[Tae Bi's POV]

                Last night’s farewell party was held at the rooftop of our company’s building. There were candles, roses, food, champagnes, music, coated tables and chairs, loyal friends and a generous boss. Actually, the roses were not part of the plan. Someone from our group volunteered to decorate the setting with those reds. I don’t know who, but I included her/him in my thank you speech. Everybody made me cry because they showed a compilation of their video messages for me. From the trainees I used to guide up to my boss who’s always busy, but a bubbly person. She even bought two whole turkeys for the party and an imported wine from Italy. My comrades handed me gift certificates from H&M, clothes from H&M, as well as boots and bags of my type. They’re really hilarious because I was expecting for some stuff from our rival company instead of our own. Still, each of their gifts will be cherished forever by me just like our camaraderie. I might be superior to them, but outside the office we are all equal. I am going to miss them all, also my lady boss who personally handed me a bonus cash aside from my increased salary. I promised to pay them a visit when I return to Maryland.

                Mom and dad left a week ago for Seoul. I told them that I would follow after a week or two because I have to arrange some papers, organize the party, and look for a suitable job in Korea. However, I didn’t tell them the top reason of this decision – to prepare myself for the reality I will face when I arrive there. Should I be happy if he no longer acknowledges me even as a friend? Or should I be sad? I spent a week preparing myself for the answer.

                Now, I am 98% prepared. Half of my preparation has optimism with it but the remaining half is made of anxiety. So be it.

                I took my phone and sent a text message to his number of three years ago. Hopefully, this number still updates him of me. My message was three simple words but too powerful for both of us:

                I was a bit unsteady when the cab pulled over to drop me at the airport. I thanked him for the safe ride and headed inside the huge Philadelphia International Airport. My heart was racing and I hate it because it only tells me that I’m not yet prepared; not prepared to arrive in Korea; not prepared to embrace the fact that we’re not a coupleanymore; not prepared to overcome my depression. Why does it have to be only me who suffers from this situation? Is he not affected? At least, give me a little hint if he still cares for me or not. I want to know.

                I want to know. So, I really have to go. There’s no turning back.

                I carried my luggage and when my attention was called, I walked inside the plane. It felt like Maryland is pulling me to go back and stay here instead of giving myself burdens. But who knows? What if I was just a negative-thinker?

                No turning back.

                I took my seat beside the window because I love seeing the clouds beneath us and appreciate the infinity of sky. At least, this position could distract me from any hideous thoughts.

                I remained silent and still in my seat, not minding the noisy luggage being squeezed in above our heads and accommodating flight stewardesses. I only focused on calming myself down. My hands were clasped with my phone that’s impatiently waiting for a reply or a call. But it seems impossible. Everything seems impossible because what I had was just a fairytale.

                Please turn off or put your mobile phones on silent mode. We are about to depart the place.

                As usual, there’s a long reminder announced on the intercom while the plane was moving slowly, including the ‘fasten your seatbelt’ I expertly know how to do. Every passenger has settled down and there were few who were obviously first-timers because of their curious heads, terrified and excited faces, and the inquirers. I remembered my first time in a plane. I was twelve back then and we had a family tour in Rome. I didn’t feel anxious or scared when the plane started to move; instead, I was excited that I forgot to fasten my seatbelt because of great curiosity. As expected, it was really amazing, especially when we’re up in the sky. The clouds and the sun rays were impeccably beautiful. How I wish to feel the same now that I’m full of worries. Unlike my previous flight experiences, the seat beside me was occupied. The man suddenly reminded me of dad because he’s too busy reading newspaper and it covered his whole face. I didn't mind him because we're both busy distracting ourselves.

                The plane was highly elevated and I saw city lights below us. I was going to take a picture of the scenery for a remembrance, but a young boy, maybe at the age of five, tapped my lap. He was smiling shyly and I found it cute. My seatmate didn’t bother to look at the cute boy who’s standing in front of him carefully.

                “Hi little boy, what can I do for you?” I sweetly asked, and put down my phone.

                He reached his closed fist to me, and I realized that he wanted to give something, so I showed my palm. We both smiled to each other, then we looked at his closed hand. I hope his parents know where he is right now; otherwise, I might be accused of kidnapping. No, just kidding. I was trying to distract myself!

