La Vie en rose

by TypedUpMusings

Summary:

He speaks words of love to me
They are everyday words
And they do something to me

He has entered into my heart
A bit of happiness
That I know the cause of

It's only him for me
And me for him, for life
He told me, he swore to me, for life

Chapter 1: Hunger

Whoever says “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, or whatever the saying is, has got to be either delusional or never been actually in love.

The heart is plenty of fond without the 8222 kilometer distance.

He let out a grunt before turning over again on the large sectional sofa.

The sun was shining and Canadian spring was no doubt invigorating with the lushest of green that was right outside his windows.

But he just couldn’t seem to kick his melancholy today. The guys went out to buy more alcohol and food, leaving him to sulk on his own.

There was at least another hour on the clock before he’d attempt to disturb her.

She wasn’t exactly a morning person, even if she was less of a night owl than he.

The stills and the video she sent him the night before had done things to his insides that he couldn’t utter to another soul.

He bet she knew what she was doing, from the smug expression on her face.

“It was a fun shoot. All the glitz and glamour,” a wide smile appeared on her face.

He took her in, as if they weren’t separated by the OLED screen. No diamond in the world could compare to the twinkle in his girl’s eyes.

“What about the simple pleasures you talked so much about when you were here?” He decided to tease.

“My birthday is coming up, sunbae. I thought you could use some hints,” she said matter-of-factly before giving in to her signature giggle.

“I thought you didn’t love me for my money.”

“I don’t… but it doesn’t mean I don’t like nice gifts.”

Of course they could joke about it. Money and status had long been topics of the past. They knew very well what they meant to each other.

He’d made sure she understood – that if he had to lose the world, it’d all be well as long as he didn’t lose her.

“I’d try my best then, my queen.”

She looked down slightly, “I was thinking about you when I was in front of that camera…” She trailed off just above a whisper, “I miss you.”

“Ahhh,” his heart constricted, “it won’t be long now. I missed you so bad when I was with the guys doing some of the things we had done...”

Yes. That would be his saving grace. He could count down the days when his lips could feel hers again.

Not that it hadn’t been fun to hang out with his squad. Grown men out for adventures in a country famous for its nature. Grown men fending for themselves with cooking and laundry. Grown men exchanging stories in a hot tub with their beer.

Grown men who led the kind of “ordinary” lives he had gravitated towards more and more.

Grown men who weren’t embarrassed to go off to their bedroom in the middle of a conversation simply because it was time to video chat with the ones back home who had their hearts.

Sure they teased him, and her. But they understood too. More than some of his older friends. That something had priority over other things.

He got up, walked to the outdoor patio and took a deep breath. He swore he could still catch her scent.

She’d loved this space and they had spent many nights lounging by the fire. When they got here two months ago, it was still winter and the wind was cutting at times. She’d cozy up right next to him and they’d share a big fluffy blanket. Sometimes she’d take out the wine she didn’t finish at dinner and he’d be mesmerized caressing the warm pink hue on her translucent cheeks. He’d hold her precious face in both his palms and their kissing could last all night.

All night.

There was something about the fire burning in front of them, and something about the fire in her eyes.

Like they were telling him how much she wanted him too, and they lit him up inside.

He had this hunger for her. The longer they had been together, the more insatiable was the need.

If only you were here…

He sighed, lamenting her absence.

 

---

 

He tried napping to pass the time but he ended up tossing and turning, worried about all the work she packed into her schedule. He knew how taxing it would be, he had done the same many times before.

And mercifully, morning had arrived in her part of the world and he picked up his phone to type a long-winded message. He didn’t want to risk waking her if she hadn’t gotten up yet.

Then back to waiting.

He had never been so dependent on that little device. With it, he could pretend she had never left.

 

---

 

She heard the buzz.

She had been afraid to miss a message and she had turned the notification volume up to the highest.

She knew before looking that it was him. She could feel it.

She grabbed her phone and stared at the long message.

 

Morning Sunshine!

I know you have a long day.

Don’t skip any meals.

My mom’s meal box will be driven to you. Text them the time.

Ah, by the way, I hope you’re happy about what your video and pictures did to me last night 🔥.

 

Her lips curled into a subconscious grin.

She had intended to send him her latest shoot as payback.

She had missed him and his hotness desperately.

The man didn’t even need to try.

They had cooked together and he had helped clean up. She told him to go read his script while she finished up so they could watch a movie later. He dropped a kiss on top of her head and disappeared.

She puttered around the kitchen a little longer before looking out the large floor-to-ceiling windows and found him outside.

There he was, engrossed in the script with glasses and a black turtleneck on.

She was so soft looking at him she was a clichéd puddle.

She hurried to get the camera, opened the door to the patio and was determined to capture the moment.

Beauty like that needed to be recorded.

Her man.

The one who had made her happier than any others.

Also the one who had frustrated her more than others when she couldn’t protect him from ill-meaning folks.

All she cared at that instant though, was to snuggle against him. To appreciate those spectacles up close. To feel the rugged surface of his sweater, and to let him keep her warm.

She decided to call out to him to join her inside.

The memory of that evening had been playing like a well-loved film in her mind. How she longed to be with him again!

There were still over 122 hours that stood in the way. 

