It was pitch-black in his room and beneath the blankets, Lisa was warm and toasty - still half-asleep when Jungkook's hand curled over her hips.

She sighed her good morning before snuggling into his chest as he slipped into bed beside her. "I missed you."

"I'm sorry, baby," He whispered against her shoulder. "There was a fight at the club and we had to call the cops,"

"Are you okay?"

"All good now that you're with me,"

She smiled into the dark. "Corny,"

It's amazing how he still managed to still be this sweet after a total of 14 months into dating. Multiple arguments and her constant 'running' moments hadn't stopped him from chasing after her - from their first kiss and again...and again. She can't lie that she had her doubts when they first started going out. The man owns a freaking night club for God's sake - he meets pretty, sexy girls 6 days a week!

But after the countless tears shed and begging, she finally accepted that it might not be a second mistake. Not when he cried with an 'I'm so in love with you, please stay with me' - reminding her of his own fears and resembling too close to the overwhelming feelings she has for him. He'd become more than just a love story after a heavy heartbreak...Jungkook had also become her best friend...a soulmate.

"Only with you."

"Good." She snuggled tighter and felt a kiss on her bare shoulder.

"With this kinda enthusiasm, I'm surprised you haven't said 'yes' to me yet," She giggled as she heard the sulky tone. It's most definitely not a 'no' but she wanted him to meet her parents first. They made the plan to visit in another 2 weeks. She already knew when to give him the answer that he's been waiting so patiently for.

"I'm still thinking about it," She can feel the sigh on his chest and it made her heart all warm and cozy.

"It was in Room 2...where the fight started. You know...where I first laid eyes on you," She laughed at the official way he said it. "And it got me chasing home...cus I can't stand being there with that picture of you when you're at home. I swear one of these days I'll get you to come over again. Just like the first time...and the second...third...it'll always be my favorite,"

"You get a lot of me here," She laughed coyly.

"It's never enough, baby. You always drive me so crazy."

His teeth pressed on her neck and she was suddenly woken fully up by the sliding of his hand, grabbing up her hips and turning her to sit on top of his body. Now aware of the glimpse of light coming in from the window and onto his beautiful face, she stares into his dark eyes again as if it was the first time.

"I love you in those sexy silks...and I love you in these cottons too. But you know when I love you most?" She hummed, too engrossed by his seductive whispers. "When you have nothing on,"

Slowly, she eased her knees open. His hands roamed on her thighs...his fingers grazing at all the right spots as if he memorized it in his mind. 

"You're fully clothed...I don't think I like it," Her lips itched to reach his but she managed to tease with a sly smile.

The corner of his mouth twitches, knowing full well what she expects to hear. "Then I guess you should do your best," He still sounds so sinfully sweet. 

Slowly, Jungkook spreads his arms away from his body...and Lisa's hands began exploring the universe that is her love.

...

Perhaps I was a little mad at the world I was in before. How we move around with smiles on our faces, even when the world is collapsing right under our feet. When taking control of our own body...our own lives, were made to be an option we never had. I know it now, that I'll never regret being mad at anything. How can I, when it had led me to this? 3 minutes...I have 3 minutes more.

From the reflection of her self in the mirror, Lisa breathes in the soft glow on her cheeks and dreamy-like eyes. Her pink lips exhaled slowly at every inch of her parted bangs, and the delicate curls falling everywhere and on each sides of her small face - groomed beneath a small crown of small, dainty daisies. 

The bouquet in her hands is whimsical, with a mix of coral, deep red, violet and white - a combination that mimics the sunset. It pops perfectly on the off-shoulder, layered chiffon and frothy tulle that is wrapped around her body. She looks just like her dream - her own humble version of beauty.

"You look ethereal, my darling," 

Mommy...my beautiful, graceful mommy... "Please don't cry,"

"Oh, these are good tears," Her mother said, shaking her head and wiping the stains off her cheeks. "Come. It's time,"

She lets her mother guide her hand towards the door but once she steps out, Lisa halts. Her mother turns with a frown. 

