Nov. 13th, 2016 06:05 pm
Prompt #31: Caught Off Guard (2/2)
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hundredxoverfestShe had somewhat made peace with the recent changes in her life. Yet she knew she wouldn’t escape from the truth. It was about time she disclosed everything, but all she wanted was the temporary happiness she received from Yifan and hope for the best in the long term. She had been reflecting about it, and it had heightened when Yifan bumped into her and Sophia in the park.
He was back in South Korea in autumn, but for a different company.
“Well, well,” Junhee said as she crossed her arms. “Isn’t it Mr. Big Shot Investor? You’ve been frequenting.” She continued, giving him a cheeky grin.
“Meetings keep me busy and occupied.” He stated.
“As they should.”
Sophia had been playing with other kids in the playground but had sustained a minor cut while playing in the sandbox, so the little girl sobbed. Junhee’s motherly instincts kicked in and saw the sight of her daughter crying so she rushed to her daughter’s aid, and Yifan stayed in their spot. Eventually he sauntered over to the mom and child.
She bent to her knees and saw Sophia’s scraped knee. In her bag she carried a first aid kit in which contained vitamins, medicine, band-aids, and other materials. Junhee tended to her daughter quickly as she could because she hated the sound of Sophia sobbing. Sometimes, it made her want to cry, but as a mom, she felt that she needed to stay strong for her daughter. Regardless.
“Stop crying sweetie,” Junhee frowned and wiped her daughter’s tears.
“Am I going to die?” Sophia said in between sniffles, it made Junhee laugh on the inside.
“No, sweetie you’re not. It’s just a cut, it’ll heal.” She affirmed her daughter.
Yifan found this side of Junhee endearing. It's his first time to see it personally, and honestly he liked to see more. He felt his face warm amidst the cold weather. He wanted to help Junhee seethe Sophia, so he scanned the park to see what he could buy the five year old. The first thing he saw was an ice cream stand, and went over to it anyway.
Sophia asked to be carried by her mom because all she wanted her mother’s warmth, then Junhee hoisted her up (with struggle), and her daughter clung to her mom’s torso. She made sure that her bag didn’t slip on from her shoulder.
Junhee didn’t forget Yifan’s presence as well and she decided that Yifan should join along for a while. As she was about to talk to Yifan, he vanished. She searched for him, but he was nowhere in sight. She was dejected that Yifan left, but then she saw him and then he jogged to approach them while carrying an ice cream he knew was melting.
“I got her an ice cream,” He presented it to Junhee as the cream was trickling down the cone. “I didn’t know which flavor to get her so I got strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.” He added, with a worried expression on his face.
“That’s thoughtful, thank you.” Junhee then bit her lip, “sadly my little girl’s asleep.”
Sophia easily fell asleep in her mother’s arms, and it gave Junhee both relief and pain.
“Ah,” Yifan was disappointed so he just ate the ice cream for Sophia.
“No matter, I’ll get her candy then.”
“No need,” Junhee smiled at him. “It’s all good.”
They strolled around the park, and Junhee admitted it was nice to spend time with Sophia and Yifan like this. She thought of the days when she felt she needed a male partner and find Sophia a father (or a possible father figure). She didn’t want Sophia to grow up with just her, but she realized that she may not need one yet. She assured herself, that the time will come and the right man will sweep her right off her feet. But then, she felt confident over raising Sophia alone as she had been used to doing things herself and if someone came along it might just disrupt her pace.
Junhee noticed that Sophia finally woke from her short nap. She kissed her daughter right on her temple, and Junhee pleaded that they sit down first because her upper body had been aching.
Sophia finally unwrapped her limbs from her mother and she sat beside her. She noticed a man seated beside Junhee and whispered. She even tugged the sleeve of Junhee’s shirt.
“Mommy, who’s he?” Yifan tried to keep his mouth clamped as he heard Sophia’s whisper from his side.
Junhee joked and shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Yifan stuck his tongue out as his response.
Sophia was scared and hid beside her mother.
“He’s not scary, sweetie.” Junhee kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “This is my… friend, Wu Yifan. Say hi, darling.”
“Hi,” Yifan said first, earning him a smack on the shoulder. He made a peace sign knowing all too well she referred to Sophia, and he wanted to lighten the mood.
“Hi,” she said rather briefly and took cover with her mom’s bag this time. Junhee then gently patted Sophia’s back, and turned to face Yifan, “she’s usually like that. Next thing you know she’s going to drag you everywhere.”
Being the mother, Junhee knew well that eventually Sophia would warm up to Yifan. He showed her a magic trick he learned back in college, which impressed the ladies. He made funny faces at Sophia that she cracked up. It’s been a while that Sophia had laughed because of her mother’s friends, and Junhee beamed at the sight of her daughter and Yifan getting along well. As she had predicted, Sophia pulled Yifan along to the playground. Junhee didn’t mind staying alone on the bench, to her seeing Sophia happy was the best sight she could ever get.
