Arranged Marriage | Taekook

57

Taehyung looked at his grandmother, her frail figure resting peacefully. He brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead, a somber expression on his face. Everyone was looking at Taehyung as he watched his grandmother sleeping.

Jimin: When will they discharge her?

Jennie: They said that it'll take weeks, if not months.

Mrs. Jeon: We need to head back home soon.

Mrs. Kim:  Yeah, let's ask the hospital if we can move her to a hospital in korea. We cannot stay here for too long. We have work.

Taehyung: Umm about that... There's something I need to tell you guys...

Everyone fell silent, looking at him expectantly.

Hyunjin: What is it?

Taehyung looked down at his feet for a while and looked up at everyone.

Taehyung: I'm not going back home.

Mr. Kim: What do you mean you're not going back home?

Taehyung: I've been accepted to a medical school here in Thailand. 

The air thickened with disbelief and shock.

Mrs. Kim: Medical school? What do you mean medical school? Since when were you interested in medicine?

Taehyung: I'm not interested in medicine mom. I'm interesting in becoming a doctor.

Everyone gasped collectively.

Jennie: Wait, what? You're serious?

Taehyung: I am. And... I've decided to stay here to finish my studies.

A moment of heavy silence filled the room as everyone processed his words.

Jackson: I never thought that someone like you would want to become a doctor.

Taehyung: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?

Jhope: So this was the job you wanted so badly?

Taehyung: Yeah.

Mrs. Kim: But Taehyung, you can't... you can't just stay here. What about your life back home? Your family, your friends?

Taehyung: I know, Mom. But this is my dream. I want to be a doctor and help people, just like the doctors who are taking care of Grandma right now.

Mr. Kim: Taehyung, this is a big decision. What about your future?

Taehyung: This is my future. I want to make a difference, and I feel like I can do that here. I can study medicine and be closer to Grandma in her time of need.

Jhope looked at him, half-proud, half-concerned.

Jhope: I get it, man. But it's really sudden. Have you thought this through?

Taehyung stood up and faced his family, his voice firm but gentle.

Taehyung: I have. I know it's shocking, but it feels right. I want to embrace this opportunity.

Mrs. Kim: We want you to be happy, Tae. But it's hard for us to understand...

Taehyung: Grandma always told me to follow my heart. I'm following hers too by staying close to her. If I'm staying here, there's no need to move her to another hospital. Keep her here. I'll take care of her.

Lisa: How long... Is this going to take?

Taehyung: Only three years.

Jackson: Only?! Only?!!!