Twenty five year old Bae Hyun-sung, a rising young actor in the vibrant world of Korean entertainment, seems to have everything going for him-talent, charm. But his carefully structured life is thrown into disarray during a routine checkup, when he...
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Hyun-sung rested his head back against the couch cushions, trying to remember the excitement he'd felt in the beginning. Lately, all he felt was exhaustion and discomfort. His stomach had grown so large that every movement was an effort, every step felt heavy. His feet were swollen, and the pressure in his lower back had him groaning each time he tried to stand up.
"Ah... this is harder than I thought," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his aching belly. Mi-young gave a strong kick in response, as if to remind him she was there. He chuckled despite the discomfort. "Alright, I get it, you're ready too."
Two weeks had passed since he reconciled with his mother. It had been a relief, though not an easy conversation.
Now, with his mother staying by his side, things felt more peaceful, even if his body was far from it. His mom had arrived two weeks ago, and ever since, she'd been doting on him—cooking meals, helping him organise the nursery, and making sure he got enough rest. Hyun-sung hadn't realised just how much he needed her until she was there.
From the kitchen, he could hear the faint clattering of pots and pans as she prepared dinner. The smell of steaming rice and kimchi jjigae wafted through the apartment, making his stomach growl. He smiled to himself, grateful for her presence. Though the pregnancy had been physically demanding, her support was helping him through the toughest part.
"Are you hungry, Hyun-sung-ah?" his mother called from the kitchen.
"Always," he responded with a laugh, his voice tired. He shifted on the couch, trying to find a more comfortable position, but it was almost impossible with how big he was.
His mother came into the living room, wiping her hands on a towel as she approached. She sat beside him, her eyes softening as she looked at him.
"You're doing so well, son," she said quietly, brushing a lock of hair off his forehead. "It won't be long now."
Hyun-sung sighed, rubbing his belly again. "I don't know how much longer I can take this. I feel huge. Mi-young is getting stronger by the day—she's kicking harder now, and my back is killing me."
His mother gave him a sympathetic smile. "I know it's hard. But once she's here, you'll forget about all of this. Trust me."
"I hope so," he replied, though his tone was doubtful. He had been ready to meet his daughter for weeks now, and the wait was starting to wear on him. The cramps had started a few days ago, not painful enough to be labor but just enough to remind him that his body was getting closer to the end.
"I feel like I'm going to burst," he admitted, leaning back and closing his eyes. "I just want her to be here already."
His mother patted his knee gently. "Patience, Hyun-sung. She'll come when she's ready. And until then, you need to rest as much as you can. You'll need all your energy when the time comes."
He nodded, knowing she was right. But resting was easier said than done when every position made him uncomfortable, and sleep was nearly impossible with Mi-young's constant movement. He was trying to enjoy the last few weeks of the pregnancy like everyone had advised, but all he wanted was to hold his daughter in his arms, not in his belly.
"Do you think I'll be ready when it happens?" he asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. The closer he got to the end, the more anxious he became. It wasn't just the physical discomfort—there was a growing fear inside him about the actual moment of labour. Would he be able to handle it? Would everything go smoothly?
His mother gave him a reassuring look. "You'll be ready. You've come this far, haven't you? You've been strong through all of this, and when the time comes, you'll know what to do. And I'll be right here with you."
Her words soothed him a little, but the worry still lingered. He'd never gone through anything like this before. Being an actor had always been his world, and now he was about to step into an entirely new role—one that came with no script, no rehearsals, and no retakes.
"I just want to do everything right," he said softly.
"And you will," his mother said with certainty. "No one is perfect, but you're going to be a wonderful father, Hyun-sung. I'm sure of it."
Her confidence made him feel a bit lighter. As much as the pregnancy had been overwhelming, it had also been a journey of self-discovery. He had learned more about himself in the past few months than he had in years. He had found strength he didn't know he had, and most of all, he had found a deep, unwavering love for the little life growing inside him.
He glanced over at his mother, who smiled warmly at him. The apartment felt quiet, but in that stillness, there was a sense of anticipation—a feeling that soon, everything would change. For now, all they could do was wait.
