Chapter 158: Responsibility (1)

 

I called both sets of parents to share the news of my pregnancy. Han-gyeol’s parents, who live in Busan, said they would come up immediately, and I held Han-gyeol’s hand as we headed home.

 

To be honest, I’m a little nervous.

 

I know I’m still young to have a child.

 

I was slightly anxious, fearing our parents might be furious.

 

Sensing my worried expression, Han-gyeol squeezed my hand tightly.

 

“Eun-ha, don’t worry.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“It’s okay. I’ll explain everything.”

 

“No, Han-gyeol, this isn’t just your responsibility.”

 

“I know. Let’s go inside.”

 

“Okay.”

 

I unlocked the door and stepped into the house.

 

Even though we opened the door, no one greeted us warmly.

 

We carefully took off our shoes and entered, finding my parents sitting on the couch.

 

In the corner of the sofa, my brother was also seated.

 

“Sit down.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Han-gyeol and I cautiously sat on the floor.

 

My mother and brother stayed silent as my father began to speak.

 

“So, you’re saying there’s a baby?”

 

The cold tone in my father’s voice scared me a little.

 

I understood it was too much to expect a joyful reaction.

 

While I kept my mouth tightly shut, Han-gyeol, still holding my hand firmly, responded.

 

“Yes, it’s five weeks.”

 

“The reason we allowed you two to live together was because we trusted this wouldn’t happen. You’re aware of that, right?”

 

“Yes, we are. I’m deeply sorry for disappointing you.”

 

“Haa…”

 

My father let out a deep sigh.

 

“Well, what’s done is done. There’s no point in dwelling on it. What do you plan to do now?”

 

I didn’t know how to answer that.

 

But Han-gyeol replied in a serious tone.

 

“I will take responsibility.”

 

“And how exactly? You just finished your military service, and you still have three and a half years of university left. How will you take responsibility?”

 

My father shot back immediately, targeting Han-gyeol.

 

Feeling like Han-gyeol was being scolded too harshly, I spoke up as well.

 

“I-I only have one semester left, so I could take a leave of absence, have the baby, and then return—”

 

“And after you return? What then? Financial independence? Childcare? Do you think starting a family is that easy?”

 

My father cut me off sharply.

 

When I was at a loss for words, his gaze shifted back to Han-gyeol.

 

“Fine. It’s obvious Eun-ha should take a leave of absence. But what happens after that? You’re not planning to rely entirely on your parents for support, are you?”

 

My father’s harsh words made my mother interject gently.

 

“Dear, don’t be too hard on them… Try to be a bit calmer…”

 

“No, I need to hear it. Han-gyeol, tell me. What’s your plan moving forward?”

 

My father’s cold words seemed to pierce Han-gyeol.

 

I was worried he might feel hurt, but Han-gyeol spoke calmly.

 

“I plan to start working as soon as possible. However, I also know this is selfish and irresponsible to say, but I believe I must seek help from both families. As you said, I’m not in a position to take full responsibility right now.”

 

“As you admitted, that’s selfish and irresponsible. Are you just asking for help without a concrete plan?”

 

My father’s coldness continued.

 

Feeling like Han-gyeol was being scolded too harshly, I spoke up again.

 

“Dad…! We—”

 

“Stay out of this!”

 

In the end, my father raised his voice.

 

I thought he might show a little warmth, but even as my eyes welled up, he didn’t waver.

 

But then, still holding my hand, Han-gyeol spoke.

 

“I’m not asking for help without a plan.”

 

“Then tell me your plan.”

 

Han-gyeol continued speaking steadily.

 

“I’ve already passed the first part of the tax accountant exam. Although I took the second part this year, I believe it would be better to prepare for the second exam next year. So, I think it’s right for me to return to school while preparing for the exam. Of course, I also plan to work part-time.”

 

Han-gyeol spoke as if trying to persuade my father, but it still didn’t seem to satisfy him.

 

“There’s no guarantee you’ll pass the second exam next year. And balancing studies, work, and exam preparation isn’t going to be easy.”

 

Without a moment’s hesitation, Han-gyeol replied to my father’s doubts.

 

“I promise to keep my word. No matter what happens, I will take responsibility. Once I obtain the tax accountant license, I’ll immediately take a three-year leave to begin work. That way, financial independence will become feasible. Could you… could you help us for just two years?”

