CHAPTER 1 : Final

You looked at the clock hanging on your wall. It was 11:55. In exactly five minutes, you would be a year older. You smiled to yourself, giddy at the thought of all the birthday wishes pouring in. Truth be told you were quite excited for this birthday because it also marks your first anniversary with your boyfriend, Infinite’s L. He confessed to you exactly a year ago on the 26^th of February 2013.

The memory was still fresh in your mind. Myungsoo had texted you that morning, telling you to cancel all plans in the evening because he had a surprise for you. You were angry at first because you already made plans with your friends. You were going to go out, have dinner, then have an all-out karaoke session. But Myungsoo told you that what he was preparing for you would be worth it, so you simply agreed to him.

That night you arrived at Woollim’s office and headed over straight to their practice room. You were definitely surprised at the sight that greeted you. The practice room had been transformed completely into a candy wonderland. You always told Myungsoo that you like candy concepts, something similar to Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’ music video. He prepared a picnic and even sang you a birthday song as he strummed on his guitar. After a few hours of chatting and laughing, Myungsoo blurted out the question. The words he said, you’ll never be able to forget them.

“I know that you might find this hard to believe, but I’m desperately in love with you. You don’t know how many nights I’ve spent sleepless just thinking of all the things we could do when we’re together. You mean so much to me, and I can’t imagine my life without you. So on your birthday today, will you give me a present, and be mine?”

It was the happiest day of your life.

11:58. You waited and waited, but Myungsoo wasn’t even online. He had promised you that the two of you will be doing a video chat session because he had to shoot his drama and there wasn’t a possibility of him returning home. He felt bad, but you told him it was okay because the two of you could just spend the next day together.

Before you knew it, the clock let out a beep, indicating that it was the 26^th of February 2014. You got excited once again and replied to all the messages your friends had sent you. Despite being happy because of your friends, you can’t help but feel disappointed that Myungsoo wasn’t online yet. He promised you, and he never breaks his promises.

You waited, and waited…and waited.

It was now half past 12 and he still wasn’t online. You texted him.

Myungsoo-ah, do you know what day it is? ^^

Sorry jagiya, can’t reply right now. Go sleep first, I’m busy.

And at that moment you froze. Is he being serious right now? Did he really forget in the span of one day? He was so excited at the thought of celebrating your birthday and your anniversary together yesterday. And now he’s telling you he can’t? No, this wasn’t acceptable.

You furiously tapped the numbers you had memorized on your phone and dialed him. The sound of the line beeping, connecting you seemed to irritate you even more. Why wasn’t he picking up fast?

Suddenly you noticed that there was a sound of a phone ringing in the distance. You noticed that it seemed to be coming from downstairs. But you were the only one home; Myungsoo was still out shooting. You got chills; who could it be?

You put the phone down and grabbed a baseball bat you had in your closet and slowly tiptoed outside your door. That’s strange, you were sure you had switched the lights off downstairs before heading off to your room. But you noticed that there was a glow of light; something similar to a small lamp or a flashlight.

“Who’s there?” You called out, no answer.

“I’m not afraid of you.” You said once again and headed down the stairs.

You noticed how the light seemed to be coming from candles that had been placed all around your living room. The scent of vanilla filled your nose as you looked at the rose petals scattered all over the floor. You then saw a couple of arrows stuck on your wall. The arrows pointed to a laptop on the coffee table right in front of your couch. There was a note stuck to it, saying ‘play’.

You clicked on the play button and your eyes widened, it was a video message from Myungsoo.

“Jagi, it’s your special day today! Happy birthday! Um, truthfully I’m recording this during our practice session. I’m practicing hard to give you a good performance during the encore concert later on. I miss you a lot lately, we haven’t gotten the chance to really see each other and hang out. But I promise you; today will be the best day you have ever had. Time flies so fast, and without knowing it, we’ve been together for a year. You still remember my cheesy confession last year? Woohyun taught me all that. So baby, I hope that this year you’ll grow even more beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. Stay by my side because I need you. I’m sorry for not being able to always be there for you. But I promise, I’m never going to leave you. I’m looking forward to ten more years, fifty more years and an eternity with you. I love you, always. Oh and by the way, look behind you.” He waved off with a smile.

Your heart pounded against your chest as you looked behind you. You gasped at the sight of Myungsoo holding a guitar, standing right behind your couch. The familiar tune of ‘Happy Birthday’ filled your ears. Myungsoo then smiled as the song ended and stood in front of you.

“Happy birthday, beautiful.”

“Myungsoo…” tears filled your eyes as he leaned in and placed a kiss on your lips. Ever so soft; but incredibly sweet.

“Happy birthday jagi.” He smiled as he cupped your face.

“But, I thought you had drama shooting today?”

He chuckled, “You didn’t seriously think I was going to miss your birthday did you? Especially on the day of our first anniversary.” He smiled.

“I don’t know what to say.” You blushed as he held your hands.

“You don’t have to say anything, just hug me.” He kissed your forehead as he wrapped his arms tight around you.

You smiled as you snuggled into the warmth of his chest, “This is the best birthday ever. Thank you Myungsoo-ah.”

“Anything for you. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He pulled away slightly and held your chin, “You remember what I said right? I want to spend an eternity with you, so you better put up with me for another hundred years.” He laughed slightly.

You grinned, “I’d be happy to. You’re seriously the best.”

“Happy birthday, jagi. I’m glad you’re mine.” He smiled as he kissed you once more.