Chapter 79

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The journey of searching for the child who would complete their family was both exciting and deeply emotional for Jeonghan and Seungcheol. Each evening, they found themselves drawn to their shared laptop, logging into the adoption agency's secure portal. What awaited them was an overwhelming sea of faces—children of all ages, each with a story and a hope to find a family who could love them unconditionally.

Every profile they opened tugged at their heartstrings. Some children had bright, mischievous smiles; others gazed into the camera with quiet shyness. Jeonghan often found himself tearing up as he read through their stories, while Seungcheol would offer a steadying hand on his shoulder, though his own eyes often betrayed his emotions.

"This part feels impossible," Jeonghan admitted one evening as he leaned back against the couch, his voice heavy. "I want to help them all, but we can't. How do we even choose?"

Seungcheol exhaled slowly, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "We'll know when it feels right," he said gently. "We just have to trust that the right child—or children—will find their way to us."

Night after night, they repeated this ritual, carefully reading profiles and discussing each child. They wanted to be absolutely certain they were ready for the responsibility of raising a child, and they wanted to ensure they could provide the love, care, and stability their future child would need.

"Look at this little boy," Jeonghan said one night, tilting his screen toward Seungcheol. The profile showed a cheerful toddler with bright eyes and a toothy smile. "He's three. Loves drawing and has been in foster care for almost a year."

Seungcheol leaned in, studying the profile. "He's adorable. And he's so creative already—it reminds me of you," he said with a teasing smile, earning a soft laugh from Jeonghan.

They scrolled through more profiles, each one tugging at their hearts in different ways. There was a six-month-old baby girl who loved music, a two-year-old boy who enjoyed building blocks, and a sibling pair the agency hoped to place together.

Over the next few days, they requested additional information about a few children whose profiles had resonated with them. The agency responded promptly, sharing medical histories, notes from social workers, and even videos where available.

~

One evening, after finishing dinner, they settled into their usual spot on the couch, Jeonghan pulling a blanket over both their laps. The soft hum of R&B music filled the background, creating a soothing atmosphere as they began scrolling once more through the agency's portal.

Jeonghan's attention was suddenly caught by a profile that made his breath hitch. "Wait," he said, his voice soft but urgent as he tilted the laptop toward himself. "Look at this."

Seungcheol leaned in closer, their shoulders brushing as his eyes followed Jeonghan's to the screen. There, staring back at them, were two little boys: Sumin and Seowon.

The older boy, Sumin, was a bright-eyed one-year-old with plump cheeks and a grin that seemed to radiate joy. His dark hair curled slightly at the ends, giving him an impish charm. In contrast, his baby brother, Seowon, was a newborn swaddled in a soft blanket, his eyes barely open in the photograph. The tiny fist near his cheek and the peaceful expression on his face tugged at Jeonghan's heart in a way he couldn't explain.

The description accompanying the photo read: Sumin and Seowon are brothers in need of a loving family to grow up together. Sumin is a curious and playful toddler who loves exploring the world around him. Seowon, only a few weeks old, is just beginning his journey in life. Their bond is strong, and their caretakers are hoping for a home where they can stay side by side, surrounded by love.

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