When Taehyung told me I had to hurry or we'd miss our flight, I believed him. See, when people talk about flights and airports, I immediately think of long queues and security checks. I think of a strict time limit for boarding, which I am not allowed to be late for, and of carry-ons inspections. Driving onto the tarmac by car? Having the flight crew waiting for us? Nah! I've never associated that type of setting with catching a flight. That's why Taehyung lied to me. We weren't going to miss our flight just because I spent a minute too long choosing between my black Bvlgari dress or my Zuhair Murad suit. We had a freaking airplane waiting for us — just us.

"Stay on standby," Taehyung addressed the driver. Man, I didn't even know Taehyung had a driver. My jaw dropped somewhere on the floor of the car as I looked around through the window, only to turn my gaze back to Taehyung. He pulled his hoodie over his t-shirt and seemed to have finally come to terms with the fact that it was winter and a t-shirt wasn't enough. "You have to pick us up when we get back."

The car drove towards the parked plane. It was a small jet. I couldn't tell you the make even if my life depended on it, but it was similar to what we see on TV. "Some friendly advice. Close your mouth." Taehyung snapped me back from my reverie. "Flies and all that, you know." He winked at me. He fucking winked, unfazed by the deadly glare I shot him.

"You really are rich," I commented, letting my intrusive thoughts out as I took in the view once more. At this point, I was almost glued to the window.

"Will that gain me brownie points?" Taehyung turned in his seat so that he was looking at me. A smug grin tugged at his lips. Opportunistic bastard.

"Jury's still out on that." I folded my arms over my chest and mimicked his arrogance. Two can tango. Wait! That sounded very suggestive. The normal tango. Not the horizontal tango. Shit, now I was getting strange ideas.

Taehyung leaned closer to me as the car came to a stop. He tilted his head. That smug grin was on full display again. "So why are you blushing, Inaya?"

I sneered. God, the man must've had a cliché movie for breakfast. "Joke's on you, Mr. Kim. That's called makeup."

The driver opened the door for me, and I couldn't thank him enough. Bless his soul; he saved me from my own devices. I could still hear Taehyung laughing as the windy tarmac enveloped me with its chill. I let my eyes trail, noticing the few flight operators checking the plane's tires and a few traffic marshalls. It was a particularly cold day. A shiver ran through my body as I stood there like a little girl visiting the arcade for the first time. It must be damn nice to be this rich. Some people are lucky. But I couldn't say that luck was the only factor in Taehyung's success. I can't say the man was lucky, to begin with. I wouldn't call anyone who grew up without the warmth of a family lucky. What Taehyung had was the will to succeed and the intelligence that made him what he became. Something was draped over my shoulders, and when I looked, I spotted Taehyung adjusting his coat over them. "Are you having a feud with clothes or something?" He whispered in my ear, which caused the shivers to amplify, and this time not because of the cold weather.

I actually have no problems with clothes. The gray leggings and oversized hoodie I was wearing were thermal. But I have to say that I have a very strong feud with how my body reacts to this man standing so close to me. I slipped my arms into the coat and wrapped it around my body. The sleeves doubled as gloves, as long as they were. And I was sure the coat wouldn't fall to his ankles like it did mine. "You're one to talk." I turned so I was looking at him and pointed at the plane behind us. "Didn't you say we were going to be late? So why don't you lead the way instead of judging my clothes?"

Taehyung towed our suitcases and shouted as he walked towards the jet. "So on edge. Must be the travel jitters." I walked quickly to keep up with him, but I might as well say I was running.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kim," the flight attendant greeted.

"Good afternoon to you, too." Taehyung handed our suitcases to a cargo officer and turned back to the flight attendant. "Miss Chen here needs a chamomile infusion. Fear of heights and stuff like that." And with that, he left me to search for a retort with wide eyes and took the stairs, making his way inside of the plane.

"Good afternoon," I greeted the flight attendant with an awkward smile. "Um, you can cancel that order. I have no problem with flying." I took the stairs, too, fleeing the scene.

