Chapter Text
It took several months to finally come to their senses and, waking up in a new bed, accept the fact that they had started a new life.
The usual rhythm of their activities has changed dramatically. Yo Han was in no hurry to return to the legal field. Becoming a judge again was a dangerous risk, and accepting the role of a lawyer was not what he wanted. Not after ten stressful years. All he wanted right now was to be with his family.
As for Ga On, he was only happy to spend all his time at home. He tried his hand at European cuisine, and even received a few hints from Elijah about a possible career as a cook. After all, it was never too late to start with a clean slate. Although Yo Han was inclined to their joint return to legal work, but on the condition that Ga On would need to change his name, for greater security.
The fact that Ga On left Korea too hastily, abandoning the position of judge — of course, attracted attention, but Jin Joo managed to win him over. According to official sources, Ga On needed indefinite leave, and the public did not know that he had quit, assuming that someday Judge Kim would return.
Elijah began to undergo an in-depth rehabilitation course. The doctors gave hope for significant progress, and the girl tried her best, spending even weekends in a special center, but only until the evening. Ga On could not allow her to stay there, realizing how necessary the support of loved ones was. And, returning every day after exhausting loads, Elijah was greeted with a delicious dinner with her family, sometimes ending with joint board games. It was so good that, even very tired, experiencing pain all over her body, she woke up with a big smile on her face, knowing that she would be able to get back on her feet.
The one who took Elijah to the rehabilitation center was Joo Won. He felt needed when he took care of her. But still refusing to occupy a room in their house, Joo Won rented a small apartment with a beautiful view of the city. He was able to feel alive for the first time, without burdening himself with revenge, only remembering past pain with a slight longing. He also wanted to start a new life. Maybe his wish was too loud, but while waiting for Elijah after training, Joo Won met a nice girl, a nurse from a rehabilitation center. Then everything took on a different meaning.
The rest of Yo Han's assistants remained in Korea. In Guk often called them by video, sharing new events in the right sphere. However, Jin Joo did not leave Ga On without attention. She was sincerely glad that he managed to survive the loss of Judge Kahn, even if it was worth moving to another country.
"I really miss you," Jin Joo complained at the next call, but it was a momentary weakness, so that she could continue to tell the news again energetically.
And life went on as usual.
…
a year later
Wiping the dust from the photos, Ga On put them back with warmth in His heart, in a prominent place in the bedroom. This was the only part of his parents left with him.
Feeling the gentle embrace from the back, Ga On relaxed his head back.
"You're late today," the younger one noted a little excitedly.
"One persistent grandmother wanted me to draw up a protection plan for her in the last half hour of the working day," Yo Han grinned, of course, unable to refuse.
Not so long ago, having started working in one of the private law firms, Yo Han became too popular in a week. And this popularity was worth the personal time, which, on the contrary, I wanted to extend.
"Elijah decided to stay the night with a friend," Ga On warned Ga, pushing the elder to the kitchen, — so it's just the two of us who will have dinner.
"She disappears more and more often," Yo Han reluctantly noted, taking off the oppressive tie, sitting down at the table.
"She is growing up, and this is quite normal," Ga On easily justified the girl, on the contrary, rejoicing for her independence as soon as she managed to change her wheelchair to crutches.
"Of course," the elder meekly surrendered, happily starting a delicious Italian pasta with seafood. This dish has become a favorite in the family.
"How are things at work, apart from the persistent grandmother?" Ga On grinned, having wrapped a lot of spaghetti on his fork.
"You want to join in, don't you?" Yo Han clarified without reproach at all, with an admixture of gentleness. He knew Ga On too well to see indecision in his eyes.
"I would like to," he breathed out, feeling it easier to breathe, admitting that he had missed work this year. In addition, his stay at home became optional when Elijah spent the night in the dorm at the rehabilitation center on weekdays. She loved Ga On and Yo Han, but she was still tired of being overprotected, and in this decision she was only supported.
"Then on Monday I will talk to the boss about you," Yo Han smiled, gently taking the guy's palm in his hand, pressing it to his lips. "I lack your energy and stubbornness".
They both laughed softly.
After a hearty dinner, no one objected to watching a movie. But only Yo Han seemed a little tense.
Noticing the change in mood, Ga On carefully sat closer to him, slowly lowering his hand on his palm.
"Hyung, what's the matter?" Softly, as if afraid to frighten, Ga On asked, noticing even more indecision in the man's eyes.
"I know it's been a long time, but remembering that day, you didn't hesitate with that video. I saw that you were going to grab the scissors right away," Yo Han said, looking too vulnerable.
They never talked about what was on the ill-fated video. And Ga On didn't bring up this topic, remembering how desperately Yo Han asked not to watch it. But the main thing is that he did not want to know the contents.
"So that's it… About that video…"
"I don't care what was on it. It's all in the past," Ga On easily interrupted, without hesitation, leaning close to the elder's face, catching his surprise.
"Ga On-ah…"
"The past is left in Korea," he smiled softly, completely closing the distance between them, kissing with all the love he felt for this man, his own world.
"I love you, Ga On-ah," whispering exhaling into his lips, he smiled, possessively sitting the younger on his lap.
"I love you, Yo Han-ah," he echoed, covetously snuggling closer.
…
The last rays of the sun barely touched the disheveled top of Ga On's head as he carefully transplanted daisies from small pots into a flowerbed in their spacious yard. The love for plants has only intensified.
"Kkomi, don't bother me," Ga On muttered without malice, driving the cat away from the newly planted flowers.
Blowing the fallen bangs out of his eyes, Ga On was distracted with a smile by Yo Han and Elijah returning home. They volunteered to go grocery shopping while he reverently took care of the selected flowers.
"Ga On, we're home," Elijah awkwardly waved her hand, leaning on a crutch. It was the first week when she relied on one support, albeit slowly, but coping with walking.
"I'm almost done," Ga On smiled, still looking out of the corner of his eye at how Yo Han was bringing in bags of groceries at home, listening to Elijah's instructions.
On hot days, Ga On and Yo Han took a week off, feeling an indescribable serenity. Even Elijah agreed to stay for a few nights before going to the university in person. The desire to feel like a real student was fulfilled, although Yo Han was worried that this was a bad idea, but Ga On managed to calm him down.
"Beautiful flowers," having freed himself, Yo Han immediately approached the younger one, carefully squatting down next to him, he could not resist a light kiss on the temple.
"These are daisies, and they mean devoted love," Ga On said, relaxing his head on Yo Han's shoulder.
"Then these are our flowers," grinning, Yo Han suddenly pulled Ga On towards him, falling back on the grass, holding him tightly in his arms.
Holding his breath, Ga On hung over the him, looking into his beloved eyes, in which there were so many feelings. Simultaneously closing the distance, they pressed their lips together, smiling happily into a kiss.
And picking up the ridiculously grumbling the younger one in his arms, all Yo Han was thinking about was that he didn't care if humanity collapsed as long as he had them, Ga On and Elijah.