A while back in the washroom. . .

Taehyung was completely shattered and shrank into a dust at the slam of the door, shutting after Jae Ra flashed out. The discernment of his nefarious and immoral move on her slapped him with its realization.

Containing himself, the best he could, he joined the members back in the party, after a while of perturbation inside the empty space.

By that time, Jae Ra was on the stage- singing in her soulful mellifluous soft voice that he was greatly amazed at their first meet, six years ago.

JIMIN : Taetae! You remember we heard her sing for the time in that school?

JUNGKOOK : Hyung was like, "Waaah... She sings so well" with his mouth gaped. (-imitating him-)

They chuckled at him recreating Taehyung's face and ending up laughing himself—a thing he always did to lighten the mood and make them laugh.

~FLASHBACK (first meet)~

They, as BTS and the young generation influencers, were called to the most prestigious high School of Seoul. To encourage and motivate the students about their future.

Reaching there as per our scheduled time, they were welcomed by some male teachers at the gate, freezing in the winter air.

A sharp chill numbed Taehyung's ears that he quickly covered with his palms. Everyone, in similar ways, tried to adjust to the sudden exposure of the parky blow, getting off the Van.

Busy looking around, Taehyung noticed a lady in her early 20s coming their way with her little run. She blowed onto her palms and rubbed them warm, while settling her overcoat against the cold breeze.

"Was I just checking her out?" Taehyung quizzed himself and instantly shook his thoughts of it.

She came to them, a formal greet following after and cherry topped with a sweet smile. It fairly enhanced the highlights of her intricate and smooth features and her endearing demeanor.

"Don't tell me she smiles like that to everyone." He wondered and shut his thoughts again.

??? : (-bowing-) Welcome to SilverLeaf High School. I am the English Professor, Kim Jae Ra.

She breathed out her introduction so fast that he could barely tell apart the words. Let alone grasp her name.

"KimchiRa? Her name is Kimchi? Interesting." Taehyung remarked to himself with a faint smile.

JAE RA : I will show you around. Please come.

She showed them the way, now taking the full charge as she led the guests inside.

JM : (-quietly to him-) You've been checking her out, haven't you?

He smirked. Taehyung nudged him with his elbow, making him fake a silent groan while they marched behind her with others.

Present time~

Taehyung was brought back with the echoes of everyone's cheer hitting his ears. Jimin nudged him in a similar way to stir his stillness and join the claps.

The lines she sang seemed as if they were indicated towards him—guilt engulfing his heart furthermore.

A while after, Ji hae took Jae hyung to wash his hands. Taehyung singled out to go and apologize to Jae Ra about his unlawful behavior in the meantime.

Taehyung couldn't take the fact that she was being awkward and avoiding every little chances of their possible eye contact.

As he attempted walking to her, she bowed a little and passed by him very casually.

JAE RA : (-over the phone-) Yes, Ryan? (-passing by him-) Ah huh, I am on my way.

Taehyung wondered who Ryan was since he never heard of this name as her relative or friend in the time they were together.

Slowly, the words said by her Uncle and the same that he couldn't bring himself to accept rewound in his mind—leashing the matching strings.

"Mr. JANG : She is getting married soon."

A sudden tinge of envy, hurt and resent— wrenched his heart with their pernicious concoction.

Taehyung was not ready to let her go yet. He still couldn't stand anyone else, receiving her love and care.

"Why am I thinking this when it was me who betrayed her?" He commented to himself. 

Wanting to avoid the cameras, he walked towards the small rented house as Ji hae returned from the same with Jae hyung. The latter running to him.

Taehyung wanted to be alone, so he asked of him to be with his Uncles for a while, until he came back from a supposedly important call.

Sitting on the bed in an empty room, Taehyung leaned forward with his arms resting on his thighs. All the unsettled thoughts and emotions made him lose his mind.

TH : Why does it have to be us, Kimchi? Why can't we live together like a family we used to be? I know, I've committed a sin. But, you know I would never cheat on you. Don't you believe me?

