MYSME FICTOBER DAY 8/JUMIN WEEK DAY 4
Michael's Edition
8 October 2023—BOO!
Jumin Week—Acts of Service
Jumin held the phone between his shoulder and cheek, trying not to let it slip.
“Just…I don’t…ahh…” the phone fell to the carpeted floor. He picked it up in frustration, letting go of the fake spiderweb he had been trying to stretch across the bookcase. “This is ridiculous, why did I even think I could do this?”
“Settle down Jumin, you can. Also, what was that muffled sound? What are you doing exactly?” Saeyoung asked through the phone speaker.
“Trying to pull apart this stupid web while still listening to you. I only have two hands you know.” He said.
“Uh, you know you can put the phone on speaker right?” Saeyoung joked.
“Oh, right.” He felt like an idiot. Hitting the speaker button on the phone he set it down on a side table. “OK well, what do I do after I finish with the web?” he asked.
“Change out the bulbs in some of the lamps, you got the purple bulbs right?”
“Yes, I bought everything on the list you sent me.”
“Really? Wow, you really are going all out aren’t you?”
“It’s Lillie’s favorite holiday, so I want to make it special, and I don’t want her to lift a finger this year, I just want her to enjoy it for the entire month.”
“You could have just paid someone to do it, you’re filthy rich after all.” Saeyoung laughed.
“That wouldn’t be the same. I want to do the work and see the look on her face.” He was aware that it likely would look much better if he hired someone to decorate, but, he knew Lillie well enough to know that she would love it all the more because of his effort. Though he hadn’t thought he would be fighting with fake spiderwebs.
“I think I can handle placing the items in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, however, I might need help again in setting up the fog machine for the cauldron.”
“Sure, I’m here all day! Sounds like you have things well in hand.”
“Indeed, if I require more hands, I’ll simply ask my security team. Thank you again Saeyoung for the support and suggestions.”
“Any time! Make sure you take pic…uh, that Lillie takes pictures!” he laughed.
Jumin grunted as he hit end call on the phone. He’d gotten better at taking pictures, it wasn’t his fault that the stabilization on his phone was finicky.
He was meticulous in his arrangement of the décor, not a single surface was without a Halloween item. With Saeyoung’s help, he’d even been able to create an actual bubbling cauldron that wouldn’t create and environmental hazard in the apartment.
Hours, he had been working for hours and the setting sun outside reminded him that Lillie was due to arrive home soon. He checked his watch and saw that he had only minutes. He turned off any lights whose bulbs hadn’t been changed, turned on the cauldron, and lit the candles. Fairy lights were strung throughout the decorations giving the areas a ethereal quality. The scent of pumpkin spice and apple cider wafted through the room as well. Satisfied, all that was left to do was wait.
It didn’t take long before he heard the rattle of the front door, hiding behind it as it opened inwards he held his breath for his love’s reaction.
He heard Lillie inhale as the scenery caught her attention. She took a few steps inside, her head scanning the entirety of his labor. Quickly he slammed the door closed and jumped at her with a loud “BOO!”
Lillie screamed and turned, her hand already balled into a fist before noticing that it was her beloved.
“Jumin! You scared me!” heart racing she doubled over in relieved laughter.
“I’m sorry my love, I couldn’t help myself.” He enveloped her into his arms and held her close as her heart regained equilibrium. “Do you like it?” he asked as he released her.
“Like it? I love it! How much did it cost to do this? You know I would have decorated myself.” She said, but her smile never left her face.
“Oh, well, the cost was only in supplies, I decorated.” Jumin said, running a hand through his thick black hair, a grin on his face. “Took several hours, but it was well worth it to see your reaction.”
“You…you did this? All by yourself?” she asked, turning to her husband, golden brown eyes wide.
“Saeyoung helped with some of the more intricate items, but I set it all up on my own. I just wanted to surprise you. I know how much you love this holiday and how hard you worked last year. I wanted you to just be able to enjoy the season this year and concentrate only on your costume for the party.”
“Absolutely, I think having a Halloween party here would be quite entertaining, don’t you?”
“Oh yes! That sounds wonderful!” Lillie threw herself on her husband and held him close, tears of joy filled her eyes and a wide smile plastered her face. “I can’t imagine being any happier than I am right now! Just…I…the thought and effort you put into all of this has me in tears. I love you so much Jumin.”
“I love you too. And I would do anything to see that radiant smile on your face for the rest of our lives.”