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It’s been ten years since Wonwoo has seen Junhui. No calls, no social media updates, no letters. Junhui totally disappeared in everyone’s lives, including Wonwoo’s.
Wonwoo knows and understands why Junhui did that. In fact, Wonwoo is the only person who knew Junhui was leaving, nobody else. Junhui disappeared from their lives because he wants to fix himself, to be the better person that he wants to be. Wonwoo respects his decision, and is proud of Junhui for deciding to do that.
Junhui has suffered so much, Wonwoo has seen enough. The façade that Junhui shows to everyone isn’t exactly what Wonwoo has seen every single day they were together. Junhui cries every night because of the stress and anxiety he’s been putting on himself. Junhui doesn’t know how to control them, that's why he decided to leave and heal.
Does healing really take ten years? Wonwoo wants to know. Of course, Wonwoo understands that healing cannot be a fast process, he just wonders when he will see Junhui again. Wonwoo misses Junhui terribly.
“Thirty seven, thirty eight, thirty nine…” Wonwoo counts the packs of coffee beans delivered to his café. When Junhui was still with him, they dreamed of opening a coffee shop together. That’s why, even without the presence of Junhui, Wonwoo continued their dream.
The bell chimes, indicating there’s a customer that has entered the café. Because Wonwoo is still busy counting, he didn’t notice the presence of the customer.
“Excuse me.”
Wonwoo stops what he’s doing. I’m hallucinating again, am I? He asks himself. This isn’t the first time he imagined hearing Junhui so he shrugs it off and tries to go back to what he’s doing.
“Are you really going to ignore your customer, Wonwon?”
Wonwoo immediately faces the customer upon hearing that familiar nickname. It’s him. Wonwoo tells himself. He’s still frozen on his spot and tears begin to fall from his eyes.
Junhui chuckles, “Are you really just gonna stare there and do nothing?” He says while opening his arms, expecting Wonwoo’s embrace.
In a snap, Wonwoo runs toward Junhui and embraces him, tears still falling down from his eyes.
“Junnie, it’s really you.” Wonwoo retorts, “It’s really you.”
“It’s me, Wonwon, it’s me.” Junhui answers, “I’m back, Wonwon. And this time, I’m braver than before.”
Not letting go of Junhui from his embrace, Wonwoo utters, “I’m glad you’re back. God knows how happy I am right now that you’re back.”
Junhui chuckles, “Wonwoo, I’ll always come back to you like I promised.”
“You’re always worth the wait, Jun-ah. Thank you for coming back to me.”
**
Wonwoo closed the café right away for the first time in the history of opening it. When Wonwoo opened the café three years ago, he hadn't taken any days off. He makes sure to take good care of it. Also, he’s hopeful of Junhui’s return and the first place where they’ll meet is the cafe — which just happened.
Wonwoo brings Junhui to their apartment where they lived for a couple of years. Since then, Wonwoo didn’t want to move out for the same reason as to why he doesn’t want to close the café.
Junhui looks around and sees the slight changes in the room. Of course, Junhui expects that there will be changes because of the long period of time he’s gone. But to his surprise, Wonwoo kept the same layout of the apartment. The only changes Junhui noticed the most is the abundance of plants.
“Wow, didn’t know you’re a garden fairy.” Junhui chuckles in amusement.
Wonwoo smiles, “I remembered that you love plants, so I decided to take care of some. Until I didn’t notice that I have had quite a few. Regardless, they make me feel at ease whenever I see them, especially when they are this vibrant.” Wonwoo emphasizes the vibrance of the plants. He has been taking care of them with all his heart.
Wonwoo and Junhui have been talking for an hour, catching up to whatever they missed for the past ten years. For Wonwoo, his life didn’t really change much aside from the fact that he works at the café full time. For Junhui, he was able to improve, in terms of his cognition and behavior through therapy. Aside from that, Junhui took some short courses like culinary and baking when he had nothing to do.
“Actually I was supposed to go home two years ago, but I fell in love with cooking and baking.” Junhui smiles, “So I decided to stay for two more years so I could finish the program and get my diploma, and also some experiences that I can use in the future.”
Wonwoo smiles at him so fondly and reaches for Junhui’s hands to squeeze them, “I’m so proud of you, Jun-ah. I’m glad you are feeling way better than before.”
“Wonwoo, you don’t know how much I’ve waited for this moment to come. I know how patiently you waited for me and I know it took so long for you to court me. I told you I needed to fix myself first before getting into a relationship. I never doubted your feelings for me but I needed to make sure that I’m emotionally stable first before committing.” Junhui breathes, “But now, I’m glad to say that you don’t have to wait anymore, Wonwoo. I’m a hundred percent sure that I’m fine and I’m sure of you. I’m all yours.”
Speechless, Wonwoo puts his right hand on Junhui’s cheek, trying to control his tears, “Junnie, I told you, you’re worth the wait. I never doubted your feelings too. Even though it took you a while to come back, I’m glad you were able to achieve your goal — to fix yourself.” Wonwoo sniffs, “I love you so much, Junnie. It’s only you whom I’m willing to spend my life with.”
“I love you too, Wonwoo.”
The space between the two gets closer and closer until they’re interrupted by a very important guest.
“Meow.”
They both looked to where the sound came from and chuckled. They saw a tiny white kitten who was walking towards Wonwoo. When the kitten reached where they were seated, Wonwoo picked it up.
“Hello there, kitty.” Junhui greets the kitten.
Wonwoo smiles, “Say hi to our daughter, Jun-ah, her name is Haneul.”
Junhui caresses Haneul, “Hello, Haneul-ah. I’m your dad.” Haneul purrs, “Aww, she likes me!”
“Of course, who wouldn’t like you?” Wonwoo asks, making Junhui blush.
Junhui looks away, “Oh stop it!” Wonwoo just laughs at him.
Junhui stands up, “I’m hungry. Let’s make some dinner?”
Wonwoo nods, “Sure. Do you want me to cook or are you cooking, Chef Wen?”
Junhui rolls his eyes, “Of course, I’ll cook for you, Wonwon!” He puts up his sleeves, “Time for you to taste the cooking of your favorite chef.”
Wonwoo chuckles at Junhui’s action, “You’re my only favorite chef, Junnie. Go on, the kitchen is yours.”
Junhui prepares dinner while Wonwoo and Haneul are watching. Wonwoo smiles at the scene, this is what he’s been dreaming of happening. The sight is so perfect.
Even though Wonwoo waited for ten years, it doesn’t matter to him anymore. What matters the most is Junhui is in front of him right now.
To Wonwoo, Junhui is always worth it.
- END -