It Had To Be You

*****

The rain was pattering softly against the windows. The room was dark except for the light emanating from the muted television. He’s watching a replay of a soccer game between two teams she could vaguely remember, while giving her a foot rub. For the first time in months, his schedule managed to coalesce with hers and they’re having a well-deserved downtime.
 

Those hands would be the death of me - she sighed blissfully as she reached for the cup of warm honey lemon tea.

“Any plans for tomorrow?” She moved one foot and tucked it under his knee.
 

“Mm?” Chang Wook arranged the throw over her legs. “What’s tomorrow?”

Her eyes widened then zeroed in on his face. He kept his profile focused on the game, but he’s watching her at the corner of his eyes.

“What?” He glanced at her, feigning ignorance, when she remained quiet.

She removed her feet in mild annoyance, and started to get up. “Nothing, I’m going to bed now.”

He fought the twitch on his lips. Of course, he did not forget.

“Hey.” He grabbed her by the waist and sat her on his lap, holding her tight when she gave a puny resistance.

"Let me see...I have work almost the whole day, but we can go out for dinner afterwards.” He said smoothly, letting one finger slide on her cheek.

She burrowed against his neck to hide her disappointment.

He curved his lips against her hair, trying not to laugh. “I’m sorry. We can go to Paris next weekend if you like.” He kissed the corner of her mouth.

She finger-drilled his chest. “It’s not that. I thought you forgot.” She said in a disgruntled voice, barely stifling a yawn.

“How could I?” He brushed a wisp of hair away from her face. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

***
When he said it’s dinner, she was not expecting this.

She kicked off her sandals to the sides, and sunk her feet deep into the white sand; the gritty sensation somehow relaxing them. She tilted her face up towards the ebbing sun, letting the sea breeze fill her lungs.

He could not believe they have reached this far, he mused as he watched her. Last year had been tumultuous for both of them, but they made it through. There were times though that she would hold herself back; afraid of even daring to hope that everything is real, that everything is for keeps. But little by little, she learned to trust again and bloomed into something more.

“What are you doing here alone?” he linked his arms around her tiny waist, kissing the top of her head.

“You were busy on the phone, so I thought I would look around.” She replied, clutching his arms. “How did you find this place? It’s nice and quiet.”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes.” She gave an involuntary shiver. He adjusted his windbreaker, covering them both, and tightened his arms around her.

They watched together as the clouds rolled in and the sun descended, showering a glittering shimmer on the water’s edge.

"What’s that?” she asked, pointing at a table nearby.

“Ah. That’s dinner.” He replied, checking his watch.

“You prepared them?!”

He chuckled and managed to look mildly insulted at the incredulous look over her face.

“If that’s ramyun then I believe you.”

“Ouch. That hurts.”

“Everyone knows you can’t cook, Mister. You just eat.” She teased with a twinkle in her eyes, scurrying towards the makeshift table. “No.” She arched her brows. “Definitely, someone helped you.” She looked askance at the stylish display of food, then darted a skeptical glance at the house.

"We’re alone,” he replied in an evasive tone. He poured red wine into the glasses, and handed her one.

“What are we toasting for, aside from its being my birthday?”

The look he gave her made her catch her breath. “To us.” He said softly, touching his glass on hers.

Her eyes drenched with unshed tears as she raised her glass with a trembling hand. “To us.”

***

He threw another log over the open fire.

 “Dinner, bonfire, and I thought it’s just a simple dinner out in a restaurant. What else do you have on your sleeves?”

He just gave a faint smile while absently playing with the tendrils of her hair.

“Come on, let’s dance!”

“What?!” He looked at her, startled. “No. You dance and I’ll watch.”

“It’s only us here.” She cajoled, tugging at his hand.

“Even so…I wouldn’t do it.” He replied in an amused voice, tucking one arm under his head.

“Not even for me?”

“Especially not for you.” His smile widened.

She leaned down, and whispered something.

His eyes drooped and gazed at her mouth. “Is that a bribe?”

She laughed, kissing him hard and swift.

She beckoned him with a crooked index finger, daring him with a flirtatious smile on her lips as she moved gracefully around the fire. She glided, she floated, she swirled; her movements made more seductive by the dancing shadows of flames.

He tried to follow her moves, but they were anything but smooth. He made an awkward bouncy skip, swaying his hips outrageously with hands waving wildly in the air.

She threw her head back, clutching her middle sections in uncontrollable glee.

Enchanted with the glow on her face, he outstretched his hands with palms up. “How about teaching me?”

Yet, she let him lead. He swayed them to a rhythm as old as time, as natural as the very air they breathe. The only sound that’s guiding them was the crackle and hiss of wood being licked by fire, accompanied by the distant sound of waves crashing into the shore.

She laid her head on his chest as she closed her eyes, savoring the moment. Then she felt something hard behind her legs. He just maneuvered her on a chair!

He knelt in front of her, holding both her hands.

Her breath hitched when he pierced her with those dark honey liquid need-you eyes.

Tears streamed down her face in earnest when he opened the velvet box, revealing a simple band encrusted with tiny diamonds.

“Don’t cry. I have not started yet,” he murmured, his voice husky with pent up emotions.

“Min Young. I’m not good at promises, so I’m not going to promise you anything.” A tremulous laugh escaped her lips.

“I’m going to show you instead how much I love you...how much I need you. It has to be you...I cannot imagine a life without you. I know it’s scary out there and nothing’s certain, but if you take this chance with me, I will make you really really happy.” He paused for a moment, feeling a lump rose through his throat. “Min Young, will you be my wife? Be the mother of my children. Grow old with me…”

He staggered back when she flung her arms around him, and kissed him.

The constricting band around his chest loosen up. “I take that as a yes. We’re doing this backwards.” He grinned as he slipped the ring on her finger. “And now you can kiss me.” He tasted the tears, but knew they were tears of joy and of enduring hope.

Pop! Crack!

What? – Her mouth gaped in shock as fireworks whizzed through the air, and the explosions of myriad of colors turned the midnight sky into crimson hues.

Then a movement caught her eye. No, movements - she corrected herself.

“It took you so long. It’s chilly out here.” Complained Bang, and was followed by a cacophony of congratulatory chorus.

She was dumbstruck as his mom, her family, his friends and hers trooped down from the shadows towards them.

A funny sick expression fell over her face, her small hands almost crushing his big ones. “They were there all these time?” Panic seeped through her voice as she squeaked the last three words. 

"Why, we did nothing wrong, did we?” he laughed out loud when she tried to cover her flushed face with their clasped hands.

The catcalls and knowing looks left no doubt what they saw.

Love heals. Love conquers all, and they have a lifetime to prove it.