Prologue

2004, 12th June, Seoul

"Jaejoong-ah! You won't believe this!" Yunho came storming into his boyfriend's room, flailing and waving an official-looking letter in the air.

"What is it?"

"Read it for yourself", Yunho said, his proud grin showcasing all his crooked teeth.

Dear Mr. Jung Yunho,

It is with great pleasure that Harvard Medical School wishes to offer you a full scholarship, for outstanding academic achievements and personal aptitude.

If you wish to claim this scholarship, please reply to the e-mail address below no later than June 30th.

Sincerely,

Thomas Masterson, PhD.

Jaejoong felt his heart drop.

Yunho was leaving.

"Isn't it amazing?!" Yunho was practically jumping up and down.

"Yeah… It's great. Congratulations."

"What?"

"Hm? Nothing…"

"I know that tone, it's not nothing. Come on, spill."

"It's just… If you go to America, where does that leave us? Do we end when you board the plane?"

"Of course not! Together 'till the end, right?"

"Yunho… You know long distance never works out…"

"You know what?" Yunho said after some thought. "We have ten weeks left until we have to make a final decision. What do you say we make the most of these weeks, to make up for all the things we'll miss out on while I'm away."

"What, like piling up romance for rainy days?"

"Mhm." Yunho sounded content with his brilliant idea.

"Okay…"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"I love you, Jae", Yunho said, pulling his boyfriend into a hug as they lay down on top of the bed covers.

"I love you, too", came the pouty, quiet reply.

---

2004, 25th August, Incheon International Airport

"This is it", Yunho said as he and Jaejoong stood in front of the security check at the airport. There was no doubt that the eighteen-year-old was nervous.

"This is it. Time to make a decision, huh?" Jaejoong tried to smile, even though his heart threatened to break.

"Yeah… Okay, how about this? I'll be home for Christmas anyway. Let's take this first term to try things out. We'll see how this whole long distance thing works out."

"Okay, I guess…"

"Final boarding call for Los Angeles. Please go to gate 39." Jaejoong hated the raspy voice from the loudspeaker more than ever.

With an emotional goodbye kiss, they parted.