Steady hand.

Concentration.

No mistakes now.

I'm almost there.

Just a little bit more.

"Angel, how much longer do you need?"

Shit.

"Baby, nooo!" I whine, looking at the ruined eyeliner in the mirror. I lean back against the back of the chair, my arms falling down, done with the world. "I ruined it."

"What happened?" he laughs as he comes up the stairs.

His outfit is already on his body and his hair is neatly combed back, which makes his prominent eyebrows and forehead stand out. He stands in the doorway, a soft smile written on his rosy lips as he sees my distressed form. I glare at him for interrupting my handiwork and now I have a shaky eyeliner on my eye.

"I was doing my eyeliner and then my hand slipped. Look at this!" I complain, pointing my finger at my eye.

He comes closer while I try to save it with a q-tip so that I don't have to start all over again because we certainly don't have time for that anymore. Today is the day Jungkook and I are going on a proper date, which he mentioned was in a couple of weeks. He still hasn't told me where we're going but wanted me to dress up. So here I am sitting with a midnight blue dress that reaches to the middle of my thighs.

"It's not that bad. You almost can't see it." he tries to make the situation better, but I glare at him through the mirror. "Oh, no what am I saying. It looks bad. The world is ending."

I puff out a breath as he stands behind me and chuckles. Men will never understand the effort of an eyeliner. If Mr.Know-it-all had told me sooner that we were going on our date today, I wouldn't be so stressed about getting ready. I look through the mirror at him and see the soft look in his eyes. He's just trying to make me feel better, that's clear, and maybe I'm making a fuss about it for nothing.

"Okay you're right, it doesn't look that bad," I admit, looking at myself in the mirror and indeed, it's barely noticeable. "I just wanted to look good," I say as I get up from the chair. "For you."

"You always look beautiful, angel," he reassures me.

"Even when I just woke up looking like a dork?" I ask, a tease lingering in my voice as I wrap my arms around his neck.

"You're most beautiful when you're asleep. And while you're waking up." He smiles, securing his arms around my waist.

"You said I drool sometimes."

"I don't care," he says. "I love you just the way you are."

I melt every time these three magical words leave his lips. Every time he calls me angel it feels like honey is dripping from his lips and when he kisses me I can feel its sweetness on mine. A smile settles unconsciously on my lips as I hold him in my arms. His face is so close to mine that I can appreciate every detail.

His moles, the bopable nose, and his eyes about which I could write thousands of books and poems, but which would still do their beauty no justice. And when he laughs, the most beautiful melody resounds in my ears, revealing a faint dimple on his cheek.

I'm more in love than I've ever been before, and it scares me that it might end someday. I can't imagine a life than with the man who knows all my flaws and still chooses to stay by my side. We make each other complete and I can't help but think that everything in our lives happened for the reason to bring us together. We had to go through hard times so that we could find each other and be happy.

"Your hair has gotten longer," I remark as my hand gets lost in the soft curls.

Stroking through his now longer hair, I notice Jungkook leaning into my touch. His eyes close and I can feel his breathing and heartbeat calming.

"Yes. I haven't cut it in a long time," he says as his eyes open again. "Should I?"

I gasp. "No. I'll kill you if you bring scissors near your hair."

My favorite sound emanates as Jungkook throws his head back in amusement and laughs heartily. I smile along with him, but I'm actually completely serious. I love his long hair, it's always so soft and the curls bounce with every move he makes.

"Okay, okay. I still want to live." he laughs. "But I have to trim it or I'll end up looking like Rapunzel."

"I don't mind," I joke and he scrunches his nose.

"Are you ready?" he asks and I slip out of his embrace.

"Yes. Just one more little touch." I mumble as I search the ravaged table for my lip gloss. It's under my eyeshadow palette and as I pull it out I accidentally knock some stuff down, groaning internally. I ignore it and open the cap of the product to put it on my lips before I am turned around with an instant tug.

Before I can register it I feel soft lips pressing on mine. They are warm and gentle, yet filled with passion and love. I melt into the kiss, placing my hands on his chest and tilting my head to intensify the kiss. Fireworks erupt in my lungs and the kiss takes on a whole new feeling that has never flowed between us before. It's quick but as if it has a very special meaning.

"What was that for?" I laugh after he pulls back from the kiss.

"Just because. You look so beautiful and I couldn't help myself," he says breathlessly, his eyes darting back and forth between mine.

"Thank you," I say shyly. "We could stay home and you could get more kisses though."

"Nice try." he grins and I smile. "That sounds tempting, but I made a reservation and we have to go now or they'll give our table away."

"Okay," I say, not wanting to ruin his surprise and the nice evening we will have together.

