Broken Vow - Part 7 (1/1)

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"Would you believe that this day would come? Did you ever imagine the two of us standing in front of the altar, holding our hands, binding our hearts and souls as one? Maybe you did but I didn't. I never thought I would be the man lucky enough to deserve you. I never thought that I would be the man whom you would love forever. I didn’t, and all I could do is forever be thankful… to forever cherish your love.

As I stand here, in front of you, in front of our friends… with them and the vast sky as our witnesses, as we join ourselves in this wonderful celebration, Sungmin, please accept my love for you.

I would not promise a vow I could not keep, I would not pledge on perfect life full of smiles. You know and I know that we could not see the future; we can never know what would happen, but just remember, Min... You’re the only person I love. I love you, more than anything in this world, I love you more than my own self, I love you... and I will forever. It is the only vow I could give, the only pledge I could say. If this love could give you a happily ever after and so be it. It is the only thing I have, the only thing I could say. May it be enough today, tomorrow and the days that would come.

I do love you, Lee Sungmin, you are my forever love.'

I do..."

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The day was dull for late spring, it was like fall, pallid and gloomy. Sungmin scrunched his face as he pulled his baggage over his shoulder, the weight of the object adding up to his already heavy heart. He smiled at the old lady at the door, told her of his apologies for all the trouble he may have caused. He gave her his smile, a sincere act of gratitude and hugged her, like he had with his mother a long time ago, the feeling foreign to him. She gave him a nod and he turned to the waiting vehicle.

Classes are ending soon and missing one teacher wouldn't be much of a big deal. Sungmin, also, had come over for some volunteer work, not a round-the-clock job, he ought to leave anyway. Hyukjae would be leaving as well, three days after his own departure. He'll be back to the city, to where they work fulltime, he had told him to forget about him and what had transpired, that one day, they would be friends again, healed and forgiven, just… not today.

He would skip the incoming term, forget about this small escape of his and return to reality. Ha had been finally awakened in a dream that had turned to a nightmare, the veracity slapping his face straight on. He knew he must; there are things to do: face the truth, mend broken things, and relive broken promises. The renewed strength he gained was temporary, and deep inside he was aware that if he stopped, he would hide back to the shadows of lies and pretence that everything is okay.

He moved towards the cab, not sparing another glimpse at the centre he had once considered home. He could not spare it a glance, even with a call from a familiar small voice. He knew he couldn't turn back, because if he did, he won't be able to move forward again.

"Min-chan!" Masaki called him shakily; his voice had made him weak. He did not stop though, only quickening his steps towards the yellow vehicle. The old lady had trapped the boy from tailing. He pushed himself in, hands shaking and finally closed the door. He closed his eyes, instructing the driver to move, leave as soon as possible. The engine started and he heard another cry, it was duller this time, muffled by the closed car but he could still make out the words, and it broke his heart.

"Min-chan! I'm sorry... don't leave me!"

Sungmin allowed the tears to fall as soon as they started off, as soon as Masaki's shouts were nothing but mumbles from faraway. He had caused demise once again, making the little boy think that it was his fault, no, Sungmin didn’t mean that, but he just had to leave. Because he knew this time, he isn't running away, he knew he isn't. He’s walking back to the path he had forgotten, retracing his steps once again to find himself, his real self.

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It was too quiet and awkward. Kyuhyun could feel the tension inside their home that he hadn't felt since the day Sungmin left. He drank from the cup he was holding and stood up quietly, tired of the atmosphere emanating inside their apartment. "I'll go for a walk." he announced, earning gazes from Ryeowook and Jongwoon. The pair had allowed him to have routinary walks from time to time as it was suggested by his neurologist and therapist. It would be better if he was alone, making him feel less of a burden, more of a normal person. Kyuhyun was thankful.

He had experienced lesser attacks every day. He had lesser intakes of depressants as well, his tremors were milder and he couldn’t be happier. If he could really heal, impossible or not, he would, at least he tried. Treatment is different for every person, there is no cure, but a person's daily activities could help improve someone's situation. Kyuhyun had been busy sulking and pitying himself that he did not notice he was encumbering himself more. Speaking up helped him... a lot.

He was still seeing Heechul for sessions, but this time, their talks were lighter, just Kyuhyun's usual schedule, what he did and what he wanted to do. Heechul would ask him on how he's coping up and mention home treatments. Their sessions became shorter, only like a visit and chats. And at every end of their talks, Heechul would smile at him, and utter the words: “You’re healing, Kyuhyun. You’re healing yourself.”

It was sunny when he stepped out of the apartment with Jongwoon’s phone on his hand. Ever since that mail was sent, he had never got the chance to hold Ryeowook’s mobile. Heechul and Jongwoon forbid him, for the mere reason that he might stress himself, worsen his condition but Kyuhyun knew himself better. Trying to fight for it and wanting to contact the older man, Jongwoon told him to forget about it. He said that Sungmin would call again, or show himself if he really wanted to return and not just send a half-assed message. It was true and they were right, but Kyuhyun wanted more. He knew Sungmin more than anyone else, and he would understand him.

He shook his head as memories of Sungmin started running back in his mind. He had told himself to relax, try to unwind from the constricting memories. If Sungmin wanted to talk, he would at least try to show himself to them. Kyuhyun had weighed the pros and cons, and he had prepared himself for the good and the bad. His own emotion might be prepared, but