________________________________________

3 YEARS LATER

Jungkook woke up in cold sweat, feeling his fingers instantly bunch around the cotton bedsheets he was lying on. He felt a sheen of sweat on his forehead and brought his nimble fingers to it, rubbing his face with his hands.

He turned to the side and saw the other side of the bed empty. His breath hitched in his throat, and he looked away instantly.

He got up from the bed, hearing the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore. The sea woke him up every morning, and he preferred it that way.

Jungkook walked out of the bedroom, feeling his bare feet on the wooden floorboard. He walked down the stairs, and then heard a voice from the kitchen. His breath hitched, eyebrows furrowing.

He walked down the steps rather quickly and then walked into the kitchen, and saw two boys standing there, and rolled his eyes.

"Jimin? Noah? What's you two doing in my house? This is not why I gave you a spare key," Jungkook snapped, and they both turned to look at him, sitting on the bar counter, allowing themselves to enjoy a plate of strawberries.

"Oh hey Kooks." Both chimed, and Jungkook walked up to them, frowning. "What're you two doing here so early?"

"We came to check up on you. You live so far away now," Jimin said, and Jungkook took a strawberry and took a bite of it.

"I like living on the beach." Jungkook said pointedly, and Noah tilted his head. "Doesn't it get lonely?"

"Sometimes.. but it's not too bad." Jungkook said quietly, and Noah sighed.

"I'll tell you what. I love living in the city. The view from my apartment, god, I love. I mean, I am not bragging, but life is so good! Y'know?" Noah chirped, and Jimin rolled his eyes.

"Yes, we are aware. You and your sugar daddy-"

"Jiroki is not my sugar daddy." Noah scoffed, and Jimin giggled. "Sorry, fiancé." Jimin corrected, and Noah hummed with a smile.

"I'm happy for you guys." Jungkook said, and Noah hummed righteously. Why wouldn't Jungkook be happy for them?

Jiroki let go of the mafia stuff and started a business of his own, selling automated machine parts or something. Everyone who knew him, knew that was a lie. He still had a drug cartel somewhere in Mexico from which he got all his money, but no one talked about.

Noah and him began dating the day after they met. Jungkook's pretty sure he's walked in on them having sex like three times. It's very disturbing. They're very vocal about it and not one bit ashamed. Jungkook wishes they were.

They lived together now, in a big apartment, and Jungkook could tell Noah was living a good and happy life in his expensive shirt and big gucci sunglasses. Jungkook's happy for him.

"Well I wanna know if you're coming closer to the city next month!" Jimin said excitedly.

Upon seeing Jungkook's hesitance, Jimin sighed. "You are my best man, Jungkook.. Yoongi wanted to make you the flower boy, I mean, imagine that! You're 24 now, for god's sake-"

Jungkook let out an unpleasant sigh, getting up from his seat and towards the fridge. Jimin and Noah noticed his tense stature, and Jimin instantly pursed his lips.

"Jungkook.. are you still upset over what happened?" Jimin asked softly, and Jungkook opened the fridge, taking out a jug of orange juice.

"No." Jungkook mumbled in a small voice, walking up to the cabinets to take out some glasses. Jungkook saw the clock above the stove, ticking, about to be 9 am.

"You clearly are, Kook. You need to get over it, it happened so long ago." Noah said, words gentle.

"You can't expect me to let it go so easily!" Jungkook snapped, and then took a deep breath.

"You're not in a good mood today, huh? What's wrong?" Jimin asked, walking up to him. Jungkook gulped, looking down at his feet.

"I-It was today. 3 years ago, today." Jungkook squeaked, voice barely audible. Jimin looked at Noah, both of them gulping, unsure of what to do.

"I-I just- I just wish I could've done something about it. I-I know what everyone tells me. That it happened, I couldn't control it, it's not my fault. Somehow, it's good. But- but-" Jungkook started, and then the three heard the main door of the house close, and then heard footsteps.

Jungkook turned his head and saw woven bags being dropped to the floor, footsteps of sand being trailed behind. He saw familiar grey hair, and turned his head the other way.

"But what?" He heard the voice say, and felt his breath hitch. "If anything, you should be happy. Happy he died."

Jungkook looked at him now, eyes big and a little angry. He saw lips curve slowly into a smile, and then felt hands place themselves on his small waist, and then lips reach up and press against Jungkook's in a kiss.

