Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 15

TAEHYUNG POV

I woke up to a dull throbbing in my temples. Rubbing my head with my hands, I tried to alleviate the discomfort. However, before I could fully open my eyes, a sharp pain shot through my right arm. When I attempted to lift it, I realized something heavy was resting on it. As I finally blinked into the light, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight.

There was Jennie, peacefully asleep beside me. Her eyes were gently closed, and her stunning features radiated an almost otherworldly beauty. Her hair was tousled and wild, and although her makeup was slightly smudged, she looked utterly captivating. Instead of shifting my position, I stretched my arms out, wanting to ensure she was comfortable.

Here I was, nestled in her apartment, sharing a bed with her, yet still unable to capture her heart. Despite her firm belief that she could never feel anything for me, I was determined-I wouldn't give up. This time, I was resolved to win her love, and it was more than just empty words.

I lay there for what felt like an eternity, simply watching her sleep so peacefully. Words cannot fully express the sheer beauty she radiated in that moment, cradled in my arms. I was so mesmerized by her presence that I nearly forgot the ache in my shoulders.

After a while, I sensed her stirring in her sleep, so I quickly shut my eyes. A moment later, I felt her face resting against my chest. She was now nestled in my embrace, and I wrapped my other arm around her waist. If this was to be the last time I could hold her like this, I was determined to make the most of it.

With her in both my arms, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, as if we were meant to be together in this moment.

"I love you, Jennie," I whispered. I couldn't quite define what I felt for her at that moment; it seemed to transcend the boundaries of love. I closed my eyes to savour the moment, and that's when I noticed her body shift.

I was certain she was awake now, yet she remained still as if weighing whether to pretend to be asleep or to get out of bed. I suspected she would choose the former, likely wanting to avoid an awkward situation.

That was fine with me, as it meant I could hold her a little longer.

"How can he look this good while sleeping?" I heard her murmur, seemingly to herself. I resisted the urge to open my eyes and meet her gaze, which I knew would be beautiful, so I could respond playfully.

Then, I felt her gently moving a strand of my hair. If only I had my eyes open, I could have seen the intensity in her gaze. Even without seeing her, I could feel her presence. Soon after, I felt her delicate fingers brush against my lips.

"Dammit," she muttered, quickly pulling her fingers away from my lips.

I slowly opened my eyes, and to my surprise, I found her staring back at me in shock, clearly not expecting me to wake up. I didn't want to open my eyes, but I was desperate to see her.

"What were you planning to do with my body?" I asked, catching her off guard. She glanced at her fingers, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"I should be the one asking you that," she replied, stumbling over her words.

Just as she was about to move away from the bed, her younger brother Chan walked in. "Sis, can I borrow your..." he started but trailed off when he saw us, his jaw dropping in shock.

"Laptop..." He concluded, shaking off his surprise as he approached her study table where her laptop rested. "I'm just going to borrow this," He announced, lifting the device. "You all can keep going; I won't interrupt." With that, he strolled out of the room.

"Sorry, please continue," He called back as he reached the doorway, then disappeared into the hallway or wherever his feet would take him.

Just a heartbeat later, still reeling from Chan's unexpected intrusion, the sharp clicks of a camera pierced the air.