Kim Taehyung

The soft hum of the car engine barely registered in my ears as I leaned back against the luxurious leather seat, a faint smirk tugging at my lips. The memory of Miso’s wide-eyed shock when I’d called her princess played in my mind like a sweet melody. She masked it well, of course, firing back with her usual sass, but I had caught that fleeting moment of vulnerability. A win.

Yin slid into the driver’s seat, adjusting the mirrors with practiced ease, while Yang occupied the passenger seat, his usual composed demeanor in place. The moment Yin started the car, Yang turned his head slightly, raising a brow in my direction.

“Where to, boss?” he asked, his tone as calm and steady as ever.

A brief silence lingered as I gazed out the tinted window at the bustling streets of Seoul. Finally, I replied, my voice low and laced with mystery. “Take me to that place. Today is the day.”

Yin and Yang exchanged a glance, their eyes briefly meeting in the rearview mirror before understanding dawned on their faces. Yin nodded, his grip on the steering wheel firming.

“Ah,” Yang said, leaning back into his seat. “So it’s that day we forgot. Explains why you’re dressed like this.”

I adjusted my cufflinks, the smooth silk of my tailored black suit pristine against my skin. A nod was all I gave them in response.I leaned back in the passenger seat, staring out at the world that seemed so alive, so indifferent. My reflection in the window looked back at me—stoic, cold, unreadable. Just how I preferred it.

The drive through the city was uneventful, the streets alive with activity. I remained silent, letting the hum of the car and the faint rhythm of the city fill the space. Yin and Yang didn’t press for conversation; they knew better.

After a while,The faint glow of streetlights danced across the windshield as we reach closer  toward a place I hadn’t visited in too long.
The car pulled up to the discreet gates of a quiet, somber location. The sprawling crematorium was nestled amidst towering trees, the air here carrying a weight of unspoken grief. Not graves. No gravestones or lush greenery here—just the faint scent of incense and the cold, sterile walls that carried the weight of countless goodbyes. I adjusted my cufflinks, the small, mindless action grounding me before I stepped out.

Yin and Yang  also stepped out as the car halted, but they didn’t follow me further.

“We’ll wait here, boss,” Yin said, his tone respectful.

I gave a curt nod,  before stepping forward not trusting my voice to betray the storm brewing inside me. The weight in my chest grew heavier with every passing second. I walked through the entrance, my footsteps echoing against the tiled floor.

The staff here knew better than to approach me. They offered only respectful nods before disappearing into the shadows. They understood. I didn’t need guidance. I knew exactly where to go.

I entered the memorial hall. The room was dimly lit, save for the gentle flicker of candlelight. The small plaques with names etched into them stared back at me like silent witnesses to my grief. My eyes immediately found the ones I sought—
Yoon Hyojin and Kim Seongho. My mother. My grandfather. Their urns rested behind a thin glass panel, surrounded by offerings from previous visits: my mother’s favorite flower, the white camellia, now dried and brittle, and my grandfather’s old fountain pen, which he had treasured until his final breath.

I didn’t come here often, not because I didn’t care, but because facing the ashes of my mother and grandfather reminded me of everything I’d lost and everything I had yet to achieve in their honor.

For a moment, I stood still, letting the weight of the past settle over me.

“Mother, Grandfather,” I began my voice soft, almost unfamiliar to my own ears but it echoed in the stillness like a confession. My eyes traced the engravings, lingering on the dates that marked their beginnings and ends. Two lives that shaped mine in ways I was still trying to understand.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” A bitter laugh escaped me. “I know. I’ve been... busy.”

The word felt like an excuse even as I said it. I lowered my gaze to the flickering incense.

I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply. "Grandfather, you would’ve scolded me by now for not visiting sooner. You’d remind me that family is the foundation of everything. I hear your voice every day in my head, telling me to lead with strength, to be unyielding. I hope... I hope I’m not disappointing you." My lips curving into a faint, almost bitter smile. “You always said I’d inherit the world. That the Kim legacy was mine to carry, whether I wanted it or not. Well… I did. And sometimes, I wonder if it’s a blessing or a curse.”

