＜Episode 130＞ Absence 3
[what. Have you already got your phone?]
Si-eun asked in a blunt tone.
I made a call with the cell phone I received after a long time, but it’s so cold. Even if it wasn’t unexpected, there was nothing I could do about the feeling that my pulse was a bit loose.
A month has passed since I entered the training camp.
After an eternity of time, the graduation ceremony was over, and he finally came out to the outside world.
The first thing I did was ask Si-eun for a phone call. I wanted to contact Si-eun, who was waiting for me (probably) to lose my throat, in a hurry.
As if Si-eun was also touching her cell phone, the call was connected before the signal even went away. Even so, when he suddenly asked a blunt question, it was only embarrassing for me.
Scratching his head and talking.
[yes. I came out after the graduation ceremony.]
[Hmm.]
There was no sense of excitement either. Throughout my training, Si-eun and I endured with the thought of Hana. It makes me a little sad when my wife comes out like this.
Or maybe… … Did the boredom come to me because I haven’t seen you in a month?
[Aren’t you happy?]
[What? Oh no. That’s not… … .]
Si-eun’s voice grew louder as she asked the question. The sound of the wind was mixed with the waving of hands.
It’s not a video call, so what’s the use? Anyway, I do cute things. After picking and smiling, Si-eun again put on an unkind tone.
[You called me occasionally in the middle. There is nothing to be particularly happy about now.]
[Uh, what. but.]
He gave me time to call the training camp. 5 minutes once or twice a week. It didn’t take long, but we continued to exchange greetings. So, it wouldn’t be strange if there was no specific point of contact with the phone.
[okay. Did anything happen? Where are you in pain? Are you all right?]
[You don’t have to worry about everything. I’m fine, none of them are full of strength. Even today, Ong is working hard. Will we be able to talk soon?]
[Um, I don’t think so.]
Anyway, I’m glad you’re healthy. As she exhaled a sigh of relief, Si-eun inquired.
[Honey? are you okay? Didn’t you catch a cold?]
It was a voice full of concern.
Even if it bounced back and forth, I think Si-eun was also worried about me. I answered with a bit of effort.
[He’s so healthy. Enough to walk home.]
Si-eun only snorted at the lively sound.
[If you walk, you are late. Run.]
[I think it will be difficult to jump.]
[Then come by bus.]
[yes. for that.]
I was already on my way to the terminal. The bus provided by the training camp dropped me off a bit further away, so I just called while walking.
I brought up useless talk, but I also wanted to go home as early as possible. Because I want to go home soon and meet my wife and daughter.
Look around.
Others were with family or lovers. Perhaps it was thanks to the reunion after a month, they were all talking happily with a happy expression. At a rough glance, it seemed that I was the only one going home.
Si-eun couldn’t come to take care of Hana. Mom or Dad wouldn’t be able to come, but I refused. I got married, became independent, and had a child, but what about calling my parents?
But when it came to this situation, it was a bit lonely. Well, being alone here will only increase loneliness. You’d better go back soon.
Soon after, a terminal appeared across the street.
I have to buy a ticket too, so I’ll finish the call soon.
[Anyway, I’ll go home right away. Buy the ticket with the fastest ticket. I’ll skip lunch too. I’m looking forward to a delicious dish.]
[Do what you want.]
It’s a tone that doesn’t even care. I want it to be like this until the end. Of course, it’s kind of merciful to lose your skin from time to time.
[okay. I’ll do whatever I want. See you later, honey.]
He greeted me like a closing ceremony. I was thinking of getting my answer back and going to buy a ticket.
However, Si-eun hesitated for a while. Why are you doing this? Do you have anything left to say? As we waited quietly, a belatedly added word came over the receiver.
[yes. … … Come quickly.]
A voice crawling as if to be heard.
After this, the call was cut off.
He took his phone out of his ear and let out a smirk.
Did you finally confess your feelings? If that’s the case, I wonder why it was ticking a bit.
Haha, the aspect of revealing the secrets that had been hidden like this was also very sympathetic.
The more time we spend together, the better we get to know each other.
The longer we can’t be together, the more we miss each other.
As much as this, I and Si-eun seemed to be the same.
◎
I took the bus and went to the nearest terminal from my house. After changing to the subway there, I headed to a station near my house.
Is it because my heart is beating? Even on the bus and subway, where I was always dozing off, I could hardly sleep.
From the station we walked again.
Gradually, I saw a familiar building, and as I approached the house, I encountered a familiar landscape.
A mart in front of the apartment, a cafe with a shortage of customers, and even trees planted along the road. Everything remained as pictured in my mind.
It seemed that the cogs of society did not stop even while living in isolation for a month.
How has our house changed?
Si-eun wouldn’t have changed much either. He may have trimmed his hair, but it won’t be much different from before he left.
One might have been too big. It is said that children grow up in the blink of an eye. Since you said you started babbling, wouldn’t you call me “Daddy!” when you walk in?
With anticipation, a lot of happy emotions are revealed on his face.
The steps I took were also hurried over and over again.
After going through the elevator, we arrived in front of the house.
When I looked at my phone, I saw that it was running in about half the time I normally would. From the moment the building was seen, it was probably because of the fact that they played around with their feet almost as if they were running.
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My heart pounded at the thought of seeing Si-eun and Hana for the first time in a while. The finger outstretched toward the door lock button was trembling.If I face Si-eun like this, my heart may burst. I tried to press the button slowly, clearing my mind with a deep breath.
I was going to do that, but the melody of the door lock rang out of nowhere from beyond the door.
