Love Candidate - King Size - Chapter 34

Third Person POV

A Year Later.

The baked brown leafs fluttered lightly from the shedding branches along the side of the chilly street, delicately landing on the flat pavements below its trunk. It's mid-fall, and winter is approaching. The city hummed with faint chatters as people strutted back and forth over the scrunching autumn leaves. The subtle breeze... gushing between the dead branches to signify the peaking cozy weather. A woman chuckled brightly in a warm bridal shop as she twirled in her exquisite wedding dress before her lover. The man slightly nodded at the eye-catching sequin sparkles with an approving smile as she elegantly twisted and turned inside the showroom to admire the well-fitted gown on her slender body.

"Let's get that dress," The man nodded while leaning against the couch with a weak smile. The woman giggled prettily with her fingers clasped over her lips to hide her delighted smile. The couple placed an order for the dress at the reception counter before heading out together. Hand in hand, they stepped onto the sidewalk with a bright beam.

"Oppa. We should get your suit tailored by the end of the month," The woman suggested as she clung to her man's arm. The beautiful woman glanced upward for a glimpse of her lover when he suddenly stopped walking. She curiously blinked when she noticed him staring at the glass window with a wistful smile. The man's body turned stiff as he stared at another woman, who was unblinkingly staring at a wedding dress on display with her nostalgic dreamy gaze. The woman's smile dropped as soon as she recognized the familiar face before them. Unconsciously, she clenched her lover's arm with a timid expression.

The woman by the window slowly turned from the display to avert her weary gaze toward the man's dreadful face. Parts of her chin were tucked away under the warm scarf as she stood before the couple with her hands placed in her coat pockets to keep her fingers warm.

Kim Taehyung stared at Lee Jiyoung without blinking as she stood before him in her warm clothes. It was an unexpected encounter. Jiyoung snuggled her face against the scarf as she averted her eyes to the familiar face, standing beside the man. Taehyung's past sex partner. Yuna. The woman fired Jiyoung a slight frown, so Jiyoung slowly glanced down at the woman's left hand. She was clutching Taehyung's forearm tightly as if she was afraid of losing him. Jiyoung's gaze finally landed on the familiar wedding ring on the woman's ring finger.

It was Jiyoung's wedding ring. The same ring the drug lord gifted her. It was on another woman's finger. How did it fit so perfectly on Yuna? Jiyoung thought to herself.

"Let's go. It's cold," Taehyung coldly tugged his fiancée forward, dully glancing away from Jiyoung to dismiss her existence. Yuna kept her nervous eyes on Jiyoung as Taehyung dragged her past his ex-lover. Jiyoung stared darkly at the empty pavement as Taehyung strode past her without a second glance, giving her an intentional cold shoulder. Suddenly, the world grew a little dimmer in Jiyoung's world. Her heart ached intensely upon his silent treatment, but she didn't complain. They did not exchange conversations. He simply walked away before she could speak.

Jiyoung remained cemented in her position as Taehyung strolled away from her. She wanted to turn around and call for him... but the lump in her throat was too sticky- it entirely blocked her vocal cord. Jiyoung finally blinked after drowning in her dark thoughts and slowly turned around to search for Taehyung, but he was gone. He left. She shakily exhaled in defeat and strolled in the opposite direction with her tearful eyes fixed on the gloomy afternoon sky above her.

It's the 5th time. Jiyoung first returned to Taehyung half a year after she ran away from him, but things didn't really turn out well between them. He's been ignoring her. A month ago... she returned to him again because she needed to speak about a critical matter. He simply dismissed her again as if she was invisible in his eyes. Jiyoung sadly glanced at the calendar on her phone with a discouraged face. Time is getting shorter... she didn't have much time left.

Sighing, Jiyoung walked down the familiar road until she reached her frequent BBQ place to find a giant black bike parked outside the crowded restaurant. She unsurely entered through the door to scan the packed space, expecting to see someone, until her eyes landed on a familiar face. Jungkook froze when he found Jiyoung standing in the doorway with his pink lips slightly ajar. Jiyoung waved at him with a weak smile and walked up to her best friend as he gawked at her, stunned by her unexpected appearance.

"You came to Seoul? Why didn't you call me?" Jungkook gasped, quickly leaping to his feet to embrace her in his strong arms.

"I'll leave tomorrow. Didn't want to bother you. I heard you became the CEO of my mother's new corporation. Congratulations," Jiyoung chuckled, pulling away to smile proudly at Jungkook's concerned expression.

"You'll leave?" Jungkook asked with his hands placed on her shoulders.

"Why are you drinking alone? Where's Hyeri?" Jiyoung dismissed his question and sat down at the table to eat from his bowl. Jungkook immediately dragged his chair to sit beside her. 

"Hyeri left Korea to pursue her master's degree. She will be back in a few years. What do you mean you're leaving???" Jungkook questioned, keenly leaning his face toward Jiyoung to grab her attention. Jiyoung chuckled at his adorable attitude as she chewed the warm food. She didn't answer him and reached out to pour herself a shot of soju. Jungkook pursed his lips as he watched his best friend gulp the clear liquor in difficulty.

"Gah~" Jiyoung seethed, screwing her face funnily after swallowing the strong shot.

A moment later.

"Are you drunk? We should head home! You can stay at my place-"

"I'm not drunk! Wait here!" Jiyoung snapped in annoyance when Jungkook grabbed her arm to pull her back.

"You're not entering that building! Are you out of your mind?!" Jungkook snapped, anxiously glancing at the mafia building as he stood by his motorbike. She ordered him to take her to the mafia lair after they finished their meal at the restaurant.

"I have to speak with him. Go home, you punk!" Jiyoung turned to shake her head at Jungkook. He suddenly grew hushed while staring at her rosy face with a worried frown.

"Jiyoung. He will not listen to you-"

"It doesn't matter. I'm going to speak with Taehyung- no matter what. I don't want to leave with unresolved issues," Jiyoung stubbornly shook her head. Jungkook pursed his lips when he realized she was sober. Sighing, he stepped forward to embrace her in his arms again.

"Okay. I'll see you off tomorrow," Jungkook agreed, tightening his strong arms around Jiyoung's body to bid his goodbye. Jiyoung chuckled as she patted Jungkook's back to comfort him. She didn't want to cry. It's not like she won't see him ever again. Jungkook finally released Jiyoung from his clutch after their heartwarming interaction on the dark street. She waved at Jungkook and quickly turned to head inside the building by herself. Jungkook wanted to leave, but he was too anxious about her safety. He sighed in defeat and carefully sat down on his bike with his arms crossed to wait for Jiyoung's return. He'll wait for her.

"What are you doing here?" A familiar voice spoke up from the side. Jungkook quickly shifted his eyes from his phone to find a tall man approaching him in a trench coat.

"You returned to Seoul?" Jungkook stared at the former heir with his eyes wide open. Seokjin bitterly glanced at the building beside them before glancing back at Jungkook.

"Oh. I flew from the states to escort Jiyoung. I assumed she told you she's leaving? She told me she was here to see my brother, so head home. I'll take care of her," Seokjin smiled as he walked up to Jungkook. The two men stood staring at one another on the empty street as Jiyoung took the elevator up to the mafia apartment. Ding. Jiyoung strode out of the elevator until she heard shouting from the apartment, and the door suddenly swung wide open.

Jiyoung's POV

BANG. I quickly rushed toward the exit staircase to hide behind the wall as the loud voices boomed from the room. I heard a woman sobbing in distress as she stormed out of the apartment. Thud. Thud. Thud. She repeatedly slammed on the elevator screen, stepped inside the cubicle, and disappeared just as quickly as she appeared. I peeked in the empty corridor to check for a clear path, nervously stepping out from the corner when the apartment door suddenly swung open again, and someone came storming out.

"Why are they always fighting?! Jiyoung was never this- Oh? Jiyoung?! Speak of the devil!" Jimin grumbled under his breath as he stormed through the corridor. He stopped dead in his track when he spotted Jiyoung standing in the hallway.

"Oh- Hey. It's been a while-" Jiyoung awkwardly greeted Jimin, but before she could finish her words- Jimin suddenly sprinted forward to pull her into a crushing hug.

"I missed you! Are you okay!?" Jimin gasped, pulling away to cup Jiyoung's rosy cheeks in tears of joy.

"I'm fine-"

"How dare you step inside my building?" A low voice boomed from behind Jimin. My heart dropped when Jimin turned around to find his boss standing before us in his loose night robe. Taehyung's resenting eyes burnt furiously into mine as he stood with his arms crossed over his exposed chest. Jimin anxiously turned back to me, so I lightly squeezed his hand to assure him of the situation.

"Call me before you leave. I want to talk," Jimin sighed, lightly patting my hand before stepping into the elevator to leave us alone. Taehyung wouldn't look away and glared at me with his murderous eyes. I deserve his wrath.

"I came to you because-"

"I don't need to hear your petty excuses. Leave. Now," Taehyung rudely interrupted me. My heart churned at his hurtful words, but I refused to back off and slowly walked up to him. He keeps pushing me away, but I don't have any time left to spare, so I won't leave until I speak with him. Taehyung didn't back away from me and stood his ground with his stern gaze fixed on me. I stopped right before his fuming red face.

"I'm here to give us proper closure," I sighed while searching his spiteful gaze for signs of sympathy, but there were none. He was cold as ice. But I can feel it. His scorching heat. He hates me.

"Closure? I don't need it," Taehyung snarled.

"Whether you need it or not. I'll still talk to you-"

"Don't fucking show up in front of my face again," Taehyung gritted, lowering his face to glare at me. I wanted to burst out crying because of his stubbornness but held in my tears and lifted my chin to meet his deadly glare. Jiyoung. You can't surrender.

"I won't. Not after tonight. This is the last time we'll see each other, and that's why I'm here," I responded. Taehyung's face remained bitter as he glared at me.

"Good. Fucking walk away like you did," Taehyung nodded at the staircase with his eyebrow raised. I turned my head to stare at the exit before turning to face him again when he suddenly stormed away from me.

"I'm sorry," I exhaled. Taehyung immediately halted in his place at my words. And even if I couldn't see his expression... I knew we both felt the sharp contraction in our chest. I left him hanging that day.

"Don't be sorry when it was your decision to walk away from me. Don't give me dumb excuses for leaving me when it was your choice to run away with my brother," Taehyung turned to fire me with a sharp glare.

"I never left Korea with Seokjin. He left alone... and I stayed behind. I never left with your older brother. I was residing in Daegu," I shook my head. The day I ran away from him... I never boarded the flight with Seokjin. Taehyung believes I chose his older brother over him but no. I didn't pick either of them. Seokjin left without me.

"I don't give a fuck. Do you hear me? I don't care if you left with my brother or not. You left me on the aisle when you promised to be with me! I was humiliated! My men! My family! My rivals! My friends! I was a fucking fool in front of them! You made me a fool when I made you my queen!" Taehyung suddenly stormed toward me in anger. Thud. Thud. Thud. His footsteps thundered angrily throughout the room, but I didn't flinch. I stood my ground until Taehyung towered over me. His raging eyes... burning furiously into mine.

"You can blame me all you want. I'm not asking you forgiveness-"

"Of course not! I'll never forgive you for the shit you put me through! I was a fool to love you when you never fucking loved me! It was pity-love! I thought I could trust you with my vulnerable side, but you only took advantage of it! You had me in a chokehold! I was your dog! I did every fucking thing you wanted! Materialistic things! Love! Status! My fucking heart! Everything! You had everything! I even risked my life to save you! I never treated you differently even after all the shit your stepfather did to you! Do you realize how much it hurts?! How much it hurts to love you!? I placed my heart in your hand- only to be crushed by you! You disappeared without a trace! If you were truly sorry- Then you wouldn't have hurt me like this! I'll never fucking forgive you for breaking my heart!" Taehyung ranted at me until veins bulged all over his neck. I quietly stared at his glowering face in guilt.

