The Star's Hidden Child | Bae Hyun-sung

Eighteen

The brisk, October air filtered through the hospital window, filling the room with a fresh chill that signaled the beginning of autumn. Bae Hyun-sung wrapped Mi-young, in a soft blanket, gently tucking it around her small body to keep her warm. Her tiny face, framed by the fabric, relaxed in sleep, unbothered by the world around her.

"Alright, little one," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "It's time for us to go home."

It felt strange, leaving the hospital, a place that had both shielded him and reminded him of his vulnerabilities. The memory of his recent heart failure lingered, a quiet, constant reminder of his fragility and the tremendous cost of his daughter's birth. But now, as he looked at Mi-young's peaceful face, he felt stronger—strong enough to shoulder any burden if it meant being by her side.

As he held her close, a wave of gratitude filled him. His mother, who had stayed by his side day and night, had left just an hour ago, needing to go back home. Now, it was just him and Mi-young. Though he knew he wasn't alone in the purest sense, he was now the father and sole guardian of this tiny soul. And that thought both terrified and thrilled him.

Carefully, he shifted her in his arms and made his way to the nurse's station to sign the final discharge papers. The nurse, a kind woman who had checked on them often, smiled warmly at him.

"It's good to see you both ready to head out, Mr. Bae. You're looking much better than when you first arrived." Her gaze softened as she looked at Mi-young, sleeping peacefully in his arms. "And I'm sure this little one had something to do with your recovery."

Hyun-sung chuckled softly, glancing down at his daughter. "She's the reason I fought so hard to get better."

With the formalities over, he began walking towards the entrance, a mixture of excitement and apprehension bubbling in his chest. What awaited him beyond these walls was both familiar and utterly foreign. His apartment would no longer be a quiet sanctuary—it would now be filled with the sounds of a newborn, the late-night feedings, and the constant awareness that someone else depended on him entirely.

As he stepped out of the sliding glass doors, a familiar face caught his eye. Seo-joon stood there, leaning casually against his car, hands tucked into his pockets, his face lighting up as soon as he saw Hyun-sung.

"Hey," Seo-joon greeted, flashing his usual easygoing smile. "You didn't think I'd let you and Mi-young go home alone, did you?"

Hyun-sung's eyes widened in surprise, then quickly softened into a grateful smile. "Seo-joon... I didn't expect this."

"Well, you didn't expect a lot of things this year," Seo-joon replied, nodding toward Mi-young with a gentle grin. "But here you are. And here I am. Now, come on—let's get you two home."

Hyun-sung hesitated, his pride battling his gratitude, but only for a moment. "Alright, but I owe you," he said, carefully adjusting Mi-young in his arms.

Seo-joon shook his head, already pulling open the back door of the car. "You don't owe me anything. Besides, what are friends for?"

Gingerly, Hyun-sung settled into the backseat with Mi-young, securing her in the car seat Seo-joon had installed. She stirred slightly, making soft sounds but didn't wake up. Hyun-sung adjusted the blanket around her again, his fingers brushing over her tiny hands.

Watching his friend from the rearview mirror, Seo-joon couldn't help but smile. "Look at you. You're a natural."

"A natural?" Hyun-sung scoffed quietly, eyes still fixed on Mi-young. "It's been a week, and I still feel like I'm fumbling in the dark."

"That's parenthood, isn't it?" Seo-joon replied. "No one's really ready for it. But you're doing amazing, Hyun-sung-ah. Honestly."

There was a warmth in Seo-joon's voice that comforted him, and as they pulled away from the hospital, Hyun-sung allowed himself to relax. The drive was mostly quiet, the soft hum of the engine and the faint rustling of Mi-young's breathing the only sounds. Seo-joon glanced at him occasionally, as if gauging his friend's state of mind, but he remained silent, giving him the space he needed.

~

When they finally arrived at his apartment, Seo-joon helped him carry his things inside. The space felt strange now, almost too quiet, too empty, despite being the same place he had left.

"Here we are," Seo-joon said, setting a small bag down on the kitchen counter. "It's not much, but I brought some food for you and powdered milk for Mi-young. You're going to need it."

Hyun-sung smiled appreciatively, feeling a weight lift as he realised how much Seo-joon had thought of them both. "You really didn't have to, Seo-joon."

"I know." Seo-joon shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. "But...you're my friend. And now, you're also a dad. I just wanted to help in any way I could."

Hyun-sung felt his eyes well up, but he blinked the tears away, refusing to let them fall. He was grateful, more than he could express in words. "Thank you."

They stood there for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them, and then Seo-joon nodded, breaking the silence. "So... you two will be alright tonight?"

Hyun-sung nodded, finally feeling the weight of everything settle into place. "Yeah. We'll be alright."

"Good." Seo-joon gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, his expression warm. "But call me if you need anything. Seriously. I mean it."

As Seo-joon turned to leave, Hyun-sung's voice stopped him. "Hey, Seo-joon... Thank you. For everything. I don't know if I'd be this calm if it wasn't for you."

Seo-joon waved a hand dismissively, though his smile gave him away. "You'd do the same for me."

With one last look, Seo-joon left, closing the door softly behind him. Now, it was just him and Mi-young. The apartment was quiet once more, save for her soft breathing as she nestled into his chest.

For the first time since this journey began, Hyun-sung felt a quiet peace wash over him. Sitting down, he cradled his daughter close, inhaling her sweet scent, marveling at her delicate fingers. His heart beat with rhythm now—steady, unbreakable. This was his life now, and as uncertain as it was, it felt complete.

"Mi-young-ah," he whispered softly, touching her tiny nose. "It's just you and me now. And I promise, I'll do everything I can to protect you. To love you."

The words hung in the air, a vow, a hope, and a reassurance. As they sat together, a father and his daughter, Hyun-sung knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.