I haven't gone through to edit this chapter so apologies for bad typos and missing words.

a week before Zahara's 20th Birthday

Zahara: *in NY but was staying with Victoria. Currently she's on her way to her parent's house to visit her mom and she's feeling very anxious. She's currently texting Taehyung*

Be careful babe
Delivered

I'll try..
Shouldn't you be sleeping?
It's 3AM over there.
Delivered

I'm playing on the computer
Delivered

Poor Namjoon
Delivered

He's actually giving me a death glare right now
Very intimidating..
But, I'm too into this game right now.
Delivered

But you are texting me?
Delivered

You're more important than a video game.
Call me if anything happens
Delivered

If anything bad does end up happening, you know that I would forget about calling you.
Delivered

I know..
But still
Delivered

Go to sleep
Delivered

In a bit
Delivered

😐
Delivered

I love you 😁❤️
Delivered

I love you too ❤️
Delivered

Zahara: *sighs as she puts in her earphones, and starts listening to music. She looks out the window and disappears into her own world*

an hour later

Zahara: *finally arrives at her old home but no one is home. She's in the living room, waiting.*

another hour later

Zahara: *was taking a nap until she wakes up to the sound of screaming and yelling. Sits up quickly, looking around frantically. Gets up and runs out of the living room. Hears her mom screaming from down the hallway* MOM!?

Brian: DON'T YOU DARE–Zahara? *looks dully at Zahara's mom* you didn't tell me anything *smirks as he grabs the back of his wife's neck, shoving her into the island, causing her to scream again and fall to the ground*

Zahara: *quickly making her way to the kitchen* MOM!?

Zahara's Mom: ZAHARA STAY AWAY! GO LEAVE RUN!

Zahara: *stops at the doorway, with her eyes widen. The whole kitchen is a mess*

*how did I not wake up to all this breaking?*

Zahara's Mom: ZAHARA GO!

Zahara: *looks at Brian who's staring at her with a smirk*

*help my mom, call the cops–no–distraction, run upstairs, find his hidden–no–call cops as I run, chasing me–defense mechanism–shit–quick*

Brian: *grabs a knife and starts coming towards Zahara*

Zahara: *takes off her sneaker and throws it at his face with full force, making him groan but giving her some time to run up the stairs*

Brian: COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE BITCH! *chasing after her*

Zahara: *looking around frantically*

*where is it?*

Brian: YOU'RE ONLY MAKING THIS WORSE ZAHARA! LISTEN TO YOUR DAD!

Zahara: YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE CALLED THAT! *runs into one of the rooms, shutting the door and goes to lock it but sees that there is no lock* fuck..*starts looking around the little statue*

Brian: YOU KNOW YOU AREN'T ALLOWED IN THAT ROOM! GET OUT NOW!!

Zahara: *let me call the cops*

Zahara: *realizes she left her phone downstairs, finds the statue, pulls it down to open the secret door*

Brian: *bursts in the room, notices she's opened the secret door* you've made a big mistake. I'll make sure you never see the light in day–*falls to the ground because Zahara's mom hits his back with a lamp*

Zahara: *eyes widen*

Zahara's Mom: I told you to leave!!

Zahara: And let you die!? *they both leave the room*

Zahara's Mom: call the cops. I packed everything–

Zahara: go get everything quick!!

Zahara's Mom: *runs to her room*

Zahara: *is about to run down the stairs when Brian grabs her leg, yanking it making her fall straight down onto the ground*

Brian: *straddles her and begins to choke her*

Tae: hello?

Brian + Zahara: *both stop and look towards the front door*

Brian: *grip loosens*

Zahara: TAE!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING–TAEHYUNG GET MY PHONE FROM THE LIVING ROOM AND DIAL 911 AND RUN!! *lifts body up with all her might, knocking Brian over and kicks him away from her*

Brian: *gets up and starts going downstairs*

Zahara: TAEHYUNG RUN HE'S ARMED WITH A KNIFE!!

Tae: WHAT!? ZAHARA! *runs into the living room, getting her phone, unlocking it since he knows her passcode, dialing 911 and starts explaining as fast as he can*

Zahara: LEAVE FAST CALL THE POLICE!!

Brian: IN THIS HOUSE YOU SHOULD ONLY BE SPEAKING ENGLISH OR SPANISH!

Zahara: FUCK YOU!

Brian: ARE YOU TESTING ME? *stops midway*

Zahara: DON'T TOUCH HIM

Brian: *smirks as he walks into the living room*

Tae: *on the opposite side of the couch from where Brian is standing, eyes widen*

Zahara: SHIT! *runs into Brian's bedroom, trashing the whole room in search of his pistol*

Zahara's Mom: *enters the room and tosses it to Zahara* I took it from him and hid it.

