Gyeom’s jet-black eyes sparkled deeply. Hyunseo could fully feel the countless emotions contained within them. Worry and anxiety, relief and joy all tangled together as Gyeom couldn’t take his eyes off Hyunseo.

He gently caressed Hyunseo’s hair. The large hand cupping her cheek was also full of affection.

“I’m really going to be a dad?”

“Probably.”

“And our Do Hyunseo is going to be a mom?”

“Mm, I suppose so?”

“I actually thought it was taking too long.”

Gyeom’s approaching lips lightly touched Hyunseo’s lips and pulled away. The gaze they shared was incredibly suggestive.

“Right? I came inside Do Hyunseo so many times all this while.”

“…Gyeom?”

“Even when sleeping, I deliberately didn’t pull out. So what I came wouldn’t flow out. Because it’d be a waste.”

“Stop it, what if someone hears?”

“I promise. I’ll make sure to keep Do Hyunseo happy even after you become a mom.”

Gyeom held Hyunseo in his arms. The sincere voice repeatedly adding that he loved her was more affectionate and reliable than ever.

Hyunseo closed her eyes. Though there was no way she could feel fetal movement yet, it felt like something was stirring inside her belly. 

Maybe it was because her heart was beating too fast—she quietly curled up the corners of her mouth.

Meanwhile, there were those watching this scene from a distance.

“Do they think this is their bedroom?”

“Be quiet.”

Sujeong quickly dragged the giggling Guk to the living room. Guk was still in his golf outfit.

“When do I get to say hello?”

“Does it look like there’s timing for that?”

“I should at least congratulate them.”

“Listen, Sunwoo Guk.”

‘I know. I know we have to wait for the accurate test results.’

Even knowing that, it was hard to control his excited feelings.

“Show some dignity.”

“Why keep dignity when I’m about to see a grandchild?”

“At this rate, you’ll offer to babysit too.”

“You’re not planning to babysit?”

Sujeong was about to retort. Isn’t it obvious? How could she babysit when she’s busy to death?

“How pretty would they be if they resemble those two?”

But at Guk’s murmur, the words she was about to say got swallowed. Sujeong was even more excited just imagining it. She kept getting hopeful. 

Whether it’d be a son or daughter—no, that didn’t matter, she’d been secretly hoping they’d just give birth healthily. Even so, Sujeong spoke stiffly, pretending otherwise.

“I don’t want to become a grandmother already.”

“Already what? Anyone listening would think you’re in the bloom of youth.”

“Honey!”

“Yes, honey Seong Sujeong. If you’re happy, say you’re happy. Who’s going to judge?”

Sujeong glared at Guk, who told her to be honest. She couldn’t help it. What could she do about living this way her whole life?

Sujeong sincerely regretted calling him for no reason. Well, she hadn’t expected Guk to even quit his golf game and rush over in one breath. Guk gently patted Sujeong’s shoulder.

“Grandmother needs to calm down a bit.”

“Don’t call me grandmother.”

“Don’t like it? Then you be grandfather.”

“What? This man, really!”

“Let’s send those two home first. At this rate, they’ll spend the night at my house.”

Guk, playful to the end, moved his steps while doing a shoulder dance. An empty laugh naturally burst out.

Sujeong shook her head. No matter how much she frowned, her raised mouth corners wouldn’t easily come down. After blinking her innocent eyes and letting out a helpless breath, Sujeong belatedly chased after Guk.

***

“I’m sorry, sir. The traffic is too bad.”

The taxi driver, glancing at the rearview mirror, repeatedly apologized. A heavy sigh was heard.

“Isn’t there a side road around here?”

“If there was, I would’ve turned the wheel already.”

“This is serious, the baby’s about to come out.”

“Baby? Ah, your daughter must be pregnant?”

At the driver’s congratulations, Hyungja just nodded roughly and looked out the window. 

Knowing it was greedy to hope she alone could move forward when all the surrounding cars were stuck in traffic, she kept feeling rushed.

She should have left earlier. She shouldn’t have met the head monk and just left. Blaming herself that staying to receive some good energy was the problem, Hyungja rummaged through her jumper pockets.

“This won’t do. Let me out here.”

“What? The hospital is still further…”

“Let me out, I’m going to run. How much do I owe?”

Hyungja paid the fare and hurriedly got out of the taxi. She could see the green light turning on at the crosswalk at the intersection ahead.

