28. Birthday Boy

"We're all broken, that's how the light comes in."

"Taehyung? Again, it's me. I just want you to know how sorry I am for everything. No matter what you think of me, my feelings for you have not changed... They never will. I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving town. For... forever. So if we don't see each other before I do, then... I guess this is goodbye."

With a heavy heart, I ended the call and snuck the phone back into my pocket.

My gaze cast over the enormous pool of blue that was before me. I threw another pebble in the water and watched it go as it made its impact on the surface, leaving small circles as it disappeared.

It has been five days since Taehyung hasn't returned my calls. I wouldn't blame him as I would probably do the same in his position.

I purposely didn't go to his place to look for him; I respect him too much to do that to him. I don't want to freak him out more than I already have and me knocking and pounding on his front door will probably scare the shit out of him.

That day of the shooting when he saw my devil face was the worst moment of my entire existence. It ended pretty abruptly as the police barged in the next second to arrest Sunwoo and his men. I barely had time to shift back to my human appearance.

I and Taehyung were easily separated as groups of paramedics descended upon us to examine us and make sure we were alright. Then the police approached us, asking us to write down our statements. I kept looking for Taehyung amidst all the chaos but somehow I ended up losing him in the commotion. My guess is that he probably couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Turns out Sunwoo had been sending death threats to the entire hospital staff for a long time. Taehyung had been the primary victim of them all as most of them were directed at him. He had contacted the police because that particular week the number of these threats had significantly increased and they had advised him on wearing a bulletproof vest at work.

So the vest had prevented the bullet's penetration, spreading the projectile's speed force on a larger surface. In the end Taehyung had been knocked out by the blunt force trauma and the shock, but easily regained his consciousness some minutes after because practically the vest had protected him.

I have to say the whole thing was really clever and I was proud of him for taking measures regarding his own safety. I was glad he was okay. But on the other hand all of it resulted in me completely throwing all caution through the window and letting my fury get the better of me. I don't know what I would have done to Sunwoo if Taehyung hadn't woken up and hadn't distracted me.

Normally I would never kill. Even when I fight someone I try and use their own momentum against themselves instead of purposely causing harm to them, like with those men in the hospital. It takes a great personal attack to enrage me to the point that I'd want to murder someone.

But for Taehyung I'd immediately unleash my full hell-fired fury any day.

I was so immersed in my thoughts I was late to notice a pair of Timberlands approaching me behind my back.

"Hey, Faye."

With a tired grunt, Jungkook plopped on the ground next to me. He took a pebble and threw it across the lake, the stone skipping across the still water radiating rippled through the last sunrays for the day.

"Ha! I'm so good at this."

I smiled, wrapping my arms around myself. With autumn being near the temperatures were dropping lower and lower every day.

"What's up?" Jungkook asked, shaking his head and patting his ruffled ebony bangs.

All I could do was sigh, kissing my teeth. My chin pressed on my chest as I took a look at my reflection at the surface of the lake, distorted by the ruffled water.

"Nothing much."

Jungkook stole a small glance at me, putting his arms on top of his knees.

"Still no word from Taehyung?"

I picked up my tired eyes from the water.

"No, nothing."

He drew in a sharp breath, redirecting his gaze to the sun setting over the horizon, his face warmly lit by the pink and tangerine hues.

"He hasn't answered my phone calls either," he confided. "He hasn't shown up at work. The other doctors say he's asked for an extended break and the hospital has granted his request."

"Oh. I see."

"Faye, he just needs time to process things."

"No. He hates me."

"Come on, I doubt it's that bad-"

"Actually no, he doesn't hate me. He's repulsed by me." I uttered.

Jungkook tilted his head to the side, his face screwing with sympathy.

"I'm sorry, Faye."

"It's fine," I rested my chin on top of my palm as I continued gazing into the distance. "I'll be fine. I didn't want to leave things like this, but maybe it's for the better that Taehyung doesn't see me again. It will make the whole thing a little bit more bearable for him."

"I'm sorry but I disagree. You two need to sort things out. You can't just leave it like that. He'll come around, he just needs a little bit more time apparently."

"No Kookie, I don't want to bring any more distress upon him. I created this mess and I'll be the one to fix it. The real reason I called you here was actually to tell you that I'm leaving and I'll never be back."

His lips pouted. "Ah man, you're leaving? But why? Please don't go Faye! I... I'm going to miss you. You're the coolest girl I've ever met."

I scoffed a small chuckle and glanced over at him.

"You're probably the only human being that thinks that," I said. "You're really special Jeon Jungkook."

Suddenly he gripped at my upper-arm, the fabric of my jacket creasing underneath his long fingers.

"I'll let you leave if you do one last thing for me." he bargained.

