Everything Happens For a Reason, Chapter 21a
~ Previous Chapters ~
Chapter 21: The Answer
The 2 adults were sitting in silence on the sofa in the VIP Room. His father was lying in on the bed just a few meters away, separated by a curtain. The doctors had said that he had a concusion and needed some stitched on his temple from hitting the stone stair. Though it’s not life threathening, considering his age and the way he fell the hospital required him to stay for a day or two. They also took a CT scan just to make sure that there’s no blood clogging in his head. It was a big relieve for the family.
While Yunho and her Mother took care at Mr. Jung at the ICU, JiHye and Changmin took Min Young for her monthly check-up with at the first floor. They’re having a Super VIP room so other than a small waiting room completed with a TV set, microwave, etc; the room also provided a connecting bedroom for whomever staying with the patient overnight. Right now it’s occupied by JiHye and Min Young who’s already sleeping soundly under the blanket. Kibum had arranged Hee Joon-ahjumma to pack the necessities for the night including her milk and clothes and had the driver bring them to the hospital, just in case they’re not going back home tonight.
Guilt ate him up from the inside as Yunho remembering his action that brought them all here. He had to learn to listen. But first he needed to apologize. He looked at him Mom who didn’t say a word to him since they got there.
“Umma… I’m sorry. I really am.” He dropped his head in shame at his mother.
“You should’ve known your Father better, Yunho. You should’ve known him but you didn’t give him a chance.” She said in whisper.
“I- I know Mom, I know… I was just- I don’t know… I failed you guys over and over again, I just-“ He’s lost for words.
His mother looked at him sadly, “You never failed us dear, don’t ever think for a second that you did. You’re our precious Son and you’ve given us our precious grandchilren too. Nothing in the world that we want more but your and JiHye’s happiness. And that’s exactly what your father did. You should’ve listened.”
“…” the bitter truth was hitting him hard in the guts.
“Yunho, it was never your father’s intention to make Jaejoong suffer, we both sincerely loved him like we love you and JiHye. He had his reason for asking to him move back to the house. He thought about it long and hard before he came to that decision. He didn’t tell you because he wanted to have an honest talk with Jaejoong-ah. He wanted to know what he had to say, what he really felt. If he told you first, he would never get the chance to understand what’s on Jaejoong mind.”
Yunho was confused… “He.. what?”
“ Do you know that your father never really forget about Jaejoong ever since he walked out of the house? He cried to me, saying how he had failed as a father to both of you, failed in making the right choices that would bring you happiness but sorrow. The moment your father found out that Jaejoong moved into your agency’s dorm, he called your boss, Park Yoochun. He made him promised to keep him updated about Jaejoong’s condition though he didn’t expect that they’d ended up being together. But he was happy to know that he had finally moved on and found someone else to love. The cried when he found out how heartbroken Jaejoong was to hear about your wedding on the TV. He asked me what can we do to make him happy. I told him to leave it at Yoochun It was also him who’s helping with the renovation of Jaejoong’s dorm unit. Yoochun refused to accept your father’s help, saying that it’s part of his responsibility as the head of the company. But your father asked him to take it as a father’s gift for a son.”
Yunho was gapping, “Wh- what? He was in touch with my boss? But he never told me.”
His mother smiled sadly at him, “Because he wanted you to be fully responsible for the choices that you made and to leave the responsibility as a father to him. You had your hands full, you made your mind so you had to do what’s best for the choices you have made.”
“He also didn’t expect that there would be a special bonding between your chilren - especially Moonbin with him. If any, he thought that he would stay away from them as they are the reminder of his painful heartbreak that separated himself from you and our family. He was so happy that he loved them genuinely like his own children. But he could also see that he’s still lonely deep inside.”
“Jaejoong… lonely?”
“He was. Yoochun told your Father that Jaejoong never let himself be depended on him. Other than their physical connection, though many times it seemed that he was relying on Yoochun-ssi, but it’s unlikely he would ask for help or telling him of his trouble unless Yoochun asked him first. He still kept everything to himself. But it’s all changed since Moonbin came along.” His mother smiled gently as if remembering something good.
