Months after....

Jaejoong’s POV

The dressing room is as busy as ever. The crews are moving here and there, checking if everything is okay. Of course even if it’s the last night of our comeback concert, we still want to make it special for all of the fans. I think everyone in this room is tense except for the two kids here…..

            “What are these?” Yoochun asks Park Ha as he points at the paper bag she’s carrying.

            “I brought an herbal tonic. I tried this one before….The taste is good that you won’t even know that it is made from herbs.”

            “Chincha? Wow….”

They sit on the couch and Park Ha sshi open up the tonic bottle and give to him. Yoochun drinks it.

            “Ahhh…..so refreshing…..” he says smiling.

I’m really happy that Yoochun got back with Park Ha. He’s full of life and it’s because they get to spend more time together again. Park Ha inspires him and there’s no doubt that they love each other. The saying that ‘love is sweeter the second time around’ might be true since the look in their faces proves it.

            “I actually bought another two for Jaejoong sshi and Junsu sshi.” Park Ha says while bringing out another bottle for me but Yoochun snatches the herbal tonic from her hands when she’s trying to give it to me.

            “Hyung I’ll just buy one for you some other time. Let me keep it.” He says.

            “Aisshh…so stingy. You don’t want to give us our shares because your girlfriend brought it for you?” I say.

            “No…It just happens that I like it.” He says innocently.

            “Y-Yoochun that’s just tonic….” Park Ha slightly hits his arm.

            “But it’s really good! You should have bought more for me.” He replies.

His bottle is empty so he must have really liked it.

            “I’ll make you buy me the most expensive one.” I say.

He nods.

I stand up to wear my suit jacket to complete my stage costume. The stylist helps me put on the white suit jacket with some silver sequins. On the corner of the room, I see Junsu and Haewon. It’s like they have their own world there. Junsu is teaching her some steps of our dance choreography for one of our songs. He keeps on laughing because he finds her cute. His eyes looks like they are dispensing hearts because of the joy he’s feeling. I secretly smile.

Just like before, Yoochun and Junsu are still keeping the fact that they are both in a relationship. I know that they are just waiting for the right timing before telling the whole world that their hearts are already taken by their ladies.

Wait.......My members are enjoying the remaining time with their girlfriends before we go the stage making me out of place. My eyebrows furrow.

Where’s Athena anyway?!

It’s almost time but she’s not here yet.

            “Aisshh....that woman....” I utter to myself.

The door opens and Athena sneaks her upper body and peeks.

            “Annyeong...” she greets in a modest voice as she waves her hand at me.

            “Aiyyoo...chincha..”

She enters and come to me.

            “You’re all set?....Whaaa....you really look good on it...” she says while touching the jewels and sparkler attached to my suit as if nothing happened.

            “Yah! Do you know what time it is?” I say letting out my frustration.

She only looks at me.

            “You are late again!”

            “Ahhh....that? I did something....” she simply answers.

            “What? You told me that you already cleared your schedule for today.”

            “Hm.” She nods innocently.

            “So why are you late? Park Ha sshi and Haewon sshi arrived here early. What is it that you did?” I ask.

            “I told you, I just did something. I ran an errand...”

            “Guys, it’s time.” The stage director calls us.

            “See? Get up there, Ppalli! Ppalli!” she holds my hand and we come out of the room.

Together with Junsu and Yoochun, we headed to the backstage.

            “Stop frowning alright?” she says.

I stare at her with unsatisfied look. The furrow on my brows gets even deeper. I’m not really angry…I’m just a little upset that she didn’t come early.

She rolls her eyes and pulls me in a corner. She gives me a kiss on the cheek.

            “What’s that, a bribe? Then you are going to give my lips to another woman again later?” I say without changing my expression.

It was an incident that happened on the Chile concert. During my solo part, I have to serenade a fan selected by the crew. After that, I will have to give a hug but the fan requested for a kiss because it was her birthday. Obviously they know that I have a girlfriend so she asks Athena’s permission since she’s there watching. She agreed and I became speechless when Athena puts her finger to her lips which means she’s letting her kiss me on the lips. The fan didn’t give me the chance to back out because she gave my lips a quick smack making the other fans to scream wild.

            “Ahhh…..” she remembers.

            “Are you really my girlfriend?”

