Soulmates in Disguise

Heartbeats in the Rain

As they finished packing Ria's belongings, the atmosphere between them began to shift. Tae could sense the lingering uncertainty in Ria's eyes, and it stirred a deep emotion within him. He knew that his intensity could be overwhelming, and he desperately wanted her to understand the depth of his feelings.

Tae gently took her hand, his grip firm yet tender. "Ria," he began, his voice filled with warmth, "I know I'm not the easiest person to be with. I can be possessive, and sometimes I might seem too intense. But that's only because you bring out every part of me-the good and the bad."

He paused, his eyes searching hers, wanting her to see the sincerity in his gaze. "You're the only person who can make me feel this way," he continued, his tone softening. "With you, I'm both vulnerable and strong. You make me want to be better, to show you every side of me, even the ones I usually keep hidden. That's how much you mean to me."

Ria listened quietly, her heart touched by the honesty in his words. She could feel the love radiating from him, and it was impossible not to be moved by it.

Tae smiled, a small, genuine smile that made her feel like she was the center of his world. "But I don't want you to be afraid of me," he said, his thumb brushing over her hand in a soothing motion. "I want you to feel safe, to know that with me, you'll always be treated like the princess you are. I'll give you the freedom to be yourself, to do whatever makes you happy. And I'll be right there beside you, supporting you every step of the way."

He leaned in a little closer, his eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "In fact," he added, his tone lightening, "I'll even make sure you get the royal treatment. Fancy breakfasts in bed, spontaneous trips, and maybe even a crown-though I'm not sure where we'd find one that suits you as well as you deserve."

Ria couldn't help but laugh, the sound lightening the mood between them. Tae grinned, pleased to see her smile, and continued, "But seriously, Ria, I want you to feel comfortable with me. I know this might be new and a little scary, but we can take it slow. We'll start as friends, and we'll build from there. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

After Tae's heartfelt words, Ria felt a warmth she hadn't expected. For the first time since their engagement, she felt a sense of safety and comfort in his presence. His sincerity, the way he promised to protect and cherish her, touched something deep inside her.

Without thinking, Ria stepped closer to him, her heart beating a little faster. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. It was a simple gesture, but for Ria, it was a significant moment. For the first time, she allowed herself to embrace the man she was engaged to, not out of obligation, but out of genuine affection for his words and the feelings he stirred within her.

Tae, surprised by the sudden hug, quickly softened, wrapping his arms around her in return. He held her gently, as if afraid she might pull away, but with just enough strength to let her know he was there, always there for her.

Ria closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was comforting, grounding. Yet, deep down, a dull ache lingered in her heart-a silent reminder of the feelings she still held for Jungkook, feelings she knew she could never fully express or act upon. That love, however impossible, was something she had to let go of. Tae, standing before her, offering his heart so freely, deserved her effort, her commitment to building something real between them.

Taking a deep breath, Ria pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at Tae. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions-gratitude, pain, and a quiet determination. "Thank you, Tae," she whispered, her voice steady but soft. "For everything you've said. It means a lot to me... more than you know."