forty-five || a wish come true (our own happily ever after)

✧˖*°࿐

Beomgyu kept his word.

After months of persistence, countless conversations, and a few moments of outright pleading, he managed to convince both his and Taehyun's parents to allow them to move overseas together. It wasn't easy — nothing with Beomgyu ever was — but in the end, his determination won them over.

Now, three months later, their high school chapter had officially come to an end. Graduation passed in a whirlwind of bittersweet goodbyes. The teachers who nurtured them, the classmates who drove them crazy, and the countless memories they'd made within those walls were now tucked away like cherished photos in an album.

It was hard to leave it all behind, but as they closed one chapter, another was ready to begin.

And that new chapter began today.

The day had finally arrived, the day where he's boarding the airplane with Beomgyu and officially moving overseas — soon to start their new future together.

Taehyun stood in his room, surrounded by half filled suitcases and stacks of clothes; the sunlight streamed through the window; casting a golden glow over the organized chaos. His heart was a mix of emotions — excitement, nervousness, and a lingering ache for the things he was leaving behind. 

"Hey! Look! I found your silly shirt from that dumb talent show!"

Taehyun glanced across from him, his eyes softening as they landed on Huening Kai who was holding up a silly shirt, folded shirts surrounded him as he packed them neatly into a suitcase.

He had called Taehyun early in the morning, asking if he could come over to help him pack since he knew Taehyun was lazy and would procrastinate, which was far from the truth — but he only smiled and allowed him to come over, knowing the real reason why.

Every now and then, Taehyun would glance at him and notice the usual sparkle in Huening Kai's eyes was dimmed, his cheerful demeanor quieter than usual. He even caught him discreetly wiping at his face with the sleeve of his hoodie more than once.

"Hey!" Taehyun teased, trying to lift the mood. "You're going to wrinkle literally all of my hoodies if you keep crying on them."

Huening Kai let out a watery laugh, his lips quivering as he sniffled. "I can't help it! You're really leaving, Tae. I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I just can't believe you're actually leaving."

Taehyun paused, his own eyes welling up as he walked over and pulled Huening Kai into a tight hug. "It's not forever," He said softly, his voice cracking just a little. "I promise I'll come back. And I'll call and text all the time. You'll probably get sick of me." 

Huening Kai clung to him, his shoulders shaking. "I'll never get sick of you, you idiot." 

They stayed like that for a long moment, the quiet sound of Huening Kai's sniffles filling the room. When they finally pulled away, his eyes were red and puffy, but he managed a wobbly smile.

"Okay, let's hurry and finish packing before Beomgyu hyung has my head for making you late to the airport." Huening Kai said, shivering at the multiple spam messages he received from the elder of the airplanes take off time.

Taehyun laughed, nodding. "Yeah, let's hurry."

The two of them quickly scrambled around the room, packing in comfortable silence for a bit until Huening Kai occasionally cracked a joke here or there, or muttering about how many clothes Taehyun was bringing, making the both of them laugh.

In just over an hour, they zipped up the last suitcase and stood there for a moment, staring at the packed bags. A heavy weight lingered in the air, but Taehyun forced himself to push past it, gripping one of the suitcases tightly as they carried it downstairs.

He still couldn't believe he was leaving to start a new life with Beomgyu soon.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Taehyun froze. His parents were waiting in the living room, standing stiffly near the door. His heart dropped to his stomach as he took them in.

His father stood with his hands buried in his pockets, his expression unreadable. His mother clutched an envelope tightly, her lips pressed into a thin line.

The air was thick with tension, but Taehyun swallowed his nerves. As much as he resented them for the way things had been, he didn't want to leave with unresolved bitterness. Even if these two assholes never change.

"I..." Taehyun hesitated, fidgeting with his hands as he glanced between them. "I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. I know we... we never really saw eye to eye, I know i've disappointed you, but I'm still grateful."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. His mother's expression wavered, and Taehyun wondered if she'd even respond. But then she stepped forward, holding out the envelope.

