Pete's PoV

Today is our 7th year anniversary.

I feel a lot but one thing is for sure, is that I am very happy and thankful that I have found Vegas.

Our relationship is not perfect, no ones' relationship is actually perfect, but I am thankful that I have found the person who would understand me when I am being irrational. I am more than blessed that I have found a person who is willing to spend 7 years with me.

So, for today, I have prepared everything for our anniversary. But this year we both agreed to just celebrate at home to make it simple but it's our 7th anniversary I will still make it special by making all of the food by myself. I prepared all of Vegas's favorite. I made Lasagna, Kimbap and also, I have prepared the cake for our celebration. I have also made a simple decoration at home to make it feel more of a celebration.

Everything is all set. I will just wait for Vegas.

I am waiting for him in front of our house while playing with Grey and Mino. (Grey and Mino are their adopted cats)

It's past midnight already but Vegas isn't home yet. I've called and texted him countless times but he does not answer. I am now worried that something might happened to him.

But I still waited for him outside of our house.

It was 2 in the morning when I heard a vehicle outside our house and I know that it was Vegas. I rushed outside and waited for him to get out of his car.

He was obviously drunk, but why did he drink? On a special day like this?

"Vegas where have you been? You don't even answer my calls. Don't you know how worried I was!"  I angrily shout at him.

But it seems that he doesn't have any answer for me and he just walk past by me. But I held his arms and made him face me.

"What the f-ck Vegas? Answer me what's wrong with you? Do you even know what day is it huh?" I confronted him because I felt so lost why he is suddenly acting like this.

But the frustration shows in his face. It's like there is something he wanted to tell me but he can't. Then he removed my hands from his arm and distance his self from me before speaking.

"Pete, I can't do this anymore..." he said.

"What do you mean?" I asked him confusedly.

He doesn't even look at me.

"Love, what happened? Did I do something wrong?" I said desperately waiting for him to answer.

"Pete, let's end this relationship. I can't do this anymore. I'm sorry Pete." he said while caressing my hands.

"Vegas why? Make me understand please... Did I do something wrong Vegas? I'm sorry then tell me what did I do wrong, I'll change –"

"No, Pete. There's nothing wrong."

"If there's nothing wrong then why do you want to end it. What if I don't want to Vegas?"

"Pete..."

"Love, please I'm begging you, I will change if that's the problem just please don't leave me please..." I knelt in front of him while I burst into tears.

"Pete, get up... Don't make this hard for me."

"Love...please don't leave me, I'm begging you..." the only thing that I could tell him.

"Pete... I wanted to have a family..." I stop for a second and then got up.

"But aren't we a family already? The two of us, Grey and Mino?"

"Pete, I wanted to have my own child... All this time I am happy to have you, Grey and Mino but I still felt an emptiness within me. Not until I saw my workmates being a father to their own child. Pete, I've always been jealous of them."

I can't even utter a word after everything he says. Because I can understand how he felt, because that's what I wanted too but he is more important for me.

"But we can adopt a child Vegas? We can still -"

"Pete, It's not just that. My parents Pete, I wanted to go back to them, I miss them so much." So, it was for his family all along. He hasn't been home since we lived together as a couple because his parents do not approve our relationship. I always have a guilt inside of me when I think about how he chose me more than his family.

I hate myself for being too considerate. Earlier, I just wanted to be selfish but now I'm thinking that maybe he really missed his home, he missed his normal life.

"Pete, I'm sorry..."

"Vegas, can you stay..."

"Pete..."

"Vegas, just for tonight Vegas, please stay just for tonight. You can leave tomorrow, but please stay for tonight."

He did not answer but he walked straight into our room. But I can hear him packing his things.

It hurts me so much. I just sit on the sofa and cry.

He has finished packing all of his things and walk straight to his car. He did not stay as I requested. All I can do is just watch him leave.

I can't go any further, I feel so weak after everything that had happened.

What am I supposed to do now?...

Vegas's PoV

"Vegas, just tonight Vegas, please stay just for tonight. You can leave tomorrow, but please stay for tonight."

