BEFORE US

Bonus Chapter

*****
Junseo and Ji an married for a year, and they were expecting their first child. Ji an was glowing, but she was also a bit frazzled. Her hormones were running wild, and she found herself craving strange foods at all hours of the day. "Junseo, I want tteobeoki" she said one night, her stomach rumbling. "And not just any tteokbokki, it has to be from that little stall on the corner. And I need it right now!" Junseo sighed and got up from the couch.

Ji an's pregnancy was a big deal for both families, and everyone was eager to help out.

Junseo's mother was especially doting, bringing Ji an her favorite foods and taking her out for massages and manicures. Ji an's aunt would  visited often, bringing her pregnancy books and magazines, and giving her advice on everything from nursery decor to baby names.

Even though Ji an sometimes felt a bit smothered, she was grateful for all the love and support.The cravings got more and more specific as Ji an's progressed. "I need ddukbokki with extra fish cake and kimchi, and a giant iced coffee," she said one day, her eyes pleading.

Junseo just shook his head and headed out the door. He came back an hour later, arms laden with bags of food. "Do you think this will do?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. Ji an smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "You're the best, husband."

One day, Ji an was watching a sappy movie on TV, when suddenly, she burst into tears. Junseo who was reading in the next room, came running in. "What's wrong, my love?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Ji an could only shake her head and sob. "The lady in the movie is crying, and it's making me cry!" she said, her voice breaking. Junseo just smiled and hugged her close. "Oh, my sweet, sensitive wife.

Junseo smiled and laid beside her until her tears. subsided, and then he said, "Do you want to take a walk? Some fresh air might do you some good." Ji an nodded  and got up, wiping her eyes.

They walked around their neighborhood, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. Ji an took a deep breath and sighed. "I feel much better now," she said, smiling at Junseo "I'm so glad you're happy now" expression tender. "I hate to see you upset." They walked hand in hand back to their house, feeling more connected than ever.

It was a beautiful spring evening, and Junseo and Ji an were getting ready to leave for his sister's engagement party. Ji an was wearing a pretty floral dress and had done her hair and makeup.

As they were about to head out the door, Ji an felt a gush of water "Oh no!" she cried. "I think my water just broke!" Junseo's eyes widened in shovk. "Let's get you to the hospital!" he said, helping her into the car.

They rushed to the hospital, where Ji an was admitted and put into a room.

The hours passed by, and soon, Ji an was holding her two tiny babies in her arms. "They're so perfect," she said, her eyes filling with tears of joy. "Do you have names for them?" asked Junseo.

Ji an looked at her babies, thinking about what names would be fitting for them. "We'll call this one hyejin" she said, smiling at her daughter. "And this one will be Seo Jun" Junseo nodded, a proud look on his face.

*****

Junseo and Ji an walk hand-in-hand with their twins, Hyejin and Seo Jun, as they head to the park for a picnic. The twins chatter excitedly as they run ahead, and their parents can't help but smile at their enthusiasm.

When they each the park,  they spread out a blanket and settle down for lunch. The twins take turns pointing out birds and insects, and Junseo and Ji an laugh as they try to identify them. "That's a sparrow!" Junseo says, as Hyejin points to a small brown bird.

Junseo looks at Ji an, who is several months pregnant, and smiles. He reaches over and places a gentle kiss on her belly. "Hello in there, little one," he says. "You're going to have the best parents in the world." Ji an's heart swells with love for her husband and their soon-to-be-born child.

She places her hand on top of Junseo's and says, "We'll give them all the love and support they need." "They're going to be so lucky," Junseo says, his eyes shining.

"It's going to be a girl!" Hyejin insists, jumping up and down. Seo Jun shakes his head. "No, it's a boy!" he says.

The twins continue to argue, each one trying to convince the other that they're right. Junseo and Ji an watch the twins with amusement, enjoying their spirited debate. Eventually, they step in to settle the argument. "Let's not worry about whether it's a boy or a girl," Junseo says. "Let's just be happy that the baby is healthy and loved."

********

Meanwhile, Rachel and Hyung min met coincidentally at a Cafe.

The conversation between Hyung min and Rachel flowed easily, like they had known each other for years. They talked about their childhoods, their families, and their careers. As they talked, Rachel couldn't help but notice how much Hyung min had grown up. He was still the kind, thoughtful boy she remembered, but he was also so much more confident and mature.

She could see why he had become such a successful photographer. "It's been really nice catching up with you," Hyung min said, as they finished their conversation. "I feel like we've been transported back to high school, in a good way."

Rachel laughed. "I know what you mean," she said. "It's like time stood still for a moment, and we were kids again." Hyung min nodded. "Yeah, exactly," he said. "But it's also nice to be adults now, with all the things we've learned and experienced." Rachel smiled. "It's like we've come full circle," she said. "And we're better for it." "Yeah, definitely," Hyung min said. "I'm really glad we got to reconnect like this." "Me too," Rachel said.

Authors Corner

Oh my goshhh, Before Us has ended. I'm so ready eyed. If you want a sequel story with Rachel and Hyung min comment. Or a sequel story about the twins growing up.