[Moonsun] Motherhood

Ch.20

A day before the departure.

Chaeyoung came back after her rounds to a voicemail on her personal phone. Curious, she put it on speaker while she rechecked her files before calling it a day.

"Chaeng-ah, this is Moonbyul. Erm... I have something to say but please keep it a secret, especially from Yongsun unnie. I'm... planning to propose to her on the coming trip, and I kinda want to ask you some favor. Please call me back soon when you hear this voicemail."

The obstetrician immediately paused her work and pressed the call button. Byulyi answered after two rings. 

"CONGRATS MOON PRINCESS! YOU'RE FINALLY MAKING A MOVE!"

"Yah don't shout into the phone like that! I can't afford being deaf right now." The lawyer whined. "I still want to hear Yong moan-"

"Stop right there. Get your horny ass away from me. How do you want me to help anyway?"

"So, I've been practicing a particular song on your guitar all these weeks right?"

"Yes. Oh, is that the song you're going to propose her with?"

"Yep. Well, I want to ask if I can borrow your guitar and can you by any means transport it to me in Vietnam on the December 31st?" 

"I would gladly lend you the guitar, but why don't you just carry it with you two? And how the hell is it going to be in your hands in time if you only ask today? International delivery sucks!"

Byulyi sighed. "Yes, I know I'm asking a little too much. I just don't want Yong to know anything, you know? I'm trying to prepare anything in secret."

There was a long pause, and she was about to hang up when a light bulb lit inside Chaeyoung's head. "Wait, I have a friend who is going to do a trekking tour in northern Vietnam and while she doesn't plan to stay too long in a place, Ha Giang is one of her destinations since the Dong Van trek is quite popular. I will check when she is coming there and call you back after, okay?"

"My god, thank you very much Chaeyoung! You're the best!"

"You're lucky I love you." Chaeyoung rolled her eyes, but deep down she felt genuinely happy for her friend. "Good luck, I'll wait the good news from you."

***

While Yongsun was away on her personal trip, Byulyi prepared a small breakfast with kimchi and ramen noodles they bought from home before going out to get her guitar. The "friend" turned out to be Lisa, Byulyi's classmate in advanced photography class, and not only she received the desired item, she was gifted with a bonus sightseeing tour where Lisa showed her the loop and the breathtaking view below the valley. Byulyi also had a chance to see the flower fields in person, and once again thanking herself for choosing such a marvellous place for her and Yongsun to visit.

When they bid their goodbye, it was already late afternoon, but that was all she needed to prepare everything. The suitcase that usually contained her "emergency items" - learned from a 5-minute craft video where they show how to brace themselves in situations of flight delays - actually held fake rose petals, battery-lit candles (she didn't want to set the hotel on fire), and the most important item: the ring. She ordered room service for dinner before putting some make-up on her face, changing into a pretty and comfy dress and all was done.

Now she only had to wait.

***

Yongsun's eyes were filled with the candle lights that looked almost too real, scattered rose petals creating a pathway for her, leading to something so intense and affectionate she could make out from Byulyi's bright orbs under the crisp moonlight. Like on autopilot, she slowly walked towards her partner, who was waiting for her with a smile.