BL REBIRTH: You Were Mine (MPREG)

Chapter 7

UNEDITED....

Chapter 7

"Welcome to Ungaii Café," a cheerful voice announced just as the bell above the door chimed, heralding Kim Jae's entrance. The sound of that voice stirred a deep, almost painful nostalgia in him; it was a voice laden with memories, both sweet and poignant.

Kim Jae looked toward the counter, his eyes meeting those of a familiar figure. The man behind it was a ger whose age was belied only by the slight crow's feet at his eyes—marks of laughter and a life well-lived. Despite the signs of age, his presence remained vibrant, almost timeless.

As Kim Jae approached the empty counter, he was greeted by an array of pastries, each meticulously arranged: cookies, cakes, chocolate donuts, and more vied for attention. The sight was both welcoming and overwhelming, a reminder of simpler times.

"What would you like to order?" the man asked with a gentle tone, his gaze settling on Kim Jae, who seemed momentarily lost in the swirl of familiarity and nostalgia enveloping him.

The simplicity of his attire—a plain outfit that could have come from any discount store—belied the complexity of the emotions playing across his face. Sensing Kim Jae's unease, the man's voice softened further, a deliberate attempt to reassure.

"Um... I would like to have a chocolate donut and black coffee," Kim Jae managed to say, his voice low, almost hesitant, as if fearing he might somehow disrupt the calm of the café.

"Are you having it here or taking it out?" the man inquired, his tone still soft, watching as Kim Jae scanned the café for a place to sit.

"Here..." Kim Jae responded

Kim Jae waited at the counter, not bothering to sit, as the man behind it swiftly prepared his order. When the tray was finally placed in front of him, Kim Jae fumbled in his wallet, only to find about ten cents rattling around inside. He looked up sheepishly at the man, who was trying not to laugh at the situation.

"Um...?" Kim Jae managed, feeling embarrassed.

"On the house," the man chuckled, waving off any attempt at payment.

Those simple words transported Kim Jae back in time, to a day he fondly remembered during his pregnancy. It was a day marked by cravings and solitude—his household staff had unexpectedly taken a few days off, leaving him alone. Hungry and far from home, he had stumbled upon this very café.

Relief had washed over him as he entered the crowded café during rush hour. Despite the hustle, he felt his energy waning, his ankles ached, and the persistent rumble of his stomach reminded him he wasn't just eating for one. The line barely moved, and just as he contemplated leaving, a kind touch and a gentle voice intervened.

"Are you okay?" the older ger in the café's apron had asked, noticing Kim Jae's discomfort.

"Um..." was all Kim Jae could muster before being guided to a back room office, where a comfortable couch awaited him. Once seated, the ger had promptly asked for his order.

"Chocolate milk tea and strawberry cake," Kim Jae had replied, his voice weak but grateful.

After a short wait, during which Kim Jae's curious eyes scanned the quaint office, the older ger returned with a younger one, who placed a tray of goodies before him.

"Thank you," Kim Jae murmured, reaching for his wallet only to be stopped.

"On the house, dear," the man said, his kind gesture bringing Kim Jae close to tears—it had been a long time since anyone had shown him such kindness.

"Th-Thank you," Kim Jae replied, his voice shaky with emotion.

The older ger chuckled softly, his pink cinnabar mark dancing with his laughter. "My name is Shin Young, the owner of Ungaii Café, and this is my son, Shin Ji-su," he introduced, helping Kim Jae to relax.

Smiling through his nervousness, Kim Jae returned the introduction with his own name. The warmth of the encounter and the gentle nature of both Shin Young and Ji-su made him feel welcome and cared for, a stark contrast to the loneliness of his usual days.

Presently, Kim Jae navigated his way to a secluded corner of the café, tray in hand. This place had been a sanctuary to him, a second home where he had learned to cook and bake from Shin Young and Ji-su, father and son who ran the café. Even after giving birth, he had frequented this spot, finding solace in its familiar confines.

With a heavy sigh, Kim Jae settled into his chosen spot and pulled out his phone to dial his mother's number. As he sipped the bitter black coffee, his face remained stoic, betraying no reaction to its sharp taste. It took a few rings before his mother answered, her voice carrying the usual cheerful melody that always seemed to soothe him. "Jae ah~"

At the sound of her voice, Kim Jae's expression softened, a pout forming as he fought back the emotions her familiar tone evoked. "Eomma..." he responded, his voice tinged with a whiny undertone that made his mother chuckle softly on the other end.

"What's wrong, Jae ah~?" she inquired, her voice filled with concern as she stirred a pot in her kitchen. She had been planning to call him soon, especially after their last conversation had ended with him in tears—a moment that had left her so worried she joked about nearly losing her hair over it.

"I miss you," he whispered, the simple admission laden with longing.

"Missed you too," she replied, turning off the electric cooker to let the contents cool. She settled into a chair at her small dining table, making herself comfortable for their conversation. "So, when are you going to visit Eomma?" she asked gently, mindful of their last few strained interactions when Jae had avoided her during her visits to Seoul, rendering her trips futile and heart-wrenching.

Kim Jae felt a twinge of guilt, remembering how he had dodged her efforts to connect. "Eomma, the break before my internship is coming up, so I should be able to come home by then," he assured her, a promise that sparked visible joy in his mother's voice.

"When is that?" she probed eagerly.

"By the first week of next month. The 5th of June," he clarified.

"Okay, Eomma will prepare your favorite meal for you. And remember your room? I changed the bed to a softer one. Oh my, I will have to go grocery shopping," she rambled on, her excitement palpable even through the phone. Kim Jae couldn't help but smile, tears pricking at his eyes from the overwhelming relief and joy of having his mother so vibrant and involved in his life.

As he listened to her plans and preparations, reality finally began to settle around him: his mother was still here, still caring, still loving him unconditionally. It was a stark contrast to his previous life, and he cherished every moment of their renewed connection, his heart filling with gratitude and love.

                                                              

Hey lovelies, sorry for the slow posting of chapters .... Had a lot going on but I'm good 😊