Hanuel
*One month later*
I tapped against the steering wheel while music played softly in the background. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today – just the perfect weather for a long drive.
I had told Hoseok I was visiting someone and he instantly told me to go ahead and have fun, but he did not know the whole truth. I hated lying to him but I did not have much of a choice. There are things I cannot tell him.
I looked around, making sure nobody had followed me. It was risky enough coming here but I could not have anyone know, not even Bangtan, not even my soon to be husband.
I sighed as I took a turn and headed towards the off path to go to the small cottage where I knew they had been living for the past two years. They had used fake names to start a new life where they could be safe, far away from those who wanted to harm them. I had helped them myself – how ironical.
I took another turn before I parked the car in the driveway. I saw her waiting for me by the door, a huge, beaming smile on her face. She waved enthusiastically as soon as she saw me. I smiled as well as I reached for the bag and got out of my car.
‘Hanuel!’ she greeted as she came to hug me. I laughed as I hugged her back, the bag dangling between us. ‘It’s so good to see you again. It’s been too long since you last visited,’ she said with a pout as we walked inside.
‘I visited four months ago,’ I said, raising an eyebrow while she giggled.
‘That’s still too long. I miss you,’ she said which made me smile. If I were honest with myself, I missed them too.
‘Here, I brought you some things and a small present for the little munchkin,’ I said as I handed her the bag with some groceries and the present.
‘You shouldn’t have. You bring him a present every time you visit,’ she said as she led me to where the playpen is. I smile as I see the little boy who keeps growing up so fast.
‘He’s grown so much,’ I said as he looked at me and giggled. He recognized me even if it’s been a while.
‘Auntie!’ he yelled as he dropped the toy he was playing with. I laughed as I saw him running towards me. I bent and picked him up, holding him securely in my arms.
‘I missed you too Minho,’ I said as I kissed the top of his head. I looked at Ae-Cha who looked at us fondly while we made our way to the living room. I set Minho down on the carpet as I gave him the new toy.
‘Wow! Thank you auntie!’ he said as he reached to give my leg a hug. I laughed as I patted his head and he sat down to begin playing with it.
‘You’re raising him well Ae-Cha,’ I said as she smiled and nodded.
‘I’ve had help. You’re always sending me money and my partner, he’s amazing with everything too. How is Hoseok?’ she asked and I could not help but smile.
‘He’s well. He’s eating healthy and he seems happy,’ I said as she smiled.
‘Of course he is. He found the love of his life in you,’ she said, teasing me as she elbowed me. ‘I’m really happy. At least one good thing came from me having to pretend to be dead,’ she said as she sighed.
‘Ae-Cha,’ I said as I reached for her hand. ‘You should tell him the truth. You should tell him you’re both alive. He’ll protect you and so will I,’ I said. ‘Hoseok, he misses you and Minho so much. You have no idea of how much guilt he carries around with him because he thinks he failed you,’ I said.
‘Oh God, no, no he never failed us,’ Ae-Cha said, starting to tear up. ‘But I can’t Hanuel. Not when the people who wanted us dead are still out there. If it was just me, definitely but I can’t risk Minho,’ she said.
‘I understand. I just wish to see Hoseok with his son again and you. You were his best friend,’ I said and she nodded.
‘I miss him too. I know Minho does as well. I keep… I keep showing him his picture and telling him Appa is working hard for him,’ Ae-Cha said as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it quickly before she could actually start crying.
‘I know it’s hard and scary for you but I’m there this time. I can protect you with him. All of Bangtan would,’ I said, but she just smiled.
‘Last time we got lucky that you were the one who was supposed to kill us. Instead, we faked our death and we got to live peacefully because of you. Next time, we might not be so lucky. Suho is not a forgiving guy. Even you might be in danger by marrying Hoseok,’ she said and I sighed.
‘I know. Hoseok warned me. He wanted me to be sure but he knows I can protect myself. After all, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I couldn’t,’ I said and she nodded.
‘Hoseok and I, we were best friends. We cared for each other but never loved each other as lovers, although we did sleep together sometimes. From the letters you send me, I can tell he loves you a lot,’ she said with a smile.
‘He does and I love him but I am scared,’ I admitted and she sighed. ‘I am scared because I’ve kept this huge secret from him. I’m the person who was supposed to kill his wife and son,’ I said.
‘But you didn’t. You gave us a second chance at life Hanuel. You kept taking care of us, for the past two years, even when you were being haunted, you never forgot about us,’ she said, squeezing my hand.
‘He won’t forgive me for this though. I’m marrying him while he doesn’t realize he is still married to you,’ I said scoffing and laughing a little while my heart ached. I touched at my chest, as if I could take away the pain but it did not work. ‘I’m going to start my marriage based on lies,’ I said.
‘Hey, you’re going to start your marriage because of love not convenience. I mean yes, a little convenience but you know what I mean,’ she said and I nodded. ‘For the world, Minho and I are dead. One day, when Minho is older, Hoseok will know the truth but do you know what he will know? That you saved his son. Yes, he might be a little angry but he will forgive you. I know him, he’s kind and good. He will understand that you never said anything because you swore your secrecy to me,’ she said.
‘I hope so. I hate keeping this a secret from him but I know why it needs to be kept as a secret,’ I said with another frown.
‘If something ever happens to me,’ she began, squeezing my hand. ‘I want you to take care of Minho with Hoseok,’ she said.
‘Nothing will happen to you Ae-Cha. You’re safe here, right?’ I asked and she nodded. ‘I need you to tell me if something is off or you get suspicious of something or someone. I’ll drop everything and come,’ I said.
‘I know that Hanuel but everything has been going well. You don’t have to worry about us,’ she said. ‘I’m really happy for you Hanuel,’ she said with a genuine smile.
‘Life is going quite good for me. I never imagined saving Namjoon’s wife would lead me to where I am today,’ I said.
‘Because your kindness was finally rewarded. It took a long time but the wait was worth it. I really do admire you a lot Hanuel. I admire your strength and character,’ she said.
‘I admire yours – a mother willing to do anything to protect her child,’ I said as I looked at Minho. How I wished Hoseok could see him! How I wished I could just eliminate the threat once and for all but killing that * would only start another gang war.
‘Being married to Hoseok,’ Ae-Cha said, forcing me to look back at her. ‘Is the best thing that could happen. I’ve been there so I know, but I was his best friend. Imagine how he would be with the person he loves the most,’ she said with a smile.
‘Sometimes, it’s still hard to believe. He manages to see beyond what I am. He sees the good in me and he sees past the flaws and scars,’ I said as she smiled.
‘That’s because you’re special, just like he is and,’ she began but had to stop as her phone started to ring. Her face lit up and I could not help but smile.
‘Guess your prince charming is calling. I’ll take Minho to the playpen and play with him while you talk to him,’ I said. She nodded as I grabbed Minho and took him back to the playpen and started playing with him.