FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 3 - Just Friends

Taehyung cherished his solitude, particularly on Sundays, reserving them as a sanctuary away from the world's chaos. With the sun casting a warm glow through his window, he woke up to a sense of tranquillity unique to Sundays.

With no plans, he embraced the freedom to indulge in his favourite activities. After a relaxed breakfast, he settled by the window, observing the city's lively yet distant movements. The urban hum intertwined with the music played in the background, a blend that he always enjoyed.

Despite being surrounded by neighbours, his high-rise apartment offered him cherished privacy.

As noon approached, he could feel hunger building and It was time to head to the kitchen, a place that often served as the canvas for his culinary artistry.

The kitchen itself was a testament to orderliness. Every spice jar was perfectly aligned, with labels facing forward. The countertops were spotless, devoid of any lingering crumbs or spills. The utensils hung neatly on hooks, each in its designated place. This environment, where everything had its proper order, was both calming and empowering for him.

His passion for cooking was deeply rooted in his upbringing. He had spent countless hours watching his mother prepare meals with precision and love. Today, he felt inspired to recreate one of her signature dishes – spicy chicken stew and rice. The thought of the fragrant spices mingling together and the tender chicken simmering in the rich broth made his mouth water.

As he started chopping onions, his movements were deliberate and measured. Each slice was uniform, a product of his need for perfection. The aroma of sautéing onions filled the air, mingling with the memories of his childhood kitchen.

The stew began to take shape as he added spices and he stirred the pot rhythmically, a ritualistic motion that brought him a sense of order and control.

Setting the table thoughtfully, he poured himself lemonade and relished each spoonful of the stew, a reminder of joyful family dinners. In these simple moments, he found contentment and deep peace within himself.

As the afternoon transitioned into the evening, he decided to go jogging in the park instead of hitting the gym. After changing into his workout clothes, he left his apartment. 

While riding the elevator, it unexpectedly halted on the 8th floor, causing his muscles to tense momentarily. However, the person who entered wasn't the one he had anticipated; it was the elderly gentleman he frequently encountered.

Following a satisfying session of jogging, he decided to take a break once he started feeling the strain. Leaning against the sturdy handrail that bordered the jogging path, he allowed himself a moment to recover, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with his deep breaths. It was a serene evening, and as the sun began its descent, its golden rays painted the rippling water of the river across the handrail in hues of warm orange and soft yellow.

He waited there till the sun set completely, immersed in the beauty of nature. As the street lamps flickered to life and stars dotted the sky, he began his journey back home. Upon reaching his apartment, exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and the allure of a hot shower was irresistible.

Navigating through the dimly lit lobby, he noticed two figures that caught his attention. To his surprise, one was the mysterious girl, but what piqued his curiosity was the person accompanying her. A tall, handsomely dressed man, seemingly of his own age, engaged in conversation with her. A sense of tension hung between them, evident from her troubled expression.

Despite the intrigue, he chose not to linger, entering the elevator without a second glance at the unfolding scene.

As the elevator doors slid open on the fourteenth floor, he spotted a woman standing in front of his door. Stepping forward, he realized it was Alina, her jacket obscuring nearly half of her face and three-fourths of her body.