Sanctuary

Twelve. (Breaking the Rules)

I'm here just like I said, though it's breaking every rule I've ever made
I'm a little more careful, perhaps it shows
But if I lose the highs, at least I'm spared the lows
And I would tremble in your arms
What could be the harm to feel my spirit calm

"All the ladies are disappointed that I'm now officially off the market," Pyo Chi-su gloats, grinning brightly from ear to ear. Freshly engaged to the girl who edged past his tough facade, he's sitting forward in the garden chair opposite Jeong-hyeok, elbows propped on the table, brimming with energy as the setting afternoon sun splashes colors behind him.

Ri Jeong-hyeok knows it's an attempt to lighten the mood. He makes for quite morose company these days, but Chi-su is a good sport. He can keep the conversation going, one-sided, for a good hour. He wisely steers clear of any mention of that woman, even though Jeong-hyeok is sure he misses her too. She would have had all sorts of witty things to say about their friend's engagement. Ah Chi-su-ssi, someone melted that ice cold heart? Is she sure though? Let me speak to her.

Imaginary Se-ri draws a small smile across his face. "Congratulations – I'm really happy for you. How long are you in Pyongyang for?" Jeong-hyeok asks politely. He's been so distracted that he may have already missed the answer to that question. Since Seo Dan's impromptu visit three weeks ago, he's been steadily building towards the conclusion that he simply cannot stay here. It's a painful realization that shatters him, but it also gives him something he hasn't had in months. Hope. With that glimmer, August makes him feel like a person again despite the niggling voice inside him that insists: if left long enough, Se-ri will move on. Maybe she's better off without him, as much as the thought kills him. She's a survivor. He knows that much.

"Just two nights. I'm here on a special assignment," Chi-su is saying, and his expression suggests he's said something else. "Are you okay, Captain Ri?" he asks finally.

He's definitely not okay. He's dallying between two scenarios to his life: should I go or should I let her be? Her life would be so much simpler without him. What if she doesn't want him anymore? For weeks, he's been unable to think of much else. "Yes, I'm fine, just thinking. What did you say?" He clears his throat and focuses on Pyo Chi-su.

"I said I need to speak to the Director of the General Political Bureau before I leave. Is he available?"

Secretly grateful for the request, Jeong-hyeok pushes his chair back. "Sure, I think he's around. I'll take you inside," he offers.

They both get up and start towards the house. His mother catches them at the entrance, greets Chi-su with a warm smile and favors Jeong-hyeok with the pitying look that seems to be getting worse day by day.

"Is Abeoji around?" he poses.

"Yes, he's in his study," she replies gently, like he's going to break.

"Thank you. This way, Pyo Chi-su-ssi," he mutters, points the other man in, but before he can follow, his mother stops him with a hand on his forearm. He meets her gaze evenly, ignoring the sadness reflected back at him.

"Jeong-hyeok-ah, Seo Dan-ssi dropped this off for you," she says, handing him a small white envelope. "I was coming to find you. She couldn't stay, but she said to tell you that she came to Paris and she forgives you."

The sudden rush of feeling inside him is so overwhelming that the world spins beneath his feet for a few seconds. She came to Paris. She forgives him. He fakes a half-smile through the wave of nausea. It must look like a grimace because his mother's eyes flash with concern. He takes the envelope and excuses himself, leaving his mother standing with Pyo Chi-su at the backdoor to their house.