In the depths of the vast seas, there are a group of islands far far away. Untouched by the influence of technology and other nations around the world. These islands hold true to rich culture and traditions. There, everyone has a place within their own respected tribes. These tribes have suffered many hardships, one being that of war. The ideas and beliefs had divided many tribes to the point of greed, envy and mostly hate that had been passed on throughout the generations. One generation in particular known as the generation of crimson red. During that time, every tribe was at war with one another. War become a way of life, with no other reason than to shed blood of those from any tribe but your own. With this mentality, there were many sleepless nights due to the cries that were carried in the winds from the weeping mothers at the loss of many lives both young and old. All the anger and hate towards each other couldn't amount to the loss and grief everyone felt with the blood shed that had tainted the surrounding waters crimson red. The waters no longer were able drinkable, sweeping the islands along with the people into great sickness. It was in that moment of mourning, chiefs and elders from every tribe gathered with heavy hearts. Being at war for so long took a toll on everyone that had gathered. Many poured out their burdends of how harsh the wars had been on their people, to which many agreed. Some suggested of finding a way to live amongst each other. The mention of peace and unity brought hesitation and some out right disagreed. How could they live in peace with others who had taken so much from them? How could one simply forgive another after so much wrong? After many restless days and nights of discussions and arguements a peace treaty was finally proposed and accepted by the majority. Not everyone agreed, but it was the closest agreement that had most of the leaders and elders agreeing upon. Thus came about a declaration of a peace treaty that would become effective immediately in hopes to start a new mind set for the upcoming generations. A mind set that would change first and foremost the lives of the young women and men coming of age. 

Time. It was a funny thing, at least that was the thought that crossed the young woman's mind as she sat at the edge of the cliff with her feet dangling over it. Her dark long hair swayed to the breeze that brushed across her tanned skin. Staring out at the sun setting before her, she marveled at such a wonder. Seeing the soft glowing colors of pink, yellow and orange streak the sky and ripple across the deep blue ocean beneath she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. A soothing breeze brushed against her face and she couldn't help to close her eyes and let it consume her. Oh how she wished that she could be a small bird. To fling one's self over the cliff and spread her wings to fly cross the blue ocean. As she tried to become one with nature, she could sense the presence of someone approaching. Subconsciously clutching her stomach as it tightened, she couldn't help how her heart rate picked up. "You shouldn't be here," she softly spoke as she opened her eyes to stare back at the scenic view that seemed to dampen a bit. 

The young man nodded, agreeing to her words, “I couldn’t help myself. I had to see you one last time before it all starts.”

His words began to tug on her heart strings. The words of the elders started to creep into her mind. He out of everyone knew how much she really took to the superstitions. “Even so, you shouldn't be here," she tried to make herself sound as cold as she could. But how could she? It was him. She could never be cold towards him. Holding her gaze towards the shore line she hoped he would listen. It was a hope that was shattered at the feel of his hand brushing against her very own as he took a seat next to her. Inwardly scolding herself, she kept still as she tried to stay strong. "Seungri this isn't right." 

Gazing over at the young man, she inwardly sighed. Staring at the young man sitting next to her, she watched as he slung his legs over the ledge along with her. Watching as he long legs kicked, she grinned as she turned back to look out at the sun setting before her mind could wander. "Why? Since when did you ever really care what was right or not," he breathed as he intertwined their fingers to grip her hand in his. 

It was true. She really never cared what anyone thought, anyone with the exception of her family and the young man sitting right next to her. Before she lost all resolve, she pulled away to look him square in the eyes, "I have to care now. We're not little kids anymore." Her words stung more when she said it out loud. She couldn't think straight when she looked at him as her gaze fell to her hands. Her hands...at the moment they were her very own hands, but soon they wouldn't be her her very own. They would belong to someone else, but who would they belong to? Hissing at the thought of belonging to someone had her clenching her fists with frustration. Why did she have to belong to someone? She understood very well why things were the way they were. She was taught about it all her life until this very moment. But it never made things easier for her. She had a mind of her own, ideas and aspirations too. She was never one to shy from it either. Always out spoken and free spirited she was once told. Those things about her now all seemed to amount to nothing. Belonging to someone always sounded like an idiotic idea of powerless women. She hated to be treated like some dumb object, but that was the fate she was given being born a woman. A fate that had her eyes welling with tears that began to fall down her cheeks. 

