You Make Me | Lee Eunhyuk

30, tranquility before

Hyunsoo and Jiwon pressed onward, still in their monster forms from the relentless attacks of the last few hours, trudging endlessly through the dense cold woods. Jiwon took the lead, attempting to devise a plan, when Hyunsoo suddenly halted, his gaze fixed on the nearby river.

Noticing this, Jiwon turned to see him staring sadly at the lake. Following his gaze, she saw a woman lying on the ice near a small monster. Her eyes widened, and she hurried toward them, only to be restrained by Hyunsoo's firm grip on her wrist, slowing her pace.

He released her, and they advanced cautiously. As they approached the woman, she swung the knife at the crying monster seemingly using all her strength. Just before the blade touched the creature's neck, she glanced up at Hyunsoo and Jiwon, her eyes filled with pain. A headache throbbed in Jiwon's temples as she made eye contact with the injured woman.

A fragment of memory surfaced.

Jiwon had once walked by the woman, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder and offering a gentle smile as she looked over.

"Mrs. An told me you're pregnant, Yikyung. Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything, okay? I can get it for you. And I mean anything, just don't tell Eunhyuk," Jiwon joked, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Yikyung had returned the smile faintly, her eyes softening with a mix of gratitude and worry.

"Thanks, I will," she replied, her voice tinged with the unspoken nerves.

Jiwon took a moment to sit beside her, sensing the need for companionship. They sat on some stairs in the main lobby, as fellow tenants walked past here occasionally, but overall, it was quiet today.

"Have you thought of any names yet?" Jiwon asked, her tone light but genuinely curious.

Yikyung sighed, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "Not really."

Jiwon nodded, understanding the weight behind those words. "That's no problem. I know the baby is going to be strong, just like you."

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the distant chatter of the tenants talking adding a peaceful backdrop to their thoughts. Jiwon thought about her own family, the memories that seemed so distant now. She wondered if she would ever have the chance to even think about a family.

"Do you ever think about what comes next?" Yikyung asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Jiwon shrugged, her smile fading slightly. "All the time. But I guess we just have to take it one day at a time. Focus on the small victories, like this moment right here."

Yikyung nodded at her, appreciation in her eyes.

Jiwon stood up, offering her hand to Yikyung. "Come on, let's walk around a bit. It'll do you good."

This memory, now resurfacing in the present, felt like a whisper from the past, reminding Jiwon of the bonds she had forged and the promises she had made. It was a bittersweet reminder of the life she had once known and the strength she needed to move forward.

Jiwon, stunned, looked at the small monster as Yikyung dragged herself away, tears streaming down her face. Jiwon wanted to stop her but understood the implication—she was abandoning the monster.

She picked up the crying baby monster, reverting to her human form as she gently rocked it, whispering, "It's okay, it's okay now."

Turning to Hyunsoo, who still looked sorrowful, she attempted a weary smile.

"It's just a baby."

Months passed, and the gentle spring breeze caressed Jiwon's face. She walked slowly beside the shimmering lake with Hyunsoo. The grass had grown tall, reaching up to her knees, and the river sparkled like a ribbon of liquid diamonds under the bright sunlight. Everything was quiet and serene, the world seemingly at peace. Their clothes were worn out, their skin sun-kissed, and their hair overgrown and messy, but both wore calm smiles.