[RJH's POV]
While I was driving like crazy from Pyongyang, I racked my brains for a good excuse in case the woman gets caught during the surprise inspection. The best case scenario is that they would skip my house - something they usually do. But with Liutenant Commander Cho Cheol-Gang involved, my house could be the first they'd check. He seems to have a vendetta against me but I don't know why exactly. Was it because I didn't want to be lenient towards the grave robbers? Or was there another reason?
I stepped on the accelator and hoped I could get home soon. Thank goodness I borrowed the car of a General from Pyongyang, so I'm flying through the streets. My adrenaline is pumping.
Is it wrong that aside from worry, I also feel some excitement about being able to see the woman once more?
——
[YSR's POV]
"I would appreciate if you put away the gun you're pointing at my fiancee," he said calmly.
Did I hear him right? What was he doing? He was already risking so much in hiding me, but introducing me as his fiancee increased the risk for him tenfold. I sneaked a glance at him, but he did not seem rattled at all.
When the gun went down, he pulled me to him. Is it strange that despite all the danger we're in, I've never felt safer than when I was by his side?
——
[RJH's POV]
She's obviously putting on a show and hamming it up for the villagers, with her arm wrapped around my waist and her head leaning on my chest. Is she actually enjoying this? Or maybe a more important question to ask… am I enjoying this? Having an excuse to have her this close to me?
Once we were out of everyone's view, I gently pushed her away. "No one's watching, so we can stop," I said, careful to keep any emotion out of my voice.
"Well, you called me your fiancee out of the blue. I guess I got immersed in it," she explained brightly. I wouldn't mind her getting immersed again, but then it wouldn't be right.
——-
[YSR's POV]
I was more than a little insulted when I heard the village women gossiping about me behind my back. "Captain Ri doesn't seem to have any feelings for her." "I bet he can't stand her." "Gosh, did you see her hair? It looked completely disheveled." "She's not that pretty."
At least, my "fiance" had the grace to look self-conscious that the ahjummas quickly picked up on his lack of affection for me. I mean, now that I'm properly introduced as his fiancee, he would need to work on that. We both do. I can flirt easily enough, but he doesn't look like the type of man who would normally flirt for fun. I began to feel worried if he could pull it off.
It was already late at night, but since I was still wired, I asked him, "Are you tired? Would you like to have some pancakes with me?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how it sounded and grimaced. I wondered if it sounded too close to the popular ramyeon invitation in the South. Thankfully, he didn't seem to think there was anything strange and replied stoically, "I don't mind eating with you if you'd like some company."
I got some plates and bowls, while he set the table with the pancakes and wine from the ahjummas. We sat across each other and started to eat.
I decided it was a good time to also talk about how our fake engagement should end once I go back. Like always, I want people to think I dumped him, not the other way around. At first I couldn't think of a possible reason to dump this man in real life (have you seen him in his uniform?) so I went with the usual "personality differences." I told him he should not date anyone else for six months and to appear sad. He humored me by agreeing to almost everything - though he did scoff a bit towards the end.
I was surprised when he said he would head back to the military barracks, given the late hour. Fortunately, I got him to agree to stay home tonight with the excuse that I couldn't deal with the ahjummas if they stormed here again.
To be honest, I really just wanted him to stay because I feel safer knowing he's around.
——-
[RJH's POV]
I listened, amused, as she decided on how our upcoming "breakup" should play out, and gave in to whatever she asked. But then she wanted me to put up a heartbroken act for six months after she left, and it was a bit too much.
"You won't say 'Sure'?" she asked. "I might stay then."
"Sure, let's do that," I replied without thinking. That seemed to surprise her. For a second, I imagined that it was a possibility. It would certainly be interesting.
When I decided to stay home that night at her request, I was fully planning on letting her use the bed. But she has been pushing my buttons the whole night. So when she nonchalantly said, "I'll sleep in the master bedroom, you can sleep in the living room," as if this house belonged to her, I decided to teach her a lesson. She protested at first, thought better of it, and begrudgingly went to the makeshift sleeping quarters I prepared for her and lied down.
After about ten minutes of silence, I assumed she was asleep. I was on my bed reading when I heard her voice again, trying to make conversation. "Goodness. The floor is so hard. I've been treated like a princess all my life, so this is an interesting experience. Thank you so much."
"Stop talking nonsense and go to sleep," I called out from my room where I was trying to read.
"I'd like to sleep, but I obviously can't sleep."
She talked about looking at my books to get an idea of my personality. She mentioned seeing my concert brochure when I was living a different life. She kept rattling on about different topics, but I stayed silent, hoping she would think I was asleep.
