Hello everyone!! This is it, the last chapter! PTG is done, it is over. We have reached the end.

I know, this chapter is actually really short compared to the others, and it's only Jinhwan and Junhoe. There was a lot I wanted to put in this chapter, there are a ton of stories left to tell, but I realized that it just didn't belong in this story. This story was originally supposed to end with the last chapter, and this one was supposed to be an epilogue set further into the future.

But I decided to scrap that idea. Please read my notes at the end of this chapter to see why I scrapped a huge epilogue with a ton of stuff in it. Promise you won't be disappointed. ;)
 

“Okay let’s say he never died, who would you rather perform with—Michael Jackson, or Usher?”

Jinhwan snorted at the question. “Usher, hands down!”

Junhoe scoffed at the response. “I’m not saying Usher is crap or anything, but come on, Michael Jackson!”

“Do you know how old he’d be?” Jinhwan fired back.

“Doesn’t matter, I bet he’d still wipe the floor with anyone.”

Jinhwan shook his head. “Besides, have you seen Usher? He’s super hot, and his music is y. MJ made great music, sure, but none of it was y.”

“Bull,” Junhoe fired back, “he’s got a ton of y songs!”

“Name one,” Jinhwan replied.

“Are you really going to sit there and pretend that Smooth Criminal isn’t y?” Junhoe asked, his baffled tone matching his expression.

“Smooth Criminal is old and dated,” Jinhwan said, “I wouldn’t call that y.”

“Nani are you okay? Tell me are you okay, are you okay Nani?” Junhoe sang back at him, and Jinhwan groaned and covered his face with his hands.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe you just did that.”

Junhoe’s face scrunched up in laughter and Jinhwan peeked out from his fingers to watch. Junhoe resembled an overgrown toddler when he laughed, and Jinhwan thought it was probably the most endearing thing about him. He could watch Junhoe laugh like that all day and not get tired of it.

Junhoe laughed for a good ten seconds, and Jinhwan just watched him. Eventually Junhoe picked up the conversation again. “Okay though, even if you don’t think Smooth Criminal is y, are you going to deny the iness of Remember The Time?”

Jinhwan sighed in pretend aggravation. “Cheese.” Junhoe scoffed, but Jinhwan couldn’t help but think back to that time, almost nine months ago, when he and Junhoe and Donghyuk had sung a medley of Michael Jackson songs at karaoke while Hanbin and Bobby made out behind them.

Junhoe noticed the look on Jinhwan’s face and stopped his complaining for a moment. “What?”

Jinhwan cocked his head at Junhoe’s questioning glance. “Huh?”

“You have this look on your face,” Junhoe explained, “and I know you’re not paying attention to what I’m saying because of that look.”

Jinhwan grinned and leaned into him, pecking a quick kiss on Junhoe’s chin. “Just thinking back to what things were like when we all first started hanging out.” Junhoe nodded, and Jinhwan laid back against the grass to look up at the quickly darkening sky. “Specifically I was thinking about our karaoke night, you me and Donghyuk singing Michael Jackson.”

Junhoe smiled at the memory. Sometimes Jinhwan brought up moments from the past, things Junhoe had forgotten about, and knowing that Jinhwan still thought about them filled Junhoe with a great deal of warmth and affection. “It was a y performance.”

Jinhwan laughed and looked at Junhoe instead of the sky. His smile was every bit as bright as the moon, in Jinhwan’s opinion. “Because I made it y.”

“Bull,” Junhoe replied, “I’m way ier than you.”

“In what universe?” Jinhwan shot back.

“Are you crazy? It’s not even close. You’re not even y, hyung, you’re cute. I’m y.”

“What a load of crap!” Jinhwan retorted, his eyes narrowed.

Junhoe just grinned at him though, unfazed by his irritation. “It’s true, you can ask anyone. Couples are always like that, okay? It’s like a rule, there has to be one of each. Me and Bobby are the y ones, you and Hanbin are the cute ones.”

“Yunhyeong and Donghyuk? They’re both cute, so it makes your argument invalid.”

Junhoe shook his head. “No way, Donghyuk’s the y one.”

“Bull!” Jinhwan replied, reaching out to smack him in the leg. “Donghyuk is definitely the cutest one of all of us.”

“You’re smoking crack, hyung,” Junhoe replied, “Donghyuk is y, and Hanbin is the cutest one of our group, hands down.”

Jinhwan sat up, his mouth dropping open in shock. “Are you saying that Hanbin is cuter than me?”

