A Crowned Heart

{13}

The days passed swiftly, and before Y/N knew it, her birthday had arrived. The sun shone brightly that morning, casting a golden hue over the castle grounds. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and a sense of celebration hung in the air. Servants bustled about, preparing for the festivities, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Despite the grandeur of the preparations, her thoughts were preoccupied with one person: Taehyung. She hadn't seen him as often since their secretive return to the castle, but the memory of that night stayed with her, warming her heart with every thought of him. She wondered if he would find a way to see her today, if only for a moment.

As the day progressed, guests arrived, and Y/N was swept up in the celebrations. Lavish gifts were presented to her, each one more extravagant than the last. But as much as she appreciated the gestures, her heart ached for something more meaningful—something only Taehyung could give.

The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange, when Y/N finally found a moment of peace. She slipped away from the crowded halls, seeking solace in the quiet of her chambers. As she closed the door behind her, she let out a soft sigh, the weight of the day finally settling on her shoulders.

But before she could dwell on her thoughts, there was a soft knock at the door. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned, already knowing who it was.

"Come in," she called out, her voice betraying her anticipation.

The door creaked open, and Taehyung stepped inside, a warm smile on his lips. He carried a large bouquet of roses, each one a deep, velvety red. Y/N's eyes widened at the sight, her heart fluttering as he approached her.

"Happy birthday, Y/N," Taehyung said softly, his voice filled with warmth.

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with affection as she reached out to take the bouquet. "Thank you, Taehyung. They're beautiful."

She carefully counted the roses, her smile faltering slightly when she realized there were only 100. A small pang of disappointment tugged at her heart, but she quickly pushed it aside, not wanting to seem ungrateful.

Taehyung noticed the flicker of sadness in her eyes and stepped closer, his expression softening. "What's wrong?"

Y/N shook her head, forcing a smile. "Nothing, it's just... I was expecting 101 roses. It's silly, I know."

Taehyung chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with a secret. "It's not silly at all, Y/N. But perhaps I have a little surprise for you."

Before she could ask what he meant, Taehyung gently set the bouquet down on a nearby table and took her hand, guiding her to sit down. He moved behind her, his fingers brushing through her hair with a tenderness that made her heart race.

"May I?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

Y/N nodded, closing her eyes as she felt his fingers expertly begin to braid her hair. His touch was gentle, almost reverent, as he worked, and Y/N found herself relaxing under his care. The tension from the day melted away, replaced by a warm, comforting feeling that only Taehyung could bring.

As he braided her hair, Taehyung spoke softly, his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace. "You know, Y/N, I've thought a lot about what to give you for your birthday. Something that would truly express how I feel."

Y/N's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she listened to him. She could feel the sincerity in his voice, the depth of his emotions hidden behind every word.

"I realized," Taehyung continued, his voice growing even softer, "that no gift could truly capture what you mean to me. But I hope this will come close."

Y/N felt his hands pause for a moment, then continue braiding. She was about to ask what he meant when she felt something soft being tucked into her hair. Her eyes fluttered open, but before she could turn around, Taehyung's hands gently cupped her cheeks, guiding her to face him.

"There," he said with a soft smile, his eyes filled with affection. "Now it's perfect."

Y/N blinked in surprise, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch her hair. Her fingers brushed against something soft—a rose petal. She quickly turned to the mirror nearby, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight. There, tucked into her braid, was the 101st rose.

"Taehyung..." Y/N whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as she turned back to him. "You... you put the last rose in my hair."

Taehyung's smile widened, his eyes shining with warmth. "I wanted it to be something special, something you'd always remember. Because Y/N... you're the most important person in my life."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes, and she could barely speak as she whispered, "Taehyung... I..."

But before she could finish, Taehyung leaned in, his forehead resting gently against hers. "I love you, Y/N," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity and tenderness. "With all my heart."

Y/N's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, all she could do was stare into his eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. She felt her heart swell with emotions too deep to put into words, and she knew, without a doubt, that she felt the same.

"I love you too, Taehyung," she whispered back, her voice barely audible but filled with conviction.

A soft smile spread across Taehyung's lips, and he gently pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering there as if sealing his words with the warmth of his touch. Y/N closed her eyes, savoring the moment, the feeling of being so deeply loved and cherished.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the world outside seemed to fade away. All that mattered was the love they shared, a love that was finally spoken aloud, blooming like the roses that surrounded them.