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CHAPTER 45
⸻ LOVE-STRUCK
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"WHAT?"

That simple syllable is the only thing I could articulate after hearing his ridiculous statement.

His handsome features remain stoic but his eyes soften as they hold my gaze deeper with a contrary meaning.

He takes a few deep breath while staring at me. "I know this sounds crazy, but let's go for a short trip."

"Short what? What are you talking about?" I croak out in confusion.

"I don't know how to explain but uh.. I've divorced Haera," he mumbles in a soft voice, his head hanging low. "It hasn't been finalised yet because it takes about 4 months to get it done,"

I swallow thickly, staring wide-eyed over his sudden revelation.

"I don't think there's anybody else for me but you, Mia. You were the greatest thing that ever happened to me and I know nothing can repent the actions that has caused you pain but I would never hurt you on purpose. From this moment, I will treat you right. Let me prove that I could be a better husband for you,"

My chest tightens as strings tugging inside my heart. I was speechless.

"I.. I—"

"One short trip is all I need," he softly assures. "Please? Just this once,"

No, I can't give in that easily. As much as I wanted to be with him, I couldn't possibly forgive and forget what he did.

"No," I reply sternly, causing the soft smile on his face to falter.

"Why not?"

"Because we're not meant to be, Taehyung," I explain, which earns a deeper frown on his face that makes my heart aches.

"Yes, we are," he pleads desperately and I could tell by his eyes how much he believed it. "We meet again after three years. Isn't that enough to prove that we could start over?"

"No,"

His jaw ticks with frustration as he's trying so hard to keep his emotions in. "But why?"

"Because we can't, okay?! Can you just stay away?" I scowl, growing annoyed. My ego gets the best of me because I wouldn't want to admit the truth.

I'm a second away to close the door but fails when he quickly traps his foot in between.

"Wait," he exasperates. "Uh.. we have no place to stay,"

"What? What do you mean you have no place to stay?"

"I sold the house," he quickly answers. "But.. can we stay here for a while?"

He stares at me expectantly, hoping for a positive reply. I honestly don't know what to respond. Should I let them? If I let them, isn't it going to complicate things?

I divert my attention to Dohyun, who's rubbing his eyes tiredly before blinking with a blank expression. Poor boy. God, I'm going to regret this.

"Alright," And that is enough to stretch a huge boxy smile on Kim Taehyung's handsome face.

•••

"So, how lon— are you going somewhere?" I question him in confusion as soon as he steps out of the guest room. He has changed into a different attire with a simple black shirt underneath a long coat.

Taehyung tilts his head and walks towards the couch to where I'm sitting, an attractive smile twitches on his lips. "Come with me. I want to bring you somewhere,"

"What?"

He continues to smile, handing out his hand for me to take. "Just for a while. I wanted to talk to you about us and our marriage,"

I just stare at his hand and sigh, nodding my head. "Fine, just let m—"

"No, you don't need to. You already look beautiful this way," he mutters sheepishly, his cheeks redden.

I blink at him, dumbfounded. Although I couldn't help but hide the slightest heat on my cheeks.

"I was going to take my purse but.. okay," I reply awkwardly.

"Oh.. right but you won't have to. It's just gonna take a while," he says. I surrender and nod, not forgetting to secure the door close before trailing behind him.

After a few moments, we hop into his car and drive out of the apartment compound. I stay quiet the whole ride, a nervous feeling ignited inside my chest. Why is it so awkward?

As if my silent wishes are being granted, the car comes into a halt in front of an infamous place in Seoul. Hangang Park.

"What are we doing here?" I ask, turning to him with confusion.

He doesn't say anything as he jerks his head towards the park. I sigh and follow him after stepping out of his car.

I couldn't help to admire the scenery of Hangang Park at night. It secures off the ambience feeling in the air, especially the cool atmosphere that makes you feel at ease and peaceful.

"Come on," he orders.

