Inner Child

After minutes of cycling and Sooyeong's arms being securely wrapped around Taehyung’s body, they finally arrived at a local park that was opposite an elementary school.

Taehyung thought it would be a good idea to have the toasty Bungeoppang's here because it was a rather lively area since the children running and playing about created a happy atmosphere which Sooyeong really needed.

Since the swings were occupied by cute little humans, Taehyung dragged her along with the bicycle to the roundabout and they both sat down on it with a clear view of all of the children in their element.

They both dug into their treats just like little kids at a candy store and for a short while they ate in silence but that was until Sooyeong let her thoughts slip.

“Wouldn’t it nice to be a kid again to escape the troubles of life?”

“True but you don’t necessarily need to be a kid to enjoy life.” He informed and she stared at him with furrowed eyebrows. “We all have an inner child dying to be released every now and then.”

“Inner child?” she stared at him with intent. “And how exactly do you release that inner child?”

“By being spontaneous or doing whatever your heart tells you is right at that moment.” He explained and took another bite out of his Bungeoppang.

She pondered with a pensive look for a short while, “My heart says to play with those kids over there.”

He smiled at her reply, “That’s pretty cute but my heart says something else.”

“And what’s that?”

And just like that Taehyung packed away their mostly eaten Bungeoppang's and chucked it into the basket of Sooyeong's bicycle but all the while she only watched on in pure bewilderment.

“This,” he mumbled before leaning down toward her body which was now pressed up against one of the iron bars on the roundabout thanks to him.

“T-Tae—” She blushed at their proximity.

His one hand reached behind her to hold onto the bar while his one leg thrusted the entire roundabout into a revolution. She squealed at the spinning motion but Taehyung kept going.

“Yah, Tae ah!” She hollered with a few chuckles and after a while she held tightly onto him seeing as they were now moving at an insane speed. “We’re going to get queasy!”

Alas, but what he started could not be stopped because a few minutes in, Taehyung’s body was flat out sprawled over the spinning roundabout with Sooyeong’s body stuck against his and he held onto her even more tighter than she did to him.

“Tae ah?” she blushed at their position especially because his hands were snug around her waist and their chests flush. “A-Are you okay?”

“…The world is spinning…” He simply said and shut his eyes.

Despite her burning insides she laughed, just a little at him. Mostly because he was the one who had initiated this insane idea but now he was the one that was suffering the most between the two of them.

“Save me…” He mumbled for help once more since the roundabout still spun rapidly.

“Let go off me so I can try stopping it.” She bit her lip after speaking into his ear but instead of doing what she had asked he only held onto her much tighter.

“I-I don’t want you to fall off …” He barely managed to speak.

“Tae,” she laughed into his ear and made attempts to loosen his grip. “We’re already fallen over. Just let me stop it otherwise you’ll feel even more sick.”

After those words he released her just a bit and he made sure he had a secure grip on her despite his motion sickness. As she tried to put her foot out to reach for the ground she heard Taehyung make gagging, vomit sounds so she looked back but it seemed all in feign.

Nevertheless, she chuckled as the world spun for the both of them and she ever so gently put down her foot every now and then to slow down the contraption.

In time, it began to steadily slow down and just when it was a couple of spins away from halting she felt Taehyung's strong arms wrap around her waist.

She yelped in surprise but in her dizzy state nothing much could be done in retaliation.

On the other hand, Taehyung launched the both of them off the infernal contraption and they stumbled together in each others arms like a couple of drunks walking down a dark alley.

But contrast to that Taehyung's cute chuckles filled the air and eventually they both fell flat onto the grass with Sooyeong on top of him, just like before.

He looked as if he was about to pass out and all Sooyeong could see were double of Taehyung.

In her daze she wondered, what if Taehyung was born with a twin. The world would definitely be shaken to its core and she wasn’t ready for a second Taehyung in the least because her heart would be torn. Ultimately, she shook head, dispersing of her crazy thoughts.

A-Are you okay?” she laughed softly but suddenly Taehyung flipped her over. “T-Tae…”

“Remember,” He mumbled from above her in his raspy voice and he also saw double of her. “You have a skirt on.”

