Operation Salvage

Complete

-A week after Taecyeon and Yoona's wedding, back in Korea-

"Why are we here?" Taeyeon asked, as Wooyoung pulled her by the hand. The couple was at the lush meadow once again. It was a beautiful day - the sun shone warmly on their heads, and the meadow smelled of freshly bloomed flowers that decorated the landscape.

"I wanted to come here. It's such a meaningful place for the both of us, no?" Wooyoung said, smiling.

"Well, yes, but I thought you wanted to watch a movie?"

"That can wait. This place is a thousand times better. Besides, there's only the two of us here." Taeyeon smiled shyly back, squeezing Wooyoung's hand tightly. Wooyoung then guided her to a tree, and sat down. He patted the spot on the grass beside him, signaling Taeyeon to come. The couple sat in the shade and enjoyed the breeze for a while. Taeyeon then leaned her head against his shoulder, and he kissed the crown of her head, before leaning his cheek against her head.

After enjoying a comfortable silence, Wooyoung suddenly spoke, "Taeng, do you remember the time when I proposed to you here when we were kids?"

"How could I forget? This is still with me." Taeyeon lifted her head up, before she took out the necklace she always wore. On the necklace were two rings - the toy ring that Wooyoung had given her when they were young, and another ring, which made Wooyoung's eyes widen in surprise.

"Wait, what is that? I mean, why is it with you?" Wooyoung asked in confusion, taking the silver ring in his hand.

"Yoona gave it to me on the day of the engagement party. She said she somehow found it, and thought that I had the right to know of the existence of it." Taeyeon replied, taking off the necklace and letting Wooyoung look at it more closely. He brushed his fingers on the interior side of the ring. The words engraved reflected against the sunlight - Youngie ♥ Taengoo forever.

"This made me think a lot that night... It was something I kept at the back of my mind all the time. But I guess I took a long time to realize that I wanted to wear this ring on my hand instead." Taeyeon said, smiling.

"But well, someone-" Taeyeon gave Wooyoung a look, "-got the size wrong and it slips off easily, so I wore it on a necklace instead."

Wooyoung got up on his feet, before holding out his hand to help his girlfriend up. He suddenly got onto his knee, catching Taeyeon by surprise.

"I didn't this time." Wooyoung spoke, pulling out a ring box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing another ring which was also simple but elegant nonetheless. Seeing Taeyeon's touched expression, he could not help but give a small smile.

"Taeyeon-ah, we've spent so much time together since we were little kids. I know that you are the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with too. I'm sorry for not being able to express my feelings enough but I will work hard to be more expressive towards you. We may quarrel like we always do, have little fights now and then, but I guess that's what makes us, us. I will make you happy, I promise." Wooyoung said sincerely, looking at Taeyeon straight in the eye. Taeyeon did not know what to do; she just remained still.

Wooyoung took a breath before finally popping the question, "Will you marry me?"

Taeyeon was completely moved and could not help but tear up. This was the moment she has always been waiting for. A smile slowly spread across her face, and she gave a big nod. Wooyoung's entire face lit up with the most radiant smile, as he quickly got up and wrapped his arms around Taeyeon, lifting her off her feet. They stayed like that for a while, before he put Taeyeon down. Wooyoung took out the ring in the ring box, and slipped it on Taeyeon's ring finger. This time, it was a perfect fit; much like the toy ring 7-year-old Wooyoung had given 7-year-old Taeyeon.

"Wait a moment." Wooyoung then took the necklace with the toy ring and the loose ring, and fastened the necklace around Taeyeon's neck.

"There." Wooyoung said, giving a satisfied smile.

"Whoa, so I have three rings from you now!"

"Don't forget, we still have our wedding bands!" Taeyeon smiled sweetly in response.

"Now, for this to be complete..." Wooyoung trailed off, leaning closer towards Taeyeon. He tilted her chin up towards him and his other arm wrapped itself around her waist, pulling her closer towards him. Taeyeon closed her eyes in anticipation. As always, their hearts beat faster with each passing moment. Taeyeon's body gave an involuntary shiver as Wooyoung pressed his lips firmly against hers. One of his hands stroked her hair gently, and he played with her brown locks. He kissed her like he never kissed her before; the same indescribable feeling rushed through their entire bodies every time they kissed. Somehow, Taeyeon felt that this kiss was a little different - more passionate; but she was not complaining. She kissed him back with an equal amount of passion, resting her hands against his chest.

The couple pulled apart after a long moment, and caught their breaths. Wooyoung still had his arms around Taeyeon, and hugged her.

"You're so beautiful." Wooyoung whispered sweetly, and Taeyeon giggled at the feeling of his lips against her right ear.

"I love you." "I know. I love you too."