It wasn't that I was being taciturn or rude. It's just that I was beginning to wonder why I was listening to her so closely, so intensely. It wasn't just her words - it was her voice, her inflections, her accent. I was getting too interested, and I need to pull back. I can't afford to develop an attraction to her - not at my age, not at our situation. I am responsible for her - I see it as my duty to deliver her to the Southern border safely and soon.
As expected, she gave up after a while. "You must have been exhausted from your drive and fallen asleep," she called out. "Goodnight, Captain." I kept silent.
I suddenly remembered something my mother told me years ago. She said that the best conversations she had with my father was when they were in bed, and one or both of them couldn't sleep. They would start talking about random things until they fall asleep. She called it "pillow talk," and said it was one of the best things about married life.
At that time, I couldn't imagine my father, the Director of the Political Bureau, talking the night away. He didn't seem like a talkative man.
But now that I have this woman here at my home, trying to talk to me despite the late hour, I think I'm beginning to understand.
——
[YSR's POV]
When he suddenly turned me around to tie up my hair for me, I really felt butterflies. It was such a sweet gesture, and completely unexpected.
I tried to flirt with him outside for the benefit of the villagers. As expected, he was less than cooperative. Or is he just shy? "Just do it, will you? If you don't do it, I'll settle down here," I threatened him, still with a smile plastered on my face. "We're engaged anyway, so we might as well just get married." I could see he was getting flustered, so I went in for the kill. "I told you. Your face is totally my type."
I knew it. He finally gave in and tried to pat my hair, but I could see he was not used to it. I'm guessing he's been single since birth. He seems like the type of man who is unaware of how attractive he is, and utterly clueless when women pay attention to him.
I know I'm leaving tonight, but I really wish I had more time to get to know him. To what end - I don't know. It's not as if we could ever have something going on between us. Which is a shame, really.
——-
[RJH's POV]
I wonder if what Ju-Meok said the South Korean method to avert crises is true? It doesn't seem to make sense, but in a way is it a disguise tactic, similar to my introducing her as my fiancee?
He seems to think this will end with me and the woman falling in love. That is not possible. That cannot be possible.
That boy watches too many dramas. Maybe I should do something about that.
——
[YSR's POV]
I know I grew up in privilege, and I know there are beggars in South Korea as well. But seeing the young beggar talk about how his sister has been starving for days honestly broke my heart.
I didn't have money to give, but Captain Ri has more than enough food. I couldn't ask his permission since he wasn't at home, but I tried to pack some food and other items for the boy. Chi-Su of course was very much against it. "You act as if you own this house. Those are not yours," he scolded. I couldn't say anything, because he was right. "You're taking all the food in Captain Ri's house just to feed that child beggar. He's not the only child beggar out there. You have no idea. Just stay out of it."
I hurried out of the house and to my surprise, Captain Ri was right there. He must have heard everything Chi-Su said. For a second, I wondered - does he think Chi-Su is right? Does he think I am overstepping by giving away his belongings as if they were mine?
While I was trying to decide what to say to him, I watched as he told the beggar to wash his face and hands so that he won't get sick. He then turned to me and said, "Give him what you have to give him."
I wonder if that was the moment I started to fall in love?
——
[RJH's POV]
Did she just say that Gwang-Beom is the most handsome in the room? And did she just try to give away my TV as a prize? And did I really not get any award?
She must have sensed my annoyance, because she grabbed my arm and dragged me to my yard, obviously excited to show me something. She presented it to me with a fluorish and I saw it was a tomato plant. A tomato plant she traded for half a sack of my potatoes. She said it was my special thank you present from her.
So I guess my favorite fruit from now on are tomatoes. And I will henceforth be known as a tomato cultivator.
—-
[YSR's POV]
On the drive to the boat, I was inexplicably feeling sad to say goodbye to Captain Ri. He still wouldn't tell me his full name and I stopped asking, since I wouldn't tell him mine either. It would be safer for both of us this way.
"Thank you for everything. I mean it," I said sincerely. After a pause, I asked, "I won't see you again, right?"
"Probably," he responded.
I sighed. "I can go to Africa, and even Antarctica, but not here… It's a shame that you live here."
I didn't expect him to respond, but after a pause, he replied, "It's a shame that you live there."
Maybe in a little way, he likes me too.
——
[RJH's POV]
I wasn't really planning to go with her to the boat, but I bought an extra phone card just to be sure. When the captain asked if she was going alone, I glanced at her and could see the anxiety she was trying to hide, and I made my decision then. Of course I would go. I wanted to make sure she gets to the international boat safely. And to be honest, I wanted to spend a little bit more time with her.
