November 18, 2019

"Why won't you tell me where we are going?" I whined for the millionth time shaking Tae's arm as he drove.

"Because it's a surprise and I don't feel like telling you," He exclaimed, turning to look at me briefly.

"But we are almost there anyways, tell me," I drawled out with a pout.

"No, Nari," he sternly responded not even looking at me.

"Fine," I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.

On a stop light Tae turned to me and grabbed one of my arms causing me to uncross them so he could grab hold my hand. Before the light turned green, he shot me a smile I couldn't resist as I smiled back. He doesn't even let me fake being mad at him, at least not when he looks at me like that. The rest of the drive I held back my curiosity and didn't ask him any more questions about our destination in its place I turned on the radio and sang along to whatever was on.

"Alright, we're here," Taehyung announced parking the car.

I scanned the area to see if I recognized where were until a large tower caught my eye, "Oh, Namsan tower, what are we going to do here?"

"I got us a reservation at one of the restaurants," he answered, putting on a black hat and his mask as a precaution in case he was recognized.

"Woah, aren't they super fancy?" I wondered out loud, slamming the car door behind me and meeting Taehyung on the sidewalk.

"Is there a problem with that?"

"I don't think so it's just very expensive," I dubiously said while we walked in the tower's direction which looked spectacular with the sunset behind it.

He shrugged, "It's not like I can't afford it."

"True," I nodded, accepting his point.

I wasn't going to fight him about spending a ridiculous amount of money on food. He has the right to spend his money whichever way he feels is right. I don't love when he spends lots of money on me, partly because I could never reciprocate the same way, but if it's something that's for the both of us then I don't mind it that much.

There weren't many people in the restaurant which was great. We got seated right by a window giving us an amazing view. Taehyung took off his mask and hat, setting them on the chair next to him. We talked as we picked what to eat and while we waited for the food. His posture was relaxed as he propped his chin on his hand and stared at me as he spoke. There were many subjects on the table such as school, family, recording, songwriting, and the upcoming events in December which BTS had to attend to.

"Why are most of the awards shows in December? You're going to be so busy," I grumbled at the news that Taehyung would be attending two awards show so far in the next month. The thing about these shows was that they tended to last a few days and one of them was all the way in Japan. I was excited for BTS since they would most definitely be receiving some awards celebrating their success, but it would mean no Taehyung.

"Sadly, and I won't be able to see you that much," he acknowledged, poking my nose in a cute way.

"I would like to do something before I go back home," I told him, grabbing his poking finger.

"We'll plan something. When do you leave?"

"December 22nd just in time for Christmas," I said, remembering the date circled on my calendar back in the dorm.

"Don't worry, we'll come up with something and if it makes you feel better, I think we're going to spend some time in California in January," Taehyung reassured me, taking a sip of his coke.

"That's great because I'm going to miss having you around," I softly admitted.

Dinner was delicious some of the best food I've ever tried, but nothing beats a home cooked meal by my mom. We had dessert too, which was another experience on its own I don't even know what I ate, it had a weird name, but it was chocolate, so all was good, by the end I could barely move from my seat. The waiter brought along the check and I made no move to see it my heart couldn't handle the shock of the amount of money dinner cost, yet without a hint of hesitation Tae swiped out his card to pay. As the waiter left to finish the transaction Taehyung switched seats and sat in the empty seat next to me.

"Hello there," I giggled, leaning my back against his chest as I focused on the scenery outside.

"What's up?"

"Not much, went on this date and now I'm staring at this incredible view," I responded, pointing out the window.

"You're looking the wrong way," he chided, grabbing my chin so I'd look at him instead, "There you go."

"When did you get so cocky?"

"You love it," he laughed, throwing his arm around my chest caging me in.

The last part of our date was a walk through the balconies of N tower. The air was cold seeing as winter was right around the corner, yet it didn't stop us from exploring the tourist site. As we walked, I noticed things dangling on the railings getting a closer look I realized there were thousands of locks with names on them.

