Everything Happens For a Reason, Chapter 24a
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Chapter 24a: Problem Child and a Yes (Finale)
JiHye was watching her 2 year old Yeon Hee having her own breakfast. The mess made her wince but it’s nothing compared to the cuteness of her little girl trying to hold the spoon and splattered more food on the table than in putting them in her mouth. But she’s not complaining and seemed to enjoy the whole process.
Changmin got out from their bedroom in his suit. His father in law had handed over the company to him officially 3 years ago. Obviously what happened to little Min Young changed everyone’s life. JiHye’s proud of him. He’s still young but he had proven her father and the whole Boards of the firm that he’s capable in being the head of the company. After closing up on 2 big projects under Appa Jung’s watch, he earned the CEO title much to the satisfaction of the whole family. He & JiHye celebrated the occasion by going on their second honeymoon to Europe. Perhaps they enjoyed it too well, JiHye got pregnant right after they returned and Shim Yeon Hee was born 9 months later.
“Morning, my favorite girl!” he kissed her cheek, “and my favorite baby!” he moved to Yeon Hee who squeeled happily and threw the spoon on the floor.
“Look what you did!” JiHye was a bit annoyed.
Her husband quickly bent over and picked it up. “Sorry honey, I guess she’s excited to her Appa.” He put the dirty spoon in the sink and got another one for his daughter.
“You spoiled her too much like Appa!” she huffed, “And stop buying her dolls and plushies, seriously Min! I don’t know where to keep them anymore.” She sighed.
Changmin stood behind her and massaged her back. “But she loved it!”
JiHye turned her head and glared. “Fine, fine… no more dolls nor plushies.” He bent down to hold his wife from the back and put his palms on her tummy. “And how’s my other little baby? Has she said good morning to Umma this morning.”
JiHye frowned, “Seriously, if the doctor told me that it’s a HE I’d believe him… She’s only 6 months old in there but she kicked a lot more and worse than Yeon Hee that I couldn’t even sleep well last night.” She indeed looked tired.
Changmin just held her contently, her head under his chin, “Oh baby, it’s only 3 months away until she comes out and I promise that I’ll try to be around more for you, okay?”
“I really wonder why I listened to you when you want another child when Yeon Hee was still a baby herself.” Though she may sounded like she’s complaining, Changmin knew that she’s happy, looking at her gentle gaze at their daughter.
Changmin whispered in her ear, “That’s because you love me.”
“Confident much?”
They smiled at each other and Changmin knew he couldn’t’ve asked for a better wife. He’s a lucky guy.
“So, what’s your plan today? It’s time to see the doctor again, no? Shall I meet you in the hospital later?” He asked her as he went to get his suitcase from his study next to the bedroom.
“That would be great. But I’m going to Jaejoong’s Oppa place. He called me early this morning.”
“Oh, anything serious? Something with the children? He rarely called you in the morning.”
JiHye grinned at her husband. “Yunho Oppa proposed!”
Changmin showed the same wide grin at her. “It’s about time!! I thought he’s not going to do anything until Binnie is big enough and starts to question him!! Jeez, those old men…”
“Hey, they’re not that old. They’d been through… many things, I guess this time is perfect.”
“So, did he call you to celebrate before the announcement or what?” Changmin seemed amused. But his smile faltered when he saw the serious look his wife’s face. “He hasn’t said yes, has he?”
“Let’s just say that he’s still not sure about telling him ‘I do’.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Well, let’s see what he got to say. I’ll bring Yeon Hee over too, she really likes Min Young and that girl really knew what she’s doing! I don’t even know how she was able to keep her entertained for more than an hour!” There’s adoration and fascination in her tone.
Changmin chuckled and once again hugged and kissed both of her princesses… or three of them.
* * * * *
Jaejoong & JiHye were sitting across each other in the family room at the mansion. Appa & Umma Jung will return from their vacation tomorrow morning, so Jaejoong wanted to make sure that everything is clean around the house. Well, not like it ever got dirty or anything with a hordes of maid and a very capable butler like Kim Kibum. It was more like an excuse to make himself busy and not thinking too much about Yunho’s proposal 3 days ago.