"Minzy..." the way Seungri called her name brought her back to the present. Gazing over at him through tear filled eyes, she gave him a half smile as he started to wipe at her tears. "Keep the faith and all will be made right," he cooed the saying that was so generally used around the islands. 

"Keep the faith and all will be made right," she mumbled back in response as she took courage in those words she mindlessly learned and said over the years. His eyes held a shimmer of love for her and she reflected it right back. But soon his insecurities clouded his mind as well. "What's wrong Seungri?"

"Minzy..." his gaze faltered as he was now the one looking away. "What if... what if we find out what's past the horizon?" Looking back at her through pleading eyes, he wanted to further explain, "What if you and I make our own way? Leave this place..." 

Minzy raised her hand to stop him, frowning at such a thought, "Seungri don't bring up such childish thoughts especially with what is at stake." Secretly she wanted nothing more than to get up and run away with him. A secret she kept to herself, along with many others she vowed to keep from him.

Seungri couldn't help but huff out in frustration, "You don't understand. You're a woman..." He stopped in his tracks knowing very well how she felt about being labeled less than a man. "I mean, I'm not so sure with my chances. Now that people are starting to pick outside of their respected tribes the stakes are raised. Luckily the North hasn't followed the trend or I'd be in trouble." Sighing deeply, he frowned as he embraced her in his arms. "Thank you for being such a great friend." The F label. A label that she had grown to love and adore over the years. One of the few labels she had learned to love and hate all at once. A label that she had to stay true to at this moment.

Minzy had a hunch that he was having doubts. Seungri would show it through his usual sarcasm or wit towards others, but he never addressed it until now. Watching the fear spill from his lips had her insides knot up. The words of doubt made her start to think on it as well. He was intelligent for sure, but his strength and endurance abilities had never been his strongest suit. But being the hopeful young woman that she was, she was determined to beat the odds. Pushing aside those negative thoughts, she reached out and embraced him tightly. Silencing him with her touch, she pressed her lips against his ear and whispered words of encouragement. "Keep the faith. Maybe we'll match up." 

Chuckling at her words, he nodded, "I wouldn't mind matching up with my best friend. You should probably head back now. I don't want people getting the wrong idea about us." I wouldn't mind, she thought to herself. His words were like a blow to the gut as she got up. Looking down at her idiot of a best friend, he was the dumbest smartest person she knew. "What," he gave her the cheesy innocent grin she loved to hate so much. 

Shaking her head, she bent down and ruffled his hair, "Nothing, good luck."

Pushing aside the complicated relationship they shared, well at least in her mind it was complicated, she turned to take her leave. Giggling as she heard him huffing about her trying to steal some of his intelligence or something of the sort. Shaking her head, she gazed around to make sure there wasn't anyone around before taking her leave. Being a young woman, she wasn't allowed to be out alone. She had to be accompanied when out of the home. Growing up she was taught in her studies that a woman's virture was that to be highly valued. To protect such virture she should never be out alone for her protection. Lucky for Minzy she had a father who wanted to make sure that she could be protected whether she was with someone or alone. Secretly she was taught to defend herself if needs be, along with taking care of herself by learning other trades only designed for men. 

Taking her hidden trail back to the village, she reflected back on her conversation with Seungri. She knew that if anyone could figure out how to conquer a problem it would be him. This thought alone made her smile. Consumed in her own thoughts, she didn't realize the person following from behind. "What's a young woman like you doing out at such a time," the person's voice boomed. 

Pausing in her tracks, she bit her lower lip and tried her best not to react, "I just had to take some time to think." Turning she looked to see the owner of such a powerful voice staring smuggly at her. She couldn't decide if she wanted to punch or slap that look off of his face, but she knew for sure she wanted to cause him bodily harm. 

"Trying to convince your lover boy to fight for you tomorrow," he mocked her with a scoff. 

Clenching her fists she most definitely wanted to punch his face. What was he doing in these parts of the island anyway, was her thought as she glared at him, "It's none of your concern what I do." 

