one.
Hyunjung's back-view is beautiful. How come Jiyeon only realizes this now, a month into their second year together?
"Jiyeon, I can feel you staring."
It's past midnight, it's cold-December is starting with signs of yet another harsh winter-and serenely quiet, Jiyeon is fulfilled in more ways than one. They're in the kitchen, about to share a post-coital meal. Their first time ever doing so. It was suggested by Hyunjung after hearing Jiyeon's stomach rumble.
They've had similar instances before, coming down for a drink or a snack after sex-they were only a few times and they were accidental; the two of them weren't there together. They were briefly occupying the same space but strictly doing things separately. Like roommates with no relationship to speak of. Tonight, they are sharing a moment, they're present with each other.
Instant Jjajangmyeon, Hyunjung is making it while Jiyeon watches.
Or, to be exact, Jiyeon is unable to not notice every color and motion of this new picture that they've drawn. A picture of them. Hyunjung's hair is adorably ruffled right now-Jiyeon's doing-her clothes are big and comfortable, her demeanor is full of ease and relief and peacefulness. Jiyeon herself feels all of that. Elbows on the kitchen island's surface and hands tucked under her chin, Jiyeon smiles because of the smile in Hyunjung's voice.
"I can't help it, the view is really nice from here," Jiyeon says, flirts playfully. "Plus, cooking is attractive."
Hyunjung shakes her head as she laughs. There's amusement in her smile when she brings their bowls and sits beside her. "Should I do it more often, then?" Hyunjung asks, a humorous tone similar to Jiyeon's adorns her voice, "cook for you?"
Jiyeon is ready to play along, but the question registers in an entirely different way.
Hyunjung cooking for her; them sharing something more, something so domestic.
Can they have that? They are living together, after all. They are married, and they will be for a long time.
Jiyeon is shocked by the sudden picture in her head, by the readiness in her heart to accept that form of normalcy. Hyunjung realizes the implications of her teasing and stillness slowly seizes her frame.
It hurts Jiyeon to see her worried. Aren't they past worries about misunderstandings? "Yes," she answers impulsively.
Now, Hyunjung is shocked.
"I know you were joking but... honestly? That sounds nice, I wouldn't say no to a good homemade meal."
Tension falls upon Jiyeon as silence stretches. Has she spoken recklessly? Carelessly? They might not be strangers to one another anymore, but-
"But... this isn't homemade and you haven't even tried it yet," Hyunjung replies innocently.
Jiyeon blinks, then bursts out laughing. She laugh is contagious, it seems. Because Hyunjung relaxes and laughs with her naturally.
Jiyeon takes a bite and it is delicious, she tells Hyunjung that and they eat comfortably. Worries dissolve, awkwardness and stress find no place between them. Everything is just... right.
"This whole..." Jiyeon gestures aimlessly. "...moment is nice. We've never eaten together like this before."
They haven't worked for it exactly, Jiyeon has never even considered it, but it feels like a reward. Their efforts to protect each other worked and led them here. Right to this lovely moment. The significance of it is huge, but unfolds easily and soundlessly that neither one of them struggles to point it out.
