Bridges and Boundaries / Kim Taehyung

Chapter 24

Y/N was out running errands one afternoon, enjoying the crisp air and the brief escape from the whirlwind of her thoughts. She was still trying to figure out how to tell Taehyung about the pregnancy. Lost in thought, she barely noticed the people around her as she navigated the busy streets.

She had just turned the corner, heading toward a small cafe she and Taehyung often visited, when she abruptly stopped in her tracks. Standing just a few feet away, engaged in conversation with someone else, was a face she hadn't expected to see—Seungmin.

Her heart skipped a beat, a rush of memories flooding back. Seungmin, the man her father had once tried to push her towards, the one who had always seemed more interested in her wealth than in her as a person. She hadn't seen him since everything had unfolded between her and Taehyung, and she wasn't sure how she felt about encountering him now.

Seungmin turned, as if sensing her presence, and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw her. He excused himself from his conversation and walked over to Y/N, his expression a mix of curiosity and something she couldn't quite place.

"Y/N," he greeted, his tone polite but tinged with an edge that made her uneasy. "It's been a while. How have you been?"

Y/N forced a small smile, trying to keep her composure. "Seungmin, I didn't expect to see you here. I've been... good. Just busy with life."

Seungmin nodded, his gaze lingering on her as if trying to read her thoughts. "I've heard some things," he said slowly. "About you and Taehyung. Seems like a lot has changed."

Y/N's smile faltered slightly. "Yes, things have changed. We're happy together, and that's what matters."

Seungmin's expression darkened ever so slightly, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Happy? Are you sure about that? I mean, no offense, but Taehyung isn't exactly someone who can provide the life you're used to."

Y/N felt a surge of defensiveness rise within her. "What do you mean by that, Seungmin? Taehyung and I are building a life together, and we're doing just fine."

Seungmin shrugged, his tone casual but his words sharp. "I just wonder if you're truly thinking things through. You've always had everything wealth, status, security. Can Taehyung really offer you all that? And what about your father? I'm sure he wouldn't be too thrilled to know how things are going."

The mention of her father hit a nerve. Y/N had worked hard to distance herself from the expectations and pressures her father had placed on her, and Seungmin's words felt like an attack on her choices. She clenched her fists, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

"My father's opinions are his own," Y/N replied firmly. "I'm living my life the way I want to, with someone who loves me for who I am, not what I have."

Seungmin raised an eyebrow, his expression almost amused. "You're strong, Y/N, I'll give you that. But be careful. Life has a way of catching up with you, and sometimes the choices you make can come back to haunt you."

Y/N felt a chill run down her spine. There was something unsettling about the way Seungmin spoke, as if he was hinting at something she couldn't quite grasp. She didn't like the way this conversation was going, and she was eager to end it.

"I appreciate your concern, Seungmin," she said, her voice steely. "But I'm perfectly capable of handling my own life. I don't need anyone else's advice on how to live it."

Seungmin's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Of course, Y/N. I didn't mean to overstep. I just wanted to... offer a friendly reminder. Take care of yourself."