Bridges and Boundaries / Kim Taehyung

Chapter 4

It was a warm afternoon, and Y/N was hosting a small gathering in the garden for a few of her close friends. The occasion was a casual get-together to celebrate the success of a charity initiative she had been passionately involved in. As Taehyung went about his duties, ensuring everything was in place and the guests were well-attended, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

Among the guests was Seungmin, a charming and affluent young man who was well-acquainted with Y/N's family. Seungmin was attentive and affable, frequently engaging in lively conversations with Y/N. 

"Y/N," Seungmin greeted with a wide smile, "How have you been beautiful?"

Y/N returned his smile politely, though her thoughts were elsewhere. "I am okay how are you?"

Seungmin sat down beside her on the garden bench, his proximity closer than necessary. "I am good, quiet time is important, but company can be nice too. I've missed our talks, Y/N. We used to spend so much time together."

Y/N nodded, feeling a bit uncomfortable with how close he was. "Yes, we did. Things have been busy lately."

Seungmin's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he leaned in slightly. "Well, maybe we can change that. I've been thinking about you a lot, Y/N. We should spend more time together, don't you think?"

Y/N forced a smile, unsure how to respond. Before she could answer, however, she noticed a figure standing a few feet away, watching them intently. It was Taehyung, his expression unreadable but his presence unmistakable.

His laughter was contagious, and he seemed to have an easy rapport with her. Taehyung observed from a distance, feeling a tight knot of discomfort in his chest.

Taehyung had been coming to the garden to check on Y/N, as he often did, when he saw her with Seungmin. His heart sank at the sight of them sitting so close together, Seungmin's body language far too familiar for his liking. The easy banter and the way Seungmin leaned in toward Y/N sent a wave of jealousy through Taehyung that he hadn't expected.

He had no right to feel this way, he knew that. Y/N wasn't his, and they had never even spoken about their feelings in any clear terms. But still, the sight of another man, especially someone like Seungmin, flirting with Y/N ignited something possessive and protective inside him.

"Y/N," Taehyung called out, his voice more curt than he intended as he approached. "Is everything alright?"

Y/N looked up, relieved to see him. "Taehyung! Yes, everything's fine. Seungmin and I were just catching up."

Seungmin gave Taehyung a quick once-over, his smile tightening slightly. "Taehyung, right? The gardener?"

Taehyung nodded, his jaw clenching as he forced himself to remain calm. "That's right."

Seungmin's tone was light, but there was an edge to it that Taehyung didn't miss. "You must know this garden better than anyone. It's always so well-kept."

Taehyung gave a tight smile. "I do my best."

But just as he was about to walk away, Seungmin called out, "Leaving so soon, Taehyung? You really should stick around more. It's important to know your place, after all."

Taehyung stopped in his tracks, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. He turned back to Seungmin, his fists clenched at his sides. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Seungmin shrugged, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Nothing at all. Just a friendly reminder that some of us have different roles to play in life."

Y/N, sensing the tension, stepped between them. "Seungmin, that's enough. There's no need for that."