♬ Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky ♬

- "Burning Love," Elvis Presley

"You want us to go together?" Jeongguk asked as he fixed his hair in front his vanity table. He saw in the reflection how Taehyung was wandering across the room and he doesn't know what to do. Taehyung seem distraught that he didn't even heard Jeongguk's question.

The younger went towards his direction, cupped his cheeks and looked at him in the eye. "Why do you look like bothered?" Jeongguk asked, trying to remain the eye contact. Although he was facing Jeongguk, Taehyung's eyes were shifted downwards. He wanted to avoid the younger's stare. Something was going on inside his head.

"It's nothing, Gguk! Let's enjoy today, alright? Nevermind that. I'm alright, love," Taehyung assured him as he shrugged his thoughts away and dismissing Jeongguk's worrying. He slowly slid his hands on the younger's waist like they would fit like puzzles. Jeongguk smiled at him, and he didn't fail to charm Taehyung. The older's face became at ease as they both stared at one another.

"I love you," Taehyung said all of the sudden, even Jeongguk was surprised. The younger giggled and hid his shied face.

"You know what? Calm down, seat back, and relax. Everything's going to be alright. Don't go walking around the room like that. You're making me dizzy," Jeongguk said and guided Taehyung to sit on his bed. "Now, now look at me," Jeongguk commanded and Taehyung complied immediately. Jeongguk started fixing the strands of hair that fell infront of Taehyung's face.

"Trying to change the conversation, huh?" Taehyung smirked as he watched Jeongguk fix his hair for him. The younger tried to stifle his smile as he continued combing the older's locks using his hand. Jeongguk then sat back and looked at Taehyung's face again.

"Don't you look alright? There, there. Your ribbon tie is not properly fixed," Jeongguk said and started fixing it along with Taehyung's collar. Today is the students' night celebration, a.k.a prom, and they had decided that they will be going together to the venue. Jeongguk didn't mind although he was already thinking how would people react if they saw them again together.

After confirming to each other that they are indeed in a relationship that day in the park, Taehyung always had the force to stick around Jeongguk like they were magnets. Of course, Jeongguk was fine with it, although he would want it to happen privately. He's not yet ready to tell everyone else that he's in a relationship, moreover, with a guy. They both think the world wasn't ready for that conversation.

How would their friends react to that? How about their classmates? Their families? During these times that being in a relationship with your same sex was always a taboo, when will they have the courage to finally open up themselves to the society?

"How long will it take you to say it back?" Taehyung asked Jeongguk. The younger tilted his head in complete confusion, never understanding what Taehyung had meant. The older just laughed breathily and dismissed it by shaking his head. He stood and walked towards the direction of the door. "Let's go or we'll be late at the party."

Jeongguk and Taehyung both walked downstairs and they saw Jeongguk's father sitted in the living room. "Don't you two look entrancing?" Mr. Jeon complimented. Taehyung smiled at him like he's the proudest man alive. "Don't forget to take home women tonight!" Mr. Jeon added. They both stopped in their tracks.

Jeongguk stared at his father and laughed awkwardly at him. "It's not in my plans yet, father," Jeongguk said.

"I suppose it is already in Taehyung's list to take home lots of girls tonight. You should look up to him as always, Jeongguk. You are always being left out," Mr. Jeon replied and Jeongguk's face turned into a frown. Taehyung placed his hand on Jeongguk's shoulder to remind him he's doing fine.

"I don't think I look ravishing enough to take home a girl tonight, Mr. Jeon. Nevertheless, I will try," Taehyung replied nonchalantly, almost sounded like it was mockery. He's a little pissed not because he feels insulted, but it's because how Mr. Jeon told them to take women like they were some sort of giveaway prices. Taehyung respects women a lot and all he wanted was for everyone to be treated equally, especially by older men that he believes they should know "a lot" already by their age.

"You both go ahead. Jeongguk," Mr. Jeon called for his son's name like he was reminding him of something. They both immediately went outside before they could say something bad about Jeongguk's father. Taehyung opened the door to the passenger's seat and guided Jeongguk.

"I'm so sorry about my father. He's been like that since I knew," Jeongguk said and looked at Taehyung as he wore his seatbelt and sat properly at the driver's seat. He stared at Jeongguk as he placed his both hands on the steering wheel.

"Do you still want to go or let's just proceed to go off to somewhere else?" Taehyung asked. It took Jeongguk a few seconds before he could respond. "If you're not going to be my last dance tonight then let's not attend the party," Taehyung said moreover.

Jeongguk felt like a tomato for the nth time over Taehyung's little flirty conversations. "Let's still go. Our friends are waiting," Jeongguk said, unable to look at Taehyung in the eye. Taehyung nodded and started the engine. They traveled silently to the venue. The night lights were making the city shine. It is seven in the evening, the air was cold already. The party lasts until midnight.

Taehyung assisted Jeongguk all along as they both went out of the car. They arrived in the place at seven-thirty pm. The parking lot was almost full, and people were probably inside already. It's about time the ceremony will start, meaning they are both a little late.

