Sincerely | k.th.

1. Settle

Hey you!

How was your move? Did you get everything over to your new place in one day like you wanted? Sorry I have been a little slow in my replies. My new adventure has got me everywhere and I can't seem to settle yet but it's so fun! Next week I'll be in Tokyo and you know how much I love it there! I'll be sure to send you pictures.

What's new with you? How was the wedding? I know you're finally glad it's over. Your brother and his new wife seems very happy! By the way, you looked beautiful in those photos. I should fly over there just to congratulate your brother for getting you dressed up.

Anyway, I have to head out! I'm meeting some of my friends for dinner. I hope to hear from you soon and next time my reply won't be so late.

Sincerely,

T

Smiling warmly, my lips pursed to cool the steamy lavender tea ventilating from my favorite mug while rereading the letter from my sweet, long distance friend I've had since my teen years.

I know he's been busy traveling the globe, fulfilling his dream of photographing amazing feats of nature this world has yet to see.

Finding time to write lately has been a trial for us both. Nowadays where technology continues to mold our capacity of existing, communication could be easily accessible through something as simple as a watch but we choose not to allow it in dictating our communication.

There was a heartfelt feeling from exchanging letters. It was warm, inviting. A realness where I can brush my fingertips against that harnessed a smell and a look, creating a memory and a souvenir that I could hold onto and revisit anytime I wanted.

His words were always comforting and though I didn't know the sound of his voice, my imagination allowed me to hear an interpretation of it, accent and all. I could hear his smile, sorrow and pain from just the stroke of his script. Every feeling he wanted to express in his letters were well defined and noted.

Though oceans away, our friendship transcended the distance.

I folded the letter and placed it on the table before me. My ability to unpack was delayed by the second. Besides, it was raining out and I couldn't seem to muster the energy to settle into my new place.

Landing a job as television programmer was the blessing I was waiting for. I've worked at local station near home for the past few years, grinding my way up the career ladder. When my boss informed me of this opening, I hesitated at first. I was just a mediocre marketing producer, who would have thought I would actually get the job?

I was very lucky.

Glancing over to the letter once more, this time a small sigh with a tinge a worry embodied my presence for it was the last letter I received from him. It's been a little over a couple months and I know he's been busy with his new career move but I couldn't help but feel worried.

There were many things that he and I shared about each other, our hopes, our dreams, our goals. We've even aided each other when it came to relationships. Though he's needed my help than I his.

From what I could see, he was an unattainable ladies man, at least that what his photos spoke.

He was a beautiful human, inside and out. I wished for many days an upfront and personal interaction with him. Though time and money wouldn't allow us both the opportunity, still, it was one of our hopes.

Even if our thoughts and feelings have only been relayed through pen and paper, he was no doubt my longest friend and I would never settle for anything less.

It was getting late and the rain wasn't going to descend anytime soon. I decided to take a nice relaxing shower and make it an early night in effort to have a productive early morning.

Managing to peel myself away from the couch, I walked over to entrance of my apartment to secure the locks. Peering down on the floor, I noticed a small note folded in half lying there untouched. Figuring it was something that fell when I was bringing things in earlier, I didn't think much of opening it.

The letters that appeared on the note didn't register much until I heard them in my thoughts.

I reread again.

To know is to have lived. To live is to have life. Life starts with you.

My head slightly tilted on the peculiar phrase. It didn't sound like anything I have heard before and I'm typically versed on famous quotes.

I shrugged, immediately chalking it up to a sender's mistake. Though, I felt the need to hold on to it. Only because in my experience, words on paper meant just as much as hearing them aloud.

♥️♥️♥️

I know I said January but since it's Taehyung's birthday, a dear friend said it would be a great surprise!
Happy Birthday My Love Taehyung!

clw 💘