I enjoyed watching my wife in the morning, Hana was such a beautiful woman. I would usually wake up early just to appreciate her beauty while she slept. She looked innocent when her eyes were closed and that her breathing was regular, when she seemed to be lost in another world. She looked like a child. But she wasn't one, she wasn't innocent at all.

          I had met her at college. At first, I had not liked her behavior and personality. She had always been an eccentric girl, someone who acted on impulse, and I disliked that. I was rather timid at that time. Days had passed and I had gotten to know her better. I had discovered that she was a warm-hearted, friendly and considerate person. I had completely fallen for her and she gave me a chance. After our graduation, we had both found a job which led to the beginning of a new life. A life I wanted to spend by her side.

          We had gotten married on the 10th of June 2016.

 

          I snapped out of my remembrance when the cutest woman on earth opened her eyes. She was all smiles when she turned her face towards me. I stole a kiss from her lips before returning her smile.

 

"Good morning Yeobo~"

 

          She moved her body closer and rested her head on my chest. My arm was wrapped around her. It was our morning routine. The morning hug could determine the rest the day as it provided the right amount of energy we both needed. Although it was a routine, today felt special. I had been waiting for this day to come for a while.

 

"It's a little weird."

"What is ?"

"You're always staring at me when I'm sleeping." she replied, "it feels weird to have someone observing my sleeping habits."

"You're so beautiful I can't look away from you."

"Aigoo... you're crazy."

"Do you want to know the truth ?"

 

          Her answer was a nod and I whispered.

 

"I like looking at you in the morning because you're beautiful. You're so beautiful when you're calm and quiet. I wish you'd be like that all day long."

 

          Hana sat up as I . She would have killed me already if we weren't in love. Instead, she tried to kick me out of the bed. She could only try since I was stronger than her.

 

"I won't talk to you anymore."

 

          Her arms were crossed on her chest and I hugged her from behind. I put my chin on her shoulder and whispered sweet words to her ear but she had no reaction. My hands held her hips and she still said nothing. Fortunately, she couldn't be indifferent when I kissed her nape.

 

"It was a joke, babe." I whispered, "you know how much I love you, don't you ? And today is our special day, you can't be mad at me."

"A special day ? Why ?"

"Hana, you won't fool me."

"I really don't know what you're talking about."

"You're not good at telling lies."

 

          I studied her face for a moment. She looked sincere. It seemed that she had forgotten our special day. To my great dismay, she remained oblivious and it made me feel disappointed. I couldn't bear the sadness of knowing that she had forgotten this particular event.

          However, a playful smile suddenly appeared on her face and my unhappiness faded away. Her forgetfulness had probably been a prank. She wanted to get back at me for what I had said.

 

"Don't lie to me again." I said before kissing her cheek, "I know you can never forget a day as important as this one. I'll have everything ready for tonight, alright ?"

 

          Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, I sighed. I had to get ready if I didn't want to be late for work. Luckily, my schedule for the day wasn't too tight. I had a long part of the afternoon to prepare a meal for Hana. I also wanted to decorate the dining room and the bedroom. It had to be a fabulous evening in the honor of a wonderful woman. I kissed her lips several times, then, I left the bed to get changed. I already had so many ideas in mind. Our anniversary had to be perfect !

 

. . .

 

           Baek Hyun's words lingered in my thoughts as I made my way to the classroom. I had not known what he had been talking about. Just because I had smiled, he had assumed that I had remembered. Truth was, I still couldn't recall what was so special about today. It wasn't his birthday, nor mine ; our wedding anniversary ? It couldn't be. I would never be confused about our wedding anniversary, nor could I forget about it.

 

"Hello Teacher Bae !"

 

          My students' voices brought me back to the present time. They weren't numerous yet the sound of their greeting had been loud enough to almost scare me. I greeted them back while settling at my desk. Although I had reached the class and had to be professional, my dear husband wouldn't leave my mind. I had to discover what his special day was.

 

"What day is it today ?"

"June 9th."

"9th ? Are you sure ?"

"Yes, teacher Bae."

"It's weird..." I spoke to myself.

"Is there something wrong ?" one of my students asked.

"We're not going to have an exam, are we ?"

