The Wings of Harmony

29. My Universe

BTS was in the middle of their fan meeting tour in Hong Kong, but for Nam Joon and Manya, it was a day that held a special place in their hearts. It marked their first anniversary since they first met. Determined to be with her on this significant day, Nam Joon chartered a private jet and flew back to Seoul, arriving just in time to share a quiet, intimate moment with Manya.

At 2 a.m., the city was deep in slumber, its usual hustle reduced to a distant murmur. The night was calm and serene, with not a single sign of life around—just the gentle whispers of the Han River under a moonlit sky. Nam Joon and Manya arrived at the very spot where they had shared their first dawn together a year ago. The cool, crisp air and the shimmering stars above set the perfect backdrop for their anniversary.

They settled into the trunk of the car, their legs hanging over the edge as they gazed out at the tranquil river. The stillness of the night and the soft sound of the flowing water provided a soothing soundtrack to their memories. They reminisced about the past year, their laughter blending harmoniously with the serene atmosphere.

Nam Joon looked at Manya, his eyes filled with warmth. "Look at us. From being strangers to soul mates. This year has given me so much—love, understanding, and a bond that feels unbreakable."

He then turned his gaze to the sky, lost in thought. "How vast the universe is—galaxies and the endless expanse of space. It's overwhelming to think about how much is out there. My love for you just as magnificent, extending far beyond what you can imagine."

Manya tilted her head, her eyes reflecting the soft light. "I can't quite imagine the entire expanse of space, but there's one black hole that fascinates me, and I have a personal experience with it."

Nam Joon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Personally? How could you experience a black hole?"

Manya smiled warmly, leaning closer to him. She gently traced her finger along the dimple in his cheek before planting a soft kiss on it. "I got caught in this black hole and I've been pulled deeper and deeper into this magnificent, captivating space. It's like being in a cosmic whirlpool where everything else fades away."

Nam Joon's heart swelled with emotion as he listened. Overwhelmed by the depth of her words and the tenderness of her touch, he pulled her into a tight embrace. Their lips met in a kiss filled with the love and longing.

Their playful teasing and shared memories painted a vivid picture of how far they'd come. But just as their moment seemed perfect, the sharp sound of a whistle broke the tranquillity.

A policeman approached, his flashlight casting fleeting shadows. "What are you two doing here at this hour?" he asked, his voice stern.

Manya's heart raced. Nam Joon squeezed her hand reassuringly and stepped forward with a calm demeanor. "Hello, officer. I'm RM of BTS, and this is my girlfriend. We stepped out for some fresh air, didn't mean to draw any attention."

The policeman's stern expression softened as he recognized Nam Joon. He extended a hand. "You haven't broken any rules, but it's not safe to be here at this hour. Please head home."

Nam Joon nodded gratefully. "We'll leave right away."

Once back in the car, Manya's nerves were frayed. She fretted about what could have happened if the incident had made it to the media.

Nam Joon chuckled, trying to ease her anxiety. "If it had gotten out, maybe we wouldn't have to stress about making things public ourselves. We could have just been a couple out in the open."

Manya playfully nudged him while driving, still anxious. "You think that's funny? I'd be hiding somewhere and never coming out!"

Nam Joon's mind was elsewhere, lost in thought. When they arrived at Manya's home, she went straight to the bathroom to unwind after the stressful incident. Nam Joon busied himself preparing ramen.

Nam Joon headed to find Manya, ramen ready to go, but when he walked in, he found her just stepping out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. He froze, his breath hitched, totally mesmerized. He was hit with a wave of admiration and pure, undeniable longing. Quickly, he turned away, murmuring an apologetic "Sorry" as he gently closed the door behind him. The image of her lingered in his mind, intensifying the quiet ache of desire he felt.

Embarrassed, Manya banged her head with her hands, scolding herself. "Seriously, you should have changed in the bathroom, you idiot."

After a while, dressed in her nightwear, Manya joined Nam Joon at the table where he had set the food. They ate in silence, the earlier incident hanging between them. To break the tension, Manya brought up the policeman and her fears about their privacy being compromised.

Nam Joon looked at her with a mix of emotions. "Honestly, if it gets out, it might be a relief. We could just be ourselves publicly without all the hiding."

Manya's eyes darted to her phone, checking for any updates or photos. "I'm scared, Nam Joon. I don't want this to be out there yet. It's terrifying."

Nam Joon watched her, his feelings a whirlwind of longing and frustration. The sight of Manya, her skin glowing softly in the dim light, stirred something deep inside him. His struggle was evident in his gaze.

As she moved to do the dishes, Nam Joon swooped in, taking the plates from her and setting them back on the counter. Before she could react, he lifted her into his arms and carried her gently to the bedroom. She was caught off guard, her eyes wide as she felt the intensity in his touch.

When he laid her down on the bed, the air between them crackled with undeniable heat. Their movements were a blend of longing and desire as they explored each other with a fiery passion that felt almost electric. Every touch, every caress was charged with an intensity that spoke volumes.

But as the moment deepened, something changed. Namjoon suddenly pulled away, sitting up and running a hand through his hair, his shoulders slumping. Exhaustion and frustration were written all over his face, his breath coming in ragged bursts.

Manya watched him, her heart aching as she saw the struggle etched on his face. The room, once filled with their connection, now felt heavy with the weight of his unspoken feelings. His raw display of exhaustion and conflict left her feeling a deep pang of empathy.

Manya whispered, "I'm so sorry. I know you've been holding back because you want to wait until we're married. I understood how hard that's been for you."

Nam Joon's expression was a mix of sorrow and frustration. He held up a pendant around his neck, where two rings hung. "When I bought these rings last year, I imagined we'd be married by now, and I'd be sharing this journey with all my brothers settling down too. Instead, these rings are still here, a constant reminder of what hasn't happened."

Manya's heart ached for him. She reached out, trying to comfort him. "I didn't realize how much this has been weighing on you."

Nam Joon closed his eyes, covering his face with his hands as he sat in silent despair. After a moment, he looked at Manya with a pained but resolute expression. "I'm sorry for being so harsh, but we can't keep living like this. We need to either fully commit or make a decision to move on. I don't want to pressure you, but this cycle of pain has to end."

He took a deep breath, his voice tinged with sadness. "Let's not see each other until you decide. Take your time to think it through. I know it's tough, but it's the only way to stop the suffering."

With those words, Nam Joon left, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. Manya was left alone, the room echoing with the intensity of their conversation. The reality of his words hit her like a wave, leaving her heartbroken and confused, unsure of how to move forward.