Sirenic Menace

㉑That Won't Happen

  
Taehyung finished the drawing he was currently making with a few more strokes of his stylus pen and examined it thoroughly. It was a specific order from a couple. They wanted him to draw the scenery of the beach with a vibrant sunset and a couple holding hands.

The image of Jungkook kept coming to his mind like an addictive melody he couldn’t ward off throughout the process. He craved so much to live a moment like this with Jungkook. Just the two of them, holding hands and sauntering along the sand.

It had been a week since the last time he saw him, but everything was still so vivid. His touch on him, his kisses, his astonishing face, their memories. Just like the heartbreak he experienced.

The void in his heart only seemed to magnify as time passed without him.

Taehyung’s eyes slid past the screen of his computer, and he smiled at the presence of Seo Hyang, who came for his afternoon shift.

“Hello, Taehyung-ssi. How are you today?”

“Good. Well, the same, actually.” The smile on his face saddened a fraction.

They had gone out for beers two days ago, and Taehyung shared with him the reason for his melancholic state. For a twenty-four-year-old, Seo Hyang had a lot of great and mature advice to offer him, though Taehyung wasn’t ready to follow most of them. He could only occupy himself with things he loved to do and let himself feel the pain so he could get through it.

“How about you?” Taehyung asked.

“I’m fine. Go rest now. Your eyes are red.”

Taehyung saved the drawing and rose from his seat. “Yeah, I can’t sleep that well. Anyway. Call me if you need anything.”

“Don’t worry.” Seo Hyang gave his shoulder a squeeze and tucked his bag under the desk. He snapped his eyes at the door once a ding rippled across the store and smiled. “Welcome.”

The two women returned the greeting and began browsing the place as Taehyung took hold of his bag. “Bye, Seo Hyang-ah.”

“Bye.”

Taehyung headed off to his car and slipped inside, throwing his bag on the passenger seat. He remained unmoving, as if lost in contemplation. It was the day of his father’s meeting with that Dong Myun, who was probably Kang Soo’s man. And he was about to defy Jungkook and his crying entreaties not to follow him.

He dug a hand into his pocket and pulled his phone out. He located Jimin’s number and called him, then set the phone in the holder. He started the engine as he waited for him to pick up and reversed the car to drive away.

“Hey, Tae.”

“Hey. Where are you?”

“Home. I’m looking over a messed-up case. What’s up?”

“Um... Can I borrow your car?”

Jimin reclined in his seat as his forehead scrunched up. “Why? Is something wrong with your car?”

“No. I want to follow my father.”

From creased, Jimin’s countenance hardened with disapproval. “Why?”

“I just want to see where he’s going. If he goes home right after work.” He was glad Jimin couldn’t see his face because he would detect his lie at once. He didn’t enjoy lying to him, but he didn’t want to worry him.

“Are you sure it’s just that?”

“Yes.”

“So you’re not about to do something dangerous?”