AN: Finally bringing my CLOY works into this website. This one was first posted back in 2020. :)
WISHES
I.
Their hands intertwine automatically as if it's something so natural, something that's been craved inside their hearts. Muscle memory, only it's a recent one — Se-ri can hardly believe four months ago she didn't know Jeong-Hyeok. She feels as if she's known him forever.
Their fingers move silently, the weight of their rings heavy yet right on their hands. It feels weird for Se-ri but completely right at the same time. They don't have to talk about what the rings represent because it's simply there, right between them, no matter how distant they are from each other. Their hearts are always close.
Finally, the fingers still and settle with their palms pressed close together. His hands are gentle, even if they're much bigger than hers, and she chances a smile at him, one that she hopes will show him just how happy she is. Everything with him is fleeting — everything feels as if it'll disappear any moment now, but they're here together, in her bedroom, in Seoul, and she can pretend this is just what their future looks like, even if it's just for one evening.
He gives her a small smile and his eyes crinkle a little, just enough to let her know he means it. He tugs lightly at her hands and she finds herself closer to him, hands pressed against both their chests. It's a weird hug, but she breathes in his scent, snuggling into where his shoulder meets his neck, and she's never felt safer. She feels his warmth spread through her when his cheek meets her hairline and she thinks, well, it's like they are meant to fit together like this.
"Thank you," she whispers into his neck. Their left hands are still huddled together, but she feels his right arm sneak around her back, bringing her closer.
"What for?" Ri Jeong-hyeok asks quietly.
"This evening," Se-ri replies. "This is the happiest I've ever felt on my birthday."
She feels him shaking his head. "I'm supposed to thank you instead."
She nods slowly because she knows what he means. Their talk outside her apartment building is still in her head, just the way she knows he hopes it will always be. The remaining of the evening as well — making a wish as she blew the candles on the adorable old fashioned cake Ri Jeong-hyeok chose, sharing the cake with the boys, sitting next to Jeong-hyeok as they all enjoyed the rest of the day together.
Now, in his arms… she wishes her birthday would never end.
"Will you stay?" Her voice is quiet but steady.
She feels a little flustered because she's not usually this forward, but then again Ri Jeong-hyeok makes her feel like no one else ever has. It would not be their first time sharing a bed — there was the hospital, the night at the school during that awful blizzard, and recently the few nights he's been staying at her place. But they always had a reason — she was scared after the encounter with Cho Cheol Gang, she had drunk too much soju that other evening and he had to carry her (she was barely drunk but he did not have to know that)... tonight is different though. She doesn't have a proper reason.
She feels she doesn't need one anyway.
He's hesitant, she can feel it.
"I want to remember next year," she continues, "that I spent every last second of this birthday with you."
That does it — she can feel it in the way he tugs her just a little closer.
They are both already ready for bed so there's no outward awkwardness, except the one she feels when they're about to get into bed and she realizes it's the first time they are doing this as if they're a couple who's been doing it forever. She wonders if married people are like this — he knows she prefers the right side without even questioning it — but at the same time she thinks it might not be so normal because her parents were certainly not like this, ever .
So they slip into bed almost at the same time, just a few inches between them as they lay down, and this time the bed is enormous and she's not drunk and he's not staying just until she falls asleep like that frightful night. A few seconds later and they're still quiet and she's done with this.
"What did you wish for when we blew out the candles?" Se-ri asks suddenly, turning on her side to face him.
Jeong-hyeok chuckles. She loves it when he does that.
"You know what I wished for," he says simply, turning on his side to face her as well. "I told you days ago."
"I was drunk," she pouts.
"So you know what I'm talking about," he says smartly. His hand is right there between them and she boldly takes it. Their rings glisten against the soft light of her bedside lamp. He turns serious. "What happened to not making memories?"
"I realized I'll need them," Se-ri replies. "The memories. Not having them sounds even worse than missing them."
Her thumb caresses the back of his hand and he pulls her closer, lips grazing against her palm. There are still a few inches between them.
Too many, in her opinion.
"What did you wish for?" Jeong-hyeok asks.
"Ah, Ri Jeong-hyeok," Se-ri rolls her eyes, "if I tell you it'll never come true. I'm keeping it a secret not even you will be able to take out of me."
He pouts a little, and she giggles, coming a little closer. His free hand comes to caress her cheek, thumb tracing her skin softly, then her jaw. He arches an eyebrow.
"I can try, though."
Se-ri is still smiling. "Try what ?"
He comes just a few inches closer and his lips touch hers.
Oh.
Oh .
Well, she doesn't mind this at all.
His lips move tentatively and she opens her mouth to taste him, and it's slow and deep and he tastes like her own toothpaste and himself, which she loves a lot. She loves how even softer his hair is now that he's here in Seoul, and how despite the enormous bed they're huddled in the middle together and that he's here, he's here, he's here.
They part after a few seconds and Se-ri takes a deep breath. She's surprised by how Jeong-hyeok can still look so normal when he's just kissed her so thoroughly. She's sure her lips are tainted red.
"You're really not telling me?" He asks again with a pout, teasingly, and she laughs.
"No," she says, patting his chest softly. "I really want it to come true, I told you."
He smiles at her, that small smile she loves so much. She lets out a laugh, simply because she's so happy. Today has been a whirlwind of emotions and she's just so happy to be here, now, with him, for the remaining minutes of her birthday.
"That doesn't mean you can't try to take the secret from me, you know," she sighs dramatically, looking at him pointedly with narrowed eyes. "I'm not telling, but you can keep trying."
His eyes soften and he kisses her again, taking her a little by surprise at how fast she is. She's smiling against his lips and he laughs and then the kiss deepens and her wish is long forgotten — for the moment at least.
She wished for many birthdays with him by her side. She might as well enjoy this one while it lasts.
II.
Se-ri groans as she wakes up, a hand sneaking from under the covers to get her phone. It's a practiced move, one she's mastered over the last few months, always eager to see what text she'll get this morning. She's still hungover from last night, and that's when she remembers there will be no text today.
She got his last text yesterday.
Out of practice, she opens his texts anyway, because today is her birthday and she wishes — she wishes so desperately that he would be right here next to her.
In hindsight, all his messages yesterday were weird.
I love you.
That's what he sent her yesterday morning. Her eyes soften. His texts are never this blunt, much like he isn't, but she won't be complaining anytime soon. She wishes she could text him back with the same sentiment, but it's been almost a year since he left and she hasn't found a way to contact him, no matter how hard she tried.
She's had him with her for the past year through his texts. She can't imagine how his year must have been with nothing from her.
She reads his words again, right until the last text about meeting again, and lets herself hope.
For a moment, she wonders what it would have been like if he was right there with her now. Would he have brought her breakfast in bed? Maybe jewelry? Perhaps she would have woken up to kisses and they'd have traveled somewhere far away together. Alas, it's not meant to be.
Not now, anyway.
She blinks away the tears and gets out of bed. She has a lot of work to do today.
She arrives punctually at Seri's Choice's headquarters and takes the elevator alone, as per usual. Everyone does this when it's her birthday; they know better than to do anything else. She's gotten better, sure — she has meals with her staff and joins them after hours to have dinner and celebrate how well the group has been doing. She has family meals that aren't that bothersome and even goes out with her mother every so often.