"Make something useful of yourself for once," She said quietly. Her tone was cold, but there was a softness underneath it that caught him off guard. "This... this should cover your first year there."

Taehyun stared at the envelope in shock before reaching out to take it. He opened it slightly and saw the stack of bills inside, his breath catching. "Mom, I—" 

"Just take it," she cut him off, her voice firmer now. Her hands trembled slightly, and her eyes glistened with unspoken emotions as she added, "And make this ridiculous decision of yours worth it."

Taehyun bit on the bottom of his lip, his throat tightening as he felt Huening Kai gently place his hand on his shoulder, a comforting guide.

"Thank you," He breathed out. "I will."

He glanced toward his father, who remained silent but gave him a small nod. Though his father's face was stoic, there was a faint glimmer of emotion in his eyes — a quiet acknowledgment that spoke louder than words ever could.

Taehyun stepped back, his gaze sweeping over the both of them. Memories flooded his mind, both good and bad, and his heart ached as he realized this might be the last time he saw them for years.

And honestly? He was okay with that.

With a deep breath, Taehyun picked up his bags and turned to Huening Kai, offering him a warm smile. "Let's load the car, Hyuka."

Huening Kai smiled brightly, nodding his head as the both of them walked out of the house with his things, heading over to his car as they started to neatly pack everything in the back seat.

Soon enough, they both slid in, Taehyun sitting in the passengers seat as he took once last glance at his childhood home, his heart aching as they slowly started to pull out of the drive way.

After years, he was finally saying goodbye to the home that barely felt like home.

Taking one last glance, he tore his gaze away from the window, focusing on what was in front of him now.

"Are you ready?" Huening Kai asked, glancing over at him with a knowing smile. "Ready to meet up with them? Start your new life?"

Taehyun smiled warmly, and for once in his life, he finally had a solid answer.

"Yeah," He said softly. "I'm ready."

The airport buzzed with life as Taehyun and Huening Kai stepped inside, pulling along Taehyun's stubborn suitcases that occasionally snagged on the tiles.

With every step further into the terminal, the weight in Taehyun's chest grew heavier. The realization of leaving behind everything familiar, starting a completely new chapter, felt suffocating. He blinked rapidly, willing himself not to cry again.

But that aching pain lightened slightly when he caught glimpse of Beomgyu waiting by the gate, next to him were Yeonjun and Soobin, both wearing expressions that wavered between pride and sadness — while also holding hands.

The moment Beomgyu saw Taehyun, his face lit up like the sun. He sprinted toward him, closing the distance in seconds. "Tyun! You're finally here!" Beomgyu exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug and spinning him around like an overexcited child. "I was starting to think we'd have to walk to Canada!"

"Beomgyu! Put me down!" Taehyun hissed, slapping at his shoulders, though his voice was laced with affection. "You can't even walk from Seoul to Toronto, you absolute dumbass!"

Beomgyu let out a soft laugh and gently placed him down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead before he looked over at Huening Kai, smiling widely. "Hey, Hyuka! Thanks so much for helping him out, without you, we'd probably be even more late!"

"Choi Beomgyu I swear—"

Huening Kai let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he stepped toward and hugged Beomgyu tightly. "Anytime, hyung, anytime."

The both of them hugged Huening Kai tightly, soon pulling away as they all smiled, trying to feel light during this heavy moment — but when Beomgyu wrapped his arms around Taehyun, he nearly choked on a sob from how emotional he was getting.

Beomgyu soon turned towards Soobin and Yeonjun, both looking like they were holding back tears.

"Man," Beomgyu sighed dramatically, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips as he looked at them. "After all these years of you two being awkward, pining idiots, you finally got it together! Soobin confessing just days before our flight? Is this, like, your way of celebrating our farewell or something?"

Soobin grumbled angrily, looking away as he wiped some of his tears. "Shut up, idiot! Don't think I forgot about that damn cafe moment!"

Beomgyu burst out laughing, a tearful glint in his eyes as he nearly doubled over. "Hey! But it worked, didn't it? All it took was some meditation and chill..."