"What?" I was confused. And man, was he mistaken if he thought he'd actually stop me from leaving.

"Please come to my birthday," Jungkook pled with sparkling eyes. "You're my friend and I want you to be there. Please Faye, I'm begging you. I'll never ask anything else of you."

"Well..." I observed him a little bit dumbfounded by the overflowing enthusiasm. "If that will make you happy... I guess, why not."

His request wasn't too hard to fulfill and in the end Jungkook had been nothing but nice and kind to me. Even though I purposely stole his car and crashed it in order to get Taehyung's attention, never let him finish his sentences, called him Junglebook a bunch of times, exposed him to celestial beings, accidentally revealed my wings to him, introduced him to an actual demon and...

Oh dear God. I never realized it until now. Poor boy. I still wonder how he coped with all that.

Attending his birthday party was the least I could do for him. Kind of like a parting gift for him before I go away.

"Really?! You'll come? Yaaaaay!!" he cheered, pumping his fists in the air.

His enthusiasm was so pure it brought a smile on my face.

"Yeah sure."

"Can I ask you one last teensy tiny thing?" he chirped, causing me to furrow my brows.

"Yes?"

"Can I please invite Yoongi and Jimin too? Please, please, please?" he pressed his palms together, his enlarged doe orbs giving me the most endearing puppy eyes look.

I scoffed, concealing a small smile. With us parting ways soon I was feeling extra generous.

"Why not."

Jungkook beamed, his whole body practically buzzing with excitement. There was something veiling his soft kind orbs, some kind of mischievous glint that made me wonder if he wasn't up to something.

"Holy crap, this is going to be the best birthday party ever."

My gaze slumped to the little rocks in front of us. I might as well make happy the only human being that ended up being my friend before I disappear. Forever.

***

"It's like a nerd exploded in here." Yoongi commented with a scrunched nose as we stepped in Jungkook's apartment.

"Can you please be nice for, like, two hours?" I scolded him. "It's his birthday. No more teasing and making fun of him."

Yoongi shot me a glare but his shoulders slacked in defeat. Considering this was our last evening on Earth I figured he could drop the attitude.

My head swung around as I let my eyes roam the place. Everything in Jungkook's place was pretty much a reflection of his own self. It was warm, homey and nicely decorated. There were DC posters splayed on the walls along with framed photos I figured he'd probably taken himself. The thought warmed my heart.

"Hey guys, I'm so glad you could make it!" the birthday boy himself appeared before us.

"Hey Kookie, happy birthday." I gave him a small peck on the check which caused his cheeks to flush instantly.

"Happy birthday." Jimin patted him on the back happily and Yoongi just mumbled something incoherent that could hardly be heard over the quiet music in the background. I elbowed him harshly.

"Ughhh, happy... birthday."

"Make yourselves at home." Jungkook grinned brightly, shoving some drinks in our hands. "Oh my god I just can't believe that an angel, a demon and Lucifer's daughter herself are attending my birthday-"

"Be quiet!" I shushed him, pressing a finger to his lips. "I know this is exciting for you, but take it down a notch."

"Okay, okay." He nodded anxiously. "I'm sorry. I forgot I put some popcorn in the microwave. I'm gonna be right back."

He excused himself and started making his way to what I figured was the kitchen. In the meantime, I, Jimin and Yoongi strolled over and installed ourselves on the beige couch in the middle of the living room. I let my body sink into the soft cushions as I took a good look around myself.

There were a lot of guests, some of whom I identified as hospital staff. Soft chatter filled the room as people had gathered in small groups, having discussions of their own, but I couldn't help but notice curious eyes land on me from time to time. Most probably they recognized me as Taehyung's girlfriend or maybe remembered me for my distinct hair color.

"This is boring," Yoongi complained, adjusting himself on the couch, his thigh brushing Jimin's. "Let's leave."

"We just got here, what the hell is the matter with you?" Jimin asked dryly.

All of a sudden I knit my brows together as I stared at them in confusion. Something about this sight didn't sit right with me and a giant lightbulb flickered over my head.

"Wait a second," I murmured, my scrutinizing eyes boring through them as I watched them over my glass. "You guys can barely stand each other, let alone sit so close to one another."

"Uh..." Jimin stammered, anxious eyes darting to the floor.

"What's going on?" I instantly jolted from my seat, my eyes zeroing in on them.

"Nothing." Jimin denied, brushing his fingers over his soft blond locks.

"We don't know what you're talking about," Yoongi shrugged. "This couch is so small, where are we supposed to sit?"

"Hm." I wasn't convinced. Before I could continue my interrogation, Jungkook appeared from my right with a bowl full of popcorn. He placed it on the coffee table and took a seat on the armrest next to me.

