FATE'S GAME | | BTS FF (18+)

47| The Forbidden Declaration

JUNGKOOK

"Why do I always find you instead of Tae when I need someone?" I heard her , well it's because I never let him reach to you . Stirring in my sleep I opened my eyes and finally my gaze meets with her , " Or is it because I love you more ?" I murmured.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wh--what?" I sighed and sat up straight. "If Tae truly prioritized you, he would be here with you on this first anniversary of yours." The silence that followed felt heavy, almost suffocating. I could see the surprise etched on her face, and it was clear that my words had hit harder than I'd anticipated. After a moment of stunned silence, she finally spoke, her voice shaky. "I—I don't know what to say."

I watched her, feeling a mix of sadness and determination. "It's not about blame. It's about how things stand. If Tae really cared, he'd be here. But I'm here, and maybe you need to see that."

I watched her, every second of the silence feeling like an eternity. Her eyes searched mine, as if hoping to find an answer in them that could make this all make sense. The confusion and hurt were palpable, and I could almost see the gears turning in her mind as she tried to reconcile my words with her feelings for Tae.

Her voice finally broke the silence again, though it was barely above a whisper. "But... Tae has always been there for me in his own way. It's just... different." Her gaze dropped to her lap, her fingers nervously twisting a corner of the blanket.

I felt a pang of sympathy, seeing her struggle to make sense of it all. "I'm not saying Tae doesn't care," I said gently, though the words felt heavy on my tongue. "I'm just saying that actions speak louder than words. You needed someone today, on this day that means so much to you, and I'm here. Not him." Her gaze dropped to her lap, her fingers nervously twisting a corner of the blanket.

I felt a pang of sympathy, seeing her struggle to make sense of it all. "I understand," I said, though my tone was carefully measured. "Tae has been a part of your life for a long time, and he has his own way of showing care. But you know, sometimes people can't always provide what we need when we need it most."

Her eyes flickered up to mine, searching for some reassurance. "What do you mean?"

"I'm just saying that sometimes, even the people who care the most can't always be there in the way we need them," I said gently. "You needed someone today, on a day that's incredibly important to you, and I'm here. I've been here, ready to support you in every way you needed."

Her eyes met mine again, wavering between hope and loyalty. "I don't know," she said, her voice barely audible. "It's hard to think about right now."

"I'm not saying Tae doesn't care," I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm just saying that actions speak louder than words. You needed someone today, on this day that means so much to you, and I'm here. Not him."

Her eyes searched mine, and I could see the wheels turning in her head. She knew I was right, but her loyalty to Tae was strong. I could sense the conflict within her.

"I know he's been busy with work," I said, trying to sound understanding. "But that's no excuse for not being here for you on your birthday. Or for not showing up to his own birthday surprise party you planned for him. And don't even get me started on New Year's Eve."

I could see the hurt in her eyes, but I pressed on, trying to make her see the truth which is all mess I created to make her mine . "I know he's been distant lately, and it's all because he's been busy with his own life. But that's no excuse for not making time for you."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I'm here for you, Sweetheart," I said softly. "I've always been here for you, even when Tae wasn't. And I'll always be here for you, whenever you need me."