Once you showered and put your matching outfits on, Hobi insisted you take pictures together. You stood in front of the mirror in his closet and took a few, then on the mirror by the main door.

You'd taken a few selfies here and there, but never proper whole body pictures. Excited was an understatement, he was so invested and made sure to get the best angles and suggest poses when you looked lost after the first couple shots.

"Before we go, I got you something!" you said hurrying out of his apartment and trotting down the hall to go in yours.

Hobi stood in place with a wide smile and a surprised face. In no time you were walking back in with a huge bag with not just one, but several gifts.

"So, I don't know if you have these. I've never been to your studio, but I know how much you love them" you started explaining as you handed him the first box and he sat on the floor to open it.

"Don't you want to go sit on the couch?"

"No, it's fine" he muttered focusing on unwrapping the present you had just handed him and you giggled endeared. He was like a little kid.

"A Blush KAWS* figure? And the dissected version too!" he said pulling one doll out of the box and then another with his other hand.

"Yes! I read they were a limited edition for valentine's day or something of the sort so I was hoping maybe you didn't have them. And that it held some sort of meaning for the date" you babbled nervously and he looked up at you grinning.

"Admittedly, I'd feel weird buying myself valentine's gifts, I don't. I love them, thank you!"

Before he could say another word or stand up to give you a grateful kiss, you handed him another smaller box.

He opened it to find a wooden Snoopy*² figure this time. The dog held a garland with hearts on one end and on the other end Woodstock held it smiling up at him.

"Get it?" you asked anxiously and he looked confused.

"It's Snoopy, I love Snoopy!" Hobi said with a cute but confused lip smile and you shook your head. You handed him a third box.

"Are you Santa? How many things have you got in there?" he teased you laughing amused as he held onto a soft package this time round.

It was two oversized graphic t-shirts with Snoopy. One of them was Joe Cool with a heart and the text 'Heartbreaker' and the other one was Snoopy hugging Woodstock and the text 'All I Want is You'. Hobi's smile just didn't fit on his face anymore from how large it was.

"Do you see it now?"

"You got it bad for me, that's what I can tell, aein!" he pointed out feeling his heart was going to burst with happiness. You'd thought about all of this so carefully.

"Snoopy and Woodstock" you repeated seeing if he would decypher it but he simply blinked looking at you with the most adorable lost face.

"Hobi"- you said pointing at all the Snoopies and then at his yellow bird friend -"and Bodi. It's us!"

Hoseok burst out laughing and grabbed onto your hands to pull you down to him and hug you close. You crashed on him, but he didn't seem to mind about the bruises that would leave.

"You are so cheesy, I love it" he exclaimed squeezing you tightly and kissing your lips over and over playfully.

"You do?" you looked at him with a raised eyebrow as if you weren't sure and he eagerly nodded.

"Of course, you are the cutest, my little Birdie" he insisted looking into your eyes filled with joy. Your cheeks flushed and you sighed deeply.

"I was so worried you'd hate it all, I know it's silly gifts even if it's stuff you like. Just t-shirts and figurines? It doesn't look serious"

"Aein, I love tees and have a huge collection of toys. What did you think I'd want more than this?" your boyfriend questioned you.

Appearances hardly mattered, the kinds of presents that you'd give your partner didn't have to be a certain type alone or have to be worth a certain amount of money.

"You could gift me anything and I'd love it just because you thought of me" he added kissing your cheek sweetly and seeing you take one last soft package out of the bag hanging from your elbow.

This one contained a laying Snoopy plush with cross eyes. Hobi's eyes widened when he turned it around and saw its graffitied stomach.

"Where did you get this?!" he looked at you in disbelief. It was another limited edition, but one that was much harder to find.

A collaboration between KAWS and Peanuts that was only available at UNIQLO for a short period of time. Not only that, it was one signed by his favorite artist in-store.

"I looked around diligently until I found someone who was willing to part with theirs. It came all the way from New York City" you announced proudly and he squealed and put it to a side on the floor to squeeze you once more.

"Thank you so much, aein" he said nuzzling your chest and laying his head on it with a little sniffle.

"Hobi baby, are you okay?" you patted his fluffy hair and leaned your head to a side to look at his face. His eyes were watery, but his smile was bright.

