Tethered by Rivalry | Eunwoo

18

Everything eventually settled into a comfortable rhythm as you and Eunwoo navigated the early stages of pregnancy together. The initial shock had transformed into a shared excitement, and you felt a warmth enveloping your days as Eunwoo took on the role of the doting husband with remarkable enthusiasm.

He seemed to relish in the little things—picking up the most atrocious food cravings you could muster, from hot sauce with chocolate ice cream to cold spicy ramen at odd hours.

“Huh? You want what?” he would chuckle, shaking his head but always obliging with a smile. Watching him embrace your silly cravings and quirks filled your heart with joy, and you knew you were in for an adventure with him by your side.

At the hospital, the staff was ecstatic about your pregnancy news. They treated you like royalty, offering you extra snacks and reminding you to take breaks. Your colleagues often gushed about how they couldn’t wait to meet the little one, their excitement infectious. It felt good to be surrounded by such support, allowing you to focus more on your specialization and less on the stress of daily operations.

Eunwoo, ever the supportive partner, made it a point to check in with you throughout the day. He began enjoying his work even more, especially when you surprised him with lunch. The moment you walked into his office with a homemade meal, his eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning. “You’ve outdone yourself,” he would say, taking a seat at his desk as he dug into the food, savoring every bite.

“Glad you like it!” you replied, settling into the chair across from him, delighting in the moment. Those little lunches together became the highlight of your day, creating a space where you could escape the demands of your roles and simply enjoy each other’s company.

In his desire to support you, Eunwoo approached the hospital staff, requesting that they lighten your workload. “She needs to focus on her specialization and her pregnancy right now,” he stated firmly, his protective nature shining through. “Let’s ensure she has the time and space to thrive without added stress.”

His concern didn’t go unnoticed, and your colleagues quickly rallied to adjust your responsibilities, allowing you to breathe a little easier. The relief was palpable, and you found yourself able to dedicate more energy to your studies and preparing for the baby.

As the weeks rolled on, you and Eunwoo began to talk about the right time to break the news to your parents. You both wanted to ensure that it was special—an announcement that would be met with joy and celebration.

“I was thinking we could plan a family dinner,” Eunwoo suggested one evening as you both lounged on the couch, his arm draped around your shoulders. “That way, we can tell both our families at once.”

“Sounds perfect,” you replied, your heart fluttering at the thought. “They’ll be thrilled!”

In the days leading up to the dinner, excitement bubbled between you. You found yourselves discussing names and dreaming about the future, the bond between you deepening as you shared your hopes and fears about parenthood.

Finally, the day arrived, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Both your families gathered at the restaurant, laughter and chatter filling the air. You and Eunwoo exchanged glances, nervous but excited about the surprise you were about to unveil.

When the time came to make the announcement, Eunwoo took a deep breath, his hand squeezing yours under the table. “We have something important to share with all of you,” he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Your dream of having a grandchild, it's coming true.”

“Mom, Dad, I'm pregnant!” You happily exclaimed while caressing your stomach.

The room fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting into a chorus of joy and excitement. Your parents beamed, eyes wide with disbelief and happiness, while laughter filled the space. You felt a rush of relief wash over you as you embraced the love and support from both families, knowing this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey.

As the evening progressed, the conversation flowed, filled with advice, anecdotes, and dreams for the little one to come. You and Eunwoo exchanged knowing smiles, each moment reinforcing the bond you had built together—a partnership grounded in love, support, and shared dreams.