**

They say love is the most powerful force in the universe.

They say it can bound two together as nothing else can. They say it can make one go to the furthest stretch. Love makes people crazy. Love makes people cry. Love makes people smile. Love can be between a loving husband and wife, a mother and her child, a little girl and her best friend.

They say love has no limits.

But was it not them that set limitations on love?

Jeongguk was gone when Taehyung woke up, early in the morning. He felt the emptiness beside him, the vacancy on the weight of the bed. Taehyung felt gloom, sat up in an instant and carried his feet to the window, just to see Jeongguk scurrying down the road towards his house.

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung called from the window loudly. Jeongguk paused on the road and turned to look up at Taehyung. Taehyung's heart seized. The boy still had bruises on his face.

Jeongguk gave Taehyung a solemn look, but Taehyung knew what it meant, despite no words being said. His eyes conveyed enough. That they couldn't be together like this again. And Taehyung almost felt an enigma, because how could Jeongguk be so... giving?

Whenever Taehyung felt hurt he went running to Jeongguk, did he not? And each time, as hurt as Jeongguk knew he'd get, he opened his arms and let Taehyung in. He held him at night and told him it'd all turn out fine. Jeongguk himself told Taehyung that his child was more important than anyone. All while being in love.

But right now, Jeongguk, after being hurt so badly and having the most awful week, ran away at 6 in the morning to his house to not hurt... Veronica, perhaps? How could he be so selfless, so giving? To always put Taehyung's happiness above his own?

Is that what love really is?

Jeongguk deserved nothing but happiness, and Taehyung didn't know how to give it to him.

Taehyung showered under warm water for a long time, thinking, the strong pressure of the water against his skin waking him up to the future, how lonesome it seemed without Jeongguk in it.

Jeongguk was a gate of heaven that Taehyung kept running to. Jeongguk was a little escape to paradise. He was an angel as if sent from above, there to heal Taehyung and love him. Taehyun wishes he could be the same to Jeongguk.

With Jeongguk, Taehyung felt like Lazarus.

After the shower, Taehyung walked out feeling underwhelmed. He wanted to spend his day with Jeongguk and Jeongguk only. He walked into the kitchen and found Veronica, cooking breakfast.

"Good morning," Veronica said. "You woke up rather early,"

"Yes. Thank you for cooking breakfast." Taehyung said, oddly formal. He walked to Veronica and laid a quick kiss on her cheek. It felt forced. "Do you know why Jeongguk left?" Taehyung asked.

"I saw him scurry off as I walked down. I asked him to stay for breakfast, but he said he'd overstayed his visit." Veronica chuckled, and then looked at Taehyung. "He might be one of the nicest men I've ever met. I wish all men were like him."

"What, gay?"

"Yes."

Taehyung chuckled. "Then you wouldn't have any to yourself."

"I think I've outgrown men. Don't fancy them as much as I used to. I had an... odd craving for men but, eh. Think it was something inside of me pushing me forward to always put men beneath myself, but I don't feel the need to do that anymore. I can feel confident in myself and my ability as a woman," Veronica said with a smile, and then grabbed a plateful of eggs and sausages, and took it outside to the dining table. Taehyung walked after her.

"You definitely did put me beneath you." Taehyung chuckled, and Veronica looked at him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up. I know you've changed."

"Thank you." Veronica said softly. "You've changed as well."

Taehyung sat down on the table. "How so?"

"You're less selfish now, I presume. And you don't assume everything's about you. You don't carelessly flirt with every woman on the street and you don't flaunt your wealth heedlessly." Veronica said, giving him a small smile. "I admire your confidence, Taehyung. I think everyone does. But there were times you were almost brash, cocky, overbearingly smug. I do see a gentler side of you now."

"You know," Taehyung said, putting his hand atop hers. "I wish we had this conversation earlier, love. I wish we could've sorted everything out earlier. It would've changed so much."

"Would it?" Veronica said with a chuckle. She looked at her food. "Yes, yes. I presume it would have. Had I not been so uptight and impudent myself, we could've been happy. But look around us. No one seems happy, do they?"

"No, they don't. Jeongguk... Jeongguk especially. My god, I know I've said this before, but to be able to take so much pain and still- still make it out alright in the end. I just... I just want him to be happy, if I'm honest. I just want him to smile and not face the cruelties of life it- it's not fair. It's just not fair." Taehyung breathed out weakly and then pressed his lips together before he rambled on further.

Veronica looked at him shakily for a few seconds and then looked down at her food, humming.

Taehyung left for work half an hour later. Today, he felt determined. Passionate. Much like his Jeongguk, he felt very fervent about something at that moment.

*

Jeongguk sat on his sofa, wearing a loose pale white shirt and trousers. His brown hair had grown longer in the past few weeks, he hadn't found time to cut it. He liked having it a little longer, however. Jeongguk pressed ointment to his cuts, hissing slightly each time.