"Right. You can take credit for all your actions to prove your love for me. I saw it. I felt it. Your effort and affection. I know it's real, and I'm beyond thankful- "

"Thankful!?-"

"I loved you too. I did. Even when I was running away from you... I loved you then. I know I'm a traitor in your eyes," I quickly cut him short.

"Don't fucking say you love me. It's bullshit. If you-"

"I loved you, Kim Taehyung, but I couldn't stay by your side. Why? How can I stay by your side when you're in love with your mother?" I asked while staring at him in tears. Taehyung's face suddenly flushed in bewilderment.

"I told you I had nothing to do with her anymore! I told you I loved you-"

"But you were still breaking over her. You were still crying for her. Your heart was hurting. I was a distraction. I was only a distraction because you couldn't bear the fact that she is the person you truly want-"

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP BEFORE I LOSE MY SHIT!" Taehyung roared, aggressively slamming my body against the wall. I winced in pain as he angrily clutched my shoulders after losing his temper.

"I'm not blaming you-"

"DON'T YOU FUCKING MAKE FALSE ASSUMPTIONS! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW BADLY YOU BROKE ME! DON'T FUCKING PUT WORDS IN MY MOUTH WHEN YOU KNEW IT WAS YOU- THAT I LOVED! I TOLD YOU REPEATEDLY THAT MY AFFAIR WITH MY MOTHER WAS ONLY A DISTRACTION, BUT YOU NEVER BELIEVED ME! I KNELT FOR YOU! I BEGGED YOU LIKE PATHETIC SCUMBAG! EVERYTHING! ALL MY EMOTIONS! I SHOWED IT TO YOU! I WAS BASICALLY DEFENSELESS AROUND YOU, AND YET YOU CHOSE TO MAKE ME THE BAD PERSON AND STABBED ME IN THE BACK! YOU USED ME AS AN EXCUSE TO FUCKING DODGE YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITies! IT WOULDN'T HAVE HURT SO BADLY IF YOU ADMITTED THAT YOU DIDN'T LOVE ME! YOU COULD'VE TOLD ME! YOU COULD'VE TOLD ME YOU FELL OUT OF LOVE-"

"I did not fall out of love," I calmly replied as Taehyung screamed at my face in fury. He gripped my shoulders tightly with his burning eyes fixed on mine, but I didn't look away and stared right back at him. Taehyung suddenly grew hushed. His boiling temper... beginning to spew from his red ears.

"You shouldn't have returned. You chose to leave, so don't fucking come back to me-"

"Like I said. I never left the country. I could've fled with your brother, but I didn't. I needed a break because it felt like we were rushing everything. I needed to sort out my thoughts and feelings-"

"So you ditched our own wedding?! How could you treat our love so carelessly?! I expected more from you!" Taehyung sneered at my face in anger.

"It was my fault. I know. None of this is your fault. It was my choice to leave. I felt like I was being crushed by an invisible pressure. It was suffocating. Everything was a mess. I tried to hold myself together for you-"

"Then why did you give up!? If you claim to love me, then why did you give up?!-"

"I didn't give up! I was in pain! I was suffering from the rape! I wanted to die! How can I marry you when I can't even love myself!? How can I depend on you when I can't fucking understand myself!? I couldn't bleed on you! I wanted to heal! I wanted to be a better person for you! I tried everything to prioritize our love, and I was foolish to think leaving you was a reasonable decision! Everything is beyond fixable now, and I'm not here to ask for your forgiveness! I'm telling you all this- because- because- despite the storm, I was lost in. I knew one thing for sure. I knew I loved you. I have always loved you! But I messed up- so- I wanted to say I'm sorry! I'm sorry for hurting you! I'm sorry for wasting your time and effort! I never deserved you! Even if you're hurting me like this- it's still my fault! It was my decision to come here so I won't blame you! But you have to listen to me! I'm leaving-"

"Oppa?" A small feminine voice called out, cutting me short. Taehyung suddenly loosened his grip around my shoulders. He slowly turned to find his lover standing by the elevator. Yuna stared at me in tears before glancing back at Taehyung, who was staring at her pained expression.

"Taehyung, let me finish-"

"Fuck off," Taehyung angrily shoved me aside before I could speak. He stomped towards his lover to lift her off the floor and left with her. BANG. I stood alone in the empty corridor after he left me stranded. What did I expect? I left him first. I shouldn't be sulking. He has every right to walk away from me. I rubbed away my tears and slowly made my way back down the staircase instead of taking the elevator as hot tears streamed over my cheeks. Whatever I try to say- or do- he'll never listen to me. I tried, but I'll give up now. I'll give up now. If he doesn't want to listen to me. Then that's his choice. Sighing, I walked out of the building until I spotted a black car parked by the side of the road. Seokjin was leaning against the car with his arms crossed. I halted to stare at his familiar face as he waited for me by his car. It's been a year since I last saw him. He left without me on my wedding day.

Fast Forward: Next Morning

Third Person POV

"I'll be back soon," Yuna pecked Taehyung's lips before striding out of the apartment with a bright beam after making up with him the night before. All it took was a steamy night together to fix their fight. Taehyung watched her leave through the door before glancing down at the newspaper. Kim Namjoon is running for President in the upcoming national election.

"You didn't return home last night?" Taehyung asked when Jimin suddenly walked into the room with a dark circle under his eyes.

"I did. I left early this morning to say my farewell," Jimin shrugged, sitting down on the couch to pour himself a glass of whisky.

"Farewell? Did your lover dump you?" Taehyung chuckled when he noticed Jimin's puffy eyes and sulky expression, assuming he was teary over someone's departure. Jimin turned to frown at Taehyung's easy-going mood with his eyebrow raised.

"You didn't know? I thought you sorted it out with her?" Jimin questioned.

"What are you talking about?" Taehyung asked, cluelessly looking up from the newspaper to meet Jimin's concerned gaze.

"What were you doing last night? With Jiyoung? Wasn't she here to say her farewell?" Jimin asked, sipping the whisky in confusion.

"I told her to fuck off. Yuna was upset, so I took her inside, and we had sex," Taehyung shrugged.

"Jiyoung is leaving Korea," Jimin replied. The room grew hushed as Taehyung kept his dull eyes on his friend. He didn't react but maintained a straight face.

"I did tell her to fuck off. If she wants to chase my brother's dick that badly then-"

"She has leukemia. That's why she's moving abroad. Seokjin is taking her to the states for treatments," Jimin responded.

"What?" Taehyung blinked, baffled by the information. As much as he tried to contain his uneasiness- He was taken aback by the startling news.

"Jiyoung's health is diminishing. She was diagnosed with cancer half a year ago. Changwon sent the news to Seokjin abroad. Your brother immediately convinced her to leave, but she refused. She came to you multiple times. Remember? Jiyoung came to you the day she found out about her leukemia," Jimin frowned at Taehyung's dense response to the situation.

"Why would she come to me-"

"Because she probably wanted to let you know about it, but you ignored her that day. She could've left the day after, but no- she stayed. She stayed in Korea with limited treatment because she wanted to speak with you. You kept dismissing her. She stayed in Korea because of you- even if she has blood cancer. She came yesterday because her immigration visa is expiring. She had to leave Korea. Jiyoung needs immediate treatment, and it can't be delayed. She's leaving today with your brother," Jimin scoffed, suddenly getting onto his feet in disbelief when he realized his boss did not communicate with Jiyoung. Taehyung fired Jimin a disapproving look.

"I'm sure it's an excuse-"

"Are you that dense? Didn't you notice her physical changes? She looked sick at first glance. And she was wearing a beanie because her hair was falling off her scalp. Jiyoung came to see you for the last time because she doesn't know if she can beat the illness! How are you so foolish? You weren't aware, were you? Why? Because you couldn't contain yourself for a moment to listen to her? And chose to sleep with your lover?-" Jimin questioned Kim Taehyung.

"Don't you dare lecture me about my personal affairs! She left me first-"

"We all know she left you. But did she really come to you yesterday to revive the painful past?! She came to you to say her farewell! Not to ask for your forgiveness. I don't care if you hate her for what she did to you- but that same woman chose not to get treatment because she was guilty! She couldn't move forward because of you! Jiyoung wasn't chasing your brother's dick! She never did! She was just scared, broken, and lost! She left you that day- because you didn't give her enough time to heal her traumas! Jiyoung is a rape victim! She was not in her right mind! She was not prepared for the wedding! And I know you were embarrassed and hurt- I know you were humiliated, but what about Jiyoung? Everyone was gossiping about her at her own wedding! People knew! Your mother- she leaked everything about Jiyoung's past! Everybody knows Jiyoung's body was assaulted and fucked by the sick man! If I was Jiyoung- I'd want to disappear too! And worse- you also had an affair with your stepmother- "

"ENOUGH!" Taehyung angrily bellowed, suddenly launching onto his feet in anger.

"He's not wrong, you know? Whatever Jiyoung did that day... was the result of her unstable state. You two were too busy with the wedding to even breathe. Did you ever take a step back to check on her? Not to mention... she had a miscarriage. Twice. Maybe... everything isn't about how you were humiliated at your wedding by your bride. Maybe... it was about her. How many times has she endured your faults? You kept dragging her back and forth, and not once... have I ever seen Jiyoung complain. Whatever you wanted, she'd agree without hesitation. If Taehyung wants something... she'd nod immediately just to put a smile on your face. Even if it's bad for her. You never realized that, did you? All those times you made her play childish games with you... did you think it was something she enjoyed doing? No. But she entertained you anyways because she liked to see you smile. Everything was about you Taehyung-ah. You can be upset with Jimin and I... but only friends will tell you the harsh truth. Your relationship... was never about her. It was about you. Everything. Everything was what you desired, and Jiyoung was patient enough to agree with everything you asked for. I think... the reason she came to you last night... I believe- it was for closure. Jiyoung finally put herself first. She's leaving Korea... because she's letting go of you. She chose to leave the mess-up place behind because she had to prioritize her health. It is a closure. She's moving forward without you. That's why she was here, but it's unfortunate. You never received her message," Yoongi suddenly replied out of nowhere. Taehyung and Jimin turned to find Yoongi leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. The mafia boss grew hushed after he heard Yoongi's statements.

"She left with Seokjin not because she chose him over you. Jiyoung left because you let her down," Jimin gritted at Taehyung before storming out of the apartment. Yoongi exhaled and slowly sat down on the couch to drain Jimin's remaining whisky from the clear glass.

"She's leaving in an hour. Maybe you should go to her," Yoongi checked his watch to monitor the time.

"I'm not going to stop her-"

"Did you really think she came here last night because she wanted you to stop her? Don't be ridiculous. Seokjin was already waiting for her. I saw him. Jiyoung came to you because she wanted to give you proper closure, even if it wasn't necessary. She never intended on staying when she came to see you. She simply came to say goodbye, but... I doubt you listened to her. You don't have to go to her. The traffic is bad... and it's a 45-minute drive from here. You won't reach her in time anyways," Yoongi sighed. He got onto his feet to stroll into his bedroom, leaving his boss stranded with his conflicted dilemma. Kim Taehyung gripped his fists with a slight frown as he unblinkingly stared at the clock in the room.

"Shit!" Taehyung cursed, suddenly sprinting out of the apartment after snatching his keys. He repeatedly slammed his hands on the elevator screen but lost his patience and bolted down the staircase instead. The druglord dashed into his private parking to hop inside his fastest sports car and blasted out of the building at full speed. BEEP. BEEP. Angry drivers honked at the sportscar as it switched between lanes to outrace the limited time. Taehyung clenched his jaw intensely as he stepped on the accelerator with his sharp eyes fixed on the asphalt road ahead of him.

