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Throughout the 400 years living as a reaper and working in Jumadeung, it can be counted the number of times when Park Joong-gil (the overly well-known team leader of Escort Team; thanks to his smashing, good-looking appearance) applied for leave or was absent from work because of sickness or any other reason. It was solid hard to remember if there’s any time when the team leader of Escort Team had ever gone missing unless if it’s a work-related situation.
Park Joong-gil is definitely known for his cold and ruthless aura when it comes to delivering his work; being strict and firm during working hours and any cases or tasks given to him will be finished in such professional, detail-oriented coming from the man himself. Most employees in Jumadeung would not deny the fact that the man could be considered as perfectionist and getting the title ‘Best Employee’ almost all the time since the past centuries were no longer a surprise.
However, things started to slowly become different ever since the news broke about the relationship between the Escort team leader and RM team leader, Goo Ryeon. If before, those two people were highly known for their ‘hatred-love a.k.a sensual tension’ with each other; throwing side-glances towards one another, shooting ogles when there’s something contradict between them or the unique, subtle way on how they seem to genuinely taking care of each other without even realizing.
After the rumours that spread out like a fire engulfing the forest (regarding their history together), it was much too everyone’s shock that Park Joong-gil and Goo Ryeon are eventually married to each other. There were different reactions in Jumadeung after knowing those two whom once ‘enemies’ now changed to a ‘husband-wife couple’. Surely, that’s a big information to digest and take time to get familiar with.
So, when one fine day comes along as usual in Jumadeung; the two familiar assistant subordinate that always tag along by Joong-gil’s side found out that their team leader was nowhere to be found in his office even after the clock shows it’s already half past ten - both of them had a small frown on their faces.
“That’s weird. I wonder where did Team Leader Park went?” Ms. Jang muttered, looking at her friend with questioning eyes. “Maybe Sir has something else to catch up first?” Ms. Jeon assumed, walking with Ms. Jang along the hallway with the same confused face. “But, he’s the one who reminded us about today’s case and told us to find him in the office right after we finished with the dead souls registration.” Ms. Jang pointed, which earned a light nod from Ms. Jeon.
“I don’t think anyone else in our team sees him too. It’s not that difficult to notice his presence though.” Ms. Jeon stated before the two women burst into a chuckle under their breath about that statement. No matter where their team leader went, he always became the centre of attention whenever he walked into the room. Even after the shocking news regarding their team leader and RM team leader are actually a married couple, there’s still eyes darting glances towards Park Joong-gil; not to mention, even those who dared to indirectly flirt and chase after the man despite his status as someone’s husband.
“Do you think we should call for him? Or just wait until he’s here?” Ms. Jeon suggested, exchanging looks with Ms. Jang who seemed to be in a long thought too. “Perhaps, the later one? Who knows Sir has something important to deal with? Maybe an emergency comes up suddenly?” Ms. Jang said, pursing her lips then. Ms. Jeon shrugged, nodded her head before the two of them left the hallway to go to their own workplace.
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He huffed a long breath, placing his hand to cover both of his eyes from the already darkness consuming inside the bedroom. His chest was moving in slow movement, up and down as he tried to catch the breath that felt so tight and hard at the moment. His fingers wiped away the sweat forming on his forehead, his body twisted and turned around on the bed in discomfort, any position that he tried to lie down did not feel right at all.
Joong-gil coughed a bit, his throat felt so raw and dry that every time he swallowed something - it felt like a knife painfully slit his inner muscle in slow motion and a lump placed there. His head was throbbing like hell and when he tried several times to get up, everything looked spinal as if there’s a huge burden that slammed him back into the mattress - preventing him from moving even an inch. It did not help how airless the room felt to him, his body temperature was rising higher rapidly than he expected to be.
All of these started to hit him since last night after completing his tasks for the day; Joong-gil was too exhausted and the fact his body did not have any left energy, he ended up laying on the couch in the living room. When he jerked awake out of blue, he forced himself to take a shower and change into something clean before heading to the bedroom, wanting to lie down and gain some rest with his condition that way. It did not help much because the condition seemed to worsen even further from what he assumed.
Ah, I wish you were here, Ryeon-ah. He thought alone, pinching and massaging from his temple to his sharp jawline till on top of his head, feeling the heavy weight pressing inside his skull. Joong-gil could not figure what time it was but, judging from the light rays that slipped through the curtains, it would probably be almost to noon. He wanted to inform his subordinates regarding his sick condition and apply for today’s leave but, realizing his phone was in the living room - Joong-gil washed away that intention, not having the strength to even sit up on the bed when he almost fainted inside the bedroom earlier. He wondered if anyone noticed about his absence already.
