셋
The afternoon zephyr blew through their hair, leaving a cool tingle upon them with every step they took. The peace and quiet encouraged a sigh of relief from the female as her deep eyes looked up at the world she once knew. How different the world looked when the sound of the living was muted and the bare foundations remained. The silence was like the sweetest lullaby she had the pleasure to hear and indulge upon. Geum Jan Di's small hands were buried within her pockets, the warm wrapping of her padded coat kept the warmth in. A soft shiver trickled down her spine, a shiver visual as she took her quiet steps. Ji Hoo's eyes turned to watch the female's steps, the clenching to the inner material of the pockets. The warm beige coat wrapped his body in warmth, though the black scarf soft as satin seemed unnecessary as his vision focused on the young Korean at his side. He held a picnic basket over his arm to carefully handle the delicate and well prepared good. The masculine hand removed the scarf to hold onto her wrist to bring her body to a halt. The scarf was wrapped around her neck carefully; the material instantly warmed the flesh. Eye contact was held, and the intent glance left a sudden silence of the world around them. The only sound he could hear was that of his heart in his chest. What beautiful eyes she had, the tone of brown so rich and creamy when the light hit them – such a smooth glaze upon them. He looked away to take out his gloves.
"JiHoo Sunbae, gwenchana." Her hands adjusted the scarf, the scent filling her body with a new sense of relaxation. Petite hands swiftly stroked the scarf to the end of the material, feeling the hem gently. Her right hand was taken and held, the bare skin soon covered by the black gloves to trap in body warmth. "Sunbae, I'm okay." The voice began to break as his soft hand held onto her left hand to take a look at the bare hand. The engagement ring was missing, no trace of it at all. Before he could slide the glove upon her fingers he heard a soft sigh from her delicate lips. "Sunbae." She took the glove from his hand to grip her small fingers around it. JiHoo's glance on her changed to the upcoming path, and he took the first step to instigate the continuation of their current events. JanDi's adjustment of the gloves slowed her attention to the world around her; lost in the scent of the Korean male she felt a calming aura bringing a gentle smile. Her eyes opened to see JiHoo walking ahead, and a moment of panic struck her as she ran after him. The scent returned as his presence filled the void that was breaking with every moment he was missing from her reach.
Silence returned as he led the way through the quiet street. JanDi's shoes left a soft sound with each step until the two reached the same pace. Once more silence prevailed over them, the peace was broken through the gradual breakout from the High Street, the billboards and announcements prominent with up to date news. The noise around them gave more than they alone could create – the overlapped voices and the busy rush provided the mental contemplation to escalate, preparing words for when the moment came for silence to return. The noises eventually fade away, bringing a calm and serene sensation. The uncomfortable silence left a bitter undertone in each step taken, and each breath to pass JanDi's lips.
The sight of the boat tied to the docks brought a soft smile to her face. The sunshine was subtle, leaving a faint shadows fall upon the docks as the boat's sail blew gently in the breeze. The picnic basket was placed onto the deck as he began to fiddle with the rope restricting the boat. Geum JanDi stepped into the boat to watched JiHoo's skilled hands with the rope. His foot stepped onto the deck and JanDi opened the picnic basket to see the neatly organized food: the rice in the form of pandas, with egg rolls, potato salad and smaller dishes. The boat began to move as JiHoo gestured for her rest while he unpacked the lunch box. Dish by dish they were placed down, the sweet scent filled her lung. Her lips parted.
"Mianhae." JiHoo and JanDi spoke simultaneously. A brief moment of amusement came from both members, once more falling into a silence. JanDi was the first to speak as she accepted the rice with a bow. "Mian …" she repeated, removing his gloves t place into her lap. JiHoo once more looked at the bare finger, lips parted to speak. The question on his lips stolen and silence by the unexpected answer. "Gu JunPyo … he and I are better separate. Shinhwa needs him more than I do." The brown eyes glistened with an aching discomfort in his stomach. His hand extended to stroke away a tear from her cheek. His thumb gliding against her jaw line, the space between them was reduced. Slowly, his lips brushed against her cheek, lightly touching the warm skin.
"You shouldn't be out in the rain without a coat, you'll catch a cold. Here …" he removed his hat to place upon her head, the scent once more overwhelming her in a flood of emotions. Her saddened expression light by a weak smile. The teary eyes focused on his deep hues. The gentle rocking of the boat and the sunbeams shimmering in his eyes woke something deep inside of her. Yoon Ji Hoo, the firefighter her heart depended on had returned to her side.
"Kamsahamnida, Sunbae."