zrclk

[zrclk]

Since the beginning of their relationship, she only has seen him as Joonpyo. The rather shy yet sweet friend who works hard towards his dreams of being a top football player so he could make his family proud and also ease his financial burden. Which was why she only encouraged him to do what’s best for himself and for his family, she could come in third or last - she’ll always be there to support him. She’s on his team after all.

And now she’ll officially be on his team. As his companion for life, his wife and also the mother of their future kids. Gyeoul would proudly say that she is his wife. Something that she’s been wanting to say all this while, months but obviously years. A dream to be with him in this lifetime and hopefully in the next one as well.

“Let’s go get ready …” she said, smiling as she wipes the unfallen tears at the corner of her eyes. They were no longer sad tears over their relationships, those tears were gone and enough - these were tears of joy and happiness. Cause he is her happiness and always will be.

Hopeless. He remembered the time Joonpyo realized that he likes Gyeoul, and he felt hopeless because it seems to be impossible to be with her, thus didn’t even attempt to be close to her. Back then, he is contented to just watch from a distance, appreciate her in such way. Albeit soon enough, his love for her grow in each passing day. Until he cannot take it anymore. One day, he said to himself that he will marry her. One day.

They tackled a long road; met conflicts and learn to appreciate and love each other along the years. Joonpyo made her wait for so long, but he is ready to change that. He is ready to be with her for the rest of his life.

Joonpyo brushes his fingers on her cheeks, wiping the happy tears away. He smiles wide, head bouncing a little as he excitedly approached her waist, taking her with him as they walk out into the world, blooming and excited to be as one.

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

#byvlbit

[zrclk]

“You know that I’ll always be here Joonpyo ah …” she murmured though she might have an inkling feeling that he feels guilty for making her wait all these years. Nevertheless, she’s glad her heart finally reached him, in some way after all this time. Gyeoul feels rather guilty too if he was merely doing it because he feels rushed or imposed. Maybe he’s just that type of person to take it slow. Real slow. He’s the more selfish one in the relationship now she really thought about it.

Bringing their bags inside her apartment, her eyes widened in surprise though naturally melts within his embrace. His words tickle her heart but she also wished he knew that it doesn’t take much for her to make her feel happy. “As long as you’re by my side, I’ll be happy.” Even if they lose their popularity as individuals or they go through such hardships, it’s always happy days when he’s here with her.

Why make things complicated if it is as easy as this. Joonpyo thought as he embraced his fiance. There is nothing to worry about. He’s been trying his best not to dwell on his imperfections, but that is only in his mind. He thinks more than he acts, realize nothing will change if he stays like that.

He loves her, deeply. Despite anything else, that what matters the most. That is the guarantee that he should embrace rather than doubts and worry. The love that she expressed and showed him over the years. It is what he should cling on, forever.

And he will stay by her side. As her husband, her partner in crime. The father of their future kinds. Her team. 

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

To make a man be reduced to tears was something. Perhaps the last time she’d seen him tear up was when he proposed to her and she had gladly accepted him without any hesitation. Why should she hesitate? She’s been wanting to marry him since she graduated from high school only he never did ask her to. Had to go all the way to Italy and have them be broken up for a little while to make him realise her worth in his life. But that was all a misunderstanding and perhaps her fault for no longer being patient, selfish and jealous but with this ring around her finger and his hand in hers - there’s no reason to doubt anymore. Their love is real.

“What made you decide that it’s today?” she asked, them already parked at her apartment building and already in the elevator to go to her place. He’s never been brave on taking the next step. Even in high school she only knew of his feelings till much later, let alone him asking for her hand in marriage, What made him feel brave enough to give in to what his heart wants?

Holding her hands firmly as they stood in the elevator, Joonpyo gaze at her, lips curls into a smile. There are various aspect to why he decided today, but the biggest is his love for her. “I can’t picture a tomorrow without you.” He softly uttered along with a bigger smile. He doesn’t want her to be broken hearted every day that passes with uncertainty in her heart. She doesn’t say much, but he could sense it. The doubts, and longing. He should have been a braver man.

They step in her apartment, still holding her hand. He exhales soft as he tugs her into an embrace. “I want to make you happy. That is my dream.“

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

Gyeoul could only hope that he wasn’t joking but the more he held her hand and the way he looked at her with sincerity, she knows that he was not lying, wants to marry this day itself. No more waiting, no more getting her hopes up and no more being disappointed. Today would be the day that they’ll be man and wife to one another. “I would like that very much …” she whispered to him, words that were only meant for him as she cups his cheek and pressed a short yet deep kiss to his lips, a stray tear falling down her cheeks. Today would be the start of their new lives together. The happiest day. 

