You stayed in the hotel for the past three days and you hadn't heard anything from the butler and Jae Sook. Not even Jaemin. They were still probably catching up about everything they had missed. Since you had nothing better to do, you decided to have a video call with Giselle.

"Hi! I missed you so much!"

"Girl! Oh my God! I missed you too! When are you coming back?"

"I still don't know yet. Haven't heard anything from Jaemin or his father."

"What if they will not let you return back here?"

"Then I'm another mouth to feed."

"You should really go back. Everyone is worried about you. The whole campus found out that you have a 'pneumonia' and you are currently in South Korea to get yourself treated. If only you could see their faces when I told them. Jisung cried and thought you're dying! His face was so hilarious I'll send you the photo later."

"Dang why did you make that kid cry? Mr. Na created such a dramatic excuse. Who would heal from pneumonia for a week? He must have assumed that I'll be staying here for a half a year. Anyway, I really wanted to see you. I miss you all so much."

"I miss you too. Take care, okay? Don't forget your coat when you're going out. Tell me all the details when you get back."

When the call ended, you lied on the bed only to be disturbed by a few urgent knocks on the door. You opened it without peeking through the peephole and you almost had a heart attack when you saw who it was.

Na Jaemin standing in front of your doorstep.

"What the fuck?!" you blurted out. "Oh, sorry. I mean, oh my God! What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the hospital! Don't tell me you escaped?"

Jaemin snickered. "As if I can escape that place without my father knowing!"

"Then why are you here? You're supposed to be resting."

Jaemin rolled his eyes. "I am well-rested already and I haven't drink even a droplet of coffee so I'm fine. Still a little bit weak but strong enough to give you a tour around the city."

"Well, that's good you're recovering---" you stopped mid-sentence when you realized what he had just said. "You're going to give me a tour around the city?" you asked incredulously.

He nodded. "I'm sure as hell you've been itching to stroll around and who else is perfect for the job to tour you but me? Now hurry up and get dressed. We've got a lot of places to be."

"Are you sure you'll be fine? I'm afraid you will collapse again."

"I'll collapse in this hallway if you will not come with me."

You could only roll your eyes. What Jaemin wants, Jaemin gets. "Fine, I'll be quick!"

You were so excited that you ended up knocking your stuff in hurry. Your hands were shaking and you almost gave up buttoning up your shirt before throwing a thick coat over it. When you were satisfied with your look, you opened the door and saw Jaemin leaning on the wall.

"Let's go," he said and smiled then offered you his hand, which made your heart race. You smiled back and intertwined your fingers together.

"Where are we going?" you asked as both of you stepped out of the hotel and was immediately met by the biting cold air. You instantly shivered and Jaemin wrapped his arm around your shoulder and pulled you closer.

"Anywhere you like," he said and smiled at you.

"We'll just visit the places around the hotel so we can get back right away," you suggested, not risking the fact that he was still recovering. He nodded at you and you eagerly walked beside him.

You visited various landmarks, famous restaurants, took a lot of pictures together with big smiles plastered on your face. That was the happiest you had been for the past month. You took every opportunity you could to take photos and make memories with him.

You visited a cat cafe and different breeds of cats and kittens flocked to your feet when you entered. You were too busy playing with the cats and you didn't notice that Jaemin was taking a video of you.

After visiting the cat cafe, you went to a shop selling albums, vinyl records, and classical books. You couldn't contain your excitement as you ran towards the rack of vinyl records and your eyes almost popped out of its sockets when you saw a vinyl version of Nectar and Love Talk by WayV.

"You just love them too much, don't you?" Jaemin asked and lazily scanned a couple of vinyl when he suddenly screamed. "Oh my God!"

"What the hell?!" you exclaimed, clutching your chest in surprise. You apologized to the people who were also startled by Jaemin. "Are you crazy?"

"Look!" he said and showed a purple vinyl record to you. "It's NIKI! I love her songs!"

You instantly smiled when you saw Jaemin grinning from ear to ear as he looked at the vinyl record as if he found a treasure chest. He was like a kid, carefree and no major problems to deal with.

After buying the vinyl records, Jaemin suggested a nearby restaurant but you had to take a bus to go there. You chose the seat on the furthest spot near the window.

"I can't believe I'll have a date with you in South Korea," Jaemin said. "I have always hated this place. This is like my personal cage and I always wanted to leave, but now, I'm changing all of that by making memories with you."

You were overwhelmed as you smiled at him, heart beating erratically. "I love you so much."

"And I love you more than anything."

The bus arrived at the bus stop where you would eat your dinner. It didn't surprise you at all when you entered in a luxurious building and stepped in an elevator. When the elevator opened, you found yourself at the rooftop with thick glass walls and a long TV monitor that resembled a railing.

