Books×Bikes [KTH] ✔️

Ch 45.☘︎ ݁˖

જ⁀➴🖤⃝🤍𓆰♕𓆪
Taehyung's POV:

I parked my bike in the garage. A grin stretched across my face. Whatever happened today, it felt like the highlight of my life, something I'd never forget.

Jude stood before me, her own smile mirroring mine but tinged with shyness, making her even more endearing.

"So..." I began, scratching the back of my head, trying to play it cool even though I was practically vibrating with excitement.

"So." she replied, her smile widening and I felt myself getting lost in the softness of her gaze.

"Are we dating now?" I asked, my voice hopeful, heart racing with anticipation. I was ready for this, ready for her. But just as quickly, I noticed the way her smile softened and her gaze drifted slightly. She sighed.

"Not yet, I guess. I have... things on my mind."

I felt an ache in my chest. But I wanted to understand her thoughts, to know what was going on inside her head, even if it wasn’t what I hoped to hear.

"Why?" I asked softly, searching her eyes. "What's on your mind? Tell me."

Jude bit her lip. "You're going to New York." she said finally and I felt a protest rising in my throat.

"Yes, but—" I started, wanting to reassure her that we could make it work. But before I could finish, she leaned forward and silenced me with a gentle, tender peck. Her lips on mine were soft, warm and for a brief, dizzying moment, I lost all words, all arguments.

"Let me talk and no 'buts,'" she said, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. "I want you to go to New York and chase your dreams. I don’t want us to rush into a relationship, even if we like each other. I know how important this is for you and I don’t want to complicate things only to regret it later."

Her words were honest but they hit me hard. She was offering me freedom and understanding but with a bittersweet edge that left a hollow ache in my chest.

"I’ll wait for you," she continued, her voice was thick with emotion. "But if... if someday I fall out of love, I won’t hide it. Let’s see if this distance brings us closer or pulls us apart."

As she finished, I could see tears shimmering in her eyes and it broke something inside me.

Slowly, I lifted her chin, gently brushing away a stray tear that had slipped down her cheek. "If there ever comes a day you can’t wait for me, remember I’ll still be waiting for you," I whispered. "When it’s the right time, the perfect opportunity will come up. Until then... I’m yours, even if we’re miles apart."

With one last, lingering glance, I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her and pressing my lips to hers once more. This kiss was different—slower, deeper and filled with all the promises we couldn’t put into words.