In Another Life: Han Ji Pyeong's Happy Ending (Start Up)

Chapter 65: The Lights Above

Dal mi's POV

"Ji pyeong ah!" I call out happily as my eyes fall on him. Each time I see him, I can't believe how gorgeously handsome he looks. Ji pyeong stands up - tall and handsome - and leans against his car. His eyes shine as he sees me. I run towards him.

"What did you want to show me?" I ask him.

"It's a surprise." He says. "Come on, let's go." Ji pyeong says excitedly as he opens the car door for me.

~

"Where are we?" I ask Ji pyeong. The sky is pitch black and casts a dark shadow over the earth. It's hard to see with the dim lights of the street lamps.

"This way." Ji pyeong says excitedly as he draws my hand in his and leads me forward.

"Where are we?" I ask again as I feel myself step onto sand. In the dimness of night, I can vaguely make out shapes that seem to resemble a playground.

"Yeongsil, turn on the lights." Ji pyeong says.

"Yes. Right away." Yeong sil replies.

Immediately, a skyful of fairy lights light up above our heads. I look up in sheer delight as I take in the beauty of the lights, contrasted against the darkness of the night sky.

"What is all this?" I ask Ji pyeong in disbelief. I look around, taking in the environment now that I can see clearly under the twinkling lights.

"This place!" I exclaim.

"Yes." Ji pyeong says, reading my mind. "This is where you used to play as a kid, remember?" He asks me.
"Yes, I remember!" I say as I allow the memories of my childhood to rush over me. "This is where my dad laid out the sand, so that I could swing without fear of falling..." I say in awe as I think of Ms Yoon's wonderful story behind the name 'Sandbox'.

"Here, have a seat." Ji pyeong says and gestures to the swing. He stands behind me and starts pushing me. I let out a child-like squeal as I let myself glide up in the air and come back down again. The wind blows through my face and plays with my hair. I hear Ji pyeong laugh softly whenever he pushes me from behind.

As the swing comes to a slow stop, Ji pyeong comes in front of me. He squats down such that he's looking up to face me. He caresses my face gently and smiles at me. The fairy lights reflect off his eyes and make them dazzle.

He is stunning.

Everything about Han Ji pyeong is absolutely beautiful.

"Dal mi ah," Ji pyeong calls me affectionately. "Fifteen years ago, I met the love of my life. I found someone who held so much warmth and love in her heart. And I thank the heavens that I got to meet her once again. I fell for you as I read the words that you wrote in the letters... But seeing you standing before me was something entirely different. My eyes are constantly drawn towards you. And slowly but surely, I found myself falling for you all over again. I made the mistake fifteen years ago of not going to find you. But now, I want you by my side for the rest of my life. No matter what life brings us, I'm not afraid. You need not be afraid as well because I will always be here as well. Whether it be rainy or sunny days, I'll always be here as a shoulder to lean on. Let me be your Sandbox, Dal mi. Let me be your safe place. And let's sail off together without a map. I'm not afraid of what the waves may bring as long as I know that we are together." Ji pyeong's words are like a beautiful melody that makes my heart throb. Tears well up in his eyes.

I hold my breath as Ji pyeong gets down on one knee.

With nervous hands, he reaches into his pocket and draws out a box. He opens the lid to reveal the most beautiful ring that shines brighter than the fairy lights fluttering over us.

"Seo Dal mi," Ji pyeong says as a tear flows down his cheek. "Will you marry me?" He asks.

I break out into tears. My heart beats. It pounds. It feels like it has leaped out of my chest and clashes straight into Ji pyeong's heart. My feet feel light. It feels like I'm walking amongst clouds. I'm in heaven.

"Yes! Yes!" I cry the words out. "Of course I'll marry you!" I say.

Ji pyeong heaves a sigh of relief and more tears flow down his face. He takes my hand and slides the ring on my finger.

Smiling, I throw my arms around Ji pyeong. I knock him off his feet and he falls backwards into the sand. I fall on top of him.

I gaze down at him, feeling love flow out of me like a vast ocean.

"I love you." Ji pyeong whispers.
"I love you too." I say.

I lean down and fit my lips into his. Ji pyeong cradles me in his arms as he kisses me.

My heart beats against my chest. I can feel his heart beating as I lean my chest against his. Our hearts beat to the same rhythm, reaching out for each other.

My heart is full. It's so full. It overflows for him.

Han Ji pyeong.

My first love. My love forever. I will love you forever and ever.