The full moon hung in the obsidian sky, its pale light reflecting off the ocean. Mi-Na sat on the sandy floor, gazing up at the the magical orb, lost in thought. A face appears on the moon, his dark brown eyes drowning her in melancholy. Hwang, her subconscious whispered. He was so much like the moon: beautiful, stoic, enigmatic, and unattainable. She was just a mere mortal, unable to reach him. All she could do was pine for him from afar.

A cool breeze suddenly blew, causing her to shiver. She heard footsteps in the sand behind her, coming closer and closer until it stopped right next to her. Without looking, she knew it was him. Hwang quietly sat down next to her, gazing at the same moon. Mi-Na casts a sidelong glance at him, her eyes tracing his handsome profile. He was simply magnificent, taking her breath away. Just looking at him now, it was hard to imagine how far he had come, or how much suffering he overcame. He was an orphan boy, whose poor but hardworking parents died so young. He grew up in a cruel world, working so hard, training relentlessly, quickly rising the ranks to become one of Joseon’s best and elite warriors, garnering respect and awe. He was a proud soldier, and rightfully so. She places her head on his shoulder, as he wraps a muscular arm around her.

“When do you depart?” Mi-Na quietly asks.

“At sunrise.”

Mi-Na felt tears welling up in her eyes as she clung to him tighter. This wasn’t new. She knew this was coming, but it still hurt, and it hurt like hell.

“Please don’t cry, Mi-Na. You know I’ll come back.”

“How do you know that you’ll be back!” Mi-Na cried out, her voice choking. Fate had been so cruel, taking her brother and mother, leaving her and her father alone. She feared that it would take Hwang as well.

“Trust me Mi-Na,” Hwang whispered, wiping her tears away. “As long as you live and breathe, I will comeback. Be strong, my Mi-Na, for it gives me strength.”

“Can’t I go with you? I’ll fight by your side —”

Hwang silenced her with a kiss, tasting her tears. He feels her hand underneath his shirt, touching his bare chest. He gently lays her down, looking into her sad eyes.

“Your father needs you here with him, Mi-Na. You are all he has left. Promise me that you will stand by him.”

Mi-Na nods her head. “Just don’t about forget us.”

“Never, my sweet. Never.”

Slowly, underneath the pale moon, love unfolds in the night.