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The day was warm. The cool mornings of spring had given way to the warmer dawns of summer. Leaning back on the stone bench, arms stretched behind to support him, Rang closed his eyes and basked in the early glow of the day.
He had been visiting various parks since his return, unsure of how else to start his days. Days that left him feeling hollow more often than not now. Modern living made things easy, filled with routines and motions. Meaningless drone of work, eat, sleep, repeat. Oddly enough, while the processes had definitely changed over time, it had been the same even in his younger days.
Of course, back then it was more about surviving than living. You got up to work the soil or tend your flock, getting by and providing the means for your next meal. Most did the same, with few differences. They were both simpler times and yet harder. Modern conveniences have changed the process, made it so that few worked the fields while so many droned along and bought their meals.
So often now, he has pondered the pros and cons of the past versus the present. Was one better than the other, which did he prefer. Depending on his mood, he would lean one way over another, but switch it back the next time. The luxury of having lived so long, he could appreciate the current amenities as well as the old.
But it has been the old days that have lingered in his mind recently. Having been reborn, so to speak, has brought back memories he had long forgotten. Those early days of his youth. Vague memories of his mother and their time together. Very few were happy. And because of all that’s happened, despite his miraculous return, he couldn’t help but wonder what his life might have been like if she hadn’t left him in the forest that day.
When Yeon had spoken those harsh words in the restaurant, they pierced his heart and he began to consider his place in this world. When Hae-ryong had revealed their motives for saving him, ‘What other use does a half fox have?’ they had only furthered his doubts. Being the instrument of his brother’s death had turned his doubts to despair.
Despair he had locked inside so the others didn’t see it. They had worked so hard to keep him busy, focused on other things. And they had done their job well, because he valued his time with them. So much so that it was the reason Odo had bothered to collect him in his bag. And now that he was back, memories intact and whole, so were his doubts. The questions he had before giving up his life continued.
In fact, with his time away, and them settling into their own routines, Rang had felt even more lost. Giving up his life to save his brother had allowed him to fulfill a purpose. But now they both lived. His brother married. His best friend married with a family. No future ahead of him. He never expected to have one once Imugi returned. And now that he lives, what comes next?
He had to admit that they had done their best to incorporate him in their lives still. Yuri and So-oh pestered him frequently, not that he minded. Even Jiah put effort into their time together. And Yeon’s blundering excuse to bring him into one of his missions was oddly endearing. Yet the question still remained, did he fit in this world?
Sighing, he decided thinking along this line was getting him nowhere. He had hoped to spend time with Yuri, but she mentioned a final parent–teacher conference, both she and Shin-ju would need to attend later that day and they were slammed at the clinic. It would already be tough enough to get through their appointments and make it to the meeting on time.
When he had talked to Yeon the night before, his brother mentioned going on some film shoot today with Jiah. Even though she had solved the riddle of her parents and discovered his past life, she remained the producer on her unexplained mystery show. He was surprised that she could still find content. They also had weekly dinners set up with her parents which happened to be tonight. So the chances of them getting together were virtually zero.
He had preferred solitude a lot more lately but he also preferred knowing if he wanted company he could get it. And for some reason today he really didn’t want to be alone. Well there was nothing he could do about it now. The dawn was giving way to morning. Runners and walkers were passing more frequently. The hustle and bustle of the commute was in full swing.
Deciding to get up and lose himself in the crowd, he walked along the roads aimlessly. Would his wandering feet be able to find ways to fill his day? After all, the city was full of things to do, right? First things first, he found a little café for a bite to eat. A light pastry and some coffee would help boost his energy for the long day ahead.
Once he was done, he hopped on a bus and rode it for a while. When something seemed to suggest he get off, he did so. Was it instinct, was it intuition, was it simply just random? He couldn’t say, but he followed along with the path his subconscious took him. Oddly enough, he stopped in front of a salon. Not his usual one, but definitely upscale.
Glancing at his reflection in the glass, he noted the length of his hair. Since his return a few months ago, he hadn’t bothered to keep up his prior routine, which wasn’t really a routine, more like an instant gratification thing. And with his wealth the world was his playground. Perhaps a cut would be in order. Besides he recalled that going to a salon could be therapeutic, and his last time attempting it had been interrupted by that woman, so he never got to truly find out.
Inside, he allowed his charm to flourish and despite being fully booked the girls managed to squeeze him in. They offered additional services and out of boredom chose a few just to pass the time. Next thing he knew he was four steps deep into a scalp renewal process, being led into another room where they lay him down on a massage chair and had a little waterfall wash his hair.
As he lay there, his mind drifted. The rollers of the chair worked his muscles releasing tension he hadn’t realized he was holding. The soft music and pleasant aroma filled the air. Lulled into a deep sense of calm, he was starting to enjoy it. It had been a while since he pampered himself. Maybe this is exactly what the doctor ordered. He took him back out and walked him through the rest of the steps. Fortunately because on his choices, he went for an additional treatment to make his hair even silkier. Which granted him another round in the message chair.
