His lips crashed onto yours.
Your mind went blank. Your eyes widened as his lips moved against yours-slow, yet demanding, claiming, full of raw emotions he had kept buried for so long.
His scent, his warmth, the way his fingers curled slightly against your waist-it was overwhelming. Your hands clenched into his jacket as electricity rushed through your body.
Jisung took a sharp step back, eyes darkening with shock and disbelief.
Taehyung wasn't just proving a point-he was making a statement.
And you?
You were left trembling, breathless, as your world spun out of control.
Your whole body froze.
The sudden pressure of Taehyung's lips against yours sent a shockwave through your veins. Your breath hitched, your eyes widened, but before you could push him away, something unexpected happened-your eyes fluttered shut.
Why?
You didn't know. Maybe it was the intensity of the moment. Maybe it was the warmth of his lips. Or maybe it was the way his fingers tightened around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer, as if he feared you'd slip away.
His kiss was desperate. Rushed. Possessive. He started off rough, but slowly, painfully slowly, his movements softened. His lips molded against yours with a quiet plea, a longing that he had buried for too long. One of his hands traveled up, brushing against your jawline, then cradling your cheek as if you were something fragile, something precious.
That was when your mind snapped back to reality.
"Is he toying with me?"
"He's my bully."
"He always wanted to hurt me."
"Is this just another way to break me?"
A sharp pang of betrayal ripped through your chest.
You pushed him away-hard.
Taehyung stumbled back slightly, caught off guard by the sudden distance. His eyes, dark and unreadable just moments ago, widened with surprise. But before he could say a word-
SLAP!
The impact of your palm against his cheek echoed in the silent space. His face jerked to the side, his jaw tightening at the sharp sting.
Your hand trembled as you lowered it, your chest rising and falling rapidly, eyes burning with unshed tears.
Y/N: "How dare you, Kim Taehyung?!" (Your voice cracked, but the anger in it was unmistakable.) "How dare you kiss me without my consent?!"
Taehyung didn't move. He didn't speak. He only stared at the ground, his jaw clenched, his breathing heavy.
Y/N: "I told you to stay away from me! Why don't you ever listen?! I'm not one of your toys, not like the other girls you mess with! WHY?!"
Your voice rose, thick with emotion, your vision blurring with tears. You inhaled sharply, trying to steady yourself, but your pain only deepened.
Y/N: "I know why you did this." (You let out a bitter chuckle, shaking your head.) "You wanted to see me suffer, didn't you? You love seeing me break, seeing me cry!" (You scoffed, your voice dripping with sarcasm.) "Well, congratulations, Kim Taehyung! You've won! You did it! I'm broken! I'm crying! Are you happy now?!"
Your words cut deep.
Taehyung's heart twisted painfully in his chest. That wasn't what he wanted. He didn't want to hurt you like this.
But when he saw Jisung standing there, confessing to you, looking at you the way only he wanted to-he lost control.
He let his jealousy ruin everything.
Again.
You exhaled shakily, wiping your tears with trembling fingers.
Y/N: "I'm tired, Taehyung. I'm so damn tired of this." (Your voice broke, barely above a whisper.) "Just spare me. Please."
You turned around, ready to walk away, to run from him, from everything.
Taehyung panicked.
Taehyung: "Y/N, listen to me-"
But you didn't let him. You spun back around, holding up your palm, stopping him in his tracks.
Y/N: "Don't." (Your voice was firm this time.) "Don't come near me. Don't talk to me. I don't want to see you right now."
He froze.
It wasn't your anger that shattered him-it was the word you had whispered so desperately.
"Please."
For the first time, he obeyed.
You turned around and ran.
And Taehyung?
He closed his eyes, his fists tightening at his sides as he let out a frustrated, agonized scream into the night sky. His chest heaved, his heart pounded, but nothing-nothing-could undo the damage.
He didn't want the night to end like this.
He had wanted to tell you that he loved you.
But now?
