The car rolled to a stop in front of a wide, white two-story house surrounded by a neatly trimmed garden.
Flowers lined the path, and a small stone fountain stood near the entrance.
Jihyun stepped out slowly, the breeze brushing against his face. His eyes widened as he took in the view.
"It's beautiful, Taewon," he murmured, lips curving softly.
Taewon didn't answer right away. Instead, he watched him with quiet warmth, the corners of his mouth lifting at the sight of Jihyun's genuine smile.
"Come inside," he said, reaching for his hand.
(Inside the House)
The living room opened up with high ceilings and soft light spilling through large windows. Everything smelled new.
Jihyun's steps echoed lightly on the polished floor as he turned, looking around.
"You said there was a surprise,"
Jihyun reminded him, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Taewon's lips curved. Without a word, he guided Jihyun through the hallway and stopped in front of a door.
On it, written in soft cursive letters, were the words,
'Little One's Room.'
Jihyun's heart skipped. His fingers brushed over the sign, breath quickening.
Taewon pushed the door open.
(Inside the Baby Room)
The room was bathed in pastel light, the walls painted with faint clouds and stars.
A wooden crib stood near the window, draped with soft white bedding and a mobile of tiny animals in hanbok dangling above it.
A dresser neatly stacked with folded baby clothes some tiny hanbok, some cotton sets rested against the wall.
The floor was padded with colorful mats, and plush toys filled the shelves: rabbits, bears, and stuffed dragon.
Above the crib hung a framed set of Hangul alphabets, each letter drawn in playful colors.
Jihyun pressed a hand over his mouth, eyes glistening.
"It's really cute. It's perfect."
Taewon moved behind him, sliding his arms around his waist. His large palms spread over Jihyun's belly, holding him steady. Lowering his voice near Jihyun's ear, he whispered:
"I hope our little one likes it too."
Jihyun tilted his head back to look at him, and Taewon kissed him softly, their breaths mingling.
"Thank you for everything," Jihyun whispered, hugging him tightly.
Taewon pulled him close, voice low but steady.
"This is our home now. Only ours. We'll make countless happy memories here.
We'll grow old together, raise our children here, and become the strongest family."
Jihyun's smile wavered as tears pricked his eyes.
"Taewon… sometimes I think my parents were right about me. I wasted so much time. I never looked at how meaningful life could be.
I.... only made them tired especially Mom.
I was stubborn, always asking for more."
His voice broke as he lowered his gaze.
"Even Dad's death… it was because of me. If I hadn't forced him that day, if I'd just listened…"
His hand pressed over his belly.
"And Mom… she left so quietly, without even saying goodbye. Maybe she didn't want to see me because I only caused her pain."
Taewon froze, stunned. He had never heard Jihyun speak like this, never seen him break down with such raw guilt.
His chest tightened painfully.
"And now," Jihyun whispered, trembling,
"what if the same thing happens to me? What if my child grows up resenting me, not listening? What if...."
"Shh." Taewon placed his finger gently against Jihyun's lips. His own voice was unsteady.
"No more, Jihyun. Don't say that."
(On the Porch)
He guided Jihyun outside, sitting him down on a chair. Handing him a glass of water, he knelt in front of him.
"Listen," Taewon said firmly, eyes locked on his.
"We came here for peace. From now on, promise me something don't keep these thoughts inside.
Even if it embarrasses you, share them with me. Don't hide, don't torture yourself alone."
Jihyun looked away, lips pressed tight, tears still falling.
Taewon took a deep breath.
"Do you know why your mother called for me instead of you in her last moments?"
Jihyun's head snapped up, confusion mixing with pain.
"I was confused too,"
Taewon continued softly.
"But she told me she was sorry. Sorry that the world ruined your teenage years.
Sorry that people looked down on you just because you're an Omega."
"Jihyun, she raised you to be soft but strong. She just didn't realize how cruel others would be. She said she wished she had known how to hold you tighter, how to tell you she understood your pain."
Jihyun's tears spilled faster, his chest tightening.
Taewon reached for his hand, gripping it firmly.
"She told me to make sure you lived happily, with someone who loved you.
She wanted you to raise your own family, to prove to the world that Omegas are not pitiful.
She said that no matter how much you misunderstood her… you are her beautiful, bold son.
And you will grow into a life even stronger than hers."
Jihyun's lips trembled as he stared at him.
Taewon pulled him into his arms, holding him tightly as if to shield him from every shadow.
"So don't ever say again that you were a burden to her. She loved you, Jihyun. More than you'll ever know."
Jihyun buried his face against Taewon's shoulder, sobbing quietly, but for the first time the guilt felt lighter shared, instead of carried alone.
And when he finally whispered,
"Thank you, Taewon,"
it carried both pain and relief.