Kim Minjae didn't make it far. She heard Seung before she felt his grip on her wrist that halted her feet. She didn't turn, stubbornly keeping her head averted, twisting her wrist to shake him free.
It was particularly dark tonight, with no sign of the moon. They stood in the middle of a narrow lane illuminated by sporadic fire torches and lanterns, flanked by haphazardly laid huts with thatched roofs, lights from candles and lamps peeking from their windows. A mother sang a lullaby for her infant. A few children gathered around a small fire, playing with stones. They looked up curiously at the two adults, and then, deciding there was nothing much of interest, they went back to their game.
"We are in public, Commander Lee," Minjae bit out.
"Can we talk?" Seung asked as he let go of her wrist. Instead, he lightly took hold of her elbow and guided her to the side of the road, under the shadows of the lined huts and uneven walls.
She faced him, her eyes narrowed. "I do not like attention drawn to me."
"And I do not like being ignored by you. Is it so hard to acknowledge my presence? Why do you try to avoid me in public? And yet greet others as if -" Seung had a vein throbbing in his temple.
The hurt in his face threw her off. "Captain Park is an old friend," she automatically defended herself.
Seung clenched his jaw. "Then who am I?"
"You—" Minjae paused, biting her lip and turning sideways uncomfortably. She nudged a small pebble with her toe and made a ribbed line in the dust with the pointed end of her shoe. "I need time."
"I am not asking you to announce our relationship. But I cannot stand it anymore that you simply ignore me like I don't exist!" Seung expelled a frustrated breath.
His unhappiness hit her like a tidal wave.
Minjae had been so lost in her world that she didn't realise her actions hurt Seung. She felt an awful sense of inadequacy, appalled at her apathy towards him. Seung had made her feel loved, desired, and beautiful, while she had spent most of her time disowning her feelings towards him. A part of her had been unconsciously pushing him away while the other part was trying to cling to him.
The beautiful, patient man was angry with her. Guilt swamped her.
"I hurt you," she said, contrite.
Seung pressed a hand behind his neck, rubbing it wearily.
"Yes, you did," he said simply.
"I am sorry, I was not thinking," Minjae said truthfully.
A long sigh escaped him. Seung gently lifted her chin with a long forefinger.
"When I saw you greet the Captain and ignore me, it made me jealous," Seung replied with a resigned asperity.
An unfamiliar thrill coursed through her body at his possessive words. Her fingers fidgeted with the side of her dress.
"I should have handled it better. It's just that -" Seung paused.
"Just what, Dari?"
He shook his head. "It's nothing. Forget I said it."
"I would love for you to complete your thought," Minjae insisted gently.
"It's not important. Truce?" His face broke into his irresistible smile.
She dimpled and gave him a shy nod of assent.
"Come, I will walk you home," Seung offered.
Their footfalls broke the soft silence of the evening. Recent rain had softened the dust, turning it more gravelly, making the crunch of their footsteps sound louder than at other times.
"Today is a very special day, and the evening should have ended better," Seung said wistfully. "I want to make it up to you."
"Why would you make it up to me? It's my fault. I will try to do better," Minjae said.
Impulsively, Seung brushed a knuckle on her cheek, "Don't go back on your word," he said softly.
She was glad of the dark; otherwise, he would have easily seen her blush. She became warm at how easily she blushed and gave herself away.
Then, with his usual enthusiasm, Seung said, "In that case, we both make each other happy. Would you like to learn to wield a sword?"
Minjae's mouth fell open. She turned to him. "You mean to teach me to fight?"
Seung chuckled. "I would not say taking up a sword means you must fight. It only means you can defend yourself if the need arises. It's an excellent skill to have. We are going to the temple tomorrow, so we can start the morning after."
Even in the dark, Seung could see her face glow. He had started to know her well, he thought to himself, hiding a smile.
"I would love to. But I don't know how to make it up to you, Dari," Minjae said softly, her gaze travelling to his dark eyes.
