Walking towards his bride’s bedroom

Walking towards his bride’s bedroom, he hesitated. He did not open the door. He merely stood there and listened. The quiet sounds of sobbing have since ceased, but just in case she was still awake, he tapped lightly and called her name softly. There was no reply. He opened the door and walked into her room – or rather, their nuptial room.

She was asleep. He looked at her still form - still in her wedding finery. Her white satin wedding gown was badly crushed. He picked up her veil which was lying near the door. Probably, she had torn it off her head and flung it there. She was lying on her stomach with her profile towards him. Part of her long hair fanned her face, so he gently smoothed it away. He stepped back when she stirred slightly but did wake. He looked at her tear-stained cheek and smudged makeup and felt a stirring of anger within himself.

Earlier she had told him that she had not wanted to marry him as she was in love with his cousin, Sang-min. In fact, they had gone out together while still at university but San-mi has never told her uncle. She knew her uncle has never liked Sang-min, often describing him as irresponsible and unreliable.

“Uncle has always liked you, even when we were children.” Sun-mi had revealed to Hyung-chul. “I was sure you would never marry a woman just because of parental pressure and told Uncle so.” Then she looked at him with sad eyes, “But I was wrong, wasn’t I?”

He caressed her cheek lovingly. “If you only knew – you weren’t wrong at all.”

That night he moved his things into the guest room.

****

After that night, he has never heard or seen Sun-mi weeping. It was as if she had decided to accept that liked it or not, it was her fate and she was now a married woman. Nevertheless, many times, he caught her sitting in front of television – staring at the blank screen.

One thing Hyung-chul had kept from her was his subsequent meeting with his cousin. He was surprised and angry when his cousin denied there was anything more than a platonic friendship between them.

“Sure, we went out.” Sang-min admitted. “But we were always with two other friends or in a group. I had not even known she was in love with me.”

“How could you not have known?” Hyung-chul retorted angrily. His fists were just itching to connect with his cousin’s jaw.

“Hyong, I like Sun-mi.” Sang-min stressed. “I invited her out because frankly, I like the attention she showers on me. She’s like an adorable little puppy who is fun to have around but that’s all.”

“You’ve never led her on?”

Sang-min answered with a question. “Think I would want to give you a chance to beat my nose to a pulp?”

“What would I do that for?”

He patted his cousin’s shoulder. “Let’s just say I have perfect vision!”

“But she’s in love with you.”

“So? Make her fall in love with you instead. I can’t believe a tenacious prosecutor like you will not try to fight for what he wants.” Then he leant forward and whispered conspiringly. “If you don’t want her to leave, I’d suggest that you’d better consummate your marriage. That way she’ll be shackled to you forever.”

How could that scalawag have known about that?

***

As Sun-mi declined Hyung-chul’s suggestion for a honeymoon, both of them returned to work one week after their marriage. When close friends asked about their honeymoon plans, both of them would just laugh and dance around the question. In front of family and friends, they would be the most loving of couples but when they’re back in their apartment and away from prying eyes, they hardly communicate. It wasn’t that he did not try to entice Sun-mi to talk, but she would always reply to his questions in monosyllables. So he decided to give her time to get used to their life as husband and wife.

The guest room has become a permanent fixture for him. Sun-mi had offered to take the guest room but he insisted on her having the master bedroom. He teased her that she would never be able to fit her entire wardrobe in the closet. She had smiled weakly at that and accepted his decision.

***

One morning while having breakfast prepared by is wife, Sun-mi told him that she will be late home that night.

“I have a dinner meeting with some major clients.”

“Oh, that so?” He was immediately concerned but faked a bland expression. “Pass the pepper, please. Anyone else from your company?” Sun-mi handed him the pepper and sipped her coffee.

“I thought you do not like pepper.”

He shrugged. “You did not answer my question.”

“About anyone else joining the dinner meeting?” Hyung-chul nodded. “No, it would be just I and the Japanese clients.”

“Really?” He forked a bit of fried eggs into his mouth and gagged on the peppery hotness. Sun-mi got up and handed him a glass of water. When his throat had cooled down somewhat, he asked again, “Isn’t anyone else free to accompany you?”

She leant back in her chair and folded her arms. “Why do you do that all the time?”

Without looking at her, he picked up the morning paper “Do what?”

She answered crossly. “Cross-examining me and treating me like a defenceless little girl who can’t go anywhere without a bodyguard!”

“Come on, I don’t do that!”

