The sound of Lilo’s soft coos was enough to make Yejin smile and cry at the same time. Even when she knew that her husband could rescue their daughter, and of course he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her it still felt surreal that she is right next to her baby.
Her baby who she could really claim is her mini-me.
So, getting up from her bed, she turned to where her daughter was placed beside her. Picking her up, her eyes moistened this early morning. Joy, love, pure bliss engulfed her whole senses as she looked at her daughter. Smiling, Lilo held her cute arms up, as if asking her eomma to pick her up.
‘Hi, baby. How are you?’ was all Yejin could muster. Holding her close to her chest, Lilo somehow buried her face on her mother’s bosom. Oh, was she hungry this early.Yejin fed her, while brushing her cute head full of hair. She was too immersed in the moment then she realized the letter Bin left her.
‘He slept in the study,’ she thought. ‘Why?’
Trying to recall if they had a misunderstanding the previous day, it then occurred to her that they didn’t talk from the moment they got home. Which was actually supposed to be a fresh recollection of what just happened the day before. She must have chosen to block that part of the day and focused instead on another thought.
Soon as she finished feeding Lilo, she quickly washed themselves up and prepared to go to where Bin was sleeping. She felt something was still missing- her little boy whom they left with her in-laws. She thought it was a smart move from Bin so he wouldn’t be able to see what happened in their house yesterday. Pooh, as young as he is, is quite an inquisitive kid who would really love to find out what went on.
‘Are you ready, love?’ she asked her baby who gave her cute coos once more. Yejin’s smile returned, and it was her first genuine smile after what happened yesterday.
Come to think of it, it was her first real smile after the ordeal that they faced as a family.
‘Let’s go find Appa?’ she said as she picked her up and went out to go down to the study. As they approached the stairs, a wafting scent of galbi-jjim invaded her senses, filling the entire hall with the sweet scent of the food she knew only her husband could make. Clutching her daughter closer, she went down the stairs hurriedly but carefully. She went directly to where the scent came from and there stood in front of her the broad back of her husband covered in that sinful white shirt that only he could pull off. Neatly tied behind him was the waistband of the apron that she bought for him that she thought would fit his sense of style. Placing Lilo down on her cot just beside the dining table, she then went to where he was and immediately gave him a back hug, while burying her face on that seemingly ocean she wanted to swim right now.
‘Oh you’re up,’ she heard him say, which reverberated throughout her auditory system. How she loved to hear that baritone voice every time.
‘What time did you come home?’ she asked, face still buried on his back, trying to cover the tears that fell. Hormones probably? No, she was just happy that the people she loved were back home safe and sound.
‘Around midnight. Chae Yoon said she told you to go to sleep without waiting for me,’ he replied as he closed the lid of the pot and allowed the food to simmer down. He turned around and faced his wife, who by now was wiping the tears that fell.
He placed the pad of his thumb on her face, brushing off all those liquid that accumulated on those crescent eyes that he so loved to look at. Planting a kiss on her forehead, her hand then automatically went behind him while she rested her face on his pacific-wide chest. He smiled through the small gap and held her closer, staying that way for a few minutes savoring the morning together after the most unusual night that they just had.
It was only until Lilo made her presence known to her parents that they decided to break off from each other. Bin smiled as Yejin shifted her gaze from him to the little girl. He then took their daughter off the cot before giving her back to her mom.
‘Choco?’ he asked as Yejin took the baby from him. Her eyes smiled back then she proceeded to sit on her spot on the table. Bin then sat down on his side after placing a mug of the hot drink for the both of them.
‘How did it go last night?’ she asked as she savored the sweetness of the drink just the way she liked it. Bin definitely knew her taste, of course he does. He then told her the story of how the rescue went, in detail and Yejin couldn’t help but shed a tear or two every now and then.
‘Where’s Shin Hye?’ she asked.
