40

You found Namjoon already awake, his eyes fixed on the sunrise as he stood by the window. He turned to you, a soft smile gracing his lips as he noticed you entering the room.

"Good morning, babe," he greeted, his voice filled with warmth. "Had a good rest?

"Morning. I did," you replied, "And you? How was the couch?

"Better than I expected."

"Are you ready for today?"

Namjoon nodded. "I'm going on a walk with your brother."

"Really?" You ask in disbelief. "How did you... get him to say yes?"

"Well, you see..." He scratches his brows. "I didn't exactly ask him. It was your mom who insisted on running to the store for some extra stuff she said she needed to make side dishes."

Your mother's antics leave you stunned. You know your father normally did all the cooking and assembling, but you keep it to yourself. Also, the idea of running out of ingredients seems far-fetched.

"Ah..." You enthuse. "And you volunteered?"

Namjoon doesn't even make an effort to turn his back on you as he buttons his jeans over his gorgeous toned legs. You're not sure if he's doing it on purpose, but it surely is making an effect on your body beneath the duvet.

"Yeah, thought I'd make the initiative to make friends with my girlfriend's brother."

Touched by his sincerity, you urge him to come closer as you leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you for trying. I'm rooting for you, and I know that with time, he will see the wonderful person you are."

After a delicious breakfast, the two set out on a bike ride as the store wasn't that far from your house. Your brother, initially hesitant, had reluctantly agreed to join, giving Namjoon a chance.

The look on the older's man face remains in your mind, dimpled cheeks and eyes that gleamed as you bid him well before he caught up to Sunho, who was already crossing the street with his bike.

As the wheels turned and the wind brushed against their faces, you watched as Namjoon made a genuine effort to engage your brother in conversation, calling out behind him in an attempt to get the younger to slow down. He didn't.

Namjoon asked about his interests, his dreams, and listened attentively to his responses. Slowly, but surely, the tension eased between them.

Namjoon's playful nature emerged as he shared stories and made jokes, his laughter echoing through the streets. Your brother, who had been reserved at first, couldn't help but crack a smile, the icy barrier between them beginning to thaw.

As the two boys rode along, there was a transformation taking place. Namjoon's genuine interest and willingness to understand Sunho bridged the gap that had once seemed insurmountable.

The two stopped by a park, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the joy that filled the air. Namjoon playfully challenged your brother to a race, and his laughter filled the air. Surprisingly, Sunho's injury from the bike crash fully healed in time. There was no way he'd lose. He was sure of it.

"First one back to the house gets anything they want."

Sunho gave the latter a second glance. Namjoon knew what he was doing. There's nothing he could ever give up for the younger boy to outweigh the consequence. If Sunho wins, he gets to ask for anything, and he knows Namjoon can provide just that. And if he loses? He's got nothing worth losing.

Namjoon had his left foot against the railing as he waited for the boy's answer. There was no doubt Sunho is intelligent, he is your brother after all. However, he's thinking deeply, weighing his options. It's embedded in his mind - doing a cost-benefit analysis. What he'll lose out on if he chooses between one or the other? He's taken business classes to know the basics.

The bond that had seemed elusive was now being woven together, thread by thread, creating a tapestry of acceptance.

"Fine," Sunho concluded. "What do I get if I win?"

Namjoon shrugged. "Anything you want. Just - not a house or anything like that," the man chuckled. "Property tax and all."

Sunho hummed to himself. "And if I lose and you win?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we're there." The man simply smiled as they were getting ready to commence their little race.

──────────────────TWO MONTHS LATER──────────────────

You hadn't seen Namjoon in about eight weeks.

And those weeks have been the toughest.

The gloom outside was gradually affecting your mood, though you woke up with a sense of excitement, knowing that today was the day Namjoon was finally coming from his four-week business trip that felt like a lifetime for you.

