This Damn Love

Part-28: D-Day

The air crackles with anticipation, thick as the smoke rising from a hundred lit firecrackers. Taehyung stands beside Lady Hyuna who is now freed from the stifling confines of jail, known as the undisputed queen of Namwon dong. Her crimson dress, a stark contrast to the inky night, shimmered with every delighted shriek from the throngs lining the streets. 

Lady Hyuna, her face an impassive mask, surveys her domain. To the people of Namwon dong, she isn't just their leader; she is a guardian deity, a Joan of Arc who'd wrestled order from the chaos that once ruled their streets. They cheers, their faces alight with a fervor reserved for religious festivals. Children, their eyes wide with hero worship, pressed against their parents' legs, desperate for a glimpse of their returning God.

Yes, there's a figure more important and respected than Taehyung. Kim Hyuna! The ultimate God of Namwon dong. Her name contributes to Taehyung being the ruler of Namwon.

A sudden, jarring cacophony shatters the celebratory din. A string of firecrackers explodes in rapid succession, sending a jolt through the crowd. A young boy, face alight with mischief, has reignited a spent string. The cheers falters, replaced by a collective gasp.

From a house, a series of rough cough and screams shatters the night's merriment, silencing the celebration like a snuffed candle. The celebratory spirit doused like a flickering candle, replaced by a murmur of concern. Jin, his sleepwear rumpled and worry etched on his face, emerges from the house. Unlike the others, he isn't celebrating. His eyes, usually sparkling, are clouded with worry.

"Enough!" His voice, though hoarse, booms across the street. The crowd falls silent, the weight of their transgression settling on their shoulders. But before anyone can respond, Jin sprints towards the nearest pile of firecrackers, a bucket of water clutched in his hand.

With a resolute glint in his eye, Jin upends the bucket, drenching the remaining firecrackers in a torrent of water. A collective sigh of disappointment ripples through the crowd, quickly replaced by grumbles.

However, Jin isn't done. In his haste, a spray of water arced outwards, catching Lady Hyuna squarely in the face. Her perfectly coiffed hair plasters to her forehead, the crimson lipstick smeared from the splash. A strangled shriek escaped her lips, a stark contrast to the shocked silence that had fallen.

Yet Hyuna's eyes stoic, devoid of any emotions. This unexpected turn of events has certainly disrupted the carefully orchestrated celebration.

Sensing the shift, Taehyung moves before Hyuna can react. He approaches Jin, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Jin, that's enough. Let them celebrate. We can talk about this later."

The urgency in Taehyung's voice surprises Jin. He understood the pressure Taehyung is under, the need to maintain the image of Lady Hyuna. Yet, the concern for his Eomma burned brighter for him.

"It's not later, Taehyung," Jin counters, his voice barely above a whisper. "The noise… it's worse tonight. Makes Eomma's condition worse."

A flicker of understanding passes between them, a silent conversation that sends a jolt through Lady Hyuna. The tenderness in Taehyung's gaze as he lookes at Jin, the way his hand rested gently on Jin's shoulder, it is a stark contrast to the steely resolve since her return. The possessiveness in his touch, the concern etches on his face, it all hints at a deeper connection that disquieted Hyuna.

"Alright, Seokjin," Taehyung said, his voice firm yet laced with an underlying understanding. "Go back inside. I'll handle this."

Jin hesitates, his gaze lingering on Taehyung for a moment before he nods curtly and retreats back into the house. 

Taehyung rejoins Lady Hyuna's side, a steely glint back in his eyes. Turning to Lady Hyuna, he explains, "His mother is… mentally unwell. Loud noises can trigger episodes."

Hyuna, ever the perfect lady, offered a sympathetic smile. "Of course. We can't have that. I would never allow anything to cause distress to my people."

Cutting the celebration short, Hyuna storms into the opulent mansion, her crimson lipstick a smear on her pale face. Her usually composed demeanor is in shambles.

Gyu, her younger brother, stands beside her very dear plush sofa, ready to welcome her sister, only to witness her disarray. Yet he gulps down his thoughts. Keeping himself alive is more important than a sneaky comment.

"Finally decided to grace us with your presence, Lady Hyuna?" Gyu drawls, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Looks like your little parade didn't go quite as planned." Hyu couldn't contain himself and those words leaves his mouth like a slippery sand.

"I mean I- had to stay back here to ensure your unexpected arrival is pleasant and you feel welcomed." He tries his best to make his words make sense.

Hyuna ignores him, used to his remarks. She knows one glare of her and he can shit his pants like everyone does. Her brother is no different than a coward.

Her eyes scanning the living room, falls on Lucy, whose crimson dress mirrored Hyuna's own, the color a stark contrast to her usually innocent light- coloured attire. A sly smile playes on Lucy's lips as she caught Hyuna's gaze.

"Aunt Hyuna! You look… interesting," Yuri purs, her voice dripping with faux concern. 

Hyuna rolls her eyes but smiles cunningly as ever. Lucy's transformation mirrored Taehyung's. Gone was the shy, bookish girl Hyuna remembered. In her place stood a woman who used her beauty like a weapon. Her occasional seductive glances towards Taehyung, not missed by Hyuna. A year has surely changed her so much.

Taehyung, oblivious to the undercurrents in the room, enters then, a soft smile gracing his lips. He kneels beside Hyuna who is now settled in his favorite plush couch. His touch surprisingly gentle as he begins massaging her feet.

"There. That should ease the tension," Taehyung says, his voice a low murmur.

Although, Hyuna couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze.  The image of Jin, drenching with purpose, defying them all, replays in her mind.  And then there was Taehyung, a faint smile lingering on his lips, opposite to the stoic man he used to be. What has happened in a short while?  What has changed him so much?

"Who is he?" she demands, her voice sharp.

Gyi and Lucy exchanges a look of confusion.

Knowing who Lady Hyuna is referring to, Taehyung's eyes glints, "Jin," he says slowly, enunciating each syllable with surprising emphasis, "is Mr. Park's nephew. Just a local."

'Just a local!'

The casual dismissal hangs heavy in the air.

Hyuna is able to sense the lie, the possessiveness that lingers beneath the surface. Jin is more than just a local.

"You won't believe Aunt Hyuna, that Jin has rebelled against my- our Taehyung from the very first day of his arrival-" Lucy ever the overhyped one chirps coming closer to Hyuna, as if excited to gossip.

Only to be shut glared by Taehyung which made her walk back to her previous position and stand straight beside his father Mr. Gyu.

Hyuna couldn't believe the sheer audacity of Taehyung to shut someone while in her presence. Is her long leashed dog is slipping out of her palm?

With a forced smile, Hyuna glances at the clock. "It's late, Taehyung-ah. Get some rest."

Without any protest, ready to leave, Taehyung bowes before her, his expression unreadable by Hyuna.

As he walks out of the mansion with long stride, his hand instinctively reached for his phone, his thumb hovering over Jin's number. A sliver of hope flickers within him. Maybe, just maybe, Jin is still awake.