I'm sorry Pete, I can't. If I don't leave now, it will make the both of us suffer even more.

I chose not to answer him anymore and walk straight into our room and pack all of my things. I can hear him cry from the sofa and it also broke my heart.

I don't want to do this Pete but this is for the both of us, for us to have a better life.

I've finished packing everything but I stopped for a minute and cry my heart out before going out of the room. Everything is sinking in my mind now; I am leaving him, I am leaving the love of my life. But I also wanted to live a life like my workmates have. I always got jealous about them taking their child to their hometown to meet their parents. That was my dream before I met Pete, I wanted to see my parents happy and enjoying their life with my own family. And I know that it was also Pete's dream for his parents before he met me so I am also giving him a chance through this.

It might hurt this time but eventually we will just forget about each other and we will finally have our own life, achieve the dream that we have and also build our own family.

I wiped my tears and composed myself before getting out of the room and walk straight to my car so that I don't have to face Pete anymore.

He just watched me go and he did not stop me anymore. Maybe he now understands everything.

Thank you, Pete. Please find your happiness without me, I'm sorry.

I decided to drive straight to my parents' house. But while driving, I can't control my tears. It doesn't mean that I am the one who left, I won't be hurt anymore. It is also painful for me. I still love him, it's just that I wanted to live a life where I think I can be happier. A life I have been longing for.

It took me 4 hours to reach my parent's house. I am nervous on how I would face them after years of not being in touch with one another. But I took up all the courage and walk straight inside our house.

While coming inside, I finally saw my parents. They were also shocked with my presence and I guess they already know what happened because of the bag that I am carrying.

I don't know but I felt so nervous as I walk nearer towards them. And as I stood in front of them, I was shocked when my Mama come closer and suddenly hugs me. The warmth of her hug made me feel so weak that I suddenly burst into tears. And then my Papa also joins the hug.

"I'm sorry Ma, Pa..." the only words I uttered.

"It's okay son, welcome home. We missed you." my Papa said and then kiss my forehead.

"Have you eaten son? Let's get inside, we have so many things to catch up." My Mama said with excitement while also wiping her tears.

So, we get inside and we ate breakfast. I missed this so much. I miss seeing my Mama and Papa bickering in a cute way. I miss the breakfast that Mama make. I miss everything that I am seeing now. I have been longing for this for these past few years and now it was like a dream that I am finally united with my parents.

"Ma, Pa... I really am sorry, sorry for everything." I told them while we're still at the dining table. I think this is the time that I should tell them everything.

"I'm sorry for leaving you, I really am sorry..."

"We are sorry too, son... Sorry for making all of this hard for you but you know that all the things we make is for your own good okay." My Papa told me.

"Yes Pa, I know that. Sorry for realizing it too late. I know it's obvious that we are done, but let me clear things up, I am the one who leaves and he is not the one who hurt me."

"But are you okay son?" my Ma asked worriedly.

"I will be Ma, I will be okay, soon" I know I will and I know that I can.

"Don't worry son, your Mama and I will always be here for you."

"Thank you, Pa!" and I just hugged them tightly.

I know that I can get through this knowing that I got my parents beside me. I can do this.

°°°°°°°°°°°°

A year had already passed after Pete and Vegas broke up.

Pete chose to stay at the house that the both of them had built together with Grey and Mino.

While Vegas chose to stay at his parents' house. He also started to find the girl that he is looking for by going to different dates every week.

Either it's a friend's suggestion or even through blind dates and dating applications.

But after going to hundreds of dates, he still hasn't found the one that he is looking for.

Vegas's PoV

It's been a year that I've been going to different dates but I still couldn't find the one that I could spend the rest of my life.

I'm starting to doubt if I have really chosen the right thing to do.

Am I really doing the right thing?

"Hey son, what are you stressed about?" my Pa suddenly came and asked me.

I guess I can't hide how I feel right now.

"Uhmm nothing Pa, just about my work nothing more hehe..." yes, nice excuse Vegas.

