Falling for Mr. Yoo

Chapter 24 : The Countdown Begins

It had been nearly nine months since Winter found out she was pregnant, and now, with only a week left until her due date, everything in their world seemed to revolve around the baby’s imminent arrival. The past few months had been filled with anticipation, excitement, and preparation, as Jimin and Winter transformed their lives, their home, and themselves for this new chapter.

Winter sat in the nursery, running her fingers gently over the soft fabric of a tiny onesie, her heart swelling with emotion. She was almost there—just one more week, and they’d finally meet their baby. The thought both thrilled and terrified her, but Jimin’s constant presence had been her anchor throughout it all.

The past month had been especially challenging as Winter’s body prepared for labor. Her belly had grown so large that simple tasks became difficult, and the aches and discomfort were almost unbearable some nights. But whenever she felt overwhelmed, Jimin was always there to soothe her worries, his hands gentle as they rubbed her back or his voice soft as he reassured her everything would be okay.

As she sat there, lost in thought, the sound of Jimin’s voice pulled her back to the present.

“Babe, how are you feeling?” Jimin asked as he appeared in the doorway of the nursery, his eyes full of love and concern as he glanced at her belly.

Winter smiled softly, though she couldn’t hide the exhaustion in her eyes. "Tired, but excited," she replied, placing the onesie back in the drawer. "I still can’t believe that in just a week, we’ll be meeting our baby." Her hand instinctively went to her belly, gently rubbing the spot where the baby kicked every now and then. It was a constant reminder that their little one was almost ready to enter the world.

Jimin walked over and knelt in front of her, placing both of his hands over hers on her belly. "I can’t believe it either," he said, his voice full of wonder. "We’re really going to be parents soon."

The weight of those words hit them both in different ways. For Winter, it was a mixture of excitement and nerves. She had read countless books, watched videos, and asked her friends for advice, but nothing could fully prepare her for what was about to happen. It wasn’t just about the labor and delivery—it was about becoming a mother, stepping into a role that would change her life forever.

Jimin, on the other hand, was focused on making sure everything was perfect. He had been so attentive throughout the pregnancy, helping Winter with everything she needed, from running out late at night to satisfy her cravings to setting up the nursery with meticulous care. But now, with the due date so close, he was starting to feel the weight of fatherhood too. The thought of being responsible for another life filled him with awe—and a little bit of fear.

Winter could sense his thoughts, as if they were an extension of her own. She reached up and cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing gently across his skin. "You’re going to be an amazing dad, Jimin," she whispered, her voice full of certainty. "Our baby is so lucky to have you."

Jimin smiled, his eyes softening as he leaned into her touch. "And you’re going to be the best mom," he replied, his voice full of love. He kissed her palm, then leaned down and pressed his lips gently to her belly. "We can’t wait to meet you, little one," he murmured softly, as if speaking directly to the baby.

Winter chuckled, feeling the warmth of his affection in every gesture. "I think they’re excited too," she said as she felt a tiny nudge from inside her belly, as if the baby was responding to Jimin’s words.

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The Final Week

The week passed by in a blur of final preparations. Winter and Jimin double-checked the hospital bags, made sure the nursery was perfectly set up, and ran through their birthing plan one last time with their doctor. Every day brought them closer to the moment they had been waiting for, and the anticipation built with each passing hour.

Winter’s discomfort grew as her due date approached. She had trouble sleeping at night, her swollen belly making it hard to find a comfortable position. Her feet ached, and every movement felt like a chore, but Jimin was there every step of the way. He massaged her feet when they were sore, made sure she was eating properly, and was constantly asking if she needed anything.

One night, just a few days before the due date, Winter woke up in the middle of the night, wincing from the sharp kick of the baby. She glanced over at Jimin, who was sound asleep beside her. She hated waking him up again, but she knew she needed his help. The baby had been unusually active, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that they might come earlier than expected.

"Jimin," she whispered, nudging him gently.

Jimin stirred, groggily opening his eyes. "Hmm? What is it? Are you okay?" His voice was laced with concern as he quickly sat up.

"I think the baby’s getting ready," Winter said with a small smile. "They’ve been kicking up a storm, and I just... I have a feeling."

Jimin blinked the sleep from his eyes, and instantly, he was alert. "Do you think it’s time? Should we go to the hospital?" he asked, already halfway out of bed.

Winter chuckled softly and shook her head. "Not yet. I’m not in labor, but I think it’s close. Maybe tomorrow, or the next day. I can just feel it."

Jimin exhaled, sitting back down beside her, running a hand through his hair as he processed what she said. "Okay, okay. We’ll be ready when it happens." He reached out and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "Just let me know the second you feel anything."

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The Calm Before the Storm

The following days were a mix of nerves and excitement. Winter could feel the baby moving lower, and her body was starting to give her all the signs that labor was just around the corner. She and Jimin spent the days together, enjoying the calm before the inevitable chaos of parenthood began.

One evening, they sat in the living room, watching the sunset through the window. Winter’s head rested on Jimin’s shoulder, and his hand was resting protectively on her belly. It was a peaceful moment, one they both cherished, knowing that soon their quiet moments together would be replaced by the sounds of a crying baby and sleepless nights.

"I can’t believe how much everything is going to change," Winter murmured, her voice soft.

"Yeah," Jimin agreed, his voice equally quiet. "But it’s a good kind of change."

Winter smiled, nodding in agreement. "I know. I’m just… I’m a little scared, you know? What if I’m not good enough? What if I don’t know what to do?"

Jimin turned his head, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You’re going to be amazing, Winter. We’ll figure it out together, just like we always do."

His words reassured her, and for the first time in days, Winter felt a sense of calm wash over her. No matter what, they would get through this together.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they sat there in comfortable silence, both of them quietly preparing themselves for the life-changing event that was just days away.

The countdown had begun, and soon, they would be welcoming their little one into the world.

TBC.