If it was a breathtaking moment to see a private jet from the outside, no one had prepared me to see it from the inside. Beige and gold accents on brown leather and surfaces. There weren't too many seats. Only six. But the cabin had a certain amount of space that I had yet to discover. Another flight attendant took Taehyung's coat off my shoulders and led me inside. Taehyung, my lovely traveling companion and host, made himself comfortable without waiting for me. He took off his hoodie again — seriously, he was the one who had a feud against clothes, not me— and reclined his seat. I shook my head and walked to the seat across from him. "Nice bird," I offered as I lowered myself into the seat. Damn! This seat is criminally comfortable.

"Thanks." He handed me a glass of champagne and held his for a toast. "I'm glad you like it, seeing as you'll be using it often."

"Why would I? I'm not planning on traveling."

"Don't be so sure." He waved his glass, and a grin played around his lips. "Plans change."

"What do you mean?"

My question met no answer as the PA system kicked in and the flight attendants began their emergency briefing. I followed Taehyung's lead, fastened my seatbelt and leaned back against my seat as the plane began to taxi. I could hear the pilots communicating with the tower control from how close we were to the cockpit.

"Incheon Ground, November Nine Five Tango Hotel, Gulfstream G650, at the private jet terminal. Requesting taxi clearance to runway 16R. Destination Jeju International Airport via Victor 1, flight level 350. Information Bravo, Squawking 3012."

"Roger that. Taxi to runway 16R via Alpha and Bravo, hold short of Runway 16R, November Nine Five Tango Hotel."

The jet picked up speed, and in seconds, we were airborne. I watched from the window as the ground grew further and further. Flying never ceases to amaze me. There is something about the freedom and solitude in the vastness of the sky that captivates me. There's intrigue in it, like the intrigue of the man piercing me with his gaze from the opposite seat. I sipped my champagne and did what I do best. Banter. "Take a picture. It'll last longer."

"Joke's on you, Miss Chen." He leaned closer, unfazed by the gravity that gently but firmly glued our backs to the seats. Like the wise adult that I am, I ignored the way he threw my words back at me. I looked at him with narrowed eyes, and he rewarded me with a smile as he pulled out his phone and turned it so the screen was facing me. "Already did."

And sure enough, there was a picture of me looking dreamily out of the window. Something about the way he captured the moment that had enchanted me played in my head in all the wrong ways. A very dangerous way. As it was,I was left with severe trust issues after realizing that not only was Yoongi a stranger, but that everyone I'd spent the last three years with was playing a different role that amounted to a big fat lie. I didn't want to trust this man, only to be showered with lies again. But he's actively making it hard for me to keep my walls up. In fact, he's bulldozing them down every time I build them back up. Taehyung's interest in me could be genuine. Or maybe it's not. Finding out the truth about his feelings would cost a hefty sum that I wasn't willing to pay.

But then again. But then fucking again. How was I supposed to protect the walls I'd built around myself when this man was taking pictures of me and capturing my happiness for eternity? How could I stop my heart from pounding whenever thoughts of him crossed my mind? How could I ignore that wholesome feeling I get when he touches me? For Christ's sake, how am I supposed to ignore the fact that he cares about me? I'm only human and God knows I'm not his strongest soldier.

"That's actually copyright infringement." I leaned back in my seat and gave him an impassive look. Judging by the way his smile widened, I must've been hilarious. Fuck! He should be fined for smiling like that. He's a danger to the citizens.

"Privacy infringement is the term I believe you were aiming for."

I rolled my eyes, because of course that's what you're supposed to do when faced with a person who knows it all. "Whatever."

The seatbelt sign went off, signaling that we could move around the plane. I actually was doing fine in this comfy seat and had no intention of moving, so I unbuckled my seatbelt and crossed my leg on the seat after taking off my Adidas Campus. Taehyung asked for more bubbles as he unbuckled his seatbelt as well. We basked in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before the pilot appeared at our seats.

"Mr. Kim. We're ready for you whenever you want." He offered politely.

