A Special Someone for Christmas

Part 6: Work isn't everything

30 minutes earlier/Taehyungs POV

Song's resting peacefully and talking incoherently as he rests. He has not yet fully awakened, however it's a good sign I tell Yea as she smiles and leans over her husband placing a soft kiss to his forehead. What a loving couple they are, I think. Forty years. That is amazing.

I then think about what Yea told me. She said someone special was coming for me. God, I hope she's right. She said I must keep my eyes open, or I might miss him. I chuckle with the thought. They'd have to be a very special someone. It's not easy to maintain a long-distance relationship when I don't know where I'll be for months at a time. I go where I'm needed.

I can't see this working if things don't change around my work. I've been doing this for several years, and I don't want to stop. I absolutely love what I do. Men say it's okay in the beginning but then we drift apart, and I get hurt. I'd like a partner for life.

Tae's Flashback 18 months ago

I take my backpack from the taxi driver and go inside the airport. I'm early and look for a seat before I head to security. As soon as I sit down my phone vibrates and I remove it from my pocket. I See his picture pop up and my smile immediately flashes white and broad.

"Hi baby!' I respond excitedly.

"Hi Tae. I-I been trying to call you since yesterday." His voice shakes as he talks but I ignore it.

"I didn't finish work until 1:00 a.m. Anyway, I'm at the airport early and my flight leaves in 2 hours. So, I'll be snuggled up with you in like 8 hours. I plan to be spending about 80% of my week off my feet, in bed servicing my man. I can't wait to see you babe." I talk fast and share with bubbling enthusiasm.

"Tae, we need to talk." His voice trails off and I again ignore the signs. I just need to catch my flight and whatever is going on we'll settle it when I arrive.

"Babe, it can wait too later. I hope you got everything from the market I put on the list I sent you. I'm going to make you some delicious meals. Of course, during the short amount of time, we are not in bed. I really need this time off and I miss you so much." I chatter away to keep the call light.

"Tae, stop. We really need to talk." His voice is firmer this time.

"Did I tell you that little boy I was treating that fell into the well has made a full recovery. Isn't that great. Look, I'm going to get going through security and I will see you when I land at the gate with a big wet kiss..."

"Tae! Stop it!" I startle and feel a burning sensation in my throat. I know this conversation all too well. He takes in a long and audible breath and releases it before he starts to talk. My stomach is already in knots.

"I don't really know how to say this, but please don't come. I tried to reach you all day yesterday. I didn't want to do this like this. W-We aren't working. " He pauses and I grit my teeth as my jaw tightens and my eyes sting.

"You knew it wasn't going to be easy! But you said you'd do whatever it takes!" I spit into my phone as tears start to stream down my cheeks.

"Tae, I did do whatever it takes," he says calmly. "But you were never available at the times we scheduled to talk. You were supposed to visit 3 months ago. Our calls are short and every time we get together, we spend the entire time fucking. I love having sex with you, but I want more. I want to get to know you and build a life. I did try and if you ask me Tae, you didn't try. His voice trembles and I can hear he's in pain.

"You know how important my work is." I attempt to justify. " I cannot schedule an earthquake, flood, or hurricane. If you just give us more time, we can work this out. How about I come and...