It had been at least a month, in America his parents were preparing themselves to celebrate Thanksgiving. The apartment was empty and cold, the only room that even looked remotely lived in was the living room. Zack couldn't find comfort on his bed and the couch at least faced the TV. He didn't know how many hours he would spend at night just staring at the programs barely registering anything. He would hold his phone tightly in his hand as he waited for him to be in the chat. When V had left he had completely disconnected himself from Zack and only Zack. He changed his number and only Seven and Jumin knew it. He'd given Hyun a spare key to his apartment, Jaehee a copy of some health records for her to log into the RFA archives, and Yoosung Zack's schooling schedule.

He didn't get what that all meant? Was V worried he'd do something? Well…he couldn't deny for the first three days all he did was just sit in V's room and stare at the now barren walls. It was Hyun and Yoosung who finally forced him to go out and eat with them. After that life just became this thing that he did. Every morning he'd wake up at around 5 and go to the park. He'd sit at the lake where V had almost fallen in and would watch the sunrise. Then he'd make his way to his favorite coffee shop and wait. He'd pray that V would run in and tell him he's home and he won't ever leave again. After that he would wander around town or head to class. In the evenings he went to a bar and would converse with a man. The man was trying to pick him up, he knew that, but at least it was someone to talk too. Then he'd go home, sleep, and repeat the process.

It was nearly midnight and the all the late night shows were playing reruns. He turned over to face the back of the couch and closed his eyes. This apartment was so lonely and yet he couldn't leave. A small part of him wanted to believe he'd come back. He'd walk through those doors and come back.

Valentines was just around the corner and the smell of dark chocolate was in the air. "So? You and Zack gonna throw a Valentine's party at your place Dae?" One of Dae's friends asked as Dae slung an arm around Zack's shoulders and kissed his forehead.

"We're thinking about it."

"Yup." Zack smiled weakly as he sipped his coffee.

"Shit. Boss sure does put the burden on you guys a lot."

Dae shrugged. "He just thinks it'll be killer because I'm gay."

"Oh. I see."

"Really though, I think he knows it makes him look better when he's so 'generous' to ask me to host it at my house." Dae scoffed.

The two chatted about work as Zack stared into the dark liquid of his coffee. He was here, dating a man named Dae Hwa, because everyone had told him it was time to move on. So he talked more with to the guy at the bar and after New Year's they were together. Zack rubbed his thumb over the edge of his coffee mug and sighed.

"Anything wrong?"

"No." Zack looked up and smiled. No everything was wrong. Zack had locked up the apartment and was now living with Dae. And Dae was a nice man. He told funny jokes, he had a nice job, he played cool video games, there was noting wrong with him. But all of this, was just…a routine. Zack still went to the park and never told Dae the real reason why. He walked to his favorite coffee shop and waited outside the building for exactly twenty minutes. Then his life went on.

"So what do you think?"

Zack blinked. "A-about what?"

"Heh heh," Dae ruffled his hair, "I knew you weren't listening." Zack refocused his eyes, even Dae's friend was gone. "You feeling okay?"

Zack nodded. "Yup. Just a weird day I guess."

Dae gave him a sad smile and the two enjoyed people watching.

What was the RFA doing? He didn't really know, no one had really talked since New Year's. They were still working working on getting another party done but he figured things were just busy. Besides, Zack was a bit pissed at Jumin and Seven. They talked to him all the time, he knew since they said so in the chat. And whenever he asked they just said "he's in a place with no reception" or "he's too busy," or nothing at all. He stopped asking at around Christmas. V didn't want anything to do with him? Fine.

"So I think we should go to the store. See what they're selling for the party."

"Yeah, that sounds good." Zack smiled as they got up. "Ah wait." Zack felt his phone buzzing. "Hello?" Oh… it was the landlord. Zack was selling the apartment. He wasn't using it anymore and besides it only held painful memories. "Right. I'll be there soon….Right." He hung up. "I gotta head back to my old apartment and sign some papers."

"Okay." Dae kissed him on the lips. "Then," he gently put his index finger on Zack's lips slowly tracing them, Oh.. I guess he wants to do when I get back, "I'll see you at home."

Zack smiled and nodded. He really didn't want to. He never really did. Shoving his hands into his jacket pocket he turned his body away from the cold and made his way to the apartment.

"Just give me a sec. I forgot something." The landlord waddled down the stairs.

Zack unlocked the door and peered in. Yup, empty. He wasn't sure what he was expecting. Maybe all the pictures would be back up, the smell of something delicious cooking, the quiet sound of the TV and his light chuckle as he greeted Zack with a smile. Such a silly wish.

He walked in and looked at the barren walls, the empty cupboards and shelves, the beds with no bedsheets, the fridge with no food. There was only one thing in here that didn't fit. A card. Did someone come in here? Maybe the landlord was looking around and put down a flier for buyers.

On the front of the card was a picture of a sunrise reflecting over a lake. He flipped it over.

