As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Joon and I found ourselves seated at a bustling restaurant, surrounded by our closest friends. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sound of laughter and conversation as we celebrated the joyous news of our impending arrival.Amala, Taj, and Jackson sat on one side of the table, their faces alight with excitement as they toasted to the new addition to our family. On the other side, Joon's friends Seokjin, Yoongi, Jungkook, Jimin, Taehyung, and Hoseok joined in the celebration, their smiles infectious as they raised their glasses in a toast."Here's to Aera and Joon, and their little bundle of joy on the way!" Seokjin exclaimed, his voice ringing out above the din of the restaurant.
Our table erupted in cheers and some onlookers had cheered along.
Yoongi looked at me and Joon with a smirk, who is known for his dry wit, couldn't resist poking fun at Joon.
"So, Joon," he began with a smirk, "are you ready for the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes?"
Joon laughed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "I don't think anyone can truly be prepared for that, Yoongi," he replied with a grin.
"But I'm willing to give it my best shot."
Jungkook, ever the curious one, turned to me with a bright smile.
"Aera, have you thought about what you'll name the baby?" he asked eagerly.
I smiled back, touched by his enthusiasm. "We've been tossing around a few ideas," I replied, glancing at Joon for confirmation.
"But nothing set in stone yet."
Seokjin, always the sentimental one, raised his glass in a toast. "Well, whatever you decide, I know it'll be perfect," he declared, his eyes shining with sincerity.
Jimin, spoke up with a smile. "You know, Aera, Joon," he began, his voice filled with warmth, "I have a feeling you two are going to be amazing parents. You already have so much love to give, and I can't wait to see your little one grow up surrounded by it."
His words were met with nods of agreement and murmurs of affirmation from around the table, each friend echoing his sentiment.
Taehyung, chimed in with a playful grin.
"Hey, Aera, have you thought about what kind of music you'll play for the baby?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I laughed, "We haven't really thought about it yet," I admitted, exchanging a knowing glance with Joon.
"But knowing Joon's taste in music, I'm sure our little one will be exposed to a wide variety of genres."
Hoseok, joined in with a playful dance move. "Well, if they inherit even a fraction of Joon's talent, they'll be a musical prodigy in no time!" he exclaimed, his laughter filling the air.
Taj, looks around and smiles. "Aera, Joon," she began, her tone caring.
"I know this is a big step, but I have no doubt that you two will make incredible parents. You've always been there for each other, and now you'll have the opportunity to share that love with your child."
Amala nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. "I couldn't agree more," she added, her voice soft but resolute. "You two are like family to me, and I know that your little one will be surrounded by nothing but love and support from day one."
Jackson, chimed in with a smile. "I'm so happy for you both," he said, his voice filled with genuine joy.
"And if you ever need a babysitter, you know where to find me and Taj!"His light-hearted comment elicited laughter from around the table, easing the tension and filling the air with a sense of camaraderie and affection.
And as the evening drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the love and support of our friends. In their laughter and their encouragement, I found the strength and reassurance to face the journey ahead.