“When Moonbin returned home after Soon Mi’s death, they didn’t meet for 6 months right? JiHye made a few video calls to Jaejoong when he missed him. One time your father was passing the bedroom and saw that both of them were crying while talking to each other through the telephone screen. And when Moonbin returned home after staying at his place for a few months, your father also asked the boy about his staying at Jejussi… nothing could describe the closeness between your Son and Jaejoong, Yunho. And not even you could ever break it. You must’ve known it too.”
Yunho was digesting his mother’s words in a new way, a new light to see his father, his Son, and Jaejoong.
“Your father and I are old and we won’t live for a very long time anymore. Changmin and JiHye are moving out of the house soon to build their own family, and maybe more grandchildren will come along too from them. For the short time that we have, your father and I, we want to be sure that our children and grandchilren will live a life of happiness when our time is up. Seeing that you need help in between working and taking care of your children, and that Moonbin and Jaejoong needs each other so badly… thus your father came up with the decision to ask Jaejoong to live with us once again. He could still work at your company but at the same time he won’t be separated from Moonbin anymore. I could see that he’s also fond of Min Young.”
Yunho has never been so ashamed of himself for misunderstanding his father like this. For all those years that he had forgotten about Jaejoong, his father never failed to quietly made sure that the other man would always be fine. Even went to so far as keeping in touch regularly with his own boss. Yunho realized that maybe all his life he’d been too negligent and never tried to see the people that he loved to the depth of their hearts. He had lived a spoiled life. Having people around him to understand himself but not the other way around.
“Your father didn’t tell him to live with us, he ASKED him. It would be Jaejoong’s choice to say yes or no. But whatever answer that he would give him, he’s prepared. But he wanted to take that one chance for the sake of his children’s happiness, including Jaejoong and Changmin. You know that your father never did things halfway. When he took them both as our children, then their welfare also became the priority in his life. It was difficult with Jaejoong though, since what happened between you two that made him move out. But deep in his heart, it’s still the same and won’t ever change.”
“…”
There was a knock on the door and Jaejoong came in carrying a sleeping Moonbin. Yunho was so shocked and stood up.
“Jaejoong! You- did you- when did you get here?” He stuttered in his question.
“I heard everything if that’s what you want to asked me.” He calmly told him and turned to look at Umma Jung, “Umma, Changmin told me that Min Young’s still here too?”
She nodded, “She’s sleeping in the connecting room with JiHye. Why don’t you put Binnie in there with her?”
“Are you guys going to be home later? How about Min Young?”
“I’m staying the night here, but later Yunho should go home with Min Young. She shouldn’t stay here though Kibum had delivered everything that she would need for the night.”
“I’m staying with you Umma! I won’t let you sleep here alone.”Yunho quickly retorted.
“No! You all should go home, I can handle your father by myself. He’ll be sleeping all through the night anyway, but you have a weak daughter Yunho and a hospital is never a good place to stay for children.”
“But-“
“Umma,” Jaejoong gently cut off Yunho’s words. “Yunho was right, you should at least have someone to stay with you here. You need a rest too, let Yunho stay with you?”
“Right… and JiHye and Changmin can take care of the children.”
“No, they can’t.” Once again, Jaejoong’s words startled the other 2 adults.
“I mean, you will need Changmin’s help to communicate with the doctor or to go back and forth to get stuff that you need. Changmin had updated me with Appa’s condition outside, you’ll need him to take Appa for the CT Scan in the morning. When he needs it he could use the driver. JiHye and the children will come to my place tonight, it’s much closer than the mansion and tomorrow we could drop by again at lunchtime before I take them back.” He sounded firm.
Yunho’s mother understand. “If that’s what you think is the best.”
On the other hand, Yunho seemed a little hesistate to take his solution, “Jae, are you sure? You don’t have a guest room anymore at your place and-“
“Yunho!” He sounded irritated, “JiHye and Min Young could take my bedroom. I could sleep with Binnie in his room, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if we’re ‘camping out’ again with the futton and all on the floor instead of his small bed, I bet he’d be ecstatic about it since it lessent the probability of him falling off his bed like he did a few times.”
“…”
“Since it’s clear from your and Umma’s conversation that I’m also part of the family, let me do what I’m supposed to do. That is… if you also think that I’m very much a part of this?” The last words were said with a little uncertainty in his tone and he’s turning his gaze away from Yunho and his mother.