Joonpyo stretches his arms with his palm on her cheeks, lightly caress her warm skin with his thumb, wipes her tears away before he leaps for a soft kiss on the lips. Their lives a married couple will start today. Joonpyo cared less of what the public will say. All that matters is their happiness. 

After crying a little, calming down, he curls a soft smile. He holds her hand with his right hand, whilst he stir the car towards the city, and away from the airport. His heart is beating loudly and excitedly as their approaches the next chapter of their lives. The first thing they need to do is dress up. Luckily, they bought new clothes that is perfect for the moment. And then, have their vows and go to the municipal hall to register their marriage. It is silly of how easy to bond with someone, yet it took them years to decide. It is so easy. Life with her has always been if he is only brave enough.

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

Her heart began to ache in a good way when he spoke of his reasons behind his intentions, of what they should do with the rest of the day which would dictate the rest of their lives. It made her eyes tear up, can’t comprehend how happy she was but also the excitement of what they were going to do. “That sounds like a perfect wedding Joonpyo ah …” It’s all she ever wanted originally. A wedding just the two of them, somewhere nice where they can exchange their vows, go register and then go have a nice meal. Nothing too fancy but they could just have a ceremony later with their families and friends. “I can’t wait to officially be your wife.”

Joonpyo thought of their parents too, but at the end of the day, he wants to make his fiance happy, and not to wait any longer. They’ve been waiting for a long time. It has been years since they began their relationship, and frankly he dreams of entering the next chapter of their lives. Joonpyo has been careful in the beginning, as he thought she wants a perfect wedding. But in the end, their heart beat in sync. They want to be with each other. No fancy wedding. Just the two of them.His eyes became teary as well as he looks at her, cheeks burning a little as he leans to peck her lips. “We bought nice clothes too.” He mumbles low, kisses both of her cheeks. “Let’s get married today, and be together forever.”

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

They have a couple of minutes to be a couple before they have to pretend like they’re not once they join the rest of the world in the airport. Even though their faces were hidden away behind the masks and they were not wearing such flashy clothing, reporters would always find a way to dig up some scandal amongst such personalities. Gyeoul would like to believe she’s not famous at all but she does have to admit she has a following of fans, just like him and right now, they don’t want to disappoint any of them but also it’s part of their wishes to have their relationship only to themselves. Settled in a dark-tinted car, only then she took off her hat, running her fingers through her hair before pulling down her face mask. “W-what?” she blinked, brows furrowed in confusion at what he had said. Though she shouldn’t be all too surprising since he usually joked of such, it only caught her off guard because he said the word today instead of tomorrow like he always do. “Y-you’re … not joking right?”

“I’ve thought this true and I realize I don’t want to make you wait anymore.” He did always say he wants to marry her tomorrow, and it saddens her that it never happens. Now, he doesn't want to wait for tomorrow. He wants to get married with her now. “Today seems to be the perfect time.” He uttered, shyly curls a soft smile. “We had out I.Ds, and we even have a ring. What is left to do but to get married.” He leans forward, closer to her. “We always thought of a simple wedding. We can go to the park, share our vows, and register.”

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

@byvlbit

Not realising that he’s looking at her, she only peeled her eyes away from the small aeroplane window when she could feel his soft plump lips against her hand, making her smile at him. “Hmm?” she hummed, looking at him expectantly only to blush deep in colour at the soft words of affection. “I know Joonpyo ah …” she said, leaning closer to press a soft kiss, again, her face mask preventing her lips from actually kissing his skin. “I love you too, okay? Always since day one.” And she has never looked at anyone else ever since. He has bewitched her, body, heart and soul and undeniably he truly is her soulmate - her better half, her everything. She was sure of it since then and she was even sure of it now.

Her words always make his heart skip a beat, smiling wider as he held that soft hand closely to him. He smiles more from the indirect kiss, though wished he could feel her lips again. The people from the plane slowly dispatched, and exit.  “I love you too, since day one. “ He whispers, delighted that only her could hear the truth of his heart. They proceed to walk out as well, and in no time, back in their car that was park for some days at the airport. Usually, this is the part where he drives to her place, cuddle for a few hours, or maybe have sex till dawn. And then, for the next day, they will be back to work. But Joonpyo is not having it. He doesn’t want to go back to their old ways. The sun is up. The spring season blooms before them. “Gyeoul ah...” he calls out her name again, eyes pinned at her only as the two sat in the car, “Let’s get married today. “ It is, after all, the tomorrow he always wished for.

