Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 143

The Global Call

​The living room was still vibrating with the echo of Carly's laughter when Aen pulled her phone from the side table, her fingers moving with a frantic, happy energy.

​"Okay, next step," she said, her eyes meeting Yoongi's.

"The Grandparents."

​Yoongi didn't hesitate.

He pulled his own device out, syncing up the family group chats with a speed that spoke to how long he'd been holding onto this secret.

"If we do this right, we can catch both sets of parents at the same time."

​Within minutes, the screen was a grid of faces.

Aen's parents appeared first, looking cozy and unsuspecting, followed by Yoongi's mother, who was adjusting her camera with a look of mild confusion.

[​A/N: During the video call, to keep communication fluid, Aen and her parents speak in English, while Aen switches to Korean when addressing Yoongi’s parents; conversely, Yoongi speaks in English when talking to Aen’s parents and Carly to ensure everyone feels included and comfortable.]

​"Is everything alright?" Aen's mother asked, her voice instantly dropping into that tone of maternal concern.

"You two are calling together, it's a bit early for-"

​"We have news," Yoongi cut in, his voice unusually bright.

He didn't waste time with formalities.

He glanced toward Carly, who was still cradling the ultrasound like a prized possession.

"Princess, can you give that to me? Let's show Grandma and Grandpa."

​Carly's face lit up with importance.

She carefully handed the paper to him, her eyes wide as he held it directly in front of the camera, clear and steady.

​"Carly is getting a promotion," Aen added, her voice trembling with excitement as she leaned into the frame, her hand resting over her stomach.

​The reactions were instantaneous.

​On the screen, Aen's mother gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, while Yoongi's mother leaned in so close her glasses almost hit the lens.

The silence of the house was replaced by a cacophony of overlapping cheers, questions, and joyful cries.

​"Is this real? Are you both-" Aen's mother started, her eyes already shining, her voice thick with happy disbelief.

"Oh, my darling, this is the most wonderful news we could have ever hoped for! We've been praying for another blessing to join your little family."

​"It's not just a blessing," Aen's father added, his voice deep and warm, a rare, teary-eyed smile breaking across his face.

"It's a miracle. We are so incredibly proud of you both. Aen, take care of yourself-no overworking, you hear me?"

​"Don't worry, Pa," Yoongi replied, his hand resting firmly on Aen's shoulder.

"I'll make sure she gets plenty of rest."

​"Seven weeks?" Yoongi's mother asked, her voice cracking.

"Oh, my heart! Does that mean the morning sickness has started? Are you eating properly?"