Teach me how to love

25

Taehyung staggered down the street, his head pounding with each step. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement, but he could barely focus on his surroundings. The sounds of the bustling city faded into a dull roar, and just as he turned a corner, he felt a rush of air and realized he was about to be hit by a car.

"Hey!" a voice shouted, and the next thing he knew, he was on the ground, the impact of his fall jarring his already spinning head.

"Are you okay?"

Taehyung blinked up at the figure standing over him. His heart raced, not just from the scare but from the sudden recognition. Standing before him was Minho, the same guy who had tormented him throughout high school. Memories flooded back—of cruel laughter, hurtful comments, and moments when Taehyung had felt utterly powerless.

"Minho?" he managed to croak, disbelief etched on his face.

Minho knelt beside him, concern replacing the arrogance that Taehyung had once known. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry! I thought you were going to get hit. Are you hurt?"

Taehyung pushed himself up to sit, still in shock. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice shaky. The last thing he expected was for Minho to be the one to come to his aid.

"I was just passing through," Minho said, his expression sincere. "Listen, I know I was a jerk in high school. I've changed, I swear. I didn't mean any of that. I'm really sorry for how I treated you."

Taehyung blinked, trying to process Minho's words. He searched Minho's face for any trace of the bully he remembered, but all he saw was genuine remorse. "You... you're sorry?"

Minho nodded earnestly. "Yeah. I've had some time to think about it, and I regret how I acted. I was just trying to fit in with the wrong crowd. I hope you can forgive me."

Taehyung felt a swirl of emotions—anger, confusion, and an unexpected flicker of compassion. "It's not that easy," he said, finally finding his voice. "You made my life miserable. It took me a long time to get over it."

"I know," Minho replied, his gaze earnest. "And I can't change the past. I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry. I'm not that person anymore. I'm trying to do better."

For a moment, Taehyung considered Minho's words. He wanted to feel the anger he had carried for so long, but seeing the sincerity in Minho's eyes made it hard. "I don't know if I can just forgive and forget," Taehyung admitted, shaking his head slowly.

"That's fair," Minho said quietly. "I wouldn't expect you to. Just... know that I've changed. If you need anything, I'm here."

Taehyung nodded, still unsure. He appreciated the apology but didn't know if he could truly move past the hurt. "Thanks for helping me," he said, finally.

Minho smiled softly, relief washing over his features. "I really am sorry. Take care of yourself, okay?"

As Minho walked away, Taehyung watched him go, still grappling with the emotions that surged within him. It felt strange, seeing a former bully change and offer kindness. Taehyung shook his head, trying to dismiss the encounter as he got back to his feet. He was still feeling unwell, and the weight of everything—both old and new—made him feel dizzy again.

He took a deep breath, deciding to push through the rest of the day, but Minho's unexpected apology lingered in his mind, challenging everything he thought he knew about people and change.

As Taehyung stumbled into the apartment, he felt his legs give way beneath him. The world around him spun in dizzying circles, and he barely managed to reach the couch before collapsing onto it. His head throbbed painfully, and he could feel the heat radiating from his body.