Withered - Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Mina finally is able to go home with doctor's approval and Mina's parents, but with a condition that she'll need to be monitored by a health care provider until delivery. The girl is given steroids to help the baby’s lungs develop faster in case she'll go into labour early. Chaeyoung takes leave in absence at his college and focused only at Mina and their child since there are at the crucial time where he knows she needs him the most.
Mina sits quietly, knitting a pink baby beanie while Chaeyoung will glance at her once in a while. They are heading to Mr and Mrs Myoui house as they will stay there for a week.
He takes the red light as an opportunity to stare at Mina and smiles by the lovely sight. When his eyes land on her bump, his smiles grow wider to the thought that they'll meet their newborn in a few more weeks and he couldn't help to hides his excitement.
Mina stops knitting as she feels a pair of eyes watching her. She looks to her side and surprise when Chaeyoung already smiles at her. She reciprocated the smiles and tie the final knot on the beanie then diverts her attention to him. "Want to hold hand?" She suggests opening her palm and without hesitation, the guy happily catches her hand while the other holding the steering.
He brings their intertwined hands closer to him and lightly kisses hers. Mina smiles and does the same but not on his hand. She leans over, pecking his cheeks. "In these three months, be with me for the whole time. Don't leave me even for a second"
If he isn't looking at her, he will laugh as he thought her statement is a joke but no. Mina stared at him deeply with her straight face. He let out an awkward chuckle, wondering about the sudden changes of behaviour.
"I will"
*  *  *  *
"Mina" Mrs Myoui utter after she opens the door. Mina forces a smile when at that moment how badly she wants to cry. Her mom apron is a staple of her childhood, pattern with all earthly things, from flowers to trees. When she thinks of it the aromas of her mom's fresh baking come flooding into Mina's brain, her heart leaps and there is that moment of serenity. Mina sees her mom in that apron, arms wide, a hug just a few steps away.
She hurriedly jumps to her mother's embrace while Chaeyoung is a step behind, he bows to Mr Myoui and receives a nod from him.
"I miss you" Mina mumbles against her mother's shoulder.
That day, Mina laugh and smile nonstop. It seems like family time work effectively in making her happy. The house looks even lively since Tzuyu and Dahyun are there. Though Chaeyoung is a bit upset that Mina concentration is fully on her family members, he understands and gives her space she needs to.
The wall clock is showing at seven sharp p.m. Mrs Myoui is busy preparing snacks in the kitchen with Mina while the others are inside the living room. The boys and the girls are playing carrom game whereas Tzuyu, paired with Sana against Dahyun and Momo. Chaeyoung and Mr Myoui are playing Go and it's Chaeyoung's turn to make a move but the guy seems to lose the game. Well, he never wins if it's against his father no matter how much he practised except......
"There," A hand point to an empty space on the board. Chaeyoung looks to his side where Mina settles down with a plate of fruit on her lap. She feeds the guy a slice of mango and gestures him to follow as what she instructed. Chaeyoung smiles and obeys the girl since Mina is the only person who can beat Mr Myoui when it comes to Go. The father chuckle and nods, his face turns serious the moment Mina joins the game.
"We won" Chaeyoung mumble after they finish counting the stone on board including the captured and komi. Mr Myoui sigh and boringly glare at Mina who hides behind Chaeyoung's back, laughing quietly.
"Chaeyoung, can we talk?" Sana interrupts as she approaches him. He glances at Mina and sees the girl's subtle nod.
"Sure" He excuses himself and let Mina play another round with her dad. Sana leads him to the second-floor balcony. The wind is chill, and the stars burned with the brilliant sapphire pallor of electric light. He gazes to the sky while Sana sits on the bench.
"So, what is your plan after Mina gives birth?"
Chaeyoung sigh heavily "It's up on her whether she wants me to stay or not. I'll follow what she wishes. I can raise the baby alone and separated with her or she can raise the baby and I'll visits time to time if she wants too. After all, she doesn't share the same feelings as I do noona" He whispers the last sentence, giving it to the wind to brings along his words.
Unbeknownst to them, someone is listening to their conversation. The girl hangs her head low and goes downstairs, thinking it's wrong to eavesdropping.
