Chapter Text
The hum of the ultrasound machine filled the cozy examination room as Dr. Kim gently guided the transducer over Hae In’s rounded belly. She is already nearing 37th week and less than month to go to meet their little one.
Hyun Woo sat beside his wife, his hand entwined with hers, their anticipation almost palpable. The screen flickered to life, and soon, the tiny figure of their daughter appeared, her delicate features coming into focus. The sound of her heartbeat filled the room. “Her heartbeat is strong and stable. You have one healthy baby inside,” Dr Kim said as she moved the transducer to get an image of the baby’s face.
“There she is,” Dr. Kim let out a warm smile, adjusting the screen to display a clearer image. “Your baby girl is growing beautifully.”
Hae In’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at the monitor. Her daughter, their rainbow baby, looked peaceful and perfect. Hyun Woo leaned in closer, unable to tear his gaze away. “She’s beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “She looks just like you.” He too could not held his tears as he saw the child that they had longed for. Their journey was not easy.
Hae In chuckled softly, wiping her tears. “She has your nose, and your lips,” she teased as she reached for her husband’s face using her free hand squish his cheeks so that he looks similar to their baby who is pouting in the image. “Appa tteokkatae (same like Appa).” Although she still struggling to evoke her memories to remember, her habits are still intact. One of it is to squish Hyun Woo’s cheeks to see him pouting. Her heart swelling with love for the tiny life growing inside her.
Hyun Woo couldn’t help but smile seeing the image of their baby girl who indeed inherit his plump lips and slightly rounded nose. “She should get your high bridge nose, not mine,” he said with a little sigh.
Hae In turn to her husband and smile, “Gwenchana. She’s going to be beautiful too if she looks more like you,” her reassurance makes Hyun Woo fell more in love with her. He brought their intertwined hands and kiss at the back of hers.
Dr. Kim continued with the scan, showing them detailed 4D images. “She’s in a great position for delivery. Everything looks normal—her size, her heartbeat. You’ve done an excellent job, Mrs. Hong,” the doctor said, turning to Hae In with an encouraging nod.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Hae In replied, her voice steady but laced with gratitude. She had come so far, and each milestone felt like a victory. Even Dr Kim is proud that her pregnancy will come to full term this time. In God’s willing.
Dr Kim wiped the remaining gel on Hae In’s tummy and Hyun Woo help her up from the examination bed. The doctor left the couple first while she waits for them at her desk.
Dr. Kim glanced at her notes and then asked, “Have you decided on your birth plan?”
Hae In straightened slightly, her hand instinctively moving to her belly. “Yes, I want a normal vaginal delivery as you suggested before,” she said firmly. “As long as there are no complications.”
As a medical practitioner in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Kim is responsible to advise her patients the best birth plan for them. If there are no complications on the mother and the baby, she would suggest the most natural method as much as possible. Natural delivery has lesser complications and it is faster for the mother to be cured. She would only advise for caesarean (C-section) if it is really needed for the patient.
Dr. Kim smiled approvingly. “That’s a great decision. Based on your health and the baby’s size, I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t be able to deliver naturally. But remember, it’s important to stay flexible. Every birth is unique.”
Hae In nodded, absorbing the advice. She appreciated Dr. Kim’s calm and supportive demeanor. This was her first pregnancy, and although she felt nervous, she was determined to trust her body and the process. As she asked those who have experience before her, going through the contractions and childbirth process created a special bond with their baby before it left the womb and see the world.
Before they left, Dr. Kim offered a gentle reminder. “As you’re now in the last few weeks, avoid any unnecessary travel, especially long trips. We don’t want to take any risks this close to your due date.” Hae In nodded and gave an assuring smile to Dr Kim.
Hyun Woo gave a quick glance at his wife, his worry evident. Hae In only smiled, trying to reassure him. “I’ll be careful,” she promised.
As they stepped out of the clinic, the excitement of seeing their baby’s face for the first time lingered. Hyun Woo held Hae In’s hand tightly, his protective instincts in overdrive. “She’s perfect, just like you,” he said again, his voice full of awe. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
Hae In placed their hands on her belly. Letting Hyun Woo feel the baby’s kick. “I think she can’t wait to meet us too. Patience, Appa. It’s only a few weeks more before I won’t let you have a good night sleep,” Hyun Woo laughed as his wife makes the cute joke using a small cute voice as if their daughter is the one talking.
Hae In rested her head on his shoulder as they walked to their car. The journey of parenthood loomed ahead, filled with uncertainty and joy, but in that moment, they felt ready to face it together.