I leaned against the cool marble, hands in my pockets, trying to appear indifferent, but the ache in my chest betrayed me. “You’d be proud, wouldn’t you? Your grandson, the man everyone fears. I built this empire larger than you ever imagined.”

A pause.

“But sometimes, I wonder if this power has hollowed me out.”

The silence answered me, but the weight in the room felt heavier, like an unspoken acknowledgment.

I turned my gaze to my mother’s plaque. "And you, Mother..."  My voice cracked slightly, I exhaled deeply, trying to steady myself. “You would hate what I’ve become, wouldn’t you? You always wanted me to be kind, to see the world with compassion. But compassion is a weakness in my world. And you know what happens to the weak.”
And I clenched my jaw to regain control. "You’d tell me to be kinder, to not let the world harden me completely. I try, but it’s hard, Mother. It’s so damn hard, For a long time, I tried to be what you wanted. But life doesn’t work like that. Life is brutal, and it doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath. Here are days when I think I can’t do this anymore. But then I remember your laugh, the way you used to hum when you thought no one was listening... and it keeps me going."

“I miss you both,” I admitted, the words coming easier than I expected. “Every single day. It’s been... years. I was just a kid, barely ten when you both left. It feels like a lifetime ago. And yet, I can still remember the sound of your laughter, the warmth of your hugs, the way you both made everything feel okay. Even when it wasn’t.”

I drew in a shaky breath, the memories sharp and vivid.

“Things changed after you left. Father... he wasn’t the same. He still isn’t. He became colder, harsher. As if he despised me for still being here when you two weren’t. It made me who I am, I suppose. But I wish—” My voice faltered. “I wish you’d stayed. I wish you’d been here to see me grow up.”

The words hung in the air, the silence pressing down on me.

A wry smile tugged at my lips. “Something happened recently. Something big. I, uh—” I chuckled awkwardly, shaking my head. “I got married. Bet you didn’t see that coming, huh?”

The breeze seemed to still, as if waiting for me to continue.

“She’s... well, she’s something else,” I said, a chuckle escaping me despite myself. “Annoying, stubborn, impossible to deal with most of the time.She drives me insane, actually. Always arguing, always challenging me. But she makes me feel…” I trailed off, searching for the right word.

“Alive. It’s maddening, and I hate it.
And I can’t deny it, you’d both love her. I can already picture it. You’d take her side in every argument, wouldn’t you? Traitors,” I added with a faint smirk.

The smirk faded as I exhaled deeply. “She has this way of getting under my skin like no one else ever has. And yet... I think—no, I’m sure—you’d approve of her. Even if she drives me insane half the time.She’s fierce, stubborn, and nothing like the quiet, obedient woman you’d have envisioned for me. But maybe that’s why…” The thought trailed off into the ether.

I reached out, my fingers grazing the cool surface of the plaques. “I’m sorry I didn’t come more often. Life has been... chaotic. But I’ll make time. For you. I owe you that much.”

A moment passed, the quiet comforting in its own way.The stillness of the room pressed against me like a heavy blanket, but it was comforting in its own way. It was the only place where I allowed myself to feel vulnerable, to let the cracks in my armor show.

After a while, I straightened up and adjusted my tie. I couldn’t linger. There was still a world outside waiting for me to conquer it.“Anyway,” I said, my voice firmer now. “I’ve got things to do. A life to live. An empire to run.”

Before leaving, I placed a fresh camellia flower in front of my mother’s plaque and lilies infront of grandfather's  then lit an incense stick for both of them. As the thin trail of smoke curled upward, I felt a strange sense of peace, like they were watching, silently approving.

My gaze lingering to their photos one last time. “I’ll be back. Soon,” I promised, turning on my heel and walking away.

As I stepped back into the crisp air, Yin and Yang straightened from where they had been leaning against the car. Yin opened the door, and I slid back into the seat, my expression unreadable.

“Everything okay, boss?” Yang asked cautiously as he got in.