"I'm fine, I'm sorry. I'm just really grateful, truly. You shouldn't have, four gifts just for me" he apologized laughing embarrassed as he sat back and loosened his hold so you could straighten yourself as well.

"Aw, but I wanted to get you something. I couldn't decide what so it was KAWS and Snoopy. But then, I found KAWS x Peanuts and I just had to get you that!" you explained animatedly.

"So cute!" he said in a squeaky voice pinching your cheeks*³ and giggling at your enthusiasm.

Springing to his feet, he helped you up and then bunched up all the discarded wrappings and packaging in his hands to quickly throw them out. Carefully setting everything you got him aside on his dresser, he ran back to where you were waiting.

"Now let me spoil you, let's go!" he helped you put your jacket on and then slid his on and took your hand firmly in his to walk out.

"Where are we going?" you asked curiously as you walked in the elevator.

"First stop, brunch!"

"First?" you repeated wondering what else he had planned. Usually exchanging presents and a nice meal out was all there was and more than enough.

"I've planned an entire day out for us" Hobi looked proud as he smiled mischevously, his chest was puffed out a little even. He made you giggle.

"I can't wait to see what's on our agenda for today. I'm excited!" you smiled at him with just as much enthusiasm as he expected. What he felt was almost indescribable, nothing but pure joy.

You made your way to the garage with Hoseok looking specially cocky for some reason. He was feeling himself, just smoothly dancing to the beat he hummed as he played with his car keys.

Being a few steps behind, you watched him entertained. The day you took him on a ride on your bike, he had looked at you the same way. You had looked so attractive and now it was his turn to show off a little.

"Meet my baby" he said leaning on the hood of his silver Porsche with a smirk. He never called his car that, he just wanted to tease you.

"A Porsche Carrera*⁴? You want to go out in it and expect not to turn heads?" you questioned his usual low profile and he shrugged.

"Can't I show off my baby?" he purred extending his hand and wiggling his fingers so you'd hold it.

Hobi pulled you by it and in a swift move pressed you against the hood. The one hand still in his grip, his other arm holding him up above you and a smug smile on his face.

"Sitting pretty in the passenger's seat, a total babe" he pushed you further. Your face turned red and you scrunched your nose.

"Hob-ah! Stop being so..." you didn't know what word you were looking for.

"Sleazy?" he offered and started laughing when you side-glanced at him.

"Exactly that,"

"You are so much fun to play with, aein. I can't help myself" Hobi threw his arm around your shoulders giggling and lead you to the other side of the car and opened the door for you.

As he walked back around the car, he tried to look cool as he did and you just laughed at him making him pout.

"Didn't I look cool just now?" he asked still looking pitiful as he got in and you nodded and patted his cheek.

"Sure did, baby"

"Yaah!" Hobi pushed your side playfully but couldn't keep the pouty frown on his face for too long. The corner of his lips curled up slightly as he started his car and drove off.

"I'm assuming you are not going to break any speeding laws, Hoseok-ssi. Why get a sportscar?" you knew he was so proper, he wouldn't do something stupid.

"No, of course not. It's a beautiful car, don't you think?" he answered nonchalantly as he removed his bucket hat and put on his sunglasses to shield his eyes from the sun.

The weather was finally getting warmer now and thankfully it was a sunny day. It would be nice to walk around. He didn't plan to go everywhere with his car, most things would be within walking distance once you got there.

Even if it didn't seem like it, he was still relatively careful. Being sighted was inevitable so he didn't want to worry about that. He just wanted to enjoy his precious time with you, but he was going to be smart about it.

"It's a model 2022, isn't it?" you feigned disinterest, but it had been a practically perfect car at the time of its release. A classic of the 911 line even when it wasn't the latest model.

"Mhm, it's not as beautiful as you, but it'll do" his eyes were fixed on the road as he drove with one hand and his other one rested in between the seats.

You saw his smirk progressively draw itself on his face when you fell for it and became quite. He side-glanced at you to double check.

"Too much?"- he asked and laughed heartily when he noticed your unamused face -"I'm sorry, I'll stop."

He cleared his throat awkwardly and you held onto his free hand and gave it a little squeeze. When he turned to you briefly, he gave you a little wink and a cute lip smile.

"You are in such a good mood today, baby."

Bringing your hand to his lips, he planted a kiss on the back of it and then changed gears without letting go. The expression on his face turning a little more serious for a second.

