Resonance

Unspoken Bonds

In a quiet corner of a coffee shop, away from the bustle of the restaurant, Hyu-Joo and In-Sung found themselves sitting across from each other. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words, years of separation hanging in the air between them. Hyu-Joo took a deep breath and began to explain the situation she had found herself in.

"He might go to the restaurant," she started, her voice gentle yet burdened. "My son, Jung-Ha... He might saw you with me and asked questions about why his professor was with his mom."

In-Sung nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. It wasn't just their own emotions at play here; there was their son to consider, a young man who had lived his life without knowing the truth about his father. In-Sung's gaze softened as he looked at Hyu-Joo, a silent reassurance that he was prepared to face whatever came their way.

"How have you been, Hyu-Joo?" In-Sung finally asked, breaking the tension with a question that held layers of unspoken emotions.

Hyu-Joo met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I've been alright," she replied, her voice steady. "Life moved on, and I had to keep going for my son."

In-Sung nodded again, appreciating her strength and resilience. He then mustered the courage to ask the question that had been lingering in his mind for years. "Hyu-Joo, I need to know... Who is Jung-Ha's father?"

Hyu-Joo looked at him directly, her eyes unwavering. "It's you, In-Sung," she said, her words clear and straightforward. In-Sung's heart skipped a beat, even though he had anticipated this revelation. The truth was still a shock to hear.

Her statement hung in the air for a moment, the weight of it sinking in between them. In-Sung's expression wavered between surprise, acceptance, and a touch of sadness. He had hoped for this moment, yet he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for the years they had lost.

Hyu-Joo continued, her voice gentle yet firm. "I have a request, In-Sung. Let this semester end first before I tell Jung-Ha about you. I want to give him some time to adjust, to finish his classes without any added complications."

In-Sung nodded in agreement. He understood the importance of timing, of ensuring that their son's world wouldn't be turned upside down during a critical period of his academic life.

"Why didn't you tell him about me?" In-Sung asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and regret.

Hyu-Joo's eyes softened as she gazed at him. "I didn't want him to feel like he was missing something, someone," she explained. "I wanted him to grow up feeling loved and complete, not dwelling on the absence of a father he never knew."

Their shared understanding of their son's well-being, their shared history, and the emotions that had never truly faded over the years hung heavy in the air.

In the small practice room, Youn-Jung and Do-Hoon were engrossed in their health assessment practice when the topic of needing an extra person arose. Youn-Jung's face lit up with an idea, and a mischievous grin formed on her lips.

"Do-Hoon, I know just the person who can help us," she exclaimed, her eyes glinting with excitement.

Before Do-Hoon could inquire further, a voice unexpectedly chimed in from the doorway. "Help with what?"

Jung-Ha stood there, a mixture of curiosity and confusion on his face. He had received a call from Youn-Jung asking for assistance, but he hadn't anticipated this turn of events. Do-Hoon burst into laughter at the sight of Jung-Ha's unexpected appearance.