The following were excerpts from the memoir of ‘you who bloomed in winter’ by Kim C.H.
Date:????
I chanced upon a young lady lying upon the shore. She had been wounded in the abdomen. Fortunately, the bleeding has ceased. I shall see to it that no harm should further befall her.
Minjeong first met Aeri back in the 19th century. She was sent there on a mission to investigate a case of a possible feral vampire. Being the most trusted/ only subordinate of Chief Kim, Minjeong was tasked to check out the old case since documents predating the event had been vague at best. Should the vampire turn out to be feral, she was ordered to dispose of them on the spot.
It had been going well, Minjeong had been in this line of employment for decades after all. But as always, being overtly confident on a case was something Minjeong should have grown more suspicious about. Afterall, the universe never forgot to remind Minjeong of her place (i.e. fuck her over).
The attack had been a surprise. Minjeong swore she had the suspect in sight and had been following him religiously for 3 days. She must have left some careless trail and now he was onto her. Minjeong eventually got rid of the target. But this bleeding wound on her abdomen was becoming a problem as she dragged her feet across the sand. She saw a group of fishermen around this area before, hopefully they would be willing to take her in and nurse her back to health. Her right hand was pressed tightly to the right side of her abdomen trying to staunch the bleeding from the stab wound. Her vision was swimming a little. The edges darkened, distantly she saw someone approaching.
Fucking finally.
She blacked out.
Date:????
She introduced herself as Minjeong –Kim Minjeong. She styles herself a witch, claiming immortality, and professes to hold knowledge of my kind. Her countenance was pallid from the blood loss. There were bags under her eyes. Yet, as the sliver of sunlight fell across her features. I found myself inexplicably captivated. It was as though she had bewitched me. It struck from me a sudden, springing terror. I ought to keep my distance from this trespasser. Lest she rendered me spellbound.
Kim Minjeong woke up to the most magnificent sight in her 200 years of life. In front of her, stood a tall woman. Her long raven black hair cascaded down to the waist with bangs covering her forehead. Her tailored tailcoat of deepest midnight black catches the light that passes through the window. Beneath it, a waistcoat of ivory silk shimmered faintly, the intricate embroidery hinting at a crest long steeped in nobility. A starched white cravat was knotted with precision, framing her high collar like the folds of a marble sculpture.
The woman, as if noticing her stare, turned her face away from the window. Her eyes bore down on Minjeong, silent, demanding, but also patient. She gaped at the cold shock of the stranger’s beauty, deep pooling-black eyes, features fine as a goddess’. Her polished boots clicked against the marble floor, each step deliberate, as she made her way over to Minjeong’s bedside.
A good detective should have scoped out the situation and started planning out their next move. But this woman has rendered Minjeong stupid. She stopped just a couple steps away from her bedside. Arms crossed across her chest.
“You have ventured unwelcome into my territory, trespasser,” She started. Minjeong was harshly pulled back to reality.
“Oh wow, that wasn’t what I was expecting. Not that I was expecting anything to begin with. I- Uh- oh I’m sorry?” Minjeong cringes.
The woman watches her in slight amusement. The corner of her ruddy lips lifted in the barest hint of a smile.
“You’re a vampire,” Minjeong realized. The woman’s smile faltered; her stance defensive. She looked askance at Minjeong. Minjeong cursed herself. Her habit of speaking whatever was in her mind would surely lead to her demise.
“What of it? Are you one of those hunters, then? And what, pray, is your name?” The woman was becoming displeased with her presence.
“No, no- no. I’m Minjeong. Kim Minjeong. I’m one of you, kinda. I’m an immortal witch. I was just on a case. A task! Bestowed upon me by my superior. I swear I mean no harm.” Minjeong quickly responded to each question, increasingly uneasy that a hot woman was getting annoyed with her.
“Trespasser,” she repeated. Her gloved hand pulled out a watch. Minjeong’s watch.
“I’m a time walker,” Minjeong supplied simply. As if it was enough to explain her presence, enough to justify whatever it is she could not say.
The woman did not respond and promptly left the room.
Date:????