His eyes lit up with the lights filtering from the crack of a nearby torchlight, his gaze liquid as he looked at her. "I can think of a few ways you could make it up to me, Kim Minjae," he said, his voice low and deep, almost a caress.
Minjae's footsteps faltered. Seung's hypnotic eyes drew her in like a fly to a fire. Her hand clenched into a fist at her throat. Her veins thrummed, and her lips parted of their own volition, and she sucked in a breath like a fish deprived of water.
Seung stepped forward, his blood gushing in his ears, his body reacting to the expectation in her eyes. Instinctively, she stepped back as if poised for flight. Seung's perceptive eyes picked up every minute nuance—her flushed face, wide eyes, erratic breathing.
He had never kept himself in check with a woman like he did with Minjae, who, at times, reminded him of a very young girl instead of the self-assured woman of the world that she appeared to be on the surface. He did not know how much experience she had in matters of physical intimacy, but he doubted she ever had good tutors. Joseon never demanded it of men, and women seldom complained. He knew he had to take it slow with her.
Seung clenched his hands behind him.
"You could cook some seaweed soup for me next time," Seung let out a muffled laugh that reverberated in his chest. Confusion clouded Minjae's eyes before they widened. Was he teasing her? Minjae pursed her lips, suddenly infuriated. She grew hot at the thought that she had expected something else and suspected Seung knew it. Seung always got away with pranking her. To her dismay, she liked the attention but couldn't quite figure out how to react, and she wasn't sure what aggravated her more. She had kept a tight lid on her emotions for so long that these new sensations of headiness were upsetting her equilibrium.
Turning away from Seung, she walked ahead swiftly. "I cook seaweed soups only for birthdays. And yours is still a couple of weeks away!"
"Wait! How did you know of my birthday?" Seung asked, perplexed. Birthdays weren't common knowledge.
She responded with a shrug. "I have my ways."
Her answer brought an amusing lift to a corner of Seung's lips. Seung adored her unguarded responses to any suggestions of impropriety from him. She was irate at his teasing. The look suited her, making his heart race. He desperately wanted her in his arms, and the way her offended feet marched, so did she. Maybe he didn't have to take it so slow after all! They turned a corner into a darker, secluded lane. Once more, Seung's hand reached out to imprison her wrist, but before he could complete his intention, a shuffling sound followed them.
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"Physician Kim!" A man's deep voice penetrated the night.
Captain Park caught up with them, a little out of breath but none the worse for the wear.
Minjae turned in surprise. "Captain Park Hyun Ki! What are you doing here?"
Seung had a fair idea of why they suddenly had unwanted company.
A few years older than him, Captain Park was a wide-chested, well-toned man with hazel, boat-shaped eyes stretched at the corners. Swarthy sun-kissed skin stretched over two incredibly high cheekbones and a finely chiselled jaw. His nose had been broken at some point, the tip slightly bent to one side, giving his face an unexpected depth. Full lips softened the incredibly handsome face.
Seung's mouth tightened, and his fists curled as he measured his good-looking competitor. However, he carefully kept his face impassive.
The man bowed to Seung before addressing Minjae, "Physician Kim, I-er-well, had some things to discuss with you regarding-" Captain Park paused, giving Seung a side glance- "about something private."
"Is it regarding tomorrow?" Minjae asked.
Looking uneasy, Captain Park gave a slight nod.
"It's all right. Commander Lee knows about everything. You can speak freely."
To say that Captain Park was surprised would be an understatement.
"Oh! Ko Yoon did inform me of the happenings in the forest, but I was not aware -"
"Now you are, Captain Park, so whatever you have to say, please say it here," Seung said, raising himself to his impressive height, standing a head taller than the Captain. Seung knew the man was not obligated to heed Seung's commands because Park reported directly to the Naval Commander. Yet, Seung also recognised that the Captain was not naive enough to defy the established hierarchy of Joseon. These moments were among the rare instances when Seung found satisfaction in wearing a ranked government robe.
"Yes, you can speak in front of Commander Lee," Minjae agreed.
"All right. I thought it was prudent to inform you that the rescued girl is extremely unwell, and you might need help accompanying her to the temple. And I would be happy to come along."
