Y/n POV

As soon as I stepped out of the car, my eyes popped out in astonishment, as I witnessed the glory of the extravagant and sumptuously lavish hotel standing infront of me. It was glowing in yellow lightings all around and was  fenced by tall and large pine trees and beautiful green belt. It was looking so marvellous.

I was standing in the porch of the hotel, and right infront of my eyes, a lovely artificial fountain was flowing as a statue of a woman with a mirror in her hand,  stood in middle of it, it was too illuminated in multi-colored lights.

Suddenly, a gentle tap on my shoulder brought me back in reality....as Taehyung was peering at me, giving a boxy smile.
"Let's go... I've parked the car..." He said as he wandered his eyes around our surroundings.
I hummed as I slowly started walking towards the main entry,with my head hung low....it was surprisingly not a hidden fact, that by the time we reached the venue, the monstrous anxiety had taken the best of me. My palms were continuously sweaty, as I had to gulp down my saliva every now and then in nervousness.
Soon, I again stopped on my heels as a firm hand restrained me from further moving. I turned around to see a concerned Taehyung. It was evident in his eyes, he was equally worried and nervous as hell as I was. I mentally slapped myself, for indulging in my own anxiety when undoubtedly, Taehyung wanted me there to back and support him. However, he was actually cool and calm from outside but once I dived in his eyes, I knew exactly the truth.
I quickly stepped close to him, as I gently hold his hand, giving him an assuring and sincere smile.

"Come on Tae...let's go inside." I said softly.
"Yeah....but not like this...." He said as he nodded making me confused but then he reached out his arm towards me gently, as he smiled warmly. It took me some moment to understand what he meant, but soon it clicked in my mind that he intended me to lock my arm with him. My cheeks soon blazed as I gazed at him, and then I timidly hooked our arms, like in those posh classic romantic movies.

"Tae, don't you think it somewhat feels like those classic posh movies....where men escorted women with their arms locked together, as they walked to the party or social events...." I said as I giggled at my own remark.
His mood immediately lifted at my remark and soon the side of his lips twitched into a radiant smile. He chuckled looking at me for a few seconds, as our eyes remained in an eye contact for awhile. But, soon the bustling and murmuring of people around us in the porch, filled our ears and eventually brought us back out of our reverence.
We both nodded at each other lastly, as we made our way towards the main entry of the lavish hotel, with our arms locked and Taehyung escorting me.

Taehyung showed the invitation card to a female attendant at the reception, and she told us that the party was going on in the backyard resort of the hotel, later a young girl who must be slightly younger than me, accompanied us to the exact venue.

As I walked, with Taehyung escorting me possessively....Yes, you heard it right. POSSESSIVELY.
I couldn't help but notice the stares and curious attention, we both were getting by people around us. I started feeling more self-conscious and alert, much more than before, as instantly my loose grip on Taehyung's arm became quite tight as uneasiness filled me from inside.
I'm seriously not used to this kind of attention at all....because neither I've been in such light of attention ever before nor I want to be an attention- grabber in future either.
It seemed, Taehyung sensed my uneasiness at instant, as I felt him placing a gentle assuring hand on my hand which was holding his arm.
Not surprisingly, it made me feel quite  at ease than before.

Not much later, we were standing in a much crowded place,  with all young men and women dressed classically in prom themed suits and dresses. The sounds of clinking cheers of random toasts, shrieks of laughter, nostalgic chit-chats were renting up the entire jolly atmosphere. The venue was even more beautiful than the hotel....the party was held in an open garden resort with round fancy tables occupying the area along with some long side tables where all the delicacies for the evening were ready to be digged in. The garden was fully illuminated by evening lightbulbs hanging overhead of us along with colourful lanterns, making the evening even more memorable and scenic. It was just Wow!

We slowly stepped forward, making our way through the jolly good crowd.       
But, what made me quite surprised, was the dying down of laughters and chit chats of people who we passed by,  as slowly their heads turned in our direction and their all attention got focused on us. Taehyung was no longer escorting me, but was now clutching my hands tightly in his, as he kept me close to himself while we walked further and further more in the crowd and attracting the attention of guests all over, as if we both were some sort of magnetic piece.
Taehyung seemed unaffected by all this, as he kept walking with rock hardened steps to where god knows, tagging me along with himself.
Finally, we came to a halt, I felt relief down my legs as it was a bit difficult to walk in those high Stilettos continuously.
Immediately, I turned my eyes to look at Taehyung, whose own eyes were lingering somewhere in the distance. I followed the direction of his gazing, to a girl standing with a few people surrounding her. She was peering back at us, her eyes quite narrowed as she took a few steps forward towards us. Her eyes became more narrow and narrower as she walked on her heels dimly in our direction. And oh! She abruptly stopped on her tracks when she was yet a few yards away from us, as her eyes became wide with a glint of unknown emotions in them. I looked back at Taehyung, only to find him expressionless as he looked at her with cold unfaltered eyes, but behind them there was something glistening soft, I was able to see that.
She gulped nervously, but soon too much to my surprise, she ran towards us in a swift motion and before I could take in the situation, she already had leapt up on Taehyung, with her arms wrapped around his upper body. My body got jerked off a little because of the force with which she ran and hugged Taehyung, as our hands were still in connect, but somehow I managed to stand still on my heels. This was highly Unexpected.