Now he was sure-you hated him.
And maybe... maybe you had every right to.
_In Your Room_
You slammed the door shut, your hands gripping the edge of your desk as you tried to steady yourself.
Tears fell freely, hot and relentless, staining your cheeks as silent sobs racked through your body. You had never felt this kind of pain before-this twisted mix of anger, confusion, and something else.
You hated him... right?
Then why did it hurt so much?
Your eyes landed on your trembling palm. The same hand that had struck him moments ago.
You had slapped him.
You had hurt him.
Your heart clenched painfully. Why did it feel so wrong?
Y/N: "Stop crying, Y/N. It's not your fault." (You whispered to yourself, trying to control your breathing.) "He kissed you forcefully. He crossed a line. He shouldn't have done that."
But deep inside, a small voice whispered-then why did you close your eyes?
You shook your head violently, pushing the thought away.
Y/N: "I can't let him mess with my emotions. I won't. No matter what happens, I'll stay away from him."
You wiped your tears harshly, forcing yourself to believe it.
But deep inside, you already knew-
Staying away from him was never going to be that easy.
_The Journey Back Home_
Professor Lee: "So, we are heading back today...! Everyone is here, right?"
Everyone: "Yes, sir!" (They responded in unison.)
Professor Lee scanned the group, nodding in approval, but just as he was about to take a headcount, Joel's voice interrupted him.
Joel: "Professor, wait... Taehyung and Sehun aren't here yet!" (He spoke, catching your attention.)
You frowned slightly and glanced around, realizing that Joel was right-Taehyung wasn't there. A strange unease settled in your chest, but before your mind could wander too far, a familiar deep voice cut through the air.
Taehyung: "We're here!"
Sehun: "Sorry, we're late!"
Your gaze instinctively moved toward him. Taehyung was walking towards the group, his expression unreadable. You quickly looked away, pretending not to notice, but Taehyung's eyes had already found you in the crowd.
Professor Lee: "Alright then, let me take a quick headcount." (He counted swiftly before announcing,) "Okay, everyone, let's take a group photo to remember this trip!"
Excited murmurs spread through the group, and everyone huddled closer for the picture.
Eunah: "Come on, Y/N, let's stand in the center! It'll make our picture look good!" (She said, pulling you into the middle with a bright smile.)
You smiled slightly and took your place beside her, only for Stacey to scoff and step forward.
Stacey: "Move aside. I want to stand in the middle."
Before you could react, Joel stepped in smoothly.
Joel: "Ah, Stacey, that's not the best spot for you. I mean, your picture will look much better if you stand where you were before." (He smirked, placing himself on your left.)
Stacey huffed but relented, moving back to her previous spot. Joel shot Sehun a quick wink, making Sehun chuckle.
Sehun: "Ohh... let's stand here, Taehyung!" (He pulled Taehyung beside him, unknowingly placing him near you.)
You hadn't even realized that Taehyung was so close until Joel suddenly moved backward, leaving a noticeable space between you and him.
Professor Lee: "Wait, Taehyung and Y/N, step closer and fill that gap!"
Your body tensed as your eyes met Taehyung's. He looked just as frozen as you. A rush of memories from the previous night flashed through your mind, making your heart pound. Before you could react, Sehun nudged Taehyung forward, pushing him slightly toward you.
Your shoulders brushed against each other.
The slight touch sent a jolt through you, making you turn toward him instinctively-only to find that he was looking at you too. For a second, time stood still. The chatter of the students, the click of the camera-everything faded into the background.
Professor Lee: "Okay, everyone, say 'Kimchiii'!"
Everyone: "Kimchii!"
But neither you nor Taehyung said anything. You were too caught up in each other's eyes as the camera captured the moment.
Professor Lee: "Alright, it's done! Let's hop on the bus!"
The students cheered and rushed toward the bus, but you stayed still for a moment longer, swallowing the whirlwind of emotions inside you before following them.
