AAE -- For Better For Worse

Part 3 -- Chapter 36

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Jae-Young races around the coffee table in Gwi-Sung's Seongnam apartment, arms stretched wide, shouting at the top of his lungs.

 

"Vroom... Vroom! Grandpa! Daddy! Look at me! I'm a big airplane!"

 

Gwi-Sung grins, eyes crinkling with delight.

 

Hyung-Chul cups his hand over his mouth, speaking with a mock-staticky voice. "This is Seoul Tower to Airplane Jay. We see you. Begin landing -- Over."

 

"Vroom..." Jae-Young makes another noisy loop and crash-lands into Gwi-Sung's lap.

 

"Ho! What's this?" Gwi-Sung laughs, mussing the boy's hair. "You can fly like an airplane?"

 

"Uh-huh," Jae-Young nods vigorously. "I show you again!"

 

"Not now," Hyung-Chul says firmly. "Daddy and Grandpa need to talk. Take your new dinosaur book and read with Mae-Young."

 

He picks up a book from the coffee table and hands it over. Jae-Young skips across the room, flops to the floor beside his sister, and starts flipping pages.

 

 

Gwi-Sung lifts his bottle of Hite and takes a long swallow. "I'm glad you could take a holiday and come for New Year. It's nice having the family all together for once."

 

"It's not just for the holiday," Hyung-Chul replies. "We've decided to stay permanently in Seoul."

 

"But... what about the house you just bought in London?"

 

"There's a strong demand for rentals in that area. After the New Year, I'll go back, pack up our things, and list it with an estate agent."

 

"And the business?"

 

"In my absence the store managers will keep things going. I'm planning a transition to an employee-owned corporation."

 

"But your investment -- the money will be tied up for years."

 

"That's right. But it's not just a business, it's a mission. Selling wouldn't guarantee that our purpose continues. Plus, I want to do the right thing for the employees and management team. Their hard work is what helped make the company successful. They should get a reward in return."

 

"How will you manage in the meantime?"

 

"We have some savings. And I'll start looking for a job -- a new beginning."

 

Gwi-Sung raises his bottle with a grin. "Here's to new beginnings and success in the New Year."

 

Hyung-Chul lifts his own. The bottles come together with a clink. Foam slides down the glass.

 

After a long swig, Hyung-Chul calls toward the kitchen, "More beer, Honey?"

 

 

Sun-Mi stands at the kitchen counter, apron tied neatly over her red Ted Baker A-line shift, hair coiled into a loose chignon at her nape. She tosses japchae in a Corelle bowl, heat from the freshly fried noodles flushing her cheeks and beading sweat across her forehead.

 

"Just a minute, Dear," she calls back, her voice light over the sizzle of hot oil.

 

At the cooktop, Gwi-Sun stirs steaming tteokguk beef in a pot. "You really didn't know?"

 

"I saw the doctor just before we left London," Sun-Mi replies. "The ultrasound showed I'm already at eight weeks."

 

Song Jin-Suk pauses at the cutting board, knife poised mid-air. "You're thirty-five! Is another child a good idea now, especially so soon after the last one?"

 

"But I'm not getting any younger, either," Sun-Mi counters, a small smile on her lips. "We take it as God's blessing. It just happened."

 

"Last time I checked, babies don't 'just' happen. But with a man like yours, I understand," Gwi-Sun teases.

 

"Auntie!" Sun-Mi fans her face, laughing. "Shh... Senior might hear you! Can we talk about something else?"

 

 

Smiling, Gwi-Sun turns down the heat, steam curling around her cheeks. "No morning sickness this time?"

 

Sun-Mi shakes her head. "My London friend, Jang Mi-Jung -- she's a chemist -- says it's probably because it's a boy."

 

"Another boy?" Gwi-Sun asks, pouring anchovy dashi into the pot. "Hyung-Chul must be thrilled!"

 

Sun-Mi puts down the salad server. "Actually, he says he'd like another girl, as long as she's just like me."

 

"Really? He said that?" Jin-Suk chuckles, sliding the sliced kimchi onto a small plate.

 

Gwi-Sun clucks her tongue. "I didn't know he's such a glutton for punishment!"

 

Laughter ripples through the kitchen, mingling with the aroma of soy and garlic.

 

 

Hyung-Chul calls again, "Sun-Mi?"

 

"Coming!"

 

"I'll finish it for you," Song Jin-Suk says, moving over to toss the cooled noodles with her hands. "Go join your father."

 

"Thanks, Auntie." Sun-Mi takes two bottles from the fridge and carries them into the living room.