She had never wished for time to pass quicker so badly.

At the risk of running late, she hit the FaceTime button.

 

---

 

▶️ watch the full length video that accompanies this chapter 🖤🖤

Hunger | Ross Copperman Lyrics

 

Notes:

A work of fiction and vivid imagination!

The glasses, the black turtleneck and the fireside patio did things to me and made me indulge...

This short fic is best read with the video. I'm no editor though - it was meant more as a storytelling device, coupled with that killer background music.

I hope you enjoy this brief indulgent piece and tell me what you think.

Chapter 2: Perspective

Notes:

This story was written as dedication to my special friend who shares the same Cancer sign as our couple ♥️

They had made a promise – more like a pact, actually, with each other at the start of this year that no matter how crazy their respective work would get, and no matter how little control they may have of the world around them, they’d always prioritize this one thing…

This thing they share.

This thing they’ve nurtured with honesty and trust.

This thing that was so very very tentative at the beginning of the previous year has now grown and matured into something more beautiful, more amazing, more life-giving than they could ever have imagined.

It has taken them to their highest highs and gotten them through some of their lowest lows.

It’s the most potent drug but it’s also the most basic like air and water.

So they’ve kept their word and they’ve protected it and never neglected it.

They said they’d get away from it all – just for a few days – to celebrate each other.

Maybe it’s good fortune – maybe they’re destined – that their birthdays are merely days apart.

She had to force the issue quite a bit with her current schedule but they managed to seclude themselves from the demands of their teams and the hustle of their occupation.

They are choosing to spend their precious time only with those who truly matter.

Like her family.

While FaceTime has been the greatest invention of this century – god knows how it had saved their sanity during those awful weeks when they had to be physically apart – it falls short when it comes to little humans. Nothing gives them more joy than the tight hugs, high fives and piggy backs with the rambunctious boy and the baby girl who call them Gomo and Samchon.

She’s exhausted after spending a good part of the day babysitting the kids so her brother and sister-in-law could go on a date. Payment for their service was the chance for her to turn the table and make fun of how insufferably in love those two are. Usually, they tease her and they tease him. She’ll roll her eyes but he always just smiles shyly. She thinks he secretly loves being teased.

Her nephew is really into playing super heroes these days and she couldn’t stop laughing or snapping pictures when her two boys, 77cm apart in height, keep making dorky poses together. He’s all in when it comes to the kids. Her niece literally gets to walk all over him. The little dare devil in her loves to get hoisted on his shoulders because he’s so tall, and her infectious laughter while being carried around would melt his heart.

She lets out a contented sigh when they’re finally in bed, at a nice, quiet house by the ocean in her brother’s city.

She wiggles out of his cuddle to face him, studying his features intensely.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t tell me I grew a horn in the last five minutes,” he scoffs.

“No horns, that’s for sure. I was actually looking for your halo. I want to know how you charm MY nephew and MY niece so completely. I’m not cool with you being their favorite,” she pouts.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about. They think I’m just like them,” he laughs. “They said you’re the coolest person and I should always do what you say.”

She grins sweetly, satisfied with what she’s just heard.

“And you’ll always be my darling baby,” he notices the clock, “no matter how old you turn. Happy Birthday, my love!”

Can life be more perfect than this moment? This is genuinely her happiest birthday ever.

Her last birthday was amazing, and exciting, and a brand new experience. She had no idea how to top that but he kept surprising her and she fell deeper in love each day since.

“Thank you.” She lifts a finger and starts tracing his brows, then his cheekbones, his jaws and back up to his forehead. “You really are so handsome and your face really is my gift.”

She still blushes when she says that and has to look away.

“Thank you for staying by my side so often,” she starts again, “I appreciate you making sacrifices.”

“Being with you is never a sacrifice. I’m just so glad we’re able to take turns so far,” he answers without hesitation.

Yes it’s cliché to say but there is truthfully nowhere he’d rather be. The last two months have been extremely taxing for her and he has a need to be there when she is utterly spent at the end of her long day.

There had been a few nights he literally fed her dinner and carried her to shower when she was too exhausted to lift a finger.

He also knows he can’t stand not being close by during some of her riskier shoots. He remembers spending half a night kissing her head after she finally came clean to him about bumping her head and crying from the pain. He had had his share of mishaps on sets to know it’s unavoidable after all. But watching her get hurt and seeing her tears on screen still drove him crazy.

He gathers her tighter into his arms again, inhaling the lovely scent of her still slightly damp hair. He closes his eyes, happy to have chosen projects that challenge him creatively while offering him flexibility in time and location.

 

---

 

Walking barefoot along the beach at night is tranquil.

It is not a very busy beach and most day visitors leave after dark.

They’ve decided to come later. There’s a beautiful patio at their rental house and he’s had her birthday dinner catered for them to eat over sunset.

Wearing ball caps and oversize shirts, their faces are hidden by both the night sky and their apparels.

“We are now both in our thirties - officially,” she remarks, thinking that to be true with both their Korean and their international age. “Do you feel any different? Being in your thirties?”

Funny she should ask.

He’s thought quite a lot about that.

He has felt different.

There is this sense of calm he can’t quite describe. Partly, it’s her. She centers him.

And partly, maybe because there isn’t the pressure to chase.

