ASTRONOMY | SEUNGJIN

42 - Not with us

Seungmin was only in New York for three days, so they didn't put that to waste.

On the first day, they spent time together by visiting Hyunjin's workplace and going to various places in the city. "It's so crowded here," says Seungmin as they walk through Time Square. They were there to buy a couple of things to bring to Korea and to eat dinner.

The following day, they visited the Empire State Building, looking at the view of New York from above. They also saw the Statue of Liberty, which was cool seeing it for the first time.

"Smile, Seungmin!!" Hyunjin says while pointing the digital camera at the younger.

"Come here, I want a picture with the both of us instead," Seungmin says, so they did.

"My flight back to Korea is tomorrow.." Seungmin fumed. He really enjoyed the couple of days with Hyunjin, despite it being short.

"I know, that's why I booked us something nice for later. I just know you'll love it." Hyunjin smiled. Seungmin didn't know what Hyunjin had booked, but he was excited nonetheless.

He planned on telling Hyunjin something important, and later might be the right time. Now or never, right?

They took a cab and got to their destination an hour later. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Seungmin finally knew what Hyunjin had booked.

"Did you know that floating lantern festivals are celebrated on the first full moon of the lunar calendar?" Hyunjin says while Seungmin looks at everyone writing things down on their lanterns, so they did too!

FOREVER WITH HYUNJIN!!!! Seungmin wrote down.

"I don't think you're supposed to write that down," Hyunjin says as he writes a simple stay happy.

"They said to write my wish, and that's my wish," Seungmin answers.

Finally, they held the lantern together and watched it slowly float up in the sky along with hundreds of other lanterns. It looked majestic, but their day didn't end there.

"You used to love boats, I hope you still do," Hyunjin says. They were now watching the lanterns float from a boat only the two of them were in. "The last time we were on a boat together, it was a lunar eclipse," Seungmin says.

"You still remember?"

"Of course, how could I forget?"

The lanterns filling up the dimmed sky were beautiful, along with the full moon, which was so bright. "You said, 'Distance brings fondness', but guess not with us." Hyunjin says, finding it ironic that they said that line to each other yet they're here now, together in each other's arms.

Hyunjin then sits straight as he pulls out a tiny box. "Seungmin, my love... will you marry me?" Hyunjin opens the box, showing a ring.

Seungmin didn't even notice that he was tearing up. "I hate you. I was supposed to do that first!" He says despite crying. He then also pulls out a box, "Hyunjin, will you marry me too?" he said through his tears.

"Gladly," Hyunjin says, while Seungmin puts the ring on him. "Hey, you didn't answer me!" Hyunjin complained. "Yes, Hwang Hyunjin, I will marry you!" Now Hyunjin was the one to put a ring on Seungmin's finger.

Fireworks started appearing in the sky along with the lanterns; it was such a beautiful sight to see. Then they kissed. A pure kiss that was filled with emotions and tears. A kiss that they wouldn't replace for the world.

Hyunjin wiped away Seungmin's tears. "I love you."

Seungmin smiled, "I love you too."

The end. You can imagine the rest.

For those who don't want to imagine the rest:

- Hyunjin's project in New York was decided that he could continue it back in Korea.

- They decided on merging SMK and HJ, creating a whole new company that is owned by both of them.

- Seungmin moved into Hyunjin's huge apartment.

- Lastly, they got married on the beach, where everything started, and lived happily ever after with kkami :)

Authors note:

I started this book in January 2023 out of boredom. I didn't want to publish it back then, despite writing a couple of chapters, since I wasn't sure if I'd ever manage to finish this. I didn't really have a story line in mind at that time, just a few ideas here and there since I didn't plan on finishing this book. However, that took a big turn because a year later I finished it!

This book isn't the best, but I'm glad you reached the end. Thank you to everyone who read!