Joong-gil heaved a deep sigh, turning to the left side of the bed where his wife, Ryeon always sleeps. He grabbed the pillow that Ryeon always laid onto, inhaling the faint smell of his wife - the familiar floral, sweet fragrance totally reminded him about Ryeon’s presence as if his wife was there by his side. He missed Ryeon so much especially when he’s like this; feeling sick and weak, wanting nothing except for her care and attention towards him.
He wished to call her and if being selfish, begged for her to come home and abandon the mission that she’s currently dealing with at the outskirts of a hometown somewhere in the Land of Living. It’s been a couple of days, four days to be exact including today and Joong-gil hoped Ryeon will settle the suicide case sooner. The only thing he seeks for now is his one and only wife along with everything that she’s going to offer when she sees his current condition. Please come home quickly, my wife. God, I need you so much.
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Ryung-gu stared at his team leader who gasped beside him, straightening her posture quickly in the passenger seat before turning to look at him. “Is something wrong, team leader?” he asked in concern, curiosity filled in his voice. Ryeon let out a breath, slowly shaking her head as a smile pasted on her lips. “Nothing, Mr. Lim. Just… I don’t know, maybe a feeling of mine, I guess.” she muttered, throwing her sight to look at the outside view.
“Don’t worry, ma’am. You’re going to meet your husband soon. We’re already going back.” Ryung-gu mentioned which earned a snort and a playful hit from Ryeon on his right arm. Speaking of her husband, there’s something that Ryeon noticed out of sudden. She realized that Joong-gil did not send any text or make a call towards her for today and its already past noon.
Well, that’s odd. Ryeon hummed alone.
She tried to come up with logical reasons such as maybe Joong-gil was too busy and forgot to do that? But, never once since they reconciled again and started to move in together; Joong-gil always sent a text to her whether it’s a morning wish or a charm of luck before she started her work. Sometimes, he would text her and compliment how beautiful she looks or whatever it is that gave him an excuse just to contact her - putting a smile and warm feeling crept inside, boosting the good energy mood for Ryeon.
Ryeon checked her phone and just like she assumed, there was no new text or call for today. Now that she thought of it, there wasn’t any contact between Joong-gil and her from yesterday. The last time they communicated was when Joong-gil told her to take care of herself as he excused himself due to work. If she’s not mistaken, that was during lunch hour and she was too busy with the case that she did not even realize about it until now. She ought to reach for Joong-gil now but, knowing that they were already on their way back to Jumadeung, Ryeon just dismissed about her plan. It’s not like she could not meet with her husband at the office later.
“You can go home early today, Mr. Lim. We’ve already done our job.” Ryeon could see the glint and joy that Ryung-gu tried to hide discreetly, bowing towards her before bidding his goodbye. She lightly scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief before making her way towards the Jade Empress’s office. She knocked on the office door before opening it then when she heard the director’s voice from inside, walking towards her desk to hand the report for the previous case. “Oh, you’re back already, Ryeon.” the director smiled at her to which she responded with a small nod.
Before she could say anything, the director already cut her off by asking a question. “Now that you’re here, I wonder if you happen to know where Joong-gil is? I heard from his team members that he’s nowhere to be found today. He was supposed to escort a few important souls today but, no one saw him since morning.” Ryeon’s face changed into a frown after hearing the explanation from the Jade Empress. “I-I’m not sure, ma’am. I didn’t hear from him either. The last time we spoke to each other was yesterday evening.”
The Jade Empress formed an ‘O’ shape on her mouth, nodding in understatement. “I see. Well then, if you said so. How’s the case? It’s not that tough, right?” Ryeon suppressed the urge to not roll her eyes or scoffed at the director’s remark, calming herself to not react much especially with the innocent smile placed on the director’s lips. If only the Jade Empress knew how miserable it felt for the last few days for Ryung-gu and her, that question wouldn't even exist in the first place though. She did explain the entire journey regarding the case and was grateful when the Jade Empress did not say much except for a few comments here and there.
After what seems to be a long discussion and post-up report from her side, Ryeon exhaled a sigh of relief once she closed the door behind her, leaving the Jade Empress’s office and went straight to head to her husband’s office. What Jade Empress mentioned earlier somehow did not sit right for Ryeon and perhaps, maybe this is why she felt uneasy from the start (since on her way back to Jumadeung). When she teleported to Joong-gil’s office because of the impatient plus concern feels that she’s having; disappointment washed over her when there’s no one inside. Ryeon took her phone out from the back pocket of her jeans that she’s wearing, immediately hit Joong-gil’s number on the speed dial of her contact.
