✓ IF YOU STAY | HEESEUNG

23 - Pancakes & Lazy Mornings

It was Sunday when Y/N woke up early and decided to make pancakes for Minjae and his father. She figured it was a kind gesture after the drawing the little kid made for her, the one she hung on her refrigerator, right next to a colorful postcard Harin had sent her from her last vacation.

She spent the morning in the kitchen, mixing batter, flipping pancakes, and brewing fresh coffee. The aroma of breakfast filled her apartment, making her feel warm and content. And when she was done, she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and placed everything on a tray before making her way to their apartment. 

"Oh, good morning, Y/N," Heeseung opened the door a few seconds after she knocked on it and his eyes widened in delight when he saw the tray of pancakes, fresh fruit, and steaming coffee in her hands. "You didn't have to do all this for us."

Y/N offered a warm smile. "It's no trouble at all, really. I just thought it would be a nice way to start the day." Heeseung stepped aside to let her in, and she noticed that their apartment was still in the process of being organized after their recent move. Boxes were scattered around, and it was clear that they had a lot to unpack.

Minjae, who had been playing with some toys on the floor, looked up with wide eyes when he saw Y/N. She smiled when he bowed politely at her. "Woah, you made pancakes?"

Y/N knelt down to his level and ruffled his hair affectionately. "I did, just for you. And your dad too, of course."

"Thank you again, Y/N. This is incredibly kind of you." Heeseung smiled warmly. "I'm not a very good cook so we really appreciate it."

She smiled. "Well, you're in luck then because I love to cook. If you ever need a home-cooked meal or just want some company, don't hesitate to ask." She watched as Heeseung helped Minjae sit on his chair and suddenly she felt her cheeks grow warmer. The man was beautiful, not the kind of beautiful that was loud and attention-grabbing, but a quiet, subtle beauty that made her heart skip a beat every time she looked at him.

He wore a white shirt and gray sweatpants that sent Y/N dreaming of lazy Sunday mornings and cozy evenings spent on the couch. His dark hair was tousled, and his jawline was so perfectly sculpted that she wanted to reach out and trace it with her finger. But she quickly shook her head, kicking away those thoughts. This was just neighborly kindness, nothing more.

Y/N watched him as he pulled the chair out for her and she thanked him with a smile before taking a seat. Was she fantasizing about a man with a child? Yes. Yes, she was, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying. The thought of becoming interested in her neighbor, especially when he was a single father, seemed like a recipe for complication and heartache.

"Do you like it?" She smiled at Minjae who was already nearly bouncing in his chair with excitement as he eagerly devoured his pancakes. When he nodded and gave her a thumbs-up, she couldn't help but laugh. "I'm glad you approve, Minjae."

Heeseung, with his warm smile, leaned back in his chair, watching the interaction between Y/N and Minjae. "You've made a new friend, Minjae." He muttered, staring at his son while stealing glances at Y/N who was blushing slightly under his gaze.

Minjae nodded enthusiastically, his mouth full of pancake. "She's really nice, Daddy!"

Heeseung chuckled, his eyes never leaving Y/N. "I can see that, buddy." His words made her quickly look up, her eyes widening for a second. "Uhm, may I ask what you do for work, Y/N?"

"I'm a graphic designer," She smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. "I work from home most of the time, so I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule. Which is nice because I get to spend time with my dog, Danbi."

"That's really good. You do look like someone who enjoys her work." He said, with a warm smile, his eyes still fixed on her. "I'm a wedding dress designer. I usually work in a studio not too far from here, but I've been taking some time off recently to settle into our new place and spend more time with Minjae." 

Y/N sucked in a breath. The Heeseung in her dream was also a wedding dress designer and she didn't know what to make of this uncanny coincidence. "Oh, that's a beautiful profession," she managed to say, her voice quivering slightly. She felt like she was teetering on the edge of something she couldn't quite grasp, and it left her both excited and apprehensive. "To be able to make dreams come true for brides-to-be."

"Yes, it is a rewarding job. There's something magical about creating a gown that makes a bride feel like the most beautiful person in the world on her special day. It's a privilege to be part of such a significant moment in people's lives."

"I want to make dresses too!" Minjae said with wide-eyed enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Heeseung. "Can I, Daddy?"

Heeseung chuckled and tousled Minjae's hair affectionately. "Of course, buddy. You can be anything you want when you grow up."

"He's a wonderful kid. You must be proud." She blurted out before she realized it but it was a sincere compliment that slipped from her lips.

Heeseung's eyes softened as he looked at his son. "I am. He's the best thing that ever happened to me." She couldn't help but wonder how Minjae's mother was. Was she also so lovely and full of life? Did Heeseung love her so deeply, just as he seemed to love his son? These questions swirled in Y/N's mind, but she dared not ask. It was too personal, too soon. But the thought lingered in the back of her mind.

"Would you like me to help you unbox? I don't have anything to do today so I can lend a hand," She offered, wanting to spend more time with the do. She knew it was just them being nice neighbors, but it felt like something more, something that had been meant to happen. She was usually a practical person, but this was starting to feel like destiny in a way she couldn't quite explain.

"That would be great. Thank you so much, Y/N, you've been very kind and generous," He replied, his smile widening. "I really appreciate it." The smile he gave her was genuine, and it sent a pleasant warmth through Y/N's chest. Whenever his lips curved into a smile, it seemed to light up the room, and Y/N found herself looking forward to seeing that smile more often.

With their breakfast dishes cleared away, they moved to the living room where several unopened boxes were stacked against one wall. Y/N decided to bring Danbi so Minjae could play with him while they worked. The little dog happily wagged his tail as he joined them, and Minjae's face lit up with joy at the sight of his furry friend.

Y/N couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed a morning so much. She carefully opened the boxes and started unpacking while watching the items that had filled Heeseung's life slowly take their place in his new home. 

Until she found a framed photo of the two of them along with a whose hand was intertwined with Heeseung's. "This is-" She was about to ask about it when he quickly took it from her hands, his smile fading and his expression turning somber. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to-"

"I was supposed to throw it away." He walked to the nearby table and placed the photo with its face down. And when he turned around and their eyes locked, she realized that there was no love in those eyes of his. Just pure, heart-wrenching pain.