Merry Christmas Everyone
As I gave Jin-Woo's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, I said, "There's a lot at stake, and we're going to need each other's help to get through it."
He looked at me, a bit confused. "What are you talking about?"
I just smiled a little. "It's a long story. I'll fill you in once you're out of the hospital."
We talked a bit more, then I left his room to rejoin my mom in the hallway. Jin-Ah was there too, waiting. I turned to her and said, "Don't worry. I made sure he won't do anything risky again.
Go on, be with him. I'll come by tomorrow to check up on him, and I'll bring dinner for you both in a bit, don't eat anything from here."
She nodded, her face showing pure relief. "Thank you. I'm really lucky to have you, without you keeping him in line, I would have gone mad due to his antics."
I smiled, reached out, and ruffled her hair a bit, while my mother gave Jin-Ah a forehead kiss, before heading home with my mom.
The walk back home was a long one, but we spent it talking about little things, sharing memories. At one point, she wrapped her arm around mine as we walked, and I could feel the warmth in her smile. It was nice—something small, but it felt like the world.
When we got home, both of us rolled up our sleeves and got ready to cook. I grabbed the apron hanging by the counter and put it on with a dramatic flourish, earning a laugh from her.
"Alright, Chef Samuel, what's on the menu?" she teased.
I grinned. "Only the best, Mom!" I winked and added, "Let's get started."
We began working in sync, chopping vegetables for a hearty stew, slicing tofu, and getting ingredients ready for a fresh salad and stir-fried greens. My mom tossed diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers into a pan, while I stirred the rice and seasoned some potatoes with fresh herbs.
I couldn't help but mess around. I picked up a carrot stick, held it like a microphone, and announced, "And now, a special performance!" Clearing my throat dramatically, I started singing along with the song playing in the background, my voice intentionally over-the-top.
She laughed, shaking her head. "I don't know why I put up with you!"
"Because I'm the best sous chef you'll ever have!" I replied, giving her a playful nudge.
She just rolled her eyes, smiling as we moved from one task to the next, totally in sync. I even twirled her around a few times, making her laugh even more. At one point, I did a little dance with a spoon in my hand, pretending it was a microphone.
"Stop goofing around and taste the soup!" she said, smiling as she stirred a pot.
"Yes, ma'am!" I gave her a mock salute and took a careful spoonful. "Perfect, just like you."
"Oh, stop it!" She blushed a bit, shaking her head but looking pleased.
Once everything was ready, we set aside portions for Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah in containers, packing them up carefully. We then sat down at the table to share a simple but delicious meal, talking about the day and feeling grateful.
At one point, she reached over, giving my hand a soft squeeze. "You're a really good son, Samuel."
I smiled back, but then I said, "Good son? Mom, I'm not a good son."
Her smile faded a little, her expression turning serious, a hint of worry in her eyes. Before she could say anything, I broke into a big grin. "I'm the best son," I said, eyes sparkling.
She let out a surprised laugh, relief softening her expression. "Alright, alright, you win," she said, shaking her head but smiling.
After we had eaten, we packed up the containers of food. I put them carefully into a bag, making sure nothing would spill. My mom watched me, smiling softly.
"You're a good friend, Samuel," she said, reaching out to smooth down my collar.
"Someone's gotta keep them both out of trouble, right?" I chuckled, giving her a quick hug before grabbing the bag.
On my way to the hospital, I noticed a small flower shop still open. I picked up two bouquets of fresh flowers, choosing some bright colors that would brighten the air in Jin woo's mom's room as well as one for Jin-Ah as well.
After all, Jin-Ah has been enduring the most, sitting by both Jin-Woo's and her mother's side almost nonstop, and she deserved a little pick-me-up.
When I got to the hospital, I slipped into Jin-Woo's room quietly, not wanting to disturb either of them. Jin-Woo was asleep, still hooked up to the machines that beeped softly, and Jin-Ah had dozed off in the chair beside him, her head resting against the back of it. She looked exhausted but peaceful.
I set the bag of food down on the table and then carefully took the flowers out, placing them in the small vase near Jin-Ah's headrest. I adjusted them a bit, making sure they looked just right, so it'd be the first thing she'd see when she woke up.
Then I took a quiet moment, looking at the two of them. Jin-Woo had always been a bit reckless, always throwing himself into danger for others without thinking twice.
Jin-Ah, on the other hand, was his anchor—always there to look after him, no matter how tough things got. They were like family to me, and just standing here reminded me how much they meant.
I gave Jin-Ah a forehead kiss, as I went to Jin Woo's mom's room. I looked at Jin-Woo's mom, she looked quite frail.
It had been a long time since she had fallen into this vegetative state. I walked over to her, sitting beside her, taking her hand in mine as I said, "I'll look after both of them, no matter what. You don't have to worry."
I held Park Kyung-Hye Jin Woo's mother's hand a little tighter, feeling the warmth of her skin even though she was in vegetative state, indicating she's still alive.
"Mrs. Park…" I started softly, my voice almost a whisper, but then I shook my head, chuckling quietly. "No, Mom."
I looked at her face, my heart swelling with memories. She was always there for me, just like she was for Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah. She never treated me like an outsider, always welcoming me with that big smile of hers, making me feel like I was one of her own kids.
"You remember when the neighbors used to pick on Mom?" I said, my voice shaking a little. "You'd march over there and give them that look—the one that could scare off a lion—and they'd stop right away.
No one messed with mom because of you. With you around, I didn't have to worry about my mother's well-being, when I'm away."
I smiled, thinking about all those times she'd stand up for my mom in my absence, never afraid to do whatever it took to protect her family, even if it wasn't easy.
She was always so strong, so brave. She didn't just protect Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah. She protected me and my mom too, as if we were her family, no questions asked.
"Now it's my turn, okay?" I promised, keeping my voice steady. "I'm going to take care of them, just like you took care of us. Jin-Woo might get himself in trouble sometimes, but I'll be there to keep him in line.
And Jin-Ah… she's stronger than she thinks, but she needs someone by her side. I'll be there, I swear. No matter what happens, I'll make sure to protect Jin-Ah, and make sure Jin Woo isn't in a critical state."
I took a deep breath, letting the memories wash over me. The warmth of family dinners, her laugh when I'd crack some silly joke, the gentle way she'd pat my head like I was her own. She'd given me so much—a second home, a second family, and a second mom.
"So don't worry about them," I murmured, squeezing her hand gently. "You just focus on getting better. I'll handle everything here. And when you wake up, we'll all be here, waiting for you… just like you've always been there for us."
I brushed a stray hair from her forehead, feeling a mix of sadness and hope. "Thank you, Mom… for everything. For treating me like your son. For protecting us. For loving us like we were all just one big family."
I sat with her for a few more minutes, letting the room fill with quiet memories. And then, after making sure the flowers looked nice by her bed, I whispered one last promise.
"I'll keep them safe until you're back with us. I won't let anything happen to them. That's my word to you mom."
And with that, I left her room, feeling like I'd just told my mom the most important promise I'd ever make.
Giving one last look to Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah, I felt a small surge of determination. They'd been through so much, and as much as I could help it, they wouldn't go through it alone.
Before I left, I turned back to Jin-Woo, who was sleeping soundly, and made a silent promise to him. Whatever came next, I'd be there. For him and for Jin-Ah. They were family to me, too.
With a last glance at them all, I slipped out of the room, heading home, already thinking of what else I could do for them tomorrow.
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! Just a quick update: my main focus is currently my MHA fic, so this new story will have slower updates. But if you're want to read ahead, I've got some special options for you on Patreon!
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