My heart slightly clenched at the sight, as she hugged him tightly. I blinked a few times to digest the situation round here, and to my amazement and a bit of embarassment, we were standing in the middle of the garden, with numerous pair of eyes, peering at us confusedly. I bit on my lower lip, slightly in anger which was boiling inside me, for what reason, I didn't knew at the time. Not to mention, I felt like a third wheel infront of the crowd.
But, suddenly I came out the train of my own thoughts, when I felt a hard squeeze on my hand which was holding Taehyung's hand. It was indeed Taehyung who gave a firm squeeze to our holding hands, as his grip on my hand became even more tighter than before, I don't know if it was even possible. A sense of instant relief washed through me as soon as I saw that Taehyung was yet not hugging her back, his reaction was quite the opposite. He had became more stiffened in his position, not a single muscle moving in his body, as he stood there hardened, with his hand gripped firmly around mine, his attitude unwavering as she clinged to his body like a glue. I never in my life, had expected to witness such an attitude from Taehyung towards anyone. It was so unbelievable of him.
Atleast not in my life, I had ever pictured or seen this side of Taehyung's demeanor. She pulled away from the hug, her eyes saddened as she felt Taehyung not hugging her back. I myself quite felt bad for her.Taking a few steps away, she stood there looking into his eyes. Her own eyes were shimmery in the glow of evening lights surrounding us.
She was actually gorgeous and beautiful. Her eyes were smokey black with long eye lashes. She was quite fair in complexion and was a bit taller than me. Her glossy plump lips were pursed in a thin line as she gazed at him. Suddenly, her eyes fell on our interwined hands and she shot her head up to look at me. I think she wasn't aware of my presence yet....
changing her glances between me and Taehyung, she looked quite upset.

"Taehyung.....I-i can't believe y-you made it to the party, I'm so glad and h-happy to see you..." She said a bit stuttering.
Taehyung stayed still, shooting daggers to her. I wonder why is he acting like this....
The girl continued timidly,
" I knew y-you'll never let m-me down....h-how are you?...please say something T-taehyung....?"
He sure as hell was making her nervous with his cold gaze. I bit on my own lips in nervousness.
"I'm fine... it's nice to see you again." He said bitterly cold, his voice seemed quite stinging to ears, as her eyes welled up but soon she recomposed herself.
"It's nice to hear that you're happy to be here....btw aren't you going to introduce me to her?" She said pointing to me, her voice suspiciously sweet and calm.
Taehyung averted his gaze to me, as his cold eyes at once melted,as soon as they came in contact with mine. He gently pulled me closer to himself, giving a light squeeze to our interwined hands as he spoke.

"Oh! Yeah....meet Y/n, my only caring and loving Best Friend in this cruel world..." He said softly for the first time this evening, after he came to the party.
But the words seemed to harshly sting to the girl's ears or maybe heart as well, cuz she glared at me wrathfully but again she was expert enough, to reconcile herself.
"Ohh... that's good to hear....btw I'm Nikki, Taehyung's childhood best friend, in case if Taehyung never mentioned about me to you..." She said biting harshly on her tongue, with a deceptive smile plastered on her lips, as she reached out her hand to handshake with me.
I reluctantly shook our hands, as I freed my right hand from Taehyung's hold for the same.
"Ooh....I knew about it, btw it's nice to see you too!" I said trying to sound as much bitter sweet as I could.
She fake smiled, making me feel sick in my stomach. Something was surely off about her. She doesn't seem to be very good in her intentions as I had thought her to be....her expressions said it all.

Before I could proceed, to interwine my hand with Taehyung again, in a blink of seconds , she pulled Taehyung abruptly towards her by his arm, dragging him along with herself, as she spoke in excitement.

"Come on Taehyung....many of our old friends are waiting to meet with you....they will surely be amazed to see you. It's gonna be so fun!" She squealed as she made her way through the crowd.

Taehyung was stunned by her action and was too off-guard to react. He immediately turned his head back as she pulled him, to look at me who was left behind, standing in the crowd of unknown people alone. He motioned me to follow him with his free hand, as he tried to wiggle himself out of her grip. I gave him assuring nod, as I timidly made my way towards them.

By the time, I reached them, Taehyung and Nikki were already standing in a small circle of young adults,all of their own same age. I stood silently on Taehyung's side, with my head quite hung low again, I wasn't feeling very much welcomed. But, Taehyung instantly seemed to feel my presence beside him, as soon I felt a strong arm wrap around my back securely, I turned to look at him, only to see him smiling softly back at me.
He jumped back into the conversation, although he spoke very little. I was just listening to their gossiping with some nostalgic talks, as I stood there looking at the beautiful evening sky above me.