"No! Urgh!" Taehyung cursed when he was suddenly slowed down by the congested road. The drug lord gripped his steering wheel anxiously as he watched the queue of cars lining up on the road. He quickly fumbled in his pocket to search for his phone and tried to dial Jiyoung, but it all when straight to voicemail. She never answered him.

Taehyung eventually arrived at the airport after speeding over the speed limit and hurriedly rushed inside the airport to search the packed space for Jiyoung.

"Ten minutes! No- Jiyoung! Where are you?! Baby- I'm so sorry- baby- please- don't leave like this- Jiyoung! I'm here! Jiyoung! I'm here! I'm so sorry! Baby?! Where are you!? Jiyoung!? I promise- I'll fix everything! Lee Jiyoung!? Listen to me- baby, please! I love you! I love you! I still love you! I'm sorry! I was a fool! Please don't leave me!- Jiyoung- come back to me!" Taehyung shrieked in distress as the bustling airport spun around him like a whirlpool. He turned his head in everything direction as he screamed for her until people turned to question his deranged behavior. Taehyung tried to rush past the security checkpoint but was immediately seized at the boarding gate to prevent his illegal intrusion. He was immediately thrown outside the airport after causing the chaotic disturbance. Taehyung whimpered in fear, quickly snatching out his phone to call his brother in tears as he sobbed outside the exit.

"H-Hyung!? Hyung!? Where are you?! Where's Jiyoung?! I want to see her! Don't take her away from me!" Taehyung shrieked into his phone in panic when Seokjin suddenly answered his call.

"We already boarded the plane. We're about to take off-"

"Bring her back! Tell her I'm here! Please!- Hand her the phone! Let me speak to her! Hyung- I'm begging you! Let me talk to her!" Taehyung cried in pain as he desperately pressed the phone screen against his ear while rubbing his sweaty forehead.

"Okay. I'll hand her the phone," Seokjin replied. Taehyung sucked in his breath. There was a moment of silence between them.

"Hello?" Jiyoung's voice suddenly spoke through the line, sending a jolt of painful surge throughout Taehyung's chest.

"Ji-Jiyoung? Baby?" Taehyung stuttered as his heart pounded hard against his rib. He was on the brink of losing her.

"Taehyung?" Jiyoung responded.

"Listen to me- alright? Jiyoung, I'm sorry! I was stupid! Baby- Come back! I'm at the airport! Baby, please! Don't leave me like this! Let's talk! I'll wait for you, okay? Come back to me! I promise I'll fix everything that's broken between us!-"

"Taehyung. I can't leave- I have to get my treatment," Jiyoung suddenly cut him short in a small voice.

"J-Jiyoung, I can treat you! You know I have the money! I'll fund your treatment! Please-"

"That's very thoughtful of you," Jiyoung chuckled softly through the phone. Taehyung whimpered at her light response, slapping his own forehead in distress because her laughter did not uplift his pain at all. In fact. Her cheerful voice only made his chest swell with throbbing discomfort.

"Baby- I was arrogant with your needs- Please- I love you-"

"The plane is about to take off. I have to hang up now, or the flight attendants will confiscate Seokjin's phone," Jiyoung replied, causing Taehyung's chest to thump in horror.

"Baby- Please-"

"Seokjin will take great care of me. Don't worry. I'm glad you called to say your farewell. I have to go now-" Jiyoung chuckled.

"No! No! Jiyoung, wait! Baby- please- Jiyoung!? Jiyoung???- Jiyoung!-"

"I'm here," Jiyoung responded when Taehyung started screaming at the phone, thinking she hung up on him.

"P-Please... Please? Baby- Please... don't be in love with someone else. Please- Jiyoung- keep me in your heart- until we fix this- please give me another chance- Baby, I love you- B-Baby... please don't be in love with someone else! Say you love me! I'll find you! Wherever you go! I'll find you. Okay? I don't want our storyline to end here! Please- let's see each other again...? Oh? Think of our moments... our memories... don't let it go until I see you again. I don't want to say goodbye so don't you let go of us- please- Jiyoung... Let's stay in love," Taehyung desperately begged her through his phone as warm tears streamed over his firm cheeks.

"Congratulations on your engagement. Please don't hurt an innocent victim over our unfortunate ending. I really have to go now, so thank you for expressing your feelings- even if it's last minute. I'm relieved. Goodbye, Kim Taehyung," Jiyoung responded. BEEP. Taehyung's jaw dropped in shock after she hung up on him, and to his horror- he could no longer contact his older brother. Taehyung's soul crashed with the painful reality of losing her when he saw the information screen... her flight... officially departed from the airport.

"No... This can't be... Jiyoung-" Taehyung gasped, slowly sinking to his knees with a pale expression with his phone clenched tightly in his palm. Taehyung bawled in pain before letting out a screeching howler to release his killer anguish. He screamed his lungs out until he collapsed weakly onto the ground and fell unconscious in the bustling zone from the severe seizure.

Jiyoung never returned to him. She left.

She left with Seokjin for her own good because she chose her life over his ugly cry.

Fast Forward

Jiyoung's POV

I slowly slumped down on the couch inside the hotel suite after our first landing, dizzily leaning my head back on the headrest to take a deep breath. I'm jet-lagged. Seokjin entered after me with a bag of duty-free essentials for us. It wasn't a direct flight to the state due to an unexpected storm over the pacific ocean. We'll have to wait out the storm. Our next flight is scheduled to take off tomorrow morning, so we're staying at Tokyo International Airport hotel for the night.

"Do you feel nauseous?" Seokjin asked while uncapping a bottle of water for me. I took a huge gulp and slumped back to rub my face.

"A bit dizzy, but I'm fine," I shrugged, placing the bottle away as we sat in the dim living room. Seokjin kept staring at me with a worried expression, so I exhaled and turned to face him with a questioning look.

"Do you want to go back? I'll reschedule a flight back to Korea if you want to speak with Taehyung. I won't force you to leave with me," Seokjin sighed, worriedly eyeing my unstable condition.

"No. I'm not returning," I stubbornly shook my head and glanced down at my hands.

"You might end up regretting like the day you ran from him-"

"I might've regretted leaving his side before but not this time. Our relationship ended since the day I left with you, so I won't return to him. I only returned to bid my farewell," I lightly shook my head. I couldn't face Taehyung at first because of my own guilt, but I can't play the self-blame game forever either. Taehyung was draining me, and I couldn't accept his affair with his mother. The marriage will only provoke more troubles between us in the near future.

"He didn't sound at peace with your departure though," Seokjin muttered.

"He told me to fuck-off the night before and took his woman back to his apartment. He didn't hesitate last night, so I'm sure he'll be alright. Taehyung... cries like this whenever I try to walk away from him. I kept returning to him and I kept submitting to his desperate cries. I couldn't move forward. The truth is... it was me who was on the leash. Every time his hot tears spilled from his innocent puppy eyes- I'd wobble for him. I'll only complicate the matter if I return," I explained, turning to look at Seokjin.

"It's his nature. He's still childish by heart. He acts on impulse when he's upset and would return crying, whimpering, kneeling, and bawling for forgiveness once he realizes his mistake. He never changed. As much as I want you to prioritize your health- I still have a soft spot for him. His vulnerability will forever be my downfall. I don't want to hurt either of you, so think about it. It's not too late to return," Seokjin reached out to pat my shoulder.

"I don't want to return. We already said goodbye, so I don't want to greet him again," I firmly shook my head. It'll only worsen the situation if I return. He already found a new lover, and I don't intend on putting up with his affairs either. 

"Okay. I've already prepared an appointment at the hospital for your treatment. Let's focus on battling your illness," Seokjin sighed, finally agreeing to drop the topic. Maybe it was a good thing that I didn't see Taehyung's puppy eyes before I left. Would I have dropped my luggage and run to him if I saw his tears? I'm uncertain, but the end is the end, and I will not waver. I chose to walk away from him, and he chose to move forward with his new woman. We both chose our new paths, so I won't turn back to crawl on the same cycle, not when it's a broken wheel. The journey will only grow rough, and we'll fall apart sooner or later. 

Flashback: Wedding Day.

Seokjin hastily turned the steering wheel as we tore through the city street after I left the wedding venue to flee with him. I cried in distress as I sat on the passenger seat to unclog my gushing emotions from my swelling chest.

"We can't leave Seoul today," Seokjin sighed after I regained control of myself. I blinked away my tears and turned to look at him.

"Why?" I asked as I sat in his warm coat.

"You don't have a visa to leave with me, and you can't depart in this condition. Eomma probably suspended my private jet by now, so we can't leave yet," Seokjin sighed as we raced out of the city to enter the highway.

"What are we supposed to do then?" I asked, averting my eyes to the road in tears. What if we get caught? We'll get in so much trouble.

"We'll stay in Korea for a while, so I'll take you to my private penthouse in Daegu," Seokjin sighed. I nodded and turned to lean my head against the window until we arrived at an outskirt building. Seokjin didn't stop for a break, and we hurriedly entered his vacant suite. Seokjin left me alone in the empty living room after dropping me off, so I slumped on the bed and fell asleep until he returned in the afternoon with fresh ingredients. Even in this situation, he refuses to eat packed meals. Seokjin and I had dinner together at his penthouse. And we finally settled down in the bedroom together. I feel so sick. Taehyung must be upset with me.

"What is it?" I finally questioned. Seokjin has been frowning since we arrived. He seems bothered.

"I need to know the reason why you made this decision. Is it because of me? Taehyung? What is it? Jiyoung, I need to know our position in this mess," Seokjin sighed as he stood before me with his arms crossed. I sat on the bed edge in my new set of pajamas in silence.

"I don't know. I don't know. I've tried to unravel the knot- but I still don't have an answer. I ran away from the wedding because I felt like I was suffocating. I just wanted to run as far as I could," I shook my head. I don't know why I did what I did. Why I betrayed Taehyung. I don't know.

"Do you love Taehyung then?" Seokjin crouched before me to take my hands.

"I do, but it's just-"

"You love him, but you can't bear to be with him? Yeah?" Seokjin asked, reaching out to brush my messy hair strands behind my ear.

"Yeah," I nodded in defeat. I love Taehyung, but the situation is vacuuming the air out of my lungs. Seokjin lowered his face to process his thoughts and finally looked up at me again.

"You're overwhelmed. Not just because of Taehyung and your wedding. I think it has more to do with the rape incident and everything else. Everything you've been neglecting, replacing with love to heal. The wounds are bleeding now because the bandage only kept your wound from splitting deeper, but it never really healed it. I think you're a mess because you're unsure of what you want or how to deal with your inner conflicts. Taehyung never really paid attention to your suppressed pain, but it's not his fault either. I know you prefer to keep everything to yourself but look at the consequences. Your heart is bleeding through the thick bandage," Seokjin calmly spoke as he rubbed my knuckle to comfort me.

"What should I do then?" I whispered with my eyes fixed on Seokjin. Can I even mend myself? I doubt it.

"You can't act on impulse- you already did, but that's okay. I want you to stay low. Okay? Sort out yourself here. You can stay at my penthouse. Take all the time you need while I prepare your immigrant visa and document. I don't want you to make any rash decisions. Okay? I'll come to you when you're ready to give me an answer. A proper answer," Seokjin gently rubbed my cheeks as I stared at him.

"You're leaving?" I asked, unsurely staring at Seokjin.

