NEXT DAY
Taehyung stirs from his sleep, a rare, peaceful expression on his face. For the first time in what felt like forever, he woke up feeling light.
The weight that usually clung to him had somehow lifted after talking to Ria last night. Even though he hadn't told her exactly what was wrong, just hearing her voice had brought him an unexpected sense of peace.
He reaches for his phone on the nightstand and, with a small smile, types a quick message to her
Taehyung
"Good morning, Ria. I hope you slept well. Thinking of you :)"
After sending the message, he stretches, feeling more at ease than he's been in weeks. He freshens up, gets dressed, and heads downstairs, unaware of the storm brewing in the dining room.
DINING ROOM - MORNING
Taehyung steps into the room, his expression still calm as he takes a seat at the breakfast table. His parents are already there, speaking quietly but intensely about something. Taehyung is barely paying attention, his mind still on Ria.
But then, his mother's words cut through the casual morning like a blade.
"We're going to take up Choi Enterprises." Mrs. Kim said calmly like it was not a big deal.Taehyung freezes, his fork halfway to his mouth.
The air suddenly feels heavy around him as his heart pounds in his chest. He sets his fork down slowly, his eyes narrowing as he looks up at his mother.
"What? What do you mean by that?" his voice was calm but there was a dangerous edge to it.Mrs. Kim looks at him, her expression as cool and composed as ever as she spoke.
"We've been keeping an eye on Choi Enterprises for a while now. It's time to make a move. They've struggled long enough. The acquisition will strengthen our position."
Taehyung feels a wave of disbelief wash over him. Ria's father-her family-had struggleda lot and sacrificed so much to build that company from the ground up. He knew how much it meant to them. The company was their lifeblood, their pride. He swallows hard, trying to keep his composure.
"But... didn't you say they were going to be our partners? You said the whole reason for the marriage arrangement was to merge the two companies, not to take them over." he said while controlling the building up anger in his voice.
His father, who had remained silent until now, finally speaks up.
"Plans change, Taehyung. Choi Enterprises is weak. If we don't take control, someone else will. It's business. You should know this by now."
Taehyung's heart pounds faster, but this time, it's not out of fear or anxiety-it's anger. The realization of what they're planning feels like a betrayal, not only to Ria but to himself. He grits his teeth, trying to contain the surge of emotion threatening to spill over.
"You can't do this. You're talking about Ria's family. About everything they've worked for. You can't just... destroy them for profit." his voice trembled slightly.
His parents exchange a glance, unfazed by his rising anger.
"This is not about sentiment, Taehyung. It's about survival. The Choi's are in over their heads, and we are in a position to help them-on our terms. This is how the business world works. You should know better." Mrs. Kim answered coldly not caring about the trembling of him.
"Is this really what you expect of me? To just watch while you tear apart the people I care about? To let you crush everything for the sake of power? I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask to be your perfect heir." Taehyung said his voice started to raise for the first time , he was emotional like never before.
His mother's gaze hardens, but Taehyung isn't finished. The dam has broken, and years of bottled-up resentment come rushing out his voice raw as he spoke.
"You have no idea what it's been like-being your puppet, wearing this mask. You talk about success, but you've turned me into someone I barely recognize. I've done things... cruel things, just to keep up with your expectations, to be what you wanted me to be. But I'm tired. I'm tired of pretending that this life-this cold, empty life-is enough for me."
His words hang in the air, charged with emotion. His parents stare at him, stunned by the rare vulnerability in his voice. Taehyung had always played his part, always been the obedient son. But now, for the first time, they see the cracks in the façade.
Mr. Kim answered coldly after a pause. "You knew what you were signing up for, Taehyung. This is a game. You don't get to walk away from your responsibilities because you're feeling guilty."Taehyung's eyes flash with something darker.
He was quiet started talking quietly but with the coldness in his voice.
"Maybe I didn't sign up for it. Maybe you forced this life on me. But Ria... she didn't. She deserves better than this. Better than being a pawn in your power games."
His mother's lips tighten, her expression unreadable.
"She's a Choi, Taehyung. Don't forget that. Her loyalty will always be to her family, she isn't yours yet."
"And my loyalty is to her and SHE IS MINE ." Taehyung said fiercely.
The room falls silent. For the first time, Taehyung has said what's been weighing on his heart. His parents look at him with a mixture of shock and disbelief. He stands up from the table, his fists clenched at his sides.
"I'm done being your pawn. I won't stand by and watch you destroy everything I care about." he said quietly but firmly.
Without another word, Taehyung turns and walks away, leaving his parents sitting in stunned silence.
His heart is racing, but for the first time in a long time, he feels like he's in control of his own life.
YOU ARE READING
Darkness Between Us
Fanfiction"I thought I was content-proud of my achievements. But deep down, there was a void. An emptiness that no amount of success could fill. The loneliness was my only constant companion. My conversations were superficial, my connections fleeting. I was s...
