It has been minutes after their dinner and they have been walking aimlessly together, just the both of them, yet few to zilch words were exchanged. It was merely a silence with many loud thoughts. This was it. They were running out of time.

“Do you have to go?” she asked, unwilling to release her grip on his soft, pale hands.

He sighed and stared at them, which were gently holding onto hers.

“It’s my dream. You would want me to chase after them, wouldn’t you?” he replied.

A tear fell and she refused to bat her eyes off him. He took a handkerchief out from his pocket and wiped them away. This time, she could not hold back. Despite being out in the open, she bawled her eyes out as if she was alone in her bedroom. Afraid of the wandering eyes of others, he took no hesitation to pull her into a comforting hug.

“Wh-who’s gggonna be there for me when you’re gone?” she sobbed.

“You’re going to be fine Seungwan-ah. Just trust me, you do not need anyone to guide you anymore. You’ve learned from the best!”

“You have been my best friend since forever… and now you’re moving away, to Seoul! How could you!”

“Come on, Seungwan.. you know how attached I am to my dad. He’s now received a huge opportunity and is going to be one of the most successful businessmen in the world! You know how much I aspire to be like him, I’m happy for him and I really need you to be happy for him too,”

“I-I know.. but-“

“Seungwan, he sees you as his own daughter. And it’s not any easy for him either. I really need you to understand,” he pleaded.

She broke free from his hug, with a puzzled look.

“Do you see me as your sister then?” she asked.

“Well, maybe? I don’t know. You’re my best friend Seungwan. And I have always considered you to be an important person in my life,” he brushed his fingers on her delicate brunette hair.

“I’m just.. afraid. Mark, what if we aren’t going to meet ever again?”

He chuckled.

“Okay. I promise you. One day, we’re going to meet but, I am not sure when that is, maybe in a few years? Or when we’re both working adults with enough income to support ourselves then why not?” he suggested.

“That’s your proposal? We’re going to be miles away and we each other’s only friend here-“

“THAT’S NOT TRUE!” he interrupted.

“Oh come on Mark. We’re both losers and you know that,” she continued.

He shrugged in delight, “Well we’re the best loser duo in all of the fifty states of the United States of America!”

She rolled her eyes at his untimely joke, “Anyway… before I was rudely interrupted. We are going to be apart for the first time in my entire fifteen years and the best thing you could come up with is to visit each other when we’re adults? You’ve got to be kidding me!” she was clearly fuming as she crossed her arms.

“What about a video call every night? That way I can still annoy you with my sweet face.” He cheekily cupped his face.

“My desktop does not come with a camera remember?” she scoffed back.

“OOooohhh! An email update! You know just so we’re updated with each other’s lives?” Mark suggested again.

“Yeah, I guess so. What other choice do we have anyway? Email it is!” she gave him a fist bump.

“BUT you have to promise me you’ll write to me, no matter what!” Mark made her promise.

“Yeah yeah you little bugger!” she slapped his arm gently.

Both of them were now in a jolly good mood, laughing and exchanging their final words. Mark stopped to stare at her white Converse shoes.

“What?” she asked after she caught him looking at them.

“You know you should really get a new pair. Looks like a third hole will be added to the collection of holes,” he said.

“Yeah well unlike some people, I’m not on the rich side of the world’s population,” she replied.

“That’s not what I meant – “

“I’m kidding Mark,” she laughed.

He felt relieved.

“It’s kind of my favorite pair that you bought for me last two years,” she continued.

He looked at her, amazed.

“Two years and your feet had stayed the same size. Has it stopped growing? Just like how your height – “

“Don’t you dare go all the way there Mark Tuan!” she chased after him and they began running around happily like eight year olds.

“Mark! It’s time to enter the departure hall!” a voice called from far.

“Seungwan, come on!” he grabbed her tiny hands and they ran towards their families.

“Are you ready Mark?” Mr. Tuan asked.

“Yeah dad, let’s go! Seungwan, this is it!” he immediately turned to her.

They went in for one last hug and she whispered to him,” I’m going to miss you Mark. So.. so much”.

He held her tighter, “remember our promise! I love you Seungwan. You’re the bestest best friend anyone could ever ask for. Please take care of yourself and your family”.

This time, both of them started to tear up uncontrollably. Their parents who are witnessing this touching moment are also drawn to tears to separating such a strong bond between two families. Mr. Tuan came up to Mark to break up the embrace.

“Seungwan, you will always be like the daughter I never had. Both of you are the reason these two families stick together ever since we all met at the hospital. Mark was very sick at 5 months old and your mother had just given birth to you. I feel truly guilty to be the root cause of this break and I’m sorry – “

“No sir, you don’t have to apologize. This is an opportunity and you have to do what’s best for your future and – “ she turned to Mark.

“for Mark’s future too,” she gave a faint smile while Mark however, was still wiping his tears with his sleeves.

 “Til we all meet again, sometime in the future Seungwan,” Mrs. Tuan kissed Seungwan’s forehead.

The two families bid farewell to each other as the Tuans entered the departure hall.

.

.

“Til next time Mark,” Seungwan thought to herself as her fingers traced the glass as Mark slowly disappeared from her sight. 

Find out what's going to happen between the both of them when they meet again. Do follow this story with me and support all the way! You'll find out more about the other characters in this story as it progresses. So what are you waiting for? Hit subscribe, upvote and comment away! :)

xoxo