There was something about him driving so confidently that was very hot, but it didn't quite make sense in your head. Why? Was it because it was him?

"You are staring. Want to put on some music?" Hoseok called you out and you hurriedly focused your attention on the stereo instead, feeling your face flush in embarrassment.

You turned it on and it started playing one of his driving playlists.

"What is this, Hob-ah?" you made a face at him and his eyes widened. His body however instinctively moved following the beat.

"Only the best of funk*⁵, you don't like it?"

"I think my father might" you pointed out and he gasped.

"Ah no, you didn't" Hobi couldn't allow this, your age gap had never shown before, but comparing him to your father was a low blow. He was offended.

He turned up the volume and just vibed with the music ignoring you. Were you mortified? Were you entertained? Did you want a hole to open up underneath you and swallow you whole? He didn't care.

That was until you started singing along to The Sugarhill Gang*⁶.

Well, my name is known all over the world
By all the foxy ladies and the pretty girls
I'm going down in history
As the baddest rapper there ever could be

You both rapped together, each one dancing whichever way it came to you. You felt comfortable, free and untouchable. With rolled down windows and your hand following the wind with little waves, you looked out with a wide smile.

When he stopped at a light, you seemed to be in your own little world and Hobi observed you. It's like you hadn't noticed everything had stopped: the car, his singing and his heart.

Windblown hair, soft lips mumbling lyrics in English you didn't quite know, bright eyes and a wide peaceful smile. Hoseok felt nothing about this moment, about you, could be more perfect.

Only a car honking behind him brought him back to reality and inevitably made you snap out of your blissful state.

You parked in a private garage that had been indicated to him and a lady received you at the door that lead to the building.

"Welcome to Passion5*⁷, Mr. Jung, Miss" she greeted you cordially and lead you through a back door so you wouldn't have to walk past the bakery which was usually full of customers.

In the indoor garden area, they had set up a table especially for you two. As you took a seat, a waitress walked up and introduced herself before handing you the menus with the brunch options. Hoseok had let them know what you were having, but he wanted you to feel free to pick what you liked best out of all what they offered.

"Mm, chocolate fondue with homemade sponge. This brings back memories of last time we shared dessert" you commented and Hoseok's cheeks flushed letting out a small nervous giggle.

"You are disgraceful" Hobi looked at you with a severe gaze that could burn a hole through yours.

"Especially because I came up with that idea" you challenged him back because he thought of that all on his own. He smirked slyly before looking back at his menu.

Once you decided on the selection, it didn't take long for the assortment of food to be brought to the table. Everything from savoury to sweet and definitely more than you'd be able to eat in one sitting, but he would need the extra later.

"Thank you" you both said with a little bow of your heads. When the waitress was gone, Hobi made it his mission to not let you eat anything on your own*⁸.

"You say I'm cheesy, but look at this" you pointed at the cake dome with a tiny chocolate bear holding a heart sitting on it.

"I said it was an anniversary and they made it for us. I think it's adorable and it was nice of them" he shrugged with his bottom lip jutting out.

"Just admit you love it, baby" it was fun to play with him. He loved stuffed animals and watching baby animal videos, you were sure he had a soft spot for all these cutesy things.

"I know you do, I do it for you" he kept up the manly front and you weren't sure if he felt insecure.

It wouldn't sound like him, he was very comfortable in his skin for the most part. He wasn't afraid to try different and make a statement, didn't worry about keeping up an image.

"I just got you a bunch of dolls as a gift and you looked like a kid on Christmas Eve" you raised an eyebrow looking at him questioningly.

"Why must you expose me like that?"

"It's just us here, baby" you smiled naughtily at him, leaning over the table, and puckered your lips. Hobi giggled and obliged.

If he kept up with the act, the surprise at the end of the day would be all the more shocking. You seemed to think he rejected everything cute just because he found some things excessive. What he said was all in good fun, he clearly did like all that.

"What's next on your list?" you asked as you put down your empty glass after taking the last sip of your strawberry shake.

"We have a workshop to get to, but first I want to drop by a photobooth studio*⁹ for some pictures" he informed you and you smiled wide, holding back your laugh.

"What?" he furrowed his eyebrows and pouted again.

"Not cute at all"

"Oh, please. You are living the dream" he rolled his eyes and laughed at you.