"Just don't give up on her. She might not realize her feelings yet" Sana convince him, giving the guy a pat on his back as she moves and stands beside him. "You know, she always late when it comes to this kind of things. Talk to her once more" Chaeyoung doesn't answer her but only gives a half-smiles then look up to the sky again.
"By the way, how about you? What's the doctor said?" Sana asks, facing the younger.
"I'm okay now noona. There's no need for surgery. The doctor said I can rely on the medication and if I determined enough. I'll fully be healed" He smiles assuringly and tap his chest. But it's not enough to ease the worries she has for him. Chaeyoung's mother suffers the same disease as he is and because of that, she left at an early age.
"I know you don't want to make your family worry but there will be a time where they need to know, even I take notice of your condition by accidentally read your email"
Chaeyoung shakes his head "It's not that severe Noona. I can take care of myself"
Again, a sigh escaped Sana's lips because of the cub's stubbornness "Alright then, just know that I'm here. You can tell me everything" Chaeyoung nods to the remarks and thanks the older. Just then a knock is heard, they find the resource of the sound revealing Mina with a tray of teacups. Chaeyoung doesn't show his shocked expression upon Mina's appearance and manages to stay calm. He's afraid that Mina heard their talk just now.
"She just comes," Sana states, reading what is on his mind. She does see her sister from her peripheral view, climbing the stairs and knock to the glassy slide door. "I guess I'll take my leave now" Sana smiles at them and walks away to the heated laugh and talk in the living room.
"What are you guys talking about? Did I miss something?" Mina asks out of curiosity, putting the tray on the small table as she sits on the bench. Chaeyoung copied the girl, sitting beside her.
"Just some random things"
Mina doesn't bother to ask further and just rest her head on his shoulder while the guy wraps his hand around her. "I don't see you much today" She whispers and snuggles closer, hugging his waist. She feels guilty after listening to Chaeyoung's speech.
"I don't want to give you hope and in the end, leaving you alone. Isn't that painful?"
They stay in each other arms, bathing in the moonlight with beautiful blinking fairy lights in the night sky.
"Chaeyoungie" She calls out. The latter hums in respond while caressing her hair.
"Can we go to the arcade...like now?" She asks unsurely. Chaeyoung looks down and smiles as he cups her cheeks.
"Let's go"
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When they got there, a couple of kids and teenagers are playing video games. Mina couldn't wait but to get in there and play too, it's been a long time she hasn't been to the place. Though they have a mini arcade in their house, she hasn't entered the room just yet, besides this place is completed compared to the one in their house.
Unfortunately, a look of disappointment visible on Mina's face as the arcade is packed with people where every game is already being played. Chaeyoung who takes notice of her expression, smiles and tap the brunette's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be back" He whispers to her ears since the place is quite noisy with all the murmuring and the sound effect from the games.
Mina watches Chaeyoung walk over and meets with the person who runs the place. The owner then disappears into a room that is far at the corner of the arcade while Chaeyoung swings his feet back to her. Just then, an announcement is heard;
"I am sorry for the sudden changes, but the arcade will be closed shortly----" Hearing those, Mina look at Chaeyoung with confusion while the guy only shrugs and gesture her to continue listening "--We apologize for the ongoing games, please wait in the counter outside for refunds, thank you"
Some of the kids groan and whine as soon as the announcement over, but still pushing themselves to leave the place. Mina is a bit hesitant whether they should get out of the place or stay but judging by the look of Chaeyoung, he doesn't seem to have the intention to move.
Once the place is empty, Chaeyoung faced the bewildered penguin and smiles "Now, enjoy" He says and make his way to her back, lightly pushing the girl.
"W-wait. Did you asked them to---"
"Yup" He cut in "So, which game do you want to play first?" He roams his eyes around the place while suggesting a game they should start with. Mina shakes her head then mindlessly goes to the nearest machine.
"You're unbelievable" She murmurs, surprised by his action but she couldn't deny that it makes her happy.
