If This Isn't Love

49: MARCH 2019 - Not Part of the Plan

Seokjin paced restlessly in his room while Taehyung sprawled on the settee, absently toying with his phone.

"Tae, this wasn't part of the plan, was it?" Seokjin queried, his handsome features etched with concern.

Taehyung shrugged indifferently, his gaze fixed on the screen.

Seokjin sensed Taehyung's lingering displeasure from the awkward dinner two nights prior. He had felt uneasy about Youngsoon's affectionate gestures. Yet, Taehyung had remained silent on the matter.

With a heavy sigh, Seokjin pressed on. "Tae, you know I have no feelings for Youngsoon. I have a girlfriend. You've met her. She's the smartest, kindest, most beautiful woman I know, and I love her."

"I know," Taehyung murmured, still engrossed in his phone.

Seokjin settled into the chair beside the settee. "So, what's our next move? What's your plan to convince Jeongho to approve your marriage to Youngsoon?"

Taehyung let out a sigh and set his phone aside. "I'm not sure anymore. I thought Soon would play along with your fake engagement while I proved to Uncle that I can be more responsible at the office. I thought it would show Mr. Lee I'm worthy of his daughter."

He straightened up, his expression defeated. "But now... I don't know. When I saw how she kissed you—"

"That was just for show," Seokjin interjected quickly, trying to calm his cousin.

"For whom?" Taehyung exclaimed. "No one else was there but us. What if she was trying to tell me she doesn't want me anymore?"

"That's absurd!"

"No, it's not," Taehyung insisted. "She kissed you before I even arrived. Who was she trying to convince? The staff?"

Seokjin looked away guiltily. "You saw that."

"She was sitting on your lap," Taehyung continued bitterly. "She didn't seem like she was pretending to like you. I think she actually does like you."

"Again, that's ridiculous," Seokjin said, shaking his head.

"No, hyung, it's not," Taehyung protested. "And I think you liked it."

Seokjin stood up abruptly. "No! It's nothing like that."

Taehyung rose to his feet as well, facing his cousin. "I think being away from your girlfriend is affecting you. Now you're thinking about messing around with Soon, since she seems to be into it. You see her as an easy target." He couldn't disguise his displeasure.

Seokjin worried his cousin might start a fight. Taehyung was already scowling, and his tense body language suggested he was on the verge of something physical.

"Tae," Seokjin warned.

Taehyung took a step closer, his eyes blazing. "You think like an American now. Just because you haven't had sex in a few weeks doesn't mean you can pick up any girl as a substitute. You can't use Youngsoon for your pleasure. Do whatever you want with your American girl, but don't bring your underhanded playboy ways here to steal my girl!"

"That's enough!" Seokjin exclaimed, his body tense. "For your sake, I hope you're not insulting Luisa in any way because I won't allow it."

"So, you don't miss sleeping with her?" Taehyung asked angrily.

"That's none of your damn business!" Seokjin yelled before regaining his composure. He turned and walked to the other side of the room. "We're not talking about Luisa. We're not talking about anyone sleeping with anyone, okay?" He whirled around to face his cousin. "For the last time, I'm not interested in Youngsoon. I don't want to flirt with her. I don't want to sleep with her. I don't care what you think."