Trusting (KTH)

Chapter 30

It was a rough day for the band but for the first time it felt like their communications plan was finally going right. Maybe it was uniquely supportive fans in the city. Maybe people had enough of the drama. Who knows, but it suddenly felt like the wave in support of Taehyung and Clara was starting to outweigh the tide against them.

After the most recent round of articles the company felt they had to address the allegations head on. It was one thing to ignore the rumors that Taehyung was unfaithful. It was another thing entirely for people to believe Jungkook and Taehyung's wife were having an affair.

The team quickly set up a small press conference in the hotel. They strictly limited the number of press who could attend and ask questions in person, instead largely reading prepared statements and broadcasting online.

All the members sat at one long table together but were mostly silent. Namjoon read the press release and then both Taehyung and Jungkook gave statements. Taehyung went first, refuting the pictures and rumors and sharing how painful it had been both to him personally and to Clara to have to see such articles. Taehyung then defended Clara against the hateful things that were being said about her.

Jungkook vigorously denied having a relationship with Clara beyond friendship, noting that he and Taehyung loved each other like brothers so she was more like a sister in law.

There were some questions asked but they were largely easy to handle. Press asked about how Taehyung and Clara met, when they had married, and wanted to know more about the twins. Taehyung gave vague answers that satiated curiosity but offered no real private details. There were a few questions he declined to answer, including inquiries about the large scar on Clara's face. Some things just didn't need to be said.

The media team watched feedback real time and could see that it was working. People were understanding and embracing the messages that were being shared and increasing momentum was getting behind a movement to leave Taehyung and Clara alone. They weren't out of the woods yet, but they could envision sending the members back out in public to perform and do interviews.

Clara spent the day with her parents largely tuning out the media and focusing instead on her newly discovered pregnancy and the boys who seemed to be growing and learning new things every day. A long nap partnered with a lazy shower had her feeling renewed.

They had less than three months left on tour so it wasn't like Clara needed to plan for life with the new baby while they were traveling. Dr. Park would watch over her until they returned to Korea and then she'd see her regular OB/GYN.

Clara's parents were happy to see her in better spirits. If this pregnancy was anything like the first they knew it likely wouldn't be long until fatigue and the dreaded morning sickness pressed in, so they started working immediately trying to get Clara comfortable with accepting that they could take a bigger role with the boys while Clara took care of herself.

Over the next several days Clara resumed her online Yoga class and devoted herself to being a soft landing space for Taehyung during this stressful time. While she had the option of tuning out the world around them, Taehyung couldn't. She wanted him to have the peace she was able to experience all day as soon as he returned to the hotel.

When he'd arrive back at night she'd greet him with a sweet kiss and offer to help run his shower. She'd spend her evenings giving him comforting massages, providing updates on the boys and asking about everything that happened while he was out.

Taehyung loved the feelings of closeness he and Clara were once again experiencing. Only a few weeks ago he'd been filled with dread about her identity being revealed and the hardships that were coming her way. Those had been largely set aside for now with renewed focus on each other.

They were on the last night in their current city, preparing to fly out tomorrow. Clara's parents had offered to keep the children for the night knowing Taehyung hoped to have a special date with his wife to celebrate her pregnancy.

Taehyung ordered several bouquets of Clara's favorite flowers and a special meal from the hotel to be delivered by room service. The table was covered with a beautiful local embroidery and soft lighting lit their rooms.

Each course was on a separate shelf of the room service cart, individually packaged so they could serve themselves.

Taehyung eventually asked Clara to come and sit on his lap. Even holding her hand across the table felt far too distant. He wanted her in his arms while he fed her each nourishing bite, one at a time. Nibbles were interspersed with gentle rubs of their noses and soft kisses littered down Clara's neck. By the time they were ready for dessert they were both far too distracted to enjoy the decadent cake.

Taehyung put on some slow jazz and asked Clara to dance with him. Dancing was partnered with roaming hands and clothes being slowly strewn around the room. Eventually their skin pressed tight against each other as they began to search for more.

Taehyung threw a blanket down on the couch in the suite and sat down, patting his legs to invite Clara to join him. Before long she was lining herself up and sinking down fully upon him. She slowly rocked up and down, his hands as her guide while small grunts and moans escaped her lips as Taehyung encouraged her. As they were approaching their high Taehyung repositioned them so she was laying back, both legs wrapped around his hips and he powerfully slid back and forth guiding them to their climax. They both shuddered, looking each other in the eyes with a large smile.

Taehyung eventually pulled out, picking Clara up so he could carry her to the bedroom. Snuggling deep under the covers they basked in each other's warmth. This was the perfect dream they both imagined. In only a few more months they'd be settled back at home, Taehyung would have some time off and a less busy schedule afterward. If they could just stay in this small protective bubble everything would be just fine.