Angel Smith adjusted the strap of her backpack in front of the mirror. Her blonde hair with pink streaks was in place, and her blue eyes reflected a mix of anxiety and excitement. The suitcase by the bed was already packed, filled with everything that represented her vibrant personality.
She grabbed her phone and sent a message.
Angel:
"I bet you haven't even finished packing yet, huh?"
The reply came seconds later.
Minkyu:
"Where's your faith, Angel? I'm ready. Just putting the finishing touches on my hair. Do you think platinum blonde goes with blue?"
She laughed. Typical him.
Angel:
"If you keep dyeing your hair all the time, you'll be bald before 25."
Minkyu:
"I'd rather be a stylish bald guy than have no personality."
Angel tossed her phone onto the bed and took a deep breath. The room around her suddenly felt strange. Not out of attachment — but because, deep down, she knew this was a final goodbye.
She went downstairs. Her parents were in the living room: her father muttered a "take care" without looking away from the TV; her mother didn't even glance up from her phone. She was used to it.
Without saying goodbye, she walked out the door.
Across town, Minkyu was fixing his freshly dyed hair. The platinum blonde shimmered under the bathroom light, with subtle blue highlights at the tips. A touch of gloss on his lips, light blue contact lenses. He looked perfect.
He wore a white jacket with a metallic zipper, a gray turtleneck, ripped black pants, and spotless white sneakers. Everything planned. Calculated. He left nothing to chance.
"Ready. Perfect." he murmured.
He grabbed his black backpack with neon details and headed downstairs. His mother waited at the door, eyes moist.
"Are you sure you want to go?" she asked quietly.
Minkyu just smiled and gave her a quick hug.
"Relax, Mom. I know how to take care of myself."
He put the suitcase in the car and left.
On the way to the airport, he typed another message:
Minkyu:
"Last chance to back out."
Angel:
"And miss the chance to make history? No way."
Both smiled, each on their side of the city.
The sky, painted violet and gold, wrapped them like a silent promise.
The world kept moving...
But for them, everything was just beginning.