Page 129 of XOXO

“You made us feel whole,” Matteo said, kissing her hand.

“It was fate,” I said, bringing her in for a kiss.

“I love you, my sweet girl,” Levi said, pulling her in for a kiss, lingering his lips over hers. “You have given me everything I have ever wanted and more.”

Matteo leaned forward, kissing their temples until Violeta kissed back and Levi joined in. I should have felt left out, that was the normal response, but nothing felt better than to see my best friends get everything they wanted.

“Ti amo, Bella,” Matteo said softly. “Ti amo, Cuore Mio.”

He kissed them softly.

“I love you too, Ru,” Matteo said, pulling me towards them and kissing my cheek.

“Yeah, I love you too guys,” I said, wrapping my arms around Violeta and Matteo.

Levi threaded his fingers through mine and I felt my world slip into place like a puzzle. It had taken time to get all the pieces together, but it was worth the wait.

“As much as I would like to chill and get over the last day, we need to get going,” Matteo said, breaking our hug.

“Let's get out of here,” Violeta said.

“Gomdori, can you take my bag while I check the restroom?” I asked, giving him and Matteo a look.

“Yeah, come on, Vi, let’s get the hell out of here,” he said, grabbing her hand.

Matteo stayed put as they left, lifting his brow as a silent question.

“I think we need to make some calls,” I said, explaining what I needed him to do.

“Are you sure?” he asked. “If you do this⁠—”

“I know, and Minsoo can go fuck himself,” I said, getting up. “This will be enough of a statement to release and I would like for him to suffer a little before I fire him.”

“Ok, give me a moment and I’ll be out,” he said, already typing on his phone as I walked into the bathroom to check that I hadn’t left anything.

The drive to the airport was quick and the anxiety I thought I would feel was nowhere in sight. It was time I took my life into my hands. I had never felt freer as I held Violeta’s hand. We pulled up to the airport and I pulled her in for a quick kiss.

“Right here, please,” Levi said.

My heart leapt as I ended our kiss. “Do you trust me, Gongjunim?”

“Of course,” she said immediately.

I almost felt bad for doing this to her, but I needed her to know this was permanent and the rest of the world needed to know it too. The moment my door opened, someone called out my name. A swarm of photographers rushed towards us.

“Oh my god,” Violeta said, as I helped her down.

“It’s ok, we've got you,” I said confidently.

Levi and Matteo pulled up the rear as we walked towards the doors to the airport.

“Ruwon! Over here!”

“Ruwon, this way!”

“Is she your girlfriend!?”

“Are you all together!?”