The trespasser speaks in a curious manner. I confess I understand her only in part.
Minjeong found the woman tending to the flowers in the garden. She was wearing a well-fitted waistcoat, the deep green tweed almost blending with the mossy tones of the surrounding. Underneath the coat, her white shirt, of finely woven linen, was slightly rumpled from moving about the garden. The sleeves were folded to the elbow to allow better movement.
“Hello,” Minjeong cautiously approached the woman. She did not respond, her glove covered fingers deftly trimmed the flower bush.
“I-uh didn’t catch your name yesterday.”
The woman stopped. She eyed Minjeong warily before heaving a sigh.
“Trespasser, are you here to put the monsters to sleep?” There was a storm simmering behind those black eyes. Minjeong kept her mum.
“Or perhaps,” the woman continued on.
“Have you come, then, as yet another monstrous creature seeking sanctuary?”
Her words cut deeper than Minjeong could have anticipated. One and the same, cursed to forever be.
“Do you ever miss your humanity?”
“Sadly, it is ever thus.” The woman said morosely. “Do you?”
“Yes.”
The woman stared at Minjeong’s eyes. There was a stinging sense of familiarity in those eyes. To be turned away from the sweet embrace of death and cursed forever to just be. The power coursing through her veins was supposed to be a gift. Yet, it burned with insurmountable amounts of responsibility.
Minjeong watched as the woman stood from her post and walked slowly towards her. She approached Minjeong, her form towering over Minjeong’s own form, and reached out. Lithe, gloved fingers cupping Minjeong’s hand with her own.
“Trespasser,” she said. Softer, kinder.
“My name is Uchinaga Aeri. Would you like to spend the afternoon with me?”
“Yes, Aeri.”
“Thus, to me, you cease to be a trespasser, Miss Minjeong.”
Date:????
I took Miss Minjeong to the market today. Her eyes shone with delight, and her energy boundless. She darted from stall to stall with a childlike eagerness, pulling me along when she feared I lingered too far behind. She reminds me of a small hund.
“Aeri! Hurry along, I wanna try those honey covered pigeons! You’re walking like a grandma who needs a hip replacement.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Hurry up!”
Date:????
Today, I purchased a flower for Miss Minjeong. Her smile, in that moment, seemed the very embodiment of sunshine. Yet, in my clumsiness, I stumbled before her, eliciting from her a laugh of purest joy. My cheeks burned hotly, and my ears reddened with the flush of embarrassment. It faded slowly as was the memory. I wondered if it was my embarrassment or the lovely sound of her laughs that stayed ringing within my ears through the trip back home. Alas, even the great lord Uchinaga Aeri, too, has fallen victim to the wonder that is Kim Minjeong.
Minjeong knew she was being stupid. Her wound was infected. She had noticed the pus, the skin around it taut and inflamed. Her body struggled with feverish heat. She needed to come back. Staying here with Aeri would mean death.
Minjeong tried to steady her trembling hand, the weight of the quill more burdensome than it had ever been before. Whether it be from the infection settling into her very bones or the implication that she might not see Aeri again. Should fate decide otherwise, Minjeong was not sure if even a being of her power could defy it.
She hoped Aeri would forgive her.
With a click of her watch, Aeri would later return to the room and Minjeong would just be another distant memory.
Date:????
I don’t understand.
Minjeong should have known. Skimming through the dossier for yet another killing, she should have expected a surprise attack was in order. She had a penchant for being overly optimistic in her works anyway. She had followed the target to a secluded pub. The brisk steps of her boots navigating the uneven patch of cobblestones leading to the narrow staircase that descends to a heavy wooden door.
“I have noticed you following me for the past week.” A voice sounded out from behind her.
Shit.
Minjeong paused in her steps and reluctantly turned around to face the stranger.
“You must be mistaken. I was simply heading to the pub.” Minjeong replied with a faux air of calmness. She casually put both her hands together behind her back and took a step forward. Sneakily, one of her hands slipped into the back left pocket of her trouser for her watch.
“Do not feign innocence with me. Whatever business you have to conduct, it is not here, witch.”
