For the next couple of hours, Taehyung and I lounged around the apartment laughing at some random videos online, listening to music, and dancing in the kitchen together while I made us breakfast. It was nice to finally have a moment together where we felt carefree and young again. No work, no mourning, no responsibilities or hardships to face. Just us being us and enjoying our time together until the real world sneaks back in to steal some of our joy.

He grabs his laptop and sits down at the kitchen island just as I'm pulling the buttered biscuits out of the oven. The grin on his face tells me that he's not doing anything work related as he clicks and types away, occasionally glancing up to smile at me with the soft glow from the screen illuminating his features.

"What are you up to?" I giggle as I toss two biscuits on to his plate and one on to mine.

He turns his laptop around so that I can see his screen and I step closer to lean in with squinted eyes, "Furniture?"

With an elated grin, he turns the computer back around and pats the bar stool next to him, "Mmhmm! I want to move into our home together as soon as possible."

I smile over at him with a nod before setting his plate down in front of him, "Okay babe. We can start looking."

We end up spending more time than I assumed we would discussing all of the different types of furniture and styles we liked and even ordering pieces that we both instantly agreed on. An entire living room set, master bedroom set, table for the breakfast nook, outdoor furniture, desk for the office, and other random pieces were added to the cart and bought by the time we were finished. Little things like art and decor pieces we figure we can pick out together once everything arrives which should be in by this weekend with express delivery that cost an arm and a leg.

We're both super excited to move into a home that we can call our own and start that next chapter of our lives together so when he chose the express delivery, I didn't even bat an eye. Who knows what the future may be holding for us, but I'm feeling completely at ease at all of the possibilities.

Before we knew it, it was almost time to go meet up with Tamera and her mother, Christine, at the cafe. As we're both rushing back towards the bedroom, Taehyung playfully keeps trying to nudge me out of the way as I push him out of the doorway with my hip. Through smiles and laughter at his random continued goofiness, I quickly swipe on some makeup and run the straightener through my hair before putting on some simple slacks, a blouse and some matching heels to keep it professional. Taehyung puts on the business suit and tie he was planning on wearing to the office anyway and we quickly make a mad dash out of the door so that we're not running late.

Pulling up to the cafe, we have only about ten minutes to spare until they should hopefully arrive so we grab a table for four and order some drinks at the counter to sip on while we wait. Taehyung pulls out his cell phone to handle some kind of business or something that keeps him occupied, but I nervously readjust myself in my seat as I continue to peak at the entrance waiting for them to show up.

"What if they don't come?" I whisper as I crane my neck up once again.

"They'll be here baby." He monotonously replies as he reaches out for my hand without looking up from his phone, still tapping away at the screen.

"But what if they don't?" I don't even know why I'm so anxious. Maybe it's because this is my first time in this situation. Maybe it's just the fact she'd be my first artist and she's so well known - someone that would surely get the ball rolling with my gallery.

He sets his phone down and turns towards me, grabbing both of my hands so that I can look him in the eye, "Then we have a wonderful lunch date together and you find someone else. What did Uncle Kim keep telling you?"

"Quit doubting myself." I respond with a head nod.

"Exactly." He smiles and lifts a hand to move some of the hair away from my face, "I don't doubt you or your capabilities for one second. Neither should you." He glances over my shoulder, "And I think they're here."

I turn around and smile at the teenage girl with her mother looking around for me. Standing up, I gracefully wave them over to where we're seated.

"Would either of you like anything to drink or eat?" He asks while standing up to shake both of their hands right after I did.

"I'll just take an iced tea, if that's okay." Christine smiles at us both.

"Of course! Tamera?" He looks over at the young girl, shyly sinking down in her seat.

"Uh...um...uh...a Coke?" She cutely stumbles, looking like his mere presence is too overwhelming for her.

He nods and walks up to the counter to order their drinks for them. Once he's out of their vision, he locks eyes with me and gives me two thumbs up and a wink of encouragement.

"That's your boyfriend?" Tamera perks up suddenly, making me giggle.

"He is!" I swoon along with her.

"Tamera!" Christine quietly scolds her daughter.

"No, it's fine. I get it!" I give her a wink that makes her smile at me as if I just made a new best friend, "I was really blown away by your talent. I love art! Always have. What's your favorite to create?"

"Thank you!" She smiles confidently as she stops slouching in her seat and places her elbows on the table to place her chin in her palms as she really thinks about the question, "I would have to say sculptures. I like using my hands to help me mold my vision."

Christine looks at her daughter with a fondness that really warms my heart. I can tell right off bat that she's a supportive parent. Willing to guide her child without holding her back from her dreams or ambitions. It's truly inspiring to witness before my very own eyes in such a natural way.

"I would love to see more of your work." I smile as Taehyung walks up with their drinks and a surprise chocolate chip cookie for Tamera as a bonus.

"Thank you!" She blushes as she watches Taehyung take the seat in between she and I at the round restaurant table, "So you're opening your own art gallery? That's so cool!"

"Yes I am! I've always wanted to do so." I respond proudly, "How would you feel about having your own art show as my very first client? I know you've done shows with other young artists, but I'd like to have an exhibition dedicated solely to you."

Tamera looks at her mom who gives her an approving nod, "I think I'd like that."

"Yeah?!" I smile brightly at them both and then over to Taehyung who's fondly staring back at me with his own boxy smile, "That's amazing news! If you'd like, you guys can come by the gallery on Monday after school to discuss the details and have a look around the space. Here's my business card." I pull out two cards and hand them each their own copy.

"We'll definitely be coming by." Christine smiles at me and reaches out for another hand shake.

