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"Martin hyung" Seonghyeon appeared next to the blonde who was sitting on the couch fixing the laces of the black all star that he had separated to take on the trip they would make.
"Hm" murmured Martin, without taking his eyes off his shoes, he was completely focused.
"We're going to Paris, don't you think now would be the time to... You know... You make that request that you've been planning for months? Paris, romance, love in the air" Seonghyeon began to speak calmly, in a low tone of voice so that others would not listen, especially James.
Martin stopped moving the shoe at the same moment, literally froze, looking at the floor for a few seconds until he looked up and stared at Seonghyeon, giving a nervous smile still putting the gears to work.
"How... How do you know?" Martin blinked his eyes quickly staring at Seonghyeon incredulously.
"You're not discreet at all hyung, your luck is that James hyung can be more stupid than you!" Seonghyeon replied, getting ready next to him. "We saw when you tried to ask him to marry you at least five times this year but you couldn't, you always got nervous and kept the wedding rings, changing the subject later"
"Calm down... So you, Juhoon and Keonho know that?" Martin left the corner shoe, taking a deep breath, starting to face the younger boy with a desperate face.
"Yes, we saw everything" Keonho interfered in the conversation, sitting on the other side of Martin, passing his arm around the shoulders of the tallest. "You have to be firmer, you act like a chicken to have this full size, it doesn't pay off."
"Really, you're a banana." Juhoon commented, getting close to them, punctuating his opinion while leaning against the pilaster of the wall near them.
"Now you all got together against me?" Martin replied indignantly, staring at the three friends, then grumbling. "I just didn't find the right time, okay?"
"Well, now you found it! You will be models together, just you two before us, you will have a different schedule, everything is fitting hyung, have you ever imagined making the request in front of the Eiffel Tower?" Keonho said, lightly shaking Martin's shoulder, raising his hands to show an imaginary landscape in his head.
"This is your golden chance! And we can help you" Seonghyeon said smiling, receiving a nod from Juhoon agreeing with them.
"But... What if he says no?" Martin asked, a little unsure, receiving three pairs of eyes staring incredulously.
"You must be playing with our face," Juhoon murmured.
"Stop being dizzy! We're talking about James hyung, he's crazy about you! And he makes it clear several times, even for the fans between the lines, he must have been expecting this from you for so long," Seonghyeon commented, slapping Martin's forehead. "Way up, crazy."
"Yeah, stop being crazy!" Keonho said on the other side, slapping Martin on the shoulder.
"Why are you assaulting my boyfriend?" James entered the room, staring at the scene confused, while carrying a suitcase and a smaller bag, he was already ready for the trip they would take in a few hours.
"We were joking hyung" Seonghyeon said, walking away quickly laughing nervously, trying to look normal, as if he wasn't minutes ago offering to help Martin to ask James to marry him.
"I hope all of you's suitcase is ready, since you're playing." James said, with a firm tone of voice, seeing the two boys got up quickly from the couch and ran towards the rooms when they realized they hadn't just finished tidying up, Juhoon followed them, but walking slowly passing by James with a smile.
"We're going omma! Take it easy" Keonho made a point of running past James, running away from him showing his tongue next.
"Assen!" James said loudly. The boy now with blond hair, left his suitcase and his bag in the corner of the sofa, going towards Martin who remained seated, appearing to be extremely nervous. James sat next to him, smiling, leaving a brief kiss on his lips. "Did you pack your suitcase, love?"
"Yeah, I'm just fixing the shoelace." Martin did as much as he could to hide how nervous he was about the subject commented by the younger ones, returning James' kiss, then giving a wide smile staring at him. "Are you looking forward to Paris?"
"Of course! I was already looking at the restaurants near the hotel where we are going to stay and there is a Chinese that seems to be amazing! We can go the other day, since the wonder trio goes alone." James commented smiling, taking his hands to Martin's, intertwining his fingers then, leaving a kiss on the nose of the tallest. "What do you think?"
"I think it's perfect, dear" Martin replied, leaving his nervousness aside. Soon releasing his hands slightly to take his fingers to James' waist, as he loved to run his hands through that thin and sculpted waist, pulling the blonde to his lap then, keeping his hands on the other's waist, leaving a brief kiss on his collarbone. "You smell very good."
"Did you like it? I changed the perfume, but I'm going to buy several in Paris and I want you to approve them all, because it will be you who will smell my neck every day." James said, smiling passing his arms over Martin's shoulders, fitting better on the lap of the tallest.
"Dear..." Martin said low, staring at James' face stamping the desire he had in his eyes, taking his nose to the blonde's neck, smelling the place, when he was about to leave his lips, he heard a cough coming from some corner of the room, drawing the attention of the two, who moved their heads slowly to look at who was there.
"Don't you have a room?" Keonho returned to the room with a suitcase, covering his eyes with his arm.
"You didn't even have time to pack your suitcase, boy!" Martin took only one hand from James' waist and with that hand took a cushion and threw it in the direction of Keonho, who was hit hard and left the room grumbling.
"We'd better leave this to Paris, love." James whispered close to Martin's ear, who got goosebumps completely. James left another kiss on his lips, this time longer, then moved away and left the lap of the taller blonde, going towards the kitchen.
"Keonho, if one day you need water and I'm the only person with a bottle of water 100 meters away, I'd let you die of thirst." Martin shouted from the living room for Keonho to listen.
"Fuck you!" Keonho shouted back, from wherever he was, making sure that Martin listened to the answer.
A few hours later, they all had their bags ready, all stacked in the room, waiting for the manager to call them to go to the airport. Martin was sitting on the couch again, this time putting on the shoes he was fixing, James was sitting on his side, with his legs crossed watching videos on his cell phone, Keonho was thrown on the floor playing on his cell phone, Seonghyeon was on the other side of the room playing the same game as Keonho and Juhoon was with his eyes closed as if he was meditating.
"Are you ready?" Their manager appeared at the door, with a cell phone in his ear, while talking to them at the same time. "Did you get everything? There's no way to come back here for days, don't forget that."
All five boys agreed, soon following the manager to the car where they would go together to the airport. James and Martin had been dating for years, everyone knew that, but they remained discreet when they were in public, so they kept doing the usual, the four boys went after while James sat on the only bench available in front, he could reward later by sticking to Martin on the plane and at the hotel, since this time they could share a room, just the two of them, it was thanks to the event that needed the presence of the two that this was possible, since they had to be together.
The plane trip was smooth, as expected, Martin and James managed to sit next to each other, with the lowest on the window, laying their head on Martin's shoulder. Martin remained for a long time caressing James' hair, the boy used to be quieter on plane and car trips, so it was already customary for them to be silent like this. Until after a few minutes he fell asleep on Martin's shoulders, the tallest gave a wide smile looking at his boyfriend who was breathing low, sighing, while using his right hand to hold Martin's sweatshirt.