Jeongguk stared at Taehyung's hand when the older reached it out to him. He was bemused as to what Taehyung meant but then he just placed his hand on it. "We have to hurry," Taehyung finally spoke and held on Jeongguk's hand tightly. The younger's eyes were widened when he started to get pulled by Taehyung.

As they arrived at the entrance, they stopped for a while as they searched for their cards. Taehyung had to let go too because they can't be seen holding hands in public even if they're already in a relationship. Jeongguk gave his pass to Taehyung and the older presented them to the guards.

When the doors were wide open, they started hearing the smooth ballad music along with the emcee's introduction for the ceremony. Students filled the tables and seats. Friends are in one circle or two and Jeongguk and Taehyung looked for Jimin first because they talked about being  together just before the event. When they spotted their bestfriend, Jimin noticed them too and started waving his hand a little to catch their attention.

The venue was decorated with very much flowers, red carpets, and balloons. The chairs were almost hidden underneath the women's overflowing vintage dresses. The men looked neat with their suits and blazers. The stage in front of them where the emcee stood also had ornaments with the letters and numbers "STUDENTS' NIGHT 1978."

Jeongguk and the others attentively listened to the speaker in front. A woman made her way to their table, excusing herself as she pass by others. "Jeonggukie!" she almost screamed. Everyone near her had to shift their heads to see to whom the voice came out. She lifted and held her dress as she sat gracefully in the unoccupied seat. "We've met again at last," she whispered this time, she doesn't really like the attention.

Taehyung also looked Jeongguk's way, back to the newcomer. "Vivianne! What are you doing here?" Jeongguk, who was utterly confused, faced her with a surprised face. The speaker before went off the stage and another one stood at the platform. Taehyung, who doesn't know what's going on, moved his chair a little closer to them. He barely managed to do so because Jimin was in between him and Jeongguk.

"Of course, I was invited because I study at Maple University. I never had any idea you are studying here too. Oh, Monsieur Jimin, Monsieur Taehyung. Bonjour!" she exclaimed with her peculiar accent when she noticed the other boys were there too. As usual, her blonde hair was braided and it fell into her shoulders like they were dominoes. Her dress was unique in color and design. It looks like she was the star of the night because people kept looking and complimenting her in secret. Jimin was awestruck but he managed to wave his hand a little and smiled at her. Taehyung almost didn't pay attention to her but he raised his eyebrow at her.

"Bonjour," Taehyung greeted back and stared back at Jeongguk. Vivianne and Jeongguk talked about different things and giggled silently as they listened to the emcee and waited for the food to be served. Taehyung, who doesn't know what to do, blew his cheeks up as he eavesdropped at Jeongguk's and Vivianne's conversation. Jimin started noticing this and he assumed he was jealous of her.

"Just let them talk. Jeongguk isn't going anywhere. He's still yours even if he talks to other people," Jimin reminded him as he elbowed Taehyung to stop him from listening to their conversation. Taehyung glared at him, signaling him like he said something he should not have.

"I'll just accompany Jimin to the rest room," Taehyung excused themselves to Vivianne and Jeongguk. Jimin, who was confused of Taehyung's statement just played along and stood with him, leaving them and proceeded to the rest room. Taehyung and Jimin relieved themselves and then after that, they went to the sinks to wash their hands.

"She used to go to our shows a lot just to see you. Now she prefers Jeongguk's company than her favorite matinee actor," Jimin teasingly smiled at him. Taehyung just shook his head.

"You mean, "ex-performer"? Besides, she's just being friendly, I guess. I heard Jeongguk was her first best friend. He needs other company sometimes you know," Taehyung said and took out his handkerchief, wiping his hands and throwing the used cloth on the garbage bin afterwards. Jimin did the same.

"You're just jealous of her," Jimin talked back, still smiling and teasing Taehyung.

Meanwhile, when the two other boys went away, Vivianne started changing the topic of their conversation. She seemed really interested at Taehyung and she wanted to be close to him with the help of her best friend, Jeongguk. "Don't you think Monsieur Taehyung is handsome? I really attended his shows since I've seen him perform. It was saddening that he had to stop acting because of his father. Poor him," she said.

"I-um, yeah," Jeongguk replied with his cheeks turning into a crimson red. He just recalled kissing Taehyung when Vivianne said he was handsome. He doesn't even know why he thought that way. "I mean, yeah. I feel sad for Taehyung too. I knew how he loved his performances and how it made him feel appreciated. He made a lot of friends because of it too. Jimin was his best friend eversince."

"It's good that both of them went to the rest room. Now, I have a question to ask. Do you think Monsieur Taehyung will even look my way?" Vivianne started talking. Jeongguk, unable to reply to that question, started feeling uneasy. He started feeling uncomfortable because he's Taehyung's boyfriend and he can't even tell Vivianne that. Why does he feel bad for himself?

