That night, when the snow fell, many things changed.
It was amazing how by every passing day, nothing seemed to change, but when a person looked back on time, everything was different. It was even more amazing how one moment could change a lifetime.
Ahn Jungwon hugged Gyeo-ul in silence... his Gyeo-ul for a long time, holding her tightly, pulling her closer to him until the ticks of his watch became a distant, muffled noise under the folds of her white doctor's coat.
But by pulling her close to him, with tears swelling up in his eyes, struggling to stay at bay, he was not only announcing his love for her. He was renouncing his decision to ply onto the road of priesthood. He was going to stay as a doctor, saving the lives of children he so loved to hold in his arms, and squeeze soundly, and allow warmth to enter his heart and soul when they smiled up at him, laughed, and called out his name "Dr. Jeon."
He was going to make his mother happy, who asked him about marriage ten times a day. His priest of a brother might be happy too... unless, of course, he would miss the annual crying breakdowns he had in the cafe of their hometown's main street.
Most momentous of all, he was finally going to join Gyeo-ul. She was now a part of his family.
Chae Song-hwa was right about him. He is the happiest when making others happy.
Finally, after a time that felt like nothing at all, Jang Gyeo-ul pulled away and looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He smiled and gently wiped them with his hand.
"Don't cry," he whispered.
She gave a loud sniffle. "You're the one crying."
The sound that came out of him was something like a half-chuckle and half-sob but no one would ever know. "Ah seriously." He wiped his eyes and reached for some tissues from his work desk, the desk that he, only a few days ago, though he would depart from and never see again.
Of course, these past few days were strenuous. His head had been filled with so many thoughts. Should he stay? Should he leave? God is the most important being in my life... not in the slightest should a woman make his head turn--
And then Gyeo-ul popped up right in front of him, in her messy pony tale, round glasses, and wide puppy eyes and turned, not only his head -- but his entire life around.
To his surprise, the path of his future had suddenly become very clear. In what universe was saving the lives of children as a doctor an obstacle in one's faith for God and the hereafter? Of course, it is not! He was blind. If anything, it was the best decision for his faith. It was a path, cherishable and beautiful on its own. And Gyeo-ul was in it.
"I'm sorry," he said, handing her a tissue.
Her head bobbed up in surprise, as always, thin pink lips in a small pout. "Hm?"
"For... for causing you so much hardship. You know -- I've loved you longer than I knew myself. But I was in denial. I'm sorry for making you wait... and for giving you such a hard time."
She shook her head quickly. "No, no, don't say that. It wasn't hard at all. I'm sorry for being so nosy and it's not my place to..."
"You... you're a horrible liar, you know that?" His smile was playful but nervous.
It took her a brief moment before her lips pulled into a smile. "I know."
His head turned to the window outside. "Look."
She followed his lead and gave a tiny gasp. "It's... it's snowing."
Indeed it was. They were so immersed in what was happening, they almost did not notice the bright white crystal flakes swirling to the ground in the darkness of the night making fleeting shadows in the dancing lamplight. It was beautiful. The wind pounding against the windowsill made his office space feel cozier.
"Should... should I take you home?" he asked later after they had reached the last flight of stairs towards the entrance of the hospital.
They decided to use the stairs because the elevators were still in use and both were too nervous about being seen together -- especially by the four other members of the elite gang.
Oh, how Ik-Jun would tease. Dread dropped into his stomach just thinking about it.
"No, it's okay," she said, hands folded into the pockets of a coat. "I'll take a cab."
"Are you cold?"
She gulped nervously in reply. Her nose had already begun to grow red.
He laughed and took her hand, rubbing it softly. "I'll see you soon then."
"Yes, I bid you a safe trip home."
"Actually... nevermind. Let's talk for a bit more. Should we? We have a lot to catch up on."
Her eyes seemed to sparkle. "Yes, thank you, Professor!"
It was obvious that she was still in shock... like she could not yet entirely register what was happening to her. Her eyes sparkled both in excitement and fear as she looked up at hid own. At that moment, in the cold dark outside and snowy entrance to the hospital, she held his hand tightly and did not seem to want to let go. Almost as if she was scared he would suddenly change his mind and leave her.
Italy was only over five thousand miles away.
To reassure her, he stepped closer to her and said, "Professor? No, call me Jungwon. Ahn Jungwon."
Many changes were yet to come.
