Tethered by Rivalry | Eunwoo

20

The day had finally arrived. You were in the comfort of your home when a sudden warmth and pressure made your heart race. “Eunwoo!” you yelled, grabbing your stomach as the reality of your water breaking hit you. “It’s time!”

Eunwoo, who had just stepped out of the kitchen, rushed in, his eyes wide with panic. “What do I do? What do I do?” he exclaimed, fumbling for his phone while trying to assess the situation. “I’ll get the car!”

“No! Call the hospital first!” you directed, already feeling the first waves of labor pain wash over you. With shaky breaths, you prepared yourself for the chaos ahead.

Once at the hospital, the adrenaline kicked in, but so did the overwhelming waves of discomfort. You were ushered into the labor room, and the familiar faces of the medical staff provided a slight comfort amidst the turmoil. Eunwoo stayed by your side, holding your hand as the contractions intensified.

As the pain surged, you felt an instinctual urge to release your frustrations. “This is all your fault, Eunwoo!” you shouted, squeezing his hand so tightly you thought you might break it. “You spilled everything inside me! I’m never doing this with you again!”

Eunwoo, trying to lighten the mood despite the fear in his eyes, chuckled nervously. “You know you don’t mean that,” he replied, though his voice trembled slightly. “You’re doing amazing. Just breathe, okay?”

With each contraction, your body felt like it was betraying you, and your mind raced with everything you were feeling. The pain was relentless, and the promises you made to yourself during quieter moments faded into the background. “I swear, this is the last time!” you yelled, knowing fully well that deep down, you were just venting.

Eunwoo, doing his best to manage the situation, stayed calm, though he couldn’t hide the worry in his gaze. “I’m right here. You’ve got this!” he encouraged, his voice a steady anchor amidst the chaos.

Hours seemed to pass in a blur, and as the moment of truth arrived, you gritted your teeth, pushing through the pain with every ounce of strength you could muster. “Come on, baby! Just a little more!” the nurses urged, guiding you through the final stages of labor.

Finally, the room filled with cries—the kind that erased all the frustrations, fears, and pain you had just endured. Your heart swelled as you heard the unmistakable sound of your baby’s first wail.

“It’s a boy!” a nurse announced, and as you turned to share the joy with Eunwoo, you noticed he had gone pale, his eyes rolling back.

“Eunwoo?” you called, but he slumped against the wall, fainting at the sight of the moment you’d both been waiting for. Laughter erupted in the room as the nurses rushed to him, leaving you torn between concern for your husband and the overwhelming joy of becoming a mother.

Despite the flurry of activity around you, you felt a calm wash over you. “We did it,” you whispered, gazing down at your newborn son, marveling at the tiny being you had created together. Even as Eunwoo was tended to, you felt a deep sense of love and connection in the air, knowing that this was just the beginning of your beautiful family journey.

Hours after labor, you were placed in a vip hospital room together with Eunwoo, who was still unconscious. As you cradled your newborn son in your arms, the room was filled with a sense of serene happiness. His tiny fingers curled around yours, and you couldn’t help but smile at the little miracle you had created together.

Eunwoo, who was placed beside you, finally stirred, his eyes fluttering open. The moment he saw you holding the baby, tears welled up in his eyes, and a mix of emotions washed over him. “You did it,” he whispered, his voice choked with awe. “You’re amazing.”

You beamed at him, feeling your heart swell with love for both of them. “We did it,” you corrected gently, knowing that this moment was a testament to the journey you’d embarked on together.

The door swung open, and soon both sets of parents rushed in, their faces lighting up at the sight of the perfect family before them. Your mother gasped, while Eunwoo’s parents exchanged proud glances, all eyes glued to the tiny bundle in your arms.

“He’s beautiful!” your mother exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks as she approached you, reaching out to touch the baby’s cheek. “What’s his name?”

You and Eunwoo exchanged a glance, sharing a moment of unspoken understanding before you smiled brightly. “His name is Jiho,” you announced, the name feeling just right for your little one.

“Jiho!” the grandparents echoed, cooing over the baby as they gathered around you, showering both of you with love and congratulations. The room buzzed with excitement, laughter, and joy, a beautiful cacophony that felt just perfect.

As the celebrations continued, you found a moment of quiet with Eunwoo. You turned to him, your heart full. “Thank you for agreeing to this marriage,” you said softly, your eyes searching his. “For building a home together.”

Eunwoo took your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he replied, his voice steady. “This—our family—means everything to me.”

In that moment, surrounded by love and laughter, you knew that you had transformed from academic rivals into partners in life, creating a beautiful future together with your son, Jiho.

With a heart full of hope, you smiled at Eunwoo, ready to embrace all the adventures that lay ahead, knowing that you would face them together, just like you always did.