The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated Yongsun's room, casting long, dancing shadows on the walls. As I carried her to her bed, I noticed how her face was flushed and her breathing was labored. Concern etched itself on my features.
"You should rest," I said, gently tucking her in. "I'll cook something for you."
She nodded weakly, her eyes closing.
I went to the kitchen and prepared a simple meal: bacon and cheesedogs. It was something comforting and familiar, a taste of home. I also brought her some medicine to help ease her symptoms.
When I returned to her room, she was still asleep. I sat by her side, watching her chest rise and fall. I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. She had been so strong, always putting others before herself. I hoped this illness wouldn't take too much from her.
Mrs. Kim and Mr. Lee had mentioned they would be home late. I called my mother to let her know I would be staying the night. She agreed, her voice filled with concern.
"Make sure she gets plenty of rest," she said. "And don't let her watch too much TV."
I promised her I would.
When Yongsun woke up, she asked me to play her grandpa's Beatles CDs. The familiar tunes filled the room, a soothing balm for her troubled mind. As she listened, her eyes closed and her breathing became more even.
We slept together in her room, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm, inviting atmosphere. It was the first time I had spent the night in her home, and I was struck by how different it felt. The room was cozy and girly, decorated with posters of popular Korean pop idols from the early 2000s. There were also countless photocards scattered around, a testament to her love for these artists.
It was a far cry from the minimalist aesthetic she had once preferred. I couldn't help but smile at the transformation.
The Beatles song "Yesterday" by Paul McCartney played in the background. As I listened, I was inspired to write a poem for Yongsun. I knew she would appreciate it, and I hoped it would bring her some comfort.
I took out my notebook and began to write. The words flowed effortlessly, inspired by the music and my love for her.
A Silent Love Song
Yong-sun Kim,
Though oceans roar and languages divide,
These strung-together words are the only bridge I can build.
Your laughter, a melody that transcends tongues,
Fills my days with sunshine, a warmth I understand perfectly.
Your quirks, like constellations in a foreign sky,
Guide me, their beauty a universal language.
My heart, once a barren desert,
Now blooms with flowers watered by your voice,
A sound that speaks straight to my soul.
This message may be a paper boat lost at sea,
But if by some miracle it reaches you,
Know that my purpose is fulfilled.
Like you conquer your challenges, I'll conquer mine.
Working, striving, so that one day, perhaps in another life, we can share a language, A lifetime, hand in hand. But until that bridge is built, Until I can stand beside you and speak your words, Let this be the only phrase you need understand: Yong-sun, I love you.
The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated Yongsun's room, casting long, dancing shadows on the walls. As I sat by her side, watching her sleep, I couldn't help but notice a small scrapbook titled "My Silent Love Song" dedicated to me. Curiosity piqued, I reached for it, but hesitated. I wanted her to give it to me when she was ready.
A photo of us playing on the riverbank, our young faces filled with laughter, caught my eye. I remembered the day vividly. We had been racing paper boats, and Yongsun had asked me why they always sank.
"Because the water absorbs the boat," I had explained, "it becomes denser and makes it sink."
She had compared the boat to her love for me, asking if my love would sink if she gave it to me too much.
"Those things are different," I had replied. "You can love me hardest and I won't falter."
The room was filled with reminders of our shared memories. There were photos of us on vacations, at school events, and just hanging out. Each one brought a smile to my face.
I turned to the newly bought MP3 player. I knew Yongsun loved to collect music, and I was curious about her latest finds. I pressed play and was greeted by the familiar sounds of Lee Hyori's "Eternal Love" and Baby Vox's "Coincidence"
As I listened, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. These songs had been popular when we were younger, and they brought back fond memories.
I glanced at Yongsun, her face peaceful in sleep. I reached out and gently traced her cheek with my finger. I loved her more than words could say.
Suddenly, she stirred, murmuring, "Don't leave yet. Stay with me a little longer."
I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her. "I won't go anywhere," I whispered.
As we lay together in the darkness, I couldn't shake the warmth that spread through me after her kiss. It was a small gesture, but it felt like a significant step in our relationship. I knew I was falling deeper in love with her every day.
Yongsun murmured something in her sleep, and I leaned in to hear her. "When the time is right, I'll have it recorded for all the world to see," she said.
I knew she was referring to our kiss, and my heart raced with excitement and fear. I was terrified of what her family might think, but my love for her trumped my fear. If I could stay with her like this, I would make every moment stop.