"Oh my god," Soobin groaned. "Can you both just get on the plane already, especially you?"

Although the words said were a bit harsh, they all knew he was joking — in fact, neither of them were going to say it, but they really did wish that the pair would stay in Seoul just a little longer.

But they knew they'd come back, sometime in the future.

"Alright that's enough," Yeonjun scoffed, letting go of Soobin's hand as he approached Taehyun and hugged him tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much, you and your crazy ass boyfriend."

"Hey!—"

"I'll miss you too, Jun hyung." Taehyun whispered, hugging him back.

"Start this new life of yours strong," Huening Kai said, joining in with a soft smile. "You both are... we'll miss you so much. But I know you'll succeed in everything!"

Soobin added in smiled weakly, blinking back tears. "Take care of each other, okay?"

Taehyun bit back a smile, nodding as his own eyes started to sting. "We will, I promise."

Beomgyu, who noticed Soobin's struggle on containing his emotions, immediately died his teasing down as he began to frown, his lips trembling. "Hyung, don't cry, you're going to make me start crying!"

Soobin sniffled, glaring playfully. "I'm not crying!"

The five of them burst out laughing, all smiling widely as they began to hug each other one by one — the bittersweet feelings of leaving hung above them. For Taehyun, he was heartbroken to leave his best friends, the one who has seen him from the beginning yet supported him regardless.

Without them, he would've never escaped that goddamn barrel.

For Beomgyu, he was so grateful for Soobin being the rational voice in his chaotic mind, always there for him whenever he felt lonely.

And now, here they were, wishing farewell to each other while they began to tear up.

"Alright, get going, damn idiots," Yeonjun chuckled, wiping his tears as he gently shoved Taehyun away from him. "If you miss your plane, that's honestly so embarrassing for you both."

Taehyun laughed softly, glancing over at Beomgyu as he reached out for his hand, intertwining it as he grabbed onto his suitcase.

"I'm forever grateful for you all." He said softly.

After witnessing how crazy their fairytale versions were, this goodbye felt so bittersweet and precious, knowing that there was a chance they'd never seen their human selves again, and honestly? Taehyun was glad that he didn't have to deal with an emotional horse, fish, or fairy.

As they said their final goodbyes, Beomgyu began to walk away with Taehyun until he glanced over his shoulders and froze — his eyes widening at the sight of the people who were standing a few feet away, watching them quietly.

"Hyung?" Taehyun asked, tilting his head as he noticed his hesitation, momentarily following his gaze until his eyes landed on them, making his stomach flip. "Your... your parents...?"

Beomgyu's mother hands were clasped tightly, and his father's expression was unreadable and for a moment — it felt like they were about to storm over and disapprove of this trip and cancel it right away on them, but as the seconds passed by, it was clear that their intentions weren't harmful at all.

For a moment, neither of them said anything, that was until Beomgyu sighed softly and let go of his luggage, extending his hand out towards Taehyun as he stared at him with a soft gaze. "Come on."

"Wait, what?" Taehyun whispered, his voice rising slightly as he began to slowly panic. "Are- Are you sure?"

"They're trying," Beomgyu said simply. "But if you don't want to, we can just leave right now and not look back — I don't mind either option. I just feel obligated to... thank them."

Taehyun hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest as he glanced between Beomgyu and the older boy's parents. His fingers fidgeted nervously at his sides before Beomgyu's hand found his again, squeezing gently.

"It's okay," Beomgyu said softly, his gaze unwavering. "You're with me, always. Nothing they say or do can change that."

Taehyun swallowed hard, nodding. "Okay. Let's do this."

Together, they walked towards Beomgyu's parents. The distance felt like an eternity, the tension in the air palpable. But when they stopped just a few feet away, with the elder protectively squeezing Taehyun's hand, they both stood there staring at his parents who shifted awkwardly.

It was suffocating to say the least, the awkward silence and the horrible memories that were created because of them — but Taehyun only stayed quiet until the elders mother finally broke the silence, her voice trembling.