"Jeongguk?" Rosie's voice came. Jeongguk looked up, alert. She stood in the hallway, looking as if she'd just woken up, dressed in a nightgown. "Oh my. Let me help you with that-"

"No, it's okay." Jeongguk breathed out hesitantly and then returned to putting the ointment on his cuts. Rosie came up to him and then sat down beside him. She took a ball of cotton and took the ointment on it, pressing it to his other bruises. Jeongguk looked at her.

"Rosie, it's alright. I don't require y-your assistance," Jeongguk said quickly. Of course he needed some help, but not Rosie's.

"Jeonggukie," Rosie said, looking at him with big eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Jeongguk looked at her unsurely. Rosie gulped. "Veronica had a long talk with me last night- so-something I should've realized myself. I always wanted a husband. Brave, strong, manly. I liked you so much in school, and I thought you did as well! So-so I convinced your mother to let you marry me. I didn't think... I didn't think you'd be opposed to it."

"You should've asked me." Jeongguk said faintly. "I d-doubt I would've had the courage to say no, but I wasn't ready to get married yet..."

"I know. I apologize, Jeongguk. That was my first mistake. My second one was assuming you'd be like every other man. That you'd be like my sisters' husbands. You aren't." Rosie said, her voice shaking, clutching onto her dress. "But- but that's okay. You're different... not for me, but different."

Jeongguk sniffled. "I'm sorry I'm gay. I'm sorry I couldn't please you."

"Jeongguk," Rosie put her hand on his. "I keep putting it on you, but if I'm honest, I was never completely satisfied with this marriage as well. Not when I kept looking at other men in envy, wishing I was with them instead. You might've done the same..." Rosie said, and then shook her head. "Nonetheless. I think separation, for us, is good."

"You think so?" Jeongguk asked gently. Rosie nodded, fast. "Yes! You can be who you want that way, and- and I can- I can move on. Find another life. In fact... um... I actually booked a train ticket for this afternoon."

Rosie looked down. "I'm going back home, Jeongguk. To stay with my parents for a while. I think I need some reconciliation. If it's alright with you, we can get the divorce once I'm back." Rosie said, hushed.

Jeongguk looked at her and tilted his head. "Why the sudden change?"

Rosie chuckled. "I saw you last night. I've never seen you look so... happy to see anyone. Your eyes were sparkling, you had this glow on your face that I-" Rosie paused, biting her lip. "I've never seen on you before. I've never even seen on myself."

Jeongguk looked away, cheeks turning a little red. Rosie looked at him. "You really love him, don't you?"

"I do." Jeongguk squeaked out. "I l-love him so much, Rosie. I don't think I've ever loved a-anyone this amount."

"I know." Rosie said. "I could really tell. It was like... Romeo and Juliet. Something quite similar, since they couldn't be together either, could they? If I'm honest, at first I found the whole ordeal rather confusing and it disgusted me. How could it not? It was unnatural, so far from anything I'd heard or seen. But now," Rosie chuckled to herself. "I realize. It's just love, isn't it?"

"It is." Jeongguk said, giving her a smile. "I'm grateful for your understanding."

"Don't be. I was foolish before. I mean, I don't think you expected me to be completely alright with it. But I was just cruel, wasn't I? All my life I've lacked attention, what, with three sisters who all married before me and have children. I felt naive, foolish. I t-thought, if I could completely oblige to my husband's every order, I'd be the perfect wife! But now I realize... I ought to have a say of my own. A life of my own. I needn't do everything my husband tells me to. For it might annoy him as well."

"To be your own person, Rosie, is gratifying," Jeongguk said, and then took her hand. "I still love you, you know. Just not like... not like that."

"I know. I understand what you mean. Veronica explained it to me. Veronica's lovely. She's changed so much from the brash woman she used to be. She told me many things! Enlightened me. Even about you and Taehyung. Although she said Taehyung was the woman between you two, which, I have to say, I disagree-"

"What?" Jeongguk asked. Rosie turned pink. "Nothing! I'm babbling, aren't I? You rest here, let me make you some tea."

Rosie got up from the sofa and rushed to the kitchen. Jeongguk laid on the couch, his body hurting, but his heart feeling less heavy than it used to. As if a load had lifted off his shoulder. There was still something creeping down his neck. He had to sort everything out with Taehyung.

*

Rosie left after lunch. She stopped by Jeongguk, held onto his hands. "Everything will change now between you and I. I want you to know, I'm sorry for everything I did. I've learned that it's not wrong to love." Rosie said.

"I know, Rosie." Jeongguk said. "I know that. You have so far to go. So much to do. I hope we can always stay friends."

"I hope so too." Rosie smiled up at him. She leaned up to kiss his cheek. Jeongguk hugged her tightly. Rosie then leaned back. "And- and do tell Jimin that I'm unaccompanied now."

"What??" Jeongguk gasped.

"W-what! Did you want me to sit by and pretend like he isn't very handsome? He made quite a few flirty advances at me, not too many though... But do tell him." Rosie said with a slight giggle. "Alright, I'll see you, Jeongguk! My taxi's here." Rosie said, turning around and running down the steps of the flat.