 

 

She joins Hyung-Chul on the couch.

 

"I'm happy to hear you're going to stay," Gwi-Sung says. "But why the sudden decision?"

 

Sun-Mi glances at Hyung-Chul. "It wasn't so sudden. I was already thinking about it before we left. And once we arrived, I knew in my heart that it was time to return home. I want our children to grow up knowing their family."

 

"Any decision on where to live?"

 

"We'll be staying at my father's for now," Hyung-Chul explains.

 

 

His mobile chimes. He slips the phone from his pocket and glances at the screen.

 

"It's Kim Sun-Dal. I need to take this."

 

Sun-Mi lightly touches his arm. "While you're up, Dear, could you check on Jun-Ae?"

 

Hyung-Chul pats her knee. "Sure." He rises and walks off, phone at his ear.

 

 

Gwi-Sung gazes at Sun-Mi, his brow furrowed.

 

"Will you be all right, living with Hyung-Chul's step-mother?"

 

Sun-Mi nods. "We met once, before I went to London. I don't think it will be a problem. Chairman Yoon was always kind to me. I'll be fine. You don't need to worry."

 

"Well, I still do. People like the Yoons live in an entirely different world."

 

"The only thing I'm concerned about is the children adjusting," she says. "We just settled into the new house in London -- and now this."

 

"Children are more flexible than we give them credit for," Gwi-Sung counsels. "As long as they have their mother and father, they'll be fine."

 

"I know. But I still worry."

 

He leans forward, his voice softening. "With children, you worry your entire life -- even more when they go out on their own."

 

Sun-Mi lowers her eyes and draws in a slow breath. "Daddy, I must've made you worry so much these past years. I'm sorry."

 

"Don't be," he chuckles. "It's just the way it is."

 

 

Gwi-Sun appears in the doorway, apron removed. "Dinner's ready!"

 

Sun-Mi stands. "May? Jay? Put the books down and come to the table  -- now."

 

Mae-Young gets up. "Yes, Mommy."

 

But Jae-Young turns another page, eyes glued to the book. "I wanna read."

 

Sun-Mi raises her voice. "Yoon Jae-Young! Come here this instant!"

 

"But Daddy said I could!"

 

She takes a step toward him, just as Hyung-Chul enters with Jun-Ae nestled in one arm.

 

"Seoul Tower calling Airplane Jay!" he announces with the same mock-staticky voice as before. "Takeoff cleared to fly to the table! Over!"

 

Jae-Young leaps up, spreading his arms wide. "Vroom... vroom..." he shouts, feet pounding as he speeds toward the dining room.

 

Hyung-Chul sends Sun-Mi a wink. She smiles back, covering her mouth as she laughs.

 

 

They gather around the table, Gwi-Sung seated at the head. Sun-Mi straps Jun-Ae into her high chair at the foot of the table, then takes the seat next to her.

 

"Senior... grace?" she asks quietly.

 

Hyung-Chul reaches out. One by one, they join hands and bow their heads.

 

"Heavenly Father," he begins. "Thank You for this food, graciously provided to nourish our bodies. Thank You that we can gather to celebrate the New Year. Bless us with health and peace by Your grace. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen."

 

"Amen." They look up and release their hands.

 

Gwi-Sung smiles. "Finally, the whole family is together again. This will surely be a lucky New Year!"

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Later, in their hotel suite, Hyung-Chul comes out fresh from the shower, his hair still damp. His short white terrycloth robe is tied loosely at the waist. He stops in the doorway, watching Sun-Mi.

 

She is lounging on the loveseat, reading from a devotional. Her back nestles into pillows piled against one arm. Legs stretch across the cushions, ankles resting on the other arm. Her loose chestnut locks cascade over her shoulders. She is wearing a black silk charmeuse KIM+ONO peony and butterfly kimono robe. Jimmy Choo mules dangle from her toes.

 

 

Sun-Mi looks up, a smile on her lips. "Why are you staring at me?"

 

"You look so beautiful."

 

She scoffs. "Funny, I hear that a lot. From a strange man who appears at all times of day and night."

 

"Are you complaining?"

 

She shakes her head. "Never. Not even after a thousand times."

 

He pours himself a glass of Chivas Regal, then ambles over to the couch, his eyes fixed on her.

 

"What happens when I get to one thousand and one?" he teases with a wink.

 

Sun-Mi shrugs, her voice saucy, "I suppose... I start counting over again?"

 

They laugh together.