Minjeong didn’t think there was any use in trying to keep up the pretence at this point. Clearly, this guy could smell her bullshit from a mile away. Ning had always told her that she was a bad liar afterall.
“I know of your plan. The higher ups had sent me here to thwart your little coup d'état.” Minjeong continues. “It would be in your best interest to drop your plan and follow me.” There’s a gun trained on the stranger. But before she could react, two daggers flew in her direction. One hit her gun and the other logged itself on her left arm, causing her to drop her watch. It cracked loudly as it made contact with the cobblestones. There was an invisible force keeping her in place, something was choking her.
“I would have expected them to send someone better. It is almost an insult to my dignity to see you crumple so easily.” The stranger was approaching her. Minjeong could do nothing but stare in trepidation. Her fist clenched and unclenched, trying to break free from his power. She suspected he might have laced some kind of venom onto the daggers. The wound on her left arm throbbed, searing heat spread in fiery tendrils that seemed to crawl to the rest of her body.
“Let this serve as a message to them: I will deal with you, and your decaying corpse shall be my gift to the higher ups.”
There was nothing Minjeong could do. Her surroundings seemed to dissolve into a haze, as if the very air that Minjeong needed to breathe had thickened. Her breath came in short gasps as the grip around her neck tightened. The pulse in her temple thudded like a drumbeat, each throb sending a wave of dizziness crashing over her. Eventually everything muffled, the sounds from the city a distant echo, growing fainter with each passing second.
“Who are y–”
Splat.
“Trespasser.”
Suddenly, Minjeong was able to breathe again. But no matter, the pull of unconsciousness was tugging her deeper into its grasp. Her eyes rolled back.
“Aeri?”
Date:????
I saw Miss Minjeong again. Her clothes were torn in places and she was badly injured. I was glad to have made it in time before her attacker finished what he had started. I had no doubt that it was her. Seeing her feels odd with the way she has been so present in my dreams. She called my name.
Minjeong woke up to a familiar ceiling. Everything hurts. She was pretty sure her neck was badly bruised. She looked around the room. Sitting beside the bed she was currently laying on was Yu Aeri, a book perched on her lap.
Aeri, as if noticing her stare, startled out of her intense focus. Her hand moved to close her book. Her eyes were wide and in an almost excited whisper.
“It is you, trespasser. You called to me.”
“How did you find me?” Minjeong managed, she moved to sit up but sharp pain overtook her being. She winced.
“Your injury is fresh. Please try to restrict your movements. My capacity to heal you is… limited.” Aeri advised. She placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and carefully pushed her weary body back onto the bed.
“You’re right,” Minjeong complies. She looked down and realized she was still in her bloodied clothes. The left sleeve of the shirt had been cut open and her left arm was covered in bandages. The blood had seeped through it seemed, there was a dark, crimson hue to it.
“Damn, that’s rough buddy.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Oh, don’t mind me. I was just saying…things.” Aeri nodded mutely.
“Apologies,” Aeri began. “I had to cut open your shirt… and…see your bare skin. It was not my intention to do so without your consent, but considering the circumstances, I hope you understand.”
Minjeong laughs and her insides hurt with renewed pain. She grimaced.
“Apology accepted,” she replied, voice hoarse.
“How long was I out?” asked Minjeong.
“A little over a day. You should get ample rest. I’ll have one of my servants help you change into cleaner clothes. But –”
“The venom has spread huh,” Minjeong supplied easily. “I wouldn’t get better just with this.”
“Yes.”
“What happened to my attacker?” Minjeong asked suddenly. Aeri shifted uneasily.
“I took care of them.” She said, curt. Minjeong narrowed her eyes on her.
“Aeri, please tell me he’s still alive somewhere.”
Aeri refused to meet Minjeong’s eyes. Her eyes darted around nervously, and she let out an awkward noise.
“Aeri please,” Minjeong whined.
“He…has turned into an unrecognizable mass,” Aeri muttered under her breath, voice low. Her ears had turned red in embarrassment.
“What the fuck? Aeri– I need to question him!” Minjeong died a little inside. Sensing her distress, Aeri’s eyes widened in panic. Brain going a mile a minute to find ways to appease Minjeong.
