MM 152

A flush of color began to appear on Do-won’s face, which had been tense with nervousness.

“This is our baby, made together with the team leader. It’s amazing… and exciting. Of course, this baby might completely change my life in ways I never imagined, maybe even turn it upside down, but…”

It felt unfamiliar and awkward, but without realizing it, Yu-young’s hand reached toward his belly. Gently, slowly, he began to rub it, as if sharing the warmth he had received from Do-won with the new life growing inside him.

“Even that… doesn’t seem like it would be a bad thing.”

“…Yu-young…”

“Before I met you, I didn’t know how wonderful it could be to live with someone you love. Don’t you think this baby will teach me happiness I’ve never known?”

Yu-young smiled. Until just a moment ago, he had been dominated by unfamiliar and embarrassing feelings, but after saying those words to Do-won, he strangely felt his emotions calm down.

The reason he could speak so easily was because of the warmth of Do-won’s hand, still holding his, which felt as reliable as ever. With Do-won by his side, it seemed like they could solve anything together. The trust he felt from Do-won, as solid as a rock, made him feel safe and loved today, just as always.

Also, when Do-won had first seen the pregnancy test, despite his efforts to suppress it, the joy he couldn’t hide from his eyes must have made Yu-young realize how deeply and intensely Do-won welcomed this new life, even if Yu-young couldn’t fully understand the depth of his feelings.

“Thank you. Darling. Thank you, Yu-young… I’ll… I’ll really do my best.”

Speaking with a lump in his throat, Do-won suddenly hugged Yu-young’s belly and buried his face against his chest. As he knelt beside the bed and clung to him like a big, affectionate dog, Yu-young could feel a wave of joy and excitement rising within him, the same emotions Do-won must be feeling.

“Darling. If you’re okay with it, shall we go to the hospital first?”

“Yes.”

Facing Do-won, who asked sweetly while trying to contain his excitement, Yu-young smiled and nodded. Just as the day, filled with an unbelievable gift, seemed too good to be true, the sunlight outside shone through the curtains like sparkling glass beads.

***

“Congratulations. You are nine weeks pregnant.”

The doctor smiled brightly as he looked at the screen. He pointed calmly to the tiny form visible on the monitor. It looked more like a small, delicate star floating in the vast, dark universe than a living being. Yu-young, holding his breath, gazed at the screen in a trance. His hand, firmly clasped with Do-won’s, never let go.

“I’ll let you hear the heartbeat.”

With cold gel on the ultrasound wand, the doctor gently moved it across Yu-young’s flat lower abdomen. Soon, a loud whooshing sound filled the room.

“This is the heartbeat. Isn’t it amazing? Our baby is calling out to us. ‘Dad, I’m here!’”

“…Wow…”

A chill ran down Yu-young’s arms. His throat tightened. Without saying anything, he simply stared blankly, listening to the sound. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The strong sound, though unfamiliar, filled him with awe.

He was happy and excited about being pregnant, but to be honest, he still couldn’t fully believe it. It made sense, though. He had lived as a single man until he met Do-won, and he had believed he would continue living that way. So, the word “pregnancy” had never seemed relevant to him.

But now, as he listened to the heartbeat, he could finally grasp the fact that life had taken root inside him. What he had once thought of as just a small, distant star [stolen content]in the vast universe now felt like a living being, taking root within him.

This was the baby that he and Do-won had made together. It had swum through the vast, dark universe with its tiny body, eventually reaching him, and now, like a seed, it had sprouted in his belly. The small green leaves of the baby were calling out, asking him to see it, to notice that it was there.

Suddenly, his vision blurred with tears. Trying to swallow the rising heat in his eyes, he turned to see what expression Do-won had, curious if he was reacting the same way.

“……”

When he saw Do-won’s face faintly illuminated in the dark room, Yu-young couldn’t help but quietly take a deep breath.

The calm, rational eyes that were always so composed were now red and bloodshot. His stiff face and lips pressed together seemed unmoving at first glance, but Yu-young could tell that Do-won was doing everything he could to suppress his emotions. Do-won was as moved by the baby’s existence as Yu-young was, if not more.

“Yu-young. Thank you. Really…”

After a long silence, Do-won finally spoke, his voice much lower than usual. Gently holding Yu-young’s hand with both of his, he spoke, his voice filled with emotion. The doctor, watching them with a smile, spoke up.

