Tenth Chapter

It was too obvious that people usually felt as if they got a new life when they successfully won over their sicknesses, illnesses or brutal state.

But for Taeil, he just felt as if he got another undeserving chance to ruin everything and hurt everyone.

“Hey, you woke up. How are you feeling?”

“Better now. Thanks doctor.” Taeil thanked the latter as he looked down at his lap and stomach which had a bump just two days ago.

“I'm so sorry for this. We tried our best to not let it happen however, fate wasn't by our side and even after all the things we did, it happened.”

It was strange for Taeil that the doctor was apologising to him for what happened to him when it was not in any way their fault. It was not any other's fault but him. He was the one who was actually wrong. He had always been wrong.

Not only wrong, but selfish and careless as well. Always been stubborn. Never listened to his parents, nor his husband. Hurt everyone he knew. His parents, husband, lover and somehow even his own child. He couldn't even protect the little one.

It would be a little less hurting if the child belonged to him only. But knowing that Donghyuck was also happily expecting to be father just hurt him even more. Just one responsibility that the younger had given him during his absence and he couldn't even keep up with that. He couldn't protect Donghyuck's child.

It was definitely a punishment by fate. For all his wrongdoings, for all the sins he had committed. The only thing that was eating him alive was the fact that it was not hurting him only, but all the people he loved.

How in the world he was even going to fix all the things he had turmoiled?

“There is nothing to apologize to, doctor. We can not save or have everything in our lives we want. Be it living or nonliving. I'm still really thankful that you took care of me. I hope I can get home soon as well.”

“It's good to see you strong. And, don't worry. You'll be discharged soon after a few more checkups. Your parents will be seeing you soon. They are stuck with some enquiry. Till then, I'll set some meds up as well as some edibles for you while you take some rest.”

Taeil nodded and thanked the latter once again before relaxing himself a bit and losing himself in the thoughts again. Be wondered if Jungwoo knew about it or not. Or where the younger even was.

______

After his heated argument with Mark, Jungwoo returned to the hospital to check on Taeil, as well as on his parents in laws but what surprises him is that they were not by themselves there anymore.

There were cops, seeming like having a query with his in-laws. As Jungwoo went nearer, Jongdae spotted him and approached him as a relieving smile appeared on his face.

“Oh Jungwoo, where did you go? We've been wondering. Anyways, Taeil is now conscious. You can meet him. Baekhyun and I will be up just after this police query.”

Jungwoo felt relieved and tensed at the same time. “What kind of query are they here for?”

“Not really sure but they've investigated that the accident wasn't just an accident. Someone tried to kill Taeil and the car that had hit him is possibly related to some underground car dealer, Daniel. I don't really wish for it be some kind of murder case but if it's true, I hope the person who tried to hurt my baby will rot in hell.”

The younger gulped at Jongdae's last comment. “Yes. But I hope it'll be only me.” He murmured inaudibly.

Jongdae frowned his eyebrows and asked, “What?”

The latter shook his head and smiled as he said, “Nothing Papa. Let me go see Taeil.” He said as he started walking past him. Jongdae, still in confusion, just nodded and went back to where his husband was having a talk with the officers.

Jungwoo reached the room in which Taeil was admitted and opened the door slowly, not trying to cause any startling or disturbing sound.

There was the shortie he loved. Peacefully leaning on the bed and seemed to be lost in thoughts. “Jungwoo…” Taeil started when his eyes caught the younger.

“Oh gosh, Taeil…” Jungwoo approached the shorter and embraced him in his arms gently.

Jungwoo pulled apart and took a seat in front of Taeil and they both looked at each other for a moment in silence and it actually felt as if they were speaking so many things just by those deep looks they were giving to each other.

“I'm sorry.” They both said at the same time and chuckled lightly as they realized.

“Why are you sorry babe?” They asked each other, again in unison.

Taeil giggled and motioned to let him speak first. “I am sorry because I deserve to be. In fact, sorry is not even enough for things that I did. Did with dad, did with papa, did with my colleagues, did with you.” Taeil stopped for a moment and looked up at the latter. Regretful expression could be seen on his face.

“I have done... Have been doing things. Horrible and unforgivable things for so long. I've been a selfish and disgusting person. So freaking disgusting with even more shameful secrets that I am not even able to reveal.”

Taeil started sniffling as tears started appearing in his eyes. “And the worst part is, that poor little thing had to pay for my wrongdoings. It was me who was wrong. It has always been me who is wrong!”

Jungwoo just looked for a moment as the elder started shedding little droplets of tears. He then closed and opened his eyes as he started speaking his own side, “I won't say that you weren't wrong. But I want to let you know… That you weren't the only wrong.”

Taeil looked at the younger in confusion but didn't say anything and let the latter continue.

“Maybe, the things I did are just the worst. No, there were absolutely fucking wrong! I've got my hands reddened. Reddened with blood.”

The elder's expression became somewhat confused and shocked. Jungwoo took a breath before speaking further.

“Maybe, I'm somehow the reason as to… As to why all this shit even happened.” The younger then started sniffling and Taeil was just lost as to what he should do. Comfort the latter or gasp in disbelief.

“But I now really regret them. I'm extremely guilty for every single unfortunate step I've taken.

And that's, I'm leaving.”

The words were somewhat muffled and Taeil gave a look to the latter interrogatively.