"Have you checked...if he's here?" She asks.

Recognizing the slight discomfort in her eyes, her mother sighs and smiles. "Of course he is. He'd be crazy not to,"

It's probably dramatic for me to asks...but just to be sure. It had been Jungkook's idea to hold the wedding at her hometown, but she specifically chose her aunt Jill's old house to be the venue. It was an idyllic space for her to finally portray the freedom she felt, growing up wildly around this house. 

A lot of work has been put in to refurbish and redecorate the house by her family and others. Lisa hopes that her late aunt Jill is happy that she was never forgotten, wherever she might be watching it from. Entering the living room downstairs, her father takes her hand.

"I don't think there are words to describe how beautiful you look today, my dear," The compliment came with a suppressed sob. 

"Thank you, daddy. You look handsome too," Lisa held her own as they led her towards the back door and to the open field. 

Out on the small cleared land, Jisoo just took her place to stand beside Chaeyoung and Jennie - at the far end where they placed the medium-sized shrine for the vows. They look so pretty, she thought, and it is amazing that she could gather all three with their husbands in tow just for her wedding trip. Even with the 6-and-a-half-month bump, Jennie still manages to be present and beautifully radiant.

On the right, stood her handsome groom and his best man, Jimin. Briefly, she's reminded of her anxious bunny-looking man on the day she introduced him to her parents. He was pacing back and forth around the airport - looking to get more things to present as gifts, even when she said he's had enough supplies to last them both the blessings for at least 3 years!

Aishh...my lovely Jungkook! What will I be without you?

Halfway through the yard, his gaze meets hers, and he could probably sense her excitement. Lisa wonders if he'd seen her eyes sparkling this bright before...and how her smile haven't left the corners of her mouth. Or how the warm, setting sun glows on her skin with just the right hues and colors, just to reflect how perfectly content she feels right at this moment. 

"Hi," She said shyly when she finally reaches to his front. 

His eyes are a little watery, while his lips are left slightly opened as if he wanted to say 'hi' back but is too wrapped up in awe to even breathe it out. Her parents took their seats and Lisa's eyes wanders to the guests. She stopped at Jungkook's father, brother, and sister-in-law and gave them a nod of warm, thankful smile.

The only thing that could make this evening even more perfect is if his mother is here...

But it would be too much to ask, as she previously mentioned to Jungkook. His mother will be too confused and she was scared that the elder's health would be affected, so they've collectively decided to not risk it in the end. They will hold a ceremony too in his hometown after this, and she hopes to see her mother-in-law then.

Jimin scoffed after noticing the awkward silence and she could hear the guests - some giggling and chuckling at Jungkook's puppet-case. Her man then takes out a piece of paper from the left side pocket of his sharp, tailored, black suit, and began reciting,

"Towards my wife I undertake to love and respect her, be kind and considerate, be faithful, delegate domestic management, provide gifts to please her,"

God, he sounds like a robot! It's not amusing to only her, as she could hear the small giggles from behind as well. She takes a deep breath before taking her turn,

"Towards my husband...I undertake to perform my household duties efficiently...be hospitable to my in-laws and friends of my husband. Be faithful...protect and invest our earnings, discharge my responsibilities lovingly and conscientiously," 

The smile on Jungkook's face is one of pride. "I have more," More...more what? "My love..." Oh no... "There are no doubts that all eyes are on you today...but I'm the luckiest because your eyes are on me," 

I told him not to be corny! Our parents are here - and all of these people! Still, Lisa can't help the tremble in her small, shy laugh.

"Your beauty captured me at first glance. Your charms, at my first step. Your patience and acceptance will forever be my treasure. But perhaps most importantly, my love will never tire out of the unabashedly...unapologetically...and unequivocally, you. No matter how long...or how far apart...how many different versions you present yourself right before me, I promise...I will always love you the same, if not more,"

Lisa probably blushed way too hard on those words, but what she's mostly aware of are the pools in her eyes. Her grief and gratitude have been coexisting, but it wasn't until Jungkook's presence had come into her life that she could truly feel her heart cracking down in the middle. It was when she could be thankful for the lost of years and self, yet still love deeply and be loved the same in return. 