“Yes, you do!” She got up from the table and angrily picks up her briefcase. “I’ll save you the trouble of asking the next question, Mr. Prosecutor. The clients are all men!”

That night, he waited anxiously for her return. He had wanted to call up her secretary to find out where the dinner will be held but he knew she would be livid if she found out. So, he has had to hold his anxiety in check and hope that she return home safe and sound. As the minutes on the clocked ticked by, he paced up and down the living room. Several times he went down to the car park, hoping to catch a glimpse of her car.

When he heard the key turn in the lock, he dashed into the bathroom. He rumpled up his hair to make it look like he had just gotten out of bed for a pee. He did not want her to know that he had been waiting up for her. But just after he had flushed the cistern, he slipped on a bar of soap that had fallen out of the soap dish. When she heard the loud thud, Sun-mi ran into the bathroom and found Hyung-chul lying on the bathroom floor.

“Omigod, what happened?” She went to him and tried to help him get up from the floor.

“Don’t!” He gritted his teeth as pain shot through him. He was still seeing stars. “I think it’s my back.”

Her own face was ashen as she witnessed his pain. “Wait here, I’ll get help!”

After she has made the call, she went back to him and tried to make him comfortable. As the bathroom tiles were cold, she gently placed a blanket under him. She sat down on and laid his head on her lap.

“My uncle’s still at the hospital. He’ll be here soon to check on you. Are you still in pain?”

He looked at her worried face and sought to reassure her. “It doesn’t seem to be so bad now.” He tried to move. “Help me. I think I can get up.”

“Don’t try to be heroic, okay? Let my uncle check you out first.”

“Although your lap makes a comfortable pillow, I’d still have to try.” He wriggled his toes and turned slowly to one side. “Give me a hand. I think I can get up now.”

“Are you really sure?” She squatted down and gently helped him into a sitting position. She watched his face for any signs of pain. “No pain?”

“No.” He held out his hands. “Give me your hands.” Finally, he stood up unsteadily.

“Let me help you.” She draped his arm across her shoulder and put her arm around his waist. “Can you make it to the bed?”

“Shouldn’t be any problem but you’d have to support me.”

Slowly, step by step she helped him walk towards the room. “You’d better lie down on my bed – it’s much bigger and more comfortable.” He thought it sounded too logical to refuse. The door-bell pealed and she ran to open the door for her uncle. After a thorough check, her uncle smiled.

“He’s fine – no major bones broken. He’s just a bit stunned by the fall since he fell heavily.” Her uncle patted her hand. “Your husband should be alright after a good night’s rest.”

At the mention of the word ‘husband’, Sun-mi felt a peculiar feeling. Even though they had been married for 2 months, it was strange hearing the word. She went back to the room and walked to the closet to get her night-gown.

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll sleep in the guest room.”

“You can sleep here too. The bed’s big enough for both of us.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“I may need you to help me to the bathroom in the middle of the night.” He explained calmly. “Don’t worry. I’m in no shape for any strenuous workout.”

“What?’ She bristled indignantly. “I wasn’t thinking about that!”

“I didn’t say you were.” Seeing her hesitation, he suggested. “Look, if you don’t trust me, you can put a pillow in the centre of the bed.”

“Don’t be silly!” She glared at him. “Just shut up and go to sleep. I’ll turn off the lights now.” Pleased that she’s not going anywhere, he closed his eyes, a happy smile on his face. At least she has agreed to share his bed and to him, that indicates she has taken a step towards him.

***

Waking up, Sun-mi stretched leisurely and snuggled deeper into soft folds of the bed. She loved mornings – her favorite time of the day. She clutched the extra pillow closer to her chest and smiled. Feeling a breath of air in her face, she opened one eye.

“Hi!” Her husband’s face was so close to hers, she could see the hairs in his nostrils. She tried to jump out of bed, but he placed one heavy leg on hers.

“Today is Sunday, so there’s no need to get out of bed so early.”

“I need to get up, so will you please remove your leg?”

Not complying with her request, he asked, “Why?”