Jeongguk sighed to himself. "Jimin?" Jeongguk muttered to himself and then chuckled. "Ah well, I reckon he is quite handsome."

Jeongguk went into his washroom to take a shower. The water hurt his bruises, and the sudden realization of an empty house and what might stay as an empty house for years to come brought tears to his eyes. He wondered if he'd ever find somebody to love. In this sort of world, where a man loving another was seen as so cruel.

Jeongguk walked out of the shower after a while, wiping his tears. He put on a comfortable sweater and trousers and walked out of his bedroom. Jeongguk stopped and gasped in surprise when he saw Taehyung leaning against his kitchen counter, sipping on tea.

"T-Taehyung? Oh my, what-what are you doing here?" Jeongguk asked, rushing to him. Taehyung looked up. "You should- you should have called!" Jeongguk hit his arm. "Or knocked! Or rang t-the bell. Don't just show up like this, you frightened me-"

"Did I, my love?" Taehyung asked, grabbing his waist and pulling him close. Jeongguk's doe eyes grew big. Taehyung chuckled at his face, and then let him go.

"I came to talk to you, Ggukie. I have good news." Taehyung said, smirking. Jeongguk looked at him curiously. Taehyung cleared his throat. "Well. Those, um- those two men. The ones that... hurt you." Taehyung said, gentler. Jeongguk cowered a bit. "Yeah. They're in prison."

"W-what?" Jeongguk looked up. "Really?"

"Yes. Pulled a few strings here and there. Got them imprisoned for 10 years."

"I-isn't that a little long for assault?" Jeongguk asked. He'd studied law, he knew that was far too long for beating someone up. Taehyung snickered.

"Little long? Why, it should be longer! They hurt you, Jeongguk. You need to stop having such a heart of gold." Taehyung muttered, and Jeongguk pursed his lips, looking down.

"Alright, mister." Jeongguk mumbled. "Thank you very much." Jeongguk said.

"There's more." Taehyung walked out of the kitchen. He slicked his hair back, turned to look at Jeongguk. "The principal at King's College has been fired."

"What?" Jeongguk asked, eyes widening.

"Well, I dug a bit. Found out he'd been transferring small portions of the money earned by the school into his own account." Taehyung put his hands in his pockets. "Oh, and also those other men that were involved in the whole thing. All fired."

"A-are you serious?" Jeongguk asked.

"Of course. Well, one of them didn't really do anything wrong besides assisting in kicking you out, so I might've made a thing or two up for serious misconduct." Taehyung said. Jeongguk's jaw fell. "But hey, if it's any help, you can go back to school now. I know who the new principal is, he's a good man. Worked with me."

"Taehyung you can't do all that..." Jeongguk said, twiddling with his fingers.

"Oh, and I've got you a job at my firm." Taehyung said simply. "Law associate. And you," Taehyung pointed to him. "Answer to me. I'm technically your boss. So I made your pay a little... oh well, a lot higher than that for law associates. And technically you shouldn't even have the job considering you haven't passed the bar," Taehyung chuckled. "But I've gotten you it anyway."

Jeongguk didn't say anything, just looked down.

"And, my love, if it's any help, I bought you a car. Well, didn't really buy it yet. Yet to do the paperwork. But I talked to the dealership. I also got you a-"

"Taehyung." Jeongguk breathed out, eyes closed. He opened them, and then smiled at Taehyung. "Thank you. Thank you so much." Jeongguk walked closer to him, and then hugged him tightly.

Taehyung smiled, heart thudding in his chest. "Aw, that's alright love. But you must let me finish. I also got you a-"

"Taehyung," Jeongguk looked up, still smiling. "Thank you. Very much. But I don't want any of it."

Taehyung's smile fell. "What?"

"The job. They higher pay. The car. A-anything. I don't want all of that. You- you can get those men rehired as well." Jeongguk turned around. "I don't plan on going back to law school."

"Jeongguk." Taehyung frowned. "What? What do you mean you aren't going back? I just-" Taehyung gulped. "I just brought your life back for you. You can be fine, Jeongguk. You can make it."

"I can, Taehyung. But it's not fair if I do it all thanks to you." Jeongguk said faintly. He turned to look at Taehyung. "You're doing it out of love. That's not fair to me. I-I should earn it myself."

Taehyung's shoulders fell. He looked away for a few seconds, and then took a deep breath. "Why?" Taehyung muttered. "Just- just take it! I only want you to be happy, Jeongguk. I don't want to see you in pain. I don't want to see you so upset!" Taehyung cried.

"You're being selfish, Taehyung." Jeongguk said, and then smiled fondly at him. "You want me to be happy and nothing else, don't you? But isn't life about pain and problems? If I can't get out of this myself, then what am I worth?"

