In Malibu, California…
Ta-un’s alarm clock rings big time. He throws the alarm clean across the room. He tries to go to sleep. Suddenly, hears a knock of the door. “What?” he said tiredly. “Breakfast is done.” Ami said. he looks at her with his hair super messy. She laughs at him and smiles. “What?” he said still sleepy. “Your hair is a complete mess.” she said. He knew that she was right. He cuts on the T.V. He sees local news talk about Valentine’s Day. “Valentine’s Day?’ he says in surprise. “Really?” Ami said. “We should do something.” he said. “Like what? You’re not supposed to do anything until White Day.” Ami said. “No… It doesn’t work like that in America. It’s all about…” he said in Japanese. “Here and Now.” he continues in English.
“What?” she said. “It’s been two years since we’ve been in America. You still haven’t been able to work on your English?” he asks kindly. “Shut up Ta-un! You said that I didn’t have to learn!” she said. “Yeah, I did but you got to be able to learn it at some point.” he said. She rolls her eyes at him. He lights lightly. “Are you laughing?” she yells. “No.” he said, “Definitely not.” She storms out. He eats his breakfast and gets ready for the day ahead. He makes coffee. He orders a special something for Ami. He made the time of the gift very late. “Come on Ami. I got something planned.” he said. They get ready to leave. They go out to eat. He takes her to Disney Land. and chilled at the house. Ami was so tired. “Anything else that you want?” he said. “No.” she said thinking that she would burden him more if she asked. “Oh…” she said remembering.
“I would like to go to the grocery store.” she said. “Okay.” he said. He takes her to the grocery store. She struggles to read the labels. So she asked Ta-un. “What’s this?” she asks. “Baking mix.” he said. “The ones in Japan are quite colorful than these.” she said. Ta-un was getting irritated by the labels. (I have to break the word down to Japanese. Nevermind that I have to convert the word to Korean first!) he thinks in dilemma. After the grocery store, she begins to make chocolate brownies. After that, she gives him a brownie. “Ami’s sweet chocolates.” he said happily in Japanese. They eat brownies. As Ami, was getting ready for bed, the order came. Ta-un takes gifts. “Thank you.” he said in English. He looks for Ami. He finds her in bed.
“Surprise. Happy Valentines Day!” he said happily. She is overwhelmed by the gift of roses, balloons, and an overstuffed teddy bear. She runs to hug him. Thank you!” she said in tears. “I love you, Ami! Now that the kids are grown, let’s travel the world. Just you and me.” he said. “I would love that.” she said. Ta-un and Ami watched a movie and smile at each other. The night was sweet and tender.
Soriya Meets Ramen 