The Blue House

Exile

"It's not a win if I lose you."

Bin wasn't kidding when he said those words to Ye Jin last week.

After the news of him winning the election spreads, his attention has been pulled around by his supporters. Group after group, he maintains his fake smile and tells them the automatic reply he has prepared.

Yet— his thought stays with her. The serenity and calm he feels in this supposedly euphoric day abruptly snap as he realizes she's gone.

The President-Elect could not care less what congratulatory nonsense his counterpart is currently giving him. His body says its intention very well through series of nervous gestures. His gaze stays at the door, willing it to open again to show the love of his life. His right hand slips inside his pocket and grips the ring box, his feet move restlessly against the granite floor.

What he wants — what he needs — is her. And she's slipping through his fingers with each minute that passes.

Life, for him, is always between holding on to what's meant to be, and letting go of what's not. The latter part is the art of life, a philosopher once said. And so far— he does a pretty good job of letting his bitter past go. But there's only so much letting go he can afford himself.

This one— he needs to fight for it. Don't give up. Don't let go. He can't afford to lose her for good— though he's afraid that it is the more likely scenario.

"Excuse me, Gents, I have something to attend to." He dismisses himself from the crowd surrounding him. Bin doesn't care that most of his supporters are taken aback with how abrupt he takes his leave.

He pivots toward the entrance, almost running to the door. Kang Jin Tae and his team are startled when their new Commander in Chief briskly walks past them and exits the ballroom. Bin's eyes frantically search for Ye Jin and he quickens his steps once he doesn't see her.

He almost misses her when he opts to run straight instead of descending down the stairs. But that slender frame. That ramrod posture. That elegant walk. He'll recognize her anywhere.

He halts his steps immediately and calls her name loudly. His heart pumps faster as if telling him this is his last chance. He runs down the stairs in haste, it's a miracle he doesn't fall.

He is panting by the time he reaches her and is thankful that she still has enough affection for him to help him calm down.

He holds on to her hand tightly and swears to himself he won't ever let this hand go. So, that's what he does. He asks her to stay and don't go anywhere. Then he can't stop himself. His hand pulls out the ring box, part of himself is satisfied hearing her surprised gasp.

He plays with it, remembering the day he bought the ring and every single missed opportunity to give it to her. Every single opportunity to tell her he has every intention to make her his.

Maybe if he isn't so afraid, he won't need to resort to this long shot attempt. But still, he owes it to himself to try as hard as he can. And so he presents the ring and poses the most important request of his life.

"Be my First Lady, Son Ye Jin."

Bin watches as her face pales and panic starts to fill her beautiful face. Ye Jin looks first at the box then back to his face, as if not believing this is really happening.

No one is speaking, but the loaded silence rings loud as they stare at each other in despair. Myriad of emotions flashes through their expression, most of them contrasting what the other is showing.

Bin shows love. He shows conviction and promise and she shows—

Love.

Fear.