Our Love Story | Kim Seokjin

xvii

Lanterns for you, my dear friend.

I didn't go to New York for two months due to my broken heart. I told Jin that my aunt died and I had an emotional wreck—thankfully he understood. So after the two months, it was already December and winter was coming in a few more weeks.

Every time I looked at the calendar I remembered that they're going to get married in a few more months. The time is ticking too fast and I would lose everything in a blink of an eye.

I would be lonely and New York City would only be a piece of my memory.

"Wendy..." he whispered behind me, trying his best to get my attention. I took out a book from the shelf that looked kind of good. "I know that your aunt died but is it necessary for you to ignore me?"

He was beside me as I walked to the table. I admitted that I did ignore him because I didn't want to hurt myself again. I tried to act alright but every time I looked at his face; I just wanted to tell him how I feel.

"I'm just tired, Jin. I'm sorry," I apologised and gave him a weak smile before I sat down and opened the book. He let out a scoff and sat down beside me.

He closed the book and held my shoulders so I could face him. "You're tired? Wendy, I miss you and I just want to spend time with you..." he whispered.

I looked away from his gaze and took a deep breath—I didn't want to look as if I was weak even though I was. "Fine, what do you want to do?" I asked with courage.

His lips finally curled into a smile. "I have so many things to do with you and since today is my birthday, we should spend the whole day far from here!" He quickly stood up from his seat with his hand around my wrist.

He dragged me out from the library and went straight across the street to approach a car. He unlocked the car and we entered at the same time.

"We are going to spend the day to fulfil your dream!" he shouted after he started the ignition. That car wasn't the normal car we used, it was a car with no hoot and I hate to admit that I was enjoying the ride.

We didn't listen to his type of noisy music instead we were just listening to the trend music like New York City by The Chainsmoker and as the wind washed over our faces just made my heart pounded and everything inside me just wanted to go out. So I raised my hands in the air and screamed loudly, didn't care what people would say.

I stopped when I realised that Jin kept looking at me. I laughed bitterly and he just smiled to himself. "You must be under a lot stress," he said and I just couldn't find a lie, so I nodded my head before another laugh came out.

—

We stopped in front of a familiar boutique. Jin got out from the car and walked over me to open my door. "Psh, I can open the door by myself—"

"Not today," he said while extending his hand for me to hold. So I held his hand and walked outside to enter the boutique together with him. He smiled to the workers and asked for some clothes.

I was surprised when two girls appeared out of nowhere came to drag me to somewhere. I was even more surprised when I saw a beautiful classy dress hanging next to the mirror. I was way more than surprised when I was told to sit down so they could do makeup on my face.

It took them half an hour or so because I told them that I didn't want a thick makeup that can make me look like a whore. So when I opened my eyes, I saw a beautiful girl and I almost thought that it wasn't me.

After that, I wore that dress and of course I didn't forget to take a few pictures of myself and the girls who helped me.

As I walked out, Jin was already in his suit—it was sad that I couldn't be his bride one day but I was happy that he did all these for me. "You look so gorgeous," he whispered once I stood in front of him.

My hands were at his collar and all I could do was smile. "Well birthday boy, you look handsome as ever," I whispered back causing him to blush.

I guessed he already paid the clothes, so I didn't want to ask. We got in the car again with our fancy clothes; we headed to our real occasion. While our way there, we were busy bobbing our head and moving our body at the music.

He was my best friend and starting that moment, I decided to accept the reality and just stay at my lane as his favourite person, his best friend.

However, that decision came to an end when we arrived at the open field. It was night and the crowds were there waiting for something. Jin told me stand in the middle and he ran to take some stuff.

I hugged myself because I felt really awkward being in the middle while I was surrounded with couples. I smiled whenever some people looked at my awkwardness. I was grateful when Jin finally came with fabric-like in his hands.

"Its lantern night, so I brought you here..." he explained while handing the lantern to me.

I smiled widely before I held it. "Thank you," I said—I didn't know why but I felt like someone was watching us. He helped me lighting the lantern and when it was about time for twelve o'clock; I kissed his cheeks. "Happy Birthday, Jin..."

As soon I finished the words, the clock struck twelve and everyone screamed before they let go their lanterns. I watched it floats in the dark night and when it was a bit farther, I finally released mine.

It was the most amazing feeling ever when I let it go. I looked at Jin who was already staring at me. It was involuntary, I accidentally hugged him without myself realising and when I was about to let go, he hugged me tighter and then we watched the lanterns floating.