It is purely cathartic—the way she stared into his eyes, without saying anything. She didn’t need to, anyway. Because words weigh nothing when not put into actions. The outpouring of her emotions and the suppression of his tears were apparent but neither of them moved.

Because if one of them dared to—even barely try to—, it would only mean him slipping away— to twenty-one months of mandatory man-duties.

“I don’t want you to leave,” she whispered finally and he just smiled, tearing up a little in his eyes.

“I have to, you know.”

She just sighed, knowing deep-down and at some point, one of them has to give way and let him take the first step away from her. “I know and that’s what scares me, Hae.”

“I may leave now but I am leaving my heart with you. Take it as collateral because I will always go back and come find you. And when that time comes, I will take you. All of you, Dara. I will take all of you for myself. So better be ready, because I will go home only for you.” 

Cover image by crownprincessstar unnie my labs <3