The current & the ex

Epilogue

**Covid does not exist in this fic**

Inoo sits on the bench, quietly watching the beautiful Christmas illumination displayed in front of him. Now and then he takes a glance at the wristwatch on his left hand. Inoo has been in the park for the past two hours, hoping for a miracle. Midnight is approaching in a few minutes, yet no signs of the person he is expecting will arrive anytime soon.

Why am I still wishing for the impossible?

His cell phone beeps multiple times. Inoo slowly opens it, browsing through the various photos and videos Yuto shared in JUMP group chat.

Yabu and Hikaru's drunk kiss with Chinen innocently covers his eyes in the background.

Takaki and Daiki fighting over a single strain of spaghetti which ended with their lips kissing each other.

Yamada, who appears tipsy, going around the room talking cutely like a baby and kisses the members' cheeks one after another.

The videos put a smile on Inoo's face. On this blessed Christmas Eve Inoo feels grateful to have such wonderful friends in his life. He wouldn't be here if it weren't for his caring group members.

Inoo swipe to the next message. A close-up video of Yuto comes to screen.

"This is why you shouldn't leave early Inoo-chan! You missed a lot! Did you see how Yama-chan becomes a baby when he's drunk?? I'm definitely posting this on Jumpe!!" Yuto laughs naughtily. "We're spending the night here! Come and join us! There's still a lot of chicken left!"

Inoo puts his phone in his pocket. It is JUMP's tradition to hold Christmas party at Yabu's house for the past 10 years. They would exchange gifts and watch JUMP's old concert while making fun of their young self. This is among the things JUMP look forward to each year.

But tonight, Inoo excuses himself.

He attended the party as customary. It was fun, until Hikaru picks DEAR live tour for their viewing. Inoo could not control himself the moment Keito appears in the concert footage. Watching Keito looking so princely and elegant in that red costume, Inoo could not believe that Keito is not with them anymore.

Inoo throws a long sigh. A year has passed since he received that tragic news. Even so, it feels like yesterday to him.

"I'll come back next year, stronger. So that I'll be worthy as your partner," Keito kisses Inoo's forehead. "I promise."

Inoo caresses Keito's right cheek. This is not the first time for them to part, but somehow Inoo's heart feels heavy to let his lover go today.

"Why don't you extend you vacation? Afterall, it's Christmas tomorrow. I want to spend it with you..." Inoo rubs his head on his boyfriend's bare chest.

Keito smiles. This spoiled side that Inoo only shows to him never fails to make his heart races. He pulls the white blanket to cover both their bare bodies, making sure his lover is warm in the snowy night.

"I love you Kei," Keito lovingly strokes Inoo's head.

"I love you more."

"The six months will pass before you even notice."

"You have no idea how torturing a minute without you is."

Keito touches Inoo's chin and gently tilts the boy's head up. "Trust me, I know," he bends down and catches Inoo's lips.

Inoo pushes himself up and wraps his hands around Keito's neck. He closes his eyes, enjoying every bit of Keito's kiss on his lips. Inoo is not ready to lose this intimacy. He wants to wake up in Keito's arms every morning. He wants to see Keito's beautiful smile every time he opens his eyes.