Everything Happens For a Reason, Chapter 3
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Chapter 3
The moment’s Mrs. Han said that her daughter always loved him, Yunho couldn’t hide his surprised expression. He stole glances at his parents but they looked away, yet he didn’t miss the anxiety from his parents’ behavior.
“Auntie, thank you for letting her realized her dream to be an actress and I’m sorry for not watching over her properly that she got sick like this,” Yunho spoke gently. “But I’m sure that she only looked at me as an older brother.”
“No!” Mrs. Han quickly retorted. “No, don’t get me wrong. But… there’s something that I should’ve told you… or your parents… I only I said it long time ago, she… she might have not chosen to be an actress.”
Now all 3 Jungs showed the same expression on their faces. There was silence until Yunho’s mother hesitantly asked, “What… what exactly that we need to know?”
Mrs. Han looked directly at Yunho’s eyes. “When we moved to Busan 8 years actually Soon Mi refused to move with us. She wanted to stay here and live with you. I told her that it’s not appropriated but she said it should be okay with you both,” she smiled at Mr. & Mrs. Jung. “After all, she always considered herself as part of your family. But when she was 16 she finally told me that the real reason was you, Yunho.”
Yunho nodded as if to encourage her to say more.
“At that time you just debuted as an actor in that successful sitcom. She never missed an episode, always being ready in front of the TV to see you act. I told her that she could always call you if she missed you , but she said no. She’s afraid that once she talked to you she would want to leave Busan just to be with you again. But then the there was an audition for a CF in her school, she passed it. And she saw it as a chance to be an actress… because once she becomes one, she said that she had more confidence to try to get close to you... and perhaps this time she could finally confess to you… Yunho Oppa whom she always loved & admired.”
Nobody said a word. Yunho was so absorbed in the newfound information that he just heard from Soon Mi’s parents. He’s still didn’t know how to react to it or what’s the right thing to say to them. He found it hard to comprehend. But still, he had to ask the most important question, “And now where do I stand in this matter? What should I do? I have to honestly admit that I never saw Soon Mi more than just a sister like I saw JiHye. I don’t understand, aunty… uncle.”
Mr. Han took deep breath, “At the hospital, Soon Mi’s doctor told us that the result of the complete blood test was just to determine the stage of the leukemia to decide when to start the medication and the right dose. But she still has to go through them all as soon as possible while it’s still in an early stage. She can’t be too tired and most importantly she can’t get stressed out. She needs to always have a positive thinking to boost her own immune system from within. And the doctor that we trusted is here in Seoul.”
“We can’t stay here for a long time but I have asked your parents to help us take care of her. While she undergoes her medication, she will stay here in Seoul and live with your family. But Yunho… she needs more than that. She needs more than just her parents or your parents support. She needs you to be by her side. She needs you to encourage her during her medication. We know that we’re asking too much, but as far as we know you’re not in any relationship right now… Will you… are you willing to be with her from now on?”
Shock was written all over Yunho’s face. He looked up straight into Soon Mi’s parents’ eyes, trying to comprehend their words. He could see tears started to fall from their eyes.
Mr. Han found his strength to continue, “If not because our love to our daughter, we won’t ask for this terrible request to you & your parents. But we need to be sure that she would go through her medication happily, with the will to recover & live longer than her parents. Please… this is all we can ask of you for the life of our daughter!”
Yunho was speechless when both elders sobbed and bowed at him. His parents were just as shocked but they recovered quickly helped them to stand up and dry their tears. Yunho understood that his parents were also confused at the situation now, but honestly… if they would have to choose between Jaejoong & Soon Mi, Yunho was 100% sure that Jaejoong wouldn’t stand a chance. Yes they have come to love him like a son too and JiHye adores him, but his family has a longer & more lasting relationship with the Hans. Where Jaejoong was just a 25 year old healthy orphan. And a male too. Yunho silently groaned, this is going to be a long night for sure.
“Aunty, Uncle… I’m sorry that you have to bow down to me like that. I have to tell you that…” Yunho could see from the corner of his eyes that his parents were actually giving him a look of horror, they had a hunch that he’s going to spill the bean now, “actually I’ve been in a relationship with someone for 3 years. I never declared that to the media, since I also wanted to keep my family away from the press’ attention.”
Soon Mi’s mother slowly looked up and asked him with a trembling voice, “Is it… Is… that person… your manager, Kim Jaejoong?”
‘So apparently it’s not a secret anymore?’ Yunho thought. “Yes he is.” He eventually admitted. “Umma & Appa knew about our relationship but we managed to keep it low from public.”
Mrs. Han spoke again slowly, “I knew it. News of you being together was always confirmed untrue. But Soon Mi told me that it’s real. She said she recognize the look in your eyes when you looked at your manager. It’s even gentler than the look that you gave her & JiHye.”
The Jungs kept silent, all thoughts and words flew out of their mind. They never imagined that Soon Mi’s love to Yunho was that deep that she could even read his eyes. Nothing seemed appropriate to say right now.
