Her Astronaut

✯36✯

In all new relationships, there are two distinct phases.

First comes the honeymoon phase. This is when the two lovebirds are lost in each other, enjoying their newfound bond.

Then there is real life. This is when reality sinks in and the two have to learn to adapt to everyday life. This does not mean the couple is no longer affectionate, it just means the veil of new love has lifted, and they are now at the point in which they have to figure out how to balance their relationship with the different curveballs that life throws at them.

This second phase is an extremely crucial time as it tends to determine the success and longevity of a relationship.  Couples that are prepared for what this entails will tend to fizzle out during this phase. Those who put in the effort overcome such obstacles and end up having a successful relationship.

This particular time for any couple is what makes or breaks them.

Although Nova and Jin had a unique start to their relationship, the moment they made things official they were truly in that honeymoon phase. For those first two weeks, it was obvious to everyone in their circle how infatuated the two of them were with each other. As Yoongi would say, "They were disgustingly cute."

In the back of Nova's mind, she had a feeling everything would change the moment Seokjin returned to South Korea. What she didn't expect was for this change to occur due to her explosive conversation with Elle. That spur-of-the-moment vendetta by her former best friend forced Seokjin and Nova to face the harsh reality of life much sooner than they would have ever wanted or anticipated.

This was a concern of those closest to the couple. More specifically the three individuals sitting in the car anxiously wondering what would unfold when Jin and Yoongi surprised Nova that early morning. As Nova threw herself into Jin's arms and he responded by holding onto her tightly, a collective sigh of relief could be felt throughout the SUV.

Yoongi flashed a knowing look to both Yeong and Mirabel. It was an unspoken sign between the three of them that everyone was going to be okay, at least for the time being.

Although Nova was technically unbuckled, Yeong still turned the vehicle back on, and began to drive out of the garage. Jin was holding Nova so tightly that she was just as secure as she would be with a seatbelt. Besides, the bodyguard knew that it would take some time to get out of the garage and make their way through the surface street traffic before getting onto the highway.

Wanting to give the couple privacy, Mira and Yoongi put on noise-canceling earbuds while Yeong placed his earpiece in his right ear in order to block out the conversation but still be able to hear the road noise.

By the time they reached the highway, Nova was no longer in Jin's lap but safely buckled in the seat next to him. They were still clinging onto each other as if their lives depended on it, using the drive to have those tough conversations. It was emotional, yet cathartic. Jin laid everything out in regard to his enlistment and what it would all entail. In return, Nova was brutally honest about her fears in regard to once again being a military girlfriend.

The conversation was fruitful as they both took the time to listen to each other, not interrupting, but allowing one another to fully say their peace. By the way it all worked out, it was evident that the couple had passed their first test of this new phase.

It didn't mean that they were in for an easy ride.

The next three days went by rather quickly.

Jin was busy with the shoot while Nova ran around the set helping where she could. The commute to and from the site was always in her car with Yeong driving and members alternating, especially with Jungkook and Jimin. The most consistent was Yoongi and his 3rd-row nest. Sometimes they would all talk while other times were surrounded by peaceful silence.