the living room was a whirlwind of laughter, clinking glasses, and playful chaos. kids darted between adults, uncles bellowed out unfunny jokes that made everyone groan, and your mom and mother-in-law were in a heated debate over who made the better tteokguk. amidst it all, sunghoon stood by your side, his hand brushing yours occasionally, his soft smile a quiet reminder that he was your anchor in this madness.

the plan was simple: when the clock struck midnight, you'd tell him. you'd been holding onto the news for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal that after four years of marriage, you were finally expecting. but every time you opened your mouth, another interruption burst through the air: your dad’s karaoke attempt, his cousin wrestling match with your cousin, or yet another cringe-inducing joke from your uncle.

“you okay?” sunghoon asked, leaning closer, his voice low enough to cut through the noise.

“yeah,” you replied, trying to sound casual, though your heart was hammering in your chest.

the countdown began. “ten! nine! eight!” everyone was shouting, and you felt your pulse quicken. sunghoon’s arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer as he joined in the chant.

“three! two! one! happy new year!” the room erupted in cheers, horns, and confetti. you turned to sunghoon, gripping his hands as he leaned in to kiss you, his lips warm and soft.

“i have something to tell you,” you blurted out before you lost your nerve.

his brows furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. “what is it?”

“i’m pregnant.” the words spilled out in a rush, and for a second, you wondered if he even heard you over the noise. but then his eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing like he was searching for words.

“are you serious?” he finally managed, his voice shaky with disbelief.

you nodded. his face broke into a radiant smile, and before you knew it, he was laughing, lifting you off the ground in a tight hug.

“we’re having a baby!” he shouted, loud enough for the whole room to hear.