He used to always chase – the next big thing, the next breakthrough.

There was a void to be filled and there was the need to keep everyone around him happy.

“You see the waves?” He points. She nods.

“I used to watch and wait for each one to come so I could jump on and ride it. It gets tiring and, frankly, repetitive.”

He grabs her shoulder and pulls her in to drop a kiss atop her head. “The last two years, after military service, after I met you, I somehow had an epiphany. I learned to stay in the water and let the waves come to me. I realized each wave was unique and gave me a different experience. I no longer ride the waves to prove something – I do it to learn something, to become better. So yes, I do feel different in my thirties.”

“Wow. Hmmm, thanks for telling me,” she rests her head on his shoulder, “I know it’s not easy for you to open up so much.” That was how she knew he was sincere about them building a relationship – when he decided to let her into the parts of his world others didn’t see.

“I guess for me it’s about tuning out the noises and doing what I think is right. I guess it’s a lot harder for negative people to hurt me if I don’t let them,” she releases a mirthless laugh. “You gave me that confidence – when I knew there will be at least one person who would always have my back, who would always be in my corner, no matter what!”

Perspective.

Perspective they now have because of this thing they share.

Perspective on what is truly important, what makes them happy, and what helps them grow.

Perspective that comes with age.

Perspective that comes with love.

---

 

He hasn’t given her an actual birthday gift yet and her birthday would officially be over in just about an hour.

He decides it’s time to put the gift box in front of her.

She flashes a triumphant smile and pumps her fist.

“I knew you’d got a gift for me.”

It’s a sleek and modern wooden box the size of a shoebox, tied with an extravagant purple organza ribbon.

She carefully unties the bow and removes the lid to reveal a pile of photographs.

Photographs that construct the timeline of this thing they nurture.

Photographs of places they’ve gone together.

Photographs of things they’ve done together.

Photographs of memories they share.

Photographs of their sweet moments.

Photographs of their silly moments.

And even one of their sad moment.

She looks through each of them fondly, until she reaches the one at the very bottom.

It isn’t a photograph. It is a silky white envelope with her name on it.

The envelope is unsealed and she can easily open it to pull out a photograph of the house they’re staying at.

Then she finds a stack of neatly folded papers.

Unfolding them she realizes they are documents that allow them to put in the offer to buy the house.

“Wait, what? You’re giving me a house? This house? No… it’s too much… I can’t…” she shakes her head tongue-tied.

“Let me explain,” his large hands grab and fully enfold hers, “Before you, I had, in my head, a box filled with wishes and dreams that had never come true. But now, you have my box – empty except for all the memories of how you’ve answered my wishes and dreams. All I want is to fill that box with more pictures and memories of our life together in the future.

You like to get away every so often, somewhere far from Seoul, from work, from prying eyes. Somewhere near the ocean, with a great sunset view. I’m sincerely hoping you’d invite me to share this place with you, because you know, I’m crazy about you.”

He pauses to watch her reaction. She remains silent, somewhat stunned.

Thinking she may need some more convincing, he adds, “You can renovate the inside any way you like. You can even tear it down and build a brand new house on this land if you prefer. This place is close to your brother’s family so you can spend part of our time here with them. And when we are not here, your parents can use the place to visit your brother too.”

“Why can’t Eomma and Appa come when we’re here?” She finally pipes up, wiping a tear that she’s hoped wouldn’t fall.

“Of course they can, that’s a given. So does that mean you like the idea? Should we go ahead?”

Notes:

This is a work of fiction.
Inspired by recent events.
I hope you'll continue to believe as the story continues to unfold.
As always, love to know what you think.

Chapter 3: The Year of the Chalet ~ Canada Whistler

Summary:

Dedicated to our couple on what is believed to be their special day: 2.16 ❄️❄️

Notes:

🗓 Timeline: This is the third chapter but it covers events that would go back to before the first chapter, and even before the Believe series (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28378746/chapters/69533427).

Finally.

Finally she has a breather.

Time to take stock of the last year.

A year that might have been the most significant in her life yet.

A year in which collective strangeness was overshadowed by personal sweetness.

The year of the chalet.

It seems so long ago now but she’ll never forget about their trip.

---

“We are very sticky together” was how he described them quite early on.

She had laughed at him, at the time, for exaggerating.

Who would have thought the joke might be on her now.

It mattered not – because she was happy. Genuinely happy about taking the leap.

She rewound six months back to the day she got his cryptic text, in late summer of 2020:

It sounded important. Without his voice, she couldn’t tell if she should be worried or intrigued. She was tempted to call but had decided it probably wouldn’t be a conversation she could fit in between scenes. She had been busy with her short project but they would at least see each other at night.

She was still enjoying work. She would still give each take a hundred fifty percent. But the end of each filming day couldn’t come fast enough, unlike those months when they were working together and she had wished the drama would never finish.

“Stop the suspense. What do you have to tell me?” Dinner was done and she got impatient.

“I was asked to audition for a new drama–” 

“What? Why? Who dared?” Her eyes widened in disbelief, interrupting him.

“It’s Hollywood! AppleTV Plus – they are going to produce an original series based on a bestselling novel by a Korean writer. It’s big budget, with a large cast and crew. They want to screen test me for the lead role of the adaptation.”