“Absolutely,” Junhoe replied, his face split in a grin, “have you met him? He’s adorable.”

Jinhwan huffed in irritation. “I can’t believe you’re ranking him above me, your boyfriend.”

“Okay, just so there’s no misunderstanding,” Junhoe said, still amused, “physically speaking, I think you’re a little cuter than Hanbin—”

“Little cuter? I’m way cuter.” Jinhwan crossed his arms over his chest.

Junhoe reached out to pinch his cheek, laughing when Jinhwan swatted his hand away. “I was making a joke because you’re short,” Junhoe replied, laughing when it made Jinhwan glare at him, “anyway, you’re cuter than him in looks, but he’s way cuter than you in personality, and we all know that personality is the most important!”

“Yeah, and that’s why you’re at the bottom of the list,” Jinhwan retorted, trying and failing to keep his frown in place.

“I rank you in second place and you rank me last,” Junhoe replied in a huff, “Yunhyeong hyung is now cuter than you too, congratulations.”

Jinhwan grinned and got to his knees, facing Junhoe only to reach out and knock him onto his back, quickly sliding over him. “Your brain might say I’m cute, but your thinks I’m y.”

Junhoe laughed at the comment as his arms reached out to slide around Jinhwan. A second later and Jinhwan fully collapsed down on top of him, kissing his chin again before tucking his head into his neck. Junhoe closed his eyes and tightened his arms around Jinhwan, his boyfriend. They’d been dating for over three and a half months, now, and sometimes Junhoe still found himself shocked that they were actually together.

Well, not for much longer. Jinhwan was leaving for California tomorrow, and it felt kind of weird that they could still be like this, playfully teasing each other on the eve of their parting. Junhoe wouldn’t even be able to see him off at the airport, because the flight was booked during school hours. Jinhwan had asked him what he’d prefer—seeing him off at the airport on the weekend, or spending one last night together without being able to see him off.

Junhoe had picked the second option, because he was utter crap at goodbyes.

It was getting late, and Jinhwan knew they’d have to leave each other soon, and he hated the thought of leaving, but he knew he couldn’t postpone it. He’d already delayed his leaving by a month, but if he stayed any longer he knew it would only make it harder when it came time to go. He needed to think about his future, and if he had any hopes of doing well in his music theory classes in university, then he needed time to immerse himself in English before his semester started.

But it was going to be so difficult, leaving Junhoe. Since they’d started dating everything had seemed so much brighter, and not a day had gone by that he hadn’t spent a portion of it with Junhoe. Even if all they’d done was sit together in silence and study, it had still been something.

But they’d never once talked about what would actually happen when he left. Neither of them had mentioned the word breakup even if they’d been thinking about it. Because they couldn’t possibly stay together during such a long separation, could they? That sort of thing never worked.

Or at least that’s what he’d kept telling himself, because he was afraid to know what Junhoe thought of the situation. He couldn’t imagine him agreeing to a long distance thing. Junhoe just didn’t seem like the type. Hell, Jinhwan didn’t even think that he himself was the type for a long distance relationship, but he wasn’t ready to call it off with Junhoe.

He tightened his arms around Junhoe’s torso and let out a shuddering breath against him, fighting off the urge to blurt out the question. They were too young to tie each other down like that, being so far apart. It would be selfish to expect anything.

Junhoe felt the shudder and he knew right away that Jinhwan upset about something. It was the sort of reaction his body had before he was about to cry (and Junhoe only knew about the crying because of all the sad movies they’d watched together). It wasn’t surprising, of course. This was their last night together, he’d always known they’d probably end up crying at the end of it. Junhoe screwed his eyes shut tightly and buried his face in Jinhwan’s hair, trying to think of something stupid to say to save Jinhwan from his tears. Nothing came, though.

Jinhwan felt a little calmer at Junhoe’s tightened embrace, but his heart was still heavy at the unsaid question. Would it really be so terrible to at least suggest it? They were going to have to talk about their end anyway. He wouldn’t be a jerk for bringing it up.

He pulled out of Junhoe’s arms and moved off of him, sitting beside him. He took a few deep breaths and gathered his thoughts as Junhoe sat up as well. Their eyes met and held, and Jinhwan found it hard to breathe.

Junhoe frowned and broke eye contact first. “I hate that it’s here already.”

Jinhwan didn’t reply right away, just watched as Junhoe pouted.

Junhoe was upset about their parting, Jinhwan knew him well enough now to understand what every bit of emotion from him looked like. How could he be so sure that Junhoe wouldn’t want to try staying together? The worst thing that could happen would be him saying no, and it’s what they’d both come here expecting anyway.

