Archive of Our Own

1. The First Birthday

Timeline: Before volume 5 and after volume 4[1]

Taekjoo fiddled with the gun in the blazing sunlight. His target had been particularly difficult, made Taekjoo chase him through the unpredictable Dubai deserts to find him. He didn’t even have time or a mobile network to call home or even call Zhenya. 

Taekjoo sighed, now that he had finished work, he just had to wait for the extraction vehicle from NIS and be on his way home. He had no concept of time right now, didn’t know what day or date it was. He was going to take a week off minimum before the next mission. This mission had been more physically demanding. They lacked sufficient information on this man and didn’t realize he had enough connections to hide out in the scorching desert. He’s going to file a complaint with the intelligence division after this mission. Lack of preparation on their part, shouldn’t be a responsibility on Taekjoo.

The sudden rise of sand in the air made Taekjoo cough. He was in a sheltered base area of their target but it was still sandy and dry. He looked up to see an extremely expensive jeep driving through the desert. Great, his ride was here. The car soon stopped in front of Taekjoo, making him cover his face with his hands to avoid being smothered in sand again.

The door to the back opened and someone stepped out. Unfortunately, some of the sand managed to enter Taekjoo’s eyes and he couldn’t see exactly who had exited the vehicle. From his blurred vision he managed to make out a very familiar pair of leather boots. That wasn’t their standard protocol uniform agents wear. He rubbed his eyes and looked up.

There stood Zhenya, sunglasses on his eyes and a cocky grin on his face. How did he-

Taekjoo stood up abruptly, rubbing his eyes and face and looked properly. Looks like Zhenya crashed his mission again. He glared at the cocky blonde who looked far amused than he had any right to. He stepped closer to where Taekjoo was sitting and finally took off his sunglasses.

“You look like a dusty little rabbit. Digging holes in the desert doesn’t suit you.”

Taekjoo glared with full force at that. This bastard. He got up from where he was sitting and asked, “And pray tell what brought the crocodile so far from his snowy mountains? You hate the heat, did you HAVE to follow me to the desert? AGAIN? Despite my repeated warnings to NOT interfere with my mission?”

Zhenya snorted, “Isn’t your mission over? You got your target and finished your work. I listened, Taekjoo, I didn’t interfere with your mission.” This bastard had the audacity to fake looking hurt at the accusatory tone of Taekjoo.

“If you waited this long then you could wait till I get home too, right?”

“Well I could be testing my patience but really this couldn’t wait. NIS is incredibly slow in its administration and it would be two more days before you came home.” Zhenya lifted a plastic bag Taekjoo didn’t even notice in his hand. He didn’t say anything and simply entered the bunker, walking over the disposed off guards like he wasn’t walking through a corridor littered with dead bodies.

Taekjoo followed after him while taking off his gloves. His gloves had gotten sandy and he didn’t want to get sand on Zhenya. Zhenya set the bag on the nearest table and started to pull out the cutlery from it. Taekjoo slightly tilted his head, utterly confused. What was this bastard up to now? He pulled out a sealed container out of the bag and gestured at Taekjoo to grab a chair.

Confused, but still agreeing to this bastard’s demands, Taekjoo pulled out two chairs for both of them. What food was so urgent that he had to come all the way to the scorching desert to feed him? Zhenya sat down and gestured to Taekjoo to sit down. Despite the lack of explanations, Taekjoo went along with his demands, knowing very well arguing with Zhenya is a waste of time.

Just when Zhenya untwisted the container’s lid a very familiar smell reached his nose. Taekjoo looked at the container with wide eyes. The container held Miyeok guk, the traditional seaweed soup he eats each year on his birthday, made by his mother. Suddenly Taekjoo yanked out his phone and checked the date. Dubai was 5 hours behind Korea but even then they had the same date today. 

“It’s my birthday?”