"No need, Captain. I will be accompanying Physician Kim on this trip," Seung said.
Captain Park Hyun Ki compressed his lips. "Commander Lee, with all due respect, it might be better if I went this time. You are new to the operation, and the rescued girl is already terrified, and seeing a new man can upset her."
Minjae's face fell. She had been so excited about bringing Seung along that she had not given the rescue operation enough thought.
She turned to Seung, her lower lip caught between her teeth. "Captain Park could be right, Dari. I am sorry, I didn't think this through."
"Why do we not decide how it goes tomorrow, Physician Kim? There is a first time for everyone," Seung reasoned, the fingers linked behind his back going white with the pressure he exerted on them. "I would want to be a part of something so noble that you are doing, and it will also help to apprise the loopholes if there are any."
Grasping at the straw, Minjae brightened. "I think what Commander Lee says makes sense. It will be alright if Commander Lee makes this trip. I want to introduce him to the monks, too. We shall see you tomorrow morning."
Unhappily, Captain Park mulled, obviously unwilling to leave Minjae alone with Seung.
Like a bug neglecting to notice a flame until it was too late, Minjae was startled by the fierce undercurrent between the two men. Minjae glanced at Seung. The street was lined with closed shops; it was too dark to read his expressions. She wondered how long Captain Park had been following them. Belatedly, she also realised it must look suspicious that she was with Seung so late at night.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Captain Park?" Minjae asked warmly, careful not to sound too eager to get rid of him. "Commander Lee is coming to the apothecary to get some salve for his sore shoulder," she quickly fabricated. "Do you also need medication?"
Hoping he would reply in negative, Minjae bit the inside of her cheek while she waited for his answer.
Seung pinched the bridge of his nose.
Captain Park Hyun Ki hummed and hawed, then cleared his throat. "If you do not mind, I would like the mixture you make for cold and headache. The weather has not been cooperative."
Minjae smiled wanly as she nodded.
Seung jaws locked in annoyance.
The two men walked her to the apothecary, where Kim Minjae made a great show of fetching medication and then gave each of them a tight smile.
"Is there anything else, gentlemen?"
Seung crumbled the salve bottle in his palm, "I will take your leave. Thank you for the medication. I have some work to complete before retiring for the night."
"Sleep well," Minjae nodded politely.
Seung left without another word. They watched the tall man disappear down the street.
"It is good to be back," Captain Park said brightly. "How have you been, Physician Kim?"
"I've been fine," Minjae responded in a tone devoid of energy. "It's been a long day, and I'll need to wake up early tomorrow, as I imagine you would as well." She forced a smile to soften her blunt attempt to dismiss him.
"All right then, I will see you tomorrow, Physician Kim," Captain Park said reluctantly.
Once he left, Minjae released a breath she didn't know she was holding. She bolted inside the safety of her house. The quietness of the interior contrasted thickly with her noisiness of galloping heart. What a day it had been!
The gentle snores of her grandmother filled the house. Minjae tiptoed to the entrance of her grandmother's cramped chamber stuffed with knick knacks collected over seven decades. Grandma lay asleep on a thick bed mat, wrapped in a coarse blanket that had faded with age, which she refused to part with. Minjae deftly navigated the maze of boxes, bags, stools, tables, ropes, and even rocks and colourful stones strewn across the floor, leaving little room for movement. Twelve-year-old Pyo Ye Ri was curled up by the bed, her head resting on her folded arms. Minjae gently shook her awake.
"Unnie, you are home early," the girl said sleepily.
"Go to bed, Ye-Ri," Minjae murmured.
The girl didn't object. Yawning widely, she stumbled and dove inside the covers on the other mat with a hay mattress across the room.
Minjae knelt by her grandmother. Bending closer to her, she smoothed the wrinkly forehead, running gentle fingers over her snowy hair.
"I love him, Grandma. And I said yes to him," she whispered. For as long as she could remember, Minjae had loved speaking to the sleeping form of the old woman. She liked to believe her grandmother could hear everything she said and guide her in mysterious ways.