'The sunrise you watch everyday. I watch with you as well. I should have never left. When I realized what I was feeling you had already moved on. I had hurt you so much and, please believe me when I say this, it brings me happiness when I see that you are not suffering anymore. Please forgive me, and please forget me.

—V'

"I got it." The landlords heavy footsteps walked in. "Oh? Something wrong? You're shaking an awful lot."

Zack clutched the paper to his chest. "Has…" He took a shaky breath trying to calm the fear and anger rising inside him. "Has…someone been here recently?"

"Oh? You mean the shareholder to this apartment? Yeah just last week. He completely dropped his name entirely from the contract. That's why I called you when I did."

"L-last week?" No…No! I missed him! I missed him dammit! DAMN IT ALL! "Did he leave any contact information?"

"No. Just handed you the whole apartment. Said not to say anything about it, told me to say the original holder's lease was up and now it belonged solely to you."

"Oh…"

"So!" He clapped his hands. "Ready to sign those papers?"

"….No."

"…I'm sorry?"

"I… just realized I have something very important to do." He spun on his heel not looking at the landlord. "Another time!"

"W-wait we need this…ah damn."

Zack ran down the streets pulling out his phone while trying to avoid other pedestrians as he opened Google Maps. "Fucking hurry the fuck up." He muttered to his phone. There!

He ran into the building, his throat raw from breathing in the cold air and his sweat feeling like ice running down his neck.

"Welcome to C & R." The woman behind the desk said. "How may I help you?"

"C-Contact Jumin Han for me." Zack huffed as he leaned his hands against the receptionists desk.

She arched a brow. "I'm sorry. But no one is just allowed to walk in and demand to see the CE-"

"Then call his assistant Jaehee Kang!" Zack growled. "It's an emergency."

Slowly, while eyeing him like he was nothing but a waste of time, she picked up her phone and pressed . "Yes…Ms. Kang… a—What's your na— Hey!"

Zack pulled the phone away from her. "Jaehee! It's me! No time, just let me see Jumin. I don't care! Let me see him!"

V^V^V^V^V

Zack tapped his foot impatiently as the two security guards eyed him up and down ready to taser him at any given moment. Finally the elevator doors opened and Jaehee and Jumin walked out looking rather perplexed. "Zack." Jumin walked up to him as he adjusted his cuff links. "What are you doing here?"

"Is there anything wrong?" Jaehee said as she pushed up her glasses.

Zack grabbed Jumin by the collar gritting his teeth. "You knew!" The security guards moved putting a hand to their holster. Quickly Jumin raised a hand to stop them. "You knew that he was home! Didn't you!?" Zack barred his teeth.

"I assume," Jumin said calmly, "that you mean V?" He glanced to his left as if thinking. "Yes. He was here this whole time. He was staying at my penthouse forget a place to sleep."

"You let me suffer?! And he was here the whole time!?"

"Zack please." Jaehee said, she looked shock to hear the news as well.

"Enough!" Zack let go of Jumin's collar roughly, causing both men to stagger back. "You…Tch!" Zack kicked a chair. "Where is he now!?"

"I have no idea."

"You do! Don't you dare lie to me!"

"I really don't, Zack. He left around three days ago. He said he was taking a flight out of country and he wouldn't be back for about a month or more."

"F-for five whole months…" Zack fought back the tears. "I waited for him everyday…and he was here… You and Seven…why were you sheltering him away from me!?"

"Because he asked us too." Jumin said shortly. "He wanted us to promise not to say anything. You are not the only one who was suffering."

"…"

Jumin sighed. "I really don't have a clue where he is. I am sorry that we tricked you but…V is my best friend Zack. He wanted to think things through and I allowed him too. I should have pushed him to talk more but I didn't. And I apologize."

"I don't need your half assed sympathy." Zack scowled as he turned around. "Sorry to bother you." He walked out the building clenching his fists. When he was finally far enough from the building he sat on the curb and brought his knees to his chest. "How could you…?" He didn't know who he was referring to. Jumin, Luciel, V, or himself? He felt his shoulders tense. "All this would've been avoided if you just pretended nothing was there. You're such a stupid idiot." He mumbled. There was no point in it anymore. No point in searching if he didn't even know where to start. He fished the photo out of his pocket. "You were there….why didn't you talk to me?"

V^V^V^V

It was nearly four in the morning. By the time Zack had gotten home Dae was already asleep. Good. He didn't want to give any sort of explanation on where he was. He sat on the edge of the bed looking at Dae's sleeping body but not really looking at him. He thought back to the first time they had sex. It was around the beginning of January, it had been Zack's first time and it wasn't really enjoyable. Dae didn't hurt him or force him. It was like everything else. It was just happening and he could barely feel anything emotionally. More than once did he have to stop himself from calling out V's name.

He checked his watch. It was nearing five and he needed to get to the park. But maybe…maybe it would be best to just skip it. No. He had to go. It was the only place where he actually felt something. Slowly he stood up.

