Broken Hearts

2

When Taehyung walked through the bustling campus on the second day of the new university, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Jimin was walking beside him, with a smile on his face as usual, checking out the female students. Occasionally, he nudged Taehyung and commented on their looks, which caught Taehyung's attention, but those weren't the old days when he used to check out every girl who seemed interesting.

"By the way, I haven't had a girlfriend since high school," Jimin proudly remarked.

"So, three months?" Taehyung smirked, and Jimin pursed his lips.

"That's my record. They should put me in the Guinness World Records."

"Only Jimin's," Tae chuckled and nudged Jimin with his elbow.

"But seriously, don't you miss the old times at all? Like fooling around with girls?" Jimin asked, and Taehyung pondered. He would be lying if he said he never thought about it. Of course, he did think about it, but he didn't want to give up on Jennie. He had found something real and didn't want to let it go. He had made mistakes in the past that he wanted to avoid.

"I'd be lying if I said no, but more than that, I miss our guys' hangouts at your place," he smiled, and his mind wandered to Jungkook.

"It's a shame he didn't stay in Seoul and went to Amsterdam." It's as if Jimin sensed who he was thinking of. Taehyung nodded.

"Unfortunately, not everything is always perfect."

"That's true... and neither is her eyebrow," Jimin commented on a passing girl, who obviously overheard him.

"I think she heard you," Taehyung pointed out, and Jimin grimaced.

"Damn, now she'll gossip about me to her friends."

With laughter, they arrived at their first class and took their seats.

"Hi, guys," their classmate Yuri appeared at their table. She focused her attention on Taehyung, who was in the same year and major as her. "Have you heard about the meeting on Saturday? We're meeting up with some classmates in the park," Yuri said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. She also glanced at Jimin. Although he wasn't in their group, Yuri was a social butterfly and needed to be in the know about everything. Taehyung suspected that Jimin had caught Yuri's interest.

"A meeting? For what?" Taehyung asked.

Yuri grinned and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just an informal gathering to meet up, get to know each other better and discuss some ideas for upcoming events. You should come!" Now she looked at Jimin too. Although he wasn't in their group, Yuri was a social butterfly and needed to be in the know about everything. Taehyung suspected that Jimin had caught Yuri's interest.

"I'm not sure if I'll come," Taehyung replied.

"It's not a request but an order! You must show up," she wagged her finger at them but kept her wide smile.

"We'll see," Tae grumbled, but Yuri had already gone back to her seat.

Their day passed quickly, and it was soon the end of their classes. So far, it had been an orientation to the new environment and professors. What interested Taehyung the most was what followed as he and Jimin were leaving the school campus.

"Friend, I have to meet with the theater professor to discuss joining a play. I'll see you at the apartment later," Jimin said, as he had decided he wanted to try out for the school theater. This was a surprise to everyone, including Taehyung. However, Taehyung didn't mind; in fact, he was happy about Jimin's presence. He didn't have the best relationship with his family, especially his father. His father hadn't been enthusiastic about Jimin's choice to study acting. He wanted Jimin to study architecture, just like he did, and eventually take over the family business. Taehyung loved music and didn't want to give it up, but he also understood his father's perspective. He had spent a lot of time pondering his life; he was the only son in the Kim family, and there was a lot of pressure on him. Since childhood, his father had been strict with him, and the situation with his mother hadn't helped. Music had been his escape from a dysfunctional family.

Taehyung's thoughts were interrupted by a beautiful melody. He paused for a moment, trying to figure out where the melody was coming from. It was both familiar and distant, and it made his heart skip a beat. He tried to locate the source of the melody. It was coming from a closed classroom. Carefully, he opened the door.

In the classroom, a girl was playing the piano, producing enchanting melodies. It was a paradise for his ears. Taehyung quietly entered the room, not wanting to startle the girl, and leaned against the wall. He listened to her beautiful performance, her fingers dancing gracefully and emotionally on the keys. The girl took a moment to realize that someone was watching her. She finished the final note, and her fingers hesitated on the keys. She dropped her sheet music in shock, and Taehyung rushed to help her pick it up.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I'm Taehyung," he said.

Their eyes met, and the girl smiled sweetly.

"Sarang."

"You played beautifully," Taehyung complimented her, smiling dazzlingly, which flattered Sarang.

"Sarang," a voice called from the door, and both of them turned. Another girl was waiting impatiently for her friend.

"I have to go. I hope to see you again, Taehyung," she said his name with a tone that sent shivers down his spine. She had a velvety and seductive voice. Taehyung was captivated. He had no inclination to move or go on his way. He was completely taken by the girl.

"Hello?" Jimin's voice snapped Taehyung out of his trance.

"Oh, hi, Jimin," Taehyung replied, still lost in thought.

"What's gotten into you?" Jimin asked.

"I just met someone," Taehyung replied, his mind still on Sarang.

Taehyung and Jimin attended the Saturday gathering as agreed. Taehyung wasn't particularly enthusiastic about it. He imagined a more enjoyable Saturday afternoon spent with Jennie. They approached a group of people, and it was clear that they were their classmates. Yuri was eagerly waving a placard and matching T-shirts for everyone. Taehyung sighed, and Jimin chuckled.

"Yuri is something," Jimin remarked, and Taehyung gave him a sidelong glance.

"Is this the end of your solitary period, then?" he teased, and Jimin frowned.

"Just because of your teasing, I'll endure it for longer."

"Haha, I don't believe you. I bet it'll only be a few days before you two are together."

With laughter, they joined their classmates. Yuri immediately noticed them and rushed over.

"You came!" She was smiling and started handing them matching T-shirts.

"We didn't want to disappoint you," Jimin said, flashing an enchanting smile. Taehyung laughed under his breath, and Jimin gave him a playful look.

"All right, guys, join the others, and we'll start the activities," Yuri instructed. They nodded and joined their classmates, who welcomed them warmly. Yuri instructed them to put on the T-shirts so she could easily identify them among the crowd. Yuri went on to solve some issue, which Taehyung found uninteresting. What caught his attention was a girl by the fountain. He recognized her. He walked over to her and smiled.

"Sarang?"