Taekjoo’s soft whisper brought a smile to Zhenya’s face. He was so caught up in work he completely forgot the most important day in Zhenya’s life. Yes, Zhenya’s life because Kwon Taekjoo had been the best thing that ever happened to him. Even if Taekjoo refused to cherish that life. 

“Happy Birthday Taekjoo. I hope we can spend many more years together like this.”

Taekjoo’s jaw dropped open at the sweet, earnest words that left Zhenya’s mouth. This bastard would say the most shameless things without hesitation. Taekjoo could feel his ears heat up as they always did when Zhenya said the most unexpected sweet things possible. Just as he was about to scold him for his shameless words, Zhenya shoved a spoonful of soup in his mouth. 

“Mmph- I can eat it myself you bastard.”

“Come on Taekjoo, I patiently waited for over two weeks to complete your mission and took the effort to bring little woman’s handmade soup all the way here. At least let me feed you.”

Looking at Zhenya’s sad little puppy dog eyes, Taekjoo glared for some time. But eventually relented and let him feed him. Zhenya looked way too happy at feeding him. If he had a tail right now, it would be wagging. Eventually Taekjoo finished the entire soup by Zhenya hand feeding him. Zhenya began packing the container away. When a soft voice behind him made him freeze in his tracks,

“Thank you.”

Zhenya’s head snapped towards Taekjoo. Taekjoo was focusing very hard on a plant on the side, not looking at Zhenya. But his red ears and the blush rising on his cheeks gave him away. 

“Taekjoo you are doing some adorable things aren’t you?”

Taekjoo yelped as Zhenya lifted him on the table, “HEY! You bastard, what are you doing-”

“The birthday boy needs his present too doesn’t he?”

The sinful smile on Zhenya’s gorgeous face as he pulled Taekjoo’s zipper down with his teeth made Taekjoo’s heart nearly stop beating. This bastard was too pretty for his heart.

“Wait- Ugh Zhenya! NOT -mmh ah, Now AH-”

“You had your treat Taekjoo, let me have mine.”

2. One Wish spoken From Miles Away, Heart beating as One

Timeline: After Volume 5 and before the Beginning of Part 2

Taekjoo sighed as he leaned back against his bed in the tent. He has been in the Ukraine camp, infiltrating as an employee from T&R.[2] He has been here for 3 weeks already and while his mission was progressing smoothly, it was still slower than he liked. Working with another agent usually means missions taking longer but this was pushing his own patience. 

He looked at the phone in his hand. He had already checked the surrounding tents and sealed off his tent as best as he could. He had also completed his usual scans of the room, ensuring there was no eavesdropping or listener device. 

Finally allowing himself some rest, he took off the disguise he was wearing. It was exhausting to change to and from the mask so he usually slept with it on. But Zhenya hated it when he couldn’t see Taekjoo’s real face in their nightly calls. He had relented because otherwise the brat would continue to complain. And if taking off the mask meant Zhenya would stay in Korea and not interfere in his mission, then he could do this much for his lover.

Dialing the familiar number, Taekjoo let the silent room fill out with the dial tone. The dial rang for a while before it was received. He felt a pang of guilt in his heart realizing Zhenya was waiting for his call. 

“Taekjoo.” Zhenya’s soft voice flew into his ears. Instantly, Taekjoo could feel his body relax. He hadn’t even realized he was tense. But Zhenya could always make Taekjoo lower his guards and breathe.

“What are you doing Zhenya? Have you eaten breakfast yet?” 

The time difference meant it would be morning in Korea right now. Despite his best attempts, Zhenya was notorious when it came to skipping meals. Thanks to his mother he was somewhat regular in food and had gained some weight (and unfairly gotten stronger somehow), but he still refused to eat properly. 

“Yes. Little woman packed some food for me when I visited yesterday. Did you call her yet?”

“No. Mom was supposed to go to the temple today. It took too much time to finish checking the perimeter, I didn't get to call early enough.”

“That’s good then I will be the first to wish you as always.”

“Wish what?”

“Turn on your camera.”

“Ugh you’re so high maintenance. Give me a minute to settle down.”

