Chapter 35: Still Swooning – October 23, 2025
It was a chill evening as Raven and Moonbeam crept into their moonlit garden. Thankfully, this property was now owned by Heejin. Her mother had given it to her as a gift upon her appa’s passing a few months ago. Mrs. Wang was now a very rich woman. She was also – for the first time in a very long time – free of fear. She could finally relax in her own home.
But it wasn’t the one she’d occupied with a cold man for over two decades. She and Heejin had quickly agreed to the sale of that frigid manor. Neither of them had any memories to relish in that house. It had never been a home. Not to either of them. So it was that on a hot summer’s day a few short months ago, the two of them had kissed that mansion and all its secrets goodbye. The memories within its walls had ceased to haunt them with the power they’d once possessed. Heejin and her mother had both happily walked away from those closed doors. Neither of them had stopped to look back.
Ahin had purchased a humble home near her daughter’s, so that she could see the grandchild whose presence she anticipated enjoying soon. Heejin and Yunseok had already prepared a bedroom for that delightful one. They had learned of their child’s existence on a sunny day in June. They had still been celebrating their happiness two weeks later. When she had learned of her appa’s unexpected death. Her mother had called her to give her the news. A sudden heart attack had instantly felled him.
Ahin hadn’t even been able to tell him goodbye. She had felt an odd sorrow upon his passing. Even as she had inhaled the refreshing air of freedom. Her sadness lay in the fact that her husband had never known either how to receive love or how to give it. As heartbreaking as her existence with him had been, his had been far more tragic.
For Ahin had learned over the past couple of years to lavish her love on her daughter. And on her son-in-law. The man was delightful! He took the best care of both her precious Heejin and herself. A tear often filled her eye at the thought of him. All her fears concerning Heejin had been laid to rest. Her daughter was enjoying the comforts of a husband who adored her. And cherished her. As Ahin had once dreamt of being treasured herself.
Furthermore, both mother and daughter were now savoring the best fellowship of their entire lives together. Ahin had discovered not only how to pour her own love out on her daughter but also how to receive Heejin’s affection with joy. Shared hugs were now commonplace. As was the occasional kiss on a cheek. Given and received by both mother and daughter. Neither of them was afraid of being touched any longer. Or of touching the other.
They spent a lot of comforting time in each other’s company. Ahin and her daughter often relished consuming lunch together at their favorite bistro. Heejin and Yunseok frequently invited Ahin over for dinner. She had even taken to attending game night with them at his sisters’ home once a month. They were delighting in being family. And in sharing the freedom and opportunities that the passing of Heejin’s appa had afforded them all.
Heejin had already turned her father’s old garden property into a booming business. She rented the facility out for balls and weddings. The kitchen within it housed her own catering company. Most often, she provided the meals for the events scheduled at her gorgeous venue. The spot was already becoming quite popular with brides. And more than one masquerade had since been held there.
Heejin had hired a magnificent gardener to nurture the garden at the back of the property. Its lush vegetation was blossoming under his kind care. Hobi and Minsu’s garden had never looked as beautiful as it did tonight. He tugged on her hand as he led her towards the bench where Raven and Moonbeam had first met.
Minsu gazed up at him out of her fascinating orbs. Their jade flames were leaping in their tawny pools tonight. Even by the very faint moonlight Hobi could discern that happy fire. Perhaps it was the lantern overhead that illuminated her eyes enough for him to detect their beauty.
“Happy anniversary,” Hobi murmured as he bent to capture her lips with his own.
Happiness was indeed flooding Minsu’s heart. Something else was too. It was reflected in those fiery eyes of hers.
“I am overflowing with joy, Hobi. You and our girls have made me the happiest woman on earth.”
He grinned at her before reciting a familiar refrain.
“You are ethereal tonight,
Heavenly under the moonlight;
Beneath its timeless glow,
No flaw in you does show.
“You’re radiant under the moon.
Please tell me I still make you swoon.
Your lips a perfect bow
Taste like heaven, I know.
“That pale light casts a blue sheen
Upon your raven locks so keen.
Your midnight hair does gleam.
Babe, you’re in my bloodstream.
“You’re not a figment of my mind,
You are perfect, glorious, kind.
More than a lovely dream,
Born on a bright moonbeam.”
But he didn’t stop there. He had added to the poem to make it reflect the happy changes that had been effected in their lives since she had married him four years ago under a waning gibbous moon. Tonight that moon was mostly missing, but the light of Minsu’s rays was still filling up his heart.
Under the moon we met one night.
You gave me precious, sweet sunlight,
An appa’s brilliant dream,
And your prized bright moonbeam.
Their darling rays now fill our days
With joy unspeakable that stays.
Treasured ones I embrace
In the light of each face.
You gave me Heaven on earth, dear.
Now I will always draw you near.
Cherishing tiny joys.
All a full life enjoys.”
Minsu beamed up at him. “That’s beautiful, Hobi,” she whispered.
“Don’t you mean Raven?” His lips curved beneath his midnight mask.
She laughed. “I can’t believe you still have that mask!”
“Of course. I’m keeping this mask forever. It serves as an excellent reminder that you found an unexpected passion in my embrace. I don’t ever want you to forget it!”
Her face sobered as the intensity in her blazing eyes increased. “Raven,” she murmured huskily, “I could never forget that your lips never cease to shock me.” Her own curved into a pretty smile then as she whispered roughly, “Come here. Kiss me.”
“Gladly, Moonbeam.”
She lifted her face to his, fully expecting to be struck by a bright arc. Hobi was still her sunshine, but he also remained her lightning bolt too. The perfect blend of love and passion. Of friendship and romance. His kisses were still stealing her breath. And making her swoon.