“We can…scrape him? Off the walls?”
“Alive. I need him alive.” Minjeong specified. Aeri’s shoulder slumped in defeat. Minjeong sighed.
“You can time walk?” Aeri said, eyes hopeful.
“No. I can’t. My watch got damaged in the fight.”
The silence stretches for a moment.
“Oh well. At least I’m not dead. Thanks for saving me, by the way.” Minjeong waved her off. Aeri seemed glad by the change in subject. There was no use in wallowing on the what ifs, Minjeong was in dire need of TLC. She tried to shift her body to a better lying position.
“You know,” Minjeong started.
“I could really use some TLC right now.”
Aeri blinked, confused.
“Please feed me, I think I’m dying.”
Date:????
I made a blood pact with Minjeong. She hails from a distant future. A quiet voice within me dares to hope this ensures our paths shall cross again. And yet, I confess that encountering her is often a bewildering affair– it feels like a hello and a hello again.
Still, I wonder for the moment it will once more be, hello with her.
A small table was set up beside the bed Minjeong currently laid in. A servant proceeded to light a candle and placed a tiny vase with a bouquet of flowers in it. The servant bowed and scuttled out of the room.
“You know if you had told me beforehand this was a date, I would have dressed a bit better. Maybe try and not get stabbed.”
Aeri frowned at the joke.
“It’s a joke. I’m kidding.”
They fell into an easy silence as Minjeong enjoyed the stew prepared for her. It was a bit blander than she was used to. Minjeong thought she must be in that time in history when spice did not exist and black pepper was spicy.
“What’s on your mind, trespasser?”
“Aeri. I thought we've passed this,” Minjeong groaned.
“Say it with me. Min…Jeong…” Aeri's face burned. The red crept up to her ears as her eyes darted to the ground. Her hands fidgeted nervously, fingers twisting together. Her throat flexed as she swallowed.
“M-Miss…Minjeong,” Her voice faltered near the end and Minjeong strained her ear trying to catch it.
“Close. But no, like this. Jeong–ie”
“That’s not fair,” Aeri retorted, fully flustered.
“What do you mean? It’s my name,” Minjeong giggles. Oh, messing with Aeri is so much fun.
“My god,” Aeri went, helpless. “I can’t for the life of me understand where you got all this confidence from” Her hand was waving around the air to illustrate her point.
“What can I say? I’m good with the ladies. Especially the pretty ones,” Minjeong replied, waggling her eyebrows. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes and her lips curled into a playful smile. Aeri looked ready to combust. She squinted.
“You’re a horrible liar.”
“I take offence to that.”
And Aeri smiled. A wide radiant smile that made her eyes crinkle at the corner. The kind of smile that feels like sunshine, illuminating everything around her and bringing a sense of comfort and happiness to anyone lucky enough to see it.
She’s beautiful, Minjeong thought. Bright and warm, vibrant and kind.
"Tell me,” Aeri started. “What thoughts stirs in your mind when you look at me so?"
I want to kiss her.
Oh wow. That’s like gay thoughts.
“Jeongie?”
Minjeong’s eyes widened. She looked to the side.
“Like what?” She said instead.
“Like…” Aeri trailed off. She lingered in thought, weighing them carefully.
“Like–I’m someone important.”
“Well, you are? Important I mean. Aren’t you like a lord or something?”
“No, no,” Aeri refuted, shaking her head.
“It is only that I have noticed, at times, the way you look upon me with such…tenderness," Aeri cleared her throat, staring pointedly at Minjeong.
“It makes me feel…cherished.”
“Well, you, Uchinaga Aeri, are important to me. Just as you were important to me before and shall be important to me in the future that is to come.”
Minjeong watched her words take root in the expanse that was Aeri. The glistening in her eyes and the gasp that Aeri made. It reminded her of a phoenix, reborn.
Minjeong tried to sit up, something in her eager to pull Aeri close. Sharp, stabbing pain greeted her attempt.