Suddenly, my ears perked up at the mention of my name,

"Who is she Taehyung??" A man with hooded eyes asked him.
"She's my best friend Y/n...." Taehyung said briefly as he continued to hold me by my waist.
"Ooh... it's very nice to meet you Miss Y/n...." The man said formally yet gently, making me smile a bit. We shook our hands, and then one by one everyone introduced themselves to me and soon I got to know that they all were from the same class section that of Taehyung.
I laughed at some of their remarks, that they made on the mischiefs they did in their school life, and surprisingly, in many of the mischiefs mentioned, Taehyung himself was also included. It means, he was also a brat in his school life afterall, I giggled to myself at the thought.
I was taking glances at him in between the talks, and my heart felt merry and blasting with happiness, contentment and peace at finally, that Taehyung was actually enjoying himself talking with his childhood classmates and was reviving back his life. It was all I wished and wanted for him....I hope from now on, everything happens good and Taehyung finally breaks the walls which he has made around himself to protect himself from the outside world.
I was deep submerged in my thoughts, when suddenly a familiar female voice echoed throughout the place on the mic. It was Nikki....

"Hello Guys!!!....I hope you all are enjoying yourself so muchhhh!!!...this evening. I'm so glad and thankful to all of you who came to make this #ReunionParty
of High School Batch 2009,super duper fun and memorable. So, to spice up the things a little more, and re-live our school time, it's time to play some Gamessss!!! Do you agree??!!!" She screamed on the mic and not to mention but her energy and enthusiasm level was highly impressive. The crowd roared back with same level of enthusiasm, and for a moment, I thought my eardrums were surely going to bleed. I looked at Taehyung once again, his facial expression was neutral, and I heaved a sigh of relief involuntarily, thinking that atleast he wasn't as dead serious and cold as he was being with Nikki earlier.

"Okieee!!!!....so we are going to playyy!!.... " She said as she created an atmosphere of suspense with her tone of voice and squealed again, " We're going to play Truth or Dare!!!!" She said finally with her arms waving in the air dramatically.
The entire crowd perked up with excitement as they roared and hooted back in response. Clinking cheers of toasts filled up the air, and then it clicked to me that I hadn't had anything yet to have to eat or drink either....what a bullshit.

"Ok...so the rules are very simple... I've three bowls here with me, one bowl has chits with name of all the guests, second bowl has the chits with tasks related to dare and the third bowl has chits with questions related to truth.... I'll pick up a chit at random, from the first bowl and one by one everyone will have to come on the stage whose name will be mentioned in the chit and will have to choose  truth or dare as per his or her wish....I hope it's clear to one and all.... isn't it??!" She asked to the crowd.
Again, everyone shouted back in agreement.

"So, let's begin....here we go...." She said as she tousled the chits in the first bowl containing names, and took out one.

She eyed up the crowd with cat eyes and soon her eyes stopped on someone as a dreadful grin spread on her lips.

"It's Eun Bin....come here, girl!!!" She said literally jumping.
They both hugged briefly as they whisper talked and then Eun Bin proceeded to pick a chit from the bowl of truth. Of course! I knew it.
Who's going to put their hand in the mouth of a tiger anyways??

She opened the chit reluctantly, and her eyes became dim with sorrow.
She murmured, and then almost ignoring her, Nikki handed her the mic.

"Umm....the question is....Have you ever peed in swimming pool in your childhood??" She said with her cheeks reddened like ripen tomato. I wonder, how even she managed to read the question loud out to the crowd??

A few crack up of laughs, ringed the air and I myself felt my stomach buzzing with erupting laugh, but I stiffled it anyway.

This was gosh embarassing!!!

The girl, Eun Bin, immediately muttered, a loud Never and almost jumped off the tiny stage in the middle of the garden. I felt extremely bad for her....but, I knew the game was soon going to get more interesting as it will commence further. And, it did.

Most of the people, were embarassed but enjoyed the game. It continued with a number of truths and dares performed, and now, a very few name chits were left. Not to mention, but I was actually enjoying myself...it was so fun to see the chaos unfolding.
I decided that I should get a glass of drink for myself now, cuz my stomach was now growling due to hunger and my throat felt dry. So, excusing myself from Taehyung, who was sitting on a table with me and others, I made my way towards a bar.
The bartender was a teenage girl and gave me a glass of Red Wine, which at first I was hesitant to have, but then she reassured me that it doesn't had much effect whatsoever. So, I accepted it and thanked her, before leaving the counter, but soon I stopped when I heard Taehyung's name being called out from on stage.
Oh shit!

I ran my glance over to Taehyung where he was sitting and to my amusement, he stood up from his seat and gravely walked towards the stage.
What a surprise!
The crowd shouted once again and everyone waited for the next chaos to be unveiled.
I stood attentively at my place where I had stopped, with my eyes popped out with curiousity.

Soon, Taehyung, without sparing a glance to Nikki, made his iconic walk to the bowl of truths, and, my chest tightened up with nervousness.
Darn it!
Why was I feeling this nervous while he was on stage??
Tch! Of course, because he's my friend.

He slowly opened the chit and immediately, my own face fell down, when I noticed the change in expression of Taehyung's face. It seemed all the blood had drained out from his face, as he turned pale.
I took a sip of my red wine in nervousness, but instantly, regretted as soon as it settled on my taste buds...making me pucker my face in distaste....how bitchy bitter it was.

My eyes again diverted back to the stage, where....wait??....Nikki was holding Taehyung's chit in her hands with her eyes peering at it.??

