The Way I Loved You

Apple Of My Eye

"You're back! Did you have a nice night in Seoul?" Bongae smiled knowingly. She and her husband had quite the amusing conversation last night about whether they were being too liberal with them. Dugwan had made the idea of them sleeping together sound so scandalous but it was ridiculous really since they'd already been married once.

"Yes Eomeoni." Haein smiled shyly, peeking up at her mother in law through her bangs.

"Did you sleep well? Your eyes are a little red." Bongae stepped closer, peering up at her face with worry.

Haein blinked rapidly even though she knew that it was unlikely to be of any help. "Yes I did. My eyes are just a little dry from the car." Bawling her eyes out twenty minutes ago had not done any favours to her face. She'd checked her reflection in the car earlier and she looked like a boiled mandu. Her face was completely swollen and her eyes were bloodshot, clearly not a pleasant sight to the eyes. She was certain that Bongae would realise that she had been crying, but the elderly woman did not mention anything if she did.

"Come in! It's freezing outside. You need to be careful not to catch a cold!" She was quick to fuss over Haein like a mother hen, ushering her into the heated house. "I made dinner already, so you two can eat if you're hungry!"

"Thanks Eomma!" Hyunwoo called, following them into the house. He stayed close by her side, his presence a constant source of comfort.

After they both washed up separately, they sat at the table together with the rest of the family, the air filled with joyous chatter as it always did. However, despite the cheerful atmosphere, Haein couldn't help but feel her impending death weighing down on her chest like a bowling ball. The weight seemed to tug at the corners of her lips, preventing her from smiling at the stupid jokes thrown across the table.

As much as she wanted to live in the moment and enjoy happy times like this while she could, she couldn't bring herself to be happy. Even Bongae's food tasted bland on her tongue even though Haein had always loved her cooking. It wasn't that it wasn't seasoned well, but life seemed to lose all flavour when she was sad.

Hyunwoo seemed to sense that she was down, for he reached under the table to rest his palm on her lap. It was a small gesture, one that no one but them were privy to, but it comforted her a little. His large hand seemed to radiate warmth, its gentle weight soothing rather than burdensome like her sadness. He'd noticed her lack of appetite too, for he quietly picked side dishes for her from the side of the table that she couldn't reach, placing them in her bowl in a bid to encourage her to eat.

They made eye contact once, Haein's careful eyes meeting his assertive ones. A silent message passed between them, Haein's in gratitude and Hyunwoo's in encouragement before they turned back to their food and settled for watching each other in their peripheral vision. This little gesture did not go unnoticed by Bongae who bit back a smile at their interaction. From what Hyunwoo had told her, they seemed to struggle significantly with communication throughout their marriage, but they had gone leaps and bounds now, communicating without uttering a single word.

Once the plates were cleared, everyone retired to their respective rooms. Haein changed into her pyjamas and sat in her bed, wanting to relax and wind down for the night after the rollercoaster of emotions today. On days like this, she missed her wedding ring more than ever. It had been the only accessory that she didn't take off, partly because it was such a stylish piece that matched all her outfits perfectly, but also because it was her way of showing Hyunwoo that she loved him even when they weren't talking.

Last night at his apartment, she had noticed his ring. He must have gotten it from her belongings at the hospital. Since then, he had been wearing it on his finger even though she no longer wore her matching one. She wished she could wear it now, a reminder of their love, but it was back at the Hong mansion which she currently had no access to. For all she knew, Eunsung had gotten it incinerated out of spite.