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They spend the entire three hours playing all the games even missed some as they're already tired and it's getting late. The night has befallen them. As they leave the place, Mina's eyes catch the sight of a claw machine outside the arcade. She walks to the machine and smiles as she sees two plushies, a cub and a penguin laying next to each other as it trapped inside the transparent box.
Chaeyoung who's a step ahead arc an eyebrow when Mina that a second before standing behind him, now a few meters away. The guy walks to her and follows her gaze. "Do you want the cub and the penguin?"
"Well, are you good at it?" She mocks while grinning.
Chaeyoung scoff and rolls his sleeves as he takes a step forward. "Watch and learn." He says while taking out a bill "I'm gonna save them" Thus he tries and tries and tries. Mina crossed her arms as she covers her mouth from giggling. The sight of the guy relentlessly manoeuvring the machine is hilarious to watch. He must have spent at least fifteen thousand won, determined to win it. But when the claw finally grasps the penguin, he grins in triumph.
"I got it on my first try!" He announced to everyone in earshot. Catching the attention of those who are passing by and even the customer from a restaurant across the road. Even though it's an obvious lie to anyone who has seen them there for half an hour straight. He presented the penguin to Mina with bravado. She doesn't really like the fact he just embarrassed them, but he likes him. She likes the mischievous but pure glint in his brown eyes, his loud laugh, and the way he makes her feels special.
"Thank you," Mina says as she accepts the penguin. "Now, let me save the cub" She offers and Chaeyoung gives her space as he eyed her playing. One try. That's what Mina only needs. She turns around with the cub plushie in hand, then witnesses Chaeyoung stunned face. It's that time when he finally recalls that Mina is an expert back in their childhood days.
Mina chuckles seeing his face. As their eyes meet, Chaeyoung joins her and they both burst in laughter as if there's no tomorrow. "Idiot" Mina mumbles as she still recovers. Chaeyoung smiles and nods, taking her hands in his.
They get home when it's already midnight. The house is quiet with the absence of light. They tip-toed, not wanting to disturb anyone sleep. Mina takes a bath in her room while Chaeyoung does the same in the guestroom. After changing, the guy wanted to give Mina the penguin plushie and so he makes a beeline towards her room. Lightly knocking the door.
Mina is drying her hair when she opens the door. Chaeyoung greets her and hands the toy. "Good night" He utters before he turns around, intending to go back to the guest room but he stops when the hem of his shirt is pulled by the girl.
"Stay here"
Chaeyoung raises a brow but does what he was told. He enters the room and awkwardly sits at the edge of the bed while Mina at the dressing table, brushing her hair. Bored, Chaeyoung makes himself comfortable by leaning against the headboard as he waits for Mina to finish. The guy plays with the plushie he won, a penguin on his left and the cub on his right. He flaps the penguin flippers then rub its stomach while squeezing the cub's cheeks. He's having too much fun just by the simple toy, not realizing Mina who's watching him by the reflection on the mirror.
Chaeyoung stare at the two plushies. Unknowingly, he brings it closer and closer to each other until the two animal touched by the lips. His face instantly kissed pink like a spring rose as he realizes what he just did. He parts the animals away and hurriedly places in on the bedside table.
"What are you doing?" Mina asks, settling down beside him.
"N-nothing. I do absolutely nothing" He reasoned and attempt to look at the girl but it doesn't help when his eyes first land on her lips. Then the blushing made him blush harder until he is scarlet and roasting hot. He turns his head away and finds a distraction but ends up, quickly hiding under the duvet.
What's wrong with him? Mina thought before following Chaeyoung, burying herself under the blanket. She leans forward and hugs his back as the guy facing the side. "Are you not going to hug me?" She complained giving the guy a pinch on his waist. Chaeyoung sigh and slowly turns around, he smiles and gathers her in his arms as he pulls her closer to him.
"Let's go out tomorrow? Anywhere. I want to do all the things I haven't. Will you accompany me?" Mina suddenly blurts out of nowhere.