She cleared her throat nervously and  continued to speak,

"Taehyung the question is, have you ever fallen in love with someone??"

Wow!It's a serious one.

What a Glitch?!

The crowd had settled down exceptionally quiet, making the atmosphere quite suspense-filled and tensed. I bit my on my lower lip today for the nth time, as my eyes got glued to Taehyung. He stood there, not moving an inch, as his eyes ran through the crowd hurriedly....he was searching for someone.

He turned his gaze to Nikki, who was looking back at him with glimmering eyes, they actually held an eye contact for a minute....making me feel quite tensed and uncomfortable from inside.

Something was not ok.

But, soon, to everyone's surprise, he answered a 'No' in loud terrific voice, biting on his tongue and was about to dash down the stage when...Nikki held him back from further moving.
She glared into his eyes and without a word or sparing a glance to the crowd, dragged him along with herself in a tow, to where god knows.

I was stupid dumbfounded.

Flabbergasted.

Confused as hell.

And,what not for god's sake.

I stood there, blinking blankly into space, as the whole chaotic scene replayed in back of my head and the whole situation sinked in through me.
I gulped yet again nervously as I felt worried for Taehyung.

Everything was going well, then why?!

Such a Bummer.

Nonetheless, I decided to follow them and find them immediately. With the kind of behaviourial impact, Nikki has on Taehyung, not at all indicates any positive signs.
Not wasting a minute, I dashed towards the glass door from where they had vanished and soon found myself in the ground lobby of the giant hotel. I looked here and there, hoping to get any kind of clue as to where they must've gone. But there was none.
I walked around the hotel, like a lost puppy, with my heels click-clacking noisely in less crowded or empty corridors.
Feeling extremely exhausted and defeated in my attempt to find these two fellows, I came to a stop, while holding the wine glass and my purse still in my hand, as I sighed in frustration. I looked around and found that now, I was standing by a enormous and luxurious swimming pool in the premises of the hotel itself.  I took a few lost steps forward,but soon a familiar female voice again struck my ear. I quickly stopped further movement, as I kept death silence. It was Nikki.

I followed the direction of the voice coming, while being very cautious on my steps, to keep them inaudible.
Soon, the two figures came clear in my vision, standing by the one end of the pool. Nikki was speaking without a stop, as Taehyung was listening to her silently, with his head turned towards the glistening waters of the pool. I tried to catch up on their conversation,

"Taehyungieee.....do you remember how close we were??!....we used share each and everything with each other, we used to care for each other, we-we used to play and study together. And for god's sake what not....huh?!...have you forgotten all those days, when we used to love each other??, We were each other's life and even our parents had fixed in the very beginning after looking at our unbreakable bond, that we both will get married in future and would be handling together our company's business....it was our parent's wish!!!....not only our parents, but our wish as well. I'm pretty damn sure that you've not forgotten about our those lovely memories we had made together....have you??....I know, it was rather not easy to come out from such a life-destroying tragedy, and trusting the people around you easily after your parents accident. But, believe me.... Taehyung, there was no involvement of my parents in it....there wasn't any fault of any of us, my dad didn't knew about it, otherwise he would've stopped it from happening anyhow. And, even if, it was then please tell me, what was my fault in it??...huh??....what had I did??.... Nothing!!!!.....then , why did you left me....huh??....why???....why? Taehyung why???!....you didn't even cared about me....you didn't even cared how I would have been feeling then....how broke I was??....you didn't....you simply left.
But, here I am, standing infront of you.... begging you, pleading you, to come back to me. I want to give you an another chance, I want to give us an another chance...just think about it, if we get married, we would be ruling the entire Korean Business Ventures, all the companies would be working under our control and we would live a happy life together without any problems. We would be able to live a luxurious life together with our families. This is what our parents had also dreamt for us, I want to have a future with you....because I know, Taehyung, You still love me.
And, I'm ready to do anything I could, to get you back to me.....I love you Taehyung!!"  She said with tears running down her cheeks, as she screamed her heart out to Taehyung, who was standing infront of her rock still, looking at her severely.

And, before anything more was left for me, to hear and see... Nikki leaned in towards Taehyung wrapping her arms around him, embracing him and  was about to kiss him, when at the very exact moment, my inner strength gave in and I turned on my heels furiously, before my heart could have been shattered anymore. I ran away from there as the glass of wine fell from my hand near the pool itself, and I didn't even dared to glance back at them. My vision became unbearably blurry with tears streaming down my face, as my head felt dizzy and fuzzy with overwhelming heartbreak. I finally came to a halt to spare some breath to my hollow lungs, when I was far enough from the spot. Placing my hand on my chest, I felt my uneven heartbeat and difficult breathing. My heart clenched painfully, when I replayed the whole scenario in my mind, a deep heart-wrenching sob left my mouth making me fall on my stumps. I tried to clear my hazy mind to think off straight.

Nikki's voice was again and again echoing through mind, when she said that they both loved each other.
They still do. How stupid I was, that I didn't saw it coming.

Taehyung loves her.

There was no way, I could've stayed there any longer. I had to leave. I had to leave Daegu that instant. Making up my mind, with what I could've thought at the moment, I wobbly stood up on my heels once again, and quickly made my way out of the hotel, not even caring about my messed up state and what people would think about me....

