Happier | BTS | [Eng]

-XVI- The elegant man

Seoul, Dongdaemun

The three of them left the police station in silence. Outside, the sunlight illuminated everything it was caressing and the air was soft. Madam Gong sighed. It was a beautiful day and she had wasted her time in the police station. It was supposed to be today. Her little sunshine was supposed to arrive today. The thought of not getting her gift from heaven made her so sad that rain came up in her eyes.
Seeing that his wife was no longer paying any attention to him, Mr. Gong stepped forward with hesitation, his legs wobbly and his head down.

- I apologize, he said, joining his hands in prayer.

- Who apologizes, blames himself. Answered his wife in a cold tone without looking at him, her voice trembled.

The couple had wasted two long hours talking and signing documents. Mrs. Gong had harassed their nephew on the phone, but he had categorically refused to appear in person. Jae Woo then sent a three-word apology and expressed his regret with ridiculous stickers that made Gong Eun Seok even angrier.

Gong Ji Kwan did not reply, his wife was turning her back on him and never before had she looked so upset. He glanced furtively at the other man, who hadn't left their side.

- How could you do that in my absence... She complained in a small voice. I just wanted take stock when I left. I never said I was going to leave you for someone else or anything. Besides, you were the one who let me down first!

She turned around and gave him a look that she had wanted threatening but which deep down painted her sadness.

- I'm really sorry...

- I'm tired of your excuses that don't change anything.

In the end, she was more relieved and happy that they didn't have to separate. The thought of no longer having that person around to bicker a little and grow old slowly was frightening. Mrs. Gong heaved a sigh and walked away to the handsome man in the suit.

- Because he changed your life, right? Gong Ji Kwan said sarcastically. If I had known, I would've worn a tie too.

- What kind of bullshit is this again? Asked his wife, stunned.

- Maybe it's time to tell her Eun Seok-ssi. The handsome man finally said.

Mr. Gong knew nothing was going on between them. He knew he was wrong about everything but he didn't know what to do to hold her back. He should have taken better care of her, consoled her, and understood her. But now she had had enough and the heavens knew that things would never be the same again. So he had to say something, anything, even a big bullshit.

- Ji Kwan-ah, I'm going to have a child. She announced it in a stunning calm. What about him? He's the one who'll help me have one.

Her husband's eyes were as big as marbles and he was breathless. But what was his wife talking about? Now she's gone mad. Or not. Maybe it was his fault that they never had children... And this man here would he be the father of his wife's child?

- What the...

- Sorry for the late presentation, said the other one. I'm Lee Dong Jin, I'm a social worker that the House of Happiness Orphanage sent to confirm whether you are suitable for adoption or not.

Gong Ji Kwan could finally breathe.

- I was tired, his wife started. I was tired of always being sad about it. I was tired of feeling sorry for myself and not seeing beyond the tip of my nose. Routine was no longer comfortable, do you understand? But you kept insisting that Jae Woo was the child we were missing. And you know very well that's not true. There are a lot of children out there who are just asking for affection and it would be a shame if your behavior ruined it for me. When we will be two old, useless and horribly wrinkled old people, I want to be able to tell myself that we left something better in someone's life. So, if you want to be part of this future family, you can come. If you don't want to, I wouldn't blame you.

Mr. Gong was more than ashamed and felt compelled to make a quick introspection. The elegant man was nothing more than a personification of change itself. Something he feared deep down. Sometimes he wanted his life to be like a roller coaster ride. But when it was time to get on board, he didn't know if he had enough courage to leave all the monotonous ease behind. Because he knew that despite the seatbelt, the joy and excitement, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't be filled with headaches, fear and regret. Jae Woo was the attraction he chose because he was too afraid of the roller coaster. He stubbornly believed that it would be just the same and that was his way of being thankful for what he had. Concerning his wife, she had chosen the roller coaster. It was time to open his eyes.