Decoupled • KTH ✔

Epilogue Pt.3

Maya

"Thank you for everything, Maya. I'm a happy man because of you," Taehyung says softly, his strong hands holding me safe against his own body.

"You make me happy too, baby," my hands rest on his shoulders as we slowly dance together to the music in the background, holding each other captive with our unwavering gazes.

"You're so beautiful," Taehyung's voice lowers, and the depth of it makes my skin bristle, as always.

Even though it has been so many years, the power this man holds over me is simply unbelievable, and I wouldn't ever want it any other way.

As we sway slowly to the soothing jazz music, I cannot help but feel eternally thankful for everything in my life.

Thankful for the man in my arms that has crossed and blurred many lines for the unconditional love that we have for each other, thankful for his immense love that has given me three beautiful children who give me purpose, and add so much more color, liveliness and beauty to my life, thankful for every moment of togetherness where we've been each other's strength and support even during the most testing times of our lives.

A while later when the music starts to fade out, and when the boys start to get a little cranky and fidgety, we decide to leave the restaurant and head home.

As Taehyung drives us home, I sit beside him in the passenger seat while Areum, Do-Woo and Ye-Jun are at the back. There is complete silence in the car when we reach home since the boys have fallen asleep, but Areum is still awake.

Taehyung parks the car, and we help the boys climb out. As the three of them enter our home, with our sons sleepily stumbling their way inside, Areum suddenly holds my wrist, bringing my steps to a halt.

"What's it, Areum?" I turn around to look at her, giving her a small smile.

She says nothing, and I follow her gaze that wanders over to the doorway of our home where Taehyung is standing, waiting for us to come in.

Sensing that her hesitation could be because of his presence, I quickly wave to him.
"We'll be right there, you can go in"

He nods and shows me a thumbs-up before walking inside, leaving the front door open for us.

Smiling, I turn my attention back to Areum just when she also turns to look at me as I fix a few strands of my flyaway hair behind my ear.

Today, at seventeen years of age, Areum looks a lot like Taehyung, stands an inch taller than me, slender and pretty with hair that's softer than silk and flawless skin that's smoother than rose petals. She's a beautiful young woman who grew up right in front of my eyes, yet the image of her when I first met her at the airport many years ago is still engraved deeply in my mind.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" I ask her softly, admiring the way the gentle night-time breeze is making her hair flutter.

Without a word, Areum steps forward, taking my hands in hers and holding them tenderly. Her sudden move definitely takes me by surprise, but I don't waste another second in returning her gesture by giving her hands a little squeeze.

"Maya, can we talk?" She asks me as her eyes lift to look at me.

"Sure, right here?" I ask her doubtfully, and she shakes her head, chuckling softly.

"How about in the backyard?" Her question is answered with a smile and a nod of my head.

Soon enough, we lock the front door and switch off the lights in the house before stepping out onto the backyard.