"If you wouldn't have lifted up the gun that day and shot your father, I would've died." He heard the gravitating deep voice say, and looked down, feeling shy as always.

"Okay, Tae." Jungkook mumbled, and then looked up, meeting brown eyes that felt like home, a small smile reaching his lips. "Sorry."

Jungkook still remembers that day, what happened, the exact second he realised what was going to happen, so, so clearly.

A gunshot went off, one alarming everyone. Everyone's head snapped towards the sound, for it was the loudest sound heard yet. Jiroki, Namjoon, Jin, all the bodyguards, and most importantly- Taehyung.

Taehyung, who'd felt fear seize his veins, thinking this was the end. He looked up from where he was fallen on the floor, and saw Jungkook standing there.

Jungkook, with his eyes wide, glassy, holding a gun in his frail hands, shaking. Yards in front, was his father. His father lying on the floor, a bullet hole through his chest. His father, who tormented him for years, dead. Killed by him.

And Jungkook dropped the gun, letting out a gasp of realisation, a state of utter shock reaching him, not knowing how to react. He looked at Taehyung, couldn't help it-

Taehyung, though shot in the ankle, smiled comfortingly to the younger. Even though he was in pain, Jungkook's wellbeing was more important than anyone's.

"It's okay baby," Taehyung whispered, seeing Jungkook rush up to him, falling to the floor beside him. "It's absolutely fine."

Jungkook wrapped his arms around Taehyung, holding him tightly, while Taehyung's hands placed themselves on Jungkook's waist, letting out a grunt of pain as he sat up. "I-I-I d-didn't wa-wanna kill- k-kill anyone," Jungkook stammered, and Taehyung felt their faces close by, vision blurring from the pain, not being able to keep his focus on his baby, but trying his hardest to.

Taehyung felt Jungkook's cheeks against his, realised Jungkook was hugging him tight, and shushed him gently, kissing him on the neck, gripping him tighter to sustain through the pain. "I know. You saved me. You saved my life. It's okay."

Jungkook kissed Taehyung's cheek. "I love you so much.

"I love you more.

Jungkook shook his head to rid that memory off his head, and then looked at Taehyung. Taehyung smiled at him, brushing the tip of their noses together for a second, and then turning to face Jimin and Noah.

"You dyed your hair grey again?" Jimin asked with a small laugh. "Taehyung you're not 22,"

"I know." Taehyung mumbled, and then sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I might dye it back to black. I just wanted to try something again."

"Liar." Jungkook giggled. "He just wanted to dye his hair grey because he saw one gray hair growing and got scared!" Jungkook said, and Taehyung glared at him playfully, while Noah groaned, covering his face with his hands.

"Moon. I swear, being so close to 30 SUCKS." Noah said, and Jimin sighed with agreement, Taehyung nodded along.

Jungkook just giggled, springing up from his seat. "I wouldn't know. I'm still in my early 20's~"

Jimin hit his head, which made Jungkook laugh harder. Jimin then looked at Taehyung angrily. "Taehyung, will you convince your boyfriend to come to my wedding?"

"What convincing is there to do, of course we're coming. Jungkook's the flower girl." Taehyung said, and Jungkook glared.

"I'm not!! I'm the best man. Tell Yoongi to stop telling people I'm gonna run down the aisle throwing flowers!" Jungkook snapped, and Noah giggled.

"Well Jimin, if it's any consolation, me and Jiroki are definitely coming." Noah winked, and Jimin sighed.

"You'll outshine me at my own wedding, Noah." Jimin mumbled, and Noah flipped back his nonexistent hair.

"Anyways we should get going. It sucks having to take such a long ride to get to this part of town, come visit us sometime, yeah?" Jimin said, and Taehyung and Jungkook nodded. Jungkook didn't notice Noah and Jimin wiggling their eyebrows at Taehyung.

Noah and Jimin took their things and walked out, calling out a chorus of bye's. The moment they left, Jungkook felt arms circling his waist.

He squealed in joy, getting picked up. Jungkook looked at Taehyung who held him up, hands on his butt, while Jungkook gripped his shoulders.

"Ah- Tae!" Jungkook said harshly, slapping his head lightly. "Don't do all that- you'll disturb the baby."

Taehyung tilted his head, looking at Jungkook. "What baby?"

"Me." Jungkook whispered, and then giggled. "I'm the baby."

Taehyung spun Jungkook around, and then toppled onto the couch with him, hovering over him with a smirk. "Of course you are, my baby," Taehyung said, and began smothering Jungkook with kisses.

