Tethered by Rivalry | Eunwoo

17

Life continued to flourish in both your careers, and you found a rhythm that felt fulfilling. However, amidst the success and busyness, a new development was quietly brewing—a development that would change everything. And you weren't sure how to handle it.

It started with a strange wave of fatigue that seemed to linger longer than usual. You brushed it off at first, attributing it to the long hours spent at the hospital and the stress of managing your responsibilities. But as days turned into weeks, the signs began to accumulate. The faint nausea, actual vomitting, the food aversions, and the missed period all pointed to something you couldn’t ignore.

Finally, curiosity mixed with a hint of anxiety drove you to the pharmacy. Standing in the aisle, you stared at the pregnancy tests, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. With a deep breath, you grabbed three, telling yourself it was just to be sure.

Once home, you retreated to the bathroom, heart racing as you followed the instructions. After what felt like an eternity, you peeked at the results—three positive tests stared back at you, and in that moment, the world felt as if it had shifted on its axis. A mix of disbelief and joy washed over you, followed by a wave of uncertainty.

How would you tell Eunwoo? Would he be ready for this?

For the next few days, you tried to hide your growing apprehension, forcing yourself to maintain your usual routine. But with each passing moment, the secret felt heavier, a weight pressing down on your chest. Eunwoo, the ever observant husband he usually is, noticed the change in your demeanor, the way you seemed distracted during meetings, how your laughter didn’t come as easily.

“Is everything okay?” he asked one evening, concern etched across his features as he placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. “You’ve seemed off lately.”

You smiled, but it didn’t reach your eyes. “I’m just tired. You know how it is—work is a lot right now.”

But as the days passed, it became increasingly difficult to mask the truth. You felt a swirl of emotions—excitement, fear, and a desire to protect this new life. It was a rollercoaster you weren’t sure how to navigate, and Eunwoo’s worry only intensified your internal conflict.

One evening, as you were preparing dinner together, the tension became palpable. You could feel Eunwoo’s gaze on you as you stirred the pot, his brow furrowed in thought. Finally, he spoke up, the urgency in his voice undeniable. “You need to tell me what’s going on. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s wrong.”

The weight of his words made your heart race. Taking a deep breath, you turned to face him. “Eunwoo, there’s something I need to tell you…”

His expression shifted from concern to confusion as he sensed the gravity of the moment. “What is it?”

“I-I’m pregnant,” you admitted, the words spilling out before you could fully process them. The silence that followed felt thick and charged, both of you processing the revelation.

For a moment, Eunwoo was still, his eyes widening in surprise. Then a smile slowly broke across his face, and he stepped closer, his hands gently grasping your arms. “You’re serious?”

You nodded, feeling a rush of emotions wash over you. “I took three tests, and they all came back positive.”

Eunwoo’s expression shifted from surprise to joy, and before you knew it, he was wrapping you in his arms, lifting you off your feet in excitement. “This is incredible!” he exclaimed, laughter spilling from his lips. “We’re going to be parents!”

The joy radiating from him ignited a warmth within you, and soon, you found yourself laughing alongside him, the weight of your fears lifting. As you settled back into his embrace, the reality of the situation began to sink in.

“We’re in for quite a ride, aren’t we?” you said, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coloring your voice.

“Absolutely,” Eunwoo replied, his eyes shining with determination. “But we’ll face it together, just like we always have.”

In that moment, the uncertainty faded away, replaced by a newfound sense of partnership. You knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Eunwoo by your side, you felt ready to embrace this new journey together.