Forbidden Step-Love🔞 | KTH

Chapter 10

Before Mrs. Kim could stammer out a reply, Taehyung's voice cut through the tense silence once more. This time, it was laced with a steely resolve that brooked no argument.

"This is a private family matter," he declared, his gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. "And frankly, none of your business. The picture circulating online is a gross misrepresentation of the situation. There's nothing shameful or scandalous happening here."

His words hung heavy in the air, a challenge to anyone who dared to disagree. He met each stare head-on, his eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and protectiveness. One by one, the onlookers shifted uncomfortably, their curiosity waning under the weight of his fierce gaze.

"If you truly cared about y/n] or this family," he continued, his voice dropping to a low growl, "you'd offer your support, not your judgment. Spreading rumors and gossip only serves to fuel the flames. So, I suggest you all take a good, long look in the mirror before you decide to insert yourselves into a situation you don't understand."

Silence descended upon the crowd, broken only by the sound of your ragged breaths muffled against Taehyung's chest. Shame flickered across Mrs. Kim's face, a stark contrast to the righteous anger she'd displayed moments ago. Mrs. Park, however, remained undeterred, a sly smile still playing on her lips.

"But what about the picture?" she piped up, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "Surely there must be some explanation for..."

Taehyung cut her off with a sharp shake of his head. "There will be explanations," he said, his voice firm. "But they will be given to the people who deserve them, not a gossipmonger like yourself."

He cast Mrs. Park a withering look that sent a shiver down her spine. For the first time that day, a flicker of doubt clouded her usually smug expression. Perhaps she had underestimated Taehyung's protectiveness, his willingness to shield you from the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the neighborhood.

With a final, sweeping glance at the assembled crowd, Taehyung turned and began to walk towards the house, you still nestled securely in his embrace. "This conversation is over," he announced over his shoulder. "Please, respect our privacy."

The crowd parted like the Red Sea, their gazes lingering on you both with a mixture of curiosity and unease. As you entered the house, slamming the door shut behind you with a bang, a wave of relief washed over you. The weight of the stares, the judgmental whispers, it all felt momentarily distant, replaced by the comforting warmth of Taehyung's embrace.

He held you close for a long moment, his strong arms a haven from the storm outside. "Are you okay?" he murmured, his voice laced with concern.

You nodded weakly, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill over once more. The events of the day had been a whirlwind, a devastating blow to your sense of normalcy. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained clear - Taehyung was your rock, your anchor in the storm.

"We'll deal with them," he promised, his voice firm with resolve. "We'll deal with Mrs. Park and her rumors. And we'll explain everything to Mrs. Kim, make her understand."

You looked up at him, his eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness that sent a warmth through you. In that moment, you knew you weren't alone. Together, you would face whatever came next, the stolen kiss and the fallout that followed only strengthening the bond that had begun to blossom between you.

The house seemed to sigh in relief as the door shut behind you, the outside world momentarily muted. You clung to Taehyung's embrace, burying your face further into his chest. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat were a grounding force amidst the chaos that had become your life.