Jungkook laughed loud, and Taehyung smiled at that, liked the soft sound of Jungkook's squeaky laughter in his ears. A sound that made his heart race no matter what.

Taehyung pulled away from kissing his two plump cheeks and then looked don at Jungkook. "We have to go to work soon."

"I know.." Jungkook trailed, and then cupped Taehyung's cheeks, looking up at him with his big eyes. "Kinda just wanna lay at home with you.." Jungkook hummed, kissing him softly.

Taehyung kissed him back, gentle, loving. Taehyung pulled away after a little. "I'd love nothing more, you know that, but we should really get going. It's already 9." Taehyung whispered, and then got up from the couch.

Jungkook whined on the couch, stretching on the cushions, turning himself around, ass which was in little shorts facing Taehyung. "Mmm.. couldn't wake up early, Taehyungie. You got so rough last night," Jungkook giggled, and got a little spank on the butt.

"So rough? We were listening to 80's music while missionary style fucking, that too the softest I've ever been. What 'rough' are you talking about?" Taehyung scoffed, and Jungkook turned around now, pouting. He sat up and got up from the couch, standing in front of Taehyung.

"Maybe you should be a little rough." Jungkook wiggled his eyebrows, trailing his hand on Taehyung's chest.

Taehyung smirked at him, his height already asserting dominance without even trying. Taehyung grabbed Jungkook's hips and pulled them close, and the smaller's breath hitched, eyes going big as he looked at Taehyung.

"You want me to be rough, dollie?" Taehyung rasped, and Jungkook's little hands gripped Taehyung's shirt. "Want me to.... to... mark you up? And- and.. make you my little b- ugh, I can't do it." Taehyung said, and Jungkook burst into giggles.

"You're too cute, baby. I don't wanna hurt you. My cute little pebble, tiny snowflake, precious pumpkin-" Taehyung started with a fond smile, and Jungkook pushed him away lightly with a giggle, turning around to run away from him.

"You're disgusting!" Jungkook giggled, rushing down the wooden floorboards. Taehyung ran up behind him, hooking an arm under his knees, and one behind his back, and then picking him up bridal style.

Jungkook laughed loudly, kicking his legs. Taehyung carried him into their bedroom, continuing. "Pretty doll, petite parfait, small cupcake-"

"Ew!!" Jungkook cried, and then got lowered onto his bed. Taehyung lifted his oversized shirt up and began kissing his tummy all over, making the younger burst into giggles.

"A-ah-! T-Taehyungie!" Jungkook squealed, and Taehyung began tickling the sides of his waist, and Jungkook turned side to side, laughing loudly.

Jungkook started laughing so hard from all the tickles and smothering, that in defence, he rolled to the side, away from Taehyung's hold. He got up quickly, standing on the bed, towering Taehyung now.

"Stop it, meanie." Jungkook snapped with menacing eyes, pointing at Taehyung, who smiled.

"Meanie?" Taehyung said, and then walked forward, standing right below Jungkook, hands on the back of his thighs. "I liked what you called me on my anniversary night better.."

Jungkook turned pink, and then felt Taehyung kissing his waist gently, the younger whining softly. "When you got all flustered and squirmy, remember?"

"Taehyungie.." Jungkook squeaked, brushing his hair back, and Taehyung looked up at him. "It was once. M'not calling you 'mr. Kim' again."

"Aw, why not?" Taehyung asked, and Jungkook huffed.

"Because Jin and Namjoonie also have the same last name. Makes me uncomfortable a lil' bit." Jungkook said, and Taehyung grimaced.

"Ew, why would you say that, now it's weird." Taehyung said, shuddering. Jungkook got off the bed, walking towards the closet.

"Speaking of Jin and Namjoonie, have you met them since that night of the party at Jiroki's?" Jungkook asked, and Taehyung shook his head, walking up to the closet himself.

"Nope. They're so busy with their new house. Plus, their engagement dinner is coming up." Taehyung said, and Jungkook hummed. Jin and Namjoon got back together after 3 months of pretending they didn't have feelings still. Jungkook was very happy for them and slipped up and called them his dads. They didn't mind.

"Yeah. Namjoon proposed." Jungkook said, and then looked at Taehyung. "It's almost like all of our friends are getting engaged or married except us, no?" Jungkook asked with a small smile.

