ACATALEPSY I BTS AU

CHAPTER 13 - Family ties

**About an hour later, in front of the train station...**

Tae stood, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on you, walking hand-in-hand with your younger brother. His lips curved into a grin as he thought, *I hope she likes the surprise.* 

Minutes later, you were greeted by Tae, who was holding hands with a young girl beside him.

"Hi, Tae! How are you? Oh, and who's this adorable little one?" you said, smiling warmly at the girl. 

"I'm great. This is my sister," Tae replied, returning your smile. You crouched down to her level, extending a hand. 

"Hi there! I'm Y/N, and this is my little brother, Adam. What's your name, sweetie?" 

The girl, Haneul, scrunched her nose and crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Haneul," she said flatly, ignoring your extended hand.

You chuckled softly, a little taken aback, but knowing how kids could be. *This one has an attitude,* you thought, but smiled anyway. 

Adam, curious, stepped up beside you and looked Haneul in the eye. She studied him carefully before, to your surprise, she extended her hand towards him. 

"Pleased to meet you," Adam said with a charming smile.

"My pleasure," Haneul replied, her cheeks flushing slightly under her brother's watchful eye. Tae blinked in astonishment. *

My sister never warms up to anyone like that... 

Approximately 30 minutes later, you arrived at a quiet little park... 

You and Tae sat down on a bench while Adam and Haneul ran off to play on the jungle gym. Their laughter echoed through the park. 

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Tae asked, leaning back comfortably on the bench. 

You bit your lip nervously, unsure how to approach the question. *Just ask him,* you told yourself, but the words caught in your throat. After a few moments of silence, Tae raised an eyebrow, amused. 

"Are you involved in a relationship right now?" you finally blurted out, the question rushing out faster than intended. 

Tae choked on his drink, coughing as he tried to catch his breath. "W-What?! Why do you ask?" he managed to sputter, eyes wide. 

"Are you okay?" you asked, concerned.

He waved his hand, clearing his throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. But... why would you ask me that? Are you... flirting with me?" He raised an eyebrow, fixing his disheveled hair with his hand.

Your cheeks burned, and you laughed nervously. "No, no! It was just... out of curiosity. You know, friends and all," you stammered, mentally cursing yourself. 

*Damn you, Liz!* 

"Really?" Tae teased, smirking. "Look, I get it if you like me. I mean, who wouldn't?"  He ran a hand through his hair dramatically, his confidence showing through. You rolled your eyes.

"Actually, there's this friend of mine who has a crush on you... that's the reasons I asked you" You trailed off, feeling the heat rise in your face. 

Tae blinked, then chuckled, cutting you off. "Tell her I've already found the girl of my dreams." 

"Oh..." You smiled softly, something about his answer making your heart flutter just a little. "I see."

*It's probably that girl Liz she introduced me to at the gala night.* thought Taehyung, he wasn't blind; he was too accustomed to girls and guys crushing on him.