When you both returned from Gyeongju over two months ago, he had to leave immediately for the airport after taking some of his belongings with him, not realizing he'd be gone for that long. What you thought would be a week in Australia turned into a few weeks, then a month.

You weren't expecting to be apart for so long, but you managed to phone and FaceTime each other by the end of the day. Even if he was up when it was time for you to sleep and vice versa, it wasn't enough.

You were alone in his house. Alone and stressed. But you didn't want to be a burden, especially when something so shocking occurred over those days he couldn't physically be with you.

It was the dramatic shifts in your behavior, eating habits, and daily routines. You assumed that the odd feelings were caused by the distance of being away from him for so long, but when you met with your new physician, Doctor Shin, for your monthly check-ups, you were astonished by the news.

You should have known. It made sense given your horrible hormones and late cycles.

You were pregnant.

And you haven't said anything to him, and you're upset at yourself for keeping him in the dark about everything.

You could sense whenever he called that the work he was doing overseas had taken its toll on him, and he refused to keep you updated, and whenever you'd ask about his day, he'd repeat the same thing. It's all right, love. Difficult, but doable.

You jumped out of bed quickly after checking for any new messages you could have missed the night before, and there were three from Namjoon. One was an attachment, a photograph of himself in a car with a bridge somewhere in the background. His only words are, "I miss you so much. Can't wait to see you.

The simple message was enough to make your stomach twist.

Literally.

You found yourself promptly with your head over the toilet bowl, your big shirt riding up your bare thighs.

You had decided a few days before that you weren't good with words like Namjoon, so you were going to tell the news by giving him the tube stick wrapped in clear plastic and placed inside a tiny white box with ribbons to perhaps relieve the strain.

You took a deep breath, steadying yourself as you stood up and rinsed your mouth. The bathroom mirror reflected a mix of anticipation and anxiety in your eyes. Today was the day you would finally tell Namjoon about the life growing inside you, the secret that had weighed heavily on your heart for weeks.

After you got dressed in matching black trousers and turtle neck, a long brown coat, and sunglasses, you carefully tucked the small white box into your purse, feeling its presence as a constant reminder of the words you needed to say.

The familiar scent of Namjoon's cologne wafted through the air, his absence palpable in every corner of the house. But today, that absence would be replaced with his warm embrace, and you hoped that the news you carried would bring him immeasurable joy.

You went about your morning routine, putting your hair in a sleek low bun and adding a pop of color on your cheeks and lips to bring life back into your features, all while attempting to distract yourself from the nerves that threatened to consume you.

But as the minutes ticked by, your restlessness grew.

A knock sounded as the sound of footfall stopped at your bedroom door.

It was Mrs. Han, worriedly holding her breath as she heard the noises coming from the bathroom. She was the only one who knew about your pregnancy, but you didn't have to tell her because she recognized similarities between you and her daughter-in-law. You were grateful for her because she was the one who looked after your needs in the mornings.

Thank goodness there haven't been any cravings, since you can't see her having to cope with any of the inconvenience.

Mrs. Cho is only a housekeeper, but she is being pushed to do additional duties for you, which she does not mind, but you felt guilty for taking her time and insisted on paying her as if she were a full-time employee. Of course, all of which Namjoon does not know of.

"Hey, Miss Park. The driver is here to take you to the airport."

"Thank you, Mrs. Han. I'll be right down."

The anticipation and nerves threatened to consume you on the way to the airport. Your heart raced with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, knowing that the moment you had been waiting for was finally here.

The traffic seemed to crawl as if time itself was playing a cruel joke on you, but eventually, the car was pulled up outside the arrivals terminal.

"I won't advise you to get out of the car, Miss Park," said the familiar old man. "There are a bunch of media reporters scattered around. It's not safe."

"I asked Hana about his arrival, so he should be here in a few minutes."

"Yes, it's better that way."

With each passing second, the knots in your stomach tightened. You watched the sea of people emerging from the terminal, searching for the familiar figure of Namjoon.