________________________

With every distance left behind, I become more and more curious about where we are headed. We are in a city area where I am not so often and therefore do not know many restaurants or whatever Jungkook has planned. Despite my many attempts to entice him to tell me, he has done a good job of holding back.

I look at my exposed legs and the red rose laying on them. We stopped on the way in front of a flower shop that Jungkook happened to spot at a red light and despite the many cars honking behind us as the light turned green, he jumped out of the car and quickly bought one for me.

Did I mention he is crazy?

He has always done this on our other dates which is why I suspect he wants to continue the tradition. It's thoughtful and romantic that he hasn't forgotten. The fact that he chose a rose shows the loyalty and passion of his love. And the fact that today is the day we first met makes it even more meaningful. I also understand why he chose today to spend it somewhere nice as a change.

Turning into a suspiciously familiar street we can see young people, couples, and also a few middle-aged people walking around. It is a busy street and despite the closed windows, we can hear the music and the talking of the people in the car. The tires roll smoothly over the asphalt ground until we come to a stop in front of a building.

Outside are a few men and women chatting with each other and the lights shine in different colors on our faces. Jungkook parks the car in a vacant spot before turning to me with a big smile. His eyes radiate excitement but mischievousness at the same time, which makes me confused. I stare out the window and my eyes find the name of the bar we parked in front of.

I gasp, my gaze snapping back to Jungkook. "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope." He grins proudly as if my startled expression amuses him. "We're here."

"But that's..." I mutter, my voice trailing off.

"That's right. The karaoke bar!"

Memories of the evening exactly one year ago race before my eyes and before I can complain Jungkook already jumps out of the car, jogging to the passenger side to open the door for me. The cool air of late March hits my exposed legs while he looks down at me excitedly.

Throwing one leg out of the car, taking his hand that he held out for me like a true gentleman, I get out as well and stand next to him as he slams the door shut with a thud. The smile and excitement do not leave his lips and I can clearly see that he has been thinking and planning this for some time. I remember Nora telling me that it's hard to book a table in this bar, so I decide not to be a bitch and steal his enthusiasm, even though my heart beats faster with anxiety.

The host who called me on stage last year and his wicked look come to my mind and of course not to forget his evil machine that made me sing a very daring song. I can still remember very well the nervousness I felt. It was fun when I think about it now even though I would have preferred to be swallowed by the ground at that moment.

I got to know a new side of myself through it. The confidence is indescribable, which put a smile on my lips by the applause I received. Although I'm afraid that I'll be randomly picked again today, I follow Jungkook to the entrance of the bar, our hands intertwined. He glances behind, dragging me behind him, and I see the mischievousness that is amusing the situation for him.

But it's a thoughtful date nonetheless. I think it's sweet that on the exact same day we met –or rather first saw each other– he chose to go to the same bar to relive the memories. It makes me realize all that has happened in a year and how much my life has changed. One decision led me to meet the man of my life and I couldn't be more grateful.

The fact that I almost peed my pants with anxiety is still not a fact that should be neglected.

Anyway, the fact that Jungkook is with me this time reassures me. I know I would feel more comfortable knowing that he is cheering for me. It would make me not care about all the other people in the bar, and it makes me realize once again how much he has pushed my confidence these past few months.

After having to show our IDs to security at the entrance, we walk down the corridor until we arrive at a guide who shows guests their associated tables. I notice it's not the same guy as last year, but it doesn't matter anyway. The bar still looks the same, though. The lights are shining colorfully, but the atmosphere is generally kept dark and mysterious. The only bulging light is that which falls on the stage and the music blasts out loudly through the speakers.

The guide leads us to our table, which is surprisingly close to the stage and it makes me wonder how long the reservation has been up that we got such a good seat. We thank the guide, who disappears between the rows again after bowing, and I sit down on the seat Jungkook is holding for me so that I have a direct view of the stage. He sits down right next to me, also facing the front, but his eyes still don't stray from me. 

He's been looking at me with those big eyes all day like he wants to tell me something but somehow can't. I smile at him taking his hand in mine, which I then place on my lap. The blush of his cheeks does not escape me as he turns his eyes to the stage and looks at the man who is singing his heart out. Every time he makes a wry sound, Jungkook looks over at me, a giggle escaping his lips.

I'm not as nervous as I was when we first came here. My nervousness subsided when I saw that our table is by the stage because I noticed last year that the host usually picks out those who try to run away. Which doesn't really make sense because people come here knowing they can get picked, but I guess that's the thrill of it.

I laugh as the man finishes his song and scowls at his friends at the table two rows behind us as they laugh their heads off. His embarrassment is evident on his flushed face. The host, the same one who was here last year, runs up the stage and thanks the man before letting his eyes roam over the guests and choosing his next victim, which happens to be a girl who actually looks prepared.

