Tensions lingered between Taehyung and Sierra since their night of passion. Taehyung continued to avoid the subject, causing Sierra to maintain a vow of silence on it. On the way to the venue for Seokjin and Sooha's wedding, Sierra kept company on her mobile while Taehyung concentrated on the destination, using it to sort through his thoughts.

Why is this so hard for me? He thought, sighing after.

Sierra glanced over at Taehyung after his sigh, curious to what was on his mind. She hoped he would at least serve her the same courtesy, but he kept his eyes forward. Sierra drew her stare back to her phone.

Kate
Your dress is
beautiful.
Have fun Si!

Sierra
Thanks

Ruby
What's up your ass?

Sierra
Nothing
Gotta go,
Love you

Sierra closed her text window with her friends. As much as it thrilled her to hear from them, reflections of the man next to her had her attention more. Over and over, she recited to herself that she understood his hesitation; it hurt her to wonder if what was happening between them wasn't enough. This pained her the most. Her stare wandered out of the window as she held back tears, not wanting to ruin the makeup she took time to prepare.

They arrived at the venue.

Taehyung parked the car, looking over at Sierra, who turned her phone to silent and slipped it in her purse. So many things he wanted to say to her, with I love you being top of the list. He gulped as his gaze traveled her body and cleared his throat, calling her attention to him.

"You're beautiful." His voice was deep but clear.

A half-smile shaped Sierra's lips as she gazed at his chestnut eyes, glistening in the light. "Thank you. You're looking quite handsome yourself, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung felt a splinter in his heart hearing the formality and nodded at the reply. "I'll get your door." He spoke before he exited the car and got out, meeting Jimin as he greeted them. His stare narrowed when he spotted Seojoon seated in the vehicle.

"Ah! You guys are here. Good, we can sit together." Jimin smiled, approaching his friend.

"And your brother?" Taehyung asked as Seojoon waved at him, lifting a brow and smiling before taking off.

"He will be back for the reception."

Great. Taehyung thought.

"Where's Sierra?" Jimin asked before peeking over and seeing her in the car. "Are you going to let her out?" Not waiting for Taehyung to answer, Jimin opened the door for Sierra and extended his hand.

"Excuse my rude best friend for making you wait, Sierra." He apologized as he helped Sierra out of the car.

"It's okay, Jimin. You look rather handsome." She complimented.

Jimin blushed. "And you're looking like a million-dollar date." He grinned.

Sierra chuckled. "Just a million?" She asked.

"Much more." Taehyung chimed in as he offered to escort Sierra into the venue.

With a nervous smile, Sierra wrapped her arm in Taehyung's as they proceeded inside.

{}

Following the beautiful wedding ceremony, Taehyung stood with Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok drinking champagne while observing the guests sauntering the venue. Taehyung glanced over in Sierra's direction, who was talking and laughing with Minah. The sight of this made him smile. Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok smiled as they examined their smitten friend.

"So, when's the date?" Yoongi teased before taking a sip of his drink.

"Date?" Taehyung wondered.

"Yeah. We know proposing would be too much for you, so I assume you're thinking of moving to America or you're bringing Sierra here." Yoongi clarified.

The pit of Taehyung's stomach churned at the mention of his unmentioned dilemma with Sierra. He hasn't decided and gave him chills at the thought of it. "I'm not moving to America."

Slow and curious glances from his friends fell on Taehyung.

"Oh? So, how will this affect your relationship with Sierra? Fourteen hours is one hell of a distance for a relationship." Hoseok asked.

"Have you and Sierra talked about this Taehyung?" Jimin wondered.

Taehyung took a drink of his beverage. "It's not that easy."

"It is if you love her," Jimin added.

Taehyung sighed. "Guys..."

"So, you dragged her here, and you haven't even told her you aren't going back with her tomorrow? What the fuck, Taehyung?" Yoongi scolded.

Taehyung took another look at Sierra, who was now in the company of Seojoon. He gritted as he observed them. Jimin noted this, and curiosity led him to walk over before Taehyung stopped him.

"She knows him." He mumbled to him.

More glances gained Taehyung's attention.

"She does? How?" Jimin wondered. "Well," he continued, "Joon spends lots of time in different countries because of work, and they are in similar fields, so I guess it's not entirely impossible." He reasoned.

Taehyung guzzled the rest of his drink as he remained to stare at them. Jealousy laced within him, along with more apprehension of Sierra learning the truth about Seojoon. The moment his thoughts pondered this, she glanced his way before lowering her gaze in what Taehyung interpret as a disappointment. "Fuck." He muttered.

"Taehyung, if you aren't going back with Sierra tomorrow, then shouldn't you tell her?" Hoseok asked.

Taehyung shook his head and set his glass down. He adjusted his suit jacket before leaving the table with his friends and walked with casual strides over to Sierra and Seojoon.

"Hope I'm not interrupting." He chimed in.

Sierra's heart thumped with wild beats against her chest as Taehyung's voice resonated between them. "You're not." She answered with a low rasp. "Joon was just telling me how he's known you for quite some time, and he's Jimin's older brother. Small world, huh?"

Taehyung grinned nervously as he watched Sierra's cheek extend from rolling her tongue inside it. He felt her irritation. "It is a small world." He responded.

"Sierra, so you're leaving tomorrow?" Seojoon asked, eyes darting to Taehyung before focusing on her.

Sierra clenched her jaw to fight the emotion lingering in her throat before answering. "Yeah. Back to New York for me. It's going to be hard. I didn't realize how much I missed it here until I was on Korean soil."

"Ah, so soon?" Seojoon pouted.

Sierra smiled. "I know, but I have responsibilities. It was great being back, though."

"Yeah, we had some good times here," Seojoon replied.

Sierra nodded. "Well, when you're young, you..."

"Sierra, can I talk to you for a minute?" Taehyung interrupted.

Sierra shot a glare over to Taehyung, finding it hard to tear herself away from him as her annoyance intensified.

"I'll give you two some space. Sierra, it was good seeing you again. Have a safe flight." Seojoon spoke but left before giving her a chance to respond.

Taehyung took Sierra by the hand and led her to a secluded spot in the venue.

"Sierra- "

"You've crossed paths a few times? That's what you said when we talked about Seojoon. You've known him all your life, Taehyung." Sierra folded her arms against her chest in irritation.

"I know, I..."

"I told you not to keep anything else from me, Taehyung. It's bad enough that you won't talk about the other night, but to learn that you lied to me about Seojoon being Jimin's brother? Your jealousy is a little ridiculous sometimes." Sierra interrupted.

"I'm sorry. I should have told you the truth, but it worried me you, I mean, maybe you still had some feelings for him." Taehyung admitted.

Sierra scoffed. "You can't be serious? Taehyung, I broke with him for a reason. Seojoon is sweet, but we wanted different things, and we were young. Even now, being an adult, nothing has changed much with him. I care for him, but I don't love him. I love you."

A quick breath escaped Taehyung. "Sierra, I... going back to America is..." Taehyung shook his head. "I don't know. I don't know what to do yet."

Stinging tears rushed Sierra's eyes as she stared into the swirls of chocolate glistening in Taehyung's eyes. Hurt wouldn't even compare what she felt from hearing the truth he's been avoiding to tell her. Though on some level, she knew. "I guess we want different things too." She whispered.

Taehyung froze in his stance. His lips parted to speak, but fear cut through his communication and gripped his heart. His stare was all that he could give her, and it didn't stop the tear that lingered under his eye the moment he blinked.

Sierra nodded in understanding and fled from Taehyung. She quickly found Minah and asked her to take her back to his apartment to prepare for her leave in the morning.

Cupid 💘