*22*

Areum pov

The clock ticked like a metronome against the silence of the office. I sat in front of my computer, numbers and formulas blurring together in an endless stream. Each line I wrote felt laborious, my mind heavy with the weight of work I dreaded.

It was a habit of mine to zone out sometimes, to let my thoughts wander. Today was one of those days. My eyes remained fixed on the screen, but my mind was elsewhere. I thought about everything that happened recently.

The events of the past few days replayed through my mind, each memory a bittersweet mix of hurt and longing. That evening in the park with Jimin, the pain in his voice as he confessed that he regretted leaving me.

I thought back to Taehyung, the steady but firm figure in my life. Though, it hasn't been long since we met, but his presence was always a balance, a quiet anchor.

He was like the warm blanket that wrapped around me, making my world feel a little less chaotic. He always knew how to make my days better. He was always there, with a smile that could light up a room, listening patiently as I vent out my frustrations of the day. His kindness is overwhelming sometimes.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on my door. I blinked, snapping out of my daze and looked towards the door.

The door pushed open, and Jisoo's head popped through the crack.

"Hey," she said cheerfully, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

I couldn't help but smile at her. "Hey," I replied, leaning back in my chair.

Jisoo flopped into the chair next to me and let out a dramatic sigh. "You know, I've been feeling neglected lately."

I chuckled, my eyes flickering to her. "Is that so?"

She nodded dramatically, exaggerating her pout. "Yes, it is so. You promised we'd hang out after Chuseok, and you've been so busy with god knows what."

I couldn't help but laugh at her melodramatic display. "Oh, come on. I've been busy, but I'm not that bad."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Please, you've barely had time to look my way. I'm starting to feel left out."

I shrugged apologetically. "I'm sorry, I just had...a lot going on."

She tilted her head, studying my face. "Is everything okay?"

I hesitated for a moment, my gaze falling. "Everything's fine. Just...busy, that's all."

Jisoo narrowed her eyes, not fully convinced. "You sure? You seem... off."

I forced a smile, trying to dismiss her concern. "I'm just tired, that's all. It's been a hectic week."

She studied me for a moment longer, her eyes searching my face. I could tell she wasn't completely buying my excuse, but she didn't push further.

"Well, I missed you," she said finally, her tone playful but with a touch of sincerity.

I chuckled lightly, my smile genuine this time. "Let's go out today, hmm? My treat."

Her eyes lit up, a wide grin breaking out on her face. "Oh, sounds like I'm in for some pampering."

"Don't get too excited," I warned, but my tone was light.

After leaving the office, Jisoo and I made our way to a nearby café. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the city.

Jisoo led the way, a skip in her step, as we approached the café. It was a cozy little place with a warm, inviting atmosphere. We found a table tucked away in a corner and sat down, placing our orders.

"Thanks for treating me," Jisoo said, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at me.

I shrugged lightly, a small smile on my lips. "It's no biggie. You deserve it."

She leaned back in her chair, a satisfied expression on her face. "So, what's up with you lately?"

I shrugged, playing with a napkin in my hands. "Just...life, I guess. What about you? Anything new?"

She thought for a moment, then a sly grin spread across her face. "Actually, there is something."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Care to share?"

Her smile widened. "Okay, so...I may have started talking to someone."

My eyes widened, surprise mingling with curiosity.

The anticipation hung in the air as her grin grew even wider. "And I actually think things are going pretty well."

I wiggled my eyebrows at her, "And?"

Her cheeks flushed a bit, and she played with the napkin in her hands again. "Well, you know, the new guy in your department."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mix of surprise and intrigue fluttering in my stomach. "The one who just started a few weeks ago? Jackson?"

Jisoo nodded, a small giggle escaping her lips. "Yep, that's the one."

I couldn't help but grin, a twinge of playful mischief in my eyes. "The newbie at my office? You, my friend, have good taste."

She chuckled, a mix of bashfulness and pride in her eyes. "Well, he's not so bad, you know. Kind, responsible, and..."

I chuckled, picking up on the subtext. "And...?"

She blushed, a coy smile gracing her lips. "And...he's hot."