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

@byvlbit​

Pressing a kiss to his cheek though her face mask acted as a layer between her lips and his soft cheek, Gyeoul decided to remain silent for the rest of the journey though their arms still linked together. She doesn’t mind the silence but she knows when to leave him alone to his thoughts and these were one of those moments. Maybe he’s thinking so hard right now was because of how much they’ve spoken about their future on this trip - now given the time and opportunity to do so. Because, back in Seoul, they seem more preoccupied with their individual lives rather than their lives together - which was sad but it’s just something they’re used to doing. At least, to Gyeoul she’s used to it. And the longer she’s used to it, she’s become indifferent and complacent with how their relationship work. It’s alright, right? A relationship was all about compromises and patience. This was her doing just that.

Joonpyo gaze down at their link hands, his thumb lightly brushes the metal that clings on her finger. The engagement ring that was supposed to be a promised ring he plan on giving her after high school. He dreams of marrying her since then, albeit took him years to finally pop the question. Looking at her in silent, Joonpyo felt the assurance and security. Something that he is doubting for some years. He pushed his mask down, reaches to kiss her fingers and the back of her palm. The flight attendant announced the landing of their plane as they are back in their homeland. “Gyeoul ah.” He whispered, leaping towards her. “Remember that I always love you, no matter what.” And that love is what makes him strong and hopeful for their lives. 

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

[zrclk]

@byvlbit

Always gentle with her, Gyeoul’s eyes naturally curved into crescents as he was being affectionate with her. With her arm securely hugging his as always, they were on their way back home - a journey that was neither too long nor too short, it gives them a bit more time to be themselves and with each other before they return to their realities. “Hmm?” she blinked as she turned towards her lover, thinking she had heard him sigh. And after she hears him speak, his words pain her really that she’s unable to make him feel better, knowing that this really is their reality. “It’s only for a little while … And we’re not pretending to each other. At least that’s something,” she said, hugging his arm a little tighter. “Just a bit more. We have time.”

Arm secured around his, curling a soft smile. He raise his hand to pat her head, pulls his mask a little so he can kiss too. Joonpyo looks at his fiance whom he loves dearly. “We have time...” She’s been ever patient with him, careful at times too as he gets sensitive on certain times. She understands, but like him, feels too. They both knew what they want for their future. Both dreamed of being together, marry and have kids. It is him who puts a hold on everything. Joonpyo wondered if he didn’t focus too much in his work, they really could have been married now. As they ride the plane back home, Joonpyo remained quiet. He question himself, trying to figure out what he should do next. He is in a stable job now. He is no longer a mediocre athlete. He can support Gyeoul financially without having to worry. They have savings. A place of their own. So what else is stopping him? What is the reason they are on pause? He wondered and wondered for the rest of the short flight.

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

#( threads : joonpyo ) #( joonpyo : au verse )

[zrclk]

@byvlbit 

 She noticed how quiet he was being in the morning of their departure for home. It was slightly concerning but she assumed he was merely thinking over how they would have to go back to their own normalcies - their routines and the hiding. Being such high profile people and still a private relationship, it’s merely a small sacrifice they have to pay so they can keep their love sacred. Some things were best shared amongst the two lovers alone and not the whole world. “You ready, Joonpyo-ah?” she asked, a gentle hand over his toned arm as her face was already hidden behind a face mask and her hair underneath a hat. A disguise really but one thing she can’t disguise is the way her eyes were looking at him, how they were filled with love and sincerity. It’s only meant for him after all.

Zipping the luggage bag into close, Joonpyo met her eyes the moment he turn his head towards her. His lips naturally curls into a soft smile as he reaches to brush her short hair gently to the side. “Ready” He uttered low, grabbed his own mask to cover half his face, and a bull cap that secured atop his head. Their flight back to Seoul would only take up an hour. Just an hour to be what they are now. An hour before they return for being two separate people again. Joonpyo’s nose wrinkled from the thought, exhaling a tiny sigh as they proceed to check out, and drive to the airport. “I don’t want to go back.” He said to her, lips pursing a little but invisible to her eyes. “I don’t want to go back and pretend” Or hide.

