Ch- 23

Sora looked around slowly as they stepped inside the huge building, which no doubt, looked like Jungwon's house.. everything about the place felt grand, polished and quiet.

On the large couch was seated an elderly woman, crocheting with gentle, practiced movements. Her posture was straight, but her hands moved with a soft kind of care.

"Mom"

Jungwon called out, shifting Beau slightly in his arms as the little boy slept peacefully against him.

The woman looked up, her eyes slightly widened, first at Jungwon, then at the sight of a child in his arms, and then at Yeji standing beside Sora. She blinked, recognising Yeji.

"Yeji?" 

She whispered with a small, soft smile, as Yeji stepped forward with an answering smile of her own, giving her a quick hug.

The faint smile on Jungwon’s mother’s lips stretched into a fuller one… until her gaze finally drifted toward Sora.

There was confusion there. A small pause until Jungwon cleared his throat.

"This is Sora."

The change was instant, her smile lowered into something softer, more emotional.

She slowly let go of Yeji and moved toward Sora as if approaching someone long awaited.

"Sora?"

She called out quietly, as though she wasn’t sure she was seeing correctly.

Sora shifted nervously, not knowing whether to smile or bow or speak. Before she could react, Jungwon’s mother reached out, taking Sora’s hand gently.

Her other hand lifting to pat Sora’s head in the tenderest gesture, which alone made Sora finally smile back.

"Is this.."

Jungwon’s mother then turned to Jungwon, eyes falling on Beau sleeping soundly against his chest.

She reached forward and brushed his tiny cheek with motherly affection."Little Jungwon?" She chuckled under her breath, shaking her head fondly.

Then she turned back to Sora, still holding her hands as she guided her toward the couch.

"Come inside."

Sora nodded hesitantly, sitting beside her. Jungwon stepped closer, and right then, Beau stirred. His little head shifted, brows scrunching before his eyes opened.

"..Mommy?"

He mumbled, voice tiny with sleep, as Jungwon’s mother let out a soft laugh.

Beau blinked awake and took in everyone around him, he paused at Jungwon’s mother, staring confusingly as Yeji stepped forward.

"Come, let's get you freshened up"

She said gently, Jungwon followed, guiding them to the washroom, leaving Sora alone with his mother.

Jungwon’s mother softly took Sora’s hands again, squeezing them warmly as she spoke.

"I've been waiting for Jungwon to bring you home. And now.. you're finally here."

Sora swallowed at his mother's trembling voice, her chest tightening.

"Please forgive me, Sora"

She whispered, looking down, tone heavy with guilt.

"If I hadn't been so stubborn, if I hadn't forced him to stay.. your life, all those years wouldn't have been so hard."

Sora shook her head quickly, a deep frown appearing on her soft features.

"No, don't say that. You.. needed him"

Her brows furrowed, as Jungwon’s mother chuckled softly, more in disbelief.

"You needed him more than I did, Sora. You're selfless"

She sighed, brushing her thumb over the back of Sora’s hand.

"Jungwon has always loved you, anyone could see it, but because of me.. I've hurt both of you."

She spoke thoughtfully, eyes drifting down, as Sora frowned again, immediately shaking her head, but Jungwon’s mother gently cupped her hands tighter.

"Come back to us, Sora"

She said, voice firm with love, and gazing affectionately.

"Come back to your family. If not for me.. then for Jungwon."

The sincerity in her eyes made Sora’s vision blur.

She leaned in, hugging Jungwon’s mother tightly, holding on as if steadying herself against the rush of emotions.

Then, footsteps approached and Jungwon appeared again, Yeji behind him, and Beau waddling at her side, now fully awake and curious. Jungwon’s mother smiled widely and called Beau over.

"Come here, sweetheart."

She helped pull him onto her lap, as he looked up at her with big confused eyes.

"I'm your Grandma"

"..Grandma?"

He asked, glancing between her and Sora, as Sora nodded gently, confirming it.

"Hmm, you're going to live here with us from now on."

Jungwon’s mother said with a warm smile, fixing his little shirt, as Beau’s eyes lit up instantly.

"Really? And Mommy too?"

He asked breathlessly, turning toward her with a hopeful smile. Jungwon’s mother nodded, earning a cheerful laugh from him.

"Do you want to see around? Come, I'll show you."

She spoke, gently lifting Beau and walked off to show him the house. Yeji followed them, leaving Jungwon and Sora… alone.

Jungwon moved and crouched in front of her, reaching up. The back of his fingers brushed gently along her cheek, tilting her face toward him.

"You agreed"

He whispered, sounding both relieved and breathless.

He intertwined his fingers with hers, leaning his forehead against hers, and closing his eyes for a brief moment.

"Feels like forever since I saw your face so up close"

He murmured, voice low and gruff, as Sora let out a soft breath, a small, shaky sound.

She pulled him into a tight embrace, a faint sob escaping her lips, as Jungwon held her back, strong yet gentle.

_____

He led her upstairs, their fingers still intertwined. As they reached his room, he pushed the door open slightly, letting her step in first.

Sora took in the sight, the room was spacious and neat. Jungwon stood behind her, his voice soft.

"This is our room now.. yours and Beau's. I want you both here, with me."

Sora turned to him slowly, as he stepped closer, arms encircling her waist.

"This house never felt like a home without you."

She blinked, her eyes softening at his honesty.

He offered a faint smile in return, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Stay" He whispered.

And with a trembling smile forming on her lips...

She did.

_______