Their relationship is still tentative, however, and her mother undoubtedly remembers last year's birthday fiasco, so Se-ri doesn't think she'll have many surprises this year.
Mr. Hong greets her as she exits the elevator, and he's as fidgety as he is every year.
She remembers this morning's text and smiles.
"Good morning, Mr. Hong. Is everyone already in the conference room?" Se-ri asks, adjusting her purse slightly.
She's wearing a black and white tweed set today, along with high boots, which she thinks are very fitting for the day. She doesn't want another bad birthday however gloomy the day can be. It's just a regular day. That's the way she's been living for most of her life. She's looking forward to her meetings and overseeing the future summer collection and forgetting all about her birthday. It's as simple as that.
Mr. Hong looks nervous, though.
"Ms. Yoon, the meeting was postponed to tomorrow," he tells her.
Se-ri halts her steps suddenly and frowns. "What?"
"I was asked to postpone it," Mr. Hong says.
"Who postponed it?" Se-ri asks, making her way to her office.
Employees bow down to her as Se-ri passes, now trying very hard not to let this ruin her day. She has a very tight schedule. Her meetings aren't simply postponed - she's still Seri's Choice's CEO and chairman of the Queens Group, for goodness sake. People simply don't leave her hanging or waiting. It's the other way around.
"Well, you see, Ms. Yoon, I received a text last night with very specific directions," Mr. Hong babbles behind her, then rushes to open the door to her office.
Her steps falter as she stands by the doorway, taking in the sight before her.
First, the food on the coffee table, in front of the sofa. She sees a small number of banchan and a steaming mug of black coffee waiting for her. And second, there is a huge old-fashioned bouquet of pink camellias on her desk. Huge . At least thirty flowers, definitely.
Se-ri lets out a laugh, then covers it immediately by schooling her features, only to sniff loudly because only one person could have arranged this.
"I wasn't sure what to make of it, but it sounded very serious and very much like Mr. Lee," Mr. Hong continues slowly. "He asked me to clear your schedule this morning so you could have a nice breakfast. And…"
Se-ri is still taking in everything but turns her head to meet Mr. Hong's very nervous eyes.
"What?"
"He told me to wish you a happy birthday, Ms. Yoon," he says quickly, all in one breath.
He must still remember his first year working for her and how she lectured him about her birthday. Truth be told, Se-ri barely remembers it — she's had to lecture many people about her birthday, enough that all her employees knew better than to mention it to her, ever.
She feels different this year, though.
"Thank you, Mr. Hong," she says truthfully, trying very hard to control her tears. "I'll have breakfast now."
She sits on the chair and takes the coffee first — it's still hot and just the way she likes it. Mr. Hong closes the door behind him and Se-ri sighs, remembering Jeong-hyeok's coffee after that night with soju and clams and games with the boys. She misses them all and wonders how they are doing every day, and hopes that they're all achieving their humbled dreams and living life as well as they can. She wonders if they'll forget about her completely, or if her presence in their lives will feel like a dream in a few years.
She thinks about one person the most.
The coffee is good but not as good as Jeong-hyeok's. Still, he did this for her. This time, when she daydreams about him being there, she tries to enjoy it — she imagines he'll make her eat and not care about his own food, and he'll pout when she mentions the bouquet is old-fashioned, and he'll joke that she's not a picky princess at all.
When she finishes eating and smells the flowers, she takes notice of the card and reads, the handwriting generic and unfamiliar to her. It's not his, it can't be, but it warms her heart that he was thoughtful enough to prepare all this almost one year in advance.
I'm thinking of you, always.
She believes every word of it.
She calls for Mr. Hong and he's surprised that she's eaten almost all of the food that had been laid out, but he doesn't mention it. She asks about her schedule in the afternoon and he confirms it, and then she decides to go all out and ask him to make a reservation at a restaurant that just received four Michelin stars because it's been a while since she did that (well, it's not like she dates nowadays) and she feels she deserves it. She also asks him to take the flowers to her apartment, but only when she's not in her office anymore.
They smell nice, after all.
The afternoon goes on as usual, with her meetings still in place, and she approves most of the new products with ease, feeling in a good mood for the first time in years in this fateful February day. Her staff notices, of course, but thankfully they're wise enough not to comment on it. Maybe it's the flowers, or the texts, or the coffee. She's not quite sure, but she doesn't need to pinpoint what it is because ultimately he's the reason behind it all.
Se-ri prides herself in being an independent woman, but it's amazing how Jeong-hyeok has integrated himself into her entire being, all the way north of the parallel 38.
She's finishing up a meeting when her phone vibrates, and the name on the screen is enough for her to dismiss everyone.
"Mother, hi," she says tentatively.
Her entire family knows better than to mention her birthday. Se-joon and Hye-ji are away on a babymoon, and her father was probably busy playing golf as he often does on Thursdays. She did not let herself hope for anything from her mother considering last year, but it's so different now. They're all so different.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," her mother says.
"No, no," Se-ri says dismissively. "I'm about to head home for the day, actually."
She hears her mother take a deep breath and hopes her bright tone was enough to convince her that this is not a threat to their yet unstable relationship.
"I wanted to wish you a happy birthday," her mother says softly. "I hope you've had a good day. Today will always be special to me."
Se-ri frowns slightly, and she tries to sound as neutral as possible. "Really?"
It's not that she doesn't love her mother, and it's not that she doesn't know her mother loves her as well, but it's years and years of miscommunication and grief between them — years that can't be erased, but can be overcome with more honesty and self-discovery. They're both working on those. If she's honest, her entire family is still adjusting to this different world.
Her life really can be divided between before North Korea and after North Korea, and it's not just about Jeong-hyeok.
"Of course, Se-ri," her mother says. "It's the day you were born, and you're my daughter. I'll always be grateful for you."
Her words, unbeknownst to her, ring too close to those spoken by him exactly a year ago.
Se-ri tears up a little, and this time she lets a tear fall, then another. She smiles into the phone.
"Thank you, Mother," she says sincerely. Then a surge of courage runs through her. "Would you and Father like to have dinner with me tonight? Just the three of us."
There's silence on the other end of the line.
"If you want to, of course," Se-ri adds.
"We'd love to, Se-ri," her mother answers quickly now. "I'm sure your father will be delighted. As I am."
Se-ri smiles and tells her the details of her reservation — which Mr. Hong will surely be able to make it a table for three. She can't even remember the last time she had dinner on her birthday with her parents, alone. Probably as a teenager. Dreadful years, indeed.
Hours later, with a full stomach and feeling like this was probably the second-best birthday she's had in her adult life, she enters her apartment and sees the flowers she received this morning on her coffee table, already in a vase. She smiles and feels loved, by her parents and by someone else, even with the distance between them. She takes the card from the flowers and holds it close, walking aimlessly over to the windows that reveal Seoul's skyline. The stars catch her attention — she feels as if she's not the only one looking up tonight.
Se-ri smiles, wishing she could thank him for everything today.
She wishes he could have tried the food at the restaurant today. Maybe he'd have laughed at the stories her father told about her as a child. Maybe he'd have held her hand and kissed her outside the restaurant when her parents weren't looking. He'd have shared his dessert with her and drove them home later.