 

          All of my dear students were worried and I couldn't help but chuckle. They started relaxing and smiling again as they stared at me. I loved my job as an high school teacher, I was lucky enough to have a kind class. Everyone was friendly and willing to help others. Working with them was a real pleasure.

          I reassured them and introduced the topic of our lesson. I decided to focus on my work instead of thinking of my husband. I just had to wait a little to discover what Baek Hyun had on his mind.

 

. . .

 

          The half-day I had spent at work had been extremely boring because of my eagerness to go back home. When I finally reached the house, there was one thing on my mind : the surprise had to be perfect. I searched for the bag I had hidden in the utility room before going back to the dining room. I had bought lots of decorations with my friends' help. I had a white tablecloth and a gold-colored table runner, a dinner set made of porcelain, fine glasses. I also put some candles on the table, along with a red rose in her plate, I also put a letter next to the flower. I had written it a few days ago. It conveyed all of my feelings for her. I stared at the table for a while, proud of the result. Hana would certainly like it.

          After the decoration, the hardest preparation awaited. I wanted this evening to be different, it couldn't be like all the other evenings. Thus, I had searched for recipes on the Internet. I wanted to prepare a meal that Hana had never tasted, moreover, I wanted to cook for her since she was usually the one who worked in the kitchen. In order to get off the beaten track, I wanted to cook dishes that weren't from Korea. Finding a recipe had been a little difficult because I didn't know some of the required ingredients. After hours of research, I had chosen to prepare prawn cocktails as a starter, chicken with spaghetti as the main course and a chocolate cake for dessert.

          I put on the apron and started looking for the ingredients I had bought recently. Then, I read the entire recipe, trying to memorize each step. The preparation of the prawn cocktails was the first task.

 

          I was following the steps of the recipe when my cellphone notified a message. It was from one of my closest friends, Chan Yeol. I had told thim about my plan for tonight and he wanted to come and help me, he was probably bored since his girlfriend was on a business trip. However, I wanted to prepare everything for Hana myself so I declined his help before concentrating on the prawns again.

 

          It was quicker than I expected and the starters looked appetizing. Hana would definitely be amazed. I could picture the look on her face when she would come home. The decoration combined to the three-course meal I had prepared would please her a lot. The image of her beautiful face was wandering in my thoughts as I read the main course's recipe. This time again, the sound of my phone caught me off guard. Chan Yeol still asked if I needed him and our friends to come over. I chuckled as I sent him a reply. If they were to come over, they would only worsen the situation. The dining room looked perfect, I didn't want anyone to ruin the romantic mood I had created.

          It had to be perfect for my beloved wife.

 

. . .

 

          A nice smell reached my nose when I opened the front door. I took a few steps towards the kitchen, Baek Hyun was there, wearing an apron, holding a paper between his hands. It seemed that he had not noticed my presence. I leaned against the wall and stared at him. He was biting his lower lip while reading. He looked concerned, as if something was bothering him. He ran a nervous hand through his hair and my heart skipped a beat. This man was so handsome. Sometimes, it was hard to believe that he was mine. I was happily married to a man I had loved from the first sight.

          I walked closer and wrapped my arms around his waist, my chin rested on his shoulder.

 

"What are you doing ?"

"Yeobo, you're back already ?"

"I am. Are you disappointed ?"

"Of course not !"

"What are you doing ?" I asked again.

"I can't tell you now."

"Oh please..."

 

          Baek Hyun turned to me with a smile. He told me that it was a surprise and I shrugged. I just wanted to help him. He had worked a lot already, I could see that. In fact, I had seen the decorations in the dining room on my way to the kitchen. Noticing his efforts, I was still trying to find the reason behind them, the meaning of the special day he had been talking about.

 

"Why don't you take a shower and let me finish this ?"

"Can't I help you ?"

"Hana, you shouldn't do anything. Tonight is for you to enjoy."

 

            I was reluctant but he wouldn't change his mind. Baek Hyun didn't need my help. He really wanted me to appreciate his efforts. Therefore, I kissed his lips for a long while before leaving the kitchen. Instead of going directly to the bathroom, I decided to visit the dining room. The red rose on the table immediately caught my attention, it was my favorite flower. There was a letter next to it.

 

- Hana, I love you !

Thank you for being with me, for accepting my proposal and becoming my lovely wife.

