An Ordinary but Special Time
It was an ordinary but special time.
Christmas.
A day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, but in America, it was the most important holiday of the year-end season, transcending religion.
Most companies closed, and shops shut their doors. It was a day for families to spend warm time together.
That was why our Bapsang had closed today, too.
I'd heard Dong-hyun was going to Rossi's house today at her invitation.
"Heh heh heh."
The image of the guy, all tensed up, made me chuckle.
His official introduction to his girlfriend's family—what a big day. I was really looking forward to the stories he'd bring back.
Our schedule as a couple was quite leisurely today. Our flight home was booked for the afternoon.
From LA to Oakland Airport, it was just over an hour by plane anyway. A quick hop.
So, with it being Christmas, we planned to take in the flashy parades and events in downtown LA before heading back slowly.
Glancing at the clock, it was 7 a.m.
Lily and I were early risers. Running a restaurant meant prepping ingredients from dawn and getting ready to open, so waking early had become second nature.
Even on days off, when we tried to sleep in, our eyes would pop open on their own—a occupational hazard.
While I showered and got dressed, Lily bustled around the vanity.
"Not tired?"
I approached Lily from behind as she focused on her makeup and gently wrapped my arms around her waist. Our eyes met in the mirror.
"Nope! Not tired at all~"
Lily replied with a beaming smile in her eyes.
"It's been so long since we've come out this far, and just playing around feels amazing!"
From yesterday's tense charity event to the passionate night we'd spent—it should've been exhausting, but her face glowed with vitality.
"Alright, hurry and get ready. Let's go eat."
We finished up simply and stepped out of the room.
Down in the hotel lobby on the first floor via elevator, the aroma of freshly baked bread and subtle coffee wafted from the breakfast entrance.
"Good morning."
Guided by the staff, the restaurant was already buzzing. Ornate chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. Morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Christmas trees and red poinsettias decorated everywhere, amplifying the holiday cheer.
The buffet stations overflowed with freshly baked waffles and pancakes, piles of fresh fruit, and a live station where chefs made omelets on the spot, drawing lines of people. The clink of plates, low murmurs of conversation, and soft jazz carols created a serene scene.
A peaceful, abundant Christmas morning.
We took a seat in the corner.
"Let's eat well!"
Lily cheerfully declared, picking up her fork. Her plate looked colorful and pretty: steaming, fluffy yellow omelet fresh off the pan; two crispy strips of bacon, drained of fat and baked to cookie-like crispness; a rugged slice of rye bread; and a salad bowl with red strawberries and melon.
A classic American breakfast that made your mouth water just looking at it.
"Is that all you're having, honey?"
Lily eyed my plate. Mine was comparatively simple: a bit of scrambled eggs, one sausage, green salad, and a strong black coffee.
"Yeah. If I stuff myself, I won't have room for good lunch stuff."
We were planning a LA food tour for lunch—just enough to tide us over, nothing heavy.
Lily sliced into her omelet with a knife. The fluffy interior revealed itself.
She topped a piece with salty bacon and popped it in her mouth.
"Mmm~ So soft."
It melted smoothly on her tongue.
I bit into my sausage. Juicy, salty meat burst with a satisfying pop. Paired with a sip of bitter black coffee—it chased away any sleepiness perfectly.
"This rye bread is so nutty and delicious. Want some, honey?"
Lily tore off a piece and fed it to me. The coarse grains had a clean, wholesome flavor.
We savored our breakfast leisurely. Not too much, just enough to feel good.
As our plates emptied, I wiped my mouth with a napkin and stood.
"Alright, bellies full—shall we head out?"
Time for the real Christmas date to begin.
Breakfast took longer than expected. No point heading out too early when shops weren't open and there wasn't much to do anyway.
We finished around a bit past 9. We lingered at the table with dessert, chatting idly.
Even in the hotel restaurant, plenty of people recognized Lily and me. Her snow-white skin and silver hair, next to an East Asian guy—we were a combo that stood out anywhere.
I felt the glances, but Lily no longer shrank from them.
Back when we first met, she'd been terrified of crowds. She'd interpreted curious stares at her looks as attacks.
But not anymore.
Wherever we went, Lily was loved by people.
"You're so beautiful!"
"I'm a fan!"
To the compliments from passersby, Lily smiled radiantly and thanked them.
You know that interesting experiment from before? They complimented women insecure about their looks every day for 50 days—"You're pretty," "You're beautiful"—and remarkably, their appearance and aura transformed. Confidence rose, expressions brightened, and they engaged positively with others.
They say you can tell someone was raised with love. Positive attitudes, bright expressions, abundant affection, overflowing confidence, high trust in others. Those who know how to receive love also know how to give it.
Lily had definitely changed. No longer afraid of people, she was kind. No longer hiding, she stood tall.