Taehyung looked down. Jeongguk walked closer to him, and cupped his cheeks. "I know you care, my love. I know you're in love with me and want me to be happy, be-believe me, I know how that is. But... but I owe it to myself to- to fix everything and return on my own feet."

Taehyung looked down for a few seconds. "B-but it was a nice car..." Taehyung trailed.

Jeongguk pressed their foreheads. "Taehungie. Thank you for it. But I'm fine, love. I'll be fine."

"What if you get hurt again?"

"Then I'll clean my wounds and continue. Yoongi's told me about this. How- hard hard it is for gay men. He's got beaten too. Mark has as well. So many of these type of men and women have gotten beaten up, Taehyung. It's not fair to them, is it? It's not fair to any of us. But why do I deserve an easier way out? No. These people, we- we're like a community. We have to help each other. I want to help them."

Jeongguk pulled away to smile up at him. "I'll study myself. I'll pass the bar. I don't need that stupid school." Jeongguk giggled. "I'll help my people. Gay people. There's so many of us, Taehyung. I can help." Jeongguk said. "But I want to do it alone."

Taehyung put his hands on his waist, looking into his eyes. "How are you so strong, my moonflower?"

Jeongguk smiled. "You helped me be strong, Taehyung. I wouldn't be half the man I was today if it weren't for you."

Taehyung wanted to kiss him, but he held it back. "A-alright. I... I understand. But... let me give you one present at least?"

"If you insist," Jeongguk said cutely, and Taehyung couldn't help but kiss his cheek. Taehyung turned around and picked up a blue velvet box which was on the table. Jeongguk saw it, and then stilled.

"Oh Tae," Jeongguk said softly. "You didn't have to..." Jeongguk murmured softly as Taehyung slowly opened the box for him.

It was the same necklace, the one that broke. The silver chain was simple, but the diamond itself was bigger. Jeongguk turned the diamond around, and of course, in the back; engraved;  a moonflower. Jeongguk sniffled.

"This is very sweet, Taehyung." Jeongguk's eyes almost brimmed with tears. "Y-you shouldn't ha-have..."

"Of course I did. I know how much you loved that necklace. I want to see you wear it around your neck always, okay? But- but it's not about me anymore." Taehyung said, whispering. "This isn't a token of my love, but rather, a symbol of your pride."

"Thank you," Jeongguk bit, watery. Taehyung put the necklace and clicked it together behind his neck. It sat prettily on his neck. Taehyung smiled.

"Oh, my beautiful Jeongguk," Taehyung said wistfully. "May I kiss you?"

Jeongguk looked at him uncertainly, so Taehyung sighed. "Alright, I know I shouldn't. I should be getting home now." Taehyung whispered.

Jeongguk hummed. He waved his hand to Taehyung and saw him off. He admired his necklace fr a few minutes, and then got a call on his telephone. Jeongguk rushed to it and picked the call up.

"Jeongguk," Taehyung was panting. "Hello." Jeongguk was confused. "Sorry for calling I... um..... I just wanted to say I love you."

"Tae," Jeongguk bit his lip. "C-could've said it to my face as well,"

"Not when you're so beautiful, no. I'm blushing, how foolish. My my, you've got me wrapped around your little finger, haven't you, Jeongguk?"

Jeongguk giggled. How did Taehyung always put him in such a good mood? Jeongguk didn't understand the logistics of it but at the moment he didn't want to argue with it either. He smiled, leaning against the wall. "I love you too, Taehyung. So m-much."

"Jeongguk... pretty baby... prettiest baby.... little angel.... pretty little angel.... pretty little angel baby-"

"Taehyung?" Veronica's voice came from outside the study. Taehyung widened his eyes like a teenager caught sneaking out of their bedroom in the middle of the night and muttered a quick goodbye to Jeongguk before cutting the call. Taehyung walked out, blushing.

"Hello," Taehyung said, buttoning his suit jacket, trying to look manly and casual while doing so. He strode to the living room, while Veronica followed.

"Were you... talking to Jeongguk?" Veronica asked, holding papers in her hand. Taehyung looked at her carelessly, eyebrow lifted. "Also, the bank sent a statement saying you spent a lot of money today."

"Oh. Well, um." Taehyung chuckled. "I bought Jeongguk a necklace." Pause. "And a car. But the latter he doesn't want, so-"

"Oh." Veronica looked at him. "That's... sweet of you. Have you been out of all because of him?"

"Sort of. Helped put those men who hurt Jeongguk behind bars. You know, I had to talk to the court judge. Pay some private investigators. A lot of work but- it's alright now. He's happy, and- and frankly, that's all which matters to me." Taehyung said softly, looking down at his leather-clad shoes.

Veronica looked at him for a few seconds. "Taehyung... we need to talk." She whispered.

Taehyung looked at her. Veronica opened her mouth to speak. Just as she did, Taehyung gasped. "Oh, Veronica," Taehyung walked closer to her. "You-you're showing!"

