The Day of Labor
Seungmin had felt it coming for days—the sharp twinges in his lower abdomen, the heaviness that made it hard to move. And then, one evening, the labor pains began in earnest.
Hyunjin was by his side the moment he realized what was happening. He quickly called the doctors and the staff, everyone moving in a rush to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Seungmin’s labor was long and painful, the hours stretching as he fought through each contraction. But Hyunjin was there for every moment, holding his hand, whispering reassurances even as Seungmin’s grip nearly crushed his fingers.
Through the haze of pain, Seungmin couldn’t help but focus on Hyunjin’s face—the concern, the fear, and the love that had grown between them over these long months.
Hours later, after what felt like an eternity, the cries of their child filled the room. Seungmin collapsed back against the pillows, exhausted but overwhelmed with relief. Hyunjin stood at his side, his eyes locked on the small, wriggling bundle in the doctor's arms.
“It’s a boy,” the doctor announced.
Hyunjin’s expression softened as he reached out to take their newborn son in his arms. He held him carefully, as if the child was the most fragile and precious thing in the world.
Seungmin, barely able to keep his eyes open, looked up at Hyunjin cradling their baby. For the first time, he felt a sense of peace—peace in the knowledge that, despite the rough start, he and Hyunjin had created something beautiful together.
“His name is Ari,” Seungmin whispered, smiling weakly.
Hyunjin looked down at Seungmin, his usual hard expression gone, replaced by something gentler, something more vulnerable. “Ari,” he repeated softly, nodding in agreement.
For a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the three of them, a new family forged in the most unexpected of ways.