The old widow didn't move. Minjae looked at the other small figure curled into a ball, sleeping soundly. Pyo Ye Ri's father had been Kim Seo Jun's assistant before Minjae came to the island. Ye Ri's mother had died during a difficult childbirth, and illness had claimed her father's life. Kim Seo Jun had adopted the orphaned girl, who repaid the debt by becoming their grandmother's shadow.
Minjae crept out of the room, untying the ribbons in her braided hair, which tumbled down her back, its end almost touching the back of her knee. She grabbed two candles from a shelf. Trotting over to the kitchen, she lighted one of the wicks from the still-warm embers of the mud stove. She didn't have to cook for the next day. She planned to take a basket of pickled fish, oysters, fresh vegetables and sauces for the boat ride. She wasn't sure of the condition the rescued girl was in, but she had prepared some healing tea bags for her. Captain Park mentioned she was not well. Ko Yoon had earlier informed her the girl could hear but not speak.
Minjae washed her face in the small basin of the detached bathroom in the courtyard across from the kitchen. While she completed her ablutions for the night, Minjae wondered whether the girl was mute from birth or had lost her speech later on. Minjae had purposely stayed away from the girl to make her stay on the island as inconspicuous as possible. Once they reached the temple, Minjae could assess her properly and begin her treatment.
She entered her dark chamber, placed the lighted candle on the small but efficient table by her bed, laying the unlighted one next to it, and quickly changed into her old but serviceable night attire. Her nimble fingers freed her tresses from the bindings of her braid, the silken hair flowing over her shoulders like a black curtain, which she then gathered over the right shoulder. Extricating a wooden comb decorated with hemp-beaded pearls from the small box on her table, she began running it through her hair.
The pointed ends of the comb's teeth sweetly hurt the tense spots on her scalp, and she sighed. Her thoughts wandered to Captain Park. She had met him through Ko Yoon who had assured him Captain Park would be a big help for their cause. He had been right. As to why Captain Park joined their cause would forever be a mystery. Whenever he was on the island, Captain Park never missed visiting the inn. Minjae typically struggled to feel at ease around men, but with Captain Park, she had been comparatively free of her natural inhibitions, which in turn had caused the speculations about their relationship in the population, whose primary choices of entertainment were gossip and matchmaking. If the villagers had any inclination toward a romantic interest between a couple, the entire village would start planning how to hitch them together. It was a wonder how the denizens managed to be non-judgmental despite being so nosy. It was a paradox that always made Minjae smile.
It was also why Minjae tried not to show interest in any of the men herself in public. But word travelled fast, as did speculations. A match between a Yangban man and a commoner woman was always high stakes, and she now had not one but two such suitors. Then there were those who wanted the local boy Cha Moon Sik to win. She had no doubts people were placing secret bets.
Lee Seung. She recalled the hurt in his eyes, and a spear pierced her heart. She had no control over how she felt for Seung, just like she had none over her own breathing, hunger, or thirst. She had loved him for so long that she didn't know how not to do it anymore.
Minjae wondered how long she could keep her feelings for Seung a secret from others. If her behaviour at the inn was any indication, soon there would be a banner flying in the village with their names on it. She giggled at the image, which brought a rush of happiness to her heart, the kind she had not felt since she was eight.
On an impulse, she walked to the window of her dark chamber and, prying loose the thick interlocking wooden bolts, flung the wickets open. It opened to the modest front yard, whose sizable portion was covered by a cluster of herb-growing pots. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, and strands flew into her eyes, obstructing her mouth and hindering her view. With gentle fingers, she brushed aside the intrusive wisps of hair and tilted her face skyward. She inhaled the air filled with woodsmoke and night blooms. Crickets chirped. A tall silhouette lounged against a wall.
A scream rose to her chest at the figure leaning against the wall inside the compound before her eyes got accustomed to the tall, dark, familiar man. And her hands flew to her mouth to clamp the shriek she was about to emit. Seung was totally at ease, arms folded. Even in the dark, Minjae could see a sly smile playing on his lips.