Man in Dreams

Secrets and Sacrifices

On her way back to her place, Maya called Hobi, who was busy with his ad shoot. "Hi Bubli, what's up?" Hobi asked. "Hi Sunshine, I just left the apartment. I'm heading back to my place. Thank you so much, guys. I really had an amazing time with you all," she replied.

"What? Why are you leaving so early, Maya? I'm not sure if you're fully recovered," he said, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm fine, Hobi. I just don't want to be a burden here. If I stay, I might cause a disturbance," she explained.

"Who made you feel that way?" Hobi asked, his tone growing serious.

"No one. It's just my own thoughts. You know me well, right? And honestly, I was very happy to be there. I felt really blessed," Maya reassured him.

"Okay, but I thought you would stay for at least a week," he said sadly.

"I'll come to visit you guys. Don't worry, Bubli. I missed you, so I gave you a call. Take rest whenever you get time and come home if you can," she said.

"Sure, I'll come and visit you this weekend. Promise me you'll stay safe," Hobi urged.

"Sure, Hobi. Take care. Bye," Maya said.

"Bye, Maya. Stay safe," Hobi replied.

Just as she was about to get a cab, Joe stopped her. "Hi, Maya. Good morning."

"Hello, Mr. Right Hand. Good morning," she responded with a smile.

"Where are you going?" Joe asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"I'm going back to my place. You know I can't stay here long," Maya replied.

Joe grinned playfully. "Okay, come along. I'll drop you," he said, grabbing her bag and opening the car door for her before she could hesitate. She sighed, "Okay, thank you."

Suga, watching from a distance, felt a pang of jealousy as he saw Maya getting into Joe's car. His brows furrowed with irritation and longing. Noticing Suga's gaze, Joe winked mischievously and blew him a theatrical kiss, further irritating Suga. In response, Suga playfully punched the wall and shot Joe a mock scowl, before jokingly raising his middle finger in a playful rivalry.

As Joe started the car, he couldn't suppress a burst of laughter. "What's so funny?" Maya asked, curious.

"Oh, nothing much. I just saw Yoongi making funny faces, and I couldn't help but laugh," Joe replied.

Maya rolled down the window and waved goodbye to Yoongi. Suga waved back, but his expression grew sadder, unnoticed by Maya.

"So, Maya, are you really okay? Will you be able to manage on your own?" Joe's concern was clear.

"Yes, I'm fine," Maya reassured him with a smile.

"Let me know if you need anything. I'm always available," Joe offered sincerely.

"Sure, thanks, Joe," Maya said, her smile widening. It was the first time she had addressed him by his name, and for Joe, hearing it from her lips felt magical. He admired her features as they waited at traffic lights, captivated by her eyes, her perfect nose, her ever-present smile, and her curly hair that added to her beauty. Her presence had a magnetic pull on him, drawing him closer with each passing moment.

When they arrived at her place, Maya expressed her gratitude. "Thank you so much, Joe," she said, her happiness evident.

"Anytime, goddess," Joe replied, momentarily slipping with his endearment.

"What?" Maya's puzzled expression prompted Joe to quickly compose himself. "Nothing, I meant anytime, Maya. My tongue slipped," he said with a chuckle.

As Maya stepped out of the car, her face turned pale, her memories of the harassment incident flooding back. Determined not to let Joe notice her distress, she struggled to maintain her composure. However, her efforts were in vain as her legs gave way beneath her, and she sank to the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Maya, are you okay?" Joe rushed to her side, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. "I'm here."

Scooping her up into his arms, Joe carried Maya across the basement until they reached her door. He could feel her trembling against him as he held her close.

"Maya, look at me," Joe urged softly, meeting her tear-filled gaze. "I'm here for you and we'll take care of you, let's get inside."

As Joe entered the room, he handed Maya a glass of water, his eyes reflecting his genuine concern for her well-being. Taking a seat beside her, he asked softly, "If you'd like, I can arrange for another place for you, Maya."

Struggling to compose herself, Maya replied with a hint of vulnerability, "I'll be alright; it's just going to take some time." With a deep breath, she steadied her voice, concealing the storm of emotions raging within her. "Why don't you stay with the boys for now?" Joe questioned.

"I may seem fine, but just being here brings back those haunting memories," she confessed, managing a fragile smile. "But still..."Before Joe could finish, "Promise me you won't mention this incident to Yoongi and Hobi, Joe," Maya implored, her eyes searching his for reassurance.

"I'll do my best," Joe promised, his gaze filled with empathy. "But Maya, I can't leave you alone like this."

"Don't worry about me, Joe. I'm stronger than you think," she reassured him, her courage shining through her vulnerability. "Since it's your first time here, I'll treat you to the finest Indian Chai." With a determined nod, Maya excused herself and made her way to the kitchen.

As Maya disappeared into the kitchen, Joe's mind raced with a mix of emotions. Determination flickered in his eyes as he mentally strategized how to confront the reporter responsible for Maya's trauma. Anger smoldered within him, directed at both the perpetrator and Yoongi's absence during Maya's time of need.

"Hello, Mr. Right-hand, here you go," Maya's voice broke the tension as she handed Joe the Chai, momentarily bringing him back to reality.

"Maya, please don't mistake my intentions, but why not extend your stay with the boys?" Joe's voice carried an undercurrent of concern that hinted at deeper worries. "Let me be frank with you. My presence with them is a ticking time bomb that could explode and jeopardize their entire careers. I want BTS to continue shining brightly. This setback is temporary for me, and I need to retrieve that damning video from that bloody asshole. I refuse to let anyone tarnish Yoongi's reputation," Maya declared with a steely resolve.

Joe's gaze turned icy as he locked eyes with Maya. "I will assist you," he responded, his voice low and filled with determination that matched his own.

"What?" Maya's shock was evident as Joe's unexpected offer hung in the air, thick with tension.

"Yes, I give you my word," Joe affirmed, his tone unwavering and resolute.

"One more thing, Mr. Joe. I never want Yoongi to discover my plan to deal with the reporter," Maya's words cut through the air like a sharp blade, her tone laced with a sense of urgency and hidden danger.

"Understood. I will do everything in my power to ensure he remains unaware," Joe promised, a sense of foreboding hanging over them as they forged an alliance bound by secrets, danger, and the unyielding desire to protect those they held dear.