The Light After The Storm | SUNSUN

Drunk

The living room was dim, the curtains drawn tight against the setting sun. Sunoo sat on the couch, his legs tucked beneath him, while Sunghoon absently fiddled with the edge of a cushion. From the bedroom, the gentle sound of Sunjin’s soft snores drifted into the living room, a calming reminder of the small life they were all connected to.

“Hey... do you want a drink?” Sunoo’s voice was barely a whisper, tinged with a hint of hesitance. “I’ve got some soju here.”

Sunghoon looked up, surprise flashing in his eyes. “Yeah, sure.” He chuckled, though the laughter didn’t quite reach his eyes, revealing a flicker of concern.

“I just miss it, you know?” Sunoo said, his tone carrying a trace of nostalgia. “I haven’t had a drink in a while.” He stood up and moved to the kitchen, returning with four bottles of soju and two bottle of Coke. The soft clink of glass on the coffee table broke the quiet as he set them down.

As they poured their drinks, Sunghoon leaned back, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. “So... want to talk about something?”

Sunoo smiled faintly, though it was edged with a touch of melancholy. “Not much to say, really. Just missing the old times. It’s been too long since I’ve had a drink.”

The room fell into a contemplative silence until Sunghoon broke it, glancing at a framed photo on the wall. “So... that’s Sunjin’s father, right?”

“Yeah,” Sunoo said, his smile fading slightly. The room seemed to grow heavier with the weight of the topic.

Sunoo’s expression shifted, shadows crossing his face. “He was a good father. Even though Sunjin was only a little over three months old when Jake passed, Jake was deeply committed. He was always so attentive, making sure that Sunjin’s needs were met even if he couldn’t express them. Jake had this instinctive way of calming Sunjin, always knowing how to soothe him, and he was very protective, making sure Sunjin felt safe and cherished.”

Sunghoon listened, his eyes reflecting empathy. “I don’t know him, but from what you’ve shared, he sounds like he was wonderful. And you’re doing a good with Sunjin, too.”

Sunoo’s gaze softened with gratitude. “Thanks. It’s not easy, but I try my best. I keep Jake’s memory alive in small ways. I talk to Sunjin about his father and play some of the lullabies Jake used to sing. I even try to incorporate some of the little rituals Jake loved, like the special bedtime routines. I want Sunjin to grow up with a sense of who his father was."

“That’s a beautiful way to honor him,” Sunghoon said gently. “It sounds like you’re keeping his spirit alive in everything you do.”

“Yeah,” Sunoo agreed, his voice reflecting the depth of his emotions. “It’s important to me that Sunjin feels connected to his father, even if he can’t remember him. I want him to know he was loved and cared for deeply.”

As they continued drinking, their conversation meandered through shared memories and personal reflections. They lost track of time, the soju bottles gradually emptying. The room grew warmer, their laughter more relaxed, as they sank into the comfort of each other’s company. The gentle buzz of their inebriation blended with the weight of their heartfelt conversation, creating a space of solace and connection.

(Warning, Mature content coming.)

Later on, Sunghoon detected a faint, sweet scent in the air, something reminiscent of bubble gum. At first, he was puzzled, unsure where it was coming from. He turned his head, his gaze landing on Sunoo, who had slumped with his head resting on his own knees. Sunoo’s cheeks were flushed a soft, rosy red from the soju, his breathing gentle and rhythmic as he seemed to drift between wakefulness and sleep.