            “But it was a birthday wish so I let her have it. That’s the first and the last. Now if anyone tries to kiss you again, I’ll make sure to come up the stage and grab her hair.” She jokes.

I look at her without answering so she holds my necktie and pulls me. She kisses me on the lips.

            “Don’t be upset anymore okay?”

She really knows how to weaken my resolve.

            “Aiyyoo…aiyyoo…..stop playing games with me okay? How dare you…..”

            “Ayyyy……so cute….” She teases me.

An uncontrollable smile spreads across my face. One kiss and that’s all it takes for my upset feeling to fade away. God, why do I have to be so easy to get?

We stare at each other and break into a shy smiles and chuckles.

            “Let’s keep moving.” Athena says.

We continue to walk along the hallway towards the backstage.

            “Athena sshi, thank you again for the pizza. We ate it well.” A passing crew says.

Athena bows slightly.

            “I’m glad that you liked it. I’ll anticipate for a good show tonight.” She replies to him.

I remember seeing some crews eating pizzas earlier. There’s also a box brought to our waiting room.

            “You brought foods for the crew?” I ask.

            “Yes. I know that everyone works really hard for the past months so it’s just my way of thanking them for helping you three to put on a great show.”

So that’s what she did.....Silly of me to throw a fit when I had no idea that she was personally giving out foods to the crew on behalf of JYJ.

We reach the backstage.

            “Athena....”

She nods and gives me an ‘ok’ sign.

            “Park Ha and Haewon are already there on our seats...I have to run there now.”

I nod at her.

            “JYJ Fighting!” she says with a fist.

Junsu and Yoochun pumps out their fists too. Athena leaves and we together with the dancers, stands in circle for a quick prayer. After that, we get on the three separate elevating platforms which will lift us up the stage. The band starts playing and the intro video rolls signifying the start of the concert.  The platform I’m standing at rises up slowly and little by little, I get expose to the bright lights and the screams of the fans.

_____________________________________________________________________

Yoochun, Junsu, and I give our best for each song we perform. The whole performance includes songs from our past albums and new singles from our comeback album. The place is filled with energy from the fans and the atmosphere is awesome too. That puts us on a very great mood which fuels our adrenaline.

It was such hype for me to see Athena among the sea of people. I can still recall how nervous and conscious I was when she first attended our concert. I never expected that I’d feel that way. Athena rushed to the waiting room while Junsu is doing his solo. I only outgrew that when she held my hand and told me that I’m doing really great and she’s proud of me.

With the glowing bracelets on her arms, she claps and sings along just like the fans. She had seen the show a lot of times already yet she still enjoys it like it’s her first time to watch.

The fans scream as we finish the song. The band stop playing and the dancers exit the stage to give us the time to thank the audience. Junsu and Yoochun gave credits to the band, dancers, backup singers, and staffs who worked hard with us for this wonderful concert as what we normally do at the end part of the event.

            “And of course, we would like to thank all of you for coming down here for our show tonight.” I smile before continuing. “You waited patiently for our return and for that, Yoochun, Junsu, and I thank you....Once we were released from service, we immediately work on this album because we eagerly want to meet you again on stage. We pour our hearts and souls in this new album as our comeback gift to all of you so we are truly joyful because of your very warm response……From the very start of our career until now, you are there....From our DBSK days to JYJ, you stayed by our side.  Everything that we have now is because of your love for us.”

*loud screams*

            “JYJ JYJ JYJ!!!!”

We smile.

            “That’s why whenever I get to talk with friends, I’m always proud to say that the five of us has the best fans in this world.” I say.

*loud screams*

            “What’s the name of the best fans in the world?!” Yoochun asks.

            “CASSIOPEIA!!!!!!!!” they actively answer.

            “Who’s fan is Cassiopeia?!” Junsu asks.

            “XIAH JUNSU, MICKEY YOOCHUN, HERO JAEJOONG, MAX CHANGMIN, U-KNOW YUNHO!!!!” they shout.

            “We will always have faith in you because you also choose to put your faith upon us.” Junsu says.

            “You still make us feel your never-ending support, we feel overwhelmed. So, the three of us and on the behalf of our brothers Jung Yunho and Shim Changmin.....Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.” Yoochun says.

