The air felt different as Bae Yoora stepped into her small art studio, a comforting space filled with canvases, brushes, and the lingering scent of paint. It had become her sanctuary since Yushi’s passing, a place where she could escape into her creativity and process her grief. Today, however, there was a palpable tension in the air, an unshakable feeling that something monumental was about to happen.
Yoora stood in front of her easel, her latest project looming large—a canvas dedicated to Yushi. The vibrant colors she had chosen represented their shared memories, each stroke a testament to her love for him. As she dipped her brush into a deep crimson, she felt a mix of excitement and dread swirling within her. This would be the culmination of everything she had felt since losing him, a tribute that she hoped would encapsulate their bond.
With each stroke, she poured her heart onto the canvas, weaving together their happiest moments. Memories of their laughter echoed in her mind—the time they spent watching the sunset, the secret places they discovered in their small town, and the dreams they shared about their future. But with each joyous memory came the sharp pang of loss, a reminder of the gaping hole Yushi had left in her life.
“Yoora, how’s it going?” Sion’s cheerful voice broke through her focus, and she turned to find him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, a smile on his face that radiated warmth.
“It’s coming along,” she replied, her voice tinged with emotion. “But it feels like it needs something more… I don’t know what yet.”
Sion stepped inside, his gaze shifting to the canvas. “It’s beautiful. You really capture the feeling of love and loss in your work.”
Yoora felt a swell of gratitude for Sion’s presence. He had been her steadfast supporter, always encouraging her to express her feelings through art. “Thank you, Sion. It means a lot coming from you.”
“Have you thought about sharing it with Yushi’s family?” he suggested gently, his expression shifting to one of concern. “I think they’d appreciate seeing how you’re honoring him.”
The idea sent a wave of anxiety through her. “I want to, but… I don’t know if I’m ready to face them again. It brings back so many emotions.”
Sion nodded, understanding her hesitation. “I get it. Just know that it’s okay to feel vulnerable. You’re not alone in this.”
As they spoke, Yoora felt a familiar tug at her heart, a gentle reminder of Yushi’s presence. It was as if he were there, urging her to embrace the love she felt, even amidst the sorrow. She took a deep breath, determined to channel her feelings into the artwork.
Days passed as Yoora immersed herself in her painting, each session bringing her closer to completion. Yet, amidst the flurry of colors and memories, a nagging sense of finality began to seep into her thoughts. She could sense that her time to connect with Yushi again was approaching, and with it, the weight of their last goodbye.
One evening, after a long day of painting, Yoora decided to visit Yushi’s family. Her heart raced as she approached their home, a mixture of dread and hope swirling within her. She knocked hesitantly, and Yushi’s mother answered the door, her face lighting up with a smile that quickly turned to concern.
“Yoora, dear! It’s so good to see you,” Mrs. Tokuno exclaimed, pulling her into a warm embrace. “We’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Yoora replied, her voice thick with emotion. “I wanted to share something with you.”
Yushi’s parents invited her in, and as they settled in the living room, Yoora pulled out her phone, showing them images of her artwork. “I’ve been working on a piece dedicated to Yushi. I want to honor him and our memories together.”
Mrs. Tokuno’s eyes welled with tears as she looked at the images. “Oh, Yoora, this is beautiful. You’ve captured his spirit so perfectly.”
Mr. Tokuno nodded, a proud smile on his face. “He would have loved this, Yoora. You have such a gift.”
Their kind words filled her heart with warmth, but also deepened the ache of loss. They shared stories and laughter, reminiscing about Yushi, and Yoora felt a connection rekindle, a bond that transcended grief.
As she left their home later that evening, she felt lighter yet burdened with the weight of what was to come. She knew that she had to speak to Yushi again, to say everything that remained unsaid. The thought both terrified and comforted her.
The next night, she prepared herself for the call, her heart pounding in her chest. Sitting in front of her easel, she gathered her thoughts, writing down everything she wanted to say to him. It felt like a farewell letter, a way to release all the love, pain, and hope she had been holding onto.
When the moment arrived, she took a deep breath and dialed Yushi’s number. The familiar sound of ringing filled her with anticipation, and when his voice finally came through, it felt like a balm to her aching heart.
“Yoora?” he answered, the warmth of his voice washing over her like sunlight breaking through clouds.
“Yushi,” she breathed, a mix of relief and sorrow flooding her. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too,” he replied softly. “It’s good to hear your voice.”
They shared moments of warmth, recalling memories that had shaped their relationship. As the conversation deepened, Yoora began to pour out her heart, sharing her feelings about everything that had happened since he left.
“I’ve been trying to move forward,” she confessed, her voice shaking. “But it’s hard without you. I feel guilty for being happy, for painting again. I want to honor you, but sometimes it feels like I’m leaving you behind.”
Yushi’s voice was soothing, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. “Yoora, it’s okay to feel joy. You don’t have to carry the weight of my absence alone. I’ll always be with you, in your heart and your memories.”
Tears streamed down her face as she listened, feeling the love they shared envelop her. “I just wish things were different. I wish we had more time together.”
“Me too,” he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. “But you have to live for both of us now. Chase your dreams, create beautiful things, and know that I’ll always be cheering you on.”
As they continued to talk, a sense of peace began to settle over her. She realized that Yushi’s love was a part of her, that it would guide her even in his absence.
Finally, as their conversation drew to a close, Yoora felt the weight of finality press upon her. “Yushi, I know this is goodbye… at least for now.”
“Yes,” he said softly. “But it’s not the end. You will carry me with you always.”
“I love you,” she whispered, her heart aching with the knowledge of what was to come.
“I love you too, Yoora. You’ll be okay. Remember, I’m always with you,” he replied, his voice a gentle caress.
With tears in her eyes, she whispered, “Goodbye, Yushi.”
“Goodbye, Yoora. Until we meet again.”
As the call ended, Yoora felt an overwhelming sense of loss but also a profound sense of peace. She understood that this goodbye was a part of her healing journey. She sat in the silence, allowing the tears to fall, feeling Yushi’s presence envelop her like a protective blanket.
With renewed determination, she turned back to her canvas, ready to finish the piece that would honor their love and the memories they had shared. The chapter of their story was closing, but the love they had built would live on within her heart.
YOU ARE READING
Holding on to Yushi || Tokuno Yushi
أدب الهواة❝I've spent so long trying to forget you, but now that you're here... it feels like losing you all over again every time we say goodbye.❞ ㅡ Bae Yoora ❝"I wish I could reach through this phone and hold you, Yoora... just one last time.❞ ㅡ Tokuno Yush...