                “You dropped this,” he said, and a necklace fell from his small hand down to my palm. I halted from breathing when the necklace has a puzzle pendant that surely owned by me before. I stayed shocked and unspoken for a while. The kid ran away but I didn’t look back at him because my eyes were too glued on the necklace. I couldn’t explain how surprised I was and I looked like an unattractive statue in the plane. What’s happening? Why is this thing in this place? I didn’t drop this. I am sure of that. I clearly remember that I left this necklace in his hand. This necklace is with him!

                I bolted up and checked the whole plane without leaving my place. I suddenly anticipated for his figure, his face, his presence, his smile. I couldn't help but wish for him to be with me right now and forever. Realizing that my wish is just a hopeless one made me think that I miss Suga.                 

                I settled down slowly, carrying the heaviness of disappointment. I inspected the accessory to check if this one’s really my necklace or just a duplicate. But the texture, the color, the whole appearance itself are similar to the necklace Suga gave me. I'm so sure of it but how did the boy get this? Did Suga totally forget about me and sell this pendant? I can't imagine that. 

                “I’m glad to see the owner of that necklace,”

                I startled and covered my mouth in surprise when my seatmate put down the newspaper and revealed himself. He was wearing a cap, face-mask, and sunglasses. Despite that, his voice is undoubtedly of Min Yoon Gi’s. He’s not the faceless driver, he’s my glowing prince.

                I didn’t say a word to respond because my mind’s about to blow of what’s happening today. Instead, I removed everything that covered his face, from the cap down to his mask. Suga has appeared and I was floating even without this plane’s presence.

                “Hi,” he spoke again, and that voice exposed the joy that has been caged inside me for three years.

                I didn’t and couldn’t utter a word. I just pulled the collar of his white shirt and kissed him like there’s no end. He put his hands around my neck and kissed me back. It is Suga.

                All the doubts, anxiety and even distractions I made for myself had vanished. I knew it. The necklace means that he’s near, that he still cares for me. The optimism mixed with half of my preparations overwhelmed my whole body and soul. Suga is here. All the plans I made once I landed in Korea were all refreshed and cleansed. I am no longer worried, I am no longer depressed, I am no longer longing, I am no longer alone. With this kiss, he proved that there’s only me and him in our small sweet world. No matter where we are and who we are, our paths will always meet.

                I let go of him when I ran out of breath, but his hands remained on my cheeks. We stared at each other’s eyes, to make sure that we’re both real and this is not a dream or a fairytale. He caressed my cheeks and I smiled at him. My smile came with tears of ecstacy.

                “Yoon Gi,” I called his name, like I was drowned in the ocean for three minutes. And it felt like decades since I uttered his name. He nodded at me and there were also tears forming in his small eyes. We’re so happy that nobody in the plane could comprehend the level of happiness we’re experiencing. I don’t care if there were scrutinizing eyes somewhere, what matters is I found the person whom I will spend my forever with.

                “I missed you, Kim Tae Bi,” he kept on touching my cheeks with affection, and I couldn’t help but smile because I am feeling his touch again.

                “I missed you more,” I kissed him again, and we could do it for hours until we reach Korea, but the questions in my head were slowly emerging now that I’m aware of reality.

                I pulled away for an inch and asked him, “How? I mean, how did you get here?”

                He let out a short laugh before answering me, “My number is saved on your dad’s phone, remember?” Now that he mentioned it, I remembered the day dad called Suga’s phone to tell me to fly back to Maryland. That call was a nightmare, but I didn’t know that it became the way for me and Suga to meet again.  “Well, he gave me a surprise call two weeks ago and asked me if I still have connection with you. I said no, and he told me that you’re going back to Korea. We exchanged a ton of words before I came up with this idea. To surprise you. By the way, I received your message this morning. This is the ‘see you soon’ we’re talking about.” He showed a boastful expression to me, and I just laughed.  It made me happier because my text message has been delivered successfully. Our 'see you soon' is powerful. “Thanks to your dad, he helped me. And gave me hope to see you again.” 

                No wonder dad and mom allowed me to do what I want during our group hug one morning. They all know this is going to happen. Mom and dad, thank you. I’m so happy that they finally accepted Suga as my significant other. I feel relieved and satisfied.

                “You should be thankful that I don’t have a weak heart, or else, I’d have a heart attack for what you’ve done.” I joked at him and we embraced. Oh god, I missed him so much.