"Hmmm, I don't think so son, there's more. You can tell me anything son, please let me be a father to you." Look at how sweet my Papa is, I guess he really can tell what I am stressing about, he really is my Papa.

"Hmmm, Pa it was just... hmmm... I guess it was just hard for me to find a girl of my type, do you think that I am just being too picky?" I just told him honestly what my problem really is.

"I guess son that's just normal. But son can I ask you an honest question?" my Papa ask.

"Yes, go on Pa."

"Is this really what you wanted? Are you really happy with the decision that you have made?" and that question slap me a little. Am I really happy?

"hmmm, I guess Pa I am happy, actually I am doing this to make you and Mama happy, Pa. Because your happiness would also be my happiness so, I guess I am happy."

"But my son, it doesn't show that you really are." I guess my Papa knows me better than I know myself.

"Really Pa?"

"Yes. Vegas maybe the reason that you really can't find the one you are looking for is maybe because you still haven't moved on from him..."

I'll be honest, my dad was right. I have never forgotten Pete even for a day.

From the words that my Papa said, suddenly tears started to flow from my eyes as I remembered him once again.

My papa pulled me into a tight hug as soon as he sees me crying.

"Vegas, we are happy that you are back here with us, that's enough for us that you came back after all these years, we really are thankful from all of your efforts to make us happy son, we know that you are the one sending gifts and money to us every month when you were not here. We know everything son."

"Pa..." I can't talk properly. I also don't know what to say.

"Son, I am sorry"

"What are you sorry for Pa?"

"I am sorry for making you feel that I am against your relationship with Pete. I never wanted it to be like that son. It's just that...I wanted you first to finish your education before entering a relationship, but maybe you interpreted my intentions differently. I am really sorry for making you feel like that son." After hearing those words, I can't help it but to cry even more.

"Vegas, I don't care who you fall in love with, as long as you are happy son, your Mama and I would be happiest person in the world. Son, your happiness is all that we wanted and it's not true that our happiness is your happiness too. Vegas, Pete is the person that can make you happy, that's the reason why no matter how many girls you have go out with, you won't find the one because your heart already found Pete, Vegas."

All this time, I have endured the pain and guilt of leaving Pete. I have been in denial that I can move on from him, but obviously I can't.

"Pa, I'm sorry, sorry for being like this." I cry even harder and hug my Papa tighter.

"Don't be sorry for being who you are, Vegas. Being true to yourself isn't wrong, what's wrong is when you are forcing yourself to become someone you are not."

"Pa...." I just continue crying when I felt my Mama hugged us from behind. I guess she was just listening with our conversation but I can sense that she is crying too.

"Son, we are so proud of you, we love you and you are the most important person to me and your Papa, always remember that son huh?" my mom said.

"Yes Ma. I love you Mama & Papa thank you for everything and for accepting who I really am." And I give them both the warmest tight hug.

"So, son when can we meet Pete huh?" my Papa suddenly asked me.

"But Pa, what if Pete..."

"uh-uh son, don't think negatively. You still don't know. It's been just a year and I know that he truly loves you, too. So, I guess he is still waiting for you." My Papa is the most Optimistic person I know.

"Then if that's the case Pa, can I go to him tomorrow?"

"Oh my God, Vegas you're an adult now! You don't need our permission anymore. Go whenever you want; you can actually go now if you want to." My mama said.

"Nah Ma, I think I should prepare first before meeting him, I should go tomorrow."

"Vegas, a piece of advice, don't lose him anymore." My Papa gave the best advice in the world!

"Yes, Pa! I will never lose him anymore; I will never lose the love of my life!"

I will never lose this chance; I will never let go of him anymore. I am willing to spend the rest of my life with him. I can be happy as long as I am with him.

Pete, please wait for me, I'm coming home!

°°°The next day°°°

I will never waste any time because this might be the last chance to correct my mistakes.

I hurriedly ride my car and drive straight to my home.