I felt a soft touch on my arm. Mrs. Kim was standing there, a knowing smile on her face. She turned on the lights for a moment, then turned them off again. I knew she had seen us, and I braced myself for her reaction.
The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and pink as I woke up, eager to spend the day with Yongsun. I had planned to take her to the mall and buy her some roses, a small gesture of my love and affection.
As I wandered into the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of kimchi fried rice and fried eggs filled the air. Mrs. Kim was hard at work, her movements graceful and efficient.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked, turning to me with a warm smile.
"I did," I replied, my heart filled with gratitude for her hospitality.
"How is Yongsun?" she inquired, her voice filled with concern.
I told her about how fatigued Yongsun had been the previous night and how I had had to carry her home. To my surprise, she laughed.
"You must be growing stronger," she said, her eyes twinkling.
I smiled and admitted that I had been working out regularly with my father. "I have to be strong to lift my loved ones up," I said, my voice filled with determination.
Mrs. Kim nodded approvingly. "You're becoming more determined and ambitious," she said. "I'm proud of you."
She paused for a moment, then asked, "What do you value most in Yongsun?"
I didn't hesitate. "I cherish her smile," I replied. "I will do everything in my power to protect it."
Mrs. Kim nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "You must do so," she said. "She is a precious young woman."
Then, she asked me a question that caught me off guard. "Would you like to go on a date with Yongsun today?"
I was taken aback but quickly recovered. "Of course," I replied, my heart pounding with excitement.
"I'll take you to the mall," she said. "You can buy her some bracelets and pendants. We can also go watch 'Lord of the Rings.'"
I laughed. "Of course, anything you want."
Mr. Kim pulled me aside, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know, there's a prom coming up at school," he said. "You should take Yongsun."
I smiled, my heart racing. "I would if she would allow it."
He chuckled. "I think she would. Why don't you try on this suit? It's the one I wore when I was young."
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I slipped into the suit. It fit like a glove, the fabric soft against my skin. Mr. Kim beamed with pride. "It looks good on you," he said. "Reminds me of myself when I was your age."
He shared a story about when he and Mrs. Kim had gone dancing in that very suit. As he described the ballroom, the music, and the feeling of being young and in love, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. I wanted to experience something like that with Yongsun.
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Mrs. Kim listened intently, her eyes filled with nostalgia. When Mr. Kim finished, she turned to me and asked, "Would you like to dance with me, young man?"
I hesitated, not sure if I was up to the task. But then I remembered how much Yongsun loved to dance, and I knew I had to do this for her.
As we danced, I felt a connection to Mr. and Mrs. Kim that I had never experienced before. It was as if we were transported back in time, sharing a moment of pure joy and happiness.
Mrs. Kim then asked if the suit would fit Yongsun. I laughed. "I think it might be a bit big for her," I said.
She chuckled. "Well, we can always alter it. But I think it would be a beautiful memory for her."
As we continued to dance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future. I imagined taking Yongsun to the prom, dancing with her under the twinkling lights. It was a dream come true.
they shared a moment with me when they waltzed during 1950s
The soft strains of a waltz filled the air, a gentle melody that seemed to transport Mr. Lee and Mrs. Kim back to a simpler time. They were dancing in a grand ballroom, the parquet floor gleaming under the crystal chandeliers. The year was 1950, and Korea was on the brink of war, but for this brief moment, they were lost in the rhythm of the dance.
Mrs. Kim, in a flowing gown of shimmering silk, rested her head on Mr. Lee's shoulder. His strong arms held her close, a comforting presence in the uncertain world around them. They had been dancing together since they were teenagers, their love story a testament to the enduring power of human connection.
As they twirled and swayed, their eyes met, filled with a love that transcended time and circumstance. They were young and carefree, their future filled with endless possibilities. Little did they know that the war would soon shatter their idyllic world.
The music faded, and they paused, their foreheads touching. "Remember when we first danced here?" Mr. Lee asked, his voice filled with nostalgia.
Mrs. Kim smiled. "How could I forget? You tripped over your own feet and almost stepped on my toes."
Mr. Lee chuckled. "I was so nervous. I didn't know if you would ever dance with me again."
"I was always going to dance with you," Mrs. Kim replied, her voice soft. "You were the only one who could make me feel so special."
They danced a few more songs, their movements graceful and effortless. As the night wore on, the music grew louder, and the ballroom filled with laughter and chatter. But for Mr. Lee and Mrs. Kim, it was a world of their own, a place where they could escape the worries and fears of the outside world.
