Yours (COMPLETED)

chapter thirty: your new start

As Chaeyoung led her parents quietly down the corridor, her steps slowed when the waiting area came into view. There, on the long hospital bench, sat Haneul - already awake.

The little girl rubbed her eyes sleepily and looked up just in time to spot her mother approaching. Haesun, still seated beside her, turned as well, offering Chaeyoung and Jungkook a calm, knowing look.

Chaeyoung smiled softly and crouched down in front of Haneul, "Hey, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"

The girl nodded, blinking up at her, "Mhmm…where did you go, mommy?"

"I...have someone for you to meet, sweetie.", Chaeyoung said gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her daughter’s ear.

She stood and stepped aside, motioning toward the couple behind her.

"This is my mom and dad.", she said with a deep breath. "Your grandparents."

Haneul’s eyes widened slightly as she looked up at the strangers. She sat up straighter, clutching the hem of her school uniform.

Heejoo took a careful step forward, her voice soft. "Hi, Haneul. I’m your grandma."

Haneul looked at her curiously, then turned her gaze to Hojun as he added, "And I’m your grandpa, sweetheart."

There was a pause - brief but full of weight - before Haneul gave a small, hesitant smile. Her eyes flicked to Chaeyoung for reassurance.

Chaeyoung offered her a warm smile, silently telling her it was okay.

Haneul's smile grew wider before she opened her arms to hug her grandmother. Then, she approached her grandfather and the old man lifted her up carrying her in his arms. Chaeyoung looked at their beautiful exchange with happy tears in her eyes. Jungkook, standing beside her, glanced over with a small smile, clearly touched.

Haesun, now standing beside Jungkook, she did not speak, but her expression softened and understanding.

Before anyone could say more, the double doors to the operating room opened, and a doctor stepped out, scanning the corridor.

"Family of Mr Kang Muyeol?", he called.

Jungkook stepped forward immediately, "Yes, that’s us."

The doctor approached, pulling off his gloves. "The surgery went well. Mr Kang is now in recovery and in stable condition. You may visit him once he settled in his room."

Relief washed over Jungkook's face. Haesun let out a relieved sigh as she thanked the doctor.

Jungkook turned to Chaeyoung and her family, "Thank you… for staying, Chaeyoung."

She smiled faintly, "I’m glad your father’s okay."

Her parents offered polite nods.

Jungkook gave a final glance at Chaeyoung and Haneul before gently guiding his mother to follow the doctor. As they disappeared down the corridor, the quiet returned.

Chaeyoung looked at her parents, "Should we check on Yoojung unnie, mom, dad?"

Her mother did not hesitate, "Let's do that."

With Haneul holding her hand and her parents walking beside her, Chaeyoung led them down the hall once more - toward another reunion waiting to unfold.

♡♡♡

The next morning, the soft sunlight filtered through the apartment hallway as Chaeyoung stepped out of her unit, locking the door behind her. She had just gotten Haneul ready and left her with her parents to rest a little longer. With her mind set on picking up breakfast, she turned to head down the hall - only to stop short when another door opened.