Ecstacy of Love (vsoo)

39. I want to stay with you. (finale)

Edited

Taehyung’s POV

The sun bathed the kingdom in a warm, golden light. The entire kingdom seemed to be alive with the joy of the Crown Prince and his new bride, celebrating their union as they prepared to rule together. It was a moment of victory for the kingdom, a moment of joy. But amidst all the cheers and festivities, my eyes were drawn to one person.

She stood there, radiant and unearthly beautiful in her peacock-colored hanbok. Her presence outshone everything else, as though the entire world had faded into the background and she was the only one who mattered. My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her.

Jisoo’s cheeks flushed when our eyes met, her shy gaze quickly darting away. I couldn’t help but smirk at her reaction. She knew I loved teasing her, and even though she tried to act indifferent, I could see the way she melted under my attention.

I leaned slightly forward, refusing to break my stare as she nervously adjusted herself, her discomfort endearing. The crowd seemed to fade as I focused only on her, my thoughts consumed by the way she looked at me—half embarrassed, half amused, but always drawn to me.

Soon enough, the ceremony was over, and people began to disperse into groups. I watched her from the distance as she engaged in small talk with others, though it was clear she wasn’t paying much attention to anyone but me.

As the ceremony ended, the noise of the crowd seemed to fade, and I made my move, slipping through the group of people with a wicked grin. I couldn't help myself.

"Can you all allow me to take my beautiful lady?" I teased the others who were chatting nearby.

With a shy yet knowing smile, Jisoo placed her hand in mine, and without another word, I pulled her away from the crowd. We walked through the garden, finding it empty—just the two of us, away from the festivities.

I could feel the familiar pull between us, the chemistry that had always been there. We didn’t need words; the connection was enough. But there was still something in the air that lingered, something between us that was unsaid, yet understood.

"We shouldn't have come here like that. People might get the wrong idea," Jisoo said, her voice laced with concern as she quickly pulled her hand away from mine. Her fingers, which had been intertwined with mine just moments ago, slipped from my grasp. It was almost funny how she tried to act so proper, even though I knew the way she looked at me spoke volumes.

"Wedding ceremony’s over," I shrugged, trying to mask my true feelings. "And there’s no point in waiting all along. I wanted some time for us, away from all the noise and the crowd."

I flashed her a smile, one that could only be described as mischievous. Without waiting for her to protest further, I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her closer until she was flush against me.

Her breath hitched, and I couldn't help but enjoy the way she reacted.

"What are you doing?" she stammered, eyes wide, her face flushed in an adorable mix of shock and embarrassment. I could tell she was caught off guard, probably not expecting this side of me, especially after the formality of the wedding.

I leaned in, watching the slight panic in her eyes as she tried to regain her composure, and I couldn’t stop myself.

"What does it look like I’m doing?" I whispered playfully, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. My lips hovered just inches from hers, teasing, but not quite kissing. The proximity alone had her flustered, her body stiffening slightly against mine, but I could sense she didn't mind the closeness.