Rewriting Our Fate ( Sequel Of LoM )

Under The Surface

"Mr. Kim, are you available tomorrow to discuss the contract?" Lucy’s email pinged into inbox, the subject line drawing my attention. The weight of the upcoming contract negotiations loomed over me, and I knew how crucial it was to get everything in order.

I watched as my manager, Mr. Park, typed a quick reply. His brow furrowed in concentration. "Sorry, but Taehyung has come back to Korea to handle some matters. Regarding the contract, we will contact you according to his schedule."

I felt a mix of disappointment and anxiety at the news. Taehyung had left unexpectedly, and I couldn’t help but wonder, *Is he convinced that I’m in a relationship? That I’ve moved on? Have I really been able to convince him to let go of what we had?*

Leaning back in my chair, I stared out the window at the bustling street below. The city seemed so alive, filled with laughter and chatter, yet I felt a profound sense of disconnect. My mind raced with questions, each one weighing heavier than the last.

What if he really believed I was moving on with Jiho? The thought should have brought me relief, a sense of closure that I had desperately sought. Yet, deep down, I felt a twinge of disappointment creeping in. Would he truly let go, or would he just bury his feelings until they festered?

I rubbed my temples, trying to sort through the whirlwind of emotions. " I should be happy," I told myself. Taehyung’s acceptance of our situation would mean less pain for both of us. But the thought of him genuinely moving on also felt like a loss. A part of me still clung to the hope that he’d come back, that he’d fight for us, no matter how irrational that hope was.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Jiho, asking if I was free later for coffee. I hesitated for a moment, considering whether I wanted to dive into another round of pretend boyfriend duties. Yet, maybe talking with him would help clear my head.

I quickly typed back a reply, agreeing to meet. As I hit send, a pang of longing struck me. Taehyung's return to Korea had brought back a flood of unresolved feelings, and it was becoming harder to separate my past from the present. I just hoped that by keeping up this facade with Jiho, I could create some distance between myself and those lingering emotions.

"How was the trip, Taehyung?" A familiar voice asked from behind, cutting through my thoughts. "I heard from Rosé that you went to New Zealand secretly. Did you both talk things out?"

I sighed, shoulders slumping. "She—she has a boyfriend, Noona," I replied, my disappointment hanging in the air.

A soft giggle followed. "Did you believe that? I can't believe you fell for her silly trick."

"I really don't want to believe it either, but they were so close earlier...," I muttered, trying to make sense of everything.

"The fact that she spent so much effort to make you believe it is already enough to tell me she still loves you," she said with a knowing smile.

"Do you really think so?" I asked, a flicker of hope sparking inside me.

"Of course. I know my Jendukie very well. And deep down, you know it too."

"Do you think I should pursue her again? To make her realize her feelings too?" I asked, feeling the desperation creeping back in, my voice a bit shaky. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the rejection again. Every memory of us—how we used to be—kept flooding my mind.

She raised an eyebrow, her expression softening but with a hint of teasing. "Why are you asking me, Taehyung?" she said, crossing her arms as if to say I should already know the answer. "Ask yourself—do you really think either of you can live without each other? Can you go on pretending like this doesn’t matter?"