by Mina
Seung Mina had been lost in thought when she heard a single knock on the door to her room. She turned to answer it when it was opened and Hwang stepped from the shadows into the dimly lit room. Despite the fact that the room was lit only by a small lamp, Mina could see Hwang's face clearly as he crossed the room towards her. His eyes were dark and shining and his face held a look of such intensity that Mina drew in a deep breath.
Hwang stopped in front of her and looked at Mina for a moment.
"Hwang..." Mina said quietly, letting her voice trail off. In the next instant, Hwang's arms went around her, pulling her close, and then he kissed her with all of the love and desire he felt. Mina did the only thing she could: what she wanted more than anything else. She kissed him back with the same ardor and altough he'd kissed her before, never like this.
However, it was in both of their minds that Hwang was leaving for the Coastal Defense Force the next day. Mina had known Hwang for most of her life and they were close friends. Over time their relationship had grown and she loved him as more and she knew he loved her. This kiss was an unspoken promise of their love.
Earlier in the well, Mina had been heartbroken to find that he was leaving but she knew they day would come when he needed to go. His loyalty to his country was strong and although Mina wished, prayed, and hoped he would stay, deep in her heart she knew he could not.
Would not. Not even her love could make him stay. Mina cherished the moment and in the few precious seconds, time stopped.
Mina pulled back from the kiss but still held him close and Hwang held her as if he would never let go, but he did. Hwang unwillingly released his hold on Mina and she stepped back looking at his face, memorizing it.
"Mina, " he spoke as if he was torn in a decision he had to make. "You understand...don't you?" His voice was pained and thick with emotion. His want to stay and need to leave.
Mina only nodded slowly and after a pause she spoke bravely, trying to be strong, and trying to force her own voice to steady. "You have made your choice."
Mina wanted to tell him how much she loved him and kiss him again but she thought that to do so would be selfish, so she said nothing. She turned away from him slightly, knowing that if she looked at him, she would want to throw her arms around him and never let go. Her soul was crying and her heart was aching with the same pain in her soul.
Hwang turned and walked to the door, slipping into the shadows as he watched Mina from where he now stood. He took in her appearance and he wanted to stay and watch her. She was standing by the window, her face expressionless, her eyes sad. He hated hurting her but he could ignore his calling no longer. His eyes moved over her revealing for a moment the yearning in his soul.