The smug young man stood tall as he stepped up towards her while she stood her ground watching as he towered over her. To some it would be intimidating to say the least, but for her not so much. She knew how to take care of herself and she liked a challenge. "Of course it's my concern. I want my prize to be mine and only mine." His eyes burned brightly with confidence and ownership as if she was already his. Staring with just as much intensity, she locked eyes with him and couldn't help but also notice how the light made his eyes glisten with flecks of gold in his deep brown eyes. His eyes seemed to hold a paradise of its own and had her in a trance. Tearing herself away from his, she pushed past him now wanting to punch herself in the face for even thinking that. "Good night Minzy," he called after her. 

"Whatever Seunghyun," she hissed at herself while folding her arms over her chest.

Seunghyun from the North, he wasn't always a jerk. In fact he was the complete opposite. He actually used to be best of friends with Minzy and Seungri thanks to the order of the peace treaty. In the midst of the transitioning of enforcing the peace treaty, all children were required to study together as a whole. Of course many of the children flocked towards other children within their own tribes because they were familiar and then there was Minzy. She had a mind of her own and she did what she felt was right. Taking her own personal tour of her new place of studies, she stumbled on a group of northerns. In the middle of the group stood a chubby scared boy. Seeing a chubby young boy being picked on was not right and she had to step in. Of course she did it without thinking, realizing in the moment of calling the gang of boys out to stop and noticing just how big the boys were compared to her. She was a little scared, but she wouldn't let that show. It was a lanky boy from her tribe that stood next to her and convinced the boys to leave the chubby boy alone after threatening to tell the elders that they were about to break the peace treaty if they were to fight. To this, the pack of boys grumbled as they walked away leaving the chubby boy to cower in a ball. This had Minzy heart broken to see him so afraid. Crouching next to the scared chubby boy, she offered him her hand. Nodding for him to take her hand, she could see the fear in his eyes as he shook his head. Sighing, she reached down and took his hand and had the lanky boy take his other hand. With the three of them standing side by side, it was the start of a great friendship...at least that was what Minzy thought. Consumed in her memories, she didn't realize the beady eyes that had caught her interactions with Seunghyun. 

"Seunghyun of the northern tribe," her mother spoke up. Not saying a word, she entered the hut to find the rest of her family sitting in a circle awaiting her arrival. "I can't wait to call him son," her mother continued to say as she entered and took a seat next to father. 

"Mother can we please give praise so that we can eat? We don't want the food to get cold," Minzy gave a slight bow in hopes to not cause any tension. 

"Yes, let us eat. Minzy needs to prepare for tomorrow," grandmother came in for the rescue. Mother pursed her lips tightly together and nodded as grandmother continued. "Let us give praise," grandmother began as everyone bowed their heads. 

Minzy wanted nothing more than to run free, but it was forbidden on preparation night. Lying on the ground, she closed her eyes and listened to her grandmother hum a tune Minzy loved to hear. The feel of her long midnight black hair being brushed by her dear grandmother, while the women of her family bathed her in scents, flowers and herbs had her skin glistening underneath the moon light had her finally starting to relax. "May the most worthy man win your hand," her grandmother softly spoke. "For our future depends on it." 

"Keep the faith and all will be made right," the women chanted as they continued to adorn Minzy with the scents and flower petals. 

"Keep the faith," Minzy mumbled to herself as she thought about her interactions with Seungri. She wondered if he would try to win her hand. But seeing the doubt in Seungri's eyes she wasn't so sure. Some how Seungri's eyes led to her thinkging of Seunghyun's eyes. His stupidly beautiful eyes with those gold specks...inwardly groaning at her thoughts for betraying her, she did her best to try and push out those thoughts of such beautiful eyes, Seunghyun's eyes. 

"Minzy," her grandmother called her name upon seeing the frustration displaying on her face. "The ritual tomorrow is a test for you as well. Trust in it and keep the faith for everything will be made right." 

"I will keep the faith, for I know everything will be made right," she recited outloud to have the crowd of women echo her reply. 

Minzy knew it was forbidden. Yes it was forbidden, especially on this day, they day of her preparation. But she couldn't help it. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't think straight and she felt like she was suffocating with what was to come. She needed to be out in mother nature. She figured it was only for a little while and it wasn't like she could ever go out alone after everything was said and done. After creeping out of the hut of sleeping people laying all around. She slipped out into the dark night and inhaled the fresh crisp air. 