Her forehead formed a deep crease when the other line rang endlessly before ending up hitting his voicemail. She bit her lip in dismay, sighing in frustration with the current situation before she left the office. She was striding along the hallway and was about to take a left turn when she saw Ms. Jeon at the end of the corner.
“Ms. Jeon, have you seen Team Leader Park? He’s not in the office.” she murmured in a quiet voice, looking at one of Joong-gil’s assistants with a hope that she might have information regarding her husband. “I’m sorry, Team Leader Goo, but no one has seen him since the morning. Ms. Jang and I tried to reach him but to no avail. We also don’t know where Sir is right now. Maybe you can ask the director about him.” Ms. Jeon suggested, which only earned a flash smile from Ryeon, thanking the young subordinate before parting ways. Where would he go and make everyone think he’s missing throughout the day? That’s very unlikely from him.
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“Seobang-nim.” that soft, angelic voice pulled him from the deep slumber he had, his eyes squeezed shut as his mind sought for the source of the voice. My wife, Joong-gil thought. His lips curved into a smile when the memories of Ryeon taking care of him tenderly, especially when he’s feeling under the weather played in rewind as a tape in the back of his mind. His pair of eyes gazed at his wife who gifted him with such a warm smile, stroking his cheeks with her delight fingers.
Joong-gil leaned closer towards the touch, feeling himself melt like a molten lava under the attention given by Ryeon. He could feel Ryeon’s hand applied some pressure on his temple, massaging and doing circle motions to ease the heavyweight burden in his head. “Look at you, seobang-nim. Just like a baby.” Ryeon’s teasing voice put a grin on his face, a faint chuckle escaped from his mouth. “You’re back? I miss you, Ryeon-ah.”
The giggle came from his wife entertained him, felt pleased with how happy his wife sounded. “What are you talking about? I didn’t go anywhere, seobang-nim. I’m always here with you.” Ryeon comforted him, meeting Joong-gil's eyes when he fluttered them open, staring at each other with such a loving gaze. “Didn’t you leave to handle the case in the village hometown?” he asked which put a confused look on Ryeon’s face. “Seobang-nim, what are you blabbering about? Case? Aigoo, you need to rest more, I assume? You still look pale though.” Ryeon commented, darting an assurance smile towards Joong-gil who stared at her blankly.
Before he wanted to open his mouth to ask more, Joong-gil realized then that Ryeon was dressed in the traditional hanbok - the familiar image just like the one in his vivid memories centuries ago. A deep crease formed on his forehead when realization took over him as he noticed the enormous difference in the room where they both were. His wife was busy organizing and cleaning his bed beside him, not having any idea of the perplexed and horror expression plastered on Joong-gil’s face.
Their private moment then was interrupted when there’s a slight knock on the wooden door before one of the maids showed and bowed as a gesture. “There’s a delivery for you, My Lady.” Ryeon nodded and thanked the maid before she stood up carefully to follow the maid. “I’ll come back later to check up on you. You should get more rest, seobang-nim. Don’t be too hard on yourself, okay?” Ryeon reminded him with a gentle smile on her lips, proceeded to head out from the room with the maid tagged along behind.
No, please don’t go, my wife. Don’t leave me! He screamed alone, panic started to rise inside as he found himself frozen in that same spot, unable to move or even open his mouth to speak. Joong-gil saw his wife, Ryeon turned around to look at him one last time with a sweet, wide smile formed on her lips before her figure vanished after the maid closed the door, leaving him alone again in the room. He hardly tried to move his body around but, every time he did that - it only made things difficult for himself and ended up feeling paralyzed at the end.
What the hell!? What is happening? Joong-gil hissed alone, feeling upset and frustrated with the current situation. Now that Ryeon left him alone, he could not even do anything and felt so helpless. He threw himself backwards to lie down on the futon, letting out a deep sigh. Is this a dream? Or another nightmare? Joong-gil guessed, not sure why he’s back again in this era. After his reconciliation with Ryeon, it’s been a while since the last time he dreamed something like this or had those awful and terrible nightmares.
There were times where he could not escape that darkness that slipped and chased him whenever he seemed vulnerable but Ryeon was always there to comfort and soothe him - holding and hugging him in her pair of eyes until he calmed down. Joong-gil scoffed in annoyance as he closed his eyes - in hope, all of these will be gone soon. It’s already tiring enough to deal with the sickness that he’s having and to come across with this past of him; Joong-gil not sure if he had that kind of strength to face this.
Seobang-nim.