"So modest, Hoseok-ssi"

"I'm giving you the whole drama experience, isn't that what you all want?"

"We all? In true cliché drama fashion, I'm not like other women, Hoseok-ssi" you mocked him and he looked at you mirroring your expression. Hobi pinched your cheek and made a cute sound to go with it, making you huff in frustration.

At the studio you played with the hats, headbands, props and wigs. Choosing the looks for each other and combining them to keep up with the special date.

You ended up with several strips of photos and a couple polaroids which you honestly adored. Surely one of these would go in your wallet when you were working.

"I love these, Hobi. We look so happy"

"I love you, aein. You make me the happiest" your boyfriend leaned onto you over the console and nuzzled your cheek sweetly before kissing it softly.

He was so lovey-dovey today, most days he was cool and not as openly vulnerable. His 'I love you' was rather special because he didn't throw it around carelessly. Your heart raced every time he said it, its pattern had become arrhytmic at this point with the second or was it third time, in 24 hours.

Hoseok refused to tell you what the class was about, all you knew was that it lasted about two hours and it was private. Apparently it was a couple's class and multiple people attended at once, but for obvious reasons they had made an exception for him.

"Welcome! My name is Yijun, I'll be your teacher" a man in his mid-fifties introduced himself with a polite bow and you responded accordingly.

"So, do you have any ideas in mind, do you want to look at some samples for inspiration?" he asked and you looked puzzled. Hobi chuckled nervously and turned to you.

"So, usually for these anniversaries people get couples rings. I thought it would be more meaningful if we made them ourselves*¹⁰. I was thinking we could do something to match our bracelets with interlocking rings" he explained gesturing with his hands, then faced the teacher and held his wrist out for him.

"What do you think, aein?" his eyes searched yours and your lips curled, your smile became increasingly bigger as the man lead you to sit down in front of a table with tools.

"Love it! Where do we start?"

"You need no previous experience for this, in this two hours we'll go through it all and you'll walk out with your rings. I got the gemstone you requested, Hoseok-ssi."

The man handed you a small pink stone and you turned it in your hands, it was a soft color and kind of transparent when held to the light.

"The rose quartz*¹¹ represents unconditional love, compassion and emotional healing. This particular stone comes from Japan. It's not all about romance, but universal love of all kinds, even self-love. Sweeps away bad vibes and negative energy.

It cracks open tender hearts that might have been wounded and pulls at the heartstrings to realign them so you can feel connected, comforted and open to the joyous possibilities life can bring. It's attached to the heart chakra too, which is where we learn to trust, to give and to receive the world."

The man smiled at you two kindly and when he turned around you both looked at each other pressing your lips together awkwardly. Hobi had read some of that and that's why he had asked for it, but the teacher offered a lot more information which surprisingly suited you. It had all suddenly acquired more depth and meaning.

By the end of the two hours, you had measured your ring sizes, chosen a design, shaped your rings, polished them and encrusted the stone where the two circles interlocked to match your couples bracelets. With a lot of help from Yijun due to the complicated shape, they were ready to go.

"Where to now, timjang-nim*¹²?" you exclaimed animatedly as you walked out hand in hand and he giggled.

"To the spa, gijang-nim!" Hobi answered in the same silly bright tone teasing you and you rolled your eyes with a stupid smile on your face.

The rest of your afternoon was spent at a hotel getting everything done from head to toe. Full-body massages, facials, detoxing baths with oils, hands and feet treatments. You felt like you were floating on fluffy clouds, so soft and relaxed all over.

It would soon be getting dark by the looks of it when you walked out and Hobi pulled you by your hand to his car with a quick step.

"Are we going to some fancy restaurant now? This is all amazing, Hobi, but-" you began worriedly thinking about all of what he must have spent so far.

"Don't worry, I'm making you sit on dirt and eat cheap food now" he interrupted you amused as he closed the door behind you and hopped in through the driver's the side. Money wasn't an issue, but you were not used to being treated so he knew exactly what you meant.

Hoseok was looking forward to your reaction for the next part, but he wanted to make sure to get there before sunset to make it more special. Just a simple dinner outdoors. Your phone started ringing and he let go of your hand momentarily for you to pick up the call.

