FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 7- Ramen

Taehyung's POV

As the elevator doors were closing, I acted on instinct and quickly placed my hand on the door to prevent it from shutting completely. Maya's surprised gaze met mine, and I tapped on the door, pondering the right words to say.

"I don't think you should stay here," I blurted out, immediately rephrasing, "I mean, it's not safe. Hardly anyone comes here, so it's not a good idea to be alone." She glanced down, processing my words, and I let out a sigh. "If you're okay with it, you can wait at my apartment."

Looking up, Maya's eyes reflected uncertainty, while my heart pounded in my ears, and sweat trickled down my back beneath my sweatshirt.

"No, I don't want to inconvenience you. I'll stay here. Don't worry," she replied. Without hesitation, I stepped forward, wedging my foot between the elevator floor and the building floor.

"You wouldn't be inconveniencing me. Please, just come with me. You'll be safer there. No one will find you unless they search every single apartment," I insisted. Maya looked down once more, contemplating my offer.

"Are you sure I won't be a bother?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt. I nodded emphatically.

"You won't be. Come on," I urged, taking a step back. After a final moment of consideration, she stepped into the elevator with me.

As she entered the elevator with me, my nerves intensified. I tried to appear calm, but inside, my thoughts raced. What if she felt uncomfortable at my place? The sudden responsibility of her safety added weight to my already anxious mind.

I glanced at Maya, who seemed lost in her thoughts, and I wondered what was going on in her mind. Why is that man here again? Who is he? Why she is scared of him? Questions flooded my mind.

As the elevator descended, the silence between us grew palpable. I fidgeted with my keys in my pocket, a nervous habit I hadn't realized I had until now. The sound of the elevator moving seemed louder than usual, amplifying my anxiety.

When the elevator finally reached my floor, I held my breath. As the doors opened, she looked at me, her expression a mix of apprehension and gratitude. I mustered a reassuring smile, hoping it conveyed more confidence than I felt.

I led Maya through the hallway until we reached my door. With a slight nervousness, I opened it and flicked on every light in the apartment. I gestured for her to enter, hoping the warmth and familiarity of my home would soothe any lingering anxieties she might have.

"Do you live alone?" she asked once we were inside the living room. I nodded in response, watching as she stood there, lost in thought. Sensing her hesitation, I took a step back.

"Please, have a seat and relax," I encouraged, then headed to the kitchen. I poured some cold water into a glass and returned to find Maya still standing in the same spot, her eyes fixed on me.

"Please, drink some water," I offered, extending the glass toward her. She hesitated, her gaze shifting between the water and me. Could she not trust me?

I felt a pang of uncertainty. How could I convince her that she could trust me? Placing the glass of water on the table, I took a breath and prepared myself to address her unspoken doubts.

"I know this might seem a bit unexpected, but I promise, you're safe here," I reassured her, hoping my sincerity would shine through.

Maya's expression softened slightly, but the uncertainty still lingered in her eyes. "I just... I don't want to intrude," she admitted, her voice tinged with hesitance.

I nodded understandingly. "You're not intruding at all. Please, think of it as a friendly gesture," I insisted, trying to convey my genuine intention.

She nodded and settled on my couch. She sipped on the water I gave and I settled across her keeping a distance.