*still in flashback*

A year had passed.

Just like clockwork, Taehyung came over to my place to tackle the mysteries of math. This time, we opted for the balcony as our study spot, drawn to its serenity and the beauty of the autumn scenery. My mom brought us two glasses of refreshing grape juice to accompany our study session before leaving us alone.

Since the beginning, I've been fixated on a page of the exercise book before me, its surface teeming with unanswered questions. For what felt like an eternity, I wrestled with each problem, yet they remained stubbornly unsolved. The weight of frustration bore down on my mind, each passing minute adding to the throbbing ache behind my eyes.

Shifting my focus to Taehyung, I watched as his furrowed brow betrayed the depth of his concentration, each line etched with determination as he unraveled the intricate equations sprawled across the page. A sigh escaped my lips, a testament to the weight of our academic endeavors. Yet, in the midst of my frustration, a spark of mischief ignited within me, birthing a sly grin that danced across my features.

I then adjusted my posture, settling into my seat with purpose, and delicately cradled my chin in both hands, as though I were a fragile bloom seeking the sun's gaze. "Taehyung-ah, looked into my eyes."

His gaze lifted from his book, brows knitting in perplexity. "Why?" he asked, voice laced with curiosity.

"Just because," I replied, a soft chuckle dancing on my lips, as enigmatic as the moment itself.

He finally complied and locked his eyes with mine. My mind began to race, trying to tell something to him just by thinking about it. Surely, he could understand them because our eyes met now.

Snapp!

My head was flicked.

Ouch, it hurt!

"Why did you flick my head?" I winced, rubbing the tender spot where his fingers had landed.

"To make you more clever," he replied casually, as if flicking heads were a perfectly normal method of intellectual stimulation. "You asked me to look at you, but then you just went silent."

"I was trying to tell you something." I protested.

"Exactly," he countered. "You have a mouth, so why didn't you use it to talk to me?" With a shrewd glimmer in his eyes, he tilted his head to the side, his lips curling into a victorious smile.

Despite the truth in his words, I still wasn't satisfied because my plan had failed. Ugh, this guy, as if he couldn't read what was on my mind. Even though he had been my boyfriend for a year, his behavior hadn't changed at all; he still enjoyed teasing me.

Pouting, I slumped forward, resting my head on the table. "I need a nap," I declared, my voice muffled against the table.

With a soft chuckle, he gently assured, "Sure thing, sleepyhead. I'll wake you in 15 minutes okay," he promised, his tone filled with warmth and affection.

With a contented smile, I let my eyelids droop, surrendering to the darkness that enveloped me, knowing that Taehyung would be there to rouse me from my sleep when the time came.

_______

As the evening sun cast its golden rays into my room, illuminating the wall clock reading 6 o'clock, I stirred awake. My body unfurled, still tingling with the remnants of sleep, yet oddly refreshed from just fifteen minutes of nap. With a satisfied exhale, I stretched, relishing the delicate dance of light and shadow that painted my surroundings.

But my tranquility shattered when I realized I was now lying on the bed. I automatically sat up. "How did I end up on this bed?" Memories swirled hazily, teasing the edges of my consciousness, but refusing to solidify. I then glanced at the patio set on the balcony, where I fell sleep earlier. I found it abandoned, no soul lingered there anymore, and even the sliding door shut tight.

Panic tinged the edges of my thoughts as I frantically searched the room, a sense of unease coiling in the pit of my stomach. 'Where is Taehyung? Had he gone back home without telling me?' And at that moment, I saw my books neatly arranged on my study table as if it had never been touched.

"That's my book that I used while I was with Taehyung earlier. What actually happened while I was asleep?" I whispered softly to the silent room as a haunting fear, a specter of ignorance and loss, seized my heart in its icy embrace.

Hurriedly, I dashed out of the room and bounded down the stairs, my heart racing with anticipation that Taehyung still in my house, that he never leave me. As I reached the kitchen, a wave of relief washed over me at the sight before me: there he was, standing beside my mother amidst a whirlwind of culinary chaos.

