Fading Away | Taekook

36 - Ghost

Seven years ago

"Of course, I want to be your girlfriend!"

Iseul leaped into Taehyung's arms, wrapping her legs around his hips as she peppered his face with small kisses. She couldn't pinpoint exactly when she started liking him romantically, but now he is her boyfriend.

The couple had known each other since childhood, going to school together and forming an inseparable trio with Jin.

Now, at fifteen, she and Taehyung, who was sixteen, were taking the next step in their relationship. After sharing some kisses and liking it, they decided to declare themselves as a couple. It was easy, effortless, and made sense to date your best friend—the person you'd known your whole life and whose character you have no doubts about.

When Taehyung's grandfather passed away suddenly, Iseul stood by his side along with Jin. They watched as the teenager's life crumbled, helpless to prevent it; The farm's bankruptcy, the need to sell most of their land, Taehyung having to drop out of school to work and support his grandmother—it all unfolded before their eyes. Iseul's admiration for her friend only grew, and perhaps that's when love took on a different hue.

They shared all their firsts: first kiss, first love, first "I love you," first heartbreak. Both felt fortunate to have found their soulmates so early in life—the person they would marry and build a family with.

Four years ago

Iseul was ecstatic! She hadn't been able to attend college right after high school, but now she had secured a partial scholarship and was finally going to achieve two of her dreams: graduating on college and living in Seoul.

Taehyung was thrilled for his girlfriend—how could he not be, seeing the huge smile on her face? He was driving to Seoul to help her move, taking her hand in his mouth and kissing her knuckles. "At least one of us will have a diploma. I'm proud of you, beautiful," he said.

Iseul looked at him compassionately. "One day, you'll have yours too. Things are improving at your farm! Soon you'll be able to finish your studies, Tae."

Taehyung kissed her hand again. "It's okay. Things are what they are. I'll work hard to expand our farm so that when you return, we can get married."

Iseul glanced out the window briefly. She wanted to marry Taehyung, but she didn't want to go back to Eumseong, let alone live on a farm. Finally, she had found a way out of the countryside, and she had no intention of returning. Now she needed to figure out how to bring Taehyung with her.

Two years ago

Taehyung's heart raced as he rode the elevator anxiously. He had planned a surprise for his beloved girlfriend—a romantic gesture he hoped would make her smile again. Iseul was stressed during her exam week and today was her final exam. So Taehyung made a reservation at her favorite restaurant and wants to surprise her by coming from Eumseong.

He rang the doorbell, eyes fixed on the door as he adjusted his clothes, his feet tapping on the floor. Excitement bubbled within him. The key turned in the lock, and the door opened slowly. But what he saw left him paralyzed.

Iseul was there, but not alone. She was with another man. She was wearing a silk rosé robe that barely hides her lingerie of the same color, and their gazes met. Taehyung's heart broke into a thousand pieces. He couldn't breathe, he couldn't speak.