CHAPTER FOUR

When he is a well known photographer, who is absolutely obsessed with butterflies but you have fear of Lepidopterophobia
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Taehyung stood by the hotel window, his gaze fixed on the bustling scene below. Tiny figures scurried along the pavement, clutching steaming coffees and greeting the morning with painted smiles, while the early sun cast its golden hues across the horizon. The sky, aflame in shades of orange and yellow, looked as though someone had set fire to the night.

“Up early, are we?” Yoongi’s groggy voice broke through the stillness. He stretched lazily, ruffling his bed-tousled hair as he sauntered into the room.

“Yeah, even I’m surprised,” Taehyung admitted, finally turning away from the window. “I’ve been thinking about the art show. What if I tried something different—something I’ve never done before?”

Yoongi raised an eyebrow as he reached for a glass of water from the mini-fridge. “Does this have anything to do with that girl you met at Flower Valley?”

Taehyung paused, a small, wistful smile playing on his lips. “Yeah. What if I made her my muse? Imagine her with the butterflies, becoming part of the artwork. It could be something extraordinary.”

Yoongi blinked, clearly taken aback. Taehyung had always been resolute in his artistic philosophy—nature without human interference. His previous works avoided the presence of people, allowing the raw beauty of the natural world to shine. “You’ve always said you didn’t want people in your work. Why the sudden change?”

“I know,” Taehyung acknowledged, his tone softening. “But there’s something about her, Hyung. She’s... ethereal. Delicate, like she belongs in that world. She feels like a part of it.”

Yoongi leaned against the counter, arms crossed, his expression thoughtful. “You do realise she’s afraid of butterflies, right? That might complicate things.”

Taehyung shrugged, his determination unwavering. “Maybe this could help her overcome that fear.”

The hours slipped by, and by late afternoon, Taehyung found himself staring at a rain-soaked city. The grey clouds that had rolled in uninvited now unleashed a relentless downpour, accompanied by distant rumbles of thunder. He sighed, disappointed. He had hoped to return to Flower Valley, perhaps even catch another glimpse of her.

Resigned, Taehyung joined Yoongi in ordering food. They opted for two large pepperoni pizzas, a box of barbecue chicken, and fries—a feast for their growling stomachs. A call from the lobby soon informed them their food had arrived.

The two men hurried to the elevator, anticipating and hunger driving their pace. The hotel lobby was bustling with people seeking refuge from the storm, their umbrellas dripping puddles onto the marble floor. After tipping the delivery driver generously, they began to make their way back to the elevator—until Taehyung froze mid-step.

There she was.

Y/N, her blonde hair plastered to her forehead, stood by a heater with another girl. Both were drenched, their clothes clinging to their skin as they tried to warm themselves.

“Yoongi,” Taehyung whispered, nudging his friend with an elbow. “That’s her.”

Yoongi glanced over, then smirked. “Why don’t you invite them up? They look like they could use a hot shower and some food.” Handing Taehyung the bags of food, Yoongi headed upstairs with a knowing grin.

Summoning his courage, Taehyung approached the two girls. “Y/N,” he called, offering a warm smile.

She looked up, her tired expression brightening instantly. “Oh, Taehyung! What a coincidence. Are you here to get out of the storm too?”

“Not quite. I’m staying here for a while,” he explained. “My friend and I just came down to grab some food.”

Y/N gestured to herself and the girl beside her. “Ji-eun and I were trying to get home, but the buses aren’t running because of the weather. Everywhere else was packed, so we ended up here... like this.”

Taehyung’s gaze softened. “Why don’t you both come up to our room? We’ve got plenty of space and food. Plus, the storm isn’t expected to pass until morning. I’d hate for you to fall ill.”

Y/N hesitated, glancing at Ji-eun. “I just need to call my mum so she doesn’t worry. What about you, Eunie?”

Ji-eun nodded. “It’s fine by me.”

Once upstairs, they took turns showering, changing into the plush navy-blue pyjamas provided by the hotel. Warm and dry, they sat in a circle on the floor, eating and chatting as rain continued to lash against the windows.

Soon, Yoongi and Ji-eun succumbed to the comforts of food and exhaustion, leaving Taehyung and Y/N alone.

“It’s still stormy out,” Y/N said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft, almost tentative, as she played with the hem of her sleeve.

Taehyung nodded, gazing out at the rain-speckled window. “It is. Tell me about yourself, Y/N.”

Her eyes widened slightly at the question, but she obliged. “Well, I’m twenty-five, and it’s just my mum and me. I work at an animal sanctuary with Ji-eun. We take care of all sorts of animals—cats, dogs, even hamsters. You should come by sometime; they’re all so cute.”

Taehyung’s lips curled into a smile. “That sounds amazing. And your name—it’s Lee Y/N, right? Wait a moment.”

He watched curiously as Y/N grabbed her phone and began typing furiously. Then, her eyes lit up with realisation. “I knew it! No wonder you looked so familiar. You’re Kim Taehyung! My mum adores your artwork. She’s always wanted to see one of your exhibits.”

Taehyung felt a blush creep up his neck. “Well, if she’s free on September 10th, she can come as my guest—no charge.”

Her jaw dropped. “You’re joking.”

He shook his head, his sincerity evident.

“Oh my God, she’s going to be over the moon! You didn’t have to do that. But... Can I ask you something? Why do you like butterflies so much?”

Taehyung’s expression softened. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by them. They’re so fragile, yet so beautiful. They remind me that even the smallest things can carry immense beauty.”

He paused, then met her gaze. “I have a question for you too. Will you be part of my next art exhibit?”






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