The next morning, Irin woke up feeling much better. Her mother, Y/n, had made sure she got plenty of rest and was ready for another day at school. As they got ready, Irin couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. She didn't want to face those teasing kids again, but she remembered the boy who had stood up for her and felt a bit more confident.

"Ready for school, sweetie?" Y/n asked with a warm smile as she handed Irin her backpack.

Irin nodded. "Yes, Mommy. I think today will be better."

Y/n hugged her daughter tightly. "I'm sure it will be. Remember, you're brave and strong. And if you ever need anything, I'm just a call away."

As they arrived at the school, Y/n walked Irin to the gate. "Have a great day, sweetheart," she said, kissing Irin's forehead.

Irin waved goodbye and walked into the schoolyard, her eyes scanning the area for the boy from yesterday. She hoped to see him again.

But he was nowhere to be found. A twinge of disappointment settled in her heart, but she reminded herself of her mother's words. She was brave and strong.

[Meanwhile, in Taehyung's house]

Ivan lay in bed, feeling miserable. He had woken up with a fever, and Taehyung had insisted he stay home from school.

Taehyung sat beside Ivan's bed, a cool cloth in his hand. "How are you feeling, now?" he asked gently, placing the cloth on Ivan's forehead.
Ivan groaned, his eyes barely open. "I feel awful, Appa."

Taehyung's heart ached seeing his son like this. He wished he could take away Ivan's pain. "Just rest, okay? I'll be here with you."

Ivan nodded weakly, closing his eyes. "Appa, will you tell me a story?"
Taehyung smiled, relieved that Ivan still found comfort in his stories. "Of course, son. What kind of story do you want to hear?"

Ivan hesitated for a moment, then asked in a small voice, "Can you tell me about Mom?"

Taehyung's heart clenched at the request. He hesitated, searching for the right words. "What do you want to know about her, Ivan?"

"Anything, Appa. What was she like?" Ivan's eyes were filled with a longing that Taehyung couldn't ignore.

Taehyung took a deep breath and began, "Your mom... she was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was contagious. She was kind, always helping others, and she had a way of making everyone feel special."

Ivan listened intently, his eyes shining with curiosity. "Did she love me, Appa?"

Taehyung's voice softened. "Yes, she loved you very much, Ivan. She always talked about how excited she was to be your mom, and she did everything she could to make sure you were happy."
"Why did she leave, Appa?" Ivan's voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes filled with sadness.

TBC 🤍~