"Yup." Taehyung said flatly, and then walked into the washroom to wash his face. Jungkook looked at Taehyung for a few seconds, and then rolled his eyes. It'd been 3 years since they've been together. 6 years since they've met (and allegedly been in love). So the question was- why wouldn't Taehyung propose?

A few weeks back, Jungkook had grabbed Taehyung and asked him if he wanted to marry him. Taehyung told him he didn't want to marry Jungkook.

Okay, that's not exactly what happened.

They were at a party at Jiroki's. Jungkook was.... drunk. He grabbed Taehyung's arm, silly and excited, and then took him to a balcony and- well; okay- he basically proposed.

Jungkook was DRUNK ! He just wanted to get married. So he took out a ring which he bought from a store, not that expensive, and then asked Taehyung to marry him right there.

Taehyung said no.

Jungkook cried and all that. And the next day, in a hungover state, Taehyung told him they could get engaged later. Jungkook didn't know what that meant, but he understood it as : "I don't want to marry you."

Jungkook got dressed in denim shorts and a t-shirt, along with a big sweater cardigan. Taehyung walked out too, dressed in jeans and a simple cargo button up. He sighed, looking at Jungkook. "God, you're pretty."

"Ah- Taehyungie.. stop!" Jungkook giggled, and got a little pat on the bum. The two walked out of the room and down the stairs to walk out the house, grabbing their wallet and keys and whatever necessary.

They walked out of their little home, made of a red rooftop, wooden panels, a nice balcony outside with many plants, and steps leading down to the beach.

Jungkook and Taehyung moved here 3 years ago. They wanted to be where they envisioned, and most importantly, alone. The other boys were a little confused by this, but Jungkook and Taehyung both felt it best for them to have some time alone together. They keep telling them they'll move back nearer to the city later, but it hasn't happened yet.

Jungkook walked down the steps, seeing the gorgeous ocean view in front of them, the pale blue waters hitting the white sand, the warm sun rays tanning them. Jungkook smiled, turning around to look at Taehyung.

He looked beautiful, too. His skin tanner than ever, sun kissed, a golden warmth exuding from his face. He had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, hair grey- which he thought was a little silly, but Jungkook loved. It reminded him of when he first met Taehyung.

Taehyung when he was 22. Taehyung when he did bad stuff just for fun. When he drove his motorcycle and wore aviators and smirked all attractive and was a little rough, but still had that warmth inside of him.

And now he was 29, yet the same. Still drove his motorcycle and wore aviators and still smirked all attractive. He just didn't do bad stuff anymore, and he definitely wasn't rough. Something that surprised everyone, because Taehyung was always the more romantic.

Jungkook was romantic, of course he was. He liked the small things, like how Taehyung listened to him and kissed him so hard, and gripped his tiny waist and complimented him. But Taehyung really was a hopeless romantic, like his father, he says. Jungkook was still his bright sun, and he didn't mind that his earth revolved around Jungkook. It seemed fitting.

For 6 years later, and Taehyung would still do anything to protect him, would still get on his knees for his love, would still kill for him, would still die for him.

Jungkook reached his little hand out, and Taehyung grabbed it, putting his aviators on. Jungkook wore a big hat, and they began walking hand in hand down the sand walkway. Began giggling, talking to each other in soft voices, hands clasped tightly.

Some of their neighbours walked past them, and Jungkook and Taehyung gave them smiles. No one knew of their past here. No one knew of all the violence, the death, the trauma, the crying, the suffering. No one had to know. To them, Jungkook and Taehyung were just two lovebirds who owned a cafe.

Right, they owned a cafe. A cafe which they were walking towards right now.

'Bikes n Dolls' was a popular beachside cafe plus bar opened by Jungkook and Taehyung. Till 5 pm, it was a cafe, then from 8 pm, it became a bar. It attracted numerous tourists and people living near by, and they were doing quite well, to be honest.

Taehyung took the key from his pocket to open the cafe door. While doing so, he looked at Jungkook. "Baby, could you let my hand go? Can't open the door with my left one," Taehyung said softly, and Jungkook blushed and let go of his hand, nodding quickly.

Taehyung opened the door and they walked in, seeing the clean cafe. The walls were made of brick, with many seats indoors and a whole outdoor area with many more tables. It was styled like a french cafe, and then at night, the chairs and tables were pushed aside for the dance area.

"Smells like beans."

Taehyung shook his head while rolling his eyes, a small smile appearing on his face. Jungkook said that at least once every week upon entering the cafe. And it was never funny, but they still giggled.

