✔️WARM BLANKET: TAEHYUNG

9

~Warm Blanket~

"Why are you dressed like this?" he asked, releasing her wrist as he took in her appearance from head to toe. She blinked, pulled from her thoughts, and returned to reality.

"It's our festival, Diwali," she replied coldly, moving to light the candles as he followed her slowly, his eyes still on her.

"The company has agreed to tight the security of this house. You don’t have to worry now," he said, trying to gauge her reaction from her expression. She paused, considering his words, before nodding.

"It will not happen again," he added, licking his lips in nervousness. She hummed in response and walked toward her room, he followed closely behind, stepping inside her space for the first time. He halted mid-step, captivated by the soft glow and the enchanting scent that enveloped her room—a scent distinctly reminiscent of jasmine.

As she turned back after lighting the candles, she was amused to see him scanning her room, his gaze lingering on every detail.

"Do you want something?" she asked, trying to break the tension.

"You," he replied, his eyes snapping back to hers, causing her to hitch her breath in surprise.

"I mean... I want to tell you something," he fumbled, taking a breath before continuing, but she interrupted.

"I'm ready for separation. Just let me stay here for a month... not even a month, barely half a month. I have graduation exams coming up, and after that, I'll find a job. Then I will leave this house... and you," she finished, her words slicing through him like a dagger, tearing at both his heart and mind, rendering him speechless.

"I know these two months have been hell for you..." she started.

"Heaven... sorry, you are wrong," he thought.

"I troubled you a lot..." she continued.

"No, I am now obsessed with this little disaster..." he reflected silently.

"And it's better if I stay out of your life," she concluded.

"No, don't do this to me," he inwardly pleaded.

Later that night, she was abruptly awakened by a soft knock on the door. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up slowly, feeling the remnants of sleep tugging at her, before dragging herself to the door. She was puzzled to find Taehyung standing there in his night pajamas, a pillow tucked under his arm.

"I can't sleep," he said, his tone restless. She frowned.

"What?! Why? Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her features. He nodded. She walked back to the bedside, poured some water into a glass, and handed it to him. He took it, but his gaze remained fixed on her, disbelief and disappointment glimmering in his eyes. The turmoil silently brewing within those soft flickering eyes wouldn’t be quelled by a mere glass of water.

"Can I sleep in your room?" he asked, nearly making her choke on her own saliva, she nodded, and he stepped inside, settling down on the bed. After closing the door behind her, she turned back and sat beside him.

"You should see a doctor if you're not feeling well," she suggested gently.

"I just feel cold," he replied. She immediately stood up, instinctively knowing what to do.

"Get on the bed, then," she instructed. He nodded, crawling back under the covers, and she tucked him in with a warm blanket. He gazed at the vibrant, heavy fabric.

"I think there’s a warm blanket in the cupboard," he suggested, pointing.

"They weren't warming me, so I took this one. It's handmade and woolen," she replied. He nodded, fascinated by the embroidered designs dancing across the blanket.

"These are warm," he remarked, his face lighting up with a wide smile as he looked up at her. She smiled back. "I know."

"Get under it," he said, lifting the blanket slightly. She blinked, shock and awkwardness washing over her at his words.

"You'll catch a cold, Mishti," he insisted, his voice firm. She nodded, sliding under the blanket slowly.

"Ahh, you let the enemy enter my territory, traitor," he teased, throwing her off guard.

"Cold air," he added with a grin, and she burst into laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth.

As silence enveloped them, both stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep, the distant sounds of firecrackers buzzing in their ears.

"I've seen people celebrating Diwali often," he commented, breaking the silence. She hummed in acknowledgment. Just then, a particularly loud firecracker startled her, and she flinched.

"You okay?" he asked, concern flashing across his face. She chuckled and nodded.

"Mishti," he called, still staring at the ceiling. She hummed again, turning her head toward him.

"Can you stay? Can you not leave me and this house?" he asked, desperation lacing his tone as he shifted to face her.

"I know I sound selfish right now, but this house will feel empty without you," he said, exhaling sharply, his gaze focused on her. "And my heart."

His words settled in her mind, their weight heavy. She swallowed hard, licking her lips as she absorbed his confession.

"I mean it... I know my first impression was not the best, and I left a bad taste when I was tense, but I had my reasons, not excuses."

"I was scared, scared to lose you. You were hurt because of me, and that gave me the biggest guilt," he confessed, each word laced with raw emotion.

"But the distance that crept between us in just a week shook me to my core. I realized I needed someone's love to see me through it, but I never expected to crave that person so deeply, and that person is you," he finished, leaving her dumbfounded.

"I know this may shock you, but it’s the truth—I fell in love with my desi girl," he added, his voice thick with vulnerability. They held each other's gaze for what felt like an eternity, silence stretching as they processed the weight of his admission.

"Please say something, don’t be silent," he urged, his voice shaking slightly, a plea for any acknowledgment, even if it meant rejection.

"Kiss me," she spoke up finally.

"Huh?" he stammered.

"Make me believe. Just kiss me," she breathed, and saw the sincerity in his eyes. He smiled

♡ Thank You For Reading ♡