Kang Chi: Beyond Life and Time

Chapter 16: Beyond Time: A Familiar Stranger

Kang Cheol wanted to break the silence during dinner, but he did not know how. He knew he needed to speak up, yet he did not want to just blurt out anything that comes to mind. It was a good thing he noticed Han Wool's bruised arm and took the opportunity to say something.

"Aniyeyo, Ahjussi...." Han Wool politely replied to his question and explained how he got bruised. He was relieved to know that he was not responsible for it. He felt a little proud instead.

Geuge, neoyeottkuna.

He enjoyed everyone's company—and he was certain they also enjoyed his—because nobody kept track of the time. He just realized that he needed to be heading back to Seoul, and his three-hour drive should be starting right now. He stood up to say goodbye.

He did not expect nor even imagined what occurred next. He could see that everyone was surprised as he was.

"Why don't you stay for the night?" Yeo Wool asked. He was dumbfounded.

You don't have to ask because I'd love to.

The next thing he knew, he was staying for the night as Yeo Wool had suggested.

He and Su Jung lay side by side on the living room floor. He could not fall asleep—not until he got everything out of his chest. He had so many questions for him he was not sure if the night would be enough.

"I know you have plenty of questions." Su Jung began, his eyes closed. "You can begin asking for the answers now, before the night ends."

He sat up and began firing his questions away.

"Hyung, how long have you known? How come it's only you? Where were you all this time? Do you know everything that has happened since....?" There were plenty more, but he knew he must slow down and take his time. If Su Jung were an appliance, he would have short circuited if he kept his pace.

"I've always known. There's an appointed time for everything. I'm everywhere. Yes." Was Su Jung's direct and concise answers to his first four questions.

"Huh?"

"You heard it. Do I need to repeat it?"

"A-Aniya...Geureonde...."

"As I've said, there's an appointed time for everything. If you believe in something and hoped for it with all your heart, time will be irrelevant because the joy brought about by the realization of that hope will surpass the pain brought about by the seemingly endless wait."

"Are you saying that she will soon remember her previous life...and me, as well?"

"What are you hoping for?"

"Of course, I want her to remember me...."

"Then believe that she will...."

"When?"

"Is waiting more important than the realization of hope?"

"A-ani...Geunyang...."

"You have all the time in the world. Should you be asking when?"

Su Jung was right. He had been existing for more than four hundred years and had been waiting for Yeo Wool to return for almost the same period of time. Now that she had been reborn, his hope could be realized anytime soon. He had been patient for so long, continuing doing so should not be so difficult. Waiting should be intrinsic to him.

"Hyung, where were you all this time? Why show up just now?"

"I told you, I'm everywhere...And there's an appointed time for everything."