Yunho’s been restless too, he saw the man’s effort to keep his cool and pretended like he’s not expecting anything from Jaejoong. They took care of the children like usual, but there’s no denying of the tension between them, and the children felt that. Last night after dinner Moonbin casually asked him, “Jejussi, did you fight with Appa? You didn’t even watch movies together with us last night… and… you didn’t give him a goodnight kiss back…”
He almost choked on his water. “Wha- no! We’re fine… I was just tired last night, too tired to kiss him back! And I’ve watched that movie for like 5 times already, Binnie! We’re fine, really…” he’s babbling and sounded so inconvincing but he couldn’t tell Binnie what’s happened.
The boy still looked suspicious but didn’t push him.
And now he got the same look from the pregnant woman in front of him.
“So… how’s the baby?” he sounded stupid now.
“She’s fine, she kicked better than Yeon Hee, and you know that’s not what you really wanted to ask me.” Oh she knew him so well. “Oppa, spill it. Tell me what made you hesitate to say yes?”
Jaejoong seemed anxious… “I- I don’t understand, I-… “ this was the first time that Jaejoong looked so lost after all those years he’s back to the family. “I guess… I’m not sure of myself.”
JiHye asked him gently, “Oppa, are you still haunted by the past?” She might be right cause Jaejoong seemed a little taken aback.
“What do you mean?”
She sighed, “Are you still can’t get over the fact that Oppa was once married to a woman?” She hit the bull’s eye, closed his eyes. “Oppa, be honest with me. What’s bothering you?”
He didn’t say anything for a while. When he spoke, he kept his eyes closed.
“JiHye, I got over it long time ago. What’s happened, happened. There wasn’t much we could do and we couldn’t turn back time. If not because of his marriage with Soon Mi, I wouldn’t even be here and caring for Binnie & Min Young. I love them so much, if any… I’d like to thank Soon Mi for giving me the children. It’s the future that I’m not so sure of…”
JiHye moved and sat beside Jaejoong, holding his hand. “Care to explain to me?”
He opened his eyes and squeezed JiHye’s hand.
“Binnie’s growing up… he’s known me since he was very little and had always been depending on me and vice versa. But would he understand if his father chose me as a partner for life? No matter how close I am to the children, I’m still a man. Unlike Min Young, he knew his mother and still loved her despite the bad memory that she left behing. How am I supposed to explain to him of my position? What would he think of me? I-… “ And Jaejoong cried.
“I love them like my own life… and I still love your brother. But if being with your brother means that I’m losing the children, then I don’t mind living my whole life only as another parent in the household.”
JiHye stayed silent but she understood. “Oppa, you’re saying yourself that Binnie is growing up… with all the time he spent in front of the computer, I doubt that he doesn’t understand about what’s really going on between you guys. He’s studying in an International school too. We can give him explanation when the time comes, but the most important thing is, do you love Yunho Oppa? Do you WANT to spend the rest of your life together with him… and the children?”
“I do… no matter what we’ve been through, I was never fell out of love for him. Did you forget… he had my heart.” He smiled to himself. “And he had learned to treasure it for the past few years. I could feel my heart beats back to where it belongs. But it’s hard to see past the fear and-“
“Oppa!” she cut him off. “Let me ask you one thing and please be honest with your answer.” He nodded. “Can you live without Yunho Oppa? If tonight something happens and you’re going to lose him, are you ready for losing him?”
He slowly replied to her, “I… I can’t.”
“So why can’t you tell him that?” She turned his head to face hers, “Oppa, you’ve done so much for others. For once in your life, be selfish and take your chance! Be happy! You are a great and kind person, and we’re the luckiest family on earth to have you as part of us. Don’t worry about the future… we’ll talk about it when the time comes. But for now, you’re the world for for the children and my Yeon Hee. As long as you’re happy, then they’ll be happy, they will learn to understand cause you have learned to understand them first.”
Jaejoong couldn’t hold it anymore as his tears fell freely in JiHye’s arms.
