Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 29

TAEHYUNG'S POV

The sun peeked through the tall pines as I stepped outside, the air crisp and invigorating. I felt the uneven ground beneath my boots, but the terrain was the least of my worries. Inside, my heart was scattered with jagged stones, each one a reminder of the events from a few days ago, each step a painful echo of my shattered trust.

“Hey, Taehyung, wait for me!” Jisoo called out from behind, struggling to match my longer strides as i make my way to the garage.  Everyone was going for hiking today, but i didnt feel like it so Jisoo gave me a hiking bag. Ahead, I could hear the laughter of the others, their voices ringing through the forest path. I wished I could join in, but my mood felt as heavy as the backpack slung over my shoulder.

I glanced back and saw Jennie walking with Kai and Nayeon, her laughter cutting through me like a knife. I swallowed hard, the sight of them together searing into my mind. It was hard to believe she was still with him even after what happened between them

“Why am I even doing this?” I muttered, more to myself than to Jisoo.

“To have some fun!” she replied, a glimmer of hope in her eyes, though it faded slightly. “You know, stop sulking in this beautiful place.”

“Sulking?” I repeated, giving her a pointed look.

“Come on, you know she would never do that on purpose,” Jisoo said gently, stepping closer. “But you need to talk to her. You can’t ignore her forever.”

“Maybe I want to,” I retorted, overwhelmed by uncertainty. “She kissed him.”

“Things happen, Tae. People make mistakes.” She paused, her expression softening. “But do you really want to throw everything away? You care about her, don’t you?”

“Do I?” I shot back, bitterness lacing my voice. “I’m not even sure anymore. What if she still has feelings for him? What if she—”

“Hey!” Jisoo cut in, urgency in her tone. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. Talk to her; she misses you.”

“She does?” I asked pointedly, glancing over at her laughing at something Hosiek said.

As we trudged up the steep hill, I felt the tension between us. With each step, I could see Kai and Jennie joking and teasing each other as if time had stopped around them. I clenched my jaw tighter, each pulse of my heartbeat echoing my frustration.

“Taehyung, are you coming?” Jin asked, flashing me a bright smile. It sent a flicker of warmth through me, but it was quickly eclipsed by the sight of Kai with his arm around Jennie’s shoulders. I barely considered the invitation.

“No,” I replied sharply, my gaze fixed on the ground.

“What’s your problem?” Yoongi chimed in, looking at me as if I were out of my mind. “You’re ruining the vibe.”

“Just… leave me alone,” I muttered, turning away as my hands trembled involuntarily.

I let out a deep sigh, fully aware that Jisoo could be quite persistent. “Fine, just do what you want.”

As Jisoo approached Jennie, I struggled to keep my anger in check from a few feet away. The background noise faded, leaving only my racing thoughts. It wasn’t long before Jisoo pointed in my direction, and my heart sank. I knew I couldn’t dodge this confrontation forever.

“Taehyung!” Jennie called out, her tone bright yet uncertain. Time seemed to slow down, and all I could focus on was her.

“No,” I instinctively replied, crossing my arms in defiance. “Just… don’t.”