Unique Friend

~19~

~19~

Karina is robotic, working in a haze of numb shock and hurt for the rest of her shift. Marlie seems triumphant over this, but when Namjoon gets one look at her pale face upon his return, he is immediately concerned.

"I just have a really bad headache," she lies. "I think it might be a migraine coming on."

Namjoon sends her home right away, with instructions to rest and take the next day off, and Karina doesn't even hesitate, making a beeline for the staff room to collect her things and leaves through the back door to avoid any more contact with Marlie.

Relieved to find herself alone when she enters the apartment, Karina relocks the door and turns off her phone, her hands shaking. She had managed, somehow, to keep herself together all during her shift and walk home, but now that she is alone the tears start. Letting them fall, Karina makes her way to the washroom and gets in the shower, staying in there for a long while, her silent tears mixing with the hot water streaming down. She is hurt, but also angry; angry with herself for letting her guard down, for letting someone in, trusting him. And she is frustrated, seeing no immediate way out since she relies on Taehyung for his share of the rent, and she needs her job at the cafe with Namjoon.

When the tears finally stop, Karina mechanically goes through her shower and dressing routine. She is just brushing her wet hair when she hears Taehyung call out, "Karina? Are you ok?", sounding worried as he knocks on her bedroom door. "You were not at the Swan when I went to meet you; Namjoon-hyung said you are sick? Why are you not answering my calls?" He sounds so sincerely concerned, Karina can almost believe he cares.

But he didn't tell me who he was.

Taking a deep breath and squaring her small shoulders, Karina opens the door to face him, and without any preamble she demands, "What is BTS?"

The look of shock on Taehyung's face is priceless, and Karina almost laughs despite the situation. Wow he is an even better manipulator than I thought. She waits in stony silence for him to answer.

"How did you- let me explain," he replies. When she glares at him coldly, his eyes appear to water. "Please, Karina. I need you to understand," he pleads. She gives a curt nod before pushing past him to go sit on the couch.

Taehyung approaches and cautiously sits, leaving more space between them than usual, and Karina can't help but feel a small pang of longing; they had always been close, right from the start of their friendship. It will hurt to not even have that with him anymore...

"I'm not sure how much you know, and I am sorry I didn't tell you, but please let me explain why," he pauses again and when he is answered with only silence, he continues. "In Korea, where I am from, we have music groups made up of what we call "idols". They start very young and train with a company, make music and hopefully become successful. I was part of one group called Bangtan Sonyeondan, or BTS, and so was Namjoon along with five others. We lived together, worked together, spent all our time together, and that's why Namjoon and I know each other so well. Actually, he was our leader." He pauses to glance at Karina, but she just sits with her arms crossed, staring at her feet. He continues.

"Anyway, we became pretty successful, even winning awards and touring. But when it was time for our military service - I'm not sure if you know this, but in Korea every male must serve two years in the military before he turns thirty. So when it was time to renew our contracts, we decided as a group not to renew and to go our separate ways."

"So, that's how you always have so much money to throw around? Is that how you impress and lure in girls?" Karina asks wryly. She glances at him and sees he actually appears hurt at this comment, but instead of acknowledging her comment, he calmly continues with his story.

"Parting was very hard for us, we were like a family. But, I did what I had to do and went to the military. After I completed my service, there was still a lot I wanted to do, wanted to try. I did some modeling, acting, made a solo album, and other things. So, yes, I have been successful, and I have made lots of money. But no, Karina, I do not like to show it off or to "lure in girls". What I do like to do is help take care of people I care about, enjoy the nice things my hard-earned money can give me, and continue making art. Situations like this," he gestures back and forth between them, "is why I chose to leave Korea, where everyone knows my face, for a while, and to not tell you about my past. Most people cannot see past the fortune and fame side of me. I wanted to meet people, make friends and connections with those who see only Kim Taehyung, as I am now. I had fully planned to tell you, but didn't know when or how. I am sorry that I have hurt you, but I hope you can understand why I acted as I have."

And without another word, he gets up and quietly exits the apartment, leaving Karina alone in confusion.