And then, you saw him— a towering, confident figure among the crowd. With a messenger bag across his torso, the attractive man easily stood out to your glistening eyes.

He was dressed casually and stylishly in dark slacks and a brown crewneck shirt that clung well to his figure. His hair was carefully swept back, highlighting his lovely tan complexion.

You couldn't see his expression because he was wearing a black face mask and tinted sunglasses, but you could tell he was eager to see you because his steps were wide. Even the reporters were having difficulty keeping up with him as he crossed the street.

Another man dressed in formal attire approached him and hauled a bag behind him. You guessed it was the bodyguard making sure no one approached Namjoon.

Your heart skipped a beat, and a smile tugged at the corners of your lips. You wanted so badly to run out of the vehicle and embrace him, but you knew it would jeopardize both of your privacy.

As Namjoon approached the car, Mr. Song quickly got out to put his luggage in the trunk.

Without a word, you opened the door for him, and he slipped into the passenger seat, his exhaustion evident in the lines etched on his face and his tired eyes immediately lit up at the sight of you.

He was not expecting you.

"Joon," you practically threw your body at his arms as he engulfed you tightly. "I missed you."

"B-babe," he stammered, his voice tinged with shock. "What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't wait any longer," you blurted. "How was the flight?"

"It's so good to see you," he whispered as he brushed his hand against your cheek. "It was the worst 11 hours of my life. I couldn't sleep thinking about seeing you again."

"I'm just glad you're here now," you said, looking up to see him staring down at you as if memorizing your face in the back of his mind. "I don't know how much longer I could go without you."

"I'm so fucking sorry, love." He painfully let out. "I didn't know I was going to be away for so long. There was so much I had to fix back in Sydney. I didn't know there was a brewing problem with the new investors until I got there."

You have no doubts about him or his abilities as a CEO. You understand, though, that he has to focus on certain things. The fact that he only took a few of his belongings confirms this. He had absolutely no idea. If he did, he would prefer to bring you along for the lengthy journey. At the very least, you won't be separated.

"I understand."

"I know you would, but it still doesn't make me feel any less guilty."

"Joon," you take his hand in yours. "As long as you're here now and promise me you won't leave again without telling me."

The shame behind his moist eyes drew him closer to tears. "I'm so sorry, Y/N. I love you so fucking much, and I would never leave for so long ever again. I don't care if I have to step down as CEO of the company."

"Joon, you don't have to do that for me."

"No, I do," he continues. "I would do it in a heartbeat because you are far more important to me than anything I own. You have no idea how much I'm ready to sacrifice for a life with you. Never consider yourself a second choice because you will always be my top priority."

You drew his mouth down to your waiting lips and felt yourself immersed in each other. As he reclined back in his seat, you wrapped your right arm over his neck. A salty taste melted on your tongues, and tears trickled down his cheeks as you fluttered your eyelids open.

The way his cheekbones had sunken, the bags under his eyes, and the unexpected weight loss to his whole frame were the first things you noticed now that you could see his face properly.

Namjoon wasn't weeping, but the way he held your hands was a sign. He wanted to draw strength from you, as he always does when he's worn out.

"I love you so much," you gently cupped his face as if you were afraid of hurting him.

"I love you more, Y/N."

You leaned your forehead against his and whispered shakily. "God, it must have been so lonely there."

Namjoon had to bite his lower lip to keep from becoming unduly upset. He didn't want it to be about him. "It must've been worse for you, too," he sniffled.

"I had Sunho and Sooya come over with the kids once in a while." You reassured him. "And I had Mrs. Han to keep me company."

A surge of love and longing filled your chest as you started the engine, but the weight of the secret you carried bore down on you, urging you to find the courage to share the news.

As the car pulled away from the airport, you stole glances at Namjoon, his attention focused on the passing scenery.

Taking a deep breath, you mustered the strength to speak. "Namjoon, there's something important I need to tell you."