Each day of our married life is an happy day. I still remember our first meeting, that day, you had been gossiping with your friends during a lecture and the teacher scolded you in front of everyone. That day, you left a bad impression on me.

That was until Chan Yeol started pursuing you. Your friends became my friends and my friends became your friends. We spent more time together and I slowly fell in love with my buddy's crush. After you rejected Chan Yeol, we grew apart because you avoided us. Did you know it made me feel terribly bad ? I had felt as if I had been the one you had rejected. You refused to see any of our friends, you refused to see me and I didn't know what to do.

I prayed whatever God there was. I prayed everyday to find a solution and get close to you again.

And we met again. Coincidentally. On the train to Bucheon. We talked for several hours and after I told you Chan Yeol had fallen for another girl, you confessed to me. It was so unexpected that it left me speechless. Your words had been : "You know Oppa, I rejected Chan Yeol because you were the only one in my heart. You're the one I love." On that day, you became my girlfriend. In that train, we shared our first kiss.

Ten months later, we were engaged.

On the 10th of June 2016, we exchanged our vows and you became my wife. I'll use every single day of my life to thank you for the 'yes' that you offered me on our wedding day.

I will always love you,

 

Baek Hyun. -

 

          Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read the letter a second time. My lovely husband suddenly hugged me from behind and I let my body rest against his. We stayed like this for a long time, we didn't speak but only silently enjoyed the warmth of our embrace.

 

. . .

 

          Everything was ready when Hana came back. She was wearing a short dress, a simple yet beautiful one. It suit her well. Her hair fell free on her shoulders. She hadn't put make up on. She was definitely the prettiest woman on earth. Her beauty was natural. I watched her walk towards the dining room. When she was close enough, I welcomed her in my arms and we shared a passionate kiss.

          After she broke the kiss, I pulled the chair for her to sit. She made herself comfortable as I brought the prawn cocktails from the kitchen. I sat down in front of her and scrutinized her face as she tasted the first mouthful. She swallowed and pursed her lips. I wondered if it was disgust or if she was just thinking, that facial expression was hard to read. It made me feel anxious. Until she got the giggles. I was taken aback as she made fun of me.

          According to her, the cocktail was delicious. I decided to try it as well and I had to admit that it wasn't bad. We ate in silence as we dived into the romantic mood. The candles spread a little light and a sweet scent. The evening was better than what I had imagined.

 

           I was feeling overly confident when I brought the main course. It looked delicious and Hana would surely be impressed by my cooking skills. I was smiling like an happy child when I sat down on the chair. Hana helped herself as I watched her. However, my self-confidence faded away when I took a bite.

 

"It's... bland..." I said.

"It's alright."

"No, it's not good at all. I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be."

"I wanted everything to be perfect and we can't even eat something good."

"Oppa, it doesn't matter." she argued, "only your efforts are important. I'm thankful for this meal."

"It's so disappointing."

 

          I spoke to myself but Hana heard me. She left her chair and came to me. I was surprised when she sat on my legs. She cupped my cheeks to lift my head towards hers which prevented me from thinking more. Then, she whispered.

 

"Thank you for tonight, for the letter, the meal, the decoration. It's wonderful."

 

          Deep down, I wanted to believe her but I knew that she only wanted to cheer me up. We were supposed to have a very good time for our wedding anniversary, yet, the meal I had cooked wasn't even tasty. Hana cupped my cheeks and looked into my eyes as she said.

 

"Baek Hyun, will you please smile ? I hate seeing your sad face, it's going to make me sad too."

"I'm sorry Yeobo, I tried really hard to make a good meal... I failed."

"We haven't had the dessert yet. Is it a chocolate cake ?"

"It is, but I'm not giving it to you."

"Why not ?"

"I'm afraid it also tastes bad."

 

          Hana glared at me for a while. Her lips were pressed together in a thin line. She often acted like a kid when she didn't get what she wanted. I pecked her lips quickly and whispered smooth words to her ear in an attempt to dissuade her from being mad. However...

 

"If I can't eat the cake you've baked, I'm not letting sleep in our bed tonight."

"You wouldn't do that !"

"It's up to you. How can I let you have dessert when you won't do the same for me ?"

