Yes or No?

Eun-ha sat in the back of the cab Seo-yeon had called for her. After the press conference, she had received a message, which Eun-ha had summed up to be from Jin. Knowing that the two would need some time to process the events that just transpired, she didn't press further. Seo-yeon had not said much, and it was obvious that she was trying to gather her composure.

The media did not waste time releasing the outcome of the conference. There were speculations of who the mystery woman could be, but there were no articles revealing her identity. ARMY were divided between those that were not in favor of a possibly engaged Jin, and those that were thrilled with the news. There were massive tweets, Wevearse comment, and other sources of social media congratulating the couple on their future. Celebrities extending well wishes, and commending Jin for fighting for his right to a relationship and changing the stigma that idols must face. Idols themselves shared their support as they understood the difficulty of being able to have both fame and love.

A discussion between tv personalities debated the strict guidelines idols must face before they debut and the restriction on dating. They argued that Jin was beyond the age for restrictions and that BTS had paid their dues, therefore should not be limited in any regards. It seemed the world had an opinion on the outcome of this situation. The biggest discussion was whether BTS would still be successful. Would ARMY abandon them now that one member was no longer "available?" Would they overlook this? Would they celebrate the new life decision and continue to love Jin as they have the past years?

Eun-ha sighed in frustration. The split was weighing on her mind, so she could only imagine the pressure Seo must be feeling.

The sound of her phone buzzing caught her attention. The name "Soul Crusher" flashed on her screen. Giving another sigh, she answered on the fourth ring.

"Took you long enough," Yoongi criticized.

Resisting the impulse to reply with a snarky comment, she closed her eyes, and asked a higher power for the strength to carry on with this conversation.

"You still there?" Yoongi asked.

"Yes, I'm here. What do you need?"

"Jin's on his way to Seo-yeon's place, but I wanted to see how she took the news."

"She didn't say much, but she looked overwhelmed. Did you know he was going to propose?"

"Not a clue," he paused before speaking, "What was her reaction?"

"Are you asking for fear that Jin may be rejected? Or for other reasons?" she asked.

"I have no ulterior motives!" he snapped. He meant it when he told her months ago that his crush on Seo was a momentary feeling. His feelings for her were platonic. She was a younger sister in his eyes, and resented Eun-ha for doubting his intentions. "None of us suspected that he would do this. I just wanted to see if she would accept him, or if we should brace ourselves for..."

He left the remainder of his sentence empty. She understood what he meant. Her guilt ate at her. She wished she could take back her question.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't question your motives."

"It's fine. So?"

"She looked like she wanted to cry of joy at first."

"But?"

"Then she just stared at the screen, and looked expressionless. Like she retreated within herself."

They stayed quiet. The outcome of this proposal was not easy to determine. The pressure coming from outside sources played a large part on how Seo would decide. Her greatest fear was burdening Jin and having him loose all that he worked for.

***

Jin tapped in the number to Seo-yeon's apartment door. The other members had assisted in sneaking him out to the building to allow him to meet Seo. They had used an eager trainee that fit Jin's height and physique to dress in the clothes worn during the conference. Jin clad in jeans, a sweater, a mask, and cap, escaped with the trainee's group, who were more than happy to help.

The entire drive, he grew more and more anxious. His greatest fear was not being rejected, but that Seo-yeon would feel trapped. By announcing their relationship, he aspired to change the restrictions on his life, and potentially demonstrating to the entertainment world that idols could have fame and maintain a relationship at the same time. He always pushes for ARMY to love themselves, and he felt fighting for this cause highlights this statement. Giving up was not an option. How could he love himself if he easily gave up?

"Seo?" He entered the quiet apartment. Seo-yeon had been sitting on the couch and sat up the moment he touched the keypad.

"I'm here," she reassured him.

He walked further into the room, and stopped in front of her. She looked up at his face, which still wore a mask. She smirked, and reached up to remove it. He stopped her, and clasped her hand instead. Using his other hand, he took off the mask. Beseeching eyes met hers.

Seo-yeon did not break contact with his stare. Words were not needed to express what he was asking. Stepping forward, she lightly touched his cheek. Rising on tiptoe, she kissed him softly in answer.

The mask fell forgotten onto the floor, as he pulled her into an embrace. He hungrily kissed her, sending jolts of electricity through their bodies. Hands gripped onto each other, and they tumbled onto the couch. Jin leaned over her, attempting to catch his breath. Her lips and cheeks reddened from the passionate kiss.

"I know I asked live, but I want to properly ask you," he breathlessly said, "Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

Jin gently pulled her up into a sitting position. Confused at the abrupt change, Seo-yeon watched as he remained on one knee next to her. He fumbled with an object in his sweater. His movements were erratic as if on a time crunch. He took her left hand in his, and slid a ring on her finger. Grinning, he leaned over and pecked her on the lips.

"I wasn't nearly as confident as you might be thinking I was," he chuckled.

"I know. I admit that I almost gave into my own fears. I'm not running away. You bared it all, and I want to do the same. I want to share the rest of my life with you."

He pulled her forward into a deep kiss that she more than willingly met. Her fingers delicately ran through his hair, as he leaned over her causing her to push further into the couch. To her surprise, he pulled his lips from hers. The shock was short lived as he gingerly kissed her neck. She bit her lower lip to stifle the moan itching to escape.

One of his hands met the button of her blouse. His hand shook and he paused to collect his nerve. Seo-yeon placed her hands on his cheeks and passionately kissed him. The action was not missed on him, and he unbuttoned the first three buttons.

The future was unknown. How others decide to handle their engagement could wait another day. All that matters to the couple is the need to for each other. Anything thrown at them would be handled as a team. Others could call it a dream, but they would continue to fight for their right to love while holding a career in the entertainment business. Holding onto the positive prospect of the future, they unleashed their passion.

The love for one another was their only priority tonight. The rest of the world could wait.