His brows furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. "What is it? You seem... different."

Your hands tightened on the purse you couldn't seem to let go of, the gravity of the moment weighing heavily on you.

"I found out something while you were away," you began, your voice trembling slightly. "Something that will change our lives forever."

Namjoon's gaze shifted from the window to your face, his curiosity piqued. "What is it? You're starting to worry me."

You glanced at him, seeing a mix of apprehension and love reflected in his eyes, and your resolve strengthened.

"Namjoon, I'm pregnant," you finally revealed, your voice filled with a blend of vulnerability.

Silence enveloped the car, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Namjoon's eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat. A kaleidoscope of emotions flickered across his face— surprise, joy, and a touch of disbelief.

"You're... pregnant?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

You nodded, tears welling up in your eyes, a mix of emotions overwhelming you. "Yes, Joon. We're going to have a baby."

The weight of the moment hung in the air, a profound silence stretching between you. And then, with a surge of emotion, Namjoon's expression transformed into one of pure bliss. A radiant smile broke across his face, and he reached out to take your hand, his grip firm and reassuring.

"Oh God," he breathed, his voice filled with awe. "I...This is incredible. We're going to be parents."

As the car glided down the road, you felt a surge of relief wash over you, replaced by a profound sense of joy and unity. In that moment, it didn't matter how tired Namjoon was or how long he had been away. All that mattered was the shared love and the newfound bond that would shape the rest of your lives forever.

In the cocoon of the car, you found comfort in his arms as you both stared at the stick in your hands. Two lines. Made of your shared love. A witness to your story.

"This is the best news I've heard all week."

"Really?"

"I might start working from home now. Wait -" He suddenly pauses. "Have you broken the news to anyone?"

"Only Mrs. Han because she found out right away. Other than that, I wanted to tell you first."

"How far are you?"

"Hmm... About seven weeks now."

"Oh God... This is amazing, baby. I can't wait to see him or her."

"Me too," you grinned lovingly, letting him pull you for an open mouth kiss. "All I know is that you're gonna be the most amazing father to our child."

"And you're gonna be the best mom ever."

"We're gonna have to tell them soon," you prod.

"I know they were enraged when we didn't inform them we moved in together. Especially Mom. She was planning on flying out here and beating me up." Namjoon sighed as he remembered his enraged mother, who had received the news for the first time over the phone. "She didn't talk to Seokjin-hyung for a week because he kept it hidden from her."

You burst out laughing. "I expected my father to be upset as well. But for some reason, he seemed unconcerned about it. Isn't that odd?"

"Uh..." Namjoon laughed nervously, making you raise your brows at him. "I may have said it to him by accident during our last conversation..."

"Of course, you did."

"I didn't mean to," he defended, lowering his head. "We had a little bit to drink and I... accidentally told him?"

You relaxed back in your seat. "I underestimated him."

"To think I was scared shitless in my pants..." Namjoon mumbled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Your dad is fun as hell, though."

"My dad?" You almost laugh out loud at the thought of your father knowing any other emotions other than his strictness and seriousness. "My dad and fun don't go in the same sentence."

Namjoon shook his head at your comment. He knew you didn't mean to be rude but you also weren't to blame. Most of the time, your dad does look scary, but it takes much patience to get him to loosen up. And for Namjoon, it only took the right drink of liquor.

He was never a big drinker but these days, all he's been doing is collecting different alcoholic beverages from the countries he visited and sharing it with your father during their time spent together.

"I'm telling the truth, babe," he mumbled, "We even talked about going fishing one of these days, on a yacht I'm planning to take with us."

"Fishing?" You gave him a look. "You don't even know how! And you don't eat fish. And a y-yacht? Don't tell me he asked you-"

"First and foremost, your father did not ask anything from me. I was the one who proposed," he grumbled. "Second, I've read books about it, okay? I bought high-quality equipment from abroad and will eat everything we catch."

"If you say so..."