I nodded once, my gaze distant. “Let’s go .”

The car pulled away, leaving behind the resting place of two of the most important people in my life. The ache in my chest lingered, but I let it settle. After all, life never paused. Not for grief, not for loss. Not even for love.

------★--------★-------★--------★-------★-------

The silence in the penthouse was suffocating as I stepped inside, the echo of my footsteps filling the vast space. It was unusual—normally, Soyeon would be bustling around, and Miso… well, Miso would either be ignoring me or plotting her next move to challenge my authority.

I tossed my keys onto the counter and rolled my shoulders, the tension from the day still clinging to me like a second skin. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the anniversary of my mother’s and grandfather’s deaths. A day I dreaded but endured, year after year, with nothing but cold detachment.

“Soyeon,” I called out. My voice echoed faintly, bouncing off the marble walls. Moments later, she appeared, her expression calm as always.

“Yes, Sir?”

“Call Miso. And is dinner ready?,” I said curtly, heading toward the bar to pour myself a drink. I needed something to dull the weight of the day—the meetings, the endless decisions, and the memory of that day.

Soyeon replied swiftly. “Dinner is ready, Sir.”

I nodded, dismissing her with a wave. Turning on my heel, I headed to my room. The warm, dim light greeted me as I stepped inside. Stripping off my suit jacket, I stood by the window for a moment, letting the city lights distract me. Today marked the anniversary of my mother and grandfather's death—a day that always left me feeling hollow.

Sighing, I went to freshen up. The cool water against my skin helped wash away the tension, but my thoughts kept drifting. Memories of my conversation with Father about the annual Kim gala lingered. I didn’t want to involve Miso, but there was no choice. She had to play her part. The idea of dinner with Miso had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, but now, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Her fiery personality, her sharp tongue—it was maddening and irresistible at the same time.

The day’s weight pressed heavily on me, but somewhere deep inside, I felt a flicker of something… different. Something I couldn’t quite place.

Shaking off the thought, I freshened up, the cold water against my skin grounding me. Once I felt somewhat composed, I headed to the dining area.

But the moment I stepped inside, everything else faded, I froze.

There she was.

Miso sat at the dining table, her posture regal yet teasing, her legs crossed in a way that drew my eyes like a magnet. The other alluring outfit she’d worn during breakfast was gone. In its place was a sleek, black dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. The high slit revealed just enough of her leg to make my imagination run wild, and the neckline—low enough to make my pulse quicken—was a masterpiece of temptation.Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the faint shimmer on her skin made her glow under the chandelier light. She was… divine.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

Goddamn.

She was breathtaking, a goddess designed to torment me. Every curve, every detail of her figure seemed to taunt me. The dress left little to the imagination, and yet it was that “little” that drove me insane. My eyes betrayed me, roaming her figure before I could rein them in.

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. The dress was so revealing I had no words. My usual sharp tongue failed me. What the hell is she trying to pull?

She planned this.

The thought was both infuriating and exhilarating. She knew exactly the effect she had on me, and she wasn’t shy about using it to her advantage.

As if sensing my turmoil, she turned toward me with a sly smirk. “You’re staring, Taehyung,” she said, her voice teasing.

I forced myself to move, my usual composure cracking as I walked to my seat. Clearing my throat, I muttered, “Miso.”

Her smirk widened, and she tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Soyeon served dinner quietly, the aroma of the food barely registering in my mind. How could I focus on anything when she was sitting there, looking like that?

As I picked up my fork, Miso leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed but calculated. “So,” she began, her tone casual, “how do you feel to have  this romantic dinner, Taehyung?”

I looked up, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were challenging, daring me to respond. “Just wanted to have some quality time,” I replied, my voice laced with sarcasm.

“Oh, really?” she shot back, her tone equally sarcastic. “Why the sudden urge for… quality time?”

I leaned back, swirling the wine in my glass. “Do I need a reason?”

Her laughter was soft, almost musical, but there was an edge to it. “With you? Always.” She rolled her eyes, taking a sip of wine.

“Suddenly you’re a romantic? Why the sudden interest?”

