Epilogue: A Promise to His Mother
The day was quiet, the sun hanging low in the sky as the two of them walked side by side down the path, their footsteps soft against the gravel. Ju Ha noticed the change in Do Yoon—he was more serious, more solemn than usual. He had mentioned wanting to show Ju Ha something, but he hadn't elaborated much. It wasn't until they reached the small, peaceful cemetery that Ju Ha understood.
Do Yoon stopped in front of a modest grave, the stones engraved with a name and dates that marked the life of someone long passed. His face softened, and for a moment, he seemed distant, as if lost in his own thoughts.
Ju Ha, sensing the weight of the moment, took a step back, giving Do Yoon the space he needed. The air was still, and everything around them seemed to fade into the background as Do Yoon knelt in front of the grave, his hands resting lightly on the ground. His voice was quiet when he spoke, but Ju Ha could hear every word clearly.
"Mom," Do Yoon began, his tone filled with both love and sorrow. "I'm doing okay, really. You don't need to worry about me anymore. I've got people who care about me now." He paused, swallowing hard before continuing. "I know you're probably looking out for me, even now, but... I'm not alone. I've got hyung. And he's been looking out for me in ways I didn't even realize. He's been there when I needed him the most."
Ju Ha's heart clenched as he listened, realizing how much this meant to Do Yoon. He had heard bits and pieces of Do Yoon's struggles before—how his dad was rarely home, how he often felt abandoned or isolated—but hearing it in such a vulnerable moment made it real, made it hurt.
Do Yoon stayed there for a few moments longer, silently paying his respects, before standing up slowly. He turned to Ju Ha, his eyes red but soft with gratitude.
"Thank you for coming with me, hyung," Do Yoon said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I just wanted her to know that I'm not alone anymore."
Ju Ha stepped forward, a gentle smile on his face despite the sadness he felt for Do Yoon. "You're not alone, Do Yoon," he said, his voice firm, the words carrying more weight than usual. "I promise. I'll take care of you. I'll always be here for you, for both of us."
There was a pause, and for a fleeting moment, Ju Ha could almost imagine the gentle presence of Do Yoon's mother beside them. It was as though, in that moment, she could hear Ju Ha's promise. It wasn't just a vow to Do Yoon, but to her as well. To someone who had loved him, who had cared for him, even from afar.
Ju Ha's heart felt full, his chest tightening as he looked at Do Yoon, whose eyes had softened, touched by his words.
"Hyung..." Do Yoon whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You really mean that?"
Ju Ha nodded, his expression sincere. "I do. I promise, I'll take care of you. You don't have to worry about being alone anymore. Not while I'm here."
Do Yoon's lips curled into a smile, his eyes bright with unshed tears. Without another word, he stepped forward, pulling Ju Ha into a tight hug. The embrace was warm, filled with a quiet promise, and Ju Ha held him just as tightly, knowing that this was a bond that wouldn't be broken.
For the first time in a long time, Do Yoon felt truly at peace. His mother's spirit, wherever it was, could rest easy knowing that her son was loved, cared for, and no longer had to face the world alone.
And Ju Ha, standing by his side, knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together—a journey where no one would ever be left behind again.
