Warning! Unedited!

Telling the World

Present Day: April 23, 2023 – Seoul World Cup Stadium

The life of an idol wasn’t easy. Yes, you got to live your dream, travel the world and have millions of people adore you, but, at the end of the day, you couldn’t be normal. You couldn’t live your life and experience the ordinary things that make life special. You had people watch and criticise all the things you do and your face is plastered on the streets and on box screens. You are placed on such a high pedestal that you are perceived with misconceptions, that even if you try to defend yourself, you cannot erase them. People don’t know you and they will judge you. Yes, you get to do things that most of the world’s population couldn’t do, but you couldn’t enjoy the simple things either.

This was the problem that Lee Taemin was facing. He had been working toward his dream from a very young age, that he didn’t know anything but this kind of public life. He had a dream and he got one step closer to it when he debuted, and he knows he will continue to pursue it because of his passion and determination. Watching his friends go to Myeongdong with their girlfriends and eating street food without people taking your photo was something that he would always look at in envy. In between practising dance moves, working on his vocals and attending radio shows, music and variety programs, he couldn’t do the one thing that he wanted to do: be with his girl. Just thinking about her made him smile. They had been together for a while now, almost ten years in fact, but they kept their relationship secret and away from the public eye. It hurts him that he cannot show her off and go on dates with her, but the quiet nights that he spent at home with her were more than enough to sustain him. Dates were rare and fitted between hectic schedules, but even an hour with her would be enough.

Tonight was going to be the night, he thought. Thumbing the box in his jeans pocket, Taemin couldn’t help but smile till his cheeks hurt. Only one girl could do this to him: Son Naeun. He would finally tell the world about her tonight. Tonight, he would make her officially his. Tonight, he was going to propose to her, the haters and bashers be damned. Tonight, he would take that step to make their forever, (and his promise) come true.

A knock at the door, took him out of his reverie.

“Come in”

“Maknae-yah! Palli! The rehearsal is starting.”

“Ahrasso. I’ll be there soon.”

Checking once more to ensure that the ring box was there, he closed the door and left to meet his SHINee hyungs for rehearsal.

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April 17, 2013 – Jeju Island

Taemin arrived at the beach house in Jeju Island. Cautiously walking to the door, his heart was beating loudly in his chest, threatening to burst out at any moment. He placed a hand to his heart, mentally willing it to calm down, but then, he saw her. For a moment, his heart stopped beating and his breath hitched in his throat. The figure was sitting so delicately, facing the ocean, the sea breeze wafting through her hair. Taemin hadn’t seen her face yet, but he was already smitten. When his feet arrived to stand behind her, he instinctively leaned over to see her face.

She’s absolutely beautiful, he thought.

All I knew, this morning when I woke

Is I know something now, know something now

I didn’t before

All I’ve seen since 18 hours ago, is green eyes, the freckles in your smile

In the back of my mind making me feel right

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

(I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now)

April 24, 2013 – SHINee’s Dorm

The trip to Jeju was the only thing that was running through his head. His thoughts were completely absorbed by her. They had so many things in common like the school they went to, their faith, their love for gogi, the list was endless, that it was hard not to believe that it was fate. Taemin was determined to get to know this girl. He was determined to open her heart. He was determined to be her first love.

All I know is we said hello

And your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

Everything has changed

All I know is you held the door

You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours

All I know since yesterday is everything has changed

May 15, 2013 – Youldong Park

This girl is crazy, he thought. What kind of girl enjoys extreme sports as much as I do, and even possibly be braver than me? What kind of girl would think of bungee jumping as a present? Only Naeun could.

Taemin didn’t t know what was more nerve-wracking: holding her hand or jumping off of a platform that was seemingly 50 metres in the air. His mind was having a mental breakdown about their sudden skinship.

This girl is going to be the death of me one day, he thought. But, he was perfectly alright with that.

All my walls stood tall and painted blue

I’ll take them down, take them down

And open up the door for you

All I feel in my stomach is butterflies

The beautiful kind, making up for lost time

Taking flight

Making me feel right

May 22, 2013 – House #2, WGM Village

Giving her his phone number was something that he had always wanted to do, but could never muster up enough courage to do it. Instead, he thought of different ways to get it, such as through using crazy math equations. After hours of agonising over it, he decided that he should just give it in person. He was her husband after all! He took a Polaroid of himself and wrote his number down on the back. He would give it to her on their next filming day.

When he finally gave it, he couldn’t help but ask if anyone else had given her their phone number. He wasn’t surprised that they did, but he was relieved and worried that she did not call them the next day. This impenetrable girl! Would she ever call me?

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

(I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now)

All I know is we said hello

And your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

Everything has changed

All I know is you held the door

You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours

All I know since yesterday is everything has changed

May 25, 2013 – Music Broadcast Station

“Yeoboseyo? Naeun?”

“Ne, Oppa. Wait a second.”

Taemin heard some shuffling on the line and chuckled.