Taehyung looked at her stomach with fascination, seeing how it was bulging out just a little more, the sign of the baby being inside. Veronica looked down, and then back up at Taehyung shyly. "I went to the doctor today. He- he said the baby's healthy. The size of a peach." Veronica said, to which Taehyung smiled.

"That is wonderful," Taehyung put his hands on her stomach. "Oh my, I can't wait for our peach, Veronica." Taehyung said gently, wrapping her in a hug.

There was a small pause. Veronica put her arms around Taehyung. Taehyung heard her sniffle. "Veronica, love, don't cry. I know it can get overwhelming, but we're only 6 months away from having our-"

"Taehyung," Veronica cried out weakly. "I want a divorce."

Taehyung froze.

"W-what?" Taehyung let out, eyebrows furrowing. "Veronica," Taehyung pulled away, seeing her reddened eyes, full of tears. "You- you were the one that wanted us to stay together for our baby-"

"I know!" Veronica cut, wrapping her arms around herself, looking fragile, stepping back. "But I-I'm not blind! I see the way you look at Jeongguk, Tae. I see how much you l-love him. How selflessly, wholly you devote yourself to that boy. You'll never love me like that." Veronica shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I don't want to do this to you,"

"Veronica. It's not about me, it's about our child-"

"I'll get a house nearby you. You can h-help raise the baby. Otherwise, I'll- I'll be fine alone." Veronica said, wiping her tears quickly and smiling at him. "Really, Taehyung. I'll be fine. You-" Veronica gulped. "You should g-go to him. He makes you happier than anything ever will."

"That's not true, Veronica. The child- the child will makes me happiest. The child being healthy and happy," Taehyung said, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Taehyung, please! Don't you see I'm doing this for you? You're madly in love with him, you idiot!" Veronica said, enraged. "You c-clearly deserve to be together. He loves you so much as well, Taehyung. I'm doing it for both of you." Veronica said softly. "I can't do this anymore. This- this game. Of me or him. Or both. No- no, I want. I want you to choose."

"Don't make me do that, Ronnie." Taehyung breathed out.

"Taehyung, you know you have to. If you want him, you can still take care of our child." Veronica said, smiling.

"Perhaps so." Taehyung stepped to her. "But what about you?"

"Me?" Veronica chuckled out. "Oh, Taehyung. I'll be fine. Absolutely fine. I'll be happy knowing- knowing I made you happy." Veronica said softly. She gazed up at him, and smiled.

"Go to him, Taehyung. Before it's too late." Veronica whispered.

Taehyung licked his lips. "Veronica. Tha-thank you." Taehyung wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you s-so much. I love you." He whispered, and then looked past her. He kissed her temple, and then rushed out of the house in a hurry, a childish smile on his face.

The moment he left, Veronica put her hand over her mouth, falling to the floor. I love you. Veronica's eyes blurred with tears. She loved him still, so much. She always will love him so much. She lied. She lied, she wouldn't be alright alone. She couldn't care for the child alone. She couldn't do any of this alone. But for Taehyung and Jeongguk's sake, maybe, she should let him go.

*

Jeongguk heard knocks on his front door an hour after Taehyung had left. In confusion, he got up from the couch where he was reaching his book and opened the door.

Jeongguk saw Taehyung standing there, breathing heavily. Taehyung's eyes were whitened, widened. It was as if he'd just decided something. As if he'd just found something. As if he'd just realized something. He took a step into Jeongguk's house.

"Taehyung?" Jeongguk breathed out, because it all felt quite familiar. "What's- what's wrong?"

"Jeongguk," Taehyung smiled a little, but his eyes looked close to tears. "Jeongguk, I-" Taehyung walked forward, and then instantly wrapped him in a close hug, pulling him in. Jeongguk hugged back, looking up.

He felt that feeling of flight when Taehyung looked down at him.

"My love," Taehyung whispered. "Oh, m-my love. We made it. We made it. We c-can do it, Jeongguk."

"What- what are you talking about, Taehyung? It's almost nighttime and you come in like this... what's going on?"

"Jeongguk." Taehyung looked at him closely. "Baby, I'm so in love with you. I want- I want to be with you, Jeongguk." Taehyung said, and then gripped his hips tightly. "And I can. Veronica and I, we had a talk. About you. About us. She- she said it wouldn't be fair to us for us to not b-be together because... because I l-love you so much, my darling."

Jeongguk breathed against Taehyung's chest, closed to him. "S-she said that?" Jeongguk let out, sounding breathless. "As in, we- we can be together?"

"Y-yes." Taehyung chuckled. Jeongguk looked up at him, and his eyes began watering. "Don't c-cry, my love, my baby, don't cry-"

Jeongguk felt a tear go down his eye. "I've w-wanted this for so long, yet-" Jeongguk hid his face in Taehyung's chest, letting out a small cry. A silence followed. "It doesn't feel... right. W-what did you tell her?"

"I didn't give her an answer. I had to come to see you first. Talk to you about it."