She keeps hoping and praying desperately. She has a trip to organize now, and the hope in her chest feels brighter than it did all through the year. Maybe she'll be able to reply to him in person to all these texts. She doesn't know what she'd even say after all these months, but some things don't change.
So she looks up and wishes, and hopes, and prays.
I love you too, Ri Jeong-hyeok.
III.
Se-ri decided to do something different this year, which is why she's not in Seoul the week before her birthday. She's not even in Korea — she finally took up Se-joon's offer to visit his resort in Bali and for the first time, she's actually on a trip to celebrate her birthday.
Her mother suggested it, actually — Se-ri suspects she's actually been needing a small vacation herself, what with being a new grandmother. Yoon Min-ji is a very cute baby, Se-ri admits, and she's quite charming when she wants to be. Except when she's running around and ruining all their exclusive decor. Babies do that, apparently. She looks a lot like Hye-ji, and Se-ri hopes she won't be as aloof as her brother and her sister-in-law, because right now she's the future of the Queens Group, with Se-hyung in jail and she…
Well, she doesn't think children are in her future yet.
The main reason behind the trip, however, is to distract her.
Seoul holds so many memories. She still sees him everywhere, and listens to his voice messages, and reads his texts. She still cares for the edelweiss flower he sent her, she's gotten better at eating properly, she even tried a hand at cooking (with many failed attempts). But the bottom line remains that Jeong-hyeok is all over her world, in her home, in her office. It's been almost two years since they parted and yet it feels like a lifetime and like it only happened yesterday at the same time. The pain is still there, an ache that has never truly left her. But Se-ri lives.
She lives for herself. Just like he's always wanted her to.
Hence the trip.
So it's been a nice week, all in all. She and her mother enjoyed their days at the beach, take many pictures, FaceTime Hye-ji, and even manage to steal some giggles from Min-ji. They had dinner at the hotel's five-star restaurant and she listens to her mother's brief conversation with her father over the phone as they drink some wine in their private villa. This weird balance seems to be their family life now. Se-ri finds that she likes it.
Even if she misses something.
She doubts Jeong-hyeok has been to Indonesia, even if his family is part of the elite in North Korea. She thinks he might like it, even if he's very poised and awkward at first. She wonders how he'd be at the beach — he'd probably survey every part of the beach to make sure there's nothing that could harm her, and then he would offer to help her with the sunscreen. And he'd look effortlessly handsome in swimming trunks, she does not doubt it.
"You look like you're far away," her mother says, sitting across from her on their patio.
Se-ri blushes a little because she has just been caught daydreaming about Jeong-hyeok taking a dip in the ocean and walking back to her all wet and with the swimming trucks clinging to his skin, and—
Now is not the time, Se-ri.
She clears her throat. "Just mentally checking if I need anything else for the recital event next month."
"Ah, yes. The first edition is always very important, no matter if it's a charity or not," her mother says thoughtfully. "You must be glad Se-joon declined to go."
Se-ri bristles. "Oh, don't remind me of it. What would he do there? It was a genius move to get him involved, you were right, but you'd think he wouldn't take it so seriously."
"We have Min-ji to thank for his distraction," Han Jeong-yeon smiles. Se-ri agrees; at least her brother is turning out to be a good father. "Are you sure you don't want some company?"
Se-ri takes a sip of her wine and shakes her head. "Thank you, but I'm sure. I have very detailed plans this time around. I'll go to all the places I know he's been to, including the places we visited at the same time. Switzerland is not so big, and I've given enough interviews to attract some attention. I know he must have heard about the foundation."
Her mother nods silently, and Se-ri is grateful to have her support on this crazy journey that life has taken her. It's what they don't say that matters the most, though: the fact that even if he's heard of the music foundation, he might not be able to come.
"I just wish," she starts, a little uncertainly. Her breath catches. "I just wish there was some way to know. To send him a message, or to get something from him. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy, if I imagined it all. It's been so long, but it feels like just yesterday."
Her mother reaches out to her, and their hands meet in a gentle caress. It would have been unimaginable that such a thing would happen between them three years ago, yet here they are.
"I saw enough to know it's not your imagination," her mother says softly. "I have faith that you'll find each other again. Even when you didn't know each other, fate was on your side."
Se-ri smiles. "That's what he said too."
She has to believe fate will be on their side again.
IV.
When the day in which she celebrates her thirty-third birthday comes, Se-ri finds herself a little disheartened.
It's a Sunday, she hasn't been able to distract herself with work, and she's three years older than when he left. Three years are a lot to change a person and she can't help but wonder — is he still the same? Is she still the same? Are they still in love, together?
They're not together but she feels as if… well, she's been living life as a committed person as it is. She almost mentions him as a husband sometimes. My husband likes Chopin. My husband makes great ramen. My husband plays the piano, too.
It was when she actually mentioned him as her husband to a stranger that she decided to take off her ring. He's not there. They're not together. She hopes and prays but it's been three years and she misses him like crazy and wonders if she'll just go through life hoping and praying they'll have a chance again. She's optimistic most days — the new trip is coming soon, she has big plans for the foundation and herself, maybe he'll be there this time around — but just today, she lets herself feel a little disheartened about it.
So Se-ri sips the soju quietly and listens to the rain outside. She remembers a conversation shared on a night much like this one, about growing old and twins and Jeong-hyeok by her side forever. It feels more bitter than sweet today.
Three years have gone by and while she feels she's been living her life in a much more fulfilling manner than before, she misses something.
She misses him .
Se-ri wants to tell him she's learned how to make rice and noodles and that her edelweiss must be the most beautiful one in Seoul. She wants to be able to vent to him about work while he pretends not to be listening. She wants to show him her well-stocked fridge and tell him she's an aunt to a beautiful and funny baby girl.
A few tears escape her eyes and Se-ri wipes them away with the back of her hand before putting the glass on the coffee table and reaching for the bottle. It's her third. She takes a big gulp and looks out the window.
"Ah, Ri Jeong-hyeok," she says out loud. It's been so long since she did so. "You'd be shaking your head at me right now. I'm sorry."
He would be shaking his head, definitely. But he loves her. That much she knows. Even after three years, she's sure of it. Even if they have changed.
"I never did tell you," she continues her one-sided, made up conversation, "but I like twins too. And with you… I wouldn't even mind if they were boys."
Se-ri snickers at the absurd thought. She, a mother. To twins. Boys, nonetheless. It'll never happen. She takes another sip.
"I still prefer girls, though," she adds as an afterthought.
She never did think she'd love someone enough to marry them, so it's not as if she's given children much thought before. It's not something she considers much now. The idea of a future, however abstract it is, with Jeong-hyeok… it's still absurd. But she likes to daydream sometimes. She likes to torture herself just a little. It's one way to cope and face tomorrow in a different way.
"But I don't mind any of that," she continues. "I just want you. For however long we have. Even for a day. I'd take it."
She drinks the rest of the soju and sighs, closing her eyes and settling her head against the couch. Her mind feels hazy with memories from North Korea and fantasies about Switzerland. She imagines walking around Zurich with him, taking pictures. She remembers riding in front of his bike to the market in the military village. She thinks about clams and chocolate and the first snow they shared together.