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

#( joonpyo : au verse ) #( threads : joonpyo )

[zrclk]

𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒶𝓎

Their vacation in Japan is short lived, albeit memorable. They’ve been into some places for the first time, dine to great restaurant and experience supposed to be mundanes for couple. They became liberated after so much hiding, making the days much cherished and fun. Packing their stuffs, Joonpyo is quiet most of the morning. His mind is occupied, wondering since the night before. They had conversations about the wedding, their future kids and such. They even bought a ring together. It dawn to him the reality that is slowly knocking on their door. Joonpyo wondered if they should stop waiting, rather, end Gyeoul’s long wait for him. | @byvlbit

#( threads : joonpyo ) #( joonpyo : au verse )

[zrclk]

[zrclk]

𝕸𝖔𝖓𝖔𝖈𝖍𝖔𝖗𝖔𝖘𝖆𝖚𝖉𝖆𝖉𝖊

Wearing a black suit but missing a tie, Sen fashioned his way out of the building with a proscribed tranquil expression. It was the date of departure of the most precious life mentor he had, and he was nothing but miserable if you will just look from the inside. However, he has to tame his emotions not because he doesn’t want to perceive as a weakling man but because his Nana wanted him to be brave and strong. The last promise he will fulfill for his late teacher. Taking a small puff of his mint flavoured nicotine, he set himself on the corner of the street, leaning on the establishment wall with his sore back, attempting to amuse his eyes from what it seems like dull and monochrome scenery before him. Actually, he doesn’t understand why he decided to break free from the funeral, and decided to have a walk. He wasn’t craving for a smoke to begin with, and he pretty much rather say inside, appreciating the last moments with his Nana. But here he is, standing in the middle of the crowded place, having another stick of cigarette to torture his lungs, waiting— or rather hoping that someone would save him from the growing sorrow inside his chest. Damn, I don’t want to cry again.

To distract the pertinacious creeps of loneliness that slowly crawling it’s way back  to his muscles, Sen focused his pair of monotonous ogle on the colorful parade of ephemeral cars before him. Black. Red. Whiteㅡ mostly white coated automobiles passing in quick jiffy, running to their destination backed with hurry,  leaving a cloud of smoke behind them. For some, that brief second of encounter would only mean nothing, but not for Sen. Ten minutes had vanished on his life; 67 cars rushed, 32 honked, 12 beat the red light, 23 were drove by women, and 5 were filled with kids. Fifteen minutes rolled casually, then thirty. Before he can even realized it, Sen had memorize all 127 cars that passed before him. The little details, the tiny ghost; he remembered it all. And as if his memory capacity scaled more than the universe, he was far more certain that he will remember them allㅡ all.

Puffing few more doze of nicotine to abuse his poor lungs that was once pink and healthy, Sen exhaled mild satisfaction as he reigned against his emotions. Although it wasn’t an entire defeat ( as his subconscious kept living on the deathly image of his mentor), he was satisfied to realize that his chest doesn’t feel as heavy as earlier. It was lighter, and ratherㅡ tired. Two more inhales ashed the stick, he threw the moisten butt on the ground, and killed the fume as a finale. As he lifted his gaze back to the street, he was surprised to witness a potential accident. Deaths, everywhere. Sen moved according to his instincts, attempting to pull the absent-minded woman crossing the streets. Loud honks of angst rallied in front of him. His eardrums tantrum from the assault, but it quickly vanished as soon as the woman stepped its foot in safety. “Are you alright?” He courteously inquired with his low timbre of voice, stepping closer and beside the other as he examined her from any casualties from earlier.

"Your welcome" His lips pursued another smile dedicated for her before stepping his foot from the pavement and onto the streets, crossing together with footsteps moving in no hurry. The distance between the two pavement wasn’t long - and according to Sen’s quick arithmetic they both passed the street approximately 14 seconds. He’s sure, because he used his heartbeat as a counter, along with his breathing. It was only 14 seconds - short but worth it. The smallest pleasure of walking with someone, not being alone even for the shortest time. As he stepped his shoes back on the safety zone, he eyed on the woman to examine her facial expression again. Connecting with her gaze, he gave her a curt of a bow, and another warm smile. “Please be careful on your way home” His calm (or perhaps, calmer) voice murmured before he eventually left the woman as he walked to the other direction. He had no idea where to go next. It was still early to go back to his hotel room, he doesn’t even know what to do there anyways. He doesn’t feel like dipping on the swimming pool or spend his time on the usual “leisure ways”. It was never complimenting for him to do something on his own -  unless it was taking pictures, or self brainstorming for a short. He could do that, he thought. He could actually sit somewhere and ponder for his next project, but no. He promised not to mingle with any kind of work etiquette while he’s still in Korea. He was supposed to be mourning. But I don’t want to mourn. 

