A selection of birthdays from the lives of Jeong-hyeok and Seri.
From memories of Switzerland, to married life and family birthdays, they explore aspects of their love and lives. Some happy, some poignant, each scene stands alone and further scenes...
A special scene to celebrate one of Hyun Bin's best roles.
Ri Jeong-hyeok's slow walk to the concert room in Switzerland where Seri is waiting for him inspired me to explore the moments before.
Jeong-hyeok pushed open the door to the Swiss hotel suite, their usual suite. Beautifully furnished in the soft colours and contemporary style Seri loved, with a wonderful view of the lake. But above all, discreet. He'd made good time since he'd landed at Zurich, so he'd shower and change quickly, and then join her at the concert downstairs. He dumped his bag, knowing he'd need almost nothing from it, and looked around for the tell-tale signs she was here. Roses. An elegant arrangement of pale apricot roses adorned a low table in the sitting area and another on a chest of drawers by the window. She loved flowers. He wished he'd had time to buy her some, but that might have attracted attention at the airport. You never knew who was watching. He'd buy her some tomorrow, and maybe the day after that, too.
Next, he entered the bedroom and smiled. There, lain out on the bed for him, was a new suit and shirt. Dark grey and an inky blue this time. Elegant, high quality; Seri's choice was impeccable as always. On top was a little notecard - hearts and kisses. His finger caressed her handwriting, his heart full. He'd hurry.
Pulling off his clothes and throwing them aside, he went into the bathroom. He needed to wash away the hours of the flight from Pyongyang and the weight of 50 weeks of pretence. Time for the real Ri Jeong-hyeok to emerge. But he wouldn't waste time. The concert would start soon and Seri would be waiting. In the bathroom, Seri had put out all the toiletries he would need. To be honest, more than he would ever need, but he loved her thought and care for him.
After a hurried shower, he dried himself and dressed. As he buttoned the shirt, he couldn't help imagining the scene in just a couple of hours' time when Seri would undo them again. Her gentle fingers urgent, her soft lips pressing against his throat. His fingers threading through her hair, holding her close. He swallowed hard. Not yet. Soon, but not yet. For the next two hours, they would be together, but not together. The most they might manage would be the occasional touch or to hold hands. He wouldn't wish away any of those two hours, though. Every moment of their two weeks together was precious. He should savour each one. When he was back in Pyongyang, he knew he would yearn for two hours in Seri's company, however distant. These were not hours to be wished away.
Dressed, he went back to his own luggage. He pulled out his old leather music case that he always carried with him. The clasp was a leather strap twisted through a gold ring. And it was the ring he needed now. He detached it and slipped it onto his finger. The sight of it there flamed through his whole body, leaving him heady with anticipation. At last, it was back where it should be instead of hiding in plain sight. At first, he'd kept the ring hidden in his flat, but one day when he returned home, he'd had the uneasy sense that someone had been there. Books not quite where he thought he'd left them, a drawer not quite closed. He might have the stature of his father to shield him, but the risks he was taking by meeting Seri could bring them all down. Besides seeing the ring, touching it without fear, let him feel Seri at his side as he lived his daily life.
He picked up his concert invitation and headed to the door, pausing by the mirror to sweep his hair off his forehead into a more modern style. Over the last few weeks, he'd avoided a haircut, hoping no-one would notice and criticise him. She liked his hair a little longer.
Now he was ready.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
In the function suite of the hotel, an attendant welcomed him and pointed towards the hall, but he could already hear the opening bars of Clair de Lune. He was hardly late at all. In seconds he'd be with Seri and his heart was glowing like fire. His walk was calm. No-one would guess how much effort it took not to race along the corridor to be with her at last. But discretion and care were their friends, and two weeks to love and be loved were everything. Two weeks he must treasure and protect.
His hand was on the handle, silently pushing it open. There she was, sitting with her back to him at the principal table, her silky dark hair a waterfall, and the chair by her side was waiting for him. His Seri. A sob of need that blocked all thoughts and senses rushed to the back of his throat, threatening to overwhelm him, and he swallowed it down. He paused to take a firm grip on his emotions; he mustn't betray them now. Quietly, he walked to take the empty seat. He knew she knew he was there. She may not have turned towards him, but he could sense her love enveloping him, soothing his craving like balm. He breathed in her perfume, light and sensual, letting it permeate every part of him. His Seri, more beautiful than all his dreams over the last 50 weeks.
Slowly he reached his hand to her, two magnets irresistibly drawn to each other. Her soft warm touch joining his fingers. At last they were together. By her side at last. His destiny.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Author's Note
Happy birthday Hyun Bin - Ri Jeong-hyeok could never be the same without you.
Ok this is a bit of cheat, but this came to me and I was wondering where to publish it. Since Hyun Bin's birthday was just weeks away, I thought it was fitting to put it here.
