Trusting (KTH)

Chapter 53

The next morning at breakfast Yejin, Hobi, Clara, and Taehyung were huddled with security making a plan for the two girls to go out to just a couple of shops so they could try on clothes and maybe find a new outfit for the concert.

Clara had already asked Namjoon several times and her parents twice if they thought it was a good idea for her to go out shopping and to the concert. At every turn she received encouragement and support for her venturing out, even if she only felt up to doing a small bit.

The plan as it stood included visiting several boutiques for high end designers. Clara mostly stayed around the hotel, and she knew her body shape was about to radically change as her pregnancy progressed so she was a bit skeptical about investing in expensive clothes. Eventually she asked if instead they might just find a local store with cute pieces that were more appropriate for her current situation. With a kind smile Yejin agreed to ensure they found a good mix.

At the end of the meeting Taehyung pulled Clara aside. "I hope you have a good day today. I also hope you don't hold back from splurging on something special if you see something you like."

Clara nodded politely but wasn't convinced. "I know, but I want to be respectful about spending your..." Clara could see Taehyung giving her a disapproving look, "I mean our money."

Taehyung gently kissed her forehead, "I know you will baby girl. I just don't want you worrying about that too, ok?"

Clara nodded just enough to be visible but clearly wasn't convinced. "I'll try."

"Good girl," Taehyung praised her. "I'll check in whenever I have a break, ok? And you have your credit card right?"

Taehyung didn't need to give Clara his black card because he ordered one in her name as soon as they were married. "Yes, I think so."

"Alright then, I think everything is planned. I hope you have a good day." Taehyung leaned forward to give her a sweet kiss before he had to leave her for the day.

"You too," Clara whispered in return.

Taehyung knew that if she made it through this so many possibilities would open up. He really could only hope for the best.

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Clara got a little teary saying goodbye to the boys but was down in Hobi's room to meet Yejin only a few minutes late.

Yejin gave her a serious look before she spoke. "Tell me everything you are nervous about now so I can have it in mind."

Clara was so thankful that even though Yejin was much braver than her, she appreciated the complexity of her situation and Clara's personality.

"Well, I'm afraid I'll be easily noticed because of my scars. And I worry that it might be overwhelming and I won't want to stay out as long as you do."

"I hear you," Yejin assured her. "First, I want to try some makeup to see if we might cover up your scars. I might require more than you'd like to wear everyday but it should protect your anonymity for today."

Clara nodded in confirmation.

"As far as coming back, we'll talk to our two security escorts together and make sure they understand that if you say anything to any of us we'll know it's time to wrap up and head back."

It didn't really settle Clara's nerves but she guessed that it was the best she could hope for.

Yejin was already pulling out her makeup kit. "I don't normally have makeup that matches your skin tone but I happened to bring some just in case. Shall we get started?"