AUG 14, 20XX - Monday
'8 years later'

"Congratulations!"

Everyone cheered for me as I made my way past them, briefcase in hand.

I was in a rush, but I still managed to throw them a wide grin over my shoulder.

"Thanks!"

Of course with my luck, when I turned back around, I bumped straight into someone.

Their hands balanced me delicately and I already knew who it was as he always treated me so delicately.

Looking up, I met eyes with starry ones. 

"Congrats on winning your case, Ms. Moon."

A slow smile spread across my face, his smile awfully contagious.

"Thank you, Mr. Jeon."

His laugh stuttered a bit, a blush coming across his cheeks as he looked away.

I watched him purse his lips inward as he took a moment to think. It wasn't long before his eyes met mine again with confidence.

"Um... Hari, could I talk to you for a second?"

You've waited 8 years, Hari.

You could wait a little longer.

"Sure." 

I joined him to the side of the lobby, nodding in response to those who congratulated me as they passed by. I made sure to return my attention to the lawyer who stood before me.

"So, I was just wondering..." He began slowly before squeezing his eyes shut, "Would you like to have dinner with me?" 

My heart dropped slightly.

He was trying again...

I thought he had moved on by now.

"I'm sorry, Jungkook."

His face fell, but something told me he actually prepared himself for this.

"I...uh... actually...I'm engaged."

Maybe now he could finally move on.

Jungkook turned a bright shade of red. "O-Oh, I see..."

I smiled at him.  "You'll find someone, Kookie."

He was extremely popular at college, something that also carried over at the law firm.

He wasn't going to have a problem finding someone else.

"I'm sure of it."

He nodded with a tiny smile. 

I returned the nod before making my way towards the exit.

"Hari!" Jungkook called out, just as I was about to push the door open.

I let my hand linger on the handle, turning around at the sound of my name.

"Congrats." He smiled.

I smiled back before finally pushing the door to head outside, the chilly air welcoming me.

I had a lot to be congratulated about.

I was a criminal defense attorney that just won a case.

A special case.

It was a retrial and my client just got acquitted.

He wasn't just any client either.

Exhaling, I turned to watch as someone stepped out on the other side of the courthouse.

I forgot how to breathe.

8 years and he still took my breath away.

"Hari."

The low rumble in his voice was enough to get the tears in my eyes.

He was finally free.

He was finally mine.

I slowly took steps closer.

And in those steps, I remembered every time I headed in his direction.

From the first time we bumped into each other, to when I took his hand in the alley, from when he ran saved me in the warehouse, to running into each other's arms at the airport.

"Hari," He said my name once and I couldn't wait any longer. I ran and threw myself into his arms.

Where I belonged.

Where I always belonged.

"I-it was so hard," I cried. "It was so hard without you. I...I wanted to give up. The pain could've killed me."

"I know," He whispered over and over, holding me closer. "I know and I'm sorry."

I shook my head, staying in his arms until I stopped crying.

Finally pulling away, I wiped away my tears with the sleeve of my blazer.

That's when something caught my attention.

 D o  Y o u  b e l i e v e  i n  f a t e?

My lips parted and as I focused on Taehyung, I noticed just how the sun was hitting behind him and how his smile radiated more warmth than it could ever. 

A car pulled up on the side of the road, getting our attention.

Out came Yoongi, who came around and opened the back to help the younger passenger.

Curiously, I turned over to watch Taehyung's reaction.

As his eyes landed on her, Taehyung's mouth opened, tears flooding his eyes.

"She's beautiful."

Letting go of Yoongi's hand, the young girl immediately rushed over to him, locking her arms around his neck as he crouched down for her.

Because I made sure she knew who her father was.

It wasn't until a tear slid down my cheek that I realized I was crying again.

Things are finally how they should be.

I looked over at Yoongi and gave him a grateful bow of my head, he returned a light chuckle.

Since his time out of jail, he's helped me in a number of ways. Especially when it came to Chiri. Ultimately, He had made it his duty to live in Namjoon's name and to make sure that we are taken care of.

Crouching down by Taehyung and Chiri, they welcomed me into their embrace.

"Thank you," Taehyung whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

His eyes sparkled, "For fulfilling all my wishes."

Placing a kiss on my cheek, he continued,

"And for giving me a home to come back to."

Warmth radiated throughout me.

Life wasn't easy without him.

But I had to work hard so we could live better. 

I made sure that I graduated and went to law school in order to become the best criminal defense attorney around. 

So that I could get him the sentencing he deserved,

So that I could get him a beautiful two-story house to return to,

and so our 7-year old daughter (who looks just like him) could welcome him home.

I did it all for him.

For us.

Looking between us, Chiri giggled before pulling free to run back to Yoongi.

Taehyung chuckled and as I turned to look at him, he took the chance to quickly lean in and capture my lips.

And after all this time, 

My lips have never forgotten how perfect his lips fit with my own.

Taehyung caressed the side of my face as he deepened our kiss, taking all the time in the world to make me forget about how painful the past 8 years have been without him.

Because we now had forever to look forward to.

And forever is a beautifully long time.

✦

WHAT IS LOVE?

LOVE IS A MIRACLE

THAT I DONT DESERVE,

BUT WHAT YOU GAVE WAS

UNCONDITIONAL.

✦

End