It took them half an hour to set everything up. Today was a lazy day for both of them, since they were starting quite late, too. Usually they began at 8 am. Either way, they set up pots of coffee and tea and displayed the cakes made by the bakers overnight onto the display outside.

Soon enough, customers started coming in. And Jungkook worked at the cashier while Taehyung brewed coffee. Taehyung only worked a bit during the mornings, took longer breaks, was more relaxed. While at night, he was the bartender, and Jungkook took longer breaks and waitered.

"Hi! Welcome to Bikes n Dolls, how can I help you?" Jungkook chirped, and the woman smiled and ordered a coffee and small chocolate tart, a delicacy of this cafe.

Jungkook nodded, and took out the tart while Taehyung made a cup of coffee. Taehyung handed Jungkook the coffee, and the boy grabbed the cup and hissed a little at how hot it was, placing it down on the table.

"Be careful, baby." Taehyung said, and Jungkook nodded. The woman paid him, and then walked out. While more customers rolled in, both got busy.

After an hour or so, there was a noisy chatter around the cafe, people ranging from college students to elderly sitting around, sipping coffee while reading the newspaper or typing away on their laptop. Taehyung went to the kitchen for a minute, and Jungkook hummed, looking at the money in his register.

The bell of the door rung, and Jungkook hummed, already beginning with the introduction. "Welcome to Bikes n Dolls, how can I-" Jungkook started, and then looked up, and his breath hitched.

In front of him, stood a man Jungkook thought he'd never ever see again. "Chris?" Jungkook let out, eyes growing wide.

His hair had more silver hairs than Jungkook remembers, wearing a black shirt and jeans, looking casual. Jungkook's eyes were still widened, and the older man chuckled upon seeing Jungkook.

"Hey princess." Chris said softly, and Jungkook made a clear look of discomfort, looking around for Taehyung, and then back at Chris.

"W-what're you doing- h-here? In- in Busan?" Jungkook squeaked, and Chris chuckled. "I came to Korea to visit some family, and then remembered you were here too." Chris said.

Jungkook looked down at the cashier, frowning. "Well w-what're you doing here? I didn't ask you to visit me.." Jungkook mumbled.

"I just wanted to see you, Jungkook. Is it so bad?" Chris asked, and Jungkook huffed, looking at him.

"Yes. We broke ties back in New York." Jungkook said, angry. Chris sighed. "Don't need to be angry, Jungkook. I just came here to get coffee."

"Okay, whatever." Jungkook mumbled, going up to the coffee machine to pop up a black coffee, because he remembers that Chris didn't have anything else.

Jungkook got the cup and walked back, placing the cup onto the counter. "I'm doing well, by the way. Thanks for asking." Chris said, and Jungkook pursed his lips, taking the money that Chris gave.

Jungkook looked at him, and then saw a wedding band on his hand. He paused for a second, and then saw the older man smile. "Yes, I got married. This woman I knew from college. We met up again. She's great, I tell you. She's pregnant, too."

Jungkook's eyes grew big, and he blinked them, and a small smile emerged on his face. "O- oh! I'm happy for you." Jungkook said in a small voice, and Chris smiled. And Jungkook felt the need to gulp, to assure himself, more than anything.

"I'm married too." Jungkook lied, hiding his hands stealthily. "To Taehyung. You remember him, right?"

"Yeah. See, I just wanted to see how you were. The company's still fine. Holiday left, she has some fashion boutique of her own." Chris explained, and Jungkook nodded, still smiling.

"Oh. That's good for her. I knew she liked all that fashion stuff." Jungkook said, and then cleared his throat, looking at the customer behind Chris. Chris moved aside, and Jungkook began tending to the other customer.

Taehyung walked out of the kitchen after restocking the shelves (taking a break to smoke) and his eyebrows instantly furrowed upon seeing Chris.

"What the fuck?" Taehyung let out in a mutter to himself, and then walked out from behind the counter and towards the older man, eyes darkening. Chris saw him, and instantly put his hands out.

"Just came here because it had a good review online. Nothing else." Chris said, and Taehyung scoffed.

"Yeah, cool, I don't give a shit. I don't want to see you around him ever, got it?" Taehyung growled lowly, and Chris sighed.