‘She’s in a hospital, being treated for her wounds. I actually feel bad for her. After her discharge, I want to talk to her if she wants to rest first,’ he replied knowingly. Yejin nodded, she knew the girl needed it.
‘Baby, she might need some debriefing about what happened,’ she said, to which Bin nodded. They then agreed to work on it right away. They then looked at Lilo and smiled, the baby who was innocently kidnapped by someone who had gone overboard into loving someone obsessively.
‘Appa, Eomma!’ Pooh was shouting through the hallway when he saw his parents. He then jumped high and was caught by Bin who in turn did the superman fly on him. Mrs. Kim then followed, greeted Yejin and asked her if she was alright.
‘Yes, Eommoni. I’m sorry about yesterday,’ she said, while holding on to little Yohanna who by now was looking at what her brother and father were doing.
‘Oh no, no. Please don’t say that Eon Jin,’ her mother in law replied. ‘It was not your fault. He was just someone we should not think about anymore. Did your parents know?’
Yejin shook her head. She never contacted anyone about what happened, including her manager.
‘I’ll tell them in person,’ she replied. ‘I think I could use some vacation before going back to work.’
Mrs. Kim’s expression changed when she heard it from her. She was changed from being the mother-in-law to a fangirl quite quickly than anyone could.
‘Oh I heard you are doing that drama. I’ll get to see you again on TV then,’ she said, as she held out Yejin’s arm to lead her in. Bin closely followed with Pooh, who was now thinking about asking his father what happened.
‘How are you buddy?’ Bin asked as they settled down.
‘Appa, why did you leave me here in halmeoni’s house?’ he asked, holding his penguin toy he left on the couch.
‘I’m sorry but Eomma and Appa needed to do something very important,’ he replied.
‘Lilo too?’ This time, Bin swallowed hard. He wasn’t sure if he should tell him or not. As a father, he knew that his son needed to know, but then he was too young to understand these things. He figured that time would tell him when to spill the secret.
‘Yes, Lilo too. Appa is sorry,and Eomma also,’ he replied, stroking his son’s hair, which reminded him of his bowl cut days. He smiled and he just knew that Pooh is really a sensitive boy.
‘It’s okay Appa,’ he said, as the little boy moved closer to him and gave him a hug. Bin wrapped his arms around his son, while Yejin was looking from the kitchen door.
‘Can I join you?’ she called. Pooh looked at her and asked for her to come. Joining in on the hug, the boy then gave each of his parents a kiss on both cheeks. His grandparents came back and he rushed to be with his sister and likewise gave her a hug.
‘Where did he get that from?’ Bin asked. Yejin laughed and simply leaned her head on his shoulder.
The kids were definitely tired when they got home. They enjoyed the day like nothing happened and went out to where their little boy wanted. After washing up, Bin took them both to their room, making sure that they were changed into their sleepwear and snugged them comfortably in their own beds. He then played the music on Lilo’s hanging melody player and when he was satisfied, he kissed them both goodnight before going out.
His wife sat down on one of their chairs while reading a part of the script for the scheduled reading the week after. He went to her and rested his hands softly on her shoulders, giving her a massage. Yejin rested her full weight on the back of the chair as he continued to give her light massages, and as he bent down to kiss her temple, he heard her soft snores. He had to stifle a laughter, as his wife was slowly traversing the dreamland. Before she could do so, he went in front of her and took the script away and placed it on the table.
‘Hey,’ she said as she opened her eyes. ‘I’m sorry I dozed off.’
‘That’s okay, baby,’ he said, standing up while holding her hand. ‘How about,’ he said, smiling naughtily.
Yejin glared at him, and even when she wanted to laugh, she managed to hold it.
‘How about what?’
‘How about you stand up and I sit there?’ he said, pulling her up so she could stand. Replacing her on the chair, he sat down and pulled her down to sit on his lap. This time, Yejin could no longer hold her laughter, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.
‘Thank you, baby,’ she whispered. Bin smiled, with his dimples showing, although she really couldn’t see it. He shifted his gaze and looked at her, before he captured her lips with his.