 While in the state of deep comprehension, Sen didn’t realized where his footsteps held him into. When he snapped from his thought, he found himself walking into nowhere in particular - just a straight road with lines of brown fashioned trees standing on each side. His eyes blinked slowly, flicking his long eyelashes as he focused on the place. It looked familiar - he thought. It looked utterly familiar.  Marching his legs more to examine the place, his gaze instantly caught a small playground. It was rugged and old - empty. It lacked giggles and laughter from those bouncy children. There’s no harmonic sound of youth. It was - dead. Biting his lower lips, Sen decided to fill up the melancholic playground. He tapped his footsteps on the sand, and walked directly to the swing. He caught the authenticity of it - the rusty chains, and weakened sit, but he didn’t mind it - at all. Sen, without second thoughts rode on the swing, playing with his weight, he pushed his body backward and let the wind blow him forward. His lips smiled from the reminiscing feeling. It was old, rusty, but warm.

#( monologue: sen ) #( memories & flashbacks ) #( one of my fav threads tbh ) #( me sitting here being all melodramatic )

[zrclk]

@byvlbit

How many names has she lived by in this lifetime? Eunju, Junhee and now Jion. Was there still a reason for her to do so? The war is over, but she has been fighting for too long to know what peace is. She will always be at war and every step is to the beat of a drum. Her clothing is armour. Her smile is her war-paint. Will she ever be at peace? Will she ever stop being at war?

Looking out of the glass windows of her safe heaven she’s crafted for herself, she noticed the dark clouds that loomed over the city. Will it rain? Will it wash away the memories she had of this lifetime? She has been fighting since she was a child. She doesn’t know who she is without a war. No matter how much she tried to find herself some normalcy, she does not know who she is when peace is here. Is this it? Being a stranger to her own self and hiding away amongst what is beautiful when she knows she isn’t? Is this fallacy what she deserves?

The chime of the bell above the storefront’s door pulled her back into reality, making her put down the pair of scissors she’s been using to cut away the thorns of the roses. A snip to her delicate skin would only bring on the redness she’s no longer accustomed to - she would want to avoid that at all costs. “Can I help you?” the short-haired woman called out to the visitor who’s hidden amongst the fauna. It was time for her to put on a show.

The establishment is small, rather it is not as big as he expected it’ll be. However, the whole place is filled with scents, naturally drawn towards his sensitive nose. Jaerim takes a step forward, as soon as he turns around from the door, chasing the voice of the woman, assumed to be the worker or owner of the place. “ Hello. “ His mature, low voice greeted first, meeting the visuals of the feminine figure before him.

The light glistening the air blurred his visions for a moment, albeit slowly grasp the image of the woman before him. She looks oddly familiar. The sketch of her expression reminds him of the past. It takes him a second to figure out why. And the moment of awakening frozen him on the spot. It took him years to walk past the painful memoirs, albeit he cannot believe it is all awaken now.

They said she passed away. That’s all he knew back then. Who’d be in the right mind to say otherwise? Jaerim stood there, dumbfounded and out of luck. 

𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓹𝓲𝓽𝔂

#( threads : jaerim )

[zrclk]

random.ly

out of the over seven billion people in the world, at least one will press you up against a wall and make love to you until your spine hurts. it’s a small fact but something you can carry with you like a moon hidden away in the darkening sky whenever you’re feeling alone.

#( random.ly )

[zrclk]

𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓹𝓲𝓽𝔂

Gloomy. The sun hides behind the thick clouds, barely emitting sunshine as the firefighter walks his way out of his truck and to the crowded streets of downtown Seoul. Looking at the sky for a moment of pause, Jaerim wondered if it’ll rain anytime soon, albeit the forecast earlier suggested that it isn’t. Perhaps, it is one of those sad days. Gloomy and dark ones. As if he hasn’t felt loneliness enough. 

He walk pass by people, head lowered on the ground. He isn’t particularly in the best mood, as tragedy struck the firefighter’s house a few days ago. A colleague recently passed away with no goodbyes. Jaerim is supposed to be used to it - being left behind, professionally or not. Albeit he is merely a human. A human who can never get used to the pain.