Playtime lasted for a few hours as Yifan mentioned he needed to get home so he could prepare his trip back to China. Sophia scowled and pouted when he was leaving, and Junhee made certain that they will see each other again. The little girl gave him a hug, and he was taken aback by the action. Junhee gasped then found her self giggling and biting her lower lip.
“Say goodbye to Mr. Tall Man, Sophia.” Junhee said as she squatted to Sophia’s eye level. Sophia couldn’t remember Yifan’s name as it was difficult for her to pronounce so they settled for Mr. Tall Man, and Yifan approved of that.
“Bye Mr. Tall Man!” She waved, and Yifan returned a wave for Sophia. But he gave Junhee a wink and he said his farewells to them.
The mother-daughter duo decided to return home and have black bean noodles delivered to their place. On their ride home, Sophia couldn’t stop talking about Mr. Tall Man, about how he made her laugh and how funny he looked sometimes.
“He’s like an angry bird, mommy!” Sophia observed, and Junhee guffawed.
There’s always a question that Junhee didn’t want to hear from Sophia. Whenever they spent time with a man, Sophia never ever failed to ask a particular question, that it brought Junhee dread.
“Mommy, is he my daddy?”
She stopped the car by the sidewalk to compose herself. Her hands trembled on the steering wheel, and found herself needing air; meanwhile Sophia had an expectant look on her face.
“Sweetie, uhm, why don’t we listen to your favorite songs?” Junhee diverted the topic to something else as she didn’t want to be distracted by her own thoughts while driving.
“Yes!” The little girl piped.
“Okay, sweetheart.” Junhee then took the Frozen Album CD out of its case, and when Sophia heard the first song, she sung along. Junhee started driving once more. It didn’t help that Sophia was in the backseat singing along because her daughter’s question played in her mind. Eventually, Junhee had mouthed the word ‘yes’ once as they went home.
He was back in South Korea in autumn, but for a different company.
“Well, well,” Junhee said as she crossed her arms. “Isn’t it Mr. Big Shot Investor? You’ve been frequenting.” She continued, giving him a cheeky grin.
“Meetings keep me busy and occupied.” He stated.
“As they should.”
Sophia had been playing with other kids in the playground but had sustained a minor cut while playing in the sandbox, so the little girl sobbed. Junhee’s motherly instincts kicked in and saw the sight of her daughter crying so she rushed to her daughter’s aid, and Yifan stayed in their spot. Eventually he sauntered over to the mom and child.
She bent to her knees and saw Sophia’s scraped knee. In her bag she carried a first aid kit in which contained vitamins, medicine, band-aids, and other materials. Junhee tended to her daughter quickly as she could because she hated the sound of Sophia sobbing. Sometimes, it made her want to cry, but as a mom, she felt that she needed to stay strong for her daughter. Regardless.
“Stop crying sweetie,” Junhee frowned and wiped her daughter’s tears.
“Am I going to die?” Sophia said in between sniffles, it made Junhee laugh on the inside.
“No, sweetie you’re not. It’s just a cut, it’ll heal.” She affirmed her daughter.
Yifan found this side of Junhee endearing. It's his first time to see it personally, and honestly he liked to see more. He felt his face warm amidst the cold weather. He wanted to help Junhee seethe Sophia, so he scanned the park to see what he could buy the five year old. The first thing he saw was an ice cream stand, and went over to it anyway.
Sophia asked to be carried by her mom because all she wanted her mother’s warmth, then Junhee hoisted her up (with struggle), and her daughter clung to her mom’s torso. She made sure that her bag didn’t slip on from her shoulder.
Junhee didn’t forget Yifan’s presence as well and she decided that Yifan should join along for a while. As she was about to talk to Yifan, he vanished. She searched for him, but he was nowhere in sight. She was dejected that Yifan left, but then she saw him and then he jogged to approach them while carrying an ice cream he knew was melting.
“I got her an ice cream,” He presented it to Junhee as the cream was trickling down the cone. “I didn’t know which flavor to get her so I got strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.” He added, with a worried expression on his face.
“That’s thoughtful, thank you.” Junhee then bit her lip, “sadly my little girl’s asleep.”
Sophia easily fell asleep in her mother’s arms, and it gave Junhee both relief and pain.
“Ah,” Yifan was disappointed so he just ate the ice cream for Sophia.
“No matter, I’ll get her candy then.”
“No need,” Junhee smiled at him. “It’s all good.”
They strolled around the park, and Junhee admitted it was nice to spend time with Sophia and Yifan like this. She thought of the days when she felt she needed a male partner and find Sophia a father (or a possible father figure). She didn’t want Sophia to grow up with just her, but she realized that she may not need one yet. She assured herself, that the time will come and the right man will sweep her right off her feet. But then, she felt confident over raising Sophia alone as she had been used to doing things herself and if someone came along it might just disrupt her pace.
