Shores of Forever (TAEHYUNG)

1: Overwhelmed

Taehyung stared out of the studio window, his gaze lost in the bustling city below. The world outside seemed a blur lights and noise, stark contrast to the peaceful silence he yearned for. The constant whirl of activity was a stark reminder of the fame he couldn't escape. The wall of his luxurious apartment felt more like a cage than a refuge.

"Taehyung, are you ready for the interview?" His manager's voice crackled through the intercom, breaking his reverie.

"Yeah, just give me a minute," Taehyung replied, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm. He rubbed his temples, feeling the stress of his demanding schedule weigh heavily on him. The bright lights of the studio and the hum of activity outside were becoming increasingly overwhelming.

He walked to the window and watched the city lights flicker like stars against the dark sky. The distant sound of car horns and sirens only added to his growing sense of anxiety. The constant pressure and public scrutiny were starting to take their toll. Taehyung longed for something different, something far removed from the chaos of his celebrity life.

As he looked out, a sudden gust of wind brought the faint scent of the sea into the room. It was subtle, but unmistakable – a hint of salt and sand that tugged at something deep inside him. Taehyung closed his eyes and imagined the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore. The thought of the ocean, with its endless horizons and calming tides, offered a fleeting sense of peace.

A soft knock on the door broke his thoughts. His manager, Mr. Park, entered the room with a concerned expression. "You okay, Taehyung? You seem... off."

Taehyung turned to face him, a tired smile on his lips. "I'm just... overwhelmed. I need a break, Mr. Park. Something drastic."

Mr. Park raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I need to get away from all this," Taehyung said, gesturing to the studio and the city beyond. "I want to spend a month somewhere quiet. Maybe by the beach. Somewhere I can be alone."

Mr. Park's expression softened. "You know you're going to have to make arrangements. This will be a big shift."

"I know," Taehyung said, his voice resolute. "I've already been looking into it. I want to buy a camper van and head to a coastal town. I need to get away from everything – away from the cameras, the noise... just away."

Mr. Park studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, if that's what you need. I'll help you with the arrangements."

"Thanks," Taehyung said, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. The thought of being by the beach, away from the relentless pace of his current life, was a comforting escape.

As Mr. Park left the room, Taehyung walked over to his desk and pulled out a small notebook. He began to jot down his plans, his mind already envisioning the calm of the ocean and the freedom of the open road. The soothing sound of waves in his imagination grew louder, drowning out the cacophony of the city.

He could almost feel the cool breeze of the sea on his face, the warmth of the sun on his skin, and the comforting embrace of the sand beneath his feet. The vivid imagery brought a rare smile to his face, one that felt genuine and unburdened.

The next morning, Taehyung set out on his quest for a vintage camper van. He walking into a small, charming dealership that specialized in retro vehicles. The air inside was filled with the scent of leather and polished wood.

A friendly salesman greeted him with smile. "Looking for something specific today?"

Taehyung nodded. "Yes, I'm interested in a vintage camper van. Something I can use for a month-long trip to the coast."

The salesman's eyes lit up. "We have a few options. Let me show what we've got."

As Taehyung walked through the lot, the sun warmed his back, and a gentle breeze played with his hair. Each van had its own character, but one, in particular, caught his eye. It was a classic model, painted in a soft seafoam green, with white trim that made it look like it belonged by the beach.

"This one," Taehyung said, stopping in front of it. "I think this is the one."

The salesman nodded approvingly. "Good choice. It's a beauty. Let's get you set up."

Taehyung ran his fingers over the smooth surface of the can, feeling a sense of anticipation and excitement. The thought of driving along the coast, with the ocean just a few miles away, was exhilarating.

As he finalized the purchase, the salesman handed him the keys. "You'll have many great sunset in one."

Taehyung smiled, his mind already wandering to the peaceful moments he hoped to find by the sea. "I'm looking forward to it."

The promise sunsets and the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves felt like a balm to his weary soul. With the keys to his new camper van in hand, Taehyung was ready to embark on a journey toward solace, comfort, and the quietude he had been yearning for.