She felt a myriad of emotions and seemed to have forgotten to blink.

She was veteran enough to know what a huge deal that was.

She was elated for him.

Then right away, she was nervous for him.

“I’m thinking about it,” he was amused by her a deer in the headlights reaction.

She threw her arms around him, “Sorry I was stunned… but it’s fantastic! You deserve this, you do. I’m so so so happy for you.”

He was moved by her vote of confidence and he felt like a winner no matter the outcome.

---

“Why aren’t you more excited?”

“I am… but,” he looked like something was weighing on him, “mhmm, taking the role would mean having to be away. Two months on location here, and another two to three months in Canada. And likely more seasons if everything goes well.”

“Oh…” they had yet to be apart for long and she couldn’t fathom how it’d be like.

“Some days, leaving you for two hours was already too much. I don’t want to be so far for months,” he pouted.

She had been a sucker for his pouts.

“We’ll make it work, we can figure this out. I know how to drive if I miss you too much,” she tried to soothe. “And let’s worry about Canada later. Who knows, maybe you’ll be so sick of me by next year you’re actually happy to leave.”

She had had nagging doubts if he’d ever grow tired of her, like some others in the past.

“Don’t joke about that!” He faked a stab to his heart.

“Okay, stop being so dramatic,” she scoffed, “you should take the role. I’m behind you 100 per cent.”

She knew the role almost as well as he did. After all, she was the one he ran lines with before his screen test. She finished the novel in record time, mere days after he told her about the opportunity. She thought the role was unlike anything he had done before and he should have the chance to show the world how brilliant an actor he really was. It could open so many doors for those plans he had been confiding in her about.

She didn’t fall so hard for him only because of how fine he looked beside her in the morning or how special he made her feel in the middle of the night. She had discovered through their talks, through their fights, that he was not at all the superficial type that some had vehemently painted him to be. She found herself increasingly attracted to his mind and his aspirations. She couldn’t help but feel proud every time he proved some of his critics wrong, when he was able to reach what the naysayers considered dreams too lofty for him.

She stretched to kiss his cheek, “I don’t have much going on for a while, I can go and visit you on set sometimes.”

“And I’ll negotiate for breaks during filming so I can come back every couple of weeks,” he offered her his pinky finger, “yaksokhae.”

She smiled as she locked her pinky with his, “Yaksok.”

---

 

Letting him go was a lot tougher than she thought.

Even though she was tentative about them at first, they had gotten serious much faster than she had anticipated. He had been so good at proving to her over and over again how sincere he was, and she had started to let herself believe in a future together.

He didn’t hide how happy he was when she made her first trip to Andong to see him, and she ended up a somewhat frequent visitor that fall. The closed set and the heightened pandemic restrictions worked to their favour and provided extra security when she tagged along.

Several of the show’s cast and crew knew about her, but everyone was very professional and discreet. She actually didn’t mind it.

She was a girl in love.

She was a girl in love with an unbelievably good looking man.

No one would blame her for being secretly glad – that those around him understood he was not even a tiny bit available.

And besides, she was pleased to be able to see her sunbaenim, the woman she had looked up to and was always eager to spend time with. She couldn’t contain her excitement when he told her who was going to play the other lead role of the series.

---

 

On the surface, nothing much changed being on her own. She was able to enjoy the people and the places she didn’t have time for earlier, and there would always be preparation for her next work project. The difference now, was how she missed seeing him at the end of her day. Doing it through a screen was almost too cruel of a tease. Her friends poked fun at her for being needy when they caught her in a melancholic mood. His time away had made her realize how intertwined their lives had become and she really wasn’t the same person she was a year ago.

She didn’t want to admit it but she was just as miserable about the separation as he did. He had joked that the only good from the angst he felt was how he could draw on it to get into character. So they made a pact to be together as much as possible during his two-month filming break. Her holiday was magical simply because he was home with her, safe and sound.

They did all the normal daily life things – played games, ate, slept, watched Netflix – and they wouldn’t trade it for the world. Her stomach would be in knots whenever she thought about his imminent trip to Canada and she tried her best to push it aside. Little did she know.

There was the song.

There was the wine she loved.

There was the candle she had eyed.

Then there was his question.

---

 

They had plans to be with her family for Christmas so they decided to have their own celebration a couple days ahead.

She had made dinner.

He was bringing out a bottle of her favorite wine when he started serenading,

 

“Eoduun bulbiccarae chosbul hana (A single candlelight in the darkness)

Wain jane damgin yaksokhana (A single promise in a wine glass)

Hangsang neoui gyeoteseo neol jikyeojulgeoya (I'll protect you, always from next to you)

Nal mideojun neoyeossjanha (Because you believed in me)

 

Na baraneun geon ojik hana (There's only one thing I want)

Yeongwonhan haengbogeul kkumkkujiman (I dream of eternal happiness)

Hwaryeohaji anhado kkumgatjin anhado (But this isn't flashy or grand)

Neoman isseojumyeon dwae (I just need you)

 

Geokjeong ma I believe (Don't worry, I believe)

Eonjena I believe (For always, I believe)

I sunganeul ijji anheulge (I won't forget this moment)

Nae pume I believe (So when you are in my arms, I believe)

Angin neoui misoga (With a smile)

Yeongwonhi bicceul ilheo gaji anhge (That light won't ever get lost)

 

Cause your love is so sweet

You are my everything

Cheosnal bame dan kkume jeojeo (I'm not just saying this)

Haneun mari anya nan byeonhaji anha (Because I feel dreamy like it's the first night)

Ojik neoman barabolgeoya oh (I won't change, I'll only look at you)”

 

They were catching up on a drama she had wanted to watch for months and they were both surprised how taken they were by one of the sound tracks. Perhaps it was because the song said exactly how he felt.

