Nascent

Chapter Fourteen

Lily's POV

The Jazz Haven, with its dimly lit corners and tables adorned in hues of red, hummed with an undercurrent of anticipation. Lily, draped in an exquisite  backless emerald gown, embodied elegance as she prepared to grace the stage. Her hair was put in a bun with some starnds of hair hanging on the front. The weeks since her last encounter with Taehyung had woven a tapestry of independence around her, and tonight she reveled in the belief that his prediction of their paths crossing again was proven wrong.

Navigating through the sea of crowded tables, Lily exchanged pleasantries with the band and staff. The stage, positioned at the heart of the establishment, beckoned like a secret realm of musical enchantment. As she approached the drummer, her breath caught in her throat—Taehyung stood there, an embodiment of effortless charm. His washed-down black jeans clung to his form, cinched by a subtle black belt, while a simple white top peeked from beneath a meticulously worn black leather jacket. A golden chain with some emerald gems attached to it hung loose o his neck. Matching the shade of Lily's dress. His hair, kissed by the red lights, had transformed into a midnight black cascade.

"Taehyung? What brings you here?" Lily queried, her eyes lingering on the subtle transformation in his appearance.

Caught in a moment of admiration for the drummer, Taehyung finally turned toward Lily. A mischievous smirk adorned his lips as his gaze traversed her emerald ensemble. "Lily," he greeted.

Suppressing the fluttering in her chest, Lily couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Do you own this club too, by any chance?"

A resonant chuckle escaped Taehyung's lips, his arms crossing in a stance of playful defiance. "Lily, that would be a monopoly. And I appreciate competition."

With a theatrical sigh, Lily replied, "I was hoping to disprove your theory. Why are you here?"

"I'm here to watch Celine's performance," Taehyung admitted playfully. "I've heard she's gracing the stage tonight. I've become a fervent admirer."

A subtle blush danced across Lily's cheeks, but she dismissed it with a graceful wave. "Well, get off stage then, Celine is about to perform."

Attempting to guide Taehyung away from the limelight, the lights abruptly focused on them. The club erupted in applause, the patrons expecting a melodious duet between the unexpected pair.

The ambient hum of the jazz club hushed into anticipation as Lily and Taehyung found themselves center stage, under the soft glow of the spotlight. The piano, with its enchanting melody, began to weave the opening strains of "City of Stars," casting a spell over the captivated audience.

Lily turned to Taehyung with a soft whisper, "You said you can sing, right?" His slow nod served as an affirmative response. "Okay, just follow my lead," Lily instructed, a hint of nervous excitement in her eyes.

Sharing a microphone, their voices harmonized effortlessly as they embarked on the verses. Taehyung, with a depth that seemed to resonate from the very core of his being, began;

City of stars

Are you shining just for me?City of starsThere's so much that I can't seeWho knows?I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you

Lily stood beside him, her expression a mixture of awe and admiration. His soulful rendition gave the timeless lyrics new life, and she found herself momentarily captivated by the grace and richness of his voice.

As the lyrics passed seamlessly between them, Lily took her turn, her voice delicate;

That now our dreams may finally come true