No Strings Attached || ON HOLD

Chapter 17

(Reader's POV )

I woke up to the sound of a jolting knock on the door. I squint my eyes as I adjust to the dim lighting in the room. I'm quick to notice that it's not my room. I must have fallen asleep in Taehyung's room.

As I lay in bed, I felt heavy in the head. When I check the time on the clock on the wall, it's past midnight, but it's still nighttime, right? So, who might be knocking?

Taehyung is also awake now, already getting up from his bed and putting on his slippers.

"Sleep back, I'll check," he murmurs in a hoarse voice, and I close my eyes again, embracing the warmth of the duvet.

I heard the door open and then a commotion. Thank God I had his T-shirt on under the duvet because two people were barging into the dimly lit room. I looked along with Taehyung who looked equally confused and bewildered.

I recognize the people as Namjoon and Jin.

"...Just Look at this," they say rapidly, forcing a smartphone into Taehyung's clutches. When I see them become hyper and anxious about something, I sit up against the headboard too. I catch Jin's eye and he looks at me curiously. There is something he's mumbling to Tae, but it's too low for me to hear. Suddenly, I felt really uneasy. But a voice in my head told me not to get involved since it may be something personal.

" Holy Fuck! Hyung~" suddenly I hear Taehyung curse and my attention shifts to him. While he is scrolling hysterically on his smartphone, I can see his trembling hands even from afar.

As I look at him, I feel the urge to get up and walk towards them to find out what's happening...and then my eyes meet his. He is looking at me with helpless eyes, and I cannot control it anymore.

I get out of bed, and fortunately, the t-shirt hangs way below my panties. Leaving my worry behind, I hurry over to get a glimpse of the content that has him freaking out.

As I watch Jin's hand protectively resting on Taehyung's shoulder, I am scared. What could be so serious that they are so concerned?

I cannot stand the awkward silence any longer, so I gently take the phone from him.

'SCANDAL IN PARIS?'

The headline caught me off guard, but I scrolled down...

'World's most popular band BTS member V aka Kim Taehyung apparently has a secret love affair blossoming! Could he be dating?!'

'The BTS fans have been going crazy over this viral news which came to light after a Sasaeng fan reportedly followed Kim Taehyung while his off time in Paris- according to the fan, the music star was accompanied by a young woman- whose identity still stays unknown.'

'The two had a private reservation at Paris's most luxurious rooftop restaurant and had a lavish intimate dinner, reports the fan.'

No, No–This couldn't be about...about tonight, right? Of course, it's not us, we were careful...

'The two were seen getting intimate as well, judging from a proof that the fan despite the tight security managed to capture. Though some of the fans or 'army' as they are called are defending Kim Taehyung, claiming that the picture captured isn't clear enough to jump to conclusions if it really is him.'

'We are yet to hear from the Hybe agency- they have neither confirmed nor denied the rumors yet, citing that the agency is taking its time to carefully craft an explanation.'

The realization then strikes me hard. Quite hard indeed. It's not about someone else. It's about him. About Taehyung. It's not just about Taehyung, but also his global recognition as BTS V. It hits me how much is at stake. I'm still wondering if any of it is true...begging myself that it is all a lie. Maybe this is a lie, maybe it's someone else...