Jung Jihoon, The Original Maknae: An H.O.T/Shinhwa Story

Spending time at Home

2003

"Based on our test we ran you have type 2 diabetes." The doctor announced.

"What does that mean doctor? Is eomma going to survive?" Asked Hana.

"Given the right diet. It's nothing to worry too much it's actually pretty common among older adults. What it means she cannot produce insulin on her own. Insulin is what help keep your blood sugar levels balanced. If it's too high you can hyperventilate and you start sweating excessively, if it's too low you will start gasping for air like you're fatigued. I recommend watching out meals that are too high in carbs, anything fried and greasy will affect her blood sugar. If you can monitor that then she can live a normal life. I will prescribe her insulin injections, she will have to take it daily. Come back here if anything is wrong. We are sorry about the news." The doctor analyzed.

"It's a relief that it's not life threatening although I'm not thrilled at the news. I'll have to change my diet. Don't fret my children I'm still have much fight in my body. I was a farmer's daughter so no mere sickness will take me!" The mother rubbed her back in pain.

Feeling a sense of relief. Life continued on as it usually does, but now their mother needed assistance. With Hana no longer an idol she spent the three months looking after mom. She learned to mop, do laundry, and cook kimchi.

"You need to cut carefully young lady. Kimchi will taste well when the cabbage is cut right." Her mother instructed.

"Right." She nodded focusing on chopping the cabbage.

"You look very lovely young lady. I remember the joy I felt when you came to this Earth. We didn't have a lot, but I tried to give the best childhood in this farm. It wasn't too long ago when you would follow Jihoon around." The mother chuckled.

"I still am eomma. Jihoon is just that good. I find myself trying to catch up to him. I was excited when you let me join SM. I learned a lot of things. I thought I was destined for greatness but maybe it's not that time." Hana said.

"Don't get give up Hana-ah. Everyone in life has their own pace. You have to stop comparing yourself to Jihoon-ah. He has how own struggles, you have yours. You need to start living your life. You're more special than you think." Her mother assured.

"Gomawo eomma. I think the kimchi is ready now." Suddenly Hana heard the door knock. She gasped seeing who it was.

"Sooman-nim... Why are you here?" She bowed nervously.

"I heard the news of your mother. You must be taking care of her now." Sooman said with pity.

"Ahh Sooman-ssi annyeong. What brings you here?" The mother greeted her.

"I came here because I have an urgent message. You are going to be the additional member for a girl group named Sugar. Go to their dorm and meet the girls. I blame myself for underestimating you but you have greater potential than I imagined. I think you find this group to fit you even better." Sooman announced.

Hana dropped her cellphone in shock. She scurried to pick it up.

"Are you serious sir? You mean I get another chance to debut!?" Hana said with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Yes. I have already acquired the sublevel so I will be directly managing it. With the market in a slump I need to take a more active role. I took a slight cut on my paycheck just to keep this business running. I was wrong about you Hana-ah. You are more talented than I thought. I think your visuals and voice may prop up this other group. Much like yours, they have been struggling to find an audience. You will help them on their success. You don't mind if I stay over for tonight?" Sooman explained.

"Of course not come on in! We're cooking fresh kimchi for dinner!!" The mother gestured him in.

"I have to say you are quite beautiful for your age." Sooman said drinking hot tea.

"Gomawo hun but it's all in the barely. We've been growing them for decades now. Seosan is a very rural town by the big sea. We always made the best of it." The mother explained.

"Sounds like the classic rags to riches story. I'm not sure if your son's story could be replicated. The boy excels at everything he is taught. At this point he'll put me in early retirement." Sooman joked.

"Don't say that ajusshi I think you've been tremendous help to our children. They need a mentor like you especially Hana-ah." The mother said.

The mother and daughter spent dinnertime with Lee Sooman. It was at least a comforting time for the trio.