T A E H Y U N G

"Congratulations!"

Everyone cheers as the ceremony comes to an end. We did it. This is it.

After the ceremony, everyone wanted to take pictures and hang out for a while. In reality though, I think most of us just didn't want to say goodbye yet.

In the crowd of classmates, teachers, and parents, I finally found my friends.

"We did it, Tae!" Namjoon-hyung pats me on the back.

"I can't believe it's over." I say.

"Next step: University!"

They were all excited about finishing high school, and don't get me wrong I was too, but I was sad thinking about what's going to happen next.

Just as that thought crossed my mind, I spot Mina in the crowd. We make eye contact and immediately head towards each other.

We hug as soon as we get close enough and stay like that for a while. God, I can't imagine being away from her for so long. I didn't even want to think about it.

Holding her in my arms like that though, it made me think about how much I'm going to miss her. Neither of us had to say a word, but we knew we were both thinking the same thing.

I started to cry. She didn't notice until I took a breath.

She holds me out in front of her to look me in the eyes.

"Why the tears? Don't cry." She wipes the tear streaks from my cheeks.

"I-I'm gonna miss you so much..." I could barely get the words out.

She hugs me again, "We still have time. We'll be okay."

_____________________

"You guys didn't have to do this."

"Oh yes we did." Jungkook says.

I was standing in front of the airport with my parents, my best friends, and Mina. They were here to send me off.

"Don't forget about us, Tae. Call us, text us, whenever you get lonely or whenever you miss us." Namjoon puts a hand on my shoulder before giving me a hug.

Hobi joined us in the hug and that led to a big group hug with me and the guys.

"You guys are the best. I'm gonna miss you all." I say.

"Do good in school for us, Tae. Keep us updated." Yoongi nods.

The guys said their last goodbyes before they had to go. My parents and Mina accompanied me into the airport, but they were only allowed up to a certain point. Then it was passengers only.

My parents said goodbye first.

"Tell us all about it when you get there." My mom says, "We'll be thinking about you."

"Make sure you stay organized and keep your dorm clean. And don't skip meals." My dad gives me his advice.

"If you ever need anything, just give us a call."

"Thanks mom. I will. I'm gonna miss you guys." They give me one last hug before stepping back.

I look at Mina and I sigh. I'm not ready to say goodbye.

She walks up to me and wraps her arms around me.

"Make sure you stay focused on school so you can hurry up and graduate and come back home." She says.

I just nod. I knew if I started speaking I would probably end up crying again.

She steps back and starts to unclip the necklace she was wearing. She takes it and hangs it around my neck instead.

"Here." She says, "Open this whenever you miss me."

It was a gold heart-shaped locket. When you opened it, there was a picture of us inside.

"I guess I'll just have it open all the time then." I say quietly.

She hugs me again. I didn't want to let her go.

"I'm not going anywhere. We'll be back together in no time." She lets out a shaky breath, "We can get through this."

"Text me or call me everyday. I don't care about the time difference."

She nods, "I'll make sure you won't miss me too much."

"I don't think that's even possible. You're standing right here and I miss you already."

"Flight 243 for New York now boarding."

Looks like we're all out of time. I don't want to go, but I know I have to. It'll be good for me in the end.

"I love you, Mina. I love you so much."

"I know you do, Taehyung. I love you too."

I lean in for one long kiss before I go.

"Wait for me." I say, slowly letting her go, "I promise you I'll be back."

"Goodbye, Taehyung." She says.

"Goodbye, Mina."

I walk up to the gate and hand over my ticket. Before I get on the plane and leave, I turn around one last time.

"I love you, Mina!" I shout for everyone to hear.

"I love you, Taehyung-ah!" She shouts back with a sad smile.

I give them one final wave before I get on the plane and they're out of my sight.

I take my seat and sigh as I push up the window shade. As the plane took off, I looked down at the city I've always known. I thought about all the people who have touched my life.

I hoped to make new friends in college, but I don't think any of them would compare to the relationship I have with the guys. They're all off to do their own things too now. We're not kids anymore.

I spent a while just looking through old photos on my phone. The pictures of Mina made me smile, but I was just making myself miss her even more.

I swear. The moment I get back for good, the first thing I'm going to do is ask her to marry me.

If I'm going to be with someone, it has to be her.

Before I left, I snuck a letter into her purse while we were in the car.

It went something like this:

My Minari,

I'm going away for a while, but I know it will be okay. I know you'll be here and I know my love for you isn't going anywhere either. Thank you for always being by my side. Thank you for being a part of my life. I'm going to miss your hugs and your kisses and your sweet voice everyday, but I'll be okay. Don't worry about me too much. I'll study hard and stay healthy. I'll send you lots of pictures whenever I'm thinking about you, which I'm sure will be often. I know you won't forget about me. I love you to infinity.

Yours truly,
Your Taehyungie

I wish I could've seen her reaction when she read it.

You know you're really in love with someone when they're all you can ever think about. Whatever happens, you'll always be in my mind. 

I'll be home soon, Mina.

I promise.