"Thank you for marrying me today," He whispered with a giddy smile and she returns the same.

As her love leans in to kiss her, she saw the shadow from afar - a glimpse of the little girl, jumping and squeaking freely among the high meadows. 

And to the little girl I once was...thank you for never leaving me.

...

Jungkook gulps on the clear water from the drinking fountain. It's been both a tiring and exciting 2 weeks here in Bangkok, and he can't wait for the more to come. He turns once he's done and his eyes naturally rested on the doll-faced beauty - sitting not too far from where he is. 

It brought back memories of when he first saw her. The luggage by her side still seems much bigger than her small frame. Her hair is shorter than 3 years ago, but longer than last month. They still fall nicely...and her curled lashes, addictively plump lips and that soft, pink cheeks are still the highlight of her feature. My wife...

 It still felt a little surreal every time he calls her that, but it's quickly becoming one of his favourite phrase. The hustles around the terminal are no match for the silence in his gaze. As if mesmerized by the trip down memory lane, he allows the calmness to sit longer. He watched as Lisa writes down on the travel journal she brought ever since they left Seoul two weeks ago. 

She said she had it since she left home but never really writes anything on it. Jungkook could still recall how proud he was to see her entry of 'Coming Home To Get Married!'. She's so cute, I just wanna squish her!! His wife was wonderfully talented in many areas, he had come to learn. 

She had an amazing eye on the decorations and settings for the many ceremonies. She was also incredibly focused at guiding everyone to how she wanted her wedding day to be. It is no surprise that she was patient enough to calm her mother's actions and reactions...as well as Jungkook's own. Not gonna lie, I did get a little confused to what her aunts were saying sometimes. 

Okay, maybe more than a little...and probably all the time - but hey, I think they love me for it! I made a good entertainer, didn't I? All those little giggling whispers...and her mom did say that I'm more handsome than her ex so...

"Dear passengers, pre-boarding announcement for flight TG2915 to Seoul. Flight TG2915 to Seoul. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready at Gate 5,"

"Was there a long queue?" Lisa asked when Jungkook came back to her side. 

"No...I was just...admiring the view," He shook his head and smiles.

"There's a nice view? Why didn't you tell me -" 

He cuts her off by planting an impatient kiss on her lips. It caught her off-guard but a second after, she squints her eyes. 

"This is not the time or place for that, Jungkook-ssi..."

He almost bursts out laughing if it wasn't for the quick reflex of some deep breathing exercise! This woman - "That's not what it's for but now that you call me that...I'm welcome for suggestions!" He grins.

She pursed her lips before looking away. "Your Sudoku is in my bag, in case you're feeling a little playful,"

God-damn - "Come on Mrs Jeon...I know you can think of some better things for me to do if it comes to that. It is a five-hour flight..."

"You held me hostage for two days straight at the hotel - what, do we not exercise self-control anymore just cus we're married?"

"I didn't hold you at gun-point..." He thought about it for a second, then smirks back at her. "Or did I?"

A small slap fell on his shoulder as she laughs off her blush. "We do have another event back at home. Can't you keep your pervert mind until our honeymoon?"

"Nope!" He catches her hand in his as they walk towards the gate. "I've been desperate...who knew twelve days could feel like a year?"

She only shook her head but he knew she understood it perfectly. He had to sleep at the hotel during their visit, while she slept at her parents'. Those 12 nights felt so lonely, even with Jimin and Taehyung around to drink his anxiety away. He remembers Jimin saying how depressing this force of habit was. It was only after the wedding that he could finally touch her...and sleep next to her. So of course I locked her up! 

"Have you texted appa and told him we're boarding yet?" She said - her eyes fixed on the screen of her phone.

Oh yeah... He takes out his own and began typing. Another thing to add on how much she means to him. From the moment he introduced her to his father, this girl have been enjoying calling the elder 'appa' and she would remind Jungkook to constantly update the old man. It's one of the many efforts to strengthen his memory, or so she says. 