"Rich people love high places," you stated. "That's what most of you probably think you belong. At the top."

Jaemin hugged you from behind and you swore your face was almost splitting in half from grinning wildly. "Even if I'm not rich, I'd still be on top due to my smart brain and handsome looks."

You could only roll your eyes because you couldn't find the lie.

Because of how happy you were spending time with him, you didn't notice that everything was already prepared. The waiter didn't even ask what food you wanted to eat, he just placed series of plate with mouthwatering dishes on the table.

"Is this a candlelight dinner?" you asked as Jaemin poured red wine on your wine glass then to his.

"Don't you like it?"

"I love it. I just didn't expect it to be romantic. I thought we're only eating dinner."

"I guess that traumatic experience taught me to make the most of everything."

Both of you chuckled but it indeed traumatized you. You felt as if he was going to be taken away from you at any moment. You were too afraid to let this moment end, afraid that this was all a dream. It was too good to be true.

You did everything you could to try to slow down the time but soon enough, you finished your food.

"Come with me," Jaemin said and offered his hand to you. You stepped out of the shed to the rooftop. It was even colder at the high altitude. Suddenly, all the lights went dark. You instinctively clung to Jaemin's arms and looked around trying to find even a small light to illuminate his face.

"Jaemin!" you called him in panic.

"Relax, I'm here," he said calmly and squeezed your arm.

Light appeared from the monitor you saw earlier. There were words written on it and you took the time to read it.

"It was a messy ride of luck and love, with a little tragedy and bitterness, and a lot of espresso shots (or maybe a lot). I am more than lucky to have you in my life and after all the tragic fate that we faced, we're still standing tall. Being with you brought out the better in me. I love you so much...

Will you be my girlfriend?"

You clamped a hand on your mouth as tears blurred your vision. Waves of memories came rushing back to you as you remembered the first time you met after nine years without communication. Because of that goddaman coffee that you almost spat in bitterness. His silver hair that looked so good on him. His eyes that held one of the prettiest galaxies on its own, bright and twinkling, but deep and full of secrets.

You remembered the night he asked you to be friends, when he brought you food when you had your period. The first time you saw him got jealous, the first fight, the agonizing moments when he had to leave you.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions.

It was full of risks.

And it was worth it.

The lights turned on again and Jaemin saw your cheeks streaked with tears. He lifted his hand to wipe the tears and cup your cheeks.

"Ever since we were young, I have loved you. I have adored you and swore to myself that I will protect you from any harm. I hated myself when I made you cry and despised myself even more when I had to leave you. But you're here again in my arms and I will not waste this chance anymore. Will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

You chuckled at him for being so formal.

"Dumbass. You're my ideal type when we were kids. I told myself I will find someone like you. But I never would have thought that it was you I am going to fall in love with," you admitted. "As for my answer, yes. Of course I will. I'm not stupid. I didn't fight alongside you if you're not going to be mine."

Jaemin grinned widely and lifted you and twirled around.

"Put me down! You're still weak!" you said but he didn't listen to you.

"I love you so much. You have no idea how thankful I am to have you. You saved me," he whispered to you, lips breaths apart. Slowly, he leaned in for a kiss. It was slow and passionate and you felt as if you were being pulled by a strong, hypnotizing grip.

When you separated, that's when you noticed that it was snowing. You gasped in awe as white flakes rained and littered the floor. It looked magical and romantic.

"I can't believe that you became my girlfriend on the first snow," he said happily.

"I just can't believe that you're my boyfriend. I thought I was going to be a single woman my entire life."

"Good thing I was born to change that."

"Hey, give due credit to your father! He saved your ass."

"Yeah, yeah. He saved my ass. Still, I was born to change your fate. I'm the only person that's meant for you."

Yes, indeed.

Seven years later...

"(Name), will Jaemin be able to come?" Jisung asked you while you were at the balcony.

You shook your head sullenly. "No, he called me five minutes ago and he said he still have meetings to attend."

"Oh, okay. Dinner's almost ready. You can come down in ten minutes," Jisung said before closing the door behind him. You sighed and stared at night sky.

Jaemin's father stepped down as the CEO and Jaemin overtook his position. He learned a lot from participating in meetings and planning while he was still a college student and now that he had graduated, he was wise and more experienced. He was currently sealing a deal with an investor from China.

Your group decided to have a vacation in Paris and coincidentally, it was your seventh anniversary as lovers. Unfortunately, Jaemin wouldn't be able to spend it with you since he was still busy. As his girlfriend, you understood his situation.

In a span of seven years, a lot of things had changed.

Renjun and Haechan were currently in a relationship despite quarreling all the time. It was one of their unique charms. They were both running a bakery and coffee shop.