Umma Jung gave out her tender smile to him, “Of course… now let me wake up JiHye so she could get ready with Min Young’s stuff. I’ll carry her downstairs. By the way, did you drive or using the company’s driver to get here?”
“I drove… I tried not to use the company’s facility on my personal weekend.”
“It’s settled then. Thank you once again dear.” She reached out to hug Jaejoong and Moonbin before she went through the connecting door to get JiHye and Min Young.
The two men left in the room didn’t seem to be able to pass the awkwarness between then, for finding out something that they were both clueless about. But Yunho tried to start the conversation anyway.
“So… you have an answer already?”
“I do.”
“You… do?” He waited for the Jaejoong to tell him more. But when he didn’t say anything else he asked him again. “And, what it is? Your answer?”
Jaejoong turned and fix his piercing gaze at him, “It was Appa who asked me firsthand. I believe that he’s also the one who should hear about my answer, not you. We’ll talk when Appa has recovered. Until then, I have nothing more to say to you and let’s do things the way it is, shall we?”
Yunho gulped, “Yeah, that’s fair.”
The connecting door was opened again, Umma Jung walked out carrying a sleeping Min Young with JiHye behind her holding a big overnight bag of her and Min Young’s stuff.”
“Come on, the children can have a proper rest at home, I should wake Binnie up later to have a shower before his bed.” Jaejoong told them.
And so, they all went down to the parking lot to Jaejoong’s car. Moonbin was strapped in his child carseat in the passenger’s seat while JiHye was holding Min Young at the backseat.
“Umma, get some sleep on the bed, let Yunho take the couch in Appa’s room. And Changmin, update me tomorrow morning after you hear from the doctors so I can decide if I should take the children here or straight to the mansion.”
Umma Jung nodded and Changmin replied, “Sure Hyung. I’ll be at the mansion by myself tonight but return very early in the morning. Take care of my wife too, will you.”
Jaejoong snorted, “Like I never have. Umma, sleep!” He told her once again, “Good night.” And drove off from the hospital to his apartment. What’s Min Young’s first night out would be? He hoped that there would be no more surprises for any of them tonight, he’d had enough.
* * * * *
“Noooo, Binnie wanna sleep with Min Young too!!” The boy had been crying and throwing a tantrum since he woke up and found out that his little sister’s sleeping over at Jaejoong’s place with him but going to sleep with a JiHye in the older man’s bedroom.
“Binnie, listen to me. If you want to sleep with Min Young that means that you’re sleeping with Noona too. I won’t be able to sleep with all three of you on the same bed.”
“But Jejussi promise to sleep together with Binnie toniiiiiigght!” Now he’s wailing and Jaejoong had never seen him this way before.
“Binnie…” He sighed in exasperation and JiHye approched him.
“Oppa, I think he’s just being needy. This would be the first time that he wasn’t separated by a crib with Min Young. And he also knew that tomorrow he’d be back to the mansion so he’s desperate to spend whatever time left with you. He’s beeing clingy.”
“I understand, but…” He looked at the crying boy dejectedly, he really couldn’t stand to see him crying like this but this childish side of him was actually nice… if only he’s not tired and a bit overwhelmed with Min Young’s presence in the house.
“Oppa, why don’t the three of you sleep in your bedroom, your king bed is wide enough for all of you. We’ll just move the bed a little so one side would stick to the wall, Binnie could sleep on that side and wouldn’t fall off the bed. We could arrange some pillows or his plushies to give some space between him and Min Young so he wouldn’t hit her in his sleep. Then you take the other side to cover the other side for Min Young. Binnie’s bed is fine for me, I’m not as tall as you or Changmin so it’s still manageable.”
He sighed, “That seemed like a perfect idea, but would Min Young be fine? What if she needed something or-“
“Don’t worry too much. She’s been fine lately, especially when she’s with Binnie. Besides, she just had her monthly check-up too today, remember? I’d just wake her up for some milk while you get Binnie to shower and changed. She would sleep through the night when she’s full and if you need me later at night you could always wake me up next door.” She smiled at him assuringly. He kissed her cheek to thank her.