I quickly called for a cab, and it was there in less than 10 mins time. During that course of time, I felt oddly shivering and cold under the open night sky, as if all my warmth I had, was all been snatched away from me. My lips were trembling, as my entire body was shaking with deep jerks, that I was getting due to my hiccups.
I made into the car, and during the entire journey, my mind was blank. No thoughts at all...as the cold and calm breeze was hitting my face which was damp from my freshly shedded tears.

"How everything changes so quickly??Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong.”

When I reached my destination, I quickly made my way towards my hotel room I was staying in, and with no second thoughts, I quickly packed all my stuffs which were scattered here and there in a jiffy, after changing my clothes and neatly packing the dress in one of the paper bags I had.
Within half an hour, I checked-out the hotel, after paying for my room which was to be paid just before we had  checked-out the hotel next morning, but now there was no need for it.

But then, suddenly something clicked my mind, I needed to leave a note for Taehyung. Otherwise, he would get worried unecessarily. I took a sticky note and a pen from the receptionist,and wrote that I got an urgent call from California because my mother was ill in there, and therefore I needed to leave as soon as possible for USA. I gave the note to the receptionist, telling her to give it to the man who would come to her asking about Miss Y/n. She assured me and from there I left for Daegu Station.

It was at that time, when I had a discussion with my inner self, as I sat on a bench at Daegu Station alone in complete dead silence.
Contemplating my all thoughts, I came to the conclusion, that it was not in anyway, Taehyung's fault. He was not to be blamed for this at any costs. Undoubtedly, It was my own fault...it was me, who developed feelings for him at the first place. He never showed or felt any kind of those type feelings which I felt for him...but,on the contrary, he always took me as his Beloved Best Friend. He always considered me as his only Best Friend in the 'cruel world'. But, there I was, stupid dumbass, who thought of herself more than a Best friend for Taehyung. In a way, it was me who betrayed him. I shouldn't ever had developed those feelings for him....why did I??
I should have taken the sign at the very first time when he had asked me if I wanted to be his BFF. Of course, I wanted to be....indeed, I still am. But, he never had ever asked me if I wanted to be his lover....did he?

Never.

The situation is pretty clear to me now, that the one who's at fault here, is none other than me. I developed those bloody feelings for him while he never had such an inclination towards me. He loved Nikki. He loves Nikki.

Not his fault.

My fault it is.

But, it is being said, that what's once done, is done.
I fell for him, I thought, the feeling of 'love' was the most beautiful feeling of the world that one gets to feel atleast one time in his or her life.
But, darn it, it's the worst feeling.
What did I got in return??

Huh?

....love?

*Scoff* A big ass No.

But, I know very well, that now, it's not going to be easy for me, to undermine my feelings for him. But, I'll have do it....if I do care about our friendship.
I know, that now, once his name is etched on my heart, it would take a long time, to erase it. Maybe, it will never get erased even though, how badly I would want. Maybe it'll get erased, but will leave deep scars and wounds behind.
But, whatever the result might be, I'll have do it nonetheless, because I don't want to lose my best friend.... Taehyung.

I can't even imagine my life without him now, it's just so stupid and dreading to think about.
I want to remain his best friend, because I have promised him that I'll never leave his side and always will support him no matter what, through thick or thin. Not only because of this reason, but also because, I need him too as a best friend.

So, it's clear now, that I'll not in anyway let our friendship get affected by this, nor I'll ever let him know about my feelings which I involuntarily developed for him. It's just good the way we are, I don't want to ruin our special bond.
But, for this, I'll have to ignore him, atleast for somedays, I'll have to keep him away from myself, I'll have to stop myself from thinking about him, I need to cut all kinds of contact from him for awhile....so that, I could get a hold on my feelings for him and everything comes to its right place. It's the only way, I could escape from those feelings, cuz I know that if I'll be in contact with him now, then it would be so hard for me to control my emotions. I'm sure as hell, that if I see him now, I would simply breakdown in tears in his arms. It'll not be good in anyway. I want to give myself sometime, to cure my wounded heart and get prepared to face him again, without any inner hidden feelings. That's the only way, I could keep our friendship unaffected by all these shits.
So, I quickly pulled out my phone out of my pocket, and with a very heavy heart, I blocked his number. I peered at my phone's screen for a moment after that, when I realised that I was again crying bitterly, as few tear drops fell on it's screen.
My eyes lingered on the pendant, he gave me this evening, it was still clinging to my neck. It was shimmering in the silvery moonbeam falling on it directly. My eyes twinkled as I slowly took it in between of my fingers and kissed it gently.... it's very precious for me, more than my life. I closed my eyes tightly, as I clenched the pendant in my fist, and suddenly, like a slideshow, each and every bits of lovely moments I had with Taehyung, starting from the first time we met to till date.... everything played infront of my closed eyes....making my lips quiver as tears uncontrollably trickled down my cheeks, onto the the pendant I was holding. It all felt like a dream, I always dreamt. But, now, I was wide awake and the dream was no longer there. It had ended. I really wish, if I could reverse back time, and part with the those blossoming feelings the very first time I felt them for him. Maybe, I wouldn't have been in this situation right now....