"Do you want something to drink?" Jungkook asks in a normal voice, as the music is not yet blasting out deafeningly.

"Yes please." I smile, my throat suddenly feeling dry.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

I watch him walk through the rows until he arrives at the bar. Memories of Nora and Alex flow in my head as they sat together at the high chairs. She looked very excited but neither of us would have guessed that Alex was hiding a lot. I'm still glad they worked everything out between themselves and Nora decided to give him a second chance, of course, this time taking everything slower because Alex needs to prove his loyalty and rebuild trust.

"We're going to have sex on the beach," a voice whispers in my ear and my head snaps in its direction, a smiling Jungkook looking down at me as he walks around the table.

"W—what?"

"Sex on the beach? The drink?" he laughs when he notices my flushed form and I slap myself internally for getting it wrong. I watch shyly as he sets two drinks down on the table, a knowing look written on his features. "What were you thinking?"

"Nothing. I was just lost in thought and you showed up out of nowhere," I say trying to make an excuse.

"Yeah, okay. Let me pretend I don't know what you were thinking." He laughs, still amused, and I glare at him. "But if that's what you want, I won't hesitate to fulfill it."

The wink makes me smile, but I try to suppress it while shaking my head. I ignore his gaze on me and take a sip of my drink, its coldness refreshing my throat. The girl who was called on stage sings surprisingly well and we listen to her finish the song.

Jungkook's gaze does not leave me, staring at me with the same eyes as a year ago. Only this time the message is different. The temptation and desire are replaced with gentleness and love this time. I realize how badly I misjudged him because the playboy turned out to be the gentlest of lovers.

"A year ago you were on this stage and you took my breath away." He starts, his eyes darting between mine. "I couldn't take my eyes off you. And to this day, nothing has changed."

"We've moved on from a lot of things, haven't we?" I ask, and he nods his head quietly in agreement with me.

"Yes. I wouldn't want to experience all this with anyone but you," he says. "But I hope you won't hate me for this."

I laugh, confusion running across my face as I can't seem to put a meaning to his words. But before I can ask what he means by that, an apologetic look mixed with a bit of smirk rises in his handsome features and he grabs me by the hand. His other hand shoots up before he turns forward and that's when I realize the host is looking for someone new.

"We volunteer!" he shouts and my breath catches in my lungs.

Heat rushes to my face as all the guests look at us with curious eyes and I'm already being pulled to the stage by Jungkook without my brain being able to grasp what's happening. The host claps excitedly as I practically run up the stairs to the stage and the spotlights shine in my eyes as I turn to face the audience.

My heart races in its cage and my hands begin to cold sweat. Jungkook's face shows none of the same signs I have and he looks relaxed and amused when he sees the panic in my eyes. I should have known he was planning something like this when we set foot in the bar.

"A couple! How nice is that?" the host asks the audience and they seem to agree with him, loud applause ringing out in the bar. "Then let me see what my machine has to offer for a couple."

A young man runs up the stage to hand us two microphones and we accept them gratefully. I throw Jungkook a glare and he just laughs while I try to regulate my breathing.

"Don't be stressed. I'm here." he tries to calm me down while the host turns his machine to have it spit out a song.

"Shut up." I glare at him, but a smile fights its way onto my face when I see his big and sparkling eyes. I love it when he's excited and happy about something, I can't help but feel the exact same way then.

"Alright. Here's your song." the host shouts into the microphone and the name of the song that has been chosen for us appears on the screen.

Stuck with you by Ariana Grande ft. Justin Bieber

The slow beat of the song emanates through the speakers and I have no idea what I'm doing here. I suppose I have to start since I'm the woman, but I would have been a lot more relieved if Jungkook started instead. I remember my voice breaking when I had to sing Dangerous Woman and I hope from the bottom of my heart that it doesn't happen to me this time because it was embarrassing.

I look to my left and spot Jungkook already focused on me. He seems oblivious to the other guests, his eyes fixed only on me and not breaking eye contact. A gentle smile is written on his lips as he waits for the song to begin and for me to start singing. His calm demeanor calms me and I mirror his actions, my eyes also fixed only on him and everything else in the bar faded out.

I'm not one to stick around
One strike and you're out, baby
Don't care if I sound crazy
But you never let me down, no, no
That's why when the sun's up, I'm stayin'
Still layin' in your bed, sayin'

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Got all this time on my hands
Might as well cancel our plans, yeah
I could stay here for a lifetime

So, lock the door and throw out the key
Can't fight this no more, it's just you and me
And there's nothin' I, nothin' I, I can do
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
So, go ahead and drive me insane
Baby, run your mouth, I still wouldn't change
Being stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you, baby

I focus completely on the song and the feelings it creates. I'm encouraged, too, by his loving eyes, which scrutinize my every move and word. I'm kind of proud of myself that I got a good start on the song this time and the words rang out smoothly through the speakers.

