3.1

They were finally graduated. After months of staying up all night, taking so many tests, submitting assignments, and applying for universities, they finally graduated.

The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the dining hall as family and friends gathered to celebrate the group's graduation. Their parents had arranged a dinner to celebrate their hard work, and everyone was in high spirits. Wonwoo sat next to Areum, their fingers intertwined beneath the table.

Their journey together had been anything but easy. From childhood best friends, to strangers, and then to lovers—it had taken time to rebuild what was broken, but in the end, love had won.

As the evening stretched on, Areum felt her heart race. She had been keeping a secret, one that she had been afraid to say out loud. She glanced at Wonwoo, who was smiling as he chatted with Mingyu. He looked so happy, so at peace. Would this news change everything? Would he be upset?

"Baby," Wonwoo whispered, noticing her distant expression. "You okay?"

She blinked and forced a smile. "Yeah, just tired."

"Want to get some fresh air?"

She nodded, relieved. They excused themselves and stepped outside onto the balcony. The cool night breeze brushed against her skin, and the city lights twinkled in the distance. Wonwoo turned to her, his eyes filled with concern.

"Tell me what's wrong," he urged gently.

Areum took a deep breath, her hands trembling. "Wonwoo, there's something I need to tell you..." she hesitated, looking down at her hands.

He reached for them, squeezing them reassuringly. "You can tell me anything. You know that, right?"

She met his gaze, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears. "I'm... I'm pregnant..."

Silence.

Wonwoo's grip loosened slightly as he stared at her, his brain struggling to process her words.

His lips parted, but no words came out. Areum's heart pounded as she waited for his reaction. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair.

"Pregnant..." he repeated, as if testing the word.

Areum felt a lump form in her throat. "I know this is unexpected. I was scared to tell you. I don't know what's going to happen now, but I—"

Before she could finish, Wonwoo suddenly pulled her into a kiss. She gasped in surprise, kissing him back.

They pulled away, their foreheads still pressed together.

"You're really having our baby?" His voice was barely above a whisper, filled with something she couldn't quite place.

She nodded. "Yeah."

His hands cupped her face as he studied her, as if memorizing this moment. Then, a smile slowly spread across his lips.

"I can't believe it," he murmured. "I'm going to be a dad?"

Areum searched his face. "You're... not mad?"

He let out a breathless chuckle. "Mad? Areum, I love you. I was just shocked, that's all. This is huge... but, it's us. We'll figure it out together."

Tears spilled down her cheeks as relief washed over her. "Wonwoo..."

He kissed her forehead softly, then her nose, then finally her lips. It was tender, reassuring.

"I'm scared too," he admitted. "But knowing I get to do this with you makes me happy. Really happy."

Areum sniffed, resting her forehead against his. "I love you."

"I love you more."

"Wait." She looked up at him. "How are we going to tell our parents? Oh my God, they're going to kill us! What if—"

He interrupted her by kissing her. It was a long kiss, before he pulled away. "We'll figure it out. They won't be mad. I don't want you to worry, okay?"

She nodded.

As they held each other under the night sky, they knew their lives were about to change forever. But no matter what came next, they would face it together.