Two years later.

The following years went by quickly, bringing many changes to Taehyung, Jungkook, and their friends.

After taking a much needed break for a few months, Taehyung relaunched his career. He made new music that reflected on his past as well as his excitement for the future. The fans absolutely loved this version of him, feeling like they finally understood the person behind the celebrity.

Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin did end up touring together and they still toured together now. While the constant traveling and hectic schedules weren't always the easiest, they always had one another to lean on. Their bonds enabled them to reach new heights and greater success than they ever imagined.

Namjoon was still in a leadership position at Big Hit and was making a strong impact with the company's artists. He even formed a new boy group, which Yeonjun decided to join rather than pursue a solo career. Namjoon was a dedicated mentor to all he interacted with, and many attributed their successes to him.

Jin got more involved in his family's business, running the restaurant downtown. His charisma and determination were two very helpful skills, both of which contributed directly to many of his achievements. New partnerships were created and creative business models were put into place, all because of Jin's ingenuity. And even though he now held a more important role, he'd still staff the dessert counter every now and again.

Jin officially moved out of his parents' home and into an apartment with Namjoon as well. Somehow, the elder still managed to fluster Namjoon every single day.

Hoseok and Becky were married over a year ago, holding a big ceremony with lots of dancing. He still was an active choreographer at Big Hit, but he also opened up a studio to train underprivileged kids. He named his studio Hope World, wanting to remind his dancers of the power of positive thinking and to always dream big.

Yoongi and Jimin were also stronger than ever. The producer became quite well known in the industry for his own music, writing and producing songs for some of the biggest artists out there. Jimin was his number one fan and also the recipient of the most original songs. Writing personal lyrics for Jimin quickly became one of Yoongi's favorite hobbies.

And as for Taehyung and Jungkook, they were better than ever before. They recently moved into a new apartment, wanting a space that truly felt like theirs. Instead of a lavish penthouse, however, they opted for a cozy condo. Both still attended therapy, though less often than they initially did. They learned a lot over their sessions and were able to use many of the tools Lee Hyun taught them.

Outside of performing, both found new hobbies and passions. Jungkook got into filmography while on tour, often capturing clips of behind the scene moments. When he had downtime, he'd film anything from nature to Taehyung sleeping. The elder always joked that one of these days, Jungkook would inadvertently leave his camera on and accidentally capture some of their more intimate acts.

Taehyung, on the other hand, founded a mentorship program to connect with troubled children. He wanted to create a program that provided support and resources to those struggling, something he could have benefited from when he was younger. The program took off within no time, with many kids receiving the help they needed. Whenever Taehyung's schedule had him home, both him and Jungkook would volunteer each Saturday.

They had recently concluded yet another tour and were currently relaxing in their home. It was peaceful to be back in their safe space, one that both Jungkook and Taehyung built out of love and trust. They were cuddling on the couch when the elder suddenly sprung up.

"I have something for you," Taehyung said before running out of the room. He came back moments later holding a wrapped item.

Jungkook eagerly took it, the corners of his lips pulling up. He loved gifts. "What's the occasion?"

"Remember when we first moved in here, we realized how few pictures we had together?"

"Yeah, so we went on a photo taking spree. God, how many did we take?" The younger laughed, recalling how they recruited their friends into snapping constant pictures of them.

"A lot," Taehyung confirmed with a grin. "Many of which never made it up around the apartment. So I used the rest to make an album."

Jungkook carefully tore open the paper, revealing a black suede photo album. The cover was decorated in one engraved word, which was illuminated as the light caught the letters.

Taekook.

Bang Si-hyuk coined the name a couple years back, a name that both Jungkook and Taehyung loved. It had become an endearing term to them and the fans loved it as well. Jungkook ran a finger over the letters appreciatively, a gentle twinkle residing in his eyes.

Taehyung bit his lip as he watched quietly, eager to see the boy's reaction.

Reverently, the younger opened the album and started going through the pictures. The first few pages were rare pictures from their shared childhood, showing dorky versions of themselves. After those pages was a time jump, since the two hadn't had any pictures together over their late teenage and early adult years. But the pictures from when they first started dating - including the tabloid photo that initially sparked controversy - were all in there.

A knot formed in Jungkook's throat, the sentimental present causing his emotions to get the best of him. Taehyung always proved to be so thoughtful, which was perfectly captured in this gift. As he got towards the later pages, the younger recognized some of the recent pictures they'd taken. It was very special to have their story all documented in one place.

Jungkook turned to the last page and froze. On it was a single photo, showing a radiant Taehyung as he smiled up at the camera. He was kneeling on the ground, his hands clutching a small box. A small inscription below the picture read, Because I love you.

He tore his eyes from the page and looked down at Taehyung, who was now kneeling on one knee. In his hands, nestled in a velvet box, was a simplistic, yet sparkling ring. Jungkook let out a gasp.

"I've spent weeks trying to craft the perfect speech, but nothing I came up with was good enough for you," Taehyung said softly, looking up at the younger like he was seeing the sun for the first time. "So I just want you to know that I love you with my entire heart and soul, Jungkook. You are my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the answer to every question I've ever asked. You've given me life when I thought I'd never live again. So I promise to spend the rest of my days loving you and appreciating you and making you happy."

Taehyung paused, committing every small movement on Jungkook's face to memory. "Be mine forever, baby. Will you marry me?"

Jungkook sunk down to his own knees and pulled the elder to him. With hands gripping each other's necks, they kissed passionately before breaking away with big smiles.

"Yes. Kim Taehyung, yes, I will marry you," Jungkook's hand moved to his pocket. "But under one condition."

He retrieved a box of his own and presented it to the elder.

"Kim Taehyung, you've already made me the happiest person in the whole entire world. I can't wait to see what our life together has in store. I can't wait to grow old with you. So be my husband. Because when I think about what I want or need out of my future, it's you. It's always been you."

Tears streamed down their faces as they exchanged rings, embracing once more after the jewelery adorned their fingers.

"Were you planning on proposing to me all this time?" Taehyung asked, peppering kisses over Jungkook's ring finger.

"I was always going to let you ask first, but I knew I wanted to propose to you, too. Couldn't let you have all the glory here," Jungkook smiled at him, wiping away the moisture under the elder's eyes. "I've been carrying around this ring with me for a while now, so when you were ready, I'd be ready, too."

Taehyung was smiling so big it hurt. "Baby, I love you so much."

"We're going to grow old together," Jungkook repeated, cradling the elder in his lap. "We're going to have a family and be so, so happy. Our future is going to be so bright, Tae. And I will always love you."

Taehyung kissed him again, letting their love seamlessly blend together. He knew there'd never be a day where Jungkook didn't make him feel like the most loved person alive.

"Let's go, Kook. Our friends and family are waiting downstairs," the elder murmured, pulling the two of them up. "They want to celebrate with us."

So they rushed out of the apartment, hand in hand, with tears in their eyes and pure elation coloring their faces.

And they knew, without a moment of doubt, the universe had been looking out for them all this time. Their reunion two years back was fated. It was no coincidence.

Jungkook and Taehyung found their destiny . . . it was always within each other.

The End.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

》《

The Arrangement