Taekjoo grumbled and turned over to lie on his stomach and put the phone in front of him, letting it rest against the headboard. He turned on the camera and waited for Zhenya to turn on his. When he finally did, what Zhenya was holding made Taekjoo check the date on his phone. In Ukrainian time, it will be his birthday soon. But that meant it was already his birthday in Korea. 

Looking at Zhenya’s face lighting the little candle on the little chocolate cupcake made Taekjoo’s lips upturn to a smile. His lover looked so cute as he concentrated on lighting the candle. When the candle finally started burning, Zhenya put the lighter away and brought the cupcake closer to where he had his phone upright. 

“You said your mission would be delayed again. So we have to celebrate your birthday like this. Especially when you refuse to let me visit you.”

“For a good reason you bastard. Even you cannot avoid danger in Ukraine while being related to the most influential family in Russia.”

“As if anything can harm me.”

“I don’t care what you say, you aren’t immortal and I would be damned if you threw yourself into danger like this.”

“Are you underestimating me, Zainka?”

“No you idiot. I am worried about you. You don’t need to come. I will be done as soon as I can.”

“We’ll see about that. Anyway, Happy Birthday Taekjoo. Little woman has already bought all the ingredients for the seaweed soup. So finish your work and get here quickly.”

Taekjoo smiled, a gentle genuine look of happiness in his face. Zhenya never failed to wish him on his birthday. Despite being together for over a year now, he had never spent any effort in ensuring Taekjoo knew he was cherished. He had even brought Taekjoo’s mother flowers, as a way to thank her for giving birth to Taekjoo. His heart had melted a little to see this cold monster of a man spend so much effort on him.

“Thank you Zhenya.” The short reply made Zhenya’s face light up in happiness. He looked very happy at Taekjoo’s response. His childlike innocent reactions were one of the reasons why Taekjoo always allowed Zhenya to get away with anything. 

“Come back home soon. Little woman wants to make you a feast and I want a full week with you in Ajinoki.” 

Taekjoo chuckled at the spoiled whining of his younger lover. Zhenya acted like such a child sometimes.  

“Yes I will be back home soon.”

Time skip to Airport, back in Korea

Taekjoo rolled his shoulders as he got down from the plane. Smiling back at the flight attendants greeting him, he made his way to baggage claim. He had already completed his reports and sent them to his chief along with a request for a week off minimum before his next mission. 

His junior would be coming back tomorrow after resting some more and tying up some loose ends. He had been involved in the mission much longer than Taekjoo had and so he was coming later. Taekjoo stood at the baggage area, waiting for his luggage.  He couldn't wait to get home and get some rest. The last few days had been hard. After picking up his bags, he started walking towards the exit. 

Until a very familiar figure at the exit gate made Taekjoo stop in his tracks. Zhenya always stood out in public with his unusual beauty and above average height. People passing him kept glancing at him. He certainly stood out among the throngs of people entering and exiting the airport. 

“What on earth are you doing here?”

Zhenya stood from where he was leaning against the wall and smiled at him, “Waiting for you obviously.”

“And how did you know I was arriving now?”

“I always know what you are doing Taekjoo.”

“You bastard, did you hack into my devices again?”

“You don’t call, you don’t say anything so I have to take some drastic measures. Anyways here.”

“Zhenya, did you really get me flowers?”

“Very late happy birthday Taekjoo. Come, let's go home. Little woman made your favorites.” Taekjoo shook his head with a small smile and walked off with Zhenya. His steps lighter and his demeanor screaming happiness. 

3. A Warm Morning spent in Company

Timeline: In Volume 10, during the one year they spent travelling

Taekjoo scrunched his eyes when the morning sun fell on his eyes. He groaned and turned around to snuggle deeper into the covers. They were currently staying in Belgium, taking in the sights and moving around like tourists. The months they spent travelling around the world had been as fun as they had been anxiety inducing. Russia was silent so far but they couldn’t relax properly because of lack of movement from Bazim. 