Wrapped with all these never-ending questions and regrets, he didn't realize when a few warm tears blurred his sight, that was fixed on the wooden floor.

Taehyung heedlessly wiped his eyes—frustrated from the purgatory and entirely lost himself. His inner screamed to relieve it from the malicious pain. Yet his insensitive senses gave no ear to the soul they had tenanted inside.

Hobi hyung and Jimin came looking for him after a while as they noticed his absence outside.

JIMIN : Hey, are you okay?

TH : (-low voice-) Hmm...

HOSEOK : Why did you come back suddenly after seeing her leave? (-concern-) Is everything okay?

TH : Hyung.. (-not looking up at them-) Kimch-... Jae- Jae Ra is getting married.

JM : What?!

He nodded unwillingly, slowly realizing the truth and contained himself from breaking down before them.

HS : Hey~ Taehyung-ah, I know it must be hard for you. But don't you think she deserves a move on too? You have your son to call your family, she doesn't even have the reminiscence of one.

Taehyung silently listened to him, absolutely handicapped to debate against his words that sounded more like facts.

HS : (-placing his hand on his shoulder-) Try to be supportive as you always were to her. We cannot be more proud to see you carry yourself this strong after so many misfortunes. You know right, that whatever you decide to do, we are always there for you?

His eyes couldn't hold the urge anymore letting the tears flow out with his head, nodding in approval of all that Hoseok uttered.

TH : (-hardly audible-) Thank you, hyung. (-sniffs-)

No matter how obnoxious the circumstances transpired into or how lost Taehyung found myself, they have always come to his rescue.

He had come to realize while crying over and longing for something he had already lost. That, he ceased his vision of the people who were still there with him and shouldn't be taken for granted.

"I don't want to be selfish anymore, Kimchi. But, will you forgive me?"

Meanwhile on the other side, Jae Ra smiled as she saw the one she has been expecting to meet around that hour, for a casual lunch.

JAE RA : You are here already?

It was Ryan, reclined along her table with one hand tucked in his pockets while the other holding open a novel to him. The one, he had once gifted Jae Ra on her birthday.

It was really cherished and close to her heart for its title and the emotions, the author had implanted inside. And for how the storyline ringed close to her own life.

With him right on time, Jae Ra sussed the call she faked earlier was in a sense, not completely deceptive.

RYAN : Yup, pretty much.

He flashed a sarcastic smile as he rested the book down.

JAE RA : So, you wanna read this book?

RYAN : Oh, actually. I already did. I was just going through my favorite lines.

JAE RA : Really? What are those?

RYAN : (-trying to change the topic-) You are late, I see.

JAE RA : Yeah, I am so sorry.

RYAN : Nevermind. Let's go.

She chuckled to see him just avoid answering her question.

Jae Ra and Ryan walked to the place that they decided on, a perk being it nearby. It was recently inaugurated and circulated legends about, in less than three weeks of its commencement. It was quite remarkable.

The restaurant was Italy themed with artificial plants and flowers, embellishing the perfect arc at the junction. It divided the soft red lit antique interior in two inconspicuous wards, only observed on a careful distinctive notice.

Its classical aura and beguiling scent welcomed the guests with effortless elegance and savoring aroma of the prominent Italian cuisine.

Feeding their fascination, they settled around a table planning to order something they could actually taste.

With a little struggle pronouncing the names, they placed their fingers on the items that inclined them to try.

JAE RA : So, is it from the time when Aiden decides to stay away from Ace but ends up caring for her anyways?

Jae Ra tried to lame question him to get him spill out the actual lines.

RYAN : (-clueless-) What? (-chuckles, realizing-) Well, let's end this. (-fearing a cringe from her-) My favorite quote is "Touch has a Memory."

JAE RA : Oh my! Really?

RYAN : (-explains himself-) It just how subtly it is said, but it goes by deeper once you read the whole novel.

JAE RA : I know, right? That mere line is so undeniable once you come to feel it. (-recalling the kiss-)

Ryan noticed her expressions glooming down a bit. Therefore, he instantly changed the topic to something else.