She pushed his leg away and got out of bed. “You have to go to hospital today for a follow-up.” She suddenly found herself looking at his bare chest and turned cri

Hasil (Bahasa Indonesia) 1:

Berjalan menuju Kamar Pengantin-nya, dia ragu-ragu. Dia tidak membuka pintu. Ia hanya berdiri di sana dan mendengarkan. Tenang suara dari menangis karena berhenti, tetapi hanya jika ia masih tetap terjaga, ia mengetuk ringan dan disebut namanya lembut. Ada tidak ada jawaban. Dia membuka pintu dan berjalan ke kamarnya-atau lebih tepatnya, Kamar perkawinan mereka.Dia sedang tidur. Dia memandang tubuhnya membentuk masih - masih dalam perhiasan pernikahan nya. Dia gaun pernikahan satin putih parah hancur. Ia memungut cadarnya yang berbaring dekat pintu. Mungkin, ia telah robek kepalanya dan melemparkan itu ada. Dia berbaring di perutnya dengan profil-nya ke arahnya. Bagian dari rambutnya yang panjang Larger wajah, sehingga ia lembut licin jauhnya. Dia melangkah ke belakang ketika dia mengaduk sedikit tetapi apakah bangun. Dia memandang nya pipi bernoda air mata dan tercoreng riasan dan merasa pengadukan kemarahan dalam dirinya sendiri.Sebelumnya dia telah mengatakan kepadanya bahwa dia tidak ingin menikah dengannya karena dia jatuh cinta dengan sepupunya, Sang-min. Pada kenyataannya, mereka telah pergi bersama-sama sementara masih di Universitas tetapi San-mi tidak pernah mengatakan pamannya. Dia tahu pamannya pernah menyukai Sang-min, sering menggambarkan dia sebagai tidak bertanggung jawab dan tidak dapat diandalkan."Paman selalu menyukai Anda, bahkan ketika kita anak-anak." Sun-mi telah menyatakan kepada Hyung-chul. "Aku yakin Anda akan pernah menikah dengan wanita hanya karena orangtua tekanan dan mengatakan paman." Kemudian dia memandangnya dengan mata sedih, "tapi aku sudah salah, tidak aku?"Dia membelai nya pipi penuh cinta. "Jika Anda hanya tahu-Anda tidak salah sama sekali."Malam itu ia pindah barangnya ke kamar tamu.****Setelah malam itu, ia tidak pernah mendengar atau melihat Sun-mi menangis. Itu seolah-olah dia telah memutuskan untuk menerima yang suka atau tidak, itu adalah nasib nya dan sekarang dia adalah wanita yang sudah menikah. Namun demikian, banyak kali, ia menangkap dia duduk di depan televisi-menatap layar kosong.Satu hal Hyung-chul telah memelihara darinya adalah nya pertemuan selanjutnya dengan sepupunya. Dia menjadi terkejut dan marah ketika sepupunya ditolak ada sesuatu yang lebih dari sebuah persahabatan Platonis antara mereka."Tentu saja, kami pergi." Bernyanyi-min mengakui. "Tapi kami selalu dengan dua teman-teman lain atau dalam kelompok. Aku tidak bahkan tahu dia adalah cinta dengan saya.""Bagaimana bisa Anda tidak tahu?" Hyung-chul menukas marah. Genggamnya yang gatal untuk terhubung dengan sepupunya rahang."Hyong, aku suka Sun-mi." Bernyanyi-min stres. "Saya diundang keluar karena terus terang, aku suka perhatian dia melimpahi pada saya. Dia adalah seperti anjing kecil yang manis yang menyenangkan untuk memiliki sekitar tetapi itu saja.""Anda sudah pernah dipimpin dia?"Bernyanyi-min menjawab dengan sebuah pertanyaan. "Berpikir saya ingin memberi Anda kesempatan untuk mengalahkan hidung saya ke pulp?""Apa yang akan saya lakukan yang?"Ia menepuk bahu sepupunya. "Mari kita katakan saja aku punya visi yang sempurna!""Tapi ia jatuh cinta dengan Anda.""Jadi? Membuat dia jatuh cinta dengan Anda sebagai gantinya. Aku tidak percaya Jaksa ulet seperti Anda tidak akan mencoba berjuang untuk apa yang dia inginkan." Kemudian ia bersandar ke depan dan berbisik conspiringly. "Jika Anda tidak ingin dia meninggalkan, saya akan menyarankan bahwa Anda lebih baik akan mewujudkan pernikahan Anda. Dengan cara itu ia akan dibelenggu Anda selamanya."Bagaimana bisa scalawag yang diketahui tentang hal itu?