He suddenly realized the lack of warmth clinging on him. Zhenya tended to cling to him like a koala even in his sleep. Taekjoo would always wake up to Zhenya staring at him with his dazzling blue eyes and get peppered with kisses. He rubbed his eyes and sat up gradually. Where had his troublesome little crocodile gone?

Opening his eyes, he scanned the room around him. Zhenya’s spot in the bed was cool to touch, indicating he had gotten up a while ago. Taekjoo stretched his back and twisted his limbs. He felt a sharp pain from his lower back and groaned. He was already used to this sensation now, having spent most of his nights making love. But this discomfort was always present in the morning, reminding him of his younger, very energetic lover.

Standing on shaky legs, Taekjoo made his way to the bathroom. At least Zhenya had cleaned him up before falling asleep. Taekjoo always passed out after a few hours, exhausted from the sheer amount of pleasure. Zhenya never hesitated to clean him up and dress him up in their matching pajama set (he wore the top and Zhenya wore the pants). 

Finishing his morning routine and taking a light shower, Taekjoo got dressed for the day. He and Zhenya had decided to visit a few more tourist spots today and he wanted to head out after breakfast. Just as he stepped out from the bathroom, he stopped dead in his tracks. Zhenya stood in their hotel room, holding a chocolate cake with tiny candles, a cheeky grin on his face.

“Is it already May?”

“Yes, Taekjoo. Happy birthday my Zaika.”

Taekjoo smiled as he walked towards Zhenya. He looked at the chocolate cake with little strawberries topped up on it. Zhenya held the cake in one hand and took Taekjoo’s hand in another. He dragged Taekjoo to sit on the balcony table. There a spread of dishes were already prepared, along with a very familiar container.

“Don’t tell me you-”

“Little woman was more than happy to pack her seaweed soup and ship it here. I had some of my people do an emergency delivery from Canada.”

Taekjoo was in awe of Zhenya, He had always managed to make Taekjoo feel the most blessed in the universe, cherishing him each day with the loveliest forms of affection. He loved this man more than anything he had ever loved. He pulled Zhenya into a kiss after he put the cake on the table. Zhenya didn’t hesitate and sweetly kissed back. He also pulled Taekjoo to sit on his lap as they kissed and caressed each other on the balcony.

“I love you, you bastard.”

Zhenya smiled and pulled him closer to rest his forehead against Taekjoo’s. “My breath, my weakness, my Anastasia. Thank you for being born.”

They deeply stared into each other’s eyes and took their time leaving little kisses on each other’s face. The two were broken out of their trance by Zhenya’s phone ringing. Zhenya was annoyed and looked like he wanted to throw his phone out. Taekjoo reached over and checked the caller ID. Taekjoo’s mom had given a video call, probably wanting to see if Taekjoo got her soup yet. 

Taekjoo climbed down from Zhenya’s lap and sat in front of him in the balcony chair. The two spent the morning talking to Taekjoo’s mom and having breakfast. Taekjoo smiled to himself, his birthdays no longer a silent day spent waiting for his dad in front of the front door.

4. A Silent Morning spent Mourning

Timeline: 7 years post part 2

Taekjoo laid in bed, awake for a while now but refusing to get up from the bed. It has been a few days since his mother’s funeral and he still felt utterly hopeless. She had been diagnosed with a terminal illness a year back and died a few days ago after fighting the disease for a year. No matter how many doctors they visited or how many treatment plans they tried, nothing worked.

Taekjoo’s mother’s doctors had said that maybe the treatment wasn’t working as well because his mother had given up on her life. Taekjoo and his mom had a tearful heart to heart. Taekjoo threw a tantrum like a child, begging her to stay, that he still needs her. Mrs. Kwon had held her son’s hands and smiled. She was always worried that after her, her cold detached son would embrace loneliness and never bring himself to love another. But she was proven wrong when she met Zhenya.

