Fallen (Taekook)

Ch 26 - Future Plans

Jungkook's head was spinning between the glasses of good Californian wine and the numerous people approaching him to rave about his two paintings. He had a handful of business cards in his suit pocket from gallery owners throughout Los Angeles, New York City, and several European cities. The exhibition's opening gala was winding down and he felt both exhausted and wired.

Taehyung strolled up beside him and wrapped an arm around his waist. "I think you're a hit. We might need to find you an agent." Taehyung leaned in and gently kissed Jungkook's cheek. "How are you feeling?"

"Overwhelmed." Jungkook turned and smiled at his love. He reached in and pulled out the pile of business cards from his pocket. "I think there are at least a few agent's cards in here."

"My boyfriend is going places." Taehyung lips formed a boxy smile which made Jungkook's stomach erupt into butterflies. "Let's go home and discuss next steps."

On the ride back to Taehyung's house, Jungkook stared dreamily out the window watching palm trees pass by. The past two weeks in LA had been some of the best times of his life. Their morning routine consisted of waking up early, grabbing coffee, and walking out to the beach before it became swarmed with people. They would stroll a couple miles on the boardwalk or occasionally in the sand with their shoes off. Walking arm in arm and enjoying being a couple out in the world, not worried about other people's prying eyes.

"I really love it here," Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung reached over and grabbed Jungkook's hand in his. "I love anywhere with you." He brought Jungkook's hand up to his lips and placed a soft kiss along his knuckles. They remained quiet the rest of the ride home, holding onto each other's hand and enjoying the moment.

The next day, as they walked along the beach the two lovers discussed plans for the future. After going through several of the business cards the night before, they settled on an agent in New York. The business was owned by someone Taehyung was familiar with and trusted. They made a plan to fly out to New York the next week. After that they would visit their friends in Madagascar before heading to Europe for a few weeks.

As they continued walking and listening to the surf and seagulls, Jungkook stopped for a moment. "Don't get me wrong, I am excited to visit all of these places. Yet somehow I feel like I'll want to return here."

Taehyung wrapped his arms around his lover and hugged him from behind. "We can do that. We can live anywhere you want. We could even split our time between places if you want."

The two stood on the beach watching some early morning surfers and enjoying the ocean view stretched out before them.

"I made us reservations for a celebration dinner tonight."

"You didn't need to do that. I'm perfectly happy ordering pizza or something like that," Jungkook protested.

"I know I didn't need to, but I wanted to. I'm so proud of you, and I like showing you off." Taehyung smiled before kissing his boyfriend's cheek.

🌎

Several hours later, the two were sitting in the backseat of Rolls Royce that drove them north along the coastal highway to Malibu. The car stopped in front of Nobu, a fancy Japanese restaurant. The two were seated adjacent to the beach and had a front row view to watch the sunset.

They ate several courses and had a wine pairing with each. The food and ambiance were amazing and Jungkook's head was swimming. He felt amazingly happy as he ate the delicious meal with the love of his life.

As the dessert course came, the waiter brought out a bottle of Dom Perignon Rosé to pair with the dark chocolate torte. Drawn in chocolate sauce on the plate was a question mark turned towards Jungkook. He looked up at Taehyung who smiled as he got up and dropped to one knee causing Jungkook to gasp.

Taehyung reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. "Jungkook, you have made me the happiest I've ever been. I want to be by your side always. Will you marry me?"

With tears streaming down his cheeks, Jungkook reached down and picked Taehyung up. As they stood in front of each other he nodded his head and pulled his love into a kiss. As their lips parted he said, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and it would make me incredibly happy to call you my husband. So yes, I will absolutely marry you."

As the two continued to embrace the waitstaff and people sitting at nearby tables all applauded. Taehyung slid a diamond band around Jungkook's ring finger that fit together with his promise ring.

🌎