***Seperti Sun-mi menolak Hyung-chul saran untuk berbulan madu, keduanya kembali untuk bekerja satu minggu setelah pernikahan mereka. Ketika teman bertanya tentang rencana bulan madu mereka dekat, keduanya akan tertawa dan menari di sekitar pertanyaan. Di depan keluarga dan teman, mereka akan paling mencintai pasangan tetapi ketika mereka sedang kembali di apartemen mereka dan dari membongkar mata, mereka hampir tidak berkomunikasi. Bukan bahwa dia tidak mencoba untuk membujuk Sun-mi untuk berbicara, tetapi dia selalu menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan di monosyllables. Jadi ia memutuskan untuk memberikan dia waktu untuk mendapatkan digunakan untuk mereka hidup sebagai suami dan istri.Kamar telah menjadi perlengkapan tetap baginya. Sun-mi telah menawarkan untuk mengambil ruang tamu tapi dia bersikeras pada memiliki kamar tidur utama. Ia menggodanya bahwa dia akan pernah bisa cocok nya seluruh pakaian di lemari. Dia tersenyum lemah pada saat itu dan menerima keputusan.***Suatu pagi sementara makan pagi yang disiapkan oleh istri, Sun-mi mengatakan kepadanya bahwa ia akan terlambat pulang malam itu."Saya memiliki pertemuan makan malam dengan beberapa klien yang besar.""Oh, itu begitu?" Dia segera prihatin tetapi dipalsukan ekspresi hambar. Lewat lada, silakan. Orang lain dari perusahaan Anda?" Sun-mi, menyerahkan lada dan menghirup kopi."Saya pikir Anda tidak suka lada."Ia mengangkat bahu. "Anda tidak menjawab pertanyaan saya.""Tentang orang lain bergabung dalam pertemuan makan malam?" Hyung-chul mengangguk. "Tidak, itu akan menjadi hanya aku dan klien Jepang.""Benarkah?" Ia bercabang sedikit goreng telur ke dalam mulutnya dan tercekik pada panas pedas. Sun-mi, bangun dan menyerahkan segelas air. Kapan tenggorokannya telah didinginkan agak, ia bertanya lagi, "Tidak ada yang lain gratis untuk menemani Anda?"Dia bersandar di kursi nya dan dilipat tangannya. "Mengapa Anda melakukan itu sepanjang waktu?"Tanpa memandang dia, dan ia mengambil koran pagi "Lakukan apa?"Dia menjawab dengan cermat. "Cross-examining saya dan memperlakukan saya seperti seorang gadis kecil defenceless yang tidak bisa pergi ke mana pun tanpa pengawal!""Datang, aku tidak melakukan itu!""Ya, Anda lakukan!" Dia bangun dari meja dan marah mengambil tas nya. "Aku akan menyimpan Anda kesulitan meminta pertanyaan berikutnya, Mr Prosecutor. Klien adalah semua orang!"Malam itu, dia menunggu dengan cemas untuk kembali. Dia ingin menelepon nya Sekretaris untuk mengetahui mana makan malam akan diadakan tetapi dia tahu dia akan marah jika dia tahu. Jadi, dia harus menahan nya kecemasan dalam memeriksa dan berharap bahwa ia kembali rumah aman dan sehat. Seperti oleh ticked menit Clock, ia serba atas dan bawah ruang. Beberapa kali ia pergi ke tempat parkir mobil, berharap untuk menangkap melihat sekilas dari mobilnya.Ketika ia mendengar pergantian kunci dalam kunci, ia berlari ke kamar mandi. Ia kusut sampai rambutnya untuk membuatnya terlihat seperti dia baru saja keluar dari tempat tidur untuk kencing. Dia tidak ingin ia tahu bahwa ia telah menunggu untuknya. Tapi hanya setelah ia telah memerah tangki, ia menyelinap di sabun yang telah jatuh dari sabun piring. Ketika ia mendengar gedebuk yang keras, Sun-mi lari ke kamar mandi dan menemukan Hyung-chul berbaring di lantai kamar mandi."Omigod, apa yang terjadi?" Dia pergi kepadanya dan mencoba untuk membantu dia bangun dari lantai."Tidak!" Ia menggertakkan gigi sebagai nyeri ditembak melaluinya. Dia masih melihat bintang-bintang. "Saya pikir itu adalah punggung saya."Wajahnya sendiri adalah ashen seperti dia menyaksikan sakitnya. "Menunggu di sini, saya akan mendapatkan bantuan!"Setelah ia telah membuat panggilan, dia kembali padanya dan mencoba untuk