One shots | Kim Taehyung

His first love | Part 4 | KTH

Three months slipped by in a whirlwind. The demands of your hospital shifts often kept you away from Taehyung, a constant ache in your heart whenever you couldn't return home to his waiting presence. But the distance didn't diminish your care. You packed him healthy lunches, delivered by a kind neighbor, and made sure his phone was always within reach for your frequent check-in calls. Reminders for his medication and gentle inquiries about his well-being filled your conversations, a constant thread connecting you through the miles.

Exhaustion gnawed at you after a particularly grueling two-day shift. The promise of seeing Taehyung, his smile a beacon in your exhausting world, propelled you forward. As you unlocked the apartment door, the familiar scent of your home. You dropped your bag with a weary thud, calling out, "Taehyung? I'm home!"

An unnerving silence greeted you. You frowned, a flicker of concern sparking in your chest. The living room, where Taehyung usually perched by the window, anticipation etched on his face, was empty. You called his name again, your voice echoing through the quiet apartment.

Anxiety gnawed at you as you made your way to your bedroom. The door was ajar, revealing a sliver of light filtering through. Pushing it open cautiously, you found Taehyung bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, a picture frame clutched in his hands. A smile, genuine and unencumbered, stretched across his face, a stark contrast to the worry you'd felt moments ago.

There he was, sitting on his wheelchair near the edge of your bed, a sight that sent a wave of relief washing over you. But it was the picture that captured your attention. It was worn and slightly faded, the edges tinged with the passage of time, yet the image it held was as vivid as ever. It was a picture from your school days, a group photo of your classmates beaming at the camera. Your younger self stood beside Taehyung, both of you decked out in graduation robes, nervous excitement sparkling in your eyes.

The sight of it warmed your heart, a flood of memories swirling back. You crossed the room, a playful smile gracing your lips. "Caught you reminiscing, Mr. Kim?"

A startled gasp escaped Taehyung's lips as he looked up, the picture frame forgotten in his lap. Relief and joy battled on his face as he met your gaze.  "Y/N!" he exclaimed, a wide smile breaking across his features.

"Surprise!" you chirped, exhaustion momentarily forgotten as you took in his beaming face.  He patted the space beside him on the bed, a silent invitation. Crossing the room, you sank down beside him, a comfortable silence settling between you before you glanced at the picture he held so tenderly. 

"We were so young," you mused, a nostalgic smile gracing your lips as you traced the faded image of your younger selves.

Taehyung let out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest playfully. "Are you saying we're old?" he feigned offense, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

You laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Don't be silly," you countered, "but we are pushing twenty-seven. Practically geriatric."

He chuckled, shaking his head before taking your hand in his. His fingers gently wove between yours, a silent comfort that spoke volumes.  His gaze softened, and a shy smile played on his lips.

"Can I tell you something?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Your heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in his voice.  "Hmm?" you replied, leaning in closer, your full attention focused on him.

"I missed you," he confessed, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

You couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.  "Out of all the days you spent alone at home, this is the first time you're admitting that?" you teased gently.