✔️WARM BLANKET: TAEHYUNG

8

~Hopless Light~

Rest of the month passed, and Taehyung was grappling with the weight of rumors and mounting pressure from the company. Although he managed to bury the last incident, he was struggling to find peace within himself. The reality of their situation terrified him; he realized he was no longer merely concerned for her, but felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Anything that happened to her would undoubtedly leave him drowning in guilt.

Meanwhile, Mishti was still processing the conversation she had overheard. The idea of separation loomed over her like a dark cloud, causing her heart to ache deeply. In her attempt to shield herself from this painful reality, she withdrew from him, avoiding encounters to prevent him from confronting her about their fragile situation. Though her actions did not go unnoticed by him, he felt powerless, believing that time would eventually heal their wounds.

Yet, Mishti couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at her for being so selfish, for distancing herself when all she truly wanted was to support him.

With a heavy sigh, she glanced at the clock before slipping out of bed. She opened her cupboard and retrieved her mother's saree, determined not to let the tensions overshadow Diwali—a festival that deserved to be celebrated. As she checked her reflection in the mirror, she admired how the simple blue saree draped elegantly around her, accentuated by a tidy bun and a small bindi. A smile crept onto her face at the sight of her own transformation.

"Saree always looks so elegant," she whispered to herself before stepping out and placing candles around the house—on the dining table, the kitchen stand, and at her front door. She then approached the power board to switch off electricity for the evening; being alone, the lack of light was merely an opportunity to immerse herself in the festival's spirit.

She performed her prayers, offering flowers and sweets prepared with care to the deities. With hands folded, she whispered, "I'll tell him today about my decision regarding separation. I can't bear to see him troubled because of me. I know my feelings for him have grown deeply over these past two months, but they pale in comparison to his well-being. I already feel like a burden; I can't drag this out any longer. The separation process will take at least a month, and I will ask him to let me stay until my exams are finished. After that, I'll find a job and leave..."

Overwhelmed by doubt, she struggled to articulate her thoughts, letting out a sigh as she opened her eyes. As she bowed her head before what she perceived as her fate, she sensed a presence beside her. When she turned her head, she was taken aback to see him standing there, his eyes sparkling in the dim light. At that moment, they felt suspended in time, captivated by the magical atmosphere. A small smile graced his lips, but she quickly broke eye contact, turning to leave. However, he grasped her wrist gently.

"We need to talk," he said, prompting her to inhale sharply. The moment she had dreaded had arrived. She nodded, turning back to face him, encouraging him to go first. He paused briefly, studying her face, trying to read the anxious expression that she couldn't conceal.

"Why are you avoiding me?" His first question pierced her heart like a dagger.

"No, I'm not avoiding you! Why would I do that?" she fumbled over her words, trying to defend herself. He checked his wristwatch before looking back at her intently.

"Including today and the past eight days, I haven’t received my tea," he stated, raising an eyebrow. A frown creased her forehead.

"B… but I leave them on the table every day," she replied, desperation edging her voice. He nodded, his gaze steady.

"Why do you do that?" he pressed, and she frowned again.

"Why do you make tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner for me, iron my shirts, and fix my bed secretly? Why?" he continued, and she began to bite her lower lip nervously.

"I found out what you do secretly in this house. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice?" he said, gesturing towards her trembling lips, bewildering her even further. Instinctively, she released her hold on her lip.

"It's my duty as a wife," she replied, but he simply nodded, lowering his head.

"That's it?" he asked, raising his eyes to meet hers again. She took a sharp breath, feeling the weight of unsaid words pressing on her chest.

No, that’s not all! I do it because I love doing those things for you. I cherish the way you’ve come to appreciate the tea I make each day. I adore those moments when you inadvertently share your enjoyment of the dishes I prepare by licking your lips. I find joy in seeing your delight when you discover your shirts neatly ironed. I love watching you sleep soundly in our room for hours, your peace wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I love how you carry my mother’s shawl so tenderly, seemingly reluctant to return it.

She took a deep breath, attempting to suppress the tumultuous thoughts racing through her mind. How could a celebrity like you ever love an ordinary girl like me? The question lingered in the air between them, heavy and uncertain.

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