"Maybe if I paraglide in Switzerland I'll crash land on you again," she jokes, snorting at the drunken thought.
Hours later, when she wakes up, the thought has left her head, but she decides a visit to Grindelwald is in store for the next trip, even if it's not a place Jeong-hyeok mentioned before.
Revisiting places they went at the same time in the past didn't work last time; she might as well try new ones.
Fate has always brought him to her. She has faith it'll happen again.
V.
Se-ri doesn't like long flights.
They're too uncomfortable — even in first class — and the food is too awful and it takes forever to leave Korea and actually go somewhere outside of Asia. But she loves traveling, she always has, so she endures it. Still, this trip has been planned in a bit of a hurry so she's a little more tired than usual — and a little too excited too.
She has two suitcases with her and her own bag, so it's a bit of a struggle to finally leave the boarding area. She follows through the motions; she's been to Zurich many times in her life, and many times over the last few years. This airport is familiar to her, but it's the first time she's actually expecting to find someone waiting for her to get here.
It thrills her to no end. Even after the fifteen-hour marathon she's taken to get here — she feels a little rejuvenated after slipping to the restroom to brush her teeth and handle her makeup, but with the short notice of the trip she could only book a flight that would take her to Europe quicker, and it just so happened to be one with a connecting flight in Qatar. She knows she's not exactly at her best, appearance-wise, and meeting him always makes her a little nervous.
Well. He's seen her at her worst, and this is not it. Thankfully.
So she cruises through the duty-free shops (which she normally stops by) and goes straight to the exit. She's always thought airport reunions to be cheesy because they were never part of her life; not even when her father went away on business trips they made a big deal out of it. She never saw her parents say a proper goodbye and no one ever took her to the airport to see her off on her trips. This is her first time and it makes her a little nervous. Giddy, too. Mostly nervous, though.
There's a bit of a crowd, people hugging and greeting here and there, and she scans through them before she sees him — it doesn't take more than two seconds, really, because her eyes have always been drawn to him. Se-ri smiles brightly and walks a little faster, and he does too. It's the first time they're seeing each other since last April, and ten months are way too long now that she's seen him again. The tears sprung in her eyes and when he's two steps from her she lets go of her suitcases and more or less jumps on him.
Well, she actually jumps on him. Enough that Jeong-hyeok groans at the impact and she vaguely hears some people laughing around them — so much for being discreet. She doesn't let go, though, and neither does he — she's around him like a koala and he holds her back with much fierceness. She breathes in his scent and can't believe that they've managed to be together again, and two months earlier than the recital.
"I've missed you," he says softly against her neck, and Se-ri can only nod.
They pull away then, and he helps her back on her feet before wiping the tears from her cheeks and kissing her lips. It's a brief kiss, but full of promise. She's missed his kisses. She's missed him .
She smiles at him when they pull apart and grins at the way he's blushing. He takes one of her suitcases and she takes his free hand before he can take the other suitcase too. An elderly couple is looking at them with smiles on their faces, and Se-ri blushes too because this is the most public she and Jeong-hyeok have been so far. He speaks something in German to them, which they both laugh at, and smile at her softly. Se-ri only bows in goodbye, threads her fingers against Jeong-hyeok's, and lets him guide her out of the airport.
She's home now.
He takes her to his rental car — which is enough to make her raise her eyebrows because surely that means the North Korean government is giving him a few liberties, even if it's just a regular Sedan — and drives them out of the airport area. This time she hasn't planned anything — it's her first time here knowing she'd meet him for sure, and he's the one who took care of everything when he called her two days ago out of nowhere saying he was in Switzerland and perhaps she'd be able to come to visit for a few days.
She jumped at the chance, of course. Even if it drove Mr. Hong crazy. It will be just for six days this time around; she isn't sure what Jeong-hyeok is doing in Switzerland just yet but Se-ri is not going to complain.
He takes her to a small cabin, rented as well, about forty minutes from Zurich. On the way there, she learns that he's here on a personal trip, courtesy of his father's position without a doubt, but he's more interested in hearing what she has to say as he drives than to talk about himself, as usual.
Luckily for both of them, with Jeong-hyeok's hand in hers, she doesn't mind talking at all.
He takes her suitcases from the car and she examines the cabin with interest. It's small and practical, exactly what she'd have expected from Jeong-hyeok, and she loves it for its non-descript exterior because surely none will pay attention to an Asian couple vacationing here for a week. They eat lunch together, which he's prepared and of course it's delicious — she's missed his cooking so much — and he suggests a walk around town but she cuts him with a kiss because they've talked enough for now.
It's hours later, when she's stretching in bed with only slightly cold sheets around her body, that he surprises her by striding into the small, quaint bedroom carrying a small white cake. Se-ri frowns and smiles all over again, not sure what this is about but loving the image he makes — his hair disheveled from her earlier ministrations, wearing his boxers and a plain white t-shirt.
She could get used to this image very fast.
"What's this about?" Se-ri asks, sitting up and arranging the sheets to cover her up a little. His eyes follow her movement.
Jeong-hyeok points at the clock on the bedside table. It's already dark outside, courtesy of it being winter, and they've spent most of the afternoon getting reacquainted with one another.
"It's already your birthday in Seoul," Jeong-hyeok says simply.
Se-ri giggles, shaking her head at his silliness, but nods and blows out the two candles on top of the cake as he holds it in front of her.
She looks up and sees him staring at her with longing in his eyes.
"Are you gonna tell me what you wished for this time around?" His eyes are twinkling a little. She loves how much he smiles when they're together.
She nods. "I've got all I want right here. No wish necessary."
He scoffs, and rushes to cut a slice of the cake for her — Se-ri doesn't complain because it seems as if she's always hungry when she's with Jeong-hyeok, be it for food or something else. She hums happily when she tastes the chocolate and the berries, and Jeong-hyeok sits next to her against the headboard to eat as well.
"Not old-fashioned?" He asks, and she knows he's legitimately worried about that.
Se-ri ponders at the question, looking at him and noticing he has some chocolate on the corner of his lips.
Unable to stop herself, she kisses his lips, softly but enough to surprise him. Ten months have changed nothing between the two of them — if anything, it has only made their love stronger.
She grins when she pulls away and smiles with her eyes at him. "This is the best cake I've ever had in my life."
Jeong-Hyeok sighs. "It's old-fashioned, right?"
Se-ri laughs out loud at the worried look on his face, deciding to offer him a piece of her own slice, just because.
"It's the best. I'm serious."
There's a happy grin on his face as he munches the cake, and she's positive this will be her best birthday yet.
VI.
The second year that he's with her on her birthday is a different one.
It's not marked by uncertainties like when he was in Seoul, and it isn't a surprise like when she had flown to Switzerland in a hurry last year. No, this year is different because they actually planned it. This year they are sharing a recently bought house and she's been in Switzerland since Christmas to enjoy some time with Jeong-hyeok, who's back to his master's degree studies. This year he announces he will cook for her and even skip his evening lecture — the man is an exceptional student, to no one's surprise.
