Love Born of Pity Chapter 129

Do Yeonjae held Kwon Jiho in his arms until just before dinner. They hadn’t done anything special, just lounging around all day, but the time had passed so quickly, as if someone had stolen it away. For Do Yeonjae, watching Kwon Jiho nap was an essential part of his daily routine that he couldn’t afford to miss.

Only after sending a car to fetch Kwon Heeyeon did he help Kwon Jiho get ready and head toward the main house. He hadn’t yet announced the news that Kwon Jiho had made up his mind to marry him. He intended to talk about it after Kwon Heeyeon left. His plan was to let the girl show exactly how trashy she behaved toward Kwon Jiho, and then share the good news.

“Are you sleepy? Are you tired?”

“I’m not sleepy, but… I don’t think I’ve fully woken up yet.”

At his words while rubbing his eyes, Do Yeonjae reached out and pulled his hands down. He added his worry that his eyes had already turned red. Kwon Jiho yawned softly and nodded.

“I just… I want to keep sleeping.”

“How about your morning sickness? Are you okay today?”

“Ah, that’s right. Today… I’m okay. It’s been quite a bit better lately.”

Kwon Jiho smiled shyly while rubbing his belly. Today, Do Yeonjae had dressed Kwon Jiho in a top with a wide fit that was larger than his actual size. It was because he hadn’t decided whether it was okay to reveal his manifestation and pregnancy to Kwon Heeyeon yet.

Even though it looked like he was wearing someone else’s clothes, it suited him excessively well. He looked even younger than usual today. Knowing he had dressed him to hide it, Do Yeonjae felt a bit of regret that he couldn’t see the bump of his belly through the thick fabric.

“Do you think it’s better to tell her? She’d be upset if she found out later, wouldn’t she? She might… feel betrayed.”

“Well, would she be upset? Whether you tell her or not is up to you. But if it’s going to keep bothering you, I suppose it’s better to let her know.”

“Then today… I think it would be good to tell her.”

“All right, I’ll arrange a place where you two can talk quietly.”

Do Yeonjae patted Kwon Jiho to reassure him and led him into the house. Both his grandfather and parents had already finished preparations to receive their guest. A nervous Kwon Jiho swallowed hard.

“Why are you so frozen?”

“Just… I’m worried that Heeyeon is still too young and might make a mistake. She hasn’t been awake that long. We haven’t had many chances to see adults…”

“It’s okay. They’ll all understand.”

Everyone was already gathered in the living room, chatting. The atmosphere was pleasant. Then, upon spotting Kwon Jiho, they fussed, telling him to come over quickly. Kwon Jiho, still awkward with his family’s hospitality, smiled sheepishly and approached.

“Everyone is so excited because Jiho’s younger sister is coming. Since she must resemble our Jiho, she’ll naturally be kind and pretty.”

Jang Hyunsu did not hide his excited tone.

“How many years apart did you say you were?”

“Three years. My sister is twenty-one. And…”

Kwon Jiho’s gaze landed on the grand piano placed by the living room window. He had been curious why it was placed there whenever he came and went, and he had heard that the late spouse of his grandfather had enjoyed playing the piano.

Do Yeonjae had explained it diligently with a somewhat indifferent expression, saying he didn’t know the details since she had passed away around the time he was born. Even if one liked the piano, it was a large instrument to just bring in on a whim, so he had been puzzled, but the question was answered.

“The piano performance you mentioned earlier, would it be okay if I played for a moment now? But my skill isn’t as great as you might expect. I injured my hand in an accident, too… I think I can play about one piece.”

At Kwon Jiho’s quietly rung voice, the four people’s gazes focused on him. Do Yeonjae even reached out and grabbed his hand as if he were anxious.

“We would obviously love it if Jiho played for us, but… there’s no need to force yourself.”

“My dear, it seems that day is still on your mind. That rascal Yeonjae is always the problem.”

With Jang Hyunsu’s apologetic expression and Do Seungtae’s darkened face, Kwon Jiho stood up from his seat.

“It’s not forced. I, too… want to play for you. But I’m so nervous that I think I’ll make a lot of mistakes. Grandfather, may I play the piano for a little while?”

“…Of course, you may. Play as much as you like.”

Kwon Jiho bowed his head slightly, saying thank you, and moved his feet. Perhaps because he was small and light, his steps were soft and nimble, making not even a sound.

He pulled out the piano bench and sat down, rubbing his hands together as if nervous before carefully lifting the keyboard lid. He pressed several black and white keys to check the sound and turned his head to smile sheepishly. He said it was well-tuned.

“Jiho.”

At Do Yeonjae’s call, Kwon Jiho’s head turned toward him. There had been times he had played briefly at the academy. And Do Yeonjae had witnessed that sight once in a blue moon.

“It’s okay.”

Kwon Jiho inhaled a deep breath and began to press the keys with a determined expression.

