The Only Option

"Us: The only option is to Confess"

Key hurriedly parked his car. Securing his hold on the bottle of champagne with full speed he ran towards the café. He was late, like 8 hours late. Due to certain circumstances he missed the original flight schedule. But a promise is a promise so he tried to get the earliest possible trip. Since he can't get arrangements prepared, rent a car was opted. Thank goodness he has an international driving license and there is GPS. He could see the café with few lights on. Obviously the party's over. However, the crowd does not matter as much as the one person he went all this way for.

He used his own keys to open the door. The shop owner trusted him so much to give him a duplicate. The bell chimed as he came in. The place was already clean, no reminders of a gathering can be traced. Locking the door again he scanned the area searching for a particular person.

"You're later than usual oppa, this tops your record in the past four years." a reprimanding voice welcomed. "I am sorry, a schedule ended up late, I missed my flight. It's not past midnight yet so I guess, day wise I am still on track?" he tried to be cute in justifying his folly. "I bought champagne, the French brand which you love the most."

"Do you think bribing and acting cute will pacify me oppa?" came the reply. "I could only try right Ari-chan?" He answered endearingly.

Arisa walked towards him. "I actually thought you couldn't make it oppa." Key smiled. "I promised right? Or else I will eat a thousand needles." Key met her half way. "So where can I place the champagne?" Pointing the kitchen "You chill it first in the freezer. Have you eaten anything yet?" Key swayed his head into no while heading to the kitchen. "Saved you some dinner, I'll just set the table."

After placing the champagne in the freezer Key immediately went to the set table. "How was the anniversary party Ari-chan?" he queried before putting in a spoonful. "It was great, everyone was happy that in 1 years' time I have a shop in Tokyo and in Hokkaido. They are telling me to open one in Osaka or Kyoto, but I don't know if I can manage it all at the same time. Vivi also called me up offering me a freelance contract. According to them they would love to see me again in magazine spreads." Swallowing his food Key replied. "So are you going to open a third shop or go back to modeling?"

"Since the shop is doing well for a year, I want to stabilize it up to its third year. Instead of expanding shops, I will expand the product line. And as for Vivi, since its freelance I guess I can spare sometime on it. How about you oppa how is it going?"

"Our album is doing well. The fan signing event had more people than expected so we extended a little. I am being offered to do a musical here in Japan, based on schedule it's feasible." Placing down his fork. "I have to say Ari-chan your cooking has improved a lot." Arisa smiled at his compliment. "I did study it for four years."

Reaching out for her hand across the table "I am so proud of you Ari-chan. Finishing studies with impressive grades, successfully opening your shop and now you can get back to modeling." Key gently squeezed Arisa's hand. "Thank you for supporting me a lot oppa. After our talk in Hawaii four years ago, you have always kept your promises."

Indeed it has been four years since they confronted each other. A year since Arisa graduated and started her business. Key always made time to see Arisa every year and with whatever chance he gets in between. It wasn't easy travelling to and fro, making calls and there were even rumors about him hiding a secret relationship. He decided to be cool about it. He didn't mention his private affairs in public to protect Arisa's privacy.

She has achieved success by hard work. It seems her decision to pursue her passion was the correct thing to do. Now she's a happy and accomplished woman. A very attractive one too. His pride in her couldn't help but grow.

Their friendship grew stronger through the years. He knew she dated a few guys. She also knew about some girls that caught his eye. But for some reason they never pursued other people. And now here they are all alone in the café, appreciating each other's achievements.

"Ari-chan, remember the song which your dad loves to do the slow dance with? I was able to find a digital version of it." Key played the song on his phone and stood up from his seat. "Would you like to dance?"

Reaching out his hand Key felt nervous if she would accept. Smiling she did. "It would be a waste not to." Pulling her close, they followed the rhythm of the music. Key took the moment to say a concern which has been bothering him. "Ari-chan, I am turning twenty nine this year, which means I need to enlist soon." Looking at him straight in the eye, "When do you plan to enlist oppa?" Making a soft turn "After my Japanese Musical. While I do that job here in Tokyo, can we make more time together?"

Arisa didn't answer. Key leaned in his forehead to touch hers. "Ari-chan, for five years I have been thinking why I was so desperate in Hawaii. And as time passed I realized that if I just let it off, we won't be sharing the happiness we have now." Arisa kept silent but accepted their closeness. "I don't think I can be any happier than now with you. And as for that I want it to be the same for the future." Key's heart started to beat faster.

Releasing one hand holding her waist, he cupped her cheek to look him in the eye. "Five years ago, I was so confused if I can actually say this to you out loud." Gently smiling he continued. "But I can confidently say it now." Gently breathing in he leaned closer until their noses touch. "I love you Alissa Yagi, would you spend forever with me?"

Arisa tightened her hold on Key's neck. "Four years ago I thought this time will not come. Now that it's here how can I say No?" Smiling sweetly "Yes Kim Kibum, I would love to spend forever with you."

Emotions swelling inside him Key couldn't contain it anymore. "I so want to kiss you now Ari-chan, can I?" As a reply she gently gave him light smack on the lips. Smirking Key uttered. "It's my frustration for the past four years, I need more." With that said he dipped his head for their lips to touch.

With all the locked up passion, he tried to relay it in this moment. Pulling her closer, parting their lips more to deepen the kiss, his mind was filled with memories of them together for the past years. "I love you so much, I might have gone crazy if I lost you." Key muttered as they tried to catch their breath. Arisa embraced him tightly "Likewise I felt the same oppa. I am thankful Mom really had a lot of sense. She must have felt we did deserve a chance."

Keeping their embrace, "We should buy her something special Ari-chan." Arisa nodded in agreement. "And oh, I think this belongs to you." Key took out the familiar black box. In it was the controversial necklace that started it all. Arisa pulled away so Key can place it around her neck. "This has always been meant for you." Key reassured.

Pulling her for a back hug, Key pulled a ring from his pinky. "Since we are a couple now I want you to have this." He inserted the piece to Arisa's ring finger. Kissing her cheek he whispered. "I have mine too, always keep it on okay? And if people notice, tell them we're together." Arisa was surprised with his statement. "Oppa, wouldn't it cause you trouble?"

"I am of age now, so are you the past years my career was the priority but starting now it's different. I think my fans would understand that and they love you know." Key confidently answered. "I told my members and company about it too. They wished me luck so there is nothing to worry about." Arisa then asked "Your parents?" Lightly chuckling Key replied "I have been seeing you for four years, right now they are probably expecting wedding plans and grandchildren."

Arisa turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "When your enlistment duties are done, let's talk about the details of those things." Surprised at her comment "Details? You want to get married in two years' time?"

"Why you don't want to marry me?" Arisa teased. "Of course I want to marry you. It's good I won't be waiting for too long." Arisa smiled. "I think we waited enough Kibum oppa." Nodding in agreement "Yes, we have waited long enough."