Chapter Text
Dr. Park smiled. “So, we’re going to move you to the other room soon. It’s much more equipped for visitors and a comfier space for appa. Plus a much nicer bed for eomma. Hyo-rin and I will be going upstairs to the apartment over this place, so we can get some sleep. But, we’re just a button push away, plus we’ll be coming back down for some checks.”
“I can’t believe you have all of this here!” Rumi said.
“Business has been good when serving a clientele that requires more privacy than usual. This is the first time in ages we’ve had more than 1 patient at a time, let alone 3! But we figured given the circumstances, it would work.”
“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us,” Jinu said. “You have literally taken care of my entire world.”
“It has been my pleasure. I love seeing new families grow. And yes, your family has a bit of a special circumstance, but I can see nothing but love from the both of you. I have much faith in you.”
Rumi instantly began to cry. “You can’t say things like that to a hormonal new mom!”
The doctor chuckled. “Hold on, Jinu. You’re still on this roller coaster!”
His wife smacked his shoulder. “Min-Jun! Be respectful! She just had a baby!”
Dr. Park bowed slightly. “My apologies.” But when both ladies weren’t looking, he winked at Jinu.
Eventually, the 3 of them moved into the new room. Jinu was grateful for the chair that became a bed and Rumi definitely appreciated hers as well. They rolled Eun-Jae in her little bassinette and then wished the family a good nap.
Rumi lifted her daughter and laid her on the bed in front of her. Jinu joined her.
She took a deep breath. “Ok, let’s see what she’s got.”
Rumi unwrapped the swaddling and the newborn wiggled a bit. The parents shifted her little shirt and found only 6 small patterns.
Rumi was surprised. “Ok, there’s the one on her neck, this one on her back is just like yours, this one looks like a heart on her upper arm, and this one on her belly looks like mine. Wait, there’s a super light one just over her eyebrow and one right by her ear. So she inherited two? And that’s it?”
Jinu stared at his daughter. “Well, you didn’t have as many when you were little either. You got some from your father and they only started to spread when Celine made you feel guilty about them. This sweet girl will never feel shame about them, so they’re not likely to grow. The ones she got from us are definitely darker, though.”
“Why is it that on me I found them to be horrible, but on her, they’re adorable?”
“Because you were raised by someone who taught you to hate them and your father. Jae will only know love and support. She’ll know that she received those from her parents that love her. They’re her heritage, not a curse.”
“That’s actually beautiful. Do you think she’ll get gold eyes too?”
“Time will tell. I think eventually those gray eyes will turn to brown anyway, so we’ll see what other traits, human or demon she gets.”
“You’re so calm about this,” Rumi said, swaddling the baby up again and balancing her on her pulled up legs.
“I’ve spent forever helping you appreciate your patterns. I think I’m pretty good at it by now, so I’m not worried about this either. And yeah, we’ll have to be careful about the public eye, but most celebrities don’t like showing their kids’ faces anyway. We can just keep up with that and not worry about it until we need to teach her how to mask things like fangs or nails.”
Rumi looked down and found the baby staring at her. “She’s so serious,” she said with a laugh.
“Well, it’s serious business being born. She’s already practicing being stoic considering she’s now in a family of pop idols. Gotta keep your composure at all times!”
“Or she’s just trying to focus on our faces.”
“Always have to keep your focus. That’s fine too.”
She just shrugged at that. “I guess we need to tell everyone she’s here.”
“Yeah, I suppose so. That’ll be a nice text to wake up to.”
“They’re going to overtake the place.”
“Well, I’m telling them to wait a while. We need some rest. But let’s get a quick pic for the family.” He took out his phone, took a selfie with Rumi and Eun-Jae and texted the others:
Jinu: Baby girl is here! Mom and daughter are doing great! Time to get some rest. Will keep you updated.
Zoey: Ahhh! Can’t wait to meet her!
Mira: Those. Cheeks.
Mystery: I can definitely see Jinu’s nose. Congratulations!
Abby: Hey, you both look great! How’s appa holding up?
Romance: Beautiful shot of mother and baby! It’ll be great to see you all!
Baby: 😊 Congrats
Bobby: My grandbaby is adorable! Give our love to eomma too!
Jinu rolled his eyes but smiled at their responses. “Ok, it looks like she’s about to nod off, so we should too. You especially. I’ll take care of her if she wakes.”
“Well, there’s one thing that you can’t help with.”
“And I will take care of everything else until then.”
“Ok, appa.” She gave the baby to Jinu and he placed her into the bassinette.
“Mind if I join you? This chair-bed looks comfy, but I really just want to be next to you.”
“Do you mind being a little cramped?”
“Next to you? Never!”
He climbed into the bed next to Rumi and let her rest her head on his chest.
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you too,” she mumbled, already half asleep.
When Eun-Jae woke, Jinu rushed to pick her up and rock her.
“C’mon, princess. Let eomma sleep just a bit longer,” he whispered as he bounced.
Just as he thought he had her calmed, her cries grew louder.
Rumi opened her eyes. “Ok, appa, I think we reached the something you can’t take care of.”
