Chapter 13: Stay Or Go?

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*Later that day*

-Hwiyoung's POV-

After spending time outdoors, Taeyang came back to my apartment with me. I invited him a glass of wine as we continued to talk about the small things we missed from each other's lives. It's getting complicated to keep my emotions away; however, I can tell that this Taeyang isn't so different from the guy I knew at the other timeline. He even caught the thought I had in mind, which was a silly joke I frequently did with the other Taeyang. Every time he started a new project, I would bother him and say that he would get attached to it at the end. It was fun back then; after all, Taeyang always put an impressive effort into individual activities. So, I began to mock him by saying that he would become more workaholic than he already is.

Things don't change sometimes, and I'm learning that lesson now that I'm stuck in this timeline. Honestly, I feel better now than when I arrived. I guess it has to do with Taeyang's presence in this life, or perhaps I'm glad that I know all of my friends from SF9. I'm not sure what's making me feel at ease, but it's pleasant to start a new life in such a different world.


Currently, Taeyang is sitting next to me. Both of us giggling about the short remembrance from our past together. It seems we didn't meet as soon as I signed under Youngbin-hyung's label, but it was in the set of a movie Inseong made along with Taeyang.

-So, what did I make back then? – I questioned before drinking some more wine.

-Kim Inseong finished his raining scene, and you immediately rushed to him with a towel. Everybody thought it was so cute, but I blankly asked if you were dating. The entire production started to laugh while Kim Inseong attempted to kiss you after hearing my inquiry. – Taeyang explained, making me chuckle while getting pictures of that day inside my head.

-Now I remember! I was so worried because I didn't want Inseong-hyung to get sick. – I chuckled before placing the glass away from my lips.

-Yes. You said that to me while helping Kim Inseong to dry his hair, but you didn't notice that there were fans at the set, recording everything that went on behind cameras. – Taeyang recalled, making me scoff while smiling slightly.

-Oh! No, no! After that moment, the internet was full of rumors about a possible love affair between the three of us. – I remarked, causing Taeyang to laugh while drinking his wine. I joined him, cracking up after seeing his expression.

-Everybody thought that you were with Kim Inseong, and then people said that I was jealous. – Taeyang added after drinking his wine.

I nodded before taking Taeyang's glass from his hand, placing both of them on the coffee table. Briefly, I looked back at Taeyang, staring at the smile written across his face.

-But here we are once again. – Taeyang spoke, which I nodded for in response.

-We survived, and here we go again with a BL drama, huh? – I chuckled while looking away from Taeyang, both of us snickering by the silly coincidence.

-Hey, we made a bet! Remember to stay focused on your work. – Taeyang pointed out, which I nodded for in response.

-Why would I turn out of focus? Huh? Do you have any plans for me? – I questioned, throwing suggestive inquiries without hesitating.

-Ah, you got me! – Taeyang raised his hands, making fun of my words. We chuckled before Taeyang's phone started to sound, causing him to check it right away.

-Work? – I asked while looking at Taeyang.

-A meeting with my team will start in a few minutes, so I have to return to the studio. – Taeyang spoke before both of us stood up from the couch. -Thanks for today, and I'll see you tomorrow morning. – Taeyang said while smiling at me.

I nodded before we hugged each other, and then I walked to the entrance with Taeyang. I said goodbye to him one last time before he got out of the apartment. As soon as I closed the door, I placed my back against it and slid down onto the floor. I kneeled while thinking about the things that happened. Everything was so fast, my mindset completely changed compared to when I arrived, and my intimacy with Taeyang turned into something I never saw coming. Right now, I can tell that there are many things to comprehend in such a short time.

-Everything will be okay, Hwiyoung. Stay focused and try to think. – I lowly spoke while standing up, briefly walking around the apartment.

My eyes wandered around the place, noticing the neatness and modern touch to the area. I shook my head slightly, seeing the arousal from this second life getting the best of me. Briefly, I grabbed the glasses of wine and walked inside the kitchen. I started to wash the dishes in the sink, trying to keep myself composed as I can feel my heartbeat going faster. My hands are shaking slightly, and my breath quickens as I attempt to keep my eyes off the watch on my wrist.

Eventually, I gave in and stared at the gadget that brought me here. I took a deep breath before cleaning the dishes and placing them away to dry. After that, I reloaded against the kitchen counters, staring at the watch on my wrist.

-Should I go back? Or is it better to stay here and experience another life? – I questioned, murmuring as I try to make a difficult decision.

I shook my head while a billion inquiries came into my thoughts. But shortly, I remembered small parts of my previous timeline. The fear, confusion, loneliness, and the agony Taeyang is going through since he doesn't know where I am.

It would be selfish if I resume my life when Taeyang's isn't the one he desired. I have to stay and make it up for him in this timeline.


*Nighttime*

After Taeyang left, I made up my mind and decided to stay. Then, my life continued with some calls from my manager, reminding me of tomorrow's meeting with the drama's cast. And after that, I decided to spend some time getting to know myself better; after all, I heard from Taeyang that I'm a great artist. Multitalented, according to my fanbase. I assumed I should try it out and see what I could do, and surprisingly, I found painting easier than I expected.

Right now, I'm getting ready to call it a night. I placed the last pillow against the mattress, patting the soft bedsheets while listening to the thoughts inside my head. Shortly, I walked towards the small balcony inside my room, looking at the city lights while reloading my arms against the fence.

-Welcome to your new life, Hwiyoung. – I said before taking a deep breath, then staring at the watch on my wrist again. Suddenly, a message on my phone appeared, making me look at the screen immediately.

"Good luck with your meeting, Hwiyoung! I'll visit you when I finish with my work in Busan. Goodnight!" – Inseong.

I smiled before replying, thanking Inseong for the wishes. After that, I placed my phone on the desk and walked towards the easel. I looked at the painting I made; I recreated the treehouse from the other timeline. It's the perfect mirrored image of that place, which brings me memories from my other home.

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