Chapter Text
34-2 Nuldongmae village.
Suguru left the city life for this farm village, where people collect honey in the spring and pick peaches in the summer to sustain their livelihood.
There in front of me was an old but well-lived-in house. “It looks like a palace, no?” Suguru asked his babies, though he knew they couldn’t speak yet.
“That used to be an old thatched-roof house, but they tore it down and built a new one for a TV show. “I know it’s a little far out, but it’s just a short walking distance away, and you even have a few neighbours nearby.” The old guy said. “Also, the best supermarket in town is right over there, so this is the perfect place for young folks to get a taste of the countryside.” “It even comes with a small field, so you can try your hand at farming. All you have to do is step out of the house for this splendid view, the people are friendly, and the head of the village is young and dependable. This looks to be just the place for a young bachelor like you. So, whaddya say?"
“Yes, Suguru said, voice still laced with a little uncertainty, “This house is perfect.”
“Wait…” The old guy said, “Who am I calling a bachelor? I don’t think I've ever seen a more dependable new father.”
The sun blazed, and the heat was sweltering. “Phew, it looks like that’s it.” The mover said.
“Yup, we’re all good, thank you for you help.” Suguru said while wiping the sweat beads off his forehead”
Soon, the mover noticed the big tree in the garden. “Jeez look at the size of that thing, lets see here, is that a crab apple:”
Crab apple? Suguru thought to himself. “I’m not sure they just told me its an apple tree.”
“That’s nice.” The mover said, “You must be looking forward to the fall.”
Suddenly Suguru remembered, “Oh yeah, here’s your payment.”
“Thanks, anyways you look so young, what brings you to the countryside? You’d better watch your back with these country folk.”
“I beg your pardon?” Suguru said with a confused look on his face.
“Jeez!! Don’t even get me started, what they say about country folk being friendly is a lie! I had a rude awakening when I tried to get back into farming.” The mover exclaimed, a sour look plastered on his face. “They look down on outsiders, especially in this village.”
Suguru thought to himself, “What do they call it…? Marking their territory? Word has it that the head of this village is one cold bastard. He’s famous for being a jerk despite his young age.”
“Anyways, be careful, young man, I’m sure you can take care of yourself, but since you have your babies with you, it can’t hurt to be cautious, but then again…They look like they don’t have a care in the world. “I’d better get going! Good luck, young man!”
“Thank you, drive safe.”
“Will do! For a young man, you sure have some manners. You sound like someone who just got out of the military!” Exclaimed the mover while driving off
“… Is it that obvious?”
Three years in Korea, and then five years in the US. The reason why Suguru suddenly came back to Korea, after his long service in the military…
Suddenly, Nanako and Mimiko started crying. “DAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.” … Is because of the twin babies that popped into his life three months ago. “Oh Jesus… Daddy’s here, girls, Daddy’s coming.” He never imagined that the ex-girlfriend he broke up with a year ago would show up on his doorstep and hand him newborn twins. Suguru didn’t know what to do; he was terrified to think that a soldier who grew up as a lonely orphan, without any support or money, was raising two babies?! But his worries soon turned into joy, because for the first time in Suguru’s life, he had a family. Once he came to that realisation, Suguru knew what he had to do. After resigning from his beloved military and ending the lease on his house in the US. He got ready to move back to Korea with his babies and buy a house with his savings. When his comrades found out about the situation, some of them suggested that Suguru stay in the States, but for some reason, Suguru felt something drawing him back to Korea.
“Let’s see here, you two just ate, were you girls just scared because you couldn’t see me?”
Suguru didn’t have anyone waiting for him and didn’t even have any special connections or memories…
“I’m not going anywhere without you two cuties.”
…Of the place where his parents had abandoned him. Yet Suguru still chose to come here.
"Everything will be just fine, he thought.
“Let’s pick up some groceries for dinner before it gets late. I’m glad there’s a supermarket nearby. I don’t think anyone would deliver out here, and let’s also buy more diapers while we’re at it.
“Gahhh”, the two babies cooed.
Then it dawned on Suguru, “speaking of which, I need to buy a car…” “The old guy said there’s a small field, right? Should I buy some seedlings and try farming? I probably can’t sell them for profit, but maybe it can reduce our expenses.”
“Daa?” The babies asked,
“Huh? I’m fine, just a little tired, that’s all.”
When Suguru finally arrived, he realised that the supermarket was just a convenience stall. “It’s pretty big, so hopefully I can get most of my essentials here… Huh?” “Uh oh, that’s not good Suguru says after seeing a piece of paper stuck on the door.” The note reads, be back soon. Burglars will be prosecuted! They didn’t leave a number, Suguru thought to himself, hmmm they're still in business, right? Suguru says while peeking through the glass door, the lights seem to be on, he muttered. Did the clerk step out? Maybe I’ll wait.
Suddenly, Suguru hears a loud shout. “Hey, you! I finally caught you, you little prick, a sneaky little rat has been stealing things off the shelf these past few days. Was it you? Are you the thief who’s been robbing my store?
To be continued...