"You're really going," she said, her tone a mixture of sadness and something that resembled... pride. "To Azure, a school better than Byeol, huh."

Beomgyu nodded his head, his voice steady but gentle, yet his eyes were slightly cold. "I am, thought I could make myself useful for once."

His father shifted uncomfortably before clearing his throat. "We didn't... come here to stop you," He said, his voice gruff. "We just wanted to... see you off. Properly."

Beomgyu blinked, clearly taken aback. For a moment, he didn't say anything, his lips pressing into a thin line as he processed their words. Then he smiled faintly, a bittersweet expression that Taehyun rarely saw.

"Thank you." Beomgyu said finally, his voice soft.

His mother stepped forward hesitantly, her hands trembling as she held out a small envelope. "This is... for emergencies," She said, her gaze darting between Beomgyu and Taehyun. "And... take care of yourself. Both of you."

Beomgyu took the envelope, his fingers brushing hers briefly before he stepped back. "We will," He said firmly. He paused, then added, "Thank you... for coming."

His mother's eyes welled with tears, but she nodded, her lips pressing into a thin smile. His father remained stoic, but there was a softness in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

Beomgyu glanced at Taehyun, who gave him an encouraging nod, a gentle reminder that all the bad memories that haunted him were in the past now — so with a gentle smile, he intertwined their fingers together as he glanced at his parents again.

"Goodbye," He said softly, giving them a nod. "For everything you've done for me, allowing this to happen for us."

His parents stood there quietly, staring at them with some sort of emotions in their eyes. It wasn't until his mother opened her mouth to speak up, only to get interrupted by a loud announcement over the airports intercoms.

"Attention passengers: Flight 553 to Toronto is now boarding at Gate 13. Final call for boarding passengers. The flight will be departing shortly."

Taehyun's eyes widened as he glanced over at Beomgyu who thought the same thing, the both of them glancing back towards his parents who seemed to understand that they know had to leave.

"Take care." Beomgyu said softly, turning to leave with the younger, that was until his mother had called out softly — making his heart stop.

"Beomgyu... we're proud of you. The both of you."

Beomgyu stopped in his tracks, his shoulders stiffening. Slowly, he turned back, his eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Then he smiled — a genuine, heartfelt smile that lit up his entire face.

"Thank you." He said, his voice wavering with emotion.

In that moment, it was like some of his inner struggles that his childhood self was holding onto had finally released — lifting those emotions off like heavy weight as the both of them smiled at each other, the same exact relief and euphoric emotion washing through them.

It wasn't until the loudspeaker crackled again.

"This is the final boarding call for Flight 553 to Toronto. All remaining passengers, please proceed to Gate 13 immediately."

"Hyung! We have to go!" Taehyun gasped, immediately pulling the elder towards their suitcases as he quickly grabbed them. "And here you were, teasing me about being late and such!"

"I'm sorry, princess!" Beomgyu laughed, grabbing onto his own things. "I was caught up in the moment, but let's go! Hurry!"

Taehyun laughed loudly, rolling his eyes as he nudged the elder slightly as the both of them quickly walked towards the gate, their hearts heavier yet light with newfound peace making its way in.

And for a moment, it was comfortable silence between them, neither of them needing to say more until Taehyun spoke up, unable to hold his emotions back.

"They're trying." He said, smiling softly at Beomgyu who seemed... so happy and proud of what his mother had said.

"They are." Beomgyu agreed, glancing over towards him as he smiled widely.

With one last glance over their shoulders, making eye contact with their friends who waved at them wildly — his parents standing there watching them leave, they felt so happy and at peace, leaving this chapter behind.

And as they stepped through the gate, they were ready to begin the next chapter of their lives — together.

✧˖*°࿐

"We are currently on our way to Toronto, Canada! Have a fun flight, everyone!"

Taehyun sighed softly, the cabins lights beginning to dim as the captains intercom message ended — only the quiet hum of the plane filling the late night air along with the soft murmurs of other passengers momentarily distracted him.

