Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 153

Homebound and Heart-Set

​​By Sunday night, as the final hours of their trip wound down and they prepared to head to Surigao Airport, Yoongi used a quiet moment of downtime to step out onto the veranda and quickly dial Dr. Lee back in Seoul.

With the holiday season fast approaching and the temptation of another quick trip back for Christmas on the table, he wasn't about to guess what was safe for Aen and the 14-week-old baby.

​"Dr. Lee, sorry to call over the weekend," Yoongi kept his voice low, leaning against the railing.

"We're heading back tonight, but we're debating whether flying back out to the Philippines for Christmas and New Year a couple of weeks from now is wise, or if it's too much of a physical strain."

​On the other end, Dr. Lee didn't hesitate.

"Mr. Min, while she's entering her second trimester and feeling better, doing back-to-back international travel with a week in between is a recipe for severe fatigue. Even with a private charter, the constant disruption to her sleep schedule, cabin pressure exposure, and the sheer toll of packing and transit right now aren't ideal. Honestly? I'd advise staying put in Seoul for the holidays to let her properly rest and nest."

​Yoongi let out a slow breath, the protective tension in his shoulders easing as the doctor's advice confirmed his own gut feeling.

"Got it. Staying home it is. Thank you, Doctor."

​Pocketing his phone, Yoongi headed back inside and slipped into the bedroom where Aen was finishing up their bags. He gently closed the door behind him with a soft smile.

​"Dr. Lee just officially vetoed any back-to-back holiday travel," Yoongi told her, leaning against the doorframe.

"No rushing back here for Christmas, and no turning around for New Year. She told us to stay put."

​Aen paused, her eyes lighting up with a mix of relief and realization.

"Really? Then... that means we need to have Carly come back to Seoul with us right now. We should pack her winter clothes and things before we leave for the airport."

​"Exactly," Yoongi agreed, already walking over to help her pull out another suitcase for Carly's things.

"Let's get her packed up."

When they called Carly into the room and broke the news that she wasn't staying behind-that she was packing her bags to come live with them in Seoul for the holidays-the little girl let out an excited squeal, immediately bouncing on her toes and rushing to help grab her favorite toys.

​Once they finished gathering everything, they stepped back out into the living room-bags zipped and ready to go.

Aen and Yoongi quickly explained the situation to the family, sharing Dr. Lee's strict orders against back-to-back holiday travel and their on-the-spot decision to bring Carly right along with them to Seoul instead of leaving her behind.

Seeing the extra luggage sitting right there among the bags-a physical manifestation of this completely sudden plan-Aen's mom walked over, her expression immediately pinching with that familiar maternal worry as she looked at them.

​"Nak, are you sure you aren't bringing Lana with you to Seoul this time? How are the two of you going to manage? Who is going to watch her when both of you are busy?"

​Aen couldn't help the fond, reassuring smile that touched her lips, especially knowing it was Christmas break and school wouldn't immediately add to the chaos.

​She squeezed her mother's hand.

​"Ma, don't worry so much," Aen soothed.

"Yoongi and I will take turns taking care of her. We want to be fully hands-on with Carly while the baby isn't here yet even if it's just brief and spend Christmas and New Year with her at our new home."

​Hearing this, Yoongi stepped over to join them, offering a respectful nod and a reassuring smile to his mother-in-law.

​"Yes, don't worry, Ma," Yoongi added smoothly, his voice low and steady.

"We've got a system down. We're taking turns bringing her along at work if necessary. Plus, I've got a few hyperactive uncles in waiting who are more than qualified to babysit."

​Aen laughed, knowing how the boys would love that very much.

​Her mom still looked slightly unconvinced, shaking her head with a soft sigh of maternal anxiety, but she relented with a parting hug.

"Just take care of yourselves, and don't overwork that pregnant body of yours, Aen. Call me the moment you land."

***

​​The drive from the house to Surigao Airport was smooth, the tropical night air rushing past the windows before they transitioned into the quiet, controlled environment of the tarmac.

​Once they were settled inside the cabin of the private plane, the chaotic rush of the last-minute packing melted away.

Carly, still buzzing with the excitement of an impromptu trip to Korea rather than staying behind, was wide-eyed and clutching a small plush toy in her lap, pressing her face against the window as the jet began to taxi down the runway.

​Aen sank back against the comfortable leather seat, letting out a long, contented breath as the plane's engines hummed to life.

The physical toll of the trip was catching up to her, but the heavy mental weight of trying to figure out holiday separation was completely gone.

​Beside her, Yoongi reached out, taking her hand and weaving his fingers securely through hers before sliding his other hand gently over her stomach.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her head.

​"Doing okay, Yeobo?" he murmured softly over the low drone of the engines.

​Aen turned her head to look at him, her heart swelling with warmth despite the fatigue.

"More than okay. I'm just so glad we don't have to pack our bags again in a few weeks. Staying home sounds like absolute heaven."

​"Good," Yoongi smiled, his thumb tracing comforting circles over the back of her hand.

"Because starting tomorrow, between managing your administrative duties at the Yakult office, your only job is resting and nesting when you get home, and letting me handle the kitchen so you don't lift a finger."

​Across the aisle, Carly sleepily piped up, "Can we make gingerbread houses in Seoul, Dadhie?"

​Yoongi chuckled, leaning back to look at their daughter with a fond, indulgent expression.

"We can make a whole village, princess. Whatever you want."

​With that settled, as the aircraft lifted smoothly into the night sky and set a course for home, the three of them-soon to be four-finally let themselves settle into the quiet peace of the journey ahead.