This Damn Love

Part-26: Memories

Hardly a month before:

Taehyung, feeling the weight of his heavy backpack, carefully adjusted it behind his shoulders before stepping out of the train station. After an arduous 8-hour journey from the airport, he had finally arrived at his long-awaited destination.

The cities around him were closely situated, forming a maze of vibrant contrasts and endless possibilities. Retrieving his phone, Taehyung glanced at the detailed itinerary that Lady Hyuna had meticulously prepared for him.

The surprise vacation gift from Lady Hyuna had left Taehyung with numerous questions swirling in his mind, but he decided to set them aside and simply savor each moment of his trip. Lady Hyuna's thoughtful gesture was a clear indicator that she wanted him to unwind and bask in the beauty beyond the confines of Namwon, where responsibilities often weighed heavily on his shoulders.

As Taehyung navigated through the bustling crowd, a strikingly handsome young man caught his attention, standing before him with a warm smile and outstretched arms.

"Taehyung, right? I'm Ken, your trusty guide for exploring the picturesque Northern region of South Korea," He introduced himself, prompting an amiable handshake from Taehyung.

"You can call me Ken!" the young man continued cheerfully as he led the way, expecting Taehyung to trail behind.

Intrigued by the impressive open jeep in Ken's possession, Taehyung couldn't help but inquire, "Where are we off to first?"

Leading the way, Ken outlined the plan for the day, starting with settling Taehyung into a cozy lodge before embarking on a tour of Lenya, Hosama, and culminating with an adventure in Ken's hometown, Kentaa.

True to his word, Ken guided Taehyung through the vibrant towns, offering glimpses of their unique cultures and scenic landscapes.

The day concluded in Kentaa, where Taehyung was graciously hosted at Ken's home for the night instead of driving Taehyung back to his lodge.

The quaint surroundings and the anticipation of a grand celebration at the oldest university in Kentaa the following day sparked a newfound excitement in Taehyung.

Though not open for outsiders, the mere thought of the vibrant university life and the lively atmosphere ignited a sense of longing within Taehyung.

With no previous experience of university or college life and only fleeting memories of his school days, Taehyung found himself yearning for a taste of the exuberant celebrations and scholarly pursuits hidden within the storied walls of Kentaa's university.

After two delightful days spent exploring the hidden gems of the new city together, Taehyung and his newfound friend found themselves savoring their morning coffee under the clear blue sky at a charming rooftop cafe. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Taehyung couldn't help but find comfort in the genuine friendship he had formed in such a short span of time.

"I can't believe I made myself a genuine friend in just 3 days in here. I almost don't want to return to Seoul. It feels so warm here staying with a newfound friend who seems to be a wonderful person."

The warmth of the moment made him momentarily forget about his bustling life in Namwon.

While lost in the pleasant thoughts of extending his stay, Ken remained silent, his expression inscrutable until Taehyung playfully drew his attention to it, causing Ken to chuckle softly in response.

"I would like nothing more for you but to stay some more days here but you have your own life back in Seoul. Your friends, family-"

Just as a moment of solemnity settled between them, Ken's phone abruptly rang, its shrill tone breaking the tranquility of the morning. The number flashing on the screen seemed to weigh down heavily on Ken, evident from the way his expression shifted.