COLOR ME RUINED

Love in a photograph

Despite being tired to his last bone, Taehyung steps into the shower as soon as he reaches home after dropping Kinza at hers. He lets the hot water drain away all the tension in his muscles and eventually relaxes under it.

He doesn't know how long he spends in there but decides to step out when his eyelids feel too heavy to keep open. He comes out wearing comfortable sweatpants and a loose t-shirt while drying his hair with a towel.

He grabs his phone from the nightstand to set five more alarms, excluding the one he usually wakes up to, and lays down on the bed. He knows he needs it, considering how sleepy he is.

He quickly types a text to Mr. Hadid to let him know he's reached home. After doing so, he swipes away the unwanted notifications that have gathered on his screen one by one until one catches his attention.

It's a text from an unknown number, accompanied by a photo attachment. Taehyung hesitates for a moment before clicking on it, only to be shocked by the content displayed before him.

The image captures a moment of him and Kinza at the beach, taken from behind. Kinza is looking out at the ocean while he gazes at her with eyes full of adoration and a smile playing on his lips. The candid shot perfectly encapsulates the warmth of the evening, and he can feel the happiness of that moment wash over him again.

Taehyung would've thought someone is trying to blackmail him if the picture weren't followed by a message.

"Looks like the boss is giving Kinza a performance review of his own-in romance."

"But I suggest you get in line, Mr. Kim! I was and always will be the President of Kinza's fan club."

Taehyung can't think of anyone other than Sylvie who might have the guts to be this casual with him.

He blushes scarlet red, feeling like a teenager who has just been asked out by her crush. Covering his eyes, he lets out a giggle at the silliness of the situation.

But within the span of five minutes, his emotions take a complete turn.

For the first minute, Taehyung feels grateful for the picture. It's a beautiful reminder of the night they shared, capturing a moment that feels so genuine.

Then, for the next two minutes, he is horrified as the reality sinks in-his secret admiration for Kinza is no longer a secret. The thought makes his heart race in panic.

By the end of the fourth minute, he is freaking out, debating whether or not he should reach out to Sylvie and deny any assumptions about his feelings right then and there.

Taehyung is already in bed, deciding he will worry about it tomorrow while nearing the end of the fifth minute.

***

Kinza wakes up just in time for her Fajr prayer, considering how deeply she slept last night. She feels groggy and lethargic and every possible word that could describe weariness. Her body, not used to sleeping so much, aches like a burden.

She tries to remember what time she went to bed last night, but nothing comes to mind except for some foggy memories of being dragged to bed. It eventually dawns on her that she had fallen asleep in Taehyung's car.

So many questions start crowding her mind, that she has no answers to. 'Why did she have to sleep in the car? How did Taehyung wake her up? Because God knows what kind of heavy sleeper she is! Who carried her out of the car?'

Horrified, she turns on her side and shakes her younger sister vigorously.

"DALIA! Dalia, wake up! Wake up, you sleepy lump! I need to ask you something; wake up!"