Stay With Me

Chapter Twenty-two

It had been an intense week for Taehyung. In a moment of overconfidence, he had promised Yoojung that he would confess his feelings to JK, but when the time came, he couldn't find the courage to do it.

After leaving Yoojung's house that day, he jumped into his car and drove straight home. He quickly changed clothes and headed out again, relieved that his father was away.

As he neared JK's house, his heart raced uncontrollably. Memories of that day flooded his mind, and all his bravado vanished. He couldn't bring himself to go inside. Instead, he made a quick U-turn and sped back to Yoojung's place. 

He was so worked up that it took her half an hour to calm him down. From then on, he followed JK everywhere but never approached him. Yoojung grew weary of the drama.

"How long are you going to hide the truth from him?" she asked one day while Taehyung lounged on the sofa, eating strawberries and watching TV.

He glanced at her but quickly returned his focus to the screen, "What truth?"

Yoojung sighed deeply. "Taetae, don't test my patience. I'm talking about JK. When are you going to tell him how you feel?"

"He told me to stay away, and I'm respecting that. Besides, I've moved on," Taehyung replied.

"Oh really? Then why do you follow him everywhere?" she shot back with a smirk.

Taehyung finally gave her his full attention. He thought he was being discreet, but she had caught on.

"How do you know?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Just because I'm not a part of this world doesn't mean I'm clueless. I have my ways," she replied confidently.

"Taetae, if you don't tell him, how will he ever know? You showed him your hate so boldly, but when it comes to your love, you're acting like a coward. Why? You're Kim Taehyung! Remember when you stood up to those boys who bullied me when we were kids? You've always been brave. So why not now? Don't be a hypocrite," Yoojung urged calmly.

Taehyung knew she was right but had his reasons for hesitating. The thought of facing JK filled him with dread; betrayal loomed in his mind every time he tried to muster the courage. He pouted and buried his face in his knees.

Yoojung smiled at her younger brother and approached him.

"Will you go on a date?" she asked suddenly. 

Taehyung looked up in confusion, "A date?"

"Yes! Get ready; we're going out tonight," she said, leaving no room for argument as she walked away.

"But Noona—" he started, but she was already gone.

Reluctantly, Taehyung stood up and headed to his guest room. He opted for a simple look: a striped t-shirt and loose pants. After straightening his hair, he stepped outside to find Yoojung waiting for him. 

She looked stunning in a red top and jeans with minimal makeup—simply gorgeous.

"You look beautiful, Noona," he complimented.

"Really? You too!" she smiled back. Taehyung scoffed. 

"I look like an idiot next to you."

"Please! The world's most handsome boy shouldn't say that," she teased with a smirk.

"You spoil me too much," he replied with a playful grin.