You clung to him, burying your face in his chest, inhaling his scent, and letting the moment wash over you.

✧ ✦ ✧

A car pulling into the driveway jolted you from your lazy time on the couch, rubbing your gentle bump with a mix of tenderness and protectiveness as the other scrolled through the news tabs on social media about you and Namjoon, a soft frown curling your mouth downwards.

Headlines and comments filled the screen with things such as 'CEO of Kim Industries Caught out on a Secret Date with Assistant' or 'CEO getting Dismissed Secretary Pregnant' which only annoyed you. For god's sake! They couldn't even get your full name right?

There were images of you highly manipulated into strange, deformed looks, as well as shots of you arriving and departing for work. Some claimed to be your long-lost relatives, whom you'd never met before.

The weight of the media scrutiny weighed heavily on your shoulders, and the constant intrusion into your personal life had become an unwelcome burden.

With a deep sigh, you set your phone aside, determined to focus on the matters that truly mattered – the well-being of your unborn child and the responsibilities of your role as Namjoon's backbone and biggest support.

It was frustrating to see the rumors and half-truths spreading like wildfire, distorting the reality of your relationship with Namjoon, despite the fact that the CEO's private life had always been hidden from the public eye.

His parents made sure of that as they had access to the biggest news outlets in the media and entertainment industry and are also valuable investors. It did make sense that most of the rumors were written by small sources, but it still made an impact.

As you prepared to resume your research on the assigned cases from the firm displayed on your laptop, a wave of morning sickness washed over you, a stark reminder of the changes happening within your body.

Despite not yet showing, the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy demanded your attention. The delicate balance between your personal and professional life seemed increasingly challenging.

Just as you contemplated how to navigate through this delicate period, the doorbell rang.

With a heavy sigh, you reached for the coms device, you couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and excitement at the sight of your siblings. They were your lifeline, your support system in this whirlwind of media frenzy that had suddenly engulfed your life.

Adrenaline surged through your veins as you opened the front door, your heart racing in anticipation.

Quickly pressing the button, you greeted them with a mix of enthusiasm and weariness, "Hey, you guys! It's so good to see you. Please come in, I have so much to catch you up on."

The moment they saw you, a smile spread across Sunho's face, lighting up his eyes. Without a second thought, he launched herself into his waiting arms, feeling the warmth and familiarity that you had missed for far too long.

"Noona, thanks for letting us stay over for the summer break," he mumbled, grinning from ear to ear as he pulled away, a backpack hanging from his shoulders.

You shake your head and laugh as you remembered his only reason for coming to Seoul instead of hanging out with his friends for the summer. You didn't want to complain though. At least you'll get to spend more time together.

"Sunho, you practically begged her so you could use the swimming pool," said Sooya.

The boy scoffed under his breath at the ridiculous accusation. "Pftt. That's not true, Noona. Don't believe anything that she says. I really just missed you, that's all."

"Okay, okay. That's enough. Come on in."

As they entered the cozy living room, their warm smiles and comforting presence eased the tension that had built up within you until Sooya pulled you towards the kitchen, leaving her Yaji and Inso in the living room. Sunho slowly crept up behind the two of you, observing your strange behavior.

"Thank you both for visiting me-"

"You bitch!" Sooya whisper-yelled as she reached to squeeze your dainty shoulders, catching you by surprise.

"Sooya, what the hell?!"

"You didn't tell me you were carrying a fetus in that stomach of yours!" She exclaimed, a flash of hurt on her face. "We wouldn't have known if it weren't for those things people are saying on social media."

"You don't believe them, right?"

They understood you like no one else, knowing the truth behind the distorted headlines. They knew about your hard work, dedication, and the deep bond you shared with Namjoon.

"We want to hear it from you, that's what we believe in," Sooya retorted. "So, spill it."

