Heartstrings

61. Appa

Author's POV (Ace above)

After staying with Tony for a few months, Dae was feeling guilty for living with her ex and Ye-Jun was starting to rely on him as a father figure. Although, her health has improved she immediately searched for an apartment but Ye-Jun wanted to stay.  Once Dae came home, Tony was in the basement talking to someone on the phone. When she found out it was Meeko, she couldn't understand why he would date someone who bullied him. After his phone call, they went to the kitchen. Starting to cook together, he was reminded about their time together. Reminiscing about how he promised to marry her with a candy ring pop, it made her laugh.

Sitting at the table eating some Korean inspired dishes, she asked him if he was still having nightmares. Explaining what happened to his father, Dae assured him that it wasn't his fault. His father's death was an accident. Together, they went to pick up Ye-Jun from school. Tony was so touched when Ye-Jun drew a family picture of the three of them. However they didn't know that they were being followed. Someone was taking pictures of them from afar. 

Once they arrived back home, Tony was excited that Dae cooked dinner. Like old times, he had flashbacks from their childhood. After dinner, Dae took Ye-Jun to his room. Falling asleep, she watched him for a moment before turning off the light. Hearing music playing in the living room, she noticed Tony tapping his foot to the music on the couch. Hearing her giggle from the hallway, their eyes connected. Sharing a smile, he stood up reaching his hand out to her.

"Wanna dance?" Tony asked.

Nodding, they came closer to each other. Swaying to the music, he brings her closer and his grip tightens around her. Closing her eyes, she listens to his angelic voice in her ear. Sweet and soothing, she felt herself relax. Failing to notice that the music stopped, they continued to dance slowly.

"Tony, the music stopped."

"I know. Can we keep dancing?"

"How about a movie?" She suggested.

Between laughs, they held hands while watching old movies from their childhood. Falling asleep on a pilot on the floor, the movie credits continued playing. Turning over, she snuggled closer to him. Smiling in his sleep, his arms held her close. The feeling of strong hands caused her to wake up. Taking a deep breath, she went to the bathroom to shower before starting breakfast. 

The aroma of maple bacon filled the house. While beating eggs in a mixing bowl, Tony walks in the kitchen with Ye-Jun. Helping Ye-Jun set the table, Dae brought a teapot and a pitcher of orange juice. Taking a seat in his chair, Ye-Jun wanted to sit next to Tony.

"Smells good." Tony smirked.

Sitting at the table, Tony watched as Dae tried to hide her sadness during breakfast. Reaching out to hold her hand, she forced a weak smile. Knowing that she carrying a heavy load on her shoulders, he wanted to be the one that she came to for help.

"Appa! Are you going to take me to the park after school?" Ye-Jun asked.

His eyes flooded with tears and stained his cheeks. Trying to fight back tears, Dae walks around the table with a napkin. Holding her wrists, he shook his head. Ignoring his protest, she lifted his head to wipe his tears with her thumb. A heavy sigh escaped his lips and his eyes opened slowly. Coming closer together, the gap between them was no longer visible. His lips pressed against hers. Before their lips met again, Ye-Jun calls out.

"Mommy, it's time for school. Race you and appa to the car."

Helping her to her feet, they walked outside to the car. Ye-Jun buckles his seatbelt when Dae opens her door on the passenger side. Tony starts the car and drives down the street. On their way to his school, Tony looks back at Ye-Jun in his car seat smiling while Dae looks out the window rubbing her wrist.