Junhee noticed that Sophia finally woke from her short nap. She kissed her daughter right on her temple, and Junhee pleaded that they sit down first because her upper body had been aching.
Sophia finally unwrapped her limbs from her mother and she sat beside her. She noticed a man seated beside Junhee and whispered. She even tugged the sleeve of Junhee’s shirt.
“Mommy, who’s he?” Yifan tried to keep his mouth clamped as he heard Sophia’s whisper from his side.
Junhee joked and shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Yifan stuck his tongue out as his response.
Sophia was scared and hid beside her mother.
“He’s not scary, sweetie.” Junhee kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “This is my… friend, Wu Yifan. Say hi, darling.”
“Hi,” Yifan said first, earning him a smack on the shoulder. He made a peace sign knowing all too well she referred to Sophia, and he wanted to lighten the mood.
“Hi,” she said rather briefly and took cover with her mom’s bag this time. Junhee then gently patted Sophia’s back, and turned to face Yifan, “she’s usually like that. Next thing you know she’s going to drag you everywhere.”
Being the mother, Junhee knew well that eventually Sophia would warm up to Yifan. He showed her a magic trick he learned back in college, which impressed the ladies. He made funny faces at Sophia that she cracked up. It’s been a while that Sophia had laughed because of her mother’s friends, and Junhee beamed at the sight of her daughter and Yifan getting along well. As she had predicted, Sophia pulled Yifan along to the playground. Junhee didn’t mind staying alone on the bench, to her seeing Sophia happy was the best sight she could ever get.
Playtime lasted for a few hours as Yifan mentioned he needed to get home so he could prepare his trip back to China. Sophia scowled and pouted when he was leaving, and Junhee made certain that they will see each other again. The little girl gave him a hug, and he was taken aback by the action. Junhee gasped then found her self giggling and biting her lower lip.
“Say goodbye to Mr. Tall Man, Sophia.” Junhee said as she squatted to Sophia’s eye level. Sophia couldn’t remember Yifan’s name as it was difficult for her to pronounce so they settled for Mr. Tall Man, and Yifan approved of that.
“Bye Mr. Tall Man!” She waved, and Yifan returned a wave for Sophia. But he gave Junhee a wink and he said his farewells to them.
The mother-daughter duo decided to return home and have black bean noodles delivered to their place. On their ride home, Sophia couldn’t stop talking about Mr. Tall Man, about how he made her laugh and how funny he looked sometimes.
“He’s like an angry bird, mommy!” Sophia observed, and Junhee guffawed.
There’s always a question that Junhee didn’t want to hear from Sophia. Whenever they spent time with a man, Sophia never ever failed to ask a particular question, that it brought Junhee dread.
“Mommy, is he my daddy?”
She stopped the car by the sidewalk to compose herself. Her hands trembled on the steering wheel, and found herself needing air; meanwhile Sophia had an expectant look on her face.
“Sweetie, uhm, why don’t we listen to your favorite songs?” Junhee diverted the topic to something else as she didn’t want to be distracted by her own thoughts while driving.
“Yes!” The little girl piped.
“Okay, sweetheart.” Junhee then took the Frozen Album CD out of its case, and when Sophia heard the first song, she sung along. Junhee started driving once more. It didn’t help that Sophia was in the backseat singing along because her daughter’s question played in her mind. Eventually, Junhee had mouthed the word ‘yes’ once as they went home.
☆☆☆
Junhee knew it was time for her to tell Yifan the truth. Even if it meant losing him again; initially she didn't want Sophia and him meeting, but it was inevitable. She knew she would have to apologize profusely for her daughter in the near future because she won't see Mr. Tall Man again.
Better to tell him now than later, she supposed. It probably was one of the greatest anxieties in her life and honestly she wished she could have avoided this longer.
Hey could we meet in the rooftop we usually hung out in before?
The one on top of the chicken ginseng soup store?
Yep.
Sure. When?
When will you be back?
Next month, on the 8th.
Ah. How about we see each other on the 9th?
Can't.
I'm free on the 10th.
Okay. I'll block the date. See you.
Junhee had been early because she needed to prepare and compose herself. She greeted the restaurant owner whom she had considered like an aunt, and she pointed up and the owner acknowledged. She had been a long time customer of the shop as she loved coming there whenever she needed comfort. She knew that she will need a bowl of soup later.
She climbed up the stairs, feeling the impending cold from the rooftop. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to have the confession there, but it was the only quiet place she knew. Once she reached the roof, she paced. Not only because she was nervous so she could warm herself up. She already wore three layers of clothes, but she detested--no-- despised the cold. Honestly, all she wanted was to get on with it.
Yifan arrived shortly, but was held back by the restaurant owner. She was so excited to see him again, and Junhee heard the commotion downstairs but didn’t bother with it.