                “Actually, I was in Maryland since Monday,” he continued, which made me look at his eyes again. It’s Wednesday today in Maryland, so he’s been in that place for three days?

                “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked. Again, I was full of curiosity.

                His smile never left his handsome face, “I was going to, but your dad told me you’re busy working on your farewell party with your co-workers. So, I just bought roses to decorate the venue while you’re still not around. Thanks to, what’s her name? Mia? Thanks to her. She helped me in arranging the roses.”

                Mia. She really is full of surprises too. She’s a good friend, no wonder she helped Suga with the simple décor. It’s unfair that she didn’t tell me of Suga’s presence the day of party. My life is supposed to be full of surprises, eh?

                I leaned on the backrest and Suga did the same. We looked at each other with passion and great joy. I can’t believe he’s beside me now. He took my hand and I held on him tightly. I wasn’t expecting any of this that’s why I’m speechless and exploding inside. His eyes, nose, lips, complexion, and love are all here. With me. I couldn’t ask for more. I can stay like this as long as he’s here. I can stay breathless as long as he’s here. His presence gave me hope. I am alive again. I can no longer feel sadness or recognize antagonism. Min Yoon Gi is here.

                “You have no idea how depressed I was,” those words suddenly came out of my mouth. It seems that he deserves to know what I looked like the past three years. Besides, this is also what I am going to do once I meet him in Seoul, but things happened earlier than expected.

                Suga lifted his hand to my cheek, to my chin, and down to my shoulder. His smile has abated but it’s still there, “I went to the army because I know it’s wiser to choose it than committing suicide. You have no idea how depressed I was.”

                “Yoon Gi,” I showed him my worried face. It’s too selfish of him. How could he think of killing himself while I’m still here who cares so much for him.

                “I know. I’m sorry,” he continued, and he caressed my cheek again. “I was so depressed. It’s so hard to spend a second without seeing you. I kept on entertaining suicidal thoughts, but I also thought of you at the same time. So, I went to the army to distract myself. I am not me if there’s no you.”

                He’s still my boyfriend.

                I realized that I was wrong for thinking that Suga forgot me completely. Besides, the words I left in Peter’s and Charmaine’s hearts will be futile if Suga and I break up. My happiness will be wasted if we break up. I was wrong and he’s right. He loves me forever. I love him always.

                I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him once more. We were laughing but we didn’t know the reason. This reminded me of our unique love story that will never be erased from my mind and heart. His warmth and touch sent back all the memories we shared together in Seoul. Even all the lost energies from my soul have returned.        

                I was taken aback when he broke our brief kiss because he took something from his pocket. I wondered what kind of necklace he would give to me this time, or what small gift he brought with him that made us stop from what we were doing.

               Then, Suga stood up. People started to recognize him and I was just smiling, although I had no idea why he suddenly got up from his seat. He smiled at me too, fixed his collar, cleared his throat, and knelt down on his right knee. I saw a small black box in his hands, and he slowly opened it in front of me. A gold ring with diamond center stone twinkled before my eyes. I covered my mouth because of its beauty and luxury. This kind of scene was usually seen in movies or TV series, but now it’s in the flesh. More people were looking at us. Some started cheering which caught more attention, including the stewardesses. I broke down to tears when he asked me the question that could start a new chapter in my life.

                “Will you marry me, Kim Tae Bi?” he genuinely proposed.

                My heart melted and I could feel my cheeks burning due to cold tears and surprise, “Of course.” I immediately answered, and I was adamant. I kept on nodding because I want him to know that my mind will never change. I had no second thoughts. There’s no pause. I really, really want to be with him everywhere.  “I will marry you, Min Yoon Gi. I will.”

                He put the ring on me, and it perfectly fits. I was so touched by his effort, even everyone in the plane. Some of them were taking pictures of us, others were clapping, and there I was, crying like a baby. Suga tried to calm me down but I couldn’t stop myself from crying because I’m bursting with happiness. I am going to be his wife. This is not a joke. Nothing can really separate us after the church bells ring. I remembered those days when he was a distant dream to me; seeing him at concerts, following his live activities; supporting him with shouts and banners. Now, he has become my reality and a reachable star. Yes, we had encountered unbearable struggles, but destiny never failed to pull us back together. I’m his and he’s mine. Our story proves that genuine love can make the impossible possible.  

                “I love you,” he told me.

                “I love you,” I said, and we kissed. 

THE END :)