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

46| The Empty Waterfall

YN

Entering my apartment, I couldn't help but think about my actions. My tears aren't stopping. How could I mistake Jungkook for Tae? And on top of that, I kissed him. I feel like such a betrayer. Tae trusted me, and now I've hurt him and ruined everything. What am I going to do now?

Tae doesn't know, but the guilt is consuming me from the inside out. How do I look him in the eye now, knowing what I've done? My mind is racing, torn between regret and fear of losing everything I hold dear.

As I collapse onto the couch, the weight of my actions presses down on me like a ton of bricks. Jungkook's face flashes before me, a mix of surprise and something else—maybe hurt? What have I done to our friendship? And Tae... He trusts me completely, and I've broken that trust without him even knowing. Can I live with myself if I keep this secret buried inside?

The tears flow freely now, each one a testament to my own weakness and selfishness. How could I let my feelings cloud my judgment like this? I bury my face in my hands, trying to block out the memories of that impulsive moment. But no matter how hard I try, the image of Jungkook's startled expression won't fade.

What do I do now? Can our friendships survive this? And how do I face Tae tomorrow, pretending everything is normal when my heart feels like it's tearing apart?

"I'm sorry," I whisper into the empty room, hoping against hope that somehow my apology will reach Tae , even though he is unaware of the pain I've caused. Exhaustion overwhelms me. My eyelids grow heavy, and despite the turmoil in my mind, sleep envelops me like a merciful veil, offering a brief respite from the overwhelming emotions that threaten to drown me.

______

I wake up to the insistent chime of my reminder, the sound piercing through the haze of my troubled sleep. Rubbing my eyes, I reach for my phone on the bedside table. As I dismiss the reminder, my heart sinks. Today is supposed to be a day of celebration—our one-year anniversary with Tae.

But instead of joy, guilt washes over me anew. How could I have forgotten amidst everything that happened last night? Tears threaten to resurface as I stare blankly at the reminder, feeling like a fraud. Tae deserves better than this, better than me.

With a heavy sigh, I slide out of bed, my limbs feeling leaden with exhaustion and emotional turmoil. The weight of my actions from last night hangs over me like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over what should have been a day of happiness. I was about to freshen up, but the doorbell halts my steps.

"Who's visiting me early this morning?" I mumble, dragging myself to the door.

Opening it, I frown in surprise to find Khushboo standing there. Her presence is unexpected and adds another layer of confusion to an already overwhelming day. Khushboo sees my pale face as I open the door, and her smile drops into a concerned frown. "Hey, what happened?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry.

I try to muster a smile, but it feels strained and unconvincing. "Oh, nothing really," I say quickly, hoping to deflect. "Just binge-watched a show and ate too many noodles. I guess it made my eyes swell a bit."

She studies me for a moment, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure? You don't look well." I force a laugh, trying to ease her concern. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess. Anyway, what brings you here this early?"

Her face lights up with a bright smile as she swings the bag in her hand. "Well, today is a big day," she says enthusiastically, making the lump in my throat grow. "Oppa sent me to deliver this letter and a pretty red dress to you."