Running to her heart's content. She flipped off of the trunk of a tree and swung across shooting her bow and arrow sticking the small animal straight through the heart. Racing up to her clean kill, she grinned to herself and carried it up to the mountains. Hunting came to her naturally. Spending time with her father after studies, she had learned to hunt and fight, especially when she had revealed to her father of the fear she felt when confronting the pack of boys.

Heading up the mountain, she mindlessly made her way to her little get away spot. There was a small stream she could go and relax by as she ate her kill. Cleaning and cooking a freshly made rabbit stew, she was startled by the sound of footsteps approaching. Quickly picking up her bow and arrow, she hid behind a huge bolder and awaited the approaching person. There was grunting and groaning as if the person sounded wounded. Curiously waiting, she was surprised to see Seunghyun stumble onto his knees by the stream. Gasping in disbelief, she rushed to his side and noticed how bloodied up and beaten he looked. Without thinking, she attended to his wounds, both cleaning and dressing them with the surrounding water and leaves available like her father taught.

Hissing at her cleansing his wounds, Minzy sighed and continued to work to make sure she could stop the bleeding. After all was said and done she was grateful she had a hidden spare bowl and spoon to place the stew in. Sitting next to the freshly bandaged young man, she scooped up some of the the hot stew and held it out in front of him. "Eat," she had finally spoken the first word to him since his arrival. Watching as his heavy lidded eyes, gazed around until they met hers she saw a look hadn't seen in such a long time. It was the look of fear. He was afraid, but of what? Shaking off the thoughts, she softly encouraged him once more. "Seunghyun you need to eat." Placing the spoon near his lips, she sighed and gave him a stern look and was grateful as he slightly parted his lips. Hearing him groan in pain, made her inwardly cringe. What had happened to him? Why was he seriously injured? So many questions about his condition ran through her mind until he weakly reached out to take hold of her arm. Even if he looked weak, his grip still had some strength. 

"Thank you, but you need to go home," he exhaled as he coughed roughly. 

Placing the bowl down on the ground, she rested her hand upon his, "I can't just leave you like this." 

Seunghyun gave her a weak grin as he tried to sit up, "Please...go."

With hesitation Minzy, gazed around and could see the first rays of sunlight peaking through the mountains. Turning back, to gaze over at Seunghyun he nodded for her to go. Giving in, she sighed and gave him a glance over to make sure his wounds were still patched up. Picking up the bowl, she filled it with the last of the stew she made and placed it by him. Giving him a small smile, she then turned to take her leave. 

"Father," she gasped as she stood in disbelief at being caught walking in. She had sworn she had checked to make sure everyone had fallen asleep. But that was the least of her worries as he looked pale. Rushing to his side, she caught him and helped to sit. He was trembling as he scooped her up in his arms and held her tightly against him. "Father are you well?" 

"I love you my sweet daughter. I love you so much," he mumbled in her hair as he rocked her in his arms. 

Sighing as she leaned into his embrace, she couldn't help but grin, "I love you too." She was grateful he didn't scold her or question her whereabouts. She was even more grateful she had a father that loved her unconditionally. After soothing her father, who seemed still a bit shaken. She retreated back to her room and laid in bed and let her thoughts drift to the future. The what ifs and maybes filled her mind as her dreams swept her away..

She found herself sitting at her hide away on the cliff. Staring out at the sun set, it felt like dejavu. Feeling someone approach her, she grinned to herself as the person sat down next to her. She knew Seungri would find her there as she held a smile on her face to turn and see none other than Seunghyun sitting smuggly staring back at her. Gasping as she sat up in a panic, reality set in as she realized it was only a dream. Letting out a sigh of relief, she plopped back down staring at the ceiling as she tried to calm her racing heart. "It's only a dream," she breathed as she tried to close her eyes and get more sleep. 

