Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 42

The world around me remained enveloped in a hazy gray; the sheets clung to my skin like a cold, suffocating hug. I could feel the throbbing in my head, each pulse a constant reminder of the questionable choices I made the night before. All I wanted was to sink deeper into the fabric, seeking warmth and refuge from the harsh light that pierced through my eyelids. A slight movement next to me drew my attention, pulling me away from the stifling comfort of darkness.

Instinctively, I reached out and moved closer to Taehyung, resting my forehead against the warmth of his chest. His body radiated heat, melting away the chill that held me. The sunlight felt like a cruel whisper, digging into my skull and prompting a groan of discomfort. I recalled last night—just five glasses. Taehyung had kept a close watch on me, ensuring I didn’t overindulge. I wasn’t the type to lose control, yet this morning, it felt like I did

With a deep sigh, I cautiously opened my eyes, only to be overwhelmed by bright light. A small whimper slipped from my lips as I quickly shut them again, using my hands to shield my eyes in a futile effort to block out the harshness of the morning. I could feel Taehyung still asleep beside me, his breathing calm and deep, which surprised me. He was usually the first to wake up.

Feeling a wave of affection, I leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss, hoping to rouse him from his sleep. “Wake up,” I whispered softly in his ear, wrapping my arms around him as I snuggled closer. My body still felt exhausted effects of the previous night I didn't miss the dull ache in my core. I couldn’t help but wonder if I had done more than I remembered.

I shifted onto my knees, hovering over him as I kissed him again, enjoying the warmth of the morning “Wake up, Tae!” I exclaimed, playfully tapping his cheek with my fingers. He groaned and turned his head away, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his annoyance.“Come on! Before someone sees us like this,” I urged. Just then, he stirred again, and I decided to try the ultimate wake-up method—kisses.

I climbed on top of him, my bare skin against his, and pressed my lips to his. “Wake up now,” I said, finally mustering the courage to open my eyes and look into his, expecting to see those captivating chocolate eyes.

But everything fell apart in an instant. Panic surged within me as I focused on the face in front of me, horrified to realize I was lying on top of Kai. His eyes were wide with shock too, and my heart sank. I was naked, and so was he. The world around me spun as the reality of the situation hit me—what on earth had happened last night? Confusion overwhelmed me as panic settled in my chest.

“Jennie?” he gasped, and I could see the same shock mirrored in his eyes. He said my name as if he were unsure whether he was seeing a long-lost person from a dream or if it was real, but it resonated with all my fears. My head throbbed with urgency as I tried to understand what I had done.

A sound from outside the door shattered the silence—deep laughter, laced with darkness. Taehyung. My heart raced. He was here, and the harsh reality hit me hard. “This must be a nightmare” I whispered, but he stepped further into the room, revealing the truth I was desperately trying to ignore.

“There you are, shamelessly with him—your so-called best friend” Taehyung exclaimed, his voice sharp and filled with betrayal. The sadness on his face was almost unbearable, and the look in his eyes pierced my heart.

“Tae??” I breathed, still in denial about the truth right in front of me. I pushed myself away from Kai, feeling exposed as I tried to escape the weight of the moment. Taehyung's furious gaze was locked on me, filled with hurt and disappointment that cut through my confusion.

“Yes, it’s me—your foolish boyfriend you always kept toying with” he replied, his tone icy and harsh. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over me, shocking me into the reality of the situation. “You probably laughed at me behind my back while you were with him.” Taehyung’s eyes flicked to Kai, who was hurriedly trying to compose himself. My heart sank further as the truth began to sink in.