Love Again

9

Taehyung left Seokjin's suite, the weight of their conversation still heavy on his shoulders. As he descended the elevator to the hotel lobby, his mind was swirling with thoughts-Seokjin's hesitancy, the guilt, the uncertainty of their future. He had hoped that after last night, things would begin to mend, but the reality was much more complicated. Seokjin's words kept echoing in his mind: "I need time."

By the time he stepped outside the hotel, Taehyung's manager, Minho, was already waiting for him by the car, his expression immediately shifting to one of concern when he saw Taehyung's disheveled appearance. He was wearing the new outfit Seokjin had packed for him, but his face was still pale, his eyes tired from the emotional rollercoaster and the remnants of last night's drinking.

"Taehyung, you look like hell," Minho said bluntly, opening the car door for him. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Taehyung slid into the back seat, rubbing his temples as he let out a long, tired sigh. "It's... been a long night, hyung."

Minho got into the driver's seat, glancing at Taehyung through the rearview mirror. He could tell something was seriously wrong-he'd worked with Taehyung long enough to recognize when something was off.

"We've got a radio show to get to," Minho said cautiously, starting the car. "But if you need time to rest or talk, we can delay it. You don't look like you're in the best shape for a live broadcast."

Taehyung shook his head, leaning back in the seat as the car started moving through the busy streets of Seoul. "No, I'll be fine. I need the distraction."

Minho didn't push further, but the concern was clear in his voice as he spoke. "You can't keep running yourself down like this, Taehyung. First, the drinking, now you look like you haven't slept in days. What's going on? Did something happen with Seokjin?"

At the mention of Seokjin's name, Taehyung felt a sharp pang in his chest. He stared out the window, the city rushing past in a blur. "I messed things up, hyung," Taehyung muttered, his voice low. "With Seokjin. I hurt him, and I don't know if I can fix it."

Minho stayed quiet for a moment, processing what Taehyung had said. He had been aware of the tension between Taehyung and Seokjin recently, but he didn't know the details. Still, it was clear now that the situation was more serious than he had initially thought.

"Relationships are hard, especially when you're in the public eye," Minho said gently, keeping his tone calm. "But Seokjin loves you. Anyone can see that. Whatever you did... if you're willing to put in the effort, maybe he'll give you another chance. But you need to take care of yourself too, Taehyung."

Taehyung nodded, though the words felt hollow. He had been trying so hard to win Seokjin back, to make amends for his mistakes, but the reality was sinking in-this wasn't going to be an easy fix. Seokjin's trust had been broken, and no amount of pleading could change that overnight.

"I don't know if he can forgive me," Taehyung whispered, more to himself than to Minho. "I've hurt him too much."

Minho glanced at him again, his voice soft. "It's not about whether he can forgive you today. It's about showing him that you're willing to be better, that you're willing to earn that forgiveness."

Taehyung's heart clenched as he thought of Seokjin's face, the way his tears had mirrored his own the night before. They had both been broken, both hurting. He wanted nothing more than to go back to the way things had been, but now he wasn't sure if that was even possible.

As they neared the radio station, Taehyung took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The familiar feeling of dread lingered in his chest, but he pushed it aside. He had a job to do, and for now, that had to come first.