He finally shifted his gaze away and passed her the box he had been holding in his hand. “Open it. Merry Christmas.”

She didn’t know she was trembling until she laid her hands on the gift box. She shakily removed the wrapping and the lid to find the same expensive candle she had looked at several times.

 

“You're light of my life

You are the one in my life

Nae modeungeol da ilhneundedo (Even if I lose my everything)

Huhoehaji anha (I won't regret it)

Ojik neoreul wihan (This love is only for you)

Byeonhaji anhneun sarangeuro (It won't ever change)”

 

She giggled out loud even though she could feel a tear rolling down her cheek. This adorable man was already too much for her before he blew her away with his next question.

 

“I want to spend every Christmas with you for the rest of our lives. Will you let me?”

 

He took her hand deeper inside to riffle through the gift box and found the hidden small jewelry box.

 

She held it in her hand and was speechless.

 

He uncurled her fingers, took the box and opened it to reveal a pair of simple yet elegant rings.

 

“I know you won’t be able to give me an answer right away,” he spoke again, “I just want you to know you are everything to me.”

 

More tears and still no words. But she could feel the overflowing joy she had never experienced before him.

 

“Please come with me to Vancouver while you think. It’ll kill me if I have to be away from you for so many weeks,” he pleaded. “The rings would remind us about the promise I made to you today.”

 

Dinner was getting cold but she couldn’t care less.

All she could think of was her halmi’s words, “You can only find so much happiness, the rest you have to make yourself.”

“Okay, let’s do it. I’ll go to Canada with you,” she told him and he practically lifted her off the floor.

 

---

The time had come for them to board the plane. They had made meticulous arrangements to be stealth. Leaving Korea just before Seollal was a small price to pay for them to have the trip they wished for – and she promised those closest to her, especially the little people, that she’d make up for it later.

For these two seasoned travellers, this wouldn’t be just another trip. They made fun of each other when they were both too wound up to fall asleep the night before. They knew the trip would be another important milestone. She still blushed when she recalled what was written on the form for her to enter the country during lockdown.

“It’s going to be good,” he murmured to her half like a promise and half like a prayer.

She smiled and snuggled up against him as the engine revved and the plane took them into the clouds.

Logically, or even practically, their plan did not make sense. She would fly half way across the world to be locked inside for two weeks. But to her, that was exactly the reason she did it. Two weeks in a land far far away with him, just him, would be a dream come true for them.

---

 

“Wake up, sleepyhead.” He shook her lightly before placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. “We’ll be landing soon.”

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and took the water bottle he handed to her. She remembered being half way through her movie when she gingerly draped a blanket over his sleeping form before succumbing to her own drowsiness.

“Did you sleep much?”

“More than I should. We won’t be able to sleep again tonight,” he shrugged, putting a hand through his hair.

How does a simple gesture like that still get her all hot and bothered?  She straightened a little.

“Who cares? We’re on vacation. I can think of many ways to occupy our night…”

“Begging you to come,” he flashed a mischievous grin, “best decision ever.”

---

 

She freshened up and was more than ready to get off the plane. He had been very tight-lipped about the trip – every time she tried to find out more, he’d stay mum. Like a child on Christmas day, she had been eagerly anticipating whatever surprises lay ahead, from a guy who claimed not to be romantic.

He told her the airport was close to where most of his filming would take place. She nodded, wishing she’d have time to see the location. Their car kept going, through different parts of the city.

“We aren’t staying in Vancouver?” she asked after crossing the third bridge.

“Just wait…”

She didn’t have to wait long though. The highway they got on opened up to the most amazing view after a few minutes. They were practically driving right along the water and there seemed to be no divide between the sea and the sky.

She watched in amazement and asked to roll down the window despite the February temperature outside.

“We are literally on the Sea-to-Sky Highway,” he was pleased to see the reaction he’d hoped for from her. He wanted the trip to be perfect in every way.

Their view changed from the calming blue ocean to breathtaking snow-capped mountain peaks after about an hour. She could feel the altitude they were climbing and she was in awe.

He knew she would be, his sky-and-sea girl.

If she were to do nothing else, the scenery of the ride alone would have been worth her trip. And yet, all that natural beauty paled in comparison to the view right in front of her, as she turned towards him.

“Thank you,” she squeezed his hand.

“Why? We haven’t even arrived at the house yet,” he quipped.

---

 

A few more minutes of mountainous drive and they pulled up on the driveway of a massive modern chalet.

“Look at how bright and open it is!” The gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows impressed her as soon as she walked into the living area and felt the warm sun on her face.

