion...

I really love chansung but there are so many unfinished story of him...
poisoncheecks
#2
oh my god i haven't visited aff for years! and to see that you really came back and finish your master piece, i'm giving you a standing ovation really HUGE THANK YOU for doing this even though you didn't owe us readers, but you still came back to us. i suddenly remembers aff and decides to check out and came back to you finishing the story 😭🤧 thank you so much. i wish you always have a good health and living a good life, bc you're an amazing person. THANK YOU ❤️
hwootestjang #3
Chapter 50: After so many years, you congratulate me for staying and waiting but you mesmerized me more. You kept your promise to return and rewrite the story. Making it better you said, it was soo good back then and this is even so much better. This story is packed with emotion. Truthfully, this is one of the best story I have ever laid upon. Youre such an amazing writer probably because youre such an amazing person. Stories like this should be published instead of some those in the market.

Thank you for writing this masterpiece. Sad that this is your last but what a grand retirement. I always wondered why I kept holding on this account. I guess this is it that Ive been waiting for. The end to such a beautiful story. Well another bonus you said. But yeah. I read because i love chanwoo but this story is so enticing and so so good. Im not good with words and I am jealous how good you are with it. You and your ways with words. Not sure if youll read this. Knowing you was one of the best Ive ever had. This site has given me so much that I couldnt fathom or know it over the years. You are one of it. I wish you happiness and everything you wanted. So long my penpal(?).

Thank you so much for this.
Linnyxx17 #4
Chapter 37: Aish! I'm late to reading both updates! But I was thrilled to have two chapters all to myself! Wonderful again simply wonderful, and Kaiden! his eyes!!!!!!! I knew it had to be her somehow! *standing ovation* I love it, I remember the date being planned in the original which sadly i never read because you are now writing this wonderful change, from here on out im on the edge of my seat with waiting for new things that are coming!!! <3333333333
ELFQUEEN69
#5
Chapter 35: This update shook my heart up so much! So happy that Chansung and his family are on the path to healing though!!
Linnyxx17 #6
Chapter 35: Yes!!! finally some of the big reveals that I remember from the first draft of this! Gosh its still so wonderful and I'm still on the edge of my seat! I'm completely worried about Chung-Hee's health! Chan can't lose him! Aurora is gonna get what is coming to her I just know it! Hehe you have me shouting at my screen reading as if Chan and his dad can hear me XD

amazing update yet again!
Linnyxx17 #7
Chapter 34: This was such a wholesome chapter! and you are now just being cruel with the teasing of them being intimate!!! *dies* I seriously love this I can never get enough, I hope next chapter Chan and Woo get more closure and Chan can start moving more towards healing, though he is doing wonderful now on his journey, I need answers for him as well!

Thank you for another lovely update! <3333
ELFQUEEN69
#8
Chapter 33: This is the most amazing chapter!! I’ve been on such an emotional roller coaster but loved every second of it! Thank you so very much for this beautiful update!! I hope you are safe, happy and healthy.
Linnyxx17 #9
Chapter 32: Ah! just keep pulling me closer and closer to the edge of curiosity! Such a wonderful update! <3333
babikhun
#10
I'm so excited to see your updates when I just got back to read stories!!!!!!