YOU, ME, & SHE • |KTH AU| •

Epilogue

The garden at the Kim manor is lit up beautifully for Iseul's party, twinkling lights woven through the flowering trees. I adjust the bow on the gift box one last time and take a steadying breath.

Here goes nothing.

I hear Iseul's familiar laugh drifting over from a cluster of friends. My feet feel heavier with each step towards the group. As I reach them, Iseul's smile falls as her eyes find mine.

"H-hey Iseul, happy birthday," I stammer out, extending the box.

Iseul studies the gift wordlessly before slowly taking it from my hands. "Thanks," She mutters.

Then she looks away, scanning the crowd.  "Well, I should go check on the snacks," She says flatly before turning on her heel. Her tight circle of friends trail after her without a backward glance.

Ouch. A soft sigh escapes me as I watch her go.

Will things ever return to the way it used to be between us?

A warm arm circles my waist from behind, making me jump. But it's just Taehyung, resting his chin on my shoulder comfortingly.

"It'll be okay," He murmurs into my ear. "She'll come around, she just needs time. Don't lose hope, okay?"

I sigh into his warm embrace, taking comfort in his familiar scent. It's been a month since we made it official and things have been so awesome. It's been like we're stuck together with super glue ever since, doing everything together.

I can't get enough of being around him. I wake up every morning, pinch myself, and think, Is this real life?? Because being by Tae's side feels like I'm living in some sort of dream world. I honestly didn't think it was possible to feel this happy and cared for in a relationship, but he proves me wrong every day.

My gaze drifts across the festive gardens as Taehyung gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze. That's when I notice her — Hyejin.

She's watching us, her face pinched and her lips thinned. She doesn't like her son dating me one bit.

Taehyung follows my gaze and chuckles knowingly. "Don't worry about her either. One day she'll have to accept that you're practically part of our family now."

I flash him a smile, standing on my tippy toes to press a soft kiss to his lips.

Whatever doubts his mother or others may have, in his eyes I see only acceptance and love. As long as I have that, everything will be all right.

After the party, Taehyung takes my hand with a grin, saying we should go check out this nightclub he knows about.

When we arrive, colorful lights are pulsing to the beat of the music straining from inside. Taehyung leads me through the entryway and straight towards the swaying bodies on the dance floor.

We sway and move together, our bodies in sync with the music.

My heart does a little leap in my chest as Taehyung suddenly grabs my waist, pulling me closer.

His voice, low and husky, is barely audible over the music, as he whispers, "Fuck, the way you move, the way you command the dance floor... it's driving me crazy, babe," He nibbles at my ear, his breath hot against my skin. "Let's ditch this place and head to a hotel, where we can satisfy the beast you've awakened in me..."

A blush rises to my cheeks as I gaze into his darkened eyes.

For a moment, I feel like we're the only ones here — until a prickle runs down my neck. When I glance around, I could swear I see a shadowy figure watching from the fringe of dancers. But then the crowd shifts and they're gone.

I shake my head and tug Tae closer. He grins and dips his head to capture my lips in a searing kiss. My whole world narrows to just us again... and then his phone buzzes loudly from his pocket. I pout as he shoots me an apologetic look, reluctantly pulling away.

He digs into his pocket, retrieves his annoying phone, and checks the display. "It's from work," He tells me. "I have to go outside for a bit — stay here, okay?"

After I nod, he turns and heads out.

And then that strange feeling prickles over me again. I scan the crowd uneasily and freeze when a pair of familiar eyes lock onto mine from across the floor. Jennie.

Taehyung's ex steps purposefully through the throng, never breaking our stare. When she stops before me, I brace myself for a blistering glare but find her expression strangely serene as she searches my face intently.

So many things pass between us in that long, charged moment.

All the past history and bitterness we've shared comes bubbling to the surface, overwhelmingly so.

After what feels like an eternity, her ruby lips part.

"Take care of him."

I blink as Jennie gives me one last lingering look, before turning on her heel and disappearing into the crowd again.

I stare at the spot she'd stood, feeling strangely light. Something that had weighed on me for so long has lifted away.

My lips slowly curl into a smile. "Damn right I will," I murmur softly.

Taehyung returns a few moments later, one eyebrow quirking at my expression. "What's up...?" He asks curiously.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I stand on tiptoes to whisper, "You and me, what can I say."

The past is past; the future is ours to uncover one step at a time together.

For tonight, in my Tae's arms, all feels perfectly, perfectly right.

°•°•THE END•°•°

A/N: Thank you for making it this far 😘🥰 What's your overall opinion of Narae and Taehyung's story — let me know what in comments!