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As they arrived home, Hyun Woo felt the weight of the day’s events beginning to ease. The ultrasound images of their baby girl were tucked safely in his bag, and for the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to breathe a little easier. While Hae In went to change into more comfortable clothes, his phone buzzed. It was his mother, Jeon Bong Ae.
“Hyun Woo-ah,” she said warmly, her voice carrying a familiar, comforting tone. “Have you decided if you’re coming to the ancestral rites in the day after tomorrow? Hae In’s check up is today, right? What did the doctor say? How’s my granddaughter?”
“Eomma, slow down,” he chuckled at his mom’s never-ending question. She must be excited as well. “Okay first, your grand daughter is healthy and she is growing well. Today is the first time we see her detailed scan. She is pretty like Hae In but she got my nose. I will send you her photos later.”
Bong Ae can be heard squealing on the other end “Aigoo…aigooo…can’t wait to see how she looks like. Hae In neun? How is she?” Since learning about Hae In’s illness a few years back, Bong Ae is always worry about her health.
“Hae In is fine. The doctor said she is healthy and does not have any complications in her pregnancy so far. She can give birth normally.”
Bong Ae give out a long sigh knowing that there is nothing wrong with Hae In. “I’m glad. Hope nothing happened in these three weeks and she can safely give birth as planned. So, are you coming home adeul?”
Hyun Woo hesitated, knowing the answer wouldn’t be what she wanted to hear. “I wanted to wait until after Hae In’s check-up to decide,” he began carefully. “The doctor advised against traveling, especially long distances. Hae In is in her last weeks, and we don’t want to take any risks.”
There was a pause before Bong Ae responded. “I understand,” she said kindly. “Her health and the baby come first. Don’t worry about the rites. Just take care of your wife.”
Relieved that his mother understood, Hyun Woo thanked her. But before he could hang up, Hae In appeared in the doorway, her face determined. She had overheard the conversation, as Hyun Woo had put the phone on speaker.
“Eomeoni,” Hae In interrupted, stepping closer. “We’re coming to the ancestral rites.”
Hyun Woo shot her a look of disbelief. “Hae In—” he started, but she cut him off.
“This is the first time we’ve had the chance to attend together since we got married,” she said firmly, addressing both her husband and mother-in-law. “I’ve missed so many of your family’s traditions because of my own family’s demands. I want to go this time.”
On the other end of the line, Bong Ae sounded concerned. “Hae In-ah, it’s okay. You don’t need to push yourself. The baby’s health is more important. You can attend next year.”
But Hae In was unyielding. “I’m perfectly healthy, and my due date is more than three weeks away. I’ll be fine, Eomeoni.”
Hyun Woo couldn’t hold back any longer. “Are you listening to yourself?” he said, his voice rising slightly in frustration. “The doctor said no unnecessary travel, and you want to go all the way to Yongduri? What if something happens?”
Hae In’s resolve didn’t waver, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You always talk about how much your family traditions meant to you, Hyun Woo. And now, when I finally have the chance to be there with you, you’re telling me not to go? Am I not part of this family?”
The words hit Hyun Woo like a punch to the gut. He softened, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away, her emotions spilling over.
“I’ve already missed so much because of my family’s interference,” she said, her voice breaking. “I want to be there for your family, for our family.”
Bong Ae, who had been silently listening, gently interjected. “Hae In-ah, you are very much part of this family. Please don’t feel like you need to prove that by coming to the rites. What matters most is that you and the baby stay safe.”
Hae In’s shoulders slumped slightly, but she remained resolute. “I’ll be careful. I promise. But I don’t want to regret missing this.”
Hyun Woo sighed, rubbing his temples. He hated seeing her so upset, but he couldn’t shake his worry. “Let’s think this through,” he said finally, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll talk about it again tomorrow.”
Hae In nodded reluctantly, and as Bong Ae ended the call with a gentle reminder for them to prioritize safety, the room fell into an uneasy silence.
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That night, as Hyun Woo lay awake next to his wife, he couldn’t help but wonder if attending the rites was worth the risk. His heart ached at the thought of denying Hae In something that clearly mattered so much to her, but the image of her in distress haunted him.
Beside him, Hae In stared at the ceiling, torn between her desire to connect with her in-laws and the guilt of worrying her husband. Both of them silently prayed that whatever decision they made, it would be the right one for their growing family.
As they lay in bed, the silence between Hyun Woo and Hae In was heavy with unspoken words. Hyun Woo turned to his wife; his voice soft but filled with emotion. “Hae In ahh,” he began, breaking the stillness, “I’m sorry for raising my voice earlier. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just—” He paused, struggling to find the right words. “I’m worried about you and the baby. We’ve come so far, and I don’t want to risk anything. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to either of you.”