"Cute." Martin murmured, leaving a kiss on James' forehead, continuing to look at James' serene face and caress. He could continue like this for hours, but the notifications on his cell phone interrupted him, making him use one hand to take the device that was in his pocket, while he kept the other hand on the blond hair of the boy who was lying on his shoulders, paying attention to what they were saying in the messages.
📲Seonghyeon created a new chat
Seonghyeon named the chat as a Operation Bride and Groom in Paris
Seonghyeon added Juhoon and Keonho
Seonghyeon: Stop being melous and do something useful, let's plan
Juhoon: Let him live his early honeymoon
Keonho: He lives this early honeymoon every day for years
Martin blinked his eyes staring at his cell phone, letting a low and incredulous laugh come out of his lips, denying with his head while reading the chat.
Martin: That's why you're single
Martin: You idiots
Seonghyeon: You dizzy giraffe! I don't want to help you anymore either
Seonghyeon: 😡
Keonho: It touched the wound Martin, that's it, man
Juhoon: You deserved this
Seonghyeon: Said the other single
Juhoon: I have no problems with my lonely life, I'm fine with my books
Keonho: You're not funny at all Hoon
Juhoon: Great, I'm an idol, not a clown
Martin: Why are you like this?
Seonghyeon: Stop! Now focus. Did you bring the box with the wedding rings, Martin?
Martin stared at that message for a few long seconds, then looked at his own sweatshirt pocket seeing the object between the fabric, marking a slight elevation. He always carried that red box, whether in his sweatshirt pocket, in the smaller bags they used when they traveled, in the drawer of his dresser, anywhere easy to locate, he had been preparing this order for months and always left it nearby in case one day he took courage. He sighed low, staring back at his cell phone.
📲 Operation Bride and Groom in Paris
Martin: Always
Keonho: Dude
Juhoon: 👀
Seonghyeon: Wow, I'm sometimes speechless to describe how silly in love you are Martin
Martin: I only answered with one word!
Keonho: He managed to put more feelings than would be possible
Juhoon: Congratulations, you transformed a "always" in the most melancholic and romantic tone I've ever seen
Martin: Are you going to help me or not?
Seonghyeon: Of course we're going! Let's be the best men at the wedding
Keonho: Choose blue please, I'll look beautiful in a blue suit
Juhoon: I preferred black
Seonghyeon: FINALLY, you could place the order on the last day of the trip, I convinced the manager to let us go see the Eiffel Tower on the last day of the night, the perfect setting, you're welcome
Keonho: You're fast
Seonghyeon: I cheer for our parents' wedding
Martin: I could even disagree with you, but James can wake up and hit me if I dare to type saying that you didn't leave his imaginary uterus
Keonho: KKKKKKKKKKK
Seonghyeon: So, we could distract him that day, so he doesn't notice anything, we could go see how it is there to have an idea of which is the best position to face the tower, look for a very chic flower shop with beautiful flowers and I stay with James at the hotel distracting him with something
Juhoon: I think what else will be there are beautiful flower shops
Keonho: But near the Eiffel Tower is more magical
Martin: Closed then, I'll stop answering because the love of my life will wake up
Seonghyeon: Stop rubbing your love in your face
Juhoon: Disguing
Keonho: You engaged will be even more unbearable
Martin: 🖕
Martin kept his cell phone in his pocket, at the exact moment that James began to open his eyes slowly still sleepy, rubbing his hands on his eyes, until he focused his gaze on Martin and a huge smile appeared on his lips.
"Have we arrived yet?" James asked, with his voice still hoarse with sleep, but he left his head leaning on Martin's shoulder again.
"We're landing right now, you have a perfect timing, you know?" Martin replied, leaving a kiss on the top of James' head.
"It's a gift" The boy answers smiling, now getting up to stretch next to Martin.
The five boys left the airport together, greeting the reporters who passed by the road and went straight to the hotel that would be without any problem, it was a very quiet day, without any setbacks.
When they arrived at the hotel, James and Martin went to the room where they would stay, it was on the side where the other three boys would be and further to the side was the team's room.
Ness and the first day, as they were tired, did not go out anywhere, each one stayed in their respective dormitory, some sleeping, others playing or looking for some distraction to rest. At mealtime, everyone was at the food place they had in the hotel, where they sat in it and spent almost hours talking and laughing, having normal and quiet conversations.
James and Martin were the first to say goodbye to return to the dormitory, since the next day they would have an event that would appear together, all combined directly with the brand that had invited them. They waved to the boys and walked back side by side to the dormitory, with a comfortable silence smiling.
The hotel corridor was noisy, there were always many people walking around the place talking in a loud tone of voice, making the environment welcoming, there was no noise that bothered.
James walked next to Martin with his hands stuck in the pockets of his sweatshirt, observing the elegant decoration of the place while yawning discreetly. The tiredness of the trip finally began to weigh, I couldn't wait to lie down and sleep.
"I'm officially without any energy, my social battery ran out." James commented low, leaning lightly on Martin's shoulder, following his rhythm. "If I go to bed now, I won't wake up until tomorrow."
"I imagined, this is so you." Martin smiled widely, looking to the side briefly to face the boy.
As soon as they finally entered the room, James was the first to take off his sneakers, practically kicking them to any corner, walking around the place.
"Tomorrow you complain that you don't find them." Martin laughed, closing the door.
"Tomorrow is tomorrow's James' problem." James replied, forming a beak on his lips facing Martin.
Martin shook his head, it was impossible not to laugh at that boy, it was amazing how he had won the lottery to have him by his side.
While James walked to the huge bedroom window, moving the curtain a little away to observe the lights of Paris, Martin stopped for a few seconds, the illuminated city reflected on his boyfriend's light hair. James remained silent, admiring the view.
"It's so beautiful here..." murmured James, leaning on the window support, resting his chin on his right hand facing the beautiful lights of that city.
Martin didn't answer, in fact, he couldn't even say a word, his gaze was stuck on James, in the small smile, in the eyes shining while watching the city, in his flashy side profile, in the light reflecting on his now blonde hair, in the way he seemed genuinely happy for simply being there.
Without realizing it, Martin took his hand to his sweatshirt pocket, felt again the small red velvet box between his fingers, his heart accelerated.
"Now."
The thought came up before he could stop it, he just had to take out the box, call him by his name, kneel, speak the magic words... It was so simple...
"Love?"
James' voice pulled him out of his thoughts, Martin blinked a few times, returning to reality, taking his fingers out of the box quickly and going to where his boyfriend was. Martin stood behind James, hugging his waist, leaving his hands resting on the boy's stomach while leaving his head leaning against the curvature of the lowest neck.
"Sorry dear, I was focused on how beautiful you look on the lights of Paris, I didn't hear what you said, can you repeat?" Martin said with a calm tone of voice, leaving a brief kiss on the boy's neck.
"You're very silly, you know?" James smiled, taking his hands to leave them over Martin's hands, it was funny the contrast because Martin's hands were much bigger than his.
After a few minutes in silence looking at the view, James turned around, facing Martin encouraging him to put his hands on his waist, while James took his arms around his neck, staring Martin directly in the eyes.