So they proceed with the plan and his baby’s tear of gate shut down instantly after he told him of the sleeping arrangement. He ran to his Noona to thank her since Jaejoong said that she sacrificed herself to sleep on his tiny bed. Jaejoong told him to accompany Min Young in his own bedroom and get ready for bath while he and JiHye re-arranged his bed position.
It was late when they’re all lying down on his bed. Unlike any other times, it was JiHye who watched over them and kissed him goodnight before she got into Binnie’s bedroom for her rest too. And Jaejoong was left alone with two sleeping babies on his side.
Binnie made a little fuss for not being able to sleep while holding him, but he strictly said that this was the only way that they all could sleep together without a risk of him squishing or hitting her on his sleep. And how he’s sleeping with one hand across his giant alligator plushie, holding Min Young’s arm as if he was afraid that she would disappear when he was sleeping.
Min Young was snoring softly in her sleep. Because of her respiratory problem since birth it was inevitable. But she’s truly a beautiful baby. She’s a carbon copy of her mother’s beauty, down to the inherited troubled health. She felt sorry for the little girl, while living each day in the loving care of her father and family, no one could ever predicted what’s her future would be. If she could hold on for a few more years, her doctor had planned to start her cancer medication after her fourth birthday. If… fate is being kind to let her hold on to live that long, she hadn’t even reached her first birthday until 2 weeks from now.
He had heard about Soon Mi’s medication problems, he even browsed a little when he had a little chance in front of the computer at the company. It terrified him to see what the medication could do to an adult like Soon Mi, and now this little baby would have to endure the same thing that her mother couldn’t even stand whe she was alive. Would she make it too? Would she be strong enough to go through it all? Would they all be strong enough to see her go through the torture of medication?
He caressed the baby girl’s head… Though many says that she’s been an unfortunate baby, something inside was telling him that she would be a miracle come to live. Just like Hee Joon- ahjuma said back then, Moonbin would also be a part of her miracle and he would try his best to make that happen.
In the age of thirty… Jaejoong fell a sleep with two angels by his side. Feeling for the first time in his life what’s like to be a father.
* * * * *
(Chapter 21b)
PS: I have disabled the comment post in this chapter, please comment in the next part. Thank you.
Chapter 21: The Answer
The 2 adults were sitting in silence on the sofa in the VIP Room. His father was lying in on the bed just a few meters away, separated by a curtain. The doctors had said that he had a concusion and needed some stitched on his temple from hitting the stone stair. Though it’s not life threathening, considering his age and the way he fell the hospital required him to stay for a day or two. They also took a CT scan just to make sure that there’s no blood clogging in his head. It was a big relieve for the family.
While Yunho and her Mother took care at Mr. Jung at the ICU, JiHye and Changmin took Min Young for her monthly check-up with at the first floor. They’re having a Super VIP room so other than a small waiting room completed with a TV set, microwave, etc; the room also provided a connecting bedroom for whomever staying with the patient overnight. Right now it’s occupied by JiHye and Min Young who’s already sleeping soundly under the blanket. Kibum had arranged Hee Joon-ahjumma to pack the necessities for the night including her milk and clothes and had the driver bring them to the hospital, just in case they’re not going back home tonight.
Guilt ate him up from the inside as Yunho remembering his action that brought them all here. He had to learn to listen. But first he needed to apologize. He looked at him Mom who didn’t say a word to him since they got there.
“Umma… I’m sorry. I really am.” He dropped his head in shame at his mother.
“You should’ve known your Father better, Yunho. You should’ve known him but you didn’t give him a chance.” She said in whisper.
“I- I know Mom, I know… I was just- I don’t know… I failed you guys over and over again, I just-“ He’s lost for words.
His mother looked at him sadly, “You never failed us dear, don’t ever think for a second that you did. You’re our precious Son and you’ve given us our precious grandchilren too. Nothing in the world that we want more but your and JiHye’s happiness. And that’s exactly what your father did. You should’ve listened.”
“…” the bitter truth was hitting him hard in the guts.
“Yunho, it was never your father’s intention to make Jaejoong suffer, we both sincerely loved him like we love you and JiHye. He had his reason for asking to him move back to the house. He thought about it long and hard before he came to that decision. He didn’t tell you because he wanted to have an honest talk with Jaejoong-ah. He wanted to know what he had to say, what he really felt. If he told you first, he would never get the chance to understand what’s on Jaejoong mind.”