"Kid, I'm married, and I know you are too, so-"

"I don't. Give. A. Shit." Taehyung stated again, looking as firm and scary as ever. "I saw you hurt him with my own two eyes and you can bet your ass I won't ever forget that. So fuck off, okay? Don't come looking for him or any of that shit ever again." Taehyung snapped, and Chris pursed his lips for a second, and then turned around to walk out. "Bye!" Jungkook called out, seeing him walk out of the cafe. Taehyung walked up to him after he'd put the money in the register from the last customer, and tapped the small of his back.

"What the hell was he doing here?" Taehyung said, voice low. Jungkook turned to look at Taehyung.

"Just dropped by to see me, I think." Jungkook said with a shrug, and then saw how Taehyung continued looking outside, eyes looming with shadows, a vein in his neck that Jungkook hadn't seen in a long time.

"Don't be mad, Tae." Jungkook said softly, and Taehyung scoffed, an anger on his face that made shivers run down Jungkook's spine.

"I'm not mad, dollie. I'm just a little.. irked, by how he had the audacity to stand in front of you after what he did," Taehyung growled, and Jungkook grabbed his hand.

He knew just what to do to get Taehyung out of his angry mood. "Is Taehyungie mad at me?" Jungkook squeaked, looking at Taehyung with his big doey eyes, cheeks puffing out, head tilting slightly.

He saw Taehyung relax a bit, hand slipping to grab Jungkook's waist. "Of- of course not, baby. Never mad at you." Taehyung said assuringly, and Jungkook smiled, leaning up to kiss him quickly, and then turning around to go back to the cashier spot.

"Also, Kooks?" Taehyung asked, and Jungkook turned to look at him. "You told him we're married?"

Jungkook paused for a little, looking a little shy, and then nodded quickly, looking back ahead. "Y-yeah. Sorry."

Taehyung just nodded, and turned back around to walk into the kitchen. Jungkook waited until he left, and then sighed to himself, looking at his empty ring finger.

Later that night, at around 12 am, the bar fused out. It was a weekday, so the crowd wasn't too big. Usually on Friday's and weekends, it's packed. Taehyung cleaned up the last set of whiskey glasses, placing them onto the table.

Jungkook walked over to Taehyung, dressed in a black top and jeans instead of what he was wearing in the morning. "Wooh! Another sucsessful day by the infamous duo-" Jungkook said, putting his hands up to high five him. "Tae and Kook."

Taehyung chuckled, wiping his hands with a towel, and then placing it onto the table, knowing the cleaners would come after to clean everything up. "You drink a little?" Jungkook giggled, grabbing Taehyung's arms. "Mayyyybe." Jungkook whispered, and Taehyung rose his eyebrow.

Taehyung grabbed Jungkook by the hips, pulling him in close. Jungkook whimpered a bit, and then Taehyung leaned in, tracing his lips over Jungkook's. Jungkook hummed into his lips, and then Taehyung pulled away. "You're not drunk!"

Jungkook pouted. "I know. You find me cuter when I'm drunk and pick me up always." Jungkook mumbled, and Taehyung rolled his eyes.

"First of all, I always find you cute. Second of all, I always pick you up."

"True and true. Anyways, let's go." Jungkook said, grabbing Taehyung's hand and rushing out of the cafe/bar, locking it behind them.

Jungkook saw the high rise of the tides against the sand, the pale moonlight reflecting on the surface of the sea. The stars twinkling in the dark night sky, and the serene quiet of the place. No sound except the waves lapping against the shore.

Jungkook suddenly felt arms wrap around his waist, holding him steady. He felt a kiss on his nape, and smiled, looking out at the sea.

"Wanna go for a boat ride?" Taehyung whispered, and Jungkook could see a small paddle boat in front of them on the sea. Jungkook giggled.

"It's kind of late, isn't it?" Jungkook asked, and Taehyung smiled. "Yeah.. But I'm kind of in the mood for it. Plus, I wanna show you something."

Jungkook nodded, a little unsure. Taehyung took Jungkook's hand and led him to the small paddle boat, and then Jungkook sat down on one end, and Taehyung sat on the other. Taehyung grabbed the two paddle sticks, and began paddling on the calm surface of the sea.

Jungkook looked at the moon, and then hummed. "It looks so pretty." Jungkook commented.

"It really does." Taehyung let out softly, and Jungkook looked at Taehyung, and blushed dumbly when he saw Taehyung looking at him.

"Taehyungie.." Jungkook said shyly, hitting his knee. Taehyung smiled at him, and kept paddling.