Mrs. Kwon had truly thought Zhenya was an angel sent from the heavens as a companion, a good friend to alleviate Taekjoo’s loneliness. A few years ago Taekjoo had confided in her- the real nature of his relationship with Zhenya. He wasn’t just a good friend and boss, he was Taekjoo’s lover and the one Taekjoo loved more than his own life. Mrs. Kwon was stunned and asked for some time to process this.

Soon she realized the hints had been right in front of her. They didn’t show explicit PDA but they never kept their love hidden from her. She just didn’t see it for what it was and buried the little voice doubting their bond. But now she understood why her son looked lighter, more relaxed and smiled more often after meeting Zhenya. Her aloof son was in love, truly deeply in love. 

Once she understood this, she welcomed Zhenya like her own son. She had already treated Zhenya like he was her own. Now it just solidified it. Besides, Zhenya already acted like her ideal daughter-in-law. Keeping her company, helping her cook, always cooking for Taekjoo because of how disastrous her son was in the kitchen and spending time with her despite their language barriers. 

After gaining her approval, Taekjoo had proposed. They had a tiny informal wedding in Ajinoki with only his mom, aunt, Olga and Jongwoo and it had been the most memorable night for both Mrs. Kwon and Taekjoo. Taekjoo’s mother already understood that maybe she would never get to see grandkids in her life. Especially not when her son was closing 40 and didn’t want to marry someone.

But looking at Zhenya lovingly gazing at Taekjoo as Taekjoo looked back with equal amount of devotion, Mrs. Kwon thought, maybe it wasn’t so bad. As long as her son was happy, what else did she want from life? Despite being on her deathbed, Taekjoo’s mom kept smiling. 

She told Zhenya to take care of her son well and also scolded Taekjoo to treat his husband with more kindness. Now that her son had someone, she wanted to rest. She wanted to go to her husband and her eldest son and wait till Taekjoo and Zhenya joined them after their golden years together. 

Saying goodbye to his mother and making the funeral arrangements had been hard on Taekjoo. Zhenya had been his rock, handling things with ease all while he also grieved the loss of his closest friend, the only person who showed him unconditional kindness. They grieved alone and together. Taekjoo still felt like a lost child, not knowing how he was supposed to move on from this grief.

Hearing the door open, Taekjoo looked up from where he was leaning on the headboard of the bed and looking at the roof. Zhenya came into the room, holding a single bowl on a tray. Taekjoo didn’t say anything, he silently watched as Zhenya sat beside him and put the tray on the side of the bed. He lifted the bowl and took a spoonful of whatever was in the bowl and put it in front of Taekjoo’s mouth.

Taekjoo looked at him confused, but still opened his mouth, wondering what Zhenya was up to now. The moment the soup from the spoon entered his mouth Taekjoo’s eyes widened and his eyes snapped towards Zhenya.

“How?” Taekjoo croaked out, voice still thick with sadness.

Zhenya had a sad smile on his face, “Little woman would always make the soup infront of me. It's not her exact recipe, but I got used to seeing her make it for your and my birthday.”

Taekjoo wrapped his arms around Zhenya and pulled him into a hug. Zhenya gently placed the bowl on the side table and wrapped his hands around Taekjoo’s back.

“Happy Birthday Taekjoo. Thank you for being born. Little woman is probably watching us from wherever she is now. She would be happy to see you still getting to eat the soup.”

Tears streamed down Taekjoo’s face as he finally truly let himself go. He sobbed like a child, clutching Zhenya like a child. Zhenya pulled him into his lap and kissed his head as he held Taekjoo close, letting him grieve the loss of his mother. Taekjoo felt himself cry harder when he felt a few drops of tears hitting his head. After all, Zhenya had lost the only person who made him feel the love of a mother. The two held onto each other as the soup cooled on the side table.