She heard footsteps going up the stairs and hoped to Buddha it was Yifan. Her suspicions were right, but once she saw him all the more she didn’t want to confide. He was smiling his signature gummy smile that she didn’t want that to falter or become a frown that will haunt her.
He gave her a wave once he saw her, while she returned one to him. He headed by the edge and suddenly outstretched his arms. Feeling as if he had wings and he could fly whenever he wished. Junhee was tempted to hug him from the back, she did. But she held herself back. Tears started welling in her eyes, but she immediately wiped all traces of tears as she didn’t want Yifan’s last memory of her crying.
Yifan then faced Junhee and noticed that Junhee had a grave expression. He raised his eyebrows in concern.
“Is something the matter?” He asked worriedly, and Junhee nodded wordlessly.
Silence overcame them for a while, hearing a gust of wind as their coats flapping to the same direction of the wind. The cold was unbearable for Junhee, that she even wrapped her arms to her torso to her to keep her warm. Yifan was quick to take off his own jacket to lend to Junhee, but she refused. She suddenly sat, in which he copied her.
“I have to get this over with, because if I don’t I would never forgive myself.” She said quickly as she rocked herself on her spot.
Yifan looked at her with anticipation.
She sighed, “I never told you the truth.”
The man cocked an eyebrow. “Truth?”
She gulped, as she bit her lips and the sides of her mouth to keep herself from crying. It failed her as tears welled. “Five years ago, you weren’t just deported without reason.”
“I’ve been withheld the reason, Junhee. The university just dropped me without saying anything. I tried contacting you, but you weren’t answering.”
Her eyelids fluttered and looked to her side. “My parents are to blame.”
“I’m not following.”
“They never approved of you, Yifan.” Junhee sighed.
“I was supposed to marry someone else after college, and then become CEO after that. That had been an arrangement, but since I became pregnant with Sophia, things changed and my parents. My parents just interfered.” She elaborated as tears trickled down her face, and she refused to show it to Yifan.
“What does it have to do with me?” This was it, Junhee thought. It was the time to say something. She couldn’t hide the truth any longer.
“You’re Sophia’s father, Yifan.” She said, her voice trembling out of dread and nervousness. He couldn’t believe those three words, he had been told it was some guy now it’s revealed he’s the father. Never did he think once as he spent time with Sophia, although it had been questionable in the beginning since he and Junhee had their first time a few weeks before he was forced to leave South Korea.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you.”
“I was going to lose you, if I kept her or not. They threatened me, Yifan. I could keep her, but not you. Lose her, and I keep you. But I knew the latter wouldn’t hold true. Back then, I couldn’t think straight. I wanted to keep her and fought for you, but then they asked the authorities to deport you, and I couldn’t stop them. I’m so sorry.” She elaborated further then she started sobbing feeling ashamed.
“Just say it, Junhee. Say it to my face.” Junhee sensed anger in Yifan’s tone. He then stood up, looking away from Junhee. “Tell me that I wasn’t good enough for your parents because I wasn’t well-off or part of your parents’ inner circle. Maybe I wasn’t good enough to mingle with your folks and their friends too because I’m not what they expected. Sure I ruined your prospects in marriage, and maybe that was their reason in deporting me too. Sure, way to go backward thinking you triumphed once more!” He rambled. “That I could understand, rather than saying on paper that I committed a petty crime-- what a load of shit.”
“But you know what, I worked my ass off everyday, to prove to people like your parents that I’ll do whatever it takes to become successful despite status in life. You know what I achieved that, and I will continue making a name for myself. I intentionally invested in KGC under my new registered name to prove to them that I can do anything. I freed myself from the charges your parents apparently placed on me. Now that I have money, people like your parents treat me as if I’m royalty.” He scoffed. “But I get why they wanted me out of your life, and I can’t blame them.”
“What I couldn’t get was you not telling me that I had a daughter, who was probably fed with lies about her own father. You had five years, Junhee. You had every means to tell me. When were you going to tell me? In ten years? When she’s eighteen? Twenty-one? When I’m dead!?” He snapped. He then buried his face in his hands out of anger.
Junhee then stood up from her spot, but she stayed there. She was unable to do anything, all she wanted was to be free of the truth that she hid from him.
“They took everything away from me! They kept a close watch on me, even when I was in New York before Sophia was born. One wrong move, they probably wouldn’t just deport you.”
“And fine, I lied about the identity of her father.” She cried. “But I had one reason not to tell Sophia about you!”
He froze where he stood.
“I didn’t want my parents to do the same thing they did with me. They took you away from me.” Her tears kept spilling from her eyes, and she couldn’t stop them. “I would be fine if it were me because I’ve gone through it. I know the pain, and I’ve moved on. But I couldn’t do that to her.”
“I couldn’t see her hurt. I couldn’t see her spill tears. I just couldn’t. So I protected her fr--,” She was cut off.
“Me.”
“No, her own grandparents.”
“I know you won’t forgive me no matter how many times I say sorry. You can hate me all you want, I just couldn’t lie to myself anymore.”