I looked back and forth between him and Taehyung, trying to understand what was going on. Taehyung stood up and looked at me like I'd missed a cue or something. "What?"

"Get your ass up and follow me."

I gave him a once over. "If you ask nicely, I might consider."

He scoffed, obviously on the verge of despair. "Would you please get your beautiful ass up and follow me?"

I tried to hide my smile and reluctantly did as I was told, following Taehyung, who in turn followed the pilot to? Wait a fucking minute. I must be dreaming. Except I wasn't. We stopped right in front of the cockpit, where the pilot welcomed us inside.

"Oh. My. God! TAEHYUNG!"

"You keep giving me visions, Inaya, calling god and my name in the same sentence." He leaned closer to me and whispered in my ear as I stood with my back to him, just enjoying the gorgeous view in front of me. "I don't know, man. Should I take the hint?"

"We'll give you some privacy. Please make sure you don't touch anything." I heard the pilot say as he led the co-pilot out of the cockpit.

I turned so that I was facing Taehyung and playfully banged my fist against his chest. "Stop it." But in reality, the word came out with a laugh and no force. "Thank you so much, Taehyung." I turned back around to take my share of the blue sky in front of me, wishing I could reach out and take a piece of the clouds to commemorate the moment. "This is a dream come true."

I felt strong arms wrap around my waist. I let them. I didn't fight it anymore. I didn't have the strength or the will. Actually, that's an outright lie because I liked the feel of them being exactly where they were. Strong. Anchoring. Enveloping. Taehyung's. "So make my dream come true and stop putting yourself in danger." I took a deep breath because I knew where his words were going. "Don't stand between life and demise again. Don't go looking for that kind of thrill." Pause. Deep inhale. "I don't like it, Inaya." His hand reached into my hair and brushed it away from my shoulder, exposing the back of my neck and causing goosebumps to form. "I don't like it when you put yourself in danger for things that don't deserve you. So make my dream come true too, hum?" A feather-light kiss landed on my neck, and I closed my eyes, afraid I was going to melt and perish. I sighed and was glad I managed not to moan at this exact instant. God, my body was electrified like I'd never experienced before. "Don't put yourself in danger. I don't think I'm ready to lose another person... that way."

I froze on the spot. Another person? Oh god! The pieces quickly fell into place I felt dizzy. Taehyung thought I was suicidal. He panicked when he saw me on the bridge because.... Jesus! He had lost someone he cherished to suicide. And what did I do? I fucking asked him if he wanted to try the thrill of being on death's doorstep. Oh my God. Words failed me, and honestly? What are you supposed to say in such cases? I turned to him, but my eyes refused to look him in the eye because I was afraid of what I'd see there, so I hugged him. I hugged him to give him the comfort he must have longed for when life took that someone from him. I hugged him so he could feel that I was there for him now, no matter the nature of our relationship. I hugged him and it felt right, so right and so warm and so us. Two shattered souls in a vast universe and in the hands of the blue sky.

He loosened our embrace just enough to look at me, and for some reason I wished he hadn't. His wounds hurt me as if they were mine, and I wasn't sure I'd be able not to cry. Some vulnerabilities are delicate. His is one of them. It wouldn't be fair to make this about me. "So, can I take that as a promise?" He asked. His thumb caressed my jaw. I nodded. A silent promise heard only to us.

He smiled at me, and I couldn't do the same. My heart ached for this man who had no one to call family, and on top of that cruel loneliness, he had to endure the departure of another person. "Can I be greedy and have another dream come true?" He asked with gentle eyes.

"At least you're aware of your flaws." I chuckled. "Shoot away."

He pulled me closer to him, our lips mere inches apart. Our gazes traveled searchingly from our eyes to our lips. Wanting. Hell, demanding. My breath hitched from the intensity of his look. From the closeness of our bodies. It was torture, wanting him and knowing that it was better to stay away from him.

"Be my date."

"It seems I already am. That's why I'm here anyway."

"Not just my fake date." He frowned. His brows furrowed. Jaw ticked. His eyes were transfixed on my lips, and I was starting to lose my restraint by the second. "Be my real date, Inaya."