Ryeon?
Seobang-nim, help me.
Ryeon!? Where are you? Why are you asking for help? Joong-gil’s forehead turned into a crease, his face began to sweat with anxiety as he moved around restlessly, his breath became rapid while his fist clenched on the blanket that covered him. Just then, Ryeon’s solemn expression appeared in his mind, staring at him with such an unreadable and longing pair of eyes. Her lips trembled in despair as a few drops of tears rolled over her cheeks. “My wife.” Joong-gil called for Ryeon but, wanting to reach out towards her, his pair of arms tried to catch his wife's figure.
However, no matter how many times he tried, Ryeon was so far yet so close within his reach. Joong-gil’s eyes widen in terror when he realized the familiar barbarian soldiers that came from behind to capture his wife. No, no, no! You can’t take her again from me! Ryeon-ah! Joong-gil literally screamed on top of his lungs but to his surprise and dismay, there was no sound heard and he watched in distance how the soldiers dragged Ryeon away from her.
No, Ryeon! My wife!
This is not happening! Not again! Please…
Seobang-nim! Joong-gil whined in misery, seeing with his own eyes how his wife was taken away from him, her face scrunched in pain, sorrowful way as the tears rolled down in a rush. Please stop. Don’t hurt her again, please. Leave her alone, take me instead! Joong-gil begged desperately. He did not even realize the tears escaped from his eyes, his body was shaking due to the trauma and anxiety that attacked him in his sleep.
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Joong-gil?
Husband, hey, wake up!
What…? Joong-gil jerked awake in his sleep, gasping and as a reflex, he pulled away from the person who was touching him, jolting in motion as he sat up almost immediately.
“Hey, hey, it’s alright. It’s okay, I’m here. It’s me.” Ryeon spoke in a calm and quiet voice, holding Joong-gil’s arm gently as she tried to soothe her husband whom she was certain was having one of his nightmares again. “Ryeon-ah?” Joong-gil's breathless voice whispered, squinting his eyes in the dim light bedroom to look at her.
A genuine smile crept on Ryeon’s lips as she nodded her head lightly, giving a squeeze on Joong-gil’s forearm before she spoke. “It’s me, husband. This is me, your wife.” Ryeon assured and before she could say more, she squealed in surprise when Joong-gil’s strong arms brought her into his embrace, bringing her into a tight hug as he dumped his face on top of her head, inhaling the familiar scent of his wife. “Y-You’re here. It’s y-you. It really is you.” Joong-gil tightened his arms around her, almost sobbing when he realized that this is real - that Ryeon is actually here within in his arms.
“Of course, I’m here. Where else would I be, hmmm?” she told him, returning his embrace as she softly caressed his back while her other hand played with his black hair, one of the gestures that Joong-gil found comfort and safe from Ryeon. “I was so worried about you. You gave a fright towards people in Jumadeung. Everyone was looking everywhere for you, especially your team members and assistants.” Ryeon mentioned when Joong-gil pulled away to look at his wife’s face that he has been missing for the last couple of days. “Is it the nightmares again?” Ryeon’s question was answered with just a quick nod from Joong-gil.
Ryeon placed her palm on the side of Joong-gil’s temple - could not help but to smile and blush a little when her husband twisted his face to press kisses on the inside of her palm, leaning to the warmth that she radiated. “Are you okay? How long have you been like this?” she asked in hush tone, watching as Joong-gil then changed his position to lay down on her lap, facing towards her flat stomach while his long arms lingered around her petite waist like a child.
Her fingers gradually ruffled his hair, stroking and twirling few strands while watching in delight as Joong-gil comfortably took his time to rest, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist as if not letting her go from him. Ryeon could not tell how relieved she was when she found out her ‘missing’ husband was sleeping in their bedroom after been searching for him like a mad person for almost half an hour. She did not expect that Joong-gil would be laid down on the bed and the first thing that hit her when she saw her husband’s condition - total concern and slight panic.
Joong-gil’s body was burning hot and his body was sweating so much that his clothes were damp because of that. His face was flushing red and the fact his lips were pale white did not help Ryeon to stay calm with the situation. She did everything she could; changing her husband’s clothes, wetting a face towel to dab on Joong-gil’s warm face and even called a doctor from a clinic under Jumadeung, requesting for the home medical check-up service.
It’s probably because of the never-ending work and lack of rest from your husband, ma’am. Besides, he was known to not be able falling asleep for hundreds of years. Tell him to take it easy once in a while. I know that he’s not going to die due to exhaustion but it's important to maintain one’s health too. Surely, Jumadeung doesn’t want to lose one of their best performing employees soon, right?
