Side Story (4) Departure
It was the day before I left.
"Hey, what time are you leaving tomorrow...?
I'll take you. You have a lot of luggage."
After finishing my homework and trying to sleep, Jeongguk leaned against the door and asked me.
"It's morning... Do you really have time...?
If you're trying too hard..."
"I used my vacation time. Let's go together."
Jungkook's words cut me off sharply. Jungkook's expression was still cold...
phew..
I sighed deeply and nodded.
. . .
When I took out two large suitcases to leave in the morning, Jungkook silently loaded them into the car. We stayed in silence the entire ride.Is this how we're going to break up? I didn't mean for this to happen... Was I being short-sighted?My heart ached. I wanted to hold Jungkook's hand on the armrest, as tenderly as I used to, but for some reason I lacked the courage. I quietly reached out my fingers, then closed them again.
. . .
It was at the airport. I parked and unloaded my luggage. I tried to share a large suitcase with him, but Jungkook snatched the suitcase from my hand and took them both. For some reason, my hands felt empty with embarrassment. I tried to chase after Jungkook, who was walking quickly, but it seemed like he was leading and I was following behind, which was funny. Jungkook just walked ahead of me all the way to the departure gate, just walking silently.
If this is what it's going to be like, why did you bring me here...?
I was both dumbfounded and disappointed... I walked to the departure hall, looking down at the floor in frustration. Then...Thud...Jungkook's head hit his back. Jungkook stopped walking and stood still.
""Please do it..."
..?
I raised my head and looked at the child's face. He tried to look expressionless, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
""Take this..."
Jungkook suddenly grabbed my hand.
"What is it..."
Jungkook took something out of his pocket and put a ring on my finger.
"I was originally going to give it to you when you travel...
I guess I won't be able to go on a trip...
Also, all the things I had prepared ended up in vain,
I can't seem to sort this out...
"Please keep it.."
The ring on his fourth finger sparkled softly in the red sunlight just rising over Jungkook's shoulder.
"I'm sorry for being cold to you for a while...
I also needed time to gather my thoughts"
It was heartbreaking to see Jeongguk speaking, somehow pitiful. And the fact that he had sorted out his thoughts was also heartbreaking.
"So... I made up my mind,
I tried to organize it until this morning,
I think I've come to a conclusion now."
"What conclusion..?"
"I don't think I can do without you.
"It's so familiar to have you by my side..."
I felt Jungkook's warmth on the hand that was holding me while putting the ring on.Yeah... I don't want to break up with you like this either.
"Jungkook, maybe my feelings for you have changed too...
I don't want to push you away,
I don't think I can do without you...
I need time entirely for myself...
Sorry... I'll clean up after myself... and come back. So..."
I bit my lip because I felt like crying again.
"Thank you... I'll always wear the ring.."
I forced myself to swallow my tears and smiled at Jeongguk. I thought that would make the boy feel a little better.
Jungkook waited beside me while I went through departure procedures and received my plane ticket. In front of the departure gate, it was truly time to say goodbye. It was only a few short steps, but for the first time in a long time, I walked hand in hand with Jungkook. Just holding his hand for a moment felt like my heart was melting, and I could clearly feel how much I relied on him. We stopped in front of the gate.
"Let's hug just once before we go..."
Hug... Jeongguk hugged me. Then he whispered in my ear.
"You're training well. I'll come see you... Okay..?"
"Huh...? Really..?"
"So, as soon as possible... sort out your anxieties and fears... before I come to see you..."
"Hahaha what... really..? Okay... got it"
I don't know if what Jungkook says will actually come true, but he said he would come to me.okay...Still, I think I was a little touched by the sight of Jungkook, who had been cold, becoming warm again.
".. Now we really have to break up... Jungkook... I'm going..."
"Yeah, okay... Stay healthy and have a safe trip."
Jeongguk waved at me.
So I left Jeongguk's arms and entered the departure lounge.