There was a comfortable silence, with Jungkook looking out at the night sky, mouth falling a bit at how many stars the sky presented. Taehyung looked at Jungkook, how his lips were slightly apart in amazement, how his bambi eyes sparkled brighter than the stars, how tufts of black hair curled and fell on his forehead, how his plump cheeks were pink like cherries, how his small hands gripped onto his sweater sleeves, making him look smaller-

Taehyung couldn't take it. Not anymore.

"Jungkook," Taehyung said, and then stopped rowing the boat. Jungkook turned and looked at him, at how Taehyung was looking at him. Taehyung opened his mouth to say something, and then Jungkook gasped loudly, eyes growing wide.

Taehyung frowned a little, and Jungkook leaped to the front of the boat, practically toppling onto Taehyung's lap, looking behind him. Taehyung gulped, turning to see, and then smiled.

Lanterns. Floating lanterns.

Jungkook's eyes were huge, the size of saucers, when he saw lanterns floating up from a far away hill. "T-Taehyung- look!" Jungkook said with a stammer.

Taehyung patted his thigh, and Jungkook turned around, and saw more lanterns floating in the sky. He gasped, looking up. "It- it's like in Tangled!" Jungkook squeaked excitedly, and then turned around.

Taehyung was holding one lantern himself. Jungkook's breath hitched.

"W-what's going on?" Jungkook asked in a whisper, and Taehyung just smiled at him fondly.

"It's for us." Taehyung whispered, and Jungkook's eyes grew big. "I- I know in the movie there's two." Taehyung gulped, looking awfully hesitant himself, but then looking up at Jungkook. "But I think we should have one. Because, it feels like you- you're a part of me now, Kookie. And if you go away, I won't be able to live."

Jungkook looked at him for a few seconds, and then got a small smile on his face. "Let's make this float." Jungkook whispered, and put his hands under the lantern to hold it. Taehyung put his hands under Jungkook's, and then they pushed the lantern up, seeing it float up and into the sky.

A bunch of the lanterns began floating around them, and Jungkook smiled really big, because it felt like the scene straight out of Tangled. Jungkook giggled, looking at Taehyung, who smiled a bit.

"Jungkook." Taehyung whispered. "I-I think you should know this," Taehyung said, and Jungkook tilted his head.

"I.. I love you so much, baby. I'm so in love with you. Every second I spend with you is better than the last. Every breath you take makes me fall more in love with you. Every-every goddamn thing you do, baby, it makes me fall. Makes me fall so hard." Taehyung let out, and Jungkook's eyes grew big.

Jungkook opened his mouth to say something, but Taehyung shook his head, to continue. "The first time I fell in love with you was the night 6 years ago." Taehyung said, small smile on his face. "When we ran away on my cheap motorcycle to my cheap apartment. When we crammed in my tiny bed and you hugged me tight. I fell in love then," Taehyung whispered.

"I fell in love with you the day you jumped off the train and didn't leave me. When you stayed. When- w-when you stayed- be-because you're the only person that stayed, Kookie." Taehyung let out. "You w-were in that big sweater a-and tights," Taehyung chuckled out. "And you ran up to me with your hair flopping around like bunny ears, a-and you hugged me so tight and told me you loved me."

"I fell in love with you the day I saw you again, 3 years ago. When you were in that god awful pink fur coat with those expensive glasses. When you screamed and called me a ghost. When you huffed and told me you didn't want to see me." Taehyung said, a small smile on his face. "I-I fell in love with you when it was just you and me, sitting on that cliff in New York City on Christmas night. Looking out at the skyscrapers with our bread and cheap wine."

"And- and god, Kookie. I should've never hurt you." Taehyung whispered, and Jungkook looked at him, eyes gleaming. "I should've never lied. Never treated you so badly, god, if-if I could just go back in time, make sure you never got hurt as badly as you did-" Taehyung started, and Jungkook stopped him, putting his hand on Taehyung's.

Jungkook had tears in his eyes, cheeks bright pink. Before Taehyung could continue, Jungkook spoke. "M-my turn too." Jungkook squeaked, and well- that wasn't really part of Taehyung's plan, but what was he going to do? Say no?

"I-I fell in love with you, Taehyungie. When you told me I was b-beautiful, because no one ever did. When you t-treated me like an adult, because no one ever did. When you w-weren't mean, and- and nasty, and I know, I know you loved me even when you thought you didn't. I might have gotten hurt, but I will never, ever regret meeting you, Kim Taehyung." Jungkook whispered, looking up at Taehyung.