_On the Bus_
Professor Lee: "So, everyone is here, right? We didn't leave anyone behind?"
A collective "yes" echoed through the bus. The professor gestured to the driver, and soon, the vehicle rumbled to life, heading back toward Seoul.
A mixture of emotions filled the bus-some students felt relaxed, while others were sad that the trip was ending. You and Eunah found seats on the left side, while Taehyung and Sehun sat across from you on the right.
Eunah had wanted to sit further back, but the crowd made you uneasy, so you both settled for the second-row seats. She insisted on the window seat, and you agreed without much thought-only to immediately regret it when you realized Taehyung was sitting directly across from you.
There was only a narrow aisle between you.
You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, forcing yourself to look anywhere but at him. But Taehyung noticed-he always noticed. He sighed and turned to Sehun.
Taehyung: "Can we switch seats?"
Sehun: "No way! What's wrong with your seat?"
Taehyung: "I just want to sit by the window."
Sehun: "Too bad! This is my seat, and I'm not giving it up." (He smirked, clearly enjoying Taehyung's dilemma.)
Sehun didn't know what had happened last night-no one did. That's why he and the others were unknowingly pushing you and Taehyung closer.
Taehyung sighed heavily. "Fine. Keep your seat forever for all I care." (He muttered, pulling his bucket hat lower over his face.)
His words stung. You thought he was avoiding you too, and guilt tightened in your chest.
Joel: "Yah! You all are so boring! We're going home; we should enjoy the ride!"
Eunah: "What do you suggest?"
Joel: "Let's have a singing competition! Boys vs. Girls!"
Eunah smirked. "You're asking for a loss, Joel, but sure. Girls, are we in?"
Cheers erupted, and the game began. One by one, students sang their hearts out, and soon, the girls were on the verge of winning.
Joel: "Aishh! Come on, guys! How can we lose to them?! Taehyung, wake up and help us!" (He shook Taehyung's shoulder.)
Taehyung groaned. "What do you want me to do?"
Minsoo: "Sing! You're our band's lead singer! Our throats are already sore!"
Eunah: "Booo! You guys ran out of songs! Just accept your defeat!"
Sehun: "C'mon, Taehyung! Just one song!"
Taehyung glanced at his team, then at you. You weren't even paying attention-you had your earphones in, lost in your own world.
He sighed and finally agreed.
As soon as he started singing, the entire bus went silent. His voice was deep, soothing, and filled with emotion.
Eunah, who had never heard him sing before, was stunned. She turned to you and gently pulled one of your earphones out.
"Listen," she whispered.
You blinked, annoyed at first, but then-your breath hitched.
The voice you heard was beautiful, mesmerizing. It wrapped around you like a warm embrace, pulling you into a world where only his voice existed.
You turned, your eyes locking onto him.
He was completely immersed in the song, his expression raw and vulnerable. For a moment, you forgot everything-the tension, the hurt, the distance.
Then, as if he could feel your gaze, he turned toward you.
And just like that, his voice faltered.
Your eyes met, and the rest of the world blurred.
Your heart pounded.
But then, something changed. His gaze hardened, and he quickly looked away, cutting the moment short.
A pang of disappointment hit you.
Joel: "Yeahhh! Taehyung sang for us! Now it's your turn, girls!"
Eunah sighed. "Honestly? I don't think we can compete with that voice. Let's just end the game here."
Joel smirked. "So, you admit defeat?"
Eunah crossed her arms. "No way! We were winning before he sang! Let's call it even!"
Minsoo: "Okay, okay, no fighting. It's a tie!"
The bus filled with laughter and chatter as students started singing their own favorite songs. You put your earphones back in, but your mind was elsewhere.
Your gaze flickered toward Taehyung.
He was staring out of the window, lost in thought.
And for the rest of the ride, neither of you looked at each other again.
But the silence between you spoke louder than any song ever could.
Time Skip ( Evening)
"Eunah: Y/N... let's go. Our cab is here!" she called, snapping you out of your trance.
