The truth untold

-two-

BigHit Entertainment (Seoul) - October 2015

Kim Taehyung was in desperate need of fresh air. Still recovering from the aftershock of being blessed (yes, he considered it a blessing) with the presence of Tzuyu, the chore of socialising with one idol and then with the next was truly infuriating for the 20-year-old. The outside world considered him as an outgoing, social butterfly because of his love for fun and his humour, but, as Jimin would word it, he was 'pretend extrovert'. Especially when it came to the other artists in the industry. As much they respected each other, behind the laughs and the long handshakes hid unspoken jealousy, extreme competition and probably some dislike in some way.

He downed a shot that Jackson Wang dared him to drink; he usually stayed away from alcohol as much as he could, but tonight he needed the numbness the poison would give him. A roar of cheers from the boys around him rang in his ears as they too copied his actions and drank from their glasses. Taehyung noticed the female idols, including Twice, stay away from the bar and the boys on the other side of the room, which was smart. He excused himself, which no one really heard as everyone carried on with their drinking and partying. He really needed to get away from the heat, the noise and the stuffiness in the room.

He headed out through a backdoor which led to a private garden that Bang PD had once used to grow seasonal fruits, a hobby that soon died down. Now there grew wild flowers, touch-me-nots and grass of ankle length. A combination that was oddly beautiful, according to Taehyung. He glanced up to the sky, a smile on his lips as the magnificent view of the night sky graced his eyes. The towers around him limited his view, but it still took his breath away. He walked on, hands in his pockets when he saw Tzuyu again. Wait, what's she doing outside?

She was seated on a bench, swinging her legs, and leaning behind on her arms, enjoying the same view as Taehyung. Her hair slightly shifted in response to a light breeze; the bright moonlight truly made her seem ethereal.

But still under-aged, you idiot! He shook his head with new resolve and cleared his throat. "Tzuyu-sshi, why are you outside?"

Startled by his voice, she jumped in her seat and turned her head slightly. Her doe eyes widened and she stood up to bow to him. "Taehyung Sunbaenim, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there!"

"Relax," he assured her and walked a few steps to stand beside her. "Party a bit over-whelming?"

She bit her lip nervously, as though afraid she'd let out a huge secret, but nodded eventually.

Taehyung smiled. "Same reason why I left." He tilted his head towards the sky. "Beautiful tonight, right?"

She nodded, with slightly more enthusiasm and looked up. Taehyung observed as the stars reflected off her big eyes beautifully.

"Did you eat?" he asked her, remembering the diet she was on.

"Yes, Sunbaenim," she said. "Everything was lovely tonight. We're very grateful to your PD-Nim for hosting this for us."

"PD-Nim must've been really impressed with you girls," he added. "He hardly does anything like this."

"I should get back then. I feel bad," she claimed with a slight pout. Taehyung's heart warmed at her innocence and humility.

"It's fine, it's getting loud and a bit more crazy in there. Enjoy it while you can," he reassured her, and she eyed the door for a few moments before making up her mind and sitting on the bench.

"May I join you?" Taehyung asked, and with her consent, he too sat down, a safe distance away from her. He told her about what was happening inside, and that her unnies were safe and having fun (in response to her question). After some further small talk, the duo leaned back on their arms and shoulders and continued to star-gaze. Taehyung even pointed out a constellation for her. As the moments passed, he couldn't help but feel her gaze deeply fixed on him for some while. He slowly turned his head, catching her watch him in the process which caused her to blush, but she didn't look away.

"Is there anything you need, Tzuyu-sshi? Please be comfortable and ask me," he questioned kindly.

Her fingers tucked a lock of her dark hair behind her ears, as she shook her head. "Nothing as such, Sunbaenim." She sighed. "When you speak, you remind me of someone I used to know."

Taehyung wondered if Tzuyu would be able to actually see his heart beating through his chest, since it was currently going haywire. "R-really?" he murmured, trying to maintain his cool. "And who may that be?"

She looked to the stars again and smiled. "Someone I spent a short while with, but that person made a huge impact on me."

Taehyung should hold onto something, because he would literally just soar. Oh, how badly he wanted to break down and confess to her that it was him? And ask her why she never returned, or if she remembered their cute snowman?

"I really liked your sweater," she commented, eyeing it preciously. "Eevee is my favourite Pokémon."

"Mine too," he said back, the heat rising to his ears.

"By the way, Sunbaenim," she paused, looking into his eyes. "Do you know a trainee here by the name 'Taehyun'?"

There's that funny feeling again. Taehyung focused all his attention and might on his face muscles, so he wouldn't break into a hopeful smile. She even remembered the fake name he used. Conflicted feelings of happiness and regret surrounded his mind; she didn't remember him for him. The Taehyun she remembered was a lie; this beautiful memory was based on a lie. Tempted as he was to break the truth to her, he was stopped when taking into consideration his company and his band. And Tzuyu. It wasn't fair to her.

"I'm sorry, I don't know someone like that," he lied to her, again.

"I see," she sighed. They stayed in comfortable silence, star-gazing and enjoying the quiet while they could. Occasionally, Taehyung would steal glances of her; and the sensible side within him would scream that she was under-aged and he was being a creep.

I really need to get a girlfriend, he thought to himself.

"Taehyung-ah! Taehyung!" he heard Jimin call for him. He turned to see this best friend jog towards him. Jimin's eyes widened in realisation when he saw Tzuyu sitting beside Taehyung. The two bowed to each other. "Taehyung, Namjoon Hyung is looking for you."