"Did you know that I love you? But like that, I love you so much, so much that I don't even know how to put it into words now, I'm so happy to be able to live this moment with you here." James said, increasing the smile on his face, leaving a brief kiss on Martin's lips.
"I love you more, my favorite blonde, the best thing that ever happened to me was meeting you, I must thank the company very much for that." Martin smiled widely, squeezing the boy's thin waist without force, raising his face a little to rub his nose on the other's. "I know you have two beds, but let's break the protocol and sleep together in one?"
"I thought this was obvious!" James replied, agreeing with his head then closing his eyes enjoying the moment of affection.
"So let's go to sleep." Martin said low, moving his strong hands down James' body, holding his thighs firmly to lift him on his lap, carrying the boy to the bed, when he got close to the bed, he let James' body fall on the bed calmly, lying next to him.
"Good night, love." James replied, yawning then closing his eyes, leaving a light smile on his lips snuggling in Martin's arms.
"Good night, dear." Martin said low, hugging the boy's body, welcoming him in his arms with comfort. The boy took one of his hands to James' blond strands and began to caress, feeling the boy's breathing get lower and he sighed softly, indicating that he had fallen asleep very quickly, he really should be tired.
Martin kept looking at the ceiling, weighing that day, thinking about how his brain almost convinced him to place the order there, thinking about the red velvet box that was still in his sweatshirt pocket, thinking about how he would do that on the last day of the trip, he was so anxious that he could feel his hands sweating.
However, when he lowered his eyes to face the body glued to him sleeping so calmly, he sighed relieved, what mattered now was the present and Martin was sure that in the present he wanted to live everything that was allowed with James. He then approached, leaving a kiss on the boy's forehead, then closing his own eyes and falling asleep hugging his beloved.
The next morning, the alarm clock rang very early, it was six o'clock in the morning and James was the first to grumble, Martin was already awake with his eyes open, but he didn't make any noise waiting for James to wake up.
"Five more minutes, I beg you," said James with a voice choked with sleep, hiding again in Martin's neck.
Martin let out a low laugh, running his hand through his boyfriend's completely messy blonde hair.
"You know we have to get up soon, we have an important event to go to, even better, it's fashion! You love fashion." Martin said with a sweet tone of voice, looking towards his sleepy boyfriend.
"Boring..." murmured James, pulling the blanket to cover his face again. "Fine minutes will not affect our participation in the event."
"Did you call me boring?" Martin held back his laughter, incredulous.
"I called! Boring." James repeated.
Martin laughed out loud this time, and carefully pulled the blanket to reveal only James' sleepy eyes and a sullen face of sleep.
"Let's go, love." Martin said with a calm tone of voice.
"I don't want to." James murmured closing his eyes again.
"James..." Martin murmured his name low, making James open his eyes to face him.
"Give me a kiss and I'm up." The blonde replied, forming a beak on his lips.
"This is blackmail."
"It's take it or drop it."
"You're a manipulator." Martin said smiling, tilted his face and left a long kiss on the blonde's lips, caressing the other's cheeks with his thumb.
"That's enough." James said smiling immediately.
"So let's get up?"
"I'm on my way."
Before Martin could grumble again with the stubborn blonde, James tilted his face towards Martin and started a kiss, this time nothing brief like a kiss, he asked to deepen, which Martin allowed at the same moment. Martin's thumbs kept caressing James' cheek as he followed James, who was already exploring with his tongue everything he could, taking his hands to the back of Martin's neck pulling lightly the blond strands of the tallest. They parted their lips only when the shortness of breath prevented them from continuing, separating with a thread of saliva connecting their lips, pulling satisfied smiles from both.
"You are impossible." Said Martin, a little out of breath.
"But you love me like that." James replied, sighing slowly.
"I love, I love a lot, I love more than the universe." Martin replied, leaving a brief seal on his lips again.
The two hugged each other for long seconds, taking advantage of the comfortable silence of the room, refused to leave. That's when the cell phone did Martin interrupted the moment, making the boy pick up the device taking a suspicious look from James.
📲 Operation Bride and Groom in Paris
Seonghyeon: Awake?
Keonho: If you don't answer in half an hour I'll go there to open this door at the base of the kick
Juhoon: I'm pretty sure they're sleeping hugging, in the most cliché way possible
Keonho: Or doing things that would traumatize a child, who knows
Martin snorted reading the message.
Martin: You are unbearable
Keonho: HE ANSWERED
Seonghyeon: LOL
Juhoon: Good morning, couple
Seonghyeon: The mission begins today
Martin arched an eyebrow.
Martin: Mission?
Keonho: While you do the event, we'll go for a walk near the Eiffel Tower
Juhoon: Someone needs to find the best place
Martin: You're taking this very seriously
Seonghyeon: Of course we are
Keonho: You're getting married
Juhoon: Eventually
Martin smiled to himself and put his cell phone away before James could read anything.
"Who was it?" James asked, staring at him.
"The boys."
"Have they woken up yet?"
"Unfortunately."
James laughed.
"They are worse than children."
"They are still children, they are my babies! When they're not being plagues, they're my babies." James murmured, making Martin laugh, it was so cute to see the protective instinct that James had created for the other members.
Shortly after, Martin convinced James to get up and get ready to go have breakfast with the others. A few minutes later, the five were already at the hotel restaurant having breakfast.
Keonho appeared first, as soon as he saw Martin, he discreetly raised both thumbs and Martin made an almost imperceptible grimace, James, sitting next to him, narrowed his eyes.
"What was that?" James asked, staring at the two.
Keonho answered even before Martin opened his mouth. "Nothing."
"It was a sign."
"Hyung, I was just... wishing good morning." Keonho added nervously, trying to keep his voice calm without stuttering.
James kept looking at him.
"With both thumbs?"
"Positivity to start the day well."
Seonghyeon almost choked on the coffee trying to hide his laughter, Juhoon who was next to him, simply took the cup to his lips as if he didn't know any of them.
"You're very strange today," James commented.
"Your impression." said the four practically at the same time.
The silence that came soon after was so embarrassing that Keonho lowered his head on the table.
"Wow, it was very suspicious..." he commented low so that only the friends who were next to him could hear.
"A lot." Juhoon agreed.
"You're hiding something from me." James crossed his arms looking at them suspiciously.
"We don't hide it." Keonho said quickly.
Martin took a deep breath defeated, it was a matter of time for one of them to open their mouths. That was going off the rails faster than I imagined. However, before James started an interrogation, the manager appeared calling the two to get into the van.
"Come on, you need to arrive early for makeup." The older man said, while appearing next to them holding the phone against his ear, calling the driver.
"We're going." Martin got up almost immediately.
James still cast one last suspicious look at the three younger ones.
"I'll find out later." James murmured, giving one last look to the three as a warning.
As soon as he turned his back to follow the manager, Seonghyeon took his hand to his chest dramatically.
"I thought he was going to interrogate us until he found out." Seonghyeon said low.
"Me too." whispered Keonho.