Your eyes, unknowingly, had been searching for Taehyung, scanning the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of him. But he was nowhere to be seen. He must have already left... you thought, a dull ache settling in your chest.
"Y/N: Huh..? Oh... yeah, let's go," you muttered, forcing a small smile as you followed Eunah towards the cab.
The moment you settled into the seat, the cab started moving. The city lights blurred past, but your mind was elsewhere. You didn't know, couldn't have known-Taehyung hadn't left yet. His car trailed behind your cab, headlights dim, following you silently, watching over you from a distance.
_The Next Night_
After finishing work, exhaustion weighed heavily on your body. You dragged yourself to one of the bar counter chairs and slumped forward, resting your head on the cool surface. The dim lights, the murmured conversations, the faint clinking of glasses-it all felt distant, like you weren't really there.
Someone took a seat beside you. You lifted your head slightly and found Yeri, one of your coworkers, watching you curiously.
"Yeri: Not heading home yet? That's unusual," she remarked, raising an eyebrow.
You let out a tired chuckle. "Y/N: Yeah... I will. Just needed a moment."
Yeri tilted her head, studying you. "Wanna drink?" she asked, already preparing a shot for herself.
You hesitated. You didn't drink. But tonight... tonight you wanted to silence your thoughts, even if just for a little while. So, you gave a small nod.
Yeri smirked and slid a glass toward you. You took it, downed it in one go, and immediately regretted it. The bitterness burned your throat, making you grimace.
"Yeri: Want more?" she asked, amused.
You shook your head. "Y/N: No... one is enough. I should go now." You removed your apron, forcing a small smile. "See you tomorrow."
Yeri nodded, giving you a thumbs-up. "Go home safely."
You returned the gesture before stepping outside.
______________________________________
The streets were quiet. You walked, choosing to save money instead of taking a taxi. The cool breeze kissed your skin, sending shivers down your spine, but you welcomed it. It made you feel alive. You walked towards the handrails, stopping for a moment to take in the view. The city lights stretched endlessly before you, their reflections shimmering on the river below. It was beautiful.
Smiling faintly, you pulled out your phone and captured the moment. At least this stays the same, you thought, tucking your phone back into your pocket.
Then... your gaze drifted.
Your feet had unknowingly brought you here-the very place where you had signed that contract with Taehyung. A cruel twist of fate.
A bitter chuckle escaped your lips.
"Y/N: Why am I still thinking about you...?" you whispered, your voice barely audible against the wind.
You clenched the railing, frustration building inside you. "I thought drinking would help... but it only made it worse. It still aches, right here." Your hand instinctively covered your heart, feeling its erratic rhythm.
A lone tear slipped down your cheek. You blinked, surprised, and wiped it away, scoffing at yourself.
"Y/N: What is this? My eyes... leaking again?" You forced a laugh, though it held no warmth. "Why...? For him?"
You exhaled sharply, shaking your head. "Stop this, Y/N. Stop feeling like this. He doesn't feel the same. You're just a mere girl he enjoys teasing. Nothing more. Stop thinking about him. It's not good for you."
Your phone buzzed in your pocket. You flinched, startled, before glancing at the screen. Mom.
A lump formed in your throat. Your fingers trembled slightly as you pressed 'answer.'
"Y/N: Mumma..."
Your mother's voice came through, filled with worry. "Y/N! Thank God you picked up. Where have you been? Have you forgotten that you have a mother who worries about you? Are you that busy? Or..." she hesitated, her tone turning teasing, "did you get a boyfriend? Tell me, Y/N!"
A painful knot tightened in your chest. Hearing her voice, her warmth, after so long-it made you want to crumble. To fall into her arms and let everything pour out.
You clenched your jaw, trying to suppress the sob threatening to escape.
"Y/N? Are you there? What's wrong?" her voice softened, sensing something was off. "Tell me, sweetheart. Did someone say something to you? Are you okay? Is someone bothering you?"
