SKYFALL ↠ Haechan ✔

XXXIV

CHAPTER XXXIV : Final Words

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Areum's heart raced as she and Haechan hurried through the hospital corridors. They reached his room, and the sight of him lying frail and weak in the hospital bed brought a lump to her throat.

As they entered the room, Minwoo's eyes fluttered open. He managed a weak smile when he saw Areum "Areum" He whispered, his voice raspy and filled with emotion "You came"

"Of course I came" Areum replied softly, moving closer to his bedside "I'm here"

Minwoo's eyes filled with regret as he looked at his daughter "I... I need to tell you... I'm sorry" He said, struggling to speak "For all the times I pushed you away... for all the hurt I caused from the things that I said"

Tears welled up in Areum's eyes "Appa, I-"

"No, let me finish" Minwoo interrupted gently "I was wrong. I see that now. You deserved so much better from me. I was so blinded by my own selfish anger and pride"

Areum nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I forgive you"

Minwoo reached out, his hand trembling, and Areum took it in hers "Thank you" He whispered. He then turned his gaze to Haechan, who stood silently beside Areum, his presence strong and comforting.

"Haechan" Minwoo said, his voice growing weaker "Promise me.. you'll take care of my daughter. She's strong, but she needs you"

Haechan stepped forward, his eyes serious and full of resolve "I will always take care of her. You have my word"

Minwoo gave a faint nod, a small smile appearing on his lips "One last thing, Areum" He said, turning back to her "Tell your mother... tell her I'm sorry. For everything. I should have been a better husband-"

"I found her" Areum interjected, her voice soft but steady "I found her in the UK. She has a new family now and we reconnected"

Minwoo's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise and relief crossing his face "You found her?" He murmured "I'm so glad. She deserves happiness... and so do you"

"Thanks, Appa" Areum replied, her voice breaking "I'll tell her"

Minwoo's breathing grew shallower, his grip on Areum's hand loosening "I love you, Areum" He whispered, his eyes closing.

"I love you too" Areum said, her voice barely audible through her tears.

With one final, labored breath, Minwoo passed away. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by Areum's heavy cry. Haechan wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as she cried.

"He's at peace now" Haechan murmured, his own eyes glistening with tears "And he knew you forgave him. That means everything, babe"

Areum nodded, her heart aching with a mixture of sorrow and relief "Thank you" She whispered, leaning into Haechan's embrace.

-

The day of Minwoo's funeral was somber and gray, matching the heavy hearts of those gathered to say their final goodbyes. Areum stood near the grave, feeling the weight of loss and unresolved emotions pressing down on her.

As the ceremony progressed, Areum watched as her father's casket was lowered into the ground, her mind a whirlwind of memories and regrets.

Despite their troubled past, Minwoo had finally sought her forgiveness, and she had granted it. Yet, the pain of his loss was still raw and profound.

After the ceremony, as people began to leave, Areum remained by the grave, unable to tear herself away. Haechan stayed with her, his hand gently resting on her back

"It's okay to grieve, babe" He said softly "He may not have been perfect, but he was your father"

Areum nodded, tears streaming down her face "I know. I just... I wish things had been different. I really wish we had more time"

Haechan pulled her into a comforting embrace, letting her cry against his chest "I understand" He murmured "I went through the same thing when my mom died. It's never easy, but it does get better. The pain becomes more bearable with time"

They stood there for a long while, the chill of the air seeping into their bones. Finally, Haechan spoke again "Let's go home okay?" He suggested gently "You need to rest"

Areum reluctantly agreed, and they walked back to the car. The drive home was quiet, the weight of the day settling heavily on them both. As they entered their home, Haechan led her to the couch, sitting down beside her.

"Areum" He began, taking her hands in his "I know this is hard. Losing a parent is never easy, but you're not alone. I'm here and i'll do whatever it takes to make you feel better"

Areum leaned into him, finding solace in his words and his embrace "Thank you, Haechan. I don't know what I'd do without you"

"I'll tell Mom about Appa's message when I'm ready" She continued quietly "She deserves to know"

Haechan kissed her forehead "Take all the time you need"

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Ok this is a short one..
I promise the last chapter will be better!!
Final chapter after this, see you guys
tomorrow for the last one :(

Love,
Hyucgf.