10 Months Earlier
22-Years-Old

Aera felt terrible.

Her birthday was in a week, which meant Yoongi's had been the month before. She'd just learned that Yoongi had planned a big night for them to celebrate her, but she hadn't done the same for him. She'd gotten him a gift and a cake, but nothing big or extravagant. Typically, they didn't do extravagance for their birthdays. But for some reason, Yoongi had decided this year would be different for Aera.

"Yoongs," she asked him the night before her birthday. "Why are you planning such a big deal? You know we always just celebrate together at home."

Yoongi shrugged. "I feel like you deserve more this year."

"But why?"

Again, Yoongi shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Just worry about what you're going to wear. We're going to a nice dinner and then a club. So, think about that for your outfit."

Aera sighed. "Okay," she agreed reluctantly.

She wasn't even sure she wanted to do anything. She was still reeling from her break up with Hye, and didn't like leaving the apartment except to go to work. But Yoongi was so insistent, and seemed so excited, that she just couldn't bring herself to deny him these plans.

And so she picked out a cute and somewhat fancy dress that she hadn't worn in a long time. If they were going to do this, she supposed she should go all out, much like Yoongi seemed to be doing.

The night of her birthday, she was getting ready when there was a knock on her bedroom door. When she opened the door, there stood Yoongi in a very nice and, Aera knew, a very new suit. She felt herself deflate a bit; she hadn't gotten anything new for that night.

"You look great, Yoongs," she told him, trying her best to muster some enthusiasm. And she wasn't lying; he did look great. She just was disappointed she wouldn't look quite as good as he did.

"You look beautiful, A," he told her. "I love that dress on you."

Aera's cheeks turned pink. "Thanks," she said. "It's just one I already had. I know it's not that fancy. I should've gotten something new. I just – "

"A," Yoongi interrupted. "You look great. I mean it. It doesn't matter that the dress isn't new. In fact, I prefer this one over something new you could've gotten."

Aera furrowed her brow. "But why?"

"Don't you remember? You got this dress for that big party my company had last year. You were my date, and you said you'd gotten that dress because you wanted to look good for me. And you did. You were the envy of everyone that night. You really don't remember?"

Aera shook her head. "I'm sorry," she offered.

Yoongi chuckled. "It's okay. Basically, that dress is special to me. So, I'm glad you're wearing it. You look just as beautiful in it tonight as you did back then."

Again, Aera blushed slightly. "I'm glad you like it," she said quietly.

"Hey, why are you acting so down? You should be excited! We're gonna have a great time tonight!"

Aera suddenly felt terrible again. She was bringing Yoongi down, and he was excited about this night. She should try to do the same.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm just not used to getting all dressed up. I'll perk up, I promise."

Yoongi grinned. "Good. It'll be fun, okay?"

"Okay." Aera turned to finish putting on her jewelry and shoes, then joined him at the door. He smiled at her as he opened it and allowed her to exit first. Then, he held out his arm for her to hook her own around it.

She wanted to ask him why he was being such a gentleman, but then again, she didn't want to offend him. Yoongi was always a gentleman. This night was different, was all. And she couldn't figure out what was going through his head.

Aera was shocked when they made it to the restaurant Yoongi had picked. It was fancy. Too fancy. He'd had to make a reservation. And there was a dress code. And Aera felt completely out of place.

"Yoongs, why didn't you tell me we were coming here? I wouldn't have worn this!"

"Why not?"

"This dress isn't fancy enough for this place."

"Sure it is. It's okay, A. You need to relax."

Aera sighed internally. She didn't agree, but she reminded herself that she needed to stop complaining. The restaurant was beautiful, and she should feel thankful for getting to be there.

They were seated and Yoongi ordered Aera's favorite wine before she could object. It wasn't cheap, and he'd ordered a whole bottle. She then looked at the menu and was horrified to see the prices of the food.

"Yoongs," she said, embarrassed. "I-I can't afford this place."

Yoongi looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You thought you were paying?"

"We always go dutch."

"Not on your birthday," Yoongi said with a chuckle. "My treat tonight."

"I can't ask you to – "

"Which is why it's a good thing you didn't ask. This was my decision. C'mon, A, please try to have a good time. I've heard nothing but good things about this place. The food is supposed to be delicious."

"I have no doubt it is," Aera replied, looking around and then down at the menu again. "I just..."

"I know what you're thinking – "

"Well, good, because I have no idea what you're thinking."

Yoongi frowned. "Are you mad at me?"

Aera sighed. "No, I'm just...really confused."

Yoongi finally closed his menu and set it aside, then took Aera's and did the same. "A," he said, taking her hand across the table. "You've been cooped up in the apartment for months. You've done nothing but cry and be down. I understand why, but Hye isn't worth this. He never was. You're not yourself and I miss you."

Tears filled Aera's eyes and she looked away from Yoongi. "I-I know, I just..."

"You have every right to be sad," Yoongi assured her. "But I want you to be happy. Let me show you a good time...the type of time you always deserved but Hye never showed you. And just see if you can feel better. Even if it's just for tonight."

A single tear fell as Aera met Yoongi's eyes again. "Okay," she said quietly.

"Okay?"

"Okay."

"Good," Yoongi said as he let go of her hand and handed her menu back to her. "Get whatever you want," he said. "Don't you dare think about getting nothing but a damn salad or something. And I already know what the cheapest item on this menu is, so don't you try to get that either."

Aera couldn't help but smile. "How did you – "

"Because I know you. I also know you don't even really like salad, so that would've been a dead giveaway anyway."

Aera finally laughed. "Sometimes, I think you know me a little too well," she said.

"Ditto."

Aera finally began to relax. "Touche."

They then ordered and enjoyed their meal just as Yoongi had hoped. After they were done, Yoongi surprised Aera with a dessert that he'd asked the restaurant to prepare. It was her favorite, and they'd even written 'happy birthday' in chocolate on the plate. Aera's eyes lit up and she never even noticed the bright smile that graced Yoongi's lips at the look on her face.

By the time they left, Aera seemed to be almost too eager to continue having a good time. But, Yoongi reasoned, that could've been the wine.

"C'mon," he said, taking her hand outside of the restaurant. "Let's go dancing!"

"But I'm not much of a dancer."

"You will be tonight," Yoongi told her. "I can't dance either, but we'll figure it out together!"

Aera giggled. "Fine," she conceded.

They began walking toward the club Yoongi had decided on. "Hey, Yoongs," Aera said suddenly as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"What for?"

"Everything. You've always known what to say and do, but tonight has been extra special. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but thank you."

"You deserve everything, A," Yoongi said. "You've put up with being treated as less important than you are for too long. It's time you remember what you're worth."

Aera blushed slightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispered. "You're the best."

"No," Yoongi insisted. "You are."