"Zack?" A quiet voice came from the bed. "You're leaving again?"

"I need to go to the park."

"Why?" The voice sounded sad.

"Because…I just do."

"Is it to visit that man?"

Zack froze. "What man?"

There was a long silence. "I…followed you one day. I was nervous. I saw you sit by the lake and then a man watched you from afar. He had teal hair and was holding a camera." Zack's heart was quickening. "So I went up to him thinking he was some pervert and told him to get away. That you were mine and all that. The man smiled and said to hold onto you. To never let go."

Zack grabbed his phone and ran to the door.

"Zack wait!"

"I…I'm so sorry. I'm so so sorry! I…"

"…I understand. I knew for a long time you weren't happy to be with me." The voice chuckled sadly. "…I do hope that…that he never let's go of you. I should've listened to him. I wish I would've made you see me more."

There was a small beat. A sort of silent confirmation that this had ended. With one last small 'I'm sorry.' Zack ran out of the apartment.

^V^V^V^V^V

Please be there! Please be there! He ran towards the lake, dead leaves crunching underneath his shoes. As he reached the lakes shore he looked around. The sun was about to rise. He was here the same time as always. "V!" Zack yelled. "V! Where are you?!"

There was nothing but silence.

"Come out here! I know you're here!"

Again silence.

"Tch! Fine then!" He yelled. "You've left me no choice!" Zack pulled off his hoodie and kicked off his shoes. He went to the edge of the lake, his feet immediately freezing as the water gently lapped over his socks. He outstretched his arms and-

"Stop!"

Zack spun around. His breath caught in his throat. V ran up to him quickly and pulled Zack away from the lake. Without hesitation Zack wrapped his arms around him feeling an overwhelming pool of of joy erupt in his heart. "I-I missed you so much!" Zack stammered.

Slowly V raised his hands and stroked Zack's hair. Yes…just like before. All those happy memories flooded into his mind. "….I did to." V's voice shook.

"You're an idiot."

"I am. I should've never left."

"What made you come back?"

"You're smile. You're laughter. You're joy. I hadn't realized how much I enjoyed it." V caressed Zack's face making him look up at V. "How much I loved it."

Loved…

He loved it.

"I want to be with you Zack. It may take me some time but I want to be with you….Do you…still want to be with me?"

Zack pulled V into a tight embrace. "I love you. I've been in love with you for a long time. I'm going to give my everything to make you want to stay with me. For good. So please…"

V put his arms around Zack. "You don't have to do anything. Your presence is all that I need. Everything about you makes me want to stay and hold you." They slightly pulled apart. Zack blushed as V's bright eyes looked into his dark ones. He put his hands on Zack's cheeks. "Here isn't cold."

"How could they be? I'm looking at the person I love."

V smiled and slowly leaned in, their lips brushed for only a second. With a low chuckle V pulled him in closer. A heat so inviting. So warm and calming welling up inside him. It was as if he were home. His grip tightened around Zack's neck pulling him closer and tilting his head back more to deepen the kiss. A slow, sensual kiss. One that felt as if it were conveying all the feelings each shared for each other. As if this is where he was always meant to be. And he would never leave, no matter what.

I will always love you.

~End

I Will Always Love You: Sneak Preview

Had I never met this man, I don't know where I'd be. V watched as Zack chopped up some onions. His eyes squeezing shut then opening as stinging tears ran down his face. V chuckled as he watched the man he was so infatuated with. How strange, he thought to himself, I didn't think I would ever feel this way again. A part of him was struggling. There were so many things that was wrong about this. V didn't think he deserved to be happy and yet here he was feeling these intense emotions.

Every second he saw him he just wanted to touch him. It was as if he had touched him once and he didn't want to stop. Whoah. What am I thinking? V lightly shook his head as he continued to go through his old photo album. He smiled at the pictures Jumin had taken when they were kids. He squinted. What was that supposed to be? A bird? Or was it some sort of cat? Well, certainly his picture taking skills has improved quite well. V sniffed the air smelling something burning. He nearly jumped.

Zack was holding a lit match in-between his teeth and slowly the flame was crawling closer and closer to his lips. What are you doing?! Before V could say anything Zack blew air out his nose and the flame disappeared. Smoke rose to his face and quickly he blinked away the tears.

"What was that?" V asked.

"Keeps the stinging out of my eyes. Though, you shouldn't let the flame be on the match when you're doing it. It should just be smoke." He said with the match moving up and down as if it were talking to him.

V smiled. "You scared me."

Zack chuckled as he turned his back and put the onions on the stove with a loud sizzling noise. The smell of spiced meat, steamed vegetables and fried potatoes rose into the air. Zack closed the lid and walked over to V. He sat down next to him and shyly reached out for his hand. V smiled and took it as they looked through the album together.

Yes, this was really, truly, happiness.

If only I could say to him that …I love him.