JJG

Jeongguk went over the plan a few more times. He could barely sit still in his seat from how excited he was, almost as excited to see his old classmates again. Taehyung, on the other hand, looked nervous as hell as it was his first prank after all.

He got Hoseok and Sooyoung's word of secrecy so it should all go smoothly. Jeongguk was to get off a block away and walk in. Taehyung would wait in the parking lot and enter at Jeongguk's signal.

"Is over there good, baby?" Taehyung asked motioning his chin to the side of the road while he slowed down the car.

"Mhm," Jeongguk nodded and Taehyung pulled over. Jeongguk went over the plan with him one more time before he drove off. The walk to their school wasn't too long, less than ten minutes.

As he stepped foot inside, he couldn't help but think about all the beautiful moments he's experienced in the very place. He walked through hallways he and his friends used to run around with their snacks, saw the classrooms he used to have class with some of his favourite teachers, passed the storage room Jeongguk always dragged Taehyung to makeout, the memories felt fresh.

"Jeon Jeongguk!" a voice yelled his name as soon as he entered his school's gymnasium.

"Kim Yerim!" Jeongguk gasped and the girl immediately ran over to him, engulfing him in a tight hug that Jeongguk immediately returned.

"God, you don't look a day over twenty," Jeongguk said pulling away. The woman smiled and flipped her hair dramatically.

"Well would I be a beautician if my skincare routine wasn't bomb?" she said and Jeongguk chuckled.

"C'mon, let's go meet the others," Yerim said, hooking her arm with Jeongguk. "I honestly thought you wouldn't be coming tonight."

"Really? Why?"

"You know, the thought of seeing Taehyung again must feel pretty weird right? But good on you for putting that aside."

Jeongguk nodded and did his best the hide the smile. This prank was going to be so good. They met with some friends Jeongguk used to talk to and everyone instantly reconnecting. They caught up on life, relationships, families and whatnot.

"Shit, don't look now but Taehyung just walked into the room," Hoseok said as Jeongguk instructed and he did his best not to show any reactions as all heads but his turned towards him.

"God, no wonder he became a model. Honestly, Jeongguk, being with guys that are way too perfect could be so bothersome. It's a good thing you two ended it," Hyejoong said, taking a sip of her drink.

"I know right. It'll feel like you have to constantly reach their level," Junhee added and Jeongguk frowned. He understood his friends were just trying to make him feel better but it all got too real all of a sudden. He couldn't stop himself from taking a step back and listening to their words. Taehyung was totally out of his league.

"It's whatever, guys. I'm glad he's doing well," Jeongguk muttered.

"You're just so thoughtful, Gguk. Oh, but did you hear about the scandal he was involved in with his secretary? I honestly don't believe it was a ploy, it's what all big celebrities do."

"Mhm. They date and ditch. Even if they're in a relationship."

"I'm sure it wasn't like that," Jeongguk said, wondering where this was even going. He looked at Hoseok for help but the man looked as clueless as him.

"Why are you defending him, Jeongguk? We heard about what happened, the break up was totally unfair to you."

"It should've happened sooner, you deserve much better than him. He's not the right guy for you."

"Really?" Jeongguk asked, his voice becoming small.

"Yeah, you two were the complete opposites. I mean, yeah opposites attract but you should have some similarities, no?"

"Hm, the reason why me and my last girlfriend broke up."

"And how long did you have pin after him? He's not worth your time."

"High school relationships are cute and all, but it'll never survive in the real world."

"You'll get with your soulmate soon enough, Gguk."

Jeongguk held his cup tight. How could he reveal he was dating this man after all that they're saying? Was what they're saying true? Are they not as compatible as Jeongguk's been thinking? This was a terrible idea. He would've rather been concealed to his classmate's true feeling.

"Hey, I'm going to go grab another drink," Jeongguk said and excused himself. On his way to the table, he bumped into Kumi and he momentarily forgot about what just happened.

"Oh my god, you made it," Jeongguk exclaimed giving her a hug.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Kumi said pulling away.

"We seriously need to talk more, I haven't even talked to Taehyung in a while."

Jeongguk nodded. Taehyung had told him how busy Kumi has been that he hadn't even gotten the opportunity to tell her about their relationship.

