A Step Into the Past

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Friday Afternoon, On March 17th 2016. Emma was at her Manhattan apartment in 175h Amsterdam Avenue watching Dr.Jin, a TV show based on a Japanese manga about a neurosurgeon sent back to Edo period Japan, later adapted into a Korean version.

"I couldn't even imagine myself time travel to the Joseon dynasty." She said to herself. "So much historical change, so little knowledge of the proper etiquette. I'd probably get beheaded in the first week."

*Knock Knock*

Emma paused the episode and set the remote down on her coffee table. Rising from the couch, she made her way to the apartment door and peered through the small glass lens in its center. Standing in the hallway was Henry Samuel Brooks, her boyfriend of eleven years.

"Hello, handsome." Emma said as she opened the door. "What brings you here?"

"Just wanted to see my favorite detective." Henry replied, pulling her into a hug. His winter coat was cold against her cheek.

"Let's get you inside, it's freezing out there." Emma said, guiding him into the warmth of their apartment.

Henry entered while Emma closed the door, the click of the lock a familiar comfort. He slipped off his coat and hung it on the hook by the door, his movements fluid and practiced.

He turned, a playful glint in his eyes, and suddenly swept her into his arms, lifting her off the floor. Emma let out a small gasp of surprise, laughing as he carried her toward their bedroom.

"Woah, what's that for?" she asked, her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Couldn't wait to get my hands on you," he said, setting her gently on the bed before lying beside her.

"You came all this way just for that?" Emma teased, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.

"Absolutely," he said, his voice low. "Plus, I wanted to tell you something important."

"Like what?" Emma asked, her curiosity piqued. "You finally convinced your boss to let you work from home on Fridays?"

He silenced her with a kiss, deep and unhurried. When they finally broke apart, Emma was breathless.

"Okay, okay," she laughed, pushing him back slightly. "What's this big news? Did you finally design a logo that doesn't look like a distressed octopus?"

"Actually," he began, his fingers tracing circles on her stomach, "I got promoted to Art Director at the firm."

Emma's eyes widened. "Art Director? Henry, that's incredible!" She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Em." He beamed.

"Seriously?" she asked when they finally broke apart. "You were nervous to tell me this? This is incredible news!"

Henry chuckled, his hands sliding up her sides. "I wanted it to be a surprise. Plus, I like watching you get excited."

"Well, mission accomplished," she said, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I'm so proud of you. All those late nights and weekends paid off, huh?" She ruffled his hair playfully. "My brilliant idiot."

"I'm not an idiot," he protested, grinning. "I just have a unique way of seeing the world."

"Unique is one word for it," she teased, her gaze softening. "We need to celebrate. Tonight. My treat. Anywhere you want to go."

"How about we just stay in?" Henry asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Right now?" Emma laughed. "What happened to celebrating your promotion with a fancy dinner?"