Settling into the stools, you shared stories of your recent adventures and triumphs. You spoke of the new projects Namjoon's company had taken on, ones that aimed to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

As you spoke, your siblings listened intently, their eyes filled with admiration.

But amidst the joyous conversation, a twinge of concern tugged at your heart.

You worried about the impact the rumors and false stories might have on your growing child. Your siblings noticed the change in your demeanor and exchanged a knowing glance.

Sensing your unease, they reassured you with heartfelt words of encouragement.

"We know who you are, Noona," your elder brother said, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "No amount of gossip can change that. We will stand by your side, always."

Sooya chimed in, her voice filled with determination, "Let them say what they want, you don't owe them anything."

Tears welled up in your eyes as gratitude washed over you. You realized that, despite the storms life threw your way, you were blessed with a family who loved and believed in you unconditionally. They were the constant reminder of your true worth and the strength you carried within.

As the evening unfolded, laughter and love filled the air, washing away the worries that had plagued your mind.

──────────────────THREE MONTHS LATER──────────────────

You stood in the dimly lit hallway, the silence of the house weighing heavily upon you.

You couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and concern. Your last day at the law firm had been exhausting, and you had eagerly anticipated Namjoon's arrival to whisk you away into the comfort of your home.

But as the minutes turned into an hour, and your attempts to reach him went unanswered, worry began to gnaw at you.

Namjoon is ignoring you for whatever reason, but because you were understanding, you'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

With a heavy sigh, you decided to wait in the lobby of the office building to shield yourself from the biting cold.

"I'm gonna murder him," you mumbled frustratedly, not caring if anyone heard you in the place of law and thought wrongly.

You clutched your phone tightly, your fingers trembling slightly as you dialed Namjoon's number once more.

Mr. Song wasn't answering either.

The familiar ringtone echoed through the air, but there was no response from the other end.

Time passed slowly, hours stretching out like an eternity. Realizing that waiting any longer would be futile, you hailed a cab and embarked on the journey home.

The uneasiness in your heart grew with each passing minute, as questions swirled around your mind like a tempest.

Stepping through the front door, your senses were heightened by the complete darkness enveloping the house.

"Is anyone home?" you called out, your voice echoing through the empty rooms. No response reached your ears, and a sense of foreboding settled in.

If Namjoon was in the gym, there should have been some kind of sound or light coming from the room at the end of the hall. Perhaps he was wearing noise canceling headphones and didn't head you coming in, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Relieved to be free from your uncomfortable heels, you slipped on your cozy house slippers and made your way to the kitchen. As you poured yourself a glass of water, a distant commotion outside caught your attention, causing your heart to skip a beat.

"Hello? Mrs. Han?"

Filled with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, you cautiously approached the sliding glass door, pushing it open gently.

And there, standing before you, was Namjoon, dressed casually in his blue jeans and black hoodie but exuding a certain radiance that captured your attention.

His eyes met yours, filled with a mixture of anticipation, and a hint of nervousness.

"Joon?" You sighed in relief. "Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you. God, I was so worried-" The questions on the tip of your tongue were momentarily silenced as he gracefully dropped to one knee.

The world around you seemed to fade into the background as he took your hand in his, his voice trembling with emotion. "My love, these past weeks, I tried to prepare myself for this moment. I wanted it to be a surprise for your last day before pregnancy leave, but my plans got delayed."

Your heart pounded in your chest, a jumble of emotions rising within you. Confusion gave way to anticipation, and your eyes glistened with unshed tears.

His voice grew steadier as he continued, "I wanted to make this moment special, to show you just how much you mean to me. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, our plans go awry, but one thing remains constant— the beating of my heart when we're together."

Suddenly, time stood still, and all you could focus on was him.

The worries and uncertainties of the day melted away, replaced by a sense of serenity.

You knew, without a doubt, that this was the man you wanted to spend your life with, and as you thought he was going to propose months ago, and then didn't, you assumed he had changed his mind. But he was doing this at an unexpected time.