“Where are you?”

“I’m in a closet”

“Why are you there?

“Hmmm…geunyang.”

“Thanks for the text. I was so excited, I had to make sure it was really you.”

Naeun giggled. They continued to talk about their day and Taemin wished her good luck on her schedule. They only hung up when Naeun was called to start the recording.

“Oppa, I have to go.”

“Ahrasso. Good luck! Apink fighting! Naeun fighting!”

“Gomawo, Oppa.”

Taemin thought that Naeun was so adorable. Needless to say, he was smiling like a lunatic for the rest of the day, happily anticipating the next time they would text or call each other.

Come back and tell me why

I’m feeling like I’ve missed you all this time oh, oh, oh

And meet me there tonight

And let me know that it’s not all in my mind

June 13, 2013 – Osaka, Japan

Taemin didn’t know what he was going to do. It seems as if his mind had left his body and was following a certain girl around. When he wasn’t focused on rehearsals or the concert, his mind was back in Korea.

“Taemin!”

“Oh, hyung, I didn’t notice you were there.”

Key mumbled something about Taemin not noticing a lot of things lately, but Taemin didn’t hear it.

“Just call her already. You look like you’re about to die from missing her so much.”

“She’s busy right now. They’re doing an interview and then after that they have a schedule at Music Core.”

“Then do something else. You can’t keep doing this. It’s driving me crazy. You know, you mumble her name sometimes in your sleep. You think of her way too much! Sometimes I want to drag you to a rehabilitation centre where they can give you a 12-step program on how to cure yourself from missing someone”

Taemin started to squirm and hit his bed, whinging about how much he missed her. Key could only look at him in half amusement and half disgust.

This guy is way too in love, he thought.

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you

All I know is we said hello

And your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

Everything has changed

All I know is you held the door

You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours

All I know since yesterday is everything has changed

December 25, 2013 – Café, Seoul

Taemin and Naeun were enjoying some hot chocolate at a café. They had already exchanged gifts, Naeun making him a diary type storybook and Taemin buying her a necklace. They were making small conversation that flowed easily between them. Taemin noticed that they had come a long way since their first meeting. Naeun was able to express herself more and they were even more comfortable with each other now.

After they finished, they walked out in the snow, holding hands and laughing. An older lady who walked by made a comment on how well they suited each other. Taemin and Naeun bowed, wished her a merry Christmas and continued to walk.

“See, we look good together.”

“Okay.”

And with that Naeun threw a small snowball at him and laughed.

“You don’t look so good now!”

Taemin ran after her and picked her up, swinging her around as she hit him to put her down. The snow falling around them made it a picture perfect moment. Taemin and Naeun are picture perfect.

Tired and out of breath from all the excitement, the two were left facing each other.

“I hope everyday is as happy as today, Naeun-ah. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you too, Oppa.”

All I know is we said hello

So dust off your highest hopes

All I know is pouring rain and everything has changed

All I know is a new found grace

All my days I’ll know your face

All I know since yesterday is everything has changed

December 31, 2013 – Han River

There was only five more minutes till a new year would begin. Taemin and Naeun decided to meet each other to watch the fireworks. They sat by a tree away from the crowd. They were sitting close together, their arms and shoulder touching, both staring ahead at the hustle and bustle of people.

“Naeun-ah, you know I really wanted to ring in the new year with you.”

“Oppa, wae?”

“Geunyang, I heard somewhere that the person you spend the new year with is the person you spend the rest of the year with.”

“Hmmm…then we should start spending every new year together then.”

Taemin looked at her in shock. She was looking directly at him when she said it.

“Jeongmal?”

“Mmmm…”

“Let’s make a new year’s resolution to spend more years and years with each other then, ahrasso?”

The crowd began their countdown. Everyone was anticipating the fireworks display that would light up the sky.

“4…3…2…1! Happy New Year!”

When the first firework shot up into the sky, Naeun placed a quick peck on Taemin’s cheek. It was so fast that Taemin had to do a double take.

“Ne, oppa. Let’s spend many more years together.”

And then almost in a whisper, Naeun said something that did not allow Taemin’s cheeks to go down for a whole month.

“Saranghaeyo, Oppa.”

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Present Day: April 23, 2023 – Seoul World Cup Stadium

Taemin is becoming increasingly nervous. The concert had been going very well so far. The crowd was energetic, waving their banners and fanlights, singing and jumping to every song that they performed. He even spotted a few ‘Taeun’ banners here and there and his nervousness was slightly eased because of that support. Even through the years, their loyal ‘Taeun’ fans still believed in them and supported them and for that he couldn’t feel anything but gratefulness.

He spotted Naeun right where he told her to sit, in the front row of the middle section; close enough to the stage but far enough so that she wouldn’t be disturbed by others. During his performances he would look directly at her and she would beam that radiant smile that he loved right back. However, this made him even more worried and his smile didn’t reach his eyes. He wanted this to be perfect for her. He didn’t want to screw this up. This would be the first time he made a public event of gigantic proportions and he was worried about the outcome.