The audience fills the venue with their voices. Some people might think it’s weird but for us, it’s like music in our ears. We like hearing them yell out our names whenever we stand on the stage.....These screams that other people think of as noise, is our strength and confidence booster.

Yoochun turns over the floor to me.

            “It’s the last date of our comeback tour and we chose to do it here in Seoul because we like to save the best for the last....”

*loud screams*

            “This isn’t goodbye....” I use the same line that Athena told me the day I left for enlistment. “It is just a beginning of another start.....a new chapter in JYJ’s career................” I say and look around.

            “I think I just saw a very pretty lady in the crowd.......I hope she won’t mind if I invite her here in the stage.” I say.

Fans scream since they know who I’m talking about.

The camera locates the person I’m talking about and focuses her on the screen. Athena simply tries to cover herself by going behind Haewon and Park Ha.

            “That lady is pretty but I don’t think she is the one Jaejoong hyung is looking for.” Junsu says when the camera focuses on Haewon.

The camera shows Park Ha next.

            “Nah....not Jaejoong hyung’s type....” Yoochun jokes.

Park Ha shots him a warning look for teasing her once the camera leaves her. Yoochun chuckles.

            “Everyone knows that it’s you whom I’m talking about....Come up here.” I call her from the stage.

The crew assists Athena from the crowd to the stage. People scream when she comes up.

            “Why do you have to call me out like this? Tonight’s not about me...It’s a night for your fans.” She whispers to me.

Athena often gives way to the fans. She doesn’t want them to feel that she’s taking me away from them so as much as possible, she avoids being noticed whenever she’s on a JYJ event.

            “She said that it is your night.” I tell them what she just told me.

*loud screams*

Junsu gives Athena a microphone to greet the crowd.

            “Anneyeonghaseyo......”

*loud screams*

            “I came here as a fan like you. I hope you are having a great time.” She bows and plans to go but I stop her with my words.

            “I agree that tonight is your night.” I say to the audience. “That’s why I have something big to tell you.....”

Athena stops from her attempt to go.

It suddenly becomes quiet. They already get the idea that I’m trying to say something. I glance at Yoochun and Junsu and they give me a nod. Prior to this, I asked for their permission and I’m thankful knowing that they got my back into this.

            “Yes, I have a confession to make. I decided to discuss it now because I want you to personally hear it from me.....” I take a deep breath. “When I got out of the service, I already know what I want to do. First thing is to greet and see all of you. The second one is to perform in front of you with every ounce of energy I have like this. And the last one is to.....” I stare at Athena. She stares back at me as if she’s saying ‘Don’t tell me you will....?’. “Plan a future with that woman...” I finally say.

            “OPPA!!!!!” the crowd already reacts with my last words.

            “This is not an impulse decision because God knows how much I gave it a lot of thought for the past years but I keep ending up with the same conclusion....I no longer want to live my life without her in it. Apart from her, I’m not seeing any other woman to be that person to me. 

            “OPPA!!!!!!” I can already see some of them crying.

            “I already propose to her thrice. It’s embarrassing to admit but she rejected me twice....” I smile shyly “But I was so persistent that I finally got a ‘yes’ on my third try.” I say. My grasp on my microphone tightens.

            “Cassiopeia, I pledge my music and heart to you as Kim Jaejoong the singer and idol and I plan to keep my word ‘till the end. However this time, as a man....I’m pledging my heart to Athena.” The next thing I do is to kneel in front of them.

Cassiopeia is like a first love to me. I would never forget what she has done for me all these years and I would always keep her in my heart.... It is important to get her approval to marry the love of my life, Athena.

            “JAEJOONG OPPA!!!!!”

            “HYUNG!!” Even Junsu and Yoochun didn’t expect my action.

            “I want to marry Athena....please understand my heart.” I bow my head and say “I’m asking for your blessing.” I sincerely want to get their blessing.

_____________________________________________________________________

Athena’s POV

For a moment, our eyes meet. I see only determination in them but I really don’t know what he’s thinking now.

Is he........

Jaejoong and I attended the wedding of his youngest noona. It was during the reception when he first mentioned it.

            “Marry me.” He whispers. I look at his face.

            “Aigoo....” I poke his forehead thinking that it was a joke and he’s just testing if I will believe him.