I leaned back, my gaze locking with hers. “Because I wanted to.”

She scoffed, taking a bite of her food. “Right. Just another one of your power plays.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You really think so little of me, don’t you?”

“Not at all. I just think you always have an agenda.”

“And you think you don’t?” I countered, my voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone.

She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I have plenty of agendas. One of them is surviving this dinner without dying of boredom.”

Despite myself, I laughed softly. She was impossible, but I couldn’t deny how much I enjoyed this—her sass, her fire.

My lips curled into a smirk. “Careful, Miso. You might hurt my feelings.”

She rolled her eyes, taking a sip of wine. “You’d need to have feelings for that to happen.”

Her words were sharp, but the way she licked her lips after sipping her wine made my mind wander. My gaze fell to her lips, and for a moment, I imagined what they’d feel like against mine. Soft, warm, inviting—

I snapped out of it, taking a deep breath. Focus, Taehyung.

As the dinner continued, the banter flowed between us. I flirted occasionally, testing her resolve. She matched me word for word, her sass and savagery catching me off guard. But every now and then, one of my remarks would make her pause, her expression betraying a flicker of surprise.

The tension between us was thick enough to cut with a knife. Every glance, every word was charged, and I could feel my resolve slipping.

She was driving me crazy. The way she moved, the way she spoke—it was like she was born to test my limits. And damn it, I wanted to fail.

After a while, I decided to address the gala. “The Kim gala we throw every year is approaching and it's important for us KIMS,” I said, my tone serious. “ You'll be also present there ,it will be your first public event after being my wife , and you’ll need to behave appropriately.”

Her fork paused mid-air, and she set it down slowly. “Ah,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “So that’s the reason behind this so-called dinner. How romantic. Buttering me up so I’ll play nice at your fancy event?”

I smirked, unfazed. “I don’t need to butter you up for anything.  If I want something, I’ll get it. Tonight, I wanted dinner with you. Simple as that.”

Her lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “Piss off,” she muttered, finishing her wine. She tilted her head, her smile turning sarcastic. “Congratulations, Mr. Kim. You’ve mastered the art of arrogance.”Rising from her seat, she began walking toward her room.

But I wasn’t done. Acting on impulse, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back toward me. She stumbled slightly, her body colliding with mine. Her wide eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of vulnerability beneath her defiance.

“The dress,” I said huskily, my voice low.

She tilted her head, her expression shifting to playful defiance. “What about it? Did it provoke you?”

“No,” I replied, my lips curling into a smirk. “But since you wore it for me, I can’t let it go to waste.”

Her laughter was soft, mocking. “For you? Don’t flatter yourself, Taehyung. I wore it to make myself presentable.”

“You don’t need a dress to be presentable in front of me,” I murmured, my voice dipping lower. “You’d look just as good in… nothing.”

Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing, masking her shock. “You’re impossible,” she said sassily, but her tone held a hint of flirtation.

“Am I?” I challenged, pulling her even closer. Our faces were mere inches apart now, her breath mingling with mine.

“You’re delusional,” she said, her tone steady despite the faint flush on her cheeks.

“And you’re playing with fire,” I whispered, my gaze falling to her lips.

Her lips parted slightly as she whispered back, “Then let it burn.”

That was all the permission I needed. Before she could respond, I closed the distance between us,  “Fuck it,” I muttered before capturing her lips with mine.

The kiss was electric, a clash of desire and dominance as our lips met. Miso stiffened for a moment, caught off guard, but she quickly melted into the kiss, her hands instinctively gripping my shirt. Her boldness matched mine, her lips moving against mine with a passion that ignited every nerve in my body. 

My hands moved to her waist, pulling her even closer until there was no space left between us. The scent of her perfume—sweet and intoxicating—filled my senses, making it impossible to think about anything else. The world outside disappeared. It was just her. Only her. 

We moved across the dining area, knocking over chairs and crashing into tables. The heat between us was unbearable. I lost myself in her, in the fire that was us, and for a long moment, nothing else mattered. We tumbled into the living room, not caring about anything except the urgency of the moment.