"Have you thought of the answer, then?" Jeongguk asked, looking up, blinking his big eyes. "Be-because the child, a-and how everyone will treat us, and- and your-your job! And Veronica, oh, she- she can't be alright alone, a-and-"

"Jeongguk. I thought about it." Taehyung whispered. "I know what my a-answer is." Taehyung said, looking at Jeongguk.

Jeongguk looked at him for a few seconds. In front of him, wasn't the man Jeongguk knew many many months ago. No, this was a man who changed. This was a man who was putting others before him. This was a man who.

Who Jeongguk loved.

Jeongguk smiled at him, watery. He felt tears go down his eyes. "You do?" Jeongguk asked, and Taehyung nodded. "I think I know what your answer is as well. And I know what mine is too."

Taehyung came closer to him, and then wrapped him in a tight hug, pressing his nose to his neck, taking in his scent. Jeongguk hugged him, tight, oh so tight. Taehyung shuddered out a smile.

"Then you know," Taehyung began, weak, timid. "Then you kn-know we can't be together."

"Yes." Jeongguk said, looking up at him. "We can't. You can't leave her."

"I know." Taehyung blinked wet eyes. "It w-won't be fair to the child and-" Taehyung felt a tear go down his eye, looking away. His heart clenched at the thought, knowing he'd have to be away from Jeongguk.

"Taehyung," Jeongguk began with a soft smile. "Don't worry about me, my love. I love you so much, you know that, right?" You know I only want you to be happy. I want the best for you."

"Jeongguk." Taehyung let out.

"I'll move away." Jeongguk whispered, fiddling with his shirt, tears going down his cheeks, but he kept smiling. "T-to the other side of town. We won't see each other."

"A-alright." Taehyung nodded.

"And- and if we do, then we'll simply keep walking because-" Jeongguk began crying properly, unable to hold in his anger at this world and what it's done to the two of them. "Be-because it-" Jeongguk couldn't speak. "It'd be s-selfish of us, and-"

"Jeongguk," Taehyung brought him down, and they both fell to the floor. Jeongguk put his head on Taehyung's shoulders and burst out sobbing. "I love you so much."

"I l-love you more than you know. I don't want you to go away, Taehyungie. I d-don't want you to be away from me." Jeongguk said, childish tone. "But w-we just can't- we can't be to-together," Jeongguk shook his head, and Taehyung's heart broke at his sight. His brown hair fell on his eyes, which were doey and held the night sky in them, tears rolling down his red cheeks, lips stuttering out words.

Taehyung was crying as well, blonde hair pushed back, showing the vulnerable look on his face, his big darkened eyes, red, lips were bitten. "So this is it?" Taehyung chuckled, a tear falling down his eye. "It's- it's the e-end of us?"

Jeongguk chuckled out as well, closing his eyes. "Yes. But it's for the best. Be-because- because it'd just be b-better for everyone." Jeongguk nodded. "For us."

As painful as it was, his words held nothing but the truth. They would be in pain. Jeongguk would feel weakened to see himself tearing a family apart, and Taehyung would know he ruined what could've been a proper family for a baby. And yes, maybe he'll never love Veronica as much as he loved Jeongguk. But life... life's like that sometimes. Not everything works out perfectly, but you have to keep going, don't you?"

"May I have you?" Taehyung asked, their foreheads pressed together. "One last time. Please?"

"Yes. Please." Jeongguk whispered to his ear.

And if that was the last night they were ever together, then they made it perfect.

Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley playing through Jeongguk's record player by the window as the moonlight shone onto the wooden panes of the small flat. Taehyung had both arms wrapped around Jeongguk's waist tightly, laying his cheek against Jeongguk's head. Jeongguk had his arms around Taehyung's neck, laying his head on his shoulder.

"Wise men say, only fools rush in,"

Taehyung looked at Jeongguk. They both swayed in the moment, as the light of the moon danced them to wash them in their dying love. Jeongguk looked back up at him and smiled a little.

"But I can't help falling in love with you."

Jeongguk brushed his lips against Taehyung's, feeling their warmth against him. He didn't know when he'd ever feel that warmth ever again. Taehyung looked into his brown eyes, gazing into their heated glow. Jeongguk looked at his eyes, looking most in love.

They pressed their lips together. "Take my hand, take my whole life too," Jeongguk held onto Taehyung tighter, both swaying most beautifully around the small room, where their love enveloped them, their hearts thudding against their chests rightfully.

Jeongguk smiled against Taehyung's lips. Elvis Presley's deep voice drowned out in the back as their lips mingled together, tasting each other's sweetness, something bitter yet absolutely mesmerizing.

Taehyung lifted Jeongguk up after a few songs ended, holding him so close. Jeongguk let the soft hum of the violin continue in the background as he got carried into the bedroom, Taehyung's feet hurrying. He placed him onto the bed, and then kissed him firmly.

Jeongguk kissed back. His heart thudded. His stomach turned, and it all felt like the first time, despite being the last.

