Advices [TAERIN] ✔

二十四

*a/n: mentions about death ahead*

six years ago

It was the day of Taehyung's uncle's funeral. Taehyung's uncle, Kim Wonho, was almost like his second parent. Taehyung's mum and dad were always busy with work and had little time to accompany him at home. They hence asked Wonho over to help take care of the young Taehyung. He was with his uncle since the age of 5, Wonho was more important to him than his parents because they were the closest. Wonho played the role of both his Mum and Dad.

On this one rainy day, Wonho's seafood restaurant was getting busy. He didn't take note of the time and wasn't aware of what day was it today. Today is Taehyung's birthday, and he was super excited. Taehyung got back home from school happily, expecting a birthday surprise from Wonho. But all that was greeted to him was an empty house, no surprise, no Wonho, nothing. Taehyung was mad and sad at the same time because birthday occasions have always been his favourite time of the year. He then thought that maybe he got home too early and Wonho weren't ready yet. As he thought of this possibility, his mood instantly got brighter and he sat down on the sofa, patiently waiting for Wonho to come back home and give him a surprise.

Three hours have passed and it is now 10 p.m. Taehyung was slowly losing patience as he started thinking that Wonho had forgotten his birthday because Wonho would usually reach home earlier to celebrate his birthday and take him to amusement parks if there was enough time. The more he thinks about it, the more grievance he feels. As a kid, he was at the age where the moment he felt grievance, he couldn't control his tears.

He picked up the house phone and called Wonho while crying hard. "Uncle Wonho, why are you still not back?"

"Sorry Taehyung, the restaurant is getting a little busy. You can sleep first, uncle will probably only reach home after 12."

After hearing this from Wonho, Taehyung knew he guessed correctly. His uncle forgot about his birthday. He cried even harder upon knowing his uncle had forgotten his birthday.

"Uncle Wonho! Today is my birthday! How can you forget about that? I've been waiting for birthday surprises since 7 p.m. and now you are telling me you forgot?!"

Taehyung said as he was crying until he was out of breath. Wonho gasped as he heard what Taehyung said. Things were getting busy for him these days and he really did forget about Taehyung's birthday. Moreover, it's going to be New Year soon, and restaurants are always packed during this period of time, hence making him easily forget about his birthday.

"I'm so sorry Taehyung, the restaurant is so busy nowadays I completely forgot about it. Sorry Taehyung, Uncle will make it up for you. Give uncle some time, uncle will definitely bring you back a surprise by 12, okay?"

"Okay Uncle Wonho, I will wait for you."