TL/Editor: looloo
Status: ongoing
Illustrations: posted in discord
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"No... I don't wanna... *sob*... I want to... stay with Yeonie... *hic*..."
Right now, Heena was no different from a child throwing a tantrum. Like an immature kid who knew nothing but stubbornness.
The doctor had mentioned yesterday that her emotions might become unstable. Perhaps this was the first sign. Even accounting for that, Heena seemed incredibly unsettled.
Amidst the chaos - adults frozen, Heena wailing - I found myself strangely calm. The thought that only I could comfort and care for Heena spurred me into action.
Gently embracing the sobbing Heena, I addressed her mother.
"Ma'am. No, Mother-in-law."
"Oh, y-yes."
"If it's not too much trouble, could I stay at your place?"
After careful consideration, I realized returning to her family home was best for Heena's health. But if she couldn't bear to part from me, I'd have to go with her.
"But... Yeonho, your college entrance exam is just around the corner..."
"Like Heena said, I learn a lot from her too. And I'd probably struggle to focus at home, worrying about her. So, if it's not an inconvenience..."
"We don't mind, but..."
Her mother trailed off, glancing at my mom. I followed her gaze, seeking permission.
"Sorry for causing trouble and being stubborn, Mom. Is this okay?"
"I always thought my well-behaved kids would act out someday, but I never expected my youngest to make the biggest scene."
"I'm sorry..."
"We don't mind if the in-laws are okay with it. Though we'll have plenty to discuss."
"Sis! What if Yeonho's grades drop while he's retaking the exam-"
"I think our son would do better on the entrance exam than before Heena started tutoring him, even if he bombed it."
"That's true."
If I went back to being a second-year high schooler studying alone, I'd never achieve my current grades.
"Besides, hasn't he been helping her all this time? We should send him with room, board, and tutoring fees."
"Oh my~ What tutoring fees!"
"Anyway, I won't object if that's what our son wants. What about Yeonho's dad?"
"We should let him, even if he wanted to give up studying and just take care of Heena from now on."
"There you have it."
"Yeonho worked hard, it's not like Heena did anything..."
"Then let's do it. Your in-laws agree, and Yeonho seems determined."
"Heena's dad..."
"If Yeonho wants to take responsibility, how can we stop him? And if Heena throws a fit without him, what if something happens to her?"
"That's true, but... *sigh* I guess we have no choice."
Fortunately, the discussion was flowing in our favor. Thanks to my parents always respecting my opinions, and Heena's father's fondness for male responsibility and determination.
And so, today's chaotic meeting was wrapping up.
With me staying as a guest at Heena's house.
"Yeonho, can we talk in private for a moment?"
"...I can't imagine it. Heena's always smiling brightly..."
"That's what I couldn't imagine either~ It was like she became a different person overnight."
"......"
"But if you ask if that was bad... Absolutely not."
From that moment, it was like a monologue. The inner thoughts of the mother-in-law who always gave us a bright smile and cheered on our love began to pour out.
"I... Of course, I was very happy meeting Heena's father too, but... watching Heena date you made me think."
"About how a person could smile so happily."
"I've seen many people, many loves in my life... But I've never seen anyone smile as happily as Heena did."
"Seeing how radiantly a girl in love can smile... It was like witnessing something I'd only read about in books."
"I couldn't bring myself to stop it. Watching Heena made us happy too. Seeing her spend each day so joyfully and cheerfully."
"That's why I started to like you, Yeonho, even before meeting you. No matter what kind of person you were... How could I dislike someone who made our daughter so happy?"
"Of course, if her feelings had cooled quickly or if Heena had struggled even for a day, I might have thought differently."
"But that didn't happen. She fell more in love, loved you more with each passing day."
"By then, I had already half made up my mind. That I wanted you to become part of our family."
"You, who gave our Heena a wealth of happiness as a woman... no, as a person."
"I thought how wonderful it would be if you became family."
As she said this, still holding my hands tightly, I couldn't speak.
My throat felt tight.
I felt like I might cry.
But even so, I held back and opened my mouth.
"So... you've been... cheering for us... from the start..."
"Did you think we just allowed everything without a thought?"
To be honest, I had thought that a little. They always watched over our relationship with a smile, without saying much.
"It's because I could see how much you loved Heena. It was thanks to you that Heena started showing various emotions. She even showed us things we never imagined, like today... You might not have known, but this is the first time I've ever fought with her like this."
"......"
"Anyway, Yeonho... Thank you for not running away and considering accepting Heena right away... And thank you for deciding to live with us for Heena's sake. You know my cooking skills, right? Now you won't have to eat the tasteless meals Heena makes."
"Heh... *sniff*..."
In the end, I couldn't hold back my tears, which slowly began to fall, but I also laughed.
Heena's cooking skills were still... questionable.
"I wanted to say this. I'm so grateful to you, Yeonho, for giving Heena happiness in life. I don't know how many chances we'll have to be alone like this, so I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how thankful I am. You'll continue to take good care of Heena, won't you?"
There was no need to ask. By now, I couldn't even imagine my life without Heena.
Through my flowing tears and choked voice, I managed to speak.
"I... I still have nothing... I'm young... and acted thoughtlessly... but I'll do my best... for Heena... *sniff*..."
"Oh my, why is our son-in-law crying like this... You're doing the best you can. From now on, please love our Heena very much."
Author's Note:
Um... You know that the maximum of 150 episodes really means, like, for real, at most 150 episodes, right...? It's more likely to be shorter...
Surprisingly, many people get unexpectedly pregnant in their early 20s like this... Yeonho and Heena are one such case, but I wanted to show them choosing to raise the child instead of aborting it, and the consequences! It'll lead to lovey-dovey moments in the end anyway! As soon as this part is over!
Please look forward to more!