Soon, I heard the horns and roaring engines approaching the platform steadfastly. I gathered my luggage and stood on the platform, as my hairs blew up on my face when the train passed by me in an animalistic speed, but gradually came to a halt after a few minutes.

I sat on my seat, gazing out of the window....when the memories of the train journey I had with Taehyung to Daegu, came crashing down on me. I clenched my fist tightly,so as to not let out any whimpers of cry which was erupting through my eyes and my throat as well. The train suddenly jerked back, as it's engine started to continue the journey to Seoul. The train moved forward slowly accelerating, with its wheels screeching irritatingly against the rail.  But, soon my eyes widened and my mouth went agape, when I saw Taehyung came running on the platform from the entry zone of the station, as his eyes wandered around lostly. My compartment just passed from infront of his eyes, and there was a time when I was just before his eyes, as he stood there on the platform lost, but I quickly backed away from the window, the moment I felt him turning towards the direction of my window.....he looked so worried.
My inner self raged, as I felt strong desire to just run into his arms and cry non stop.... holding him close to myself....but, I knew I couldn't. I just can't. It won't do any good to any of us.

I'm so sorry Taehyung....but I wasn't left with any other option. I had to do this, for our friendship. I don't want to be an obstacle in the path your happiness. I want you to be happy, and I'm sure that I'll find my happiness too if you'll be happy. We're Best Friends and I'll make sure, we always be. I hope you'll forgive me in future....

I hugged myself as I ducked my head in my chest, crying silently.

"A broken heart needs time to reverse and erase the past with forgiveness."

Taehyung POV

(You may skip the italic part of speech here, it's the repetition of Nikki's dialogue... Thank you)

"Taehyungieee.....do you remember how close we were??!....we used share each and everything with each other, we used to care for each other, we-we used to play and study together. And for god's sake what not....huh?!...have you forgotten all those days, when we used to love each other??, We were each other's life and even our parents had fixed in the very beginning after looking at our unbreakable bond, that we both will get married in future and would be handling together our company's business....it was our parent's wish!!!....not only our parents, but our wish as well. I'm pretty damn sure that you've not forgotten about our those lovely memories we had made together....have you??....I know, it was rather not easy to come out from such a life-destroying tragedy, and trusting the people around you easily after your parents accident. But, believe me.... Taehyung, there was no involvement of my parents in it....there wasn't any fault of any of us, my dad didn't knew about it, otherwise he would've stopped it from happening anyhow. And, even if, it was then please tell me, what was my fault in it??...huh??....what had I did??.... Nothing!!!!.....then , why did you left me....huh??....why???....why? Taehyung why???!....you didn't even cared about me....you didn't even cared how I would have been feeling then....how broke I was??....you didn't....you simply left.
But, here I am, standing infront of you.... begging you, pleading you, to come back to me. I want to give you an another chance, I want to give us an another chance...just think about it, if we get married, we would be ruling the entire Korean Business Ventures, all the companies would be working under our control and we would live a happy life together without any problems. We would be able to live a luxurious life together with our families. This is what our parents had also dreamt for us, I want to have a future with you....because I know, Taehyung, You still love me.
And, I'm ready to do anything I could, to get you back to me.....I love you Taehyung!!" 

Nikki said as she cried out infront of me, shedding her fake crocodile tears, such a hypocrite....I thought.
But as I stood there infront of her, looking at her with disgust in my eyes...she did something truly unbelievable and unexpected.
Before I could've understood her intentions, she leapt up towards me suddenly in order to kiss me,taking me by sudden surprise....but,when she was just a few inches away...my reflex action reactors kicked in, and I pushed her away forcefully, yanking her away from me, as she fell on the ground groaning in pain. What a bitch!

"Are you crazy??!....what's gotten into you...huh??" I yelled at her with agony and disgust vivid in my voice....

"What Taehyung??....I love you...you-" she said trying to look innocent.

"But I don't!?!....ok!!...Get that shit inside your head! The sooner the better!!" I deadpanned.

"What??!...why are you yelling at me??!....what've I done to you?? Huh?!....Oh, I see. Where's this all coming from... that bit*hy ba*stard Y/n whom you call your best friend have brainwashed you... isn't it?!!...such a sl*--"
A stinging sound of slap silenced the entire swimming hall...as soon as my patience gave in, and my hand felt burning with heat because of the fury with which I slapped her hard right on her face, making her head turn to another direction.
She deserved it.

"Don't ever dare to mutter her name out of your filthy mouth!!...do you get me?!! You deserved it, you know. Oh! I feel slightly bad for you, but darn it! You're shamelessly pathetic!!"

Her mouth fell agape, as she looked at me with wide eyes, anger boiling behind them.