"Will...will you both be there?" Tamera asks and I giggle at her obvious crush.

"Sorry, I have work Monday." Taehyung smiles over at her and she damn near melts in her seat.

After the successful meeting, Taehyung went into the office while he insisted that I take his credit card to go get a manicure and pedicure and whatever else I'd like to do. Having not had my hair trimmed in a while, I decide to also get that done after my nails to which he was very pleased with the fact I'm actually pampering myself.

Taehyung:
Go shopping while
you're out too. Get
you a pretty dress. We
can have a dinner date
at our home this weekend
after the furniture arrives.

Are you sure?
I don't want to
just keep spending.

Taehyung:
Ava.......

Yes sir haha

Taehyung:
That's my girl 😏
Send me pics please.

I will. I love you!

Taehyung:
I love you more!

Impossible 🥰

Setting my phone back into the car mount and selecting the song I want to play on drive, I grab my seat belt and glance in the mirror at my freshly trimmed and styled hair one more time before backing out of the parking space.

The cool sixty four degree weather felt perfect compared to the scorching heat about a month and a half ago. I roll down the windows and let the crisp air surround me on my way to a nearby shopping district where I was sure to find a pretty dress for our future dinner date.

The car slows to a steady roll as I enter the parking lot in search of a good spot. A tiny gasp of excitement leaves me when I see the reverse lights of a car in the second to first spot by the front door. Normally, I wouldn't care about having to walk a longer distance, but I also wouldn't normally be wearing these heels while shopping either. At least I'm only in search of one good dress and possibly some shoes to go with it if needed.

"Welcome to Persona!" The girl with her blonde hair tied up and name badge hanging from a lanyard around her neck greets me cheerily as she continues to fold piles of jeans in an orderly fashion, "Please let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you! Actually, do you have any cute new dresses in?" I ask as I quickly glance around.

"Ooh! Yes we do. If you just go past the men's department, there's a section to your left with a new shipment we got in just last week." She points in the direction I need to go and I thank her with a smile and nod before walking away.

I fight the urge to stop at the array of other enticing items knowing I'll regret it if I walk around in these shoes too long. The sign for the men's department lets me know I'm headed in the right direction and I keep my eyes to the left in search of these cute dresses I was promised would be here.

"Ava?"

I hear a familiar voice say my name on the other side of the aisle in the middle of the clothing racks and I turn to look in that direction, "Ethan?"

"Hi." He smiles at me and it's so endearing that I can't help but to smile back, "Didn't expect to see you today."

"Same." I nod, unsure what to do or say, "I'm just looking for a dress." I add.

"That's nice. I'm just out looking for some new work and casual clothes. I'm, uh, moving back to New York for a while." He sticks his hands in his pockets as he takes a small step towards me, but keeps a respectable distance.

"Moving? What for?" I tilt my head with a furrowed brow.

"Dad wants me to go there for a few months while we work on a special case we have. This young boy really needs someone and I'm going to foster him until we can get him with this couple that really wants to adopt." He explains.

I smile at him, still appreciating how good of a person he is, "That's really amazing, Ethan. I'm proud of you."

He gives me a tight lipped smile and nods, "Thanks, Ava. That means a lot." He takes a hand out of his pocket and runs his hand through his messily styled hair, "Are you happy?"

I look at him for a second before replying in a soft voice, "I am."

"That's all I ever wanted for you." He smiles at me sweetly, "But if he hurts you again, I will kill him." He jokes making me chuckle.

"I'll keep that in mind. It was good to see you. Take care, okay?" I take a step forward with one extended arm out for him.

He holds out his arms and we embrace in a friendly hug, "I will. Take care as well."

"I will." I mumble just before we pull away.

Stepping back, I smile once more before turning and striding over towards the racks of different fall toned dresses that catch my eye.

As strange as it was to run into my ex today, it surprisingly didn't feel as awkward as I imagined it being and it's good to know that he's doing okay. He may not be the man I'm hopelessly in love with, but I still wish him the best. He definitely deserves all good things in life.

The dresses hanging on the rack in front of me almost begin to become overwhelming as I try to find one with a color or print I like as well as the right cut. After many swipes of the hangers with the metal hooks scraping across the metal bar, I stumble upon a plum colored body con sweater dress with a loose off the shoulder neckline that looks intriguing. I snatch up the last one in my size that I see and prance off to the nearest dressing room in hopes that it will fit.

Going into the first stall, I kick off my heels like I just walked into my apartment and sigh out in relief that the cool tiled floor gives my aching arches. Blouse and slacks forgotten, I pull the dress off of the hanger and slide it over my head, adjusting it before I look in the mirror.

"It's cute!" I whisper with an approving smile as I turn in different angles.

As promised, I pull out my phone and snap multiple pictures in different poses before flooding Taehyung's phone with my dress of choice.

Taehyung:
That's beautiful on you!
I love that color.

Taehyung:
LOL! Cute poses baby!

Taehyung:
Is that the one?

Thanks, my love!
Yeah, I think so.

Taehyung:
Get it!!
I miss you so much.
I can't stop thinking
about you at work.

I miss you too!
I saw Ethan here 😬

Taehyung:
You did?
How's he doing?

He's good.
He said he's moving
back to New York
for a while.

Taehyung:
I'm glad he's doing okay

Yeah, me too.
Send me some
pics of you too
when you can 💙

Taehyung:
I can't wait to come
home to you 💙

You're so sexy! I can't
wait for you to come home
to me too. Now, get back to
work before I tell your boss 😉

Taehyung:
Yes ma'am 😏😏
Drive safe baby girl.
사랑해

사랑해 xoxo