130 - Twenty-One Years Old, Returning Student, Married Woman with Children
TL/Editor: looloo
Status: ongoing
Illustrations: posted in discord
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Anyway, after a while, Lia fussed over Sarang, taking pictures by her side, and then my friends took turns taking photos with Sarang as well.
It couldn't be helped that they were alternating like this. Since there was no common ground between Lia and my friends, it would have been awkward for them to hang out together.
Fortunately, they managed to have some conversations centered around my wife and me.
"They were no joke even back in high school. Honestly, they were almost like a set package."
"I could see that~ They’ll probably be the same in college from the second semester, right? Their department buildings are pretty close too."
"If you see Han Yeonho on the street, you can bet Lee Heena is right next to him.""Hmm~"
"Heena, now's not the time to look so smug."
"Should I try to match my lunchtime with Heena's once she returns to school? I'll adjust my class schedule."
"That sounds good~ It might be hard to do often because we’re busy, but let's eat together sometimes."
"Is this your way of telling us not to interrupt your precious couple time too often?"
We chatted and laughed with our friends for a while. Even though we talked frequently in our group chat, it had been a long time since we saw each other in person, so it was very fun.
Unfortunately, not even a few hours passed before Sarang started to fuss. It was time for her formula. Our Sarang was always punctual with her meal times.
Sensing the cue from her fussing, my friends began to get up and prepare to leave.
It wasn't easy to gather like this after we turned twenty, since everyone had their own schedules. Despite that, I was grateful they came all the way here for us.
"Thanks for coming, everyone. I'm sorry we can't go out much because we need to take care of Sarang."
"It's fine, man. You have to take care of Sarang. I'll treat you to a full zoo course once she's a bit older."
"Oh~ Kim Suhwang~ Should I offer my place by the valley? It's still empty."
"I'll give you a full tteokbokki course. Come by anytime. You're welcome as an employee too."
"This guy is always trying to recruit."
"I see you at school, so~ See you after the break! Take care, Sarang~ See you again!"
"Aoo!"
After spending some time catching up with friends, I returned to my studies at home. We couldn't keep living on everyone else's help and consideration forever.
I needed to maintain good grades and get a job at a good company so I could buy lots of delicious food for our Sarang. And for the family too, of course.
With that determination, I spent the summer vacation studying English and preparing for certifications.
And at the end of August.
The vacation ended, and Heena returned to school.
As the day of her return to school approached, I couldn't hide my growing guilt towards my mother-in-law. There was no one else to look after Sarang while we were at school.
My mom had subtly suggested taking Sarang to her place, but my mother-in-law had vehemently opposed the idea, leaving me, living with my in-laws, with no choice.
It felt like taking care of Sarang had become a reward. The competition was fierce.
Other than that, there were no major issues. Heena wasn't going to college for the first time; she was just returning after a break.
Actually, there was one more issue.
"Sarang... Mommy is going now. Listen to Grandma. Okay?"
"Oo-euh!"
"Should Mommy not go? Should I just stay home with Sarang?"
"Oh dear~ Our daughter can't leave because she can't take her eyes off Sarang. You'll be late~"
"But! How can I go when Sarang is looking at me so pitifully, telling me not to go!"
"Sarang is looking at her cat doll?"
Since Sarang was born, Heena had rarely been apart from her for long periods. Other than the occasional short date we went on, she had never left Sarang for more than a few hours.
Heena couldn't get away from the shoe cabinet, so I coaxed and reassured her. We waved to Sarang, who was tightly hugging her cat doll, and left the house together.
Heena had scheduled all her classes as early as possible, so our leaving and returning times were similar.
"What if Sarang cries because she misses us?"
"We can hurry back after we're done. She'll have her formula and fall asleep soon, so don't worry too much."
"But still..."
"Did you know? This is the first time we're going to school together. In high school, we went to different schools, and last year I only saw you off. This is the first time we're both going to classes together."
"Now that you mention it, you're right."
"It feels like we're going on a date."
"Really! I'm so happy to go with you~"
My attempt to change the subject seemed to work, as Heena smiled brightly and linked arms with me. She was probably still thinking about Sarang, but she was also happy to be going to school with me.
She was especially wary of other girls approaching me when she wasn't around. Though for me, keeping up with classes was already a struggle.
Some friends managed to do everything and keep up, but I aimed for high grades, leaving little room for romantic notions about college life.
Linked arm in arm, we walked for an hour to the university.
People glanced at us from the entrance. It wasn't just because we were arm in arm; Heena's face was too beautiful to ignore.
Even though I'd seen her up close for a long time, I never got tired of her. Every time I saw her, it felt new, thrilling, and awe-inspiring. It was hard to believe she'd already given birth.
Heena clung to me as if to show off to everyone watching. She didn't let go until we reached the path where we had to part for our respective buildings.
"Do well, honey. I'll call you at lunchtime."
"Okay. You too, Sarang's mom."
-Smooch!
After one last kiss before parting, I watched Heena's back until she was out of sight, then turned around.
As soon as I turned, I saw familiar faces.
There were my classmates, Chanhyung and Jaehwan, looking at me coldly.
"......"
"......"
"...Did you have a good break?"
"It was good until now. Seeing you makes me want to die."
"Me too."
"Sorry..."