She flushed from embarrassment as Taehyung stared down at her with a small smirk and she wondered just how many kids she must have flashed up until now.

“Yah Oppa.”

A sudden and very cute voice was heard beside the two seniors which was followed by a poke to Taehyung’s shoulder.

Both their eyes fell over an adorable little boy and an equally adorable little girl that was probably not more than four years old.

The both of them flinched in surprise at being caught in an awkward position by two little kids and Taehyung immediately got off her as she straightened herself out.

“Oppa and Unnie are just like those drama’s mama and papa watches.” The little girl voiced and the boy next to her nodded in agreement.

“Are you both going to kiss too?” the girl continued her inquisitive hunt but both Taehyung and Sooyeong in their dizzy state blushed excessively.

“Ew, Eunji ya.” The little boy finally spoke with a nudge to the little girls arm.

The little girl only pouted while the two seniors started seeing and feeling normal again.

“Hyung?” The little boy crouched in front of Taehyung. “Can we go for a ride on your bicycle? Please?”

“Yes please!” The little girl clapped but Taehyung looked over to Sooyeong for the heads up.

“Sure,” Sooyeong chirped, still slightly dizzy.

Soon after, when they had neatened themselves out, Taehyung had the little boy and girl taking turns to ride the bicycle around the roundabout area while Sooyeong held onto them to make sure they didn’t fall off.

Although it was for a short while, the other kids caught sight of what was going on and eventually they had all of the kids lining up for a turn each.

“I did say I wanted to play with them…” Sooyeong softly laughed as she securely held a little blonde kid over the seat while Taehyung manoeuvred the bicycle around.

“Seems like your wish came true.” He chuckled and gave her a quick glance. “And I prefer this way more than the roundabout. I’m never going near that death trap again.”

She laughed a little more as they switched up with a different kid, “It was your deadly idea and I can’t believe all of the fake vomit sounds you made. Was that really necessary?”

“Of course it was!” He looked away flustered.
“To me it seemed like you wanted to induce emesis. It was horrible.” She held back a laugh.

“Stop making fun of me, he’s going to hear...” He pouted while looking down at the happy and unbothered kid.

This sweet and impromptu charity of theirs went on for an hour or so until finally they finished off the last of the kids and spent the remaining time relaxing under a tree at the park just talking and joking around with some of the children.

Eventually Sooyeong went on to gently rest her head over Taehyung's shoulder and a short while after she fell into a peaceful sleep to which Taehyung decided not disturb her.

• • •

“I'm so sorry I fell asleep on you Taehyung.” She pouted apologetically and tightened her arms around his torso as he peddled toward their secret location.

“It’s all part of the territory of being parasitic, don’t worry.” He assured with a soft chuckle.

“I still feel bad,” she mumbled with her chin over his back. “What did you do for so long anyway? And I hope I didn’t snore obnoxiously. I get that from my mom.”

He laughed so much at her words that the bicycle wobbled, “Should I tell you a sweet lie or the bitter truth?”

“Yah, just the plain truth.” She felt nervous and only held tighter onto him.

“You didn’t snore.” He declared and she felt relief. “And I let the kids pick your nose all the while.”

“W-What!?” She squealed and immediately released a hand from around him to touch her nose.

“Yah! I'm kidding! Don’t let go!” He hollered as the bicycle wobbled again because she shifted the balance.

“You’re such a dork Tae!” She snaked her arms around him once more and she made sure to pinch his tummy that somehow felt a little toned.

Of course he barely reacted to it because all he did was set the bicycle on track again, “The kids just asked about a million questions since they don’t normally see high school students at a park that’s meant for children.” He finally declared the truth.

She smiled from behind him, “You answered all of their questions?”

Flashbacks of their questions suddenly flooded his mind.

Most of them were related to a sleeping Sooyeong at the time, with all of them wanting to know if she was his girlfriend and if high school was just like in the drama's but other than that they wanted to touch his face or hold onto his hand.

“Most of them, to the best of my ability.” He laughed nervously.

“Did anyone ask you where kids come from?” she snickered and bit her lower lip.