When she mentioned that she wasn't sure whether her family would he happy or not to see her, it made me feel for her. I always thought she was this carefree, rich woman - but right now, there was a heartbreaking vulnerability to her.
She finally told me her name. Yoon Se-Ri. It's a name I won't forget for the rest of my life.
——
[YSR's POV]
Why is the Coast Guard after us? What happens if they open the hatch and see us? What do we do? Where can we hide?
I had flashbacks of hiding in the kimchi cellar and being caught. I'm panicking. I'm starting to lose it. I ask him to do something, anything.
Then he kissed me. He kissed me twice.
The first kiss caught me completely by surprise. He very, very gently pressed his lips to mine, and my mind blanked out completely. I forgot about the Coast Guard, forgot about the danger, forgot about everything but the feel of his lips on mine.
After a few seconds, he drew back. I could sense he felt embarrassment, but I didn't. I felt a thrill. I felt butterflies.
Before we could say anything, the door opened once more. This time we were both ready. He launched himself towards me, holding his weight on his arms to avoid pressing on me, while I grabbed the back of his head with both hands and played with his hair. We're both hoping we look passionate enough that the Coast Guard would leave us alone.
It doesn't work.
—-
[RJH's POV]
I sensed the weight of her disappointment as our boat turned around and headed back to port. She stared out at the ocean as we got further and further away from the international boat that would have taken her home.
I felt completely powerless, and didn't know how to comfort her. I began racking my brains for other ideas on how to send her home.
One is to wait for the naval control order to be lifted, then wait for a few weeks to be safe, then try boat-to-boat again. But if we're caught once more, would the Coast Guard not be doubly suspicious of us?
Second is to wait until Company Five is rotated back to the outpost, so that we can safely smuggle her through the border. However, we'd have to wait several months for that - maybe even a year. Could I keep her hidden and safe for that long?
Third is to ask my father for help. This is probably the best way, but it is not something I want to consider at this moment, unless as a last resort.
I must say she bore her disappointment surprisingly well when she declared, "I'll stay positive and take it as being lost a bit longer… But I'll be leaving next week, won't I?"
"It's impossible," I replied frankly, thinking that honesty is the best policy at this point.
"I know it will be hard but there might be a way out if we try really hard, right?"
"No. When a sea control order is issued, it takes at least 10 to 15 days before it is lifted."
I could sense she was getting more frustrated. "Do you really have to talk like that in this situation?"
"I'm just telling you the truth…" I tried to explain.
"Do you think I want to hear the truth now?" she asked angrily.
I'm beginning to realize I have no idea how to deal with her. If she didn't want to hear the truth… "Do you want me to lie?" I asked, not really knowing what else to say.
"I'm not telling you to lie. I just want you to comfort me. 'It's okay.' 'We can do it.'"
"I can't give you false consolation," I answered, obviously still not getting her point.
She glared at me. "You're despicable."
I was stunned. "What? Despicable?"
"Don't look at me like that as if you've never lied before in your whole life."
"This is just how my eyes look…"
"You were so good at lying before. But why can't you do it now?"
"When did I ever lie?" I asked, bewildered. I've certainly never lied to her.
"You said I'm your fiancee."
Realization dawned on me but I tried to defend myself. "I just had no choice back then…"
"What about the kiss?" I looked away in discomfort, not knowing exactly what to say. "Just so you know, I don't cling to stuff like that. I'm not that old fashioned. Besides, it wasn't even a kiss. People greet each orher with smooches like that in Paris. But don't you think I'll need an explanation for that, since we're not in Paris now?"
I hesitated. "You told me to do something, so…"
"I told you to do something. I didn't tell you to kiss me." Now I'm really regretting my actions earlier.
"But you just said it wasn't even a kiss…" I stuttered.
She got even more upset and looked at me in sheer disbelief. "Are you saying it's okay because it was a smooch?"
"I didn't mean it…" I tried to backpedal.
"And it means nothing to you?"
At this point I realized there is no winning this argument.
——
[YSR's POV]
I was quiet on the drive home. Of course, I was disappointed to miss my chance to go across the border tonight. But I was also disappointed to think that the kiss meant nothing to him.
The moment his lips were on mine, I felt butterflies. That's not something I've felt in a long, long time. Unfortunately he didn't feel the same.
I sighed, and I could feel him turn to look at me for a second before he turned his attention back on the road. He seemed to hesitate before speaking. "I'm really sorry for everything tonight," he said quietly.
"I'm sorry I lost my temper on you," I replied. "I was just upset. I thought… I thought I could go home tonight."
"I understand," he said. Then with a sidelong glance at me, he added, "I'm also sorry about the kiss."
I shook my head with a trace of a smile. "Hey, you don't need to apologize for that. I didn't mind."