Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 36

Taehyung ordered dinner online while Clara quickly set the table. They had 30 minutes until it would be delivered so they could get started on their homework in the meantime. Taehyung knew his schedule posed the real difficulty in their spending time together, so he felt responsible to go first.

"Clara, I have a lot of ideas, but I want your honest feedback OK? We can do some, all, or none of these. But our plan to spend more time together needs to work for both of us. Agreed?"

Clara nodded in agreement and gave him an encouraging smile. She was excited to hear the ideas he had. After the last several months apart, she knew she'd be willing to make a lot of sacrifices if it meant they could spend more time together.

"Well, maybe let's start with an obvious one. I think we should live together."

Clara laughed and nodded in affirmation. Yes this was obvious, and even earlier in the day she had been thinking about what she should do with her apartment.

Taehyung gave her a big smile in return. "You know I have an apartment but if you don't like it, or want to live in another part of the city, just let me know. I want to make sure you think of it as our home, not you living in my home."

Clara nodded in agreement. "I like your apartment. It is beautiful and has plenty of space. And it feels very homey, probably because it feels like you."

"It will feel even more like home when we are there together Clara. Just tell me what you want to do with this apartment. I'm happy to find someone to pack everything up and sell it or bring it to my place, and I can ask someone from the company to figure out how to deal with your lease."

"I think I'd like to go through my things first before I move over. We probably don't need most of this furniture..." Clara paused as she trailed off, looking around the apartment lost in thought.

"What is it sweetheart?" Taehyung caught her attention again.

"It's just...well Namsoo and I selected this apartment together. And we bought most of the furniture together. And I know we don't need it, but moving from here and leaving it all behind feels so final. I guess it didn't really hit me until right now."

"Oh my sweet angel, I think it would be best if we brought everything to my apartment for now rather than get rid of it, ok? Or even better, let's just keep this apartment until you are ready. There are going to be enough changes right now, I don't want to add any stress to you. I'm happy to pay the rent here for as long as you want or need to keep this place. What do you think?"

Clara was starting to get a little teary thinking about leaving, but with a quick wipe of her eyes she gave Taehyung a strong nod yes. "Thank you, I like that idea. I'm sure I won't need it for long, but it will be a relief to not have to deal with it right away."

"Good, but I do still want you at my apartment alright? For now we can just take a small suitcase over and I'll find someone to pack up the rest of your clothes and personal things so you can settle in with me." Taehyung broke into a huge grin and pulled Clara close into a gentle hug, enjoying the thought of seeing her most often when they lived together.

After several moments spent simply staring at each other and smiling, Taehyung began again. "Next we need to think about my schedule. Honestly this is a little harder because it is important to both of us that your identity stays private. While I want to shout how much I love you from the rooftops, when it comes to the public I think it is better for everyone if they just continue to think I am single."

Taehyung laid out his first idea, "I could get you a job at the company if you'd like. That would give you a reason to be there more often, and nobody would be surprised to see you with the band since they know you and Namjoon are close."

Clara wrinkled up her nose and shook her head no. "I wouldn't really feel comfortable doing that. While I would be glad to see you more often, I don't feel right about you getting me a job. And I don't think I'm the right fit for an entertainment company anyway. But most importantly I don't think we'd be very good at keeping our secret quiet for very long if we worked in the same building."

"Ok" Taehyung acknowledged. "I know your career is important and I want to respect that. But at least when I'm traveling maybe you can come with me? I know you can work remotely."

Clara was still thinking about it when Taehyung broke into her thoughts. "Clara, you know I'd be happy if you just quit your job and I could take care of you. I know that you already do so much to take care of me. I feel like I need to at least make that offer so it is clear to you that I'd financially support us fully if you'd like. I want to respect your wishes but perhaps you'd consider just working part time? I feel terrible asking you to make the biggest sacrifices, but I think we both know that I don't have a lot of options right now."

It was quiet as Taehyung reflected for a few minutes. "Unfortunately I have things I've already committed to that probably will take me through most of the next year. I have a new television show I've signed onto, along with all of my regular commitments with the band. But after that I'll do what I can to cut back. I can decline to take on so many individual interviews or photoshoots, I won't do any additional TV shows particularly if they require me to be out of town. And I'll try to explain to the company that I don't want to be as busy. I already have all the money we are ever going to need."

Clara released a breath. "Taehyung, I've really been thinking about this. While I appreciate that you are trying to work around me, I don't want you to give up the things you love and want to do."

"But Clara, you are what I love. I'd give all of that up for you."

"No Taehyung, you need to listen to me please. I love that you have so many passions and you are so talented. And I know how much you brighten other people's lives through your work. I know the band needs you, and I don't want to take that away. I would be glad if you cut back some, but let's take it one day at a time OK?"

Taehyung jumped from his chair to kneel beside Clara's and wrap her in a big hug. "Thank you so much for understanding and caring for me. I really can hardly believe how lucky I am."

Clara ran her fingers through Taehyung's hair. "Tae, I've also decided that the thing that makes me happier than my career is you. I'm not really ready to let my work go yet, particularly considering I don't have anything else to do. But I will talk to my job about transitioning to part time. And I like the idea of traveling with you on trips both short and long. I think it might be hard to figure out how to keep our relationship a secret. But I promise I'll do my best to be sneaky in the ways you think are most important."

Taehyung hugged her tighter. "I love you my sneaky girl". Bumping her nose with his, he began to kiss her softly with renewed confidence that they were going to make it. Soon enough they were interrupted by a doorbell which signaled their dinner had arrived.

"I'll be right back baby girl. It's time to get you fed."