THE LIST

Chapter 17

After they all had fun having a snowball fight, they decided to go into Tae's house and warm up. After hot coffee and hot chocolate, Tae and Kook went to their bedroom in the basement. Tae was exhausted. Before Tae went to sleep Kook had finally gave Tae the present, he had for him. Tae was seating on the bed and Kook stood in front of him.

Kook: Tae, I know how I feel about you. I love you with all my heart and... and I know I don't deserve you, however, I am going to work hard to get there.

Tae was looking right into Kook's eyes as Kook was talking to him.

Kook: In the meantime, It will mean a lot to me if you could accept this.

Kook went into one knee, and took out a black box onto his hand, and opened it. Tae's mouth was wide open as he saw the content of the box. His eyes started forming tears at the sight and the words said by Kook.

Kook: It's a promise ring. Like I said is not much, but I will work hard to deserve you and to get you a better ring in the future.

Tae was shocked, and Kook was not sure what to do or how to take the silence from the younger.

Kook: Oh my God! Tae, it's okay if you don't want to accept this. I understand, I am probably rushing things.

Tae finally snapped out of it.

Tae: No, wait Kookie. I am in shock yes but is not for what you think. It's just that what you just said to me it's so moving. I am shocked because you are actually thinking about us having a future together. That means a lot to me. I love you so, so much Kookie, and I would gladly take that ring. My love, if there is someone that doesn't deserve you, it's me. You give me so much love, attention, support and you just make me so happy Kookie.

Tae's tears rolled down his cheeks as he was talking. Kook cup his face with his hands and wiped the tears with his thumbs. Kook put the ring on Tae's finger and pull him into a kiss.

During the week, for the most part the group spend time together. They also made plans for New Year's Eve, and for Tae's birthday, since it was close. For Tae, they decided to do a small birthday surprise party, and for New Year's Eve they decided to go to Times Square and wait for the ball to drop, and welcome the new year following the New York tradition.

It was difficult for the group to prepare for Tae's birthday, but they manage. Jim made sure to prepare some of Tae's favorite food. Kook got a beautiful cake for the birthday boy. The rest got decorations, drinks and a pinata for Tae.

The date of Tae's birthday, they all got up late and went to the park. Kook later took Tae to another museum to distract him, while the others went back to the house to get everything ready. Tae was happy that he got to spend time with his friends and boyfriend, but he was also sad because he thought they all had forgotten about his birthday.

Back at the house everyone was working hard to make this a very special day for Tae. They have all decided to get him a really special gift, and all were excited to see his face once he opens his present. Joon finally called Kook around 7pm, to let him know he could bring Tae. It was already dark outside, so when Tae and Kook got home and saw all the lights were off at the house, Tae thought his hyungs went out somewhere without them. The thought made Tae even more sad. Tae was heading to Kooks apartment entrance, but Kook told him he had left one of his cameras in the house and wanted to get it. Tae headed up the stairs, trying to hide his sad face since the day was almost over and no one had remembered his birthday. As he open the door everyone yelled Happy Birthday!!!. Jin was holding the cake with candles on, and everyone started singing the usual birthday song. Tae was surprised to say the least. Tears started to submerge from his eyes, not because he was sad, but because he was extremely surprise and happy.