“Oppa… please… listen to your heart… and be happy for us. Cause when you’re happy, you’re making us happier.”
Jaejoong knew that he should give Yunho an answer soon. Otherwise they’ll both break down sooner or later. He should make up his mind before the gala dinner.
* * * * *
2 days later found Jaejoong in the principal’s office of Moonbin’s school sitting across the boy and another one, both sporting a black eye and bruises here and there. Moonbin even had a split lip. It was his first school fight. But he had been very quiet at home for the past 2 days since JiHye’s last visit to meet him at the mansion.
The blonde american principal smiled at him, “Thank you for coming, Mr. Kim. I’m sure by now you can see what’s going on between the boys. Which is actually a surprise for such a gentle boy like Moonbin.” He addressed the boy affectionately.
“Yes, and I’m sorry that his father can’t come. He can’t leave his work and his grandparents just returned from a trip so they’re resting at home.”
“No problem, you’re also his legal guardian in our records and you’ve also come helping in several of our parents volunteer programs, so you’re pretty much his parent too. On the other hand, I’m sorry that apparently no one from the Yoo family could come for their son here.” He looked at the boy sitting next to Moonbin in pity. “Anyway, before I make any decision as to give them a detention or additional lessons for their behaviour, don’t you think that it’s fair if we ask the boys first what made them turned from friends to foes?”
Jaejoong nodded. The principal is a very nice person. And he felt that he could respect him, he treated his students like a real parent and always check on the truth before judging on his students.
“Jin Ah, I’m sorry that your parents can’t be here now. Before I take any actions for what had happened earlier in recess time, I want to make a fair judgement and decision. Whether there was just a misunderstanding betwe you or you boys were actually looking for trouble. Especially you, Jung Moonbin. As the head of the class you should’ve known better than having a fight in the classroom.”
Since both boys didn’t say anyhing, Mr. Smith continued on, “Now, any of you care to explain what happened?”
The questioning went on for another 15 minutes with the principal talking one sidedly while both boys were being tight lipped almost as if they lost the ability to speak and to hear at all. Finally Mr. Smith came to a conclusion.
“Since you guys refused to tell me what had happened between you two, then I have no other choice but to give you detention for the next 3 days. And Jin Ah,” he looked at the other boy, “You’re not allowed to go home until one of your parents or anyone from your household come to pick you up so I could give them your detention paper.”
“But Mr. Smith-“ Jin Ah tried to protest, finally speaking for the first time.
“No buts, young man. You lost your opportunity to explain earlier. Maybe this is also a chance for you to learn that you can’t always get away with anything just because you’re young. You have to learn self discipline and being honest. If you told me what really happened, I might’ve forgiven you cause that means that you’re sincere.”
From the moment Jaejoong came until they’re all dismissed by the principal, not once Moonbin looked into his eyes. He kept his gaze down on his lap or the floor or anywhere but him.
The drive home was also spent in silence and the moment that Jaejoong parked his car, instead of going to the Jaejoong’s place, Moonbin slammed the car door closed and ran to the mansion. First Jaejoong thought that was because Min Young was there. When the school called he had to rush and didn’t want to bring her along. He left her with Umma Jung and the maids.
But when he walked after him, he wasn’t with Min Young. The girl was napping together with her grandmother in the later’s bedroom. Jaejoong had no choice but invited himself into the boy’s bedroom. And there he was, lying down with his face on the pillow. He sat by the edge of the bed and Moonbin turned his head to the other side.
“Hey… wanna tell me what’s going on back there? Mr. Smith was trying to be fair to you guys you know. We’re not in school anymore, care to tell me? And maybe later I can tend to you bruises and lips?”
“…”
“Binnie, I’ll have to explain to your father later about this. I appreciate if you tell me first so if your father comes home tired, at least I can give him a better explanation to save you from another punishment at home.” He sighed.
“Why do you care?” he mumbled to his pillow.
Jaejoong thought he heard wrong, “Excuse me?”
“Why do you care?” The kid sat up on his bed now, still not looking at Jaejoong.
“Binnie, look at me when you’re speaking to me. And why suddenly you ask this kind of question? Of course I care for you! Do I need a reason not to?”