"Your mission is now simple." Juhoon looked at Martin who had stayed behind still shocked by the situation, James was already much further ahead.
"Which one?" Martin asked confused.
"Don't ask him to marry you today." Keonho completed, as if it were obvious.
"What do you mean?" Martin frowned.
"You always almost ask." Juhoon agreed.
"If you keep looking at him like that, you kneel in the middle of the event." Seonghyeon commented, while stirring a fork in his eggs.
"And then it ruins all our planning." Keonho added.
"Do you really think I would do that?" Martin ran both hands over his face.
The three looked at him in silence, which was already the answer to his question. Martin just sighed, maybe they knew him better than he would like to admit.
The journey to the event venue was smooth. James was sitting next to Martin in the van, completely focused on the landscape that passed through the window. It was the first time he visited Paris, and his eyes traveled through every old building, every corner cafe, every flowery balcony as if he wanted to keep everything in his memory.
"Look..." he said low, pointing to a small bookstore with colorful flowers. "She looks like she came out of a movie."
"We can come back here tomorrow." Martin followed the direction of the finger.
"Promise?" James smiled.
"I promise." The answer came out so automatic that it made James laugh.
"You promise everything I ask."
"Because usually you ask for easy things and I would do anything for you"
"Really?" James turned his body a little to face him. "Then buy me an apartment in Paris, so we can live together."
"This one may take a little while." Martin pretended to think. "But I can start by buying a keychain."
"Closed." The two laughed together, accomplices.
"You two are in a good mood today." In front, the manager looked through the rearview mirror.
"We always are." James replied naturally and Martin just nodded in agreement.
It was true, even on the most tiring days, it was enough for James to smile in that way that seemed that everything became lighter.
"You are the most passionate couple in this industry, I'm lucky that at least you are discreet." The manager laughed, turning his attention to the street.
The building where the event would take place was huge. Right at the entrance, dozens of photographers were waiting for the guests and had many fans waiting for them, after all, it was not every day that a novice group was called to Paris Fashion Week, even more so by such famous brands.
As soon as the two got out of the van, the flashes started immediately.
"Martin!"
"James!"
"Here!"
"To the right!"
They walked side by side, used to that routine, always getting close to each other, but not too close at a forbidden level, they could not show too much intimacy in front of the cameras, so they kept a comfortable distance, exchanging only discreet glances.
Those who didn't know them would think they were just co-workers, those who really knew them would notice the small details. Martin slowed down when James was behind. James waited for Martin to finish greeting someone before continuing. And when no one was looking, his fingers touched for a second. Just a second, just enough.
After the photos, the parade showing the brand's new connection, interviews came. James was answering questions from a French journalist while Martin waited for his turn next to him.
"Is there any place in Paris that you dream of visiting?" She asked in English.
"I think... walking without a destination." James thought for a few seconds.
"No destination?" The journalist smiled.
"Yes." James shrugged. "Get to know small cafes... bookstores... parks... places that are not on the tourist itinerary."
"So you don't want to visit the Eiffel Tower?"
"Of course I want to." He laughed. "But..." He stopped for a moment before completing. "I don't think the place matters as much as the company."
Martin, who pretended to pay attention to another interview, ended up smiling without realizing it.
The journalist noticed immediately.
"Martin seems to agree." She said, with a wide smile on her face.
"I completely agree." The blonde looked at James before answering.
For a second, they forgot that there were dozens of cameras around, the two exchanged a silent look. Too long.
The photographer cleared his throat discreetly.
James looked away first, a little embarrassed.
In the interval between one session and another, they finally managed a few minutes alone. Or almost. They were leaning against a balcony at the back of the building when Martin handed James a bottle of water.
"Thank you." James took a few sips before sighing. "I like these events. But this one in particular is different, there are so many famous people and so many photographers, apart from the incredible collection."
"Is it?" Martin asked cautiously, staring at him.
"Uhum." James answered calmly.
"I thought you were tired."
"I am." He smiled. "But it's different when I'm working with you."
"You say these things out of nowhere." Martin lowered his head, hiding a smile.
"Because they are true." James rested his elbows on the balcony. "Do you remember our first campaign together?"
"How to forget?" Said Martin, resting his elbows next to James, looking at the people walking.
"You didn't look at my face." James concluded, turning to look at the highest.
"I was looking." Martin answered with a slightly low voice, embarrassed.
"I didn't look."
"I was nervous."
"I thought you hated me." James giggled.
"What?" Martin widened his eyes.
"Seriously."
"James..."
"You answered everything with yes, no and thank you."
"Because I thought you were handsome."
"What?" James stared at him with curiosity stamped on his face.
Martin froze. "...Damn."
"You just admitted it." James started laughing.
"I..."
"So you already liked me at that time?"
Martin scratched the back of his head.
"A little."
"A little?"
"A lot."
"How much?"
Martin took a deep breath.
"On the first day I already wanted to ask you out."
James was completely silent, then opened a smile so big that his eyes practically disappeared.
"You idiot..." He gave Martin a little push on the shoulder. "Me too."
"Also?" Martin blinked his eyes, confused.
"I also wanted to ask you out."
The two just stared at each other for a few seconds and then started laughing at the same time.
James stretched out his hand discreetly, without anyone seeing, Martin intertwined his fingers with his under the balcony, it was only for a few seconds, but it was enough at that moment.
The rest of the event went without major unforeseen events. Photo sessions, interviews, greetings, signatures, formal conversations, photos with other artists, all normal, they came back early, after all they were not old enough to participate in the post-event party.
When they finally got into the van to return to the hotel, James practically threw himself on the bench, letting out a long sigh.
"I think I lost the ability to smile."
"You smiled for about four hours straight. That's a record." Martin laughed.
"Exactly." James massaged his own cheeks. "They're hurting."
"Let me see." Martin gently moved his hand away.
James turned his face obediently and Martin brought his hands closer to his cheeks, massaging gently.
"Like this?"
"Hm..." James closed his eyes for a few seconds. "Wow... that's very good."
"I knew it." Martin said, leaving a kiss on James' forehead then, smiling as he continued with the massage.
The driver looked quickly through the rearview mirror and smiled discreetly when he saw the scene.
The two were affectionate in a quiet way, they didn't draw attention, it was simply natural and this was so beautiful that the people who were around them and realized silently cheered for the relationship of the two.
As soon as they arrived at the hotel they found the other three waiting in the lobby, there were exactly three pairs of curious eyes looking in their direction, it was adorable.
"Finally!" Keonho was the first to get up.
"How was your tourist day?" James asked.
"Very productive." Seonghyeon smiled in a strange way.
"What did you do?" Martin immediately got suspicious, but kept quiet letting James ask the questions.
"Tourism." Juhoon answered, simple.
"Is that all?"
"That's all." Juhoon looked away, starting to stare at his cell phone.
"We also went to the Eiffel Tower!" Keonho added smiling.
"What? Without me?" James asked indignantly.
