𝗦𝗨𝗡 & 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗡 | ᴬᶰ ˢᵒᵒᴴᵒ 『English Version』

Chapter 34

Sooho watched as Gotak helped Hyeori down the hospital steps. He had to admit, it bugged him a little how attentive the guy was with her—but he didn't say anything. Even he was getting help from Baku, who'd noticed how hard it was for him to walk, no matter how much he tried to act tough.

"Nonna!"

Juntae came running over, smiling brightly when he saw Hyeori do a little hop off the last step with Gotak's help. He high-fived the older boy before turning to her and handing over a small candy.

"Here. Recharge so you can get better fast."

Hyeori smiled and ruffled his hair before glancing at the candy—it was shaped like a tiny cat. Her eyes flicked to Sieun, who was watching her with a small smile.

"Look, it kind of looks like you," she joked.

Gotak burst into laughter, teasing Sieun immediately.

Sooho was caught off guard when Juntae walked up to him, too, holding out a candy with trembling hands and avoiding eye contact.

"I brought one for you too, hyung..."

Sooho looked at him, then smiled softly when he saw it was one of his favorites.

"Ah, you're such a good kid. Yah, Sieun, how rude—why didn't you bring me anything, huh?" he teased, slinging his arm around Juntae's shoulder. "Good thing this guy's got my back when my girlfriend's out here getting all the attention."

Sieun smiled faintly as he watched Sooho and Juntae walk ahead. The older boy was talking animatedly, occasionally ruffling the younger one's hair, while Juntae looked up at him like he was the coolest person ever.

"Is he always like this?" Baku asked, raising an eyebrow as he observed the two.

"Give it a few days. You'll like him," Gotak replied.

"My love, that kid owns the limited edition Batman collection!" Sooho exclaimed suddenly.

Hyeori giggled, stepping forward toward Sieun, who gently took her hand to help steady her. Together, they walked over to Sooho, who was now excitedly asking Juntae how many pages the comic had and how he kept it in good condition.

Gotak and Baku stayed behind, watching the four walk together—Sooho with his arm around Juntae's shoulder, and Hyeori holding hands with Sieun. At one point, the two couples crossed paths and Hyeori and Sooho ended up walking hand in hand.

Gotak let out a chuckle, which made Baku look over curiously.

"One time... Hyeori told me Sieun was like her baby and..." he snorted a bit louder, "look at them from here—don't they kinda look like a couple with their two kids?"

Baku stepped beside him, staring at the scene. They really did look like a family. It was funny... but kind of sweet too.

"That explains why she's always so protective of Sieun."

* * *

Sooho glanced around curiously, his hand firmly intertwined with his girlfriend's as she guided him through the hallway leading to their home.

"This place feels really fresh," he murmured, noticing all the trees surrounding the building.

"It is... Nala used to love going for walks around here," she said softly, her tone carrying a hint of sadness, though she still smiled.

"I bet she did..." he whispered, releasing her hand so he could wrap an arm around her waist. "I'm sure she enjoyed every last moment with you." He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.