She couldn’t believe the paradise the house was. Not ostentatious in the slightest, yet it certainly wasn’t the kind of humble ski cabin she had seen in movies. The place looked stunning – the stones, the natural wood and clean lines mixed with many homey details. It was more than spacious for him and her. And there seemed to be two of almost everything – two patio areas, two fire pits, two living rooms, two hot tubs, two large fireplaces, even two laundry rooms – which made being locked inside for two weeks anything but boring.

She was close to tears once they were left alone after the hospitality staff departed.

“This wasn’t at all what I was expecting. You really didn’t need to do so much, but this… everything here is just so beautiful...” She hugged him tightly, not able to find the right words to express how moved she was.

“Only the best for my queen.” He had no less than half a dozen terms of endearment and every one would elicit a small smile from her in return. He dropped a kiss on top of her head before continuing, “And since I must make you stay inside with me for two weeks, I’d better not bore you to tears. I’m relieved you like it–”

“Like?” she interrupted, “I already dread having to go back.” Her heart dropped a little but she didn’t want to dwell on that unpleasant thought.

---

 

Dinner was delivered to them after they had settled in. They opted for Italian cuisine and she was beyond happy to dine looking out at the starry night sky.

When they finally retrieved to their bedroom, it was another marvel entirely. She was delighted to find the same panoramic view of the forest and those floor-to-ceiling windows she loved so much.

She gasped when she entered the master en-suite bathroom. It was the size of someone’s apartment back home and had the rain shower, a soaker tub and even an infrared sauna at the far end.

He winked at her, “What do you want to try first?”

There was no limit to the fun they could have inside but she was beat from the long travel. “I’m tired. Let’s just shower and snuggle in bed.”

“But tomorrow, tomorrow will be a whole different story,” she smiled suggestively while pulling off his top.

---

 

It was a frigid day in the famous ski resort town and she was especially thankful for the fireplace right in front of their bed. They were used to the winter weather in Seoul but the minus twenty degree night outside made her shiver thinking about it.

He pulled wool socks from the luggage and rolled them onto her feet. The fire had been crackling all night and they cozied up in front of it with a blanket wrapped around them.

She was thousands of kilometers from Korea but she felt perfectly at home. In the blink of an eye of the past twelve months, he had become her home.

She rested her head on his shoulder and sipped the hot cocoa he made. She had discovered during the year they had been together how much he loved taking care of her.

“Listen, I’m going to say this now, in case I get too upset and forget to tell you when I have to leave.”

She put her socked feet up beside his and sat up to face him. “Thank you so much for spoiling me with such a wonderful trip. I’ve had the best time of my life and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

“We’ve only had dinner. What do you mean?” he chuckled.

“I don’t want you fret over whether I’ll like whatever you’ve planned. No matter how this trip turns out, I only care about being here with you and all the new experiences we’ll have together. There is nothing you can do that will disappoint me.”

He looked down with a boyish smile and caressed the ring from him on her finger. He then held her face in his hands and kissed her until they were both breathless…

---

 

Without the usual demands and distractions, she could picture a simpler life – the irony of the luxury home they were living in notwithstanding. And even if her current domesticity wasn’t meant to last, she had made up her mind to savour their pandemic-induced bubble for as long as they would have it.

A few days in, they had developed somewhat of a routine. They lingered in bed and only got up when it became too bright outside. On the days that the wind wasn’t biting, they would stretch out on the large deck for some light breakfast while taking in the mountain views, the sun and some fresh air.

She liked to make sure he had been kissed thoroughly before letting him turn his attention to whatever work he had to tackle for the day. She’d pick a spot with ample daylight and curl up on the sofa to read – for fun, for prep, for research. On some cloudy mornings, she would end up dozing off for another hour before tearing herself away to prepare lunch.

A single glance and she could tell right away how dreamy the kitchen was when they first got inside the house.

She had also come to adore his Road Manager for fully stocking the fridges, the cabinets, and ticking all the items she requested before their arrival.

What she had learned as well, with time, was how equally fond of taking care of him she was. Making him his favorite food was never a chore.

Where they were, they had many choices for activities after their meal. Not only was there lots of private outdoor space to enjoy, there was also a secluded stone pathway at the back of the house connecting them to the scenic Valley Trail. With their faces covered in masks, they would venture out for a brisk walk in the quiet parts of the woods before returning to relax in the hot tub.

And then there was the breathtaking sunset she oohed and ahhed over each day.  She watched the sky change slowly into different colour palettes – just like the different facets she gradually uncovered of the man she loved to pieces. He’d whisper to her under the setting sun thoughts in his heads only she could know. And those things meant more to her than any diamonds, accomplishments or status. He had trusted her so completely there was no way on earth she would ever want him to feel alone again.

Teaching him to cook, on the other hand, had definitely been a work-in-progress. They would spend a good part of the evening making dinner in the kitchen. As much as he was there to “help”, he was usually more of a distraction with his juvenile antics. How she managed to put dishes on the table eventually was sometimes a mystery, considering how often they doubled over in laughter. Boys would always be boys, she supposed.

---

 

Monday was a much warmer day and she was glad to finally be able to lounge around the patio at night.

