My Dreamland Oppa

17. Is This Goodbye?

"I decided not to go with you to the airport tomorrow. I'm scheduled to return to work a day in advance. So while you are leaving for your flight, I want to be busy."

Josh nodded and smiled at Mara. He wants to see her face and keep her in his arms for the longest time he can.

"I will call you every morning after you wake up and in the evening before you sleep. Promise that you will always answer my call. And send me a message as soon as you arrive at work and return to the apartment." Josh whispered in Mara's ears.

Mara faced Josh and gave him a peck on his cheek. "Do the same! And don't rush whatever you need to do there. Focus on your work. I'll always be here. I'm not going anywhere."

Josh pulled Mara towards him and cuddled her in his arms. "I will miss you so much! I already miss you now."

Mara put her arms around Josh and whispered to his ear. "Me too! But we will always see each other and talk daily."

"Don't forget the security reminders I told you. Put me on a video call if you go for a walk." Josh said firmly.

Mara laughed as she looked at Josh. "Isn't that being too much, Mister? I have been walking here alone for three years!"

"It's for my peace of mind." Josh pecked on her lips and pinched her nose softly. "And if you need anything, call or leave me a message. If I am working, call or message Jang."

"So funny! You sound like my father." Mara laughed. 

Josh's eyes rolled, and he started giving Mara sweet kisses. "Is that so? What about I show you what a husband is going on military deployment will be like to his wife!"

"Hey! What are you doing? Put me down!" Mara shouted.

It was the night they shared their love for each other, the last night before Josh returned to Korea. Mara kept her tears of sadness to herself. Instead, she will consider the times she shared with Josh as a dream. And when she's left behind will be her time to wake up from her dream.
                                           

***

Mara was making sure that Josh forgot nothing. "Did you check everything? Passport and ID? Jang is waiting outside now."

"Don't you want us to drop you off at work?" Josh asked.

"No need. It will be too early for me to be there now. I will do my walk after you leave." declined Mara.

Holding hands, they walked outside, where Jang was waiting.

"Take care of yourself. I will miss you so much!" said Josh.

Mara touched Josh's face. "You take care too. I will surely miss you! Bye Jang! Have a safe flight, both of you!"

Before Josh got in the car, he pulled Mara towards him and gave her a warm and tight embrace. He kissed her and whispered to her how much he loved her. Mara kissed back and said her love for Josh, too. As the car was moving, Mara walked away. And while she was walking, she let her tears fall. She remembered the time when she first arrived in Boston. It was the same scene, tears falling. It's just that this time it's not because of the pain of having her heartbroken. This time, the tears differ. It's loneliness, longing, and despair of being away from the man she profoundly loves.

Mara is not the only one in tears. Josh is crying his heart out as Jang drives towards the airport. He wanted so much to stay and felt like his heart was about to explode as the car was moving away from Mara. But Jang consoled him by telling him that if he wants to work it out with Mara, he has to settle everything at work first. And Josh understands it better now. He now knows his life goals. And in the center of all those things he needs to achieve is Mara.

Mara called Josh the moment she got back to her apartment. "I want to call you before you board. I'm back from my walk. So take your rest on the plane. I love you, Josh!"

"I love you! Take care! Don't say goodbye. We're not saying goodbye. Just say that you will call again." answered Josh. 

"Okay, Mister! I will call again. Let's hang up now." Mara blew Josh kisses.

***