"Done enough with your lying?!!... such a damn liar you are!!. I thought, that might be you would've changed since then, but you know what.... You're not worth it. I can't believe myself, that someone can go so low, that might even cross all the limits of dirty lying!" I said gritting my teeth as my jaws clenched gruffly. "Now you'll listen, and I'll speak, what do you think? Huh? I'm a fool here?!!... I'll believe all the shitty lies that you'll spit to me??!... for your kind information, let me tell you.... YOU'RE DAMN WRONG! You must've been living under a rock to think, that I didn't knew about your Dirty Little Secrets." I chuckled sarcastically as I continued. " You say that, your father didn't knew about my family's pre-planned accident...don't you??...oh gosh!!... that's the biggest lie ever you've said, you know that...of course, you know...but you think that I didn't knew about it....right?? Well then, let me tell you, I know very well that your entire family was aware about it...and, the shocking thing is, your father himself was invested in that crooked plan!! Wasn't he??" I said in dead calmness as my fists clenched, when the disgusting past memories made their way into my head. She was shocked. Her expression was dead pale, as her mouth was hung open in dread. She knew, she was caught.
" I came to know about it very soon, after Jeohyun's trial in court was over, from my known team of lawyers, who had all the evidences regarding it. I and Mr. Kimbusu knew it very well, that if Uncle Jeohyun was the one who planned the tragedy for my family, then it was pretty obvious that Uncle Baekhyun, couldn't have been untouched by it. But, the conflict that occured between them after my father's death, regarding the matter that who was going to get the company's lead, turned the tables...isn't it?? And, your father aka Uncle Baekhyun, withdrew his support from Uncle Jeohyun, and as a result, Jeohyun lost the court's trial pretty badly. I knew that, that I had the unspoken support of Uncle Baekhyun against Jeohyun in court and that's the only reason,because of which your father bailed himself out of the trouble pretty easily. He thought, that once Uncle Jeohyun was out of his way, he could take over the company without any further obstacles, but shoot! He wasn't aware of the fact, that the company's petent was under my name and all the shares of the company was also under my name. It turned the tables yet again... how pitiful?! Isn't it?" I said crouching down to her level, as she sat there stone dead on the ground, looking at me frightfully unspeakable.

"But,T-Taehyung...t-trust m-me... I-i didn't knew a-about i-it.... it's...i-its not m-my f-fault... Believe me, I-i do l-love y-you S-so m-much..." She said stammering to her death as her voice faltered.

"Yikes! How cheaply disgusting?!! I can't believe, that you still have the audacity to say that you didn't knew about this whole humiliating plan, that was surely cooked infront of your eyes.??! And, wait a minute!....what did you just said??.....can you please repeat it again?!" I said with questioning eyes.

She gulped the lump formed in her throat, as she opened her mouth to speak, " I-i l-love y-....." I stopped her in midst.

"Oh Please!...atleast for god's sake, stop lying Nikki!! You've done enough lying now...I warn you... don't ever say that sentence infront of me ever again, otherwise I don't know myself what I will do with you the next time you repeat it...You should be ashamed of yourself! I still can't believe that the girl with whom I'm talking right now, is the same girl whom I used to love. Yes, you heard it right....I used to love you, but, you were never worth it. You didn't deserved it. You think, I didn't knew about your hidden feelings for Michael. Dear young lady, You are again WRONG! You thought, I didn't saw the glances you both used to give each other, whenever I wasn't around...the way you both used to whisper infront of me, and stop it right away as soon as I used to ask you both about it. You both thought, that I was fool enough not to see it, but guess what??....I wasn't a FOOL afterall. But, still, then also you used to elude me by saying that you loved me and still, now also you're saying that you love me. I'm indeed impressed by your acting skills. You should try getting a role in a drama or movie, I'm sure they will select you for the role of a rich spoiled girl, or something like that and most probably, you'll be able to make more money than what you would be able to make if you'll get married to me. Isn't it??
Now, let me tell you the truth, the thing is, you never loved me neither you do now. But, you always loved my money and future power.... that's all you and your father wanted. And, surprisingly enough for you, I'm well aware of the plan you made with your father, to take over my company.
After, Uncle Baekhyun came to know that the company was propertied under my name and all the shares were under control of me...he opted for a futuristic plan after he failed in his attempt to get me murdered by poisoning my drink. Who added that toxic poison in my water bottle?? Do you remember??....Oh! I remember, it was you. But, he must be very thankful that day, that I didn't drank that water otherwise the whole company and my money would've slipped out of his hands to a NGO.
This was according to the declarative papers of our family's property, made by my father that if I died somehow before getting married, then all the property would be transferred to the NGO established by my mother."

"But, it said one more thing that if I died after getting married, then it would be solemnly transferred to my spouse and later to my children but not until I died."

"This formed the foundation of the that futuristic plan, that was, to get his daughter aka Jeon Nikki married to Kim Taehyung aka the owner and future CEO of Kim Hynix. So, that I could be killed somehow after the marriage, and then afterwards you and your father could rule over the company without any obstacles finally. Am I right Nikki? That's why, you wanna get married to me, Don't you...? Please correct me if I'm wrong...." I said shooting daggers into her, as now she was completely in state of utter shock.

Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to form words to speak, but obviously, nothing came out. I sat there comfortably infront of her, but my jaws were firmly clenched as my cold grimacing eyes were fixed at her.

