Wanting You (A tale of love & loss)

Chapter - 8

In the months following their official relationship, Do-yun and Jimin spent as much time together as possible, making memories they would cherish. They went on dates at cozy cafes, spent quiet afternoons at the beach, laughed through late-night movie marathons, and held hands as they walked through parks under cherry blossom trees. Taehyung and Yoongi were thrilled to see Jimin so happy, genuinely content and glowing with the love he shared with Do-yun.

Jimin had never imagined he'd experience a love like this. He'd always assumed he would have an arranged marriage of his Appa's choice, yet here he was, now in love with Do-yun, someone he chose for himself. Despite this joy, a part of him worried about how his Appa would react. He wondered if his family would accept Do-yun as wholeheartedly as he did, but he held onto hope and faith that love would ultimately win them over.

But then, out of nowhere, life threw a curveball.

Do-yun received an offer—an internship and a chance to complete his Ph.D. in the United States. It was an incredible opportunity, one he had worked so hard for. But when he thought about leaving Jimin, his heart ached. They'd only been together for six months, and he couldn't imagine a day without Jimin, let alone three years. He wanted to reject the offer, determined not to leave Jimin behind.

Jimin, however, saw things differently. He knew how much this meant to Do-yun and didn't want to be the reason he held back from his dreams. Sitting across from him, Jimin gently held Do-yun's hand, his eyes shining with resolve. "This is your dream, Do-yun," he said softly. "You've worked so hard for this, and I can't let you throw it away because of me. We can make long-distance work. I'll be waiting here for you."

"But three years..." Do-yun's voice wavered, his gaze torn between Jimin and his own ambitions.

Jimin gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Three years will go by faster than you think. When you come back, we'll have our future waiting for us. We'll get married, build a life, maybe even start a family. I'm not going anywhere."

Hearing these words overwhelmed Do-yun. Jimin was offering him the freedom to chase his dreams while promising to wait for him, and he realized then just how deeply he loved him. With renewed determination, he decided to accept the offer, not just for himself, but to become someone worthy of Jimin's love and pride.

---

Finally, the day of Do-yun's departure arrived. The airport was bustling with travelers, but all Jimin could focus on was the heavy feeling in his chest. Taehyung and Yoongi were there too, supportive as always, but their usual playful teasing was absent today, replaced by an understanding silence.

Do-yun pulled Jimin aside for a final goodbye, taking his hands and memorizing every detail of his face. "Thank you for everything, Jimin," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "For loving me, for supporting me, and for giving me the courage to follow my dreams."

Jimin swallowed back tears, trying to put on a brave face. "I'll be here when you get back", he replied, his voice trembling. "Three years, right? We'll get through it. I want you to do your best out there and achieve everything you've worked for."

Do-yun cupped Jimin's face gently, wiping away a tear that escaped down his cheek. "I love you, Jimin," he whispered, his own eyes glistening. "I'm going to miss you every day."

Jimin's resolve finally broke, and he let the tears fall. "I love you too," he choked out, his voice barely audible. "Just... be safe, okay?"

As the final boarding call echoed through the terminal, Do-yun took a shaky breath and pulled Jimin into one last, tight embrace. Jimin clung to him, savoring every second. Letting go felt impossible, but he knew he had to, for both of their futures.

Do-yun finally pulled back, his gaze lingering on Jimin before he turned to leave. Jimin watched him go, his vision blurred by tears, his heart aching with a pain he hadn't anticipated. He waved, determined to stay strong, even as he felt a gnawing sense of unease. He brushed it off, convincing himself it was just his imagination.

But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change, something neither of them could have ever predicted. And as Do-yun disappeared from sight, Jimin whispered to himself, "I'll be waiting." Not knowing just how long and painful that wait might become.