Love Beyond The Clouded Memories

Chapter 3: Riding Into Closeness

As Hangyeom and Jungha walked back to their shared home, Hangyeom glanced at the small bag of snacks Mrs. Yoon had given them. He wasn't sure what it was, but it smelled sweet and fresh, something traditional he had never seen before. The warm sun overhead and the breeze against his skin made him feel more at ease, though there was still a hint of discomfort lingering within him.

"What's inside?" Hangyeom asked curiously, looking at the bag.

Jungha smiled softly, noticing Hangyeom's curiosity. "These are yakgwa, traditional Korean sweets made with honey. Mrs. Yoon makes them from time to time. You'll like them."

Hangyeom blinked, surprised. "I've never had anything like this before. It smells good."

"They are," Jungha replied, his voice gentle. "You'll see."

Hangyeom's eyes lit up. "The one I had before was delicious too. Do you know what it was called?"

"That was songpyeon," Jungha said. "It's a rice cake filled with sweetened red bean paste."

Hangyeom nodded, his face bright with enthusiasm.

"These sweets are really special. The ladies in the village often make them and share them. It's part of our culture to have our own recipes. You can even buy them at the market if you're craving more."

Hangyeom's excitement was evident. "I want to try them all! Is there a market nearby?"

"Yes, it's not far," Jungha said. "With transportation, it's just a short ride."

Hangyeom's excitement dimmed slightly as he thought about the distance. 'I don't have any transportation.' He looked at Jungha, a hint of concern in his voice, "Is it possible to get there on foot?"

Jungha looked thoughtful. "You could walk, but it would take longer. There's a shortcut through the forest, but I wouldn't recommend going alone. It's very quiet and could be dangerous."

Hangyeom tried to sound brave. "How bad could it be?"

Jungha's expression grew serious. "Just trust me on this. Don't go alone."

Hangyeom nodded, understanding the concern.

As they continued their walk, Hangyeom felt something stirring within him. It wasn't the scenery or even the sweetness of the moment; it was the feeling of walking next to someone who was slowly becoming familiar. The silence between them was comfortable, as though they had known each other for longer than they actually had.

***

During lunch, Jungha prepared a simple yet satisfying meal. Hangyeom, now accustomed to setting the table, arranged everything neatly without needing instructions. Jungha observed with a thin smile, pleased with Hangyeom's progress. Their teamwork at the table was smooth, with hot kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew), gyeran-mari (rolled egg), and various banchan (side dishes) creating a comforting meal. They enjoyed their meal in companionable silence.

Their daily routine had evolved since Hangyeom's arrival. The table was always full, and Jungha found himself cooking more than he ever had when living alone. He was fascinated by Hangyeom's reactions to every new dish, as even the simplest Korean foods were new to him. Introducing Hangyeom to these culinary experiences brought Jungha a quiet satisfaction.