“I suppose so,” he muttered, handing the baby back to her mother.
As the baby began to nurse, Rumi looked up at Jinu. “So, would it be awful of me to not want everyone to come visit?”
“Awful? Absolutely not.”
“I mean, it would only be fair to have everyone at once, and I just don’t know if I could handle all 9, well 10 now, in this room.”
“That is completely fair, and I’m sure they’ll understand.”
“But… I would like maybe Bobby to visit.”
Jinu smiled. “Well, as her only grandparent, that seems like a good idea. Want me to text him?”
“That would be great.”
“Ok, as soon as she’s done eating, I’ll go get him.”
Once Jinu arrived back with Bobby, Rumi had to laugh. Bobby was wearing his “Brand New Halbae” shirt. (Gramps)
“Well, someone is taking his role seriously!” she said.
Bobby beamed. “Yes, yes I am. Now, let me see this little beauty!”
Rumi lifted the baby to him and he happily accepted. “Oh! Look at you! I think you are the perfect blend of your parents. That’s appa’s hair. No, wait, is it purple?”
Jinu moved the little hat aside to show more hair. “It’s a weird combo of both.”
“Oh, it definitely is. Now, what am I supposed to call the cutest granddaughter in the land?”
“This is Eun-Jae.”
“Well, hello Eun-Jae. I am your halbae and I will be spoiling you rotten! But with a good combination of sugar and also healthy snacks. So many toys, but so many books too!”
Rumi could only giggle at that. “Well, halbae is definitely good at always being ready with a great balance of everything.”
“I’ve learned a lot helping take care of your parents and aunts and uncles. Handfuls, all of them! But you, I can already tell that you’re going to be the sweetest angel.”
“Well, no bias there,” Jinu said with a laugh.
“None whatsoever. I just know a good kid when I see one.”
He leaned to Rumi and whispered loudly, “Should we remind him that he thought the Sajas seemed nice at first?”
Bobby cleared his throat. “You aren’t subtle. And need I remind you, I ended up being right?”
“Damn, he’s got me there.”
Bobby looked at the baby again. “Eun-Jae, I’m going to need your help keeping your parents in line, that’s for sure. And the rest of the crazy bunch too.”
Rumi smiled. “They’ll be wrapped around her finger anyway. I’m sure she’ll be able to convince anyone of anything.”
“I agree. So, Rumi, I feel terrible! I haven’t even acknowledged you. How are you?”
“I’m good. I mean, exhausted, but good. She’s absolutely worth it all. Our little lion cub,” she said with a laugh.
“Lion cub, eh? She’s a Saja now,” Bobby replied with an eye roll.
“Well, I mean, that is my surname now. I would imagine Romance and Mystery’s children will be too, since that’s our ‘legal’ ‘brotherly’ name,” he added with air quotes.
“Legal… sure,” Rumi said.
Bobby shrugged. “Hey, it makes you guys look all the more legit, so I say we go with it. I actually find it funny. Besides, Celine is going to lose it.”
He instantly regretted his words when he saw Rumi’s face. “Oh, Rumi, I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have even mentioned her!”
“No, no. It’s ok. I've already thought of that.”
“Do not worry,” Jinu said, grabbing her hand. “We’re all safe. She will not come near Eun-Jae.”
“Actually, I’m not really concerned about that. I honestly don’t think she could hurt her. I mean, she couldn’t kill me after all. But, there is going to be conflict. She’s going to give her two cents eventually.”
Jinu shrugged. “Let her. Her disapproval means nothing to our happiness. She can throw any tantrum she wants.”
Bobby interrupted then; his guilt obvious from starting the conversation. “So when do you guys get to come home?”
“Some time tomorrow morning,” Rumi answered. “One night here and then we’ll be free.”
Jinu smirked.
“Yes, weirdo, free,” Rumi said with a wink.
“And when is the rest of everyone coming?”
“Well, I’m thinking we have a meet and greet at home. I mean, this time tomorrow we’ll probably be there. I don’t know where we’d put another 6 people in this room without completely overwhelming me or Jae. I think it’s just best to make everyone wait. We’ll send some more pictures in the meantime.”
“I think if that’s what’s best for you, then absolutely. I’m really honored that I got to be here!”
Rumi smiled. “Well, halbae gets special privileges.”
“Yes, yes I do.” He looked back to Eun-Jae who was staring up at him. “You are the most curious little girl. You’re not going to miss a single thing, are you?”
Jinu sat next to his wife. “You know what I’m looking forward to? I mean, yeah, meeting the aunts and uncles. But Derpy and Sussie are going to lose their minds with her.”
Rumi giggled. “They’re never going to let her out of their sight! Derpy is going to curl around the bassinette and Sussie will just perch right on it.”
“I remember when I used to be their favorite person. Then came Rumi. And now, I’m down to third. Probably fourth behind Zoey, actually.”
“Oh, they still love their appa too! But look at that face! Who could blame anyone?”
Jinu smiled as he looked up at his daughter. “Yeah, she wins. Hands down.”