“Annyeong, oppa,” Nam Jihyun greeted when her call got picked up. “We are on our way to the theatre now.”
Doh Kyungsoo’s melodious voice filled her ears. “Okay then. Enjoy the musical, and take care. I know Ji Changwook-ssi will do well. Did you remember to bring the gifts?”
“Yes, oppa, they’re pretty standard,” she replied, peeking at the gift bag. She’d done this already for Park Ji Bin and Lee Hyun Woo and her close male friends and relatives who served in the army before. “I made sure not to include prohibited items, hahaha.”
“Aigoo, yes, don’t get him in trouble,” Kyungsoo retorted, a smile in his voice. “Call me later when you’re done - I will have time to meet and drive you home. We’re just going have dinner.”
Ending their call, Jihyun leaned back in her seat with a pensive smile. Her hairstylist since forever turned to her and asked, “All set? It’s still a bit chilly out. And what’s with that look in your face?”
“Nothing, unnie. I’m just relieved we will be finally able to fulfill our promise to Chang Wook orabeoni. My schedule the past year has been so busy, and you know that it gets really lonely in there,” she said thoughtfully, remembering the things her male bestfriends confided in her when she visited them while they were serving their country. Active duty soldiers can get pretty much everything that’s available in the military commissary, but most of them cannot escape bouts of loneliness and missing home from time to time, especially in their first six months. It hits her hard now, especially when that is the main thing she and Kyungsoo oppa talk about nowadays.
“Don’t worry about it, Changwook-ssi is nearing the end of his service. I bet he didn’t expect you’d really visit him while he’s serving, since he told you himself not to and that he can last, hihi.”
“Ahhh but...I don’t make promises I cannot keep,” Jihyun said. “Most of them become homesick one time or another, so what we do brings a small amount of comfort that goes a long way.”
==========
Six months later
“I’ll get it, omma!” Jihyun volunteered to answer the door when the bell rang. It was probably the macarons for her birthday Kyungsoo oppa told her he was sending, since he couldn’t be there.
“Annyeong haseyo, kamsaham...” she stood there, stupefied, as she opened the door to reveal a grinning Doh Kyungsoo wearing his trademark horn rimmed glasses, a navy sweater and jeans. His face, though a bit tanned and thin, was glowing.
“Waaahhh oppa what are you doing here? You must’ve traveled for hours, why didn’t you tell me you were going here? Did my parents know about this, ya, answer me...” she launched herself in his waiting arms that enveloped her immediately into a tight hug. She can feel the laughter bubbling out of Kyungsoo’s chest as he answered, “If I told you then I would’ve spoiled this, Jihyun-ah.” He kissed her forehead, looked at her in the eyes, and solemnly, he said, “Saengil chukha-hae. I wouldn’t miss today if I can help it.” He rested his forehead against hers, just breathing in her warmth, her smile, and basking in her presence.
“I told your ommonim that I wanted to cook for your birthday,” Kyungsoo said, finally releasing her and taking his shoes off to walk into the house.
“—but I’d have none of it, for now,” Jihyun’s mom interjected, smiling at Kyungsoo who bowed deeply upon seeing her. “You can do so some other time, arachi? Please rest, Kyungsoo-ssi, we’ve already done the cooking. The birthday girl will keep you company while we get everything ready.” Kyungsoo handed over his gifts and she left the two of them sitting in the sofa, giving them some privacy.
“Ya, oppa, stop giving me that look, you’re making me shy,” Jihyun blurted out, cheeks coloring as she noticed that she’d been talking non-stop for a few minutes now and Kyungsoo was just listening and looking at her.
“Hohooo, nope. I’m on break and nobody’s gonna stop me from doing what I want. Come here, chuseyo,” he said, shifting his body to make room for her. “I’m perfectly content listening to and hugging you so don’t mess up my tempo,” he sang the last part, earning a chuckle from Jihyun.
They were both home.