And it seemed like I was a masochist because I gave in to the torture even though I knew I might never come back from the battle alive. "I'm your real date, Taehyung." I let my fingers trace the shape of his lips. They were soft. They were my downfall. "Not just for tonight." I didn't give time for the words to echo around us before I pressed my lips to his. And he gave me no time to reconsider my actions before his teeth tugged at my lips, demanding access to my mouth to steal my soul and my fragile heart.

🃏🃏

"Here. This is you." Taehyung pointed to the door we were standing in front of with a shake of his head. "And that's your key. Your suitcases will be brought right here."

I rolled the key card between my fingers, examining the name of the hotel and the name of the room. Presidential suite. I didn't know how to feel about the way he splurged on me, but I knew better than to address a matter that would highlight our differences. He knew me for who I was from the beginning, just as I knew who he was from the get to go. No lies were involved here, and yet, we found each other attracted to one another, differences be damned.

"Where's your room?" I asked.

He gave me a playful once-over, barely hiding that devastating smirk. "Why? Wanna drop by?"

"Go get some rest, old man." I tapped my card on the lock, opening the door.

He went to the door in front of mine, opened his door and stood on the threshold. "I actually was about to let it slide." His voice was pretty loud for a hotel. "But I'm literally just three years older than you." He held up three fingers for emphasis. His eyes widened in offense, and I found myself being attacked and didn't know what to do except smile dumbly. "Be for real." He slammed the door shut.

I entered the room with a smile that tugged at my jaw so hard it hurt. At the sight of the grandeur that welcomed me, my smile faded and awe was all I could feel. A drawing room stretched out on the floor and led to a curved staircase. The lights were dimmed to allow the city skyline to work its magic. The huge flat screen TV was on and my name was plastered on it. I grabbed a bottle of water from the few that were on the table and made my way upstairs. Listen,I've stayed in a lot of hotels since I became a model. All the rooms I've been given have been beautiful. All of them were suites. But this one? I've never seen a room like this before, not even in my wildest dreams. A huge round bed took up the center of the room. Behind it, a huge glass wall allowed a view of the sea into the room. And in the far left corner was a claw-foot bathtub with golden ornaments. I took off my shoes and scurried to the bed, which had caught my attention because of the large box placed over it. It was black, contrasting with the beige linen that covered the bed. There was no card or anything to indicate that the hotel staff had put it here as a complimentary gift. There was no label on it either. When I opened it, I realized who had sent it. Inside the box lid was a handwritten message.

I never told you this, but the red carpet and the camera flashes suit you. Fame suits you. A born-to-be star.

I sank to my knees, reading and re-reading that note as if I read it enough, it will be his voice saying it. I tilted my head to the sky, wondering when this dream would be over, praying it would never end. I shook my head, suppressing the growing fear, and pulled off the paper that hid the contents of the box. Sweet Jesus! I actually laughed out loud as I took the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen out of the box and held it in front of me. Golden-champagne moussline, adorned with silver crystals. A floor-length, siren-shaped, off-the-shoulder, breathtaking dress. Oh my God! It was stunning.

I carefully placed the dress on the bed, and that's when I saw that the box had even more to offer. A pair of gold Gianvito Rossi heels and a small Jimmy Choo clutch were inside. No wonder he had rushed me earlier. He had my outfit planned. A knock sounded at the door and I hurried down the stairs, ready to kiss him like a tomorrow wouldn't come. Only he wasn't the one at the door.

"We've been assigned to help you get ready for tonight's event, Miss Chen." A demure lady in her fifties explained as she ushered her team in. I recognized her from the shows I'd worked on. She's the beauty director our company outsourced for fashion shows. "We'll let you shower while we rehearse tonight's look."

"Um, about that." I interrupted her. "I think something simple and natural would do. My outfit is a real showstopper. I don't want to take the shine off it."

