The Star

57. Something to remember me by.

Chaeyoung.

We rolled by the sand not a care in how much sand we'll get. We just  played and laughed.

After playing, we lay by the sand. The clouds looks so lovely floating in the sky. I felt everything as she's beside me. My hand inches from hers. Without thinking, I hold her hand. She went stiff but didn't let go. We stayed like that without talking yet it felt comfortable.

We then heard her phone's notification. She sat then stood and went over to the picnic mat and get her phone. She then went back beside me and sat. I pulled myself up and sat too.

Mina: Sana and Momo messaged. They said they'll come and they're on their way already. They'll be spending the night here.

And I can't. I want to, but I have work.

Me: That's great. I'm sure they'll love it here. You'd get to bond with them before you go.

By saying that, it hit me that she'll be leaving tomorrow. I was looking ahead, staring at the beach. The day isn't over so I stood, faced her and offered my hand.

Me: Walk with me.

She smiled and took my hand. I pulled her up and led her along the beach without letting go of her hand. Everything that happened yesterday and today felt surreal. Spending the night and whole day with her. I'd get to eat, talk and laugh with her. And with her hand in mine, I don't want this moment to end. I hope we can stay like this forever.

I stopped walking and lift our hands. She stopped as well and looked at me confused. I intertwined my fingers on her and smiled. I can sense she went stiff for a second then she smiled that heart warming gummy smile. Seeing her like this, spending time with her makes my heart happy.

As the sun sets we went back to the front of the house and sat by the picnic mat grabbing some chips. I stood and went to the house. I got back with Sodas in hand and a blanket. Seeing her sitting there with the sun set in front was a great scene. I took my camera and took a picture of her. Then an idea came to my mind.

I put down my camera and sodas, then sat behind her. I went closer to her hugging her from the back. She jumped a little as my arms went around her covering her with the blanket. I can tell she's a bit awkward. 

I kept thinking if what I'm doing is right? I don't know what happened to me to be so bold with my actions. Maybe because this might be our last time together. 

I was already thinking of moving to sit beside her instead but after a few seconds Mina shifted her body so she can lean her body on me. It was my turn to be stiff for she leaned her head on my left shoulder. When I recovered, I hugged her tight. Damn this felt so good.

I looked at her and was amazed by her side features. I didn't know I was staring until she spoke. 

Mina: Stop staring.

Me: I can't help myself, you're so pretty.

She chuckled. After a few seconds of staring at her I shifted my gaze to the setting sun. 

Her phone beeped. She looked at it. 

Mina: It's them, they stopped at a grocery to buy food and stuff.

Me: They're near then.

Mina: Yeah. maybe an hour and a half.

Me: I'll go before they arrive.

She didn't reply but seconds later her hands went to my arms. We stayed like that for maybe half an hour until the sun disappeared and darkness came. I excused myself and left her alone there while I gathered my things and put it in my car. After a few minutes I came back sat behind her and hugged her again. Once more she leaned her body on me. We stayed silent.

Me: What time is your flight tomorrow?

Mina: 2pm

We went silent again. Both of us looked like we're deep in thought. My heart's pounding as the time to part gets nearer. Thoughts swirling in my head as I try to think what to say to her before I go.

Me: When do you think we'll see each other again?

She looked like she was taken aback by my question. I was looking at her when she looked at me. I looked into her eyes trying to capture her face and imprint it on my mind.

My alarm went off. I used to hate my alarm as it disrupts my sleep. But I hate it more now, as it signals my time to go.

Me: I'll go now. They'll be here soon.

I then stood as well as she. I put the blanket on her. She was looking at me as if she want to say something but hesitates to.

I moved closer to her, took hold of her arms, pulled her towards me, put my arms around her and hugged her tight.

Me: I had a great time spending my day and night with you. I'm gonna miss this. 

Mina: me too.

I'm fighting so hard not to let my tears fall as I looked at her. I stared at her while I kept a hold on her. If I could, I will not let her go. I wish we could stay here and do what we did everyday with no care in the world.

But we can't. We have to face the reality that we're both on differet paths. 

I smiled at her as I look at her now sad eyes.

Me: Remember always what I taught you. Take care of yourself for me.

Mina: I should be the one saying that. Be careful please.

I smiled as something in my tummy whirls around. I brought a hand to her cheeks. Trying to memorize how it feels when I touch her skin. She smiles as I caress her cheeks. We went into a trance as we stared at each other's eyes. I can't help it. My body moves without thinking, moving closer but this time I immediately closed the gap between us. Touching her lips with mine. She went stiff then relaxed  After a few seconds I let go. 

I stared at her as she slowly opens her eyes.

Me: I hope that's something you'll remember me by. I'm gonna miss you.

Then I turned and ran towards the side of the house and went inside the car and drove off.

I had to, cause I don't want her to see my tears. As I drive my vision get blurry as my tears kept flowing. When I can no longer see clearly I pulled over. 

Still holding the wheel I let my tears fall. There goes that heavy thing on my chest again. This hurts so much.