He tilted his head and stared out the window, admiring the endless sea of stars outside as the weight in his heart barely subdued. His cheeks were damp, and his hands trembled slightly as he dried his tears with the sleeves of his hoodie. He had cried on and off for the past few hours, overwhelmed by everything — both the good and bittersweet.

He wiped at his eyes, letting out a quiet breath. He's going to absolutely miss everyone.

His heart ached with the thought of leaving Huening Kai, Soobin, and Yeonjun — and even the complicated relationship with his parents. But be earth that sadness, there was a growing warmth — a deep, unshakable happiness of starting anew.

He glanced down at Beomgyu, who was fast asleep on his shoulder, his soft breathing steady and calm. Taehyun smiled, his fingers tightening around Beomgyu's hand. They had come so far — overcome their differences, bridged their hatred, and found a love deeper than he had ever imagined.

He's never been more happier. If you were to ask him in the past if he'd ever accept the idea of moving with Beomgyu overseas — he'd laugh in your face, spitting out the rudest insults towards the elder.

But now...? Here he was with his hearts content.

After such long journeys, overcoming difficult challenges and emotions — they were finally free, and the fairytale world was now a distant memory of the past.

But... he couldn't help but be grateful, because without it, he would've never discovered the truth. Discover his new dream, and discover the feelings that he had for Beomgyu.

If it weren't for that crazy ass fairytale, the two of them would've never healed one another.

I've never been happier. He thought, brushing a stray strand of hair from Beomgyu's face. I've never been happier that it was you I got stuck with in that damn fairytale fiasco life.

Memories of their time on the student council flashed through his mind — the arguments, the fight, the fear of losing their roles which turned into desperation and love, the teamwork and joy they eventually found within each other — the trust that had shaped them both, made them better, and now they were starting a new chapter together.

He's so grateful.

He's leaving behind bad memories.

Like Karina! God he can never view her the same, every time he saw her, he always made some sort of awkward dragon comment, and honestly — it was concerning.

Eunha and Yuri who both were emotional when learning about their departure, but wished them nothing but love and peace — making his heart ache, he's still angry at the damn fairytale for making them so evil.

Minnie... oh god, he avoided her like the plague, in fear of saying some stupid calamari joke like he's done with Karina with the dragon comments — he needed an escape from that crazy ass shit.

And there were times where he would get random flashbacks to their friends being weird enchanted animals or objects, like teacup Felix... Fish Huening Kai... Horse Soobin...

Then there's Heeseung.

God. Don't even get him started on him.

He's so glad that they're leaving his ass behind.

Taehyun sighed softly, closing his eyes a little. The fairytale, the book, the punishment — it what got them wrapped up in that mess anyway, fighting through life or death situations and making impossible decisions — breaking them down both mentally and physically.

But... in the weakest moments, they found each other's true self and the truths.

He's grateful for the fairytale for making him fall in love with Beomgyu.

If it weren't for the fairytale forcing them how to learn and trust one another again, he knew that right now wouldn't be like this.

Taehyun smiled softly, opening his eyes as he looked over at Beomgyu, pressing a gentle kiss to the elders forehead before he shuffled around and leaned back into his chair. Happy and content of everything that's—

whoosh!

Taehyun froze, his eyes widening when he felt a strange breeze swirl past him, for a moment he was terrified, a faded sense of deja vu washing over him, but as he looked around, he slowly calmed down realizing that he might actually be crazy and delusional after coming out of that fairytale world.

Jesus fucking christ. He grumbled, leaning back into his chair as he tried to breathe. It's just your imagination, you seriously can't start being schizophrenic when you're starting a new life with Gyu! Come on Kang!

After a while of reassuring himself, Taehyun's stomach rumbled, and he sighed, gently slipping his hand out of Beomgyu's grasp. Trying not to wake him, he reached for his bag under the seat, searching for a snack. His fingers brushed against something unfamiliar — a textured edge — and he froze.

What in the? He tilted his head, his eyebrows furrowing. This doesn't feel like a chip bag...?