 

She sits up and swings her legs around to make room for him, the robe falling open to expose her red silk chemise. He sinks down beside her and puts his arm around her shoulders. She sets the book down and rests her head lightly against him.

 

Her perfumed hair, the fragrance of vanilla and rose petals, envelops him. He inhales deeply. Exhales slowly.

 

"Tired?" he murmurs.

 

"Mmmm. It was a long day. But at least the kids will sleep like rocks."

 

"And Jun-Ae?"

 

"For now. I'll nurse her again at two."

 

"You should rest. I can give her a bottle."

 

Sun-Mi smiles. "That would be wonderful... What did Uncle Sun-Dal want?"

 

"To speak with you. At the office."

 

"Did he say why?"

 

"Why else? You're one of the best announcers MBS ever had. He wants to offer you a program to host."

 

"But I already have a full-time job, taking care of you and the children."

 

"Yes, but what I'm saying is -- don't let that hold you back. Just like with One Thousand Flowers of Hope, you can be more than a wife and mother, if God calls you to it."

 

"Then, you won't mind? This isn't London anymore."

 

"Listen to what Sun-Dal has to say, and we'll talk about it. Okay?"

 

She nods. "When does he want to see me?"

 

"When I go in to meet with Joo-Hee."

 

"Joo-Hee?" Sun-Mi stiffens, sitting upright. "Um... why?"

 

Hyung-Chul pats her shoulder. "Relax. It's about a new position with the Company, a new opportunity, as Executive Director of digital media content and online services."

 

"Are you sure? What about her father banning you from MBS?"

 

"Apparently things have changed since we went to London."

 

"Still, do you think it's a good idea? I mean, Joo-Hee is sitting in the chair that once belonged to you. What will people say?"

 

 

He smiles. "Okay. Out with it. What's bothering you?"

 

She lowers her gaze to her lap. "Senior seeing Joo-Hee again. Working for her. With her every day. After what happened."

 

"Do you think I still have feelings for her?"

 

Sun-Mi shakes her head. "No."

 

She sighs, hesitating. "Well... maybe. She's the mother of your first son. Your heir."

 

"And you?"

 

She looks up, searching his eyes, an uneasy smile tugging at her lips. "I'm just being a worrywort. Never mind, let's go together."

 

"I'll call Sun-Dal and confirm. Can you get one of your Aunties to watch the kids?"

 

Sun-Mi nods, her brow creasing. "I'll ask Auntie Song if she can take them, for the day."

 

Hyung-Chul turns and looks at her closely. "All day? It should only take a few hours. What aren't you telling me?"

 

She leans closer again, curling her fingers around his arm. "Since we're going to be out, I thought we could go on a date, too."

 

He arches a brow. "Hmmm... I sense a bit of jealousy here."

 

"Humph... I'm not jealous!" She scoffs, her voice rising. "If you're going to be like that, forget it!"

 

"What were you planning?" he replies soothingly, taking her hand.

 

Her eyes dart sideways. "It's a surprise."

 

"Okay... but since you have a surprise for me, I have one for you, too."

 

"Since when?"

 

"Since now," he says firmly. "Something I have to do, or I may not be able to."

 

"Why right now?"

 

He grins. "I have a two o'clock appointment with another, very demanding female -- one who never lets up until she gets what she wants."

 

She pouts. "Senior, are you complaining that I'm too demanding?"

 

"Not at all. Just stating the facts." His gaze softens. "And in all fairness, I did ask for a daughter just like her mother."

 

Her eyes moisten. They laugh, quietly.

 

His hand strokes her knee. "Since leaving London, we've hardly had a moment together -- just the two of us," he says gently. "I know you're tired, but I thought we might..."

 

Finally!" Sun-Mi interrupts. "It's about time."

 

He blinks. "Huh?"

 

Eyes shining, her voice drops to a low purr. "I've been waiting to get around to this..."

 

She tugs at his belt. The knot unravels. She pushes the robe back, off his shoulders. He shrugs, letting it slide down his arms. Her hand moves to his chest, fingertips tracing the outlines of the muscles.

 

Their eyes connect.

 

He stands and bends, in one smooth motion scooping her up into his arms and pivoting. One Jimmy Choo goes flying.

 

She laughs, eyes twinkling, face beaming, and kicks off the other 'Choo.

 

 

Hyung-Chul carries her into the bedroom, shoves the door closed with his foot, then lays her down on the bed before sitting next to her.

 

Sun-Mi reaches up. Her arms slip around his neck, pulling him closer.

 

"Happy New Year, Senior," she whispers, kissing him. "Let's make this the best year ever!"