When the stars align

Between duty and desire

Taehyung's pov
Finger's hovering over keyboard, frozen in place. The weight of San's message was heavy for him to process all at once. He could feel her pain, every word piercing his heart.

the pressure inside him building up. he needs to do something, anything to talk to her. A message felt like too little, too late. And he knew he can't do it too, she already was having too much to suffer on. he never wanted to add more by messaging her. He opened his live, hoping that she would see what he couldn't put into words.

The live stream started and within seconds the comments were flooded n comment section, fan pouring their excited greeting but his heart pounded as his face appear on the screen. Not knowing what to say, how to start.is mind was still processing to find words.

"Hey" he said his voice soft but shaky. He wasn't sure if what he is doing was right or not. If she is even watching. but this is the only thing he can do now. He need to speak as if she is sitting right in front of him.

"I know this is sudden... and I usually comes here to talk about my day. But something is been in my mind, lately. hmm, I talked with my high school friend, we were kind of close back then. He shared, he is been suffering with something and want me to talk to his parents about it. This hitted me like a truck. sometimes.... you just have to fight for what matters ,even when you feel the world is pushing you in opposite direction.

He paused his eyes gazing into the camera with a depth that went beyond the screen "You can't let anyone, not even the person you love, not even your family, your loved once to make decision for you that are yours to make. it's your life, your happiness."

Taehyung's eyes never went on chat box. he wasn't paying attention to the comments this live was for her only for her. his message was meant for San even if she never saw. But the feeling was so strong that it'll reach her. Somehow.

"I know things can be overwhelming." He continued his voice low "And sometimes it feels like what they are doing is best even if you don't feel like. You don't have to live someone else's dream. You have the right to choose, what makes you happy, who makes you happy.

He hesitated, imagining San sitting alone, wrestling with the verge of her weight of her family's expectation. his heart ached at the thought of her feeling trapped...

"To that person out there who is suffering o make a decision, I just want to say...you deserve to be with someone who understands you, someone who makes you feel free not suffocating. Who let you be yourself without pressure and expectations. Someone who...." he stopped his breath catching. He wanted to say it- he wanted to tell her, she deserves to be with him. But now it wasn't that easy.

He ended the live stream, abruptly unable to go on, his heart pounded as he putted his phone aside, staring at the ceiling....he knew, he just can't sit here. He had to fight for her.

San's pov

I sat on my bed, staring blankly at my parents who just entered into my room, with an excited face. Announcing the news she had been dreading all day.

"Akash had accepted you." Her mother announced her eyes gleaming with hopes. "isn't it wonderful, they think you are perfect for their son."

Her heart sank, it wasn't that Akash was a bad person- he wasn't, In fact, he is the guy who have everything her family could hope for. But that was the problem here. his perfection was suffocating her. He was everything her parents want but not what she wants.

"Well?" her father voice broke through her thoughts," What are you going to say."

"I don't know." she said her voce low and sluttery. Her hands gripping the hem of her oversized tee. They all are waiting for her, staring at her with expectations in their eyes. she felt like the walls closing in her. Her last hope seemed blurry.

Her aunt chimed in from the doorway." You can't keep them waiting, San. You have to give answer."

They pressured her again, that's the only thing she didn't want to meet any guy. They were waiting for her to answer, what they wanted, not what she really wanted to give.

As I didn't answer. my dad said "do you have someone you love?" A sarcastic chuckle escaped in her mind. 'Someone I love, what do they expect me to reply ...yes! And he is Taehyung'

"No, I just need some time" she whispered but her words barely reached the doorway.

"There's no time San" her mother insisted softly. "They are expecting a response today."

Her father said "did you found anything wrong in him, his nature, the way he talked with you or anything"

she bites her lips and shakes her head. little did she know, she can't escape now... her parents are into the guy and won't let this meeting drop.

"San, you have always been a sensible child out of all, we have done everything to make you happy. If you have anything in your mind, tell us. Share with us and if you can't now share it with your mom. We won't force you into something that isn't right for you. Think about it properly. we want your happiness too" her father said his voice soft but serious. that made her feel there isn't really a choice.

I wanted to scream, to tell them how much pressured I am feeling, how much trapped I am feeling. But all I could think about was how much they sacrificed for me. How many times I'd been told I was there pride.

The pressure clawed at her chest, until I can't breathe "I...." the words caught in my throat "I... will do it."

The moment those words escaped her mouth, a tear escaped the corner of her eyes this shouldn't hurt this much, but it did .her heart was burning and the sensation was felt in her whole body.

My mom instantly hugged me "I knew you'd understand." Her voice was filled with relief. They are happy. I hugged her back, letting the happiness wash over me even when all I felt inside was despair.

It feels like everything. I had been holding to...... the future I had dreamed of.... is slipping away from me for good.

They all left the room, leaving her alone to fight with her emotions. The whole day she was in her room with heavy filled with regrets and sorrow. The news had already been spread to extended family, congratulations are poured in. but all my mind was thinking about him. " so, it's the end?" he probably didn't know it. 'probably' he didn't know about anything.

I moved my hand just to get a grip on my phone. As I opened it 'kth is live' in the midnight. I opened his live. how come I will look at someone, the way I look at you Taehyungahh'