“Ryeon-ah?” she responded with a low hum, gazing down to meet with Joong-gil’s pair of eyes who already stared at her. “You’re not going to leave me, right?” he spoke in crack and hoarse voice, the doubt and longing look reflected in his eyes somehow mirrored whatever feeling he had at the moment. “I miss you so much, my wife.” he confessed, grabbing Ryeon’s hand to place feather kisses along her knuckles, gently caressing it later.
“How are you feeling? Getting better?” Ryeon carefully asked, letting Joong-gil do whatever he wanted to. “Fine. Now that you’re here, I feel much better already.” she could not help but to smile in sheepish way with the answer given by Joong-gil. “Why didn’t you tell me that you are sick?” Ryeon threw the question after a long silence filled between them, gradually massaging Joong-gil’s head with her fingers, earning a content sigh from her husband then. “You were out of town.” he stated as a matter of fact.
“Still, you should let me know, husband. Do you have any idea how worried and confused I am when I couldn’t reach you? Almost everyone in Jumadeung asked me about you, including the Jade Empress. You pretty much created a scene today with your unlikely ‘missing’ presence.” Joong-gil scoffed in response, shaking his head as he could imagine the disbelief look from anyone in Jumadeung.
After decades of working non-stop and having the cleanest record of not taking any leave, Park Joong-gil finally succumbed to the sickness that he expertly dodged all these times. “I apologize for that, my wife. It's just that I really don’t have any energy to inform my subordinates about my current situation. All I ever think is wanting and hoping you’ll come back soon.” Ryeon let out a chuckle then, looking at her husband in an almost teasing way. “Why?” she promptly demanded.
“I need my wife’s attention when I’m at my weakest condition. Which reminds me… I still didn’t get my welcome kiss from you, Ryeon-ah.” Joong-gil whined, giving that puppy-eyes look towards his wife. “No, we can’t. You’re still sick, husband. If I’m going to be sick as well; then, who’s going to look for you? Or even for both of us?” Ryeon murmured, holding herself from bursting into a laugh when she saw the huge disappointment formed on Joong-gil’s face.
Joong-gil pouted then, snuggling closer while flickering and blinking his eyes in a persuasive way - hoping Ryeon would change her mind. Damn, so cute! Ryeon thought, chewing her lips as an attempt to pull herself together. “Come on, my wife. Just one quick kiss for me, please?”
Ryeon playfully rolled her eyes, trying to ignore her husband’s plea when an idea struck into her mind. “Close your eyes then.” she ordered which Joong-gil followed in seconds, earning a giggle from Ryeon. She lowered her head down, closing the gap between Joong-gil and her as she aimed for the spot to press her lips onto. Joong-gil probably was too eager to kiss Ryeon and waiting for the moment their lips sealed together, his lips already puckered and ready for a kiss. However, when he felt the familiar shape of Ryeon’s lips pressed on his forehead, he opened his eyes almost quickly as confusion washed over him.
“I promise I’ll kiss you as much as you want and anywhere you like when you’re feeling better, husband.” Ryeon muttered softly before placing another kiss on the tip of Joong-gil’s nose then. “You are so mean, my wife. How dare you give me fake hope?” Joong-gil expressed with a solemn face, turning around from Ryeon to show his ‘sulk’ mode. He heard the chuckle coming from his wife before he felt Ryeon’s pair of arms pulled him closer towards her and the next thing, his face was resting against Ryeon’s chest (just above where her heart is located) and Joong-gil could hear clearly how steady her heartbeat is.
He heaved a long breath, wrapping his arms around Ryeon’s small figure as the two of them found comfort within in each other's presence. “I miss you too, you know.” Ryeon whispered huskily, running her fingers along Joong-gil sweaty hair, feeling the leftover dampness thanks to his feverish condition. “Next time, just inform me if you’re sick or something urgent comes up. I’m your wife, am I not?” Ryeon reminded Joong-gil and it came to acknowledgement for Joong-gil that his wife probably felt left out with what had happened.
“I’m sorry for making you worried, my wife.” he apologized, leaving trail of kisses along the exposed area of her chest and cleavage area. “You should sleep, get some rest more.” Ryeon told Joong-gil when he yawned few times, making himself comfortable then in her arms. “Stay with me, Ryeon-ah.” he mumbled in a low voice and Ryeon could not help but to smile at his clinginess, bending her head to press a long kiss on top of his head. “Always.” she said, watching as Joong-gil slowly drifted into another deep slumber, his calm breath and snores could be heard while his embrace never wanted to let her go.