Phases of the moon

Part 8

"...we have this etiquette to let our spouse take the first bite before us. We see it as a sign of respect."

Byulyi scoffs at the obvious lie that came out from her wife's sinful lips. The audacity to outright lie in front of her just irks her in more ways than one. She was totally rejecting her! It was fortunate enough that the people who were prying bought Yongsun's lie or else Byulyi will end up humiliated. Her pride as a Moon took a hit from her wife's rejection.

The audacity when she even gave her the biggest chunk of meat!

In their family, sharing food is normal. It is a sign of trust and intimacy but the moment when one shares his or her food and utensils to an outsider, then it means that the person is letting that outsider in to his or her life. A Moon sees that person as someone significant and close to him or her. It creates a connection between two people. Sharing one's food is an indicator of love and intimacy. This is why it is such a big deal when her wife rejected the food that she has offered to her. What is worse than that is the fact that Byulyi was the one who hunted and provided her food. Yongsun rejecting her gesture means that Byulyi did not do enough to satisfy her. It means that she is lacking— a lot! It is such a huge blow to her pride and ego.

It did not matter that Yongsun knows this. It is the fact that her rejection implies that what Byulyi did is not enough. She is actually not mad at Yongsun but she is mad at herself. It made her reflect on herself. The feeling of incompetency frustrates Byulyi so much. This has never happened before. Byulyi has always been competent and adept at everything she did even when she was a child. She makes sure that she always does her best. She tries to always be at the top no matter what.

Her skills and expertise have always been unrivaled among her peers and that is why Byulyi sees herself as someone who has the capacity to do things. This may sound arrogant to others but she is just merely stating the facts. She acknowledges that she is better than most of her peers but she has never gloated it to anyone— that makes the difference.

Acknowledging one's strength and capability is actually a good thing but when one starts to show excessive pride about one's achievements, that is where things are wrong.

What is the use of having the capacity to do things or having the skills if one refuses to show it or use it to help others? Being humble is one thing but being too humble is another. Keeping one's feet on the ground is a good trait— it reminds people of where they currently are but it's wrong to keep your heads low that you could not even look up to the sky and strive to do better.

One should know one's worth and importance.

Byulyi holds these words close to remind herself of her worth. It reminds her not to get trampled over people because she knows where she actually stands.

Yongsun... this woman proves to be someone who is hard to please.

Byulyi runs her fingers over her hair and sighs.

Not that it is a bad thing. At least, she knows her worth.

It seems that I have to work harder until Yongsun deems me competent enough.

She sighs once again.

The thing is, Byulyi is mulling over something that she can only agonize. The woman who even made her feel like this has no idea what she has just done. It is just Byulyi and it is a thing that only she can resolve.

She is then pulled out from her agony when she hears familiar steps coming to her room. It's light and delicate. It's Yongsun.

Before her wife can even ask, Byulyi beats her to it, "You may come in,"