As the words formed on his lips, the world seemed to hold its breath. "I don't think I'll ever feel at home without you. So, please, pleaseee marry me."

Tears streamed down your cheeks, a mixture of joy. Your cheeks were flushed with tears of elation. You could only nod, unable to find your voice amid the flood of emotions. Namjoon slipped a ring onto your finger, a symbol of your unwavering commitment to each other.

With the unexpected twists and turns, you embraced each other.

"I'm so happy right now."

"Did you expect this at all?"

"At first I did," you admit. "On our trip to Gyeongju I thought you were going to propose."

"Really?"

You nodded. "I saw the ring in our luggage and I thought you were going to propose, but you didn't."

"I was going to," Namjoon said, his eyes softening. "But then Sooya informed me, and my initial plan was compromised."

"I feel betrayed right now."

Namjoon laughs. "Don't be. I'm glad she told me."

Your gaze settles on the exquisite ring adorning your left hand. It boasts a captivating oval modified triangle step cut diamond, elegantly nestled within a band of gleaming gold. The ring's design is both simple and timeless, radiating an enchanting allure that perfectly complements your skin tone.

"It's beautiful, Joon. I love it."

"I'm glad you like it. The most difficult part was finding the appropriate engagement ring for you because I know you don't want anything too flashy."

As the weight of your emotions lifted with Namjoon's heartfelt proposal, you blinked away tears of joy, only to have your gaze widen in disbelief.

Out of the darkness, the warm glow of light emerged, revealing a gathering of your closest family and friends. Your family and Namjoon's side had assembled, wearing smiles of excitement and anticipation.

Your parents stepped forward, their faces filled with uncontainable happiness.

"Mom," you broke into tears as soon as she pulled you into her arms.

"Aww, baby. I'm so happy you've finally found happiness," she whispered against your hair, and as you basked in her embrace, you notice your dad looking away and flicking a handkerchief at the corner of his eyes before Namjoon walks up to greet him.

Is he crying?

"I did it," Namjoon let out, his tone light and airy.

"Good job, Son." Your dad mumbled, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Take care of her for me."

"I will. Thank you, Appa."

Soon, Mr. and Mrs. Kim strode along with Seokjin, radiating love and support.

"This is probably the best decision you've ever made in your life, Namjoon-ah."

"Still waiting for your time, Hyung."

"Oh, shut up. You'll be waiting for a very long time."

"We have to plan the wedding right away, dear!" Mrs. Kim held your hands with excitement.

Mr. Kim shook his head at his wife's enthusiasm. "Let her breathe, honey. You'll stress her out. It's not good for the baby."

Your friends from Kim Industries approached with beaming smiles on their faces. They had recently discovered your relationship with Namjoon, and while some of them were initially taken aback, their happiness now shone through.

However, as with any news of this nature, there were bound to be various reactions among your colleagues.

Some employees, caught off guard by the revelation, expressed their concerns and apprehensions about your relationship. Negative comments were uttered, fueled by their own preconceived notions.

Yet, there were others who simply remained indifferent, acknowledging that your personal life had no impact on their own work or lives. As long as everyone continued to fulfill their responsibilities and receive their salaries, they were content to let matters unfold without interference.

Among your supportive friends, Somi stood out as the most excited and thrilled to be included in the celebration. Eager to extend her warm wishes, she arrived bearing thoughtful gifts in the form of fruit baskets and supplements.

They had been with you through the rocky start and prime of your career as the Secretary. They joined the circle of loved ones, their cheers and laughter filling the air.

As the room settled into a joyful buzz, your gaze locked once again with Namjoon's. Briefly, you shared a silent understanding of the life you were about to embark on together, surrounded by the love and support of your cherished family and friends.

In the midst of the celebration, you realized that this surprise proposal was not just a symbol of Namjoon's love for you, but a testament to the incredible bond you shared with the people that meant a lot to you.The end. 

05 - 28 - 2023