Lost & Found

10 Months Earlier

10 Months Earlier
22-Years-Old

Aera felt terrible.

Her birthday was in a week, which meant Yoongi's had been the month before. She'd just learned that Yoongi had planned a big night for them to celebrate her, but she hadn't done the same for him. She'd gotten him a gift and a cake, but nothing big or extravagant. Typically, they didn't do extravagance for their birthdays. But for some reason, Yoongi had decided this year would be different for Aera.

"Yoongs," she asked him the night before her birthday. "Why are you planning such a big deal? You know we always just celebrate together at home."

Yoongi shrugged. "I feel like you deserve more this year."

"But why?"

Again, Yoongi shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Just worry about what you're going to wear. We're going to a nice dinner and then a club. So, think about that for your outfit."

Aera sighed. "Okay," she agreed reluctantly.

She wasn't even sure she wanted to do anything. She was still reeling from her break up with Hye, and didn't like leaving the apartment except to go to work. But Yoongi was so insistent, and seemed so excited, that she just couldn't bring herself to deny him these plans.

And so she picked out a cute and somewhat fancy dress that she hadn't worn in a long time. If they were going to do this, she supposed she should go all out, much like Yoongi seemed to be doing.

The night of her birthday, she was getting ready when there was a knock on her bedroom door. When she opened the door, there stood Yoongi in a very nice and, Aera knew, a very new suit. She felt herself deflate a bit; she hadn't gotten anything new for that night.

"You look great, Yoongs," she told him, trying her best to muster some enthusiasm. And she wasn't lying; he did look great. She just was disappointed she wouldn't look quite as good as he did.

"You look beautiful, A," he told her. "I love that dress on you."

Aera's cheeks turned pink. "Thanks," she said. "It's just one I already had. I know it's not that fancy. I should've gotten something new. I just – "

"A," Yoongi interrupted. "You look great. I mean it. It doesn't matter that the dress isn't new. In fact, I prefer this one over something new you could've gotten."

Aera furrowed her brow. "But why?"

"Don't you remember? You got this dress for that big party my company had last year. You were my date, and you said you'd gotten that dress because you wanted to look good for me. And you did. You were the envy of everyone that night. You really don't remember?"

Aera shook her head. "I'm sorry," she offered.

Yoongi chuckled. "It's okay. Basically, that dress is special to me. So, I'm glad you're wearing it. You look just as beautiful in it tonight as you did back then."

Again, Aera blushed slightly. "I'm glad you like it," she said quietly.

"Hey, why are you acting so down? You should be excited! We're gonna have a great time tonight!"

Aera suddenly felt terrible again. She was bringing Yoongi down, and he was excited about this night. She should try to do the same.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm just not used to getting all dressed up. I'll perk up, I promise."

Yoongi grinned. "Good. It'll be fun, okay?"

"Okay." Aera turned to finish putting on her jewelry and shoes, then joined him at the door. He smiled at her as he opened it and allowed her to exit first. Then, he held out his arm for her to hook her own around it.