“June-ya,” Jinhwan held his breath for a moment as Junhoe looked back at him; Junhoe’s eyes looked every bit as glassy as Jinhwan knew his must be, “I keep thinking about tomorrow, about us.”

Junhoe interrupted him. “I don’t want you to go.” He looked away as soon as he said it, and Jinhwan could see the mantle of shame settle over his shoulders. He didn’t respond, because he didn’t know what to say.

Junhoe spoke again. “I’m sorry, okay? I know that doesn’t help, I know you have to go. I know you want to go. But it’s just been eating me up every day, not saying it. I know it probably makes it harder for you to leave, but,” Junhoe paused then, his breath hitching the way it did before he was about to cry, “I just really wish you weren’t going.”

Jinhwan took a few deep breaths, trying to keep his own tears in check. While he’d seen Junhoe cry a handful of times, they’d only ever been because of movies. But this was just like their own little movie, wasn’t it? This was just like something they’d watched, with a couple on the verge of leaving each other, offering a tearful goodbye, only for the one leaving to throw away their plans at the last second, ditch their plane, and find their way back to their lover’s arms.

But that wasn’t going to happen for them. Jinhwan was leaving, and they both knew it.

“I wish I didn’t have to leave you,” Jinhwan replied finally, “I wish we could stay together.”

Junhoe still couldn’t bring himself to look at Jinhwan, the guilt was too much. Jinhwan was leaving, and Junhoe had to accept it, had to be happy for him. He couldn’t let Hanbin’s little sister be stronger than he was, after all.

Jinhwan crept a little closer, reaching out for Junhoe’s hand. “I know it’s not for everyone, especially because it would be really hard, but I think I’ll regret it if I don’t ask.”

That got Junhoe’s attention, and he turned his head to meet Jinhwan’s eyes. He was a little surprised at the look of determination in them.

Jinhwan held his hand tightly. “I have to leave, I can’t put it off. But I also don’t want to break up with you. I understand if you can’t do it, it’s selfish of me to ask, I know. But maybe we could date long-distance? I know it might not work out, we’re both young and I’ll be so far away, but I just can’t handle the idea of not being with you. I, uh,” Jinhwan had to pause again, had to take a deep breath to keep his tears held in, especially because Junhoe had already started crying, Jinhwan could see that one stubborn tear as it traced a path down his cheek, “I love you. I don’t want to lose you.”

Junhoe was pretty sure his heart stopped when Jinhwan said it. Not the let’s stay together and date long-distance, but the I love you. Neither of them had ever uttered those words to each other, not even jokingly. Junhoe never really said those words to anyone, save his family on very rare occasions. He may have said it to Hanbin once or twice, but that was it. They didn’t come as easily to him as they did to others.

His brain felt like it was short-circuiting, there was too much to process. His thoughts refused to focus on Jinhwan’s confession, it blocked the words from his thoughts entirely. Instead he focused on the offer, on the request. Long-distance relationship. Could he handle that? He’d scoffed at them before, thought they were bull. Thought it was impossible for two people to remain that committed.

Surely he and Jinhwan would be different, wouldn’t they? Maybe it wasn’t for everyone, but then not everyone had already survived what they’d been through together. Would that strengthen them enough to withstand it? Or would time crumble their feelings to dust?

He took his own shuddering breath before replying. “I ing hate long-distance relationships.” It wasn’t what he’d meant to say! Junhoe winced and looked at Jinhwan, who was biting his lip and trying not to cry. Junhoe felt guilty again. “I’ll do it, though.”

Jinhwan didn’t say anything, just stared at him in confusion, his brain too mired in disappointment of the initial response.

Junhoe squeezed Jinhwan’s hand and said it again. “I’ll do it, hyung, the long-distance thing. If you want to try. Because, yeah, what you said,” Junhoe felt flustered, like he couldn’t figure out how words worked in the moment, there was too much he wanted to say, “I feel that way too. And, uh, I don’t, I don’t want to break up.” He dropped Jinhwan’s hand and instead crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn’t help himself from doing it, he reacted defensively even though he didn’t have to.

Jinhwan slowly grinned at him before shuffling closer again. “You really mean all of that?”

Junhoe looked back at him and glared. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.” He felt bad for once again reacting like this, like a grumpy and defensive stupid kid. But Jinhwan was smiling, so maybe it wasn’t so bad.

