When the stars align

Empathy and understanding

There was a pause, and then Taehyung spoke firmly, "San, listen to me. No matter what happens, I'm here for you- We'll face this together. Just promise me one thing."

San hesitated; her voice quiet. "What is it?"

She felt the weight of her parents' sorrow, knowing she was the cause of their pain, and it tore at her heart.

Taehyung's fingers hovered over the keyboard as he carefully considered his next words. He refused to back down from supporting her, but he knew he had to tread carefully.

Finally, he typed, "San, you're strong for choosing to honor your parents' wishes. But, I want you to consider getting to know this guy. It might make things a bit easier for you. Who knows, maybe he could be a source of happiness in your life-a real partner. Just trying wouldn't hurt, especially if he's already meant to be a part of your future." He took a deep breath and pressed send.

His words cut deep; the mention of marriage made her sad but his words just felt like salt in a fresh wound.

San replied sharply, "You are insulting my feelings, how could you ask me to give up on my feelings and try to like someone else? Is that really how you see it?"

Taehyung's response was immediate. "No, San, that's not what I meant... You're misunderstanding me."

San's heart pounded as she waited for his next message, her hands trembling slightly. She wanted to believe that Taehyung understood, that he would never ask her to betray her feelings. But his words had struck a raw nerve, and the pain lingered.

After a moment, Taehyung's response appeared.

"San, please try to see where I'm coming from. I know how deeply you feel, and I'd never ask you to just move on. But you're carrying so much by yourself, and I don't want that for you. I just think... maybe, if you keep an open mind, you might find something you didn't expect from him. I don't want you to be alone in this."

San hesitated, his words softening her anger but not fully easing the ache. She typed slowly, choosing her words with care.

"It's hard, Taehyung. My parents' expectations are already so heavy. And now, with you suggesting this... it just feels like everyone wants me to give up on my own heart."

Taehyung's reply came quickly, as though he'd been waiting for her to open up.

"San, I'm not asking you to give up on anything that matters to you. I promise. I just want to make sure you're not closing yourself off from possibilities that might bring you peace. You don't deserve that much pain. Whether you choose to give him a chance or not, doesn't matter. Promise me, that you won't let negative thoughts engulf you. You know what I mean, right?"

San sighed, feeling the conflict settle deeper within her. She wanted to believe him, wanted to hold on to the promise of his friendship. But it was hard to ignore the sense of betrayal his words had left behind.

Still, she replied, "Okay, Taehyung. I promise, but you know what, even if this thought comes into my mind. I just can't do that. Even if I want to. I can't. Well, for now, I just need time to sort through all this. I hope you understand."

Taehyung's answer was immediate and simple. "Take all the time you need, San."

As she read his words, a fragile sense of reassurance settled over her. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way forward without losing herself completely.

San put down her phone and closed her eyes, leaning back in her chair. She wanted to believe Taehyung's words, that he was there for her and that things would work out somehow. But the reality of her situation felt suffocating. The weight of her parents' expectations pressed down on her, their hopes so different from her own. And now, Taehyung's suggestion lingered, making her feel even more trapped between two worlds.