With the heat lamp on and the fire pit in front, she cozied up beside him wearing one of his large sweaters. Happiness to her was no more than playing with his hair while watching him read his scripts. She returned to her book with a smirk on her face when her eyes had feasted on him enough.

The night air was refreshing and they stayed outside past midnight.

Tuesday, February 16^th.

They had both been silently counting down to this day.

“Remember the blizzard?”

“Mmmm, of course.” It had been 366 days since the raging storm. She remembered they had fun watching the snow fly while snuggling together.

It was that day, in the warmth of his embrace, she took a bold step and changed her maybe into a commitment.

“I have something to show you. Don’t move.”

He disappeared inside and came back with his laptop.

He clicked on a file and a movielog she had not seen appeared on screen. It was another one of him camping with his friend. She couldn’t understand why he had not let her near this edit when she had her hand in all his other videos.

Twenty seconds into the movielog, her jaw dropped when he started to sing.

▶️ The part in his movielog when He sang to Her

He was singing that same song.

His friend teased him but he wasn’t dissuaded.

Eoduun bulbiccarae chosbul hana (A single candlelight in the darkness)

Wain jane damgin yaksokhana (A single promise in a wine glass)

Hangsang neoui gyeoteseo neol jikyeojulgeoya (I'll protect you, always from next to you)

Nal mideojun neoyeossjanha (Because you believed in me)

 

She couldn’t believe he made his friend duet with him.

 

Na baraneun geon ojik hana (There's only one thing I want)

Yeongwonhan haengbogeul kkumkkujiman (I dream of eternal happiness)

Hwaryeohaji anhado kkumgatjin anhado (But this isn't flashy or grand)

Neoman isseojumyeon dwae (I just need you)

 

Geokjeong ma I believe (Don't worry, I believe)

I believe I believe

I sunganeul ijji anheulge (I won't forget this moment)

Nae pume I believe (So when you are in my arms, I believe)

Angin neoui misoga (With a smile)

Yeongwonhi bicceul ilheo gaji anhge (That light won't ever get lost)

 

Cause your love is so sweet

You are my everything

Cheosnal bame dan kkume jeojeo (I'm not just saying this)

Haneun mari anya nan byeonhaji anha (Because I feel dreamy like it's the first night)

Ojik neoman barabolgeoya oh (I won't change, I'll only look at you)

You're light of my life

You are the one in my life

Nae modeungeol da ilhneundedo (Even if I lose my everything)

Huhoehaji anha (I won't regret it)

Ojik neoreul wihan (This love is only for you)

Byeonhaji anhneun sarangeuro (It won't ever change)

 

He said thank you to his friend and then the video cut to footages she had worked on with him. It was supposed to be the behind-the-scene version of his collab series.

“The song is completely out of place – I know. But that is exactly how I want it. It’s out of place because the song was done only for you. No one else.” He picked up her hand to kiss the back of it, “I’ve been saving it till now to post on our day. I want the whole world to know what you mean to me.”

Just like two months ago when he first sang to her, she was choked up with all the emotions within and she couldn’t speak.

He was about to say something but chose to hold back.

In their shared silence, she thought she saw his eyes brim with a faint glitter.

She got up to kneel in front of him and wrapped his large hands with her small ones.

She was about to take another bold step, even though she had had her answer for a while now. She didn’t need long to think. Exactly a year to the day that changed their lives, she opened her mouth to speak softly.

“I want to spend all the Christmases, Seollals, birthdays, even the most boring days with you for the rest of my life too.”

Two drops of tear fell on her hands before he scooped her up and sobbed into her shoulder.

"I've never been more sure of anything. All my hurt and disappointment in the past, all the wrong choices I made, were necessary to eventually bring me to you. You made me who I am today and I can't ever go back to living without you. Thank you, thank you... I love you so much..." he didn't care he sounded like a lovesick fool.

He held her tightly. He couldn't risk her disappearing into thin air, "Tell me this isn't a dream."

"This isn't a dream. You are who I want to be with for the rest of my life. And it feels so good to tell you..." She cried too. Not because she was afraid, but because how right it felt – how right it was.

---

 

Neither of them was tired. They watched the stars together for a while before he grabbed the laptop to upload the movielog.

“I told him that was my price… he had to duet a song I chose with me. He hadn’t let me live it down yet…” He gave her a half smile.

“I’ll sing with you.” She sat on his lap and placed her arms around his neck, “You’re not that bad…”

He wasn’t bad at all.

Against every night sky, he had been the brightest star lighting up her world. She once thought she ought to be weary of how bright he shone, but her personal supernova had been going out of his way since the very beginning to protect her.

He wasn't a curse. He was her lucky star.

 

---

 

Their two weeks at the chalet flew by. They added to their routine check-ins with their respective team back home, and daily work out to get themselves into shape for the long work hours ahead. She had even booked virtual dance lessons with the instructor she met when she lived in LA.

Part of what made them so perfect for each other was the list of things they were both keen on. They both loved the outdoors and they both craved new experiences. When they were free to be out and about, they took advantage of the activities the famous resort town had to offer. The snowmobile tour topped the list. It was actually part of her so-called bucket list and he was never slow to indulge her. They couldn't believe how exhilarating it was to cruise along the epic Blackcomb Mountain terrain.