Taehyung looked at Tzuyu. "Do you want to head back inside with us?" She agreed, and the three headed back into the party. Tzuyu said her goodbye and they parted ways towards their respective groups. Namjoon was only worried as to where Taehyung was. As the party began to die down, people leaving bit by bit, Jimin nudged Taehyung lightly. "What were you doing outside with Twice's maknae?"

"She was already there when I went out for some fresh air," Taehyung pointed out.

"Sure..." Jimin grinned.

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "I'm serious. Whatever your dirty mind is thinking did not happen."

Jimin said nothing else, for which Taehyung was beyond grateful. Twice was about to head out with their PD-Nim so they approached BTS and Bang PD, expressing their gratitude and bidding goodbye. Taehyung's eyes caught Tzuyu's, and they exchanged a secret smile, which probably worsened the hammering in his chest.

What is happening to me?

.....

Chou Tzuyu followed her unnies to the van which would take them to their dorm, and she couldn't ignore the occasional, curious glances at her from Jeongyeon. She knew her unnie noticed her coming back to the party with Taehyung and Jimin, and obviously expected the questions from her.

As she predicted, after she freshened up, Jeongyeon burst into her room and sat her down for interrogation. Tzuyu, without any doubt, would agree that she was her favourite unnie; as fun and wild as she was, she also took care of the maknae and looked out for her. In this foreign land, she was her mother-figure, and Tzuyu loved her for it.

"Ya Tzuyu-ah, why did you leave the party without telling me? I was worried," Jeongyeon asked, holding Tzuyu's small hands in hers.

"It was getting stuffy," the younger girl argued with a pout. "The stars were so clear tonight, so I got a bit carried away."

"Did you and the BTS members agree to meet there?"

Tzuyu couldn't hold in her laugh. "Unnie! You're overthinking! How would I pre-organise a meeting with two BTS members? This is the first time I'm even meeting them." She patted Jeongyeon's hands in reassurance. "Taehyung Sunbaenim actually wanted some fresh air, so he found me in the garden. And then Jimin Sunbaenim came a while later to call Taehyung back to the party."

The older girl didn't look so convinced. "They didn't try anything else, right? Did they flirt with you?"

Unnie is so cute when she's being so delusional. "No. They were being very respectful."

"Okay," Jeongyeon sighed and cupped Tzuyu's face. "Please be careful, okay. And let me know before you go anywhere. You're an idol now, and some people will try to harm you or try their best to catch do you do the smallest mistake. And the BTS boys, as nice as they are, have a growing fandom of obsessive girls. You being seen with them would bring you a lot of hate. So, even if you're with them, be very careful." She gave her a soft smile. "Alright?"

Tzuyu nodded and placed her head on her unnie's lap. It didn't take too long for her to fall into a much needed sleep.

.....

Asia World Expo (Hong Kong) - December 2015

Kim Taehyung adored the outfit his stylist chose for him; much more mature and stylish than what he wore to M.A.M.A. last year. He mimicked a twirl in front of Jimin, who was still getting his hair and makeup done. "So? How do I look?" he asked him stretching out his arms to the sides a little. Jimin pretended to gag, and Taehyung rolled his eyes, reprimanding himself for asking him instead of anyone else. The band took a few moments to get ready and they left their hotel to attend the Mnet Asia Music Awards. Hong Kong was warmer than Korea in December, but it was still a bit chilly in the night, so Taehyung kept his hands warm under his jacket and followed his band to their seats.

BTS performed with GOT7, which the audience really enjoyed. They also won the award for 'Global Rising Star'. As he listened to Seokjin give the acceptance speech on behalf on the group, the thought of them almost disbanding the past year sent chills down his spine. Standing with his brothers, his family, on this stage, he felt truly grateful and happy, and he tried his best to keep his emotions in check. They had higher standards to reach, more to give to the world and win more prestigious titles.

Back in their seats, they applauded and cheered on for the other idols and their wins. When the announcement for the winners of 'Best female new artist' was made (Twice, of course), he paid extra attention and his eyes eventually found Tzuyu, following her members to the stage. She was dressed in a black, short dress and she smiled cheerfully as Ji-Hyo gave her speech. This was the third time Taehyung saw Tzuyu since the party. Once at another party, where they didn't really get to speak, but managed to pass smiles and a polite greeting. The second time was when BTS visited JYPE to train with GOT7 for the M.A.M.A. performance. He bumped into her when he got lost searching for the restroom; she was in training clothes, a black hoodie and sweat pants, but still managed to look beautiful. After helping him find the restroom, they had a small chat in a crowd-less corridor. It lasted for a few minutes, but he enjoyed every bit of it, as she excitedly chatted about her practices and hopefully winning an award at M.A.M.A.

And now, he was seeing her for the third time. In all her beauty and perfection. Her confidence was getting better, which Taehyung was glad to see. The nine girls finally bowed in respect to the audience and to the presenter, and they returned back to their seats.

Taehyung was aware of the after-party that would happen at a hotel nearby. He crossed his fingers, as he looked at her from a distance, hoping to get the chance to speak to her again.

.....

A/N : I am so grateful for all the support and love I'm receiving. You guys keep me motivated and inspired :)

Also, let's pray for our precious Kim Taehyung's speedy recovery since he's been diagnosed with covid.

Much love to you all, and keep supporting!