It's nothing like her dreams of being awakened by his kisses. In fact, she vaguely remembers him giving her a kiss when he woke up to go to the university, but she stayed in. When she really awakens, around two hours later, she lets her eyes adjust to the light in the room and sigh after a very much earned rest. She can smell a little bit of last night on the sheets and doesn't mind it one bit because it reminds her of him and that he'll back in a few hours to spoil her.
So she rolls over to his side, fully intending to perhaps take another nap when something that is decidedly not Jeong-hyeok's pillow rolls down her face. She gasps in surprise, frowning, and opens her eyes again to find a sole flower on the mattress. She recognizes it from their garden outside and smiles.
"Jeong-hyeok," she says affectionately, "you really are so very tacky, aren't you?"
She sniffs the flower and notices a small paper on the mattress as well, picking it up and recognizing his calligraphy.
Thank you for today. I love you.
She snickers, lying back down abruptly and thinking only him could thank her instead of wishing her a happy birthday right away. There's more to that, and she knows — thank you for giving me a reason to celebrate today, thank you for being born, thank you — and she loves how he tells her he loves her so easily these days. When she thinks back to their first months as acquaintances, then friends, then star-crossed lovers, she thinks that she didn't hear these words from him often, though she felt them nearly every day.
She still feels it, of course, but it's different when you hear it as well.
Se-ri hugs the note and the flower close and sighs. It's going to be a good day, she can feel it.
She spends the rest of the morning on meetings with her team back in Seoul, but she's considerate enough to herself and her team to take a lunch break, considering Jeong-hyeok always left her meals when he's too busy with his classes to join her. She goes through the afternoon with texts from him while she works, and there's even a quick video call when he gets himself a break.
It's ridiculous how quick she's gotten used to this life with him. Two years ago this would have been an impossible dream, but now they're actually living together in Switzerland, sharing a house that is theirs, and even if he can't be with her in Seoul she's managed a routine with her team where she's been managing to work from Switzerland since December. Sure, she'll have to go back to Seoul in a few weeks to settle some things in person, but this is better than two weeks a year at least.
It dawns on her every now and then, however, that even though this is more than either of them could have hoped for, it's still temporary. She has one of these moments as she watches his back in their kitchen, chopping vegetables for their dinner. They're sharing a bottle of French wine and he's making galbitang because she's craving some nice Korean dish on her birthday.
She could get used to this for life, she realizes — how weird it would be if they could be together in Korea without having to worry about repercussions or their lives. In Switzerland, they get a taste of that freedom, and it's home because they're with each other. It's enough — more than enough for two people who technically can't even be together.
But she still likes to dream sometimes.
Se-ri glances at her watch lovingly — a gift from Jeong-hyeok for today, and she remembers her old beloved watch that's somewhere in North Korea nowadays. She wishes not only for him to be able to be with her in Seoul but to be able to go to North Korea and see her friends there.
She must have sighed at the thought because Jeong-hyeok turns them and looks at her with a frown. Perhaps it's because she hasn't spoken in nearly three minutes, a record for her since he arrived from class. She's just been so happy today — with the flower and the watch, his messages and his smile and his kisses…
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to spend the entire day with you," he says for the second time this evening.
He lowers the heat on the oven and dries his hands as he makes his way to her on the other side of the kitchen island.
Se-ri smiles. "But you were. You're always with me in some way. Whether it's here or anywhere else in the world."
Jeong-hyeok grins and Se-ri smacks him softly on the shoulder.
"I'm becoming such a tacky person," she rolls her eyes. "It's all thanks to you, you know."
His grin doesn't fade. "I know."
She loves it when he looks at her like this — all boyish and soft and lovely. She can't help but blush a little at his attention, feeling a little hot all of a sudden in a way that has nothing to do with the wine and everything to do with Jeong-hyeok. He laughs a little at her expression, the way he does when he can't handle her antics, and sometimes it annoys her tremendously but today she's caught by surprise when he moves closer and kisses her softly, lips barely moving against her in a way that reminds her of their first kiss in that dreadful hospital so many years ago.
She breathes him in and opens her mouth a little to draw him closer. He tastes of the wine they've been drinking and of himself and she can never get enough of this mix. He stands between her legs as she sits on the kitchen stools and all thoughts of this being temporary evaporate from her mind because what truly matters is the present, and he's here with her.
That will always be enough.
They pull away to catch their breaths and she loves how his ears are a little rosy and how he's fighting a new grin as he takes a sip of the wine. It's still so new, this part of themselves, this daily intimacy they get to share nowadays. She runs her palms to his chest and sighs happily.
"Thank you," Se-ri says softly. "This must be the happiest birthday I've ever had."
"You said that last year," Jeong-hyeok says as he tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and settles his palm softly on her jaw.
She scrunches her face a little. "And this year it's even better."
He smiles and holds her close, pressing his lips against her hair. This is home to her. It's not Seoul or her apartment, it's not even this house with all its memories of six months together with him. It's just him, wherever he is.
"I hope you say this every year from now on," he tells her.
Se-ri chuckles. "You're setting that bar up really high for yourself."
"I can handle it," he retorts, and Se-ri blushes and laughs because she loves him so much.
She pulls away just to look at his face and feels his eyes boring into hers as if they're a magnet of some sort. She can't look away either — she understands. What they have is bigger than themselves.
Se-ri kisses him deeply, wanting to feel him closer to her, wishing they'll always be like this, every year, on her birthday and his and all of the other days, even if she knows this won't always be possible in person but it'll always be there, engraved in their hearts.
It's been a good day, a great day even, and she has a feeling the night will be even better.
VII.
She's in Seoul the following year because Seri's Choice is launching a new line of fashion — this time for men. Jeong-hyeok has been very diligent in personally modeling for her while they're in Switzerland, but when it comes to the actual launch, she has to be in South Korea.
And he can't.
Se-ri knows and understands the situation, more than anyone — she doesn't want him to defect, not when his parents are still in North Korea, not when people still depend on him in a way. Nevertheless, it pains him — she knows it does. Every time he takes her to the airport for her weeks in South Korea, she feels him tremble, feels his resolve change for a second or two.
She doesn't let herself duel on it. She's grateful for the life they have now, where they can talk to one another and be there for one another most of the year. It's better than two weeks. It's infinitely better than nothing.
It's also not forever, but they'll deal with that when the time comes.
The time difference of seven hours is a lot, though, and they don't talk much during the day because when Jeong-hyeok is free, Se-ri isn't; they share a quick call and texts throughout the day, and then she's off to her parents' house to have a birthday dinner with them and her brother's family. She sends Jeong-hyeok selfies she's taken with her sweet niece, Min-ji, now no longer a baby and more of an energetic little girl of nearly four years old, and he replies with heart emojis just like she's taught him to.
It shouldn't surprise her that when she gets home, close to midnight, that he still texts her.
Have you arrived safely at home?
Se-ri takes off her shoes and smiles at her phone, replying right away.
No.
It takes him exactly three seconds to video call her.
"You're home," Jeong-hyeok says after assessing her when she accepts the call.
Se-ri chuckles at his inquisitive tone and puts her bag on the coffee table before sprawling on the couch. From what she sees, he's in their living room, sitting against the cushions. Probably having coffee or tea to keep himself awake. She wonders if he just didn't try to sleep at all, despite the fact that he's wearing his pajamas.
