Amore Vendetta (Taekook)

A Birthday to Remember

Ignore the mistakes 🙏🏻

"Wait, Min-jae, did you hear that?" Taehyung's voice trembled with urgency as he hushed his friend in the dimly lit alley.

Min-jae turned, his eyes widening. "What? What did you hear, Taehyung?"

"Shh, footsteps... someone's coming," Taehyung's heart raced as he strained to make out the source of the approaching sounds.

With bated breath, they watched as a figure emerged from the shadows. Relief washed over them as a boy, not much older than them, appeared carrying a small cake box and a bag filled with convenience store goodies.

"Happy 23rd, Taehyung!" Min-jae grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I know your father's strict about these things, but you deserve to enjoy your birthday too."

Taehyung's lips curled into a shy smile. "Thanks, Min-jae. You didn't have to go through all this trouble."

Min-jae playfully nudged him. "Oh, but I did. Now come on, let's cut this cake before it gets any colder!"

They settled on a couple of crates, surrounded by the serenity of the night. The soft glow of a streetlamp illuminated their makeshift celebration, casting fleeting shadows on the cobblestone pavement.

With careful hands, Taehyung sliced through the cake, the rich aroma filling the air. "You know, Min-jae, it's moments like this that make me forget about everything else."

Min-jae's smile held a hint of melancholy. "I'm glad, Tae. You deserve happiness, even if it's just stolen moments like this."

Taehyung chuckled, his eyes dancing with warmth. "Well, I couldn't ask for a better accomplice in my secret midnight feasts."

Their laughter echoed softly in the quiet alley, a bubble of joy suspended in time. As the last slice of cake was savored, Min-jae glanced at Taehyung, a mixture of fondness and concern in his gaze.

"You know, Taehyung, someday you'll have to step out of these shadows. Your father might have reasons, but it shouldn't stop you from living your life."

Taehyung's expression turned thoughtful. "I know, Min-jae. But it's not that simple. My father's world... it's complicated."

Min-jae reached over, giving his friend's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I just don't want you to miss out on the world, Tae. You deserve to experience everything it has to offer."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a motorbike approaching. Taehyung turned to see a delivery boy, clad in a familiar logo, pulling up beside them.

"Food's here, gentlemen!" the delivery boy announced cheerfully, oblivious to the unconventional setting.

Min-jae chuckled. "Right on time. Let's eat like kings tonight, Tae!"

The night air held a hint of a chill, a fitting backdrop for their clandestine feast. Under the soft glow of the streetlamp, Taehyung and Min-jae devoured their late-night indulgence, their laughter and conversation dancing in the quiet alley.

As the food disappeared, replaced by contented sighs, Taehyung's world shifted with alarming speed. Vertigo clawed at his senses, his surroundings spinning into a dizzying frenzy. Panic surged within him, his hands reaching out instinctively for Min-jae, only to witness his friend crumpling to the ground with a thud.

"No, Min-jae!" Taehyung's voice trembled, his heart hammering in his chest. He knelt beside his fallen friend, desperately trying to steady himself as his own mind swirled with disorientation.

Amidst the chaos, his eyes locked onto the familiar figure of the delivery boy, standing just a few feet away. Panic mingled with hope as Taehyung attempted to call out for help, the words muffled by the tape pressed against his lips. Fear crept in as the delivery boy advanced, methodically binding his hands and feet with the same tape that stifled his cries.