The forgotten soul link

Chapter 69

Tae gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. And hey, if it gets too much, you can always count on my childish antics to cheer you up."

I laughed, feeling a bit lighter. "Deal. Thanks, Oppa. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd probably be lost without my stunning good looks and amazing sense of humor" he joked, making me laugh even harder.

"You're right, I would be" I said, feeling grateful for his presence and support.

After a bit of silence, Tae turned and looked at our fingers while he played with my ring. "Have you had a memory with me yet?" he asked, not looking up.

I turned to look back at him. "Not yet. I had the small one of us calling each other 'bear,' but other than that, no" I said softly.

He nodded, then looked up at me with a gentle smile. "Well, I hope when you do, it's a happy one" he said, his eyes reflecting the moonlight.

"I hope so too" I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tae took a deep breath, his fingers still fidgeting with the ring. "You know, Y/N, I always thought... well, I always hoped that maybe one day you'd remember how much you mean to me" he said, his tone light but his words heavy with meaning.

I felt my heart skip a beat. "Oppa, I-"

He held up a hand, stopping me. "How about making a new memory?" he said, smiling warmly at me.

I couldn't move; I just waited for his next words.

He looked at the view and said, "I could never tell you this because you were with Jungkook, but now you aren't and you say that you don't have feelings for him, so I have to take this opportunity before you remember your feelings for him."

He let out a sigh and turned his head to the side, tilting it back but not breaking eye contact with me.

"You are the most beautiful thing in this world to me, Bear," he whispered, his voice full of emotion. "The past you, the present you—every version of you. I've loved you more than anything and even now, I can't stop looking at you. Not a single day has gone by where I haven't loved you." He gave me a small, tender smile that made my heart flutter.

Before I could say something, he fell back into his chair and I could see his whole body relax as he let out a breath. "Waaah, it took me five years, but I finally said it."

I felt a rush of emotions, my heart pounding in my chest. "Tae, I..." I started, but he shook his head, still smiling.

"You don't have to say anything right now" he said softly. "I just wanted to tell you atleast once"

I nodded, my head and my heart was a mess right now. "Okay, oppa. Thank you for finally telling me"

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with joy. "Now, how about we go inside and watch a movie? Something light and funny."

---

The next morning, I woke up feeling lighter than I had in a long time. Tae's confession played on repeat in my mind and I couldn't help but smile. I got dressed and headed to the kitchen, where I found Jin and Suga making breakfast.

"Good morning" Jin greeted me with a warm smile. "You look like you slept well."

"I did" I replied, taking a seat at the table. "What's for breakfast?"

"Just the usual" Suga said, flipping a pancake. "How are you feeling today?"

"Better" I admitted, taking a sip of the coffee Jin handed me. "Thanks. Last night didn't take that big of a toll on me."

Suga then said "Maybe it was because Taehyung-ah was with you when you had the memory" and I nodded, having had the same thought.

Hobi walked in and said "Sunshine, you're on Jimin duty again" I giggled as I picked up my coffee and took it with me.

I walked into the dark room and placed my cup on his table before getting into bed, sitting against the headboard. Jimin was still asleep, his face peaceful and relaxed. I couldn't help but smile at how calm he looked.

"Morning, Jiminie" I said softly, reaching out to gently ruffle his hair. He moved without opening his eyes, laying his head on my lap and snaking his arms around my waist.

I giggled and played with his hair, "How did you sleep?"

He smiled, his eyes still half-closed. "good, but my day just got better."

I chuckled, taking another sip of my coffee. "Well, I'm on Jimin duty today, so here I am."

Jimin's smile widened,and he shifted to sit up, leaning against the headboard beside me. "Is that coffee I smell?" he asked, taking the cup from my hand and sipping it.

"Can we stay in bed and watch movies?" he asked in a sweet voice.

"Oppa, I'm hungry. I want to eat and I have to go to the studio today" I said, trying to get my coffee back.

"You should eat before coming to wake me up" Jimin said, holding the coffee away from me.

He put the cup on his side table and then pulled me down so I could lay on his chest, getting comfy.

This guy will sleep like this, I thought. I need to get him up, so I started poking his sides in hope that it would be ticklish. But he took this as a challenge and flipped me on my back, starting to tickle me. I was squirming and he enjoyed every moment of my suffering.

After calling mercy for the twentieth time, he finally stopped. He giggled and hugged me, being the victor in our battle.

"Alright, alright, you win" I laughed, still trying to catch my breath.

"Of course I win" he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "soo, whats my prize?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Fine, what do you want?"

"Just stay here with me for a little longer" he said softly, his arms tightening around me. "We can eat later."

I sighed, not giving in to his request. "Oppa~" I whined, giving him puppy eyes.

He sighed but then let go of me saying, "Fine, but you are cuddling with me tonight" he said, kissing my cheek. I felt my face turn red, so I hid under the blanket as he stood up and let out a chuckle.

"Yah!" I said as he walked away.

As we ate breakfast, the rest of the boys trickled in, one by one. Tae came in last, looking as radiant as ever. He caught my eye and gave me a small, private smile that made my heart flutter.

Tae's POV

We were in the van on our way to the agency, we were called in last minute by Mr. Bang. 

Yoongi hyung was visibly annoyed, wanting to go to the studio with Y/N instead.

Jungkook's head suddenly fell on my shoulder and I felt the heat radiating from him. "Yah! Kook-ah, are you okay?" I asked, placing my hand on his forehead. His skin was burning.