Meant To Be | Mark Lee ✓

Chapter 29

My parents and I bid our farewells at home since they couldn't find someone to watch the restaurant in place of them, and same with my siblings who'd just returned home from school when I had to go. Hoseok had picked me and Mark up for the airport, alone, which sent a pang through my heart since a small part of me had hoped Jungkook would see me off. Nevertheless, I appreciate my older cousin's never staggering reliability and care.

I walked into the bustling airport with a heavy heart, stumbling as I dragged my heavy luggage behind me. Even though I was excited for what lay ahead of me, I was sincerely going to miss being around my family and friends all the time. I clutched onto Mark's hand tighter, sending him a smile when he glanced my way. Hoseok, who was walking on my other side, wrapped an arm around me.

While we were waiting in line to check my bag in, I whipped my head around to scan the sea of people, of all different ethnicities and backgrounds, in paranoia. I hastily asked in a low tone, "You guys seriously didn't have to come, I would have understood."

Hoseok's chuckle was muffled by his mask as he lay a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Mina, I wouldn't miss sending you off for anything. The other members really feel bad for not being able to come." I wondered if that included Jungkook...

"Plus no one has recognized us yet, so stop worrying so much." Mark added, pulling his cap slightly lower.

I huffed and nodded my head, assuring myself that no one would get mobbed today. Finally we reached the counter and I weighed my bag on the scale before allowing the attendant to carry my bag away. When the three of us began to make our way towards security, a shout from behind caused me to halt.

"Yah! Wait up!" My grin widened as I whirled around just in time for my cousin's small body to collide with mine. I stumbled back into Hoseok slightly from the impact, earning an unappreciative look, but laughed regardless as I hugged Jiwoo tightly.

"Unnie you made it!" I exclaimed.

She pulled away, a cute smile forming on her lips. "Of course! I'm sorry that I'm late, but I wouldn't let my favorite cousin leave without a proper goodbye!" Her eyes then landed on Mark who was standing close behind me and her eyebrows shot up. "Nice to see you again Mark."

Mark gave a curt wave and quietly greeted her in return. I grabbed his hand and intertwined our fingers, ignoring the excited and mischievous look Jiwoo was sending my way, before we all headed to security.

After this checkpoint, I was on my own; the others would not be allowed to enter. My face fell slightly and I turned to sadly look at my family and boyfriend, all of which I loved with my whole heart. I dropped my carry-on bag to the floor and held my arms open wide. "Bring it in, guys." I practically demanded. The three laughed but happily obliged, huddling together and wrapping their arms around me.

When they pulled away, I noticed concern flash in their faces and I realized tears were welling up in my eyes, threatening to fall. I sniffled and Hoseok wrapped his arms around me again, pulling me tight. "Don't cry, Mina, you'll see us soon. And we'll keep in contact, obviously." He released me and I sniveled once more while nodding, rubbing my eyes.

"Thank you for everything, oppa. For being the older brother I never had, for always listening to me, putting up with my complaints and sensitivity, helping me through so much, for caring all the time. I know it isn't easy for you to always have to be positive and put up an energetic character, but you do it regardless for those around you. I really appreciate you and really love you, Hobi." Now Hoseok looked like he was the one that was going to cry as he tilted his head down and turned away.

I moved on to Jiwoo.

"Unnie," I started as I bit my lip. "I don't know where to start. You are basically my sister, you are the true definition of selfless and reliable. Everything you do is no short of outstanding and you dedicate so much time and effort for anything asked of you. You've helped me through my ups and downs, helped me had fun and helped me eat my feelings, and I don't know what I'd do without you. So thank you." Jiwoo attacked me with another hug when I finished and I stayed in her arms for a solid two minutes before moving on.

Mark was going to be difficult.

I stood in front of my gorgeous other half and I already knew it was going to be hard getting through this without tear-shed. "I know we haven't known each other long at all, but something between us clicked the moment I met you. I wouldn't trade our time together for anything in the world and I can't wait to make more memories together. Our journey wasn't easy, but through everything we've come out together, stronger, and I've been able to learn from mistakes. You never fail to make me smile or make my heart skip a beat. From just a look you make me feel like the most special and loved woman ever, and no guy has ever had such an effect on me. You mean so, so much to me and I'm willing to put my all into making us work despite the distance, because even if it may be difficult, I need you in my life." Tears were slowly beginning to roll down my cheeks and Mark pulled me against him, pressing me into his chest and kissing my head. "I love you," I muttered and he replied the same.

I took one final glance at each of my loved ones, the ones I was so grateful for and the ones I would drop anything for, and sighed in content. I know I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to as long as they had my backs. With one last hug and peck on the cheek to my cousins, and a sweet- long- kiss with Mark, they waved me off to allow me to get in the security line.

"Love you, babe!" Mark shouted and I flushed at the attention it drew from passing strangers. I sent him a finger heart as I ducked my head and I could hear his cheery laughter from here.

I patiently waited in the line, shifting my carry-on from shoulder to shoulder as the time elapsed. I nearly dozed off where I stood since I was so bored and drained, and I think I really would have if not for the tapping on my shoulder. I turned around and dropped my bag to the floor in shock.

"You came?" I asked in disbelief, debating whether my eyes were deceiving me.

"Did you really think I'd miss seeing my best friend off?" Jungkook asked tauntingly, lips tilted at the corner. I jumped on him and buried my face into his chest as his strong hands wrapped around my waist, holding me steadily. "Sorry I'm late." He awkwardly laughed into my hair.

The tears began resurfacing causing me to accidentally dampen his shirt. He gently lifted my head from his chest, using his thumbs to softly wipe away the tears. I looked into his eyes, my mouth opening to speak but he beat me to it. "Don't apologize. And don't give me that look, I know you better than anyone and you know you can't hide anything from me, so don't bother denying it. I promise you I'm okay now."

I hesitantly nodded my head in acceptance, wiping my eyes free from any moisture. "Thank you for coming, Jungkook." He pouted hearing that and I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"What happened to 'oppa'?" He wondered cutely and I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously, oppa, you're too much sometimes." His lips curved into his bright bunny smile that I missed so much and I almost wanted to take a picture of the moment to ensure it was real. I smiled endearingly at him and he pinched my cheeks causing me to swat his hands away.

"There's that pretty smile I like to see. I prefer this much more than seeing you cry. Promise me you won't cry as much anymore?" He held out his pinky and I linked mine with his. "I know we'll be an ocean apart, but always know I'm only one call away. I will always answer, and I will always be there when you need me, Mina, I mean it." He tightened his grasp on my pinky and I stared into his unfaltering gaze.

"I know, Kookie, thank you. The same goes for you."

We hugged once more before he let me return to the line so that I wouldn't miss my flight. As I stood in line, I turned my head to glimpse him one more time. I found him animatedly waving beside Mark, Jiwoo, and Hoseok. I grinned at the sight, my heart feeling much lighter than when I first arrived. I truly felt like the luckiest girl ever.

—
sorry I've been updating kinda late, life has been busy and a lots been happening since my vaca is v soon. thank you for reading!! love y'all