Jeongguk smiled at the older man, letting both of them stay in this moment. Jeongguk wishes he could be in this moment forever and ever. Forever bask in the sun that was Taehyung, forever stay in his love. If only things weren't so wrong.

Taehyung let his hands go up Jeongguk's side, his lips breathing warmly on Jeongguk's neck, kissing it over and over as he pulled Jeongguk's trousers and boxers off. Jeongguk whimpered softly as Taehyung leaned down to kiss his stomach, letting his lips drag up it, chaste pressing of lips against his skin.

Jeongguk looked down at the golden-haired man. He let his heart wallow at the sight of him, his rush, his excitement. "Slow down," Jeongguk said faintly, now completely naked. "I want you to keep me up all night."

"I will." Taehyung said, taking his own shirt off. "I will, moonflower. I'll keep you in my arms until the sun comes up. I love you." Taehyung reminded him, as if it might flee away if the words weren't spoken more often.

Once he was naked as well, Taehyung spread Jeongguk's legs. Jeongguk shuddered as Taehyung licked a stripe along his cock. But he let out a giggle. "Last time you'll have cock in your mouth."

"Somehow the most saddening part of this all." Taehyung teased, and Jeongguk threw his head back, laughing. Thought he stayed so as Taehyung took him in completely, making him gasp.

Jeongguk put his fingers through blonde locks, seeing him work between his legs. Taehyung let two fingers drop in oil and pushed one into Jeongguk. Jeongguk bit his lip, but Taehyung pulled away from Jeongguk's cock, breathing heavily.

"No, p-please, my darling. I must hear you. I must." Taehyung wished, and Jeongguk nodded.

"A-alright. Taehyung," Jeongguk moaned as Taehyung took him into his mouth once more, pressing another finger in. "O-oh-! Tae-Taehyung- you-!" Jeongguk continued, eyes growing wide as he looked down at the man. "You- you're so- so amazing, Taehyung." Jeongguk breathed out. He didn't want to cry. Not again. "I love you."

Taehyung pulled away to look up at him. While keeping eye contact, Taehyung took Jeongguk's cock into his lips again, and Jeongguk's breath shuddered at the sight. He bucked into Taehyung's mouth, and then whined. "T-Tae I won't be able to hold o-on-"

"That's alright." Taehyung rasped, lips slick, breathing over his cock. "I intend to make you cum more than once."

Jeongguk didn't need more validation. He got a few more sucks from Taehyung, and then he was cumming into his mouth, undone. Taehyung pressed his fingers into the boy and climbed onto the bed, holding him down. Jeongguk looked up at him, messy.

"God, I'll miss you so much." Taehyung whispered. He kissed Jeongguk's nose. "I love you so fucking much," Taehyung said as he pressed the third finger in.

"D-don't do so many," Jeongguk whispered, and Taehyung paused. "Just fuck me, p-please. I want it to hurt. I want to remember it for days."

"Alright," Taehyung said breathlessly. "Yeah, a-alright."

Taehyung held Jeongguk below him as he pressed into him. Jeongguk looked up, tears springing to the corners of his eyes. Jeongguk smiled widely as the tears rushed down, as Taehyung pushed further in. Jeongguk moaned, but he was still smiling, smitten in love. Taehyung smiled back at him, tucking his hair back.

"Oh my baby," Taehyung pressed their foreheads together, fucking Jeongguk at a pace. The younger vocalized his moans, letting him come one after another in song. Jeongguk let his hands go up Taehyung's and reach his back. He let out a scream as Taehyung found his prostate. Jeongguk scratched down his back, to which Taehyung grunted into his neck. He wanted those scratches to be visible forever.

Jeongguk came once more as Taehyung began ramming into his prostate. He felt so shy. "I-I'm sorry. J-just really- r-really in lo-love with you and couldn't help m-myself,"

"That's okay." Taehyung chuckled, kissing his forehead. "Baby. Baby, I love you so fucking much. And this is what I'll miss," Taehyung said as he began fucking into Jeongguk at a pace. "Your eyes, first. The way they shine like the moon birthed them herself. Your nose. The way you scrunch it whenever you try to hide your smile. Your smile, how pretty it looks in the glow of the moonlight, how innocent you look, how beautiful."

Taehyung fucked him a few more times, reached deep inside him. "Taehyung!" Jeongguk cried, head lolling back. "Tae-Taehyung," Jeongguk moaned, and Taehyung brought his head up and kissed him. Taehyung pushed in further, to where Jeongguk began crying. Jeongguk gripped his hair while kissing him. Taehyung came inside of him, filling him up.

Jeongguk pulled away, their lips stringing with saliva. Jeongguk sniffled, looking down at his lips, and then at his eyes. Taehyung did the same, and then saw the younger giggle, which was surprised.

"What now?" Jeongguk asked, breathless.

Taehyung took the time to kiss every inch of his body. "I'll miss you, Taehyung. The way you hold me. The way you touch me. The way- you-you always make silly jokes and- and call me the prettiest names." Jeongguk smiled, but Taehyung looked up, solemn.

