Lovely Runner 2: Finding Grandma

Chapter 3: The Stairwell

By the time they reach the 8th floor, Sun Jae is breathless, his sunglasses crooked on his face.

"Sun Jae-ah," Im Sol says, concerned. "You can put me down. There's only two more flights."

"No, no! I'm fine." He stands defiant and firm, determined to make it to the 10th floor. "I can do it!"

Sun Jae adjusts Sol in his arms, striving to keep going. Sweat collects on his brow.

"Sun Jae." Im Sol says, glancing at him, smiling.

"Sol," He stops for a moment, catching his breath before the last stretch.

"Here, let me help you." She chuckles, taking the glasses from his face. "Now I can see your handsome face."

"I can see you too..." He pauses, eyes locking with hers, softening. "You...You're pretty."

"Mmm..." Im Sol rests her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes, tightening her arms around him. "I love you, Sun Jae."

Reaching the top of the stairs, Sun Jae pauses, glancing down at her: his Sol. She's at peace in his arms, as if nothing in the world could touch her. A smile forms in his eyes. "I love you too."

She presses her head against his chest, hearing his heartbeat faster when he says it. Her cheeks flush, she knows he means it, more than she can understand.

"Sun Jae," She says, opening her eyes, spotting the stairwell door. "I can stand up now."

"Ah, right." He says, still dazed by the beauty of his wife. He helps her down slowly.

Opening the door for her, Sun Jae lets her enter the hall before him. She grabs his hand, pulling him close to her, resting her head on his shoulder as they walk down the hallway to the apartment.

Reaching the door, she feels the baby in her womb kick. "Sun Jae-ah!" Sol grabs his hand, excited, placing his hand on her stomach to feel the baby move.

Sun Jae beams a bright smile, feeling the baby push against his hand. A warmth swells in his heart, touching the little son or daughter he never knew he'd meet.

Kneeling down, he comes close to the baby. "Appa loves you." He whispers, tears welling in his eyes when the child moves at the sound of his voice.

He wraps his big arms around her waist, pressing his head against her stomach. "I can't wait to see you." He says.

When the door bursts open, a panicked In Hyuk stands in the doorframe. Flour on his face and threads of green onion in his hair.

"Oh!" Im Sol jumps back, terrified at the sight. Staring shocked at In Hyuk, she sees his eyes watering.

"Sun Jae! My Chingu!" In Hyuk lunges from the door, hugging his friend. "Help me!" Sun Jae jolts, unsure how to react.

"Are you-are you crying?" Im Sol stutters.

In Hyuk shakes his head. "Anneo." He rubs his eyes, pausing as if about to sneeze. "It's the... the onion."

"Onion?!" Sun Jae furrows his brow, fed up with his friend's drama. Prying In Hyuk's arms from around him, he stands up and shakes off the hug. "Aish! You're crying over that?!"

In Hyuk shakes his head again. "No," He sniffles. "It's in my eyes."

A head pops out from behind the door. It's Tae Sung. His anxious eyes land on In Hyuk, smoke seeping from the apartment into the hallway.

"In Hyuk." He strains through clenched teeth, gesturing for him to come inside. Spotting Sol & Sun Jae standing there, he gives a short "annyeonghaseyo" and nods quickly.