Repeating Reels (and New Beginnings)

“Are we there yet?” Dahyun asks you as she tries to sneak a peek from under the blindfold.

“Almost.” You reply. “And don’t peek. You’ll ruin the surprise.” Your hand continues to hold hers as you guide her through the winding hallways. Eventually, you make it to your destination.

“Alright, we’re here.” You say as you untie the blindfold. “Open your eyes… now!”

When she opens her eyes, Dahyun’s greeted with a small and intimate cinema. In the middle are two reclining lounge chairs, a tub of popcorn on each seat, and an old-timey film projector set-up behind them. Her mouth’s left agape in awe with what you were able to set up.

“Happy Birthday, Dubu.” you whisper the greeting as you wrap your arms around her waist. Her shocked expression turns into a beaming smile before she turns her head and gives you a quick peck on the lips.

“This is amazing. Thank you.” She whispers back as she lays her head on your chest.

“I got all your favorites. But, there’s one thing I’ve been meaning to show you first.”

Dahyun gives you a puzzled look, but it’s wiped away as you guide her to her seat. She sinks into the plush leather with the bucket of popcorn sitting in her lap. You go to the projector and set-up the film reel. After pressing a few buttons, the projector slowly whirs to life. The reels start spinning and a light beams on to the screen. A countdown from 10 starts winding down on the projection, signalling you to take your seat beside Dahyun. She’s curious as to what you had in store, but when the scenes start rolling she could feel the tears start to build up.

The first scene was from one of your first dates. Maybe the fourth or fifth, if Dahyun could remember it properly. It was the two of you walking hand in hand along the Han River. The sky was painted orange, the sun sinking in the far off horizon. You were recording Dahyun, seeing her laugh as you told her corny joke after corny joke. Back in the present, Dahyun’s grip on your hand grows tighter as she rests her head on your shoulder.

The next scene that pops up is from when the two of you finally decided to move in together. Dozens of boxes were scattered in your, used to be, barren home. You and Dahyun were zipping around the empty living room, carrying boxes, unpacking plates, utensils, kitchenware, and other appliances. It ends with the two of you sitting on the floor, surrounded by empty boxes, tired from unpacking. She was leaning on you, just like how she was now, talking about future plans for the house while the two of you were eating take out. Your attention is momentarily taken from the screen when you feel her grip on your hand loosen, only for her to start hugging the rest of your arm.

With every memory that plays on the screen, Dahyun’s hold on you gets tighter as she tries to hold back the tears. Your first trip together. Every celebration of your anniversary for the past five years. The first time you met her parents and her meeting yours. The silent nights of laying in bed or on the couch while reading books or watching movies together. The lazy Sunday mornings of making breakfast for each other. Each treasured memory that flashes on the screen reminds the both of you of your shared journey, how far you’ve both come while being at each other’s sides.

As the scenes continue to roll, subtitles start flashing at the bottom of the screen.

“It’s only you.”

“It will always be you.”

“I dream of growing old with you.”

“I hope to be with you until the end.”

“You’re the only one my restless heart yearns for.”

Dahyun finally lets the tears fall as she reads the messages. At this point, she’s close to sobbing on your shoulder, making you wonder if you did too good of a job. 

As the scenes start to fade away, the final message burns on the film. An audible gasp escapes from Dahyun’s mouth, in between the sobs, as she feels your arm leave her embrace. When the message is fully clear on the screen, she turns to your direction. There she sees you. 

Out of the seat. 

On the floor on bended knee. 

A ring in hand to complement the message on the screen.

“Will you marry me?”

Your eyes are locked to hers. Both of you are on the verge of tears. She smiles through the sobs and joins you on the floor. In a moment that lasts a lifetime, she whispers the one syllable reply that makes you the happiest man alive.

“Yes.”

After the word leaves her mouth, the tears start streaming down your face. You pull her in for a hug, your lips meeting to seal the decision. Even if your lips separate, you hold her close and tight. Unwilling to let her go. Unwilling to let the moment pass. Eventually, it does. 

You both rise to your feet, still holding on to each other. You sit down, Dahyun still in your arms as she sits across your lap. Her head rests on your chest as she admires the engagement ring on her finger. When her eyes finally leave the diamond, she meets yours while looking up. She beams you a bright smile, eyes still glassy from the tears shed earlier. You can’t help yourself and kiss her again. When you pull away, she asks you:

“What’s next?”

Who knew a simple question could have a multitude of meanings. It could mean which movie the two of you were finally going to watch. It could mean something more with what’s next in your intertwined lives. A loaded question that could carry on for decades. For you, it didn’t matter. Whatever you may face, you’re sure about one thing. With Dahyun, you knew you would be able to surpass it. 

Together.