❝so before you read, petition for #plsdonthateme2k17, jk what even. okay, but I'd appreciate if you read the note after this chapter, tysm ♡❞
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1 month later

The cold air bit on my skin without warning, stimulating a chill up my spine. Ugh. I should have worn warmer clothes. Or maybe I shouldn't have tagged along with this little weirdo who insisted that it was a good idea to get ice cream outside past eleven at night.

He even woke me up from my slumber just to force me to agree with his late night agenda.

"I wish Aeri was with us right now," I mumbled to myself, but the quiet atmosphere made it audible to Taehyung. "I miss my precious angel."

He glanced at me, with a small frown which he immediately erased. Continuing the walk to the convenience store, he linked his arm with mine.

"Taehyung, let's just go home."

"You've barely went out for a while now. You've been shutting yourself at home. I think I'm gonna fire you sooner or later."

"Then fire me, I don't care," I retaliated and rolled my eyes.

"Come on," complained Taehyung. "You need to go out sometimes. It's gonna help you feel better."

"But—"

"Besides, I think Aeri's tired of seeing you everyday all day now." Taehyung let out a frustrated sigh. "You barely even let me hold her."

I made a face, the half of me agreeing and also feeling sorry for Taehyung. "You can't blame me, I'm just really worried."

Taehyung halted and faced me, holding me on my shoulders and stared at me as if he were studying my face before he pulled me into a hug. He honestly reminded me of an innocent puppy.

"You've been nothing but worried, it makes me want to take care of you more." He pushed us apart and reached for my brows which currently met in the middle. With a smile, he massaged them. "You're gonna get wrinkles at an early age."

"Taehyung, let's just get your ice cream, I'm about to turn to ice anytime soon."

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. "Give me money."

I shot him a look of disbelief. "What?"

"I forgot to bring money."

Finding him unbelievable, I searched inside my jacket pockets for any money. It wasn't like I had intentionally brought any with me. Luckily, I found a few bills and gave it to Taehyung.

"I'll be back, wait here." He pushed me to sit on the bench, and without even letting me respond, he already dashed away.

That guy, really. I bet it was warmer inside the convenience store than here.

"Aish," I grunted, stomping my feet on the ground. Besides, it was dangerous here, duh. Although the street lights were too bright, but still.

He came back with only one ice cream, and he didn't even buy me. I really couldn't decipher what went on with this guy's head.

"Here's your change."

"Wow, thanks for at least giving me back my..." I paused midway, eyes landing on something else that reflected under the light. It wasn't a coin. I was sure it wasn't.

"Uh, Taehyung, there's a..." I did a double-take, making sure my tired eyes weren't deceiving me. "...ring?"

He remained silent.

"Taehyung?"

"Stop asking and just get it."

"Get what?" I stupidly asked.

He sighed, looking away. "Just talk to me when you have an answer."

"An answer?" My forehead began to crease, the intricacy of the diamond on the ring both intimidating and mocking me the longer I stare at it.

"As much as I love your calmness whenever you've just woken up, I also hope you're not as dense right now," commented Taehyung, but my mind had already flew off somewhere else, my jaw hanging loosely.

"Is this— You mean— TAEHYUNG!"

"Yah! Is hitting me your way of saying yes?"

"What?"

"I'm proposing to you, pabo," he sneered.

I rolled my eyes. "How romantic of you, Mr. Kim Taehyung."

He took the ring away from my me, and grabbed my left hand.

"I wanted to ask you first to be my girlfriend, but I'm intending to marry you anyway, so why not just ask you that." He shrugged, licking his lips, and then stood up and looked at me seriously. He pulled my arm, asking me to stand up as well.

And when I did, that was when he kneeled down. It felt so fuzzy with a punch of cringe on my stomach, like I wanted to jump, run, cry and kick him on the face all at the same time.

"I know I've been away for so long, and I hadn't been with you when you needed me, but please let me take care of you and Aeri with my whole life now." He looked at me with pleading eyes.

I took a deep breath in, calming myself down, because anytime soon, I might be joining Taehyung as he knelt in front of me.

"You're already married to me, idiot."

Great way to ruin the mood, Kyungmin.

But Taehyung chuckled heartily, not the slightest bothered by it.

"This is why I hesitated to do this. I knew you'd say something like that," he heaved a heavy sigh with a frank smile. "But I wanted to face it either way just so I'll be able to tell everyone I'm your husband, and not just because we are in papers, not just because it's a deal between us, but because you and I are really married. For the reason that we both love each other. I know it sounds cheesy and you might want to hit me right now—"

"Yes," I cut him off from furthering his words because yes, I wanted to hit him right now, but more because I knew I was going to break down anytime soon if he continued.

"Excuse me, what?"

"I said yes. Do you want me to take it back?" Wow. Never had I thought I'd be joining the bandwagon of uncreative comebacks.

Taehyung shook his head with a cheeky smile and placed the ring on my finger before he stood up and pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Thank you."

He rested his forehead against mine and closed his eyes as he cupped my cheeks like he always did.

"Do I still need permission?" he asked, eyes still closed.

I shook my head, and instead of waiting for him, I tiptoed, clasped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his. I felt him smiling before he angled his head to the side and moved his lips in sync with mine.

Taehyung leaned in forward, holding me firmly as he deepened the kiss, and it didn't go unnoticed to me how he tasted like chocolate because of the ice cream he just ate. I managed to let out a giggle, and Taehyung held me on the small of my back to pull me closer.

Taehyung didn't let me go after he drew away from the kiss but only stared into my eyes, leaning his forehead again, the tip our noses touching.

With Taehyung and Aeri with me, I couldn't ask for more. I wish my parents were here to see us right now. I was sure they'd also be happy.

"Taehyung...?" I finally said after catching my breath.

"Hmm?"

I took a deep breath in, puffing the air out of my cheeks. Just this once. Fine.

"I love you," I breathed out, and Taehyung's eyes widened by a fraction, but then it softened. "Yah! Why did you look so surprised?"

Taehyung let out a groan. "Don't be so violent, I told you I don't want a violent wife." He made a face, but when he noticed the pout on my lips, he sported his box-smile again. "I just thought those things were too cheesy for you."

He gave my lips a small peck, and then did the same to my nose—but a lot more times, causing me to giggle.

"Aren't you going to say it back?" I joked, but deep inside, his actions were enough to tell me he loved me. Even more than he should.

"Oh, so you're getting clingy now, huh?" he teased.

I rolled my eyes playfully, and he pushed my hair away from my face.

"I love you." He grinned. "I love you and Aeri, I'd do everything for the two of you."

And when he said that, I knew I could trust his words.

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a/n:

❝this is the last chapter (aka cliche-cheesy-cringe), can you believe you stuck with this author until the end? omo, you deserve an award! thank you so much for supporting this book ♡ I hope you at least enjoyed it and that it somehow made you smile.

Though I am somehow aware that most of my readers right now hate either me (for how things have turned out previously) or the book itself (just because maybe idk, it failed your expectations huhu).

I know you all miss Aeri, so I'll be posting an epilogue (and three bonus chapters as well), but before that, I would like to know your thoughts and feelings about this book.

First of all, where/how did you find this book?

What's your favorite scene or chapter?

Who's your favorite character?

Least favorite character?

Do you have any questions for any of the characters? Do you want to tell them anything?

Do you have unanswered questions about this book in general?

Tell and/or ask me anything! :) I'm looking forward to hear from you all ♡

Have an amazing day you precious people!❞