I easily brushed it off like that. Since we are seeing his noona getting married, he’s probably getting carried away by the feeling of a wedding.

The second time was on JYJ’s recording studio. It was lunch break and we are the only ones left there. From inside the recording booth he asked me to come near. Once I got there in front of him, he breathe into the glass wall between us and wrote ‘You and I…..Let’s get married.’ I smile mockingly and mouthed ‘No’ as a response. He came out of the booth.

            “Why not?!”

            “Enough word games alright?”

            “I’m serious. I sincerely want to marry you.”

From the look on his face, I confirmed right there and then that he mean it.

            “But still, my answer is no.”

            “But why? Why wouldn’t you marry me?!”

I sigh.

            “Why do you keep on rejecting me?! Most of women will be touched when their boyfriends propose to them….Is it that hard for you to marry me?!” he rants.

I just shook my head and move back to my seat. He follows me.

            “You love me and I love you and we want to be together. Aren’t that enough reasons to get married?” he continues to convince me like a salesman trying so hard to win the mind of the buyer.

            “Don’t you think I’m good enough to be a husband to you?” He simply couldn’t accept the fact that I said no. “I am more than ready for this marriage. Financially, I’m already stable. I am confident that I could provide for you and our future family. Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually I’m ready. Athena…I AM READY.” He emphasize while staring me straight in the eyes.

I turn to him.

            “I’m not rejecting you because of those things. I’m actually happy that you want to take this relationship to the next level. I’m happy that you want me to be your wife, I really do……You said you’re ready, I get that but how about your fans, do you think they’re ready for this?” he stares at me speechless. “You are with me and they are still adjusting to that. How do you think they’d take a sudden wedding announcement? And how about JYJ? It hasn’t been that long since you guys returned. How would a wedding affect your group’s career? What do you think Yoochun and Junsu would say about this?”

            “I already informed Yoochun and Junsu about it and they are happy for us. As for the fans....I’ll ask for their understanding.” He says.

I take a deep breath and continue.

          “Jae, you guys are still on tour....You have to take your time and think about it thoroughly.” In the end, I still didn’t give him the answer he’s waiting for.

After that he kept on playing songs about weddings like Marry Me, Marry your daughter, Propose song, Will you marry me, I Want to Grow Old with You and Wedding dress whenever we’re together in the car, in the house, or even in the studio. I know that his obsession over these songs rooted from his proposals which I turned down and I tried my best not to be affected by it. He was doing that on purpose to tease me but I strongly pretended like I’m not taking it seriously and every time that he does this, I often shake my head as if saying ‘He’s really losing his mind’.

One time that we’re in his house, I was reading a script on the living room and Jaejoong was sitting in front of me. I know that he’s eyeing me but I act like I’m clueless and just concentrate on what I’m reading.

            “Hello? Is this the radio program where the callers can voice out their complaints?” he pretended to be talking with someone on the phone.

He’s at it again---I thought.

            “Yeah, I got a problem...I proposed to my girlfriend but she kept on saying ‘no’....I couldn’t sleep well at night because of that but I think she doesn’t even care...” he plays like a kid.

I continue to read as if I’m not hearing anything.

            “Huh?! Could it be.....she’s not serious about me so she doesn’t want to marry me?!”

I feel like laughing with his role-playing but I hold it in.

            “I think I got dark circles under my eyes now ‘coz she’s driving me nuts!” He says loudly but he still didn’t get a reply from me. “Now I’m being ignored......so frustrating....” he mutters.

He stands and plays JYJ’s Be the One in the home audio. He turns up the volume and sings his frustration away.

I can see it in your eyes, girl I know what you're thinkin'

You wanna be my number one, so whatcha waitin' for?

After all that's said and done, baby, you're my only one

Be the one (Be the one)

Be the one (be the one)- Do you right -

Baby come over tonight

Be the one (Be the one)

Be the one (be the one)

            “Fine, let’s do it.” I utter without getting my eyes away from what I’m reading.

            “What else should I do just to make you—” He stops and realized what I just said. “H-huh?” he asks.

            “What’s with those wedding proposal-themed songs?” I glance at him “Ayyy….babo…” I tease.

He immediately turns off the audio and squats in front of me. I stop reading and focus on him when he grabs my hand.

            “You finally change your mind?” he asks with hope in his eyes.

