Euphoria

"Eternal Love"

Sung Jin-Woo

The light streaks of the sun pierced my face, and I slowly opened my eyes. It must have been at least eight in the morning, since my familiar warmth from beside me was gone. It was always painful to not wake up to her, not by my side, but then again, she had been caring tirelessly for three children for the past four years.

Min-Ah was now seven, and already enrolled in second grade. Kon-Hye was in grade 1 at age six, while Yoo-Jung was five and still in kindergarten. I had watched my beautiful children grow up throughout those years, though sometimes I couldn't be there for them. Being a Hunter really impacted my life, especially when I had to go on large missions and monthly gate raids.

I'm sure Rin-Cha wasn't happy about that at all, since she was the one taking care of our kids. I was always so grateful to her, not only for providing me with a family, but being the woman I loved so much for more than thirty long years now.

I rolled out of bed, massaging my temples.

With a loud yawn, I stepped into a new pair of boxers, and threw a shirt on. I grabbed sweatpants and pulled them on, shaking my long locks out of my face. I had cut my hair every now and then, but I noticed Rin-Cha always playing with my hair. I stopped cutting it for a little bit, letting it be even more wavy and fluffy than before. If she liked it, I would keep it.

"Morning," I mumbled, and wrapped my body around her small figure. She was cooking breakfast, and the kids were still asleep. "Morning, baby," she replied sweetly, and turned her head around to peck me on the lips. "Could you wake up the boys? Min-Ah should be up by now, but just check on her in case."

"Of course," I cooed into her ear, and kissed her cheek softly.

I broke away from her and dashed up the stairs, calling my sons names.

"Kon-Hye! Yoo-Jung!" I heard small gasps from their room, and opened the door slowly.

I saw their gleaming faces as I stepped in, and held open my arms. The joy radiating from their faces made my heart flutter, and I received them both in an embrace. They clung to me as I picked them up, and laughed lightly. I had just come back from another month-long raid, so I expected them to be happy.

"Daddy, you're back!" Yoo-Jung cheered, and nuzzled his head into the crook of my neck. I ruffled his hair with my head, and he giggled happily.

"We missed you papa...Mama was crying when she heard you were coming back!" My mouth contorted into a wide smile, and my heart pounded steadily against my chest.

"I'll always come back to mama and you, don't worry my loves."

"Daddy?"

I turned to the door, to see my daughter. She beamed and sprinted up to me, hopping onto the two boys in my arms. I almost fell backwards from the push she added, but managed to catch myself. They all didn't weigh much, but knocking me off balance was something easy to do. Especially with three children clinging onto me for dear life.

"I missed you daddy! I thought you weren't coming back..." she choked, and teared up slightly.

"Oh, baby. I would never leave you, don't worry. I'll be here for a while, so you can show me everything you three have been learning in school!"

"Daddy, can you train us again too?" I looked at Min-Ah in surprise, and she stared down at my chest.

"You want me to train you again?" A wide smile crossed my lips, and I gently set down all my children.

"Of course! I will definitely train you all!"

They all cheered, and hugged my waist with full force. My, were they getting strong.