I’m Pregnant with My Friend’s Child (Completed)

A month had passed since that day.

Today, more than ever, I felt drained. Ever since I had an upset stomach after a company dinner a few days ago, I hadn’t been able to eat properly. Despite trying various remedies, including pricking my finger and even fasting all day yesterday, the nausea only seemed to worsen.

It was fortunate my workplace wasn’t far from home, because the mere thought of taking public transportation in this state was unbearable.

Though I craved caffeine to combat the heaviness of my eyelids, my queasy stomach couldn’t handle the thought of coffee.

As she walked toward the office, Lee Jin paused, resting her hand on her head, letting out a long sigh.

For the first time, the 9 cm heels she wore daily felt unbearable. Over the past few days, she had lost 3 kilograms from barely eating, yet her body felt heavier, and the soles of her feet ached.

Usually, the 20-minute walk to work was nothing, and she often enjoyed it with a cup of coffee in hand. But today, she felt as if she couldn’t take another step.

Taking a taxi seemed nauseating, and going back home to change into more comfortable shoes felt pointless, as she had already walked halfway.

Feeling pale, Lee Jin sat on the bench at the bus stop, closing her eyes in an attempt to quell the nausea. Swallowing to moisten her dry mouth, she found that even saliva wouldn’t gather.

“What are you doing here?”

Startled, she opened her eyes to see Woo Jae standing over her, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

For the past month, ever since her birthday, she had been diligently avoiding him. Thanks to her packed schedule as a trainee lawyer, she had a legitimate excuse to do so. But of all places, she hadn’t expected to run into him here.

Unlike Woo Jae, who looked impeccable in his suit, Lee Jin was already drenched in sweat, her hair clinging to her head.

Seeing her pale face, Woo Jae bent down.

“Woo Jae…”

“Why are you like this? Is it anemia again?”

Woo Jae remembered better than she did that she had fainted once in high school from anemia. His concern for her paleness made her grateful that he wasn’t asking about why she had been avoiding him.

“No, my feet just hurt too much.”

Woo Jae frowned, glancing down at her feet.

“What’s the door lock code?”

“Huh?”

“The code for your door. I’ll go get you some comfortable shoes.”

Lee Jin checked the time on her phone. Going back home now would cut it too close.

“I’ll just rest for a bit. I’ll be fine.”

“You don’t look fine at all. Let’s go to the hospital.”

“No need for that. It’s just my feet from wearing these heels.”

“Lee Jin, are you trying to worry me?”

“Well, I can’t move because my feet hurt.”

“Give me the code.”

Woo Jae gently brushed her hair aside as she hesitated.

“Don’t feel bad about it.”

Even though her head was already spinning, her cheeks grew warm from the unexpected tenderness in his touch.

“My birthday.”

“Lee Jin.”

Woo Jae’s expression darkened as he processed her words.

“Huh?”

“You used your birthday for your door code? We’ll talk about that later. Just take off your shoes and wait here. I’ll be back soon.”

“Tha—”

Before she could finish thanking him, Woo Jae had already turned around and started running. His tall figure, close to 190 cm, immediately drew the attention of everyone waiting at the bus stop as he sprinted away.

Watching him, Lee Jin was reminded of their school days. Woo Jae had always been athletic, excelling at sports just as he did with everything else. Girls from neighboring schools had lined up to admire him, with his handsome looks and all-around talent.

As Woo Jae’s constant companion, Lee Jin had been busy delivering love confessions from her friends, only to be met with his harsh responses.

“Why the hell are you giving me this crap?”

“Woo Jae, Seo-yeon is a great girl!”

“I don’t care if she’s great or not.”

“Why are you so mad about it?”

“Do you really think I’d hang out with someone like that?”

“Someone like what? Ugh, Woo Jae, do you really think you’re that great? There’s no such thing as someone being above others! You’ve got such a temper. Honestly, Seo-yeon deserves better than you!”

A faint smile crossed her lips as she recalled her younger self, who had been oblivious to Woo Jae’s feelings, running around trying to play matchmaker.

You really did make it obvious. It must’ve been frustrating that I didn’t get it.

“Feeling better, now that you’re smiling?”

Startled, Lee Jin looked down at the flats in front of her, realizing Woo Jae had returned.

“You’re back already?”

Even though it would normally take Lee Jin 20 minutes to walk back and forth, Woo Jae returned in under 10.

Kneeling down, Woo Jae slipped the comfortable flats onto her feet.

“I can do it myself…” she mumbled.

“Should I start giving you a hard time now?” he teased.

“Huh?”

“Don’t wear shoes that hurt. You’ll look great in anything.”

“W-what?” she stammered, her face flushing at the compliment. Since when did he start saying such cheesy things? He was the one making her flustered, yet she was the one blushing.

“And change your door lock code.”

“If I make it too complicated, I won’t remember it after a night out drinking. We have so many work dinners, and I drink a lot with clients.”

Woo Jae stood up, holding her high heels. He’d even brought a shopping bag from home and carefully placed the heels inside. The stares of passersby made her feel self-conscious, but Woo Jae seemed completely unfazed.

“Then just tell me the new code. If you forget, you can call me. I’ll never forget it.”

“Why would you need to remember my door code?”

“Why do you think?”

His gentle smile and warm gaze made her heart skip a beat.

So this is what they mean by ‘heart-fluttering moments,’ she thought.

Flustered, she grabbed the shopping bag from his hand to distract herself.

“Thanks, anyway.”

“Make sure you change it, alright?”

His serious expression didn’t help lighten the mood.

“Alright, alright. You’re such a nag.”

“I only say it because I care.”

“Care about what?”

“Because you’re pretty.”

“Oh my God, what are you saying?” she muttered, embarrassed.

“I’m worried someone might steal you away.”

“Seriously…”

Though they lived nearby, this was the first time she and Woo Jae were heading to work together. When they were younger, they used to walk to school side by side every day, but ever since they spent that night before her birthday together a month ago, their time alone felt awkward.

It was strange. Her heart raced, and there was a nervous excitement in the air.

Every time their arms brushed, she’d try to step away, but Woo Jae would close the gap again with his long strides. By the time they reached the office, their arms had barely stopped grazing each other, making her nerves tingle the entire walk.