With that all done, the stylist discussed the kind of trim he wanted and the end result put him back into that sexy, debonair mindset. Unfortunately he had spent hours there and was starving. Checking the map on his phone he quickly found the closest Michelin restaurant and headed that way. He wasn’t disappointed. The service, the food had been impeccable. He left a satisfied fox.
Now where to? He wondered. With this sense of revitalization, Rang felt a desire to continue this trend and it was time to update his wardrobe. He had been gone for over a year, men’s fashions and daring suit styles might help him get out of his flump. As the saying went, fake it til you make it. Perhaps he had been dwelling on the past too long. He had been afforded a new lease on life, maybe it was time he embraced it with hope instead of fear.
Heading to the subway, he made his way to the high end boutiques that he was familiar with. Working his way through several shops he saved the suits for last. His previous purchases would be delivered to his home later. He had barely made it inside when someone called, “Lee-nim, how wonderful to see you again. It has been a while.”
“It has, Seo-ssi.”
“Please, come in, we have just received some new designs that I think would be perfect for you.” Rang allowed the attendant to lead him away. Several fittings in, the fox was feeling quite content with his new wardrobe. “I have one more that I think you should try.”
This last suit was a bit edgier than usual, but he tried it on anyway. Sharper lines, asymmetrical and the bottom edge about six inches longer than normal. It was a deep black with dark silver highlights. Trimmed with some belts and buckles and a gilded chain around one shoulder, he looked like one of those idols straight out of an MV. It fit him perfectly.
Admiring his reflection in the changing room, he stepped out backwards to get Seo’s seal of approval. However, in his haste he collided with another body. A small squeak escaped them. Quickly turning to apologize, he found a young woman with long wavy hair and big eyes staring up at him. She bowed slightly, a bow kept her hair from falling in her face. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry. It was my fault.”
Glancing up, she blushed. Rang smirked, feeling at ease by her innocent demeanor. He caught a slight hint of sea salt in the air. “You look amazing, Lee-nim!” Seo beamed as he entered. “Doesn’t he, Jang-ssi?” Her cheeks darkened a little more. Fortunately, Seo wasn’t really looking for a response. “Of course he does. Lee-nim could be a top tier fashion model, with his looks everything looks fabulous on him. I see you’ve met my new assistant.” Seo bobbed his head in the girl’s direction.
“Yes, you could say that.”
“Good, good. Will you be wearing this one out? You will turn heads if you do.” Seo guided him over to a little podium surrounded by mirrors. Rang had to admit, despite it being different from his usual style, it made him feel more like his old self, alive and eager to challenge the world.
“You know, I think I will.”
“Fantastic! Jang-ssi dear, go ring everything up for Lee-nim. As per usually we will send everything to your home once the adjustments have been made.” The man droned on, but Rang was no longer listening. His phone had buzzed and he was now reading a text that set him on edge.
There were coordinates and simply the words, Come now. Hurry! It was from Yeon and considering the last time Yeon had sent him a location the older man had been skewered by a xiezhi, he worried something bad had happened. Hastily, he spoke, “Fine, fine. Thanks Seo, but I have to leave, something urgent has come up.” He didn’t wait for a reply.
As soon as he got out on the street he was calling a taxi. He showed the driver the location and they were soon speeding along the road. Amazingly enough it wasn’t too far and the rush hour traffic hadn’t filled the roads yet. About fifteen minutes later, they were pulling up to a building. Glancing at his phone then back up to the sign, Rang frowned. This didn’t make any sense.
Before him was a new restaurant/lounge. It boasted fine dining, private rooms and old big band entertainment. What the hell was Yeon doing here? Perhaps his brother sent the message to the wrong person. It could have been meant for Jiah or her parents since they were supposed to meet tonight. Clicking his tongue, he was about to turn around and send a text letting him know of his mistake, when another text popped up.
Rang, we need you.
“Aish,” he hissed then dashed inside.
There he was immediately met by a host who urged him on, “This way sir, hurry.”
Rang grew suddenly suspicious. If Yeon was truly in trouble, most of the people would have already fled. He didn’t hear any fights or frantic screaming. In fact, the music that played in the main dining room was energetic and cheerful. Something was definitely off.
The host pointed him to a door, “Right through here, sir.”
Leary now, the fox slowly grabbed the handle and took a breath, steeling himself for whatever lay beyond that door. As he opened it, nothing could have prepared him for the coming onslaught.
“SURPRISE! Happy Birthday, Lee Rang/Lee Rang-nim/Rang-ah!” The room was decorated with balloons and streamers. The table filled with friends and family.
Yuri ran up to him and flung her arms around him, hugging fiercely. “Happy Birthday, Rang-nim.” She pecked him on the cheek. Stepping back she ran her eyes over him, noting the fresh look. Smiling she added, “Welcome back.”
Dumbfounded by this surreal event, he managed an inarticulate, “What?”
