After 38 years,

It was the night before Christmas, the same as every year for as long as they could remember. The lights on the Christmas tree twinkled softly in the corner, their faint glow casting a warm aura over the living room. The soft hum of holiday music filled the space, but tonight, there was something different in the air. A quiet peace, as if the world itself had paused to watch the final chapter of a love story written across decades.

Taehyung sat beside Jungkook on the couch, his frail hand resting in Jungkook's, the once delicate fingers now thinner, weaker, but still holding on. The years had worn them both down, and time had begun to show its inevitable signs. Taehyung's once vibrant, playful smile was now gentle and soft, though it still had the ability to light up the room when he chose. His hair, which had once been dark and thick, was now tinged with gray, and his steps had slowed, but his heart, his heart was the same. Still beating for Jungkook.

Jungkook, on the other hand, had never been more handsome in Taehyung's eyes. Time had softened the sharpness of his youth, making him look even more regal and caring, if that was possible. The wrinkles around his eyes were a testament to the laughter they had shared, the tears they had wiped away, the joy they had lived through. And though he still stood tall and strong, he now leaned into his husband with an almost tender protectiveness, as if he knew that this night, one of them would take their last breath.

The house was silent except for the occasional crackling from the fireplace. It was the home they had built together, the one they had filled with memories and love. The place that held the traces of their laughter, their arguments, their late-night talks, their shared meals, and even their quiet moments of stillness. This was where they had spent their years as a family, and it felt like it had witnessed their entire journey.

Taehyung shifted in his seat, letting out a soft sigh. His breath came slower now, weaker. He had known this day would come. He had always known. For the past year, his body had been failing him. But even now, as his strength faded, there was no fear in his heart. He had lived a full life. And, more importantly, he had loved and been loved by the one person who had given him more than he ever could have imagined.

"Kookie..." Taehyung whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with warmth.

Jungkook turned his head toward him, his gaze soft and full of love. He had known this day was coming, but that didn't make it any easier to face. He gently squeezed Taehyung's hand, bringing it to his lips. "I'm here Love."

A faint smile curved on Taehyung's lips, one of those rare smiles that had first stolen Jungkook's heart all those years ago. "I'm g-glad you're here. I've always been glad."

Jungkook blinked back tears, not wanting to break the calm they had found, but it was impossible to hide the grief that filled him. Taehyung was everything to him, and the thought of a world without him seemed unbearable. Still, he knew that what they had shared was a gift. A beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime gift.

Taehyung let out a soft breath, his eyelids fluttering shut as he leaned against Jungkook's shoulder. The room felt like it was closing in, the weight of it all settling on his chest, but he didn't mind. He had been so tired, so ready for rest, but he also knew his time was drawing to an end. He squeezed Jungkook's hand one last time.

"I love you h-hyung," Taehyung whispered, his voice so soft, barely audible. "Always. Forever. Live f-for both of u-us"

Jungkook held him close, his heart shattering with each passing second. "I love you too, baby. A-always. Forever."

And with those words, Taehyung's breathing slowed, then stilled. His chest rose one last time, and in that moment, he was gone, leaving behind only the warmth of his love that still lingered in the room.

Jungkook held him in silence, his heart heavy, not wanting to let go of the man who had been his world for so long. He couldn't speak. He didn't want to. Taehyung was no longer there, and yet, he could feel him in every corner of their home, in the fabric of the air, in the memories that had built their lives together.

Time felt suspended as Jungkook sat there, clutching Taehyung's hand, the Christmas tree still flickering in the background. The world continued to turn, but for him, it had stopped.

______________________________________

One year later, on Christmas Eve, Jungkook stood in the same living room where they had spent so many happy years together. His hand trembled as he held the bouquet of white roses that Taehyung had always loved, a simple but heartfelt tribute to the man who had meant everything to him.

The Christmas tree stood brightly in the corner, but it felt hollow without Taehyung beside him. The scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air, and for a moment, Jungkook could almost imagine that Taehyung was there, leaning against him, their hands intertwined as they shared their quiet moments.

Jungkook smiled through his tears, placing the roses gently by the fireplace, next to the picture of the two of them on their wedding day which was a gift from Taehyung. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the memories they had shared, knowing that Taehyung was with him, even if not physically.

"I love you, Tae," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

And as if in answer, a sudden warmth filled the room, and Jungkook felt, for the first time in a year, the peace he had been searching for. He could still feel Taehyung's love, still feel him beside him, still hear his voice in his heart.

Jungkook sat down in front of the Christmas tree, his eyes closing, and let the tears fall. The pain was still there, but so was the love. And as he sat there, surrounded by the memories of their life together, Jungkook finally understood. Taehyung was gone, but their love would never fade. It was eternal.

His last breath came as he sat there, surrounded by the love he had spent a lifetime building. And in that moment, as his soul slipped away, he knew that Taehyung was waiting for him on the other side.