I laughed aloud, shaking my head. "You are really gone for this guy, huh?"

Just as she was about to say more, the door to the café chimes and Tae walked in.

Tae scanned the café, his gaze pausing when it landed on our table. His eyes lit up with recognition, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Well, look who's having a ladies night," Tae teased as he approached the table.

I rolled my eyes playfully, while Jisoo looked startled, not expecting Tae's sudden arrival.

He smiled and sat down at our table, giving Jisoo a friendly nod. He turned to look at me. "Mind if I join you?"

I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "What's the point of asking?" I say, looking at his already seated figure.

Jisoo, who had been mostly quiet until now, leaned forward a bit, studying Tae curiously.

Tae seemed oblivious to Jisoo's scrutiny, his attention still focused on me.

I chuckled, looking at her. "Tae, this is Jisoo. Jisoo, Tae," I said, gesturing between them.

His eyes flicked to her, a polite smile tugging at his lips. "Nice to meet you, Jisoo."

She smiled back, "Nice to meet you too."

There was a moment of friendly silence before he spoke again. "So, what are you ladies up to?"

I shrugged, gesturing at the plates before us. "Just grabbing some food and gossiping, you know."

"Ah, gossiping, huh?" He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Careful, she might spill all your secrets to me."

She grinned mischievously, her confidence quickly returning. "Oh, please. If anyone here has dirt worth spilling, it's her." She shot me a sly look.

I rolled my eyes. "Really, Jisoo? Throwing me under the bus already?"

He laughed, a deep, melodic sound that made me glance at him. His eyes met mine briefly, a warm glint in them that made me feel a little lighter.

As the conversation continued, the three of us fell into an easy rhythm. Tae was his usual charming self, cracking jokes that made us laugh until our sides hurt. Jisoo, ever the life of the party, matched his energy with witty comebacks.

When it was time to leave, Tae insisted on walking us out. "Safety first," he said, grinning.

Jisoo waved goodbye, giving me a pointed look before heading off in the opposite direction. I shook my head at her antics but couldn't help smiling.

As Tae and I walked side by side, the cool evening air brushing against us, he glanced at me. "You seem quieter than usual. Everything okay?"

I nodded, pulling my jacket tighter around me. "Yeah, just...thinking."

He stopped walking and turned to face me, his expression soft. "Anything I can help with?"

I hesitated before shaking my head. "No, it's nothing serious."

He studied me for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let me know if you want to talk."

I smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through me. "Thanks, Tae."

As we reached his car, Tae asked. "So...what's the plan for the rest of the night? You gonna dive back into work?"

I shrugged. "I was thinking of calling it an early night, but now that I met you..."

He raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his lips. "What? You wanna hang out some more?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think. "Maybe. Let's call Minji too and have a sleepover?"

He chuckled. "Deal."

A few minutes later, the three of us settled on my living room floor, surrounded by snacks and blankets, diving into an impromptu movie marathon.

It felt easy, natural. Tae and Minji bantered back and forth, while I found myself laughing till my lungs gave out.

At some point during the night, Tae shifted closer to me, his shoulder brushing mine. "You know," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"You have the most infectious laugh. Every time you laugh, it makes me laugh too."

I blushed lightly, feeling the close proximity between us.

He chuckled softly, nudging me gently with his shoulder. "You're blushing," he teased, his eyes filled with warmth.

I waved off his comment, pretending to be nonchalant. "Am not."

"Mhmm," he replied, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Sure, you're not."

I scowled lightheartedly, but my cheeks betrayed me, still slightly pink. "Shut up," I muttered.

"Make me." He challenged with a smirk, lifting an eyebrow in a playful manner.

I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance, but a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You're so cocky."

"You love it." He countered, his grin growing.

I couldn't help but scoff, a soft laugh escaping my lips. "You're hopeless."

He laughed, "And you're adorable."

We burst into laughter again, the light atmosphere of the moment lingering. Tae leaned back against the couch, his gaze still fixed on me. "I don't know what I'm more addicted to, your laugh or how adorable you look when you're blushing like that."