5. The One that Made Taekjoo Fall in Love All Over Again

Timeline: 10 years post Part 2

Taekjoo stood in the kitchen, frying a fresh batch of omelets. After years of attempts, Taekjoo managed to prepare two dishes without burning them to oblivion- Ukha and Omelet. Learning to make Zhenya’s favorite soup had been hard and took too many trials and errors before he managed to make an edible batch.

Zhenya was asleep in bed, one of the rare times he was asleep while Taekjoo made breakfast. He had gotten back home at a very late hour and if the scent of liquor on his breath as he kissed him said anything, he had also been drinking. Last night he attended one of the parties hosted by the Bogdanov family. It was the fifth year anniversary of Zhenya’s oldest brother inheriting the patriarch title, commonly decorated as a remembrance party of the previous patriarch.

Taekjoo insisted Zhenya attend this party at the least. Bazim and Vladimir were much calmer after their father’s passing but he didn't want to give them a reason to annoy Zhenya again. So Zhenya begrudgingly went to the party and apparently got roped into the drinking after party where everyone in the family discussed politics. He had no interest in such matters but Olga managed to swindle him with something.

Finishing up the breakfast, Taekjoo started to boil water on the kettle. Zhenya would probably feel more awake with his cup of tea. Just then he felt familiar arms wrap around him as his big puppy nuzzled into his neck. His younger husband hasn't changed his morning habits since their early relationship days, clinging on to him constantly. 

“Happy Birthday Taekjoo. Thank you for being born.”

Just like every year, Zhenya muttered that same greeting into Taekjoo’s ears. They had long stopped the whole surprise parties and cakes and simply settled on spending a calm day spoiling the other on their birthdays. Now they just wish each other on their birthdays and spend the remaining day together. 

“Thank you husband. Tea is done brewing. Drink some to fix that hangover.”

“Oh please, my alcohol tolerance is too high for a hangover.”

“That was in your youth, you have become too old for this.”

“You sure you aren’t talking about yourself.”

“.......Shut up you brat.”

Zhenya laughed and kissed his cheek as Taekjoo grumbled in his arms. Taekjoo tried to push him away before relenting and kissing back. The two remained in an embrace till Taekjoo’s stomach growling had them moving to start eating breakfast.

In the middle of breakfast, Zhenya suddenly spoke up, “I know you didn’t want any gifts but I still got you one.”

Taekjoo frowned, “You know you being here is all the gift I need. You have already bought me anything I could possibly want.”

Zhenya smiled, “Yeah but not something like this.” With that Zhenya undid the belt of his robe and revealed his bare upper body. 

Taekjoo silently stared and appreciated his husband’s toned upper body until his eyes settled on his right wrist. Taekjoo got up immediately to hold Zhenya’s arms in his hands and looked at the new trace of ink on his inner wrist. 

“You are always so possessive and protective over me that now I have made sure there is your mark on my body. I use my right hand everywhere, if the wedding band on my finger didn’t make people run, this should right?’

Taekjoo didn’t reply to Zhenya’s provoking teasing and silently traced the korean letters engraved into his wrist. The tattoo said “Zaika” but instead of Russian, it was spelled out using Korean alphabets. Taekjoo didn’t even realize this was possible. Without realizing, Taekjoo was smiling. Tattoos meant more to Zhenya than he let others know. This was another of his many ways to express love.

“Thank you for the gift Zhenya. I love it. Almost as much as I love you.”

With that Taekjoo pulled Zhenya into a kiss. Zhenya’s eyes widened at the affection before kissing back and pulling him closer. The two continued to stumble into their bedroom as a long day of reaffirming their love began.

+1 The One Time Taekjoo Surprised Zhenya

Timeline: 5 Years post Part 2

Zhenya glanced at his watch impatiently. Taekjoo said he was on the way but he was taking way too long to get to the restaurant. He said he has to pick up a delivery and would meet Zhenya at their date spot.

Today was Taekjoo’s birthday. Just like each year, their morning began at Taekjoo’s mothers place. After having her nutritious seaweed soup, Taekjoo would usually receive calls from Olga and Jongwoo while Zhenya would finish the last minute details of his plans.

