Memoirs of a Young Love (Completed)

Chapter 12 - Grad Ball

As soon as I saw Yejin come down from her room, I was in awe. I forgot to think about the impending separation we will both be facing. I have decided to live in the moment, and make this day memorable for the both of us.

She was wearing a black assymetrical dress, showing off her slender shoulders. My mouth went agape especially when she smiled at me. She was a perfect combination, beautiful dress and a soft, mesmerizing smile. Mr. Son was looking at me and he whispered in my ear, 'You better take care of her.' I looked at him, and I smiled shyly.

I didn't have the heart to tell her father about everything that happened, and will happen.

She came up to me and I can't help but smile at the sight of her. She made me want to forget everything that I have planned and continue living my life here in Seoul. This early, I have envisioned a life with her, and I wanted to continue dreaming that dream until the day will come that it will all come true.

Her dad was kind enough to bring us to the venue, and he informed us he will be fetching us later. I could only thank him for all the things he has done, and I turned to Yejin so we can get inside and join the party. 

When we got in, everyone was mesnerized at the sight of us. Of her, mostly. I felt shy, but she held my hand and whispered that it's okay. I smiled at her, and we went to find her friends, who were by now, busy with fixing their make-ups and their partners waiting for them. She joined them in the ladies' room, and I had the chance to see my friends too. When they emerged from the ladies' room, I was again caught in a daze looking at her, as if I was looking at a goddess who came down to save me from all the misery that my young life has offered.

I took her hand and led her to the seat assigned to us, and it was a good thing that we all are seated in one table with her friends and their dates. As we had dinner, we were serenaded with mushy, requested songs from foreign boybands. The MCs cajoled the guys to take the chance to ask the girls they like to dance with them, as the dancefloor was open. Sure enough, there were teachers but, this was a night for us, introducing us to the real world, albeit bit by bit. Then I noticed that there were guys trying to come over to our table, making a move to ask Yejin to dance with them. I hung my head low, but she was polite enough to turn them down, as she already had a date and she wanted to dance with him. I must admit I didn't know what to do. I may be cheeky, but all of my cheekiness immediately dissipates whenever I hear her say something about me.

One by one the dance floor was filled, then Hyojin and Insung went up as well. All her friends followed, and we were the ones left seated. Setting all my nervousness aside, I turned to look at her and smiled. She looked at me and shot me a questioning look.

'Yeah?' she asked.

I just smiled at her, then I took her hand to lead her to the dance floor. Just in time, 'This I Promise You' played, setting all the right feels. I grinned as I held her body close to mine, and my heart was beating wildly holding her this close. I swayed her slowly from side to side,  and while I wanted to savor the moment in silence, inhaling the scent of her lavender hair, she asked me one thing.

'Binssi, what are your plans for summer?'

I was taken aback by her question, but erased every inch of what will happen. As I said, I wanted this night to be happy, making more memories that this night will offer us.

'Hhhmmm, maybe take a vacation. Or practice more. i need to get into a soccer team for my scholarship,' I answered her. Then I felt her hand leave mine, only to have her transfer it on my nape, then she came closer and leaned her head on my chest. She must have heard my heart beat wildly, but I don't want this moment to end, ever. I subtly lowered my head and softly kissed her hair, it was the least that I could do to tame my thumping heart.

'Yej,' I managed to say after a few minutes. 'I will come and find you,' I whispered to her, just as the chorus of the song played across the hall.

What happened next was something I did not expect. She raised her face to kiss me on the cheek. 'I love you, Bin.' It was what I heard, and it was the first time she said that to me.

Her father was so kind to fetch us at the venue, and he had no idea that I was holding his daughter's hand during the whole ride. When we arrived at their house, I thanked Mr. Son and I also bid Yejin goodbye. She went with me to the gate, and defying all the reasons not to do so, I kissed her on the corner of her lips, said I love her and bid her goodbye, one more time. We both smiled as I went on my way home.

I never knew that would be the last time that I'll see her.

When I arrived home, there was an ambulance and I heard a police car siren sped up right beside me. Out of instinct, I ran to our complex, went up our unit and called for my mother.

'Eomma! Eomma!' I called. There was no answer. I called one more time and I saw her, bringing with her her luggage.

'Bin, get your things. We are leaving tonight,' she commanded.

Thoughts of what she said were scrambling along my mind, and I was unable to analyze every detail of it. All I could see was her and Yejin, and I was actually torn between the both of them. I was mentally prepared to leave after graduation day, but not tonight.

'Mom, why?' I asked her, puzzled as to what happened earlier while I was not around.

'I talked to your teachers already, they will send me your grades so you could enroll for college. We are going to Thailand tonight Bin, and you have to finish packing in an hour. Someone will come to fetch us, and we will go straight to the airport,' she said, determined to get away from Seoul.

I never understood what happened to my mother, but nonetheless, I followed her. I went to my room to pack my things. While in the middle of packing, I stopped and took a piece of paper and pen from my school duffle bag. I wrote a note to Yejin. I kept the note short, albeit I have a lot of things to say to her. I kept everything in my heart, and although it pained me so much, I know that I had to do this. I feel sorry for her dad, who had asked me earlier tonight to take care of his daughter, and I broke his heart. I can't do anything for now, as my mother is the only person I am utterly concerned with.

But something inside of me stirred up when I saw her earlier. I saw the phone I had in my room and decided to call my dad.

'Hello?'
'Hyung? Is this you?' I asked.
'Bin? Yes, this is me. How are you?'
'Hyung, can I talk to dad please?'

'Bin?"
'Dad, I need your help. Please come see us right now.'
'Wait, I don't understand? Please explain to me Bin,'
'Please dad, please come to our house first.'

---

'I brought you two here today because a dear friend of mine way back in college intends to get married. And they have been looking for a coordinator,' Hyung Hae-il began to say. 'There is only one I could think of who I can really put my trust to regarding this, and that is you, Yejin,' he said as he looked at her.

'And who am I not to trust my brother? He made a name for himself after early retirement from soccer,' he turned to me.

'Dismissed, hyung. That's the proper term,' I protested.

Hyung looked at me and smirked. 'Whatever. I don't want to taint your standing here, dude.' And he smiled all the more. I must admit my brother can make me proud and shy in one go. Maybe that is why he is loved by many. 

'Anyway, are you two up for it?' he asked, while shifting his gaze from me to her. 

'I'm alright, hyung,' I answered confidently, although I have to admit that it was otherwise. But I can't pass up this chance anymore. For me, this was my only hope.

'Good,' he replied. 'How about you , Yejin?'

I looked at Yejin and there she was. The sight of her brought me back to the very day I asked her if I could walk her home.

She was breathing deeply.