I covered my face with my hands, trying to hide my growing blush. "Stop it, you're incorrigible."

He reached out, gently pulling my hands away from my face, revealing my flustered expression. His touch sent a ripple of warmth through me. "I prefer you without the hand covering." He said, his voice soft, his eyes locked onto mine.

"What has gotten into you?" I look at him, embarrassed and intrigued.

He chuckled softly, his fingers still holding onto mine. "Nothing's gotten into me. I just...like seeing you flustered. It's endearing."

He paused, his gaze drifting to where our hands were still connected. His thumb traced small circles on the back of my hand.

I bit my lip, trying to gather my thoughts. I pull my hand away from him.

He noticed my brief action, sensing my uncertainty. He leaned back, giving me space, but his gaze remained fixed on me.

Minji, who had been watching our interaction, cleared her throat, breaking the moment. She cocked an eyebrow at Tae and me, her observant gaze flickering between us.

I shot her a glare, silently pleading for her to not say anything.

"Care to share what I've missed?" She asked with a sly grin, clearly enjoying the moment.

He leaned back against the couch, an amused smirk on his lips. "Nothing worth mentioning," he replied casually, though the teasing edge in his voice was unmistakable.

I rolled my eyes, trying to downplay the situation. "Nothing at all. He's just being Tae."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Uh-huh. If you say so."

She turned her attention back to the screen, but I could tell she was suppressing a knowing smile.

That night, the house was finally quiet after hours of chatter, laughter, and movie marathons.

Tae and Minji had eventually gone their separate ways to their respective sleeping spots.

The silence of the night surrounded me, broken only by the occasional sound of crickets outside. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind too restless to allow any peace. I couldn't shake the whirlwind of emotions.

Unable to bear it any longer, I slipped out of the room quietly, careful not to wake anyone. The cool night air hit me as soon as I stepped onto the balcony, bringing with it a momentary sense of calm. I leaned on the railing, gaze fixed on the moonlit sky, trying to piece together the tangled mess in my heart.

Minutes passed, maybe hours-it was hard to tell. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard the creak of the balcony door behind me. Startled, I turned to see Tae stepping out, a glass of water in his hand. His hair messy and expression slightly groggy.

"What are you doing still awake?" he said softly, setting the glass on the railing.

"Couldn't sleep," I murmured, looking away.

He stood their for a moment before joining me at the railing. He didn't say anything at first, just stood beside me, letting the silence settle between us. It wasn't awkward; it was comforting, almost like a silent invitation for me to speak.

"Do you ever feel like... everything's falling apart, but you can't do anything about it?" I finally whispered.

He rested a hand on the railing, his gaze fixed on the night sky. "All the time."

His voice was soft yet filled with a quiet honesty. He took a small sip of water before continuing. "It's like life is this intricate puzzle, and we're all just trying to fit the pieces together. Some parts fall perfectly, but other times, the pieces don't match up at all. It's frustrating."

I let out a deep sigh, wrapping my arms around myself. "I just... don't know how to move forward after everything with Jimin. One moment, I tell myself to accept it and move on, but the next, I'm right back where I started, drowning in all the 'what ifs'."

He shifted closer, just enough for his presence to feel grounding. "The 'what ifs' are the hardest part," he said softly. "They trap you in this endless loop, making you question everything-your decisions, your worth, your future. But you know what I've learned?"

I looked at him, her brows furrowing slightly. "What?"

"That the 'what ifs' don't have answers. No matter how much you think about them, no matter how many scenarios you imagine, they won't change what's already happened. The only thing you can do is focus on what comes next."

My eyes traced over his features, drinking in his words. They soothed a part of me that I didn't even know was raw and aching. "That's... really wise," I murmured. "But how do you not let the 'what ifs' consume you?"

He smiled faintly, his gaze still fixed on the sky. "I won't lie to you-it's not easy. Some days, they do consume me. But I remind myself that no amount of thinking about the past will ever rewrite it. And I focus on the things I can change, no matter how small they are."

I leaned against the railing, letting his words settle over me like a blanket of calm. "I don't know if I can do that. It feels like I'm stuck in this cycle. One minute I think I've moved on, and the next, it's like... like the weight of it all comes crashing back down."

