𝙲𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚜 || 𝙹𝚒𝚑𝚊𝚗

Chapter 42

   Vernon looked at the now couple that stood before him with questioning, yet annoyed, eyes. However, the more he stared, the more he felt the urge to threaten the hell out of Jeonghan. He was acting all comfortable with Joshua and Vernon couldn’t help but feel the need to give him a piece of his mind.

   “Why do you like him?”

   “Vernon! Leave them alone!” He heard Seungkwan scold him. “You’ve been staring at the man ever since we got here! Can’t you eat your meal in peace?!”

   “I don’t need food, I need answers!” He pointed at Jeonghan. “Why did you fall for him?! Where did you take him?! How do I know you won’t hurt him?! And how far have you gone with him?!”

   At this, Joshua blushed a crimson red. He looked down and glanced over at Jeonghan. However, he soon regretted ever doing that, for when he looked over at the older, he felt his heart skip a beat. His face was flushed and he had an embarrassed look plastered all over his face. To Joshua, Jeonghan was adorable.

   “W-we haven’t done anything yet. We just got together to say the least!” Jeonghan scratched the back of his neck. “As for liking him, I don’t” He paused. “I..love him” In an instant, everyone in the table sighed in relief.

   “The man was about to give me a heart attack...” Chan said as he fake hyperventilated,  as to which Seungcheol laughed at.

   Joshua sighed, but soon enough, he smiled. He gave Jeonghan a slight tap on his shoulder and whispered. “I love you too”

   Almost instantly, Jeonghan became a blushing mess and Joshua couldn’t help but giggle at his reaction. The others on the other hand, gagged and made noises. But of course, they soon became quiet when Jeonghan started to throw them spitballs, causing chaos to break free between them.

   However, not all of them joined. The staring eyes that looked at that scene turned sad and relieved. Vernon smiled. His best friend had finally found someone who he truly loved with all his heart. He couldn’t wish for something better than for Joshua to find his deserved happiness. But at the same time, Vernon couldn’t help but feel sad. Joshua wasn’t alone anymore, he had someone to rely on and talk to about his troubles. Joshua didn’t need him no more. And that saddened him to the core.

   “Thank you Vernon” The younger looked up and was met with a soft gaze. “For always being here”

   “It’s what friends are for” Vernon smiled and then looked down. “But I..guess you won’t need me anymore..”

   “Then, who am I going to nag to now?” Joshua held his hands dearly. “Just because I’m going to be in a relationship does not mean I don't need you!” He chuckled. But his laughter soon faded and he stared at the male in front of him with soft, yet determined eyes. “Now it’s my turn to return the favor. To be the person who’s beside you in the good and the bad” He gave him a sad smile. “So please, don’t leave me again”

   Vernon chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t”

   They both shared a warm smile until a sudden cough startled the whole table they were sitting at. Joshua turned his head and gasped.

   “Wonwoo? Mingyu? What brings you guys here?”

   “I called them over,” Jeonghan smiled. “You see, I’m not the only one who needs to apologize”

   Wonwoo bowed in front of the table and pulled Mingyu’s head down with him. He heard the younger tsk and Wonwoo scolded him because of that.

   “I apologize for getting information I didn’t need to know about you Joshua hyung” He hesitated. “I..seriously shouldn't have had agreed to working with that old man over there in the first place”

   Joshua narrowed his eyes. “So you were the one who let everything out to the surface, huh?”

   Wonwoo shut his eyes. “Yes”

   “And do you regret doing it?”

   “..yes”

   “Then, is there a reason for me to be mad?” Joshua giggled as he watched Wonwoo instantly look up at him. “Based on your actions, I can tell you feel regretful towards it. Besides, I feel too happy to not forgive you”

   Wonwoo smiled. “Thank you, Shua"

   But the other's smile soon faded once he looked at Mingyu. In return, the other felt a shiver down his spine and hesitated before saying the magic words.

   "I'm sorry Jo-"

   "I'm not the one you should apologize to" He said bitterly, as to which Mingyu groaned.

   "I'm sorry, Vernon, for doing that to you that day"

   "It's fine now" He waved his hand. "Don't worry about it"

   Mingyu stood up and looked over at Jeonghan. "I'm sorry too, hyung"

   Jeonghan widened his eyes. He couldn't tell what the younger was apologizing for when he himself was the one who had started all this mess in the first place. But if that apology gave Mingyu a peace of mind, then might as well accept it.

   "It's ok" He smiled. "I was the one who lit your flame either way"

   "Well now that that's out of the way!" Seungkwan clapped his hands. "Let's go look at the Christmas lights!"

   Joshua looked out the window and stared at the sky. It was getting dark and he was just noticing. "I...totally forgot about that"

   "Then," Jeonghan held out his hand. "Shall we go, Joshuji?"

    Joshua nodded and held his hand. He felt how Jeonghan slowly intertwined their fingers and held his hand so lovingly. Joshua smiled. He remembered how Yuki used to do that. How he used to hold his hand out for Joshua to take. But everytime he did so, an uneasy feeling would sudden appear, and he was certain the ravenett never held his hand so dearly.

   Joshua smiled. He was happy he had met Jeonghan. He was happy the other approached him. Because if it wasn't for that, Joshua wouldn't have fallen so deeply for him.

   Once they reached out the door, everyone took different ways. Seungkwan and Vernon left to look at the displays of nearby stores, and Seungcheol and Chan followed behind them. Mingyu and Wonwoo disappeared the second they stepped out the door, leaving behind Joshua and Jeonghan hand in hand with the cold night as a companion.

   Jeonghan looked at the scenery before him and smiled. He was happy he was sharing this moment with Joshua, his beloved. A person he had learned to love and care for.

   As a result, he reached for his pocket and took out a box. He brought Joshua's hand to his face and planted a kiss. The younger blushed a soft pink as he saw how the other placed a ring on his middle finger.

   "What's this for?"

   "Think of it as a birthday gift" He smiled. "And as a promise"

   "A promise?"

    He nodded. "I, Yoon Jeonghan, promise to love you with all of my heart. Even if you find someone else, even if we we're not meant to be, I will always love you, till death takes me away"

   Joshua giggled. "Are you proposing?"

   "Maybe"

   He smiled. "Then," And took out the necklace he had bought earlier. Joshua placed it around the other's neck and gave him a small peck on his cheek. "I, Hong Jisoo, promise to love you with all my might. Even if you find someone else, even if we're not meant to be, I'll always love you, until I give my last breath"

   Jeonghan smiled. He brought Joshua closer to him and held him by his waist. In return, Joshua smiled and caressed his cheek.

   "I'm happy I met you"

(The next chapter will be the last)