Jinhwan reached out to cup Junhoe’s cheeks in his hands, amused and in love with Junhoe’s grumpy reaction. He didn’t mind at all, because he’d learned how to read him over the months they’d been together. While it would be nice if Junhoe could give him a loving declaration with romantic words and hearts in his eyes, Jinhwan knew that his grumpy glare and frowning face was just Junhoe’s own way of saying I love you. Junhoe had his own language, and Jinhwan understood all of it.

He leaned forward to bring their lips together softly, and the delicate press of Junhoe’s tongue gave Jinhwan what he wished he could hear in words. But Junhoe was much better with physical expressions of his affection, and Jinhwan could feel all of Junhoe’s love in the strong embrace of his arms, and it was enough.

He kissed Junhoe’s cheek and whispered into his ear. “I love you.”

Junhoe tightened his arms and kissed him back. “Me too, hyung.”

Jinhwan couldn’t help but grin and shake his head a little. Everything was going to be okay. He was going to leave for California and they’d be separated across an entire ocean, but they were going to stay together. They were going to make this work for however long they had to.

“So I guess then that this isn’t really goodbye for us. It’s more like a see you later.” Jinhwan sat back to look at Junhoe, whose expression looked annoyed.

“God hyung, that was disgustingly cheesy.”

Jinhwan grinned and winked at him. “Super cheesy, just like Bobby and his four slices of cheese he puts on his hamburgers.”

Junhoe shuddered at the comment. “Yeah and that’s equally as disgusting as what you just said.”

Jinhwan leaned forward to kiss the tip of his nose. “Cheese is fine every once in a while.”

Junhoe shook his head, and even though his expression was one of disgust, Jinhwan could read it properly and see the playfulness underneath it all. “It’s disgusting, just like your face.”

Jinhwan scoffed at the insult. “Excuse me, my face is not disgusting! It’s y.”

Junhoe grinned back at him. “It’s not y, it’s cute. We’ve already been over this.”

Jinhwan punched his arm. “It’s y! It’s so y you’re going to see it in your dreams.”

Junhoe grinned back at him and grabbed Jinhwan suddenly, laying back on the grass again and pulling Jinhwan down on top of him. “Every night, hyung.”

Jinhwan laid his head down on Junhoe’s chest, a feeling of contentment spreading over him.

“Every night.”
 

Before I make my big announcement, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's stuck around with this story from the beginning, and thank you to everyone who's ever left me a comment on this story. I'd like to think you guys know how important your comments are, they mean the world to me, truly, that's why I always try to reply to everyone. You guys are all wonderful and I love you. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

NOW! I have an important announcement.

I'M WRITING A SEQUEL!

Sequel is now being posted!! Head on over to Tap, Snap, or Nap! ♥♥♥

That's why I decided to scrap my big, huge epilogue chapter. I realized that instead of cutting things short and cramming as much into an epilogue as I could, I would rather put all of that into a whole new story. The sequel will be set pretty much right after PTG ends. So in the sequel, Jinan will be in California. I know that will make the JunHwan shippers sad, haha, but don't worry! I'm going to include some flashbacks in the story of JunHwan dates. Plus there will still be interaction between them, it'll just be long-distance. :) I screwed up my timelines when writing this note. The sequel will actually begin in February, right at the start of JunBinDong's last year of high school. So Jinhwan will still be around for a few months!

Double B and YunDong will feature a lot (and I promise I'll write flashbacks of that triple date many of you had been expecting to see in this chapter) and Chanwoo will be around more! All the family members you know and love will be around as well.

I will also be adding a new main character to the story. It's someone that showed up for a few chapters, but he's got his own story that needs to be told. Also going to be adding in someone who was talked about, but never actually showed up in the story.

I don't know when I will start posting the sequel, because I haven't started writing it yet. I probably will not be posting it weekly, either. I can't do that to myself again, it was too stressful. I will definitely start posting it at some point this year, though, that much I do know. The first 13 chapters at least will be posted weekly, because they're actually fully written! After that, I can't make any promises. :)

If you want to stay up to date on any progress, please follow me on Tumblr (http://drinkyourjuicejinhwan.tumblr.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/mugwump_cat).

Also, if you have any requests for "missing scenes" you'd like to see (just things that would have happened but I didn't write) feel free to let me know. I might just write them for you. :)

In closing, THANK YOU!! ♥♥♥ I appreciate all the love and support this story got. I never thought it would grow to be as popular as it was, and it would have been a much harder thing for me to accomplish without all the love. ♥♥♥