The expression on your face went from neutral to worried to upset as he glanced back at you here and there while you listened. He started worrying as well

"Tomorrow? I usually need a few days in anticipation to book everything, Mr. Kang,"

"It is not about money, sir. The airport needs to know in advance to-"

"If that's not a problem and you can sort it out, then I guess I can make an exception" you sounded gloomy now and looked even sadder when you happened to look his way and you made eye contact.

"What's going on, naekkeo?" Hobi asked softly once you hung up. His hand gently took yours once more, his fingers nervously turning your new ring.

"This business man seemed to be desperately looking for someone to fly him out tomorrow. He assured me he could make sure everything was ready for the departure and I just couldn't say no."

"It's fine, don't worry about it. Why would you turn it down?" you loved your job, but you were so reluctant to go since you were together and he worried he was getting in the way somehow.

"It's just that I have to get up in the wee hours. Did you have much more planned? I don't want to cut it short, but I should have dinner and go to bed early. I really didn't want this to get in the way" you looked devastated, yet he understood what last minute bookings were like.

"How about we grab some take away and go home? We can go out for dinner another day" he offered with a kind smile and an understanding look.

"I'm so sorry, baby" you murmured looking up at him pitifully when he stopped at a red light. A tear slid down your cheek and he brushed it off with his thumb.

"You don't have to be sorry, I get it. How long will you be away?"

"Just for the work week, they need to get to USA by Sunday evening to do some business on Monday. We should be back at some point on Saturday."

"That's not bad, we can do this next weekend then!" he tried to cheer you up and did his best to hide his disappointment as he rested his hand in his pocket while he waited for the green lights, clasping the padlock that was going to be his last surprise.

It would have to wait.

-

* Both Hobi and Joon are avid fans of this brand and collect their figures. You might have seen them in the back or their vlives multiple times.

https://www.koreaboo.com/news/bts-jhope-rm-kaws-instagram-figures-toys/

They also recently collaborated for the design of Jack In the Box's cover: https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/bts-j-hope-on-working-with-kaws-for-his-more-jack-in-the-box-cover-art-design-album-jung-hoseok-lollapalooza-release-2022

*² Another one of his favorite characters, he even had some Peanuts pins on his jacket (bottom center pic) for the JITB listening party. You can see the KAWS x Peanuts Snoopy from UNIQLO (bottom right pic), turns out Hobi does have it, haha. Let's pretend she got the small size which he doesn't seem to have.

He even said Snoopy is his style hero in this interview with GQ:

edit: he has the Valentine's day's KAWS figures too, the red ones in the back, haha.

*³ https://youtube.com/shorts/WaJ1uV-RafQ?feature=share

*⁴ The last car Hobi reportedly owned is a Porsche Carrera 911 so I gave him an upgrade to the latest Porsche Carrera 911 4 GTS 2022 (which is still old for the year in the story). For all we know, the unknown source based themselves on this so don't take my word for it. That's the car, lol:

*⁵ On a recent interview Hobi explained he grew up dancing to boom-bap, swing and funk. I happen to be a big fan of disco and funk music so I just had to include this detail.

Source: https://www.wkorea.com/2022/07/22/%ec%a0%9c%ec%9d%b4%ed%99%89j-hope%ec%9d%98-%eb%b9%84%ed%95%98%ec%9d%b8%eb%93%9c-%ed%95%84%eb%a6%84/

*⁶ https://youtu.be/rKTUAESacQM

*⁷

*⁸ Feeding each other is seen as a gesture of love and affection. It's a way to show your partner that you're paying attention to them and that you care about them. It also shows that you're willing to put their needs before your own.

Also, it's seen as bad manners to not offer food and it's considered very rude not to accept it when it's offered. So, in a way, it's a sign of respect.

Source: https://www.quora.com/Why-do-Korean-people-feed-each-other-when-eating-together-1

*⁹ https://koreabyme.com/an-introduction-to-photo-booths-in-korea/

*¹⁰

Came up with this idea and next thing I know Jimin is working with metal in his vlog. Watch for cuteness overload: https://youtu.be/Ks4u0Lka-kI

*¹¹ https://tinyrituals.co/blogs/tiny-rituals/rose-quartz-meaning-healing-properties-and-everyday-uses

*¹² On his interview with W Korea (link to it on footnote five above) the man referred to Hobi as Captain Jung. I looked at the Korean words and it's 'Jeong timjang-nim' which refers to him being the dance leader of the team (tim when romanized). The ending -jang made me think of our Captain.