Your grip on the phone tightened as you covered your mouth, trying to stifle the sobs clawing their way out.
Your mother. The one person who would drop everything for you. Who would listen. Who would understand. But you couldn't. You couldn't break, not now.
You inhaled deeply, blinking away the moisture in your eyes. Tilting your head back, you exhaled toward the sky, steadying your voice.
"Y/N: M-Mumma... I'm fine. Don't worry. I'll call you later. Bye."
Before she could respond, you ended the call.
You stood there for a moment, staring blankly ahead. Then, with heavy steps and an even heavier heart, you turned and walked toward home, disappearing into the cold night.
_A Night of Restless Thoughts_
After a long, hot shower, you emerged in your nightwear, your damp hair sticking to your skin as a cool breeze from the window sent a shiver down your spine. You rubbed your arms absentmindedly and walked toward your nightstand, picking up your phone. The screen glowed back at you-12:36 AM.
A deep sigh escaped your lips as you put your phone down and grabbed your night cream. Settling onto your bed, you began applying it to your arms and legs, the cold sensation against your skin grounding you momentarily.
Your fingers reached for your lip balm next, smoothing it over your dry lips. But the moment your fingertips brushed against them, an uninvited memory surged through your mind-his lips on yours.
Your body tensed.
The way he had kissed you... the way his hand had curled around your waist, pulling you closer... the way he had deepened the kiss, as if he didn't want to let go.
Your first kiss.
And it had been so intense.
A shudder ran through you, and you quickly shook your head, trying to snap yourself out of it. No. Stop thinking about it.
You placed the lip balm back on the nightstand and were about to lie down when your eyes landed on the book.
The one Taehyung had bought for you.
The memory of that bookstore incident hit you like a wave-his gaze, the way he had chosen the book for you, the way your fingers had brushed against his when he handed it over.
You exhaled sharply, pressing your fingers to your temples.
"Y/N: What's wrong with you? Why can't you stop thinking about him?"
Your voice was barely a whisper, but the frustration in it was evident.
You clenched your jaw.
"This book... I need to return it to him. Maybe then I'll stop going insane over him."
Determined, you placed the book in your bag.
Grabbing the sleeping pills from your nightstand, you swallowed them dry, desperate for an escape from your restless thoughts.
You curled under your blanket, willing your mind to silence itself, until, finally, sleep claimed you.
_The Next Day_
With the book in hand, you found yourself standing outside Taehyung's house. The familiar estate loomed before you, its grand architecture as intimidating as ever.
The watchman at the gate gave you a small nod, allowing you inside without question. You had been here enough times that the helpers had become your friends.
As you made your way up the pathway, something caught your eye-a sleek, black Mercedes parked outside.
A new model. A luxurious one.
Someone was here.
You hesitated, your fingers tightening around the book.
Something didn't feel right.
The front door was already open.
A strange sense of unease crawled up your spine.
And then-you heard it.
A voice. Raised. Yelling.
You couldn't make out the words, but the sharpness in the tone made your heart pound.
Your feet moved before your mind could catch up.
You stepped inside, your pulse thrumming in your ears.
Something was happening inside this house.
Something you weren't sure you were ready to see.
Your hands tightened around the book as you watched from the shadows, your heart twisting at the scene unfolding before you. The air in the room was thick with tension, a suffocating weight pressing down as Taehyung's father's voice echoed through the grand living room. Each word was like a dagger, cutting deeper into wounds that had never truly healed. The walls of the grand mansion trembled with anger, the air thick with unspoken resentment.
Mr. Kim's voice cut through the silence like a knife.
"What do you think of yourself, huh? Tell me! Who gave you the right to go on that ridiculous trip with your bike? What if something serious had happened to you?"
To Be Continued...
Exciting episode, wasn't it? I'm sure you loved it!
Show your support by voting this episode & following me for more episodes, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments. Your love and feedback mean the world to me!
See you soon in the next episode!
Write a comment ...