 

          I couldn't help but giggle as I understood the meaning behind her words. The dessert that she mentioned, I had to have it. It was important in a married life to nurture romance in bed. Moreover, after a year as a married couple, I thought that it was time for us to welcome our first child.

          I touched her lips with mine but Hana didn't respond to the kiss. I had to fulfill her request if I wanted to put an end to her sulkiness. Therefore, a plate on which laid a piece of chocolate cake was soon put in front of her as I anxiously waited for her reaction.

 

. . .

 

          In our time together, Baek Hyun had not often cooked for me. We would usually try to cook together, which meant that I was the one doing the actual cooking while he clumsily helped me. He had suddenly prepared an entire meal by himself. Although his main dish wasn't to my liking, the cake tasted really good. It seemed that I could taste his love and sincerity from the first bite. The change of emotions was noticeable on his face when I nodded while bringing another mouthful of cake to my mouth. He smiled contentedly as I kept on eating.

 

          As soon as I had my fill, I left the chair to get close to him one more time. I sat on his legs with my head leaning on his shoulder and my hand against his chest so as to feel the warmth of his body. He put one of his hands on my thigh while the other one was holding my hip.

 

"Tell me Oppa, how come you decided to cook tonight ?"

"It's not much but..." a proud smile appeared on his face, "this meal is my present to you. You're the one who always looks after me, so tonight and from now on, I want to take care of you. What do you think about it ?"

"You're really sweet, hubby. I would love that !"

 

          His hand left my thigh and he brought it to my cheek that he slowly.

 

"Then... where's my present ?"

"Am I supposed to give you one ?"

 

          His smile as well as the brightness in his eyes disappeared, Baek Hyun fell into silence. He looked like he was thinking deeply. I wondered if he felt ill so I decided to check his body temperature by pressing my hand on his forehead, it was normal though. He spoke after a few seconds.

 

"This morning... wasn't it a lie ?" my confusion grew and I waited for him to continue, "I thought it was a joke when you said you didn't know today was a special day."

"Oh I've been thinking about that all day long. Why is it a special day ?"

"I never thought you would forget our wedding anniversary."

"Byun Baek Hyun !" I said with a laugh, "when did we get married ?"

"On the 10th of June 2016, don't you remember ?"

"What day is it today ?"

"June 10th, obviously."

"Today is the 9th of June. I'm sorry hubby but today isn't our wedding anniversary."

 

          I wasn't able to hide my smile as I watched Baek Hyun's face. It had turned pale as soon as the words had left my mouth. He opened his mouth several times but he never spoke. His hesitation was probably related to the fact that he had many things on his mind. He had tried everything to let me have a wonderful evening, he had wanted us to enjoy our first anniversary, however, he had gotten the date wrong. The fact that he was a day ahead of the real anniversary date was funny. He was so eager to celebrate our first year that it almost made me blush.

 

"My bad." he finally said.

"I appreciate your gift. We can even have a good time until tomorrow so it will be our anniversary party."

"What do you mean ?"

"Let's have fun all night long." I continued in a murmur, "That time of the month is the best period to conceive a child. Don't you want to become a daddy ?"

 

          I had not even finished speaking that Baek Hyun was already carrying me in his arms towards our bedroom. An amused laughter resonated in the room when I saw the look in his eyes. Although we had often had intimate relations in the past, I had never seen such expression on my lover's face. There were twinkles in his eyes and he had a broad smile, it looked like he had been granted his dearest wish. But beside the twinkles, I was pleased by the solemnity yet tenderness of his gaze.

 

          Soon enough, I was lying on a bed of rose petals gently shaped into an heart on the blanket. His body was on top of mine. He nibbled on my lower lip until I let his tongue inside. I closed my eyes to entirely focus my attention on the kiss, our tongues were battling and teasing, my hands on his nape kept his face close to mine, I couldn't suppress my moans and Baek Hyun responded to them by letting his hand travel tentatively on my chest. The sensations were so intense that I reluctantly broke the kiss once I was out of breath.

          Baek Hyun lifted my left hand towards his face before pressing his lips against my wedding ring while looking into my eyes.

 

"I promise I'll be a good father, I'll help you to the best of my abilities." he said in a low voice, "let me take care of you for the entire night."

"Let's not sleep at all." I added.

 

          He pecked my lips softly and said.

 

"Happy anniversary, darling."