Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 47

The Ocean's Promise

"But I realized I haven't told you the most important part yet."

The scent of his citrus cologne, mixed with the cool night air from outside, grounding her.

"Yoon-"

"I love you."

And Aen felt like time had stopped.

(A/N: Listen to Soyou's I Miss You.)

"I love you, Aen-ah."

Her eyes suddenly felt a bit teary as she hugged him back, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

"I... I know..."

"I love you. I love you. I love you. You mean so much to me."

"I know..."

"No, Aen-ah. You don't understand. I... I just realized that I should've said it to you first in private"

Aen nodded against his chest.

"But then I... During the live press briefing earlier, after reading some of the questions asked by some media outlets, it really ticked me off. I want people to understand my sentiments... Why I was mad at what happened... And that's because the person I love and care about got hurt... So I guess, it naturally just went out of my mouth..."

Aen sniffled.

"Are you crying, Jagi?"

"Mmmhhh... I just feel like... I'm dreaming right at this moment and now I'm afraid to even wake up."

"It's not a dream, Aen-ah. I'm here with you right now, hugging you and saying how much I love you."

And Aen cried harder, the weight of the day finally washing away in the safety of his arms.

Yoongi gently stroked her hair until she calmed down.

"I know and the way you said your feelings to me... and even... told the whole world about it... It made me feel really blessed to have someone like you in my life, Yoon."

"I feel blessed to have you in my life as well."

Aen shook her head against Yoongi's chest.

"No. I don't think you deserve someone like me after everything I did."

"You do. You deserve it, Jagi. You deserve me just as much as I deserve you."

And with that, Yoongi broke their hug and wiped away her tears with his thumbs.

He looked her in the eyes and smiled fondly at her.

"I love you, Aen-ah. I really do."

"I love you, too, Yoongi. "

***

Days passed and Yoongi's live press briefing was still the talk of the town.

People were amazed by what he had done just so he could protect the person that he loved.

Other artists who had similar problems also came out and admired Yoongi for his bravery.

Aen thankfully wasn't harassed anymore.