“So the past few months, all the texting and messaging and meeting and the sex, was just an act!?”
“No!” She exclaimed and was firm about it. “Was it wrong for me to want you? Was it wrong for me to have you to myself after all these years? I never thought I’d see you again, here you were with your perfect smile, your perfect face, and your kindness and sincerity. I tried to hold myself back, and I couldn’t.”
“I had no excuse not to tell you, and I’m incredibly sorry for not telling you the truth. I don’t know what else to say.” She added.
“I have to go,” was all Yifan said and then he stormed out. She broke down in tears on the rooftop; she said the truth to Yifan, but she didn’t feel freer. She was just broken, she started hyperventilating and she was trembling. It took her time to calm herself, and once she was able to stand again, she trudged downstairs. The owner of the restaurant saw (even heard crying) Junhee’s tearstained face. The lady hugged her tight and comforted Junhee as if she were her own daughter.
“Can I please have a bowl of chicken ginseng soup?” The owner nodded, and asked the cook to whip one up as soon as she placed her request.
☆☆☆
After confiding to Yifan, it seemed as if her life had took a turn. Junhee tried her hardest to forget the words that played her mind, but she was aware that she brought this upon herself; had she not dragged this out. But to her she was never emotionally ready to have him face the truth.
She was at her boiling point one March afternoon. The pressure piled up, and she walked out of a meeting wanting to quit. Wanting to leave. She had herself strong to others, yet she remained broken. This CEO position coveted by many, men mostly who felt they deserved through experience, had brought her mostly pain. She handled it in the middle, but she was certain that she was meant for something else.
She finally confronted her parents about their interfering decisions in her life. Her mother was shocked begging to stay for the company, but her father. Her father scoffed and shook his head. He even had the audacity to insult her by saying if she were only born a son, she would do much better.
"Sorry I was never the son you expected, and will never be the daughter the you're gonna be proud of, and I'm gonna make you regret you view me as such. So long as you're out of my life, I'm all good." She gritted through her teeth and stormed out their ancestral home.
Then she headed to their office on a Sunday and tendered her resignation and left it on the HR's desk. She even left a letter for Ms. Jang, thanking her for her service and company even wishing her all the best in life and her two children. She took one last look in the office. The (ex-) CEO could only count the good memories in her office, and that served as her remembrance.
She went home after that and planned on going to New York with Sophia for two weeks. New York was her place of peace and quiet (though the latter may not really be true), she felt safer there and more at ease. As she was about to pack, she went to Sophia’s bedroom to find her asleep. She hated the fact that she’ll have to wake her daughter up. To Junhee, her sanctuary is just what she needed. It took her time to rouse Sophia, and she rushed to pack their clothes. She didn’t need much, as she left some of her own clothing in New York, but brought more of Sophia’s because she’s certain her daughter has outgrown the clothes stored there.
“Mommy where are we going?” Sophia asked as she rubbed her eyes, her hand clutched to a stuffed bunny named Myeon Bunny, as Junhee was dressing her for the trip.
“Away, for a while.” She was out of breath from all the running and dashing all over the place. She needed this freedom. Even for a little while.
“Can I bring Myeon Bunny, Judy Hopps, and Mr. Dragon?”
“Yes, honey.” She said hurriedly, as she scooped clothing out of Sophia’s drawer only to throw it in the luggage.
Once done, they scrambled downstairs with luggage in tow and hailed a taxi as soon as they could.
Through connections and her unused miles, Junhee was able to book a flight for her and Sophia. But flights were in the morning, so they had to wait in the airport lounge where Sophia got her sleep. Junhee couldn’t wait to return to the state and just clear her thoughts.
The flight was long, and the mother and daughter was getting restless. Sophia even cried when they were taxing in JFK, because all she wanted was to sleep some more. Junhee had no choice but to carry Sophia as she wheeled her luggage to immigration and the arrival bay. Despite her limited English, she was able to get an Uber, and asked to go to an address in Queens.
Good thing there was no traffic as it was past midnight. They finally arrived in an apartment complex where she stayed when she was pregnant with Sophia, whenever she needed a breather in South Korea, or when she just wanted to visit her aunt in the States.
Her aunt lived in one of their apartments, she was the mom’s sister, but Junhee considered her more as the mother. Junhee already told her that she would be arriving with Sophia, and had been reserved an apartment. It actually belonged to one of her aunt’s friends, but they were on vacation and they were given permission to use the apartment.
Sadly, Junhee couldn’t avoid a ruckus as she banged the door to her aunt’s apartment, alerting the neighbors and it made them angry. She bowed in apology and her aunt hurriedly opened the door.
“Auntie Yoomi!” She greeted her, but the aunt was groggy from sleep. Despite that, she helped Junhee carry Sophia. Eventually having her lie down on her own mattress.
“You’ll be staying in the apartment next to mine.” Her aunt reminded Junhee.