"It was no big deal!" Seonghyeon replied, trying to regain control of the situation. "We just wanted to meet before."
"What's up?" James asked curiously.
"It's beautiful." Juhoon replied, looking away from the game he was watching on his cell phone. "Especially at night."
"So let's all go together on the last day." James opened a huge smile.
The three exchanged a look so fast that Martin almost laughed in despair.
"It's..."
"Of course..."
"For sure..."
They answered practically in chorus.
"You guys are very weird." James frowned.
"It must be the time zone." invented Keonho.
"It makes sense." Seonghyeon agreed immediately. "It's very hot here too, my brain works less."
"I agree in parts." murmured Juhoon.
"You could collaborate a little." Keonho looked at him.
"I prefer to be realistic." Juhoon scored staring at him.
"So be quiet." Seonghyeon and Keonho answered together, making Juhoon roll his eyes.
That night, after dinner, James decided to take a shower first. As soon as the bathroom door closed, Martin's cell phone vibrated and he quickly went to see who had sent a message, already knowing that it would be from the group, for sure.
📲 Operation Bride and Groom in Paris
Seonghyeon: Urgent meeting.
Martin: What happened?
Keonho: We found the place.
Martin smiled alone.
Martin: Already?
Juhoon: It took almost two hours.
Keonho: Because the perfectionist here wanted him to see the entire tower.
Seonghyeon: And we did it.
Juhoon: I also found a flower shop five minutes away.
Keonho: The flowers were absurdly beautiful.
Seonghyeon: And we discovered an important detail.
Martin: Which one?
Seonghyeon: Everyone proposes right in front of the tower.
Keonho: A LOT of people.
Juhoon: There were at least four couples today.
Martin: So it's not a good idea?
It took a few seconds until another message appeared.
Seonghyeon: On the contrary.
Seonghyeon: We found a garden a little away.
Keonho: You can see the entire illuminated tower.
Juhoon: There are fewer people.
Seonghyeon: And it's much more like your face.
Martin breathed slowly, he could imagine the whole scene in his mind at that moment, James always said he preferred quiet places, a garden, few people, the tower illuminating the sky in the background. It was... perfect. Before I could answer, another message appeared.
Seonghyeon: Now comes the hard part.
Martin arched an eyebrow.
Martin: Which one?
Keonho: You.
Martin: Me?
Juhoon: Yes.
Seonghyeon: You need to stop looking like you're going to have a heart attack every time you look at him.
Martin snorted silently.
Martin: It's not that bad.
The chat was silent, only for a few seconds, until a photo appeared, it was a photo taken hidden during the event that afternoon, Martin was looking at James, not at his face, it was for him all, as if the rest of the environment had disappeared. The expression was so... passionate... That he didn't even notice when the photo was taken.
Keonho: Explain this.
Martin widened his eyes.
Martin: DID YOU STALK ME?
Seonghyeon: We protect our father, we found it on Twitter
Juhoon: And our other father is completely stupid, an idiot in love
Martin: Delete this photo
Keonho: Never, it's already on the internet
Seonghyeon: Go to the wedding album.
Martin ran his hand over his face, completely defeated, at that moment, he heard the bathroom door open and quickly blocked his cell phone, James left with his hair still wet, wearing only a wide T-shirt and sweatpants.
"Love?" James called for him, while fixing his pants.
Martin looked up, and, for the millionth time, completely forgot how to breathe. James smiled, walking up to him while drying his hair with a towel.
"Is everything okay?"
Martin just nodded and James tilted his head.
"So why are you looking at me like that?" James gave a cynical smile staring at him.
"What way?" Martin laughed awkwardly.
"As if I were the most beautiful person in the world." James brought his face closer to his until their foreheads touched.
Martin closed his eyes for a moment, that question had a simple answer. Because, for him... James really was. He was simply the person who mattered the most in his life, he was the most beautiful and interesting person in the world, he only had eyes for that arisco blonde he called boyfriend with so much pride.
"It's because you are." Martin answered low, taking his hands to James' waist and pulling him closer, leaving his head leaning against James' belly, letting the smell of his new bath pass through his nose, sniffing lightly. "And smellier too."
"You make me feel so desired." James smiled widely, taking his hands to the blond hair of the tallest.
"It's because I want you so much, but so much..." Martin said, raising his head to face James' face, giving a corner smile staring at him, soon pulling the older one to his lap, leaving several kisses on his face. "You have no idea how much I want you, my love."
"Leave that energy for tomorrow..." murmured James close to Martin's ear, smiling low showing a calm smile, without first moving briefly on Martin's lap pulling an indignant reaction from the tallest who smiled incredulously with the other provoking him. "There are people on the side today."
"You... you're fucked when we're alone on this floor." Martin murmured, staring at James leave his lap, but go to bed.
"I'll wait, big guy." James winked at his boyfriend, pulling him to lie next to him.
The two slept hugging again that night, as they always did when they had this opportunity, it was practically their favorite moment.
The next morning, the movement started very early, this time Martin and James had the day free to do whatever they wanted, as long as they were discreet and careful.
While Seonghyeon, Juhoon and Keonho finished getting ready for the brand event they would participate in together, James appeared at the hotel's breakfast table with two coffee mugs in his hands.
"Good morning. I brought your coffee, love"
"Good morning, dear. Thank you" Martin smiled when he saw him.
James handed him one of the mugs and sat next to him at a table that was in the corner of that place.
"Today we are officially tourists."
"Finally."
"I've been waiting for this day since we got on the plane."
They both laughed.
A few minutes later, they heard footsteps to where they were, appearing Keonho in front of them all smiling already with his hair neat and wearing the clothes they had arranged for them, fixing his blouse calmly.
"Dad number one, father number two..." Keonho said, widening his smile more.
"Have you ever started the day annoying us?" Martin asked, arching an eyebrow.
"I came to wish you good luck."
"Good luck for a walk?" James laughed.
"Yes." Keonho pointed to Martin. "Mainly for you."
"Go away." Martin immediately understood the hidden meaning of the sentence.
"I'm just saying..."
"Go."
"Enjoy Paris, but in moderation." Keonho raised his hands in surrender.
Before closing the door, he still put his head inside once more. "And buy me a souvenir."
"Get out of here." Martin said loud enough for Keonho to hear.
While the three went to the event accompanied by the team, Martin and James were able to leave only with two security guards, dressed in a simple way to attract less attention.
Paris was sunny, although the day was hot, the wind was fresh and carried the smell of freshly baked coffee that escaped from the coffee shops scattered on the streets, James looked like a child discovering an amusement park. I would stop to observe street musicians, photograph old doors, comment on flowers on the windows.
"Look at this..." He pointed to a small bakery. "It looks like a movie scenario."
Martin just watched James, more than the city, seeing his boyfriend so happy made everything look even more beautiful.
"Love..." Martin murmured low, but cut off speech at the same moment.
"Hm?" James noticed the look, stopping to face his boyfriend, still keeping a low smile on his face.
"Nothing." Martin looked away, feeling his cheeks turn red with shame.
