virtuous deception || pjm (editing)

xx

time skip – next day 17.00:

HYEJIN

Chae-Young arrived at Jimin's door in perfect timing. She took my bags into her car and left me to finish one last task. I wrote out a note and left it under Jimin's favourite photo of us, which he kept in multiple places. I put it under the one on the kitchen island. He will be sad, but he will know it's for the best. Turning away, I remembered one thing. Hesitantly, I left the promise ring on the note. There couldn't be one thing that would try to bring me back.

Chae-Young walked with me to the furthest possible point she could go with me. Tears were wept and promises of weekly calls were made. My eyes grew teary as I hugged her, saying my goodbye to my bestest friend in this world.

The plane took off at 20.00 Korean time. My Grandparents would meet me at London City Airport and drive me down to their house in the countryside. I'd find a job, perhaps I'd teach or work in a company. Perhaps I'd write my life in a book which one day would become a classic romantic tragedy novel like Romeo and Juliet or Jane Eyre. I'd go for walks on Brighton pier, shopping excursions in London and trips to Cornwall or the Lake District. Maybe I'd move on or perhaps I'd grief. But this was better for us both.

The plane took off from Incheon airport and I watched as the lights of Seoul grew further and further away and became dimmer as we hit cruising altitude. I watched as my life slipped through my grasp and left my sight. And I sat their mourning the life I could've had.

one week later 

JIMIN

I was so excited to return home, despite it being on strict bed rest terms. Hyejin was nowhere to be seen. I had heard her voice days ago but I hadn't seen her, nor would anyone talk about her. I was guessing they didn't know and when I returned she'd be there, with a kiss waiting. My brother brought me home and said he'd stay with me. Why does he have to stay? I have Hyejin.

Shakily, I entered my keys in the door. Ji-Hyun quickly ran to get something from the corner shop down the road. Click. A cold air hit me as the door swung open. It didn't feel right.

"HONEY I'M HOME." I chuckled. No answer. "Hyejin? Stop teasing me baby. Where are you?" I laughed a little more. "Oh, so are we playing hide and seek?" I dumped a bag on the island and leaned against it. Something clattered to the floor. I crouched down to see, wincing from the pain in my abdomen. It's HyeJin's promise ring?

I moved my bag and saw an envelope under a photo of us in eomma's garden. I opened it, hoping it to contain some clue.

Jimin,

I'm sure you are confused. To be honest I am too. I can't stay in Korea a minute longer. It isn't safe for either of us. I was never good enough for you Jimin. You deserve an amazing girl who can bring you the happiness you brought me. I told you in the hospital, you bring amazing colour to my life, a life of vibrance and happiness. You thought you were selfish for keeping me. You were anything but selfish. You brought me so much happiness and love. But I just bring you bad and misfortune. Your father was right not to like me, despite his twisted past hate and reasons. 

I learnt that if you love someone, let them go, and if they love you back they will find their way back to you. I love you more than anything in my life. So, I had to let you go.

Jimin, don't let my leave hurt you. Continue with your life, find and marry a beautiful girl and have beautiful children and grow old with your love and watch your children grow up and have their own children. Don't think for a minute I didn't want that with you. 

I'll never forget you, but please, I beg, forget me.

-Hyejin

I read and re-read the letter and each time it hurt just as much as the last. I felt hot tears roll down my cheeks and onto the page, smudging the ink. I fell into a chair, sobbing violently. The door opened and for a hopeful moment, I imagined it to be Hyejin. But it was only my brother, who dropped his full grocery bags and came to my side, hugging me tightly. I held the letter close to me and sobbed for a good 20 minutes before I just wandered the house without purpose. 

Ji-Hyun sent me to bed, but it didn't feel the same without her here too. I went across the hall, to her room which had been left untouched, only clothes missing. I lay in her bed, taking in the scent of her on her pillows. I took things she loved most and put them in my room. I purchased 10 bottles of her favourite cologne online and folded her letter and left it in my wallet.

You love me, and I love you. If you are right, we will find our way back to each other.

***

Did you cry or catch feels? Will Jimin and Hyejin meet again? And if they do, will they still have feelings?