The Most Beautiful Moments In Life

Chapter 2: I Need U

May 22, Year 22

It was a rather dull day at the department store. Taehyung had to work extra hours this week to make up for his father being unable to go to his job. He was tired, but he wasn't unused to working like this.

Taehyung didn't want to admit it to himself, but he was scared. His dad hadn't said anything to him about what happened two days ago yet, and while that was good, Taehyung just knew it was coming. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face the consequences of his actions. But for now he had to work.

No one visited the store in the past hour, and Taehyung was getting rather bored. There wasn't anything to restock, and he'd already cleaned up the ramen mishap a customer had earlier. He was just left to scroll on his phone aimlessly. Taehyung was so zoned out that he didn't even notice when the bell rang to indicate someone entered the store.

He was distracted by a text he'd gotten in the group chat a week ago. It was from Jimin. He asked if anyone knew what the Map of the Soul is. Even though no one seemed to have many clues, everyone in the chat room, Yoongi, Namjoon, Jimin, and himself seemed to be genuinely concerned about it. Normally strange fantasies like this seemed so unbelievable, and yet none of us felt like we should ignore this "map."

Taehyung wondered if it was a literal map, or if it was some metaphor for self discovery. He really had no clue, but he couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe the map of the soul was connected to his dreams. He really had no way of knowing.

The sound of shattering glass caused Taehyung to flinch. Looking up from his phone, he saw a customer standing over what used to be a bottle of soju, which was now spattered across the floor. Taehyung froze. That sound. He'd hear that sound every night in his nightmares. That sound always meant someone either died or met a terrible fate.

Now Taehyung had a new hate for the sound. When he dropped that bottle two days ago, letting it shatter, he ensured himself more pain. When he stopped himself from taking his father's life, he also guaranteed that he'd have to deal with the consequences later. He also hated the reminder that he'd nearly become a monster— a killer. Taehyung was glued to the ground where he stood, his eyes glazed over and his breathing slow.

"Hey! Aren't you going to clean this up?" The customer yelled, snapping Taehyung back to the present. Taehyung blinked and bowed apologetically.

"Sorry sir. I'll get right on it," Taehyung responded, reaching behind him to grab the broom.

"Kids these days," the man muttered loud enough so Taehyung could hear. Ignoring the comment, Taehyung began sweeping up the glass shards.

"Hey kid, I'm waiting to buy something over here. Would you hurry up?" The man impatiently huffed. Taehyung's hands tightened around the broom.

"Yes sir, I'm sorry. I'll be there in a second," Taehyung replied, sweeping the last few shards into the dustpan. He planned to mop up the liquor after dealing with the man. He stepped behind the counter and took the few items the customer planned to purchase. He scanned the bottles of soju and the lighter. Then he scanned the soju bottle once more to account for the broken one.

"17,500 won is your total today," Taehyung explained after ringing everything up. The man pounded a fist on the counter.

"17,500?! I only bought two bottles and a lighter! It should be cheaper than that!" The man yelled, spit flying from his mouth. Taehyung flinched slightly.

"I had to charge you for the bottle you broke," Taehyung tried to explain calmly, but his anxiety made it difficult.

"I'm not paying for this! It's your fault it wasn't displayed properly! It wouldn't have fallen if you'd put it away the right way!" The man insisted, flailing his arms dramatically. Taehyung let out a slow, shaky breath.