Confused, he slowly pulled it out and stared — his eyes squinting slightly to see what it was since it was a bit dim in the cabin, but the longer he stared — the strange sensation of deja vu began to bubble in him.

It wasn't until he saw a golden gleam under the faint light, his eyes widening in horror as a faint gasp caught in his throat — his chest tightening and memories flashed through his mind — ones of the fairytales.

A golden letter.

Oh no.

Oh hell no.

Oh hell fucking no. nope nope nope nope! They left this shit in the past— what the fuck was it doing in his bag?! Beomgyu was fucking with him — he had to be fucking with him!

For a moment, Taehyun considered ripping the paper to shreds, sick of this unbelievable twisted joke of a life— now he's overthinking, great! Was this really reality, or was this another damn twisted alter universe fairytale?

He's sick of it, he's throwing it away and never looking back, fuck the golden letter, fuck every meaning behind it — he hates it!

...

He's going to read it.

Taehyun sighed heavily, cursing at himself as he gently unfolded the letter, his stomach twisting horribly as he tried his best to not wake up Beomgyu, because if the elder found out about this — they would be kicked out of the airplane right away from how loud he'd scream.

Taehyun sighed as he unfolded it and began to read, the initial tension melted away as his eyes widened at the words written on it.

To Taehyun and Beomgyu,
Your intertwined hearts have finally healed, and your ending journey together has brought love and light to each others lives.
You've overcome trials, found understandings, and created a bond unbreakable by distance or time.
I'm proud of you both for finding each other once again.
Congratulations on achieving your true happily ever after.
~ M.J

Taehyun's lips parted, his heart pounding. The words were surreal yet comforting, as though the fairytale universe itself had acknowledged the love and effort they had poured into each other, sending them one last golden letter from wherever it may have been.

He honestly thought magic wasn't real, but after he watched the golden letter slowly fade away in his hands, he couldn't help but bite back a smile. The words repeating in his mind like a calming ending song.

He was so lost in his thoughts, he hadn't realized he was shaking until a sound made him glance down, and he realized the elder was stirring. His sleepy eyes blinked up at him. "What are you doing?" Beomgyu asked groggily, his voice low and hoarse.

Taehyun quickly clasped his hands together, debating whether or not he should tell the elder about what had just happened — but for right now...

He decided not to, as the fairytale world, was now something from their past.

And he's a little certain if he did tell him, he'd have a major freak out.

"Nothing," He said softly, brushing his fingers through Beomgyu's hair. "Go back to sleep."

Beomgyu tilted his head, clearly not convinced, but the exhaustion in his eyes won out. He gave a small smile and yawned. "Okay... but wake me up if you need anything."

"I will," Taehyun promised, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Beomgyu's forehead.

"Hey, Taehyun?" Beomgyu whispered, his eyes dropping, yet he still had strength to speak a little.

"Yeah, hyung?" He hummed, squeezing his hand.

"I love you, Kang."

Taehyun couldn't help but smile, his heart aching as he chuckled and gently leaned his head against the elders.

"I love you too, Choi."

As Beomgyu drifted back to sleep with a serene smile, Taehyun cradling his hand in his own. He gazed out the window, the stars shining brighter than ever. His heart swelled with gratitude — for Beomgyu, for their growth, for the love they had found and nurtured.

The golden paper's words lingered in his mind, a quiet reassurance that they had truly reached a place of peace and happiness. For the first time, Taehyun allowed himself to believe it.

He closed his eyes, a gentle smile growing on his lips.

He's so grateful for the journey they had together, his hearts content.

He had wished for a future where Beomgyu was by his side, a future where the both of them are happy, wishing on the full moon and all.

Now here it was, that wish coming to life.

After everything they've been through, the rough patches and all, he knew one things for certain after such a chaotic adventure and healing process. He was so proud of them, so proud of their journey.

From swearing and making an oath he would forever hate Beomgyu — here he was, swearing to be by his side forever with new promises and love to uphold. And he was proud.

He was proud knowing that they're living finally living happily ever after.

Forever and evermore.

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END
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