"Oops, I shouldn't have brought him up. I'm so sorry," she said, covering her mouth with her hand.

"No, no, it's alright," Jeongguk replied, about to tell her that they actually got back together. She was their number one supporter after all.

"I get it though, it was better for you both. After all, high school relationship are usually created from immature choices. It was fun while it lasted but we all gotta move on, right?"

Jeongguk's face fell. "You're not disappointed?"

"Not really. You two were able to grow further without each other, it makes sense," Kumi said and Jeongguk nodded slowly.

"Well it was great seeing you, Kumi. I hope I see you around later tonight," he said, hoping to leave this conversation.

"Yeah, for sure. And remember Gguk, you'll find the right one for you."

Jeongguk forced a smile and walked away from her to the table. He set his cup down and scanned the crowd for Taehyung. When he finally found him standing alone, he walked over to him immediately.

"Oh hey, is it time for the fight?" Taehyung whispered.

"I wanna go home," Jeongguk said keeping his voice steady. He didn't want to be standing in a room full of people who thought Jeongguk and Taehyung weren't right for each other. He was expecting people to lie for him but he also expected a few "you two were so cute together" or "it's a bummer you two broke up, you guys were couple goals".

"What? But we haven't even–"

"Please, Taehyung," Jeongguk begged and Taehyung understood not to question further.

"Okay, lets go," he said. Jeongguk nodded and the two walked out of the gymnasium as seamlessly as possible. When they were outside, Jeongguk felt like he could finally breathe.

"Hey, what happened?" Taehyung asked and Jeongguk shook his head lightly, not wanting to think about it.

"Well, before we leave, wanna go see our tree?"

Jeongguk gasped, he almost forget about it! Of course Taehyung knew just the thing to cheer him up and that's when he decide that he didn't care what people said, Taehyung was the one for him. There's no one else in this universe that knew him as well as Taehyung did. No one that could make his heart flutter like he does. No one that loves him as much as he does.

"Yes! Oh, I really hope they haven't cut it down," Jeongguk said and grabbed Taehyung's hand, leading him to the back of their school.

It was still there, standing big and tall, much larger then when Taehyung had confessed to him. Jeongguk smiled and let go of his boyfriend's hand so that he could run up to it, memories of his second kiss flashing before his eyes. His hand ghosted over the bark, his finger's catching onto the string light they must've hung up previously. Suddenly, as if Jeongguk hand set a spark, they all lighted up.

"Woah, Tae, I think I accidentally did som–" Jeongguk started, turning back to look at Taehyung. "Oh my god," he breathed out and covered his mouth with a hand as he saw Taehyung standing down on one knee.

"You better no be tying your shoelace-less shoes right now," Jeongguk said and Taehyung laughed, shaking his head. The man stretched out an arm and Jeongguk couldn't help but laugh through his watering eyes as he stepped forward and gave Taehyung his hand.

"Jeongguk," Taehyung began and Jeongguk couldn't help it, the first tear slipped through. He continued. "You once promised me that you'd take me on an adventure everyday. You've shown me places I've never been to before, emotions for you that I don't have enough words to describe, and beautiful memories filled with happiness and love. Everyday that passes with you, I think to myself how could I have gotten so lucky? I want to make sure that you'll never slip away from my life again. You're my forever."

Taehyung paused and bit his lip to hold back tears of his own that were threatening to fall. He reached into his coat pocket with a velvet box, opened and ready, with the rings he'd be waiting to give Jeongguk for eight years. He took in a deep breath and showed him the ring.

"And I want to be your forever. Jeon Jeongguk, will you marry me?"

Jeongguk let the hand that was covering his mouth fall to the side. He recognized that box very well. He didn't realize he was taking so long, time just felt to move very slowly for him until he noticed Taehyung's worried expression deepen by the second.

"Yes. Yes, of course," Jeongguk answered nodding his head at the same time. Taehyung grinned wide as he let go of Jeongguk's hand for just a second to pull out the ring and place it through his finger. Jeongguk smiled and grabbed the matching ring, slipping it onto Taehyung.

"You got me scared there for a second," Taehyung said as he stood up and pulled Jeongguk towards him by grabbing his waist. Jeongguk instinctively threw him arms around Taehyung's neck.

