The Red Cosmos

Hydrangeas

She's gasping for breath by the time she finally gets to the bakery, glancing at her wristwatch the time read five-thirty.

Hopefully, Taehyung wasn't there yet, though a part of her knows he must have gotten there early knowing how punctual the latter is. She had intentions of closing up shop at five on the dot today but life had other plans for her as the moment she flipped the open sign closed a customer came barreling through the doors nearly knocking her over in the process.

It was a young woman who looked around her age, she pleaded with her to keep the shop open just a bit longer so she could purchase a bouquet for her lover or whatever, she hadn't paid much attention to her reason already knowing the woman wouldn't relent if she asked her to leave.

Twenty pain-staking minutes of indecisiveness and awkward silences later the woman had settled for a bouquet of yellow and peach-colored roses. It was a great choice but she was too annoyed to admit it at the time.

The woman, who introduced herself as Mina, bowed so many times in thanks to her that any trace of annoyance she had left in her dispersed. She had to admit, it did feel nice seeing the relief on Mina's face when she had the bouquet. She's sure Taehyung would understand her reason she nods to herself pushing the bakery doors open.

"Day Hye!" comes that deep voice.

Glancing to her left she finds Taehyung sitting at their usual table leaning on his elbows, a frown marring his features. She can't help the laugh that escapes her lips.

"Why are you laughing! You're late" he says pouting.

"I'm sorry Tae some last-minute things came up at work but the look on your face is priceless" she giggles taking her seat.

"I ordered your drink already but I think it's cold now" he sighs.

"It's fine" she waves him off "I'm just happy to see you!".

He smiles, "I've been meaning to tell you, Mr. Kim asked me to take some photos of the shop so he can update his website although I'm pretty sure he means you considering the man can barely use a phone".

She laughs as she takes a sip of her coffee. Chancing a glance towards the register she finds Seokjin busily dealing with a customer. The tip of his tongue is sticking out of the side of his lip comically as he attempts to fit multiple pastries into a small box. Snorting in amusement she looks over at Taehyung who is also eyeing Seokjin. Seokjin, feeling eyes on him, looks over at Taehyung and winks.

He turns back to her, a strange look in his eyes as he regards her "Hye... I don't mean to pry here but do you like him?".

Her heart seizes up at the question, seeing her hesitance he straightens in his seat.

"I-" she begins but he cuts her off, "Hye.. there's something I have to tell you."

She's never seen him this serious before, it makes her anxious.

Running a hand through his hair, a nervous habit of his, he meets her eyes with a look of determination.

"I like you".

She laughs "I like you too Tae"

"What? no wait" he's taken aback, "I mean, I like you more than a friend. I have from the moment I first met you".

Oh... oh no.

Suddenly she isn't hungry anymore. He's looking at her so expectantly it hurts. She didn't feel that way at all for him and judging from her prolonged silence he seems to understand this. Dejection is evident on his face but he quickly masks it with a forced smile.

Her heart aches as she reaches a hand out to place over his "Tae-" she begins hoping her voice didn't come out as pitiful. She felt horrible.

"No, it's okay. I just- I had to tell you and I understand if you don't feel the same way" he says pulling his hand away.

She didn't want to hurt him but she already liked someone else.

"I don't know if it's my place to tell you this but, Seokjin-" he's cut off by the sound of the bakery doors being tugged open harshly. The bell above the shop doors rings obnoxiously as the person rushes in. Taehyung's eyes widen significantly, focused on the person.

Turning around she spots a familiar figure heading towards the register. There's a bouquet of yellow and peach roses held in her hand. Seokjin who had been preoccupied counting change looks up and immediately breaks out into a soft smile. The moment he steps out from behind the counter the woman wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him in for a kiss.

Her heart drops to her stomach watching as the woman presents the bouquet to him, he accepts it with a beautiful smile.

The same smile he would give her every time she walked into the bakery, the same smile he gave her the day he walked her home, the same smile she dreamt of every night.

"Da Hye" comes Taehyung's voice, there's a hint of sadness in it.

"You knew," she says not taking her eyes off of them.

"I'm sorry".

She doesn't respond, her heart feeling as though it's been crushed to bits.

They're talking excitedly, his arms are wrapped around her waist and it hurts. It hurts so much that it can't be her in those arms.

Seokjin takes the woman's hand, she can't recall her name anymore, and starts leading her to their table.

No, she couldn't take this, not now. Her eyes are stinging as she holds back tears.

Please don't.

"Da Hye," he says brightly, tugging the woman forth.

No

"This is Mina" Mina smiles, recognition in her eyes

Please no

"my girlfriend"

I hate you.

Plastering a fake smile on her lips she sees Taehyung watching her carefully from the corner of her eyes.

"Hello, nice to meet you again".

"Again?" Seokjin asks curiously.

"We met at the flower shop, I sold her the flowers".

Mina laughs "thank you again for that!"

She smiles "anytime".

It hurts.