The risk of love is loss | a Lovely Runner Fanfic

09

As the weeks passed, Sun Jae and Sol settled into a new routine. Their lives revolved around Sol's pregnancy and their next doctor's appointment, with every decision made with the baby in mind. Sun Jae's protective instincts, already strong, grew even more intense.

One sunny Saturday morning, about a month after they'd discovered the pregnancy, Sun Jae woke early. He lay still for a moment, listening to Sol's soft breathing beside him. His hand, as always, rested protectively over her stomach. There was the slightest curve there now, barely noticeable to anyone but them.

Carefully, so as not to wake Sol, Sun Jae slipped out of bed. He had plans for today, and he wanted everything to be perfect.

In the kitchen, he set about preparing a nutritious breakfast. As he worked, he hummed softly to himself, a lullaby he'd been composing for the baby. The melody was still rough, but it was coming together, much like their nursery plans and their lives as expectant parents.

The smell of brewing coffee and sizzling bacon and something buttery eventually roused Sol. She padded into the kitchen, her hair mussed from sleep, wearing one of Sun Jae's old t-shirts that now served as her favorite nightgown.

"Good morning, beautiful," Sun Jae said, crossing the kitchen to give her a tender kiss. His hand automatically went to her stomach, a gesture that had become as natural as breathing.

Sol smiled against his lips. "Good morning, handsome. What's all this?"

"Breakfast," Sun Jae replied, guiding her to a chair. "We've got a big day ahead of us."

Sol raised an eyebrow as she sat down. "We do?"

Sun Jae nodded, setting a plate in front of her. "We're going baby shopping today. It's time we started getting things ready for our little bean."

Sol's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Oh, Sun Jae, that's wonderful!"

They ate breakfast together, discussing what they needed to buy. Sun Jae had, of course, already made a comprehensive list. He'd researched the safest cribs, the most ergonomic changing tables, the best developmental toys for newborns.

As they were clearing the dishes, Sol suddenly went pale, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Sol?" Sun Jae was at her side in an instant, his arm around her waist. "What's wrong?"

Sol shook her head, taking deep breaths. "It's nothing. Just a wave of nausea. It'll pass."

But Sun Jae was already guiding her to the couch, his face etched with concern. "Sit down, love. I'll get you some ginger tea. That's supposed to help with morning sickness, right?"

Before Sol could protest, Sun Jae was back in the kitchen, frantically brewing tea and searching for crackers. He returned moments later, a steaming mug in one hand and a plate of saltines in the other.

"Here," he said, sitting beside her and offering the tea. "Small sips. And try to eat a cracker if you can."

Sol complied, touched by his concern even as she fought the urge to roll her eyes at his hovering. "Sun Jae, I'm fine. This is normal."

"I know," he said, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "But I hate seeing you uncomfortable. Maybe we should postpone the shopping trip. You should rest."

"Don't you dare," Sol said, sitting up straighter. "I've been looking forward to this. Besides, the nausea's already passing. See?" She took a larger sip of tea to prove her point.

Sun Jae studied her face, still unconvinced. "Are you sure? We could always order things online if you're not feeling up to going out."

Sol set down her mug and took Sun Jae's face in her hands. "Sun Jae, my love, my overprotective bear," she said, her tone fond but firm. "We are going shopping today. I am pregnant, not made of glass. I promise to tell you if I'm not feeling well, okay?"