Though it's weird for Chaeyoung when she said those as if she's going somewhere but he nods regardlessly. "Alright"
"Let's watch a theater like we used to, visit our old friends, visit the zoo, stargazing, and...ahh we haven't bought baby clothes yet" She trails off. The girl looks up and smiles genuinely "Let's spend a lot of time together"
Chaeyoung has a weird feeling about Mina's suggestions. Wondering why she's in rush, but the thought doesn't stay long as he pushes it to the back of his mind.
"Anything you want,"
*  *  *  *
Upon waking, Mina burrows herself into the warm, soft sheets. She rubs the remainders of sleep from her eyes that soon greet the day shine. She shut her eyes back and decide to sleep a bit more. Mina rubs the space beside her and finds the warmth that embraces her through the night. Her eyes open wide when it's empty, she looks around the room and there's no sight of Chaeyoung. Maybe because she just wake up, her mood is unstable.
"Chaeyoungie!!" She shouts while sobbing.
Chaeyoung who's busy talking with Mrs Myoui tensed in his position when he heard Mina's voice echoing in the house. He runs and even stumbles on the floor as he heads upstairs, almost falling on his face. He barges through the door of their room and panicky dush to her place.
"W-what happened? Is something wrong? Are you hur--" His word cut off when a pillow meets his face. Mina just throws it aiming his head and she hit it perfectly.
"You. Cuddle. Me. Now!" She commands with hand gestures, pointing at the guy and herself. Chaeyoung left speechless and dumbfounded as he let a sigh in relief. The guy picks the pillow and walks closer to her.
"Alright, Okay, okay I'm sorry" He apologizes and leads the girl to lay back on the mattress. He lay next to her and open his arms. With no time, Mina flings herself to his hug and buries her face into the crook of his neck.
"I said don't leave me even for a second" She sobs against his shirt. Chaeyoung stroke the latter's hair and draped themselves with a blanket as he pulls it up to their shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I won't leave again" He rubs her arms, consoling her. "Shhhh, don't cry. I'm here now" Chaeyoung continues to coax the girl until she falls asleep. He sighs and smiles warmly. She's so sensitive these days. He thought to himself as he admires her sleeping face.
Chaeyoung glance to the door when he heard footsteps, it's Sana with her pyjama and concerned expression. The guy smiles apologetically at her, sending a signal through his eyes. Sana sigh and nods, she closes the door and goes downstairs to make up some story, assuring her mother that everything is fine.
*  *  *  *
Chaeyoung keeps his promises to spend time together with Mina. He schedules an event for her secretly. He is with her all the time until quarter after seven where he brings her to somewhere. Mina's eyes furrowed as she looks outside the window car. They are getting further into the woods.
Chaeyoung park the car when they arrive at the destination. It's one big empty field. They walk hand in hand as he guides her. Along the path, she feels a thrill of refreshments seeing dandelions swinging by a gush of wind, bushes with bright yellow flower and an orange eye.
As they walk further, she squints and points to a man across the field "We're not the only one here"
"That's where we're going" Chaeyoung smiles and wraps an arm around her shoulder. They trudge across the field and when they are close, Mina freeze "What's that?" She asks, pointing to a colourful object on the ground.
"Hot air balloon. I thought we could see the sunset together" He gives her a gentle hug, and face the latter "I know you're scared. But believe me. I'm here with you" He smiles and resumed walking.
By this time, they are near to where the pilot stands. He stretches out a hand to greet both of them. "Good evening, I see you guys dressed appropriately" He states, pointing to Mina's and Chaeyoung's outfit.
As soon as Mina heard the engine. It sets her heart racing way too fast, feeling the soft panic growing. "I-I don't know about this"
"Hey, don't be afraid" Chaeyoung beckoned to her with his hands "Come on" He waits for Mina to takes his hand. The latter looks at Chaeyoung expectant face. Then she squared her shoulders and place her hand in his. She knows her palms are sweaty. Chaeyoung rubs his thumb across hers. "We'll be fine. You'll see"
"I've done this a million time" The pilot chimed in "I promise you, you'll get the view of a lifetime"
"How far up are we going?" Mina asks, stepping closer to the box. She could feel the warmth of the engine.