Yunho was confused… “He.. what?”
“ Do you know that your father never really forget about Jaejoong ever since he walked out of the house? He cried to me, saying how he had failed as a father to both of you, failed in making the right choices that would bring you happiness but sorrow. The moment your father found out that Jaejoong moved into your agency’s dorm, he called your boss, Park Yoochun. He made him promised to keep him updated about Jaejoong’s condition though he didn’t expect that they’d ended up being together. But he was happy to know that he had finally moved on and found someone else to love. The cried when he found out how heartbroken Jaejoong was to hear about your wedding on the TV. He asked me what can we do to make him happy. I told him to leave it at Yoochun It was also him who’s helping with the renovation of Jaejoong’s dorm unit. Yoochun refused to accept your father’s help, saying that it’s part of his responsibility as the head of the company. But your father asked him to take it as a father’s gift for a son.”
Yunho was gapping, “Wh- what? He was in touch with my boss? But he never told me.”
His mother smiled sadly at him, “Because he wanted you to be fully responsible for the choices that you made and to leave the responsibility as a father to him. You had your hands full, you made your mind so you had to do what’s best for the choices you have made.”
“He also didn’t expect that there would be a special bonding between your chilren - especially Moonbin with him. If any, he thought that he would stay away from them as they are the reminder of his painful heartbreak that separated himself from you and our family. He was so happy that he loved them genuinely like his own children. But he could also see that he’s still lonely deep inside.”
“Jaejoong… lonely?”
“He was. Yoochun told your Father that Jaejoong never let himself be depended on him. Other than their physical connection, though many times it seemed that he was relying on Yoochun-ssi, but it’s unlikely he would ask for help or telling him of his trouble unless Yoochun asked him first. He still kept everything to himself. But it’s all changed since Moonbin came along.” His mother smiled gently as if remembering something good.
“When Moonbin returned home after Soon Mi’s death, they didn’t meet for 6 months right? JiHye made a few video calls to Jaejoong when he missed him. One time your father was passing the bedroom and saw that both of them were crying while talking to each other through the telephone screen. And when Moonbin returned home after staying at his place for a few months, your father also asked the boy about his staying at Jejussi… nothing could describe the closeness between your Son and Jaejoong, Yunho. And not even you could ever break it. You must’ve known it too.”
Yunho was digesting his mother’s words in a new way, a new light to see his father, his Son, and Jaejoong.
“Your father and I are old and we won’t live for a very long time anymore. Changmin and JiHye are moving out of the house soon to build their own family, and maybe more grandchildren will come along too from them. For the short time that we have, your father and I, we want to be sure that our children and grandchilren will live a life of happiness when our time is up. Seeing that you need help in between working and taking care of your children, and that Moonbin and Jaejoong needs each other so badly… thus your father came up with the decision to ask Jaejoong to live with us once again. He could still work at your company but at the same time he won’t be separated from Moonbin anymore. I could see that he’s also fond of Min Young.”
Yunho has never been so ashamed of himself for misunderstanding his father like this. For all those years that he had forgotten about Jaejoong, his father never failed to quietly made sure that the other man would always be fine. Even went to so far as keeping in touch regularly with his own boss. Yunho realized that maybe all his life he’d been too negligent and never tried to see the people that he loved to the depth of their hearts. He had lived a spoiled life. Having people around him to understand himself but not the other way around.
“Your father didn’t tell him to live with us, he ASKED him. It would be Jaejoong’s choice to say yes or no. But whatever answer that he would give him, he’s prepared. But he wanted to take that one chance for the sake of his children’s happiness, including Jaejoong and Changmin. You know that your father never did things halfway. When he took them both as our children, then their welfare also became the priority in his life. It was difficult with Jaejoong though, since what happened between you two that made him move out. But deep in his heart, it’s still the same and won’t ever change.”
“…”
There was a knock on the door and Jaejoong came in carrying a sleeping Moonbin. Yunho was so shocked and stood up.
“Jaejoong! You- did you- when did you get here?” He stuttered in his question.