But his companion and best friend knew what he wanted to say. Smirking she gave way, “This was Lee Yeon’s idea.”
He turned as the older man sauntered his way over. Yeon grasped his arms and then pulled him into a hug. “Happy Birthday, dongsaeng.”
Breaking free, Rang finally got out, “What is all this?”
“What does it look like? It’s a birthday party. In fact, your birthday party.”
Still utterly confused, he queried, “Why?”
“Because, it’s your birthday.”
“Bull shit. Neither of us had any clue when it was after you took me to the mountain. And it’s not like we ever celebrated it when we were together. So why now?”
At this, the older fox sobered a little. “It’s true. Back then we didn’t know, and I was too self absorbed to worry about it since you never seemed to make a fuss. I didn’t think it important back then. But shortly after we broke the contract, I saw a genuine smile on your face for the first time in centuries. It reminded me of the old days and all the little things you used to do for me. During that time, you managed to discover my birthday and every year you made it a special day for me. I wanted to do the same for you. Obviously, our subsequent deaths prevented me from doing so. And now that we’re both back, I knew I couldn’t pass this opportunity up.”
“I guess that makes some sort of sense, but why now?”
“Because this really is your birthday.” At the incredulous scowl, Yeon explained, “I told you before, I wanted my brother back. So I went and signed a contract with Granny, but when Hyunoiong confessed that he had been searching for you but couldn’t find you, he double checked the record and there was no death date. When we confronted Granny on her ruse, I demanded to see your file. As he said, no death date but I did see your birth date.”
Shaking his head, Yeon placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I don’t know why it never occurred to me to ask before. Over the centuries, whenever our paths crossed, you still managed to remember my birthday. And don’t think I didn’t know where those anonymous gifts were coming from. But you were being such a brat that I never acknowledged them. And I used the convenient excuse of ignorance that I never bothered to return the favors. I have a lot of catching up to do.”
“I never asked for anything in return.”
“No, but you deserved it. Probably more than I ever did. So let me make it up to you, starting today.”
“So today is my birthday, really?”
“Yes, so get ready. I plan on making it bigger and better every year.”
“No need to go that far. This is more than enough.” The two embraced happily then rejoined the party.
The evening continued to be filled with laughter and joy. A few anecdotes from the Magistrate and some of the others Rang had saved from the zoos. All embarrassing the man of the hour. Soo-oh and Rang played some video games for awhile. And then a big sparkling cake arrived.
The raucous melody of ‘Happy Birthday’ filled the air. Rang blew out all the candles with ease. He didn’t bother to make a wish because he already had everything he wanted. Before long, the night began to wind down. A number of the guests had given him their warm wishes and gifts before departing. It was just the core group now.
Jiah left with her parents. Yeon offered to take Rang and his presents home, so they started packing them in his car. They had been permitted to use a back entrance closer to their room. So on one of his return trips, Rang was surprised to bump into a familiar face. “Jang-ssi?”
The young woman from the shop earlier was dressed in a brilliant dress, her make up just enough to emphasize her features. Equally startled, she said, “Lee Rang-nim? What are you doing here?”
“I was about to ask you the same. My brother arranged dinner here. You?”
“I work here at night.”
“You have two jobs?”
“Have to make ends meet somehow. Your items should arrive in a few days, I hope you don’t mind, but I added a tie that I thought would suit you.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“I know.” The music swelled in the other room, she glanced in that direction. “Look, I have to go, it’s my last set for the night. If you have a night free, I would love for you to come see the show.”
“I might have a few nights coming up.”
“Great, looking forward to seeing you again!” And then she was off through a back door.
Unfortunately, Rang couldn’t stay to listen. A hand slapped his back, teasing, “Who was that?”
“Someone I met earlier today.”
“A friend?”
“She might be, eventually.”
“Hmmm,” Yeon’s curiosity piqued, but decided to let it go for now. Grabbing the younger fox’s shoulder he guided him back to the room. “Come on, let’s finish up and go home.”
Yuri gave him one last hug. Shin-ju just nodded, arms full of a sleeping Soo-oh. With the room back to normal now, the brothers walked out. Yeon helped him get all his gifts in the house. And when they were finished, he lingered for a moment. “Listen, I know you’ve been struggling a bit since your return. And I know I have already told you that you are wanted in our lives. But I want you to know that it’s ok to explore right now, discover who you are. Because no matter what you do, I know you will be great.”
Smirking at an old memory he continued, “In fact, when father told me about you, not only did he say I had a little brother, but that someday you may even surpass me. I expect great things from you. Your volunteer work has already shown me that. So go, change the world. Leave your mark. You deserve so much. Thank you for being born and coming into my life. I love you, dongsaeng.”
The older man drew the half fox into a tight embrace once more. It had been a long day filled with ups and downs, thankfully with more ups than downs. Tomorrow would be the first day of a new year, one he would face with an open mind. Who knows, it might be his best year yet? And it was mostly thanks to the red head. Smiling, he let these feelings enhance his words. “Love you too, hyung.”