"You're doing it again." James said, raising his hand to Martin, who intertwined his fingers at the same moment.
"Doing what?" Martin asked.
"Looking at me as if I were a work of art."
"Maybe it's more beautiful than Van Gogh's Sunflowers."
"You say everything..." James let out a shy laugh and lowered his head.
They kept walking until they found a small bookstore, James practically ran in, the smell of old paper took over the environment, he spent almost forty minutes leafing through books, even without understanding much of French.
"I can't read half of it..." James said while leafing through another book.
"But keep looking."
"Because beautiful books also count."
At night, according to the promise made still in Korea, the two went to the Chinese restaurant that James had found, the place was small, cozy and illuminated by red lanterns and as soon as they sat down, James opened a satisfied smile.
"I knew it was going to be beautiful." James said totally proud of his choice.
"You chose well."
"I always choose well."
"Always?" Martin arched an eyebrow.
"Always." James rested his face on his hand. "Even when I chose my boyfriend."
"Convinced." Martin laughed, shaking his head.
"I'm just noting facts."
During dinner they talked about simple subjects, presentations, rehearsals, funny memories of the first years of their career, events of the event they had gone to yesterday, the moments they had lived at the hotel until now, everything became a subject between them.
James even laughed so much at a story involving Keonho and a microphone off that he had to wipe a tear in the corner of his eye.
"We needed to travel more like this." James said between loud laughs.
"Just the two of us." Martin agreed..
"It's been a while since we could spend a whole day together... without tight schedules."
Martin discreetly stretched out his hand on the table and James held his fingers for a few seconds.
"Thank you." James said.
"For what?"
"For today."
Martin smiled
"I'll keep this day for a long time." James concluded.
When they returned to the hotel, it was already past eleven at night, the corridors were silent. As soon as they entered the room, James took off his sneakers and let himself fall sitting on the bed.
"My feet gave up on existing."
"I told you that you would want to walk the whole city." Martin laughed as he closed the door.
"It was worth it." The blonde said smiling looking at the ceiling.
"I think something is missing for this day." Martin commented in a low voice, going towards the bed, getting on top of James, staring at him with his gaze overflowing with desire. "Don't you think?"
"Hm... And what's missing, love?" James sighed low, staring directly into Martin's eyes, took his hands around the boy's neck above him, smiling from the corner waiting for Martin to speak.
"I need you, heavens, a lot, you've been provoking me so much these days." Martin said low, taking his lips to the neck of the lowest, spreading wet kisses through the very inviting skin soon giving suckers pulling sighs from the body below him. "So beautiful."
"Hm... You... Ah Martin." James said between sighs, staring at Martin, while running his fingers through his boyfriend's blond hair.
"Do you like it?" Martin smiled, soon raising his lips until he found James's again, starting a calm and slow kiss, taking the opportunity to taste a little more of that mouth he loved so much. While they kissed, Martin began to unbutton James' shirt, taking it off without separating his lips, then pulled his own shirt, separating his lips for a few seconds, removing the shirt in a hurry. He stared at James panting for the kiss. "Beautiful."
"Martin..." James murmured, smiling panting then, took his right hand to Martin's exposed chest, running his hands around the place admiring his boyfriend's body, he was so lucky.
"Today, I want to do it sideways, in a very calm and slow way" Martin said whispering, taking his right hand to James' pants, unbuttoning the elder's pants, pulling the fabric through the boy's legs calmly, removing the piece of clothing, throwing it in any corner of the room. Then he used his free hand to unbutton his own pants, slowly lowering them and leaving them on the floor, turning all attention to James' body. "What do you think?"
"Fuck Martin, yes, please." James practically begged, looking directly at Martin, already feeling goosebumps all over his body just imagining the scene in his head.
"Perfect." Martin smiled completely satisfied, raising his arm to the dresser next to the bed, pulling the drawer to remove a tube of lubricant. Without much ceremony, Martin lowered James' underwear until he removed it, passing lubricant through his fingers, taking one by one to prepare James. James closed his eyes sighing slowly, releasing some brief low moans writhing his body asking for more contact. When Martin added a third finger, James took his hands to Martin's shoulders squeezing the place.
"I'm... I'm ready." James said with a choked voice, between sighs, grumbling low when Martin removed his fingers inside him.
"If you have too much, you can talk." Martin said close to James' ear, while already removing his own underwear, lying down next to James and leaving him in the same position, but with his back to him. Martin passed more lubricant on his own penis now, slowly inserting it inside James, who covered his mouth with his own arm so as not to make loud noises.
When he entered James completely, Martin took his hands to the elder's waist, tilting his head forward leaving kisses on his back trying to make him relax. When he realized that James began to move, indicating that he could start, Martin understood the message and began to give slow and deep lunges to the boy, who moaned a little louder, muffling the sounds by covering his mouth with his own arm.
Martin finally increased the pace, passing his right hand through his boyfriend's sculpted body, he loved that thin waist and the abdomen with a few gummies that still appeared very little.
"You're so beautiful... So hot my love..." Martin whispered close to James' ear, increasing the rhythm of the lunges and smiling widely when he heard the moans increase, even not so loud since James tried to drown him out at all costs. He took his right hand to James' forgotten member, starting to masturbate him at the same pace as the lunges, making James roll his eyes, letting out louder moans.
"Fuck..." James said panting between moans, biting his lips hard then, with difficulty muffled his sounds, Martin was finding that so sexy that it only motivated him to continue faster and stronger. Martin squeezed James' waist hard, while working well with his hands, leaving hot kisses on James' shoulders.
"Come with me" Martin said, feeling that James was almost at the top, receiving positive nods from the boy. Three more firm thrusts on James' sensitive spot and the two reached the top together, cumming at the same time leaving moans of relief, smiling soon after panting and satisfied.
Martin slowly withdrew from James, receiving a low sigh, but a grumble soon after when James felt empty, forming a beak on his lips turning to face Martin, who looking at that gave an affectionate laugh, taking his lips to James's, pulling for a calm and warm kiss.
"Let's take a shower." Martin said and James agreed with his head, still panting. The tallest took his hands to both of the boy's thighs, getting up and carrying James to the bathroom, helping him wash himself without taking him off his lap, using his hands to wash him with care and affection.
After a hot bath to rest from the long day, the two turned off the lights, leaving only the lamp next to the bed on and James approached naturally, laying his head on Martin's shoulder. The two remained silent for a few moments, it was not an uncomfortable silence, it was that kind of silence that only exists when two people do not need to fill every second with words.
"Today was one of my favorite days of the last few months," James said softly.
"Mine too." Martin ran his fingers slowly through his blond hair.
"Do you promise that, when everything is less busy, we'll come back here?" James raised his face just enough to smile, showing the dimples.
"I promise." Martin looked at him for a few seconds and smiled with affection.
"So it's agreed." James closed his eyes again, snuggling closer to him.
