IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ABSENCE

CHAPTER 11

AUTHOR'S POV

The week before their trip to Europe had been anything but smooth. Taehyung had moved into Y/N's house temporarily, claiming it would be easier for them to plan everything for their vacation. But something in his demeanor shifted, slowly at first, then more intensely with each passing day.

At first, it was subtle. He'd casually ask her where she was going, who she was texting. "You're not texting anyone else, right? I mean... just making sure," Taehyung would say with a playful smile, but there was an underlying edge to his words.

Y/N brushed it off initially, chalking it up to pre-trip nerves. But soon, it became clear that it wasn't just about the trip. He began insisting on accompanying her everywhere, even to mundane errands.

"I'll come with you," he'd say, grabbing his jacket before she could even protest.

"It's just a quick stop at the grocery store," Y/N would reply, but Taehyung's expression wouldn't soften.

"I don't mind. I just... I don't like the idea of you being alone."

By midweek, things escalated. One evening, Y/N was scrolling through her phone, responding to a few messages from her friends about graduation. She didn't notice Taehyung watching her from the corner of the room. When she looked up, his face was tense.

"Who are you talking to?" His voice was sharper than usual.

Y/N blinked, taken aback. "Just some friends from college. They were asking about the graduation ceremony."

Taehyung's eyes darkened, and he walked over to sit next to her on the couch. "Friends? Who exactly?"

"Taehyung, what's going on with you? You've been acting strange all week."

His jaw clenched as he grabbed her phone and glanced at the screen. "I just... I need to make sure you're safe. I don't want anyone else... distracting you."

"Distracting me?" Y/N frowned, her patience wearing thin. "What do you mean by that? You know I'm committed to you."

Taehyung sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to calm himself down. "I know. It's just... ever since Jungkook's death, I've been feeling more protective of you. I can't lose you too, Y/N. I won't."

Y/N's heart softened for a moment, understanding the grief that was still raw in both of them. But Taehyung's intensity was beginning to suffocate her.

Later that night, as she tried to sleep, Taehyung paced the room, unable to relax. He kept checking his phone, glancing at her like he was afraid she would disappear if he looked away. When Y/N stirred, he immediately sat on the edge of the bed.

"You're not leaving me, right?" he asked quietly, his eyes searching hers.

"Taehyung, why would I leave you? I love you," Y/N replied, her voice soft but tinged with exhaustion.

"Promise me. Promise me you won't ever leave," he insisted, his grip tightening on her hand.

Y/N squeezed his hand back, trying to reassure him, but deep down, the overwhelming pressure was beginning to build. Taehyung's possessiveness was becoming too much, and the closer their Europe trip approached, the more worried she became.

She hoped that once they left, things would calm down. That maybe the change of scenery would help him relax. But a small voice in the back of her mind couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get worse.