membuatnya nyaman. Karena ubin kamar mandi yang dingin, dia lembut ditempatkan selimut di bawah-nya. Dia duduk di dan meletakkan kepalanya di pangkuannya."Paman saya masih di rumah sakit. Ia akan segera di sini untuk memeriksa Anda. Apakah Anda masih dalam sakit?"Dia memandang wajahnya khawatir dan berusaha untuk meyakinkan istrinya. "Tampaknya tidak akan terlalu buruk sekarang." Dia mencoba untuk bergerak. "Membantu saya. Saya pikir saya bisa bangun.""Jangan mencoba untuk menjadi heroik, oke? Biarkan paman saya memeriksa pertama.""Meskipun pangkuan Anda membuat bantal yang nyaman, aku masih harus mencoba." Ia wriggled jari-jari kakinya dan berubah perlahan-lahan ke satu sisi. "Beri saya tangan. Saya pikir saya bisa mendapatkan sekarang.""Apakah Anda benar-benar yakin?" Dia berjongkok ke bawah dan lembut membantu dia ke dalam posisi duduk. Dia melihat wajahnya tanda-tanda sakit. "Tidak ada rasa sakit?""Tidak." Ia mengulurkan tangan-Nya. "Berikan aku tanganmu." Akhirnya, dia berdiri tertatih-tatih."Biarkan saya membantu Anda." Dia disampirkan lengannya di bahunya dan menempatkan lengannya di sekeliling pinggangnya. "Anda bisa tidur?""Seharusnya tidak menjadi masalah tetapi Anda harus mendukung saya."Perlahan-lahan, langkah demi langkah dia membantu dia berjalan menuju kamar. "Anda lebih baik akan berbaring di tempat tidur saya-itu jauh lebih besar dan lebih nyaman." Dia pikir itu terdengar terlalu logis untuk menolak. Bel Pintu pealed dan ia berlari untuk membuka pintu untuk pamannya. Setelah pemeriksaan menyeluruh, pamannya tersenyum."Ia baik-tidak ada tulang utama yang rusak. Dia adalah sedikit tertegun oleh musim gugur karena ia jatuh berat." Pamannya menepuk tangannya. "Suami Anda harus baik-baik saja setelah istirahat malam yang baik."Di menyebutkan kata 'suami', Sun-mi merasa perasaan aneh. Meskipun mereka telah menikah selama 2 bulan, itu aneh mendengar Firman. Dia kembali ke kamar dan berjalan ke dalam lemari untuk mendapatkan gaun malam."Mana Anda akan?""Aku akan tidur di ruang tamu.""Anda dapat tidur di sini juga. Tempat tidur di cukup besar untuk kami berdua."Matanya melebar. "Apa?""Saya mungkin perlu Anda untuk membantu saya ke kamar mandi di tengah malam." Dia menjelaskan dengan tenang. "Jangan khawatir. Saya dalam bentuk tidak untuk setiap latihan yang berat."' Apa?' Dia bristled dengan geram. "Saya tidak berpikir tentang hal itu!""Aku tidak mengatakan Anda." Melihat dia ragu-ragu, ia menyarankan. "Lihat, jika Anda tidak percaya padaku, Anda dapat menempatkan bantal di pusat tempat tidur.""Jangan bodoh!" Dia melotot padanya. "Hanya tutup mulut dan pergi tidur. Saya akan mematikan lampu sekarang." Senang bahwa ia tidak akan di mana saja, dia memejamkan mata, senyum bahagia di wajahnya. Setidaknya dia telah setuju untuk berbagi tempat tidurnya dan kepadanya, yang menunjukkan dia telah mengambil langkah ke arahnya.***Bangun, Sun-mi membentang santai dan meringkuk lebih dalam ke lipatan lembut tempat tidur. Dia mencintai pagi – kesukaannya waktu hari. Ia mencengkeram bantal tambahan lebih dekat ke dadanya dan tersenyum. Perasaan menghirup udara di wajahnya, dia membuka satu mata."Hai!" Suaminya wajah adalah jadi dekat dengan miliknya, dia bisa melihat rambut di hidungnya. Dia mencoba untuk melompat dari tempat tidur, tapi ia ditempatkan satu kaki berat pada bibirnya."Hari ini adalah hari Minggu, sehingga tidak perlu untuk keluar dari tempat tidur begitu awal.""Saya perlu untuk mendapatkan up, jadi Maukah Anda menghapus kaki Anda?"Tidak mematuhi permintaannya, ia bertanya, "Kenapa?"Dia mendorong kaki jauhnya dan keluar dari tempat tidur. "Anda harus pergi ke rumah sakit hari ini untuk tindak lanjut." Dia tiba-tiba mendapati dirinya memandang dadanya yang telanjang dan berbalik cri