Taehyung blushed because one of them did in fact ask that and another even asked him how many he wanted in the future. His answer to that was five to which all of them oohed at.

“Yes,” he felt even more nervous and she tugged at him as if to say go on. “I told them each star in the sky is a baby waiting to be delivered to future parents…”

Immediately after his words she cackled like a maniac and Taehyung only felt the heat raise to his cheeks but alas, she eventually nestled into his back to control her laughter.

“That’s such a sweet lie.” She choked out.

“Don’t laugh at me,” he whined innocently. “At least I didn’t believe I could impregnate a girl by holding her hand when I was little.”

“Yah!” Her cheeks went full on red just like Taehyung’s had been. “Are you still reading my mother’s book!”

“And what if I am.” He laughed evilly, enjoying the feeling of just having flipped the table.

“I can’t believe you…” her voice was soft.

“Believe it like Naruto does.” She sensed his smirk but before she could say anything he spoke again. “And we’re finally  here!”

At his words, she peeked out from behind his broad shoulders and she noticed that they had stopped in front of a small cosy looking café called C. Through Café.

It was impeccably beautiful yet simple at the same time. She was so lost in it that she found herself unconsciously getting off the bicycle and removing her helmet. This café was completely different from Yoongi's with his one being more youthfully themed.

Her eyes scanned over the huge transparent glass window that sat many chairs and tables behind it and the door to the entrance was a strikingly purple hue.

“The door…” She looked over at Taehyung who had just finished chaining up the bicycle. “It’s such an odd colour but it’s so pretty.”

“It really is.” He gave her a boxy smile and grabbed their backpacks. “Let’s go inside, it’ll be much warmer.”

She nodded rapidly and walked inside with Taehyung beside her.

At first sight she oodled at how simple it was with its brown furniture, warm décor, the smaller windows were framed by white curtains and she also noticed the little silver-ish countertop workspace which was probably used for service.

They took a seat near one of the curtained windows and Taehyung's eyes fell over her.

“How about a hot cup of coffee after a good sleep?” he asked with a soft laugh.

“Oh?” her smiled dropped a tad bit. “I actually don’t drink coffee… What else do they have here?”

“I don’t drink coffee either but I know they substitute caffeine for vanilla milk…” he informed warmly. “Is that okay?”

She nodded then Taehyung got up to place their orders. Soon after he returned and settled down in his seat.

“So,” she started, after having stared around the place a little more at his absence. “What’s so special about this place?”

“You’ll see once the vanilla milk arrives.” He tried to hide a smile but Sooyeong could see the sparkle in his eye.

She looked at him suspiciously but he kept a tight lip and simply rested his head atop his propped up arm.

“Did you have fun today?” he changed the topic.

She sent him a pursed lipped smile and a head nod, “I’m lucky you tagged along otherwise I don’t know what I’d be doing since Oppa didn’t want us to help out…”

“Parasitism,” he jokingly said. “I told you it could be beneficial.”

“And I can see someone had really been paying attention in bio class over the years.” She shook her head disbelievingly. “That was like ninth grade syllabus.”

He framed his face with his long index finger and thumb, “At least you know I’m handsome and smart.”

She blushed slightly because of how right he was, “A twofer perhaps?”

“A what?” His confidence suddenly melted away into confusion.

“Not so smart now…” She laughed and he stared at her with a frown. “It’s basically two for the price of one.”

His expression warped into realisation, “But personally I think I’m more than two for the price of one…”

“In addition to heart-throb and biology wiz of the century, you’re compassionate as well.” She admitted, rather shyly. “Mr. Congeniality?”

“I was going to go with funny but at least I’m finally a step closer to finding out your deep thoughts about me.” He smirked with a flirtatious look.

Her breath hitched. Perhaps she just shot herself in the foot but thankfully one of the waiters had waddled over with their cremart vanilla milk.

But once the waiter placed the cup down onto the table her eyes widened in pure shock and her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

“Enjoy,” the waiter said before he slipped away.

“Tae ah,” her voice was evident of disbelief and she shot her gaze between the said boy and the cup. “This— this has A Starry Night designed over it!” She breathed in surprise and placed a hand over her mouth but Taehyung only smiled widely, utterly satisfied with her reaction.