"Oh. I'm leaving tomorrow. You can come with me if you want, but it'll be a bit difficult since you don't have the required document. But we can still stay in a visa-free country until I get your documents approved by the states. But. I want you to think about it first. Don't give me an answer yet," Seokjin sighed, standing up to give me a comforting hug. He's so mature and sensible? Even in a situation like this? Seokjin stayed in a separate room to give me space, so I tossed and turned on the mattress to rethink my decision. I already ran away from Taehyung. Even if I didn't have a solid justification for my action- I knew I couldn't go back to him.

I eventually made up my mind and chose to stay in Korea alone, so Seokjin left the next day without me. He gave me his penthouse card. And I basically stayed at the property alone. My abrupt and rash decision to flee with Seokjin will only put him in a difficult decision since I don't have the legal document. I'll only mess up his plan, so I'll be patient. I'll stay in Korea until I know what I really want. Seokjin said he'll work on my documents. I should have enough time to sort out my thoughts.

I didn't contact anyone for the first three months because I was afraid of being exposed. But I eventually found the courage to contact Jungkook. He came to see me in Daegu as soon as I informed him I was still in Korea. Jungkook was dead worried about me, but I assured him I was doing well. He didn't believe it until he saw me at Seokjin's private penthouse.

I really needed isolation, and Seokjin granted me that wish with his secret place. I managed to organize my jumbled emotions during my time alone. And I suddenly felt a lot more at ease after figuring out my priorities. Seokjin informed me my document was ready by the fourth month after he left. But I asked him to give me more time, which he politely agreed to without pressuring me.

________________________

"Don't tell ajumma about this. I don't want to worry her," I muttered while staring at the file in my hands. Changwon exhaled and leaned back against the bench to tilt his face at the afternoon sky with a discouraged expression.

"You should get treatment abroad if you're leaving," Changwon suggested. I slipped the file back into the folder and turned to look at him.

"I'll leave. Soon," I sighed, getting onto my feet after Changwon informed me of my illness.

"Call me before you leave," Changwon gently reached out to hold my hand, so I gave him a comforting hug before taking the train back to Daegu. I tried to live a healthy lifestyle, so I've been serving myself home-cooked meals three times a day.

"Am I bothering you?" I asked, sitting down on the couch in Seokjin's living room with a device before me.

"No. I'm getting ready for work," Seokjin replied through the screen, so I glanced at the clock. 7:54 PM. It must be 6:54 AM on his side of the world.

"I'll speak with you after work-"

"Why? You need to sleep in the morning, so talk to me now," Seokjin asked, sitting down at his desk to frown at me in his loose button-up shirt.

"I don't want to ruin your day-"

"I won't be able to keep my mind off our conversation anyways. What's the matter? You look sick," Seokjin shook his head.

"I wasn't feeling well, so I got a medical checkup recently. I'm diagnosed with Leukemia," I muttered, glancing away from the screen because I was starting to feel uneasy. I still haven't comprehended my sickness. Maybe I shouldn't have told Seokjin this early?

"Is it in the early stage?" Seokjin asked, rubbing his lips anxiously.

"Yeah. Changwon said it could be treated," I nodded.

"I'll book a flight for you... within this week and arrange a medical appointment for you. We'll get you treated as soon as you arrive here... but do you want to come?" Seokjin worriedly eyed me through the screen. I looked at my hands in silence to figure out the situation before looking up at him with a weak smile.

"I'll leave, but I'll visit Taehyung first," I agreed.

"You want to see him? Wae? I don't think he'll welcome you. Unlike you... he's a very grudgeful person," Seokjin replied.

"You know I don't like to leave misunderstandings unattended, so I'll visit him. I know Taehyung probably won't listen to me, but I still want to clarify the situation. It's been almost half a year... so I hope... He's stable enough to face me," I shrugged. I have to say my farewell to everyone before I leave. Taehyung is not an exception. I owe him a proper apology and explanation, so I'll see him before leaving.

"Okay. Send me a copy of your medical file so I can arrange an appointment here. I'll send you your flight information in a few days," Seokjin nodded at me. We chatted about our days before hanging up on one another. I went to bed early after taking my sleeping pills and returned to Seoul a few days after Seokjin sent me my flight information. I'm leaving by the end of the week, and it's already Friday. It's the busiest day of the mafia operations. Taehyung might not be available.

"Jiyoung?" A familiar voice called, so I blinked and glanced to the side to find Yoongi walking up to me in his tight black jeans and a loose shirt.

"Oh. Yoongi. Heading back to the apartment?" I asked, nodding at the building from across the street. Yoongi eyed me unsurely before glancing at the looming building before us.

"I'm actually here to pick something up for Taehyung. Why are you here? Did you return from the states?" Yoongi asked. I chuckled and shook my head.

"It's a long story. But I want to speak with Taehyung. I'm not sure if he's willing to see me-"

"He probably won't see you after what you put him through," Yoongi shrugged as he stood beside me with his hands in his pockets.

"Of course her won't-"

"Unless he unexpectedly meets you. He won't be able to avoid you, so wait here. I'll get the car," Yoongi patted my back and hurriedly crossed the street before I could respond to him. I awkwardly stood on the sidewalk when a black car pulled up next to me, so I got in the passenger seat.

"Where are we going?" I asked while buckling my seatbelt. Yoongi accelerated the car and steered out of the street with his eyes fixed on the road.

"Taehyung is at a mafia meeting with his rivals. You can wait there. I don't know when he'll get off work but he's there," Yoongi informed. I glanced down at my fidgeting hands in guilt.

"You must resent me for what I did to him," I muttered. I can see the bitterness on Yoongi's face. After all, I broke his friend's heart.

"I don't," Yoongi muttered without looking at me as we drove through the city.

"You don't?" I asked, turning to look at Yoongi in surprise.

"I saw it. I think everyone saw it," Yoongi nodded.

"What do you mean?" I raised my eyebrows.

"You didn't look well that day. Taehyung was worried about you after he realized the news about his affair with his stepmother broke out. Everyone was gossiping about him and his mother. Mrs. Kim spread the rumor about you being raped by your stepfather to the guests at the venue. She was against the marriage," Yoongi sighed as he turned the steering wheel. The news about me being a raped victim did break out after I ran away from the wedding. The witch spread the rumor on purpose to ruin my reputation. She wanted to wreck our wedding.

"I don't think he ever stopped loving his mother," I sighed, glancing out the window with a sore expression.

"But he loved you more. You weren't there to witness the aftermath, but he broke down. Taehyung shattered at the venue. I had to bring him home, and he- he completely lost his mind. He kept blaming himself for your run away. I was upset with you at first... but after I found out about his affair with his mother... it was hard to blame your decision," Yoongi nodded.

"It was my fault- I should've waited-"

"No. If you waited until you were married- it would only complicate the matter. I realized you weren't ready for the wedding- not after your stepfather raped you. I had no idea you were suffering because Taehyung kept pushing the wedding. He should've given you time to heal," Yoongi exhaled after we got to a parking lot in a building. We got off together, and he took me to a private lounge for the high-class society. Yoongi made me sit on the lobby couch and left with a file for Taehyung.

"They might take longer than expected. I'll take you back home," Yoongi appeared a moment later with an apologetic look.

"It's fine. I'm not in a hurry. I'll wait. You can head home first," I smiled. Yoongi stared at me without blinking before walking away to grab me a bottle of water. He left the lobby after handing it to me, so I sat back on the couch to stare at the gigantic chandelier above me in silence. 5:00 PM. I thought I could wait a few more hours, but Taehyung didn't show up. I sleepily rubbed my eyes after dozing off for the third time when I heard footsteps strolling out of the corridor. A flood of men and women poured into the room in their fancy clothes. I straightened my back to scan the crowd for Taehyung, but he was nowhere to be found. Yoongi said he's here. I glanced around in confusion after everyone evacuated the lobby, so I got up to peek at the entrance again. Huh? Was he in the crowd? I'm sure I didn't see him though?

I scratched my head and turned around to look at the opposite hallway when I noticed someone strolling down the corridor by himself with his head hung low. My heart thumped so hard against my chest I felt my head swaying from side to side. Taehyung lifted his head as soon as he got to the lobby and halted in his tracks when he found me standing before him. A hot lump formed in my throat, and I suddenly couldn't speak as he stared at me with his dull eyes.

"D- Do you have time- I want to speak-" I nervously stuttered as he stood before me in his black fury coat.

"Ohoh? Who is this? Jiyoung-shi?! What are you doing here!? I thought you ran away with Taehyung's older brother?!" Taehyung's rival gasped in shock when he found us staring at one another. I turned around to find the bald man staring at me with a slight smirk as he strolled toward us. Taehyung suddenly walked toward me, roughly bumping into my shoulder without looking at me, and left before I could speak. I gulped and turned my head after him to find him stepping into the elevator.

"Aw? The groom is being mean. It's okay. You can be my bride tonight," The ugly man laughed, placing his arm around my shoulder to comfort me. I gripped my fist and shoved him away before storming out of the lobby venue to leave the building as well. Whatever. I'll see him another time. He clearly doesn't want to see me-

"ARGH!" I gasped when someone grabbed my wrist in the dim parking lot. I quickly turned around when the person clasped his hand over my mouth and pushed me into the back seat of a car. I thrashed in panic and tried to get up when he pinned me back down before turning to slam the back door shut to trap me inside. My eyes bulged open as he held his palm over my lips until I realized it was Taehyung over me. He panted heavily over me as I remained under him in fear. Did he have to abduct me?!

"I- I need to speak- with you about-"

"Let's have sex," Taehyung cut me short. I pursed my lips in confusion as he hovered his face above mine.

"Listen- Taehyung-"

"Undress!" He snapped in anger, causing me to freeze at his violent outburst. He roughly grabbed my shirt to pull it off my head before I could comprehend his words, so I yelped and pushed his chest away.

"No- I didn't come here to-"

"Don't you fucking dare speak-" Taehyung gritted, roughly trying to strip me, so I whimpered and hastily sat up to shove him to the other side of the car with all my might.

"Are you out of your mind!?" I screamed, quickly pulling my shirt down to cover my body in tears. Taehyung fired me a sharp glare as he panted before me.

"It's all you valued in our relationship, right? Sex? Sex?! You never appreciated my love because only the sex was good, so why don't you undress?! Let's have sex!" He roared, scrambling forward to grab my shoulders, and tried to undress me again. I screamed in distress but didn't resist and sat against the door in tears as he undid his shirt and belt between my legs.

"Why are you like this!?" I cried, breaking down in tears when he wouldn't stop forcing me to have sex with him. Taehyung suddenly halted as if he was snapped back to reality and slowly looked up at burning red eyes in dread. I trembled against him in fright. Even if he decided to take advantage of me... I wouldn't be able to escape him.

"Get out," Taehyung coldly gritted at me.

"I'm only here-"

"GET OUT!" Taehyung roared, suddenly pushing the door behind my back open. I gasped in shock when the door flung open. Taehyung shoved my shoulder backward until  I lost my balance- and tumbled from the back car seat in my messy clothes. I grunted lowly after collapsing onto the floor in pain as Taehyung glared at me from the car seat. He quickly got out to button up his loose shirt without looking at me as I struggled to pull my shirt over my exposed shoulder. I blinked away my tears when Taehyung suddenly stepped into his driver's seat and drove off without speaking to me. I whimpered and slowly got back onto my feet to watch him drive away before looking down at my loose clothes. Sobbing in pain, I fixed my buttons and walked out of the building. Did he plan on raping me? Why did he suddenly push me away after forcing me inside his car?

