Side Story 49. The Birth (2)

Side Story 49. The Birth (2)

Of course, the baby wouldn’t remember what kind of hardships it overcame to come into the world and that it wasn’t alone in fighting those difficulties. However, just because it didn’t remember didn’t mean it never happened.

At this very moment, the baby inside the womb was in the process of overcoming adversity with their mother. That was the reason why Woo Yeon-Hee wished for no interventions in her childbirth, and Seon-Hu accepted her wishes.

The delivery room was set up in Seon-Hu’s mansion. It had been three hours since the medical team entered the room, but there was no news other than Woo Yeon-Hee’s occasional moans. When her groaning began to sound more like cries, sighs escaped from Seon-Hu’s lips.

The first to arrive at the mansion was Na Jeon-Il and his wife. They had been staying only in the country around the due date, waiting just for this day.

“Where is the baby?”

“As you can see, not yet.”ALL new chapters on nov(e)lbin(.)com

“No, I am talking about Yeon-Hee[1]. Did the doctors say anything?”

“The labor is getting longer...but she is a strong woman. Don’t worry.”

Seon-Hu made eye contact with his mother. How could he ever forget it? In the pitch-black darkness where nothing was visible, the pressure coming from all directions was so intense it brought unbearable thoughts. If that place was not inside his mother... If his mother’s support had not been there... He wouldn’t have existed now.

“And thank you.”

Seon-Hu’s sincerity was delivered to his father as well.

“We are the ones who should thank you.”

***

The newly born baby lived up to his prenatal nickname. They named him ‘쑥쑥이,’ which translated to ‘growing fast,’ and the baby already had an unusually thick head of hair that wasn’t typical for a newborn.

Seon-Hu sat beside the bed and gazed affectionately at Woo Yeon-Hee, who was cradling the baby. The room was filled with a solemn silence as the medical staff had momentarily left. Seon-Hu's eyes reflected calmness and profound realization.

A thought resonated within him. From now on, the child will be the most precious thing in my life.

Gazing at the baby nestled in his mother’s arms, Seon-Hu couldn’t help but ponder about the forthcoming changes in his life.

Woo Yeon-Hee said, “He looks just like his father. This thought crossed my mind, is it strange? I'm being serious here, so hear me out."

Instead of responding verbally, Seon-Hu gently caressed her cheek, indicating he was listening intently. An overwhelming emotion welled up within him, leaving him momentarily speechless.

She continued, “Speaking of our little Ssook-Ssook’s name, why don’t we name him after the father, like they often do in foreign countries? Like, someone the II or the second. I’ve been thinking, and I truly believe there’s no better name than 'Na Seon-Hu.' What do you think of that name?”

***

After Woo Yeon-Hee and the baby had settled, guests began to arrive one by one. Seong-Il arrived, accompanied by Ki-Cheol. While Seong-Il was engaging in pleasant conversations with Seon-Hu’s parents, Ki-Cheol was observing the guests with keen interest. In particular, his attention was fixed on a certain couple.

Jonathan glanced inside the bags and remarked, "Did you pick everything out yourself? I can't imagine anyone helping you."

Jonathan initiated the conversation. Given the day and place, it was a jovial tone, as if addressing a long-time friend. Joshua responded similarly.

Yet, it was clear that it was a forced tone and expression. Jonathan had witnessed the truth in what Seon-Hu had shared about Joshua. Joshua was, to his core, no different from the dead. He also seemed to understand why Seon-Hu couldn't let go of Joshua. He had the look of the eyes of someone dead, yet without a purpose to continue living. Seeing that in person was heart-wrenching.

They hadn't interacted much, but they had fought together on the same battlefield for the same purpose. Jonathan felt deep sympathy for Joshua and for Seon-Hu, who couldn't let Joshua go.

“I'll see you soon then. Congratulations, Master.”

"Come and greet our little one first. Sun, can we see him now? I don't know how long we've waited."

Jonathan was quicker than Seon-Hu.

"Right. Everyone was waiting for you. You were the last one."

Leading with a gesture, Seon-Hu went ahead.

***

It was a difficult walk for Joshua. He felt like an intruder in a space filled with joy involving the Master's family. That was why he stood far away after greeting the Na Jeon-Il couple.

Seon-Hu eventually came out of Woo Yeon-Hee's room. The door was open, revealing Woo Yeon-Hee and the baby. The Na Jeon-Il couple, who had already greeted the child, stepped back for the guests, right where Joshua was standing.

Na Jeon-Il shifted his gaze into the room and spoke to Joshua.

"His name is Seon-Hu. Our grandson has the same name as our son. It may be unconventional in our culture, but what's the big deal? There's meaning in a son carrying on his father's name."

Before then, Joshua had been still without any movement. But hearing the baby's name triggered something. He took a step and then another, moving closer. The baby was the center of attention.

Seeing Joshua, Woo Yeon-Hee initially looked surprised but then greeted him with a smile. She gestured him closer, and Seon-Hu made way.

Joshua now stood before the child. A child of the Master's blood, carrying on the Master's name, but looked nothing more than a newborn. Joshua had expected more, but it was just an ordinary baby.

"He's smiling! Look, our little one is finally smiling!"

"Ah, I thought he was a bit fussy, but he's just picky. He seems to recognize people. I thought he'd cry anytime."

"Even kids recognize handsome people. Isn't Joshua known for his good looks?"

There was so much laughter, but Joshua heard none of it. The baby, looking up directly at him, held all of Joshua's attention. The bright light surrounding the baby seemed to reach into Joshua's eyes. Then, Joshua lowered his head.

I will protect you with everything I have, Young Master.

<Past Life Returner Side Stories - The End>

1. Korean in-laws often call their daughter-in-law ‘baby.’ Yeah, it sounds weird that I am now translating, but it is pretty common. ☜