Martin wrapped him in a quiet hug, feeling his boyfriend's breathing getting slower and slower. Shortly after, James had already fallen asleep, Martin, however, remained awake for a few more minutes, took his hand to the pocket of the backpack that was next to the bed, removed the small red velvet box, stared at it in silence.
There were only a few hours left, it was tomorrow.
He took a deep breath, put the box away again and hugged James tighter again.
"A little more...", he thought to himself. "Just a little more."
Tomorrow he would gather all the courage he had lacked for months.
And, if everything went as I had dreamed so many times... Paris would no longer be just a trip, it would become the place where they would begin the next chapter of their lives.
Their last day in Paris dawned in a calm way, nothing chaotic or out of place, in fact, only Martin was feeling that he could die at any minute.
Martin was the first to wake up, he stared at James for long minutes caressing his messy hair, he was smiling remembering last night, but when he remembered the box with the wedding ring, he felt his whole body tremble with nervousness, it was today.
When James opened his eyes, he was confused when he passed his arms and didn't feel the presence of his boyfriend next to him, so he looked at the corners but nothing of Martin's presence. When he picked up his cell phone, he saw a message from the boy sent a few minutes ago, he had woken up very early.
📲My dear❤️: I went running with Keonho and Juhoon, I'll be back soon! ❤️
James looked at the message confused, Martin didn't even like to run, because just on the last day he decided to go running? And worse, he left him alone in bed to go running! That was unacceptable!
"I can't believe it" James murmured, he was a crazy arm for the situation, he was grumbling while walking around the room looking for his slipper, but his attention stopped when he heard knocks on the door, soon he went towards the door and opened it.
"Good morning James hyung, do you want to have breakfast with me? Juhoon and Keonho abandoned me to run with Martin, we were abandoned here." Seonghyeon appeared at the door, smiling.
"Come on, they're really bad, I've never seen them run, what animal bit them today?" James replied, putting on his slippers and leaving the dormitory, going with Seonghyeon to have breakfast at the hotel.
"I don't know hyung, they're weird." Seonghyeon said lowering his shoulders.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the city...
"Sean said he called James for coffee, he called us strangers because we were running, but he didn't ask too much and now he's talking about alien invasion completely entertained." Keonho said, after picking up his cell phone and checking the messages.
"You're lucky that he gets distracted all the time when he talks about alien theories Martin, this will definitely make him stay quiet and not notice this race," Juhoon said, while walking next to his friends.
"I'm feeling my heart wanting to come out of my mouth right now" Martin said completely nervous, they were now going to the flower shop to leave the bouquet paid and be able to pick it up at the agreed time. "What if he says no?"
"Martin, I'm going to throw you into the river." Juhoon said, rolling his eyes.
"You're a coward." Keonho completed, slapping Martin on the back.
"Ouch! That hurt!.” Martin grumbled, running his hands over his back.
"It was really supposed to hurt! To see if you come to your senses in your hollow head!" Keonho replied, threatening to slap him again. "Be a man and go confirm the bouquet now because at six o'clock this should be perfect in place! While you walk with James to the garden, we will be with the bouquet hidden near you and you will make the most beautiful marriage proposal in this Paris, understand?"
"You're not asking someone to marry you. You're asking for James. He has already chosen you a long time ago." Juhoon completed, putting his hand on Martin's shoulder.
"Thank you, it's just that I... I love him... I want to spend my whole life next to him." Martin said with a choked voice, the fear was there, but he felt lighter after the words of his friends.
"You're really silly in love, heavens, I'm going to beg James to marry you." Keonho murmured.
The three boys entered the flower shop, looking around, they really had several flowers, of all kinds that he didn't even know existed, so he asked for help from the attendant who prepared the bouquet with several colorful flowers that together formed a magnificent bouquet, Martin paid for the bouquet and they agreed to pick it up at the exact time, thanking the attendant. The three returned to the hotel soon after that, while talking the whole way, clarifying all the points they had planned for that day.
They all spent the afternoon together at the hotel. As they had agreed, they took the opportunity to play, talk, eat crap and spend time in the room that the trio shared. Martin did his best to look calm, getting into the jokes and laughing along with the others. However, every time the gaze met the watch or the cell phone, his stomach turned a little more. There were only a few hours left for the order, and pretending it was an ordinary day was becoming more and more difficult.
The hours passed too quickly for Martin's taste. When he realized, the sky outside was already announcing the beginning of the night. The moment he had been defering for months was finally a few minutes away. He took a deep breath, put on a quiet smile and accompanied the others to the hotel lobby, hoping that no one would notice how much his heart seemed about to escape through his mouth.
In contrast to Martin's nervousness, the other four seemed excited like children about to visit an amusement park. Keonho commented non-stop about how he wanted to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated, Seonghyeon pretended to be just excited about the tour and Juhoon kept watching everything in silence, hiding a small smile. James, completely oblivious to what was to come, walked next to Martin, holding his hand naturally while admiring the illuminated streets of Paris through the van window.
As soon as they got off near the Eiffel Tower, James had to stop for a few seconds.
"Wow, how amazing." He said low facing the tower.
The iron structure stood imposingly before them, completely illuminated against the dark sky. The golden lights made the monument look even bigger than in the photographs.
"It's much prettier in person..." James couldn't contain his smile.
Martin looked away from the tower just to observe him.
At that moment, he was sure that no view would be more beautiful than the enchanted expression stamped on his boyfriend's face, he was sure he wanted to see those bright eyes for the rest of his life.
"Let's go?" He asked softly and James just nodded.
The five began to walk among the tourists, talking and laughing as they had done throughout the trip.
It was Seonghyeon who suddenly broke the rhythm, when he noticed the time on his wristwatch, it was time to pick up the bouquet while Martin prepared to place the order.
"Hyung, I think I left my camera in the van." Said Seonghyeon, stopping walking, doing the greatest theatrical performance.
"Really? We came here to take a picture!" Keonho widened his eyes theatrically. "I also want the camera." he entered the lie without hesitation.
"You two would forget your head if it wasn't attached to your neck." Juhoon just sighed
"Then come with us." Seonghyeon commented.
"I have no choice, do I?" Juhoon tried to pretend that he was completely indignant.
"You can go. We'll wait here." James let out a laugh.
"No, no. Keep walking. We'll reach you in five minutes." Seonghyeon shook his head quickly.
"Are you sure?" James asked.
"Of course!"
Before anyone could say anything else, the three had already changed direction, James watched his friends walk away.
"They're a mess." He murmured.
"They always were." Martin laughed, trying to hide his own anxiety.
For a few moments, the two continued walking side by side, without haste, with the movement of tourists decreasing as they moved away from the busiest part of the square.
"Love..." James called softly.
"Hm?"
"Thank you for making this trip so special, we came to work but I had a lot of fun."
"Any place by your side is already special to me, I would do anything for you." Martin gently shook his hand and James smiled.
"And I would go anywhere with you."
The phrase made Martin feel a knot forming in his throat, he took a deep breath, they were getting closer and closer to the small garden that Seonghyeon had shown in the photos.