I went to Jungkook's place because it was already past midnight. I couldn't go back to Daegu since the last train had already departed. Jungkook was very startled by my sudden presence, but he welcomed me like he usually does. We never met after I ran away, so I had to explain the situation to him, and he was the third person to find out about my illness. Jungkook urged me to leave with Seokjin the instant he heard about my blood cancer. I assured him I'd leave soon- but I didn't. I called Seokjin to ask him if I could delay my flight as soon as I got back home on Saturday.

"Is it because of Taehyung? The reason you're staying?" Seokjin asked through the video call as he sat on his bed. I called him at noon from Korea, so it was nighttime at his place.

"I'll leave after I speak with him," I nodded. I don't want to depart unless I resolve all the issues between us. I don't want to leave with regrets or attachments.

"I know you're a good person, Jiyoung. I know you want to apologize to him, but please prioritize your health. Please," Seokjin frowned at me.

"I won't stay. I'll leave as soon as I give Taehyung proper closure," I smiled at Seokjin. I'm still attached to Taehyung, and the closure will grant me the peace I need to move forward. I'm doing this not only for Taehyung but also for me. I want to move on without being bothered by my past. Once I get my closure, I'll leave, and even if he begged me to stay... I'll still leave. I gave in to Taehyung many times whenever he pulled the puppy card on me, but it won't work anymore. I do not intend on mending our relationship. There are a few strings between us, so I'm asking him for permission to cut the remaining strands loose.

Well. Taehyung was a lot more stubborn than I thought, but I never gave up. I visited him again after our first encounter, but he ignored me this time. He didn't even acknowledge my presence and chose to ignore me before his men. The thugs mocked and spat hurtful words at me, so I left afterward. But I was persistent. I came back a month later- hoping to speak with him.

"Hah! Oppa~! Ugh-" Yuna moaned when I walked into his new gambling operation office. Jimin brought me to see Taehyung at the new building, so I was quite hopeful. Not until I found him pounding against a woman at his work desk inside his private office. Taehyung turned to look at me as he thrusts between her legs in his loose pants. I froze at the sight of the naked woman gripping the desk for her dear life as he railed her from behind in a standing position. Taehyung averted his smug eyes away from me.  Suddenly bending over to grope the woman's breast as he thumped harder into her until she screamed his name in pleasure. I pursed my lips and turned to leave the office after I realized he was purposely taunting me with his sexual interaction with another woman. I ended up chatting with Jimin for a while until Taehyung was done with his deed.

"Taehyung. Jiyoung-" Jimin tried to inform Taehyung again, but Taehyung cutely laughed at Yuna and walked away with her. Yuna giggled at his bright beam as she leaned her head against his shoulder. Their hands were firmly interlaced with one another. Jimin clenched his jaw when Taehyung intentionally slipped his hand from hers to squeeze her buttcheek before my eyes. I sighed and turned to collect my things in defeat after Taehyung left without speaking to me. Jimin felt really bad and insisted on taking me home, but I denied his offer and returned to Daegu on the same day. I failed miserably. And again, I asked Seokjin to delay the flight. He informed me my visa is expiring soon, so I have to make up my mind before it's too late. Seokjin said the longest I could delay my departure was by the end of the year. Which was the final chance I had left to see Taehyung.

I went to see him again after I contacted Yoongi to ask about his whereabouts. Yoongi claimed Taehyung is taking his fiancée to select her wedding dress. Taehyung is getting married again? This early? I wasn't surprised by his hasty decision to remarry. It's Taehyung. He's very impulsive. My heart didn't hurt anymore. And I was feeling less and less for him. I went to see Taehyung for the last time. And yet. He refused to listen to me. He refused to let me bid my farewell. So I gave up and chose to walk away. I don't have any regrets left. At least I've tried. Seokjin insisted on flying over to escort me because he feared I'd never leave if he didn't come to get me.

"You might get caught in Seoul. Your mother will never let you leave once she finds out about your return. I promise I'll leave," I frowned at Seokjin through the device. He shouldn't return to Korea at the risk of being caught by his mother!

"I'll enter Korea quietly and leave with you. I don't want you to travel alone anyways," Seokjin insisted. I couldn't convince Seokjin to stay, so I agreed to let him escort me. He actually came. What did I expect? He's a man of his word. Seokjin flew back to Korea, putting his freedom at stake just to reach me, so I had to leave with him regardless of the unfinished business between Taehyung and I. Jimin and Yoongi came to bid me goodbye at the airport with Changwon and Jungkook on our departure day.

"I informed Taehyung you were going to see him at the bridal shop in advance yesterday," Yoongi sadly smiled at me after giving me a  hug by the terminal.

"He didn't leave the store even after you told him Jiyoung was heading over. He stayed with his lover on purpose to hurt her feelings," Jimin grimaced as he stood beside Changwon.

"You've been seeing that jerk?" Jungkook frowned at me in disbelief. He doesn't know I've been approaching Taehyung. I gave him a warm hug before turning to embrace Changwon and Jimin.

"Taehyung is ignoring you because he knows you'll keep running back to him. He thinks it's a childish love game. Pushing you away so you'd grow impatient and return to him. I bet he's seeing another woman and hastily marrying her to hurt your feelings because he knows you're still attached to him," Seokjin sighed. Jungkook's gloomily stared at me, so I smiled and gave his hand a light squeeze.

"I guess he misunderstood my approach. I only wanted to say goodbye," I shrugged. It doesn't matter now. Taehyung thought I wanted to see him again- and would refuse to let me clarify my situation because he thought I wasn't over him. I hope he's not marrying his new lover out of spite. After all, I never needed his permission to cut our strings loose. I tried to hand him the scissor so he could do it, but it's pointless now. He'll never confront our problems like an adult, and I shouldn't be held accountable for his consistent neglect.

Seokjin and I bid everyone goodbye at the airport, then checked in to prepare for the departure. Seokjin seemed conscious of his surroundings because of his mother, but we made it onto the plane without any issues. Seokjin booked us a business class cubicle, so I extended my legs and rested my back to stare at the plane runway with a faint smile. I thought I'd be anxious, but I'm happier about leaving than I thought? What will the new world be like out there? Can I thrive on my own? No. I have Seokjin. I shouldn't be afraid of walking away from my traumatic past.

"Are you okay?" Seokjin asked. I turned to find him staring at me anxiously.

"I'm finally leaving Korea," I laughed, slightly shaking my head at Seokjin.

"Did he speak with you last night?" Seokjin questioned. We didn't talk after Seokjin took me to a hotel to stay for the night before our flight because Daegu was too far away.

"Nope. He lashed out at me. Taehyung did most of the talking. He was pretty upset, but I'm very relieved. At least he ranted his discomfort instead of ignoring me like he used to. I'll accept it as a good closure between us," I shrugged. Seokjin sighed and leaned back against his seat when his phone started vibrating. He picked up the call to speak with the person and finally handed the phone to me. It was Taehyung. He was sobbing on the phone.

I had to make a decision. I knew I could step off the plane and run back to him like I always did or leave Korea. What will I do?

I chose myself. I chose to protect Lee Jiyoung, so I bid Kim Taehyung... goodbye.

End of Flashback

________________________

"I'm sorry I couldn't take you to your first appointment," Seokjin exhaled as he settled the warm meals for me in the dining room. I averted my eyes from the bright city lights. Seokjin is currently residing in Washington, D.C. And, I've been admiring the foreign city nonstop since we arrived the day before.

"It's fine. The nurses were very nice and attentive. I struggled with English, but the translator was very helpful," I shook my head, turning to find Seokjin sitting across from me in his plain shirt. The morning view of the city is crazy beautiful, but the night view? The skyscrapers are jaw-dropping. The overview is so beautiful I don't want to sleep but goggle the unfamiliar landscape all day. The population is crazy massive, and everyone looks so busy!

"I'll make sure to free up my time for your next appointment," Seokjin smiled, carefully placing a piece of meat on my rice. I chuckled and lowered my face to eat the food. We're still eating Korean food in the states because nothing can compare to our motherland cuisine.

"Can we go for a walk around the city when you're free?" I nodded at the radiant city light with a bright beam.

"Of course. I'll take you to the nearby park tomorrow morning," Seokjin nodded. We chatted over our food and finally went to bed after we finished our meals.

"You don't have to-"

"It's fine. You might forget, so I'll handle your medication schedule," Seokjin smiled after handing me a few pills. I weakly smiled at his thoughtfulness and took the medication with the water he brought for me. Seokjin took the glass away to place it on the nightstand before turning to smile at me.

"What about your mother? Did you visit her when you were in Korea?" I asked, unsurely staring at Seokjin's tender expression.

"No. Mother would never let me leave if she knew I was in town. I heard she fell ill though. But Namjoon said she's in stable condition. Appa is very upset with her," Seokjin sighed, glancing down at his hands as he spoke in a small voice.

"Your father? Why?" I asked, cluelessly trying to catch his anxious eyes.

"He found out about the past affair between mother and Taehyung. He's furious about their forbidden relationship. The corporation is unstable, but Namjoon is handling the problems well. The entire network is being restructured. Namjoon said there's a high chance the company might go public. He insisted on hiring independent non-executive directors to stabilize and revolutionize the traditional firm. Namjoon is eliminating corruption amongst the executive directors, so he's still investigating the men responsible for the illegal funds. He intends to purify the corporation. My brother is handling his job well. I couldn't have done what he did because eomma was always pressuring me to stay muted," Seokjin lifted his face to smile at me.

"You're competent, but you're a soft heart man," I joked, poking his chest with a teasing smile.

"No. Namjoon is more fitted for the position. He's a righteous man with high virtue. Eomma doesn't have much control over him like she does over me. That's why I left the headquarter in his hands. He'll prosper the corporation," Seokjin shrugged. I pulled Seokjin into a tight hug. Waaah~! He's such a lovely older brother!

"I'm glad I left with you. It has only been a few days, but... I feel like... I've been reborn into a new life," I whispered. I was sort of doubtful during our departure, so I kept questioning myself if I made the right decisions. But I feel so much at ease now. I made the right decision to abandon my old life. I was always afraid to move forward due to unknown fears, but once I took one step after another... I realize it wasn't so scary at all. Everything was brand new to me in this city. The people. The building. The streets. The stores. Nothing reminded me of my tainted past.

"I always felt lonely when I was here alone but with you? It's not so bad," Seokjin chuckled, pulling away to rub my warm cheeks. He pursed his lips and glanced down at my lips. I gripped his shirt when he suddenly leaned forward to kiss me, but I immediately placed my palm over his lips to stop him from reaching me.

"I have something to say," I smiled at his confused frown. Seokjin pulled my hand off his lips with his eyebrow raised to question my withdrawal.

"What is it?" Seokjin asked while playing with my fingers.

"I want us to maintain a platonic relationship," I muttered, staring sternly at Seokjin.

"Why?" Seokjin furrowed his eyebrow. Disappointment flashed on his face.

"I'm not ready for a relationship. Not after the messy wedding runaway and break-up with your brother. Our relationship wasn't very tidy either. It mostly revolved around sexual desires, so let's put an end to this. I know we have some sort of feelings for each other, but I don't think it was something defined or real. I never loved you enough to let go of Taehyung, and you never loved me enough to fight for me. Let's focus on our lives. I'll focus on healing, and you'll focus on establishing your corporations abroad," I shook my head. I really don't want to complicate our relationship anymore. I didn't leave Korea because I was in love with Seokjin. I left because I wanted to live a new life, free from my past traumas. I'm tired of the misunderstandings, so I want to let Seokjin know I'm taking a break from relying on love to numb my pain. I want to heal my wound naturally. I want to take my time, and I do not want to use love or sex as a distraction to numb my discomfort anymore.

"You're afraid you'll be put in the same confusion? Like what happened with Taehyung? You loved him... yet you didn't know what you really wanted?" Seokjin nodded with a sympathetic smile.