            “No more turning back after this, you got that?” I return him a question. I tried giving him a chance to think about it carefully because I don’t want him to regret later yet he’s very persistent.

            “Call.” He agrees. “So.....?” he stares at me.

I smile.

            “Then, let’s get married.” I answer.

Jaejoong smiles brightly and hugs me. Of course I want to marry him. I have no doubt that he’s the man I want to be with for as long as I shall live but I just don’t want to hurt his fans. I don’t want to cause strain in his career as well. However, if he holds my hand tightly into this, I no longer have the will to say no. I trust him and I’m willing to take his lead as we go to the next step of our relationship.....marriage.

            “HYUNG!!” Junsu and Yoochun exclaim.

           “I want to marry Athena....please understand my heart.” Jaejoong bows his head to his fans. “I’m asking for your blessing.”

I blink my eyes. My mind finally returns from reminiscing.

Jaejoong is there on bended knees doing his best to get his fan’s blessing. I walk back and also kneel next to him.

            “A-Athena sshi.....” Junsu and Yoochun are now even more stunned.

I gather courage inside my chest before speaking.

            “It may come as a sudden thing but the two of us thought about it carefully. We both feel the same way about this matter therefore; this huge life decision was from a mutual understanding. Kim Jaejoong doesn’t want to cause you pain or make you feel betrayed that’s why he’s opening his heart to you now…..Cassiopeia, you are very important for him and no one could ever take away your place in his heart.” I tell them with an assuring tone. I want the fans to be rest assured that nothing would change on their idol-fans relationship.

            “Kim Jaejoong is a person with a very pure heart….he never gets tired or afraid of giving and that’s because he is well loved by you….For letting me to stay beside Kim Jaejoong for the past years....I cannot express how much grateful I am towards all of you....” I say. “Marriage is way different from dating…it’s a lifelong commitment so I understand if you feel hesitant or think that he deserves someone better….I’ve got nothing to offer but the promise of loyalty and devotion.”

I swallow hard.

            “I might be lacking in some ways but I sincerely hope that you’d consider this big favour I’ll be asking.” I stare at Jaejoong beside me who’s also looking at me. “Please let me have this amazing man as my husband.” I turn to the fans again and say “Please allow us to get married.” And bow my head.

I hope the fans would feel my sincerity because I really want to get their blessing.  

            “I witnessed how these two got together....It was not easy and it took time for them to overcome the struggles along the way. In a perspective of a close friend, I can say that what they have is beautiful...it is inspiring.” Yoochun sshi says.

            “They might seem to be inappropriate for one another but the truth is that they are best in filling each other’s shortcomings. They could be an imperfect match but I personally think that they are the most real couple I’ve seen...” Junsu seconded.

            “Everyone, we are also hoping that you could support them.” They say by bowing their heads.

Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu......I believe Jaejoong found great brothers in them.

The place has been quiet. I understand how shock the fans are with what we revealed today...it would probably take time before they accept but I’m willing to work on it. For Kim Jaejoong, I will do my best to attain his fan’s blessing.

            “It’s okay!”

A voice caught my attention. I find where that voice is coming from and sees a teenage fangirl on the crowd holding a microphone.

            “If Jaejoong Oppa chooses Ms. Athena then I won’t contest.” She’s holding the microphone with her two hands.  “Jaejoong oppa is smart...I’m sure that he chose her with good reasons so I decided to put my trust in him....I will happily accept if you want to get married and will wish for your happiness.” She says.

Another fan gets the microphone from her and talks.

            “Jaejoong oppa, I will support you still even if you get married with Athena sshi. Have a happy life together!” she says and passes it to the next one.

            “When you get married....Oppa you won’t leave JYJ right?”

Jaejoong shook his head.

            “No. I would never leave JYJ even after I get married.” He answers.

The fan smiles.

            “If that’s the case then there’s nothing to be worried about. You could still sing for us and give us inspiration. Go grab your happiness!” she says.

Two girls get the mic and speak.

            “Athena sshi, we will give Jejoong oppa to you. Please make our oppa happy!”

I nod.

The fans started clapping. I feel really surprised because I didn’t expect that they will be open-minded like this.

            “Jaejoong oppa, Athena sshi......”

            “CHUKA HAE! CHUKA HAE! CHUKA HAE!” their shouts monopolize the entire venue.