“Yeah, I know.” Junhee stripped her jacket off and sat on the couch. Aunt Yoomi took a seat beside her.
“I missed you, Auntie.” She said as she hooked her arm on hers and rested her head on her aunt’s shoulder.
“I heard what happened.” Aunt Yoomi patted her niece’s head in comfort, while Junhee was dozing off.
“But much as I want to hear more, I need sleep and you need one too. You look like hell.”
Her aunt never failed to make her laugh, that even if she was comforting her own niece she would jokingly offend her. She slept in the sofa, not minding the stiff cushions underneath her.
The next morning she moved her luggage and stuff in the next apartment, as Sophia was sleepily following her mother. Junhee pointed her the bedroom and Sophia walked there and crashed on the bed with her Myeon Bunny.
She was grateful to her aunt because they were given a clean apartment and promised to pay rent after their stay. Honestly, all Junhee wanted was to roll on the bed all day and do nothing. Rest, maybe even take Sophia sightseeing, and clear her thoughts. That had been her objective.
They had already spent a few days exploring New York City, and it helped with their jet lag so they are able to enjoy during the daytime. She made sure to have dinner with Aunt Yoomi as the aunt requested to spend more time with cute little Sophia. After dinner, Junhee will always clean the dishes, and do some chores of her own in their apartment while her daughter spent watching Sofia the 1st in Disney.
“Mommy, is this where you got my name?”
“They copied me, honey.” She said jokingly. Nevertheless her daughter enjoyed watching the show, feeling like a princess herself since the character was a namesake. Sophia would usually feel asleep and protest to stay up at a later time. However, her eyes failed her as they were heavy with sleep and Junhee had to help her walk to the bed. She tucked her in and went to the living room to read. Right as she opened the first page, she heard a knock on the door. She ignored it, maybe it’s one of her neighbors that pranked everyone in the apartment. Then another. She put the book down on the coffee table and asked to wait for her to answer the door.
She then looked through the peephole and didn't want to open the door. The man outside wasn't a stranger, but it was someone whom she thought never wanted to see her. Yifan.
"Please open up, Junhee." Yifan knocked the door gently, his tone pleading.
Junhee took one deep breath and exhaled. It baffled her that even after what she said, he wanted to see her. Eventually she turned the knob and slowly opened the door, and she remained hiding behind it.
"How did you get here?" Junhee asked, startled at how he was able to find her
"By plane?" He answered. The response got her annoyed, that she made a face at him.
"I mean, how did you find me?"
"Ah." He snapped his fingers. "Your mom."
Junhee laughed at his answer. "Oh my god stop joking with me. Please."
His stone faced expression made her stop laughing.
"Oh you're serious?"
"I-uh- asked Ms. Jang for help." He explained.
"She told me about what happened. Then asked where your parents live and I had a heated debate."
"You and I both."
He nodded, since he got intel from Ms. Jang. They stood awkwardly in silence. Junhee then saw the sofa.
"Sit." She gestured to the couch, and he took a seat and she followed suit.
They looked at each other with forced smiles; the air in the living room was thick with awkwardness and tension. But Yifan broke the silence.
"How have you been?"
"Good." She replied, then fiddled with her fingers. "You?"
"I'm alright." He shrugged.
"Look, Junhee... I didn't come here to start a fight or argue with you. I would like some peace myself and with you." She gave him a small smile, as they had the same intentions. "I am sorry about what happened."
"Why are you apologizing, I'm the one at fault?" She knit her eyebrows in confusion.
"I could have given you the chance to explain further so I could understand. Clearly my emotions clouded my judgment."
"I've thought about what you said, sometimes your reasons made sense, sometimes it didn't."
"Regardless, I still want to start over." He insisted, and Junhee's eyes widened.
"I realized I shouldn't stay mad at you." He continued. "You still raised Sophia despite busy schedules and never forget to take care of her. That's already saying something, and I may not see it, but as a parent you want what's best for Sophia." In her mind she agreed with him.
"Even if I wasn't there in the first five years of her life, I hope to spend time with her in the next five, ten, or until time allows it."
Junhee teared up Yifan's last statement. "Of course you could spend time with her. I will never disallow that."
"I'm fine with starting over..." She agreed further. "As co-parents and friends."
"I respect that decision, Junhee."
Yifan then reached his hand at Junhee. "I'm Wu Yifan, just a regular man." He stifled his laughter at his introduction.
"Kim Junhee, unemployed single mom."
The two shook their hands and agreed to make their newly reformed friendship.
Junhee noticed Yifan yawn, and she had to ask. "When did you arrive?"
"Hours ago. Actually."
"Oh no. You must be tired." Junhee said, worry laced in her voice.
"I've been worse." He yawned again.
"You have to rest first, Yifan."
"Thank you for being thoughtful, Junhee. I can manage."
"Where's Sophia?" He asked.
"I tucked her right before you arrived."
