Fathers - Children Day at Kindergarten

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Author's Note:

Set when Ji Hoon was 6 years old, on his last year in kindergarten.

2,200 words.

*********************

One day, the little prince, Lee Ji Hoon, gave an invitation from his school with a grim expression.

The queen, Jung Tae Eul, was a little afraid when she received it. Did Ji Hoon do something wrong and the homeroom teacher was asking her to come?

"Oh. It's the Fathers and Children day again."

"Ne," the little boy sighed heavily. "I know Appa would be in New York again."

Indeed, when he had to go abroad, Lee Gon would inform his son a month before he had to go.

"I hate the UN Assembly. It's two years in a row."

Tae Eul reached for him, caressing his back, wanting to ease his annoyance.

"And this time Omma can't even join."

The previous year, Tae Eul confidently joined all the events, replacing her husband. But that year, she was heavily pregnant with her second baby.

"Would you ask Harabeoji to join you?"

Lee Gon and Tae Eul had managed to convince Tae Eul's father to move to Goryeo with them. He lived outside the palace and had his own taekwondo school as well.

"Do you think Harabeoji would want to do it?"

"Of course! You know he loves you a lot!"

Ji Hoon sighed again. "Ne. Please ask Harabeoji."

***********************

It was one of those days where Lee Gon was extremely busy. He had visited a science laboratory, a hospital, and had several meetings. He only had time for quick meals as his breaks, and was finally able to rest at 9 pm.

Taking off his suit, he then stretched on the sofa.

"Darling, come sit with me."

"Your baby boy is really sad today."

"Jihoon? Really sad? What happened?"

"It's the Fathers and Children Day again at the kindergarten. And you'll be in New York again."

"That's two years in a row."

"Ne. I feel bad for him. But I already asked Appa. He said he'd replace you."

"Aigoo," he sighed. "I'll see him first."

"Yah, Lee Gon, shower first! LEE GON!!!"

"Ahrasseo. You didn't have to yell that loud," he grumbled, turning to the bathroom.

*********************

Carefully, Lee Gon opened the door to his son's bedroom. It was nearly 9.30 pm, but the boy was still awake, watching National Geographic.

Tae Eul had redone the room decoration. The wallpaper, curtains and bedcover were all full with tigers pictures, since it's Ji Hoon's favorite animal.

"Hello, Ji Hoon."

"Appa."

His son's face was smiling, but the closer he got to the bed, the more he realized that Ji Hoon had been crying.

"How are you doing today?"

"Not bad. What about Appa?"

This little boy, he knew how to hide his pain well. If he's not his father, Lee Gon wouldn't know Ji Hoon had been crying, for Ji Hoon was sincerely smiling at him.

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