“Yes Taeil. I'm leaving this. I'm leaving you. I'm leaving the past in the past. I just want everything to be reset. So that I can do a new start. So that you can do a new start. Although I'm going to pay for the things I've done, I just hope you can forgive. I just hope we both can understand each other and let the things go for the good. Let each other go for the good.”

There was a moment of silence after Jungwoo's speech. Both looking down avoiding each other's eyes. Then suddenly Taeil grasped the other's hand gently.

“I just want to ask you one thing. Have you fallen out of love with me, Jungwoo?”

Jungwoo looked back and asked, “Have you not, Taeil?”

“Have you also fallen in love with someone else, Woo-ah?”

The younger just looked down again as a blush raised on his cheeks and a soft chuckle left his lips.

Taeil smiled as he caressed the younger's palm in a way of appreciating.

“Alright then I guess it's time to say goodbye.” Jungwoo said while standing up, ready to leave.

“Can we, can we kiss for the last time?” Taeil asked hesitantly and Jungwoo just giggled while leaning down and capturing the man's lips into his.

It was literally the sweetest and softest kiss they ever had. It didn't seem romantic but instead, a passionate sensation to share each other's new found feeling and support the same.

The both then pulled away and smiled at each other while giggling lightly. “Take care.” Taeil said.

“I think you need to take care of yourself more.” Jungwoo replied and kissed the elder's forehead and started making his way to the door.

Just as he was about to go outside, Taeil's voice broke the silence.

“Jungwoo, will we ever see each other again?”

“Maybe. In a new form. In a new way.” And with that, the man disappeared. Taeil exhaled and laid back again, relaxing and losing himself to the dreamland.

______

When Jungwoo went in the lobby and to his parents in laws, he overheard their discussion a little.

“We may get to this underground dealer Daniel but first we need to see Mr. Taeil's spouse as well.

We have some speculations that should be cleared before we take any further move.”

“There is no need to reach out to any third party, officer.”

The voice took the group's attention as they all looked suspiciously at the latter. Including Baekhyun and Jongdae as well.

“Because, it's me.”

There was a moment of silence after that short sentence which had the old couple stunned in disbelief.

“Jung… Woo?” Jongdae tried speaking but his voice trembled.

“Yes. I am the one who did this. I am the one who got that car from Daniel and I am the reason why the kid is gone since I never wanted to have a child. Dad wasn't wrong when he speculated that I wasn't capable enough to take responsibilities of a father. I realized that I really wasn't so I had to do this.”

That was just enough for Baekhyun to stomp over the younger and smack him as if there's no tomorrow.

“You fucking bloody bastard! How the fuck you dare to hurt my son and grandchild you sick retard! You third class motherfucking killer. I'm gonna kill you right here with my bare hands!”

Blood started spilling out of Jungwoo's mouth as Baekhyun launched his hard knuckled fists on his jaw and lips, making him go blackout.

The police went off guard, pulled the elder away and Jongdae went to calm his husband while crying himself and the cops captured Jungwoo.

“Since he's almost fainted, we are taking him into custody for more investigation. Once again thank you and sorry for your loss.” The police clarified and started making their way to exit.

“That hell of a bastard killed… Killed my grandchild Dae…” Baekhyun exclaimed while clenching his fists which were still bloodstained.

Jongdae shook his head in regression. It was too much for him. Too much for them. Everything was just too much to handle. “Let's just try not to bring this thing to Taeil, Baek. I don't want my baby to be even more broken than he already is. Let's just take care of our son. I can't think about that man who did this with my family…”

______

“How are you feeling now, Taeil?”

“So much better now, doctor. Thank you so much for taking good care of me.”

“Oh no, no. It's just my duty. You should be thankful to the almighty that your parents are one of a kind.” The doctor complimented making Taeil giggle proudly.

“Where are they? Can I still not meet them?”

“Oh sure you can. They were just waiting as they didn't want you to disturb while you were sleeping. In fact, you may be discharged tonight so then you wouldn't have to wait at all.” The doctor joked Making Taeil laugh a little. “I'll go and inform them that you're awake.” The doctor then added while exiting.

Soon the couple came inside and Jongdae immediately hugged his son happily.

“Oh sweetie, how are you my little one?”

Taeil giggled at his father's act. “I'm alright, Papa. How are you guys?”

“We've been so freakingly worried about you my boy. I'm really thankful to see you all fine now.” Baekhyun exclaimed as he sat next to Taeil. Jongdae did the same on the other side.

“Well, I'm all good now. So you guys don't need to be tense anymore. You know you two don't look very good in a serious state. The clumsiness suits you the most.”

The trio started laughing at Taeil's joke and Jongdae started speaking in the middle, “Taeillie, I don't really want to bring this but we have to tell you about Jungwoo…”

“It's okay Papa. I know. And I don't want to know anymore.” The three then stayed in silence for a few seconds.

“Let us just all chill. I'm about to be discharged. I gotta clean the house and all. You guys are going to help me or what?”

“What? No freaking way you are going to that house in this condition. We are taking you home. Your room is still all the same in fact I've even brought all your musicals back so don't even try ditching this.”

Taeil made a pout and looked at Baekhyun for help who just shrugged but started nonetheless.

“Dae-”

“That's final.”

The eldest then turned back to the youngest and said, “Welp, your mommy won.”

And he was right. There was no way anyone was going to win against Jongdae's final decisions.