“I heard everything if that’s what you want to asked me.” He calmly told him and turned to look at Umma Jung, “Umma, Changmin told me that Min Young’s still here too?”
She nodded, “She’s sleeping in the connecting room with JiHye. Why don’t you put Binnie in there with her?”
“Are you guys going to be home later? How about Min Young?”
“I’m staying the night here, but later Yunho should go home with Min Young. She shouldn’t stay here though Kibum had delivered everything that she would need for the night.”
“I’m staying with you Umma! I won’t let you sleep here alone.”Yunho quickly retorted.
“No! You all should go home, I can handle your father by myself. He’ll be sleeping all through the night anyway, but you have a weak daughter Yunho and a hospital is never a good place to stay for children.”
“But-“
“Umma,” Jaejoong gently cut off Yunho’s words. “Yunho was right, you should at least have someone to stay with you here. You need a rest too, let Yunho stay with you?”
“Right… and JiHye and Changmin can take care of the children.”
“No, they can’t.” Once again, Jaejoong’s words startled the other 2 adults.
“I mean, you will need Changmin’s help to communicate with the doctor or to go back and forth to get stuff that you need. Changmin had updated me with Appa’s condition outside, you’ll need him to take Appa for the CT Scan in the morning. When he needs it he could use the driver. JiHye and the children will come to my place tonight, it’s much closer than the mansion and tomorrow we could drop by again at lunchtime before I take them back.” He sounded firm.
Yunho’s mother understand. “If that’s what you think is the best.”
On the other hand, Yunho seemed a little hesistate to take his solution, “Jae, are you sure? You don’t have a guest room anymore at your place and-“
“Yunho!” He sounded irritated, “JiHye and Min Young could take my bedroom. I could sleep with Binnie in his room, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if we’re ‘camping out’ again with the futton and all on the floor instead of his small bed, I bet he’d be ecstatic about it since it lessent the probability of him falling off his bed like he did a few times.”
“…”
“Since it’s clear from your and Umma’s conversation that I’m also part of the family, let me do what I’m supposed to do. That is… if you also think that I’m very much a part of this?” The last words were said with a little uncertainty in his tone and he’s turning his gaze away from Yunho and his mother.
Umma Jung gave out her tender smile to him, “Of course… now let me wake up JiHye so she could get ready with Min Young’s stuff. I’ll carry her downstairs. By the way, did you drive or using the company’s driver to get here?”
“I drove… I tried not to use the company’s facility on my personal weekend.”
“It’s settled then. Thank you once again dear.” She reached out to hug Jaejoong and Moonbin before she went through the connecting door to get JiHye and Min Young.
The two men left in the room didn’t seem to be able to pass the awkwarness between then, for finding out something that they were both clueless about. But Yunho tried to start the conversation anyway.
“So… you have an answer already?”
“I do.”
“You… do?” He waited for the Jaejoong to tell him more. But when he didn’t say anything else he asked him again. “And, what it is? Your answer?”
Jaejoong turned and fix his piercing gaze at him, “It was Appa who asked me firsthand. I believe that he’s also the one who should hear about my answer, not you. We’ll talk when Appa has recovered. Until then, I have nothing more to say to you and let’s do things the way it is, shall we?”
Yunho gulped, “Yeah, that’s fair.”
The connecting door was opened again, Umma Jung walked out carrying a sleeping Min Young with JiHye behind her holding a big overnight bag of her and Min Young’s stuff.”
“Come on, the children can have a proper rest at home, I should wake Binnie up later to have a shower before his bed.” Jaejoong told them.
And so, they all went down to the parking lot to Jaejoong’s car. Moonbin was strapped in his child carseat in the passenger’s seat while JiHye was holding Min Young at the backseat.
“Umma, get some sleep on the bed, let Yunho take the couch in Appa’s room. And Changmin, update me tomorrow morning after you hear from the doctors so I can decide if I should take the children here or straight to the mansion.”
Umma Jung nodded and Changmin replied, “Sure Hyung. I’ll be at the mansion by myself tonight but return very early in the morning. Take care of my wife too, will you.”
Jaejoong snorted, “Like I never have. Umma, sleep!” He told her once again, “Good night.” And drove off from the hospital to his apartment. What’s Min Young’s first night out would be? He hoped that there would be no more surprises for any of them tonight, he’d had enough.