“Your husband will need to be a great support to you. From now on, you’ll likely begin feeling some differences in your body.”

“What kind of differences, for example?”

Do-won’s voice was incredibly serious as he asked, his attention fully on the doctor.

“Well, at this point, you’ll probably start feeling very tired and sleepy. That’s a common early pregnancy symptom. You might also experience morning sickness.”

“……”

As Do-won listened attentively, his face suddenly hardened. The doctor, seeing his serious expression, gave a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry too much. From the way he’s looking after you, I’m sure he’ll take good care of you. Now, please schedule your next check-up with our nurse on your way out. You did great today.”

“Thank you.”

After scheduling the next visit, Yu-young received the baby booklet for the first time. There were so many different supplements to take, and under Do-won’s direction, he had bought them all. Everything was new, so it was both fascinating and exciting, like floating with anticipation.

With light, excited steps, Yu-young finished all the tasks and was about to get into the car when he casually turned his head to the side, only to find Do-won’s face looking troubled. Unlike his own excited expression, Do-won’s face seemed heavy with emotion.

“…Darling.”

“Yeah, Yu-young?”

“Are you… not feeling well?”

Yu-young asked with a pure expression, and Do-won forced a weak smile.

“Of course not. There’s no better day than today.”

“Then why does your expression look… not so good?”

“…Hmm.”

Do-won sighed briefly, lowering his gaze with a complicated expression.

“I feel sorry for you.”

“Eh, for me?”

Yu-young asked, surprised, his voice louder than usual. He couldn’t understand why Do-won was feeling this way.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“It’s because of what happened yesterday… when I got angry.”

His voice was heavy with guilt.

“In front of everyone in the meeting room… I made you look bad. The truth is, you’ve been going through all this alone, and I didn’t even know…”

“Ah, team leader… I mean, darling, hold on a second.”

Yu-young, in a hurry, mixed up his titles. He waved his hands urgently.

“Did I know I was pregnant? Did you know? Nobody knew, so that’s why it happened. And setting that aside, you had every right to be angry. Don’t forget your responsibilities as a team leader.”

“Team leader or whatever, I just want to ​Read on​slap the guy who yelled at you in the meeting room and remind him to get his act together.”

At Do-won’s troubled voice, Yu-young couldn’t help but burst out laughing. What should he do with this cute husband? While Do-won could still be intimidating as a boss, as a husband, he was so lovable. Yu-young gently pulled Do-won into the car and embraced him softly.

“It’s okay, darling. Honestly, if you hadn’t scolded me in that situation, it would have looked strange to others. So don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“……”

“I’m fine. My boss is also a wonderful husband who fulfills his duties. You’ve been comforting me with everything you’ve got.”

This time, a faint smile spread across Do-won’s face. With a look of disbelief, Do-won chuckled, then opened his arms wide, hugging Yu-young carefully, as if holding something precious. When he spoke, his broad chest, where Yu-young’s head rested, rumbled gently.

“Yu-young.”

“Yes?”

“At work, or with anything, don’t overdo it. Just go as far as you can. Only as far as you feel like it.”

Do-won’s voice was full of concern. But Yu-young knew he wouldn’t easily suggest that he quit his job and rest at home. Do-won was someone who understood better than anyone what values Yu-young had maintained and what joys he cherished.

So, Yu-young deliberately smiled brightly. It might take a little while to know for sure, but for now, it seemed like everything would be okay. Besides, with Do-won by his side at work, he had a feeling he would be able to handle it just fine.

“Yes. I think it’ll be fine for now. As long as I drink some kiwi juice from time to time.”

“I’ll make it fresh every day. Organic, using the best ingredients.”

With a serious tone, Do-won made his declaration, and Yu-young laughed aloud. Still gently holding Yu-young’s hand, Do-won started driving more softly than usual. Though he had always seemed gentle, today, it felt like he was treating Yu-young like royalty.

“If you’re okay with it, how about we go to my parents’ house tomorrow? I want to tell them directly.”

“Of course. Let’s go see your parents. I’m sure they’ll be so happy.”

Relaxing with a comfortable, contented feeling, Yu-young looked out the window, his hand resting on his belly. He couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful baby, like a star, that he had seen earlier. A smile lingered on his lips.