𝕃𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕠 [LEE KNOW]

24

Limbo

Minho have always loved Yumi and Yumi the same. However, there were only a handful of times they were able to express it freely. With their busy lives as an idol, it was bound to be difficult one way or another. Not that they regret ever being in a relationship.

They were secretive and mindful when it comes to meeting each other, not wanting to break the company laws and regulations about their dating lives. It was not like they were still on a dating ban. However, both of their careers were currently on its peak and they can't have it if they damage the smooth rising flow they were currently having.

That was until the two were exposed by a sasaeng. Then, one thing led to another, and several articles were being published. Not one of them knew what was going to happen now that they were exposed. They did not know what to do. 

Until they received a message from each of their companies for a meeting. The evening before the meeting, Minho was cuddled with Yumi. "We'll be alright." He assured her, not knowing he was also saying it to assure himself as well.

"We'll be alright." Yumi repeated, nodding and wrapping her arms around Minho. Closing her eyes as she felt his lips on her. It was soft and gentle, both of them simply enjoying the moment. Not rushing nor being too aggressive. Just savoring the moment between the two of them.

However, not one of them probably expected being separated that morning. Forced by their companies to separate and never meet each other again.

"You two cannot be serious. Your careers are on their peak and you had the audacity to do this?" The CEO scolded them, looking down at them as he told them off. "You two can no longer do this. Not only will it damage you, but it will also damage the reputation of your groups. Is that what you want?" 

Minho thought that the last time he will experience this much heartbreak was when Yumi left the space without a word. Without a single warning and nothing but a ring and letter left for him. He thought that was the biggest heartbreak he will ever experience. But it was nothing compared to the pain he was currently experiencing as his heart shattered.

"Hyung." Minho went to Chan, his voice hoarse and eyes red from crying. Without hesitation, Chan stood up from his chair, abandoning everything in his laptop to go to Minho, wrapping his arms around the younger and pulling him for a hug. "Hyung..."

Meanwhile, Yumi was in no better situation. She can't count the number of tissues she has used up at this point. She never slacked off as an idol, always following the diet if she was told to, never late for practices and recording and yet it still was not enough to grant her wishes even just this once. She only wanted Minho, but even him was taken away from her. She could only hide in her sheets, muffling her cries and hiding her pain from the world and the eyes that continue to torment her.

"Can we really not fight for us? We've been taken away from each other once and I don't want to lose you ever again." Minho spoke, his eyes wet with tears that threatened to fall as he broke the rules to talk to her that evening.

For the very last time.

Yumi shook her head and looked down. "You and I both know it's not possible, Min. They could terminate your contract and make you leave Stray Kids. Is that what you really want? Min, we found our way back to each other once and I trust that we'll do again if ever the time comes." She responded.

Minho sighed, nodding as he looked down. "Why is the world so harsh?" He chuckled dryly, trying to humor the situation to lessen the burden he was carrying and try to cheer himself up. Just a few hours ago, he was in the arms of his most beloved and now they were about to be two worlds apart because of the expectations rained upon them.

"I love you."

Without any hesitation, Minho pulled her and kissed her for the last time.

Despite being sad, he was still an idol who did not have time to dwell on his emotions. He still had to put up a facade as he walked towards the airport, preparing to board the plane. They were about to perform for a festival and the fans wanted to see them leave the country. He had to wear sunglasses to hide his red eyes but for the most part, it was easy to hide his sadness. He was on the flight alone seeing as the others already went.

The members tried to assure and cheer up Minho, but they knew only one person could fix the sadness he was currently feeling and just left him alone.

Minho put on his headphones and glanced at the window of the plane. He watched as the clouds seemed to have fleeted by seamlessly as they passed by a cloud after another. He did not have a specific thought. He had no one to speak to. It was only him and his mind that occupied him.

Maybe it was because he was tired and no longer cared. Maybe it was because he wanted to be free that when the plane started falling, he did not even yell. He sat in silence as chaos prevailed, the once peaceful flight will soon have its tragic end. In the end, Minho only had one thought inside his mind.

'I should have told her how much I love her.'

Regrets filled his mind. 

A single tear fell from his eyes as darkness engulfed him.

To his surprise, he heard the beeping of an alarm and he was laying on somewhat a comfortable surface. Opening his eyes, he saw the blue sky and the birds flying towards the unknown. He glanced towards his finger that had a golden ring. 

He glanced towards his side and smiled. "Did you have that nightmare again, Min?"  

"I love you." Minho said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Have I mentioned that?"

Yumi smiled, interlocking their hands that held their wedding rings. "Mhm. I love you too."

a/n: explanation for the ending hehe:

"Limbo" by LEE KNOW explores the emotions of a person who has lost a loved one. The song reflects on the memories left behind and the desire to hold onto them forever. The opening lines of the song suggest that the protagonist had no idea that the last walk they took with their loved one would be the last. They reminisce about the memories they shared, the moments they spent together and the footsteps they have left behind, hoping to find traces of their loved one's presence. - genius English translations.

Also, personally, my own understanding of the song was a person waking up from a terrible dream. A dream where the person lost their loved one that's why the song ended like that. The song ended like a person that woke up from a terrible nightmare. Basically, Minho and Yumi did break up but reconciled and married a few years later. The plane crash was Minho's nightmare the day they broke up.

Limbo is one of my fave songs and I've always wanted to write a book based off of it. The song personally always made me feel emotional that's why this book is not as light as my other books. This was a new experience and a learning journey all throughout. Nonetheless, I enjoyed writing this as much as the other books:)).

LIMBO SIGNING OUT!