Euphoria

"Departure"

Tae Rin-Cha

I think that's everything. Oh, wait. Toothbrush.

I ran into the bathroom and grabbed my toothbrush and toothpaste. Shoving them into my suitcase, I popped a mint into my mouth and sighed dismally. I peered around my tiny apartment space one more time, and rolled my suitcase towards the door. My shoes were already on, my counters bleached so they wouldn't dust, and everything was completely clean. Pushing open my front door, I stepped out with my suitcase in hand and bag on my back. It was the first week of November, and the cold air had already begun to engulf the city in its icy grasp. I had thin black mittens on, and a designer winter coat I had purchased last year as a Christmas gift to myself. I had saved up some money, and threw it all out on a coat that was sure to last for longer than four years if I handled it properly. Since winter was right around the corner, it was the perfect time to start wearing the warm articles of clothing.

"Tae Rin-Cha? Where are you going at this hour?"

"Oh, hi Ms. Kim Sun-Tik. I'm actually leaving for Japan today," I sadly told my neighbor.

She looked slightly stunned, and eyed me in puzzlement. "What? Why?"

"Personal reasons, but I'll be back in a few years. Don't you worry Ms. Kim," I reassured her, and she sighed heavily.

"Years? Well, I hope you don't come back when I'm at death's door! Have a safe trip sweetie," she wished me earnestly.

I thanked her and left for the elevator. Ms. Kim had been one of my neighbors for the past ten years, so I knew her quite well. She would often stop by when I was younger to say hi to my parents, but after their passing, she wouldn't come to visit as often. Since she was friends with them, she was probably also going through the trauma I had to endure. Not as badly though, but still enough to break the poor old woman.

"To IIA please."

"Taking a trip somewhere?"

"Yes, Japan."

The taxi driver nodded and stepped on the gas, beginning the drive to the airport. It was about a sixty minute drive, so I plugged in my headphones and listened to some music.

Jin-Woo said he'd meet me by the airport, so I had to be there before 8:30. I know he doesn't make much of an effort to wake up early in the mornings, so I had to be there before him. My flight was at ten, and it was currently 7:10, so I had plenty of time to drop off my luggage and do some waiting. I also wanted to grab some food with Jin-Woo before I set off, so that was another thing on my to-do list.

It was a quiet drive, but we reached the airport in the elapsed time as I had planned. I paid the taxi driver my fee and took out my luggage. He wished me safe travels, and I saw him off.

I heaved a sigh as I walked towards the front doors of the airport, quite surprised to see him there, lazily scrolling through his phone.

"Did you really make the effort to get up early today?"

"Maybe. How've you been?"

I laughed and began walking to the doors, ignoring his question completely. He trailed behind me, staying close to my back. His hand found mine, and he intertwined his fingers with mine. I only noticed I was holding his hand after five minutes, and immediately turned red as I saw what was happening. He chuckled and pulled me along, first stopping to drop my suitcase off.

It was a fast procedure, and I was now left only with the bag on my back.

Jin-Woo guided me to a restaurant near my gate, and we went to get a table. It was quite fancy, with elaborate lighting and a romantic aura.