Ningning was scouted by an agent when she was singing in a karaoke while she's drunk and became a famous singer in China. Due to her fame and natural sense of humor, she became a Meme Queen.

Chenle and Jisung created a Youtube channel which garnered over nine million subscribers. They tried weird hacks and tutorial they found on the internet. They also had a separate gaming channel.

Giselle became the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and a well-respected fashion icon who was always invited during fashion events. She gave tips on her audiences about the latest fashion and the do's and don't's to keep up with a trend.

Karina became a supermodel who recently just broke up with her British boyfriend after finding out that he cheated on her. Like, who the hell would even dare cheat on Karina?

Winter joined the army and proved that she was one of the best fighters out there despite her petite and small stature. She wanted to blast the head of Karina's ex-boyfriend and we all supported the idea.

Mark published a sci-fi novel which instantly became one of the best-selling books of all time and it even got a live adaptation which would be aired on Netflix.

Jeno and Jaemin took over their family's company and they were doing quite a good job so far.

You were successful on the career path that you chose and you were happy about the little progress that you made. Due to your dedication and hardwork, you climbed up the ladder and your salary was raised which helped you build the online business that you owned now.

It was nostalgic to think that you were just once college students who wanted to survive and pass the semester and now, you're all successful.

As you climbed down the stairs of the house that Giselle owned in Paris, you could here the bickering of Renjun and Haechan from the kitchen, the loud cheers by Chenle and Jisung from the living room. Karina was drunk again and she was crying about her ex-boyfriend and Ningning was holding Winter back from storming out of the house and hunting the bastard down. Mark was playing a guitar and Giselle was singing. Jeno and Jaemin were still in South Korea. You smiled at the chaos before you. You were happy, but you could be happier if the other two were there.

"Take it easy, lovebirds. Don't burn the kitchen down," you shouted at the couple arguing in the kitchen. They were blaming each other for not putting sugar on the mixture.

"What's taking them so long?" Giselle whispered to Mark. "They should've been here ten minutes ago. Don't tell me Jaemin got cold feet?"

"Of course not! Maybe something urgent happened," Mark answered.

"That better be the reason. He asked all of us to help him. He better not change his mind."

"How can he change his mind when he's been too excited to do this? Have you forgotten how whipped he is for your best friend? He's been talking about proposing to her since the day they became official."

"Who knows? All men do is lie."

Mark only shook his head. He yelped when he heard a notification alert on his phone. It was a text from Jeno.

"We're here."

Mark looked at Giselle and showed her the message. Giselle leapt up on her feet and clapped her hands three times. That was the signal for everyone to leave everything they're doing and prepare for the surprise.

"Out of all the time she could pick, why did this bitch decide to get drunk tonight?" Giselle sighed as she watched Winter and Ningning struggled to balance Karina on her feet.

"I will kill that fucking asshole! I will cut off his dick and feed it to the piranhas!" Karina cried as she staggered on her feet. Jisung winced when he heard that and Chenle laughed at him.

Finally, you reached Giselle who embraced you. Her eyes were misty and she was holding back her tears.

"Why is everyone leaving?" you asked.

"To prepare dinner outside," she answered.

"Really? How can I help?"

"We dont have to. Come on, you need to fix your hair and makeup."

Luckily, you didn't protest. Giselle brought you in her room and made you sit in front of a large mirror. Giselle's collection of makeup and makeup brushes was worthy to be featured on a magazine.

"It's been a while since I dolled you up. Remember when you were struggling to pick an outfit for your festival date with Jaemin? You were still in denial of your feelings that time. Good old days."

"Oh yeah? But who got into a fight with a professor because he didn't want to round up the grade?"

"Ain't my fault, honey. I won't shut up if I know I'm right." Both of you chuckled at the memory. Giselle almost got expelled for talking back at the overly sensitive professor.

"I will never forget when Winter got drunk and she danced on top of the table."

"Yeah, and then Haechan was kicked out of the bar for singing too loud."

"I miss our college days," you sighed and stared in front of yourself in the mirror. "We grew up so much we didn't even notice."

"Yup. And old enough to get married."

You looked at Giselle from the mirror and saw her biting her lower lip and refused to meet your eyes.

"I'm not getting married any time soon. Jaemin is still busy with the company. We can still go out and have a ladies' night."

Giselle shook her head. "We're still going to have that even if you're married. I'm just... I can't believe how strong you are. I'm so happy for you."

You stood up from your seat and hugged Giselle. You were just as surprised as to how you were able to overcome those challenges with Jaemin, to think that they were beyond the average problems that teenage couples experienced. Now that you're both adults, you didn't even notice how long you had been together as a couple. It felt like nothing had changed. You still felt the butterflies when he's around, the electric jolts whenever he touched you, his intoxicating smell. It's like everything happened yesterday.

