Arrange Marriage

CHAP 34

The baby shower was in full swing, the house alive with laughter and warmth. Pastel decorations bathed the room in a cozy glow, and cheerful chatter filled the air as guests gathered to celebrate Mingyu and Wonwoo’s upcoming bundle of joy.
Mingyu was the center of attention, his radiant smile lighting up the space as guests showered him with gifts and well wishes. He laughed as someone handed him a tiny pair of baby shoes, his hands trembling slightly as he held them up for everyone to admire.
“You’re going to be the most stylish little one,” Mingyu cooed, placing the shoes gently into a growing pile of presents.
Wonwoo stood to the side, watching his husband with a soft smile. Mingyu was in his element, his natural charm and warmth drawing everyone to him. But as the evening went on, Wonwoo’s observant eyes caught subtle signs that others might have missed.
It started with the way Mingyu shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his smile faltering for a split second before he quickly masked it. Then there was the way his hand pressed subtly against his lower back, a telltale sign of the pregnancy aches he had been enduring.
Wonwoo’s gaze lingered, concern bubbling in his chest as he noticed the faint sheen of sweat on Mingyu’s forehead.
As the night progressed, Mingyu’s laughter grew softer, his responses shorter. By the time dessert was being served, his usual lively energy had dwindled to a quiet reserve.
“Gyu,” Wonwoo said softly, approaching him. He crouched beside Mingyu’s chair, his hand resting gently on his husband’s knee. “Are you okay?”
Mingyu blinked at him, his smile stretching wide but not reaching his eyes. “I’m fine, Wonwoo. Don’t worry about me. Everyone’s having such a good time!”
Wonwoo frowned. Mingyu was always the type to prioritize others’ happiness over his own comfort, but Wonwoo knew better. He reached up to brush a strand of hair away from Mingyu’s forehead, his fingers lingering as he felt the warmth of his skin.
“You’re burning up,” Wonwoo murmured, his voice laced with worry. “Gyu, why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to ruin the party,” Mingyu whispered, guilt flickering in his eyes.
Wonwoo shook his head, his jaw tightening. “Your health is more important than any party.”
Without hesitation, Wonwoo scooped Mingyu into his arms, ignoring the gasps of surprise from the guests.
“Sorry, everyone,” he announced, his tone firm but apologetic. “The party’s over. Thank you all for coming, but Mingyu needs to rest now.”
Mingyu buried his face in Wonwoo’s chest, too exhausted to argue. He felt the soothing rhythm of Wonwoo’s heartbeat against his cheek as his husband carried him upstairs, placing him gently on their bed.
“You’re always so stubborn,” Wonwoo muttered as he helped Mingyu out of his party clothes and into something more comfortable.
Mingyu managed a weak chuckle. “You love me for it.”
Wonwoo leaned down, pressing a kiss to Mingyu’s temple. “I do. But you have to let me take care of you, Gyu. No more pushing yourself too hard, okay?”
Mingyu nodded, his eyelids growing heavy. “Okay.”
As Mingyu drifted off to sleep, Wonwoo sat beside him, his hand resting protectively over the small bump. The party had been a celebration of the life they were building, but tonight had reminded Wonwoo of what truly mattered—Mingyu’s well-being and the little miracle growing inside him.
“You scared me tonight, Gyu,” Wonwoo whispered, his voice barely audible. “Please, don’t ever do that again.”
The baby kicked gently under his hand, as if to offer reassurance. Wonwoo smiled faintly, his thumb brushing over Mingyu’s belly.
“We’ll take care of him together, little one,” Wonwoo murmured, his eyes softening as he looked down at his sleeping husband. “And I’ll make sure he never has to worry about a thing.”