(LISTEN TO THE SONG AS YOU READ)

CHAPTER 4 

“Jiyong.” My lips hover over his neck and he stirs under me. 

“What time is it?” He asks as he stretches his arms. 

“It’s like 3AM.” I almost say apologetically.

“Why are you awake?”

“I wanted to do something.”

A faint smile appears on his face and I know I’ve caught his attention.

“I wanted to play in the beach a little.” It comes out as a whisper.

A strange look crosses his face but a smile replaces it as he says, “Let’s go.” He grabs my hand and drags me to the front door. His thumb caresses mine and my small hand feels engulfed in his but the light glow of the moon kisses his features and I can’t help but admire him. His messy hair and disheveled clothing make him look so carefree. We’re running and running until we can’t breath. The heavy air of salt is dizzying but it’s so ing worth it. The waves lap around our feet and the moonlight touches us as we look at the widening ocean. It’s so endless and beautiful and I’d rather stay here with him then go back home. There’s nowhere to run to back home. It feels suffocating. 

“I love you.” I blurt out as I stare at the darkness of the never-ending sea.

“I love you too.”

“Promise me we’ll come back one day.”

“Even if we’re old and wrinkly?”

I laugh, “Even if we’re old and wrinkly, especially then.” 

He suddenly pulls me close and presses my head against his chest but I can’t stop staring at the darkness that seems to consume the water. I can feel my heart racing and I swear he can hear it too but he says nothing. I wrap my arms around his waist and hold him close because for some reason I feel like the darkness will take him away. It’s too late before I realize I’m crying because Jiyong places his index finger under my chin and tilts my head so I can look at him, a worried look outlining his beautiful face.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

“I’m just scared.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want you to not be in my life. I want you to stay.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” He promises.

“If you go then take me with you. That’s all I want.”

“I won’t leave you. I promise.”

I nod my head in response and close my eyes. 

“Can I tell you something?” He asks with a slight cautious edge. 

“Sure.” I pull away and sit down on the sand. It feel a little rough on my but the water soothes it.

“My mom was talking to my dad yest