"As you wish, Miss Chen." As I wish? This woman has never taken someone's suggestion before. And Miss Chen? She never had a problem calling me by my first name. I walked to the stairs thinking about this cordiality the woman had adopted, but as soon as I hit the shower, any thought of her flew right out of the window.

🃏🃏

Three hours later, and I was standing in front of the mirror looking like a different woman. I was looking at myself, but it was a version of me I'd never seen before. In that reflection was the confidence you get from being seen, desired, and recognized. I always prided myself on being someone who didn't need compliments, but as the beauty team fawned about how I looked, and the words written on the lid of the big box I was so going to take home echoed in my head, I realized that compliments have a certain magic. They're the invisible makeup that enhances your features.

And I was desired. Desired by a man only a few months ago, I thought was a conman.

"See you next time, Miss Chen." The beauty director offered as she picked up her bag from the sofa. Her team had packed up and one by one they left my room.

"Thank you very much, Ms. Yoon." I ushered at myself, pointing to her stellar work. She just nodded and walked towards the door. "Can I ask why you started calling me by my last name?"

A smile curved her lips as she turned to me, but a knock on the door robbed her of an answer. "I'll get it." She said.

"Mr. Kim." She bowed. "Have a great night." And with that, she left.

Taehyung was dressed to kill, not just to impress. Black tuxedo. Hair combed back. And as he walked towards me with his hands in his pockets, a whiff of his cologne tickled my senses, bringing them to life. His eyes roamed my form from head to toe. Every glance lingering, taking its time and painting me into memory.

"Fuck." He whispered breathlessly. His hand came out of his pockets and slowly covered his mouth. His eyes kept traveling up and down my body as his index finger moved across his lips, back and forth. My heartbeat quickened. My mouth went dry as I stood there, taking him in in all his glory. God, he was beautiful. "You look stunning, Inaya." He took a step toward me, erasing the distance. God, he smelled delicious. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

"So are you." My words were as breathless as his. I tried to hide the need to wrap my hands all over him by settling on adjusting his vest, which didn't need adjusting at all. "You're sure to steal the thunder tonight."

"Doubt it." His knuckles gently caressed my jaw. "You, on the other hand..." he trailed as he took a step back, taking me in and whistling.

"Such a smooth flirt." I waved him off with a giggle because I was starting to feel the heat creeping up my chest. "Let's get going. We'll be late."

He held out his arm, signaling with his eyes for me to put mine around it, which I did. And it felt right. And it felt good. And I felt happy.

Our ride was a sleek Benz with a driver — again. The hall where the event was taking place was actually another hotel, as I found out when the car pulled up in front of it. A huge, luxurious palace. The entrance was littered with reporters. The flash of cameras filtered its way into our car, and for a second, I regretted not taking the chamomile tea that Taehyung had the flight attendant prepare for me. I had the jitters. The driver got out, ran to Taehyung's door, and yanked it open. Taehyung must have noticed my nervousness because he took my hand, which I was gripping my clutch for dear life, and gave it an encouraging squeeze. "You feel right at home here, Inaya. The camera flashes suit you." And with that, he got out of the car.

The reporters were beside themselves with excitement as he stood in front of the car and adjusted his vest. The flashes became blinding, and I had to remind myself of the words he had written on the box and repeated just a few seconds ago to combat my nervousness. Taehyung held out his hand to me with a smile. He didn't rush me to come out. He just stood there, silently telling me that I could do it. I held his hand tightly and threw one foot out of the car, the second following suit. As I got out of the vehicle, the flashes that I thought were at their maximum capacity earlier became even stronger. The reporters even louder.

Mr. Kim, you have company tonight.

Mr. Kim, who is the lady accompanying you tonight?

Mr. Kim, the lady accompanying you is the model Inaya Chen. Am I right?

Taehyung's smile contrasted with my tension. I thought I would spend the night incognito. How I could imagine that when my pictures were scattered all over the country was beyond me. I tried to master a smile, but for the life of me, my lips just wouldn't move.

Mr. Kim, are you in a relationship with Inaya Chen?