Minzy sat kneeling towards the East. It is known to symbolize the rising of the sun and the rising of the new generations to come. Clasping her hands together, she bowed her head and whispered a quiet prayer. The prayer of keeping the faith fell from her lips so effortlessly. It was one of the many teachings that was pounded into their minds in their studies. The thoughts of Lanky Seungri and Chubby Seunghyun mimicking such prayer in a goofy way crossed her mind. Shaking the thought, she found it hard to concentrate. The lack of sleep had her feeling somewhat delusional, but she knew she had to keep it together. Trying to focus on the task at hand, she stood to her feet and slowly opened her eyes. Looking all around, she smiled seeing everyone staring at her with starry eyes. Her bridal attire, only amplified the beauty she had become. At least that was what she was told as the head piece was placed upon her head. Walking up to her grandmother, she slowly knelt and bowed her head in deep respect. Placing her forearms onto the ground, she pressed her forehead onto her hands to give her grandmother the utmost praise and respect. "Leave us," her grandmother instructed. After everyone had quickly filed out, her grandmother spoke, "Let me look into your eyes child."

Arising slowly, she sat on her calves as she slightly bowed her head, "Yes grandmother?" 

"Today you will no longer be known as a child. Today you will become a young woman," her grandmother spoke proudly with a smile. "You will bring honor not only to our tribe but our family. Do you know what a great blessing this is? You along with your generation will be the first generation to be fully raised in the peace treaty." 

Nodding in understanding, Minzy couldn't help the small smile that graced her lips, "Yes grandmother. I am eternally blessed for such an opportunity." 

"Then do me this favor my child, love the outcome of today's events and don't look back," her grandmother advised. "There is no mistake in whatever the outcome will be." 

"I understand," Minzy said as she felt her smile slightly fade. She knew and understood very well how the ritual worked. This was something they had been taught about their entire childhood, but to have it actually happening was something else to her. "I will love my outcome," she said out loud hoping that her words sounded convincing. 

Watcing as everyone started to gather together, Minzy found herself looking towards the mountains. Was he okay, she wondered as the wounded Seunghyun came flashing through her mind. "Minzy where are you going," her mother growled as she caught her arm. Minzy didn't realize it, but she was subconsciously trying to slip away. Not to run away or anything like that, but to go check and see if Seunghyun was still up there and if his wounds needed to be dressed again. 

"It's time dear," her grandmother softly spoke as she approached her other side. Trapped in between both women, she felt herself being guided back to the group and hoped that Seunghyun was doing fine. Getting together with everyone else, she felt like her heart was going to burst right out of her chest. Placing her hand over her chest she could feel how hard her heart was pounding. She felt all gittery as the women of her tribe all gathered around her assuming their positons. Gratefully she wasn't the only young woman, as two more flanked on either side of her. "My child," her father appeared before her with a sad smile. Bowing her head slightly, she allowed him to plant a sweet kiss onto her forehead, "You're beautiful." His tender words, gave her the courage to inhale deeply. Staying still as her father dropped the mesh veil in front of her face, she slowly exhaled to calm her nervous heart. When her father moved along with the other fathers to lead the village, she was glad for her father's example to head the pack. 

Nearing the ritual site, the entire tribe shielded the prized young women. They began to chant at the top of their lungs the glorious words of the peace treaty with confidence to have the crowds make way for the brides to be. Gaining confidence as they neared the shore, Minzy extended her hands out and took hold of each girls' hand. Giving them each an encouraging squeeze, she inhaled deeply as the loud drums began to beat the rythym of their tribe call. Watching as the sea of people parted every which way, Minzy was startled to see Seunghyun standing proudly up front. He seemed back to his normal self standing so smugly. His warrior paint only made him even more vicious as he puffed up his chest as they connected eyes. He didn't look like the wounded scared young man from last night, in fact it was the complete opposite. Unnerved and somewhat caught off guard, she was brought to the present as the young women of her village swirled forward and began to sway their hips to present themselves. Exhaling deeply, Minzy caught a glimpse of Seungri standing off to the side and swung herself forward.

Slowly stepping forward and rotating her hips, she followed the slow beating of the drums. Spinning and dipping back as she shimmied around, she picked up her pace and hit every side to side motion. It was as if she was gliding along the sand like the wind. The relam of seductive dancing came to her naturally as she rolled her hips, up into a full body roll as she extended her arms out gracefully. The countless hours her mother made her practice over the years all added up to this very moment. Her mother was a constant reminder of what was to happen. Constantly reminding her of what becoming a young woman was, how a young woman should act and how a young woman should think. Bending ever so elegantly until the top of her head almost touched the ground, she effortlessly rolled back up into an elegant praying hands pose. Her finale caused an up roar of cheering, especially from her mother who was overwhelmed with proud tears as she moved to take a seat off to the side with her fellow young women coming of age. 

