Miss You 3000

Yujin carefully pouring the tea in two cups. Savage Garden's Truly, Madly, Deeply is playing. One of the classics of 90's, often playing on the weddings. This is one of the songs that means undying or boundless love.

Yujin placed the two steaming cups on the tray and he saw Hyunseo at the corner of the room. Facing the vinyl player as the song continues playing on the speakers.

Yujin couldn't help but notice how captivating Hyunseo looked lost in the melody. Her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, The way Hyunseo shined by the soft glow of the lamp above the player. The way her fingers danced across the vinyl, tracing the grooves as if reading an ancient script, it made Yujin almost forgot about the steaming teas on his hands.

He and Hyunseo are childhood friends. He protected her from bullies and any kinds of harm in this harsh world. Hyunseo embodies an innocence, innocence that Yujin swore to protect even through no one told him to.

Their parents knew each other and gotten closer than any of their neighbors. Their classmates are so confused about Yujin and Hyunseo's closeness, whether if they are just friends or one of them caught feelings to each other.

The vintage music store is owned by Yujin's parents. His parents loves music so much that they collected a lot of vinyls and cds from the popular artists worldwide. The store was already built before he was born.

Yujin stepped beside Hyunseo and gave her a cup of tea. "Thanks, Yujin-oppa." Hyunseo accepted the tea and took a sip. Hyunseo let a sigh of relief after taking a sip of her tea.

Yujin took a sip of his own tea as well. The song is now on it's last chorus. "Seriously. Your song choices these days are so obvious. Do you have a crush at school hm?" Yujin chuckled. His tone mixed with playfullness and hint of jealousy.

Hyunseo's eyes widen at his sudden question, her cheeks blushed pink and she looked away from his gaze. "I... I just love these songs. I don't have crush in school!"

"Oh really? Not even the 'most handsome basketball player in school' named Jaemin?" Yujin poked her forearm as he continues teasing Hyunseo. Yujin knows Jaemin as they are teammates in school's basketball team. He also knew that Jaemin is a playboy jerk and he swore on his life that he will make sure Hyunseo is away from Jaemin's radar.

"Of course not! I'm not into him, you dummy!" Hyunseo counters with a jabs on his forearm.

"Ouch! Okay! Okay!" Yujin isn't really hurt of Hyunseo's jab, he's actually happy that Hyunseo doesn't like that jerk. "Good thing you're not into him like any other girls at school."

Hyunseo stops punching his arm. Her head gears are working a bit of delay. "Yujin-oppa? Are you... jealous that I might fall for him?" Hyunseo flashed a teasing ear-to-ear grin.

"You snuggle bug." Yujin flicks Hyunseo's forehead. "Ouch! That hurts!" Hyunseo rubbed the spot of her forehead and gave him a glare.

Yujin doesn't even know if Hyunseo is angry or just being so adorable. "Oh, I'm so sorry.. Do you need a bandage for that?" Yujin teases.

Hyunseo crossed her arms under her chest. "Hmp! I hate you!" She turned around, lips pouting.

Yujin couldn't help but to chuckle at Hyunseo's cuteness. He was so glad that Hyunseo doesn't like Jaemin at all. He doesn't want to see a heartbroken Hyunseo. Whoever breaks her heart, this means war.

The silence broke as the sudden loud thunderstorm managed to get everyone shocked, Hyunseo as well. Hyunseo jumped and hugged Yujin. She burried her face onto his chest in fear. Instinctively, Yujin covers her ears before another thunder roars. Yujin knows that Hyunseo doesn't like thunder, it scares her.

The music store has become their safe haven during the storm outside. Hyunseo gazed up at him. "Oh no... I can't go home in this weather."

"Yujin! We have to- Oh! Hyunseo! You're still here!" Yujin's mother approached them. "Oh my goodness! I'm glad your father checked the roofs yesterday before the storm arrives."

"You two go inside the house. I'll close the shop. Call Hyunseo's parents and tell them that she will stay in our place tonight." Yujin lead Hyunseo inside their house as his father instructed.

Inside of Yujin's house, four of them are busy eating their dinner while talking about school and neighbors dramas. Yujin already called Hyunseo's parents and they are glad that their daughter is safe in this harsh weather.

Around 10 pm, The storm doesn't show any signs of calming down. Yujin and Hyunseo are laying down on Yujin's bed. Hyunseo clings into him, Yujin wrapped his arms around her. Shielding Hyunseo from her fear.

Hyunseo has earphones and the music is acting like a barrier from the storm outside. Yujin gently pats Hyunseo's hip as he pressed kisses atop of her head. Hyunseo was already on her dreamland while Yujin protects her from harsh reality.

Months later.

Hyunseo and Yujin are walking toward to Yujin's place and she saw a mail sticking out of the mailbox. She takes it out and looked at it.

"Yujin-oppa? It says your name. Coming from.... ROK Army?" Hyunseo wide eyed confused as she hands out the mail to Yujin.

As they entered the music store, Yujin opens the mail and he gasped as he reads the letter. Hyunseo was so curious about the letter and tiptoed to read it beside him.

Greetings, Mr. Choi Yujin.

After thorough review of your physical examination, we are classified you in Grade A. Meaning you are physically ready to enlist in ROK Army.

Your enlistment date: 2026 08 12. 9 am at Wonju, Gangwon.