My tears fall across my face. My heart is beating so hard because of this overwhelming happiness. It’s like I finally got an approval from my in-laws.

            “Hyung, Athena sshi...you can now stand up. Can’t you see how Cassiopeia is supporting your marriage?” Yoochun says.

Jaejoong holds my hand. His eyes are teary too. Together we stand up.

            “Kamsahamnida....Kamsahamnida...Kamsahamnida.” he says.

The crowd yells.

            “Even though I decided to marry the woman I love, I will still remain as your oppa. Together with my brothers Yoochun and Junsu, I will continue to stand in the stage and perform in front of you.” He says.

I cannot speak a word because my tears keep on flowing.

Jaejoong breathes in.

            “Although I already proposed and we agreed to get married, still I haven’t given her a ring......It sound so lousy but she agreed to marry me even without a ring...” he admits shyly.

*loud screams*

Jaejoong takes off the wristband on his left arm and reveal a thin necklace chain wrapped around it. He gets the ring that hangs from that chain.

            “While I was in Italy for this tour, I found this on a vintage shop. I told myself that this is the ring I want to put on Athena’s finger so I bought it but I didn’t give it to her yet because I want to formally propose to her in front of you all.”

*loud scream*

Jaejoong turns to me and sings in acapella.

There is a girl that only knows me

Who is like a star, always in place, that shines on me

To me who is selfish and foolish-

She says thank you, I love you- so I shed tears

Now I will become your sky so you can brilliantly shine

Will you love with me forever?

On this path alone, I can’t see anything

I can’t live without you

You are the only light to me

Yoochun and Junsu sing as his back up on the chorus part. Suddenly a piece of memory flashes in my head. It is the scene I did with Jaejoong in their MV. He’s lying on the bed and I hold his hand for the first time and put it in my cheek. For a short moment, my heart skips......I only remember now. I feel like my heart will burst with happiness at this very moment......

            “Athena....this is the end of the road in our journey as a dating couple. Now let’s make another one...this time as husband and wife.” Jaejoong puts the ring in my finger then looks me in the eyes. “Let’s get married.”

            “MARRY HIM! MARRY HIM! MARRY HIM! MARRY HIM!” everybody yells.

            “Will you....?” he asks.

I nod carefully.

            “Of course, it is a yes..” I respond.

*loud screams*

We wipe each other’s tears and smile at each other.

Yoochun taps Jaejoong’s shoulder and he thank them.

            “I really didn’t expect that Jaejoong hyung will do that.” Junsu says.

            “Yeah me too...” Yoochun says.

            “Since you asked Cassiopeia’s permission and they already gave you their blessing....Don’t you think you should also kneel in front of Athena sshi’s fans too to ask for her hand?” Junsu says.

            “Huh?”

            “Kneel in front of me.” He declares.

Jaejoong eye him.

            “Don’t you know that I’m the president of Athena sshi’s fanclub?” Junsu jokes.

            “What?”

The fans laugh despite wiping their tears too.

            “I’m only giving you the right to marry my idol if you kneel...” Junsu teases him.

Jaejoong is about to do it but the shocked Junsu stops him.

            “No! It was just a joke!” he laughs because of that.

            “How about a skin ship?” Yoochun says.

He turns to the fans.

            “Don’t you think they lack skin ship for a soon-to-be-married couple?” he says.

            “Speaking of that, don’t you know that this woman is the one responsible for that?” Jaejoong says.

His eyes are still a bit red from tears but his face beams with happiness.

            “She refuses to any skin ships whenever we are together in JYJ events. She kept telling me that she doesn’t want to make the fans jealous....” he complains.

            “Is that so? Okay, Cassies....let’s help Jaejoong hyung.” Yoochun tells the fans.

            “KISS! KISS! KISS! KISS! KISS!” they say in the lead of Yoochun and Junsu.

Jaejoong gives me a peck on the lips and we embrace.

*loud screams*

            “Congratulations hyung, Athena sshi....Now we can call you as sister-in-law officially.” Junsu says.

            “Thank you Junsu sshi and Yoochun sshi.”

I also glance at Haewon and Park Ha on the crowd. They are mouthing ‘Congratulations’ and ‘Best wishes’.

I smile to them.