The stage director called out to him.

“Taemin-ssi, you’re on in two minutes.”

Checking that his ear piece was firmly in place and ring box firmly in his pocket, he walked to the underground lift that would take him up to the stage. The lights dimmed and the audience waited for the next act. The spotlight fell onto the grand piano that was situated in the centre of the stage and the crowd went wild as Taemin sat down on the bench. The first notes of the song rang out and Taemin began to sing.

She’s got those eyes, those eyes that will see right through you
When she leaves the night I want to leave with her too
And she's on my mind, like all, all the time
When we touch I go weak, and I can hardly speak
And I hope that she's thinks about me cause I'm always thinking of her(always thinkin’ of her)

I just wanna hold her hand, be her man
I wanna know if she'd take a chance
Cause I still got the feelin’,
Cause I still get the feelin
That lovin her is a game I'll always lose
I got the brown eyed blues

He started walking towards her. Fangirls followed him, outstretched arms waving, trying to get their idol to give them a warm handshake or high five as he walked past, but Taemin only had eyes on his destination. He was only looking at her.

It's a shame I didn't meet her before
Cause now I want to see her more then I should
Who’s to blame, when she's always on my mind
And I'd see her all the time if I could
And I hope that she cares about me cause I know that I care for her

I just wanna hold her hand, be her man
I wanna know if she'd take a chance
Cause I still got the feelin’,
Cause I still get the feelin’
That lovin’ her is a game I'll always lose
I got the brown eyed blues

I don't want to be with anybody else
She makes me take a good look at myself
She brings out the best in me
She doesn't think any less of me
When I do the wrong things
She loves me for me and I can't explain

He finally reached her, their eyes meeting. He saw that hers were already glossy with tears and he lifted his hand to touch her cheek. He grabbed both of her hands and she wordlessly took them and followed him to the centre of the stage. Taemin’s heart was about to burst out of his chest, but Naeun’s grip on his hand was able to calm him down just a little bit.

Oh yeah, be her man
I wanna know
Cause I still got the feelin’,
Cause I still get the feelin’
That lovin her is a game I'll always lose
I got the brown eyed blues

I just wanna hold her hand, be her man
I wanna know if she'd take a chance
Cause I still got the feelin’,
Cause I still get the feelin
That lovin her is a game I'll always lose
I got the brown eyed blues

The audience cheered loudly as the music faded away. Taemin and Naeun stood face to face letting the world fall away around them. Once they locked eyes, time stood still and it was just the two of them. The audience seemed to notice this and the stadium fell silent. Taemin mustered up his courage, let out a shaky breath and took this opportunity to speak.

“Naeun-ah, the world is watching us right now. I think it’s time that I let them know how much I love you. 10 years ago we were on a variety show paired up as husband and wife, experiencing first love. I want you to know that you are my first love. Have no doubts about that. You believed and wanted a first love that will be your last love. I’m determined to be that guy. I will protect you and love you forever. I, Lee Taemin will love you, Son Naeun forver. Yeongwonhi. I think that that is the word that describes us and my love for you. You make me so happy; you are my smile donation angel. Make me even more happy by spending eternity with me. Naeun-ah, will you marry me?

Taemin knelt to the ground, pulled out the ring box and opened it. Naeun placed two fingers under his chin and urged him to look at her.

“Yes.”

In his excitement and hurry to pull the ring from the box, the box flipped closed and caught on Taemin’s finger causing him to yelp from the sudden pain. Naeun could only giggle and hit him playfully on his shoulder. Placing the ring on her finger, Taemin grabbed her hand and faced the crowd.

“Yeoreobun, I want you to meet my fiancé, Son Naeun. I hope all of you will congratulate us and wish us well. Thank you for supporting me and my group since I debuted. I hope that you will continue to support me in the future. Jeongmal gamsahamnida.”

The lights turned off and the couple exited the stage. In that moment of darkness, Naeun pulled Taemin back. Surprised, Taemin was about to ask why, until Naeun pressed a finger to his lips. She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

“What was that for?”

“That was for the start of our forever.”

The life of an idol may be hard, but Taemin was grateful for it. If not for being an idol, would he have met the girl that would laugh at his jokes and make him want to be a better man? He didn’t know the answer to that. All he did know was that being an idol lead him to her. All the roads were leading up to her, and now, he wasn’t so lonely anymore. They would walk hand in hand, on that road to forever.

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AN: Hey guys! It’s the first time for me to write something here and the first time for me to write fanfiction. I don’t know, but our young couple really makes me crazy to the point where I have to write cheesy things like this down. I hope you guys enjoyed it, even though it’s not the best fanfic out there.

The songs I used were ‘Everything Has Changed’ by Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran and ‘Brown Eyed Blues’ by Adrian Hood.

Let me know what you guys think! Cheers!