"Yeah. You have a career to focus on right now. And I definitely don't want to hinder your potential in your work field. Let's not be lovers," I nodded. Seokjin sighed heavily to process my request against his will. He probably planned on evolving our unlabeled relationship status once I moved in with him. So he must be disappointed with my request.

"Okay. I accept your proposal to be my business partner then," Seokjin smiled, placing out his hand.

"Business partner?" I laughed, unsurely shaking his hand.

"You are my leading shareholder! We're business partners!" Seokjin nodded, beaming brightly at me. I laughed at his cute reaction. I thought he was going to refuse my proposal! I nodded and firmly shook his hand to seal our deal. Seokjin maintained his distance as requested, and we never invaded our boundaries. We lived like a family. We would take turns preparing meals, and we'd chat about our days. I stayed home during my first few months in the states, but boredom got the best of me. I couldn't stand doing nothing at the apartment, so Seokjin eventually agreed to let me attend a baking course with a few other mothers. I was a bit nervous at first because I was the only Asian in the cooking class, and the women there were much older than me.

However, I quickly learned to adjust with them and even made a few older mom friends! Ah. I love to be friends with older people. Just like ajumma. I miss her.

Older people are much more mature! They spend their time giving me good life advice instead of gossiping about unnecessary dramas! No one knew about my past identity, so I was able to relax in the new environment without the need to worry about being judged by anyone. No one knew I was a rape victim. No one knew I was abused and assaulted. No one knew about my drug past. No one knew I was a whore. No one cared. I got to be me! Comfortably!

I enjoyed my new life so much that I actually forgot about my dark past in Korea. I'd wake up early to go jogging with Seokjin in the morning. We'd cook breakfast and drink coffee together. Seokjin would drop me off at my cooking class and leave for work afterward. I'd spend my day recreating and learning recipes with the other mothers and spend my break time conversing with them. They were very sweet and thoughtful people. They'd bring me to their house for dinner and would also invite Seokjin to join us as well. The women would also bring me flowers and baked treats at the hospital whenever I had an appointment. Everyone was very positive and supportive around me, so I felt like I found a new family with these strangers I only met a few months ago.

My life steadily progressed throughout my first year at the states with little to no disturbance until my health unexpectedly collapsed. The cancer cells became more aggressive even after I was showing signs of improvement a week ago. The shocking relapse alarmed everyone. I started to feel sick, and my body became weak over a short period of time. I had to go through chemotherapy more frequently. Chunks of my hair began to fall off whenever I ran my fingers through it. Seokjin helped me shave my hair, and it was very uncomfortable to be bald at first, but I soon got used to it. I grew really anxious when my condition wouldn't stop regressing, even with the periodic treatments performed by professionals. I began to lose weight rapidly, and it got hard for me to digest any food on some days.

Days and nights... I was heavily injected with chemicals to combat my cancer cells. I eventually fell so ill... I ended up on life support. Seokjin had to rush me to the hospital in the middle of the night after I fainted. I stayed at the hospital and wasn't allowed to return home anymore since I needed to be monitored round the clock. Seokjin would visit me every day after and before work, no matter how busy his schedule was. I was starting to lose hope because my condition wasn't improving, but I didn't dare express my surrender to Seokjin.

He never gave up on me. Not once. He'd visit me every day with a bright smile and gifts to cheer me up. How can I ruin his spirit? How can I surrender when he never lost hope for me?

"Annyeonghaseyo?" A familiar voice suddenly spoke up. I instantly snapped my head towards the doorway when I heard the Korean greeting. Am I hallucinating?!

"Secretary Yoon?!" I gasped, sitting up on the medical bed in shock as he strolled inside with a basket of fruit gifts.

"You look awful! It has only been a year since you left Korea!" Secretary Yoon whined, walking up to my bedside to give me a crushing hug.

"What are you doing here?!" I asked in shock. It's not easy to travel all the way here? Just to see me? That's absurd!

"The heir can't live without me," Secretary Yoon chuckled, sitting beside my bed while holding my hand.

"Seokjin made you come here?" I gasped in shock.

"He promised to triple my paycheck and even bought an apartment for my family," Secretary Yoon shrugged.

"You're moving here with your family!?" I shrieked until my eyes bulged open in bewilderment. I'm so startled by his appearance! This is very unexpected!

"Yeah. It's my duty to help the heir manage his workload. Seokjin said he had to free up his time to look after you, so he needs someone he trusts to handle his work. My wife agreed to move here with our children. It's not as bad as I anticipated. I've always wanted to send my children abroad. Seokjin is paying for our expenses, so it's a promising opportunity," Secretary Yoon laughed. I chatted with Secretary Yoon in excitement until the nurse informed me it was time for me to rest. He told me he'd bring his family to see me after they settled down. His family is still struggling to adjust to the new city.

Secretary Yoon eventually left my room, and Seokjin came by in the afternoon to look after me, so I told him about my time with Secretary Yoon. The doctor stepped inside the room to discuss my treatment right before bedtime, and the smiles on our faces suddenly faded at the worrisome news. They insisted on using a powerful chemical to wipe out the cancer cell as the last treatment stage to stop my condition from spiraling. The doctors were hesitant about using it from the beginning because of the severe side effects. But Seokjin ultimately agreed to let them treat me with it. It's either we wipe out the cancer cells, or it'll wipe out my remaining life.

"I'll be right here, okay?" Seokjin assured me as they injected me with the painful dose. My entire forearms were bruised with greenish-yellow patches as the chemical flowed from the tube into my bloodstream.

"You should get some rest," I muttered, sleepily staring at his exhausted face as I lay on the bed. The dull monitor... constantly beeping on our side.

"If you could see yourself in a mirror, you'd realize you're the one who needs a good rest. Not me," Seokjin smiled as he rubbed my hand to ease my aching nerves. I chuckled weakly and turned to look at the ceiling above us.

"Can I say my last words?" I whispered without looking at him. A hot lump suddenly formed in my throat.

"Suddenly?" Seokjin asked. I took a deep breath and turned to look at Seokjin in tears.

"I don't think I'm getting better. They say I will collapse after this treatment. If I can't beat it- my health will degrade," I shook my head. I feel so sorry for Seokjin. I didn't want to upset him, but I'm losing hope.

"Then fight for me. You're a fighter Jiyoung. Keep fighting for yourself," Seokjin shakily exhaled, gently lifting my hand to press it against his lips.

"I'm trying, but- I'm tired. I'm really tired," I shook my head as I was being sedated by the powerful drugs. I've tried to live a carefree life to overcome my illness, but it's really challenging to withstand my physical discomfort.

"It's okay to be tired. You can rest. I'll be right here. Okay? But don't stop fighting," Seokjin reassured, scooting his chair closer to my bed to place his palm against my cheek. I sobbed and gently snuggled my face against his hand to chase his soothing warmth.

"I'm afraid of breaking your heart," I whispered with my eyes closed. A stream of hot soaked my cheeks as Seokjin gently rubbed the streams dry.

"It's okay. I'll take care of my heart until you're ready, so don't be afraid. I'll always love you even if you can't love me back. Love doesn't always have to be two-sided. One side of love is still love, and there's nothing wrong with it," Seokjin patted my cheek. I gulped and looked up at him with droopy eyes. I wanted to respond to him, but I was too weak to even move my lips. Gradually. I dozed off into a deep sleep as my remaining fighter cells and chemical aid battled the cancer blood. The biological war... wounding every part of my body from the fight between life and death.

I fell into a two-months coma. Two months... I remained on the bed. In the complete darkness. I didn't have any dreams. I lost contact with reality. It was as if I was dead. I couldn't feel or even think. It's as if I fell into a bottomless abyss. I wasn't scared because I couldn't feel anything.

I felt nothing until I felt everything again. Suddenly, I was no longer in the darkness. I began to hear, feel and see. The darkness grew brighter. And a rush of thoughts suddenly returned to my muted mind. I regained control of my nerves, and all my senses came back to me. I felt cold. I felt hot. I could feel movements and the temperature over my dehydrated skin. Did I really make it back? I really thought I died. I always wanted to die but after the coma... I was relieved to finally feel so alive again.

The unconscious limbo wasn't long for me, but I'm pretty sure it felt like forever for those waiting for my recovery.

"Congratulations," The doctor and nurses beamed at me as I sat on the bed. I woke up yesterday. Two months after falling unconscious. My health was still unstable on my first day, so the doctor had to wait until I regained the ability to move my sore muscles again. Seokjin sprinted to the hospital as soon as he received the favorable news. He swung his heavy body over the bed and almost suffocated me with his crushing hug. I had to tap his broad shoulder repeatedly to let him know I'm struggling to pump my weak lungs under his pressure.

"Thank you for saving her," Seokjin repeatedly bowed at the doctor and nurses in tears as I sat against the bedhead with dark circles under my eyes.

"She's a warrior," The nurse nodded at me, so I returned a weak smile to her as Seokjin patted my shoulder with a proud smile. The doctor and nurse eventually left my medical room after congratulating me on my full recovery.

There is no detection of cancer cells left in my bloodstream.

"Jiyoung! Sweetheart!" A rush of my mother friends poured inside the room in the afternoon while I was chatting with Seokjin. I gasped in shock as they showered me with endless hugs and sweet cheek kisses. The mothers brought me flowers and treats- some even brought me hand-written letters from their children. I laughed on the bed while reading the cute cards in tears. They're so cute! The mothers promised to throw a party after my discharge from the hospital to celebrate my victory, so I thanked them for their thoughtful gifts and kind words.

Seokjin stayed with me at the hospital for a week after I regained consciousness as the doctor monitored the blood cells to ensure I was completely healed before giving me permission to return home. I was still scheduled to visit the hospital monthly for a checkup though. And I still have to take my daily medication to battle the side effects of the chemicals they use to eliminate the cancerous cells.

"Do you want to fix your hair? I'll take you to the salon tomorrow," Seokjin asked as I ruffled my now ear-length hair before the mirror in the bathroom. It's been four months since recovery, and my hair is beginning to grow again!

"I look like a tomboy," I chuckled at Seokjin as he stood in the doorway with his arms crossed to watch me fix my uneven hair layers.

"You look beautiful," He smiled at my messy hair while I combed my fingers through it.

"You're only saying it because you need my signature on your new operation plan," I laughed. Seokjin is launching a series of new companies over the globe, and he needs my permission to use our joint fund on the investments,

"We might be business partners, but you'll always be the woman I love," Seokjin shook his head. I glared at him through the mirror with a weak smile. Seokjin was very respectful of my terms and conditions. He never invaded our boundaries and would never sulk over my love refusal either. Even if I wasn't showing him any affection. He'd repeatedly show me his love without expecting anything in return. Seokjin is a living gentleman and his love language is very subtle and... endearing. Maybe that's the difference I failed to tell apart between love and desire. My ex-lovers always expected me to return their love. But not Seokjin. He loves differently. He's a natural and never forceful. Even if it was one-sided... Seokjin never resented me. He never let it bother him and would keep on expressing his feelings regardless of my unresponsiveness to his love call. He's a hopeless romantic.

"Come here," I beckoned him through the mirror.

"Wae?" Seokjin smiled, cluelessly walking up to me in his plain white shirt and pajama pants.

"Can you lift me onto the sink?" I asked, tapping the sink. Seokjin placed his hand on either side of my waist to secure me and gently lifted me onto the marble sink as requested. 

"What's the matter?" Seokjin unsurely questioned as he stood before me while I sat facing him with my legs hanging over the edge.

"I want to be at your eye level. It's a bit hard to speak with you when you're taller than me," I smiled, gently tugging Seokjin by his firm waist to pull him closer to me.

