The Seamster and The Demon

18. Of old Times

Time had barely touched Aeri when she opened the door to San's apartment for Seonghwa. In the past few years, they hadn't seen each other even one time, not counting the few facetime events they had insisted on so that Wooyoung knew what his mother's face looked like. The boy had never been too fond of her, not joining Seonghwa today, either. While he held no grudge against Aeri, knowing that Seonghwa was doing fine without her, he also had a hard time seeing her as part of the family.

"Hey, Hwa. Good to see you again."

A smile that didn't fit the dark shadows underneath her eyes spread on her lips. Seonghwa received a soft hug in greeting. Then, he was let in to put his shoes away.

"San is out shopping; he might join us later. I guess Woo didn't want to see me?"

Seonghwa set his bag down on San's kitchen counter and retrieved Aeri's favourite chocolates and wine he had brought. He also had beer for San that he put into the fridge to enjoy whenever he pleased.

"No, but he told me to say hi. I left him with a friend today." Said friend being a chaotic demon that feasted off Wooyoung's joy. As harmless as it was, the thought weirded out Seonghwa all anew.

"Cute. You can tell him to take care and eat his vegetables once you return. I'm glad that he already takes his freedom of choice serious, even if I miss him." Aeri pulled her hair together in a ponytail and sat down on the couch. She was wearing some jeans and one of San's shirts that looked large on her frame and dangled from her rather bony shoulders. Seonghwa knew better than to ask her about her weight.

"He does, yeah. I can imagine that in a few years, once he understands the situation better, then he will also be more open to meet you. Don't worry." Seonghwa joined her and put her chocolates on the table. The smile that graced her lips was genuine and lifted some of the awkward tension from Seonghwa's joints. As she opened the packaging, Seonghwa checked his phone for new messages. There was just Yunho, wishing him a good morning. A private smile played around Seonghwa's lips when he replied back. Then, he swiftly turned his phone off so he wouldn't be distracted. Aeri popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully.

"So, how have you been? Any news from your life?"

Seonghwa chuckled as he took some chocolate, too. The sweet Belgian pralines melted right on his tongue.

"No, of course not. I hang around and do my work and take care of Woo. Nothing near as exciting as your life."

Sighing, Aeri leaned back on the couch. She put her feet on a free spot of the coffee table, not minding the cold glass against her skin.

"Exciting, but also tiring. I imagine your life to also be a lot of fun and full of surprises, but I seem to be stuck in a busy loop."

Inquisitive, Seonghwa glanced at her. She looked really tired. Her eyes had fallen shut as she talked, and the hollowness of her cheeks seemed darker than he was used to. Aeri had always had the tendency to overwork, and it showed on her face as if she were ten years older than her actual age.

"You look as if you need a break, yeah." Seonghwa was glad not to have forced Wooyoung to come with him. Like this, he could match Aeri on the same level and actually concentrate on her rather than their hyperactive son.

"I am taking a break right now, Hwa." She chuckled exhaustedly, but she sat back up to stretch anyway. "I have been doing the bare minimum of work for three days now. And I have more to waste."

Seonghwa cast his eyes to the floor. The tireless working behaviours that filled her with a sense of purpose had always been one of their biggest disputes. Sometimes, she did need breaks, but she did so with constant worrying and anxiousness about not doing anything even if she allowed herself to rest. She always needed to be busy and work on something, and the Seonghwa of a few years ago had been foolish to think that this part of her would get to relax if she started a family and had a child. All too soon, she had felt too restricted by her pregnancy, too.