Wandering his eyes around, discovered a flower shop just by the corner of the street. He’s been searching for one since morning, alas, the search is over. He thought of buying flowers before he visits his old friend - always a little bit sentimental. He approached the door, pushing inwardly whilst greeted by the chimes. The scent of floral and nature invades his nostrils, awaken his lonely heart a little bit brighter. | @byvlbit

#( threads : jaerim )

[zrclk]

The song of valediction is a rhythm of whimper and hiccups; composed by a plodding blaze of time paired with by the strong commitment of waiting for the next sunrise. It is no easy pronouncement – a choice that shall linger for a lifetime. Whilst the conflicted silhouette of man resting by the lakeside knitted his messed up thoughts; neurosis and illusions hibernating deep within the abyss of his soul. Trembling hands placed on his closed lap whereas the heels of his overused feet whimpering kisses with the cold water below him. Sentimental vista; a vague panorama of both past and present – him. It all began here. It all ends here.

Long dark strains of curly hair waving to the opposite direction whilst sitting beside the permanent, lips curving wide and eyes cheerful in shine, albeit conscious of the following. She does – of course. For she is him and he is her.  Juliet knew since the beginning way before he could realize it – their ending. He looked at her with sad, forgiving eyes and she returned it with a gentle one – as always. It’s been months, possibly a couple of weeks from the time when he last recognize her, rather chose to view her as a separate. Whilst the chime of bliss in the forged identity’s imaginary chest even though there’s the sentient of goodbye. He reached for her hand, and the younger craved for it. The touch.

“I’m sorry”

Of what it seems to be a decade long silence gone astray and ingest in a split of a second, with a painful apology relinquished in the darkness of his beating heart. Juliet wished not to accept it, but what choice does she have? Minho made a solid decision already. His future—he doesn’t want her to be a part of it.

“After all this time?”

She asked, her cheerful and blooming youthful voice as always. Years, possibly more. Juliet has always been by his side. She stand where he stand. She sit where he sit. They lay together in that one gigantic bed. They sing together. The dream together. Their fingers both longed to hum the melody of the past. The cherish all the regrets. Feed all the pain and sorrow. Burned bridges. Lived.

Yet after all this time.

“I’m sorry”

Clemency is the only key for an illuminating future. Waking up every morning with the woman he love by his side greeting him with her warm smile and him introducing another set of deserving promises – no more bogus, uncertainly, death. Dawn of impossibility if there’s another cast in the picture; a separate subsistence that will pull him out of the vow. Even with the aspiration for serenity, the both know that serene between them will not exist. Two for tango.

“Do you forgive her by now?” She inquired while she gripped the older male’s hand she missed for a lifetime tighter and tighter, with no intention of letting go – now. Minho gazed at her side profile. She never aged; none wrinkles nor inches of longer hair. Her eyes shined like the first time they met. Her lips coloured pink as always. Her hands are cold, very cold but somehow over the years, they are his comfort. Her feet – forever wet – just like his, now. She exist only for him. But the funny thing is – Juliet is not his curse. He is the curse of Juliet.

“It takes time. “ he answered in full honestly. There’s no reason to lie anyway. Even if he speaks the opposite of his tongue’s sincerity, Juliet will figure it out anyway. She could peak deep in his heart, and hibernate between his ribcage and lungs if she wanted to. With or without his permission. She knew him too well. Too well that they were both terrified by it.

“But I stopped blaming myself anymore. I should have done that sooner, but I guess – “

“You guess?”

“No. No more guessing. I realized that even if I did not let go of her hand, Jinah will choose to die anyway. Not physically perhaps, but rooted in her. If she continued to live, our family would be as shattered by now. She wouldn’t be happy. I may be too much of an antagonist saying this but for me, this is the truth. Jinah died for a reason, but it’s not supposed to be my reason”

“And it’s not supposed to be my reason too.”

It is not the purpose we – I should live in.

“So there’s no more raison d'être for you to stay. I’’m sorry Juliet.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. Rather, I am grateful for you.”

“For what?”

“For the liberty of life”

For the love, and care, and music, and laugh.

“I had a long life”

“I supposed.”

Time’s up. The sun is setting down.

“ Thank you, Minho oppa, and Goodbye.”

Her voice lingered in the summer scented air.  The ghost of her young smile haunted him for a few seconds as he witnessed her existence slowly fading, fading, fading. She waved her hand, greeting – farewell – like the first time.

Minho sat by the lakeside; staring, appreciating, living the blade of yellow and red burning before him. His hands no longer tremble albeit missed the mystic of a sad sensation, his lips curved but only a little and his heart beats a tune of melancholy. Farewell embraced his unhurriedly extant frame.   It is really the end, so long – goodbye.

Sentimental vista; a vague panorama of both past and present – him. It all began here. It all ends here.

Farewell to you, my friend.