"Why would you want to look me in the eyes? To search for my lies? Why? You don't believe it when I say you're beautiful?" Seokjin teased as I keenly searched his sparkly pupils.

"Maybe? Men are good at lying," I shrugged. Seokjin scoffed at my words, leaning forward to press his hands on either side of the sink to trap me between the mirror and his body.

"Go on then. Search my eyes and try to find the lies. Even if you search for an eternity... you'll never find it. Why? Because I never lied to you," Seokjin smirked with his stern gaze fixed on mine. I tried not to laugh and eagerly searched his pretty brown eyes in silence.

"Thank you," I finally drew my face away to smile at him.

"For?" Seokjin raised his eyebrows, smugly tilting his head to the side.

"For proving your love without expecting a return. For everything, you did for me. For staying by my side to take care of me. For being so gentle. For being so kind. For being patient. Thank you for being my family when I had no one to rely on. Thank you for respecting my decisions even if it wasn't favorable for you. Thank you for loving me so purely. I found a lot of comfort in your love," I whispered with my eyes trained on his. Seokjin weakly smiled at my gratitude while examining my pale face.

"Love comes naturally. It can't be forced, or it'll turn into complications. Love is not a match on fire. It's a kindled spark. It's not fiery or intense, but it grows. Little by little... it ignites the flames in us... it's not too hot because it'll only burn us with its untamed heat. It's not too cold because it'll burn out and leave us in the cold. Love is warm... unlike a match on fire... it will set everything aflame and even before we know it... everything had already fallen to ashes. Instead. I'll be a warm fireplace for your fire. I want to build an environment where we can ignite our fire without setting everything else on fire. Just like a fireplace... I want it to warm us from the cold storm," Seokjin smiled as he spoke to me. My heart burned intensely at his poetic words. Ohoh! He's quite good at wooing women with his slippery tongue! Seokjin stood before me with his gentle gaze fixed on mine. Slowly, I lifted my hand to place it against his cheek to feel his smooth skin.

"You're a great actor, you know? Your words nearly brought me to tears," I softly shook my head while rubbing my thumb over his soft cheek.

"You said you wanted us to focus on our lives. You claimed I should focus on my career, so I did. I got everything under control. I'm expanding our network all over the globe. You said you wanted to focus on healing, so I let you. I waited by your side until you won the battle with the deadly disease. You're cured and healthy now. We both achieved our goals, so what's left of us? Do you have another request?" Seokjin asked. I pursed my lips as he stared at me without looking away until I felt my cheeks burning. His gaze is very seductive! It's making me fold!

"I do. I have a request," I sighed, withdrawing my hand from his face. Seokjin's face suddenly flashed with uneasiness as he watched my sudden mood shift.

"What is it?" Seokjin asked, uneasily swallowing as he studied my nervous reaction. I glanced down at my hands to process my thoughts and finally looked back up at him.

"Marry me," I whispered, staring straight at Seokjin as my heart pounded out of control. Seokjin froze before me as if he didn't expect me to propose to him first and blanked out on the spot. I unsurely stared at his blank gaze and tilted my head to the side. Did he freeze?

"Can you hear me? Seokjin?" I asked, awkwardly waving my hand over his blank eyes.

"What did you say?" Seokjin asked, snapping out of his thoughts with a horrified face. I giggled at his adorable reaction and slowly leaned forward to rest my lips on his. Seokjin turned stiff as I softly brushed my lower lips over his.

"I said marry me," I repeated, shyly pulling away to smile at him while biting my lower lips. Seokjin scoffed and took a step back to place his palm over his forehead with a bewildered look. Why does he look so upset??? Did I misread his intention!?

"You did not ask me to marry you!?" Seokjin snapped, turning to glare at me in shock. Why? Why does he look so startled? Maybe he lost feelings for me-

"I did. Why? You don't want to-"

"I'm supposed to ask you that question! Why would you ask a man to marry you!? It's my duty!" Seokjin scolded me. I pursed my lips at his offended reaction. Oh.

"Are you really going berserk over a gender role?" I muttered as Seokjin paced back and forth in the bathroom to rub his face until it turned bright red.

"No?! It's just- I wanted to make you feel special! But you chose to be a man and proposed to me instead?! Andwae! I won't let you babysit me! I'll take care of you- so don't try to overshadow my love with your boldness!" Seokjin whined, turning to complain in frustration. I stared at him with my mouth hanging open in disbelief.

"Oh? You don't like my boldness?!" I snapped.

"I do but don't use it against me! I know you're a bold woman! Ah- this is crazy! I'm going insane-" Seokjin faked a distressful whimper as he twisted and turned with his hands over his face.

"Whatever. Forget what I said then. I'm going to bed," I grimaced, hopping off the sink to stroll out of the bathroom.

"Yah! Where are you going?! Are you mad?! Yah!" Seokjin called after me.

"I change my mind! I won't marry you!" I screamed as I stormed towards my bedroom. How can he embarrass me like this!? I expected him to cry at my confession, but instead- he started complaining and whining as if it's illegal for a woman to propose first!? Thud. Thud.

"I'll marry you-"

"No! Go away! Ah!" I screamed, trying to shove Seokjin away. He firmly caught my wrist to pull me back and encircled his arms around my waist to hold my body against his.

"I won't let you change your mind!- "

"You keep whining! You don't even want to-" I screamed in annoyance as I fought to break free from Seokjin when he suddenly turned my body around to kiss me. I sucked in my breath at his assertive response to my rejection. I gripped his shirt as Seokjin aggressively kissed me until I struggled to breathe against his face.

"I'll propose to you at the right time. Okay? So keep your words," Seokjin panted, pulling his moist lips away from mine to stare at me. I pursed my lips as we intensely locked eyes in the corridor.

"Okay," I nodded, tugging his head forward when I couldn't resist his plump lips. We closed the gap between our bodies until our lips met again. Seokjin lifted me off the ground while kissing me and laid me on the bed after he entered my room. I securely gripped his muscular neck as he gently massaged my flesh to ease my stiff muscles, so I clutched his messy hair to deepen our kiss when Seokjin suddenly jerked his head away from me.

"Oh shit," Seokjin whispered while frowning at me.

"What's the matter?" I asked while laying under him with a confused look.

"I don't have any condom," Seokjin confessed, glancing back down at me.

"Why not?!" I gasped, sitting up in shock. Seokjin apologetically sat back on the mattress to scratch his wild hair.

"You told me to keep our relationship platonic, so I never bothered to stock the condoms," Seokjin muttered, awkwardly pursing his lips at me.

"The doctor said I can't get pregnant yet. I guess we can't escalate things without proper contraceptives," I sighed, turning to scratch my head as well.

"But I'm horny," Seokjin replied. I turned to find his flushed cheeks as he sat on the bed with a guilty look. I glanced at the hard bulge under his pants and back to his red face.

"Can't you hold it? Or maybe take care of it-"

"You know how long I've been deprived of sex? Ever since we had a threesome. It's been almost three years," Seokjin whined, slumping back on the bed to rub his face in distress. I pursed my lips and slowly crawled towards him.

"I'll help you," I muttered, tugging his waistband to pull off his pants. Seokjin suddenly sat up to stare at me as I grabbed his hump and lowered my face to give him a blowjob. He gripped my hair in shock at how experienced I was, so I smiled and slowed down my pace to tease him with my tongue. Seokjin grunted in difficulty as I pleased him on my bed. His soft groans were weirdly heating my body until I felt my nerves throbbing for him.

"Where are you going?" Seokjin suddenly froze as I scrambled off the bed without finishing him to pull on my jackets. I rubbed my lips with a red face, so Seokjin glanced down at his raw and hard bulge in confusion.

"Get dressed. Let's go get some ice cream. I'm in heat," I muttered while pulling on my sweatpants in a hurry.

"Ice cream? Why did you suddenly crave sweets after sucking me?! Yah- Finish me first!" Seokjin whined in annoyance. I hurriedly rushed out of the bedroom in embarrassment before he could finish his words. Seokjin kept shouting and chased after me as he pulled on his jacket.

"I'm hungry," I shrugged after we pulled on our sneakers by the doorway, earning a disapproving look from Seokjin. He took me to the nearest mart. I went to the freezer to grab a few ice cream bars as he watched me with an uptight frown.

"I'm still hard," Seokjin whispered in my ear with his hands in his pocket to hide his boner.

"Then get the condoms," I replied without looking at him. Seokjin suddenly scoffed, so I turned to look at him for explanations.

"You don't really want ice cream, do you? You're here for the condoms," Seokjin teased as I gripped the ice creams between my palm.

"Keep teasing me, and I'll leave you with the painful blue balls," I threatened. Seokjin glared at me and walked over to the counter. I placed the ice cream on the counter, so Seokjin reached out for a pack of condoms to place it with my ice cream.

"Please pack it together," Seokjin smiled at the cashier. I nudged Seokjin's arm repeatedly to get his attention.

"Get more," I awkwardly cleared my throat.

"What?" Seokjin lowered his head to listen to me, so I coughed, briefly glancing at the cashier... who was unsurely glancing at us.

"I think we should get more-" I muttered, pointing at the packs of condoms on display. Seokjin's face heated up when he realized I was reaching out for it. He suddenly grabbed my hand after I took a pack from the shelves, so I turned to look at Seokjin's red face in confusion. He awkwardly glanced at the cashier, who was staring at us funnily.

"Not this one-"

"Why not?" I asked, cluelessly trying to yank the condom back from Seokjin's hand.

"That's not my size. It's too small," Seokjin explained. I froze in shock at his blunt honesty until my face flushed red like a tomato. Slowly... I averted my eyes to the condom label. Large? A large is still too small for him? Since when did condoms have sizes?!

"Oh-? Oh. That's not your size? Um- What's your size-" I stuttered, carefully placing the pack back on the shelves before glancing down at Seokjin's crotch. Seokjin and I stared at his bulge unsurely before looking back up at each other with a red face. We glanced at the stiff cashier as he watched me eye Seokjin's bulge after arguing over the size of his condom.

"Ah! He got the king size for the first pack! I'd love to recommend you this brand! The latex is ultra-thin and stretchy! I've used it myself, and it feels like real skin! It's very elastic too! I can guarantee it won't break or leak! Try it out! It comes with a range of flavors too-" The cashier suddenly started promoting the condom. He grabbed a few packs from another of the shelves to show them to us. I gripped Seokjin's forearm in shock as the man shamelessly sold the condom to us. I turned to look at the other guests who were staring at us with dumbfounded faces, so I gripped Seokjin's arm in embarrassment. Awkwardly... I turned to bury my face against his puffy jacket to hide flushed cheeks.

"Please pack every flavor and this bottle of lube please," Seokjin cleared his throat when he noticed I was standing stiffly with my face and body pressed against his shoulder.

"Have a marvelous time!" The cashier winked at us. Seokjin placed his arm around my shoulder and dragged me out of the mart with him after he paid for the items.

"What's wrong with you? I thought you wanted more condoms?" Seokjin laughed when I wouldn't look at him as we walked back to our building.

"Did he have to publicly promote it?" I whined while clinging to Seokjin's arm. The states are so open to this kind of thing! Sex is normalized here- it makes me shy!

"I'll get it next time. Just tell me your favorite flavors, so I can get more for you to suck," Seokjin nudged me.

"Hey!" I snapped at his dirty joke in shock. Is he crazy!?

"What? I meant the ice cream!? What were you thinking? Here. Suck it. Tell me if you like the flavor!" Seokjin handed me an ice cream bar from his lips. My cheeks turned red like a tomato at his offer. I glanced at the saliva-coated ice cream and back at his smug face. He's teasing me!