The most unforgettable part of Whistler was the rustic Crystal Hut perched atop the majestic mountain at 6000 feet.

He was told the waffles there were a must-try and they waited patiently for a table on the balcony. It was a clear day. The view they had at that height was so awe-inspiring they felt as if they had just conquered the world together. He rubbed his nose against hers to make sure she wasn't too cold and she couldn't imagine her life being more perfect. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. She made a silent vow while wiping icing sugar off the corner of his month.

On the next two days, they hiked the trails, went to restaurants, had ice-cream and got totally pampered at the world renowned Scandinave spa. The real charm of where they were was the privacy they were afforded to be themselves. They had three days to be tourists before his personal staff team would descend upon their location. She had gotten to know the guys quite well and it was fun for her to spend her last night at the house catching up with them. They were the people she had to entrust him to, when it was time for her to leave.

 

---

 

She didn’t want to say goodbye to the chalet after calling it home for nearly three weeks. He told her they’d be back to visit because of the special memories it held. The scenic drive back to the city distracted her enough and they arrived at their destination before she knew it.

It was another beautiful house in a quiet city about 30 minutes from downtown. One more week with him before flying home. She didn’t want to think too far ahead to the separation or to her packed work schedule.

He had promised her no work and only fun for the last days of her trip. Their location was within walking distance to beautiful parks and waterfronts. She might not be professional but she loved being the photographer on their outing. She had the advantage of getting as up close and personal as she liked for her snaps. There was no need to hide how in love they were and she had no idea how freeing that felt.

They walked hand in hand along the hilly sidewalks and nodded at their neighbours. She realized nothing was mundane as long as you were with someone who could make you laugh, wipe your tears and catch you when you missed a step. They found the waterfront park on their first day and made plans to go back for dinner at the restaurant overlooking the calm water and green mountain range. The lakeside trail at a local park they discovered the next day was another kind of picturesque. They watched kids play in comfortable sweater temperature and missed the two rambunctious little ones in their lives. He was particularly bummed for not being able to see them for at least five months.

The grocery stores in their neighbourhood were well stocked and very clean. They could shop together without being recognized – thanks to masking and people’s assumption of him being in quarantine. She could find all the authentic ingredients to make the dishes he requested.

As much as he loved her food, he had told her numerous times he didn’t expect her to spend all her time in the kitchen.

“I just want to eat with you. I don’t care what we eat,” he said with his irresistible pout early on in their relationship when he tried to convince her to regularly spend their evenings together.

They saw different areas of downtown and walked the streets unhurriedly. They were able to move around freely as long as those who could recognize them were made to think he was quarantining indoors. The pay-off had far outweighed the calculated risks they took. They couldn’t decide what they liked best but the second most visited city of the country had definitely lived up to its reputation. The seawall, the massive parkland, top notch restaurants, and the beautiful beaches had all delighted them. She was especially eager to check out the historic shipyard where he would spend weeks filming. They managed to find a day when there were minimal activities to drop by. The backdrop was truly epic and she felt like she had been transported back in time. At least she wouldn’t have to imagine how it’d be like for him to be on location.

They would end each night with a stroll, even if it was just a few blocks around the house. They treasured the normalcy of holding their gloved hands and squealing in delight when a squirrel, a rabbit or a stray cat tried to join them on their path.

---

 

The months after her trip were a blur.

She worked non-stop till the end of the year and it nearly killed her when she had to juggle overlapping projects that kept her on the road for weeks.

The threat of the virus was fearfully real on sets and she had wished many times she could drop everything and retreat to the chalet.

Through it all, he had not faltered on his promise and he was the one who kept her sane.

Being continents apart from him was the hardest thing she had ever endured and their only saving grace was the wholeness of their reunion.

They swore not to be separated for any longer than a week, if they could help it at all.

They had agreed they would take turns making time for each other. As soon as he returned from Canada, he adjusted his plans to be by her side.

---

 

Tomorrow will be a year since she said yes to him at the chalet.

He has asked her more questions in the months that followed and she has had questions for him too. Even though they may not have all their answers figured out, the how would never eclipse their why. The longer they have been together, the more sure they are of what they have, what they share.

Her past hurt had her guard up so high she never thought the kind of relationship she has with him is possible. Sure, it’s possible for regular folks like her brother and her sister-in-law – but not for her.

Not until she met him.

He risked his fragile heart for her and broke down her wall piece by piece.

Come to me like a miracle

You who became my person

You are my everything

 

He really is. The miracle she didn’t know she had prayed for. Her everything.

This past year – the year of the chalet as she calls it – will always be special because of what it has gifted them. In the best of times, and in the worst of times, they have one constant in life: him in hers and her in his.

“You can only find so much happiness, the rest you have to make yourself.”

She can always live by her halmi’s words.

Notes:

🖤 This is a work of fiction.
🖤 Events inspired by music shared with us and a little investigative exploration.
🤍 This is also the longest chapter of all my fics, so I hope I make sense. And that you enjoy following our couple's journey.
🤍 Please tell me if I'm crazy. Actually, any comments would be great! Like I said before, I don't write many rpfs - so it's important for me to know if it resonates with you, my readers.
♥️ Anyone wants His POV next? 🤔

🎁 This was meant as a gift to the two special people who put up with my wild theories.