            “Thank you....”

            “Wow.....Jaejoong hyung will be the first male idol to tie the knot....So lucky....Congratulations Jaejoong hyung and sister-in-law.” Yoochun says.

It is a very beautiful night that I won’t forget ever.

_____________________________________________________________________

Jaejoong’s POV

My phone buzzed so I take it out of my pocket. My Japanese friend sent me photos of magazines with Athena and me on the cover.

JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong proposed to girlfriend Athena!

Korean Idol Kim Jaejoong & Hallyu Star Athena---Engaged!

Your engagement is a hot topic here in Japan now. Anyway, congratulations! You nailed to get a beautiful bride.

I smile. Everyone knows it already and I’m glad that we’re getting good reactions from the public. My fans were really shocked by it but I’m happy that they are accepting. I keep getting congratulatory greetings from other artists and friends nowadays. Even Changmin and Yunho sent me a card yesterday.

My parents are elated with excitement when they found out. Athena’s father also expressed his approval when I personally asked for his daughter’s hand.

            “Who is it?” Athena says while hanging the white blanket that we just washed.

            “A friend. He greeted us.”

            “Ahh…”

I pick up some cloth and help her in hanging it.

            “Ahhhh finally done!” Athena says when we sit on the wooden bench.

We watched as the air gently blows the white cloths. Doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, and eating together wouldn’t be too tiring if you have someone to do these things with. If we don’t have schedules, we can just stay at home like this….it will be a simple joy in life. I am really looking forward to getting married with the woman beside me.

Athena takes out the ring from her pocket and wears it. The vintage ring looks really pretty on her….seeing it on her finger gives me the feeling of assurance that this woman is mine….mine only.

            “I’m gonna miss this house…..” she utters while looking around.

We both decided to sell our houses and move to a brand new house after the wedding.

I grab both her hands and look her in the eyes.

            “We will make a warm and happy home together….One that is full of smile and love where we can raise our future children….I promise you that.” I say and plant small kisses on the back of her hands.

            “Unlike in the fairy tales, in reality marriage is not the end…It is just the start of a new life we had chosen. I’m sure that we would have highs and lows as a married couple but we should just commit to it 100% and deal with things as one. Jae, let’s do our best to make this marriage work…..Let’s share the happiness and burden together.” She says.

Athena doesn’t believe in fairy tales so she always looks at things logically and realistically. I agree with what she said…..Marriage won’t give you a happy ending. You have to continuously work to attain it…

I nod.

            “Let’s make our own happily ever after together.” I say.

I slowly move and bit by bit, I get closer to her. Athena closes her eyes and our lips touch. I also close my eyes and feel this moment. My heart pounds and I know that it recognize its other half.

My mind makes its own flashback….The first time I saw her on the elevator to the music video that we did together…The moment I grab her hand and take her away on that theatre to the first moment I saw her cry….When I accompany her the night I saw her by chance in Japan to our first kiss….When we made love for the first time to the time that we got stuck in the dressing room and I saw her genuine smile…..When we go camping to our first date in Jeju…..When her mother died and I witnessed her pains to the Christmas eve that we finally start dating……When she first told me that she trust and love me to the time that we went on a date on a public place…..When we broke up and got back…..The time I left for military to the time that we met again…..and to the night she said yes when I propose to her in front of the fans….

During the time that I already stopped hoping, I met you.

During the time I thought I won’t care, I met you.

The more I try to run, the more I sink.

The more I try to ignore it, the more I care.

That kiss was a wrong move because……

With that kiss, you grab my heart….

You took my hand and I wish that you won’t let go…

I took your hand and I wish that I wouldn’t have to let go….

It’s not because you can’t see or refuse to see my imperfections but it’s because you can accept me fully as I am.

To love someone is to see what others cannot see.

Thank you for making me feel that I’m not alone.

Thank you for trusting me and giving me a space in your heart.

I pray that it’s you who I see before I close my eyes.

I pray that it’s you who I see when I open my eyes.

I love you Jae.

I love you Athena.

Now you know why we are together.

***The End***

[Author’s Note]:

Thank you so much for taking Athena and Jaejoong’s journey of love with me. For the past nine months of your support, I’m really thankful.

Please leave your comments. ^-^

I hope to see you again when I return with a new story….