"You're nasty!" I snapped, shoving him away. Seokjin chuckled as he bit the popsicle. I crossed my arm and stomped away from him when I couldn't handle his dirty talks.

"Hey, you're the one who wanted ice cream after tasting me! I'll take it as a compliment! We should head out for a midnight dessert after I taste you too!" Seokjin called out after me. I gasped in shock and turned to storm back toward him with my eyes wide open.

"Shh! Do you have a death wish!? Don't even dream of touching me when we get home! Take your flavors and use them on your own!" I snapped, smacking his chest in annoyance when he wouldn't stop taunting me with the sexual jokes. Seokjin laughed at my adorable reaction while licking his popsicle.

"We'll taste it together. Here. Have the ice cream to calm your nerves," Seokjin chuckled, handing me a fresh pack. I glared at him in annoyance, so he swung his arm over my shoulder to pull me against him. I accepted the popsicle from him after he convinced me to eat it. He cheered me up with funny adult jokes while strolling back to our apartment with our bag of ice cream and condoms.

We went straight to doing the deeds in my room after finishing our popsicles. The sex was amazing... it drained me so much I collapsed like a dead corpse. We're both deprived of pleasure ever since we left Korea, so I was very satisfied with our quality time together.

__________________________

Five Years Later

Third Person POV

Kim Taehyung sat on the couch in his mafia apartment with his legs crossed and newspaper over his lap. The massive headline written in bold was about his brother's promising position in the upcoming national election. Kim Namjoon has redirected his career path to the political domain. The door opened, and Yuna stepped inside the room with a file in her hand. Taehyung briefly glanced at his wife with an unbothered expression as she strolled toward him.

"They will finalize the divorce today," Yuna tossed the file at Taehyung and crossed her arm as she stood before him.

"I'll visit my attorney to finalize everything. You can pick a car from my collection and take all your designer goods. You can keep the jewel I gifted you as well," Taehyung muttered in disinterest.

"Stingy man!" Yuna glared at Taehyung in anger. He slowly averted his dull eyes from the newspaper to stare at Yuna with a questioning look.

"What else do you need? The jewels alone are worth millions," Taehyung raised his eyebrows. Yuna scoffed and turned to rub her face in disbelief.

"I can't believe I married a petty scumbag like you~!" Yuna scoffed, turning to slump on the opposite couch from Taehyung.

"Scumbag? Weren't you the one crawling after me?" Taehyung dawdled, cockily keeping his dull eyes on his wife.

"Sure. I did crawl after you, but I pity married you because your lovely bride ran away with your brother," Yuna mocked while staring at her red manicure with a smug smile.

"Pity married me? Wasn't it you who was screaming for me to fuck you?" Taehyung fired a sharp glare.

"Oh? You were begging to fuck me because you couldn't keep her out of your mind. Jiyoung was smart. She ran away from you, and I was a fool for letting you use me," Yuna smirked while shaking her head.

"I gave you everything you needed! Don't fucking spit shit at me when I've wasted millions on you!" Taehyung bellowed, angrily shooting to his feet with his fists clenched.

"You gave me everything besides love! We were married for over six years and yet the only time you say you love me is when you're fucking me! You won't even hang our wedding portraits in the apartment because it's embarrassing! You refused to give me your child when you've given Jiyoung your baby twice! Did you take me as a fool?-"

"Don't fucking bring up her name-"

"Right! I shouldn't bring up her name! You don't deserve to fucking think about her either! You never deserved her- Not after you fucked your own stepmother, and that's why she dumped your ass! That's why she ran away from you! I thought it was a mere rumor- hah! I'm so stupid! You really are a 'mother fucker'! You live up to your reputation!" Yuna angrily swung a cushion at Taehyung.

"You-"

"You've purposely messed up our marriage after you heard she recovered from her illness. I know you're ruining everything now to make space for her! Did you think she'd return to you?!" Yuna snapped at Taehyung.

"How can you blame me for the failed marriage when you've been fucking your old boss behind my back?!" Taehyung argued, offended by her irresponsible claim.

"Because I found out you've been sleeping with your hideous mother! It wasn't a rumor! You are a mother fucker, and it's disgusting!" Yuna countered Taehyung until his face turned bright red in anger.

"Shut your fucking mouth-"

"Jiyoung came back to Korea last week. You want to see her so bad, right? Go to her then. Loving an arrogant man like you was the biggest mistake in my life!" Yuna snapped at Taehyung in tears.

"What do you mean she came back?" Taehyung frowned at Yuna.

"I accidentally met her a few days ago! We chatted at a cafe. I thought you knew? Anyways- I'm going to finalize the divorce paper, so make sure to sign it. I'm leaving," Yuna frowned at Taehyung and turned to storm out.

"Leave the wedding ring," Taehyung ordered. Yuna halted in her place. She turned to look at her husband from the doorway before glancing down at the ring on her finger.

"Right. It never belonged to me in the first place," Yuna huffed, slipping the ring off her finger, carelessly tossing it on the couch.

"I'll send you a new ring," Taehyung sighed, bending down to pick up Jiyoung's wedding ring.

"I don't need it," Yuna rolled her eyes and slammed the door shut, leaving the drug lord alone with the wedding ring between his fingers. Taehyung gripped the jewel tightly with his eyebrows furrowed on his clenched palm.

Kim Taehyung finally concluded his divorce with Yuna after agreeing to separate from her a year ago. The man stepped out of the court on his own to enter his car and drove off toward a special elderly ward to visit his stepmother.

"We've just given her the pills to keep her from going through a manic episode," The doctor informed Taehyung as they opened a door for him. Taehyung stepped inside the plain medical room to find his stepmother sitting on a rocking chair with her listless eyes on the scenery outside the window. The woman hugged a teddy bear tightly between her arms while mumbling nonsense under her breath.

"Did she throw a tantrum again?" Taehyung bitterly asked the doctor as he stared at his mother's deranged behavior. The woman lost her mind after her son abandoned her.

"No, but she kept talking about her son," The doctor informed. Taehyung sighed and sat down beside her to stare at her boney cheekbone with a worried look. The doctor left the room to leave the stepmother and stepson alone, so Taehyung sighed and reached out to hold her hand.

"Eomma. I'm here to see you," Taehyung spoke in a soft voice, keenly attempting to catch her eyes.

"Oh? My son is here to see me? Aigo! You look so skinny! Didn't you eat? My baby~" She mumbled, slowly averting her eyes to stare fondly at Taehyung. He bit his lips as his stepmother shakily patted his cheek to examine his face in tears.

"I'm fine, eomma. How are you doing? Did they treat you well here-?" Taehyung asked as he gently patted her hand.

"My precious baby~ Seokjin~ My baby~ Why are you so skinny? You poor thing~" The woman muttered as she examined Taehyung's face. The woman is stuck in her own pitiful delusion. The drug lord's face darkened when he realized his stepmother had confused him with her eldest son. He clenched his jaw when a burst of jealousy erupted throughout his body. She wouldn't stop calling the heir's name.

"I'm Kim Taehyung. Eomma. It's me. Kim Taehyung. Seokjin isn't here! He ran away from you! He's a bad son! I'm the good son! Look at me! I'm Kim Taehyung!" Taehyung snapped, firmly gripping her hands to make her recognize him but she only whimpered and pushed him away.

"You're not my son! Go away! You're a disgrace to the family! Where's my Seokjin!? I want my baby! Where's my baby!?" She shrieked and turned to grip her teddy in tears while mumbling her son's name over and over again. Taehyung gritted his teeth at his stepmother's rejection as she spat hurtful terms at him. She wouldn't acknowledge his efforts! The drug lord lost his temper to her mad reaction, quickly got onto his feet to storm out of the room, and slammed the door shut before slumping on the bench beside the room. He grunted in discontent with his hands clasped over his lowered face. No matter how hard he tried to make his mother see value in him... He was nothing to her.

Taehyung was the only one to care for her in the past four years after she went insane. The woman fell ill after suffering from the prolonged heartbreak of losing Seokjin. She begged her son to return to her, but Seokjin never visited his mother. The heir transferred all of his inheritance to Namjoon and Taehyung after he left. His mother was devastated by his reckless decision to free himself from her suffocating grip. She kept screaming... blaming Namjoon and Taehyung for stealing everything from Seokjin when it was her son's decision to betray her. Namjoon was simply too busy to care for his mother, so Taehyung had to constantly run back and forth to check on her. Yet she would push him away and scream for her coward and irresponsible son. Taehyung's father is seeing a new mistress after uncovering the secret love affair between his own son and his first wife. The Kim family is falling apart from its damaged reputation. And only Taehyung and Namjoon were left to deal with the consequences.

"That fucking bastard!" Taehyung gritted, launching to his feet after a burst of anger tore through his chest. He needed to find Seokjin and make his older brother deal with his duties as the heir! If Seokjin is his mother's happiness- then Taehyung will do anything to bring the heir back to her!

"Ah!" A little girl shrieked when she accidentally ran into Taehyung's legs. The kid fell butt first at the impact, so Taehyung stopped abruptly and glanced down at her cute pigtails in confusion.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung calmly bent down to grab her tiny arm and pulled the child onto her feet.

"I'm fine! Thank you, ajusshi!" She cutely grinned at Taehyung while dusting her skirt. The child bowed cutely at the drug lord, but before he could respond to her- she jogged off to the opposite side of the corridor with a cheeky smile. Taehyung shrugged and walked forward. He rounded the corner with his hands in his pockets when something thumped hard into him. He stumbled in shock when a woman slammed into his chest at the intersection. Taehyung immediately grabbed the woman's arm to stabilize her. She gasped in shock as she struggled to maintain her balance before him.

"I'm sorry!" Jiyoung apologized, quickly bowing at the man but froze in her place when she found Kim Taehyung staring at her with his bulging eyes. Taehyung blinked in surprise as he stared at Jiyoung's short hair before averting his eyes to her deep brown eyes and pretty lashes.

"What- are you doing-"

"Eomma!" A little kid shrieked, rushing up to them. Taehyung turned his head to find the same little girl... about four years old... jogging up to them.

"Oh! Haru! Where have you been?! I've been searching for you! I told you not to run off!" Jiyoung gasped, bending down to lift her daughter from the floor. The little girl immediately clung to Jiyoung's shoulder as Taehyung glanced back and forth between the awfully identical features between the little girl and Jiyoung.

The child was a perfect clone of Lee Jiyoung.

"Oh, handsome ahjussi! Nice to meet you again!" Haru beamed at Taehyung. Jiyoung averted her awkward eyes to Taehyung's pale expression as he struggled to process the situation before him.

"You have a child?" Taehyung managed to mutter when he couldn't draw his eyes away from Jiyoung's rosy cheeks in disbelief.

"Yeah. I'm married-"

"Jiyoung! Did you find Haru? Beom puked all over his shirt, so I had to change him in the car," Another man's voice boomed from behind Taehyung. The drug lord recognized it immediately. The owner of the voice. Taehyung frantically turned around to find... his older brother... Kim Seokjin... strolling through the corridor with a younger child in his arms. Taehyung stared at the little boy in shock when Seokjin suddenly halted in his tracks. The heir's eyes widened when he realized his younger brother was standing with his wife and daughter.

"Eomma~" The toddler boy cutely giggled when he spotted his mother carrying his older sister. The three adults stood staring at each other in bewilderment as the two children cluelessly glanced back and forth between them.

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Hello~! I'm so so so sorry for the delay! I was too occupied with my exam last week and I'm rushing my assignments this week! T_T I really didn't want to keep you waiting! I miss you guys! Did you enjoy the chapter? I hope you did! Thank you so much for supporting Love Candidate! Have an amazing day and take care! I love you~ <3