Wrong Number, Right Person || HeeJake

The autumn breeze whispered through the trees, scattering golden leaves across the quiet cemetery. The sky was a canvas of soft pink and orange hues as the sun began its slow descent, casting a gentle glow over the world. Heeseung walked along the winding path, hand in hand with his daughter, Lee Jiyeon. Her small hand was warm in his, a grounding comfort in the stillness of the evening.

Jiyeon's giggles echoed in the air as she swung their hands playfully. "Appa, Uncle Won bought me fried chicken today! He said it's for us to share!" she said, her eyes bright with excitement.

Heeseung chuckled softly, his heart swelling with love. "Really? Uncle Won is spoiling you too much," he teased, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

"Appa, are we going home now?" Jiyeon asked, tilting her head up to look at him, her innocent eyes wide with curiosity.

Heeseung smiled softly, his voice gentle. "Not just yet, baby. There's someone I want you to meet first."

Jiyeon blinked, her expression puzzled. "Someone? Who?"

"You'll see," Heeseung replied, his voice tender. "We're going to visit your papa."

Jiyeon's face scrunched in confusion. "Papa?" she repeated, glancing around. "But I only have Appa."

Heeseung felt a lump form in his throat, the familiar ache of longing rising in his chest. "I'll explain, sweetheart," he whispered, squeezing her hand as they approached a single grave nestled beneath a large oak tree.

They stopped in front of the headstone, simple and elegant, engraved with the name Sim Jaeyun. Heeseung knelt down, his fingers tracing the letters gently, as if they were sacred. His breath hitched, but he forced a smile for Jiyeon's sake.

"Hi, love," Heeseung whispered, his voice trembling. "I'm here again. I miss you so much."

Jiyeon watched quietly, her small hand still clutching his. "Appa, who is this?" she asked softly.

Heeseung turned to her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "This is your papa, Jaeyun. I named you after him because he was the most beautiful person I've ever known."

Jiyeon's brow furrowed in confusion, her lips forming a small pout. "But I never met him," she said, her voice soft and innocent.

Heeseung smiled through his tears, stroking her hair gently. "No, you didn't. But he's always been with us, watching over you. He loved you before you were even here." He took a shaky breath, his heart aching with every word.

Turning back to the headstone, Heeseung continued, his voice breaking. "Jiyeon is amazing, love. She's got your bright eyes, your curiosity... and your stubbornness too." He chuckled softly, wiping a tear away. "She loves fried chicken, just like you. And she makes everything brighter, just like you did."

Jiyeon sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Appa, why are you crying?" she asked, her small hand wiping at the tears on his face.

Heeseung smiled weakly, kissing the top of her head. "Because I'm happy and sad at the same time, baby. I miss your papa, but I'm so grateful to have you."

Heeseung took a deep breath, looking back at the grave. "Jaeyun... I wish you were here to see her. She's everything we dreamed of. I hope I've made you proud." His voice broke, and the tears fell freely now. "I still love you, Jake. Every single day, I love you."

Jiyeon's arms wrapped around his neck, her tiny voice whispering in his ear. "It's okay, Appa. Papa loves you too, right?"

Heeseung nodded, pulling her close, his heart both shattered and whole. "Yes, baby. He does. He always will."

The wind rustled the leaves, carrying Heeseung's whispered words into the sky. "Thank you for giving me the courage to keep going, Jaeyun. I'll keep our promise. I'll live... for both of us."

As they sat there, the sun setting behind them, Heeseung felt an overwhelming sense of peace. His heart still ached, but in Jiyeon's laughter and love, he found the strength to keep moving forward.

They stayed a little longer, Heeseung holding Jiyeon close, telling stories of the man who had changed his life forever. And when they finally stood to leave, Heeseung kissed the headstone softly, a final, lingering goodbye that was also a promise.

"I'll see you again, my love," he whispered. "Always."

Hand in hand, Heeseung and Jiyeon walked away, the sunset painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. And though the pain would never fully fade, neither would the love. It was eternal, a love beyond time, carried in the laughter of a little girl and the heart of a man who would never forget.

-

the end.