Hae In turned to face him, her gaze meeting his in the dim light. She could see the worry etched deeply in his eyes, and it made her chest tighten.
“I know,” she said gently, reaching out to touch his face. “I understand your worry, Hyun Woo. I really do. I’m scared too. But I believe everything is going to be fine. It’s only a weekend trip, and Yongduri is just a two-hour drive from Seoul.”
Hyun Woo closed his eyes for a moment, letting her words sink in. “It’s not just about the drive,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. “We’ve been through so much already. Losing our first baby nearly broke me, Hae In. And when you got sick with ‘Cloud Cytoma’—” He stopped, his voice faltering. “I almost lost you then too. I can’t bear the thought of something bad happening again. It’s killing me just thinking about it.”
Hae In felt a pang in her heart. She knew the toll their past struggles had taken on him, on both of them. She shifted closer, her hand resting over his. “I know it hasn’t been easy,” she said softly. “But we’re stronger now, aren’t we? We’ve made it through the worst together.”
Hyun Woo nodded, though his expression remained conflicted.
Hae In hesitated for a moment, then continued. “When I was talking to my Aunt Beomja recently, she told me about how my family used to have fourteen ancestral rites every year when my grandfather was alive. She said you never missed a single one. Not even once.”
Hyun Woo sighed, his eyes flickering with memories. How can he forget those? The Hong even made the male in laws of their family to do all the preparation like the Joseon time they claimed. “That’s true. Your family always placed a lot of importance on those traditions.”
“That’s why,” Hae In said, her voice growing more resolute, “I felt so guilty when I realized how much you’ve missed because of me. Aunt Beomja told me about the time you couldn’t even attend your father’s 70th birthday because it fell on the same day as my grandmother’s death anniversary. You sacrificed so much, Hyun Woo. Marrying into my family hasn’t been easy for you.” Hae In is aware how becoming a member into her influential family is not as wonderful as it seems. It’s hard. A lot of sacrifices needed. Luckily, her family learned their lesson and now they are not like before.
Hyun Woo opened his mouth to protest, but Hae In cut him off. “Don’t deny it,” she said gently. “I know it’s true. I know how much family traditions mean to you. That’s why I want to make sure you don’t miss this one. I want us to go to Yongduri together, to be there for your family.”
Hyun Woo stared at her, his heart torn between his deep-rooted worries and the love and gratitude he felt for his wife. “You don’t have to do this for me, Hae In,” he said finally, his voice thick with emotion.
“I’m not doing it just for you,” she said, her eyes steady and unwavering. “I’m doing it for us, for our family. I want our daughter to grow up seeing us honour your traditions too. I want her to know both sides of her family.”
Hyun Woo didn’t respond immediately, instead pulling her into his arms and holding her close. “You’re too good to me,” he whispered.
“And you’re too good to me,” she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.
As they lay together, Hyun Woo sighed, his resolve softening. “Alright,” he murmured. “We’ll go to Yongduri. But the moment you feel even the slightest discomfort, we’re turning back. Promise me.”
“I promise,” Hae In said, squeezing his hand.
Though the tension lingered in the air, they both felt a sense of resolution. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was one they could live with, together.
Hae In smiled softly as she traced her fingers over Hyun Woo’s hand, her voice lightening as she tried to shift the mood. “You know, there’s another reason I want to go to Yongduri,” she said.
Hyun Woo raised an eyebrow, his expression sceptical but curious. “Oh? What is it this time?”
She chuckled, though her eyes shimmered with unspoken emotions. “I’ve been craving your mom’s cooking for months. You have no idea how many times I’ve dreamed about sitting at her dining table, eating her gukbab, jjigae, and bulgogi.”
At that, Hyun Woo couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Is that so? You’ve been thinking about food this whole time?”
Hae In nodded earnestly. She could feel that her face is turning red of being shy. “Yes! You have no idea how much I’ve missed it. Our little princess really has the same palate as her Appa. Ever since I got pregnant, my usual meals—salads, sandwiches, you know, the healthy stuff—don’t interest me anymore. They just don’t hit the spot like your mom’s cooking does.” She paused, her voice dropping to a softer tone. “Especially after how hard it’s been with this pregnancy.”
Hyun Woo’s smile faltered slightly, and concern flickered in his eyes. “It hasn’t been easy for you,” he murmured.