“…"
“Binnie, look… I can’t always understand you if you don’t tell me what’s your problem! Cause whatever it was, you’re fighting him was unexpected for all of us! Binnie…” Jaejoong took a deep breath. “Why did you ever think that I shouldn’t care for you? I love you!”
Jaejoong was really dumbfounded by the newfound fact that the boy questioned his love for him. The other one turned his gaze back to his lap. Jaejoong saw that the bruises were getting purple. He reached out to touch those on Moonbin’s face but the reaction that he got was something he never thought he would ever get from him. The boy shook his hand away and looked at him with this hurt and confused look that Jaejoong never knew he had in him.
“I-“ he contemplated to say more… “I can take care of my self. Just- just go see if Min Young needs anything. You don’t need to spoil me, I’m already in 2nd grade now, I can take care of myself. And from tomorrow, I’m staying here, I’m- I’m not going back to Jejussi’s place.”
Jaejoong’s eyes widened. “Binnie, what’s going on? I’m really confused here and I don’t have all day just to ask you why you had a fight in school and now being so difficult!” In shock and unexpectedly horrified at the new Binnie in front of him, he unconsciously raised his tone to his beloved boy.
“Because you’re not my father!!” Moonbin retorted. And all blood and color’s gone from Jaejoong’s face.
All he could say to him was, “What…"
The tough Binnie from 1 minute ago was gone abruptly and before him, sat the fragile and soft hearted 8 year old with tears running down his cheeks, “You’re not my father! You’re not even Appa’s brother though Gappa called you Son! So why do you care about me?!? I’m-“ he chocked on his tears. “I’m not even supposed to be here! I’m not supposed to be born!” He yelled out loud and the door to his bedroom opened, and out came his father from behind the door.
The boy panicked now, he was gapping at his father who was now standing by his bedside with his hand on Jaejoong’s shoulders. The other man had this blank look on his face, as if he was somewhere else.
Yunho looked at Moonbin and spoke in a hard tone, “Apologize to Jejussi, Binnie.”
His son didn’t made a move, not even an effort to say sorry.
“Binnie, apologize. You’re saying non-sense. And Jejussi had been taking care of you since you’re 2 years old! He loves you as much as I do! And why did you think that you’re not supposed to be born? Binnie-“
“Because that’s what Jin Ah’s mom told him!” He finally yelled the truth at his father.
Now both adults sported the same overwhelmed look. “What did you say?”
Moonbin’s tears were uncontrolable now and was flowing freely like a river.
“Jin Ah’s Mom saw Jejussi on the last parents volunteer day and she showed Jin Ah some old articles from the internet when he was browsing for our science assignment…” He sobbed on his hands. “It says- it says that Umma took you away from Jejussi… and- and- and- that you were lovers before.” He hiccupped so badly but Yunho just let him poured his heart out. “And- and- *hiccup* it says that Appa married Umma because of me! Cause- *hiccup* cause two men can’t get married and have children, so Umma had me!”He was sobbing pitifuly, which reminded Jaejoong of the same view many years ago in a room in his apartment.
Realization dawned on Yunho & Jaejoong, they both gasped and looked at each other in indecribable expressions. Oh, the power of internet!
It was true that there were a few magazines that wrote about them after Soon Mi gave birth to Moonbin. They made assumptions and tried to create a scandal that would affect both his career and his father’s business. They closed down not long after but apparently some thoughtless people put the articles back up since they couldn’t dig out new confirmations on Jaejoong’s decision to return to the house. And people were more curious when he quit his job and started the foundation under Jung Corp. financials.
Not to mention their close proximity in public. Though they rarely showed up together, when they do they were always with the kids. The big publishing companies respects Yunho’s father’s influence in business world, so they rather pretend that they hear nothing and see nothing. But it’s not enough for a big mouthed-gossipy-mother like Jin Ah’s who foolishly told the story to her kid who later on mocked Moonbin in recess time of the fact the Jejussi that he’s always so proud of was someone that his father dumped once. Because of him.
* * * * *
(Chapter 24b)
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