RYAN : So, where did you come from earlier?

JAE RA : Huh-ah. Actually, I went to Jaehyung's birthday party.

RYAN : Jaehyung? Your tone says, I must know him.

JAE RA : (-slight grin-) Well, it's BTS singer, Kim Taehyung's son.

RYAN : Oh! So, it's a celebrity family again, huh?

JAE RA : Yeah~ (-reminiscing the birthday party-) They are really sweet. Jae hyung is pampered alot by his parents.

RYAN : (-nod-smile-) Yeah, they must adore him even though he is adopted.

JAE RA : (-smile fades-) Adopted?

RYAN : (-sips water-) Well, I don't know the whole truth, but I can assure you he is not Ms. Ji hae's son.

JAE RA : Why would you say that?

RYAN : Well, I-

__________

Pt.2 is here as well. Scroll down/swipe the pages. ;)

CHAPTER 16 : Bitter Acceptance pt.2

RYAN : Well, I-

WAITER : (-cutting him off-) Sorry for the wait. Here's your order. (-typical Italian accent-) Buon appetito! (-placing all the dishes on the table-)

The food looked too enticing to resist. Jae Ra's hunger did not quite help her from taking gulps of crave and drool over its deliciousness.

Without wasting another moment, they dug into the exotic dishes placed before their eyes.

JAE RA : (-melting at the mouth watering taste-) It's sooo good! Where was I to miss out on this for three weeks?!

RYAN : (-chuckling at her over dramatic reaction-) It's really great. We should come here more often.

JAE RA : Heard me denying that? (-savoring every little flavor-)

RYAN : (-eating like a sane diner-) You sure are extra when it comes to food. Eat slow, you might choke yourself.

JAE RA : (-struggling with the hot bite-) I cannoh K foh my throah nao

RYAN : (-chuckling at her unclear words-) It's all yours. But, careful with the burns.

He blew on his next scoop, showcasing the idea of cooling the food a little if it was too hot, before eating.
Jae Ra frowned at his tease and recalled the chat that trailed off last time.

JAE RA : Oh yes, what were you saying about Ms. Jihae?

RYAN : (-taking a bite and speaks after a while-) Well, 4 years ago I met her in Canada when I was there with Sung Yeol.

JAE RA : Oh, really? How come?

RYAN : That day, Sung Yeol went on his first date with Seo-In. So, I had to go home by myself. And happened to cross paths with her at a traffic light pole. I didn't know who she was then, but she seemed having trouble with her phone. She was moving it to and fro for signal, I think(?) (-smiles and wonders in space-) That was cute.

JAE RA : What happened next? (-takes another bite-)

RYAN : (-getting back from his daydream-) I noticed a snatcher at a distance, aiming for her phone. Well, it sure looked quite a money. I stood in my position, not letting him know that I was aware and waited for him to approach her.

Jae ra was diving into the story he narrated, unable to interrupt and silently munching on her food as she listened to him further.

RYAN : He snatched her phone as expected but before he ran away, I caught and knocked him down as he- foolish him- ran towards my direction. I returned her phone and she thanked me with a sweet smile, before leaving with the driver who had arrived just then.

JAE RA : That's all? (-finally distracted from the food-) So, how is that related to Jae Hyung's adoption?

RYAN : I know it's not quite on the table yet. (-continuing further-) But just after two months from that incident, I heard in the news that she got married to a Korean Idol and also has a new born son. And she didn't have any baby-bump for a seven month-pregnancy, when I met her. Isn't that enough to know she is 'not' Jae hyung's biological mom?

JAE RA : (-agreeing partially-) I guess so, but-

She didn't complete her sentence, noticing him a little occupied with himself. He further continued to eat with a sad expression, inclining her concern even more.

JAE RA : Ryan?

RYAN : (-startled-) Yes?

JAE RA : (-hunching-) By any chance, did you like her then?

RYAN : (-unamused chuckle-) To be honest, I still do.

JAE RA : What?! You never told me.

