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CHAPTER 13
⸻ HEARTBEAT
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BEFORE I KNOW IT, three days has passed. It is my graduation day and my parents, my family, my friends are here.

The cool breezy air, the loud little chatter and the people buzzing here and there with their loved ones bring a smile to my face.

"Hey, where's your husband? He should be here by now," Ryujin says, nudging my arm to get my attention.

He told me that he will be a little late because of work. I said it was fine and he should come if he wasn't busy but he persistently insisted. I was just surprised how determined he was to be involved.

Speaking of which, my eyes finally meet his from afar. He takes a few strides to me with his parents and younger siblings in his black suit and tie, wearing the biggest smile on his face.

I nod and grin at my parents-in-law. Before I could greet them, my body is enveloped into an embrace by Taehyung's little sister.

I had conversations with her a few times prior. She is very friendly and sweet, which makes us easily get along. She is older but interestingly enough, she looks younger than me. 

"Congratulations, little sister!" she hushes, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. I chuckle and return her warm welcome.

"Thank you, eonnie," I smile before pulling away. "Thank you so much for coming, eomma and appa Kim. I really appreciate it,"

"No worries, we were delighted to join and congratulate you! Happy graduation, my dear," Mrs. Kim says with a pretty smile forms on her face as her husband nods along.

"Thank you," I utter, grinning brightly.

I could feel someone is staring, and immediately, goosebumps pricks onto my skin.

"Happy graduation, Mia," he calls and I turn to him.

He is holding a bouquet as he walks closer, catching me off guard when he stoops down and nonchalantly kisses me on the right cheek. I stand there, freezing on my spot, staring widely at him.

"Alright, let's give them privacy," I hear Mr. Kim's low voice whispers. He gestures his wife and children to saunter away from us to my parents who's taking pictures.

I offer him a hard glare. "What was that for?"

"Nothing, just wanted to show you some affections," he grins. "Anyway, this is for you," he mutters, handing me a bouquet of flowers.

I gradually accept and sniff a smell before looking up at the man with gratitude. "These are beautiful. Thank you," I allude, smiling gently at him.

"Only thank you? Where's my kiss?" he pouts his bottom lip out cutely, waiting expectantly.

A week of marriage has turned him into a hopeless romantic. He is so comfortable with me but I'm still not used to his boldness. I get flustered when he pecks me on the cheek and lips as if it is the most normal thing to do. It was like we were a real married couple who loved each other.

"Oi, love birds! Get your asses here and take some pictures," I hear Jungkook's loud voice booms across the field.

Taking an obligation to Jungkook's offer, Taehyung intertwines our fingers together. As always, my heart skyrockets everytime our skins touch.

Ryujin, Eunwoo, Bambam, Mingyu and Jungkook are standing in picture, only waiting for us to join them. My little brother, Dan is the cameraman, giving it away his identity as he holds the camera.

"Can you please be faster?" Ryujin groans, rolling her eyes.

"Alright, alright," I sigh and stand beside Jungkook and Taehyung, getting ready to be in frame of the picture.

"Say cheese!" Dan exclaims happily and clicks on the button, snapping a little sound in the end. "One more time,"

This time, Taehyung pulls me in even closer, pressing his side to mine, leaving no spaces. We squeeze to each other, and I smile to the camera before a shutter of clicking sound can be heard.

Click.

•••

That night, Taehyung's family invited us for dinner. My family couldn't join because they went home urgently after my graduation.

After the arranged marriage, Taehyung was the one who helped my dad to rebuild the restaurant by giving some financial supports. Now, I heard it was a success. I feel so happy that I was one of the reasons they were doing well.

"How's Taehyung treating you, dear? Was he rude or a brat to you? If he did, I'll teach him a lesson," His mother inquires at the dinner family table.

I laugh, shaking my head over her witty words. "No, eomma. He's very considerate and understanding,"

"See, eomma? I'm very considerate and understanding," Taehyung beside me repeats in a mocking but cute way.

"Good to know." she nods, smiling widely. "So.. tomorrow your first day of work, Mia. Are you nervous?"

"Kind of, but I'm excited actually because it is my first job," I squeal a little, trying not to be too obvious.

"Really? That's good! Son, make sure you taught her well. Don't let your wife suffer," Mr. Kim retorts.

"Appa, don't be too hard on him but it's true, though. Don't make my little sister suffer, oppa," Eonjin defends, squinting her eyes at her brother intimidatingly.

The man scoffs in disbelief. "Of course, I'm a good boy,"

"You're not a boy, hyung. You're a man," His little brother, Juyeong tells him while raising an eyebrow.

"I know that," Taehyung responds defensively.

All of them laugh in unison. My heart swarms with happiness by looking at them. They have such close and adorable relationship.

The dinner continues for the entire night until it is finally time for Taehyung and I to head back.

•••

Waking up the next day have never inflicted with so much energy. I bask in the morning sun while trying to adjust with the lights surrounding the room. A certain strange feeling ignites when Taehyung's arm isn't around my waist like always.

It kills my curiosity as the shower in the bathroom turns off, and a few seconds later, Taehyung slides out with a towel hanging on his tiny waist.

I gasp and look anywhere but him. He has never done this before, but why today? But why does he have to be so handsome?

"Good morning, darling," he softly greets.

I ignore him, and jump out of bed to the bathroom. From my peripheral vision, I could see him smirking as his eyes monitor my movements the entire time.

After I showered, I walk downstairs to witness Taehyung preparing breakfast. I only stare at him from back before he turns around and smiles at my presence.

"Hi, why did you wake up so early?" I blurt out, staring at him in awe. His appearance looks a little different today.

He wears a long black suit with white dress shirt and black pants as his hair is pushed back, revealing his perfectly sculptured forehead.

"Just wanted to surprise you that I can wake up early although you know, I'm not a morning person," he shrugs, and puts two plates on the counter. He brings the food in the pan before placing them onto the plates. "I prepare a waffle for you. You said you really liked them the last time,"

My heart flutters at his sweet words. He remembers the little things.

"Right, thank you," I say when he gently pushes the plate in front of me.

He grins and takes a seat opposite. "No problem,"

We eat in comfortable silence before he suddenly speaks up.

"Anyway, you know that our marriage is going public, right?" he asks in the middle of our breakfast.

I nod, wiping my lips before answering. "Yeah, eomma already told me. When will you decide to make it public?"

"Today," he says, causing my eyes to widen slightly.

"Today?" I ask again and he nods.

"I did an interview with reporters few days ago so it will be out on the news. I'm sorry I didn't tell you," he frowns, explaining the reason.

"No, it's okay. We both agreed to this for a reason. I understand," I assure him a smile.

He bites his lip, looking down at his food. "People will be talking and gossiping about you. Are you going to be okay with that?"

"I know the risks I'm taking. Don't worry, Taehyung,"

"If you say so, but hey, I'm here for you. I'll be right by your side," he mutters in a soft voice. He reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a light squeeze.

My chest tightens and I never thought he could be more perfect. He's too sweet.

"Thank you," I say and he grins handsomely.

Both of us continue to eat in silence before Taehyung drives us to the building of The Kim's Holding.

•••

A/N: How was this chapter so far? I'm so sorry it was boring though but get ready for next chapter :3 Drama is coming soon lol. But don't worry, there will be more cute scenes. THANK U SO MUCH FOR READING!! I LOVE YOU <3