Hanuel
6 years later
‘Hello Eomma, Appa, Lux, Ah-Chae,’ I said as I looked at each tombstone as I put a red rose on each grave. I smiled, having learned to live with their loss but still missing them.
‘It’s been a while since my last visit. A year to be exact,’ I said. ‘Sorry about that,’ I mumbled as I scratched the back of my neck.
I closed my eyes and looked up as I felt the warm sun. I felt a certain sense of peace in my heart and soul, almost as if they were surrounding me and giving me their love. I opened my eyes and knelt down as I touched Ah-Chae’s tombstones.
‘A couple of things have changed. Jungkook finally got a girlfriend and Taehyung and Jimin have both gotten married to two incredible girls,’ I said, smiling.
They were truly incredible – smart, good fighters and straight forward. They had joined the Scarlets and then met with those two and instantly clicked. Jungkook’s girlfriend is also another Scarlet. In a way, my marriage with Hoseok opened the way for various romances and love story. It was a connection that worked. Now, everyone respected Bangtan and the Scarlets.
Over the years, I managed to change the perception about us. People still feared us. They knew we would not hesitate those who hurt innocent people. Yet, people respected us for that very same reason.
‘Bangtan continued to increase their territory but don’t worry, they’re still not hurting innocent people. In fact, we just helped the cops close a sex trafficking ring,’ I said, proudly.
‘Some things have remained the same. Namjoon has remained an amazing leader for Bangtan. Eomma, Appa, I know you were never for gang people but I think you would have liked him,’ I said.
‘Hoseok,’ I said with a smile. ‘He’s been an amazing husband. I don’t know how he does it, he keeps showing me more and more love every day. He treats me like a queen and loves me like his life depends on it,’ I said.
I took a breath, pausing from my monologue. I did this every year I came to visit. I would just talk about what happened through the year, almost as if it was like letting go.
‘Minho just celebrated his ninth birthday now and Logan is eight. Those two have become like best friends. They remind me of Taehyung and Jimin – completely inseparable which eases my mind. I know they will always have each other’s back,’ I said.
‘Sophie, the girl we adopted over four years ago turned five now,’ I said as I smiled.
Four years ago, Hoseok and I had been on a date. We had gone to this beautiful, small, romantic Italian restaurant. We had laughed, ate and drank and we walked down the streets a little drunk, until we heard a baby crying. It had sobered us immediately as we followed the cries. We found her looking pale, almost blue, shivering and crying. She even had bruises on her body. It was clear she was not exactly a new born baby but she had been abandoned. We had stayed with her and then took her home with us. Minho had instantly fallen in love with her and took care of her as if she was his sister.
‘You know, Minho is an amazing brother to her and mentioning amazing brothers, Yeonjun has been doing really well. I can’t believe he is going to be a father for a second time. Kai is growing up so quickly too. I feel so happy seeing him and Minji so accomplished and happy,’ I said with a smile.
‘Oh and Wonho is happy too. He’s still hasn’t moved on but he has become a beloved member of Bangtan. Everyone loves him. I can see why you did too,’ I said, looking at Ah-Chae’s tomb.
I walked into the mansion just as Hoseok came to greet me. ‘Hello baby,’ he said as he hugged me.
‘Hi babe,’ I said, hugging him back. ‘Did you eat?’ I asked but he shook his head, which only made me frown.
‘The kids ate but I wanted to wait for you love and—’ he stopped as we heard running and yelling. We turned to look and I smiled as I saw Minho and Sophie running.
‘Eomma you’re back!’ Minho shouted as he ran towards me. I laughed as he hugged me tightly while Hoseok picked up Sophie in his arms.
‘I’ve only been gone a couple of hours,’ I said, laughing as I ruffled Minho’s hair.
‘Still. Where did you go Eomma? I could have come with you!’ he said, excitedly as he let go of the hug.
‘I went to um, well, see some important people,’ I said. I felt Hoseok wrap his free arm around me as he squeezed my waist.
‘Ah okay,’ he said, some of his excitement dulling a bit. ‘Those meetings are boring Eomma,’ he said, laughing.
‘Yeah,’ I said, just as I felt Hoseok squeeze again. ‘Why don’t you and Sophie go play with Logan and Kai? We can go for ice-cream later,’ I suggested.
‘Ahh yes! Come on Soph, let’s go,’ he said as Hoseok chuckled. Hoseok put her down as she let out little giggles while she took her brother’s hand and they took off running.
I watched them as I felt arms wrapping around my waist. I leaned back into his chest as he put his head on my shoulder.
‘You’re such a fantastic mother, do you know that?’ he asked and I just smiled. ‘I’m serious. I remember how scared you were in the beginning but you’re a natural at it babe,’ he said.
‘I had a lot of help from you, my love,’ I said as I turned around. I put my hand around his neck and looked at his eyes while his hands rested on my waist. ‘I’m only as good as you claim because I was doing it with you,’ I said.
‘Hmm we were a perfect duo,’ he said, bending down to kiss me. I smiled into the kiss as I kissed him back. It was sweet but full of love. He pulled away and rested his forehead against mine. ‘For the record, there isn’t anyone else I would want to do this with. You’re my angel,’ he said.
‘And you’re my saviour and redeemer,’ I said. ‘I love you so much,’ I said.
‘And I love you to the moon and back,’ he said just as he kissed me again. We kept kissing until we heard someone clear their throat and we looked up to see Yoongi there.
‘Sorry to break the eating each other’s face moment, but Namjoon is calling a meeting. We have a new mission coming up,’ Yoongi said.
‘We’ll be right there,’ Hoseok called out. Yoongi nodded as he smirked while we watched him leave. Hoseok turned to me and grabbed my hand. ‘We’re continuing this tonight after we put the kids to sleep,’ he said with a wink.
‘I look forward to it,’ I said as the two of us started heading towards Namjoon’s office, ready for the next adventure in our lives.