Taehyung's arm wrapped around my waist, drawing me closer to him as he smiled at the cameras. The reporters went feral at the move. "Smile, Star." He whispered in my ear. And I did. Not because he'd asked, but because of the silly nickname he'd given me. His arm left my waist, and I immediately felt cold. But as we walked away from the car and towards the entrance, his hand intertwined with mine. I didn't know what impact it would have on his career and mine if he was discovered by the media and the rumor started that we were in a relationship. And the lack of knowledge triggered a fear in me that I wasn't prepared to face at this moment. What if he regretted it? What if the whole thing ended in a big scandal? Oh God, what have I done?

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice the moment when he held up our intertwined hands for the cameras to see. But I heard every single word he said, as if the reporters' screams didn't exist. As if the words were said just to me, and me alone.

"Does this answer your questions? It's pretty self-explanatory, so I suggest you go ahead and write a nice column, yeah?" He looked at me, the smile on his face victorious. Proud. "Have a nice evening, folks."

But I couldn't look at anything or anyone when we walked in. This man had just proclaimed something to the whole world that he hadn't even told me. He wasn't afraid of the criticism or the judgmental stares. Hell, he didn't even consider our societal differences. He said he knew what he wanted, and that was me. Tonight, he showed the world what he wanted without hesitation, just as he didn't hesitate to confess it to me in the privacy of my living room or on the doorstep of his home.

Right at that very moment, I confessed it to myself. Right at that moment, I allowed myself to articulate what they call my feelings for this man. And God, that tilted my world on its axis.

Love. That's what they call it.

Taehyung didn't let go of my hand, even when I was overcome with sweat as much as fear. He greeted people and posed for photos with me by his side, our hands intertwined. The event was so glamorous and screamed wealth. I still had no idea who the host was or for what reason this event was being held, but I assumed it must be some sort of grand opening. My eyes took in all the splendor. The place was designed to appeal to high society with its grand pillars and classic, old money fashion. The guests were all colossal figures. Actors, politicians, and well-known businessmen. The music was soft. A kind of jazz that you could barely hear over the loud chatter. We were served fancy Champagne, and that's when Taehyung decided to put his arm around my waist while sipping his drink, holding me as close to him as possible. A few people came over to chat with him, and I watched him in his element, falling in love with him a little more as I did.

But all good things have a short expiration date. I knew that. I even dreaded it because I knew it was inevitable. Sweet summer dreams don't last that long. And my dream ended when I took my eyes off the man at my side and let my gaze wander around the room, only to see the man who had made me live in a bittersweet lie for three years, where nothing and no one was who I thought they were, charging towards me with quick steps and furrowed brows.

Yoongi, wearing a suit that must have cost thousands, had fire in his eyes that was directed at me, but not only at me. It was directed at the man whose arm was around my waist. He stopped short in front of me and Taehyung and let his gaze wander to where Taehyung's arm rested on my body. Hatred and something else flared up in his eyes. But then his eyes left me and met Taehyung's. No words were spoken as I looked back and forth between Taehyung and Yoongi. Taehyung was smiling, and for some reason that unsetteled me further.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Kim Taehyung?"

What? Yoongi... Yoongi knows Taehyung?

"Long time no see, Min Yoongi." Taehyung pulled me even closer to him and I tilted my head to look at him, searching for answers to questions I hadn't yet asked. "The man of the hour." He raised his glass towards Yoongi. "The man of the event."

The man of the event? Oh my... Yoongi was the host of this event? How was this even possible? This place... this hotel belonged to Yoongi?

"I said." Yoongi stepped closer to Taehyung. They stood toe-to-toe. One had a murderous look in his eyes. The other was smiling as if he had just met an old friend he hadn't seen in a long time. And I stood right next to them, peeling a new layer of lies I was beyond terrified to reveal. "What the fuck are you doing here with my girlfriend, Taehyung."

My heart pounded inside my ribcage. My breath became shallow. My body trembled, signaling the end of my summer dream and the beginning of a nightmare.

If you don't spam this long-ass chapter with comments and votes we will fight 🥹🥹 <3