With her bad knees, Hyungja ran desperately. Even that brief moment waiting for the traffic light felt unbearable, wearing her down. Panting heavily with breath rising to her chin, Hyungja hurriedly crossed the crosswalk.

Hyunseo’s due date had passed slightly. Because her contractions had been steady, she’d been hospitalized early, but the baby wouldn’t come out easily and worried everyone. 

Unable to watch Hyunseo in pain, Hyungja had stopped by a temple she frequently visited to pray briefly and was on her way back. In the meantime, she’d received news that Hyunseo had entered the delivery room.

Not yet. If she’d given birth, they would’ve contacted me already.

Thinking that, yet growing impatient, Hyungja hurried her steps even more. So flustered she didn’t even realize she’d left her phone at the temple, she headed to the hospital in a rush. Her unhealthy legs trembled.

“Excuse me, where is the delivery room…”

“Madam Vice Chairman.”

“Oh my, Madam Vice Chairman!”

Hyungja, who was about to grab anyone passing by in the hospital lobby to ask, bowed toward Sujeong. Sujeong, returning the greeting, had eyes swollen red like someone who’d been crying.

“The baby came out safely. Hyunseo is healthy too.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They’re in the hospital room, so go up and see.”

“But where are you going, Madam Vice Chairman?”

“I’m going home to get some things I forgot. Well then.”

With words that she’d see her later, Sujeong turned toward the passage leading to the outdoor parking lot. From the way her shoulders were shaking, it seemed tears had burst out again. She must have cried from being moved.

Maybe it wasn’t an excuse. Maybe she needed some time alone, even briefly.

Somehow feeling like she understood that feeling completely, Hyungja’s nose already tingled. The person who seemed like she wouldn’t bleed even if pricked with a needle had changed so much. Hyungja hurriedly got on the elevator.

And.

“Auntie.”

“You’re here?”

Entering the spacious VIP hospital room, Hyungja’s eyes took in the undoubtedly harmonious family scene.

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

Hyunseo, saying she’d been very worried because she couldn’t reach her.

“I just called again and you didn’t answer. Did you lose your phone?”

Gyeom, who’d also been quite anxious thinking something had happened. And.

“This child…”

“Yes, Auntie. Our Kkul.”

The baby, freshly washed and wrapped tightly in white cloth, was so tiny it was scary even to look at. Gyeom, holding the baby carefully, also had his body tensed up.

“Would you like to hold her once?”

“No, no, I’m fine.”

“Don’t say that, try holding her.”

“That’s right, Auntie. Kkul will be disappointed.”

At the continued urging, Hyungja reluctantly went into the attached bathroom to wash her hands. 

She dried them on a towel over and over to make sure there was no moisture left, and even then, not daring to, after hesitating for a long time, she carefully received and held the baby from Gyeom. As soon as she did, tears welled up in her eyes.

She couldn’t see the baby’s face. Even though the delicate features were right there.

“Gyeom, this is serious. Take her quickly…”

Hyungja, scared she might drop the baby with her blurred vision, hurriedly passed her back to Gyeom.

Though still awkward, Gyeom, who’d become much more skilled than Hyungja, quickly held the baby. The sleeping baby remained still without moving despite the brief commotion. Looking at the adorably closed eyes and lips, Gyeom murmured.

“I was going to scold you for not coming out and worrying us, but that’s all ruined. You’re too pretty.”

Watching Gyeom, who couldn’t take his eyes off the baby at all, Hyunseo quietly smiled. At that sight, Hyungja wiped away the flowing tears again. Thinking she shouldn’t be so foolish, yet her throat kept choking up.

Hyunseo carefully found and held Hyungja’s hand as she finally turned her head. Hyungja deliberately didn’t look at Hyunseo, who was gently patting with both hands. Holding the baby, Gyeom tactfully went to stand at the far end by the window.

“Hyunseo.”

“Yes, Auntie.”

“You did well. Really well.”

Hyungja finally met Hyunseo’s eyes with difficulty. Hyunseo’s eyes, now facing her, had also become moist.

“You worked hard.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Auntie.”

“What did I do to deserve credit?”

“The whole world knows you’re my benefactor.”

“Oh dear, that again.”

“Thank you. For always treating me like a daughter.”

At the words asking her to please continue doing so, Hyungja didn’t answer. Her throat was choked up and she couldn’t answer.

She just gripped their clasped hands even tighter. When she swept back the fallen hair, Hyunseo smiled beautifully with tears hanging at the corners of her eyes. Hyungja didn’t know how to handle all this overwhelming feeling.