 

“You still don’t think this is irresponsible, do you?”

 

It felt like Dad kept putting Han-gyeol down.

 

Thinking the conversation wasn’t going anywhere, I was about to suggest leaving the house with Han-gyeol.

 

But then, he spoke up.

 

“I don’t think this is the time to cling to my pride… I know it’s shameful, selfish, and irresponsible to ask… but I believe this is the only way to ensure Eun-ha and our unborn child can be happy…”

 

Hearing Han-gyeol’s words, Dad’s stern gaze wavered.

 

“Please… help us.”

 

Slowly, Han-gyeol bowed his head to Dad.

 

Moved by his action, I too bowed my head, waiting anxiously for Dad’s response.

 

An unbearable silence stretched on until Dad let out a long sigh.

 

“Whew… Fine. I’ll help you. Now lift your heads.”

 

At his words, both of us slowly raised our heads.

 

“Mark my words. Building a family is never easy. There will be times when you’ll have to endure hardships for the sake of your family and moments when you’ll have to swallow your pride. But no matter what, you must persevere. You’re about to become a married couple and parents. Never take that responsibility lightly. Do you understand?”

 

I nodded vigorously, tears streaming down my face.

 

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

“If things had gone as planned, Eun-ha would have graduated next year, and even if you hadn’t had a child, as parents, we were prepared to support you both financially until you graduated. So, consider this the same support we would have provided. For additional expenses, cover them yourselves, but if you fall short, come to us. Do you understand?”

 

Dad had given us his blessing.

 

Mom turned her head slightly, wiping away tears.

 

“So, when are the in-laws arriving?”

 

“Ah—they said they’d come up right away.”

 

“They likely haven’t arranged accommodations yet. Tell them to stay here for now. We’ll discuss the plans more thoroughly when they arrive.”

 

“Yes…! Understood.”

 

For the first time, Han-gyeol seemed to relax, a hint of relief lighting up his face.

 

“From now on, call me Father-in-law.”

 

“Yes…! I will, Father-in-law.”

 

“Good.”

 

Just like that, Han-gyeol truly became part of our family.

 

The tense atmosphere gradually lifted, and the house returned to its usual warmth.

 

As the mood lightened, my brother asked about the baby.

 

“So? Do you have a picture of the baby?”

 

“It’s in my pocket. Want to see?”

 

“Yeah, I do. It’s my niece or nephew now, right? Mom, Dad, aren’t you curious too?”

 

“Yes, let’s see our grandchild.”

 

I pulled the ultrasound picture from my pocket, and everyone gathered around to take a look.

 

“Wow… it’s so tiny. This is my niece or nephew?”

 

“It’s only five weeks, so of course, it’s small. They’ll grow big and strong later.”

 

“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”

 

“You can’t tell at five weeks~”

 

“So, have you thought of names for the baby?”

 

Han-gyeol confidently answered Mom’s question.

 

“If it’s a girl, we’re thinking of Eunbyul. If it’s a boy, Hanbyul.”

 

“Those are beautiful names. What about you? Do you prefer a granddaughter or a grandson?”

 

Mom nudged Dad playfully as she asked.

 

“Ahem… A grandchild is good enough for me.”

 

“Come on, answer properly.”

 

“A granddaughter.”

 

“You’ll be disappointed if it’s a grandson then~”

 

“No, as I said, I’d be happy either way.”

 

“People usually pick a nickname for the baby before it’s born. Did you come up with one?”

 

My brother asked about the baby’s nickname.

 

Come to think of it, we hadn’t decided on one yet.

 

“We haven’t picked one yet.”

 

“Really? Eun-ha, didn’t you mention having a strange dream before?”

 

At Han-gyeol’s question, I suddenly remembered a dream I had in Jeju.

 

“Oh! Now that you mention it, I dreamt of holding the sun in my hands, and it kind of… merged into me.”

 

“Oh my goodness. You dreamt of holding the sun? That means the baby is destined for greatness!”

 

Mom’s eyes widened as she reacted to my dream.

 

“Then let’s call the baby Haetnim*. What do you think, Han-gyeol? Do you like it?”

 

I looked at him, and he smiled his usual gentle smile as he replied.

 

“Yeah, I love it.”

 

--- The End OF The Chapter --

 

[TL: Haetnim (햇님) - this means sunshine.

 

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