The second her lips left mine, it felt like I was plunged into cold water. Miso pulled back, a little breathless but far too composed for someone who had just been kissed like that. My gaze stayed on her face, noting the slight tremble in her lips and the unspoken challenge burning in her eyes.

"You’re lucky I don’t punch you," she snapped, stepping back and crossing her arms. Her voice was sharp, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.

I tilted my head, letting a smirk spread across my face. "Punch me? For what? For kissing you, or for making you want me to do it again?"

Her jaw tightened, her glare intensifying. "Don’t flatter yourself, Taehyung. You’re not that irresistible."

"Keep telling yourself that, princess," I said smoothly, my voice laced with amusement. "But your lips tell a different story."

She  stared at me with wide eyes. “You—” 

“Don’t act surprised,” I interrupted, my voice low and rough. “You’ve been playing this game all night.” 

Her cheeks flushed, but she quickly masked it with a smirk. “oh please as if I want to be close with you.” 

“Oh?” I teased, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Then why didn’t you stop me?” 

She opened her mouth to retort but faltered, her eyes darting to my lips. Her hesitation was all the confirmation I needed. 

“Miso,” I murmured, my voice dropping to a husky whisper. “You can keep denying it, but we both know the truth.” 

“And what’s that?” she challenged, though her voice trembled slightly. 

“That you want this as much as I do.” 

She scoffed, pushing against my chest to put some distance between us. “You’re insufferable.” 

I let her go but caught her wrist before she could retreat too far. “And yet you can’t walk away,” I said, a smug smile tugging at my lips. 

Her eyes narrowed, but she didn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she stepped closer, her defiance blazing like a fire. “Don’t think for a second that you have any control over me, Taehyung.” 

I laughed softly, leaning down until my face was mere inches from hers. “We’ll see about that.” 

She glared at me, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—something raw and unguarded. It was a dangerous game we were playing, but I was all in. 

“Dinner’s over,” she said, her voice firm as she pulled her hand free. “Goodnight, Taehyung.”  My eyes tracking her as she walked toward the door.

Miso paused at the doorway, looking over her shoulder. Her lips curved into a sly smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, and Taehyung..."

I raised a brow, waiting for her next quip.

Her gaze flickered downward—pointedly—and then back up to meet mine. She smirked, her expression equal parts teasing and triumphant. "Before you go to sleep, you should probably... take care of your little problem."

It took me a moment to register what she meant, but then her eyes darted down to my crotch again, and I followed her gaze.

Damn it.

I hadn’t even realized the effect she had on me until now. My body’s reaction was painfully obvious, and Miso, of course, had noticed.

With a wink, she walked away, adding fuel to the fire already burning in my veins, her hips swaying with every step. Leaving me standing there, stunned. I couldn’t tear my eyes away, my mind already filled with thoughts I had no business entertaining. It took me a moment to realize what she meant. I glanced down, and sure enough, I cursed under my breath.

Miso’s laughter echoed as she disappeared into her room, leaving me standing there, both frustrated and amused.

I ran a hand through my hair, muttering to myself. “She’s going to be the death of me.”

I stood there for a moment, staring at the empty doorway, trying to gather my composure. It wasn’t easy. My mind was still reeling from the kiss, her parting words, and the tantalizing sway of her hips.

With a sigh, I grabbed the whiskey glass I had left on the dining table and took a long sip. The burn of the alcohol did little to cool the heat coursing through my veins.

Eventually, I made my way to my room. The penthouse was silent, save for the muffled hum of the city outside. As I opened the door to my bedroom, the cool air greeted me, a stark contrast to the heat still lingering in my body.

I tossed my jacket onto the chair and unbuttoned my shirt, letting it fall to the floor. The large, dark room was illuminated by the city lights streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Normally, this view was a source of comfort—a reminder of my power, my success.

But tonight, it was just a backdrop to the chaos in my mind.

I got up and headed to the bathroom, turning on the shower. The sound of water filled the room, but it did little to drown out my thoughts. As I stepped under the spray, letting the hot water cascade over my skin, I tried to focus on anything other than her.