“That’s why we apologize before. We knew this is going to be hard not only for Soon Mi and us, but also for your family. If there’s another way to get through this, I’ll gladly take it for her! But you see now that there isn’t! You are our only hope to help Soon Mi pass her hard times! Even if it’s just for 3 months, at least until she recovers & ready to hear what you really want to say… it should be enough!” Mr. Han literally shout & begged him.
Finally Yunho opened his mouth, “I understand. I can see where you’re coming from. I’d probably do the same if it was JiHye. But you told me yourself a while ago that it wouldn’t be an easy decision for me. I promise you now that I’ll consider everything and make the best decision for Soon Mi. But for tonight, let me talk to my parents… give me one night to make up my mind. As I also have another person to give explanation too. Whether it’s only for 1 month, I couldn’t do it without talking to him first. I hope you understand.” This time, it’s Yunho who bowed before the elders, deeply.
Soon Mi’s parents just sat there without saying a word. But he could see the appreciation in their eyes. Mrs. Jung then called Changmin and asked him to bring them to the guest room to rest for the night. As soon as they disappeared from the second floor’s stairs, Yunho moved to sit facing his parents.
There was a prolonged silence between them until Yunho told them, “Now is our turn to talk.”
His parents nodded and both sides were thinking hard to ensure themselves that they would be making a right decision for all of them. For Yunho, for Soon Mi, especially for Jaejoong. It’s impossible for them to disregard the fact that he’s been staying with them for 2 years.
Yunho glanced at the clock. 2.15am. He wished Jaejoong didn’t wait up on him at the pavilion. It’s gonna be a long night. But whatever decision that he’s going to make with his parents, it’s better for Jaejoong to have a good night’s sleep. He took another deep breath and started to speak to his parents.
* * * * *
Jaejoong could see from the kitchen window that the living room’s light in the main house is still on. He had taken a very hot shower that somehow his skin felt burnt and turned red all over. But the heat didn’t seem to ease the uncomfortable feeling inside him. He didn’t have any appetite at all though while driving home from the location he was starving like hell. But now he’s just not hungry anymore. Nothing but anxiety and insecurity haunted him.
He’s tired of waiting but he couldn’t close his eyes. For the second time in his life, he felt the same fear that once fell upon him when he received the news of the missing of his parents. Since their bodies were never found, he still believed that they were alive and one day will return home to be with him again. He waited and waited and waited. After 3 years, he sold the house and moved to a small apartment near his high school. He lived with no one else… until Yunho came along. The fear was too strong that he almost vomited. But the physical exhaustion & emotional toll betrayed him. He fell asleep on the couch with all the lights on.
* * * * *
Chapter 4
Chapter 3
The moment’s Mrs. Han said that her daughter always loved him, Yunho couldn’t hide his surprised expression. He stole glances at his parents but they looked away, yet he didn’t miss the anxiety from his parents’ behavior.
“Auntie, thank you for letting her realized her dream to be an actress and I’m sorry for not watching over her properly that she got sick like this,” Yunho spoke gently. “But I’m sure that she only looked at me as an older brother.”
“No!” Mrs. Han quickly retorted. “No, don’t get me wrong. But… there’s something that I should’ve told you… or your parents… I only I said it long time ago, she… she might have not chosen to be an actress.”
Now all 3 Jungs showed the same expression on their faces. There was silence until Yunho’s mother hesitantly asked, “What… what exactly that we need to know?”
Mrs. Han looked directly at Yunho’s eyes. “When we moved to Busan 8 years actually Soon Mi refused to move with us. She wanted to stay here and live with you. I told her that it’s not appropriated but she said it should be okay with you both,” she smiled at Mr. & Mrs. Jung. “After all, she always considered herself as part of your family. But when she was 16 she finally told me that the real reason was you, Yunho.”
Yunho nodded as if to encourage her to say more.
“At that time you just debuted as an actor in that successful sitcom. She never missed an episode, always being ready in front of the TV to see you act. I told her that she could always call you if she missed you , but she said no. She’s afraid that once she talked to you she would want to leave Busan just to be with you again. But then the there was an audition for a CF in her school, she passed it. And she saw it as a chance to be an actress… because once she becomes one, she said that she had more confidence to try to get close to you... and perhaps this time she could finally confess to you… Yunho Oppa whom she always loved & admired.”
Nobody said a word. Yunho was so absorbed in the newfound information that he just heard from Soon Mi’s parents. He’s still didn’t know how to react to it or what’s the right thing to say to them. He found it hard to comprehend. But still, he had to ask the most important question, “And now where do I stand in this matter? What should I do? I have to honestly admit that I never saw Soon Mi more than just a sister like I saw JiHye. I don’t understand, aunty… uncle.”
Mr. Han took deep breath, “At the hospital, Soon Mi’s doctor told us that the result of the complete blood test was just to determine the stage of the leukemia to decide when to start the medication and the right dose. But she still has to go through them all as soon as possible while it’s still in an early stage. She can’t be too tired and most importantly she can’t get stressed out. She needs to always have a positive thinking to boost her own immune system from within. And the doctor that we trusted is here in Seoul.”