Each young woman prepared a small introduction. Each doing some cute dance moves as if flaunting and teasingly seducing the young men. But Minzy had other plans. Taking her turn in the spot light, she gently swayed and moved before twisting and twirling into the air. Kicking herself up in the air into a flip, she gracefully landed on the ground in a warrior position. Smiling brightly as she ended with praying hands to bow her head to recite to keep the faith. This caused the crowd to chant it back with her and cheer loudly as she took her place back next the young women. In the corner of her eye, she could see her mother seething in her seat and was grateful that her father on the other hand was cheering loudly with a big smile.

After all the young women presented themselves, it was the young men's turn. They all stepped out in the middle, starting with a war cry as they did the warrior dance of enchantment. Enchanting the various women with their various skilled moves. Before the treaty came about, this tradition was only amongst your said tribe. Now with the way things were, the young men were all moving as one. Each young men moving across the sands with their tribes' signature warrior moves to symoblize their history, ending with a unified dance. All were still amazed and in awe with such a large gathering that didn't revolve around war. The fact that this would be the first group to be fully raised throughout the establishment of the peace treaty gave the gathering even more meaning.

Meanwhile Minzy was preoccupied by other things more like other people, namely Seungri. She did her best to keep a straight face as she cautiously kepty an eye on him. Being aware that if she showed favor to one warrior it would cause a commotion. Inwardly cheering him on as she thought of how many times she had forced him into practicing this particular dance throughout their studies. He always complained and tried to talk his way out of learning it. Now after watching him keep up with the other young men, she couldn't help to think how proud she was of him and how he had a possible fighting chance. 

As the wise elders gathered together from each tribe, they recited the importance of keeping the faith to which everyone including Minzy follwed with how everything will be made right. The elders shared a little of their history and hopes for the future generation to come. In doing so they started the ritual and called out all the warriors to take their claim on a young woman to protect, love and honor. The invitation to do so had Minzy feeling somewhat inadequate. Though Seungri along with various villagers had told her she was one that would be fought over most, she still had her doubts. She knew she was very skilled, but beauty far out weighed skill. She was never known to be a delicate flower as they called the young women who were known as very beautiful. Her tanned skin, signified she was outside far too much and probably not house trained. She was also very curvy. She wasn't thin and fragile as if needing saving like the other young women who had been taught to be submissive to their male counter part. As stated before, she had been secretly taught by her father to take care of herself and stayed vested in the skills she was taught. She took pride in her tanned skinned, skilled self and hoped that someone else took value in her being different. 

 Hearing the uproar of young men cheering and calling out to various young women, she sat and watched as one by one a young woman became spoken for and the next thing she knew she was left alone with another young woman next to her from the same tribe. Each young man and young woman being paired off had her starting to worry. She didn't think about it until this moment, but what if she wasn't picked at all? It was unheard of, but Minzy was also a type of young woman that was unheard of as well. Shifting her gaze up to see how many warriors were left, she saw Seunghyun standing with his arms folded over his chest with that smug look he wore so often, one would think he was born with that stupid look on his face, but she knew better than that. Flashes of Seunghyun being a chubby fearful kid crossed her mind and she couldn't help the small smile that appeared at the corner of . Imagining the chubby fearful kid standing with a now boastful stance had her giggling inside. Then there was Seungri standing with an expression she had yet to encounter of all their time together. The lanky kid from her tribe who stepped in to help her out so long ago, had her wondering what he was thinking. Would he step forward to help her out once more? Unsure what the look was on his face she couldn't help but to think how they all have grown from kids to now grown young adults or at least trying to become one. 

Her thoughts had her becoming aware of her surroundings. Looking over to the other young woman left alongside her, she couldn't help but feel pity. Lisa was a fellow member from her tribe. She was a nice girl, always doing what she was told and leaned more towards that delicate flower type. Lisa was opposite type of Minzy and perfect for Seunghyun. Pity had Minzy standing on her feet and extending her hand out to the other young woman. She wished Lisa the best honestly. Being with Seunghyun would probably take a life time of getting used to, not to mention being away from home in the northern part of the islands of all places. A part of the islands that were cold and isolated along with the people.