He turned to look at me, his eyes soft yet intent. "You're being too hard on yourself. Healing isn't a straight path. It's messy, and sometimes it feels like you're going backward when you're really just taking a detour."

I let out a humorless laugh. "Then why does it feel like I'm not moving at all?"

"Because you're focusing on the wrong things," he said simply.

I frowned, meeting his gaze. "What do you mean?"

"You keep measuring your progress by how much you've moved on from Jimin," He said, his voice gentle but firm. "But maybe that's not the point. Maybe it's not about forgetting him or pretending the pain never happened. Maybe it's about learning how to carry it without letting it control you."

His words struck a chord deep within me, and I felt a lump rising in my throat. "But how do I do that?" I whispered.

"You start small," he said, his voice steady. "You remind yourself that you're allowed to feel hurt. You're allowed to take your time. And you surround yourself with people who remind you that you're not alone."

I looked down at my hands, his words sinking into the cracks I'd been trying so hard to patch up. "I feel so weak sometimes," I admitted, my voice barely audible.

"It's okay to feel that way, but you're not weak," He said firmly, his hand brushing mine on the railing. "You're one of the strongest people I know, Areum. Just the fact that you're still here, still trying-it says a lot about the kind of person you are."

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening at the sincerity in his voice. "I don't feel strong."

"You don't have to feel it to be it," he said softly. "Sometimes, strength is just waking up in the morning and trying again. And you've been doing that, even if you don't realize it."

For a moment, the weight on my chest felt a little lighter. I turned to look at him, his face bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. "Thank you, Tae," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled, a warmth in his eyes that made my heart ache in a way that was unfamiliar but not unwelcome. "Anytime," he said. "You don't have to go through this alone. I'm here. Minji's here. You've got people who care about you."

I nodded, my gaze dropping to the ground as I fought back the tears threatening to spill over. "Sometimes, I feel like I don't deserve it. Any of it."

"Why would you think that?" He asked, his tone laced with concern.

"Because I feel like I failed," I said, my voice cracking. "I couldn't make things work with Jimin. He couldn't trust me with his insecurities. I couldn't stop myself from falling apart. And now... now I'm just trying to pick up the pieces, but it feels like I keep dropping them again."

He stepped closer, his presence steady and reassuring. "Areum, listen to me. You didn't fail. Relationships don't fall apart because one person is to blame. Sometimes, things just don't work out, no matter how much you want them to."

I bit my lip, the tears finally spilling over as I shook my head. "But what if it was my fault? What if I wasn't enough?"

"You were enough," He said, his voice unwavering. "You are enough. And anyone who makes you feel otherwise doesn't deserve you."

I wiped my tears away, but they kept coming, unbidden. Taehyung didn't pull away or make me feel uncomfortable. Instead, he just stood there, his presence a steady anchor as I let my emotions spill out. It wasn't until my sobs had quieted that I felt a sense of release, like a weight had been lifted, even if just for a moment.

"You don't have to carry it all on your own,"He repeated gently, his hand resting on my shoulder, his touch reassuring. "It's okay to lean on others. We're here, and we care about you."

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. The vulnerability of the moment was both raw and healing. In that silence, I realized something important-he was right. I didn't have to figure everything out by myself. I didn't have to hold onto the weight of past mistakes or unanswered questions.

"I'm sorry for falling apart like this," I whispered, my voice shaky.

"There's nothing to apologize for," he replied, his tone soft yet strong. "We all have our moments of weakness. But that doesn't make you any less deserving of love, happiness, or peace."

I stood there for a long time, taking in his words, feeling a warmth inside me that hadn't been there before. It was as though the reassurance, the support, the presence of someone who truly cared-it all began to heal the parts of me that I thought were irreparable.

Eventually, he gently guided me back towards the door. "Let's get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day."

I nodded, feeling a strange sense of calm, despite the storm that had raged inside me just moments before. As we stepped back into the room, I felt a renewed sense of strength, not because everything had been fixed, but because I knew I wasn't alone in facing it.

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