As they left the ballroom, hand in hand, they looked at each other with a love that was as timeless as the music they had danced to. They knew that their love would endure, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
yongsun woke up surprised what had transpired she asks me why am I wearing a suit.
I told her so I can dance with her she took my hand and we began waltzing mr kim played the beatles vinyl and we danced to michelle.
she was extremely happy she told me well get to watch to modern songs during prom.
I told her i like old music more she told me i'm an oldhead.
we vate our breakfast and we got bour lessons in making scrambled egg
"Yongsun, come here," Mrs. Kim called out from the kitchen. "I'm going to teach you how to cook scrambled eggs."
Yongsun and I followed her into the kitchen, our eyes wide with anticipation. Mrs. Kim was a skilled cook, and we were both eager to learn from her.
"First, crack the eggs into a bowl," she instructed, demonstrating with a practiced hand. "Then, add a pinch of salt and pepper."
Yongsun watched intently as Mrs. Kim whisked the eggs together. "Now, heat a pan over medium heat," she continued. "Add a tablespoon of butter."
As the butter melted, Mrs. Kim poured the eggs into the pan. "Keep stirring constantly," she said. "You don't want the eggs to get too dry."
After a few minutes, the eggs were cooked to perfection, a golden yellow scramble. Mrs. Kim served them on a plate with a side of toast.
"Try it," she encouraged.
Yongsun took a bite and smiled. "It's delicious!" she exclaimed.
"You did a great job," Mrs. Kim praised her. "Now, why don't you try making some for your boyfriend?"
Yongsun blushed. "I'll make him scrambled eggs when we're married," she said, her voice soft.
I smiled, my heart warming at her words. I couldn't wait for that day to come.
"Yongsun, we're going to the mall," I announced, excitement bubbling within me.
Her eyes lit up, a sparkle of anticipation dancing in their depths. "Can we also go shopping for new clothes?" she asked, her voice filled with eagerness.
"Of course," I replied, my heart overflowing with love. "And I have another surprise for you."
Her curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" she inquired, her eyes wide with wonder.
"We'll talk about it later," I teased, enjoying her suspense.
"Don't tease me too much," she pleaded, playfully swatting my arm.
I laughed, my heart light and carefree. "I promise, it's a good surprise."
She pouted, but I could see the smile tugging at her lips.
"When are we leaving?" she asked, her impatience evident.
Mrs. Kim, who had been listening to our conversation, interjected, "We'll leave at twelve. The mall isn't far."
Yongsun nodded, her excitement growing. As we prepared to leave, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. I was looking forward to spending the day with the woman I loved, and I knew it would be unforgettable.
The mall was bustling with activity, the air filled with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the gentle hum of background music. Mrs. Kim, ever the practical one, led us straight to the grocery store. Her mission: to gather the ingredients for Budae Jjigae, a hearty Korean stew that was a family favorite.
I pushed the cart, my arms laden with bags of mushrooms, ramen noodles, and other essential ingredients. Yongsun, ever the curious one, wandered off to explore the produce section. She returned a few minutes later, clutching a handful of colorful vegetables.
As we loaded the groceries into the car, Mrs. Kim turned to us with a mischievous grin. "Now, let's have some fun," she said.
We headed to the movie theater and purchased tickets for the animated film "Up." The story of a grumpy old man and a young boy on a whimsical adventure was sure to bring a smile to our faces.
As we waited for the movie to start, we grabbed a bite to eat at a nearby food court. Yongsun ordered a cheeseburger and fries, while I opted for a spicy chicken sandwich.
The movie was a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and heartwarming emotion. Yongsun couldn't contain her laughter during the comedic scenes, and her eyes welled up with tears during the more poignant moments.
"I want a dog," she declared as we walked out of the theater.
I smiled. "We'll save up for one," I promised.
Our next stop was a music store. Mrs. Kim insisted on paying for a new guitar for Yongsun, who had been practicing diligently. As she strummed the strings and sang a few notes, the store owner's eyes widened in admiration.
"You have a beautiful voice," he said. "You should consider pursuing a career in music."
Yongsun blushed, flattered by his praise.
Mrs. Kim decided it was time for a massage, so she dropped us off at the mall's spa. Yongsun and I wandered around, enjoying the freedom to explore without a chaperone.
I bought Yongsun a cheap bracelet with the words "I love you" engraved on it. She bought me a matching bracelet, a symbol of our growing bond.