We begin to walk further and before I could say anything, Taehyung is the first one to break the silence.

"The weather is nice, huh?" he softly mumbles, burying his hands into his pocket and turning sideways.

"I guess," I shrug as I inhale the crisp air, hugging myself tight to keep warm. "Anyway, why are we here?"

"No reason. I've always wanted to bring someone here when I was younger because this was my safest place," he suddenly tells me and guide us to a corner before helping me to sit on the green grass. "It helps me cope up with my emotions,"

I tilt my head and listen to him as he gradually continues.

"You know, when we took a break three years ago, I came here a lot to watch the stars at night. It's so beautiful, reminds me of you," he pauses shortly as he breathes out, his eyes glimmered.

I only stare at his side profile in silence. I couldn't help but admire his glowing skin under the moonlight. He is so painfully beautiful.

"I remember how depressed I was when I think about you but ironically, you were also the cure. You made me feel at ease, especially with your warmth and kindness,"

"I've been through a lot these past years, but it's nothing compared to the pain that I caused you," he utters and turns to me with a subtle look. "I'm still trying to remember what I did and I'm so sorry,"

"But if you must know, 80% of my memories are filled with you," he adds with a hint of mischief.

He whips his head to me and grins softly, making my heart flutters as spark ignites. It feels like my whole world has stopped with just our eyes communicate and stare into each other's soul.

Silence erupts again between us. I look away and stare up at the skyline, watching the millions of stars sparkling in the dark. This moment feels so romantic and never in a million years that I thought I could experience this with Taehyung.

"Mia.." his deep, melodic voice calls, melting through my ears.

"Hm?"

"You know that I still love you, right?"

My body freezes immediately. I was not expecting that. I could feel my heart thumping so loudly that I believed it reached his eardrums.

"I never wished to be parted from you starting from today," he whispers and intertwines my hand with his before ghosting a soft kiss against my knuckles.

A sigh escapes my lips as my body tingles to his featherlight touch. Oh no.

I find it hard to breathe as I yank my hand away and stand up from the ground, causing him to startle.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this," I apologise, not bothering his deep voice calling from behind. This was stupid.

My intention fails when cold fingers wrap around my wrist, which has stopped me from running.

"Why are you running away?" he asks, hurt lacing in his voice. "Do you hate me or something?"

I slowly turn to him but I regret it instantly as pain is fully evident across his face. "No, I don't hate you. I jus—"

"Then, why? Why do you keep pushing me away?!"

"Because I cannot trust you, Taehyung!" I end up screaming at him, which unfortunately catches attention from a few people in the park.

"You can't trust me? Why?" he gasps, bewildered.

"Because you're a pathological liar. You lied to me! You lied when you said that you love me but you didn't. You never did," I yell as tears are now streaming down my face like a waterfall.

The look on his face is unreadable but I could hear my heart slowly breaking into pieces. I expect him to return the same thing by screaming to my face but the next thing he says has my eyes widen in surprise.

"Kiss me,"

"W-What?!"

He steps closer as he tugs my arm, causing my chest to flush against his. "I want to see something. Just kiss me,"

"Are you joking? I'm no—"

My breath hitches when his cold fingertips trace my cheekbone. With his eyes instantly travel down to my lips, he wastes no time attaching his on mine.

I whimper as I push him but he doesn't budge. Instead, he wounds his arm around my waist to bring me closer with his other hand cupping my cheek.

The way his lips are moving slowly dissipates my anger. My hands find its way to his fluffy black hair and tugs it lightly, causing him to hum in appreciation.

He detaches his lips after a few moments as he tries to catch his breath, his nose grazing above mine. His eyes glisten with adoration with a huge smile on his face like a lovesick puppy.

"You could never resist me, darling,"

•••

A/N: This is just a filler chapter for what's more about to come and since today is Taehyung's birthday, here's the update. Thank you for reading and have a nice and wonderful day ahead on tete's birthday! Stay safe and healthy, everyone! I love you <3