But it was impossible.

The memory of her lips against mine, the softness of her skin beneath my hands, the way she tasted like defiance and temptation—it was all-consuming.

Even now, I could feel the ghost of her touch, the way she melted into me despite her protests.

I let out a low growl, running a hand down my face. "That woman is going to drive me insane."

When I finally stepped out of the shower, the tension in my body had eased—somewhat. I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked back into the bedroom, the cool air prickling my damp skin.

I sank onto the edge of the bed, running a hand through my hair. My body was still tense, my thoughts consumed by Miso—her fiery eyes, her teasing smirk, the way she looked at me like she could see right through me.

I leaned back, closing my eyes, but the images wouldn’t stop.

Her lips, swollen from our kiss.
Her body, clad in that dress that left far too little to the imagination.
Her voice, low and teasing, daring me to lose control.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath, rubbing the back of my neck.

This wasn’t like me. I didn’t let anyone get under my skin—not like this. Women came and went, and I never spared them a second thought. But Miso... she was different.

She didn’t just challenge me; she made me feel alive in a way I hadn’t felt in years.

And that terrified me and at the same time excited me.

This day had been exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Normally, I spent this day in quiet reflection, honoring the memory of my mother and grandfather. It was a day of solitude, a reminder of the loss and pain that had shaped me into the man I was.

But today had been different.

Because of her.

Miso had stormed into my life like a hurricane, disrupting everything in her path. She challenged me, infuriated me, and intrigued me in ways I couldn’t explain.

And tonight, she had managed to do the impossible.

For the first time in years, I had smiled—really smiled in a day like this. Not the cold, calculated smirk I used to mask my emotions, but a genuine smile that I hadn’t even realized was possible anymore.

I turned onto my side, staring out the window. The city lights blurred as my thoughts drifted back to her.

Miso was more than just a woman. She was a force of nature, unpredictable and unstoppable. She was dangerous, and I knew I should keep my distance.

But I also knew I wouldn’t.

Because as much as she terrified me, she also made me feel alive.

And that was something I wasn’t ready to give up.

Why does she affect me like this?

It wasn't just her looks-although those were enough to drive any man insane. It was her fire, her defiance, her softness , the way she never backed down from a challenge. She was like no one I'd ever met, and it terrified me as much as it thrilled me.

I turned onto my side, trying to will myself to sleep. But my mind
wouldn't cooperate. Instead, it
conjured images of her-her
laughter, her smirk, the way she
looked at me when she thought I wasn't paying attention.

She's dangerous, I thought. Dangerous and irresistible.

Eventually, exhaustion won out, and I drifted off to sleep. But even in my dreams, she was there, haunting me with her beauty and her fire.

And deep down, I knew there was no escaping her-not in my waking hours, and not in my dreams.

★----------------------------------------------------★

Author’s Note:

Oh, my dear readers, what have we just witnessed? Taehyung out here getting roasted, toasted, and completely flustered by our queen Miso. Can we take a moment to appreciate how she served sass, flirtation, and a little heartbreak—all in one sitting? Girl doesn’t just play with fire; she owns the flame!

Also, let’s not ignore the fact that Taehyung went from "I’m a cold, unshakable mafia king" to "She’s going to be the death of me" in one dinner. My dude didn’t just fall; he face-planted. And Miso? Oh, she left him with a... let’s just say, problem he needs to "take care of." 😏

This chapter was a rollercoaster of tension, sass, and more heat than my kitchen after I forgot to turn off the oven (true story). I hope you enjoyed the banter, the smirks, and that intense dining room moment. If this is just the beginning, imagine what’s coming next!

Let me know if Taehyung’s internal chaos made you laugh, swoon, or roll your eyes (or all three). And don’t forget to tell me: Team Taehyung or Team Miso? Or, let’s be honest... Team "Give Us More Banter and Kisses"?

Until the next chapter,
~Your overly caffeinated and hopelessly romantic author, StarlitWings 💖