LITTLE DO YOU KNOW

• TWENTY •

PUSHING aside her lingering thoughts, Dahyun responded with a playful tone, her lips curving into a smile. "That's good to know. I thought there's more to it," she quipped, aiming to lighten the mood between them.

"What if there's more to it? What are you willing to risk?"

Taehyung's sudden question caught Dahyun off guard, her composure slipping as her mental state began to falter. Her hands trembled slightly, causing her utensils to slip from her grasp and clatter onto the plate. With a shaky breath, she reached for her black pouchette shoulder bag, her fingers fumbling as she struggled to regain control. "I, um, I need to use the restroom," she stammered, her voice betraying her inner turmoil as she hastily rose from her seat and excused herslef.

Taehyung watched her with concern etched in his face, his brows furrowing slightly as he observed her trembling hands and unsteady movements. "Is everything okay?" he inquired softly, his voice laced with concern. When Dahyun offered no response, he simply nodded understandingly. "Take your time. I'll still be here when you get back," he reassured her, his tone gentle and reassuring as he gestured for her to go ahead.

As Dahyun hurried away, Taehyung's words lingered like a weight upon her chest, each step feeling like a struggle against an invisible force as she navigated the crowded hallway. 'How can he tease me so easily?' she grumbled mentally, frustration simmering within her. Her mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts, uncertainty gnawing at her resolve as she sought refuge in the dimly lit restroom.

Leaning heavily against the cool porcelain sink, Dahyun's breaths came in shallow, ragged gasps as she attempted to steady herself. She met her own reflection in the mirror, her features twisted in a mixture of confusion and agitation. "Why is he acting like this all of a sudden?" she murmured aloud, the sound of her own voice echoing in the empty room.

Her reflection offered no answers, only a silent observer, as Dahyun continued to voice her frustrations. "He never used to pay me attention before.  He doesn't even sit next to me or talk to me at least!" she grumbled, her tone laced with incredulity as she analyzed her past interactions with Taehyung. "Was I too transparent? Did he realize that I was avoiding him that's why he's teasing me like that?"

Her monologue took on a more dramatic tone as she speculated further, her hands gesturing animatedly as she recounted past events. "And what's with this sudden charm offensive? Is he trying to play some kind of game? Did he realize that I was chosen to be the one whose the future CEO is going to marry that's why he's trying to act cool to me?" She shook her head in disbelief, her brows furrowing as she attempted to make sense of Taehyung's behavior. "But even so, why act like that? Based on my past experiences, he did not like the idea of getting tied to anyone, even to Jennie. He even quarrelled with Madame Kim and almost did not show up on our engagement party."

With a frustrated sigh, Dahyun dramatically scratched her head, "This is driving me insane!"

Straightening her posture and smoothing down her hair with a nervous gesture, Dahyun froze as the sound of a cubicle clicking reminded her she wasn't alone in the restroom. Heat flooded her cheeks as she quickly turned her face towards the wall, embarrassed by the realization that her private musings had not been as solitary as she had assumed.

As the door closed behind, Dahyun released a relieved exhale, her heart rate gradually returning to normal as she resumed her agenda in front of the mirror. She scrutinized her reflection, a self-conscious frown creasing her brow as she took in her appearance. 'I hadn't realized I looked so plain,'  she thought, her fingers absently running through her hair in an attempt to tame any stray strands.

With a hesitant sigh, Dahyun reached for her makeup bag. She glanced at her lips in the mirror, a sudden urge to freshen up her appearance washing over her. Taking care to keep her makeup light and natural, she deftly applied a touch of color to her eyelids and lips. She made sure to keep her makeup subtle, not wanting to give the impression that she had retreated to the restroom solely to enhance her appearance in front of Taehyung.