"No," she says dreamily. "You're my home."
His face softens, but then he frowns. "Have you been drinking?"
"Just wine. With my mother. Don't worry, the driver got me home," Se-ri replies. He chuckles. She realizes it's pretty late in Lucerne. "Jeong-hyeok," she starts, her voice a little sluggish, "it must be over five in the morning. You have class early. What are you doing up?"
"I wanted to be with you for the rest of your birthday," he says softly.
Se-ri smiles at him — there he is, with bags under his eyes, living today in Seoul time just because it's her birthday and that's where she is. It makes her miss him even more than she thought it was possible. She shrieks a little, drawing his attention even more so, and frowns her eyebrows at him.
"You're so cute, Jeong-hyeok. You're already handsome and talented and perfect, you have to be such a cutie too," she half complains, earning another chuckle from him. "I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too," he says honestly. "I wish I was there with you."
Se-ri closes her eyes, sighing. "Don't say such things."
"I mean it."
She knows he's serious from the tone of his voice and sits up to give him a dirty look. "I'm not drunk enough to listen to this."
It's her attempt to joke, remembering a night long ago spent right here in her living room. Jeong-hyeok doesn't laugh, though.
"Good. I want you to remember that I've said this."
She's not ready for it.
"Well, I'll be home next week," she decides to change the subject onto safer topics. "I expect to be fully pampered when I arrive, by the way."
There's a second of silence, and then he smiles. She's letting her have her way. He always does when it's a serious matter. She's thankful for it. She misses him too much and she's had enough wine that will make her say crazy things she might regret later. She doesn't want to be the one responsible to separate him from his mother. She can't bear to think of what may happen to his parents should he leave his country for good.
She loves him too much to want him to endure such pain.
"Really?" Jeong-hyeok says. "I may be planning something."
Her eyes brighten at his words. "Oh, a surprise? Am I getting flowers? Jewelry?"
He laughs at her words. "No. It's another kind of present."
Se-ri narrows her eyes. "Is it a puppy?"
"Sadly, no," he denies.
"Mmm… kisses, then?" She tries again.
He blushes a little, and she thinks it's cute that he does that even after they've perfected phone sex as best as they can in times like these.
"Those are included, of course."
"Alright, I'll let you surprise me," she relents, knowing she won't get anything from him.
"Thank you for allowing me to surprise you, my love," Jeong-hyeok humorously adds. Her heart skips a beat at the endearment that he uses so often these days. It reminds her of a time he didn't even know her name and still gave up his life to protect her. They've come so far already. "Did you have a good birthday?"
Se-ri sighs lazily and nods. "It's better now that I can see you and talk to you. Min-ji wanted to video call you earlier, I didn't let her because I thought you were asleep."
It's no surprise that her niece loves Jeong-hyeok more than she loves Se-ri, truly. Having met him twice in Switzerland, the little girl all but calls him her uncle. Hye-Jim's daughter, through and through.
"She's very smart for knowing how to video call people already," Jeong-hyeok notes.
"Sometimes I can't believe she has Se-joon and Hye-ji for parents," Se-ri jokes. She sits up and widens her eyes, drawing Jeong-hyeok closer to his phone screen. He's mastered selfies at this point. She knows she likes seeing him as much as he likes seeing her. "I think I'll take a bath."
"Okay," he frowns a little at her abruptness.
"Would you like to come?" She arches her eyebrows suggestively twice.
She's never been one for discretion after she's had a few drinks.
"I, well, of course," he mumbles.
Se-ri giggles, standing up. "You should find someplace to put your phone on. I don't want your hand getting tired."
The innuendo is there for anyone to catch on, and judging by the spluttering mess Jeong-Hyeok turns at her words ( "Se-ri-ah!") , she decides this is her favorite moment of the entire day.
VIII.
She's arranging the flower vase in front of her — the flowers a courtesy from earlier today — when she feels strong arms wrap around her waist and she instantly smiles at the feeling of his lips against her hair. She marvels at his warmth and thinks this really must be her happiest birthday yet.
Jeong-hyeok took a day off from work to be with her, and they've spent it outside, enjoying this country that has welcomed them as their home for the past few years. Neutral ground, through and through. This time, they were together while sightseeing, unlike the first time they met so many years ago. Last year, when she got back from South Korea, he presented her with a weekend in a skiing resort. This year, it was a day out in their own area, enjoying each other just as freely as they could here.
This time, they took the right train together, took pictures together, kissed while watching the paragliders, had hot chocolate mustaches on their faces in a café. Considering how hectic the past month has been, with an impromptu albeit quick trip to North Korea at Jeong-hyeok's father's request, and Se-ri's own two weeks in Seoul overseeing some product launches, they hadn't had much chance to catch up with each other.
Life gets in the way sometimes, but they always find each other in the end.
"Would you like your present now?" Jeong-hyeok asks her, lips brushing softly against her ear.
Se-ri nods. He's already given her the delicate silver necklace that she's wearing this morning, so she can only imagine this will have more sentimental meaning somehow. He turns her around in his arms softly, and she feels giddy in anticipation.
Jeong-hyeok is serious as his right hand delves into the front pocket of his jeans while his left hand still holds hers. Their promise rings glisten together and she frowns slightly, sensing his nervousness. It's not like him to be so nervous. In a split of a moment, she wonders if this is it — if he'll be called home permanently and they'll have to rely on fate once again.
They've lived far apart for years, then on two weeks a year, and now many months a year together, but she realizes now that she won't ever be ready to part from him. Not for good. Not ever.
When he takes out a ring from his pocket, however, her breath catches.
"What is it?" Jeong-hyeok asks, perplexed. His hand leaves hers to cup her cheek. Se-ri realizes she's crying. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Se-ri assures him. "I'm just so happy, that's all."
"Se-ri…"
"I keep thinking you'll leave for good," she blurts out, unable to hold it in anymore. Ever since his summoning by his father to Pyongyang a few weeks ago, this has not left her mind. "I'm just happy that today wasn't just a farewell present from you. I've never been so glad to see a ring in all my life, and I— you know I've had my share of marriage offers."
"Only you could make a joke at such a moment," he shakes his head with a chuckle. "I'm not leaving. Ever. Or, rather, not without you."
Her eyes flutter at this; he's never been one for empty words, and there's too much meaning in these for her to simply let it go.
"What?"
"I'll be a Swiss citizen in a few weeks," Jeong-hyeok says. "The trip was to organize some things with my parents. Ah, I was supposed to do this differently."
"What?" She asks again, hands trembling. "No, Jeong-hyeok, your parents—"
"They've had time to prepare, and they've given us their blessing," Jeong-hyeok says softly. "Fate has brought us together again and again. We've been hoping and praying but I realize that— I cannot rely on fate anymore. Because I cannot live on two weeks a year, if we're lucky. My studies will be ending soon, and I cannot bear to watch you board a plane and not know if I'll see you again, I… cannot bear it , Se-ri."
She clutches his shirt in her fist and looks up at him to see the desperation and the pain in his eyes. They've been so lucky to have these years together. She's always known he thought of this but to actually act on it seems… impulsive. Unthought of. Dangerous . The kind of danger that hasn't been with them in a long time.