Soon after, the door swung open, and someone standing in the hallway began to stare intently at me.
Its true identity, of course, was Si-eun.
“… … .”
“… … .”
I was at a loss for words at the sudden encounter. Si-eun, on the other hand, was not so surprised. We didn’t even open our mouths, so we both just looked at each other silently.
There was no reason to stand still. Say you’ve been there and give it a hug and go inside.
This time, Si-eun will act bluntly and stretch out, but it’s enough to take it as aegyo and go see Hana.
But my body was hardened, and I didn’t even think of moving.
how long has it been Si-eun came one step closer to me.
Then one more step, and then another step.
Finally, Si-eun stood right in front of me.
Si-eun looked up at me in that state.
yet… … hugged me tight
He buried his face in my chest as if to pamper him. Si-eun holds my back strongly as if to never run away again.
A warm feeling and a feeling that gently wraps the body. Even the trembling transmitted through Si-eun’s body. It was a feeling I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Now I felt like I was back home.
In the same way, he wrapped his arms around Si-eun. As soon as my hand touched Si-eun’s shoulder, her shoulders shook. I thought he was surprised by the unexpected touch, so I patted his back, but Si-eun’s body continued to twitch.
Then Si-eun started sniffing her nose.
It was very clear what this series of movements meant. He let out a short sigh and opened his mouth.
“I missed you so much that I cried, so why did you pretend not to?”
Si-eun snorted a few more times when he asked the question jokingly.
“… … My husband suppressed it so that he felt less guilty.”
It was a voice mixed with weeping.
Again, it looked like she was crying out of joy. It was also utterly pitiful. The arm that embraced Si-eun also gained strength.
“Sorry. I have been away from home for a long time.”
“done. It’s not your fault, honey.”
Si-eun replied in a friendly tone as if it was okay. Even so, I couldn’t help but feel sorry. apologized again.
“I’m sorry though. You left your wife and newborn baby far away.”
Si-eun smiled a little as she put the words of an apology in her mouth. “It’s nothing to apologize for.” There was also the sound of muttering.
Then, after a while, he nodded at my chest.
“I’m sorry, don’t run away from home in the future.”
“run away?”
it’s runaway I’ve never done anything like that… … Well, I’m not going to do that anymore. I don’t even have a chance to go out before running away because I don’t have many friends anyway.
“okay. I will not run away.”
“really?”
“yes. really. I will always be by your side.”
“Are you going to promise?”
“Of course. I made a promise to my mother-in-law before. I will continue to stand by your side until the very end.”
“Ugh.”
What a rude way to talk. It’s not a promise I gave you in vain. Maybe I’m not trustworthy?
Of course, it was just rain.
“Because, honey, I believe you.”
After a while, Si-eun rubbed her face on my chest with these words.
I just thank you for trusting me. To repay this belief, you must be healthy enough to stay with Si-eun for the rest of your life.
Eat a lot of healthy food and exercise regularly. … … First, after a few days off.
by the way.
“How long are you going to hold me?”
When I asked a playful question, Si-eun did not answer and hugged my back tighter.
You still don’t want to let go. I might be able to pull it off with force, but I don’t know if I’ll scratch anything. I decided to wait quietly.
It was time to confirm each other’s existence.
Until Si-eun, who is somewhat satisfied, releases her arm, keep going.
Whenever I felt Si-eun in my arms and me in Si-eun’s arms, a warm energy filled my heart.
As soon as we released our arms and faced each other, we shared a smile, even if it was late.
It was a much clearer smile than before he left the house.
Even the tears that had moistened the corners of Si-eun’s eyes had dried up.
As the corners of her lips were raised, Si-eun opened her mouth.
“Did you not eat lunch? I will be hungry.”
At Si-eun’s words, he fiddled with his stomach. The empty stomach felt much thinner than it had been a month ago.
“yes. I’m so hungry. Enough to eat two meals like usual honey.”
“… … .”
Si-eun gave a stinging look in her eyes for a moment.
“I’m only looking at you today.”
“yes. thank you.”
“Anyway, come in. It’s late, but let’s have lunch. I didn’t eat and waited.”
“Nonsense. Did she say she didn’t eat?”
“Am I mad?”
“You just said you’d see me today… … .”
After all, she’s a very naughty wife.
Of course, Si-eun was also joking, but she quickly removed her cold eyes and quivered.
It’s impossible to meet up after a month and have a nonsensical conversation. As Si-eun says, you better go inside.
But before that, there was one thing that should not be omitted.
“Si-eun.”
“yes?”
At the sound of calling her, Si-eun tilted her head in response.
on those lips… … They clasped my lips together.
A very soft and sweet touch spread from his lips to his whole body.
When she opened her mouth, Si-eun put her finger on her lips and closed her big eyes. He had a look of embarrassment, as if he couldn’t figure out what had happened.
Then, out of nowhere, he wanted to ask something, and even gave him a questioning look.
Why did he forgot in the first place when he told me not to forget? He smiled bitterly and spoke.
“I told you to kiss me every time you come home.”
“ah.”
Si-eun let out a stupid sound when she gave the answer. Then he immediately covered his mouth with the palm of his hand and drew a shy smile. He was obviously embarrassed.
Si-eun, who was embarrassed by her skinship after a long time, was still adorable.
You have finally returned to the house of such a lovely wife.
Without hiding the laughter that naturally flowed out, he went inside.
Si-eun, who had a full smile on her face, followed me.
Returning home after a month was so happy.