"Oh." He frowned.
"You can come visit her tomorrow, Yifan."
"Until when are you here?" He asked.
"Next week. Then we'll leave." Junhee said and then saw that Yifan was looking at the bedroom.
"You want to see her?" She asked, her lips formed a smile.
He noddd wordlessly. Sophia's parents stood up at the same time, but Yifan followed Junhee. She opened the door, and made sure to open it slowly as it creaked.
They see their daughter asleep soundly, cuddling her stuffed animals. Junhee sat beside her on the bed, and Yifan remained standing; his hands inside his pockets.
He spotted the three stuffed animals she snuggled with, and he pointed it at Junhee. She chuckled and mentioned all their names.
"Myeon Bunny? Judy Hopps?"
She stood up and approached him with light footsteps.
"My parents told me that if I was born a boy, they would have called me Junmyeon." She explained.
"Judy Hopps." She raised an eyebrow. "You don't know Zootopia?"
He shook his head.
"It's her favorite movie for the past few days. She watches it almost everyday."
"I'll watch with her tomorrow." Yifan then said. Junhee smiled at the thought that Yifan and Sophia would finally spend time together formally as father and daughter. He looked to his side and saw her smiling.
“I have to go.” He said and they exited the bedroom, Yifan snuck a final peek before introducing himself tomorrow as her father.
She saw Yifan out the door and said her farewell with a whisper.
☆☆☆
The next morning, Yifan arrived with flowers for Junhee and a box of chocolates for Sophia. Junhee thanked Yifan for the gesture and immediately put the flowers in the vase. The Kims had just finished their breakfast, and Yifan was both nervous and excited to meet Sophia again. Their daughter was busy playing with her dolls in the bedroom, but Junhee called her from the living room. She carried Judy Hopps with her and ran to the sound of her mother’s voice but stopped as she saw the man sitting in the living room.
“Mr. Tall Man!” She remembered him after all.
“Hi Sophia.”
“Darling,” Junhee started. “Mommy has something important to say to you.” She continued, placing both her hands on their daughter’s shoulders. The little girl held on to her stuffed toy tightly, and had a scared look on her face. Junhee stroked her hair as a form of relief.
“Mr. Tall Man…” She pointed at Yifan. “You may need to stop calling him that.” Sophia then pouted at her mother.
“Why?” She wailed.
“He’s your dad, honey.” She puffed her cheeks, and her eyes widened at the news.
“My dad?” Sophia repeated, asking, just to clarify if it was real. Junhee nodded.
“I’m your dad.” He reached out his hand to his daughter, formally introducing himself as such. It took Sophia time to process it, but instead of returning a hand shake she hugged him. He embraced her back and Junhee found the scene moving.
He let go of the hug first, grinning and tearing up at Sophia because for the first time, she became her father. They were surprised at how accepting she was. To Junhee, maybe, she knew her father would come back to her, as she had always asked where was. A child’s mind still amazed her even after five years.
“Do you want to watch a movie with me daddy?” She asked him all of a sudden, both parents knowing all too well which film their daughter referred to, that they smiled at each other in acknowledgement.
“Which movie, Sophia?” He asked.
“Zootopia!!!” She squealed in excitement.
“I’m excited to see it.”
Junhee prepared the movie on the television, but what she didn’t see was Sophia lacing her little hands with her father’s much larger ones and even if she was still small, she pulled her father with all her might to the couch.
“Come watch with us mommy!” Sophia requested.
“Yeah, Junhee, watch with us.” Yifan followed along.
She couldn’t say no to Sophia, so she stayed to view the movie with them.
After the movie, they had lunch in a nearby restaurant, which was Yifan’s treat. They then went to the mall, where Yifan bought Sophia a new stuffed toy to add to her collection. It was a stuffed alpaca, and he named it Ace. She was happy to receive it and thanked her father.
The family had dinner at an Italian Restaurant in Manhattan (upon Junhee’s recommendation), and after that they headed home. Sophia was drained from all the walking they did for the past few hours, and Yifan insisted to carry his daughter.
That night, it was Yifan who tucked Sophia in bed. Junhee was thankful that Yifan had spent the day with them, despite being tired and possibly still jet lagged.
“So long as it’s for Sophia, I’m okay.” He assured.
“See you soon?” Junhee asked.
He nodded and left the Kims rental apartment.
☆☆☆
Epilogue: Three Years Later
A lot of things had changed in Junhee’s life. She had reconciled with her mother, but still in the process in mending her relationship with her father.
In her time of unemployment, she kept herself busy by learning how to bake, cook, and brew coffee. After much deliberation, she decided that she will start her own business by establishing a bakery and café near a university. Sophia had started elementary right after her sixth birthday, and Junhee was both happy and sad that her daughter was growing up. That was life, she reminded herself.
On her birthday, it was decided they would open the bakery and café to the public. They needed to make last few improvements and touches on the store before its opening. She’s nervous, but someone had been her support aside from her daughter Sophia.
