Trusting (KTH)

Chapter 45

Taehyung could feel Clara shaking in anxiety next to him. He tried to offer her calming reassurance but she simply wasn't receiving it. While it felt like a lost cause he continued his gentle support, wanting to do whatever he could to keep the conversation as comfortable as possible.

Clara's father got everyone's attention and began to speak. "I know a lot has happened over the last month and it has left both Clara and Taehyung in a difficult position. I think it would be best if we started by both of you sharing what is more important to you right now. If we get that out in the open it might be easier to talk about potential options. Does that make sense?"

The couple both nodded, then after a brief pause Taehyung began. "Well, what is most important to me is Clara and the twins' health and safety. This is even more important because Clara is pregnant and I know how critical her well being is to the baby's. I also know how hard being pregnant has been for Clara and I worry about her getting sick again."

Clara's father gave Taehyung a sympathetic smile, "Thanks Taehyung-ah. I think we can all understand what you are saying."

He then turned to Clara. "And what about you dear, what is most important to you."

Clara took a deep breath trying to steady herself, turning the little cub to face her so she could clutch him closer. "I...I...I also, I mean, I think for me, the thing that is most important is the twins' safety."

Her father gave her a warm smile. "In good news it seems like once again you both want the same thing, so I think we should talk about what options we have that prioritize that."

Taehyung really didn't want to say it, but he knew that keeping Clara and the twins with him would offer the most security. After all, their entire tour was built around protecting all the members and they had a large security contingent that traveled with them, supplemented by local security wherever they went. While he had to admit it hadn't been seamless so far, it was certainly better than any alternative.

Taehyung could see from the expression on Namjoon's face that his fellow member felt the same way as he did. He was thankful when Namjoon broke the silence for him.

"Clara," Namjoon kept his voice soft and calm, "what do you think offers the most safety and security for you and the boys?"

Clara's eyes began to fill with tears and she shifted so she could bury her face in Taehyung's arm. "I know..." she whispered so only Taehyung could hear her, "I know that we should stay but I'm just so scared."

Taehyung felt like half of a heavy burden was lifted from him. He hated seeing Clara anxious, but if she was willing to acknowledge that it might make sense for her to stay, he could finally begin to relax.

Taehyung quickly motioned to Namjoon to come over and take the little tiger from his arms, freeing him to hold Clara more closely. As soon as his arms were empty he wrapped them tightly around her, pulling her close and whispering in her ear as his cheek brushed hers. "I know you're scared sweetheart. I'm sorry you've had to go through this, but I want you to know that we can work it out together, ok? Can you trust me? I'll do whatever it takes to make you feel better again. But I agree with you, the best and safest thing for you and for the boys is to stay here with me."

Clara slightly nodded her head while she continued to sniffle. After a few moments Taehyung pulled away just enough to share the decision with everyone else. "Clara and the boys will stay, but we need to fix it so nothing like this can ever happen again."

At that point the conversation turned to planning time. Taehyung knew that Clara wouldn't be willing to ask for much considering how shy she was, so he was going to fight for the whole entire world on her behalf.

They started with the basic logistics. The manager agreed that security would send two people to sweep their room twice a day. Each would do a full sweep one after the other just to make sure nothing could possibly be missed. In addition they would allow Clara to select their room from any on the floor after everyone had checked in to ensure the hotel staff couldn't possibly know which room they had selected. Taehyung was surprised when the manager also offered to fly a member of the Big Hit staff to join the tour and provide housekeeping, relatively eliminating the need for anyone else to access their floor under any circumstances.

Similarly the manager offered to fly a dietician out to join the tour to make all of Clara's meals personally. While Taehyung knew the company cared for them, this felt unusually generous. So much so that Taehyung couldn't help but point it out.

"Um..." the manager hesitated. "Let's just say some of the other members did some advocacy on your behalf."

At this point Namjoon interjected. "Yoongi and Hobi reported back to PD Bang that they thought everything that happened was the companies fault and the least they could do was dig deep into their pockets to accommodate anything Clara or you wanted. They also reminded him that the company is likely to make a hefty sum in their lawsuits against the people who violated your privacy and the companies that allowed it to happen so they should consider it a small investment."

Clara and the manager both turned a bit red at the awkwardness of how direct Namjoon was, but then the conversation quickly moved along. Taehyung also asked the manager to reach out to Clara's yoga instructor and see if she would also join the tour for several weeks, thinking both the physical activity and meditation would both do Clara well. Taehyung also knew Clara liked her yoga instructor, remembering they often would go for walks and chat in addition to her yoga practice.

Clara kept trying to explain that it wasn't necessary and they shouldn't go out of their way for her, but her father and Dr. Park fully supported the proposal, so it was confirmed on the list of things for the manager to solve.

Taehyung then turned back to Clara and grabbed both her hands.

"What do you think about these proposals so far? Is there anything missing, or anything you're still worried about?"

Clara had a few more concerns, but they weren't things she wanted to talk about in front of their current company. Taehyung picked up on her pleading eyes and kissed her forehead. Turning back to the assembled group he thanked everyone for their time and said he wanted to talk with Clara in private so they could discuss any other concerns.

Clara's parents offered to keep the twins a bit longer so Clara and Taehyung could discuss freely and without interruption. Taehyung held Clara's hand in his as they returned to their suite, gently situating her on the coach while he snuggled close against her frame.

"What is weighing on your mind sweetheart? Tell me anything you want and I'll try to make it happen."

Clara took a deep breath to collect her thoughts before she launched in.