As the morning sun gently peeked through the curtains, Haein slowly opened his eyes, feeling groggy and disoriented. He looked around the room, only to find that Jisoo was not there. Although he never truly expected her to stay, Haein couldn't help but feel a sting of disappointment at her absence. The fact that she had left without even saying goodbye made his heart sink even more.
With a heavy sigh, he dragged himself out of bed and made his way towards the kitchen. As he shuffled along, Haein felt a throbbing pain in his head and tender spots on his face. Flashbacks from the previous night flooded his mind — the fiery confrontation between him and Bohyun, which escalated into a physical fight. To think that someone he considered close would attack him like that left Haein feeling betrayed.
Haein and Bohyun were far from being best friends, but the two shared a bond strong enough for Bohyun to know about Haein's love for Jisoo and their growing relationship.
— Good morning. — Joon greeted his brother as he entered the kitchen. His tone was anything but friendly, though; he was dead serious. — You wanna tell me why you're all beat up and why Jisoo was here yesterday?
Haein sighed, grabbing a beer from the fridge, not bothering to reply.
— Haein, it's seven in the morning. — Haejoon remarked as he glanced at the clock on the wall.
— Who cares? — Haein retorted dismissively, pulling out a chair and plopping down onto it. — You'd be drinking too if you knew what happened.
— Well? Are you gonna tell me? — Haejoon raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. Haein's expression finally softened as a hint of excitement flickered in his eyes.
— Joon, she's pregnant... with my child. — Haejoon furrowed his brow, skeptical.
— How can you be sure the child is yours?
— Well... — Haein began, leaning back in his chair. — She wouldn't have come all the way here if it wasn't true. Plus, she flat-out told me she's trying to pass the child off as Bohyun's. — Haein saw his brother's eyes widen in shock. The youngest sibling's eyes widened in shock as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
— She did what? — He asked, disbelief painted on his face. Haein sighed and leaned back in his chair.
— Remember that hotel event I attended last month? She was there too and came up to talk. One thing led to another... We ended up spending the night together, and now she's pregnant.
Haein couldn't help but smile. In the midst of everything, he felt an inexplicable happiness, knowing that the woman he loved was carrying their child. Regardless of whether they ended up together or not, he could already picture himself playing with their baby – witnessing his first steps and hearing his first words. The uncertainty was frightening, yet a warm sensation filled his chest whenever he considered that tiny life just beginning to take shape.
— What will you do? — Came the question. Haein merely shrugged.
— She needs to sort things out with her boyfriend. — He said. — But one thing's for sure; the child is mine, and no one else will replace me in his life. — Haejoon had never seen his brother express himself with such determination before.
[...]
Jisoo plopped down on the first class seat, fidgeting as she waited for the usual takeoff procedures. Distractedly, she grabbed her cell phone and skimmed through a few messages, deciding they weren't worth replying to just yet. Then she pulled up her contacts and dialed Haein's number, bouncing her legs nervously while the phone rang.