Taekjoo always insisted on not doing anything for his birthday and just staying at home and spending time together. But Zhenya always wanted to plan something, even if it was a little dinner at their place with roses and chocolate. He wanted to make Taekjoo feel special, make him see just how much he means to Zhenya. Zhenya never did things like this before. 

Romantic gestures were always a chore and he never felt like he had to put so much effort on someone. All of this was before Taekjoo. Now he spared no expense, preparing everything that he thinks Taekjoo would like (even if he wouldn’t say it out loud, his Zaika was so shy) so he could show how much Zhenya loves him. Taekjoo had insisted that he had an errand to run and he would meet him at the restaurant Zhenya had planned a date at. Zhenya reluctantly let him go after being bribed with kisses. He couldn’t bear to say no to Taekjoo on his special day after all.

Seeing Taekjoo enter the restaurant, Zhenya stopped checking his phone and stood up. He had booked the entire floor for Taekjoo and him to have some privacy and to spend time together without Taekjoo being overly shy at other’s gazes. Zhenya could care less about who stared at them but Taekjoo was still too shy to be romantic in public.

“Did you HAVE to rent out the entire floor you bastard?”

“Of course. You get too shy to hold my hand in public otherwise. And I want you to relax and enjoy the date.”

Taekjoo scowled at him, his ears turning red. Zhenya simply kissed his forehead, finding his embarrassment adorable and led him to the beautifully decorated table. Just like always they had a lovely time dining together and even sharing Taekjoo’s favorite cake together. Zhenya had gotten some adorable pictures to send to the little woman, now that she already knew the true nature of their relationship.

Except Taekjoo looked slightly nervous and fiddled with the cutlery often. He often looked dazed and got lost in thought while looking at Zhenya. Zhenya was confused, Taekjoo shouldn't be having any worries so why does he look so anxious today?

At the end of dinner, Taekjoo suddenly grabbed Zhenya’s hand on the table. 

“Zhenya”, he suddenly spoke up, a slight tremor in his voice, “I want a gift from you this year.”

“Of course Zaika. Anything you want I will give it to you. Just say it.”

“Well I am hoping you say yes to this.”

Without making eye contact, Taekjoo reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. Zhenya’s eyes widened and his breath hitched as Taekjoo opened the ring box with one hand, his other still clutching Zhenya’s hand. Inside, lay two beautiful golden wedding bands, engraved with vines and subtle details. 

“We have been together for years and even mom knows about us now. So what do you say, shall we make it official?” [3]

Zhenya continued to stare at the rings wide eyed without saying anything. Taekjoo suddenly started to feel nervous. Though Zhenya teased him about getting married a lot of times, they had never had this conversation before. Shit did he read things wrong. Did Zhenya not want to marry him-

His anxious thoughts suddenly came to a screeching halt when Zhenya got up from the table and pounced on Taekjoo. The two fell off from the chair and fell on the ground. Taekjoo groaned as his back hit the ground, his much heavier lover falling on top of him.

“Shit OUCH Zhenya I can’t ugh - breathe”

“Taekjoooooo”

Zhenya didn’t care and rubbed his head on Taekjoo’s shoulders and head. Taekjoo sighed and hugged this big kid. He had spoiled Zhenya too much. Well at least they were alone. So he let Zhenya, who was overwhelmed with happiness, hug and kiss him, his eyes twinkling with barely concealed excitement. 

“Let’s have a spring wedding in Ajinoki. Just us and our family.”

Zhenya pulled away and looked deeply into Taekjoo’s eyes, “Of course, whatever you say my Zainka. My breath, my weakness, the one who makes me the strongest and weakest man in the world, my beloved Anastasia.”

With that their lips met in an unhurried kiss, pouring their love for each other. Taekjoo’s lips curved into a smile in the middle of the kiss and he pulled Zhenya closer. The two continued to murmur sweet words of love on the restaurant floor as the sun started to set. Another chapter of their life beginning today.