Zahara: leave the house right now mom. Go to the neighbors now. *checks if it's loaded and runs downstairs*

Brian: *smirks* look at what you get yourself into

Tae: sir..I mean no harm.

Brian: put the phone down

Tae: sir..I can't do that..you need help.

Brian: HELP? YOU THINK I NEED HELP? WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME THAT?

Tae: sir..calm down..please, I'm only trying to help.

Brian: help who?

Tae: the two woman in your life that should mean everything to you

Brian: both are hopeless cases and there's no helping them–

Zahara: *enters the living room, pointing the pistol at Brian* put the knife down.

Brian: *rolls his eyes and turns around to look at Zahara, notices the pistol and smirks because her arms are shaking slightly* you won't do it

Zahara: *keeps the pistol aim at his heart* don't test me

Brian: *chuckles as he is amused* ooh, so scary. You wouldn't murder me.

Zahara: Taehyung, leave now.

Tae: are you going to–

Zahara: Taehyung, leave.

Tae: *obeys and exits the room with caution as he continues talking on the phone*

Brian: *knocks the gun out of her hands causing Zahara to accidentally pull the trigger*

Tae: *stops in place, flinches and is about to walk back into the living room*

Zahara's Mom: *grabs Taehyung's hand, pulling him out of the house with her*

Tae: I can't leave her there..take this *hands her Zahara's phone*

Zahara: *eyes widen, the pistol is too far away from her so she's running out of the living room*

Brian: *yanks the carpet that Zahara is currently on as she runs, causing her to hit the ground hard*

Zahara: *lands with her wrist first, knows she's damaged it, screams in pain but quickly sits up moving away as fast as she can*

Brian: *smiles as he corners her, slowly walking towards her* ever since you were born, you've been nothing but a pest. A pest that I wanted to get rid of even before you were born. I should have killed you in your mother's womb while I could've. Look how much trouble you've caused to all of us.

Zahara: you did this..you did this all on your own. You're not right in the head–

Brian: what a dirty mouth *bends down to her level, grabs her face harshly* be nicer to your father

Zahara: *spits on his face*

Brian: *gets serious and throws her head back at the wall, puts the knife by her neck* any last words?

Tae: *behind Brian, with a vase, holding it over Brian's head*

Zahara: *notices but doesn't make it obvious* indeed I do..goodbye, Father.

Tae: *hits him hard with it*

Brian: *is knocked out by the strike just as police sirens are heard in the distance*

Tae: *helps Zahara up quickly and studies her*

Zahara: *holding her wrist as she stares at Brian*

Police: *enter the house with their guns*

Police Officer 1: *sees Taera and signals all of the other officers* Are you two okay?

Zahara: is Agent Martinez here?

Agent Martinez: *enters with others from the FBI*

Zahara: I found the room and left it open.

Agent Martinez: good work, Zahara. I see that you are injured, the medics are outside.

Tae: *confused*

Brian: *gaining conscious*

Agent Martinez: *looks at the unit she's with* search the whole house. *looks at the police officer that had noticed Taera* arrest the man on the ground for–

Police Officer 1: oh we know *takes out a set of handcuffs, cuffing Brian* Brian Diaz, you are under arrest for *says a whole list (A/N: I'm too lazy to search them all up, I'm sorry)* Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you if you so desire. *lifts him up*

Brian: *looks at Taera* Zahara, I want you to get rid of him. I don't want a chink in the family.

Tae: *the asshole's racist. What a surprise.*

Zahara: *doesn't say anything and just stares at him*

Brian: *is taken away*

Tae: *stands in front of her, studying her face*

Zahara: *looks down as she begins to cry*

Tae: *wraps his arms around her* it's okay, he's gone.

Zahara: I never thought the day would come..

Tae: let's go get you checked out..

Zahara: *nods her head as he leads her out to the ambulance*

~

Taera: *in the hospital*

Zahara: when did you come here?

Tae: today in the morning

Zahara: really?

Tae: ne

Zahara: I was so surprised by your presence

Tae: I was surprised at what was happening..he was trying to kill you?

Zahara: yeah..

Tae: ...he's a sick man

Zahara: I know

Tae: I'm glad I got there while I did

Zahara: thank you..I really mean it.

Tae: you know..my reason for coming was not only to surprise you but to give you some news. Later in the afternoon over there, an official statement will be released of what had happened with Yeona and her management. We've finally got actual proof of it and we'll be suing them.

Zahara: *eyes widen* really!? Taehyung! *smiles* That's amazing news!

