Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 144

The Weight of Our World

The atmosphere in the living room was a vibrant tapestry of laughter and the warm, comforting scent of home-cooked miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) drifting in from the kitchen.

It was noon, and the arrival of Yoongi's parents had turned the quiet sanctuary of Hannam the Hill into a hive of joyful activity.

​Yoongi's mother had taken over the kitchen immediately, her movements efficient and loving as she prepared a nutrient-dense meal for Aen.

Outside the room, Aen had just finished a quick check-in call with her own parents in the Philippines, sharing the news that Yoongi's parents have arrived.

She promised to keep in touch with updates regarding the baby.

​Carly, on the other hand, was the star of the afternoon.

She was radiating a sense of newfound purpose.

​"Halmeoni, look," she chirped, tugging at the sleeve of Yoongi's mother.

She reached into her small treasure box and pulled out the ultrasound printout, holding it up like a holy relic.

"Momhie and Dadhie gave it to me cause I'm going to be a big sister and the best one."

​The room went quiet, then erupted.

Yoongi's parents crowded around, their eyes misting over as they leaned in to get a better look at the small, grainy image that held the future of their family.

​"Oh, my goodness," Yoongi's mother whispered, pressing a hand to her chest.

"Our precious new little blessing."

​Yoongi's mother turned her attention to Aen, her expression turning into that familiar, caring mask of maternal concern.

​"Aen-ah, have you managed to look into a reputable clinic or hospital here in Seoul? You need the best care, the absolute best."

​Yoongi didn't wait for Aen to answer.

He stepped in, his posture leaning slightly toward his wife, his hand finding the small of her back in a protective, grounding gesture.

​"I've already handled it, Eomma," he said, his voice smooth but firm.

"I spent the morning researching the top-tier specialists. I've narrowed it down to the clinic with the highest privacy standards and the most attentive obstetricians. We're going tomorrow morning."

​Aen blinked, her smile faltering just a fraction.

She glanced at the calendar, then back at Yoongi.

"Tomorrow? Yoongi, wait. I have a full day at the Yakult office tomorrow-we've been away for awhile because of our honeymoon. I have meetings and administrative reports to finalize. I was thinking we could just go on the weekend-"

​"No," Yoongi cut in, his voice dropping to that low, unshakable register.

He didn't look angry, but there was an intensity in his eyes that told her the conversation was already over.

"You just got back and your schedule is too packed already. You're overworking again. What if you faint there at the office?"

​"It's not overworking, Yeobo. It's my job," Aen countered, her voice rising slightly.

"My team is counting on me to finish those reports. I'm perfectly fine. I don't need a medical professional to tell me I can sit at a desk."