Day 28 - Dark

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by Crmljoy

by Crmljoy

How important is this bicycle ride for Yoon Seri? How did one night spark something strange in her heart? 🚲🌌

*****

DARK

"It gets dark at night here, so don't stay out too late."

It's 3 a.m. and I can't sleep. I am not sure if it is the alcohol, the clam bulgogi, the night-calling insects or what but I've been tossing and turning on my mattress for hours.

I admit. My mind is hearing the timbre of his voice, and rewinding that bicycle ride when Ri Jeong Hyeok fetched me from Young Ae's house last night like a movie scene.

Fetched.

Yes, I am sure of that. I wouldn't kid him or insist if I wasn't. Ever since I crash landed in North Korea, my senses became heightened especially at night.

When Young-Ae and I were exchanging pleasantries outside their frontdoor, I heard
rustling noises and sound of metal tinkling several meters away from where we were standing. I took a quick glance to my left and I swear I saw a tall person wearing a military cap, fading in and out through the cross-stone balusters.

My senses recognized him. It's Ri Jeong Hyeok! He came to fetch me. Excitement filled my heart that I happily pranced my way out of Young-Ae's house.

And I was not mistaken. There he was, Ri Jeong Hyeok looking awkward on his bicycle. My heart leapt when I saw the improvised padded seat in front of him. I am not an assuming person but I knew he made it especially for me.

I've dated men who drove me around with sports cars and convertibles but there was something about Jeong Hyeok and his old clunky bike that made me giddy like a teenage girl fetched by her suitor.

"Are you worried about me Ri Jeong Hyeok-sshi?"

"No it's not like that. The thought of you bothers me."

"That means you're worried about me."

"No. It's different."

"It's the same thing."

The thought of you bothers me too, Ri Jeong Hyeok-sshi...

With you around, I started to not recognize myself anymore. Where did that old picky princess go? Since when did she learn to make friends? Be comfortable in village clothes? What have you done to her?

Though my eyes were looking straight ahead, denying myself of a full view of your gentle face, I knew you were watching me. Your eyes were not only on the road but they were also on me, checking if I was comfortable on my seat.

I knew your ears were turning red because despite the cold wind, I felt the warmth coming from your face.

And for the first time in my life I enjoyed being in the dark. You see, I battled alone with darkness ever since I was a child, the day I almost died. But with you and our short bicycle ride under the North Korean night sky, I felt safe even in the dark.

Who are you, Ri Jeong Hyeok-sshi?

I wish our bicycle ride was longer.

-Ends-