"Do you know what this is about, Tae?"

"They are love locks," he responded coming up from behind me, his hand coming up to my waist, "Couples come here to leave a lock with their names, it's a way to show their commitment I guess, to showcase their unbreakable love."

"Oh," I softly breathed out.

I think this was it, the moment I've been waiting for what seems like forever, and although my heart was beating a thousand miles per hour, I have never felt more ready. This was Taehyung's perfect chance to confess his feelings and I hope he did because I know I was ready to spill all of mine. I didn't want to wait anymore, I didn't want to hold back any longer on things I wanted to say. In a month I'd be going back home so it's now or never.

"Nari?" he whispered.

"Yes, Taehyung?" I turned so we'd be face to face. The breeze ruffled his hair turning his nose a shade of pink. He took off his face mask stuffing it into his pocket before speaking again.

"I have to tell you something," Taehyung stated with shaky hands.

"What?" I had no idea if his hands were shaking out of nervousness or the cold, but that didn't deter me from grabbing hold of them in support.

With a deep breath Taehyung began speaking quietly, "Over the past few months, you have become one of the most important people in my life. You sneaked your way into my heart, earning my trust and my love, healing my broken pieces along the way. I know we were taking things slowly for many reasons, but I'm ready to take the next step with you. I know this because that horrible time I spent away from you made me realize that I am completely and irrevocably in love with you. I love you, Nari, my heart is yours, and it will make me the happiest man alive if you'd have me as your boyfriend. I know it won't be easy and require a lot of work because of my career, but I'm willing to give it my all if you are too."

"Taehyung..." His words meant so much to me it made my eyes tear up.

He expectantly waited for my response with wide eyes and trembling breathes.

"I love too," I answered with a watery smile.

Relief flooded him as his shoulders relaxed and his eyes closed. A beautiful boxy smile appeared on his lips as he opened his eyes again staring into mine. Slowly he leaned in our lips brushing as he whispered, 'I love you' and then he kissed me. No matter how many times he kissed me every time it was special making me feel more and more for him. I would never get tired of his lips on mine moving in sync and learning of the others secrets and desires. In a way we always knew what the other was feeling as we poured it all into our affections, but our insecurities prevented us from seeing it clearly. Now that everything was out in the open it couldn't be any more clearer.

"You make me happy," Taehyung grinned once we pulled apart.

"Stop it," I giggled, hiding my face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around me in a hug.

"I wish we had a lock," I mumbled into his shirt.

"Who says we don't?" From his jacket pocket, he fished out a gold lock that resembled two joined hearts.

"You came prepared, huh?" I asked him with a laugh.

"Always."

Right where we stood, we searched for an area to put our lock in. Once we found it Tae wrote our names in the lock with a sharpie to make it more official, and together, we locked it in. For future reference, we took a picture right by the lock, so we'd never forget where we left it. Several more pictures were also taken to remember this wonderful day. My favorite was a selfie we took and divided into two Taehyung saving my half as his home screen while I saved his in mine.

At the end of the night, he drove me back to the dorms and although we didn't want to leave the other it had to be done because I had classes early and he had to rehearse for the award shows. With a peck to his waiting lips and an 'I love you' I got out of the car and hurried inside because of the cold. I had a lot of processing to do tonight, but I couldn't be happier. My gut was right all along it was a good day filled with great moments I would never forget. As I laid in bed waiting for sleep to take over me, I scrolled through the pictures we took and the feeling of being the luckiest girl filled my being because I had Tae in my life.

A/N:

THEY ARE OFFICIAL, THEY ARE A THING, THEY ARE IN LOVE, TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW TAE HAS A GIRLFRIEND

What will they plan before Nari has to go back home?

And will the separation affect them?

But there is still a chapter or two until then.

As always, please, remember to vote, comment, and share with a friend.

-Nikki Marie 💜