* * * * *
“Noooo, Binnie wanna sleep with Min Young too!!” The boy had been crying and throwing a tantrum since he woke up and found out that his little sister’s sleeping over at Jaejoong’s place with him but going to sleep with a JiHye in the older man’s bedroom.
“Binnie, listen to me. If you want to sleep with Min Young that means that you’re sleeping with Noona too. I won’t be able to sleep with all three of you on the same bed.”
“But Jejussi promise to sleep together with Binnie toniiiiiigght!” Now he’s wailing and Jaejoong had never seen him this way before.
“Binnie…” He sighed in exasperation and JiHye approched him.
“Oppa, I think he’s just being needy. This would be the first time that he wasn’t separated by a crib with Min Young. And he also knew that tomorrow he’d be back to the mansion so he’s desperate to spend whatever time left with you. He’s beeing clingy.”
“I understand, but…” He looked at the crying boy dejectedly, he really couldn’t stand to see him crying like this but this childish side of him was actually nice… if only he’s not tired and a bit overwhelmed with Min Young’s presence in the house.
“Oppa, why don’t the three of you sleep in your bedroom, your king bed is wide enough for all of you. We’ll just move the bed a little so one side would stick to the wall, Binnie could sleep on that side and wouldn’t fall off the bed. We could arrange some pillows or his plushies to give some space between him and Min Young so he wouldn’t hit her in his sleep. Then you take the other side to cover the other side for Min Young. Binnie’s bed is fine for me, I’m not as tall as you or Changmin so it’s still manageable.”
He sighed, “That seemed like a perfect idea, but would Min Young be fine? What if she needed something or-“
“Don’t worry too much. She’s been fine lately, especially when she’s with Binnie. Besides, she just had her monthly check-up too today, remember? I’d just wake her up for some milk while you get Binnie to shower and changed. She would sleep through the night when she’s full and if you need me later at night you could always wake me up next door.” She smiled at him assuringly. He kissed her cheek to thank her.
So they proceed with the plan and his baby’s tear of gate shut down instantly after he told him of the sleeping arrangement. He ran to his Noona to thank her since Jaejoong said that she sacrificed herself to sleep on his tiny bed. Jaejoong told him to accompany Min Young in his own bedroom and get ready for bath while he and JiHye re-arranged his bed position.
It was late when they’re all lying down on his bed. Unlike any other times, it was JiHye who watched over them and kissed him goodnight before she got into Binnie’s bedroom for her rest too. And Jaejoong was left alone with two sleeping babies on his side.
Binnie made a little fuss for not being able to sleep while holding him, but he strictly said that this was the only way that they all could sleep together without a risk of him squishing or hitting her on his sleep. And how he’s sleeping with one hand across his giant alligator plushie, holding Min Young’s arm as if he was afraid that she would disappear when he was sleeping.
Min Young was snoring softly in her sleep. Because of her respiratory problem since birth it was inevitable. But she’s truly a beautiful baby. She’s a carbon copy of her mother’s beauty, down to the inherited troubled health. She felt sorry for the little girl, while living each day in the loving care of her father and family, no one could ever predicted what’s her future would be. If she could hold on for a few more years, her doctor had planned to start her cancer medication after her fourth birthday. If… fate is being kind to let her hold on to live that long, she hadn’t even reached her first birthday until 2 weeks from now.
He had heard about Soon Mi’s medication problems, he even browsed a little when he had a little chance in front of the computer at the company. It terrified him to see what the medication could do to an adult like Soon Mi, and now this little baby would have to endure the same thing that her mother couldn’t even stand whe she was alive. Would she make it too? Would she be strong enough to go through it all? Would they all be strong enough to see her go through the torture of medication?
He caressed the baby girl’s head… Though many says that she’s been an unfortunate baby, something inside was telling him that she would be a miracle come to live. Just like Hee Joon- ahjuma said back then, Moonbin would also be a part of her miracle and he would try his best to make that happen.
In the age of thirty… Jaejoong fell a sleep with two angels by his side. Feeling for the first time in his life what’s like to be a father.
* * * * *
(Chapter 21b)
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