“We can’t stay here for a long time but I have asked your parents to help us take care of her. While she undergoes her medication, she will stay here in Seoul and live with your family. But Yunho… she needs more than that. She needs more than just her parents or your parents support. She needs you to be by her side. She needs you to encourage her during her medication. We know that we’re asking too much, but as far as we know you’re not in any relationship right now… Will you… are you willing to be with her from now on?”
Shock was written all over Yunho’s face. He looked up straight into Soon Mi’s parents’ eyes, trying to comprehend their words. He could see tears started to fall from their eyes.
Mr. Han found his strength to continue, “If not because our love to our daughter, we won’t ask for this terrible request to you & your parents. But we need to be sure that she would go through her medication happily, with the will to recover & live longer than her parents. Please… this is all we can ask of you for the life of our daughter!”
Yunho was speechless when both elders sobbed and bowed at him. His parents were just as shocked but they recovered quickly helped them to stand up and dry their tears. Yunho understood that his parents were also confused at the situation now, but honestly… if they would have to choose between Jaejoong & Soon Mi, Yunho was 100% sure that Jaejoong wouldn’t stand a chance. Yes they have come to love him like a son too and JiHye adores him, but his family has a longer & more lasting relationship with the Hans. Where Jaejoong was just a 25 year old healthy orphan. And a male too. Yunho silently groaned, this is going to be a long night for sure.
“Aunty, Uncle… I’m sorry that you have to bow down to me like that. I have to tell you that…” Yunho could see from the corner of his eyes that his parents were actually giving him a look of horror, they had a hunch that he’s going to spill the bean now, “actually I’ve been in a relationship with someone for 3 years. I never declared that to the media, since I also wanted to keep my family away from the press’ attention.”
Soon Mi’s mother slowly looked up and asked him with a trembling voice, “Is it… Is… that person… your manager, Kim Jaejoong?”
‘So apparently it’s not a secret anymore?’ Yunho thought. “Yes he is.” He eventually admitted. “Umma & Appa knew about our relationship but we managed to keep it low from public.”
Mrs. Han spoke again slowly, “I knew it. News of you being together was always confirmed untrue. But Soon Mi told me that it’s real. She said she recognize the look in your eyes when you looked at your manager. It’s even gentler than the look that you gave her & JiHye.”
The Jungs kept silent, all thoughts and words flew out of their mind. They never imagined that Soon Mi’s love to Yunho was that deep that she could even read his eyes. Nothing seemed appropriate to say right now.
“That’s why we apologize before. We knew this is going to be hard not only for Soon Mi and us, but also for your family. If there’s another way to get through this, I’ll gladly take it for her! But you see now that there isn’t! You are our only hope to help Soon Mi pass her hard times! Even if it’s just for 3 months, at least until she recovers & ready to hear what you really want to say… it should be enough!” Mr. Han literally shout & begged him.
Finally Yunho opened his mouth, “I understand. I can see where you’re coming from. I’d probably do the same if it was JiHye. But you told me yourself a while ago that it wouldn’t be an easy decision for me. I promise you now that I’ll consider everything and make the best decision for Soon Mi. But for tonight, let me talk to my parents… give me one night to make up my mind. As I also have another person to give explanation too. Whether it’s only for 1 month, I couldn’t do it without talking to him first. I hope you understand.” This time, it’s Yunho who bowed before the elders, deeply.
Soon Mi’s parents just sat there without saying a word. But he could see the appreciation in their eyes. Mrs. Jung then called Changmin and asked him to bring them to the guest room to rest for the night. As soon as they disappeared from the second floor’s stairs, Yunho moved to sit facing his parents.
There was a prolonged silence between them until Yunho told them, “Now is our turn to talk.”
His parents nodded and both sides were thinking hard to ensure themselves that they would be making a right decision for all of them. For Yunho, for Soon Mi, especially for Jaejoong. It’s impossible for them to disregard the fact that he’s been staying with them for 2 years.
Yunho glanced at the clock. 2.15am. He wished Jaejoong didn’t wait up on him at the pavilion. It’s gonna be a long night. But whatever decision that he’s going to make with his parents, it’s better for Jaejoong to have a good night’s sleep. He took another deep breath and started to speak to his parents.
* * * * *
Jaejoong could see from the kitchen window that the living room’s light in the main house is still on. He had taken a very hot shower that somehow his skin felt burnt and turned red all over. But the heat didn’t seem to ease the uncomfortable feeling inside him. He didn’t have any appetite at all though while driving home from the location he was starving like hell. But now he’s just not hungry anymore. Nothing but anxiety and insecurity haunted him.
He’s tired of waiting but he couldn’t close his eyes. For the second time in his life, he felt the same fear that once fell upon him when he received the news of the missing of his parents. Since their bodies were never found, he still believed that they were alive and one day will return home to be with him again. He waited and waited and waited. After 3 years, he sold the house and moved to a small apartment near his high school. He lived with no one else… until Yunho came along. The fear was too strong that he almost vomited. But the physical exhaustion & emotional toll betrayed him. He fell asleep on the couch with all the lights on.
* * * * *
Chapter 4