~Minseo~

"Uh, Taehyung?"

"Chocolate for me and..." he glanced over his shoulders at me. "What do you want?"

My eyes flickered to the server before going to Taehyung. I smiled apologetically and then grabbed onto Taehyung's arm with both my hands, pulling him away and to the side.

"What are you doing?" I whispered.

"I want ice cream."

"In public? Like this?"

"Why not?"

I shook my head at his carefree nature. "We were just chased by people twenty minutes ago!"

"And?"

I closed my eyes, silently asking God for more patience.

When I felt a light flick to my forehead, my eyes snapped open and I winced, rubbing my forehead, "What was that for?"

"Which flavour?"

I sighed. I knew he wasn't going to stop until I tell him so I had no choice but to give in.

"Cookies and cream," I mumbled.

Flashing a satisied smile, Taehyung turned and walked back towards the ice cream truck once more. Me? I just made sure to cover myself and prepare to run by myself if someone recognises him.

Thankfully, we weren't spotted by anyone. I was less than pleased when Taehyung came back with our ice creams and he reached for my hand once more, strolling on like there was nothing to worry about. 

I sighed before licking my ice cream.

We sat down on one of the benches, enjoying our ice cream in silence. I couldn't help but admire the night sky, smiling at the view. The atmosphere was just... perfect. I'd be lying if I say that I don't enjoy being out here with Taehyung.

"Are you really not afraid of people finding you out here... with me?" I asked, unable to keep quiet any longer.

Taehyung didn't look at me when he answered, "I don't care but I'm worried about you."

I took a bite of my ice cream, "You're worried there will be articles about us?"

"I'm not worried about that."

I frowned.

Taehyung's eyes slid to me and he looked like he was trying not to laugh. He turned his body to face me.

"I was the one who dragged you out here. Getting mobbed, sadly, has become a part of my life," he muttered, "but it's not for you. It might be terrifying for you if you were to experience it."

Oh, yeah. It would.

"Articles?"

Taehyung tilted his head towards the night sky, "There's always going to be articles about me and my members no matter what. I think I can handle the articles if you were photographed or seen with me. I'll be able to do something about it."

"Ah," I nodded. "Right."

Taehyung's eyes came back to me, "Don't worry," he said, taking a bite of his ice cream, "I won't let them hurt you."

I felt a little touch at that but more importantly, I believed him. Taehyung's a protector. He will protect the ones he loves and also the ones who needs it.

"So, are you really not afraid walking around by yourself with no guards?" I asked him, curiously.

"I'm human too," he said in a quiet voice. "I want to be able to do things a normal person can do. Sure, I'm a little worried when I don't have my managers, members or body guards but that's part of my life now. I want to be able to roam freely and whenever I want to. By myself." 

"Ah," I said, quietly. "I get it now. It must be hard..."

Taehyung smirked, turning his body away from mine, his eyes moving towards the sky. "It's my life now."

"Doesn't make it easy."

"No," he agreed. "It doesn't."

We sat there and it was when we finished our ice creams that Taehyung got up. I followed him and out of instinct, I grabbed onto his hand. Taehyung stopped walking and glanced down at our hands before looking at me.

I let go of it immediately, feeling my cheeks burn. "Uh—sorry. I didn't—"

I didn't even finish that line because Taehyung grabbed my hand, curling it with his large hand. He gave me a small and soft smile and that was enough to make me smile back in return. 

As we walked on, we talked about our life. He wanted to know what I got up to after our misunderstanding and I asked him about his as well. I wanted to know what happened when he left my town and he wanted to know if I was okay after he left. He was worried I'd bump into Jayla when he wasn't there. I couldn't help but laugh at his concern - it was cute.

We laughed and joked around as our conversations goes on and on. It almost felt natural. Real. And I think... I think I'm getting an idea of what my life will be like if I was to date Taehyung.

I mentally slapped myself for thinking that.

Kijoon, I reminded myself. You have Kijoon.

We caught a cab and rode back home in silence. I think it was for the best though. I had so many thoughts running through my mind now that I replay our current situation.

Thanking the driver, Taehyung and I stepped out onto the driveway before walking towards the front door of the house. I wonder if the members are back already?

"I'll be your friend," Taehyung said, coming to a stop.

I blinked in confusion and then I felt a little upset at that. "You... will?"

He shrugged. "For now."

"Huh?"

Taehyung leaned down, his handsome face filling my view. His eyes roamed my face before his lips curled into a devilish smile. "I want to make you mine."

I stared.

"One day," he vowed.

And for some bizarre reason, I blushed in response to that. To cover that up, I quickly glanced away, feeling my cheeks burn even more. Seeing the effects of his words, Taehyung reached out, tousling my hair as he chuckled.