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Mina glanced at the setting sun then she turned to the beautiful features of her beloved, Park Jihyo. The woman she swore to love for eternity—Jihyo is her definition of everything. Where they are now holds the greatest memory Mina ever has. The sea witnessed their romance on the beach.
How the waves hissed when they laugh.
How the sand imprinted their chasing footprints.
How the wind howled as they spun around before falling wet together.
“This day is the best day of my life. It is the day I pledge myself to my best friend. The love of my life, the greatest and the last.”
Mina fought the threatening tears upon hearing Jihyo’s words. She pursed her lips as she felt it streaming down her cheeks. Jihyo went on, “it is the day we enter together onto a path of marriage, supporting each other in everything.”
Mouthing the words together with Jihyo, “I will always lie by your side every night and I’ll cheat death for you every day.” Mina smiled, a little laugh escaped. Jihyo glanced at the crowd, then she continued, “that’s the only cheating I allowed to do, the last time I cheated was for physics.” Laughters were heard.
“Dumbass.” Mina muttered, wiping her tears away. “That was me.”
“I know we had so many hurdles before but I hope we make it to the finishing line together.” A deep breath inhaled sharply—with teary eyes, Mina looks at Jihyo. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Everyone cheered and clapped once the vows ended. Jihyo leant forward, kissing her partner and the guests roared louder. Strokes of orange and salmon painted the blue canvas, the sun setting visible on the horizon. Here in Jumunjin, the exact perfect beach wedding view as Mina envisioned during their first anniversary. Just a small event that only their closest friends and family members are invited to. The music wasn’t cheesy. If it does their toes would curl up in cringiness. Jihyo has a fine taste in music. She chose jazz, certainly not the elevator kind but a soulful tune coming from the shiny, golden saxophone.
The newly wed couple danced lightly to the rhythm, swapping partners after a song. Mina excused herself for a glass of drink. She caught Jihyo twirling around, her eyes met Mina’s who watched her intensely. Mina slightly nodded and wandered off to the shore. She took off her heels, now feeling her feet sinking in the most gentle hue of gold. To her right, she sees some people taking pictures at the famous bus stop. Her eyes fluttered close to the soft breeze caressing her body.
Jihyo turned to where she saw Mina but she wasn’t there. Panicked, Jihyo went through every group of guests to search for Mina. She went further and saw someone walking along the shore. Heels in hand, easily catching up to Mina’s pace. Mina was shocked by her presence. “Jihyo! Why are you here? I thought you’re still dancing…”
“I was looking for you.”
Mina forcefully turned Jihyo around and gently pushed her, “go back there, you haven’t entertained the guests.”
“You accompany me then,” Jihyo grabs her wrist, but Mina snaps it off her grip. “Mina.”
“Jihyo. You know we can’t.”
On this special day, Jihyo lied about one thing—her partner isn’t her greatest love, it is Mina. Years of love and growth, today is a nightmare disguised as their dream wedding. Mina bitterly smiled when she watched Jihyo burying her face in her partner’s chest, dancing to a song belonging to them. Guilt engulfs Jihyo as they make eye contact.
“I thought we’re over this.”
“That’s the point. I thought so too! But why are you here?”
“I still–”
Mina cuts her off. She didn’t want to listen. “Just go, your husband might be looking for you.” Her voice strained. Both are at the verge of bursting into tears. Mina glanced at the venue—some were looking over at them. “Jihyo, people are watching.”
“Let me stay with you for a bit.”
Longing in their eyes; it has become a path they will journey over and over again. They’re well aware they can’t keep on reading a book, expecting different endings. Their story has long ended, nothing can be changed—Finnick still couldn’t make it and so does Gus. However, it was such a sweet relief to be able to look at each other for probably the last time. The sky of fire wouldn’t last long as darkness is ready to overtake it—like a deflated balloon, the fiery ball slowly floating downwards. Mina broke the silence between them, “remember the promise we made?”
Promises are meant to be broken.
Jihyo has broken one, Mina hopes that’ll be the last.
“When it ends, let the ashes flow down the river.”
“And may the West Sea reunite us,” Jihyo added.
Mina bitterly smiled, relieved knowing Jihyo remembered. “Now go,” Mina replied.
And Jihyo did.
Eyes rested on the horizon, Mina moved forward. With every step, a deep breath inhaled. Like brine the water bubbles at her feet, Mina thinks she should keep going until she vanishes underneath. A hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her away from the waters.
“Are you out of your mind?”
The woman yelled, snapping Mina out of the poisonous thoughts. Stunned, Mina matched the woman’s stare, “let me go.”<
“I don’t know what’s your problem but I won’t just watch you do this.” The woman spots a wedding nearby, “it’s somebody’s wedding, it’ll be unpleasant.”
“Why do you care? You don’t know me.”
“Doesn’t mean I’ll let this slide,” the woman argued, pulling Mina to a safer area. “Sit here… if you want to talk, talk.”
Mina had a puzzled look. Somewhat feeling secure yet uncomfortable, “what’s your name?” Mina asked. She feels like she has seen this face before.
The woman was quiet for a while, rubbing her hands together. She gave Mina a look then she sighed, “I’ll tell you if you tell yours.”
“Mina.”
“Jeongyeon.”