“No, it hasn’t,” she admitted. “Remember how terrible my morning sickness was? I couldn’t keep anything down for months. Even water made me nauseous. It didn’t stop until my third trimester. I lost so much weight in the first two trimesters that Dr. Kim was worried.”
Hyun Woo nodded, his expression pained as he remembered the countless nights spent by her side, holding her hair back while she threw up, and the mornings where she barely had the strength to get out of bed.
“But now,” Hae In continued, her tone lightening again, “I can finally eat properly. And I’m making up for all that lost time. Your mom’s cooking is exactly what I need. It’s like I can already taste her kimchi jjigae and bulgogi.”
Hyun Woo’s heart softened as he listened to her. He knew how much she’d endured during this pregnancy, how she bore the discomfort with quiet strength for their baby’s sake. And now, seeing her eyes light up at the thought of enjoying his mother’s food in Yongduri, he felt a pang of guilt for trying to dissuade her earlier.
“Why didn’t you tell me you’ve been dreaming of her cooking?” he asked, his tone gentler now.
Hae In shrugged playfully. “I didn’t want to make you feel bad. You’re already doing so much for me, cooking and bringing me all those takeout meals I’ve been craving. But it’s not the same as being in Yongduri and eating food made by her in her kitchen.”
Hyun Woo sighed, his earlier resolve softening completely. “You really know how to win me over, don’t you?”
She grinned, her eyes twinkling. “I just know you, Baek Hyun Woo.”
He pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. “Fine,” he said, his voice laced with both love and surrender. “We’ll go to Yongduri. But, like I said, the moment you feel even the slightest discomfort, we’re turning back. No arguments.”
Hae In nodded, her smile wide and genuine. “Arasso, Rainbow Appa.”
Hyun Woo kissed her forehead upon hearing those endearment. Hae In knows how to make him change his mind.
“Ouch,” Hae In yelped suddenly.
“Wae, what happened?” Hyun Woo began to panic to which Hae In just shook her head.
She took his hand and bring it over to her expanding belly. “Your baby just kicked me. She must be very happy knowing that she could eat halmeoni’s food this weekend.”
Even under the dimmed light of their bedroom, Hae In can see how wide her husband is smiling as he feels the tiny bumbs made by their daughter as she is actively kicking. The little movements does makes her feel discomfort sometimes, but she is glad she get to experience those movements this time around.
“Saranghae, Hong Hae In.”
“Na do saranghae, Baek Hyun Woo.”
The two shared a light kiss as they ease the tense between them earlier. In that moment, Hyun Woo realized that her insistence wasn’t just about honoring his family traditions or satisfying her cravings. It was about creating a balance between their lives, about showing him that she valued his roots just as much as her own. And that thought filled his heart with gratitude and love.
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As the excitement settled over Hae In, she hummed softly while folding clothes into their luggage. The anticipation of visiting Yongduri filled her with warmth, imagining the serene village, the family meals, and the cherished moments they would share.
Midway through packing, her eyes fell on the hospital bag resting in the corner of the room—a bag she had meticulously prepared weeks ago. For some reason, her hands itched to unzip it.
“Let’s see,” she murmured to herself as she opened the bag, revealing neatly packed baby essentials. Tiny clothes, diapers, a swaddle blanket, and baby socks were folded with care. Her eyes landed on a soft pastel onesie with tiny stars embroidered on it. She gently picked it up, her fingers brushing over the delicate fabric.
A smile crept onto her face as she held the tiny garment up. “You’re so small,” she whispered, her voice full of wonder. “I can’t believe you’ll be wearing this soon.”
Without much thought, she folded the onesie neatly and reached for a diaper from the bag. She placed both items inside their Yongduri luggage, tucking them into a corner as if it were an afterthought. “Just in case,” she muttered softly, barely aware of the words escaping her lips.
She straightened up and placed a hand on her belly, feeling the gentle movements of her baby within. A wave of emotion washed over her, and she couldn’t resist the urge to speak to her little one.
“I’m so excited to meet you, but not yet, okay? Let’s not rush. Let’s not make your appa panic,” she said tenderly, cradling her belly as though her baby could hear every word. “Your appa and I have a lot planned for you, and I want everything to be perfect when you arrive. So, stay cozy in there for a little while longer.”
As she stood there, her mind wandered to the joy of introducing her baby to the world, to her family, and to the love waiting to embrace this little life. She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I must be crazy, talking to you like this.”
But deep down, she felt a strange sense of calm and connection. It was as if her baby was already a part of their world, and the thought brought her peace. She zipped up the luggage with a satisfied nod, feeling ready for the trip to Yongduri and whatever awaited them there.