Yifan.
The two had rekindled their romance when Junhee told him she was ready to date again. It took a few bad dates to realize that Yifan was the best fit in her life.
“Why look further... when you have me, a man who’s in front of you?” He said confidently back then, earning him a slap on the shoulder.
Junhee was behind the wheel driving to the bakery with Yifan who was blindfolded. He was aware that the bakery was under construction, but Junhee said that Yifan could see the store only if it was almost finished. They brought Sophia along since she didn’t want to be alone in their house.
“Are we there yet?” Yifan asked, as he was excited to see the interior of the bakery.
“Not yet daddy.” Sophia said and Junhee gave her a thumbs-up.
Junhee declared they were parking by the driveway, and Yifan had been itching to remove the blindfold. Sophia alighted the vehicle first running inside, while Junhee had to help her boyfriend exit the car. They held hands as they walked and when they entered, Junhee told Yifan to take the blindfold off. Sophia was by the cashier with outstretched arms.
“Ta-da!!!” The mom and daughter said in unison.
Yifan was in awe by the interiors. Junhee went for the galaxy theme that all of them loved. The walls were white, but the ceiling was black. It had the constellations, which would glow in the night, Junhee mentioned. She even pointed how Gemini, Scorpio, and Taurus’ constellation were together despite being mapped in different areas in the sky.
The bakery-cafe could fit around 50 people inside, since they were a few blocks from a university, she would expect them pouring in. Tables of different shapes and lengths were scattered around the store. The cashier was in a small spot by the wall, beside that a freezer that would house different pastries and the coffee station. Behind the workstation was the kitchen, in which Junhee wanted Yifan to see.
It wasn’t large but it was spacious enough for three cooks. The kitchen was filled with silver appliances, and Junhee needed to add some more materials.
The couple stood by the sink, Junhee’s arms were around Yifan’s neck, while his were wrapped around her waist.
“What do you think?” She asked, grinning.
“It’s great! I’m so happy for you.” He said and gave her a peck on the kiss.
“I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished thus far, and I’m excited for you to open the store.” He added.
“Thank you.” She tilted her head. She tiptoed to reach Yifan’s lips and returned a kiss.
Yifan suddenly held her waist tight and lifted her up to take a seat by the sink. She squealed and clamped her hands on her lips. Thanks to the silver table she sat on, Junhee became a little taller.
“So this is the view from up here.” She mentioned.
Yifan buried his face on the crook of her neck, with Junhee kissing the top of his head.
“Thank you for believing in me, Yifan.” She whispered as she ran her fingers on his hair.
“I’ll never stop doing so.” He declared.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you too.” He responded.
“Ms. Kim?” An interior designer interrupted their moment, as she opened the door to the kitchen. She was startled at the sound of her name, so she hopped off the table, while Yifan took a step back. The interior designer was embarrassed for disrupting them.
“Yes, Mina?” Junhee asked.
“Ms. Choi is looking for you.” Mina then left, and Junhee felt sad that she had to leave Yifan alone for a while.
“Duty calls.” She pointed to the door, while still holding Yifan’s hand.
“Go.” He said as she let go of her hand.
Yifan then decided to look for Sophia so he could keep someone company, but as he was about to exit the kitchen, he received a text.
Hi Mr. Wu, this is Jisoo from the Jewelry Store. The engagement ring is ready for pick-up.
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I'M DED ALSO I'M FUCKING SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!
i'm so sorry for the language but I'M JUST TOO OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTIONS!!!! gdi author-nim I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I FRICKIN LOVE IT!!!! i've been wanting a fic like this for krisho for soooo looooonnng despite all the cliches and stuff AND I'M SO GLAD THAT THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!!
first of all, thank you so much for picking out my prompt from the hundreds of prompts for this fic fest. thank you for breathing life into it and for turning the prompt into one amazing piece. do know that i'm one of the biggest domestic trash in the krisho dumpster and i've been screaming all throughout the fic
which you pretty much know.second, i love the turn of events in this one and i like how you allocated enough storylines for the different relationships in this fic. the mother and daughter tandem was the best!!! i've been squealing in all their moments BUT YOU MADE AN ANGEL CRY DFGHKJDSFHGDK!!!! you had your fair share of fluff and drama which made it feel more real and i can picture it out clearly.
lastly, for someone who wrote smut for the first time, i must say that was a job well done ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°). the smut part was dancing along the lines of being shy for a first time but being brave to overcome that hurdle and i have nothing but praises for you in that *winks*
overall, this fic is amazing and definitely something that i will treasure (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
GREAT JOB, AUTHOR-NIM!!!!1 and thank you once again for writing another amazing piece!!
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Thank you so much for reading this
(messy)piece. I could've done better, but you know I could just message you anytime when an idea pops into my head. ;)Again, thank you so so so so much that you liked it <3
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