Paying a little more attention to the song's lyrics, I realize that they fit us just right and that makes it a little easier to get the words over my tongue. In the past, before I knew Jungkook, I had exact expectations about a relationship. Anyone who didn't fit the profile was eliminated until I found him. He showed me that people are not perfect, but once you fall in love, all the rules and all the resolutions have no meaning.

I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we always spend quality time together. We can just stay at home and do nothing, but that is enough because my favorite person is with me. When I think about the days when we actually wanted to go out but decided against it, even the fingers of both hands are not enough for me to count them but it's okay as long as he is with me.

Even though he sometimes drives me crazy and annoys me a lot, I can't and don't want to imagine a day without him. He is the source of my happiness and every time I think about the times when he was not with me and we were separated, a rock sits on my heart and I have a hard time breathing. Those times were very difficult, but they taught us a lesson and showed us that we have to fight together to face and overcome every hardship of life.

A little smile, a single glance, and a tiny touch is enough to erase everything negative from my mind. Just like now, as he proudly and lovingly stares at me while I sing the song. He swings his body slightly from side to side, following the beat and his eyes twinkle like millions of stars that light up my days.

And when his soft and honeyed voice rings out, I forget where we actually are.

There's nowhere we need to be, no, no, no
I'ma get to know you better
Kinda hope we're here forever
There's nobody on these streets
If you told me that the world's endin'
Ain't no other way that I can spend it

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Got all this time in my hands
Might as well cancel our plans                          
I could stay here forever

All the times he sang for me, whether for fun or before bed because I couldn't fall asleep, fly before my eyes, and a smile settles on my lips. His voice is so mellow, making the softest silk in the world jealous as the words drip from his lips like honey. The memories cross my mind, making me lose myself in the nostalgia of our moments and they flash before my eyes like old videotapes.

When he sang the song in the backyard and changed the lyrics so that for the first time I realized that what we had between us was much more than a simple liking, or he just hummed to himself while we cooked together and ended up with flour all over our faces. I remember us laughing so hard we got cramps. I remember it all.

I realize that this is what I want to have for the rest of my life. I want to add a lot more fond memories and forget everything that ever made us feel down. I've long tuned out the guests in the bar, but when Jungkook takes my hand in his, giving it a squeeze, I lose myself even more in the moment.

He is showing me with each passing day what true love is and why it took so long for us to find it. Our love is like a rare gem and not easy to find, but I wish from the bottom of my heart for everyone to find and experience it. It's refreshing like you didn't know what oxygen was all these years until that special person shows up to teach you how to breathe.

You learn to accept that person with everything he has, good or bad. You overlook their flaws because the good sides outweigh them and show you that this person is worth it. Even though Jungkook doesn't have many flaws, he's still not perfect, but I see how hard he tries. I see the effort he shows to get a little better every day and treat me well and that is what really matters.

A squeeze on my hand pulls me out of my deep thoughts and when I see Jungkook's soft eyes, they look back into mine with the same emotions. We prepare together for the end of the song we have to sing together, our fingers still intertwined.

Woah
Baby, come take all my time
Go on, make me lose my mind
We got all that we need here tonight

I lock the door (lock the door) and throw out the key
Can't fight this no more (can't fight this no more),
it's just you and me
And there's nothin' I, nothin' I'd rather do
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
So, go ahead and drive me insane
Baby, run your mouth, I still wouldn't change
All this lovin' you, hatin' you, wantin' you
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with
You, oh, oh

Stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you

The melody continues as we look lovingly at each other, the warmth of his hand radiating through my entire body, making every nerve dance in response. His eyes fill with unshed tears, causing them to sparkle more than before, and I become emotional myself. Jungkook, despite his tough exterior, has a soft core and a heart that I will protect with everything I have so that no one including me can break it.

His warm hand lifts up and rests on my cheek, his thumb brushing against it soothingly. I melt into his touch and place my hand on top of his before giving his palm a kiss. He moves closer to me before almost no space exists between us and the next words to leave his lips bring a smile to my face.

"You're stuck with me." He smiles, his eyes still glassy. "Forever."

________________________

A/N: I can't believe that there is only one chapter left🤧 ( + Epilogue and Author's Note)

I want to do a Q&A for the Author's note, so if you guys have questions about this book, the characters or about me, go ahead and ask in the comments💕 👉🏼