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The autumn air was crisp and cool, making it the perfect day for a trip to the park. Jake had suggested it after meeting Yeonji, wanting to spend time with her and get to know her better. The way he had embraced her story so naturally made me feel grateful. I walked alongside him, with Yeonji skipping ahead of us, her tiny legs barely able to keep up with her excitement.
"She's so full of energy," Jake laughed, watching her dart toward the swings. "I still can't believe it, Jieun. You're a mom. And she's amazing."
I couldn't help but smile at how easily Jake took to Yeonji. "It's surreal sometimes, but she's changed my whole world."
As we reached the park, Yeonji's giggles filled the air as she ran toward the playground. I could see Jake watching her with a look of awe, his hands resting in his pockets.
"She really does look a lot like you," Jake said, eyes softening as Yeonji climbed the slide. "But I can see Heeseung in her too. It's hard to miss."
I stiffened at his words, the mention of Heeseung bringing a sudden wave of emotions. "Yeah... she does," I replied quietly, feeling a twinge in my heart.
We spent the afternoon playing with Yeonji, Jake pushing her on the swings, helping her balance on the seesaw, and laughing every time she ran back to us with her wide grin. It was heartwarming to see the two of them connect so naturally, as if they'd known each other for years. It felt like everything was finally falling into place, even if only for a moment.
As the sun began to sink below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the park, I told Yeonji it was time to go. She clung to Jake's leg, refusing to let go.
"We'll see each other soon," Jake said, kneeling down to her level and giving her a playful wink. "I promise."
As we left the park and headed back toward Jake's car, I couldn't help but replay Rumi's words in my mind. They echoed like a haunting reminder of everything I had kept buried for so long. Jake noticed the shift in my mood and glanced over at me with concern.
"You seem quiet all of a sudden," he said, his tone gentle. "Is everything okay?"
I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep it bottled up any longer. If anyone would understand, it would be Jake. "It's... Rumi. She came over yesterday, and we talked. She didn't know about Yeonji until then."
Jake raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You told her everything?"
I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I had to"
Jake was silent for a moment, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "Rumi asked if Yeonji knows about her father, didn't she?"
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Yeah. She asked how long I planned to keep it from her. I know it's not fair to her, but... what am I supposed to do? Tell her that her father doesn't even know she exists? That he was... involved with my best friend?"
Jake exhaled, his voice soft but firm. "I get it, Jieun. You've been protecting her. But Rumi's not wrong either. At some point, Yeonji deserves to know the truth. She's smart, and she's going to start asking questions."
"I just don't know how to even begin that conversation," I whispered, feeling the tears welling up. "She's so innocent. I don't want her to get hurt."
Jake slowed the car as we neared my house. He turned to face me, his expression serious but compassionate. "Look, whatever happens, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you now. I'm here for you. You don't have to go through this by yourself anymore."
I gave him a small, grateful smile, feeling the support in his words. "Thank you, Jake. I really appreciate that."
He smiled back, his hand resting on my shoulder for a moment before he turned his attention back to the road. "And for what it's worth, Yeonji's lucky to have a mom like you. You've done an amazing job with her."
Hearing those words meant more than I could express. But deep down, I knew that sooner or later, I would have to face the truth. For Yeonji's sake and for mine.
As I helped Yeonji out of the car, she clung to my hand, her eyes lighting up as we waved goodbye to Jake. He smiled, waving back before driving away. We turned to face the house, Yeonji tugging at my arm, eager to go inside. But just as we took a step forward, a voice familiar, yet distant from a past I'd long tried to forget called out softly.
"Jieun."
I froze, my breath catching in my throat as I slowly turned around. My heart pounded in my chest, disbelief coursing through me. There, standing just a few feet away, was Heeseung.
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