Our Struggles | A Jeongcheol story

Jeonghan

It had been such a lovely day for work. The sky was pouring rain, almost mockingly.

Rain usually didn't dampen my mood. In fact, I often welcomed it, as it meant a peaceful night's rest. However, today was different. I had promised the kids I would teach them how to ride bikes with training wheels. Now, with the rain pouring down, that plan was dashed. Their parents would be furious if they caught a cold.

Grabbing my umbrella, I rushed out the door and headed toward the bus stop, my pace quickening with each step. The bus was scheduled to leave any moment, and I had left the house later than usual thanks to my brothers' stupid antics.

Joshua and Seungkwan were my younger brothers, though you wouldn't always guess that. People often told me I could pass as the middle child. Joshua, mature beyond his years, often acted like the eldest, while Seungkwan's boundless energy and sharp humor kept our home lively. Despite the chaos, we would do anything for each other.

This morning, Joshua had serenaded us with his latest 'philosophical musings', while Seungkwan provided a percussion accompaniment using kitchen utensils. Needless to say, it certainly delayed my departure.

Today, as I stepped onto the bus, I felt a pair of eyes on me. Glancing around, I saw barely anyone on board. I just shrugged it off, knowing I couldn't afford to be late. The kids wouldn't be happy if I missed the start of the day.

Although I had just started working at this daycare, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. Everyone was incredibly kind, which was a rare find in London. The children were so adorable and innocent, their polite requests for help melting my heart. Saying no to them was impossible.

I loved my job more than I could express, even though many had tried to undermine it by calling it a "girly" job, implying real men didn't take care of kids. At first, those comments had made me insecure. But now, I knew better. There was nothing to be ashamed of. One day, I hoped to even open my own daycare center. Should be easy enough, right?

Walking through the cutely decorated doors, I was greeted by Giselle.

"Hey Hannie, you're later than usual. What happened?" she asked, smiling without looking up from her work.

"I missed my regular bus. Sorry," I replied, rushing to help her with the children.

The room was alive with the sound of laughter and playful chatter. I dove into my work, helping with everything from tying shoelaces to calming tears. Every moment reaffirmed why I loved this job so much.

By the end of the day, the rain had subsided, leaving a fresh, earthy scent in the air. As I walked home, I thought about the day and the little moments that made it special. Despite the rocky start, it had been a good day—a day full of warmth, laughter, and purpose.

Maybe one day, I would have my own daycare, filled with children's laughter and decorated with care. But for now, I was content. Content with the rain, the kids, and the knowledge that I was exactly where I needed to be.

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HAPPY MINGI DAY. Song Mingi happy birthday man. Happy late birthday to S.coups. Can you belive they're both my biases, the coincidence. Happy late birthday to Xiaojun too

Also the chapter do get a bit longer after a while. Sorry. 

-Chapter one published: 09/08/2024-