On the other side, hidden by the row of trees, Seonghyeon ran practically dragging Keonho.
"Come on!"
"I'm walking!"
"You're walking slowly!"
"You two will draw attention." Juhoon appeared right behind, carefully carrying the large bouquet of flowers wrapped in clear paper.
"Have they arrived yet?" Keonho looked back.
"Two more minutes." Juhoon said.
"So let's go." Seonghyeon took a deep breath.
Today... Finally... It was Martin's turn to create courage.
Martin sighed low and slowed down little by little, the garden was practically empty, at that time of night it was perfect because there really weren't many people, it was exactly as Seonghyeon had described, beautiful, quiet and simply... Perfect.
"Love?" James realized that Martin had stopped walking. "What is it?"
Martin took a deep breath again, at least three times, his heart beat so hard that he was sure James would be able to hear him, his hands were cold, he had never been so nervous in his whole life.
"James..." He called softly.
"Hm?" The blonde smiled and turned completely to him.
Martin just stared at him, for a few seconds, it seemed like decades, no word came out.
"You're scaring me..." James giggled.
"I know." Martin smiled from the corner, still nervous. "Forgive me."
He breathed again, felt his fingers tremble, but slowly let go of James' hand and slowly took his hand to his coat pocket, James followed the movement with his eyes, curious.
When Martin removed the small red velvet box, time seemed to stop. James widened his eyes and took one of his hands to his mouth.
"Martin..." James blinked his eyes.
The loudest laughed, completely nervous.
"I rehearsed this moment so many times..."
He quickly looked at the box in his hands and then faced James again.
"I don't think any of them came out as I imagined."
James' eyes were already starting to get watery and Martin took a deep breath for the last time.
Then, slowly, he knelt before him and at that moment, James let a tear escape before he even started talking.
"You know I've never been very good with speeches." Martin smiled.
James let out a laugh between the tears, agreeing with his head.
"So... please, don't expect something very beautiful." Martin shook his head, laughing softly. "I spent months trying to find the perfect moment."
He quickly looked at the Eiffel Tower.
"I thought it needed to be a perfect place, so the opportunity came to be here, in Paris."
Then for the flowers carefully chosen by their friends, still in the arms of Juhoon who was a few steps away between them.
"I thought it needed to be with everything perfect, the wonderful trio still had to help me with so many things."
Then he turned his eyes to James and smiled in that calm way that he always reserved only for him.
"But I finally understood that I was looking in the wrong place." Martin continued. "The perfect moment was never Paris, it was never the flowers, it was never this view..."
His voice faltered for a moment.
"It was always you."
The silence that formed seemed to embrace the two.
"Since the day you came into my life, any place became home, the difficult days became lighter, the achievements began to make sense and I never needed to imagine my future alone..."
James took both hands to his face, trying to hold back his tears, without success. Martin also felt his own eyes burn.
"You are my best friend, my safe haven, the love of my life."
He carefully opened the small velvet box, the wedding rings shone discreetly under the golden lights of the tower.
"So..." He took a deep breath once more.
"Do you accept to continue holding my hand for all the days that are still to come? The voice came out almost in a whisper. "Do you agree to marry me?"
James was completely motionless and tears flowed non-stop. He didn't know what to do, he smiled, cried, tried to speak, but no word came out.
"James...?" Martin started to get desperate.
"You idiot..." James took a step forward, saying with his voice still choked.
"That was a... wasn't it?" Martin blinked.
"You... did you really think I was going to say no?" James started laughing even more and before Martin could answer, James practically threw himself on him, the two lost their balance and fell sitting on the grass.
"It's obvious that I accept!" James held Martin's face between his hands, still laughing and crying at the same time, and left a quick kiss on his lips, another and another.
"I accept." Another kiss.
"I accept." Another.
"I accept as many times as you want to hear." James said between loud laughs, being completely silly and happy.
Martin couldn't contain his own tears while hugging James tightly.
"HE DID IT!" Behind them, a familiar scream echoed through the garden.
They both looked back at the same time.
Seonghyeon jumped in the same place completely emotional.
Keonho cried without the slightest shame while trying to applaud.
Juhoon just smiled, discreetly, holding the huge bouquet of flowers that he had almost forgotten in his hands while watching the order.
"I said he would get it," Juhoon said.
"I also said it!" Seonghyeon replied, wiping his tears.
"You two are crying more than them." commented Keonho... before realizing that he was also crying.
James started laughing again and Martin just shook his head.
"I love you so much..." Martin said softly.
"We know!" Keonho shouted. "But put on the wedding ring before I start crying again!"
The five burst into laughter.
Martin stood up and stretched out his hands to lift James too, pulling him into a hug again, this time a little longer. And, for the first time that night, Martin realized that all the nervousness had disappeared, there was only one certainty left, he had finally found the courage he had been looking for for so many months and, holding James' hand while carefully sliding the wedding ring on his finger, he understood that their true "yes" never began that night.
He just gained a voice.
Martin intertwined his fingers with James's, watching the two alliances shine side by side under the lights of the Eiffel Tower. He took his hands to his lips and placed a delicate kiss on them, letting out a low laugh before facing them again. When he looked up, he found Juhoon extending the bouquet that the three had chosen so carefully. He smiled in gratitude, received the flowers and immediately gave them to James. The blonde held them with an almost childish affection, bringing them closer to his face to feel the perfume while displaying, without realizing it, the new wedding ring in his hand. Martin stayed a few seconds just watching that scene. I had never seen James smile like that. And, at that moment, he was absolutely sure that he would do anything to remain the reason for that smile for the rest of his life.
"I think something is missing." commented Keonho, discreetly wiping his eyes.
"What?" James asked, still holding the smiling bouquet.
"A photo. I want to remember that day forever." Seonghyeon raised her cell phone above her head.
"Of course!" James smiled immediately.
The five approached naturally. Keonho passed an arm over Martin's shoulders, Seonghyeon practically hung on James and Juhoon remained next to them with the same discreet smile as always.
"Show me the wedding ring, hyung!" Keonho asked.
"Like this?" James raised his hand without hiding the huge smile.
"Be closer to the camera!"
"Keonho, let them breathe." Juhoon laughed.
"No! This is the most important day of their lives!" Keonho replied.
"Dramatic..." murmured Martin.
"Shut up and smile!" Seonghyeon interrupted.
Click.
"It was beautiful..." Seonghyeon looked at the photo and took his hand to his chest with emotion.
"We look like a family." Keonho brought his face closer to the screen.
"Because we are." James completed.
The four look at him at the same moment, staring at each other for a few seconds.
"Yes, we are!" All four spoke together smiling.
As they left the garden walking side by side, Martin looked one last time at the illuminated Eiffel Tower. For months he believed he needed to find the perfect scenario to propose to James. In the end, he realized that Paris was never what made that night unforgettable. It was the hands intertwined with James's, the friends walking a few steps ahead arguing because of the photo and the quiet certainty that, from then on, no matter where they went. As long as they were together, they would always be at home.
The end!