If Taehyung finds out about Vivianne's little crush on him, will his heart start beating for her? Will the older stop going around him and choose her? After all, Vivianne could become her girlfriend. She's beautiful, friendly, and she has a good family background. Their relationship will not be different with others and their families will accept them for who they are.

Why does he feel like he shouldn't be born this way?

"Jeongguk, are you alright? Why did you fell silent?" Vivianne tapped Jeongguk's shoulder to wake him up in the reality. Jeongguk was a little surprise but he just shrugged his thoughts away. He smiled at her to assure her he was alright. But he can't help to feel a little jealous because she had everything Jeongguk could be insecure about.

When Jimin and Taehyung arrived once again at the table, they started clapping because the introductions was finally finished. They started serving foods and drinks at their tables and they also feasted. Taehyung and Jeongguk who were a few chairs away from each other shared a glance but then Jeongguk immediately hung his head low to his food, avoiding meeting the older's eyes once again.

"The students' night dance will begin momentarily. We will announce the prom king and queen in a few minutes," the emcee said and the students started cheering. Thirty minutes had passed since they started eating and the majority of them finished their food already. Taehyung and Jeongguk never talked to each other again even if they shared the same table. There were moments that their group was trying to include them in their conversations but then they seem to be out of touch.

"May I have you attention, please?" said the female speaker who is at the stage. Students gave their attention to her. "The Prom King and Queen of the night are none-other-than..." There was thrilling drum roll. "Monsieur Kim Taehyung and Mademoiselle Vivianne Beaufort. Please give them a round of applause."

They were all elated and clapping about how good the two looked tonight. They truly charmed everyone else. Taehyung looked at Jeongguk first before walking to the platform and he was being gentleman to Vivianne as they walk to the stairs holding her hand. They told them to wear the crowns and the sashes. Someone took pictures of them together.

"As a winner, you two are each other's first dance before midnight!" The emcee added and people started clapping once again. They assisted them to the dance floor. Taehyung, who was a little uncomfortable just rode along and put his hands on Vivianne's waist and they started swaying when the music played.

Pair by pair, they were joined by everyone else around the room. Everyone danced along with the soft ballad music. The night is still young and the moment was enchanted. It was too much for Jeongguk to see because he was a hopeless romantic. He believes in the tale of your first dance before midnight and so he didn't want to see Taehyung standing and dancing with his hands around another person's body.

When the dance stopped, Taehyung noticed Jeongguk was nowhere to be found. He tried asking Jimin where he was but he didn't get any answer from him and so he went out of the venue.

He was relieved to see the younger leaning on his car in the middle of the parking lot. He went towards his direction and leaned his back against his car too. "Why did you go out?" he asked, not looking at the younger.

"It was too loud. My ears can't handle it," Jeongguk lied, not also facing Taehyung but instead he was staring at the sky.

"Are you okay? Did you have fun?" Taehyung tried to start the conversation eventhough it felt awkward. Jeongguk just nodded his head, not letting out any word from his mouth. He doesn't know what to say.

There was a long silence between them. They both just stared at the sky as they listened to the crickets sing. It is already eleven forty-eight in the evening. The smooth ballad music in the venue was turned into a loud pop music and they both could hear it from where they stood.

"Tae," Jeongguk finally spoke. Taehyung can't help to stare at him this time. He waited for the younger to continue his message. "Do you believe in the story of your first dance?" Jeongguk asked.

Taehyung who didn't know what that was tilted his head in confusion. "What is it?"

"They say that the last person you shared your last dance with, during prom before midnight, will be your partner for your lifetime," Jeongguk explained. Now, Taehyung was curious and wondering if Jeongguk really believed that that's why he didn't take his eyes off of him.

"Who told you that silly story? Do you mean to say I'm going to end up with Vivianne? We're not even close. You two seem close," Taehyung sneered and shifted his head on the other direction. Now, Jeongguk was the one who was staring.

"You're being funny," Jeongguk said. Taehyung stared at his wristwatch and saw the time. It is three minutes before midnight strikes. Taehyung reached out his hand to Jeongguk.

"May I have this dance?" Taehyung asked. Jeongguk finally met the older's eyes when he heard the question. "Don't be dramatic. Take my hand now or you won't be the person I will have my last dance with," Taehyung added.

Jeongguk almost teared-up but he took Taehyung's hand. The older placed the younger's hands atop his shoulders and he slid down his hands on the younger's waist. Taehyung started humming a song and they both swayed along with it.

Midnight struck and fireworks started popping in the sky. It made the night sky bright and Jeongguk happily stared at them. He never felt this way for no one. He never felt this joy with someone else. Taehyung was definitely his light and love. He was jealous all along because he doesn't want to share his lover with someone else.

"Jeongguk," Taehyung called for him. He saw how bright the lights were in Jeongguk's eyes. The younger turned his head to the love of his life. "Happy birthday," he continued with a smile on his face.

Happy 5K reads, darlings (╥﹏╥). Thank you so much for all of your support. Coming up next is a  much detailed smut chapter, so you are free to skip it if you're not comfortable reading it. XOXO <3