" See, didn't I told you before??..... You're Shamelessly pathetic!! I won't be surprised, if you still say that you love me, because I don't give a hang to your shitty lies anymore....I just came to the reunion party to let you know, that I'm not weak and alone or sympathetic, you think I was. I'm well aware of the people around me, and I don't need fake love of fake sympathesisers like you....it would be better for you and your company, the sooner you leave the dreamy thoughts of marrying me and stay away from me as much as possible cuz I don't think it would take me much effort to get you and your toxic father behind the bars with the amount of evidences I have against you both...as for the current shares your father have invested in my company, you should withdraw them within a month or so, send your official lawyer to my company with the papers, my lawyer will look into the matter. And, once again, I warn you. STAY AWAY FROM ME FROM NOW ON. And, if you've even a little drop of shame left inside yourself, then be thankful to God, that I'm leaving you for now....btw, thank you for inviting me in the party. I literally enjoyed myself....I hope,we don't see each other again in future.
Best of Luck for your coming future...." I said as I stood up from there, giving her last menacing yet pitiful glare, as she was yet not able to recover from the life-threatening shock.

I turned on my heels vigorously, leaving her behind, still sitting on the ground. I didn't even wanted to spare her a last glance before I left. She was one of the many people, who destroyed my life. She's unworthy for it.  But, now when my life is finally rebuilting itself, I'm not in anyway, let anyone stop it. I finally smiled to myself, from the bottom of my heart, as now I felt, a heavy load being uplifted from my shoulders and my heart finally, after years of struggles and bottling up the feelings inside me. This all have been possible just because of a single valuable person in my life, Y/n.

I quickly ran towards the venue, in order to find Y/n....I needed to tell her everything but most importantly, I needed to thank her and finally confess my feelings for her. Now, I didn't had any fear of my past, no stopping to my future and my love for her. Once I reached there, I started looking for her everywhere but my heart sank when I didn't found her anywhere. Where she could be? I realised she had left the table, saying that she was going to get a drink for herself and after that I didn't got to see her....even when I had ran my eyes through the crowd when I was on stage.

I tried calling her, but it was unreachable. I bit on my lips, as slowly panic started kicking in, making my mind get clouded with the thoughts about her safety. I quickly ran to the receptionist whom I had asked for the venue of the party, earlier that evening. She had saw Y/n with me then. She must be knowing if Y/n had already left. I went to her and she said that she had actually seen her running towards the main exit of the hotel some half an hour before, she looked quite in a hurry and teary too. I profusely thanked her, and quickly strolled to my car in the parking lot.

I think, I didn't ever had drove any car with the exceeding speed with which I drove tonight. I was feeling too worked up and jumpy from inside that I couldn't even express in words. When finally, I reached the hotel we were staying in, I hurriedly made my way towards her room but I was quite dumbfounded. She wasn't there, but except for few room service staffs who were cleaning the room.

"Excuse me, there was a girl who was staying in this room, is she been shifted to another for some reason??" I asked trying to be calm.

"Um...no sir, we're sorry, but we don't know about it." A female staff said.

I ran down to the head receptionist, who knew both of us, to ask exactly where Y/n was. Something felt not right.

"Umm...excuse me, have you seen the girl who was with me??....has she been shifted to another room??" I asked timidly.

"Are you asking about Miss Y/n sir??"

I nodded.

"Ohh...I was waiting for you only sir.... actually, she checked-out the hotel around one hour before, she have left me this note to give it to you...here it is." She said and I felt as if someone just snatched away my breath from my lungs for a moment. Taking the sticky-note from her, I quickly unfolded it to read.

"Sorry Taehyung, but I've to leave Daegu this instant. My mother is ill in California and there's no one to take care of her, so I'll have to go to look after her. I've a flight from Seoul back to New York at 3:30a.m. in the morning. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Hope to see you again, Take Care."

Y/n:-)

My mouth felt dry as I read the small note in my hand, I slumped down in a nearby lounge sofa. Not knowing, what to do next because everything seemed to happen so quickly, I felt quite dizzy. I closed my eyes few time and re-opened to gain back my senses. I again tried calling her, but yet again it was unreachable. I felt worried for her... extremely worried.

She could've atleast called me once before leaving the hotel, I would myself had dropped her at airport. Biting my nail in slight frustration, something popped in my mind. Without thinking much, I bolted towards my car and sped it towards the Daegu Station. I needed to see her, indeed she needed me right now in such a grave situation.

When I finally reached my destination, I leapt running towards the platform of Daegu Station, where a train was actually speeding up slowly forward. I ran my eyes wildly here and there, to catch a glimpse of Y/n, but she wasn't there. My inner instinct said that, if she was not on the platform waiting for the train ,then it was a sure thing that she was in the train which was slowly accelerating infront of my eyes. I ran towards the train, as I examined some of the window seats that I could catch up, but it was idiotic to think that I would actually be able to see her, when the train had numerous compartments. I stood there defeated, as I saw the train pull off from the station with its roaring engines and horns.
I stood there in silence, as not a single soul was in sight anywhere. With my leftover strength in my limbs, I dragged myself from the station to the car, feeling exaggeratedly sad.

Looking up, the pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky.The occasional barking of faraway dogs broke the silence of the night.
I wished I could see her very soon or atleast to get to listen to her voice once. I hope you're safe Y/n....

Omg!! 9154 words.....that's the highest record I've ever made.
Btw, I hope you're enjoying the story.... thank you so much for your kind support....

~Author-nim💜