I can't help but smile like crazy while driving. I was very excited but at the same time nervous to see him again.

I thought I could never smile this wide again. I was imagining of what does he look like now. Would there be a lot of changes with him? But there is one thing that I am sure of that will never change about him, his smile.

I have reached our house, now I am getting anxious.

What if he doesn't live here anymore?

But I think someone is still living here.

I smile widely as there are two familiar faces that's coming towards me. It was Grey and Mino.

I hurriedly carried the two of them as soon as I come close to them.

It means that Pete is still here.

"Hey Grey, Mino I told you to never run outside I can't catch you any –" I hurriedly put Grey and Mino down and turn slowly to see the owner of that familiar voice, it was Pete.

But I was shocked with what I am seeing right now.

Yes, it was Pete, but he looks thinner and he is also wearing a cap.

"Pete..." the only thing I could utter as I walk towards him.

He looks so weak but still he gave me the warmest and widest smile that he could make.

"Vegas, long time no see. How are you? Oh, come inside so it would be comfortable as we talk." he invited me because obviously he also can't stand for too long anymore.

We entered the house and I was shocked that Pete never changed anything in the house and it still has our pictures. I am trying to hold my tears while I am still processing on what could have happened to him. Then he sat in front of where I am sitting and gave me a drink.

"Pete, what happened?" I asked him while trying to hold back my tears.

"Ahh this *pointing at his head* cancer, Stomach Cancer. Hehe maybe you were right when you told me to eat my veggies instead of throwing them onto you before." he jokingly said.

He got Cancer?! Wait this is too much for me to take.

I've got so many questions that I wanted to ask him but I am too ashamed to even speak.

I am still trying to hold back my tears; I am still trying to stay strong.

"When- when did you know that you have it?" the first thing that I want to know.

"Hmmm, remember the day of our 7th anniversary, it was that day when I got to see a doctor about my condition then that doctor just bluntly told me that I have a Stomach Cancer." I can't take it anymore.

"That doctor also told me that day that the cancer cells already spread on the other parts of my body so it was so f-cked up haha yeah." I burst into tears knowing that I am such an asshole for leaving him when he needed me the most.

"Hey, Vegas what's wrong? Why are you crying?" why is he like this? Why does he still care about me after everything I have done to him.

"W-Why didn't you t-tell me that day?" why is he so selfless? I could have had stayed that night.

"Ohh... Because I know that... You badly wanted to go back to your parents, I felt it. And who am I to take that away from you." 

He holds my hand and say "And I don't want to waste your time taking care of me. I've realized that it was actually a perfect timing that you've realized that you wanted to have a family and at the same time knowing that I don't have a lot of time to live my life anymore." 

He's trying to look cool saying all of that but obviously he was still hurt about what happened between us. I can clearly see that he was just fighting back his tears, but I can't. I am crying like a baby here while he comforts me.

"P-Pete, I'm sorry... I am so sorry Pete..." the words that I think I needed to tell him.

"Hey, Vegas you don't need to apologize. I am fine I can still smile look..." and then showed me his smile. His smile is contagious but I can't manage to smile after everything that I have found out.

"Hey Vegas, stop crying! You're too big to cry like a baby. By the way, what brought you here huh? Are you going to invite me to your wedding? I am not so sure if I can go, I'll just send my gift for the both of you."  How can you still say those words? You're too kind for this world Pete.

I came back to my senses and try to calm myself down before answering him.

"No, I'm not inviting you yet. I still have to ask that person to marry me."

"Oh, so you are just planning to propose to her. Wow! But let me congratulate you right now. Congratulations Vegas!" and then he reached out his hands.

But I did not shake his hands, instead I stood from the sofa that I was sitting to and knelt in front of him while taking out the ring that I've bought for him. He looks so shock with the actions I've made.

"Pete, I know this is so sudden but I won't waste any more time just to be with you again. Pete, will you spend the remaining days of your life with me?"

Pete's PoV

I'm glad that he still remembers me.

But, why is he crying so much like this he is such a crybaby haha.

