Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 56

If Taehyung was upset when he first heard about the food issues from Clara yesterday, as he learned more about the last week, he became absolutely livid. He was trying to keep calm to avoid upsetting the sensitive girl, but his parents had really been too much.

He'd dropped back home during lunchtime so he could truly find out from Clara what had occurred in his absence. By now he'd learned about the broken plate, which made her cry when she told him how sorry she was to break the special heirloom. And he also more fully understood how little sleep Clara was getting compared to what she wanted and needed. He'd heard about the sewing lessons for some outfit his mother said was important, and Clara told Taehyung that his father gave her Korean history texts that she was assigned to read each day to support her with her Korean language and history. As part of this "help" his father would quiz her on the contents at dinner each night, several times bringing her to tears. And if either parent heard her speaking in English they admonished her to only use Korean so she wouldn't confuse the babies.

Taehyung knew he needed to visit his parents to talk to them directly, and Clara was definitely not coming with. So he decided he'd quickly stop by their apartment on the way home at the end of the day. Based on what he'd heard, Clara had once again proved she must be part saint to tolerate everything that happened.

But the conversation with his parents didn't go as well as he hoped. They felt like they were helping considering Clara was a foreigner and they believed she should be more comfortable with the Korean ways and customs, both for Taehyung's sake, but also for any children they might have. And Clara had never complained so they thought she was enjoying her stay with them. They thought it felt a bit like sour grapes to be complaining now after everything they had done for her. They even helped her think through good Korean names that Taehyung might like for the babies. If anything they had proven their commitment to be excellent grandparents. In their opinion Clara just didn't understand how to be grateful for their efforts because she wasn't Korean.

Taehyung tried to reason with them, but his father stood firm. "If Clara is uncomfortable with us because she doesn't like the way a Korean family works, then she can just stay home. You can visit in the future without her as long as the babies come too. We expect to be able to spend time with them every day."

Taehyung eventually cut both of his parents off, exhausted from the conversation and their inability to embrace that he loved Clara for who she was, not because she could be molded into some perfect Korean doll. He knew there was no point in continuing the conversation at that moment, so he bid his parents good night and went to return to his beautiful wife, promising himself that he would not let them spend any more time with her unless he was there to support her the entire time.

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If Taehyung was exhausted and frustrated when he got home, Clara's joy soon transformed his perspective. She was nearly bouncing with excitement when he came in.

"Tae! You will never guess what happened today! I was watching TV when I received a text from Dr. Park that the company was delivering a package under your name but I should go and open it. And you'll never guess what it was. Banana pudding! I haven't had it in so long I almost cried with happiness. And it was so delicious too. It came with a note that the dietician sent them special during the day because she thought I might like them!"

Clara was nearly squealing and couldn't hide the huge smile on her face. Taehyung couldn't help but smile too, reminded of just how sweet and pure his wife was. She continued to tell him every detail, from how she ate three servings right away because it was so amazing, to how she spent the day thinking of a way to appropriately say thank you to her wonderful secret new friend. Taehyung couldn't help but have his mood instantly buoyed from her excitement.

Eventually having said everything that needed to be said about her joyous surprise, Clara wrapped her arms tight around Taehyung's waist, "I'm so happy right now. And with you home I really feel like everything is perfect."

Taehyung smiled and assured her that he was really happy too, and he was glad she had such a good day. He promised he'd pass along her appreciation and he encouraged Clara to tell him if she had any other special requests so he could see if he could make them happen.

After a few minutes of simply holding each other tight, Clara pulled away slightly so she could look Taehyung in the face. "Oh yeah, and I got a present for you today too."

"Really?" Taehyung laughed, "what is it?"

"Me."

"Oh, I see" Taehyung smirked. Moving his lips to brush her ear he whispered, "Can I unwrap you now?" He was a bit surprised that she was being so forward with him, but he certainly didn't mind. Any opportunity for intimacy was good in his book.

But with his question she immediately blushed and hid her face, quietly whispering "yes" while unable to look him in the eye.

"That's my baby girl" he purred. "Well, let's see what I can discover under these clothes, shall we?" With that he picked her up and started toward the bedroom, ready to remind her that he also could provide a special treat to lift her mood.