A positive transformation.
Having her do YouTube and SNS had worked perfectly—the primal reason I'd pushed her into the world, to prove she was worthy of love.
Lily linked arms with me as we walked through the lobby. By my side, she was bolder and more confident than ever. I seemed to be the sturdiest pillar in her world.
Dating wasn't anything special, really. Just a loving couple spending time together. That was it.
Stepping out of the hotel, LA's streets were all Christmas. Flashy installations sparkled on every corner, filled with families in Santa hats and arm-linked couples.
"The weather's perfect."
California Christmases weren't cold. Chilly at night, but now, in the morning sun, a light jacket was plenty. Ideal for walking.
We held hands tightly and strolled.
Our destination: the "Panorama Bus Tour." A two-hour loop of LA's key sights on an open-top double-decker bus.
Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Boulevard. Since we'd come for business and didn't know LA well, it was the most efficient sightseeing option.
After yesterday's party, invites for meals poured in, but I'd politely declined. Today, I wanted it all for us.
"Yeah. Just the two of us today."
At the meeting spot, an eye-catching ride awaited.
[Big Bus Los Angeles].
A double-decker bus emblazoned with bright red lettering. The thought of climbing up top, wind in our faces, overlooking the city already opened my chest.
"Whoa~!!!!! It's so high up!"
Lily said to me, seated on the upper deck. Come to think of it, it was her first time on a bus. Before me, her severe social phobia had kept her from public transit, even the corner mart.
An open-top double-decker was a whole new world for her.
Cute.
I smoothed her silver hair fluttering in the wind and looked around. Early hour meant few passengers—mostly tourists like us. Locals wouldn't pay for this.
Vroom—!
The massive engine roared to life, and the bus lurched forward. A woman's voice came over the mic.
"Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Big Bus LA!"
She introduced herself as Jessica.
"The weather's fantastic today! Look to your right!"
The bus glided along the boulevard. LA icons flashed by at the guide's direction.
"That's the famous 'Hollywood Walk of Fame'! See the stars on the ground?"
"Ooh..."
Lily craned her neck to peer down.
"And over there is the 'Dolby Theatre' for the Academy Awards! With luck, you might spot a red-carpet star!"
Every building, every street came with her commentary. Gaudy Sunset Strip signs to the distant 'HOLLYWOOD' sign atop the hills.
Landscapes from movies unfolded before us.
The tour wasn't just passive sightseeing. Every 15-20 minutes, it stopped at real hot spots for photos and souvenirs—a clever setup. Free cold drinks made the service top-notch.
"This stop is 'The Grove'! Shopping paradise!"
The bus halted at the guide's call.
Our target was set: the must-buy LA souvenir, See's Candies. The legendary chocolate shop Warren Buffett bought whole after one taste.
Couldn't go home empty-handed, and it was perfect for Dong-hyun, Sarah, and the crew.
"Let's go, Lily."
"Yeah! Awesome! So pretty~"
We hopped off and entered the store.
Jingle—
The door opened to a thick, sweet aroma assaulting the nose. Like stepping into Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The place was packed with Christmas shoppers. See's signature clean black-and-white checkered floor and pristine walls. Endless glass cases brimmed with jewel-like chocolates piled high.
Thick fudge, crunchy toffee chips, rainbow lollipops. The sweetness was visible.
"Oh my god... Honey, look! So many chocolates!"
Lily's eyes sparkled as she pressed against the case.
A kindly grandma in a crisp white uniform and hat approached.
"Merry Christmas! Care for a sample?"
She offered a lollipop and a truffle. That was See's charm.
Lily bit into the chocolate, eyes widening.
"Mmm~! So rich!"
It melted silkily in her mouth. Definitely leagues above store-bought.
I grabbed a basket.
"This, that... Oh, and five boxes of peanut brittle."
For Dong-hyun, Sarah, the staff. We swept through, piling chocolates.
Lily excitedly picked too.
"Honey, this one's for us!"
"Yeah, get it all."
Boxes towered on the counter like a fortress. Sweet scents and laughter filled the air.
Utterly ordinary for some.
But for us, a faint shadow always lingered behind the happy smiles.
How long can this happiness last?
That vague anxiety showed in Lily's little habits.
Normal girls would snap desserts or scenery. Not Lily.
"Honey, come here!"
Every time she pulled out her phone, she dragged me into the frame. Not solo shots in pretty backdrops, but us together.
A desperate wish to preserve this moment, our time, forever. Pressing her unease—that tomorrow might not come—into every photo.
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and grinned at the camera.
Yeah.
I resolved. I'd pour out all the love I could give today, as if there were no tomorrow.
No regrets.
The small hand of Lily's in mine felt warm.
Two years since coming to America.
Less than a year since marrying Lily.
An ordinary but special time.