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Jongin rummages through the drawers one by one, collecting dust and dirt. It was that time of the month again where they needed to check if there were unnecessary things that they don't need anymore, and would better go off by donating to others.
He ran into a pile of photo albums Kyungsoo had saved for the past years, and since he has nothing good to do anyway, he decides to check them, opening the one wherein Kyungsoo’s childhood pictures were kept.
He had seen it thousands of times but he was still fascinated by how Kyungsoo was born so beautiful and charming and had maintained it throughout the years, and even improved himself. As he was browsing on the last pages of the album, Jongin felt a weight beside him. He glances and sees Kyungsoo sitting beside him on the couch, face sweaty after preparing their lunch.
Jongin was quick to wipe Kyungsoo’s face, and the latter leaned to the touch. There was a soft smile playing on Kyungsoo's lips, and Jongin couldn't help but to move closer and kiss him.
It's been four years since they started their relationship. In the first year, they had both decided to live in Jongin's apartment since they were spending most of their free time together anyway. Back then, they were both busy with their jobs, and spending a goodnight sleep in each other's arms was the best remedy.
Since the pandemic happened a year ago, Kyungsoo decided to quit his job and start his own online teaching about photography. He might not earn as big as before but what matters to him is that he has time to spend with Jongin. He plans on opening his own photography business once everything reverts back to normal. But while they were locked in their apartment, with Jongin working from home, he was more than satisfied with what they have.
“Can’t get enough of my face?” He teases and notices that Jongin’s cheeks blushes a little.
“I can’t help it. You were so cute even before.”
He plants a kiss on Jongin’s lips, acknowledging his boyfriend’s complement. Kyungsoo then grabs the thickest album, placing it on his lap. It contains their photos since they started dating, be it travelling together or meeting with friends, or even random snaps of Jongin’s face because he admires them the most.
“Since we can’t go anywhere, let’s just go through some of our old photos. I bet you barely remember half of them.”
“Do you want a dare?” Jongin challenges, smiling sheepishly. He may not be good at memorizing things but every moment he spends with Kyungsoo is a treasure to him.
Kyungsoo grins and starts opening the cover, “Let’s see, I’ll pick a photo and tell me something significant about it.”
“Hit me with your best shot then.”
Kyungsoo didn’t waste any time, flipping on the first page. He points out in one of the photos where he and Jongin were inside a fast food diner, with Jongin feeding him a piece of fries.
Jongin chuckles before turning to Kyungsoo. “That’s us celebrating our first month together by grabbing a quick dinner. We couldn't be around each other much at that time because both of us were occupied by work. The next day after that, you left for Japan and came back a week after.”
Kyungsoo sighs but the smile on his face not dissipating. “We could've done more, right?”
Jongin reaches for Kyungsoo’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “We both know it was for the better. And you know I would never stop you doing what you love the most. I know how important your work is for you, and how you love it. Even now, if you need to fly anywhere just to follow what you love, I will always be here. I got your back.”
Kyungsoo flashes him a sincere smile. He really appreciates Jongin and he is more than thankful that he had found him.
He then flips the pages, both of them laughing at some of their goofy pictures. Capturing Jongins face is one of the things Kyungsoo enjoys the most. He could see the happy lines beside Jongin’s hazel brown eyes, his genuine smile always catching Kyungsoo off guard.
Jongin points out at one of the pictures, looking at Kyungsoo quizzically. “Now it's your turn. Can you still remember what happened this day?”
“How can I ever forget that day when you were sulking even before we sleep?”
The picture Jongin was pointing at was them standing in front of the cinema with popcorn and sodas on their hands. Both of them could still remember asking a random stranger to take a picture of them.
Kyungsoo picks up the photo from the album, giving it a closer look. “As far as I can remember, it's our first movie date together, right?”
Jongin nods and leans even more, checking the picture with a half smile on his face. “Yeah, it is. You know how I hated horror movies before but you still chose that one.”
“You’re a grown up man, physically and mentally, I have no idea you were a scaredy cat.”
“Well, thanks to you that night was almost ruined. I was so terrified the whole movie but when I checked your reaction, I couldn’t believe you were already sleeping.”
“Jongin, that was the lamest movie I have ever watched.”
“I haven’t slept a wink that night, you know.”
Kyungsoo pulls Jongin’s hand closer, rubbing gentle circles. “I know. That’s why I made it up to you the next day right?”
Jongin nods and swiftly smiles. “How could I forget? We went on a ferry ride that day because you told me you wanted me to help you with your fear in water. And now I guess we are on the same boat.”
“Yeah, now you watch too many horror movies.”
They both fell into a laughing fit as they reminisced their memories together. There were pictures of them on the beach with Jongin’s family where Jongin’s niece and nephew were playing with Kyungsoo, burying him on the sand and only leaving his head exposed.
“I miss them.” Jongin murmurs, brushing his thumb gently at the picture of the kids with Kyungsoo.
“We’ll visit them as soon as this pandemic is over, okay? I miss them, too.”
Jongin couldn't express how much he appreciated Kyungsoo for not only loving him, but also his family. And at the same time he was thankful that his family welcomed Kyungsoo warmly, even treating him as already a part of them even if it was their first time to meet him.
Kyungsoo’s parents also adored Jongin, but unlike Jongin’s family, Kyungsoo’s parents were not always available for gatherings since they were busy with their business. Jongin then figures where Kyungsoo got his habit of being hardworking.