“Is this real?” she mumbled and observed the piece of art in the cup. “Look at all of the swirls and strokes!”

“One hundred percent.” He giggled and looked down at his own cup. “I’m surprised myself. It looks even better than Kangbin ssi's Instagram posts.”

“Kangbin ssi?” she looked up confused.

“He's the owner.” Taehyung informed. “It takes him less than four minutes to re-create this.”

Sooyeong's mouth was agape, “You should probably get some art tips from him Tae ah. This is genius.”

“Maybe some other day.” He smiled and took a sniff of the artistic treat. “And it smells really good.”

“Hmm,” Sooyeong hummed in pure euphoria. This really did cheer her up and she couldn’t believe such a thing could be done. “Do you think we’d get A Starry Night moustaches once we drink it?”

He snorted at her quirky comment, “Only one way to find out.”

“No! Wait.” She hollered and flung her hand across the table. “Don’t you want to take pictures of it?”

She didn’t even wait for him reply and in an instant her smartphone was in her hand, snapping aesthetic shots of the piece of drinkable art.

Taehyung only watched her with a bright smile. This moment reminded him of the time when they had fed the pigeons.

After she took a selfie with the cup she turned in her seat to get Taehyung in the frame as well, together with his A Starry Night phone case and both their cups.

“Smile Tae ah,” she excitedly said and just like that Taehyung threw on his signature pose. Whereas Sooyeong threw up a simple peace sign next to her cheek.

And similarly to before (at the park) another beautiful moment had been caught on camera but sadly when Sooyeong looked at the cute selfie, her heart wrenched.

Because she remembered the selfie with the Ebisen and the stir it had caused. Taehyung on the other hand had noticed her dark change in mood.

“Soo ah?” his voice was gentle and he leaned over the table to look at her.

Sooyeong stared up at him, slightly teary eyed and she handed him her smartphone to which he analysed the image, “You know what happened the last time we took a selfie together…”

His expression became sympathetic at her words and he looked up, “Soo ah, I'm really sorry for being the cause of what happened to you but—”

“It wasn’t your fault.” She interjected and fiddled with the handle of the cup. “It wasn’t either of ours. It’s Ahro and Nayeon who are responsible for this… Who knew jealousy could run that thick?”

Her words surprised him especially because they were so eerily similar to what Haeri had told him that dreadful day. He wondered if she really just felt that way or did she really hear their conversation.

“You really don’t think I could be the root cause?” his voice was low.

She smiled softly, “No, it’s all in a person’s mind-set, whether it’s mob mentality or rationality. It’s really up to the individual to decide how they want to live.”

“If you really feel that way then don’t beat yourself up over a selfie. You can’t always sacrifice your happiness for others.” He advised and handed her back her smartphone. “Going through ups and downs are apart of growing up but what matters is that someone is there with you, especially in those trying times to support you.”

She gave him a weak smile and wiped away her tears, “You really are a compassionate dork Taehyung but thank you. Thank you for being you and I’m also really sorry for not listening to you about my clothes when I was locked in the stall.”

He sat up at her words and her expression wavered into slight regret.

She couldn’t believe how ironic the circumstances where since just the other day she mentioned to him that she wasn’t planning on stripping in front him but alas fate had presented their playful banter in a very gut-wrenching tragedy.

He swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat because he felt slightly flustered even though he knew he shouldn’t be.

Nevertheless, he spoke in a soft tone. “Putting your clothing back on in a situation like that probably would be anyone's least concern so there’s no need to apologise. If anyone, it should be me. I’m really sorry if I made you uncomfortable in any way at the time, it really wasn’t my intention.”

Her heart was completely melted at that point. Why did he have to have such an affect on her or be such a sweet talker?

“If anything Taehyung,” she lifted the cup towards her lips, in attempt to hide the blush that started to form. “I feel more comfortable and safe with you than with anyone else.”

A  U T H O R ' S  N O T E

A double update! ✨
Also, the C. Through café actually exists! I want to go there so bad 😭

P.s. spam me with comments, I really don't mind.

Author, Lu 💜