When Giselle was finished with your makeup and outfit, she led you outside the empty house.

You were expecting a dinner table at the backyard but found nothing. Instead, you saw a pathway of rose petals on the ground.

"What is this?" you asked Giselle but she was gone. She took a shortcut to where the others were and left you to follow the trails of petals. "Giselle!" You went back to the house again and scoured the whole place but you didn't even see a glimpse of her shadow.

Realizing that it was pointless, you decided to follow the trail while carrying a weapon of your choice which was piece of hard lumber, in case that this was just a trap.

The air was cold and the silence was eerie. As you followed the path, you realized that you were walking deep into the garden and there were colorful lanters lined up and hanging on the wooden posts. You couldn't help but admire the beautiful set up.

The path turned into a curve and you found yourself standing in front of a fountain lit up with candles. There was a violin playing somewhere but you couldn't find where the sound was coming from. And there he was, standing in the middle.

Na Jaemin.

"Oh my God!" you exclaimed, dropping the lumber and was about to run towards him when he stopped you.

"Love, please stay where you are."

"What? Why?"

"Please, just do so."

You didn't say anything further and stayed rooted on your spot, staring at your boyfriend who was supposed to be in South Korea right now.

Why didn't he tell me he's going to be here? Why do I feel restless?

"You're not going to break up with me, are you?"

Jaemin looked confused. "What? Why would I do that?"

"Because you didn't tell me you'll fly to Paris tonight and you don't want me to come near you? If this is going to be abreak up then I must applaud you for making an extravagant setup only to break my heart."

Jaemin chuckled. "I am really in awe of your imagination. But I'm sorry to break it to you, I'm not going to leave you. Instead, I'll do the opposite of that."

"What..." You weren't asking. You were guessing what he was about to next.

"Seven years ago, I told you that I am the only one for you. And ever since then I promised to myself that if I'm not going to end up with you, then it's pointless. My friends tried to hold me back from doing this, telling me that it's still too early. And after seven years of waiting, I think it's finally time to seal our fates."

Jaemin walked towards you in a painfully slow motion and you wanted to run towards him and pull him close to you but you stayed there. When he was in front of you, he smiled widely and you couldn't help but return it.

Slowly, he bent on one knee. He pulled a red velvet box from his coat and opened it, revealing a diamond engagement ring.

"I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. My childhood friend, my number one supporter, the source of my strength. I love you more than anything."

Tears instantly welled up your eyes as you looked at your man.

"Seven years ago, I asked you to be my girlfriend. Now, if you may, my love, will you do me the honor of being my wife and spending your lifetime with me?"

"That was the cheesiest line I have ever heard," you heard a voice from the bushes. It sounded like Chenle.

"Shut up! It's romantic!" Ningning hissed at him.

You chuckled before nodding. "Of course! I would love to!"

Jaemin's lips split into a wide grin before standing up. He held your waist, lifted you up, and twirled you around. From the bushes, your friends emerged, clapping and whistling. Giselle was crying beside Karina who was still not sober.

"Congratulations newly wed!" Mark shouted.

"They're still not married, silly. Just engaged," Renjun told Mark.

"That's where it will lead anyway!"

Jeno walked towards you and Jaemin and gave you both a hug. "Thank goodness! I thought that the preparation would all be for nothing. This fucker almost lost the ring and he went on a full panic mode that's why we were late."

"I didn't notice that it was buried in a stack of papers! You didn't even help me find it!" Jaemin tried to defend himself. You laughed at the two best friends before hugging them both.

"Let's eat dinner! I'm starving!" Haechan shouted and everyone agreed with him.

"When are you going to propose to Renjun, Haechan?" they asked to the poor boy and Renjun went red. You and Jaemin looked at each other before giggling. He pulled your waist closer and looked at you with loving eyes.

"I love you more than anything."

"And I love you too."

"Newly weds! Come see this! Renjun is choking Haechan!"

"What kind of choke?" Jisung asked and Chenle smacked the back of his head.

It was chaotic but fun, and you couldn't ask for anything better. You walked beside your fiance, your soon-to-be-husband, as you followed your friends to the place where they set up dinner.

"Happy seventh anniversary," you greeted him and kissed his cheek.

Hands intertwined to each other.

Hearts beating in sync.

Despite the ups and downs that you faced, both of you stayed strong like the initials engraved on the cherry blossom tree who survived the storms and changes of weather.

Fate had its own ways of making people fall back together.

And it all started with eight shots of espresso.

The End

---

I'm so emotional. It's been exactly three months since I wrote this story and I never thought that there were people who would actually read this. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey. See you on my next book:

A Drunken Mistake| Lee Jeno

The first chapter will be published on July 10, 2021.