Both of them didn’t notice that it was already past lunch time. They enjoyed telling stories behind every picture, even those that Kyungsoo took without Jongin knowing. Until a sound coming from Kyungsoo’s stomach distracts them from their trip down the memory lane.
“Sorry, I didn’t notice the time.”
“I didn’t either.” Kyungsoo replies. “Let’s eat before the food gets cold?”
Jongin nods, placing the photo albums back on the shelf.
Days passed and they both spent it creating their own happy place. They had upgraded Jongin's apartment to a much liveable place, a warm home where both of them could share and spend their time with. They will be spending indefinite time together so both of them decided to redesign the place, combining their ideas. Every corner has a personal touch, a meaningful story, just like every picture they had shared.
Kyungsoo plans on surprising Jongin with a special dinner that day because it’s their month anniversary, but to his surprise, his stocks are close to empty. There was no more meat inside their fridge, the ingredients in their pantry almost clear.
He decides to drop by the nearest supermarket to replenish their stocks, while Jongin busies himself with his work.
Or so Kyungsoo thought.
Kyungsoo was busy almost the whole afternoon, preparing for their special dinner. He even brought a special wine for both of them to enjoy.
While Kyungsoo was spending half of his day in the kitchen, Jongin was inside their room the whole time. He said he’ll focus on his tasks so he could finish on time and Kyungsoo fully understands it. Jongin loves his work, and after getting two consecutive promotions, Kyungsoo was more than happy for his boyfriend.
Dinner comes in a blink of an eye and Kyungsoo settles their plates and cutleries on the dining table. He even prepared a soft, romantic background music, some candles lit up. He calls for Jongin who immediately replies that he will be out in a minute. It was just a simple dinner yet Kyungsoo feels different. He feels nervous but at the same time, exhilarated.
Jongin comes out from their room and Kyungsoo was surprised that his boyfriend was holding his camera in his hands. The man was no way near taking good pictures.
“What was that for?” He points at Jongin’s hand.
To his surprise, Jongin just freezes on his place, his grip on the camera tightening.
“Uh… maybe we need new pictures? We haven’t taken one since last year.”
Kyungsoo gives it a thought and figures that Jongin was right. Since they were not able to go out like before, they haven’t taken a single picture again.
“I mean,” Jongin trails off, “even though we are just inside our place, it doesn’t mean that this doesn’t count as a good memory, yeah?” He gently placed the camera on a nearby shelf, checking the angle and adjusting the lighting.
“Could you double check if this would look okay?” Jongin asks, seeking for Kyungsoo’s advice.
Kyungsoo nears the camera, peeking then adjusting the settings, a satisfied smile on his lips.
“Wow, I can’t believe you finally listened to me.” Kyungsoo teases, surprised that Jongin got it right on the first try.
“I’m a good student, aren’t I?” Jongin chuckles and moves near the camera. Kyungsoo returns his attention back to the dining table, not realizing that Jongin had already pressed the red button as the video recording starts.
Kyungsoo prepares their meal one by one starting from the wine and the glasses. Jongin just watches him on the side, checking the camera every now and then and trying to calm his breathing. As Kyungsoo finishes placing their dessert on the table, Jongin holds his hand and kisses them, then he places a kiss on his forehead followed by a soft peck on his lips.
“Someone’s extra cheesy today.” Kyungsoo teases and is about to take a seat, but then Jongin suddenly holds his hand tightly before pulling out a velvety box from his side pocket. Kyungsoo’s eyes widen as he stares at his boyfriend.
“Kyungsoo, I know I’m not the perfect man you have ever met. I’m even way too far to the man of your dreams, but for me, you are my everything. I can’t imagine my future without you in it.”
Jongin opens the box, revealing a pair of gold rings. Kyungsoo stays silent, listening to his boyfriend while holding his tears.
“I know the timing was off, and honestly, I even planned a much better proposal than this. But I don’t know when this pandemic will end so I guess today’s the right time.” He takes the smaller ring, placing it on the tip of Kyungsoo’s finger while staring at his eyes.
“Do you want to spend your lifetime with me?”
A single drop of happy tears fall on Kyungsoo’s eyes as he allows Jongin to insert the ring on his finger.
“Jongin, even if you are not the man of my dreams, I think I have already told you several times that you are the man that I have prayed for. And you know I would always say yes.” He allows Jongin to wear the ring on his finger. Kyungsoo then reaches for the other ring and wears them to Jongin whose hands were shaking. “Were you too nervous about this?”
“Well,” Jongin pauses, admiring the glimmering band on his hand. “I was. I didn’t really work today and took a day off because I don’t know how not to mess this plan up.”
“You were nervous for nothing.”
Jongin wraps Kyungsoo in his hand, planting kisses on his face. “I love you, baby.”
Kyungsoo does the same, circling Jongin’s waist with his arms. “I love you, too. And as much as I don’t want to ruin this moment, I’m worried that the food would get cold. I prepared a special dinner today.”
Jongin pulls aways with a smile on his lips. “Then I won't miss it for the world.” He kisses Kyungsoo’s hand where the ring was placed and Kyungsoo smiles at him, a blush creeping on his cheeks.
“Now I am thankful that my sister borrowed my car that day. If not for her, I wouldn’t have met you.”
“Me too.” Kyungsoo giggles.
“I guess we owe her a visit soon.”
“And I’ll bake her a cake.” Kyungsoo adds.
Both of them settle in their own chairs, enjoying the meal Kyungsoo prepared. The evening was dark, and their only light was coming from the candles and the glimmer from their golden bands.