A Short Story About Belonging

The first official site that Sun Bak gets to see of London is of her girlfriend, Riley Blue, staring at her when she wakes up.

However, before that, she rolls over on the bed and opens her sleepy eyes—not to a cement ceiling in a lonely cell—but a painted ceiling with lights strung across. At first, Sun is alarmed, suddenly feeling adrenaline speed up her heart and she sits up abruptly. As she looks around the room, she sees familiar things that attribute themselves to belonging Riley. A stereo, a pile of records, a flag of Iceland. Sun has seen these things before, but never in person.

Sun relaxes and lies back down, her erratic heart rate eventually slowing. She turns her head and nearly falls off the bed when something startles her.

Riley

I guess it looks better in person.”

Sun nods, “Yes, it’s even cuter.” This time Sun takes a pause and adds, “like you.” Her flirt sounds a bit awkward and Sun is quick to notice that but Riley giggles.

“I guess I was ugly when you would visit me then.”

Sun quickly shakes her head, “No, no, that wasn’t what I meant—”

The Icelander cuts her off with another laugh, “I know what you meant Sun. I was teasing you.” Sun stares at her for a moment, then feels her face catch on fire once again, embarrassment hitting her like a rough wave. She looks away, now focusing her attention on the detailing of the walls.

“Sun,” Riley says softly, she grabs her hand, “I feel your embarrassment. It’s so strong.” As evidence of her point, Riley’s pale cheeks are now painted a soft pink.

Sun isn’t sure what to say except sorry.

“Don’t be,” Riley croons, “Do you want breakfast? I’ll make you a full English breakfast.”

Sun simply nods as Riley kisses her cheek, smiling brightly. She moves to the edge of the bed and lifts herself to the feet. The Korean watches the Icelander intently, just like as intensely as Riley was watching her when she first woke