"Faye," he leaned in, lowering his voice. "Please don't get upset. I didn't know he'd come."

"He?" my face remained a scowl as I looked up at him.

"I invited Taehyung to my birthday a long time ago, but with everything that's going on I just figured he wouldn't attend."

"Taehyung is here?" I croaked, almost spilling my drink on my lap. Unsteadily, I reached over and placed it on the table. My heart flipped.

My feet became solid concrete as all of a sudden I couldn't move an inch. Even my eyes were paralyzed as I dared not let my gaze wander the room, afraid that I'd see him somewhere.

My head whipped to Yoongi and Jimin casually chatting next to me. I gripped on Jimin's thigh so hard he groaned from the pain.

"This was a mistake. We're leaving."

Jungkook tugged at my sleeve. "What are you talking about? Faye, no!"

Slightly frantic, I looked back at him.

"Jungkook, I can't be here. I know it's your birthday but... I'm sorry."

His face slumped as the most heartbreaking expression spilled all over it. I was disappointing him and I knew it, but actually running into Taehyung here would be so mortifying that just the thought made a sickening feeling pool in my gut.

As if injected with adrenaline, my body sprung up abruptly from the couch. Jungkook stood up as well, raising his hands next to his face.

"No, you have to stay! Actually this just gave me an idea-"

I tried to slightly shove past him but he wouldn't budge. Damn what was this boy eating?

"Let me leave, please." I begged him. I had never felt so helplessly powerless. Taehyung was around here somewhere and I couldn't bear looking in his eyes again. The mere thought was stressing me out.

The stare he gave me that day when he saw my devil face was enough to traumatize me for all eternity. I had never been so freaking terrified of anything else in my entire existence than to see him look at me the same way.

"Faye, calm down." I heard Jimin's soothing baritone come from behind me as I was growing more and more frantic by the second.

By the way Jungkook stared at me I deduced I probably resembled a mental patient about to have a meltdown any second now. I didn't want to cause a scene and ruin Jungkook's party so getting out of there became my top priority at this moment.

My vision moved around the room like an unsteady movie camera before it halted at him.

Taehyung was clad in a loose paisley embroidered shirt tucked in tight black jeans, a black leather Gucci belt encircled around his waist. On top of it all he was wearing a navy blue pinstripe jacket, his outfit so sharp and so different than the casual sweatpants and t-shirt I got used to seeing him in while we'd cuddle on his bed. His jet black hair cascaded over his forehead in lustrous wavy locks.

a/n: sorry for randomly attacking you like this guys lol

He was casually chatting with a girl I easily recognized as one of the nurses at the hospital. Her hand brushed over the side of his arm casually as they talked. He'd glance down at his drink and tilt his head to the side, flashing her one of his charming boyish grins. And she'd toy with her hair in a flirtatious manner, occasionally leaning in closer and saying something to his ear that would made his grin ever wider.

A sharp sting pierced through my heart. He looked completely and utterly relaxed. And here I was, worried that he was in so much distress.

It didn't seem like he noticed me. He wouldn't look away from her, the only exception when his gaze would lower to his drink, his beautiful long fingers wrapped around the glass.

"I'm leaving." I announced blankly. Better get out of here before he sees me.

"No!" Jungkook snapped, earning a wide-eyed look of astonishment from me. "You're not hiding from this. Faye Starlighter doesn't run away from her problems. Sit your ass back down and wait for me. I'm going to make this right."

It had been the most stern I had ever heard Jungkook talk. He managed to make even me mute as I simply lowered down and sat back on the couch obediently, watching him walk past me with my jaw slack.

I buried my face in my palms as my expression crumbled. I couldn't take seeing what would happen next. If he actually drags Taehyung over here I'd rather stab myself in the eyes than face him.

But much to my surprise, Jungkook was gone for a really long time.

"He's right you know," I felt Jimin's gentle touch on my shoulder. "You need to talk to Taehyung no matter how hard it is for both of you. What happened happened, the damage is done and there's no turning back, but you might at least try and fix whatever's left."

I simply let out a pained groan. My lips tightened as I peeked between my fingers. A lump formed in my throat as I saw Jungkook signaling me to follow him from across the room.

I lifted myself up from the couch and shuffled after him, following him to a narrow corridor. Just as I rounded the corner, I saw his arm disappear in one of the rooms. He left the door slightly ajar and I figured he wanted me to come in so I did.

The room was very dimly lit, it was almost dark with the exception of a single floor lamp dispersing the ominous blackness.

As my eyes adjusted, I heard a muffled gasp come from somewhere across the room and I detected someone else's familiar presence there except Jungkook's.

"What is she doing here?"

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