"Yeah, I was making a pros and cons list. It was a close but you're lucky you're pretty," Jeongguk teased and Taehyung rolled his eyes.

"And that I love you so much," Jeongguk added.

"I love you so much too," Taehyung replied, taking a moment to look into Jeongguk's glowing eyes before he connected their lips together. Jeongguk didn't know if he was crazy or if he felt flower petals falling from the tree. A tree with just leaves.

"Woohoo!" loud cheers got Jeongguk to pull away instantly. His eyes found all his classmates screaming from their old classroom. They were either older glowing cheer sticks or throwing flower petals that just reached them by the bare minimum.

"No way," Jeongguk realized. It made sense, why all his friends were saying such words and why their 10 year reunion turned into 8. He looked back at Taehyung and hit him on the chest. "You planned this! You all pranked me."

"Possibly," Taehyung said. Jeongguk scoffed and before he could start scolding his boyfriend– fiancé, Taehyung quickly cut him off with another kiss.

"Enough kissing already, come back you lovebirds!" the heard Kumi yell and the two pulled away laughing.

"You're amazing," Jeongguk said, taking another look at all the decorations.

"You deserve nothing but the best," Taehyung replied. "Well, we should get going."

"Mhm. I have to give everyone a good scolding for pranking me."

•—•—•

KTH

EARLIER...

"What if he says no?" Taehyung asked nervously as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his leg bouncing aggressively.

"And why the hell would he do that?" Jimin asked.

"I don't know. Maybe he's not ready? Or he doesn't want to marry me? Or cause I'm a loser?"

"Okay not of that is true. Well, maybe not the loser one."

"Jimin!" Taehyung yelled and he heard the man chuckle.

"I'm kidding, babe. You two belong with each other. Even if Jeongguk says no, you'll still be with him. But think about what'll happen when he says yes! I thought you wanted to marry him, sounds like you're the one not ready."

Taehyung shook his head even though Jimin couldn't see. "I do. I really do. He completes me, Jimin. I just feel so happy and loved when I'm with him, nothing else in the world matters when he's hugging me or telling me about how much he loves the little mole underneath my eye. There's not a doubt in my mind. I want to spend the rest of my life with him."

"Wow. If you don't propose to him, I will."

"What?"

"For you, you idiot. Now go inside and get your future husband!"

"Okay, okay. I'm going to do it. Thank you so much Jimin."

"You got this, Tae. Sorry I couldn't be there. Love you."

"Love you too," Taehyung said before pressing the end call button on the screen. He checked the ring box one more time before he placed it back in and went inside. He's already talked to everyone about his little prank that'll get Jeongguk to leave and them to the tree without suspicion. He only hopes he'll say yes.

•—•—•

JJG

Jeongguk knew fairytales weren't real. That didn't stop him from dreaming up a life where he'd get his happily ever after. Until a certain point in his life, he believed that he actually had the chance. He didn't know when exactly he stopped, maybe when he and Taehyung broke up or when his fourth grade teacher told him fairytales aren't real. But Jeongguk's recently started to have a little faith in them again so why not revisit his favourite of them all?

Jack and the Beanstalk. No one would've ever guessed a romantic like Jeongguk would ever choose the title over something like Rapunzel. It's true though, and there was only one reason Jeongguk loved it so much. It was the story in the book Taehyung gave him all those years ago.

"What're you looking at, baby?" Taehyung asked as he approached Jeongguk and wrapped him in a back hug. "Is that...?" he asked with a pleased smile.

"Mhm," Jeongguk hummed, opening the book carefully. Cracking sounds of the spline filled the quiet room. Jeongguk only opened it a few times after Taehyung gave it to him, afraid he'd somehow break the book.

It's where it all began. All it took for the start of their story was another. Maybe fairytales are real after all.

Jeongguk chuckled, remembering the day clearly. "I didn't know half the words but I thought the illustrations were epic."

"I can never forget the image of little Jeongguk crying while sipping aggressively on his juice box," Taehyung joked and the other rolled his eyes.

Jeongguk flipped the second last page, knowing exactly what he'd find. "It's one of your daisies from the day you moved," Jeongguk whispered, hovering a finger of the delicate thing.

"You've kept it all these years?"

