|| The High Tide || {Sunki}

{ 13 }

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"I am yours, the way the sea belongs to the moon, the way the moon belongs to the sky, and even if the jealous stars break and shatter across the Milky Way, I will still see heaven in your eyes."

- Mark Anthony

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[Age 26]

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My dearest Ni-Ki,

Today marks my first day as a small business owner!

After working hard for so long, and with Heesung's help, I was able to find a decently-sized building to rent and sell my art in. And I did it all with your support growing up. I couldn't have done it without you, so thank you. You played such a big part in my journey, though you couldn't be here beside me throughout it. I wish you could have been here to celebrate the grand opening with me today.

But it's not the same. Yes, I'm so happy, but it will never be the same without you by my side.

Jungwon, Jay, Heesung, Jake, and Sunghoon all came over today for my small celebration party. We had drinks, so I'm feeling a little tipsy right now. I even met Heesung's boyfriend, Hyunjin. He's my age, and he's really sweet too. Apparently, he went to the same university as me, which is how they met. He takes an art major as well. I'm surprised that we never crossed paths too. Hyunjin showed us a few of his painting, and he's really good. Like, really good. I'm surprised we never crossed paths.

I bet you would've fit right into our group. They're amazing people and all like sports, so I think that you would've loved them. Both my parents and yours like them too, and they've always been strict on who we associate ourselves with, so that's saying something.

My collection of bleeding hearts has grown really big, since they just keep reproducing. I have seven different plants now, which is perfect for decorating my new studio, so thank you for that, too. Now, every time I go to work, I can be reminded of you.

Speaking of the flowers, I finally understand the meaning now. When you first got me the plant, you said you liked the meaning, but I didn't know what it was. According to Google, it was "lost love", which I didn't understand at first. But now that I think about it now, it's perfect. They also symbolize having a hard time moving on from someone you love, which is literally the best way to describe how I feel.

On a happier note, your father has started tendering to his garden again. There's a beehive on one of the trees, and he even cares for them too. It seems scary to me, but he enjoys it, so I guess it's okay.

Maybe I could sell honey at my store. An art and honey business. Seems odd... no one's ever done it before. Well, at least not that I'm aware of.

I'm getting a bit sleepy now, so I'll try and wrap this up.

I know that I say this in every letter I write, which is, by this point, too many to count, but I'll say it once and I'll say it again-I miss you. I miss you so much, my one and only love. Even though our families and my friends sort of ease the painful void you left, it will never, ever be the same. You will always be on mind, no matter how many years go by.

Each time I find myself left alone in my thoughts, I catch myself mourning your death as intensely and vividly as if it was just yesterday. I will never heal from the loss of my other half, my best friend, my soulmate, my love.

I don't want to die since I haven't bought our beach house yet, but I also can't wait to be reunited with you.

You're still waiting for me, right?

Loving you infinitely,
Sunoo

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