"I fell in love with you right now, Jungkookie." Taehyung whispered with a small smile. "When you smiled, and told me you love me. Because I-I love you, so much. And I j-just know. I just know I-I have to be with you for the rest of my life, or I-I'll go crazy," Taehyung said, and Jungkook's breath hitched.

Taehyung took the paddles, and Jungkook didn't even realise their boat floated closer to the shore, under some trees. Taehyung got out of the boat, and then reached his hand and pulled Jungkook out too. Jungkook looked at him with a little confusion, because it was dark.

"T-Taehyungie.." Jungkook squeaked, grabbing his arm. "S-scary.."

"It's okay, baby." Taehyung whispered, smiling. He looked around, and then cleared his throat.

When he did, fairy lights turned on, strung to trees next to them, lighting up the area they were in. Jungkook gasped, looking at him with wide eyes.

Jungkook suddenly saw Taehyung take a step back, and then get down on one knee. Jungkook felt his heart fill up with butterflies that he still had from when Taehyung first told him he was pretty. The same love. It was always the same love for the same man. Jungkook had always loved him. Only him.

"Jeon Jungkook," Taehyung whispered, and Jungkook got a small smile on his face, tears in his eyes, seeing Taehyung take out a little red box and open it, showing a diamond ring. "My dollie," Taehyung said, voice sounding scared, yet so, so sure. "Will you marry me?"

Jungkook let out a small giggle, tears falling down his eyes. "Y-yes." Jungkook squeaked out, and then nodded. "Yes, T-Taehyung." Jungkook stammered, and Taehyung grabbed his hand, smiling really big himself as he slid the ring down Jungkook's ring finger.

"I-I love you so much." Taehyung said, standing up. Jungkook smiled.

"I love you so much too." Jungkook said, and they both rushed forward and pressed their lips together, Taehyung grabbed Jungkook's waist, and Jungkook cupping his cheeks, leaning up.

And it was so, so beautiful, for a second. Jungkook felt elevated. So fucking happy, that Taehyung had been there for him. 6 years down, and it'd always been him. And Taehyung was just as elated, looking down at Jungkook with the fondest of eyes.

Suddenly, Jungkook heard loud cheering, and his eyes widened. He looked around, and saw Jin, Jimin, Yoongi, Namjoon, Hoseok, Jiroki, Noah, Mark, Jackson, and Bambam walk out from behind the trees, all clapping and cheering.

Jungkook let out a laugh, looking at Taehyung disbelief. Taehyung sighed. "You guys weren't supposed to come out yet,"

"I know, we just got too excited!!" Jimin squealed, and Jungkook felt Namjoon grab him and hug him tight.

"Our little baby's all grown up." Jin cooed, hugging Jungkook too. Jungkook giggled, getting stuck in a Namjoon - Jin sandwich. Meanwhile, Mark and Jackson sandwiched Taehyung, hugging him tight.

Both of them groaned, looking at each other while they were getting squished, giggling.

"I set up the lanterns!" Noah said, and Taehyung finally got rid of Mark and Jackson, and walked up to him, hugging him tightly.

"I set up the.. actually I didn't do shit. But I'm so happy for you, little Jeon." Jiroki said, and Jungkook giggled, getting hugged by him too.

"Kim Jungkook, now." Jimin pointed out, and then he, Yoongi, and Hoseok hugged Jungkook tight. Jungkook whined in their hold, but was more, more, more than grateful to have so much love bombarding him.

"This is great. I mean, honestly Taehyung, we all might've had a vendetta against you at one point.. but now, it's not hard to see you two were actually meant for each other." Namjoon said, giving a warm smile to Taehyung.

Taehyung smiled at that, feeling like he just got a blessing from Jungkook's real father or something. Jungkook rushed up to Taehyung, hugging him tightly while the others talked.

"I love you so much." Jungkook whispered, kissing Taehyung.

"I love you more."

"No I love you more!" Jungkook squeaked angrily, and Taehyung let out the fondest smile, eyes crinkling upon seeing the small boy.

"I love you most." Taehyung said, and then kissed his forehead, hugging him tightly while they both looked out at the sea, seeing all the lanterns floating away. Jungkook smiled as well, looking out.

"My dollie." Taehyung whispered.

Jungkook smiled. "Your dollie." He repeated, and they both looked at each other, and fell in love all over again.

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