Jeongguk turned his head to the side so that he could see as much of his boyfriend as he could. "If you don't recall, I was kind of obsessed with you."

"Correction," Taehyung said and got close to the man's ear. "You still are," he whispered then nipped a little kiss on his ear.

Jeongguk scoffed and elbowed his side, getting Taehyung to lean away and laugh. "If it helps, I'm also very obsessed with you."

"Hmm."

"I'll put this in the fragile marked box?" Taehyung asked and Jeongguk nodded, closing the book with care then passing it over.

Jeongguk turned back to take a look at his nearly empty apartment. It was quite the sluggish place but Jeongguk knew he'd be missing it very much. Then again, he also felt happy about leaving it behind. Ever since Jeongguk's moved, it's been sad and lonely nights. Thinking about his unaccepting parents, the love of his life he lost, the unsatisfying job and how his life became so monotone.

He's leaving all those bad thoughts behind. Jeongguk doesn't need them when he's living his happily ever with Taehyung. He was grateful for them though, it made the wait seem so much more worth it and his present all the much better.

"Hey you think we'll ever get a divorce?" Jeongguk asked as he continued to clear his remaining drawers.

"We haven't even gotten married yet!" Taehyung exclaimed from the other side of the room.

"Just answer the question!"

"Hmm, maybe once or twice."

Jeongguk gasped and turned around, chucking the panda stuffed animal in his hands in Taehyung's direction.

"I'm kidding. I'm never letting you go, I'll keep you locked in my basement if I have to."

"Ooh, kinky," Jeongguk mused and Taehyung shot a brow up, but they both laughed and carried on with the rest of their duty.

It took them some time before everything was finally loaded off and sent with the moving companies. Just on time, they heard the first of the many knocks at their doors. The couple had invited everyone as a little going away party that consisted of them all just sitting on the empty floor with champagne in their hands.

"I'm gonna miss you both so much, I can't wait for your wedding to come," Jangmi said when she pulled away from hugging the couple.

"And we can't wait for yours," Jeongguk replied. Mr. Kim had put aside what people would think and finally popped the question.

"Take good care of him, okay?" Namjoon said to Taehyung while Leena and Yoongi stood beside him.

"Who's gonna eat chicken with us at two in the morning?" Sooyung whined with a pout.

"We're only a call away," Jeongguk replied and Hoseok nodded, rubbing his girlfriend's arms in hopes of comfort.

When they moved onto their office circle, it was obvious they had all made some kind of agreement to have big smiles that they all ended up failing on.

"You're going to do great things, Director Park," Taehyung said as he patted Jinyoung's back.

"You too, Chief Executive Officer Kim."

"Of course he is," Jeongguk joined in. "He's Jeon Jeongguk's boyfriend after all."

"Can't wait to ride your private jet to the wedding," Jisoo joked thinking it'd take away from the fact that tears were running down her cheeks. Jeongguk gave her the tightest hug.

"The office won't be the same without you, Gguk. Make sure to call often," Chaeyoung said and Jeongguk promised to.

"I'm glad you could make it, Papa," Jeongguk said, holding onto his parents' hands.

"We entrust our son with you, Taehyung-ah," Mr. Jeon said and Taehyung nodded.

"Are we ready to go?" Jimin asked. He flew in with the excuse to help them when in reality he just wanted to see Eunwoo. He didn't exactly know how many trips he was going to have to make but he was going to make it work. Taehyung helped him with that speaking from his own experience.

Jeongguk took in a deep breath and looked around at everyone staring back at him waiting for his response. He turned back to Jimin and nodded. "Yup, let's go."

Everyone gave the two another hug as they walked out the door. Jeongguk gazed at his empty apartment for a few seconds before he finally closed the door and turned the lock, leaving it in the mail box as the owner instructed.

Taehyung was standing right behind him, ready to take his hand and hold onto it tightly. "Let's hit the road!" Jeongguk announced.

When they reached the airport, Jeongguk was happy no one had came. Everything felt all the more real there. Sure, he could always call them or maybe even visit them a few times a year, but he was still leaving the people he called home from the beginning of time.

