I'm Here

Epilogue

Four months later. Late August in Paris, France.

Namjoon properly, romantically, grandly, and officially proposed to Jin their first night in Paris. The group had gone to the Eiffel Tower to see the light show, sitting together on the lawn before the historic landmark. Right before the lights were set to start sparkling, Namjoon pulled Jin aside.

The remaining boys could not hear what was being said, but just as the Eiffel Tower lit up, Namjoon sunk down to one knee. Jin joined him on the ground, throwing his arms around the younger and kissing him sweetly. A ring was slid onto the elder's finger with love and care. They rejoined the group, who congratulated the emotional couple with hugs and well wishes.

Yoongi and Jimin were still going strong, as were Hoseok and Sujin. The latter two were set to embark on a month-long tour of the country, promoting their dance company. If all went well after the trip, Hoseok planned on asking Sujin to move in together in an apartment of their own. Jimin and Yoongi prayed the girl would accept; they were ready to settle down just the two of them.

And as for Jungkook and Taehyung, their love and partnership grew stronger with each passing day. As they settled into their relationship, they found it difficult to remember a time when they weren't in love. But their years of friendship had built up such a solid foundation for their new life together. Without those formative years, they would not be where they were today.

It wasn't easy all the time. They had to navigate new things as a couple and learn how to put aside their pride when it came to arguments. But they learned together, and through strong communication, they were able to come out of each disagreement a more unified couple.

On the last full day of their trip, Taehyung and Jungkook broke off from the group. The elder had a surprise in store for Jungkook and he'd been excited the entire trip for this moment. It had finally arrived and he was leading the younger towards their destination.

"Do I need to worry about losing an arm?" Jungkook teased as Taehyung excitedly drew him forward.

"Oh, hush," Taehyung replied. "Besides, we're here."

They stood before the Pont des Arts, better known as the famous love lock bridge of Paris.

Taehyung held Jungkook's hand as they walked down the bridge, eyeing the thousands upon thousands of locks there. The elder had read about the popular declaration of love that tourists participated in on the bridge. Lovers would write their names on a padlock, attaching it to the bridge to show their commitment to their love. The key to the lock would be thrown into the river as a romantic gesture.

The city of Paris was actively discouraging tourists from doing this. The weight of the locks on the bridge was a safety hazard and was dangerous to the millions of people who came to the bridge. But nonetheless, new locks would show up every day.

Taehyung led Jungkook to the side of the bridge so they could look out over the river. The younger took in the views, marveling at how beautiful the city was. Taehyung was looking at Jungkook, marveling at how beautiful he was.

Jungkook caught his gaze and smiled. "Thank you for showing me this. I love it."

The elder turned the boy towards him and took both of his hands in his own. "I wanted to bring you here because this is a place of love and promises. It is where people come to promise the world to those they love.

"I can't promise you the world, no matter how much I want to give it to you," Taehyung continued. "But I can promise that I will always stand by your side and I will always love you. No matter the road ahead, I'm here for you. I'm here for us. I love you."

"You've given me more than I could have ever asked for, Tae," Jungkook started, stepping closer to the elder. "You've given me friendship and acceptance, laughter and happiness. But most importantly, you gave me you. You gave me your love. I used to wonder if I'd ever be in love. I couldn't imagine risking everything for someone, couldn't imagine opening my heart and soul up for someone else to come in and make a home. But you showed me what all that meant. You showed me what it meant to dream of a brighter future. And you've shown me that wherever I go, I will not be alone. I love you so much, Kim Taehyung. I will love you every day until I breathe no more, and then every day after that."

They kissed passionately, wrapping their arms tightly around each other. They shared their love, their happiness, and their joy in that one kiss. When they finally broke apart, Taehyung caressed Jungkook's face while smiling up at the boy.

"I know we're still young, still in college. We have a lot of room to grow and mature," Taehyung said. "But I know you are it for me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Jungkook. No matter what comes our way, we can face it because we have each other. You've made me so happy and so eager to experience this life with you. You are my best friend, my person, my love, and my home. As long as I am with you, I have no fears for what lies ahead."

Taehyung pulled a padlock from his pocket. "This represents my heart - my love - to you. It is yours."

Jungkook took the padlock and looked down at it, smiling when he saw their names engraved on the front. It was so simple, but meant the world to him. "I don't want to leave this here, Tae. I want to take it with me."

"It's yours. You decide where it goes," Taehyung answered. He pulled out another item and presented it to the younger. "You not only have the key to my heart, but you are the key to me. I would not be who I am without you."

Taehyung held out a delicate gold necklace with a small key attached to the end. It was the key that opened the padlock.

"Tae . . . " Jungkook said, lost for words as he took in the necklace and the meaning behind it. His eyes watered as Taehyung clasped it around his neck.

"I wish I had something to give you," Jungkook remarked.

Taehyung shook his head. "I don't need anything. I have you."

The younger wrapped his arms around Taehyung's waist, pulling him close. "I promise I will do everything to make you the happiest man in the world. I promise to make you feel loved and safe. I promise that one day I will make you my husband and I will take care of you for the rest of our lives. I promise you that, Tae."

They embraced once more and took a few moments to memorize the scenery before walking back to meet their friends.

They didn't know now, but two years down the road they would end up back in this same spot. They'd come back to this bridge and Jungkook would make good on his promise to Taehyung.

Jungkook would propose to Taehyung and Taehyung would say yes.

And they would spend the rest of their lives upholding those promises they made to each other. They'd love each other each and every day until their last, then all the days that came after that.

The Real End.

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

Guys, these past few weeks have been a whirlwind! I don't want to write too lengthy of a message, so I will (try to) keep it short.

THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone who has read this story. To everyone who has voted, commented, or reached out to me. All the love and support both this story and I have received is truly touching. You all have been such a surprise to me and I will forever be grateful. This community has welcomed me with open arms, which I never anticipated. I am so lucky my first work has been treated so well by you all. I love you and I purple you 💜❤

Finally, my next story - The Arrangement - is live! I've been posting updates on my profile regarding the writing process on this new one and will continue to talk about that journey. If you want to stay in the loop, feel free to follow me 😊

Love you guys!!