She was newly grateful for everything. Hyunseo who finished giving birth safely, the baby who was born healthy, and Gyeom who stayed by her side throughout to make it possible—she was grateful for each one, and Hyungja finally felt relieved. 

She’d been anxious about when poor Hyunseo would meet her match. She’d hoped she’d only be happy for life.

Hyungja believed without doubt. That from now on, Hyunseo would have far more reasons to smile than now.

She also knew Gyeom would surely make it so. She was just proud of Gyeom, who cherished and loved Hyunseo consistently beyond expectations. Hyungja gave thanks over and over in her heart.

“Auntie, our Kkul…”

Hyunseo calmly spoke. Following her, Hyungja also turned her gaze to the baby Gyeom was holding.

“She’s so pretty. She was pretty before birth, but after giving birth, she’s really so pretty I can’t describe it, I can’t take my eyes off her even for a moment.”

“I’m sure. Just like how Gyeom looks at you, you named her Kkul because honey drips from your eyes too.”

“Yes. That’s why I don’t understand.”

“Hm?”

“Why couldn’t I be that kind of existence?”

She’s so pretty like this.

Just looking at her makes her heart swell.

Every moment is joyful, only grateful feelings.

Why was it like that?

How could they leave?

‘Back then, how did my mom live without seeing me? No matter how hard it was, how, with what kind of feelings…’

Hyunseo, who’d been speaking softly, finally lowered her head. Hyungja stopped Gyeom, who was about to approach immediately, and hugged Hyunseo while gently patting her back.

It was a warm, utterly cozy embrace. Being like this, Hyunseo thought it felt like returning to some time long ago. To those few days when she lived with Hyungja, occasionally crying from loneliness.

“At the temple I go to, there’s a lay Buddhist who stays there.”

Hyungja’s voice was tranquil like telling an old story. Hyunseo struggled to swallow her sobs.

“She prays so diligently. Always except when working, day and night without rest.”

“…”

“I thought it was amazing. A person around my age, even limping on her knees, prostrating to the end. So I once asked. What wish do you have to be so diligent? Then do you know what she said?”

Hyungja, who carefully separated Hyunseo, wiped Hyunseo’s eyes with her rough hands and continued.

“She actually has no memories.”

“Why…?”

“She was in a big traffic accident over 10 years ago, wandered around here and there, and ended up staying at the temple.”

“Ah…”

“So she doesn’t know her name, doesn’t know where she lives, really doesn’t know anything, but some girl keeps appearing in her dreams and crying sadly. She thinks that child is probably her daughter, she can’t see the face but the feeling is like that, so she prays every single day asking to stop making that child cry.”

Hyunseo frowned, feeling sorry for the unfamiliar lay Buddhist for no reason. Hyungja held Hyunseo’s hand.

“So, Hyunseo. Everyone has such stories, so why would your mother be different?”

“…I suppose so?”

“That’s right. There must have been circumstances she couldn’t return from. She surely missed you.”

Maybe like that lay Buddhist, didn’t she survive by enduring with a heart that prayed earnestly every day?

At Hyungja’s sincere consolation, Hyunseo couldn’t stop the tears that had welled up again from flowing. Despite Hyungja’s scolding to stop crying, Hyunseo, who’d been sobbing quietly, turned her head toward Gyeom, who’d come closer.

“If you keep crying, I get upset.”

“Sniff…”

“See, Kkul is crying following mom.”

The baby, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully just moments ago, suddenly frowned terribly. 

Then the baby burst into tears—waaah!—and Hyunseo hurriedly received and held her. Hyunseo’s face, comforting her, was also covered in tears.

That sight was truly endlessly pretty, so Gyeom watched in a daze. Every single moment captured with his eyes was moving, making even his fingertips seem numb. Unable to hold back, Gyeom carefully embraced Hyunseo and the baby.

Watching the three who showed no signs of separating, Hyungja also secretly wiped away tears. Thinking this wouldn’t do, when she turned her head, she could see small snowflakes fluttering outside the large window.

It was the somewhat late first snow.

Though spectacular, it didn’t capture attention. Because there existed the sight of three even more beautiful.

Leaving behind the world gradually turning white, watching Gyeom and Hyunseo still clinging together, and their son Kkul, Hyungja smiled contentedly with her wrinkled face. Her wet eyes quickly became moist again.

end of side stories.