"Hey, you okay?" Taehyung pulled him out his thoughts as they were seated in the waiting area. Jeongguk glanced at Taehyung and one look in his eyes is all Jeongguk needed to know he wasn't leaving home. Taehyung was his home; his safe place. He's right where he's supposed to be.

"Mhm. A lil' hungry," he said. Taehyung was instantly on his feet and leading him to a a shop they saw on their way to buy him something to eat.

Jeongguk waited at a table, mindlessly scrolling through his phone while Taehyung was in line. He was so distracted that he didn't hear the faint calling of his name until the man was right beside him.

"Jeongguk-hyung."

Jeonnguk looked up at the man that stood in front of him, a small gasp leaving his lips as he began to recognize who it was.

"Cha Pilsoo?" Jeongguk gawked at the man who only smiled.

"Ah, so it is you. How have you been hyung?" Pilsoo asked just as Jeongguk stood up from his seat.

"Good, good. Looks like you've been great," Jeongguk replied, patting the side of his shoulder that had bulked up a lot since the last time he'd seen him.

"Yeah, life's been treating me well."

"Good to hear. Going on a trip?"

"I'm going on my honeymoon," he said and twisted slightly to find someone. "That's my wife over there," he pointed at a woman talking on the phone with someone.

"Wow, our Pilsoo grew up! Congratulations, you two will make beautiful babies," Jeongguk said and Pilsoo laughed.

"You're still the same, hyung," he said and Jeongguk chuckled. "So, are you regretting rejected me?" he joked and Jeongguk rolled his eyes.

"You wish, I'm here with my fiance actually," Jeongguk said proudly and crossed his arms.

"Ah, so you're still together with Taehyung."

"Hm? How'd you know?"

"Uh, love is fake if you aren't. Plus, I remember being super jealous. Only Taehyung would make you smile like that."

Jeongguk grinned. "He's in line," he said quietly, pointing his chin towards his direction.

"Well it was really nice seeing you again, hyung. We've got to get moving but we really need to catch up."

"Mhm, I'm going to reactivate my SNS. Have fun, Pilsoo-ah."

"You too, hyung."

Jeongguk waited until Pilsoo rejoined with his wife before he took his seat back. He placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his palm. He watched Taehyung the entire time and whenever he caught his gaze, Jeongguk would send him a playful wink that'd either get a chuckle out of Taehyung or his cheeks on fire.

"Excuse me, sir, but I have a fiance so I'm going to have to ask you to stop flirting with me," Taehyung said when he got to the table.

"Oh forget him, it's just you and me here baby."

Taehyung set the drinks and sandwiches down on the table. "Oh my fiance wouldn't like that."

"I'm sure he wouldn't," Jeongguk finished their little skit. Taehyung snickered and bend down to press a kiss on the man's forehead before taking his seat.

"I love you," Jeongguk said and Taehyung stopped unraveling the wrapper.

"I love you too. Is something up?"

"No," Jeongguk answered, shaking his head as he took as sip of his drink. "Just wanted you to know."

"Hm."

Taehyung had gotten them first-class tickets and Jeongguk was amazed with all that was included. He especially liked that they could combine both their seats to create one bed and the curtains they could use to have some privacy.

"Are you ready?" Taehyung asked a few minutes before takeoff.

"Mhm," Jeongguk hummed. He'd been on planes before, he'd even gone with Taehyung to America before, he shouldn't be this nervous.

"It's going to be alright," Taehyung assured him noticing his tensed position. Jeongguk nerves didn't relax until Taehyung grabbed his face gently and connected their lips for a short kiss.

"Better?" he whispered when he pulled away.

Jeongguk smiled. "God, you know me so well."

"Do I?"

"Yeah, now kiss me again, please."

"As many times as you want, baby."

Jeongguk and Taehyung were going to be fine. It's been proven time and time again, as long they were together, they were going to be just fine. Everyone knew it, their destiny knew it, and most importantly, they knew it.

THE END

—•
wow it's over

i don't even know what to say gosh i thought i was ready to say bye to this fic but wowww

there's no third book and i don't have an epilogue planned so this is really it!

thank you all for joining me on this journey, it's been one of my favourites to write and i really hope you all enjoyed it.

i won't be starting any new works but you can check out my other fics if you want!

thank you so much again. i love you all!
bye<3
– thea