“Minjeong–,” Her book clattered against the marble floor as she moved to assist Minjeong in urgency. “Please refrain from moving too much, your injury is…grave. I can heal you more but–”
“You’d have to make a pact with me,” Minjeong cut, voice feverish with pain. Sweat beaded her forehead as the onslaught of pain from the venom ebbed and flowed through her being. She was doubled over on the bed, body trembling and jaw clenched in pain.
“Well,” Aeri paused, eyebrows furrowed in concern. “Yes.”
“Do it.” Minjeong said through gritted teeth.
“A-Are you sure? I’d have to bite you.”
“Aeri, just do it.”
Aeri reluctantly leaned over Minjeong’s trembling form. Her right hand carefully angled her chin to expose her neck better. She lowered her head slowly, fangs glinted in the light. Left hand holding Minjeong’s shoulder in place.
She’s so close.
Aeri’s hot breath brushed over the exposed skin of her neck. She shivered.
“Ah.” Minjeong moaned.
Aeri leaped a few steps back in surprise. Both hands in the air, face burning. She looked like she could combust at any moment. A part of Minjeong wished the earth could swallow her up whole.
“S-Sorry. I was just not ready?” Minjeong slapped her hand against her forehead. Aeri nodded silently. Brain processing whatever excuse Minjeong had just pulled out of her ass. The top of her ears was still red. She didn’t think it would be going away anytime soon.
Aeri was standing stiffly by her bedside. Teeth gnawing on her bottom lips. Eyes looking around at anything but Minjeong. A part of Minjeong melted.
“Aeri, can you come by my side for a bit?” Minjeong asked softly with a smile.
Without a moment of hesitation, Aeri moved herself closer to Minjeong. Sitting down beside her after making sure she was not going to inconvenience Minjeong in any way.
Minjeong reached out, slowly. Her good hand traced the line of Aeri’s jaw with her fingertips before eventually taking rest in the gentle curve where Aeri’s sturdy shoulder meets her neck. Her fingers moved to curl around the back of Aeri’s neck, pulling her closer. Something in Aeri gave way, little by little at the action.
Minjeong pulled her closer, and closer, exposing her neck to Aeri.
“According to the book,” Minjeong whispered. Aeri’s breath hitched.
“This is but a simple exchange. A bargain, if you will,” Minjeong continued, voice low. “You give me a favour and you shall take a part of me.”
Aeri tensed, the words solidifying something in her head. Suddenly, she reached out to wrap around Minjeong, her touch firm but delicate. Minjeong did not mistake the way she dragged her fangs against the delicate skin of her neck.
“You should know that you won’t be rid of me so easily now, little dove.”
“Take me.”
She bit down, hard.
Minjeong gasped–
Date: ????
I had a delightful day with Jeongie today. As we were laughing, she said, perhaps in jest, that should we have a son in the future he should be named CH. I have not yet understood the implication or the significance this entity may have. But Jeongie has strongly suggested that this is something I find great appreciation for. I shall learn of this ‘thing’ as soon as possible.
Date:????
Jeongie said I talked like a ‘boomer.’ I do not quite understand this ‘boomer’ term that Minjeong frequently used. I think it must be of importance. I shall write it here for future reminders, so that we may laugh about it together the next time we meet.
Date:????
Jeongie got me a four-leaf-clover from her walk this morning. One of the helpers has been teaching Minjeong on how to make a flower crown. I caught a glimpse of her on my walk to the study. The crown of Begonias resting so delicately against the warm brown of her hair gave a tug to my non-existent heart.
Kim Minjeong, you truly are a wonder.
Date:????
Jeongie kept dropping hints about the nature of the distant future. I figure that as a time walker Jeongie probably would have had the answer to the secrets of the universe. I wish this closeness we shared withstand the test of time. Kim Minjeong, I will keep you close to my heart, always.
Date:????
My affection for her has burgeoned in ways no tongue could hope to articulate. Though I understand, our eventual parting of ways seemed inevitable. I so desperately wish she would stay by my side.