He doesn't have to feel guilty; I am also part of that decision; I also agree with that set up.

I must try to make him stop crying... hmmm

"Hey Vegas, stop crying! You're too big to cry like a baby. By the way, what brought you here huh? Are you going to invite me to your wedding? I am not so sure if I can go, I'll just send my gift for the both of you."

Yes, Pete nice one, he stops crying but I think you are the one who will eventually cry.

"No, I'm not inviting you yet. I still have to ask that person to marry me." Owww, Pete hold those tears... don't cry...Okay, let's act tough, Pete.

"Oh, so you are just planning to propose to her. Wow! But let me congratulate you right now. Congratulations Vegas!" okay Pete reach out your hands to him so that it would be more sincere.

Aw but why didn't he shake my hands? Where are you going Vegas? Why are you... kneeling? Hey stand up Dude!

"Pete, I know this is so sudden but I won't waste any time to be with you again. Pete, will you spend the remaining days of your life with me?"

Wait- too much information to process. Wait... Marry me but why? Vegas... wait uggghhh... I am fighting with my confusion and with my tears at the same time.

"Vegas, stop it. It's not funny."

"I am not joking here, Pete. I am serious." I guess he's really serious I can see it in his eyes.

Okay, my tears are falling now. Pete... try to hold it back okay. Stay calm.

"But Vegas, what about your parents? I thought –"

"We misunderstood them, Pete. They were never really against our relationship. Actually, they are the one who convinced me to come back here. They also can't wait to meet you Pete."

Wait I can't hold it anymore. Let me cry a little. I am just so happy knowing that.

"But Vegas... you obviously know that... I don't have that much time to spend with you... I don't want you to... you know waste your time taking care of someone like me... I've consulted my doctor Vegas and he told me that I only got more or less than 3 months left to live... and I don't want to be selfish thinking that I will marry you then right after I'll leave you all alone for the rest of your life. Vegas, I want you to be happy." I'll admit it, I am delighted that even after all these years and even in a situation like this, he is still willing to marry me.

"Pete, I don't care. I don't care if I only have 3 months, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day or even just an hour to spend with you. I will never lose this chance again anymore. I've already wasted a year, so this time I won't let any second to pass by with myself being away from you... And Pete for me to be happy, I have to be with you. Pete, you are my one and only Happiness so please spend the remaining days of your life with me..." Vegas said.

I am too overwhelmed with what he has said. I never thought that there would still be a chance for the two of us. And I also feel the same as he did, Vegas is also my happiness. When he left, I've never even felt a single moment of genuine happiness not until this moment.

I guess there's nothing bad to become selfish sometimes.

So, I left him on the sofa kneeling and then I go straight on our room and get something inside there.

When I came back, he's still kneeling, he looks like an idiot because he looks so confused with what I did too haha.

I pulled him up for him to stand up and then I also showed him a box with a ring inside it.

"I was actually going to asked you on our 7th Anniversary. But that whole day, I was contemplating on what to tell you first, was it that I am dying or that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But I've never got a chance to tell those things to you that night. Vegas...even without asking me to marry you, a year ago I have already decided to give you the remaining days of my life."

I saw the guilt on his eyes so I hurriedly held his face.

"So now Vegas, please give me a chance to ask this to you..." I took out the ring from the box and offers it to him

"Vegas will you Marry me?" I ask him, I know he already asked me but I also wanted to have my moment.

"Of course, Pete I am more than willing to, so I guess YES would also be your answer for my question?" I just nodded and we put the rings on each other's hand.

"I Love you, Pete" he said while smiling and with tears in his eyes.

"I Love you too, Vegas" and then he kissed me.

The lips that I have missed, it tastes sweeter maybe because I have been longing for it for a year now.

I can't explain the feeling but it really felt like I am floating in the air because of the happiness that I felt.

But life's still to cruel, I am with the person that I love but I am like a ticking bomb that may explode anytime and might end this fairytale-like story of the two of us. 

°°°°°°°°°To be Continue°°°°°°°°°