The kitchen was alive with the symphony of sizzling pans and clinking utensils, the air heavy with the savory aroma of whatever concoction they were brewing. And amidst it all stood Taehyung, donning a vibrant pink apron that seemed to glow against the backdrop of the bustling kitchen.

Tears glistened in his eyes as he bravely battled an onion, his determined expression softened by a hint of vulnerability. Yet despite his apparent struggle, there was an undeniable charm to his earnest efforts, a raw authenticity that tugged at my heartstrings.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I watched him, a swell of affection swelling within me.

I love him.

I love him too much.

In that moment, amidst the chaos of the kitchen, he was a comforting presence that grounded me in the here and now. And as the laughter of my mother mingled with his own, I knew that, despite the uncertainties that future hold beyond the present moment, here in this kitchen, I can feel the warmth of family and love, everything was as it should be.

________

After dinner, I extended an invitation to him, beckoning him into my room. Seated at the edge of the bed, I gestured for him to join me, tapping the space beside me. He acquiesced, settling in beside me.

With a swift and gentle motion, I guided him, causing him to stumble backward onto the soft expanse of the bed. Leaning in, I rested my head upon his left arm, feeling the warmth of his presence enveloping me. He offered no resistance, surrendering to the moment as it unfolded.

"Taehyung-ah..." I called him softly.

Without shifting his gaze from the ceiling, he responded in the same gentle tone, "Yeah."

"After we become adults, finish studying at university, let's get married, okay?" As my words hung in the air, he turned to me, his eyes wide with surprise, absorbing the weight of my suggestion.

"You... you proposed to me?" His voice carried a blend of disbelief and guilt.

"In a way," I admitted, feeling a rush of nervous energy.

"Jieun-ah," he began, his tone still gentle yet firm, "I am the man. I should be the one to kneel before you, to offer you the ring, to ask for your hand in marriage."

I couldn't help but smile at his traditional stance. "Gwaencanha. It's all the same to me. As long as I get to marry you." With that, I pulled him into a tight embrace, feeling a reassurance from him envelop me in return.

"If that's you say." He finally gave in. "So, how many children do you want? I will give them to you." He whispered in my ear, making it slightly itchy.

"Are you serious you're able to give me them?" I regarded him skeptically, my eyes narrowing with doubt. "Alright then! In that case, I'll take five—make them all boys," I exclaimed, excitement lighting up my face as I displayed my hand, fingers splayed to represent the count.

"That's quite a few," he seemed somewhat surprised and contemplative. "But why only boys?"

With a playful yet sincere tone, I swiftly answered, "Well, I simply can't have any other girls stealing your affection away from me."  Our laughter bubbled up as we shared a lighthearted moment over my excessively sweet remark.

A few moments passed, and a serene silence wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. Through the sliding door, we watched the trees adorned with just a handful of golden leaves.

"In a few days, snow would fall," I remarked, and he simply nodded his head in agreement. At that moment, a fragrance drifted into my nostrils, captivating my senses. It was a very gentle scent that it felt like a soothing lullaby, beckoning me into a peaceful slumber.

"Nice scent. Did you change your shampoo?" I inquired, glancing up at him.

"Yeah, I just changed it today. It's lavender. Do you like it?" he asked, his gaze dropping to meet mine.

"Of course, I love it," I replied, a soft smile gracing my lips. It was no surprise; after all, I tended to adore everything about my favorite man.

My eyes began to feel heavy as the scent enveloped me, feeling a blissful calm. But before my eyes completely closed, a strong determination embedded in my soul.

I will never forget this moment...

this feeling...

and the man beside me.

He will always be in my thoughts...

when I sleep, I will surely dream of him...

when I breathe, I wish for his essence...

and when I smile, I know my most beautiful smile is only for him.

'Life' marks the beginning of our love...

and I hope 'death' is not its end.

Quotes for this chapter:

"The future is uncertain but the end is always near."
- Jim Morrison -

To Be Continued...

Total: 1626 words