We also stopped by a flower shop, and I couldn't resist buying her a single red rose. As I handed it to her, I told her, "You're the most beautiful Korean girl in Manila."
She blushed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "That's because I haven't seen many," she replied playfully.
As we sat on a bench, watching the people go by, I recited the poem I had written for her. She listened intently, her eyes filled with emotion. When I finished, she looked at me with a mixture of love and admiration.
"Thank you," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I love you too."
I reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. In that moment, I knew that our love was stronger than anything that could come between us.
As we wandered through the bustling mall, Yongsun's eyes sparkled with excitement. She was a whirlwind of energy, pulling me from one store to the next, her laughter echoing through the corridors.
"I want to complete some challenges," she announced, her voice filled with determination.
"Like what?" I asked, curious.
She thought for a moment. "Like singing in front of a stage, making my own song, completing a challenge, and... being stuck on a deserted island with you," she added, a mischievous glint in her eye.
I laughed. "That last one sounds a bit extreme, don't you think?"
"It would be hard," she admitted. "But I know I can do it. And you'll support me, right?"
"Of course," I replied, my heart swelling with love. "You're my girl, after all."
We walked hand in hand, our fingers intertwined. Yongsun pulled out a notebook from her bag. "I'm going to list everything here," she said. "So I won't forget."
I nodded, smiling. "Okay, let's do it."
As we wandered from store to store, we scribbled down ideas. She wanted to learn how to play the piano, try rock climbing, and even learn a new language. I was impressed by her ambition and determination.
"Can you carry me on your back again?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I laughed. "I can get used to this," I replied, scooping her up and hoisting her onto my back.
"You're getting stronger," she commented. "Be strong for me, okay?"
I squeezed her legs, reassuring her. "I will."
When we finally arrived at the mall's massage place, Mrs. Kim was waiting for us. "Yongsun, come on down," she called out.
Yongsun pouted. "I don't want to," she whined.
I chuckled and carried her to the massage parlor. As I handed her over to the masseuse, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. I knew she was tired, but I wanted to spend every moment with her.
When we returned home, Mrs. Kim had prepared a hearty meal of Budae Jjigae. The rich, savory broth was filled with a variety of ingredients, including sausages, kimchi, and ramen noodles. Yongsun and I devoured our plates, our hunger sated by the delicious food.
As we sat together, chatting and laughing, I felt a sense of peace and contentment. I was surrounded by the people I loved, and I knew that everything would be okay.
The days turned into weeks, and Yongsun's health continued to improve. She had begun to exercise more regularly and was following a healthier diet. Her energy levels had increased, and she was able to participate in more activities.
One evening, as we were sitting on the porch, watching the sunset, Yongsun turned to me and said, "I've been thinking about our challenges."
I smiled. "Tell me about it."
"I've decided to start with learning how to play the piano," she said. "I've already signed up for lessons."
I was impressed. "That's great, Yongsun. I'm so proud of you."
She blushed. "I want to make you proud," she replied.
As the weeks turned into months, Yongsun's progress was remarkable. She was a natural-born singer, and her voice was filled with emotion and passion. She wrote her own songs, pouring her heart and soul into every lyric.
She also began to challenge herself physically. She took up rock climbing, and her strength and endurance improved significantly.
One day, Yongsun approached me with a mischievous grin. "Remember that challenge about being stuck on a deserted island with you?" she asked.
I laughed. "I thought you'd forgotten about that."
"Not at all," she replied. "I've been thinking about it a lot. And I've come up with a plan."
She leaned in and whispered, "Let's go camping."
My heart skipped a beat. "You're serious?" I asked.
"Absolutely," she replied. "It'll be like being on a deserted island, but with a lot more food and comfort."
I couldn't help but smile. I was excited about the adventure, but I was also a little nervous. Camping wasn't something I was used to.
"Don't worry," Yongsun said, noticing my hesitation. "I'll take care of everything."
And so, we packed our bags and headed for the mountains. We spent the next few days hiking, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of the wilderness. Yongsun was in her element, her love for nature shining through.
As we sat by the campfire one evening, watching the stars twinkle above, Yongsun turned to me and said, "I'm so glad we did this."
I agreed. "It's been amazing," I replied. "I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished."
Yongsun smiled. "I couldn't have done it without you," she said. "You've been my biggest supporter."
I reached out and took her hand. "I'll always be here for you," I said. "No matter what."