Evading enlistment without legal reason is punishable by law and may face imprisonment.

Congratulations for being part of our Nation's protectors!

Yujin and Hyunseo looked at each other then they jumped with joy. "Congrats Yujin-oppa!"

After their temporary simple joy, they went silent for a while. "My enlistment is two weeks from now."

"It means... we won't see each other in 18 months, Yujin-oppa?" Yujin nodded. To his surprise, Hyunseo hugged him and sobbed on his chest.

"I... I... I don't want you to go, Yujin-oppa. I-I know it's wrong to evade it but... b-but what if.. what if something bad happens to you? I heard about the rumors and.. and.."

"Shhh... Hyunseo. Look at me." Yujin cupped her face as he tries to calm her down. "I know you're worried. But I promise you that I will come home safe and sound."

Yujin wiped the tears on Hyunseo's cheeks. They looked at each other, they couldn't tear their gaze away for some reason.

Hyunseo closed her eyes, her lips parted. Willing. Wanted to be kissed. Wanted Yujin to be her first kiss.

And Yujin doesn't take this opportunity to slip out. He leaned forward and their lips crashed in a gentle kiss. A kiss that's full of love that both of them kept on themselves for so long. Finally, they are able to show that they loved each other.

When they broke the kiss, Yujin pressed his forehead to Hyunseo's as they are trying to process what just happened.

"Ehem!"

A throaty sound made Yujin and Hyunseo back to the reality. They looked at the side and their mothers are the witnesses of their first kiss! "Darling! We have to plan for our son's wedding soon!" Yujin's mother shouted.

Both Yujin and Hyunseo blushed. "Eomma!!"

Two weeks later. The day of enlistment.

Of course, Hyunseo is still crying, hugging him like a koala. After a while, Hyunseo calmed down. "Yujin-oppa.. Be careful, okay? You promised that you will come back."

Yujin kissed her forehead. "I will come back and we're still able to communicate, dummy."

Yujin picked something from his bag and hands it on Hyunseo. "This is my diary. Read it while I'm doing my service. There's a lot of things there that I couldn't say to you. Keep it, okay?"

Hyunseo reached out to hold the green cover notebook with a 'Diary' on it. "I will, Yujin-oppa."

Hyunseo waved her hand until Yujin is out of sight. She stood for a while before her parents lead themselves to their car. She clutched the diary on her chest, close into her heart. Her mind chants 'He will come back.'

Night comes, Hyunseo opens Yujin's diary. She flipped through pages, smiling and giggling at Yujin's notes.

Until...

Hyunseo said she doesn't like Jaemin. I was so glad. I wanted her to be happy with someone who loves her, accepts her flaws and protects her from any harm.... Even if I am not that person.

Hyunseo wanted the Kuromi plushie at the claw machine. I earned a lot of money just to get that one. I finally got that thing and gave it to her. Her wide smile makes it worth the hardwork to get it.

A girl suddenly gave me a love letter. I politely rejected her. I said that I have someone I like. A girl who's scaredy cat, A girl who wanted to become a flowerist, A girl who likes Kuromi, A girl who loves scones and cheesecakes.

I had a dream. Me and Hyunseo are getting married. In front of the pastor, surrounded by everyone. God, I wish that wasn't just a dream only. All I want for us is to build a loving family.

When Hyunseo got a lot of letters and flowers on Valentines day, I was happy for her. Seriously. Because she deserves to be loved. We went to the movie theater and enjoyed Hoppers.

White's day. Hyunseo baked a heart shaped cookies for me. FOR ME. I don't even know if I should eat it or cherish it. I ate three in front of her and put the rest on the fridge. I even put 'Yujin's property' on it.

I've seen a lady approached and talk to Hyunseo. She looks suspicious and the lady gave a card to Hyunseo. I asked Hyunseo who she is and she said it was a talent scout from Starship Entertainment. Hyunseo said that she doesn't have a plan to become an idol. I was RELIEVED.

I got my enlistment letter. I was passed. I'm happy but also sad because I couldn't be with Hyunseo during my time there. What if someone take advantage of her? I don't want to jinx it but I hope she's safe without me.

Today is the day. It's just 18 months. 18 torturing months without Hyunseo. We're still able to talk to each other during my service. 18 months. I'll try my best to complete my service and come back home.... For her.

If you reached here. Thank you for reading this. I poured my heart and soul in this diary. I hope you aren't crying like a baby right now. I hope you eat well, take care of your health and wait patiently for me. I love you, Hyunseo.

Hyunseo closed the diary and clenched it on her chest as she cried. She gave hints that she loved Yujin and it makes her so happy that Yujin loves her as well. Her mind and heart is for Yujin only.

18 months later.

Hyunseo ran so fast as soon as she heard that Yujin is finally home. She passed the gossiping elderly women, kids who's playing outside, some students who's surprised to see a running woman past them.

Then she stopped. Her eyes glued to a man who she loves, a man who's smiling proudly that he completed his service, a man that swore to love and protect her.

Yujin turns and saw Hyunseo who's still panting heavily from running. He made an open arms and Hyunseo rushed to hug him.

"I miss you so much, Yujin-oppa!"

"I miss you too, snuggle bug."

"Oppa." Hyunseo looked up at him, her arms still wrapped around his waist. "Let's get married."

That three words made their parents and neighbors shocked. "WHAT!?!" They said in unison and disbelief.

-End-