"We need to think this through," she says hurriedly, her eyes searching his face for any signs of worry. "We can't be hasty. Jeong-hyeok, this is not simple, we can't just…"
"I want to be your future, Se-ri," he interrupts her, his voice fierce but soft, full of emotion. "For good now. I want... I want to see you walk down the aisle with that eye smile of yours. I want to see you in our children, our children that I'll be able to raise with you. I want to see you grow old and more beautiful every day," his thumb caresses the skin of her cheek with a tremble. "Fate has brought us together in the past, Se-ri. But the future is ours to make. It's time."
He's ready.
He's ready .
Se-ri feels the shock slowly dissipate when he embraces her fully, crushing her body to his, and her sobs grow louder and less controlled as she clutches onto his shoulders to ground herself. He soothes her by caressing her back slowly, kissing her hair until her crying slowly subsides and she realizes that this is it. He's finally ready. And she… she's been ready for so long that she was afraid to admit it.
She pulls away and lets him wipes her tears from her cheeks.
"Will you let me be your future, Yoon Se-ri?"
She makes an indignant noise from the back of her throat. "You know you've always been just that."
She finally lets him give her the ring he's been planning to gift her — which she learns is a family heirloom from his mother, and she finally lets herself truly admire the ring for its delicate history — there are an emerald stone and several small diamonds encircling it, and while they've promised each other long ago to be together, this weights differently. Perhaps it's the way he kisses her hand afterward, or how the ring fits her finger perfectly. Perhaps it's just how much brighter and a little less scary the future looks now, as well.
He explains to her that his citizenship is entirely legal, made possible by all the years he's lived in Switzerland, both in his university years and now. His father only made the process a little faster, so as there will be no problem on the North Korean side of the story. It's still defection and defection is still very serious — but it's different when one defects to Switzerland, a country that has had a good diplomatic history with his home country, and not to South Korea, their biggest enemy.
This means their marriage will be possible as soon as Jeong-hyeok gets his citizenship, and he'll have no issues in going to Seoul afterward.
It's fitting, she thinks. He will always be neutral to his motherland this way.
Hours later, when it's late enough that it's no longer her birthday and he's nuzzling her neck in the way that tickles her and she gives him the eye smile he loves so much on her, she'll think that there's nothing she could wish for anymore — the weight of his mother's ring on her finger, their naked bodies settled so comfortably against each other, the promise of their future together. She doesn't need to hope and pray desperately anymore, she thinks — but she does it anyway, just because.
She's trusted fate so far, but it doesn't hurt to keep on hoping and praying that they'll always have this. In Lucerne, or Grindelwald, or Seoul — hell, even Pyongyang if need be.
It doesn't matter, as long as she's with him.
IX.
She's got her head on his lap, ankles crossed on top of her fancy carpet, and an empty can of beer in her hands; it's just a regular Friday night for her and Jeong-hyeok these days where they can barely leave the apartment together and people will be taking pictures. At first, Se-ri thought the news of her marriage must have shocked people but now she's convinced it's because of Jeong-hyeok.
He's very dreamy, after all. With his broad shoulders and pouty lips. Those dimples when he smiles — he's currently changing channels on the tv while absentmindedly caressing her hair, and even from this point of view, she thinks he's so very handsome. His own beer is still half-full, but Se-ri has been so exhausted with work that one is enough to make her sleepy.
No one can blame her for wanting to protect her husband's image, after all. He's not a public person and they don't need curiosity on them; to the press, he's an European with Korean origins. It's not a lie, technically. Plus, she's not sad that other women won't fawn over him if they're out. She's a very confident woman and she trusts Jeong-hyeok with her life, but it doesn't mean she has to like it. It's enough that the old lady in the apartment below theirs keeps taking her dog for a walk every time she hears the elevator working. Se-ri swears this man gets himself a fan club wherever he lives.
He looks good, she thinks. Well-adjusted. He's teaching and playing the piano nearly every day and that just makes her so very happy. He likes technology and she pretends she doesn't know he's still into video games. He lets himself be cornered by their niece to have a tea party whenever they visit her brother and sister-in-law and even joins her father on the occasional golf game.
It's deliciously normal.
Se-ri sighs and closes her eyes. Her stomach is full of the fried chicken and the beer and she really could fall asleep while listening to the documentary Jeong-hyeok has just settled on.
Until she feels his lips on her forehead.
"Happy birthday," he says simply.
Se-ri opens her eyes. "Is it so late already? Ah, no wonder I'm so tired. But thank you."
"Do you want to go to bed?" He asks, caressing her jaw softly. "You know, being old and all."
"Jeong-hyeok, I think we have already established that you're the ahjussi here."
"No wonder the ahjummas are always interested," he jokes.
Oh, so he does notice , Se-ri thinks, narrowing her eyes. If only it was just the ahjummas.
Jeong-hyeok laughs and puts his beer down on the coffee table, then picks hers as well. Se-ri sighs dramatically, covering her eyes with her palms.
"I can't believe I'm 38," she huffs.
"You don't look a day older than 37," he notes.
She laughs and smacks him lightly, loving how carefree and happy he looks right now. Still laughing, she sits up, supporting herself by putting a hand on his shoulder and then deciding to straddle him. The tv is still playing that documentary, but his focus is entirely on her. Just the way she likes it.
Their laughter slowly subside as his hands rest on her hips and their eyes meet. It's been a few months since his permanent move to South Korea as a Swiss citizen. It's still hard to believe sometimes, that he can be here with her so freely. This creeps up on her every now and then, that they don't have to worry about him being out or think about some lunatic who's stalking them. He still managed to speak to his parents after the defection and although the ways of communication are limited in Seoul, they've been managing alright while in Europe.
She's just happy his parents are alright.
She's even happier that he is so happy.
"What are you thinking?" He asks her in a low voice. She feels his thumbs inching close to the hem of her pajama pants.
Se-ri gives him a tight-lipped smile.
"You're very handsome, you know."
Jeong-hyeok chuckles. "And you're very beautiful, you know."
"Mm, I know," Se-ri hums, earning another chuckle from him. "We look great together."
"You said that to me and Seo Dan when you took our picture in Switzerland all those years ago," he says, suddenly very serious. "Are you being honest this time around?"
"Ah, you're very cheeky today, aren't you?" She rolls her eyes.
"You were very pretty that day too," he puts a strand of hair behind her ear, "but very sad."
"I'm very happy today," she assured him with a smile. "Do you remember… that night we drank soju and you told me you wanted to see me grow old?"
Jeong-hyeok nods.
"We talked about some stuff. I wanted you to know that I've changed my mind about some of them," she says matter-of-factly.
"Oh?"
"Mm-hm," she hums. "I told you I like girls. For children."
Jeong-hyeok nods. His silence says too much — the way his hold on her tightens too.
"Well, I've changed my mind," she tells him. "I don't mind boys. Especially if they have your dimples."
His fingers relax a little. "I don't mind if it's not twins, either."
"I'm very happy we're on the same page," Se-ri says as if this is a business meeting. It kind of is… in a way. "We're handling this marriage thing so well. I knew we would. We have great communication."
She laces her fingers together on the back of his neck and nuzzles the skin below his ear. He always smells so good.