♬⋆.˚

When Kwon Jiho finished playing, the four people applauded as if they had been under a spell and had just woken up. Jang Hyunsu was full of praise, saying it was perfect, and Do Geonho agreed, saying he was right. He had thought he was a man of few words, but he had become quite talkative.

“Thank you.”

Do Seungtae just stared intently at Kwon Jiho, as if lost in thought. He took in every detail, even the way he bashfully scratched his cheek, before saying a single word: that he had listened well.

“There were a few mistakes, so I will practice a lot more and come back next time.”

Kwon Jiho, who had stood up after closing the piano lid, pushed in the chair. Do Yeonjae quickly approached and took his hand. He was worried that it might hurt, as it was a hand that still bore many scars.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I was worried too, but… I’m okay.”

At Do Yeonjae’s action of carefully holding and massaging his fingers, Kwon Jiho leaned his head deeply against his shoulder as if shy.

“Did I do well?”

“Very.”

“That’s a relief.”

The moment the two were whispering to each other, the doorbell rang. It seemed Kwon Heeyeon had arrived. Jang Hyunsu stood up with a fluttering expression and a soft smile. Then, he moved away from the sofa and approached the side where Do Yeonjae and Kwon Jiho were standing side-by-side. He asked if he could give him a hug, and as soon as he confirmed the slight nod, he pulled the thin body lightly toward him.

“Your piano playing is so wonderful. Thank you.”

“That day, I’m the one who should apologize.”

“After meeting you in person, I always think, isn’t Yeonjae too lacking compared to you? That thought became even more certain today.”

Kwon Jiho stiffened at the praise that was more than he deserved. When he said that wasn’t the case, Jang Hyunsu laughed and told him there was no need to be humble.

“But one thing is certain… even if you regret meeting Yeonjae, I can make sure you won’t regret becoming family with us.”

“…Thank you.”

“Let’s go out, we have to welcome your sister.”

Jang Hyunsu let go of Kwon Jiho and patted his shoulder. Then, he took Do Geonho’s hand.

“Shall we go too?”

Do Yeonjae hugged Kwon Jiho’s shoulders softly. The look in his eyes as he looked up, somewhat dazed with a flushed face, was cute. Do Yeonjae lowered his head without realizing it. As he gave a light, quick kiss to his parted lips, Kwon Jiho seemed to come to his senses only then, his shoulders trembling as he pulled his body away.

“…W-what…!”

“Let’s go. To welcome Mr. Kwon Jiho’s sister.”

Do Yeonjae, who led Kwon Jiho away nonchalantly, smiled. He hoped Kwon Heeyeon would act out and be as vicious as she was told to Kwon Jiho. Because soothing Kwon Jiho, who would be upset because of that, and solving the problem was all work he could do.

“I’m so nervous.”

“It’s okay.”

When he stopped walking while comforting Kwon Jiho—who had been frozen the whole time at the thought of introducing his sister to his family—by saying there was no need to be nervous, Kwon Heeyeon, who had come dressed in a flashy manner, entered the entryway.

“Ah, oh… Welcome. Ms. Heeyeon.”

Jang Hyunsu, who naturally smoothed over his flustered expression, smiled brightly. He scanned Kwon Heeyeon’s flamboyant attire and met her eyes.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Hello? Oh, brother! What the. What are you doing in the back? You’re making me embarrassed.”

Do Yeonjae smiled, satisfied with Kwon Heeyeon’s consistently impolite attitude. Kwon Jiho’s eyes rounded in surprise as he quickly approached Kwon Heeyeon’s side.

“You had a hard time coming here. But…”

“Wow, this place was damn far. Still, that Mister sent a car so I rode that, so it’s fine but… Mister! I’m going home in that car when I leave, right?”

At the question asked while only slightly tilting her head back, Do Yeonjae nodded.

“Yes, that’s right. Ride that.”

“Yes! Brother, your face has gotten even smaller? But this house is really huge. I thought it was a park.”

Kwon Jiho grabbed Kwon Heeyeon’s hand and pulled up her cardigan that had slipped down.

“Oh, the adults are here. Aren’t you cold?”

“Uh-uh, I’m not cold. They say today is the least cold day. I’m starving right now. Do I just have to eat and then go? I have something to tell you, brother. When can I? Should we go out for a moment?”

Kwon Heeyeon walked down the hallway, saying everything under the sun—that the painting was big, the potted plants were pretty, the garden was amazing, and the ceilings were high.

At the noisy voice, Do Seungtae, who had been sitting, stood up. Kwon Heeyeon faced Chairman Do Seungtae and closed her mouth for a moment. Her momentum was dampened, even if just a little, by the piercing gaze directed at her.

“Welcome. Ms. Heeyeon.”

“…Ah, hello?”

“We were waiting. I heard you say you were hungry, shall we eat first?”

His tone was soft as usual, but he had no expression on his face. Kwon Jiho didn’t know what kind of face Do Seungtae was making because he was busy worrying about Kwon Heeyeon.