Tae: *smiles* I know right? *leans over and gives her a kiss then sits back down*

Zahara: less for you to have to worry about–

Zahara's Mom: *enters the room*

Zahara + Zahara's Mom: *both in silent and staring back at each other. At the same time, both their eyes begin to water and they both begin to sob*

Zahara's Mom: *walks over to Zahara's bedside and holds the hand that isn't injured. Looking in her eyes*

Tae: *feels awkward but knows it's needed because both of their nightmares are over*

Zahara's Mom: I'm so sorry mi hija. I'm so sorry I made you go through this. You never did anything wrong. I failed at being a mother for you. I'm suppose to keep you safe–

Zahara: Mama, what are you talking about? You didn't fail at being a mother. You kept me as safe as you could. You did you best. We both suffered through that and now it's over.

Zahara's Mom: I could have left him and I didn't–

Zahara: Mama, you and I both know that you couldn't leave..It's okay now though, he's gone. Everything will be okay now.

Zahara's Mom: *nods, smiles and kisses her forehead. Looks at Taehyung and takes a hold of his hand too* I'm sorry for what Brian said before the police took him away.

Tae: it's okay, I've been called that a lot before..

Zahara: don't apologize for that man's actions. There's no need for that.

Zahara's Mom: *wipes her eyes* Taehyung, may I speak to you in private?

Tae: *looks at Zahara*

Zahara: *shrugs*

Tae: okay

Zahara's Mom + Taehyung: *exit the room into a waiting area that's empty*

Zahara's Mom: I wanted to thank you..for everything you've done for my daughter. You've kept her happy. You've been there for her. You've cared for her. Although, I know you both aren't actually dating, I already treat you like my son-in-law. You are nothing like the other boys Zahara has dated and I like you as a person. Thank you for actually sticking with her through all this and I want the others to know that too. The girls and the rest of the boys. Ever since you and Zahara have gotten close, it's the happiest I've ever seen her...excluding what happened with Yeona that is. Honestly, words really can't explain how grateful I am of you coming into Zahara's life.

Tae: Ma'am, I'm in love with your daughter. I fell for her once my eyes landed on her. There is no way I was going to leave your daughter and I don't plan on doing that. Your daughter deserves the world..ma'am, you deserve the world too. No one ever deserves to go through what the two of you have gone through.

Zahara's Mom: *smiles softly* I do hope you marry my daughter when you are both older..

Tae: *smiles* thank you

Zahara: *trying to change the channel on the tv but it's not working. Getting frustrated, she stops with a sigh before she ends up stressing over it*

Yeona: *enters Zahara's hospital room*

Zahara: *eyes widen as she sees Yeona. Notices that she's all roughed up* Yeona..?

Yeona: you're still alive..that's good.

Zahara: Yeona? What happened..?

Yeona: *begins to sob*

Zahara: *confused and doesn't know what to do* sit down..

Yeona: *does as told*

Zahara: Yeona..shh, calm down. What happened?

Yeona: he was planning to kill your mother..I knew you were in New York..I knew you were going to visit your mom. Don't ask how. I tried to stop him but he had some of his boys t-take care of me..t-they beat me a-and..raped me.

Zahara: *eyes widen as she watches Yeona just continue sobbing* I'm sorry that happened Yeona..

Yeona: I didn't know Taehyung was here...he truly does love you..please take good care of him. Promise me that?

Zahara: *nods* I promise

Yeona: I'm sorry for everything I made you go through..I was just really jealous and– *sighs* I'm just sorry..I already knew you were going through a lot and I made you suffer more. I'm really sorry.

Zahara: It's okay, Yeona. Don't stress about it..I do think you need some therapy though..

Yeona: Yeah..thank you, Zahara. Don't change. You are actually a good person and really pretty.

Zahara: Thank you, Yeona. I think you are pretty too..and aside what has happened, I believe you are a good person too.

Yeona: *nods and slightly smiles* get better soon

Zahara: thank you

Yeona: careful with Cai Lu's ex..he's holding a grudge.

Zahara: I know, thank you.

Yeona: *nods, gets up and walks out of the room just as Taehyung enters*

Tae: *eyes widen and quickly goes to Zahara's side* what'd she do!? What was she doing here!?

Zahara: calm down..it's okay.

Tae: OKAY?

Zahara: Tae..she apologized and told me that my father was planning to murder my mother..she knew that I was in New York and she knew that I was going to visit my mom and she tried to stop my father from doing anything but he had some of his boys take care of her. They beat and raped her..I feel bad. No one should go through that ever.

Tae: you're..okay with her?–Wait, she tried to stop him?

Zahara: she told me that I was actually a good person and pretty and that I should never change. She also said that she didn't know you were here and that you really do love me. She made me promise to take good care of you and also warned me about Hyeonwoo.

Tae: wow..didn't expect that..

Zahara: yeah..I didn't either. I was surprised too..where's my mom?

Tae: she went to your aunt's house. She said she'll be back in the morning.

Zahara: what did she tell you?

Tae: she's thankful for me coming into your life

Zahara: really..?

Tae: ne

Zahara: ..she's never said that to anyone..

Tae: she also wanted me to tell the girls and boys the same thing.

Zahara: she really said that?

