Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 11

I gazed at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Taehyung had called. We had definitely become closer friends than before; now we actually talked when we hung out with our friends. The guy I had been pretending was my boyfriend—my fake boyfriend—wanted to spend the day with me. A smile appeared on my face without me even realizing it; why was I feeling so excited about this?

It was probably because he was my friend now.

I shook my head, squinting at my reflection in an attempt to clear my mind.

I searched through my closet and pulled out a simple white sundress that swirled perfectly as I moved. Was it too much? Too little? Did it really matter? I brushed my hair until it gleamed, letting the soft waves fall over my shoulders. A bit of makeup, a spritz of my favorite perfume, and I was all set.

As I stepped outside, the sunlight warmed my skin, making me feel alive. I walked to the spot we had agreed to meet. But instead of a sleek car waiting for me, I found two bicycles leaning against the curb.

“Surprise!” Taehyung beamed, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“This is how we’re spending the day?” I pretended to be annoyed, but inside, my heart raced at the thought of biking through the city. The idea felt fresh and exciting.

“You said you wanted to explore. And what better way to do it than on bikes?” His enthusiasm was contagious, and before I knew it, I was hopping onto one of the bicycles, my earlier nerves completely forgotten.

"Why did you want to meet today?" I finally broke the silence while we were paddling. He looked my way before responding,

"I'm flying back to Korea tomorrow." He added, "I just wanted to spend some time with you today," and I nodded, understanding.

"Do you know where we're going?" I asked, realizing we had been pedaling in the same direction for a while.

"Nope," he chuckled.

We rode through the lively streets, laughter escaping our lips as we maneuvered through the winding roads flanked by tall buildings. Taehyung made it easy to forget my worries; our conversations flowed naturally. I found myself glancing at him, admiring how the setting sun glinted off his dark hair, his laughter resonating like music.

"So, you just wanted to ride bikes with me?" I asked, a hint of disappointment creeping into my voice.

"Were you expecting something more?" he replied, and there was a seriousness in his tone that surprised me. I found myself contemplating the same question.

No, it couldn't be possible for me to have feelings for Taehyung just a day after feeling down about Kai. The thought seemed absurd. Still, I couldn't ignore the strange flutter in my chest when our eyes met; it felt completely different from what I had with Kai, leaving me confused and searching for answers.

"Of course not," I laughed, encouraging him to join in.
"Are you always this charming with the ladies?" I teased, which made him laugh heartily.

"No, just with one," he replied lightly, but it made me wonder if there was more truth to it than just a joke. I playfully nudged him with my elbow as we continued on our way.

"Did you take lessons for that?" I asked, and his laughter was bright and genuine.

I've noticed his smile aimed at me before, but this time it feels inexplicably different.
"For what?" he asked, pretending not to understand.
"Nope, it just comes naturally when I'm around you," he said, making my heart skip a beat.

"Do you see what I mean?" I accused, and he shrugged as if he hadn't done anything.

"I don't know, and I was serious; I don't write them down in a notebook," he said, and I nodded in agreement.