Jeon Jungkook feels bad as he video calls his girlfriend on the other side of the world, watching as her eyes are swollen red with tears.

"It's okay darling," he tries to consolidate, but the evident disappointment in his eyes that he can't quite hide makes her cries more frantic, "... we can celebrate a day later, I'll spend tomorrow with the boys anyway."

He hates it.

Jeon Jungkook hates the way that his girlfriend of three years, can read him like an open book. One minor change in his face, perhaps in the way his smile was only curled a tiny bit or the way his eyes for a split second widened already showed to him that he was a little sad, knowing that his girlfriend could potentially not make it in time for his birthday in Seoul.

It had been a tradition for them, to spend their birthday together.

This year, they may not be able to.

Park Chaeyoung had perfectly crafted her schedule so that she'll be able to arrive just in time for the 1st of September. She'd go to the VMAS, briefly spend time in the after-party (which he allows because he knows how much she'd been dreaming on officially meeting Taylor Swift) and then a flight the next morning. Weeks prior, she'd already began fawning about how she'll just sleep the entire flight so they could be energised for his birthday celebration.

However, Park Chaeyoung just gotten a notification that her flight was delayed and there wasn't enough room on the previous flight for her and her security personnel.

"You don't need to cry, I'm not mad I promise," he coos softly, "... I don't like seeing you cry."

"I'm sorry Koo, I'm a bad girlfriend," she rubs the tears out of her eyes with the back of her palms, "... I don't know what to do."

Jeon Jungkook feels bad.

As much as he wishes to spend his birthday with her, he knows it's outside of her control.

He sighs, "... babe, I'm serious. It's totally okay."

"No it's not," she pouts this time, "... okay babe, let me figure it out."

Before he could assure her, she ends the video call.

He calls her again, but she doesn't pick up.

Ah, he shouldn't have made it a big deal.

Jeon Jungkook feels guilty.

-

He decides to keep himself busy for the next day, sending a text to his girlfriend to apologise for everything and asking him to call her tonight if she has time. Jeon Jungkook spends his time watching all the anime he'd had on his list, working out and doing some online shopping.

Even so, the time goes so slow without her and she's barely texting him back.

He decides to sleep, mainly because it's not like being awake will help the time go faster.

Even if it's a day later, he wants to spend his time with her.

Kim Seokjin consolidates him, "... even though your birthday comes once a year, you'll have at least eighty more birthdays to spend with her."

But on the 31st of August, he gets spammed texts from the other boys. It's barely 8am in the morning and there are a plethora of photos and messages.

@Jungkook is Chaeyoung in Seoul?

I thought you said she'll come on the 2nd?

Hello???

[Picture Attached]

Oh no she looks tired, our lil baby can't get laid. Let her rest okay?

Ha ha ha, be careful he'll get mad.

Don't worry about that, he'll be happy knowing she's here.

It takes a moment for him to comprehend everything, but as he scrolls through his phone he sees photos of her wearing a dark brown coat, her undereye dark.

Was this really her?

Before he could speak, he hears the door opening.

Jeon Jungkook doesn't bother to look in the mirror—he throws his phone on the bed and runs to the door seeing her standing with her suitcase.

"I told you I'd figure it out, right?" She smiles at him, wrapping her arms around his neck for an embrace.

"How?" He simply manages to articulate.

"A lot of persuading," she responds, "... it's a long story, it'll bore you to death. You know, you should buy a private jet for this very reason, you know I like rich men right?"

He chuckles, "... okay darling, I'll work hard to support you and get you a jet soon."

"That's a good answer," she jokes before leaning in and hugging him again, resting her head against his shoulder, "... I'm so happy that I can be home, with you."

He can't contain the ear to ear grin across his face, "... you looked so beautiful in the VMAs. Should I help you unpack?"

She shakes her head and pushes him aside, "... your gift is inside."

"Hmm, gift? I'll rather unwrap you," he cheekily comments which she playfully hits her hand against his chest.

"Sorry, but it's technically still the 31st," she tells him, "... plus, I'm really tired and need a shower and long sleep."

After showering, she practically falls to the bed and becomes one with it.

He finds it endearing, to hear her soft snores whenever she was super tired.

But looking at her and all the effort she put, he can't help but feel so intent with his life.

-

Park Chaeyoung goes all out.

He doesn't know how long he's been asleep, but suddenly he wakes up to the sound of her singing holding a cake and bringing it to his side of the bed.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Koo. Happy birthday to you.

He smiles brightly, hair still dishevelled as she brings the cake closer to his face.

"Make a wish," she smiles at him brightly, "... if you kiss the cutest girl near you, it'll come true."

"Did you just make that one up on your own?" He inquires.

"Maybe," she shrugs proudly, her eyes bright with joy, "... happy twenty-fifth."

To be frank, he just freezes.

He doesn't know what to wish for.

His family were healthy and happy, his career was doing well and his girlfriend was the best he could ever ask for.

But then, he finally knows.

He blows the candle.

I wish that our fans can support us, the day we reveal our relationship.

His biggest worry, he hopes one day, can be relieved when the time is right.

"We have a lot of plans today, so go get ready. I need to post some things on Instagram first, but after that—I'm all yours."

-

All the sleepless nights and planning were worthwhile to see the happiness blooming across his face. Park Chaeyoung managed to get all of his family, friends and some idols into one of his favourite bars—enjoying music, dancing and drinking.

Even as he was socialising, he kept one hand on the back of her waist and continued to reference her in every conversation.

My girlfriend surprised me, she's really the best!

Ah—I'm so lucky to have her right?

Even though it was his day, she was always sure to show her off proudly.

The end of the night is approaching and Park Chaeyoung is most nervous, but she cues to the tech guy in having the video playing on the projector.

Birthday wishes from all the US celebrities she'd begged high and low for, ones he'd either mentioned in passing about liking or that were on his Spotify list.

She turns to see his mouth drop open in shock, tearing up at the gesture.

"Are you happy?" She smiles, knowing that all the effort she put was worthwhile, if it made him feel loved.

"You did this?" He points to the video.

She nods.

"I love you so much," he tells her, leaning in and kissing her deep.

He didn't care that everyone was looking (initially to see the birthday boys reaction) as gasps turned to cheers.

When the kiss ends, he notices she's fully red, hiding her face behind his shoulder.

He's a proud boyfriend.

When the party is over, Kim Seokjin comes over to give him a gift and they decide to do a quick live together.

Knowing that his girlfriend was in the other room he playfully asks, "... can't I stay the night?"

The older man knows however, that it'll be impossible.

Furthermore, he knows it'll be a punishment to share a room with the lovebirds knowing how vocal they can be at night.

The morning of the next day is the hardest of all—the pair have to separate due to schedule conflicts.

"Why won't Yang Hyunsuk let me have you for the entire week," he playfully pouts as they have their arms wrapped around each other by the door, "... can't you ask him for another day off."

She wishes, but with their popularity and album coming up, she had a lot to do too.

"Well, I don't want you to get bored of me so distance is good," she jokes a little, lifting her chin up to kiss him on the lips, "... I'll see you next week when things with Sulwhasoo are over. And be discreet, okay? Some fans are already speculating because of the grapes."

He gives her another kiss to her forehead, rubbing her back gently with his hand, "... this is the worst part about being idols."

She agrees.

He sends her a text when she's in the car, but realises she's not replying because she's posting for social media.

Two can play at that game.

Does anyone have any sunblock recommendations??

Park Chaeyoung wants to keep what they have sacred, away from the potential haters.

But Jeon Jungkook wants to show her off to the world. Being discreet is not in his blood.