My thoughts are unbidden, often straying to her image: of the things she enjoys, the meals that summon joy to her visage, and the jest I may utter to pull a laugh out of her. Often, too often, I thought of ways I could present myself in such a way that I may exist in the forefront of her mind as she so fully inhabits mine.
I wish I could approach her with these thoughts and feelings in hopes she would gently whisper to me the meaning of each. Being with her, I am seized by the conviction that I could endure even the fiercest tempests. Yet, part of me knows it is but an excuse to her voice.
I am wholly enamoured by you, Kim Minjeong.
Sometimes, I fear that this fragile present, so precious to me, would cease to exist once the hour of your departure arrives. Perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone. But I want this to be true. I want you to be mine, someday.
Kim Minjeong is having a less than stellar day.
She was ripped out of her favourite early morning activity with her beloved wife. Freshly woken up Aeri is a sight to behold. Minjeong used to yearn for days where Aeri’s face would be the first thing she sees in the morning. Aeri (her wife), who despite her status and outward appearance, still spends every Saturday morning catching up on the latest episode of Crayon Shin Chan. Aeri (her wife!) is a beauty, truly a diamond in the rough. And Minjeong is no better than a bitch in heat. She knew Aeri was the one for her.
Their early morning cuddle time was cut short when her best friend Ning Yizhuo started banging on their bedroom door at 8 freaking am.
“Minjeong! Wake the fuck up dude!” Intense banging followed and Minjeong could only sigh in despair. She wanted to curse her younger self. Whoever came up with the good idea to share each other’s apartment keys should be socked in the face. She whined and snuggled deeper to the crook of Aeri’s neck. Aeri chuckled at her distress, hands gently circling around Minjeong’s waist to pull her body closer.
“Minjeong! I swear to GOD, YOUR MOTHER IS EXPECTING YOU IN THE OFFICE!” Yizhuo yelled, fist relentlessly banging on the door.
“Please don’t make me come in,” Yizhuo adds the last part as an afterthought.
“LEAVE ME ALONE,” Minjeong screamed ineffectively. Her voice is muffled by Aeri’s comfy anime sweater. Thoroughly endeared, Aeri pulled Minjeong away from her body slightly and started peppering kisses all over her face.
“Aeri!” Minjeong scrunched her face.
Aeri stopped her attack and pressed a short kiss onto Minjeong’s lips.
“Good morning Jeongie,” Aeri greets, lips curling up into a soft smile. Someone needs to sedate Minjeong, her heart beating a little faster at her greeting. She needs to be hospitalized ASAP.
“YAH, KIM MINJEONG GET THE FUCK UP!”
Minjeong sighs. The smile wiped clean from her face.
So much for another minute with Aeri.
Another knock.
“NING YIZHUO, IF I CATCH YOU WITH THESE HANDS!” Blame Minjeong for having such a good-looking wife. Her will to leave the bed disappeared in the 2 minutes that Yizhuo stopped knocking.
Chuckling, Aeri seems to be more interested in keeping Minjeong close to her instead of letting her get ready for work. She tightens her arms that were wrapped around her and breathes deeply into Minjeong’s neck, savouring the moment. Unconsciously, she starts to move her hand that was resting on Minjeong’s back, fingers drawing invisible patterns into her skin.
“Aeri, I don’t think I have ever told you this but…” Minjeong starts, cheeks flushed.
“Hmm?” Aeri replies, hand still gently caressing Minjeong’s back.
“Seeing and feeling your bare fingers without the gloves feels…sinful,” Minjeong admits bashfully.
Oh? Aeri smirks.
“Funny hearing you say that after last night,” Aeri whispers, lips beside Minjeong’s ear. She grazes her fangs against the shell of her ear, and playfully bites her earlobe.
“Unnie…”
The term of endearment, involuntarily comes out of Minjeong’s mouth at the action. She doesn’t really start calling Aeri, unnie, until recently when the immortal vampire caught wind of the term and started following Minjeong around like a pitiful puppy. Minjeong relented after 3 days of pouty Aeri.
A single knock.
“Yizhuo, I’ll be out in a minute,” Minjeong groans out.
“Oh sorry, I’m looking for Detective Kim?” A voice sounds out, deep and low. Definitely not Yizhuo.