Tae: ne..we must mean a lot then..

Zahara: of course you all do..especially you.

Tae: *smiles and pecks her lips* I was scared that I would lose you today

Zahara: I was scared that I would lose you

Tae: I'm just glad you are okay–well, not dead.

Zahara: *smiles and moves over, making space for him to lay*

Tae: *lays down* Hobeom-hyung is coming on the next flight to New York

Zahara: okay..*lays her head on his shoulder, she's exhausted*

Tae: I nearly forgot to say..happy birthday, Zahara.

Zahara: thank you..

Tae: if you need to cry, go ahead.

Zahara: *shakes her head as her eyes are teary*

Tae: let it out

Zahara: *shakes her head* I don't want to

Tae: okay but I know you need to

Zahara: you know me too well

a week later
Zahara's YouTube Birthday

Zahara: *livestreaming from her YouTube channel*

Hobeom: *behind the camera*

Tae: *is behind the camera as well*

Zahara: *shows her cast since it wasn't released to the public that she's been injured* everyone, I'm injured. It happened on my birthday but it's okay. I'm fine. It's only a sprain.

Hobeom: *gets up as the food they had ordered earlier has arrived*

Zahara: *reading what people are saying. A lot are asking about whether the situation of Taehyung and Yeona is true. Sighs a bit* as you all know, an official statement was released about the situation of Taehyung and Yeona. It is true. The relationship between Taehyung and Yeona was fake the entire time. It began with bribing who at the time was filling in for one of our managers, then turned into blackmail in order for it to continue. Yes, there was a contract but it was illegally signed. The man that was the fill in at the time has been arrested. Same goes for others involved to make it possible—

Hobeom: *opening stuff up*

Zahara: oppa, may you pass me the fruit salad?

Hobeom: *nods as he hands it over to her. Whispers into Taehyung's ear* you do know that you can get in the livestream too, right? The rest of the boys and girls are currently on a flight over here for a special photoshoot we will be having over here.

Tae: really? Okay.

Zahara: *opens up the little bowl and takes a melon piece, bites it. Covers her mouth with her hand as she's chewing and pausing to talk* that is...except 2 people including Yeona—

Tae: can I have some?

Zahara: *looks at Taehyung then at Hobeom and he nods his head to approve* yeah, sit down.

Tae: *gets up, walks over and sits down. Takes a piece of fruit, puts it in his mouth*

Zahara: *laughs as she reads comments* they are all freaking out. Now you can answer questions they have over the Yeona incident if they ask more.

Tae: *nods as he begins to read comments* currently, Yeona's location is unknown. Yes, she has not been caught. She is being searched for. She can really be anywhere so it'll probably take a while until she's taken into custody. *reads a few comments asking whether he's in a relationship with someone else* No..I'm not in a relationship with someone else

Hobeom: *putting a piece of fruit in his mouth but ends up dropping it and looks so disappointed as he looks at it on the floor*

Zahara: *laughs because she watched it happened* nice one, oppa.

Tae: *reads a few asking whether he's interested in someone and then another asking who is there with them. Chooses to ignore the questions of whether he's interested in someone* a manager of ours is here with us. *looks at Hobeom* wae is Zahara laughing?

Zahara: he was putting a piece of the fruit in his mouth but he dropped it. His reaction made me laugh.

Tae: ooh

Zahara: guys! What would you all like Taehyung and I to do together soon?

Taera: *reads comments some saying date, others saying have kids*

Zahara: *chuckles and gets a bit shy*

Tae: *gets shy*

Zahara: let me rephrase that. I meant, what would you like Taehyung and I do for a video or a live soon?

Taera: *reading comments again. Some saying to sing, others say to dance, others say just to perform*

Zahara: *looks at Hobeom* oppa, they want us to make a singing cover, a dancing cover or perform together soon.

Hobeom: we can talk to CEO-nim about it

Tae: he'll most likely agree

Hobeom: no doubt about it but we just need to figure out when it'll be possible.

Taera: *nod*

Zahara: oppa, would you like to be in the livestream?

Hobeom: *shakes his head quickly*

Taera: *laugh*

Tae: hyung, wae not?

Hobeom: *continues shaking his head*

a few hours later

Tae: Zahara, can we talk?

Zahara: *was laughing with the girls over something Namjoon had just broke. Turns around and looks at him, nods and walks over to him* what's up?

Tae: *holds her hands in hands, looks down at them in silence*

Zahara: Tae..?

Tae: *smiles at them then looks into her eyes* Zahara..I want to make it official.

Zahara: make what official?

Tae: us. Zahara Caldera, will you be my girlfriend?

Zahara: well it's about time *smiles and kisses him*

Tae: *wraps his arms around her waist while kissing back*

The girls, the boys and Hobeom: *cheer*

Yoongi: that took a long time!

Luma: at last!!!