Hello! Now before everyone gets confused and think that this is a different fic... xD Take note that this epilogue takes place a few years later after the events of chapter 3. ^^ I hope you'll enjoy!

Although Hyukjae can very proudly say that he is truly happy and content with his life in general, of course there are still those times when he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

The world is, after all, full of surprises.

The good and the bad. The happy and the sad. And those that linger somewhere in between. The grays to the blacks and whites.

There are small ones and big ones. Some that can bring upon a great impact that would either shatter you or bring you to the highest of cloud nines. And then there are some that are of little relevance—a small pleasant surprise that doesn’t make your day but makes you smile for a fraction of a second. Or a small little nuisance, one that wouldn’t really drastically change your life for the worse but can still make you feel some tug of annoyance anyway.

The thing that currently annoys Hyukjae belongs to that category.

It isn’t such a huge surprise. Rather, it’s not even that unexpected. It’s just that it’s the last thing he wants on such a special day.

Homework.

The professor had decided to give them homework which is due tomorrow. Which simply means Hyukjae needs to work on it tonight.

Tonight, when he had other plans—much more important plans.

Briefly, he considers what would happen if he doesn’t work on this stupid homework.

His lover wouldn’t approve, that’s what.

Well, his lover doesn’t need to know.

After all, it is their special day.

Hyukjae smiles, the thought of their special day bringing a familiar, pleasant sensation to flutter through his stomach, a gentle swelling in his heart—a feeling that he’s become accustomed to and yet still couldn’t completely get used to. The annoyance he felt earlier when he left the lecture room a while ago is promptly chased away as he thinks of the years that have led up to this day. A day his younger self would have probably never imagined.

It’s their two-thousandth day.

Truthfully, Hyukjae doesn’t even bother counting these things, but with a boyfriend like his, he couldn’t help but celebrate. When his lover enthusiastically jumped him on their bed a week ago, shoving a lovely pair of discount coupons to one of their favorite restaurants at his face, and practically did aegyo (albeit unknowingly) for them to celebrate their two-thousandth day anniversary dinner there, Hyukjae simply couldn’t say no.

He chuckles at the memory as he strolls out of the university, the strap of his messenger bag clutched loosely by his hand as he inhales the cool and crisp autumn air.

Two-thousand days, huh.

Five years and a few months.

It’s quite amazing.

When he thinks of it, he still couldn’t quite believe it.

In these two-thousand days, he experienced, learned and discovered so many things—all of which he probably wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for his lover.

Truth be told, when he entered his company all those years ago after completing his marketing degree, and met all of those seniors and supervisors who coached him to become the head manager he was, Hyukjae believed that it was what he’s set to do for the rest of his life. After all, he had grown to accept it. He eventually managed to convince himself that it’s okay to do something that he didn’t necessarily love or enjoy—that as long as he’s able to buy the things he wants and put a roof above his head and food on his table, everything is alright.

But Donghae—his sweet Donghae—pushed him to find something that he will truly love. Something that he would do out of the sheer joy and excitement of doing it, not because he’s obligated to. Something that would give him the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment, pride and satisfaction, regardless of how much money he gets from it.

Something that would make him happy.

His passion.

For Donghae, it has always, always been writing. Despite his constantly changing hobbies and interests (photography, foreign languages, exercising), writing was the one thing he always returned to.

For Hyukjae, he had no clue.

It took a while for the months-younger man to convince him to try and find something. A lot of fights and arguments stemmed from it, with Hyukjae always insisting that he’s fine with his job, and Donghae urging him to expand his horizons and at least try. He never admitted it at first, but Hyukjae was terrified of that idea. Of letting go of the status and financial stability he worked so hard for. Of returning to that confusing stage of not knowing if there’s anything at all out there for him.

But Donghae was always there. Reassuring. Understanding. Unconditionally loving and supporting him.

And it was more than enough.

When Hyukjae finally found the strength and courage to quit his job, Donghae stayed with him in every step. From applications to juggling various part-time jobs (because he refused to have no income), all the while acting as a personal manager to his semi-celebrity boyfriend.

Because, hell, Donghae was famous.

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