“Sure?” Minjeong answers unsure.
The door opens and a figure step out. The man has an average build, a puppyish face and eyes that reminded her of a rabbit. He is dressed in a business casual outfit, crisp white dress shirt completed with a black tie. His raven hair was slicked back, he looks quite regal, Minjeong notes. Similar to Aeri.
“Are you a new hire?” Minjeong asks. The man’s eyebrows raise, as if realizing something.
“Ah. Sorry for the intrusion,” he bows slightly.
“I was just saying ‘hi’ before our first official meeting later.” he grins, slightly fanged teeth poking out the side of his lips. Minjeong scrunches her eyebrow. This man looks strikingly familiar. Beside her, Aeri is squinting, head tilting to the side. Minjeong meets Aeri’s gaze, confused.
“Please, don’t look too worried. As you said, it's a hello and then a hello again.”
Aeri lets out an audible gasp. Minjeong just looks at her with pure confusion.
“Aeri?” Minjeong questions.
“See! Ma- Mrs. Kim gets it.” The man replies, grinning.
“Minjeong…” Aeri goes, eyes wide.
In a trembling voice, Aeri goes to ask, “A-Are you…C.H.?”
“Sorry?” The man replies, visibly confused.
“I swear to God,” Aeri turns to glare at her wife.
“I hope you’re happy that your centuries-old joke paid off.”
It takes a second, but when the realization sets in, Minjeong gapes at the man. The man laughs, a full-blown laugh.
“Well, it is nice seeing you Mrs. Kim and…Detective Kim,” The man says as he wipes some tears from the corner of his eyes.
“Y-You can call me mom…son,” goes Minjeong.
Aeri cringes.
“Okay, anyway. I’m totally gonna get an earful or two for doing this. But just a reminder, make sure to go home after your meeting with Chief Kim. Take plenty of rest, too much stress is not good for the baby, you know.” With a quick wave and a grin, the man turns to leave the room.
The silence seems to stretch. Minjeong feels lightheaded.
“M-Minjeong…I think I’m going crazy. D-did he just imply–” Aeri starts.
“No,” Minjeong cuts. “I think he basically just told me I’m pregnant.”
Aeri blinks.
“C-Can I check? I just want to make sure,” Aeri moves to situate herself beside Minjeong.
“Go ahead, unnie.”
Aeri reaches out, bare fingers against Minjeong’s abdomen. She hums, gently pressing around and then suddenly freezes. Looking up at Minjeong, her eyes are a little misty.
“Unnie?”
“M-Minjeong…it’s–”
“It’s there?”
“Yes,” Aeri manages, voice quiet. “D-do you want it?”
Minjeong stays quiet for a moment. Becoming a mother has always been something that Minjeong wished for herself somewhere along the line. She looks at Aeri. She imagines a house for three. Maybe a pet or two, so their kid will not feel too lonely. With a small smile on her face, Minjeong pulls Aeri closer and lands a soft kiss on awaiting lips. Her fingers reach up to smooth out the worry lines painting Aeri’s face.
“Yeah. I kind of want this very badly,” Minjeong answers, voice full of adoration. Aeri smiles, and puts their forehead together, hands covering Minjeong’s own.
“Me too,” She whispers. “I kind of want this very badly, too.”
The peaceful moment is broken when Minjeong decides to address the elephant in the room.
“Unnie, I think we’re fucking amazing at making children,” she says to the space between them. Aeri pauses, pulls away to face Minjeong. She looks mortified.
“Minjeong–”
“Unnie! Did you see him? He’s fucking beautiful. Dude, I can’t believe we make him.”
“He is quite handsome,” Aeri finally admits. She reaches down to gently touch Minjeong’s stomach. Minjeong’s heart feels full. The warmth settles within her as she looks up to Aeri’s dark brown orbs.
“MINJEONG! CHIEF KIM IS ANGRY!” Yizhuo shouts from behind the door.
Chuckling, Aeri moves to place another kiss on Minjeong’s lips.
“Are you ready, little dove?” She says against her lips.
“With you? Always.”