Into the Light

He locked the apartment door with a final click.

Ending his old life, to begin a new one.

And took her hand.

Before proceeding to walk down the steps.

Out of the dark stairway and into the sun.

---

"See you around then, Bookstore Ahjussi. I'll miss you."

She smiled and gave the old man a long hug.

"I will miss you too, child. Take care and don't get into anymore trouble."

She grinned at his remark.

Then, it was Tae-sik's turn to say goodbye.

But unlike other times, this time he was happy.

"Take care, old friend. We'll visit from time to time."

"Things ok with So-Mi and the bad guys?"

"We don't know for sure. But for now, we feel that things are quite safe."

"But still, please stay vigilant."

"Yes, that we have to be."

Both men shaking hands, solemn yet smiling.

"Don't worry, Bookstore Ahjussi. You know what survivors we both are," So-Mi smiled. "And I'll make sure Ahjussi keeps to his promise to visit."

"I'm sure you'll do," he laughed. "Take care again, both of you."

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

-----

"I don’t think I’ll ever stop calling you Ahjussi. It’ll be like my pet name for you," she smiled as they walk out of the bookstore, hand in hand.

He gave a soft laugh.

“Yeah, I suppose Oppa is bit much, huh?”

“Not really. I’d want to call you Oppa too, sometimes. Especially in private,” she said suggestively.

He burst out laughing and pull her in for a long tender kiss.

With the old gray and run-down neighbourhood as a backdrop.

Though, with sun shining, did not look as drab or dreary.

Just like, should darkness continue to plague Tae-sik and So-Mi, they would  definitely draw their own strength to shed light upon it.

Together.

“Saranghaeyo,” he said softly.

Feeling confident at last to declare his love for her.

And to start living again.

“Ara,” she said cheekily. “I love you too.”

And she hugged him tight, knowing she has at last stepped out of the darkness and into the light.

~ The End ~