Song: 'Serenity' by Xiumin

*Note: there may be inaccuracies in the English translation of the lyrics, since the song hasn't officially been released yet and it was difficult for me to find a good translation of it.

It's a new day when I wake up early in the morning
I'll try again when given the opportunity
The days when I always held my breath and stole my tears
Thanks to them, my heart got stronger
I erase all the scattered scars one by one
I hope even these cold sighs that I breathe, embrace you warmly

(7 months later)

Many things had happened on today’s date.  It was a day of marriage and happy memories.  It was also a day of tragedy and loss.  Today though, Jongdae wanted it to be a time to reconnect with a loved one. 

He walked over to Minseok’s gravestone and placed the bouquet in front of it.  Then he sat before the grave, gazing at it fondly.

“Hi, Min.” he greeted with a smile.  “How have you been?  I hope you’re doing fine, and that you’re as happy as you always were.

“As for me, well, I’m also doing great – better than I’ve ever been in fact.” he continued.  “My parents are doing very well; they’re looking after each other, and themselves.  I’ve also been spending more time with Baekhyun and Chanyeol these days; they’re still idiots as usual, but they’re my idiots and there’s no one else who I’d want as friends – besides you, of course.” he chuckled.  “I’ve also been playing chess more with my brother.  Sorry that he’s replaced my favourite chess partner, haha!  Just kidding, you’ll always be my favourite chess partner.  But it feels good to play with Jongin again, just like we used to when we were kids. 

“Did I tell you Jongin has a new boyfriend?  His name is Kyungsoo, and he's not really ‘new’ anymore since they’ve been dating for several months now.  But he’s been treating my brother really well, and I think it’s a good thing that Jongin met him.  They’re really good together.

“I’ve been relocated to Gyeongsangnam-do for my social work.  There’s still a lot that needs to be done with helping communities in the regional areas; some people there are living so far below the poverty line, it’s outrageous.  I’ll be having talks with community leaders when I get there, hopefully to make some real change happen.  I’m leaving next week.  I’ll miss my friends and family, and I’ll certainly miss you – but don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.

“I also caught up with your family not long ago.” he added.  “They’re also doing well, and your little sister got engaged to Sooyoung!  I hope you’re happy for them.”

Jongdae looked at the time on his phone.  It was almost time to catch the bus back to work.

“Well, I gotta get going soon – my lunch break ends in fifteen minutes.  But you take care, alright?  Tell Suho and Irene I said hi, and say hi to the kids for me too, will you?  Tell them I’ll be with them soon, and please look after them.  Oh – and let Ningning know that her parents still love her, and they’re always thinking of her.  I also think of you everyday, don’t forget that.  That’s all I have to say for now.  I love you, Minseok.” he blew a kiss before adding: “I’ll meet you again soon.”  Then he got up to leave.

When he lost Minseok, Jongdae’s heart had been torn because he never got to say goodbye. 

As time passed, however, he discovered that he never really needed to.  Minseok was always there, just like he’d promised, and Jongdae could always come to him whenever he needed.

Somewhere up above, Minseok was gazing down on Jongdae, beaming with pride.

“I’m so proud of you, Jongdae.” he whispered.  “I’ll be waiting for you.”

✨🕊✨FIN🕊✨🕊

And we are finally at the end of the story. If you made it this far, congratulations, you are just amazing. Next chapter is the author's note; feel free to read it if you want to or not, although I would appreciate it if you read it. Otherwise, thank you so much for reading my fic. If you enjoyed it, upvote and/or leave comments below!