CHAPTER TWO

When he is a well known photographer, who is absolutely obsessed with butterflies but you have fear of Lepidopterophobia
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The early morning air was bitterly cold, carrying with it a sharp, persistent wind that bit at the skin. At the train station, small groups of passengers huddled together, their chatter mingling with the occasional hiss of steam. Many clutched steaming cups of coffee or tea, the warmth seeping into their hands as they tried to stave off the chill.


Taehyung trailed sleepily behind Yoongi, his messy hair tousled by the breeze and his glasses slipping precariously down his nose. His steps were sluggish, punctuated by half-hearted complaints for what felt like the hundredth time about how ungodly early it was to be catching a train.

“Quit your whining, Tae,” Yoongi said, glancing back at him with an amused sigh. “It’ll all be worth it once we’re on the train, and you see the scenery.” He reached down to grab Taehyung’s suitcase, which the younger had dropped more than once in his drowsy state.

When the train arrived promptly, the two boarded and found their seats. The interior of the train was a welcome contrast to the icy morning outside—warm and cosy. As they settled in, a smartly dressed attendant approached, pushing a metal cart laden with packaged snacks and hot and cold beverages.

“Would the gentlemen like anything?” she asked with a professional smile.

“I’ll have a bottle of sparkling cranberry and lime water,” Yoongi said, before glancing at Taehyung, who had already nestled against his shoulder, his arms loosely wrapped around him. “Tae, do you want anything?”

“Just water,” came the muffled reply as Taehyung removed his gold-framed glasses and tucked them into his coat pocket. Yoongi paid for the drinks, settling into his seat with a book while Taehyung drifted in and out of a light slumber.

Later, as the train wound its way through the countryside, Taehyung’s grogginess gave way to wide-eyed wonder. His gaze sparkled with excitement as he took in the rolling hills, quaint villages, and endless stretches of nature, all bathed in the soft morning light. His phone was soon in hand, snapping pictures and recording videos with the enthusiasm of a child discovering something magical.

“Feeling inspired yet?” Yoongi asked, setting down his book and observing the younger man’s excitement with a knowing smile.

“A little,” Taehyung admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and lingering uncertainty. “But not enough. How much longer until we get there, hyung?”

“About an hour,” Yoongi replied, glancing at his watch.

A sudden thought struck Taehyung, and his expression shifted to one of mild panic. “Ah, damn it—I completely forgot to book a hotel for us!” He scrambled to pull up his phone, hurriedly searching for accommodations in Busan.

“Relax, Tae,” Yoongi said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I already took care of it. We’ve got connecting rooms at a nice hotel near Flower Valley.”

Taehyung raised a suspicious brow, pushing his glasses up his nose. “How did you know I didn’t book anything?”

Yoongi smirked, brushing his raven-black hair back. “I’ve known you since you were in nappies, and I know how forgetful you get when you’re excited.”

Before Taehyung could respond, a woman approached their seats with her young daughter in tow. The little girl, barely able to contain her awe, peeked shyly at the two men.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” the woman began with a warm smile, “but my daughter is a huge fan of your work. Would it be possible to get a picture with you both? Perhaps an autograph as well?”

“Of course, we’d love to,” Taehyung replied kindly, his voice softening as he crouched slightly to meet the girl’s wide, innocent eyes.

The mother quickly positioned her daughter between them and took out her phone. “Say cheese!”

“Cheese!” the three chimed in unison, their smiles bright and genuine as the photo was taken.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” Yoongi asked as the girl shyly handed him a notebook and pen, both decorated with pink glitter and fairy stickers.

“M-my name is H-heeyoung,” she stammered, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.

“That’s a beautiful name,” Yoongi said, signing the notebook with his characteristically messy handwriting before passing it to Taehyung, who added his elegant signature, finishing it off with a cheerful smiley face.

“Thank you so much!” the mother said gratefully as she guided her daughter back to their seats. The little girl waved timidly, her face lighting up when Taehyung and Yoongi waved back.

“She’s adorable,” Yoongi remarked thoughtfully. “Moments like this make me think about settling down and having kids.”

“I don’t think I’m ready for that yet,” Taehyung admitted, adjusting his glasses.

“Of course not,” Yoongi chuckled. “You’re twenty-five. You’ve got a lot left to experience. I’m twenty-nine—I’ve been through it all.”

Taehyung shot him a playful look. “What experiences? We’ve been everywhere together and done everything together. You haven’t even dated anyone yet!”

“Oh, please,” Yoongi said, rolling his eyes. “I’ve dated before.”

“The girl you met when you were eight doesn’t count,” Taehyung teased, laughing.

“It absolutely counts!” Yoongi retorted, his deadpan expression making both of them burst into laughter.

When the train finally pulled into Busan, the station buzzed with activity as passengers hurriedly disembarked and others rushed to board before the doors slid shut. Taehyung and Yoongi grabbed their bags and made their way to a waiting taxi.

After checking into the hotel, Yoongi immediately collapsed onto his bed, stretching out his stiff limbs. “I’m not moving for the rest of the day,” he muttered into his pillow.

“Hyung, are you coming?” Taehyung asked as he stepped out of the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed to head out.

“Where?” Yoongi mumbled.

“To Flower Valley. You said it looks best in the early afternoon, and it’s already 12:45.”

“Nah, I’m too tired. Go without me this time.”

“Suit yourself,” Taehyung said, grabbing his camera and phone. As he left, he grinned to himself. “Flower Valley, here I come.”

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