"So… what's in for tomorrow?" She asks, feeling the need to change the subject so as to not overwhelm him too much.
It takes him a full two seconds to reply.
"I thought I'd make us lunch," Jeong-hyeok says slowly, pulling her closer. "What do you want? It's your day. You get to choose."
"I want japchae," Se-ri says instantly. "And staying in bed with you all day long. Maybe… you know, we could…"
"Continue our communication on the baby topic?" Jeong-hyeok asks her, straight to the point as per usual. At her surprised expression, he simply nods resolutely. "Perhaps we should start acting on it."
Her eyes widen. "Really? I mean, we haven't not been acting on it, but this really seals the deal."
"It's a deal, then," Jeong-hyeok says very seriously. "Should we start now?"
Before she knows it, he's standing up and taking her with him, and she shrieks a little in surprise, hearing his laughter against her ear as she wraps her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulder to feel a little safer, even if she knows he'll never drop her. She decides to chide him for laughing at her by capturing his lips in a kiss, and it's when she deepens it that his steps falter and they nearly fall down on the way to their bedroom.
By the time they fall into bed together, sleep is the furthest thing in her mind.
X.
Se-ri wakes at the sound of the door clicking and the smell of freshly brewed coffee reaching her nostrils. It's too much for her to ignore it, so she opens her eyes and sighs, ready to finally begin the day. In between nightly feeds, she doesn't even mind that Jeong-hyeok didn't wake her up right away. She's glad for the extra rest, even if it's a little suspicious. By this time, she usually has a baby in her arms and Jeong-hyeok is burping the other.
Still, she's not going to investigate. She's going to enjoy her coffee first. He's already wished her a happy birthday last night, in a very thorough way, so she won't hold it against him. She'll just give him extra time to bring her a complete breakfast in bed. It's what she deserves, after all. She's a badass CEO, an incredible wife, and a good mother, to top it all. She really does it all, in her own biased opinion, and Jeong-hyeok's as well.
So, she enjoys the coffee and checks her phone notifications, ignoring most emails and replying to a few happy birthday texts. By the time she's done with her coffee and on the fourth new level of Candy Crush of the day, she realizes the entire penthouse is too quiet. Way too quiet.
So much for breakfast in bed. No, she has to investigate this.
Clad in her robe and barefoot, Se-ri puts her hair up in a bun and opens the bedroom door only to notice a faint sound in the distance — the piano. And her favorite song, no less. Upon Jeong-hyeok's move to Seoul, a few changes were made in their home, and the main one was to include the piano in the main room. Her feet take her there quietly, and the sight that welcomes her is one that will never fail to warm her heart.
Jeong-hyeok plays the song he composed for his brother, only this time he has his eyes set on the babies lying quietly on their tummies sharing a playmat while their daddy plays. It's something they've been doing for a while, Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok — perhaps it's because Se-ri listened to his playing so often during pregnancy that the babies are usually quiet and attentive during this. It's a great trick, and thankfully Jeong-hyeok hasn't minded it one bit.
In the end, they both got what they wanted — twins, and girls at that. Se-ri crosses her arms and leans against the wall, enjoying the scene. Eun-ah is rapidly moving her head, looking at her daddy, while Chae-ah will undoubtedly be bored soon. She's always hungry first, it seems. They are the cutest babies Se-ri has ever seen, if she may say so. With their full heads of dark hair and dimples and chubby little hands and the cutest toothless smiles. It's no wonder Seri's Choice next launch will be their first baby line. They inspire her more every day.
Jeong-hyeok catches her shuffling and smiles softly at her, never stopping the motions on the piano. Se-ri decides she's had enough alone time for the morning.
She sits down next to them on the playmat and smiles at them, coos and weird little noises coming from the babies at the sight of their mother.
"Good morning, Eun-ah," Se-ri says, picking the baby up and then reaching for Chae-ah while balancing Eun-ah in one arm. It's a practiced move she's been perfecting over the last few weeks. Now with them at four months old, Se-ri feels a little more confident. "Good morning, Chae-ah. How do you like Daddy's playing?"
She places kisses on both their heads and enjoys the remaining seconds of the song. Thankfully she remembered to tie her hair up because those little killer fists go straight to her robe instead of her hair now. She refuses to cut her hair because her children love it a little too much.
"They were a little fussy so I decided to play," Jeong-hyeok says as he stands up from the piano. "I was going to bring you breakfast in bed."
Bingo. She knew it. Se-ri looks up to him and smiles. "There's always tomorrow."
Jeong-hyeok chuckles a little sheepishly, deciding to join his girls instead of finishing up whatever he has planned for breakfast. He sits down next to her and gives her a peck on the lips before taking the closest baby, Eun-ah, from her arms, sharing like they always did. If the baby is bothered by the move, she doesn't show it, but Se-ri suspects that one is a daddy's little girl in the making. Well, they both are.
"Thanks for the coffee," Se-ri says. It's nothing new — in fact, it's almost a daily thing between them, ever since Switzerland. "It was perfect."
"I really wanted to surprise you with that breakfast in bed, though," he pouts a little, adjusting Eun-ah's head against his shoulder. Her little eyes dart from Se-ri to her sister.
"We're parents now, yeobo," Se-ri chastises him jokingly. "Our plans change and we can't even be mad at them because they're so cute. Aren't you?" She says in a high-pitched voice, raising Chae-ah a little. The baby kicks her legs excitedly in her yellow romper. Courtesy from Seri's Choice already. "Yes, you are. I love you. And you."
"What about me?" Jeong-hyeok says too indignantly.
Se-ri laughs and turns her attention away from the baby to kiss him once again.
"And you," she chuckles and he does the same. "I know they don't really get it yet but I can't stop saying it to them."
Eun-ah catches his thumb around her fist and he presses a kiss to her little hand. Chae-ah squirms a little in Se-ri's arms — she's never been the most patient one. Clearly takes after her mother; Se-ri can't deny the resemblance.
"They get it," he assures her. "They may not say it back but they feel it."
Se-ri nods, bouncing Chae-ah a little on her lap. She sends him a sly glance. "Did they tell you that?"
Jeong-hyeok nods solemnly. "Yes. We have very deep conversations after you've fed them, you know. They are very good listeners."
She laughs out loud. "They take after you."
"Until they start talking, they do," he chuckles. "I should get your present."
Se-ri shakes her head. "Not yet. I've got all I need right here."
He gives her a little smile and intertwines his free hand with her own. She smiles at him with her eyes, with Eun-ah cooing on Jeong-hyeok's shoulder and Chae-ah kicking her legs on Se-ri's lap. It won't be this peaceful for long, not with two young babies, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
"Thank you," she mutters as she lies her head on his arm, chin on his shoulder. Eun-ah gives her a lopsided smile.
Jeong-hyeok shakes his head. "I'm supposed to thank you instead."
They are words from another year, but that can fit just as well into this one. They both chuckle at the same time, exhausted and happy and in love, all at once. Five minutes later, Chae-ah will whimper and trigger Eun-ah as well, and then Se-ri will nurse them while Jeong-hyeok finishes breakfast and then he'll feed Se-ri himself because it's likely that she'll still have a baby on her arms during the meal.
It's more than she ever truly let herself wish for, and it's perfect.