The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of your bedroom, casting soft patterns across the walls. You lay in bed, tangled in sheets, aware of the bittersweet heaviness settling in your chest. Today was the day Yoon Jeonghan would leave for military service—a day you had both dreaded and prepared for.
You had spent the past few weeks trying to convince yourself that it would be okay, that this was just another chapter in his life. But with each passing hour, the weight of the impending separation felt more real, more daunting. You turned your gaze to the clock on your bedside table, its ticking echoing your racing heart.
"Y/N, are you up?" Jeonghan's voice drifted through the apartment, warm and familiar.
"Yeah, I'm coming," you replied, forcing a smile as you slipped out of bed. You threw on a comfortable sweater and a pair of jeans, running a hand through your hair to tame the chaos. Today wasn't about you; it was about him.
You stepped into the living room, where Jeonghan was sitting on the couch, a backpack beside him. He looked more handsome than ever, his features slightly accentuated by the sunlight streaming through the window. A pang of sadness shot through you at the sight.
"Hey," he greeted, a smile lighting up his face, but you could see the glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes.
"Hey," you said, crossing the room to sit beside him. You reached out, intertwining your fingers with his, savouring the warmth of his touch.
"Are you ready?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.
He chuckled softly, a nervous sound. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."
You squeezed his hand tighter, trying to anchor yourself in this moment. "You know I'm proud of you, right?"
He nodded, his expression softening. "I know. And that means everything to me."
You spent the morning reminiscing about the countless memories you had shared, laughter echoing through the apartment as you flipped through old photos on his phone. Every picture held a story—late-night ice cream runs, spontaneous trips, and quiet moments spent together.But as the hours passed, the laughter began to fade, replaced by an uncomfortable silence that loomed between you. You glanced at the clock again, and your heart sank. Time was slipping away far too quickly.
"Y/N," he said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Can we talk about something?"
You nodded, apprehension knotting in your stomach. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
He took a deep breath, his gaze steady on yours. "I know this is hard, but I need you to promise me something."
Your heart raced. "What is it?"
"Promise me you won't wait for me," he said softly. "I don't want you to feel like you're stuck while I'm gone. Live your life. Explore, meet new people—be happy. That's what I want for you."
The world around you felt like it was crumbling. "Jeonghan, I don't want to meet new people. I want to be with you."
"I know," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'll be gone for a while, and I don't want you to feel like you have to put your life on hold. Promise me you'll be okay."
Tears welled in your eyes as you shook your head. "How can I promise that? You're a huge part of my life."
"Please, Y/N," he said, urgency creeping into his tone. "Just promise me."
You inhaled shakily, feeling the pressure of his gaze. "I promise... I'll try," you said, the words tasting bitter on your tongue.
"Good," he said, relief washing over his features. "That's all I ask."
Just then, his phone buzzed on the table, interrupting the moment. You both glanced at it, and he sighed, picking it up to check the message. "It's the car service. They're here."
You nodded, a lump forming in your throat as the reality of his departure settled in. He stood up, gathering his things while you remained seated, staring blankly at the floor. You wanted to freeze time, to hold onto this moment just a little longer.
As he turned to you, the sadness in his eyes mirrored your own. "I'll come back, okay? I promise."
"I know," you whispered, though your heart ached with uncertainty.
He approached you, kneeling down to meet your gaze. "Y/N, I love you. No matter where I am, that won't change."
"I love you too, Jeonghan," you replied, tears finally spilling down your cheeks.
He reached out, wiping a tear away with his thumb, his touch sending shivers through you. "Don't cry. It's not goodbye forever."
You nodded, trying to muster a brave smile, but the pain of impending separation was overwhelming. "I'll be here when you get back."
Jeonghan's eyes softened, and he leaned in closer. "Can I...?"
You didn't need him to finish. You leaned forward, closing the distance between you, and pressed your lips against his. The kiss was tender yet filled with urgency, as if you were trying to convey everything you felt in that single moment. You poured your heart into it, hoping to capture the essence of your love, the memories you shared, and the promise of a future together.
He pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against yours. "You're my home, Y/N," he murmured, and you could feel the weight of his words.
"I'll always be your home," you replied, your voice shaky but resolute.He leaned in again, kissing you with a softness that made your heart swell. You wanted to memorize every detail—the warmth of his lips, the way his fingers tangled in your hair, the way he made you feel whole. You knew you had to let him go, but the thought of it felt like a knife to your heart.
Suddenly, the sound of a horn blaring from outside broke the moment. Jeonghan pulled away, and you both turned toward the window, reality crashing down around you once more."It's time," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
You nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the truth hanging heavily in the air. You stood up, feeling unsteady, as he gathered his things one last time. The atmosphere felt thick, charged with unspoken words and lingering feelings.
He stepped closer, taking your hands in his. "No matter what happens, remember that I love you. And I'll write to you every chance I get."
"I'll hold you to that," you said, a small smile breaking through the tears.He chuckled, a bittersweet sound. "And I'll expect letters from you too. Tell me all about your adventures, okay?"
"I will," you promised, even though the thought of moving on felt insurmountable.
With a final glance, he stepped back toward the door, and you felt a part of your heart go with him. "I'll see you soon," he said, his voice steady.
"See you soon," you echoed, your throat tight.
As he opened the door, you couldn't help but take a step forward, reaching out for him. He paused, looking back at you with a mixture of longing and determination.
"Y/N," he said softly, "stay strong for me, okay?"
You nodded, feeling a rush of determination. "I will, Jeonghan. I'll wait for you."
With that, he stepped out, leaving you standing in the doorway, watching as he walked away. The sound of his footsteps faded, and the door clicked shut behind him.
You wrapped your arms around yourself, feeling the emptiness of the space around you. But in your heart, you held onto the love you shared, the promise of letters, and the hope of reunions to come. It was not goodbye forever; it was simply a pause in your story.
As the tears fell, you closed your eyes, letting the memories wash over you, knowing that this was not the end, but a new beginning.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿
Author's note: The same one-shot has been posted on Wattpad (hwashua-luv). Requests are also open <3
All rights reserved. © 2024 hwashua-luv
All works written by me do not copy, translate or repost my works without my given consent.