The same goes to the Sudoku...and reading books more than playing on his PlayStation...and the cutting down of alcohol intakes. He whined when she first gave him the list, but the complaints didn't last very long. Not only because she had bought a new set of silver, satin lingerie to seduce him into the 'agreement', but also because he's reminded of his promise. And looking at his bride 2 days ago makes every little sacrifices worthy.

She looked the most beautiful that evening that his tears almost fell. Jungkook couldn't imagine her walking towards any other groom but himself that day, and he thanked his lucky stars that fate had brought her feet out of it. He promised himself that no matter what happens in the future, he will not allow the memory of his bride to disappear.

Going into the queue, he wraps his arms around her from behind and rests his chin on her shoulder. "I can't wait till our honeymoon, baby. I like traveling with you. You always keep me in check,"

"Don't worry, honey. We have our whole lives to be elsewhere...at home or anywhere...together," He felt her warm palms rubbing on his arms and she stretches her face aside to kiss him on his cheek.

"I love you...so much," He breathes and returns a soft kiss on her neck. 

"I love you too, honey...but don't think that sweet-talk will make me strip you off on the flight,"

He chuckled. "I thought you're always trying your best with me?"

She turns and smirks. "Let's make a deal," Her eyes are shining with wickedness.

Interesting... "I'm listening,"

"If you behave yourself, I'll give you a reward when we get home,"

Jungkook squints his eyes. "A reward...that could be anything. I feel like a trick is coming. You need to be specific on what this reward is,"

She thinks hard and the frown underneath her bangs makes her look extra cute. "I'll...strip you?"

"Mmm...I love it when you put your hands on me, love...but that's hardly a reward, it's more of a routine at this point,"

"Well..." She tilts her head to a side. "Should I strip for you then?"

Oh wow...now we're getting somewhere! "Will you dance for me...while you do it?"

"Maybe..."

"Definite answer only,"

"Most likely,"

"Try again,"

"Yes,"

His grin widened and he didn't care if the sight of him kissing his wife annoys anyone! 

...

THE END.

...

Hi guys!!

I hope everyone's safe and well, and I hope you weren't too mad that this book took too long! There were a lot of drafts and redrafts - paragraphs and scenes that didn't even made it to light when I realized how many chapters it's been haha ;p I had to edit and re-evaluate whether it's worth a chapter or not, but I'm truly happy at this final outcome and I hope you've enjoyed the story too!

ELSEWHERE is really one for the hearts. It is more than just a love story for me. The raunchy parts are just bonuses lol! As a woman in her thirties, there are a lot of times when I questioned the things that had happened in my life - whether I could go back and change a few parts so I'd be the better version of me now. I believe we all have those phases when we feel our paths weren't quite one that we'd chosen by ourselves, but it's alright.

I learned this quite late in my life, that everything happens for a reason and the reason is me. You. Ourselves. Each of us are individuals by our own rights and while we've been groomed to think or feel a certain way, we can always trust ourselves to go back to the wild spirit that we are. It's okay if things don't go according to your plans too. Most times, we are more capable than we think we are, and our paths are meant to show us that.  

Whether you find the love of your life at 17, or 27, or 37, or even 57 - no matter - well done to you. If you start pursuing your passion later than everyone else, it's cool too, you do you! If you can't find yourself at the brink of desperation, you can always go back and find that little spirit you once were. Don't be afraid to ask them, what makes them truly happy? Whether it's here or there - anywhere - the world is our canvas, it's never too late to start over. Shit's not gonna be easy, but no one ever promised it will be. We're all we need to make it easy. Our mind and our heart. Stay focused and keep yourself motivated, no matter how many times you need to. Self-sabotaging is the worst enemy we can have, so I hope everyone is mindful about what you tell yourselves each day. 

That being said, I love you, I appreciate you, and I wish all of you a good and safe place to live in with good, loving people around. Take care. Hugs!!!

Thanks again! xoxo