RYAN : Well, you never asked me either.

JAE RA : (-sighs-) You do have a point.

The supposed truth that she learnt from him, kept lingering on for the rest of the day. It had her engrossed no matter how many wraps of work, she layered myself with.

"If that's true then Jae hyung is not their son?" She wondered. "Gosh, why is it bothering me so much?" Jae Ra countered back.

Irked by the futile thoughts feeding on her productive hours, she set some strict boundaries for herself. To prevent her mind, from further intrusion in someone else's personal life.

JAE RA : (-wondering alone in my cabin-) Was Uncle right? Am I being really affected by his mere name?

Adamantly denying her insecure thoughts, Jae Ra determined herself that she must maintain the fort yard set, which otherwise, might raise question to her professionalism.

Thereby, forcing her entire focus and attention to the preparation of the package which starts tomorrow, she called the day off and drove home.

Lying under the same still ceiling, all such moments, that summed another day to her lifespan, rewound in her mind. Jae Ra observed this as a daily habit acquired after her accident. More like a revisit of the chapter she read everyday, to keep the memories fresh.

The dark shade of the room for the window was heedfully closed this time, gave the perfect contrasting canvas for the scenes to seem more real and vivid.

During the recollections that had brought a smile to her lips, the painting of the kiss, fearfully, rather eased her heart than evincing the guilt she felt at the party.

The pulsating beats raised with a certain nameless dread, as she closed her eyes craving to feel the same soft touch of his lips against hers.  Frustratingly, Jae Ra failed, for the memory of sensations are mechanized to remain only to the moment. A need for human to long and cherish their touch.

Although a late stimulus, her body reacted to the kiss by a sudden catalysis of heat produced. Reasoned by the lack of fresh air coming into the confined walls- her body calefaction increased exponentially. Sweating forehead and rapid rhythms of trunk fluctuated her breath, as she clenched on the soft sheets under her.

In the next blink, suffocation edging her, Jae Ra stumbled out of the bed to open the window. The ever so soothing breeze hit her face with desperation, releasing an instant relief to her nerves and stabilized her.

A smile once again returned to her eased up lip muscles. Only to be soon snatched away, as she opened her eyes from the sooth to the utter reality, she failed to realize before.

"Why didn't I have a headache after the kiss? I remember, I did recall some images then too."

Locating her phone on charging, she rushed to surf the internet with the floods of questions that had a sudden force through, while she sat herself on her bed.

A few articles derived her to the conclusion, that the pills she had taken right before the kiss were still in close contact with the pain receptor cells of her brain. Which ultimately, prevented the potential malicious headache.

Jae Ra found herself in displeasure to learn the actuality and reasoning of it. If only, she thought he might be a new and a safer way to explore her past but alas, was not.

Next day~

The last night's not-so-peaceful hours, made her sleep through a little more than her alarmed time. She was scheduled to receive them at ten and was already running late.

Jae Ra skipped breakfast as always but took my coffee and roared off to the company.
Luckily, the driver was ready with the car as she reached there. The carriage was expensive and spacious to fit them comfortably, while maintaining their Star status.

Needless to drop by her cabin, she hopped in next to the driver. Entering the address in the navigator to their hotel, she asked him to pace up.

They reached the hotel by just a minute prior to the scheduled time and Jae Ra sighed in a relief.
Taking nervous gulps, she dialed Taehyung while marching in the gleaming lobby anxiously.

*Over the call*

JAE RA : (-as he picked up-) A very good morning. I am Kim Jae Ra, your tourist guide, here to receive you.

TH : (-after a slight pause-) Good morning. But...

JAE RA : But?

____________

This chapter came out too long so I decided to split it into two parts.
Hopefully, it wasn't much of a hindrance. (^_^)'

A/N : From here on, all the chapters are in Author's POV.
When I get the time, I will shift the povs from the start.
But for now, the upcoming chapters are all in third person.

You're smart enough to know who
Michael Joshua is, aren't you?
P.s. Everything is fictional. Do not be influenced in any way.