It was their first real kiss after the last that they had before the unfortunate happened.
They lingered in that soft kiss that felt like there was more to it than what meets the eye. Teasing and caressing, the husband and wife felt like they were new lovers, and just like how it was that morning, they enjoyed and savored what the chance had offered them. Yejin initiated a deeper kiss, which Bin accepted. What lingered in her mind was how much love she wanted to show him in a way that no one else could, like she had always been in moments like this. She knew that this was an integral part of who they are as persons, as a couple, as people in love do.
‘Anteroom?’ Bin asked breathlessly, almost without taking his lips of hers. A soft moan came through her as her response.
He wasted no chance as he gently scooped her up and with her legs entangled to his lower back, he walked with gentle steps that led them to their secret place where they felt free to rediscover themselves each time. Taking the lead, Bin gently laid her down on the soft, plush bed while slowly undressing his wife, while grazing her skin with his soft stubble and the edges of his teeth. The sensation sent shivers down Yejin’s spine and entire being, sending her into a vision of flashes each time. She slowly felt a myriad of emotions as her husband claimed her that night in his own way, holding her breath each time he made that move which took them near the oblivion and back. Familiarity has no place in the way they make love, as each time felt like new. It was something the both of them honestly looked forward to every time, because even when there were two kids after, being together like this felt like an adventure waiting to happen. Always.
A flash of waves started to make her world crumble beautifully, but before it could end her, Bin had other plans. He gently put a halt to what he was doing, looked at her as she opened her eyes and said the sweetest I love you that he could muster. She literally smiled amidst the pain that he put her through and continued where they left off. This time, they took themselves together to nirvana and stayed there for as long as the high hit them, only going down when they felt like they needed to. He collapsed on her before rolling to his side, giving her a hug that tells her indirectly how much he loves her.
There were no words after that, because they knew in their heart that they didn’t need to voice it out loud. Being together was enough for them.
Loving each other, and the kids, in a way that they both know how. They both believed that their love can be seen by people without them telling everyone about it.
It was a love that came from the deepest source.
‘Baby, the script reading is next week,’ she said as she made sure that they had what they needed for the weekend at the plantation. Bin’s former school will hold a reunion and it will be held at Hyun's place.
‘Oh, that’s good. Finally you’ll be working again,’ Bin said as loaded the car seat on their new family van. After what happened, he didn’t want to run the risk of being followed by anyone. The kids were inside with nanny Shin Hye, who decided to continue working for them. To her, Pooh and Lilo were like her nephew and niece already. Ahjumma decided to stay behind with Stitch, as she wanted to rest from the long trips. Yejin asked if she would be fine, to which she said she would be. They then bid her goodbye, with the pooch barking loudly as they loaded up the vehicle.
‘Do you want to take him?’ Bin asked her when he saw her look back at the poor dog. She smiled and took him from ahjumma, then they started the ride to Jeollanam Do.
As was customary, the Hyuns hosted their dinner on the first night. The kids were gathered in one place, while the adults took the outdoor patio and talked about the nightmare that they had. Mr. Hyun reminded Bin, who by the way is known by his real name here, Tae Pyung, about the party they will have the following day. They retired early, as they needed to rest properly and be ready for the next day.
The party was somewhat like a fair, as they brought their kids with them. Tae Pyung brought Pooh, who was wearing a matching outfit with him. Eon Jin particularly chose this for them as she knows they both look good on it.
‘Will you be okay here?’ he asked her as she fixed his shirt.
‘I won’t stay here all day. Mrs. Hyun and I are going to the café to make something,’ she replied, looking at him lovingly. He then kissed her.
‘I love you. I’ll see you tonight,’ he said before they left.
‘Pooh, who is that lady beside your appa?’ Joo Joo asked him.
‘Hmmm, I don’t know noona,’ he replied, while munching on his hotdog sandwich.