"Jeongguk. I-I don't want you to leave me." Taehyung whispered. "Please. D-don't go." Taehyung closed his eyes. "Please."

"Taehyung," Jeongguk began softly, eyes growing big. Taehyung kissed up his inner thigh, up his hip, his stomach, his chest, his neck, his cheeks. Every part of him. Jeongguk hummed in content, closing his eyes. "This is how it had to be, Taehyung. How it was written out."

"Written out? I'll tell you how it should've been written out," Taehyung said, tucking himself beside him to huh him tightly, hold him. Jeongguk looked at him with wonder. "If we lived in a world where- where it didn't matter who we loved. Whether a man loves another or a woman loves another."

"It doesn't sound possible," Jeongguk said, looking down. "I hope, Taehyung. I pray. That if not now. Then the children of our children grow up in a world where it's... fine, you know? Where I could- I could... kiss you in public." Jeongguk giggled, the thought ludicrous to himself. "You could hold me outside."

"If we lived in another world," Taehyung whispered, arms held him tightly. Jeongguk traced the lines on Taehyung's chest. "We'd live in a big house. With many rooms."

"Hm." Jeongguk said, looking up. "And we'd get married?"

"Of course we would." Taehyung smiled, eyes twinkling. Jeongguk felt his inside float. "In the woods. Just you, me, some friends. The minister would marry us. I know how I'd propose, too." Taehyung said proudly.

"Oh, do tell," Jeongguk said, trying to hide the sadness in his smile.

"Ah, well." Taehyung began, looking away to forget the fact that none of this will ever be able to happen. "I'd take you to the lake. We would get some of those cinnamon bread biscuits, and we'd sit by the lake and talk for hours. Then, I'd take your hand," Taehyung took Jeongguk's smaller hand. "Look in your eyes, my love." Taehyung looked into his eyes. He smiled. "A-and I'd tell you how I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Yeah?" Jeongguk asked, voice coming out frail.

"Yeah. I'd tell you," Taehyung began, brushing his thumb over his hand. "How- how I want to wake up beside you every morning. How I want to sleep beside you every night. How-" Taehyung's eyes grew tears, smile fading. "How I want to hold you when I feel low. How I w-want to- want to cook dinner with you every night. Make you wear silly aprons and w-wrap my arms around you while you cook." Taehyung smiled. "And I hum a tune we both know. And we-we stay happy. Just us."

Jeongguk let tears slip down his cheeks, looking down. Taehyung hugged him tighter, hiding his face in his neck. "I'm sorry." Taehyung whispered. "That we live in this world. That we'll burn in hell. That we can't be one another's despite- despite-"

"Taehyungie." Jeongguk looked up at him. "I'll always be yours. I'll always be in love with you. I'll always be your-" Jeongguk touched his chest, feeling the beat of his heart which matched his own. "-your moonflower."

They both fell asleep that night not wanting to. Not wanting to let these last few moments where their hearts sang the same song wash away with the wind. Their heavy hearts led to their eyes slipping shut hours after chatter, giggles, shared kisses.

And the next morning, neither wanted to wake up. Perhaps, if they kept sleeping, they could forever live in their dream where they'd be together with one another until death does them part.

But once they woke up, Jeongguk kissed Taehyung on the lips for a while, pulled away, and then whispered. "You must go back to her, Taehyung."

"I know." Taehyung said, smiling at him. "Thank you, Jeongguk. Thank you for everything. For letting me meet you. Letting me fall in love. Letting me... be-become better."

"Thank you," Jeongguk squeaked. "For making me realize who I am."

They put on their clothes quickly. Jeongguk held his hand as they walked till the door until they stopped. Taehyung turned to look at him.

"Promise me one thing," Taehyung whispered, gripping his sides, smiling, trying his hardest not to look saddened. "That one day, you'll move on. You'll make a life of your own. You'll be happy. You'll f-find somebody to love."

"I will," Jeongguk whispered. "I will. I have, and I will again." Jeongguk said.

And when they kissed for the last time ever, they held on for longer than they should have, eyes filling with tears once more, hands clutching one another's once more. They only pulled away when their need for breath forced them to part. Jeongguk looked at Taehyung with wide eyes. Taehyung did the same.

Jeongguk smiled. "Goodbye, Taehyung." Jeongguk said softly. "I hope you live a wonderful life."

"Goodbye," Taehyung whispered back. "I hope-" Taehyung looked away for a second, and then back. "I hope you're happy forever. I hope-" Taehyung got tears in his eyes and felt so pathetic, unable to stop them. "I hope you never forget me."

"Silly." Jeongguk let out, tear falling down his eye, smiling like he always did to not make Taehyung upset. "You know I never will."

Taehyung looked at him for a few seconds, and then away. Jeongguk saw him walk away, and then let his tears fall down his face without trying to stop them.

Taehyung returned home after taking a long walk. He walked into the house, and into Veronica's arms. He hugged her tight, and whispered to her everything will be alright.

**