The pilot smiles "About four thousand feet"
Her stomach shifts uneasily and Mina notice that her other hand which is empty are pinching into her skin out of nervous. She releases it but then she couldn't figure out what to do with them, so instead they clasp and unclasp as if in constant need of touch and reassurance.
Chaeyoung who realize it, catch Mina's other hand, making the girl fully facing him. He holds both her hands and slips it into his brown coat pocket. With that small action, her stomach unclenched slightly, "It's bigger than I thought" She comments as she wanders her eyes.
"This particular balloon can hold up to twelve people. There's some that can hold up to twenty people" The pilot busies himself with getting them off the ground.
Chaeyoung gestured to the small table and two chairs. They are silver platters on top "How about an evening tea in the sky?" He wiggles his brows that earn a chuckle from the brunettes.
Mina releases her hand and lifts the platters. She eyed the trail mix of nuts and herbal tea "It's a lovely idea. Hope I'm not too nervous to even swallowing" Her statement causing the guy to laugh. She slides her hands back to his pocket finding his hand, already missing his warmth.
Light jazz music fills the box. The pilot takes his position and they ascended. Mina clutch Chaeyoung's hand as they go to the edge of the box. Mina feels the wind across her face. Her eyes are still shut as she has no courage to sees the view above treetops and even higher. His shirt feels soft on her face and she uses it as a shield, rubbing her cheek on his strong chest, only a little bit. Chaeyoung tied her hair into a bun and pull her into a tight hug "Open your eyes" He whispers to the girl who leans against his chest.
It takes Mina a whole new level of bravery as she decides to open her eyes and she doesn't regret her decision. By then, the brilliant orb of fire changes to hues of orange, and then almost tangerine. It merges with the sky like a painting layer in a canvas. The clouds are cotton-candy, as though they blushed at the warm touch of the sun. Silhouettes of birds fly home across a sky that is now magenta. Their eyes are steady to the horizon, face glowing with the last rays.
Mina could only utter an eloquent "Woah," She snuggles in so that she feels his presence more "It's beautiful. I know I'll be scared but, I'm enjoying this" She looks up. Within the closeness, they feel each other breath as their eyes meet. The staring contest comes off in an odd way as if they have a silent conversation.
Chaeyoung has no idea how many times he already describes her features. But as someone who's madly in love, it will always different. Her eyes are a rich bronze that steals his breath while looking through his soul. Her hair is like a hot chocolate waterfall falling down her back. Her hands are soft and at the same time gentle. And her lips…..
Though he knows Mina doesn't love him and how she rejected him before....he couldn't resist no matter how badly he fights the thought that is going through him. He leans in a little closer, their foreheads touching. Chaeyoung knows his limit and if the girl shows any hesitation or pushes him away then he'll stop and apologize for it but the girl doesn't move.
His head angled slightly to the side as he holds her gaze, lowering his face to hers. For only the fraction of a second, his mouth brushes her lower lip, like the touch of butterfly wings. Mina's hands stay flat on his chest but she doesn't push him away. Under her fingertips, she could feel the beating of his heart....
Loud and rapid.
Same as hers.
"Pretty isn't it?" A voice interrupts and automatically, Chaeyoung draws away and fakes a cough while Mina snaps her head to the side. "Y-yeah" Chaeyoung answers mentally throwing the pilot off the balloon for ruining their moment. The pilot gives a thumbs up then leave the scene, focusing on the engine. A heavy silence settled over Mina and Chaeyoung then the tension in the atmosphere. It isn't uncomfortable but more likely awkwardness that surrounds them. If Chaeyoung is a blunt person, he could have just asked 'Where were we?' then continue their session. But the guy is not that kind of person, he already more than happy to know that Mina is not pushing him away. As well as the fact that she closes her eyes, meaning to say she is approving the kiss.
Chaeyoung gathers his courage and squeezes her, earning the latter's attention "Last night, you said you wanted to do all the things that you haven't. When we were young, you once told me that it was one of your wish to ride a hot air balloon but you were afraid" He started breaking the ice "So, I'm here to grant your wishes" A wide smiles appear on his face, revealing his treasure, that attractive dimple.
Mina smiles sweetly and pokes that cute holes. "Thank you, Santa"