‘I have a plan. After you finish that, we will go there, okay?’ Pooh did finish the food fast and then they went off to see their fathers. The older guys did introduce them to the two ladies after which they were asked to be on stage to perform. It felt like a night full of happy moments.
The kids were fetched by the Hyun’s driver, while Mr. Hyun and Tae Pyung stayed at the party. Overflowing booze was served, and even when the tolerance level of the two gentlemen were not as high as their friends do, they played sport and tried to join them in. The two ladies, who actually were their ex-girlfriends came up and tried to be chummy with them.
‘Tae Pyung, can we dance?’ Han Hye Jin asked the almost tipsy actor.
‘Oh I’m sorry, you know I don’t dance,’ he replied, thinking about his wife waiting for him at the cabin.
‘I heard that you married that famous actress,’ she said as she sat beside him. Tae Pyung maintained a safe distance, since he didn't want a rumor to suffice, knowing fully well that it was not true at all. He may be a little disoriented but he can still think straight.
‘Oh, she is more than an actress to me,’ he replied, drinking water to calm his senses.
Han Hye Jin looked at him and resigned to the thought that he really is happy with his life now. The way he paid attention to his son earlier was a giveaway that he loves being a family man, more than being the Tae Pyung that she knew from before.
‘She is my wife, mother of my kids, and I love her more than anyone could ever think of,’ he said, looking afar. His eyes were dreamy, like he had always been in love with one woman and no one else can ever take that away from him. He smiled to himself and drew a few questions to her before politely excusing himself.
The night went well, and the booze just got a little way over the top. The place was almost empty, and the two gentlemen who were so dashing earlier in the day were already sporting loose ties and button opened shirts. At least two buttons. Both were in a sleepy daze, and maybe it was a figment of their imagination that their wives were there in the same place.
Just that they were too lazy to stand up and even open their eyes.
Not so responsible drinking, but they knew unconsciously they had to deal with it sooner or later.
‘Ya, Kim Tae Pyung,’ he heard a voice calling him. All he could do is groan and utter incoherent words. Resigning, Eon Jin then took a fresh shirt from a pouch she brought along and changed her husband. She held her thoughts and continued doing what she needed to do. She then made him rest on the sleeping mattress that Mrs. Hyun prepared and after making sure that he was fine in the outdoor quarters near the mansion, she gave him a kiss on his forehead.
‘I love you, Eon Jinah,’ he murmured while his eyes were closed.
‘Mr. Kim,’ he heard another voice calling. This time, it was quite clearer. ‘Mr. Kim, Mrs. Kim told me to wake you up and bring you to the cabin now.’
Hearing him mention his wife’s name made him immediately get up, only to feel a very sharp pang jolting into his brain, splitting it into many pieces. He cursed silently and closed his eyes once more.
‘Sir, I’ll help you get to the car,’ the voice said, who was actually owned by one of the workers in the plantation. He also heard another voice, waking up whoever it was. He was then led to the car, head too much to bear and all he wanted was to go back to sleep so the pain would go away. He didn’t notice they had arrived, and as he attempted to open his eyes, he managed to see a glimpse of his wife with arms crossed over her chest.
Oh no, he thought. What happened?
‘Thank you, Chisu,’ he heard his wife say. He then gently opened his eyes, and even when he knew he had a lot of explaining to do, managed to put on his best smile to show his deep dimples before he looked at his wife and asked.
‘Hi baby. What happened?’
(to be continued)
----
Author’s note:
It’s been like two or three weeks since I last updated this story. My apologies for not updating it right away, as I have been swarmed with a lot of activities. I hardly have time to write these days, but if I do, I pour out my heart to it once again.
Thank you for still following this story and all the other stories I have written. Sometimes I wonder, where did I get all the stamina to write all those things? But I guess if you love something (or someone), you always find time to go back to it with renewed vigor.
Anyhow, please stay safe guys and get vaccinated if you have the chance to do so.
See you on the next fic! And see you in #TWYA.