XLV

Moonbyul has been staying in Yongsun’s apartment for over a week. Sometimes they fight, it is inevitable for a young couple like them to argue or heads from time to time. Things are thrown; shoes, empty plastic bottles, cereal boxes, they never attempt to directly or intentionally hit each other, no, they are not like that: they throw for the sake of throwing, perhaps it is symbolic? 

Their most common fights are about small things that are not really worth it (who forgot to do the dishes, who forgot to turn off the lights, who left the door unlocked). They do not fight often but once their fight escalated: Yongsun began to shout, Moonbyul retorted with bitter comments. Broken words flew across the room leaving both of them shattered. They have not fought like that again and vowed to never let their anger get the better of them.

Their kisses are softer, they treasure each other’s laughter and smiles, their hands linger a little longer, they take time to listen to what the other has to say. They sit closely on the couch, knees bumping. Sometimes, Yongsun will sing songs from her childhood while Moonbyul, in turn, tells Yongsun stories from her life in the countryside. Other times, Yongsun will rest her head on Moonbyul’s shoulder while Moonbyul runs her fingertips over Yongsun’s hands, forearms, collarbones, neck, cheek, lips—

When they go to bed, Yongsun falls into Moonbyul’s arms, finding safety and trust in Moonbyul’s embrace. Yongsun wraps her arms around Moonbyul’s back and she comes to the conclusion that neither flesh nor steel define Moonbyul: she is and has always been her own — Moonbyul is human. Many days later, Yongsun continues to fall into Moonbyul’s arms. In the meantime, they find balance in the dark, they kiss, make love and hold each other through the flashbombs.