Giving Lisa a small grin, she led them towards the remaining young men. Coming face to face with them, Minzy lifted their connecting hands forward signifying that they needed to choose. Yes, Minzy was being impatient but she couldn't wait any longer. Everyone had grown silent, anticipating the last pairings. The air became so thick with anticipation Minzy thought she would possible suffocate. This waiting game felt like an eternity. Why couldn't Seungri hurry up and take her hand already, she wondered. She knew he was always hesitant when it came to big life decisions, but seriously right now wasn't one of those times to be standing around. Minzy could feel Lisa's hand trembling in hers and she couldn't help the remorseful feelings. Whispering a quiet prayer of comfort for Lisa not only moving so far from home, but to married to Seunghyun? That in it's self was a life struggle. And as much as she had pity for the girl next to her, she was excited to embark on a life filled with adventures with Seungri. It was selfish to say the least as she thought about the build up to this moment. Minzy's happily ever after was in the making. She knew he would finally see through all their years of friendship that they could be so much more. She had hinted to him from time to time, even laughing at some of the lamest things he'd say just to let him know he was funny when he was not. The memories of their friendship flashed through her mind. She gained strength from such memories as she had become the support for both the weight of her's and Lisa's connected hands.

"Seungri," Minzy breathed as she along with everyone else awaited his choice. The mention of his name seemed to have caused a quick reaction out of him. Suddenly the bond between the young women was broken. The weight of Minzy's hand dropped to her side as Seungri took Lisa's hand. Letting out a soft gasp in shock, she along with the young woman being pulled away didn't know what was happening. Minzy was left standing in disbelief. Letting her arm fall to her side along with her heavy heart, she stood watching as Seungri walked away, never once saying a word or looking back. It felt like her perception of the world shattered into a million pieces. Not knowing if this was a night mare or some kind of sick joke, she brought her newly freed hand towards her chest and craddled it into her other hand. Tears of dispair and a broken heart had her still standing unmoved. Looking at Seungri standing hand in hand with Lisa. Lisa?! Lisa, a girl she most definitely knew that Seungri had never talked to or had interest in. At least that was what she thought as she wiped at her tears of betrayal. Overwhelmed with great emotions, she trembled as she began to feel upset.

Minzy couldn't, no she wouldn't believe what had happened as Seunghyun moved up towards her. Extending his hand out to her, he gave her a knowing look as if this was going to happen. Why would he look at her that way? Why would she be the last chosen to be with Seunghyun out of all people? So many confusing thoughts had her pushing past him. She was too overcome with her feelings to take notice of the gasping crowds whispering and glaring at her, nor did she care. She needed answers from the only person who could clear her confusion. Marching up to Seungri, she yanked onto his arm with fiery, ready to give him a piece of her mind. But the rage and anger all seemed to fizzle away as she looked at Seungri's face. Why didn't she notice before? He looked beaten and battered up, but that was only the half of it. His eyes were filled with deep sorrow. He gave her a look of defeat and shame. Shaking his head, they shared an understanding that this wasn't the time or place for whatever she had to say.

Pulling away from Seungri, she suddenly felt all eyes on her, awaiting her next move. She couldn't meet those judging eyes, when she herself was judging herself for looking like an idiot and found herself staring mindlessly down at the warm sand beneath her. At a loss for words, she felt herself wanting to break down and cry but she knew better than to do that in front of everyone. As she tried to think of what to do next, she felt someone take her hand and give it a strong comforting squeeze. Sighing deeply as she realized she had been holding her breath, she looked over at Seunghyun as he stood gazing down at her. She was surprised to see the way he was looking at her. It wasn't his usual smug and overly confident look. It was different, something new and actually refreshing to see compassion and sympathy. It was very becoming on him. Mustering the best face she could make after such an embarassing scene, that new look faded into the stupid smug face before raising their connected hands into the air. A loud roar of cheering filled the air as all the matches were finally made. Even if it was for a brief moment, she was grateful to Seunghyun. 

Author's Notes:

So I started this when All of You Say came out and now it's been obviously a hot minute since then haha. I haven't felt like writing in a while so please forgive the rusty writing. I also can't help with how often I've been changing my mind each time I've attempted to write this. This fic is a three shoter. Hope yall enjoyed the first bit. Thanks for reading!